Federal shutdown has huge impact on Fairfax County
As the federal government shutdown continues into the fourth day with no end in sight, the cost to the local economy is huge and growing. According to Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, “non-essential” federal employees who live in Fairfax County who are forced to take unpaid leave are losing a total of … Continued
Annandale Boy Scout troop celebrates 85th anniverary
The Eagles Patrol. Annandale-based Boy Scout Troop 150 celebrated its 85th anniversary Sept. 16 with a special Court of Honor at the amphitheater in Mason District Park. Troop 150 was the first Boy Scout troop in Fairfax County when it was established in the summer of 1928 with 10 boys at Annandale Methodist Church, now … Continued
Planning Commission work session addresses residents’ concerns on RSUs
New Hope Housing’s newly renovated Mondloch Place in Alexandria is considered a model for RSUs. It provides 24 efficiency apartments to people transitioning out of long-term homelessness. Several members of the Fairfax County Planning Commission indicated the rules for residential studio units (RSUs) should be tightened to protect low-density neighborhoods—a major concern of the Mason … Continued
Public invited to free workshop on preserving watersheds
Rain barrels don’t have to be boring. Learn how you can help protect, preserve, and improve local watersheds at a free workshop Saturday, Oct. 5, at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus. Educational presentations on the value of the watershed and how to promote sustainable practices will take place in the Ernst Center, 10 a.m.-4 … Continued
Annandale Walgreens expected to open in January
The opening of a Walgreens drugstore in Annandale has been pushed back from mid-November to after the holidays in January, says David Hendricks, who will manage the new store. He blames the delay on problems with an easement involving a telephone pole that needs to be moved. “Walgreens doesn’t open stores in January because of … Continued
Virginia political leaders celebrate new Democratic Asian American caucus
Organizers, members, and supporters of the state Democratic Asian American caucus. A multicultural mix of politicians, candidates past and present, and their supporters gathered at Fortune restaurant in Seven Corners Oct. 1 to celebrate the launch of the Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia. The creation of this caucus “recognizes … Continued
Library board seeks public input, but there are concerns about the intent
The George Mason Regional Library in Annandale on a typical week night. Several public meetings have been scheduled to give members of the public and library employees an opportunity to comment on the future direction of the Fairfax County Public Libraries (FCPL). These sessions are aimed at collecting public input following the huge uproar in … Continued
Farmers markets offer meat, pies, honey, even ‘nicecream,’ as well as produce
Summer’s over but the local farmers’ markets are going strong for several more weeks, so you’ve got plenty of time to stock up on fall produce. At the market in Wakefield Park (open Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m., through Oct. 30) and the Annandale market in Mason District Park (Thursdays, 8 a.m.-noon, through Nov. 7)—the farmers have … Continued
FXCO issues statement on federal shutdown
The shutdown of the federal government is not affecting operations of the Fairfax County government, said County Executive Ed Long in a message to county employees. Absentee voting is continuing as scheduled, and personal property taxes are still due on Oct. 7. “My biggest concern is the domino effect it will have on the local … Continued
Bakery to open next year in central Annandale
A bakery/cafe called Tous Les Jours is being developed at 7219 Columbia Pike, Annandale, in the building that used to house Joseph’s Coat. Design of the new store has already started, said manager Gi Lee, with the shop expected to open in April or May of 2014. Tous Les Jours will sell about 150 items, … Continued
Annandale history comes to life at Oak Hill
Several “ghosts from the past” welcomed visitors to Oak Hill, the oldest house in Annandale on Sept. 28. Standing by the doorway (above) is “Suzanna Fitzhugh,” the wife of Richard Fitzhugh, who built Oak Hill, circa 1790, on the 22,000-acre Ravensworth Tract, one of the largest land grants in the New World. They had eight … Continued
Support the Annandale HS Orchestra on Tag Day Oct. 5
The AHS quartet. Saturday, Oct. 5, will be Tag Day for the Annandale High School Orchestra programs. When AHS music students knock on your door, please give generously. This important fundraiser helps the orchestra programs purchase sheet music, repair instruments, and support other needs not covered by the school system budget. You can also make … Continued
Cuccinelli brings campaign for governor to Annandale
Cuccinelli speaks in Annandale. Republican candidate for governor, Ken Cuccinelli, appeared at a rally in front of the home of Denny and Susie d’Alelio in the Canterbury Woods neighborhood in Annandale Sept. 29 to urge his supporters to vote for him, spread his message, and contribute to his campaign. Noting that his opponent is accusing … Continued
Annandale house fire caused by unattended candle
A fire at a home at 7300 Franklin Road in Annandale Sept. 29 was caused by an unattended candle, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports. Firefighters encountered smoke and fire coming from the front and side of the one-story rambler in Broyhill Crest when they arrived at about 12:50 p.m. It took them … Continued
Dog-Walk Fest, the fundraiser organized by a 7-year-old, is a huge success
Neighbors gather for Dog-Walk Fest on Colmac Drive, Falls Church. Dog-Walk Fest, a community event organized by 7-year-old Hayley Teich, raised $622 for the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. About 30 dogs, and even more people, participated in the Sept. 29 fundraiser in the Ravenwood Park community near Seven Corners. The Teich family (left … Continued