Park Authority removes pickleball from Annandale park
Contractors hired by Fairfax County removed the pickleball markings from the courts in Kendale Woods Park June 25, as a security guard stood watch and a reporter from WUSA9 interviewed pickleball players. Neighbors who’ve enjoyed playing pickleball at the small park in Annandale have been fighting efforts by the FCPA to revert the courts to … Continued
FCPS offers free meals this summer at local schools
Fairfax County Public Schools is providing free meals this summer to all children and teens 18 and under at select schools. The meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), or disability. The breakfast menu includes milk (fat-free or 1 percent), … Continued
Private school to open at the St. James sports complex
Middle and high school students aiming for a career in professional sports, or at a spot on a college team, have a new opportunity. The St. James Performance Academy is launching in late August at the St. James sports complex in Springfield. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory program combined with sports training and … Continued
Public input sought on renaming the Bailey’s Community Center
Last month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to begin the process to rename the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton, the matriarch of the Black community of Springdale. The county is now asking the public to consider three options: You can vote online for one of those names through July 11. A public … Continued
Apartments approved for Landmark area
The Alexandria City Council on June 15 approved the development of multifamily housing in the Landmark area. Snell Properties plans to raze a five-story office building at 6101 Stevenson Ave. and replace it with a seven story, 271-unit multifamily building. The building will have one, two, and three-bedroom units; 248 will be market-rate, 23 will … Continued
Paint recycling program launched
Fairfax County launched a paint-recycling program that will provide job training while reducing waste in landfills. The 12-month pilot program, announced June 13, is being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in collaboration with Operation Stream Shield and the Washington, D.C.-based Pangea Markets, an organization dedicated to sustainability. Participants in … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are from the Fairfax County Police Department as reported on CityProtect: June 19 June 18 June 17 June 16 June 15 June 14 June 13
Everything at Chico’s on the auction block
Now that Chico’s Natural Pet Market is exiting Barcroft Plaza, owner Danielle Areco is auctioning off everything in the store, including furnishings, aquariums, cat condos, dog food, and much more. “We are not closing. We are relocating with a new concept focusing on wellness, nutrition, rehabilitation, and other services,” Areco says. She has not yet … Continued
Starbucks heroes rescue kittens from a sewer
When cat rescuer Juli Verrier set out to save a feral cat at the Bradlick Shopping Center parking lot, she had no idea it would lead to a heroic rescue of five newborn kittens by Starbucks employees. Verrier, a volunteer with Pets Bring Joy, spotted the cat running under cars near the coffee shop. She … Continued
Annandale church commemorates Juneteenth
Members of Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale observed Juneteenth on June 19 with a demonstration on Little River Turnpike. Drivers passing by honked as they saw people’s signs with such messages as “Black History is American History,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Honk for Juneteenth.” Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people. President … Continued
Patient First signs on as a Taste of Annandale sponsor
Patient First, the new health center in central Annandale, is showing its community spirit by signing on as the first sponsor of the 2024 Taste of Annandale. The Taste is an all-day community festival on Sept. 21 at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space and the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department’s social hall on Columbia Pike. Located … Continued
Republican Primary winner Hung Cao to go up against Sen. Kaine
Far-right extremist Hung Cao easily won the Republic Primary for the U.S. Senate in Virginia. He will challenge the Democratic incumbent, Sen. Tim Kaine, in November. In the Democratic Primary for the 11th District of the House of Representatives, Rep. Gerry Connolly handily won with 44 percent of the vote compared to nearly 7 percent … Continued
Elementary schools will close early on seven Mondays in 2024-05
Fairfax County elementary schools will be dismissed three hours early on seven Mondays in 2024-25 to give teachers more time for professional development. FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid told the Fairfax County School Board on June 13 that teachers need the extra time so they can take the mandatory training required by the new Virginia Literacy … Continued
Fairfax County offers resources for surviving extreme heat
With extreme heat blanketing the area this week, Fairfax County is offering resources to help the public stay cool. Temperatures in the 90s combined with high humidity could result in heat indices above 100 degrees. By the end of the week, we could face a heat advisory, which the National Weather Service says happens when … Continued
Jet’s Pizza opens in Annandale
Jet’s Pizza opens today at 7026 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center. Jet’s features Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, which is similar to Chicago pizza but is baked in a rectangular pan. That tends to make a better crust, says General Manager Bronson Parry. The shop has no seating, so it’s carryout and delivery only. Jet’s … Continued