Duck Chang’s will stay in Annandale
After months of uncertainty, Duck Chang’s restaurant has secured a new five-year lease with an option for a five-year extension. In late 2021, owner Peter Chang learned that the new owner of the retail center – identified only as 4415 John Marr LLC – was requiring him to totally renovate his restaurant or leave when … Continued
Library room dedicated to community activist Carmen Fernandez
Community activist Carmen Fernandez was posthumously recognized July 9 at a ceremony to name the meeting room at Woodrow Wilson Library in her honor. Fernandez founded the nonprofit Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN), an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening families through parent education and out-of-school activities for youths. Fernandez spent many … Continued
Police draw guns on unarmed teen
The Fairfax County Police Department vows to investigate an incident where police pointed a gun at an unarmed juvenile who was recording a police incident on his phone. At the time, police were detaining another group of juveniles outside the IHOP on Arlington Boulevard by Annandale Road. The actions of the two offers will be … Continued
Donations sought for school supplies
It’s still the middle of the summer, but it’s not too early to plan ahead for the start of school. Britepaths is asking for donations of backpacks and funds for school supplies for students in the Justice and Fairfax high school pyramids. The nonprofit’s Collect for Kids Back to School Program will benefit 2,500 students … Continued
Registration opens for Senior Olympics
Older folks don’t need to give up competitive sports – the Senior Olympics offers a great opportunity to get in shape and outperform your peers. The 40th anniversary edition of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics takes place Sept. 10-24 at 25 venues throughout the region. Participation is open to anyone age 50 by Dec. 31 … Continued
Mason District has some of the neediest areas in Fairfax County
The 2022 Needs Assessment recently published by Fairfax County confirms that some of the neediest areas are in Bailey’s Crossroads and Annandale. The current Needs Assessment report documents economic conditions and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The data helps county officials and others respond quickly to emerging community needs. It also suggests strategies for … Continued
Balian Springs set to open this summer
Balian Springs, a 100,000-square-foot “social wellness club,” is expected to open this summer in the Alexandria area of Mason District full of furniture stores, warehouses, and other commercial development. “As of now, we are set to open by the end of August as long as our construction schedule runs on time,” says Balian Springs spokesperson … Continued
Annandale cold case solved
Detectives from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Cold Case Squad have identified a woman who committed suicide in Annandale 25 years ago. The woman, formerly known as “the Christmas Tree Lady,” is Joyce Meyer Sommers, the FCPD announced. She was identified by Othram Inc. using advanced DNA testing and forensic-grade genome sequencing. The Christmas Tree … Continued
Board to consider changes in comp plan amendment process
Fairfax County is proposing some big changes to the site-specific plan amendment (SSPA) process. The changes include shortening the timeline and expanding community engagement. The SSPA process is used to consider development proposals that involve amending the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The proposed changes were recommended by a working group consisting of members of the Planning … Continued
Gang members convicted of murder
A federal jury in Alexandria on July 5 convicted five members of the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of two adolescent boys in 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia reports. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, the five gang … Continued
A 67-year-old community directory lists long-forgotten local businesses
A 1955 directory published by the Broyhill Crest Citizens Association reveals some of the businesses that existed in Annandale when the area’s farmland was rapidly transforming into suburban subdivisions. The directory was part of a historical display at Broyhill Crest’s 70th-anniversary celebration July 4 at the community’s pool. The first homes in Broyhill Crest … Continued
Moon gate in the works for Green Spring
A moon gate is coming to Green Spring Gardens. Plans for a new Moon Gate Garden began in 2020 when Green Spring celebrated its 50th anniversary. Moon gates originated in ancient Asian gardens. “Guests who passed through them were symbolically granted an auspicious welcome and good fortune,” The Fairfax County Park Authority explains. “In garden … Continued
Covid tests available at mobile labs
Beginning this week, the Fairfax County Health Department will offer Covid testing through its new partner Curative Inc. Mobile labs will provide free PCR testing at these locations in Mason District: Bailey’s Community Center, 5920 Summers Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads – every Tuesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. New Grand Mart, 6255 Little River Turnpike, Lincolnia … Continued
New Virginia laws take effect
Here are a few of the newly enacted Virginia laws that took effect July 1: Public education Senate Bill 656 – The Department of Education is directed to develop model policies on sexually explicit content in instructional material by July 30. School boards must adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2023, for ensuring parental notification of … Continued
Fireworks safety tips for the 4th of July
Planning to shoot off your own fireworks on the Fourth of July? Here are some tips to keep you, your children, pets, and neighbors safe. • Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks. • Light one fireworks device at a time, then go back to a safe distance immediately. • Never have … Continued