School news roundup
Funding cuts – The 2026 advertised budget for Fairfax County under consideration by the Board of Supervisors proposes the elimination of some key programs that benefit students. The advertised budget would eliminate the $3.9 million Middle School After School Program, which is particularly important for lower-income families in Mason District. The budget also targets … Continued
Vietnamese coffee shop opens in Annandale
Annandale has lost one coffee shop but got a new one. Manoa Bakery Café, which has been at 7326 Little River Turnpike since 2015, permanently closed in late February. The shop is relocating to Centreville. DRiP Cà Phê, an espresso bar at 4239 Annandale Road, specializes in Vietnamese coffee drinks. Examples include coffee with sea … Continued
Restaurant to open in former bank building
The operator of a food truck is developing a restaurant in the former Wells Fargo Bank branch at 4260 John Marr Drive in Annandale. Basim Mansour, one of the co-owners, said he hopes to open in June. He asked us not to reveal the name of the restaurant or the type of food, only that … Continued
Lacrosse league protests field cancelations
Annandale Youth Lacrosse, a program under the umbrella of the Annandale Boys & Girls Club, had already had a game schedule approved for this spring, then learned three of their dates were canceled without warning. The league is fighting back. The league submitted their permit applications in September and were given a schedule on Feb. … Continued
Cold Stone Creamery coming to Lincolnia
A Cold Stone Creamery ice cream shop is coming to Pinecrest Plaza. Cold Stone specializes in house-made ice cream mixed with candy, cake pieces, fruits, or nuts on a frozen granite stone. They also sell ice cream cakes, shakes, smoothies, and ice cream alternatives. The shop, at 6549 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia, is located in … Continued
Community center opens at Fairmont Gardens
A new community center has opened at the Fairmont Gardens apartment complex in Annandale. The center is a project of FACETS, the nonprofit that operates the Opportunity Neighborhoods-Annandale program for the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Located in a former apartment, the FACETS Cares Community Development Center will offer after-school tutoring, access … Continued
Cameras will catch drivers who don’t stop for school buses
Some Fairfax County Public School buses will soon have cameras installed on the stop-sign arms that activate when the buses stop to let children on and off. The cameras will record drivers who fail to stop when the buses are loading or unloading children. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail. The cameras … Continued
Silent auction to benefit Afghan refugees
Peace Lutheran Church in Lincolnia invites the public to a silent auction next Saturday. Community members will have an opportunity to bid on some great items while enjoying live music and supporting refugees from Afghanistan. The event is March 15, 1-4 p.m., at 6362 Lincolnia Road. Peace Lutheran has a longstanding relationship with the local … Continued
Fired federal workers worry about financial security in a tight job market
Federal workers who’ve been fired, or expect to be, are angry, confused, and worried about making ends meet. Hundreds of people came to a resource fair for federal workers and contractors hosted by Rep. Don Beyer on March 8, and several of them shared their stories with Annandale Today. Lives upended A federal contractor worker … Continued
New grocery store offers free rides to shoppers
Megamart, the new Latin American supermarket on John Marr Drive in Annandale, offers free rides to shoppers. Anyone who spends more than $75 can get a free ride home, says assistant manager Nestor Flores. The store will even pick up customers at home if they intend to spend $75. Employees at the exit hand out … Continued
Middle Eastern eatery opens in Seven Corners
Hamza & Madina Halal Food is now open in the Seven Corners Center. The eatery offers $10.99 platters featuring chicken, lamb, fish, kofta, or falafel over rice or salad. Other menu items include gyros, burgers, chicken sandwiches, burritos, Philly cheesesteaks, falafel, wings, cheese fries, baklava, and sweet potato pie. The eatery is designed for takeout; … Continued
GSA lease terminations causing headaches for landlords
The Trump Administration’s attempt to cancel commercial leases for federal agencies is creating confusion and disruptions for property owners throughout the region. In one example described by the Washington Business Journal, the General Services Administration sent a notice to Tom Cafferty, president of Commercial Real Estate Services, that it is terminating its lease for … Continued
TJ students invent a cheaper braille reader for the blind
Two juniors at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology have invented a device that makes it easier and more affordable for blind people to read braille. Anush Devkar and Ansh Malhotra gave a presentation on their device, Braillesense, at MIT in October. They were invited to demonstrate Braillesense at a research conference at … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are reported by the Fairfax County Police Department on CityProtect: March 5 March 4 March 3 March 2 March 1 Feb. 28 Feb. 27
BoS urges Youngkin to oppose Trump’s attacks on federal workers
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved a letter to Gov. Youngkin urging him to step up for Virginians affected by the Trump administration’s actions to slash the size of the federal government. “We urge the governor to take action to prevent further attacks on Virginia’s federal workers and private sector contractors,” … Continued