Fairfax County board bans guns in government buildings
The Fairfax County Government Center [Keith Pham] The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 on Sept. 15 to ban firearms and ammunition in county-owned buildings, parks, RECenters, and community centers. The lone vote in opposition was cast by Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield). Approval of this measure follows the passage of legislation by the Virginia … Continued
Fairfax County board votes to remove Confederate monument
The John Marr monument at the courthouse. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-0 on Sept. 15 to remove the county-owned Confederate monument from the Judicial Complex in Fairfax. Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield) abstained. The monument includes an obelisk commemorating the death of John Quincy Marr, the first Confederate officer killed during the Civil … Continued
FCPS considers new admissions plan to increase diversity at TJ
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology [Keith Pham] Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has presented recommendations to the school board to revise the admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology to give historically underrepresented students – African Americans and Hispanics – a better shot at attending. Admissions … Continued
Fairfax County Schools expands grab-and-go meal service
School meals ready for pickup. Fairfax County Public Schools is expanding the free meal service it’s been providing to students since schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is aimed at ensuring every student has access to a healthy breakfast and lunch. The meals are available for pick-up at certain schools, other … Continued
Annandale church hosts outdoor movie night
St.Michael Catholic Church is hosting couples date night Oct. 3, featuring short films shown outside, along with food trucks and free childcare. The Screen on the Green event will be 7-9 p.m. on the parish green in front of St. Michael Catholic School, 7401 St. Michael’s Lane, Annandale. Three films will be shown on … Continued
Fairfax County Schools hit with ransomware attack
FCPS headquarters in Merrifield. [Associated Press] Just days into the start of the virtual school year, a cybercriminal group call MAZE has successfully targeted Fairfax County Public Schools with ransomware, Infosecurity magazine reports. FCPS issued a statement Sept. 11 acknowledging that ransomware was placed on some of its technology systems. “We are taking this matter … Continued
Man dies after being shot at the Eden Center
The Diva Lounge [WTOP] There was a homicide at the Eden Center in the early hours of Friday, Sept. 11, the City of Falls Church Police Department reports. Police responded to a 911 call about a shooting at the Diva Lounge at 6753 Wilson Blvd. in Seven Corners shortly after midnight. They found a male … Continued
Fire department hosts virtual events during Fire Prevention Week
Due to the need to maintain safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairfax County fire stations are not inviting the community to open house events this fall. Instead, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is hosting interactive, virtual events every day during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-10. This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety … Continued
Wakefield Forest Elementary to be expanded and redesigned
Wakefield Forest Elementary School Wakefield Forest Elementary School, in western Annandale, is getting a total makeover. Fairfax County Public Schools plans to expand and totally redesign the school, which was built for 500 students but now has 700. After the renovation is completed, the school will have capacity for 800. The project will add about … Continued
Public comment sought on pedestrian signal at dangerous Annandale intersection
The Conwell Drive intersection at Little River Turnpike. Representatives from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will be at a tent at the corner of Little River Turnpike and Conwell Drive in Annandale tomorrow and Monday seeking public feedback on a proposed HAWK signal for improving pedestrian safety. Residents are invited to drop by and discuss … Continued
Lidl opens in Pinecrest Plaza
The new Lidl (rhymes with “needle”) grocery store in Pinecrest Plaza drew big crowds for its grand opening Sept. 9. There were long lines before the doors opened at 8 a.m., and one man reportedly started waiting at 9 p.m. on Tuesday night, even though there was no big prize for being the first one. … Continued
Stuff the Bus is back this Saturday
Stuff the Bus is back this month at two locations in Mason District Sept. 12 and Sept 26: George Mason Regional Library, 2001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. Bailey’s Upper Elementary School, 6245 Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners. A Fastran bus will be at both locations 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to collect food donations for the food pantry … Continued
Annandale dry cleaner is closing
Another local business has gone under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lee’s Cleaners is closing Sept. 19. The shop has been in the Annandale Shopping Center, at 7024 Columbia Pike, for the past 10 years. Owner Byung Lee is retiring. The business is unable to stay afloat, as people teleworking aren’t wearing professional clothes that … Continued
New daycare center in Annandale offers safe playtime for young children, learning pods for older ones
A classroom at My Baby Steps Academy. A new daycare/education program, opening in Annandale Sept. 14, offers a place for children to play and learn in safety as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. My Baby Steps Academy, at 4602 Ravensworth Road, is based at Hope Lutheran Church. It’s operated by Wilson and Mina Marroquin, who … Continued
Food drive will help the needy
The ACCA food pantry. The pandemic and related job losses are creating hardships for local families. People who can help are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items. The Mason District Police Station and the Annandale chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) are hosting a food drive at the Mason Government … Continued