Cat perishes in Falls Church fire
FCFRD photo A single-family home at 3040 Holmes Run Road in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County was totally destroyed in a fire on Feb. 24, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. A cat perished in the fire and one resident who was home at the time escaped unharmed. When firefighters arrived … Continued
Free tax help available
Need help with your taxes? Eligible taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of free tax preparation assistance in the Annandale/Mason area. Volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program will be stationed at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) through April 15 to help taxpayers on a walk-in basis. The program is free for … Continued
Community celebration shines spotlight on Annandale restaurants
“The Taste of Annandale,” a major community event showcasing local restaurants – and much more – is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., in downtown Annandale. This multicultural celebration, organized by Mason District residents and stakeholders, is designed to spotlight the Annandale business district, engage young people, and build community spirit though music, … Continued
Fund established to help Pinecrest family displaced by fire
Fairfax County firefighters put out a fire in the Pinecrest community. [DeAnn Jelinek] A fund has been set up to help the Susuico family, whose house at 6518 Medinah Lane in the Pinecrest was destroyed in a fire on the afternoon of Feb. 17. The fire, caused by faulty electrical strip, resulted in damage estimated … Continued
Winter preppers
By Robert Schwaninger As I traveled to the Giant to watch people pile carts with milk and toilet paper, making me wonder what they drink and apply when it’s not snowing, I felt that I was witnessing doomsday preparations. As though with the fall of a few flakes we all would be plunged into a … Continued
Robbery at knifepoint in Culmore
Four men were robbed in front of an apartment on the 6000 block of Knollwood Drive in the Culmore area at about 11:11 p.m. on Feb. 13, the Fairfax County Police Department reports. They were approached by three men. The suspects produced a knife, demanded property, took cash and items, and fled on foot. There … Continued
Gross supports community school concept
Ernie Wells looks at maps of proposed Seven Corners redevelopment concepts at a community meeting at Bailey’s Elementary School. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross told the audience at a community meeting on Seven Corners redevelopment Feb. 19 that she supports the concept of a community school and that the Willston Center is a possible a location. … Continued
Trapnell’s advice to next Mason supervisor: Listen to the community
Trapnell Tina Trapnell, the former Mason District supervisor who served before Penny Gross was first elected in 1995, has some advice for the next supervisor: “Listen to the community and respect your constituents.” Trapnell hopes this election season won’t be as negative as past campaigns. “Elections should be about issues, not personal attacks on opponents,” … Continued
Three fires in Annandale/Mason area
Fire damage at a house on Murdock Road. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units put out three fires in the broader Annandale/Mason area within the past four days. A fire at a townhouse at 6518 Medinah Lane in the Pinecrest neighborhood on the afternoon of Feb. 17 was brought under control in approximately 20 … Continued
2015 real estate assessment up 5.5 percent in Annandale
Annandale has the highest average increase in assessments. Fairfax County real estate assessments for 2015 rose an average of 3.39 percent for residential properties, the Department of Tax Administration announced Feb. 17. Assessments for properties in Annandale (zip code 22003) rose an average of 5.45 percent – which is more than any other zip code … Continued
Contact information for help after the snowstorm
Bob Kovacs is clearing his driveway in Columbia Pines. [Mary Ellen Dawley] Got a weather-related problem following the snowstorm? Here is some useful contact information: VDOT road assistance: 703-383-8368, www.511virginia.org. Hypothermia prevention: If you see an unsheltered person who may be at risk of hypothermia, call the police non-emergency number, 703-691-2131. For power outages, contact … Continued
Pizza party at Magill’s will benefit Child Development Center
The public is invited to enjoy pizza and karaoke at a fundraiser for the ACCA Child Development Center at Magill’s Pizza and Buffet restaurant on Feb. 27, 4-8 p.m. Magills is at 7201 Little River Turnpike, Annandale. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Child Development Center, a full-day childcare and preschool … Continued
Penny Gross will run for a sixth term on the Board of Supervisors
Penny Gross, who’s represented the Mason District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 1996, announced her candidacy for a sixth term Feb. 15. Speaking at her annual Champagne & Chocolates fundraiser, Gross said, “Commitment and experience and integrity are the watchwords for me,” and will run again because, “I want to continue to … Continued
Boardwalk renovations at Luria Park to start in a few weeks
Holmes Run near Luria Park. The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to begin construction within the next month of the second phase of the boardwalk renovation project at Luria Park and Holmes Run Stream Valley Park near the Holmes Run Acres neighborhood. Workers will demolish approximately 320 feet of boardwalk deck and railing and install … Continued
Coach CJ Celebration Feb. 28 supports scholarships for student athletes
All local residents are invited to a Coach CJ Celebration to support a scholarship program in memory of Clayton Joyner, the former swimming coach for Falls Church High School and the Holmes Run Pool. Joyner died last April at age 29. The party is Saturday, Feb. 28, 7-11 p.m., at the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department … Continued