FCPS ACE scholarships available for trade skills training
Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE) invites students interested in careers in the skilled trades to apply for a scholarship. Current and prospective FCPS ACE students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship that can be used toward upcoming apprenticeship classes starting this fall. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15. This targeted initiative aims to support … Continued
ArtsFairfax survey identifies artists’ needs
By James Albright, chair of the Mason Arts Advisory Council Fairfax County’s premier arts non-profit, ArtsFairfax, recently released the results from a large, county-wide survey of artists that explored the challenges and successes of the cultural environment. The results align very closely with the findings from the Mason District arts roundtable this spring and last … Continued
Inova sewer replacement will affect nearby neighborhoods
Inova Health plans to start work next month on a sewer replacement project serving the Inova Center for Personalized Health. Members of affected communities, including Fairview Park, Holmes Run West, and Holmes Run Acres, are invited to an informational meeting on the project on July 23, 7 p.m., at the Inova Conference Center, 8100 Innovation … Continued
Moon to run for Braddock supervisor
At-large school board member Ilryong Moon plans to run for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, representing the Braddock District. That seat will be vacant, assuming the current Braddock Supervisor, James Walkinshaw wins a special election on Sept. 9 to fill the 11th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Walkinshaw won a Democratic … Continued
Feedback sought on transportation priorities
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback on the proposed FY 2025-30 Transportation Priorities Plan (TPP). The plan anticipates an estimated $3.9 billion to fund continued investment in more than 300 existing priority projects, including interchanges, road widening, new road construction, active transportation projects, transit planning studies, and traffic calming initiatives. Among … Continued
FCPS honors outstanding educators
The end of the school year is award time. Fairfax County Public Schools honored outstanding employees including the following teachers and other staff in the Annandale/Mason District area. Andrew Sharrock, the band director at Glasgow Middle School, was named the 2025 FCPS Outstanding Secondary School Teacher. In his seven years at Glasgow, Andrew has expanded … Continued
Police Department discontinues child safety seat inspections
The Fairfax County Police Department is no longer conducting free child safety seat inspections. The free service had been carried out monthly at police stations across the county, including the Mason Police Station. According to the FCPD, “This program was discontinued due to recent budget cuts and is no longer available through our department.” The … Continued
Mobile shower unit will serve the homeless
Pathway Homes is launching a mobile shower unit to serve homeless people in Fairfax County. The regional nonprofit provides housing and other services to marginalized individuals, including those experiencing mental health issues. Pathway Homes received nearly $300,000 in grants from Virginia Housing, the Cafritz Foundation, the Potomac Health Foundation, and Amazon to retrofit a trailer as … Continued
Follow these tips for a safe July 4
Planning your own fireworks show tonight? Follow these safety tips from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to avoid turning a fun holiday into a tragedy: Any firework that explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited by the Fairfax County Fire Prevention Code. Firecrackers, … Continued
Residents offer input on gateway signage
Residents of Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners had an opportunity last week to indicate how they want their communities presented on gateway signage. The Fairfax County Community Revitalization Section is undertaking a project to develop signs and banners that promote the unique character and aesthetic identity of each area. The goal is to instill community … Continued
A broken AC system causes hardships for Vista residents
By Shane Gomez A brutal heat wave swept the East Coast last week, bringing health warnings and cancellations to the D.C. area along with 100-degree temperatures. Now, imagine being without air conditioning. That’s the reality for many residents at the Vistas of Annandale, a 1,065-unit apartment community centered around Patriot Drive. According to a statement … Continued
16 men arrested for soliciting minors
The Fairfax County Police Department on July 2 announced the arrest of 16 men following a months-long operation targeting online predators who sought to commit sexual acts with minors. Detectives from our Child Exploitation Unit (CEXU) focused on identifying offenders who used online platforms to initiate inappropriate conversations with individuals they believed to be underage. … Continued
Local cultural highlights for July
By James Albright, chair of the Mason Arts Advisory Council Rather than just being the yawning, stifling chasm between the end of the school year and the beginning of fall, July provides a lot of entertainment and cultural events for our community. Here are some highlights: July 5 – West African Cultural Heritage Night: Soul in … Continued
Sears blasts Spanberger for being a ‘socialist’
Winsome Earle Sears, the Republican candidate for governor, accused her opponent, Abigail Spanberger, of being a socialist, saying, “she is radical and she is reckless.” For Sears, socialism means “government grocery stores and free groceries.” “After a while, they’re going to run out of money, because it’s our money they’re being free with,” Sears said. … Continued
Rep. Beyer calls for more regulation of AI
Rep. Don Beyer warns that AI could have significant negative consequences if not regulated and lauded the promise of fusion energy at a recent forum hosted by the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia. Meanwhile, he said, his primary responsibility in Congress is promoting economic growth. “The faster the economy can grow, the better off … Continued