Anderson: Mason District will need a new school
Schools in Mason District are reaching the limits of their capacity. School expansions and renovations are needed, but one long-term solution proposed by School Board member Ricardy Anderson is building a new school on the site of the Willston Multicultural Center in Seven Corners. That is just one of the issues Anderson addressed in a … Continued
Bailey’s Crossroads office building played a key role in the Cold War
A soon-to-be-demolished office building in Bailey’s Crossroads once housed a company that played an important played a role in the Cold War. The two-story cinderblock building at 5623 Leesburg Pike has a glass facade with red, yellow, and blue stripes. It is being torn down to facilitate a second drive-through lane and an expanded parking … Continued
VA Tech student project focuses on the Annandale Greenway
Prof. Shelley Mastran of Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs in Arlington, is having her urban planning students carry out a project on the Annandale Greenway. The 14 students are in a graduate-level class called Capstone Studio, which requires a project on real-world planning problems. They are working on master’s degrees in urban … Continued
Park Authority hiring summer camp leaders
The Fairfax County Park Authority is hiring people for full-time jobs in its Rec-PAC summer camp program. The program seeks “creative, high-energy, motivated” candidates to serve as site directors, camp leaders, and inclusion leaders. Pay ranges from $16.87 to $23.75 an hour depending on experience, education, and certifications. All summer employees will be offered a … Continued
Park Authority launches equity survey
The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking input from the public on potential barriers that might be limiting people from taking full advantage of programs and amenities. The survey goes along with the draft Equity Study issued by the Park Authority last month. That study recommends revising the fee structure to ensure all residents, regardless … Continued
General Assembly clears dozens of bills before crossover
As the Virginia General Assembly reached its halfway point this week, dozens of bills – on reproductive rights, firearms, marijuana, and much more – have passed at least one house. Legislation passed by either the Senate or House of Delegates must be approved by the other house by the March 9 deadline – otherwise they … Continued
Clean up Americana Drive on Presidents’ Day
Join the cleanup crew on Americana Drive, Annandale, on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers will collect trash and construction debris on the side of the road bordering the beltway sound wall. The VDOT Adopt-a-Highway permit requires all participants to check in. The sign-in tent, with trash bags and other supplies, will be … Continued
Jackson Middle School postpones dance due to shooting threat
Luther Jackson Middle School postponed its Valentine’s Day dance, which was scheduled for Feb. 14, due to threats of violence, FFXnow reports. Graffiti was found in a school restroom on Feb. 12 that made a vague threat that there would be a shooting at the school on Feb. 14, Principal Raven Jones said in a … Continued
The Coach CJ Celebration: Fun for a cause
The community is invited to the annual Coach CJ Celebration, a fundraiser for college scholarships. The event is March 9 at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department’s social hall, 7138 Columbia Pike, 7-10 p.m. There will be a DJ, dancing, a silent auction, catered food, beer and wine, and games for kids. The auction will include … Continued
Broadband network for first responders expanded
The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T are investing more than $6.3 billion over the next 10 years to expand FirstNet, the nation’s public safety broadband network. The upgrade will enhance 5G coverage for first responders. Another $2 billion is under consideration. Starting in March, AT&T announced, “FirstNet will be the first and only wireless network … Continued
The Trust Policy benefits immigrants
Immigrants shouldn’t be afraid to call the police if they’re a victim or a witness to a crime, says Karol Escalante, director of immigrant community affairs for the Fairfax County government. That’s because of the Trust Policy approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2021, which affirms the county’s agreement not to report people to … Continued
Eden Center welcomes the Year of the Dragon
Hundreds of people filled the parking lot and restaurants at the Eden Center in Seven Corners Feb. 10 to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon. There were lion dances, a dragon dance, firecrackers, a flag-raising ceremony, and welcoming remarks by Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Gerry Connolly. Many … Continued
FCPD adopts remote restraint devices
Following a successful pilot program, the Fairfax County Police Department is rolling out BolaWrap so all 800 or so patrol officers across the county will have access to one of the devices. BolaWrap is a hand-held remote device used to safely restrain an individual so they can be safely taken into custody. When activated, the … Continued
Chico’s hosts free pet spa event and contest
Chico’s Natural Pet Market is hosting a special pampering event for Valentine’s Day for the one who loves you the most. Bring your furry friend to the store on Feb. 10, 11, or 14 from 12-4 p.m. for a free mini beauty makeover by the shop’s groomer. Chico’s is located at 6464-A Lincolnia Road at … Continued
Learn how climate change is affecting gardening
Hands On Harvests, the nonprofit organization that operates the new garden in the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike in Annandale, is hosting three online gardening education programs. The first webinar, on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., is on gardening in a changing climate. Sara Via, a professor and climate extension specialist at the University … Continued