Starbucks heroes rescue kittens from a sewer
When cat rescuer Juli Verrier set out to save a feral cat at the Bradlick Shopping Center parking lot, she had no idea it would lead to a heroic rescue of five newborn kittens by Starbucks employees. Verrier, a volunteer with Pets Bring Joy, spotted the cat running under cars near the coffee shop. She … Continued
Annandale church commemorates Juneteenth
Members of Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale observed Juneteenth on June 19 with a demonstration on Little River Turnpike. Drivers passing by honked as they saw people’s signs with such messages as “Black History is American History,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Honk for Juneteenth.” Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people. President … Continued
Patient First signs on as a Taste of Annandale sponsor
Patient First, the new health center in central Annandale, is showing its community spirit by signing on as the first sponsor of the 2024 Taste of Annandale. The Taste is an all-day community festival on Sept. 21 at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space and the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department’s social hall on Columbia Pike. Located … Continued
Republican Primary winner Hung Cao to go up against Sen. Kaine
Far-right extremist Hung Cao easily won the Republic Primary for the U.S. Senate in Virginia. He will challenge the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Tim Kaine, in November. In the Democratic Primary for the 11th District of the House of Representatives, Rep. Gerry Connolly handily won with 44 percent of the vote compared to nearly 7 percent … Continued
Elementary schools will close early on seven Mondays in 2024-05
Fairfax County elementary schools will be dismissed three hours early on seven Mondays in 2024-25 to give teachers more time for professional development. FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid told the Fairfax County School Board on June 13 that teachers need the extra time so they can take the mandatory training required by the new Virginia Literacy … Continued
Fairfax County offers resources for surviving extreme heat
With extreme heat blanketing the area this week, Fairfax County is offering resources to help the public stay cool. Temperatures in the 90s combined with high humidity could result in heat indices above 100 degrees. By the end of the week, we could face a heat advisory, which the National Weather Service says happens when … Continued
Jet’s Pizza opens in Annandale
Jet’s Pizza opens today at 7026 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center. Jet’s features Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, which is similar to Chicago pizza but is baked in a rectangular pan. That tends to make a better crust, says General Manager Bronson Parry. The shop has no seating, so it’s carryout and delivery only. Jet’s … Continued
Concerts in the parks underway
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Spotlight by Starlight concert series is in full swing, with shows three evenings a week at Mason District Park and weekly at Ossian Hall Park. Children’s shows are scheduled for Saturday mornings. On June 15, the Hai Hua Community Center hosted Taiwanese Cultural Heritage Night with music and dance at … Continued
Park Authority shuts down pickleball despite an injunction filed by residents
The Fairfax County Park Authority has followed through on its decision to shut down pickleball at Kendale Woods Park in Annandale, but the players have not given up on their fight to save the courts. As a Park Authority staff member and contractors showed up at the courts before 7 a.m. on June 14, they … Continued
FXCO reports on demographic trends
Fairfax County’s population is holding steady, while household incomes and housing costs have increased, according to the 2023 demographic report by the Department of Management and Budget. The county’s population in 2023 was 1,185,980. That’s a 1.1 percent increase from 2022, mirroring pre-pandemic growth rates. By 2050, Fairfax County’s population is expected to be 1.38 … Continued
Ball club gets grant to improve park fencing
The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a $6,205 Mastenbrook Grant to support the extension of the fencing around field 6 at Pine Ridge Park. The applicant, the Braddock Road Youth Club, has committed to providing matching funds to complete the $12,410 project. Weather permitting, the new fence is scheduled to be completed this … 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: June 11 June 10 June 9 June 8 June 7 June 6
FCPS presents awards to 2024 outstanding educators
Two principals and a teacher at Annandale/Mason District area schools were among the top award-winners at the Fairfax County Public Schools 2024 Outstanding Employees celebration on June 12. Shawn DeRose of Annandale High School is one of two winners of the Outstanding Principal Award, along with the principal of Dranesville Elementary School. Raven Jones of … Continued
New Justice principal, Sean Rolon, to focus on communications and safety
Sean Rolon, the incoming principal of Justice High School, told the PTSA on June 11 that he plans to focus on communications and safety. Rolon, currently an assistant principal at Falls Church High School, starts his new job on June 20. At Justice, Rolon said he will ensure that “every student has an advocate” looking … Continued
Teens’ art exhibit focuses on opioid awareness
Teens who live in Culmore are constantly exposed to drug use on the streets and in school, and many have relatives or friends who overdosed on opioids. An exercise at the Teen Center in Culmore helped put young people’s feelings about the impact of opioids on their community into artworks. An exhibit featuring their paintings … Continued