Virginia Beach will open Friday
Virginia Beach on a typical summer weekend. (Kaitlin McKeown/Virginia Media) Virginia Beach will reopen Friday, May 22, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced during a coronavirus briefing today. Recreational activities – including sunbathing, swimming, and fishing – will be allowed, although beach goers are urged to maintain social distancing. No group sports, alcohol, tents, speakers, or … Continued
Community pools weigh options for reopening amid uncertainty about COVID restrictions
The Sleepy Hollow Recreation Association is gearing up for a late opening. Usually around this time of year, members of community pools would be sprucing up their properties, hosting open houses, and scrambling to sign up new families. Not this year. Pool boards are still trying to figure out when to open, how to comply … Continued
TaskTeens matches homeowners with teens for yardwork
TaskTeens lets teens sign up for yardwork. [TaskTeens] TaskTeens is a new online service that connects homeowners who need yardwork done with local teens who can do the work. If it sounds similar to TeenServ, reported in the Annandale Blog in February, it is. TeenServ was created by three students at McLean High School. One … Continued
There have been fewer accidents, more burglaries in Annandale during pandemic
Members of the community express their appreciation for the officers at the Franconia Police District. [FCPD] Traffic accidents are down during the coronavirus lockdown in the Annandale/Mason District area, but there’s been an increase in certain crimes. According to data shared by Capt. Brooke Wright, commander of the Mason Police Station, and Lt. Jane Burns … Continued
FCPS outlines plan for summer programs
A message from Camelot Elementary School in Annandale. Schools will continue distance learning for students during the summer along with targeted intervention services, according to an update from Fairfax County Public Schools. School buildings will remain closed in July. No decisions have been made about the 2020-21 school year, although several scenarios are being considered. Special … Continued
Afghan refugee challenges Rep. Connolly in Democratic primary
Congressional candidate Zainab Mohsini (right) with volunteers (from the left) Billy Bates, Will McLauchlin, and Jackson Anderson. Campaigning during a pandemic is so much more challenging, says congressional candidate Zainab Mohsini. It’s especially difficult for a political neophyte and progressive like Mohsini, an immigrant from Afghanistan, who’s up against the well-known and well-funded Rep. Gerry … Continued
New Fairfax County grant program aids nonprofits
The food pantry run by Annandale Christian Community for Action. [Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club.] The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established a $5 million fund to assist nonprofit organizations whose primary work supports social safety net services for vulnerable populations. The application process for Nonprofit Sustainability Grants begins May 15. The deadline to apply is … Continued
ZMod and ADUs: A solution in search of a problem
A backyard cottage in Portland, Ore. (Image by linamenard licensed under Creative Commons) By Craig J. Blakeley Usually a change in a law is proposed in order to address some new issue or problem that was not envisioned when the law was first adopted. But that is not the case with respect to the new … Continued
Face coverings to be required on Metro, Connector buses
Beginning Monday, May 18, face coverings will be required on Metro trains, Metrobuses, Metro stations, and Fairfax Connector buses. Face coverings can include bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters, or homemade masks. Up to now, face coverings on local transit was strongly recommended. Now it is a requirement as Metro moves toward an eventual recovery with more … Continued
Community celebrates 97th birthday of Vince Guidi, Annandale’s first paid firefighter
Vince and Jeanne Guidi A parade of firetrucks, ambulances, and dozens of cars cruised by the home of former Annandale firefighter Vince Guidi on Annandale Road May 13 in honor of his 97th birthday. Guidi started volunteering at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, Company 8. in 1944 and was hired as the first paid firefighter … Continued
Libraries offer extensive digital services
George Mason Library is closed but lots of online resources available from Fairfax County Public Libraries. All Fairfax County Public Libraries remain closed until further notice, but there are plenty of digital programs under way for all ages, including yoga, book discussions, kids’ crafts, and more. (Many of these events are listed on the blog … Continued
Annandale community invited to honor Polish-American World War II veteran
The community is invited to join a “drive by” display of appreciation and remembrance on Saturday for a Polish World War II veteran who lives in Annandale. The event will honor Col. Romuald Lipinski, age 95, on the eve of the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, of which he played a significant … Continued
FCPS weighs options for fall and for graduation
Signs like these are cropping up all over. The Fairfax County School Board reviewed three possible scenarios for the 2020-21 school year at a May 11 work session. Meanwhile, a state-level COVID-19 Education Task Force plans to issue policy guidance in June on the conditions for reopening schools. The three possibilities considered for fall 2020 … Continued
Summer concerts in parks canceled for June
The amphitheater at Mason District Park usually draws a big crowd for Spotlight by Starlight shows. The Fairfax County Park Authority has canceled the summer entertainment series through the end of June, due to the need to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes the Spotlight by Starlight performances at Mason District Park … Continued
Fairfax County supervisors approve new grant program for small businesses
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created a new $25 million grant program May 12 to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. The Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (Fairfax RISE) is funded by the county’s allocation from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. Fairfax RISE will offer grants to … Continued