Summer concerts scheduled for local parks
The Fairfax County Park Authority has announced the summer entertainment schedule. The free shows are held in parks throughout the county. Mason District’s Spotlight by Starlight series at the amphitheater in Mason District Park (6621 Columbia Pike) starts June 16 with the City of Fairfax Concert Band. There are shows at Mason District Park … Continued
School board addresses fentanyl crisis
The Fairfax County School Board adopted a proposal calling for FCPS to address the threat of fentanyl among students. The measure, approved on May 11, calls for a comprehensive review of regulations, policies, practices, and curriculum on drug abuse. The review would also determine whether schools are meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of … Continued
Police Dept. schedules sobriety checkpoints
The Fairfax County Police Department on May 12 announced plans to hold 12 sobriety patrols and checkpoints through the end of 2023. The FCPD’s DUI squad will hold checkpoints throughout the county, while police stations will have increased saturation patrols, which will include more officers on the street between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. The … Continued
Dowden Terrace Park courts closed
The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun work to resurface the athletic courts at Dowden Terrace Park. The basketball and tennis courts are closed until July 17 when the project is expected to be completed. Dowden Terrace Park is located at 5616 Bradley Blvd. in Bailey’s Crossroads. The existing fencing, goals, and posts will be … Continued
More Fairfax County families are homeless
The number of homeless individuals in Fairfax County is increasing, the county government announced May 11. The Point-in-Time Count conducted on Jan. 25 by the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness found 1,310 people experiencing homelessness across the county. That’s a 10 percent increase from the 2022 e count. The biggest increase, 33 percent, was … Continued
Connection provides personalized fitness plans
The Connection Wellness Center, a personal fitness studio at 4113 John Marr Drive in Annandale, creates individualized workout plans focusing on strength training. Connection owner Rachel Martin, a lifelong Annandale resident, was the co-owner of PR Performance Fitness, which opened in the same location in 2017 and closed last June. Former PR co-owner Pablo Amaya … 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: May 10 May 9 May 8 May 7 May 6 May 5
Lisa Downing challenges Jeff McKay in the Democratic Primary
Lisa Downing, a retired CIA agent who is running in the Democratic Primary for chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, says the board is beholden to developers, while she would focus on representing residents. Downing is going up against board chair Jeffrey McKay, who has widespread support among local leaders. McKay was first … Continued
FCPS to offer middle school athletics
For the first time, Fairfax County Public Schools is planning to launch an athletics program for middle school students. The program would start with cross country this fall. An outdoor track program would be offered in spring 2024. There would be no cost to students. According to FCPS, middle school sports would support students’ well-being. … Continued
Culmore shooting victim in critical condition
An individual was shot today in a parking lot near 3337 Glen Carlyn Drive in the Culmore area, the Fairfax County Police Department tweeted at 1:45 p.m. The victim was taken to the hospital with injuries considered life-threatening. The suspect is described as a 20-year-old Hispanic male wearing a blue mask, black hoodie, and black … Continued
Board of Supervisors approves zMod and calls for guidelines on data centers
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved zMod – for the second time – on May 9 and also approved a follow-on motion calling for guidelines on data centers. zMod is a complete overhaul of the county’s 1978 zoning ordinance. The Board of Supervisors initially approved zMod two years ago. The state Supreme Court overturned … Continued
School board candidates say Mason schools need more resources
Three at-large school board candidates who spoke at a campaign event in Lake Barcroft May 7 – Lawrence Webb, Hamid Munir, and Ilryong Moon – said they support more resources for schools with high rates of poverty. At-large board members represent the whole county, so the key question for them is whether they understand and … Continued
FCPS adult education department expands online courses
Fairfax County Public Schools has expanded its Adult and Community Education (ACE) program, offering more than 500 online courses that students can take at any time. ACE courses are designed for people who want to get certified for a job in the trades, advance in their careers, explore a new hobby, or learn skills … Continued
Culmore festival brings the community together
Dozens of people enjoyed music and dance performances and learned about community resources at Culmore Community Day on May 6. The event, at the Woodrow Wilson Library, featured traditional dances and songs from Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, and Korea. Children got a chance to do a science experiment hosted by Mad Science, paint a cardboard … Continued
Top dogs compete for prizes at the Taste of Annandale Pet Contest
The Pet Contest at the Taste of Annandale on April 29 showcased some of the best-dressed, most talented, and most endearing dogs in the community. The event was hosted by Danielle Areco, owner of Chico’s Natural Pet Market in Barcroft Plaza. The judges, Holly Hazard and Jamie DeSimone, must have had a hard time picking the … Continued