FXCO massage parlors searched for human trafficking violations
The Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force—which includes officers from local, state, and federal agencies—carried a coordinated inspection operation Dec. 14 targeting massage parlors. They didn’t find any human trafficking violations, reported Lt. Chris Marsh, assistant commander of the Fairfax County Police Organized Crime and Narcotics Division. But they did place 17 charges, the vast … Continued
FCPS school board approves surveillance cameras inside high schools
The Fairfax County School Board adopted a measure Dec. 15 to permit surveillance cameras inside high schools to deter vandalism, bullying, and the kind of food fights that erupted at West Springfield and other high schools last year. Mason school board member Sandy Evans was one of four board members who voted against the resolution, … Continued
Volunteers wrap gifts for the elderly
Annandale area volunteers are brightening up the holidays for the elderly, who can sometimes feel especially isolated and lonely this time of year. More than 110 people attended a huge gift-wrapping party at the Annandale fire station’s Ossian Hall Dec. 13 as part of the sixth annual Be a Santa to a Senior program organized … Continued
Check out Annandale stores for unusual gift items
Don’t neglect Annandale when you’re shopping for the holidays. We found some one-of-a-kind items in the local stores. For $10.99, you can get one of these cute “love beer” coin banks from Lil’ Thingumajigs (7031 Little River Turnpike). This wooden sculpure, $14 from the Treasure Trove (7010 Columbia Pike), has 10 stick figures around a … Continued
Annandale home prices up 8 percent in November
Home prices in Annandale (zip code 22003) were up over 8 percent in November 2011 compared to November 2010, reports our real estate contributor, Vivianne Couts of Coldwell Banker. The average sale price was $375,951 last month and $346,007 the same month a year ago. Here are some relevant stats for November 2011, with the … Continued
Dog perishes in house fire on Prosperity Drive
An electrical strip containing Christmas lights near a Christmas tree caused a fire at 3708 Prosperity Ave., Annandale, Dec. 10, that caused an estimated $100,000 in damages, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported. The occupants of the single-family home were out when the fire started but returned home shortly afterwards. Firefighters arrived at … Continued
CSI: Fairfax
The Fairfax County communications center where 911 calls are answered Hardy “No matter how hard you try to clean up a crime scene, we’ll find evidence,” says Fairfax County Det. Derek Hardy. Hardy explained how crime scene investigators use state-of-the-art gear to analyze evidence and reconstruct crime scenes to members of the Mason District Police … Continued
Children’s art on display at Mason Government Center
Mason Supervisor Penny Gross (center), art teacher Rita Duck McCarn (left), and some of her students. “Colorful Acadia,” by Isabella, age 8 A reception at the Mason District Government Center Friday evening showcased paintings by Annandale-based artist and teacher Rita Duck McCarn and her students. The Teacher + Student Exhibition, featuring works by Sloane and … Continued
Annandale author Robert Schwaninger finds the humor in everyday life
Longtime Annandale resident Robert Schwaninger, a successful telecommunications attorney and civic leader, can now add one more accomplishment to his resume: published humor writer. He’s got a children’s book out, Isabel and the Christmas Crow, plus one for adults, The Married Man’s Guide to Christmas, with another expected out next year, Walking Upright and Improving … Continued
Animal advocates urged FXCO Board of Supervisors to end bowhunting program
Opponents of Fairfax County’s use of bowhunting to control the deer population told the Board of Supervisors (BOS) Dec. 6 that archery is ineffective and inhumane. Murry J. Cohen, president of a national organization called In Defense of Animals, said, “Bow hunting is an unacceptable and extremely cruel way to kill deer.” Studies show deer … Continued
Local robotics teams qualify for state championship
By Dorothy Firsching Two robotics teams from GW Community School, a very small high school in Springfield, competed in the VirginiaFIRST FTC Southwestern Virginia Qualifying Tournament at Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff Dec. 3—and made it to the state championship. FIRST sponsors robotics leagues and competitions, from junior Lego Leagues through high school … Continued
Wilburdale community opposes infill housing development
Houses are proposed for this property on Sunset Lane in Annandale Residents of Wilburdale, Annandale Acres, Sunset Lane, and surrounding communities came out in force to a recent Mason Land Use Committee meeting to register their opposition to a proposed infill development close to the intersection of Backlick Road and Braddock Road. Ana Cornejo, the … Continued
‘Santa’s Ride’ brings toys to children at Fairfax Hospital
The 2010 Santa’s Ride The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad is heading up the 2011 Santa’s Ride for Children, an annual toy drive for kids at Fairfax Hospital and for those who might not have a cheerful holiday season without your help. Members of the public are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys, games, and … Continued
Annandale area artists specialize in wood and glass
Boxes created by Rochelle and Peter Salter Among the dozens of artists showing their creations at the Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show at the Audrey Moore RECenter last weekend were several from the Annandale area. Rochelle and Peter Salter make gorgeous precision-crafted wooden boxes.Their most popular items are tea boxes, ranging from $130 to $290 (including … Continued
Civil war skirmish took place in Annandale 150 years ago
A sketch of the Annandale skirmish from the Civil War Washington, D.C. blog. It was originally published in the Illustrated London News. Thanks to local resident and history enthusiast Steven Berkowitz for pointing out an important sesquicentennial: Friday, Dec. 2, was the 150th anniversary of the skirmish in Annandale, which took place between Union and … Continued