Community members donate supplies for Afghan refugees
Local residents bring donations for Afghan refugees at NOVA. Community members came out in force Aug. 21 to help Afghan refugees sheltered at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. The refugees were among the few able to catch a flight out of Kabul as the Taliban took over the country.
Weekly crime report: attempt to disarm an officer, auto theft
The Fairfax County Police Department reports the following crimes in Mason District. Police were called to the 3500 block of S. Jefferson St. in Bailey’s Crossroads shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 when a man refused to leave a property at the request of a security guard.
COVID vaccine mandate set for county employees
The Fairfax County Health Department hosted a mobile COVID vaccine clinic at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale earlier this month. Beginning this fall, all Fairfax County employees will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to weekly COVID testing as a condition of employment, the Fairfax County government announced Aug. 20. Employees … Continued
School employees must be vaccinated against COVID
All Fairfax County Public Schools employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to routine negative COVID tests by late October, FCPS announced Aug. 20. “Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent severe illness, FCPS state. “We must take every measure possible to keep our schools safe.”
Summer concerts end this weekend
The LUA Project performed Mexilachian music, combining Mexican and Appalachian elementary, at Ossian Hall Park earlier this month. If you haven’t taken full advantage of the free summer Spotlight by Startlight concerns in Annandale yet, you’ve only got two more chances. The last show at the Mason District Park Amphitheater is tonight, Aug. 20. The U.S. Navy … Continued
Park Board to recommend construction of large pickleball facility
A draft report on the Park Authority’s Pickleball Study recommends at least one large pickleball-only facility suitable for large groups and tournaments, with six or more courts. Funding would come from the 2024 park bond or another source. The public is invited to a community meeting Sept. 14 to learn more about the Pickleball Study. … Continued
Metro to expand service, cut prices
A Metrobus in Seven Corners. When workplaces and entertainment venues ramp up this fall, transit riders might find it easier to take Metro. Metro is adding more trains and buses, reducing prices, and extending operating hours, beginning Sept. 5. The changes will bring overall bus and rail service to near pre-pandemic levels.
FCPS: Students will be safe in school despite Delta COVID variant
Masks will be required in schools, except when students are eating lunch and playing outdoors. [FCPS] Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand is confident schools will be safe for in-person learning, despite the surge of the Delta COVID variant. The 2021-22 school year starts Monday, Aug. 23.
New tea shop now open in Annandale
There’s a new shop in Annandale offering a variety of teas and boba drinks – with unusual, as well as traditional, flavors. Ben Gong’s Tea opened Aug. 16 in the Eastgate Shopping Center at 4235 John Marr Drive, between the K Market food court and a future hair salon.
Third COVID vaccines available for the immuno-compromised
The Fairfax County Health Department hosted a mobile vaccine clinic at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale earlier this month. The Fairfax County Health District is now scheduling appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine booster for people who have compromised immune systems due to medical conditions or are receiving immunosuppressive treatments. The third dose is only available … Continued
Historic marker to commemorate Vietnamese immigrants
A new historic highway marker will commemorate Vietnamese immigrants in Northern Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam announced. It is one of five historical markers highlighting Asian American and Pacific Islander history in Virginia. The suggestions for the new markers were submitted by students in a contest for AAPI Heritage Month.
Fairfax County is getting more diverse and multiracial
Data from the 2020 Census, released Aug. 12, show Fairfax County is continuing to become more diverse and more multiracial. The Census is critically important, as it will be used to determine congressional districts and the amount of federal funding allocated to states and localities. The data will inform the redistricting effort underway in … Continued
Park Authority Board endorses dog park report
Mason District Dog Park The Fairfax County Park Authority Board endorsed the Dog Park Study report, which will serve as a guide for the planning and maintenance of future dog parks. The study is based in part on a survey of dog park visitors, as well as research, policy analysis, and identification of best practices. … Continued
Annandale shop to offer yogurt smoothies and mochi donuts
Smoothies from Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt. One of the shops coming to the new Eastgate shopping center on John Marr Drive in Annandale combines two separate franchises that together offer a perfect snack – mochi donuts from Mochinut and yogurt-based smoothies from Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt. Min Zheng, the franchise owner of both Mochinut and … Continued
Tree sculpture celebrates local wildlife
When Broyhill Crest residents Storme and Joe Sixeas realized the big beautiful oak tree on their front lawn had to be taken down, they decided to save the trunk and have it turned into a sculpture featuring local wildlife. “The tree was a focal point for the house for a very long time,” Storme said. … Continued