Bob’s donates funds to Belvedere and other Fairfax County schools
Belvedere students at the opening of the new Bob’s furniture store. Bob’s Discount Furniture donated $1,500 to Belvedere Elementary School, in the Annandale area, to complete the school’s outdoor classroom project. The funds will help support the Belvedere’s efforts to become an “Eco-School,” a green schools initiative sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. The check … Continued
Outdoor natural play area planned for Westlawn Elementary School
Westlawn Elementary School Westlawn Elementary School is developing plans for an “outdoor discovery area” where children can play and climb on natural features like boulders, logs, and tree stumps. The area would have some raised garden beds for children to learn about growing plants and healthy food choices. The play area would also be available … Continued
Annandale resident promotes health benefits of Xocai chocolate
We usually value chocolate as an indulgence savored as a special treat. But chocolate can also be thought of as a health food, as it has natural antioxidants that can help the body fight disease. That’s the message promoted by Annandale resident Diane Ditzler, who sells the Xoҫai line of chocolate products. Xoҫai (pronounced “show … Continued
Goodwill store opens in Annandale
The opening of the Goodwill store on John Marr Drive Feb. 16 greatly increases the amount of retail space in Annandale—along with the options for thrift shopping. The new Annandale Goodwill, with 25,000 square feet, is the largest of the 14 Goodwill stores in the Washington, D.C., region, said Brendan Hurley, senior vice president for … Continued
Aging water mains under Columbia Pike in Annandale to be replaced
Construction equipment for the water main project on Columbia Pike, Annandale The cast iron water mains under Columbia Pike between Gallows Road and Little River Turnpike in Annandale are being replaced because they are 40 or 50 years old and have been starting to leak. Water mains can last up to 100 years, but “if … Continued
Virginia Senate passed bill to raise gas tax
More state transportation funds are needed for projects to relieve traffic congestion, including roads like Little River Turnpike as shown here. The Virginia Senate passed a transportation package this week that would generate $900 million in new revenue for annually and enable localities to put in place additional funding to meet their transportation needs. The … Continued
East County office building coming to Bailey’s Crossroads
The temporary Bailey’s Crossroads fire station is on the future site of the East County office building. Once the East County office building project is completed, it will spur further revitalization in Bailey’s Crossroads, said Carey Needham, director of the building design and construction division in the Fairfax County Department of Public Works Environmental Services. … Continued
Seven Corners task forced urged to support new school for Willston site
The Willston Center (on the left) viewed from the pedestrian bridge on Route 50. Parents and students from Bailey’s and Glen Forest elementary schools and their supporters filled the room as the Seven Corners Land Use and Transportation Task Force held one of its few meetings open for statements from the public. The school advocates … Continued
Annandale loses another longtime family-owned business
Alan Shaffer in front of American Rental years ago. When American Rental moved from Annandale to Springfield in January, Annandale not only lost its only equipment rental business; it also lost a store that’s been owned and operated by the same family for three generations. American Rental had been at 7245 Columbia Pike for nearly … Continued
Transportation, school issues dominate Legislative Town Hall
Facing the audience, from the left: Sen. Marsden, Del. Kory, and Sen. Saslaw More than 100 people came to a Legislative Town Hall at Sleepy Hollow Elementary School Feb. 10 to hear from Annandale-area lawmakers on what’s been going on in the state capital. With the Virginia legislative term nearing its end, lawmakers still haven’t … Continued
Annandale bowling alley: a modernistic gem as well as social gathering spot
. The picture on top is the original plan for the AMF Annandale Lanes bowling alley based on the design of the architect, Anthony Musolino. The actual structure, built in 1960, however, did not look exactly like the painting, as the photo, taken yesterday, shows some differences in the design. The bowling alley, a … Continued
Come to ‘Sleep Night’ at Annandale HS and learn why school should start later
Parents, students, and community members are invited to Sleep Night, Feb. 26, at Annandale High School to learn why later school start times are beneficial for adolescents’ health and learning and why the Fairfax County School Board set a goal to start high school after 8 a.m. A grassroots organization called SLEEP (Start Later for … Continued
Scene around A-Town: Farewell, Fuddruckers
Demolition crews began taking down the old Fuddruckers building this week. All that‘s left of the popular hamburger restaurant on Little River Turnpike between Columbia Pike and Backlick Road is a pile of rubble —and a huge sign. A Walgreens drug store is going in that spot.
Landmark area residents asked to vote on sound walls along Interstate 95
Trees have already been cut down to make way for the ramp. People who live along Interstate 95 between the Edsall Road and Duke Street exits are being asked to vote on whether they want sound walls constructed between their homes and the highway as part of a project to build a ramp along that … Continued
Annandale is not a haven for gangsters, says police Capt. Lee
Mason CAC Chair Beth Lynch presents the 2012 Officer of the Year Award to MPO Joseph Millirons. Left to right: Lynch, Sgt. Archie Pollard, Millirons, and Capt. Gun Lee. Recent news reports about gangsters and other crime in Annandale paint an unfair and overly sensationalist picture of the community, says Capt. Gun Lee, commander of … Continued