Many arts events happening this month
By James Albright This is the second piece in an ongoing series highlighting community arts activities. There has been an explosion of new arts events in Mason District, and in Annandale in particular, over the last few years. Long-standing concerts and gatherings are continuing as well, resulting in exciting activities for the community every weekend. … Continued
Enjoy ‘The Princess Bride’ under the stars
The Fairfax County Community Revitalization Section invites families to cheer for Westley and Buttercup at a free showing of the beloved classic, “The Princess Bride,” at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Saturday evening. Movie Night starts at 8 at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Come early grab a good spot on the lawn. Bring … Continued
Honorary name proposed for John Marr Drive
Updated June 16: Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez has backed away from a proposal to give Little River Turnpike an honorary name in recognition of the Korean community’s contributions to Annandale. That idea has generated significant opposition from local residents. Instead, Jimenez proposed a motion at the June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting to give an … Continued
Board defers USD hearing to October
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors deferred the public hearing on a Unified Sanitation District from June 24 to Oct. 14. That would provide more time to address the displacement of small trash haulers and carry out more outreach to the public, Board Chair Jeffrey McKay said at the June 10 board meeting. Related story: … Continued
It’s a hard life on the street for a wounded veteran
Matt, a wounded veteran and an artist who worked as an illustrator for DC Comics, has been living on the streets of Annandale for the past year. He agreed to share his story with Annandale Today to shine a spotlight on what it’s like to be homeless in our community. Matt, 47, is unable to … Continued
Blazin Halal brings NY street food to Annandale
A new fast-casual dining spot, called Blazin Halal From The Streets of NYC, is now open in Annandale. Located at 4367 John Marr Drive in the Eastgate Shopping Center, Blazin Halal offers jerk chicken burritos, rice platters, spicy smash burgers, New York-style chicken and waffles, and gyros, among other items. The meat is fresh, never … Continued
Volunteers clean up Americana Drive
The latest cleanup on Americana Drive in Annandale, on June 7, yielded 137 bags of trash along the roadway and Accotink Creek. Nearly 60 people showed up to volunteer, including members of Friends of Accotink Creek; the Young Men’s Service League; Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that helps communities clean up after disasters; Boy Scout Troop … Continued
Annandale Terrace celebrates 60th anniversary
By Shane Gomez The past, present, and future came together on a sunny Thursday evening in Annandale, as Annandale Terrace Elementary School celebrated its 60th anniversary. The May 5 event included remarks by Principal Ingrid Badía and several teachers, a xylophone performance by students, creation of a time capsule, a guided tour, and an exhibit … Continued
Small trash haulers oppose a Unified Sanitation District
If Fairfax County establishes a Unified Sanitation District, it would kill his business, says Phillip LeMaster, the owner of Garby Disposal Services. Under the USD proposal, the county would take over trash and recycling and engage a company to handle all waste collection in a single region. State law requires a five-year waiting period before … Continued
Seven Corners church renovation to include a community performance space
First Christian Church in Seven Corners is planning to create a community hub as part of a major renovation project. The upgrade will coincide with the construction of apartments for seniors next to the church. The affordable housing project, Kindred Crossing, is being developed by Wesley Housing in partnership with the church. The plan, approved … Continued
Yemeni coffee spot coming to Seven Corners
Qahwah, a Yemeni café offering coffee drinks, and Karaz Lounge, a hookah bar, are coming to a long-vacant building at 6315 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners. The Emessa restaurant occupied the building for about a year before it closed in December 2019. Before that, the building housed the Seven Corners Pub.
Democrats schedule firehouse primary for 11th congressional district
The 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee issued a “call to caucus,” scheduling a firehouse primary for Saturday, June 28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., to select a Democratic nominee to fill the vacancy in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. The committee hasn’t yet scheduled voting locations for the firehouse primary. To encourage greater participation, the committee has also … Continued
Weapon scanners are now permanent at Annandale HS
By Shane Gomez Passing through a weapon detection scanner is now a permanent procedure for students arriving at Annandale High School. The scanners were set up at Annandale to help staff prepare for the start of the 2025-26 school year, when weapon detection scanners will be implemented in all high schools, according to a May … Continued
Lt. gov. candidate Aaron Rouse vows to stand up for democracy
Virginia Sen. Aaron Rouse says he is running for lieutenant governor because democracy is under threat from the Trump administration. “If we don’t step up and fight back to protect it, then our democracy will be over,” Rouse told a gathering in Arlington on June 5. “They tried to come for women’s rights. They’re still … Continued
Property owner hosts weekend yard sales
The owners of a house in a commercial area in Annandale plan to open a bicycle shop, but meanwhile, are holding yard sales in front of the property on Saturdays and Sundays. The building, at 7261 Maple Place, is used for storage. It was formerly an art and frame shop. That shop relocated a couple of … Continued