A germ of an idea
A common sight in Annandale. By Annandale humorist Robert Schwaninger About a decade ago we saw the advent of many changes in society. Women started showing cleavage, Lady Gaga was no longer words blubbered out of a baby’s mouth, and Boston finally won a World Series. Many of the changes were positive. Some changes were … Continued
Poe Middle School principal, Stuart employee charged with embezzlement
Swansbrough Poe Middle School Principal Sonya Swansbrough and an administrative employee of JEB Stuart High School, Bethany Speed, have been charged with embezzlement and money laundering, the Fairfax County Police Department reported Nov. 11. Police began an investigation after being contacted by Fairfax County Public Schools in late September. The allegations involved falsifying time sheets … Continued
Gap narrowing between attorney general candidates Herring and Obenshain
Representatives from the Democratic and Republican parties greet provisional voters at the Fairfax County Government Center. The tight race for Virginia Attorney General—between Republican candidate Mark Obenshain and the Democrat, Mark Herring—is still in limbo as provisional ballots are being counted by Fairfax County election officials, but it looks like Herring is gaining the edge. … Continued
November is the top month for deer-vehicle collisions
A car damaged in a collision with a deer. [FCPD photo] Be careful driving. November is deer breeding season, which means there are more deer on the roadways. In November 2012, there were 27 deer-vehicle collisions in Fairfax County, which is more than another month, reports the Fairfax County Police Department. December had the next-highest … Continued
Sponsors sought to help needy families during the holidays
A child receives a gift from an Our Daily Bread holiday program sponsor. [Photo from ODB.] Our Daily Bread (ODB), a nonprofit based in Fairfax, is seeking individuals, community groups, and businesses to sponsor needy families for Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Sponsors provide a holiday meal and gifts for family members under 18. If … Continued
Resident of Seven Corners apartment building burned in electrical fire
Firefighters rescued a man early Friday morning from a fire in the Jefferson Apartments on 6166 Leesburg Pike in Seven Corners. He was transported to the Washington Hospital burn center, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported. More than 50 firefighters from Fairfax County and Arlington County responded to the fire, which originated in … Continued
Burglars targeting Broyhill Crest area
Lots of police cars have been spotted in the area. The Broyhill Crest neighborhood in Annandale has been hit with a series of daytime burglaries—mostly between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.—in the past week or so. The burglars are taking cash, jewelry, and prescription drugs. The most recent incident was Nov. 7 in the 7000 … Continued
New ‘welcome to Annandale’ sign is an Eagle Scout project
Annandale has a great new welcome sign, thanks to Matthew Sonnen, a Camelot resident and ninth-grader at Falls Church High School, who organized the project as part his quest to become an Eagle Scout. The red, white, and blue sign, on a median strip between an Exxon gas station and Gallows Road just … Continued
FCPS Superintendent urged to consider needs of Mason District schools
Garza addresses a parents and teachers during a Listening Tour session at JEB Stuart High School. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Karen Garza, who’s only been on the job since July, is in the midst of a “listening tour” at area schools to hear from the community about their issues and concerns. At the most … Continued
Annandale church holding craft bazaar Saturday
Here’s a great way to get started on your holiday shopping: Visit the Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar at Annandale United Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 30 crafters and artists will be there. There is no entrance fee. Part of the proceeds will benefit AUMC’s missions. For more information about … Continued
Giant clock tower disguises a cell tower
Why is a 137-foot clock tower going up behind a strip mall at the intersection of Graham Road and Route 50? It’s a cell tower on the grounds of the Fairfax County Public Schools-owned building in Falls Church that used to house Graham Road Elementary School. The tower will provide Verizon and AT&T service, said … Continued
How should Fairfax County spend transportation money?
Afternoon rush hour on Route 50. Where should Fairfax County spent the $1.2 billion it expects to have available for transportation projects over the next six years? The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking public input before submitting a proposed list of projects to the Board of Supervisors in December. Civic associations and advocacy … Continued
Mason District, Fairfax County support McAuliffe by wide margins
Terry McAuliffe and his wife, Dorothy, greet supporters after learning he’s been elected the next governor of Virginia. Fairfax County voters supported Terry McAuliffe for governor by a wide margin Nov. 5, resulting in a decisive win for the Democratic candidate. The Republican candidate, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli was actually ahead statewide in the … Continued
Sheriff candidate Kincaid calls sign theft issue a misunderstanding
In the last days before the election, Republican candidate for sheriff, Bryan Wolfe, has stepped up attacks of his Democratic opponent, accusing Capt. Stacey Kincaid of being connected to charges that her brother, Eric Kleiner, had taken down Wolfe campaign signs. Kincaid called the sign issue “an unfortunate situation” that has distracted voters from more … Continued
Tomorrow is Election Day: Here’s what you need to know
Many people already voted, but if you’ve held off until Election Day, here’s what you need to know before heading out to the polls on Tuesday. Voters will elect a governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, House of Delegates member, and Fairfax County sheriff and will have a chance to vote yes or no on a … Continued