Kory’s Report from Richmond: Student discipline reforms needed
By Kaye Kory This past Monday, the Washington Post’s editorial page weighed in on the topic of Miranda rights for children in schools. The editorial addressed the recent Supreme Court decision that requires police officers questioning students about potential criminal violations in a school setting to advise them that they do not have to answer … Continued
Learn how to be an advocate for abused or neglected children
A new case of child abuse or neglect enters the FairfaxCounty Domestic and Juvenile Relations Court system once every 38 hours. These children need dedicated, caring advocates to help ensure that their best interests are represented in court. That’s where Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) enters the picture. CASA volunteers gather information for the … Continued
Annandale musician to perform in major Beatles festival this weekend
Apple Core Among the performers lined up for the huge Beatles festival next weekend at National Harbor Place, “Abbey Road on the River,” will be local musician Andrew Ratliff and his band The Apple Core. Ratliff, an Annandale native—and member of the AHS Class of 1981—is also in the bands Bad Hair Day and Monkee … Continued
Lincolnia Hills opposes bus route changes
Residents of the Lincolnia Hills/Heywood Glen community are unhappy with a proposal by the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority to change the routes for the 7X and 7W buses, making them much less direct. The bus routes would be be redirected to serve the new Mark Center Transit Station at the BRAC-133 project, which is … Continued
Annandale begins cleanup after Hurricane Irene
Chainsaws are echoing throughout Annandale, as residents begin cleaning up after Hurricane Irene. 3707 Whispering Lane in Lake Barcroft. A tree damaged this car’s windshield on Whispering Lane. Whitewater in Holmes Run by Rose Lane Park. This huge tree blocks Marshall Drive in Annandale. 3806 Whispering Lane. This Dominion Power crew restored power to Heritage … Continued
Hurricane Irene leaves its mark on Annandale
Hurricane Irene has left hundreds of downed trees and powerlines all over Annandale. Bill Epley, of 7513 Dolce Drive, Annandale, “heard a hell of a crash” at about 4:30 a.m. “It really shook the house pretty well,” he says. There was also some water damage. He had been preparing to have a new roof installed, … Continued
School board member Ilryong Moon launches re-election bid in Annandale
Several dozen Democratic leaders and supporters braved the torrential rains in advance of Hurricane Irene Saturday afternoon to help Ilryong Moon launch his re-election campaign for an at-large seat on the Fairfax CountySchool Board. Moon is one of just six of the 12 incumbents seeking re-election. At the launch party at Magill’s restaurant in Annandale, Moon … Continued
Prepare now for insurance issues
Del. Kaye Kory submitted the following information on state resources that could prove helpful with Hurricane Irene – or another emergency: The National Association of Insurance Communication (NAIC) offers a free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book, that can be used to create a home inventory. The app lets users photograph and capture images, descriptions, bar codes, and serial … Continued
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
Hillbrook Automotive Center to clean up
Mr. Choi of the Hillbrook Automotive Center and Pure gas station (at 6701 Little River Turnpike in Annandale) has an excellent reputation for good work, good value, and reliability, which has attracted an ever increasing customer base. And that has caused some problems: As the business has grown, there have been complaints from people who … 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
Oleszek appears to have beaten Wade in Braddock supervisor race
In the Democratic primary for Supervisor of the Braddock District, Janet S. Oleszek seems to have beaten Christopher Wade, although the margin is razor thin. Oleszek has 1,955 votes, while Wade has 1,913. These precincts in the Braddock District went for Oleszek (the numbers are the percentage of votes she got): Fairview (56), North Springfield #1 (55), North … 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
Venomous wildlife can be annoying but won’t kill you
Copperhead We’ve got some dangerous wildlife around Annandale, but not as much as you might think, says Suzanne Holland, director of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Holland always has local children enthralled when she teaches them about the natural world, and her presentation on venomous snakes and poisonous plants Saturday afternoon was no exception. The … 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