Library system needs to evolve, consultants report
A full house at George Mason Regional Library. A community engagement study conducted for the Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees found widespread public support for the libraries but called for a strategic planning process to figure out how the library system can continue to provide core services while evolving to meet changing community needs. … Continued
Capt. Rogers appointed commander of Mason Police District
Rogers The Mason Police District is getting another new commander, just seven months after Capt. Christian Quinn started the job. The new commander, Capt. Thomas James Rogers, was previously the staff duty officer in charge of nighttime patrols for the Fairfax County Police Department. Before that, he was commander of the helicopter unit and had … Continued
Ready or not, school starts Sept. 6
And so it begins – the 2016-17 school year is now in session. It’s the last time Fairfax County Public Schools will start after Labor Day. Next year, school will start Aug. 28. Superintendent Karen Garza made an appearance at Holmes Middle School, one of four sites she visited on the first day of school. … Continued
ReelAbilities film festival promotes understanding of different lives
Scenes from some of the films in ReelAbilities. ReelAbilities, a film festival dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different abilities, takes place in several venues in Northern Virginia Sept. 18-24. The festival is hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia with support from … Continued
NV Rides provides free rides for seniors to Jewish Community Center
The JCCNV NV Rides, a program that recruits volunteers to transport non-driving senior adults to medical appointments, is expanding. Beginning in October, the program will launch J Rides, a free volunteer-supported program to help seniors attend exercise classes and educational and social events at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. J Rides is aimed … Continued
New ballet studio at Pinecrest Plaza
A performance by International Dance [Terry Wingfield]. A ballet studio will stay in Pinecrest Plaza after all. Balancé Ballet, which had been in the shopping center for the past 11 years, closed in June. At the time, co-owner Marla Boulter said she couldn’t afford a rent increase. International Dance of Falls Church has acquired Balancé … Continued
Police action on Lincolnia Road
A man in emotional distress, and possibly armed, is holed up in a home on the 6400 block of Lincolnia Road across the street from Parklawn Elementary School. The area is swarming with police vehicles, including the SWAT team, and Lincolnia Road is closed off for several blocks in either direction. The Fairfax County Police … Continued
Drivers: Watch out for school buses
With school starting next Tuesday, Sept. 6, there will be lots of school buses on the roads and students walking to school – so drivers need to be extra careful. It’s also a good time to review traffic laws, as the Fairfax County Police Department warns its officers will be out in force in school … Continued
Vote for a critter
The candidates: Black Rat Snake, Eastern Box Turtle, and American Toad. In what might be the most cold-blooded election ever, the Fairfax County Park Authority invites the public to vote for their favorite herptile. The candidates are a snake, a toad, and a turtle. Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale is campaign headquarters for the … Continued
Customer captures man who robbed laundromat
Quijada [FCPD] A man who committed an armed robbery at the Surf N Suds Laundromat at 5715 Columbia Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads Aug. 28 almost got away. But then a man waiting outside for his laundry chased the suspect and held him until the police arrived. Ricardo Guido Quijada, 32, of no fixed address, was … Continued
Deer hunting season starts Sept. 10 in Fairfax County parks
A deer on the Cross County Trail in Accotink Stream Valley Park. Fairfax County’s deer management program begins Saturday, Sept. 10, and runs through, Feb. 25, 2017. The program is aimed at reducing the deer population in designated parks mainly through the use of archery. Bow hunting is allowed in several parks in the Annandale/Mason … Continued
The Block: a new way to eat in Annandale
The Block, expected to open next to Kmart this fall, will offer a new concept in dining – new to Annandale, at least. It will house several food vendor stalls around a central area with communal seating. It’s like a food court, says the developer, Arturo Mei, who owns the Snocream food truck usually parked … Continued
Work underway on infill housing opposed by Malbrook residents
The site of an infill housing project at the end of Brooks Place. Work is under way on an infill housing development between the Lake Barcroft and Malbrook communities, even though Malbrook residents charge the project is in violation of their subdivision’s covenants. Malbrook residents’ lawsuit to block the development was denied a hearing by … Continued
Restaurants offer diverse cuisines at Taste of Annandale
The Honey Pig, a popular spot at the 2015 Taste of Annandale, is returning to this year’s festival. With the Taste of Annandale less than six weeks away, vendor spots are filling up quickly. The restaurants already lined up represent the diversity of Annandale: Peruvian, Korean, Middle Eastern, Ethiopian, Mexican, and American. The Taste of … Continued
Police seek peeper caught on video
Fairfax County Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man responsible for a peeping incident that occurred in the 3500 block of S. George Mason Drive in the Bailey’s Crossroads area on Monday, Aug. 21, at around 10:08 p.m. “The suspect was caught on video surveillance peeping through a window into an occupied … Continued