Lumber not landfills: Use urban wood instead of throwing it away
A conference table in Harrisonburg is made from an ash tree reclaimed by the city government’s urban wood program. [WHSV] By Marie Reinsdorf “We envision a future where every tree has a use at the end of its life – a level of use that honors its existence.” – vision statement from the Virginia Urban … Continued
School board to consider elementary school boundary changes
A boundary adjustment could relieve overcrowding at Glen Forest Elementary School in Bailey’s Crossroads. Families in the Justice High School pyramid are invited to a series of meetings March 9 and 10 to discuss a proposal for adjusting elementary school attendance areas. Many of the elementary schools that feed into Justice have experienced an increase … Continued
New principal named for Glen Forest Elementary School
Herndon-Wilson Diane (Dee Dee) Herndon-Wilson has been named the new principal at Glen Forest Elementary School in Bailey’s Crossroads. Herndon-Wilson is currently serving as the assistant principal of Lowes Island Elementary School in Loudoun County. Before that, she was an administrative intern at that school and at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Loudoun County.
Glasgow Middle School gets a new principal
Powell [ACPS] Victor Powell has been hired as the new principal of Glasgow Middle School. He will take over from Katie Madigan, who has been serving as acting principal. Powell has been the principal of Maury Elementary School in the City of Alexandria for the past four years. Before that, Powell had been an assistant … Continued
Fairfax County plans to install solar panels on government buildings
The Mason Government Center. Fairfax County is proposing a plan to install solar panels at 22 public buildings. The Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing March 9 on a proposal to lease county-owned property to Sigora Solar LLC for the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic panels for electricity generation.
Fairfax County seeks public feedback on dog parks
Fun times at the Mason District Dog Park. The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking public comment on the draft report of its Dog Park Study. The study, initiated in 2019, recommends strategies for long-term planning, development, and management of dog parks.
First Watch opens in Bailey’s Crossroads
First Watch, the “daytime café,” opened March 8 at the Crossroads Center in Bailey’s Crossroads. The new restaurant is open daily 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. It serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The menu has healthier items, such as multigrain pancakes, a triple berry açaí bowl, and egg white omelets, as well as traditional dishes.
Fairfax County COVID deaths exceed 1,000
It’s been one year since the first positive case of COVID-19 in Virginia, and Fairfax County has reached a grim milestone. The first confirmed COVID case in the state was reported on March 7, 2020, at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County. The first COVID death was reported March 21.
Trail-riding group gets grant to restore Wakefield Park trails
The trail at Wakefield Park The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has approved a $16,200 Mastenbrook grant to Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) to help fund a trail restoration project at Wakefield Park in Annandale. MORE plans to restore and rehabilitate numerous sections of trail in the northern end of the park that have deteriorated over … Continued
Holly Hazard to run against Del. Kaye Kory in Democratic Primary
Holly Hazard (right) talks to residents about their concerns. Social justice advocate Holly Hazard is challenging long-time House of Delegates member Kaye Kory in the Democratic Primary. The primary is June 8. Hazard, a Mason District resident for more than 30 years, wants to bring a new viewpoint to the General Assembly.
Recent crimes: DWI, assault, burglary, shooting
The Fairfax County Police Department reports the following crimes in the Mason Police District during the past week: A man was arrested for driving following a vehicle pursuit on Leesburg Pike at Row Street at 2 a.m. on Feb. 28. An officer attempted to stop a 2005 Jeep Liberty for a traffic violation, but the … Continued
Taco Ssam to open new outlet in Annandale
The future home of Taco Ssam, at 4347 John Marr Drive. Taco Ssam, the Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant in the Culmore Shopping Center on Leesburg Pike, is opening a new location in the retail plaza under construction on John Marr Drive in Annandale. Owner Alex Lee hopes the new restaurant could open in time for Cinco … Continued
Community leaders can help residents get COVID vaccinations
People in line for a vaccination at the Inova Center for Personalized Health. The Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations is encouraging neighborhood and HOA leaders to reach out to residents who might need help getting COVID-19 vaccinations.
Planning Commission retains public hearing requirement for accessory living units
The Fairfax County Planning Commission approved zMOD, the huge zoning ordinance modernization project March 3, with some key amendments. The measure goes to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing March 9 and a final decision.
Hidden Oaks Nature Center has a connection to an African chief
Alex and Lassine Doumbia By Suzanne Holland Annandale residents Alex Doumbia, a naturalist at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale and a member of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Work Force Council, and his father, Lassine Doumbia, share a common passion for education, nature, and parks. Lassine has volunteered to lead the Spotlight by Starlight … Continued