Fire strikes Willston Shopping Center
Several stores damaged. [FCFRD] No injuries were reported following a heavy, two-alarm fire at the Willston Shopping Center in the 6100 block of Arlington Boulevard in Seven Corners Saturday evening. Fire units from Fairfax County and Arlington County arrived at about 7:20 p.m., and the fire was brought under control in 12 minutes, the Fairfax … Continued
A new dining option: ‘Release the Craycken’
“Release the Craycken,” the name of a small seafood restaurant that opened Feb. 6 at 4231-R Markham Street in Annandale, reflects the two main items on the menu: crayfish and chicken. It also alludes to the legendary sea monster known as the kraken, notes owner Juong Choi. The quote “Release the Kraken!” that became a … Continued
Backlick Park to be totally renovated
Backlick Park is finally getting renovated, a new sign on Backlick Road announces. The Fairfax County Park Authority approved a plan in late January for a complete renovation of the long-neglected park, costing nearly $1.1 million, to include a new playground area and tennis court. The existing playground will be removed and replaced with separate … Continued
North Springfield fire caused by oven mishap
Firefighters tackle house fire. [Photos from FCFRD] A fire at a single-family house in the 5500 block of Heming Avenue in North Springfield Feb. 9 was caused by radiant heat from an electric oven that had been left in the “on” position and ignited nearby ordinary combustibles, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. … Continued
Inova proposes massive, long-term mixed-use redevelopment
The Inova Center for Personalized Health. Inova Health Care Services is seeking approval from Fairfax County to consider a comprehensive plan amendment that would facilitate massive redevelopment on the former ExxonMobil campus on Gallows Road in Merrifield. In 2017, Inova opened a Center for Personalized Health and a Conference Center in existing buildings that had … Continued
Fitness center invites public to Happy Hips Clinic
PR Performance Fitness offers personalized fitness coaching. Did you know strong, healthy hips can reduce lower back and knee pain, as well as promote overall fitness? PR Performance Fitness, the personal training center at 4111 John Marr Drive, Annandale, invites the public to a Happy Hips Clinic Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The clinic is … Continued
‘The Trojan Women Project’ explores knotty cultural issues
Lisa Hill-Corley as Betty in “The Trojan Women Project.” [Claire Kimball] By David Siegel Brave Spirits Theatre adds its distinctive style to the Women’s Voices Theatre Festival with “The Trojan Women Project.” It is a singular event. The play is packed with moments of dramatic sizzle from verbal and physical pokes and prods, along with … Continued
Developer kills apartment project in Bailey’s Crossroads
Plans for a multifamily housing project on the northwest corner of the Leesburg Pike/Carlin Springs Road intersection in Bailey’s Crossroads have fallen through. Mill Creek Residential Trust had been considering a mixed-use project with 400 apartments in two five-story buildings and 15,000 square feet of retail space on a site occupied by a Shell gas … Continued
Chico’s invites the public to a foster dog event
Poseidon Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue seeks foster parents to care for dogs until permanent homes are found for them. The all-volunteer nonprofit is hosting an adoption event Feb. 11 at Chico’s Natural Pet Market in Barcroft Plaza, noon-3 p.m. The organization, based in the Shenandoah Valley, wants to find more foster parents in Northern Virginia, says … Continued
New Annandale boutique to offer wedding gowns, consignments, and classes
A new shop set to open March 1 in Annandale, called The Space, will offer a mix of fabulous wedding gowns and party dresses for sale or rent, curated consignment clothing and accessories, furniture, and home décor items. The Space, at 7224 Columbia Pike, is in the building vacated by Princessland in September. Nabi Kim … Continued
Mathnasium offers after-school math tutoring
Mathnasium instructor Daniel Eya Amame (left) has two math degrees, one earned in France and another from the University of Maryland in 2017. Instructor Alain Carbajal completed a bachelor’s degree in math from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017. If your child is struggling with math, there’s a new after-school tutoring center available to help. Mathnasium of … Continued
Students featured at unique Romeo and Juliet performance
Stevie Zimmerman By David Siegel Inspiring generations of theater-goers and music lovers alike is one of the aims of director Stevie Zimmerman. Her latest project connects the talents of the professional Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) with the music of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” and with the text of the Shakespeare play. The performance, combining music … Continued
Running festival set for Wakefield Park
The kids’ run at the 2017 Mason District Running Festival. Running coach Bernard Pesjak, the founder of running festivals at Mason District Park in 2016 and 2017, is planning a similar event for March 31 at Wakefield Park in Annandale. The Rise Run Shine Running Festival is aimed at “encouraging locals to live active and … Continued
Businesses object to Vulcan expansion
The Fairfax County Planning Commission agreed to defer a public hearing on a rezoning proposal from Vulcan Materials Co. to provide more time to resolve an issue on traffic backups at a nearby railroad spur. The hearing, originally scheduled for Jan. 24, is now set for March 1. Vulcan is proposing a major expansion of its … Continued
Nominations sought for new Annandale High School Hall of Fame
The Atoms Boosters Club is seeking nominations for its newly established Annandale High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The public is encouraged to nominate a former Annandale coach, athletic support person, or former Atom athlete who graduated at least 15 years ago. Nominations submitted by Feb. 5 will be considered for the 2018 class. Nominees … Continued