McAuliffe’s priorities include transportation, education, equality
Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia, told a roomful of supporters May 9 that his priorities include ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, reproductive rights for women, and more funding for transportation and education. “We’ve got to grow the economy here in Northern Virginia,” and that means addressing the transportation problem, McAuliffe … Continued
Suspects sought for robberies in Annandale area
A man was robbed last night at the McDonald’s at 6302 Little River Turnpike, in Lincolnia, a news release from the Mason Police District reports. When police arrived at around 7:40 p.m., the victim, a 53-year-old man from Alexandria, said he was attacked by two men in the parking lot. He was knocked to the … Continued
Expanded Party Co. and AnnSandra will offer more options for entertaining
There will be lots more options for party planners in Annandale once the expansion of the Party Co. and AnnSandra shops is completed in the next few months. The Party Co., at 4421 John Marr Drive, Annandale, is moving to the much larger space vacated by Super Pets in the same shopping center. After that … Continued
Dominion brings energy to Wakefield Run cleanup in Annandale
By Elizabeth Kirchner In a mid-April downpour, members of Friends of Accotink Creek and 30 Dominion Power employees filled the parking lot of the Audrey Moore RECenter with trucks, rubber boots, and green reflective vests for a cleanup of Wakefield Run. As the rain moved east, Philip Latasa, co-founder of the Friends group, reminded the … Continued
Edsall Park Swim Club totally revitalized
When the Edsall Park Swim Club opens on Memorial Day weekend, members will find the recreation facility looking better than ever, thanks to a Fairfax County Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program (NEPP) grant and lots of work by volunteers. The pool used its $4,900 NEPP grant to construct a party pavilion and improve the landscaping. The … Continued
Pedestrian improvements under way at Little River/Heritage intersection
Pedestrian improvements are under way at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Hummer/Heritage roads in Annandale. The project involves a new crosswalk painted across Little River, new walk signals, handicapped ramps and sidewalks from Americana Drive to Little River, and other improvements, said Giles Njumbe, construction manager at VDOT. The work should be completed … Continued
VDOT is failing to play fair in the I-395 ramp pollution issue
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton (left) with local residents at the ramp site. Residents of the Landmark area are “deeply disappointed” in VDOT’s failure to address their concerns about the impact of dangerously high levels of pollution resulting from a new ramp on Interstate 395. Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, Fairfax County Chair … Continued
Historic marker commemorates Bog Wallow Ambush
A new historic marker was unveiled May 5 at the intersection of Braddock Road and Dunleigh Drive in Burke to commemorate a Civil War skirmish known as the “Bog Wallow Ambush.” The marker is just outside Annandale, between Rolling Road and Guinea Road. The unveiling was conducted by descendants of the Union scout who planned … Continued
Five Annandale neighborhoods jointly host yard sales next Saturday
For the first time, five west Annandale neighborhoods have gotten together to host simultaneous yard sales. The yard sales take place next Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine, in the cul-de-sacs and driveways throughout Chapel Square, Chapel Square West, Chapel Lakes, Oak Hill, and Chapel Hill. The neighborhoods are accessible from Wakefield Chapel … Continued
Lots of candidates running for Virginia offices
State Sen. Ralph Northam, a candidate for lieutenant governor, speaks at a campaign event in Annandale May 5. Standing next to him are Del. Kaye Kory and Sen. Dick Saslaw. We’ve got a whole slew of candidates running for statewide offices this year. The Democratic primary, on June 11, will have two candidates for lieutenant … Continued
Young boy in street killed by car
A four-year-old boy was killed as he was attempting to cross the street at the 6300 block of Stevenson Avenue in the west end of Alexandria Saturday, May 4, the Alexandria Police Department reports. According to a police department news release, an 84-year-old man was driving a 2010 Jeep Commander eastbound on Stevenson Avenue when … Continued
Annandale Walgreens to open this fall
The new Walgreens under construction between Little River Turnpike, Columbia Pike, and Backlick Road is scheduled to open this fall. The 12,878-square foot building will have a drive-through pharmacy, and about 20 to 25 employees, said Walgreens spokesperson Robert Elfinger. Even before it opens, Walgreens is showing an interest in the community. There are tentative … Continued
D.C. man shot in Landmark area
Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Friday, May 3, in Landmark Plaza on Little River Turnpike. A 21-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was walking through a parking garage on when he was approached from behind and shot in the upper body, according to a notice from the Fairfax County Police Department. The victim did … Continued
Rafael’s Laura: a woman of mystery
By Annandale humorist Robert Schwaninger I recently attended a local, political event where people gather to talk politics but wound up talking about nearly anything else. When you are in a room full of folks who are politically adroit and generally in agreement, then every utterance seems redundant or simply obvious. So, thankfully, there are … Continued
Falls Church HS parents express frustration over lack of renovation funds
A grungy sink in a science lab. There was a huge amount of frustration vented at a Falls Church High School PTSA meeting May 1 over the lack of progress in getting funds for a badly needed renovation. School board members Sandy Evans (Mason) and Patty Reed (Providence) listened patiently as parent after parent complained … Continued