State senate candidates Marsden and Flanary clash in debate
Marsden State Sen. Dave Marsden (37th District) and his challenger Jason Flanary clashed over transportation, spending, education, immigration, and other issues at a debate Oct. 16 at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke. Flanary, a Republican, called for government to “be run a little more like a business” and said “we need more business leaders … Continued
Evans: Special-needs forumula benefits Mason schools
Mason District school board member Sandy Evans, who is running for re-election, has clarified her position on Fairfax County Public Schools’ needs-based formula following an article in the Washington Post yesterday about the influence of political consultant Catherine Lorenze. Lorenze is helping run several school board candidates’ campaigns, and advised Evans in 2010. The Post … Continued
‘Tree gifting program’ aimed at restoring tree canopy
The Fairfax County Restoration Project, a public-private partnership aimed at improving the environment, has launched Reforest Fairfax, a “gifting program” designed to help restore the tree canopy. Each gift of a tree purchases five seedlings to be planted in Fairfax County this fall or next spring to enhance the natural environment. Tree gifts are appropriate … Continued
Families out in force for annual Merrifield Festival
The weather couldn’t have been better today for the Annual Merrifield Festival at Luther Jackson High School. The event, sponsored by the Greater Merrifield Business Association featured kids activities, handmade crafts, local businesses and nonprofits, performances, and because Election Day is three weeks away, lots of political campaigning. Among those sighted: Rep. Gerry Connolly, Del. … Continued
Fire stations open to public today
Fire stations throughout Fairfax County, including Fire Station 8 on Columbia Pike in Annandale, held open houses today to give the public a peek inside fire trucks and ambulances, educate children and their parents about safety issues, give CPR and other demonstrations – and in some cases, spark children’s dreams of being a firefighter when … Continued
Neighborhood Spotlight: Ravensworth-Bristow
Claire Grumbly’s house The Ravensworth-Bristow community in Annandale has gone through a lot of changes since it was developed in the early 1960s—the population is more diverse, the trees have matured, and many houses have been renovated and a few replaced by mcmansions—but some things have not changed. It’s still a great place to raise … Continued
Lost dog found after a three-week search
Rosie the dog who went missing Sept. 24 is home safe and sound. Annandale residents Sarah and Bob Turner, who’d been frantically looking for their German Collie/Shepherd mix for nearly three weeks, report, “she was eventually spotted by teachers and students at Weyanoke Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson High School. Animal Control officers tried to … Continued
Kory’s Report from Richmond: Keep Virginia involved in watershed efforts
An open letter to Gov. McDonnell: Don’t endanger our water supply Dear Governor: I urge you to cancel your short-sighted plans to withdraw Virginia from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). Virginia has benefitted greatly from its 70-year membership in this commission. I seriously doubt that our Commonwealth would have accomplished on … Continued
Michelle Obama urges Annandale HS students to commit to your passions
First Lady Michelle Obama looks on as Republic of Korea First Lady Kim Yoon-ok speaks at Annandale High School First Lady Michelle Obama urged students to find something you’re passionate about and commit to it at a visit to Annandale High School today with Republic of Korea First Lady Kim Yoon-Ok. Ms.Yoon-Ok and President Lee … Continued
Archers killed 31 deer so far along Accotink Stream Valley
Since Fairfax County’s bowhunting program started Sept. 24, 31 deer have been killed by archers in parks along the Accotink Stream Valley, says Kristen Sinclair of the Resource Management Division of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Bowhunting in county parks while people are walking on the trails with their children and dogs is “incredibly safe,” … Continued
The November elections: Here’s what you need to know
With Election Day less than a month away, it’s a good time to provide a guide for Annandale voters. Election Day is Nov. 8, and the polls are open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. There are lots of changes due to redistricting, so check the new voter card you should have received in the mail several weeks … Continued
Annandale church celebrates contributions of LGBT religious leaders
A display of liturgical stoles at the Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale shines a spotlight on the struggles of religious leaders who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). The 40 or so stoles at the church are part of the “Shower of Stoles” project created by the National Gay and Lesbian … Continued
Bowhunting to control deer population called ‘inefficient and inhumane’
People concerned about animal welfare are taking a dim view of Fairfax County’s “deer management” program, which includes bowhunting in 19 parks including the Accotink Stream Valley in Annandale. Camelot resident Christina Perez Bass, who does animal rescue, says, “My children and I walk everyday on the Cross County Trail, and I am terrified about … Continued
Sewage spill pollutes Holmes Run
The City of Alexandria is advising residents to avoid direct contact with waters in Holmes Run downstream of Ripley Street near the intersection with Holmes Run Parkway due a sewage spill. According to the city, two sanitary sewer lines are damaged, one owned by the City of Alexandria and one owned by Fairfax County. Crews … Continued
Michelle Obama to speak at Annandale High School
Obama First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Annandale High School Oct. 13 along with Republic of Korea First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, the student newspaper, the A-Blast, reported. The White House is hosting Lee Myung-bak, president of the Republic of Korea, and his wife that day for a State Visit. Michelle Obama will speak to the … Continued