Gardeners encouraged to grow extra produce for food banks
People stuck at home are doing more home gardening, while local food banks are running out of fresh produce, due to the economic hardships resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Belvedere Elementary School environmental education teacher Stacey Evers put those two trends to together to launch Grow a Row FC, a program that encourages local gardeners … Continued
Mason District committee approves Skyline and McWhorter projects, rejects infill proposal
These buildings at the Skyline Center could be repurposed. The Mason District Land Use Committee (MDLUC) on July 7 endorsed proposals for a live/work project at the Skyline Center and townhouses in Annandale and opposed an infill development in the Alexandria area. Both the Skyline and McWhorter Place projects will be heard by the Fairfax … Continued
FCPS gives families more time to choose virtual or in-person learning
FCPS officials answer questions from the public during a town hall. From the left: Jane Strong of the special education department, Superintendent Scott Brabrand, and Assistant Superintendent Sloan Presidio. Fairfax County Public Schools is extending the deadline – from July 10 to July 15 – for families to decide whether they want in-person or virtual … Continued
Sewer project scheduled for Lake Barcroft
The houses along Waterway Drive will be affected by a sewer project (DPWES) The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is beginning a sewer rehabilitation project on Waterway Drive in Lake Barcroft this month. The project, under the direction of the department’s Wastewater Design and Construction Division, involves the rehabilitation of 700 … Continued
Fairfax County RECenters gradually reopening in July
The pool at the Audrey Moore RECenter in Annandale. The Fairfax County Park Authority’s nine RECenters will reopen to the public over the next several weeks, now that the region has entered Phase 3 of Gov. Ralph Northam’s Forward Virginia Blueprint. Three RECenters – Lee District, Oak Marr, and Spring Hill – will reopen next … Continued
New Virginia laws affect firearms, immigrants, workers, marijuana, much more
The Virginia General Assembly in Richmond. The following new laws, signed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, took effect July 1 unless otherwise noted. Firearms – Criminal background checks are required for all gun sales and transfers. Anyone who is not a licensed firearms dealer cannot purchase more than one handgun in a 30-day period. Under … Continued
Glass recycling bin installed at Wakefield Park, thanks to Girl Scout lobbying effort
The glass recycling bin at the Mason Government Center. Wakefield Park in Annandale now has a purple bin for recycled glass, and Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw credits the advocacy efforts of Girl Scout Troop 120. “In early March, I attended a meeting of the North Springfield Civic Association and was greeted by one of the … Continued
With no big local July 4 events, expect a lot of neighborhood fireworks
A fireworks stand on Little River Turnpike in Annandale. The Annandale Blog wishes everyone a fun and safe Fourth of July—but don’t forget, we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. There are no public fireworks events scheduled locally, so as you enjoy your backyard DIY fireworks shows, don’t invite too many people and be … Continued
New principal named for Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
Fallen [FCPS] Mattie Fallen, the assistant principal at Braddock Elementary School in Annandale, has been named the new principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Region 2 of Fairfax County Public Schools announced on Twitter July 2. Fallen will succeed Sleepy Hollow Interim Principal Maureen Lopez. “Fallen’s wealth of experiences, knowledge, and skills make her a great … Continued
Sears at Landmark is closing
Sears at Landmark Mall. The Sears store at Landmark Mall, the last store to remain open at the West Alexandria shopping center, is closing. Sears is advertising a closing sale with “everything priced to sell,” including washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothing, bed and bath, housewares, floor care, mattresses, sporting goods, barbecue supplies, tools, and … Continued
Fairfax County is now in Phase 3
COVID-19 cases are declining in Fairfax County. As all of Virginia, including Fairfax County, moved into Phase 3 July 1, public officials are concerned that the number of new COVID-19 cases might rise. Gov. Ralph Northam announced June 30 that bar seating and congregate seating in restaurants will remain closed except for those passing through. … Continued
Families face July 10 deadline for deciding whether to send children back to school
School board member Rachna Sizemore Heizer (left) Assistant Superintendent Frances Ivey speak at a virtual town hall. No one seems to be happy about the Fairfax County return to school plan. During a virtual town hall session co-hosted by school board members Rachna Sizemore Heizer (at-large) and Ricardy Anderson (Mason) June 29, there were many … Continued
Public health officials cite deficiencies at Annandale Healthcare Center
UPDATED: The Annandale Healthcare Center, which had the biggest coronavirus outbreak among assisted living/nursing homes in Virginia, had a series of deficiencies, according to a report by the Office of Licensure and Certification in the Virginia Health Department (VDH). There were 156 COVID-19 cases at the Annandale Healthcare Center, which is more than any other … Continued
Crime report: drug possession, assault
The Fairfax County Police Department’s crime report includes a malicious wounding/drug possession incident in the 8100 block of Braddock Road in Annandale at 4:40 p.m. on June 28. A man at a park was approached by the driver of a silver Ford sedan who assaulted him, discharged a handgun, and drove away. Officers located the … Continued
Supportive housing project to replace emergency family shelter in Seven Corners
The Patrick Henry Family Shelter Fairfax County plans to demolish the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Seven Corners and replace it with a new shelter, called Patrick Henry Place, with 16 permanent supportive housing units. On June 23, the Board of Supervisors approved a motion to advertise a public hearing on eminent domain proceedings for … Continued