Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Subway owner launches fundraiser to support first responders

Subway franchise owner Emil Ranakusuma created a fundraiser to provide meals to healthcare workers and first responders, even though he’s been struggling to keep his own business afloat since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Ranakusuma delivered dozens of Subway subs to the Mason District Police Station, Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, and Inova Fairfax Hospital on … Continued

Northam: Virginia could begin easing COVID restrictions May 8 at the earliest

Paige Bordwine (right), southwest regional epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health, talks about COVID-19 testing at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke. [Virginia Tech] Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says the restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 won’t be lifted until certain data thresholds are met. If the positive trends continue, … Continued

Personal hygiene donations needed

The Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee has launched the Help from the Heart Community Drive to collect personal hygiene and cleaning products for families and individuals facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Items can be dropped at collection boxes at all eight Fairfax County police stations, including the Mason Police Station at 6507 Columbia … Continued

Metro to close nine stations, including East Falls Church, all summer

A Metro platform before reconstruction. [Photos: WMATA] Metro is closing all stations on the Silver and Orange lines west of Ballston, beginning May 23. That includes the East Falls Church, West Falls Church, Dunn Loring, and Vienna stations on the Orange Line and the McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, Spring Hill, and Wiehle-Reston East station on the … Continued

FCPS IT chief steps down

Luftglass Maribeth Luftglass has stepped down from her job as head of IT at Fairfax County Public Schools, following the school system’s disastrous experience with distance learning, several news outlets report. Luftglass had been assistant superintendent of information and technology since 1999. Chief Operating Officer Marty Smith will take over the IT department on an … Continued

More details emerge on Skyline revitalization project

The project calls for less concrete and more green space. Developer Robert Seldin, the CEO of Highland Square Holdings, plans to repurpose three office buildings at Skyline Center in Bailey’s Crossroads as residential/work space units, while transforming the concrete setting into an engaging urban park. Seldin and land use attorney Mike Van Atta described their … Continued

Culmore Clinic responds to coronavirus crisis

Culmore Clinic staff served the public outdoors for a short period last month before social distancing requirements were put in place. The Culmore Clinic has responded to the coronavirus emergency by transforming all interactions with patients to a telemedicine model. Patients make an appointment for a phone call with a healthcare provider. The clinic has … Continued

Nonprofit group is making durable, safe face masks for medical professionals

The first two face masks made by Compassionate Service Society East went to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Compassionate Service Society East, a Buddhist-inspired nonprofit, service organization, has designed and is producing reusable high-quality face masks to protect healthcare professionals at hospitals and staff at nursing homes who are working with people infected with COVID-19. CSSE … Continued

FCPS to drop Blackboard Learn 24-7

Following continued problems with distance learning technology, Fairfax County Public School Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Monday night: “We are going to move away from Blackboard Learn 24-7 as a tool for face-to-face instruction.” After suspending distance learning last week due to problems with logging in and security, Brabrand assured the community on April 16 that … Continued

Schools and students continue to have problems with distance learning

The login page for distance learning. Despite assurances from Fairfax County school leaders that the problems with distance learning would be fixed when students log on today, there were still glitches. “We are continuing with distance learning today despite the continuing problems we are experiencing with Blackboard Learn (FCPS 24-7),” the school system announced this … Continued

Spiritual Support Team aids older residents overwhelmed by coronavirus fears

A Call Center staff member answer questions about COVID-19. The Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is offering support by telephone to adults age 60 and over who are feeling overwhelmed, scared, isolated, and in need of comfort during the coronavirus pandemic. Fairfax County announced this service in its Emergency Information blog April 20. The team … Continued