A table setting symbolizes the meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is about more than a splash in the pool and a cookout. A table setting at an Annandale trail reminds us of the holiday’s true meaning – the remembrance of those who died in service to their country. A sign explains the table setting: “A small table set for one, symbolizing isolation of … Continued
BoS considers renaming the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton
The Board of Supervisors passed a motion on renaming the Bailey’s Community Center for Minnie Peyton, a former leader of the Black neighborhood of Springdale. Peyton (1889-1985) had donated the land for a school in Bailey’s Crossroads before Virginia’s schools were integrated. Related story: A local Black community honors its history The Lillian Carey Elementary … Continued
Conversion of pickleball courts put on hold
Fairfax County Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole agreed to put the pickleball conversion at Kendale Woods Park in Annandale on hold, pending a community meeting on the project. Earlier this month, the Park Authority announced plans to revert the courts to tennis-only, citing complaints about noise. The pickleball players fought back, arguing that an … Continued
The St. James launches an academic program for elite student athletes
Families with elite student-athletes struggling to find time for practices, training, and school now have a solution. The St. James, the sports complex on Industrial Road in the Springfield area of Mason District, will offer an academic program, beginning next fall, integrated with students’ athletic schedules. The facility has formed a partnership with the TPH … Continued
Asian festival this Saturday in Annandale
The community is invited to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in Annandale on Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. That park is located at 7200 Columbia Pike between the ACCA Child Development Center and the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department. The following performances are scheduled for the county’s showmobile: … Continued
Supervisors consider a meals tax
The Board of Supervisors approved a motion May 21 calling for county staff to consider a proposal for a tax on restaurant meals of 1 to 6 percent. The measure passed on a 9-1 vote. Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield), the only Republican on the board, voted against it. Supervisor Dalia Palchik (Providence) presented a joint … Continued
Taco Zocalo opens at Barcroft Plaza
Taco Zocalo, a small casual restaurant in Barcroft Plaza, officially opens today, although they had a “practice day” yesterday. Chef Basir, the owner and chef, had planned to open in February. He blames Fairfax County’s backlog in inspections and permitting for the delay. The menu features chimichangas, tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, and salads. Diners select … Continued
Rumba opens in Annandale
Rumba Bar & Grill, now open in central Annandale, offers a place to hang with a Latin American flavor. It’s located at 7220 Columbia Pike in the space formerly occupied by Da-In Karaoke & Bar. Rumba offers a full bar, four pool tables, a projection screen and 11 TV monitors airing soccer games, Latin music, … Continued
Child Development Center gets a facelift
The ACCA Child Development Center building in Annandale is getting a façade upgrade. The Fairfax County Facilities Management Department is replacing the windows and some of the exterior doors on the county-owned building at 7200 Columbia Pike. The new windows will be energy efficient but won’t be openable, says CDC Executive Director Maria-Isabel Ballivian. Workers … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are from the Fairfax County Police Department as reported on CityProtect: May 20 May 19 May 18 May 17 May 16 May 15 May 14
The dogs have their day at Braddock Bark
Dozens of dogs and their human companions enjoyed a day in the park May 19 at the third annual Braddock Bark. For the dogs, the event at Lake Accotink Park was a great opportunity to make new friends, get some treats, and enjoy a splash in a portable pool. Dogs with a hunting instinct got … Continued
Annandale man indicted for murder at hotel
A grand jury has indicted Hiep Van Vo, 43, of Annandale, for second-degree murder in the November 2023 homicide of Charles Ashe Jr., 44, Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced May 20. Prosecutors allege that Vo shot Ashe at the Falls Church Marriott hotel at 3111 Fairview Park Drive. The police had received a report of … Continued
Youngkin vetos many more bills than any other Virginia governor
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed 201 bills that were passed by the General Assembly this year, which is much more than any Virginia previous governor. The Republican governor’s vetoes block legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly on gun violence, abortion, clean energy, and much more. One of the recent bills vetoed by Youngkin would … Continued
Culmore gets a period pantry
Women and girls in disadvantaged areas will have access to free menstrual hygiene products thanks to an initiative by the Junior League of Northern Virginia. The group recently launched a “period pantry” at the Culmore Family Resource Center in Bailey’s Crossroads and two other locations, in Springfield and Sterling. The Junior League says the period … Continued
The dislocation of Little Saigon offers lessons for preserving the Eden Center
Clarendon was once known as Little Saigon due to the many Vietnamese refugees who opened small businesses in the area in the 1970s. But when Arlington County began efforts to promote redevelopment, those small business owners were forced out. The Viet Place Collective believes that understanding what happened in Clarendon is critical to ensuring that … Continued