We’re taking a break
The Annandale Blog is taking a little vacation. Check back later. We should be up and running again by May 27 or so.
Get in shape now for the Taste of Annandale 5K
The start of the Taste of Annandale 5K in 2016. Plans are shaping up for the Taste of Annandale 5K, to take place Saturday, Oct. 14. It’s the opening event of the third annual Taste of Annandale. The race starts at the Kmart on John Marr Drive at 10 a.m. The course, not yet finalized, … Continued
Summer concert series starts in June
A summer concert at Mason District Park. The lineup has been set for the free Spotlight by Starlight concerts at Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park. The shows are part of the summer entertainment series in parks throughout Fairfax County. The concerts in the amphitheater in Mason District Park are on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 7 p.m. … Continued
Fire damages mattress store
A two-alarm fire heavily damaged the Overstock Mattress store at 5912 Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads Friday afternoon, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. Units from the Alexandria and Arlington fire departments assisted. [Photos: FCFRD] The fire was discovered by an employee who called 911. Four people were in the store at the time. … Continued
Bailey’s Crossroads redevelopment in the works
This property, seen from Moncure Avenue, is slated for redevelopment. The Weissberg Co. is going ahead with a rezoning application for a 7.4-acre property at Columbia Pike and Moncure Avenue in Bailey’s Crossroads, even though it has not yet secured a developer. The project, called Columbia Crossroads, would include a 378-unit apartment building. John McBride, … Continued
Youth art inspires dialogue on community
Students display the art they created in the Youth Re-Imagining Community initiative. “Most people think we’re different, but we’re all human.” That’s the message Susy Virgas, a 9th-grader at Falls Church High School, wanted to convey with her artwork – and it’s also one of the key themes that emerged from a community dialogue May … Continued
Crowds gather for opening of Annandale Aldi
The eagerly awaited Aldi grocery store at 7006 Columbia Pike opened to the public May 4. People started lining up outside as early as 6:45 a.m., reports store manager Matt DeBenedetto. The crowd had grown so large by 8:30, the store ran out of shopping carts. Aldi officials handed out coffee, donuts, and tote … Continued
Board of Supervisors adopts budget for 2018
The Fairfax County Government Center. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors formally adopted a $4.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2018 that maintains the real estate tax rate at $1.13 per $100 of assessed value. Some homeowners, however, might see their real estate taxes go up next year due to a slight increase in the … Continued
In-person absentee voting underway for primaries
Northam supporters rally before a Democratic debate April 29. Absentee voting for the June 13 Democratic and Republican primary elections is already under way. In-person absentee voting began April 28 at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 2/3, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The polls are open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, … Continued
Woman followed, robbed after leaving ATM
A 31-year-old woman driving home from an ATM in Arlington noticed she was being followed by an SUV. When she got out of her car, at the 3600 block of Barcroft View Terrace, a man exited the SUV, threatened her with a handgun, and demanded money, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. She handed over … Continued
Northam, Perriello face off in primary debate
Left to right: Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, moderator Tom Sherwood, and Tom Perriello. The Democratic candidates for governor – Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello – faced off in a debate April 29 that highlighted a few differences, on guns and proposed pipelines, for example, but for the most part, the candidates presented similar views … Continued
Volunteers repair homes of elderly widows
Volunteers use non-slip roofing shingles on the outside stairs at the Queen Elizabeth Boulevard house. Dozens of local church members spent the day on April 29 fixing up two homes in Annandale for lower-income elderly residents who can no longer manage the repairs themselves. The annual Rebuilding Together program, on the last Saturday in April, … Continued
Man killed after fight at auto body shop
Police have blocked access to part of General Washington Drive during a homicide investigation. An argument among two groups of men at TMT Auto Body at 5750-F General Washington Drive in the Alexandria area of Mason District escalated into violence and one man was shot and killed, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. A photo … Continued
Volunteer program involving older adults in schools recognized by governor
A GrandInvolve volunteer works with a student at Parklawn Elementary School. [FCPS] The GrandInvolve program, in which older adults help young students with academic skills, was recognized with a 2017 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award. GrandInvolve is in six Fairfax County elementary schools, including Parklawn in Mason District. The program, launched three years ago, … Continued
Kids Choice center could become a day care center for seniors and banquet hall
The Kids Choice recreation center. The owners of the property occupied by the Kids Choice sports center at 4317 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, hope to transform it into a combination adult day care center and banquet hall. During the day, the new facility would be used as a day center for elderly people, including those with … Continued