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
Scene Around A-Town: Annandale bear supports our football teams
Bartholomew the bear in the front yard of Davianworth Manor, as the house at 7501 Davian Drive by the Ravensworth Road intersection is known, expresses his support for the Washington Redskins and Annandale Atoms.
Hotel clerk assaulted and robbed
Fairfax County Police are looking for two men who robbed an employee of the Best Western Hotel at 6633 Arlington Blvd., Friday, Sept. 27. According to a news bulletin from the Mason Police District, two men entered the hotel lobby just before 1 a.m., grabbed the 62-year-old clerk, assaulted him, took money from the register, … Continued
Board of Supervisors approves Parklawn cell tower
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution Sept. 24 to approve a special exception permitting the construction of a 128-foot cell tower on property owned by the Parklawn Recreation Association. That action follows a BoS hearing Sept. 10 during which more than three dozen residents presented strong, passionate feelings on both sides … Continued
No offense: Candor on social media lands columnist in hot water
Best not to point out the obvious. By Annandale humorist Robert Schwaninger In the world of social media one can express thoughts, ideas, ruminations or simply show pictures of your newest grandchild throttling the neighbor’s cat. With near impunity, people will post stories about their grandfather’s coma or show pictures of a rash and ask “so … Continued
Governor candidates attack each other’s credentials and agendas
Terry McAuliffe (left) and Ken Cuccinelli attack one another during a debate. [Photo by NBC4.] At a lively debate Sept. 25, the Democratic candidate for Virginia governor, Terry McAuliffe emphasized his business background and mainstream agenda, while Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli focused on his experience as attorney general and downplayed his ties to Gov. McDonnell’s … Continued
Lieutenant governor candidates Jackson and Northam clash in debate
From the left: E.W. Jackson, Ralph Northam, and Peggy Fox. [Photo by WUSA9.] At a debate Sept. 24 that pitted E.W. Jackson, the Republican candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor against Democrat Ralph Northam, Jackson tried to downplay some of the more controversial statements he’d made in recent months. Those statements—such as “gay people are perverted” … Continued