Fairfax County supervisors approve bonds for libraries, parks, and Metro
George Mason Regional Library The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on June 23 authorized four bond referenda totaling $441 million for this fall’s general election. A $90 million library bond includes $15 million for improvements at George Mason Regional Library in Annandale and upgrades at three other libraries. A $112 million park bond includes $100 … Continued
Connolly easily wins Democratic Primary
Connolly Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th District) sailed to an easy victory in the Democratic Primary June 23, beating challenger from the left, Zainab Mohsini. Connolly got 70.2 percent of the vote, compared to 29.8 percent for Mohsini. She did slightly better in Fairfax County, getting 31.2 percent. Connolly will face Republican candidate Manga Anantatmula in … Continued
Virginia to enter Phase 3 next week
Virginia will enter Phase 3 on Wednesday, July 1, Gov. Ralph Northam announced June 23. That includes Northern Virginia, along with the rest of the state. Phase 3 of the Forward Virginia Plan continues to lift public health restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Health data are moving in a positive … Continued
Metro to open 15 stations on Sunday
Platform work underway at the East Falls Church Metro station. Metro is reopening 15 stations on Sunday, June 28. The stations had been closed since March to conserve critical cleaning supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, three stations on the Orange and Silver lines – East Falls Church, McLean, and Greensboro – will be … Continued
Supercuts in Pinecrest Plaza reopens
Supercuts, in the Pinecrest Plaza shopping center, which is being renovated. Supercuts, the hair salon in Pinecrest Plaza is back up and running. It’s by appointment only and with social distancing rules in place as required under Phase 2 of Virginia’s plan to reopen businesses that had been shut down to curb the spread of … Continued
Gerry Strider, of the Bailey’s Crossroads fire department, honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Gerry Strider Gerry Strider, president of the Bailey’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department since 1977, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Volunteer Fairfax. Strider has donated more than 37,000 hours to the fire station over the past 48 years, while ensuring the station is well equipped. The Bailey’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, located on … Continued
Fairfax County Schools to add four religious holidays
The Fairfax County School Board is considering adopting a calendar for the 2021-22 school year with four new religious holidays: Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Diwali, and Eid al Fitr. Two options were presented to the school board June 18. The only difference is that one version has an additional student holiday and ends the school … Continued
Virginia nursing home with the biggest COVID outbreak is in Annandale
The Annandale Healthcare Center was formerly known as Sleepy Hollow Health Care Center. The Annandale Healthcare Center, a nursing home on Columbia Pike, had 156 COVID-19 cases and 51 deaths, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports. That’s the biggest COVID outbreak in any nursing home or assisted living facility in Virginia. The VDH, which … Continued
Annandale church celebrates Juneteenth with rally in support of Black Lives Matter
By Roberta Croll Despite the rain, over 25 people demonstrated in front of Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale on Friday, Juneteenth, in support of Black Lives Matter and against violence and brutality. Since its founding in 1955, Little River United Church of Christ has been celebrating diversity, independent thought, and … Continued
Annandale homeowners highlighted on Sustainable Garden Tour
The 2020 Sustainable Garden Tour features 11 incredible gardens from all over Fairfax County, including a native garden oasis and wildlife habitat created by Annandale residents Jeanne Kadet and Mike Perel. The annual garden tour, sponsored by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, is virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A … Continued
Fairfax County school officials provide more details on return-to-school alternatives
An FCPS town hall with (from the left) Manager of School Health Services Lorraine Trouton, Superindent Scott Brabrand, and Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Platenburg. Fairfax County Public School officials have provided more information on options for the 2020-21 school year. The following information is from two recent virtual town halls – a session on June 17 … Continued
Solarize Fairfax offers discounts for installing solar energy
A solar-powered house in Annandale. The Solarize Fairfax County program offers property owners discounts for a signing up for a solar energy system before Aug. 31. The program offers reduced rates through a pre-qualified solar installer, Solar Energy World, and a streamlined process for exploring solar power for residences and businesses. Fairfax County homeowners … Continued
This Annandale restaurant plans to stick with carryout until the virus threat goes away
Duck Chang’s While many Annandale restaurants are opening for indoor dining, at least one is sticking with carryout dining only, possibly for months. “I’m taking a wait-and-see approach,” says Peter Chang, owner of Duck Chang’s at 4427 John Marr Drive. “I don’t foresee us opening any time soon.” Chang says it’s not cost-effective to open … Continued
New COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County are declining
Members of a rapid response team prepare to enter a COVID-19 hotspot, such as an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. [Fairfax County Health Department] The number of new COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County is declining. There have been fewer than 100 new cases every day for the past week. There were just 13 new … Continued
Fairfax County School Board to consider three ‘return to school’ scenarios
Families celebrate Annandale High School graduates. [FCPS] Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand presented three potential scenarios for reopening schools – virtual education only, opening buildings with health guidelines, and a hybrid model – at a school board work session June 15. The school board is holding a virtual public hearing on the “return to … Continued