Man fatally shot at Fairview Park hotel
A man was fatally shot in a hotel room in Merrifield in the early hours of Nov. 19, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. Someone called the police at about 1:30 a.m. to report gunshots at the Marriott on 3111 Fairview Park Drive. Police found Anthony Ashe Jr., 44, of Maryland, near the elevators … Continued
Nonprofit for foster kids moves to Annandale
UMFS, a statewide nonprofit that provides services to at-risk children, relocated its Northern Virginia office last week to a space inside the Annandale United Methodist Church on Columbia Pike. The organization helps find foster parents for children who’ve been removed from their birth parents, trains foster parents to help children who’ve experienced trauma, and helps … Continued
MS-13 member pleads guilty to murder in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park
An El Salvadoran member of the transnational street gang La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) pleaded guilty Nov. 15 to the kidnapping and murder of an adolescent boy in 2016 in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park in Mason District. According to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Edwin Orellana … Continued
Investigation urged for FBI site selection process
Members of Virginia’s congressional delegation are demanding an investigation into the General Services Administration’s decision-making process for relocating the FBI headquarters. On Nov. 8, the GSA announced the FBI would move from its current building in Washington to Greenbelt in Prince George’s County, Md., rather than Springfield, Va., or Landover, Md. Both Virginia and Maryland had … Continued
Volunteers clean up Americana Drive while long-term solutions are explored
More than 50 people removed trash, furniture, and construction debris from American Drive in Annandale on Veterans Day, reports Amy Gould, who has been organizing cleanup events along that roadway for years. Gould estimates the group collected 3.5 tons of material, including 100 bags of trash. They picked up 19 tires, six mattresses, two bed … Continued
The Culmore Clinic now offers vision care
For the first time in its 16-year history, the Culmore Clinic is offering its patients on-site eye exams and vision care – thanks to generous donations from the community. The clinic is housed at First Christian Church at 6165 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners. It provides free, basic health services, counseling, and referrals to uninsured … Continued
School news roundup
Dental health – Students at the Falls Church Academy’s dental careers program conducted dental screenings at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. The high school students created posters, games. and hands-on activities to show kindergarteners and first-graders how to properly brush and floss their teeth, how a dentist checks for cavities and infections, and what foods and … Continued
Robbers hit four gas stations within minutes
Three gas stations in Lincolnia and one in Annandale were robbed last night within minutes of one another, probably by the same suspects, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. In each case, two suspects entered the stores, went behind the counter, and stole money and merchandise, the FCPD says. No weapons were seen in the … Continued
St. Alban’s hosts a Christmas bazaar
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church invites the community to get into the holiday spirit at their annual Christmas Bazaar. The event is Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at 6800 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Admission is free. Items for sale include Christmas decorations, jewelry, handmade crafts, artworks, candy, toys, baked goods, and housewares. St. Alban’s adult … Continued
Restaurant owner loses family in Gaza
The war between Hamas and Israel has hit home for local restaurateur Khalid Mekki, the owner of Bawadi Mediterranean Grill in Seven Corners. His niece and her daughters were killed when a bomb struck their home in Gaza. Mekki, a Palestinian, is hosting a fundraising event at the restaurant, at 6304 Leesburg Pike today, 6-9:30 … Continued
Mason police station seeks toy donations
The Mason District Police Station’s “Gary Clause” program collects toys and pajamas for children and distributes them to families that might not be able to afford holiday gifts. Members of the community are encouraged to drop off new unwrapped toys, gift cards, and new PJs and socks to the Mason District Government Center, 5507 Columbia … Continued
Culmore shooting was drug-related
The recent shooting of a man in Culmore last week was most likely drug-related, said Mason Police District commander Capt. Patrick Brusch at a community engagement meeting earlier this week. The victim was shot twice in the upper body and was hospitalized. Two suspects armed with handguns fled on foot. The victims and suspects were … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are from the Fairfax County Police Department as reported on CityProtect: Nov. 7 Nov. 6 Nov. 5 Nov. 4 Nov. 3 Nov. 2
Beanetics to host an art gathering next month
Artopolis, a three-day art-focused community event, is bringing artworks and live music to Annandale next month. The free event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 7, 8, and 9 at Beanetics Coffee Roasters at 7028 Columbia Pike. Artopolis is aimed at building an artistic community in Annandale, generating enthusiasm for the participating artists, and … Continued
Democrats win big on Election Day
It was a big victory for Fairfax County Democrats last night, as they retained nine of the 10 seats on the Board of Supervisors and all 12 seats on the School Board. Democrats also chalked up big wins on the state level, securing a majority in the House of Delegates and retaining their edge in … Continued