New traffic signals on Columbia Pike
The new signals are covered up. Two traffic signals on Columbia Pike are being upgraded. One is at John Marr Drive/Chatelain Road in central Annandale. The other is at Lacy Boulevard/Maple Court in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Virginia Department of Transportation is expected to complete both signals in late winter 2022, Mason Supervisor Penny Gross reports.
Duck Chang’s faces an uncertain future
Duck Chang’s told to “fully renovate” or move out. Peter Chang, the owner of Duck Chang’s Restaurant, an Annandale mainstay for the past 46 years, is facing a difficult decision. The new owner of the property is planning to upgrade the small retail strip and has told Chang the restaurant has to either renovate its interior … Continued
Former Annandale priest charged with sexual abuse
Former priest Terry Specht [Complicit Clergy] A former Annandale priest, Terry Specht, has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor. An indictment handed down by a grand jury on Dec. 20 charges Specht with indecent liberties and aggravated sexual battery.
Annandale/Mason residents affected by redistricting
The Virginia Supreme Court [Roanoke Times] Under a redistricting plan approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, some residents of the Annandale/Mason area will be shifted to a different congressional, Virginia House of Delegates, and/or Virginia Senate district. Here are some of the key changes: Several communities currently in the 11th U.S. Congressional District (represented by … Continued
Rice yogurt/mochi shop opens in Annandale
Yomie’s Rice X Yogurt and Mochinut Annandale, two separate franchise shops, are now open in the same space at 4367 John Marr Drive in Annandale. Yomie’s specializes in freshly made yogurt drinks. The mostpopular varieties are purple rice, mango, oat, and “haw,” made from hawthorn berries, says Lin Zheng, the manager of both operations.
Fairfax County taxes plastic bags
A new 5-cent tax on plastic bags in Fairfax County took effect Jan. 1. The Board of Supervisors approved the tax in September. The tax applies to disposable plastic bags from grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores.
We’re taking a break
The Annandale Blog is taking a short break while we implement some technical upgrades. We’ll be back in early 2022. This will be our first hiatus in over two years. You can still comment on Annandale Blog stories, but we’re not posting new articles during the break. Meanwhile, we wish all our readers a happy … Continued
2021: The year in review
Fun with cicadas. [Oxana Ware] This year has been dominated by Covid ups and downs. In the spring, it seemed like the pandemic was ending; then cases began to increase as the Covid variants took hold. Here’s a look back at the major stories from the Annandale Blog in 2021, along with lists of some … Continued
Aging storm channel restored in Annandale
More work has been done on the channel since these photos were taken two weeks ago. A major stream restoration project in Annandale’s Broyhill Crest neighborhood is virtually complete, with just a few minor loose ends to tie up. The Murray Lane Outfall Restoration Project is aimed at shoring up an existing storm channel to … Continued
New Year’s Eve – Celebrations for all ages
[UPDATE, Dec. 23 – First Night Alexandria is canceled due to soaring Covid cases.] Got New Year’s Eve plans yet? Here are some events in the Annandale/Mason District area or close by: NYE Pajama Party – The Block, 4221 John Marr Drive, Annandale, 10 p.m.-2 p.m. DJ, Champaign flutes, raffle. $20.22, supports nonprofit organizations. Wear … Continued
Beyond snowmen and reindeer
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, front lawns throughout the area are full of Santas, reindeers, and brightly-lit trees. We found a few homes in Annandale that mixed in some unusual creatures along with the traditional decorations. How about a holiday octopus, a cow, or a hedgehog?
County facilities announce holiday schedule
Officers and recruits from the Fairfax County Police Department’s Criminal Justice Academy handed out donated pajamas to Culmore residents Dec. 19. [FCPD] Here’s the holiday schedule for Fairfax County facilities: Fairfax County government offices – Officially closed at noon on Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24 and 31. Libraries – Open 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 23. … Continued
Unisex hair salon opens in Annandale
A new hair salon for women, men, and children opened Dec. 18 on John Marr Drive in Annandale. K’s Hair Town offers haircuts, color, highlights, perms, and straightening. Walk-ins are welcome. It’s located in the East Gate shopping center between ToBe Nails, which also opened Dec. 18, and Ben Gong’s Tea. The owner, Yeon Kim, also … Continued
FCPS will notify parents about the importance of safe gun storage
Secure gun storage could help prevent school shootings, like the recent one at Oxford High School in Michigan. [Jake May/Flint Journal] Fairfax County Public Schools will notify parents and guardians about Virginia’s secure firearm safety law, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Dec. 16. FCPS will also inform parents about why secure storage is essential and other … Continued
Lincolnia church opens its doors to Afghan refugees
Rev. Sarah Scherschligt of Peace Lutheran Church officially opens a refugee resettlement center at the church. Peace Lutheran Church is extending its welcome to Afghan refugees through the opening of a new refugee resettlement center in its building operated by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). Many of the refugees evacuated from Afghanistan after … Continued