Explore a Park: Bren Mar Park is a woodsy oasis in an urban area
This article is part of our series on parks in the Annandale/Mason District area. The last piece in this series explored Mason District Park. The 32.4-acre Bren Mar Park is off Edsall Road west of Interstate 395 in a densely populated area of Mason District. Features: There is a playground, trails, picnic shelter, baseball field … Continued
Toxic chemicals found in Annandale drinking water
According to the D.C.-based Environmental Working Group (EWG), Annandale zip code 22003 has the highest levels of toxic PFAS (per- and polyfluorakyl) chemicals in Fairfax County The EWG tested tap water at 19 locations in Northern Virginia at private residences, commercial establishments, and parks.
Fairfax County schools to return to five days a week of in-person learning in the fall
Fairfax County Public Schools will return to five days a week of in-person learning this fall, Superintendent Scott Brabrand told the school board March 16. By March 19, more than 109,000 students will have returned for in-person learning, as in-school COVID-19 transmission rates low.
Police investigate weapons incident at Annandale apartments
There was a weapon brandishing incident at Fairmont Gardens on Wadsworth Court in Annandale at about 5 p.m. on March 16. According to the Fairfax County Police, two men were involved with the victim. One of the men displayed a gun and hit the victim with it. The victim suffered a minor injury. The two … Continued
Grocery workers can now register for the COVID vaccine
The vaccination center at Inova Health System. The Fairfax County Health Department has expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to three more subgroups in Phase 1b: people who work in grocery stores, manufacturing, and food and agriculture. People in those groups can register for a vaccine appointment here. There’s also a new form for registering … Continued
Annandale author helps children cope with mental health challenges
Wysocki As a teacher and parent, Annandale resident Sarah Wysocki knows how difficult it can be for children to deal with such issues as fear, social anxiety, and negative relationships. The COVID pandemic certainly hasn’t made life easier for kids – or anyone. To help families cope, Wysocki has written and self-published four books about these … Continued
Police video highlights speeding, noise complaints in Annandale
2nd Curry at John Marr Drive and Little River Turnpike in Annandale. A brief video posted on Twitter May 16 by the Fairfax County Police Department addresses concerns about street racing in Annandale. In the video, 2nd Lt. James Curry of the FCPD’s Public Affairs Bureau, says, “Today we’re in the Mason District to let … Continued
Residents air concerns on taxes at Mason District Budget Town Hall
The Fairfax County Government Center The biggest issue Mason District residents brought to the virtual Town Hall meeting March 15 hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross is the increase in real estate assessments. The advertised budget for fiscal year 2022, approved by the Board of Supervisors March 9, would maintain the current tax rate of $1.15 … Continued
More candidates join the race for governor, other state offices
Since we reported in January on the crowded field of candidates running for statewide offices, several more Republican candidates have jumped into the race. They include seven more candidates running for governor for a total of 10. Another Republican candidate joined the race for lieutenant governor, and there’s one more running for attorney general.
Watch the Green Grow program encourages residents to protect the watershed
A native garden in Annandale. Fairfax County residents who take actions to protect the watershed – by not using toxic chemicals on their lawn or replacing invasives with native plants, for example – can chart their efforts on an interactive map. The map is part of the Park Authority’s Watch the Green Grow program, which … Continued
New Virginia law gives students an excused absence for a civic or political event
Gov. Northam signs new laws. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed 80 new pieces of legislation into law that were passed by the 2021 General Assembly. Here are some highlights: Student civic engagement – The Virginia Department is Education is directed to establish guidelines that allow an excused absence for middle and high school students … Continued
New homes under construction in Lincolnia
If you’re looking to buy one of those large homes going up off Lincolnia Road, act fast; there’s only one left. Four of the five homes in Burnt Pine Estates sold within 45 days after they went on the market, says sales manager Lori Windsor of Craftmark Homes.
Virginia governor declares March 14 a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for COVID victims
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has declared March 14 a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Virginians who have lost their lives to COVID-19. He ordered Virginia flags on local and state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Sunday. The first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Virginia on March 7, 2020, and the … Continued
Join the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s Petal Porch Parade
A cherry blossom adorns a Broyhill Crest neighborhood sign in Annandale. Since the Cherry Blossom Parade is another casualty of the COVID pandemic, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is encouraging people in the Metro D.C. area to decorate their porches and yards instead to “help spread joy to your neighbors.” The Petal Porch Parade will … Continued
Libraries to reopen for express service on March 22
The Woodrow Wilson Library in Bailey’s Crossroads. Fairfax County public libraries will re-open for express services on Monday, March 22. Customers will be able to visit library branches for up to 30 minutes. Express service will be available on Monday and Tuesday 10-a.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.