Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Prepare now for Hurricane Irene

With Hurricane Irene expected to slam into Northern Virginia tomorrow, here are some things to do today: Charge your phone and laptop. Bring in your outdoor furniture and trash cans or make sure they are securely tied. Secure construction materials, debris, and other items that could become dangerous projectiles. Fill your gas tank. Post a list … Continued

Earthquake caused minimal structural damage in FXCO

Tuesday’s earthquake caused structural damage to an apartment building in Dunn Loring, forcing the evacuation of seven people from four units. All were provided emergency housing in the same complex, reports Renee Stillwell of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Other than that, “there were no major issues,” Stillwell says. During the four-hour period … Continued

Yep, that was an earthquake

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake alarmed people around the  D.C. area this afternoon but the Fairfax County government reports there was no damage. Buildings throughout the area were evacuated. The epicenter was at Mineral, Virginia, north of Richmond, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Did you feel the earthquake? We were sitting out in the backyard and heard a loud rumbling … Continued

Neighborhood enhancement grant proposals due Oct. 31.

Landscaping funded with a NEPP grant Neighborhood organizations interested in sprucing up their common areas, developing playgrounds, creating gardens, or otherwise enhancing their property and strengthening community spirit should consider applying for a Neighborhood Enhancement Partnership Program (NEPP) grant. This county program provides up to $5,000 in matching grant funds to homeowner associations, recreation clubs, civic associations, … Continued

The VA primaries are Tuesday: Here are the candidates

Primaries take place next Tuesday to select candidates in races where more than one person seeks to run for office next November as a Republican or Democrat. Primaries are usually held in June, but have been delayed this year because of redistricting. The Virginia Senate, House of Delegates, and Fairfax County magisterial districts have all be … Continued

Inova CEO cook-off highlights sustainability

Singleton (left) and Pasternak In an effort to get patients and visitors to make healthier food choices, Inova Heath Systems staged a “Battle of the CEO Celebrity Chefs” in the Fairfax Hospital cafeteria yesterday. The cook-off pitted Inova Fairfax Hospital CEO Reuben Pasternak’s stuffed peppers against Inova Health System CEO Knox Singleton’s squash casserole. The two … Continued

We’ll miss Borders

It’s sad to see the Borders bookstore in Bailey’s Crossroads shut down, but for those of you who still like to read books, it might be worth your time to check out the sales. Everything is 40 to 60 percent off, but the inventory is shrinking fast. According to the manager, the store will remain … Continued

Dogs lost near Gallows Road, Annandale

Murphy Please help blog reader Lauren Wright of Annandale find her lost dogs. They were last seen running along Gallows Road Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. A reward is offered. Contact Lauren at 703/328-4264. UPDATE: Lauren reports the dogs were found wandering around Murray Lane by a nice young man after they had crossed Gallows Road safely.   … Continued

FXCO offers seminars for budding entrepreneurs

If you’ve thought about running your own business but don’t know how to get started, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority’s (FCEDA) free monthly “Entrepreneurship 101” seminars are for you. These sessions provide an overview of start-up basics including county licenses and permits; Virginia workforce and training programs; and federal financing and certification resources. The … Continued