Montessori school in Annandale expanded
The new addition at the Montessori School of Northern Virginia. The Montessori School of Northern Virginia is bigger and better now that a renovation and expansion of the Hillbrook campus at 6820 Pacific Lane, Annandale, has been completed. The improvements include a new large multipurpose room that can be used for art, music, extended after-school … Continued
Five suspects charged with brutal, gang-related murder of 15-year-old girl
Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler speaks at a news conference on the murder of Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas. To the left are law enforcement leaders from other jurisdictions. [FCPD] The murder of 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas was a “savage and brutal killing. It was horrific,” said Fairfax County Police Chief Col. Edwin C. … Continued
Nonprofit helps military translators resettle in the U.S.
A welcoming party at the airport. [No One Left Behind] Two refugee families from Afghanistan moved into furnished apartments in Alexandria this weekend with support from an organization called No One Left Behind (NOLB). They are among the thousands of people helped by the organization, which specializes in resettling Iraqis and Afghans who worked as … Continued
‘Blues in the Night’ at Creative Cauldron
The cast of “Blues in the Night.” [Keith Waters/Kx Photography] By David Siegel Ready for top-notch singing talent that brings the blues to vibrant, spicy life? Then high-tail it to Creative Cauldron in Falls Church for a cabaret-like revue called “Blues in the Night.” It’s all about love as a force that will take you … Continued
Jersey Mike’s Subs to open at Ravensworth center
A Jersey Mike’s sub shop is excepted to open at Ravensworth Shopping Center in mid-March, reports a company spokesperson. It will offer the same menu as the other Jersey Mike’s franchises. The restaurants specialize in hot and cold “Northeast-style sub sandwiches,” with such ingredients as prosciuttini, ham, cappacuolo, provolone, turkey, roast beef, grilled onions, and peppers. … Continued
Local activists present valentines to Beyer to thank him for resisting Trump agenda
Members of Indivisible thank Rep. Don Beyer with valentines. Northern Virginia members of Indivisible, a nationwide movement to harness constituent advocacy in Congress and resist the Trump agenda, presented hand-made valentines to Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) Feb. 14 to express appreciation for speaking out against the travel ban and other actions in support of “the … Continued
Ralph Northam reaches out to veterans
Ralph Northam meets with veterans and service members. The upcoming elections have “tremendous implications,” said Virginia Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, who’s running for governor. “The direction the country is going – toward bigotry and hatred – is not the country I know.” The immigration ban is harming people who risked their lives abroad while working … Continued
Missing teen could be in danger
[Story updated, see below] Fairfax County Police detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old, Venus Lorena Romero Iraheta, 17, of Beauregard Street in Alexandria. Venus left her home voluntarily on Jan. 15, with a black and red backpack full of clothes. Her mother reported her missing that day and Venus was entered … Continued
When someone goes missing, police search and rescue unit steps in
2nd Lt. Richard Theal demonstrates equipment used in search and rescue operations. When someone with dementia or autism goes missing, like the time a young man with special needs ran away while his mother was shopping at an Annandale grocery store, the Fairfax County Police Department’s search and rescue team is called in. The head … Continued
Man assaulted in Annandale
The latest crime reports from the Fairfax County Police Department include three incidents in the Annandale/Mason District area. Three men assaulted a 45-year-old man when he was taking out his trash at about 11:23 on Feb. 12 on the 7700 block of Suraci Court in Annandale. The suspects demanded the victim’s phone, pushed him to … Continued
ICE raids bring fear to local immigrant communities
ICE picked up residents from the top floor of this building in Fairmont Gardens. Residents of the Fairmont Gardens apartments in Annandale are living in fear after two raids last week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. According to a witness, at least five people were taken away by ICE agents from two buildings, … Continued
Students are building a house in Annandale
The construction site on Holyoke Drive, Annandale. Students with special needs have started construction on a new house in Annandale. The students are in the Building Futures program at schools run by Phillips Program for Children and Families. The students, along with Phillips administrators, teachers, parents, and business and civic leaders, gathered at the house, at … Continued
Café/hookah bar coming to Annandale
A Lebanese restaurant and hookah bar called Fumée Café is set to open at 7250 Columbia Pike in central Annandale. The co-owners, Khali Dib and Hussein Zein, hope the place could open by April 1, although it looks like there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done inside. Hussein Zein (left) and Kali … Continued
New apartment building on Route 50 in Seven Corners could open this spring
The Loren as seen from Arlington Boulevard. [Photos: Weinberg & Harris] “The Loren,” the apartment building under construction on Arlington Boulevard in Seven Corners next to the new Hampton Inn & Suites, is scheduled to open in late spring 2017, reports marketing consultant Roger Mecca of Weinberg Harris & Associates. The townhouses along South Street. … Continued
Friendly phone calls help older adults avoid depression
A CareRing volunteer makes a friendly phone call to a senior. [PRS Inc.] Older adults still capable of living independently can feel socially isolated and depressed. A new program launched by PRS Inc. in January called CareRing aims to help by arranging for volunteers to call older residents living alone regularly just to chat –and … Continued