Resources available for workers affected by the shutdown
As the federal government shutdown drags on, Northern Virginia leaders are letting workers struggling financially know there are resources that can help. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recently unveiled TalentCapital.ai, a powerful tool designed to help workers navigate career changes, reskill, and connect with training, coaching, employers, and jobs that reflect the future of work. … Continued
SnoCream reopens inside Garden Social
SnoCream, formerly at The Block, has resurfaced inside Garden Social at the same EastGate Shopping Center on John Marr Drive in Annandale. SnoCream has taken over the tiny window formerly occupied by Tiger Sugar. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is also co-located with Garden Social. The Block, two restaurants, and B-Thrifty closed at the end of August. … Continued
Sizemore Heizer wins the Democratic primary for Braddock supervisor
Rachna Sizemore Heizer has won the Braddock District Primary on Oct. 5, making her the Democratic nominee for the Braddock seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Sizemore Heizer, the Braddock member of the Fairfax County School Board, will face off against Republican candidate Ken Balbuena in a special election on Dec. 9. The … Continued
The Bailey’s Shelter is under new management
Fairfax County has taken steps to improve the management of the Bailey’s Shelter since the county terminated its contract with New Hope Housing. “We are stabilizing staffing,” said Allyson Pearce with the Housing and Community Development Department’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (HCD OPEH). Related story: New Hope Housing contract terminated “New Hope Housing … Continued
The KORUS Festival is this weekend in Annandale
The community is invited to celebrate Korean-American culture at the KORUS Festival this weekend in Annandale. The event is at the K-Market parking lot on John Marr Drive on Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The festival features performances by Korean stars, the KORUS Got Talent contest, K-Pop dance, Asian … Continued
Residents complain about deteriorating conditions at the Bailey’s Shelter
The failure of New Hope Housing to adequately manage homeless shelters, including the one in Bailey’s Crossroads, has had a negative impact on clients, as well as staff. Shelter employees have complained about missing paychecks, suspended benefits, and shelters running out of supplies. Meanwhile, homeless people served by the shelter say conditions have deteriorated in … Continued
Music is the key to addiction recovery
Recovery Unplugged, a new addiction treatment center in Seven Corners, uses music as a catalyst to help people change their lives. The center offers holistic treatment for mental and behavioral health, as well as detox for addiction, said Riley Osborne, the company’s chief growth officer, at an open house on Sept. 30. Recovery Unplugged … Continued
A Venezuelan restaurant takes over the Blue Moon space in Annandale
Annandale’s newest restaurant features the food of Venezuela. Con Sazon Venezolano recently opened in a separate space inside the former Blue Moon restaurant, at 7201 Little River Turnpike. On Oct. 11, the date of its Grand Opening, Con Sazon Venezolano will take over the entire Blue Moon building. The party starts at 4 p.m. The … Continued
Learn about volunteer opportunities at a resource fair
Empty nesters, retirees, and young people often say they want to volunteer, but don’t know how to get started. The Venture into Volunteering Fair, this Sunday, Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center, will feature representatives from 41 agencies and nonprofits eager to talk about volunteer opportunities. There are openings for people of all … Continued
Asiantique visitors dress to impress
The latest Asiantique Market, on Sept. 28 in Annandale, drew a contingent of video game characters, along with the usual crowd of people attracted to the array of Asian food vendors. The festival hosted a cosplay costume contest, with the top prize, $300, awarded to “Princess Zelda” from Nintendo’s Legends of Zelda series. Amanda R. … Continued
School board supports an AAP Center at Poe
The Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 25 voted to move forward on a plan to establish an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Center at Poe Middle School in Annandale. A new AAP Center is needed because the Annandale High School pyramid is only one of two pyramids that doesn’t have an AAP Center in a … Continued
Restaurant Week locations announced
Fourteen restaurants in the Annandale/Mason area will participate in Mason District Restaurant Week Oct. 20-26. This year’s theme is “Eat Around the World.” Some of the restaurants have already announced specials for Restaurant Week; the others will be doing so soon. These restaurants are participating in Mason District Restaurant Week: Beanetics Coffee Roasters, Annandale. Bawadi … Continued
Donations sought for pet food pantry
When families face food insecurity, so do their pets. The Mason District Animal Welfare Advisory Alliance launched a pet food pantry to ensure vulnerable dogs and cats don’t go hungry. The group, formed by Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez, has set up collection bins for wet and dry pet food at three locations: Related story: Mason … Continued
Report highlights pedestrian safety hotspots
The latest “near miss” report by Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) identifies Gallows Road at Woodburn Elementary School as one of the county’s most dangerous spots for pedestrians. The report is based on data submitted by the public highlighting places where pedestrians and cyclists just missed being struck by a vehicle. NoVA … Continued
Annandale is getting a new café
Dessert 39, a franchise company based in Korea, is coming to 7326A Little River Turnpike. The shop will open in the long-vacant storefront formerly occupied by the Manoa Bakery Café. According to a building permit application filed with Fairfax County, Dessert 39 is planning a $20,000 renovation of the space. Dessert 39 offers donuts, croissants, … Continued