Volunteers get plenty of help at Americana Drive cleanup
The semi-annual cleanups along Americana Drive in Annandale are drawing more volunteers and more help from the county and other community partners. Forty-four volunteers turned out for the cleanup on Presidents’ Day. They filled 191 bags of trash and collected at least 19 tires and big piles of construction debris and furniture. The cleanup was … Continued
County executive proposes an ‘optimistic’ budget for FY 2023
Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill proposes a fiscal year 2023 budget that retains the tax rate, fully funds schools, and raises employee pay. Hill presented the budget to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 22. Hill told the board he is cautiously optimistic that the county is turning a corner on the pandemic and heading down … Continued
Real estate assessments are way up
Due to rising real estate prices, property tax assessments in Fairfax County are up an average of 9.57 percent for 2022. The average assessment for all homes is $668,974, a big increase from $610,545 in 2021, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) reports. The 2023 advertised budget proposal presented by County Executive Bryan Hill to … Continued
Old Metro cards won’t work as of March 1
If you have an older SmarTrip Metro card, it won’t work as of March 1. Old cards must be replaced by March 1, either in person, online, or by regular mail. Metro is placing all of its fare gates in Metro stations and fare boxes on Metrobuses. Farecards purchased before 2012 contain outdated chip technology … Continued
Climate report predicts extreme heat
The biggest impacts of climate change in Fairfax County will be extreme heat, heavy precipitation, and inland flooding. That’s a key finding of the Climate Projections Report issued this month. The report, a component of the Resilient Fairfax Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, looks at the climate conditions and hazards the county is likely to … Continued
Annandale man loses big in romance scam
A case involving a 78-year-old Annandale man who was scammed out of $580,000 by people pretending to have a relationship with him highlights the dangers of romance scams. Victims of romance scams have lost a staggering $1.5 billion in the last five years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports. That includes a record $547 million … Continued
Recent crimes: robbery and burglary
The following crimes were reported by the Fairfax County Police Department. An employee at the Asia Supermarket in Seven Corners was injured during a robbery on Feb. 11. The victim was treated for injuries that were not life threatening. Three men entered the store at 6126 Wilson Blvd. shortly before 1 p.m., displayed a firearm … Continued
Free tax help available in Annandale
Free tax preparation assistance is available in Annandale for households that earned less than $58,000 in 2021. The service is provided through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is aimed at helping families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. VITA is available at … Continued
The Joint Chiropractic offers free visits
To promote the opening of The Joint Chiropractic in the Plaza at Landmark in Lincolnia, the office is offering free consultations, exams, and initial adjustments. You can claim the limited-time special by texting “Landmark” to 56468 or filling out an online form. The Joint invites the community to its Grand Opening on March 19, 12-2 … Continued
FCPS sets metrics for ending mask mandate
Fairfax County Public Schools will begin to roll back its mask requirements when the county reaches “moderate transmission rates” and remains there for seven consecutive days, the school system announced. Meanwhile, both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed bills allowing parents to have their children opt out of school mask mandates. Gov. … Continued
Couples boutique opens in Annandale
Night Dreams, a couples boutique, has relocated from Tysons to Annandale. The shop, at 7225 Little River Turnpike, is in the building that had housed Steinhorst Plumbing for decades. The adults-only shop sells lingerie, novelty items, sex toys, and bachelorette party supplies.
Groups launch Safe Streets campaign
The Coalition for Smarter Growth and the immigrant advocacy group CASA are launching the Safe Streets for Bailey’s Crossroads campaign. The goal is to engage and organize the local community in pushing for improved access for walking, biking, and transit. The Mobility Fund awarded the groups a $50,000 grant to implement the Safe Streets campaign. … Continued
Vape store opens in Annandale
House of Vape opened Feb. 12 on John Marr Drive in Annandale. The shop sells health-promoting CBD and Delta-8 products made from cannabis but not psychoactive.Delta-8 is especially good for back pain, arthritis, and anxiety, says employee Garrett Beach. CBD products come in many forms, including gummies, bath bombs, water, and chocolate bars. Edible CBD … Continued
Audrey Moore Rec Center needs updating
Community members feel strongly about the need to renovate and expand the Audrey Moore Rec Center. What they’d most like to see are improved locker rooms and showers. That’s one of the key findings from a survey that will help guide improvements to the facility. The survey was conducted by the DLR Group, an architectural/engineering … Continued
Annual seedling sale starts March 1
Every year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District sells a collection of bare-root native seedlings. This year’s sale starts March 1 at 10 a.m. The 2022 seedling sale features shrubs and small trees that attract bees and produce colorful flowers and fruits.Seedlings packages must be purchased in advance online. The Tree-Mendous Flowers package … Continued