New facility at NOVA will offer one-stop registration
The new building under construction on the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College will provide one-stop registration, says Robert Vaughn, director of workforce development and continuing education. The facility, expected to open in January, will house student registration, a testing center, book store, campus police, counselors, business center, nine new classrooms, and a Starbucks. … Continued
Annandale’s reps in Richmond oppose privatizing liquor stores
Annandale’s representatives in the state legislature oppose Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to privatize state-run liquor stores. McDonnell, a Republican, has been pushing the privatization concept in town meetings across the state and is expected to announce a detailed proposal next week. McDonnell contends that privatizating the stores now run by the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage … Continued
Annandale children say ‘adios,’ as monarchs begin long journey to Mexico
About half a dozen monarch butterflies got a fond farewell as they headed off to Mexico from Annandale’s Hidden Oaks Nature Center Sunday afternoon. Before they flew away, Assistant Manager Suzanne Holland attached tiny stickers to their wings to help biologists track their journey. Monarch butterflies eat milkweed leaves, and Hidden Oaks’ butterfly garden is … Continued
Fairfax Arts Council will focus on advocacy
Dusenberry The Arts Council of Fairfax County brought together local artists and public leaders for a thank-you party Aug. 27 at the Mason District Government Center for John Dusenberry, who is leaving his position as director of the council’s Art in the Workplace program. Faced with limited resources, the Arts Council will focus on advocacy efforts … Continued
DMV computer troubles top constituent concerns at Rep. Kaye Kory’s ‘office hours’
If you’re trying to get a driver’s license renewed, good luck. Due to computer troubles at Virginia’s data center, the state’s DMV offices have been unable to process driver’s licenses and ID cards. When the service is resumed, you can expect big crowds, as the DMV reports the last week of the month is usually … Continued
Wakefield pedestrian bridge closed without warning
Annandale bicyclists were surprised to learn that VDOT closed the Wakefield pedestrian bridge over the beltway suddenly without warning. Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB) reported on the group’s Facebook page that the bridge will be closed for up to eight weeks. According to FABB, there are no good, safe alternatives, and a detour would take … Continued
Demolition of Lacey Center delayed
Demolition of the Lacey Center, originally scheduled for August, has been delayed until October, reports school board member Sandy Evans. “Between now and then, there will be other activity at the site, such as surveying and fencing. The contractor is in the process of getting required permits and other site preparation work,” Evans says. The new … Continued
Connolly lauds Obama’s accomplishments
“I’m proud to have stood by President Barack Obama’s agenda, and I’m not running away from it,” Rep. Gerry Connolly told a roomful of supporters Wednesday evening. Connolly, a Democrat, represents Virginia’s 11th district (which includes Annandale, along with most of Fairfax and Prince Williams counties). He was swept into office in 2008, as a … Continued
Neighborhood Spotlight: The Parliaments is a diverse community in the heart of Annandale
With 750 units, The Parliaments is the largest apartment complex in Annandale, and its location in the heart of the central business area makes it convenient for shopping. It’s within walking distance of the Safeway and other stores in the Little River Shopping Center, and the shops and bowling alley on Markham Street. Lots of … Continued
Expansion under way at Beech Tree Elementary
Students returning to Beech Tree Elementary School Sept. 7 will have to negotiate around the construction debris, but the mud and dust will be well worth it. The project, consisting of five additions, is expected to be completed in August 2010, says Principal Terry Phillips. The additions will house a new media center, band and strings … Continued
You’ve got to try the fried chicken at Annandale’s Bon Chon
By James Moon Many Koreans—like much of the general population—have a weakness for fried chicken and beer. And although fried chicken didn’t catch on in Korea until 1979, the 30 years that followed saw the peninsula become a culinary powerhouse in the fried chicken arena. Fried chicken in South Korea is everywhere—from ubiquitous mom-and-pop shops … Continued
Keep an open mind, Annandale school boundary committee urged
Several members of the Annandale Regional Planning Study Committee said they are cautiously optimistic about the group’s ability to come up with workable solutions for readjusting school boundaries to relieve overcrowding at Annandale High School. At the group’s second meeting, last night at Annandale High School, there seemed to be a general feeling that committee members … Continued
Annandale Safe Youth Project: a haven for children
For children with family, behavior, or school issues, the Annandale Safe Youth Project offers a life line. When C. came to the Annandale Safe Youth Project five years ago, his mother had moved out of town, he was adjusting to life with his dad, and was struggling in school, says staff member Antonia Arias. “He … Continued
Annandale resident listed on sex offender registry
The Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry put out a community notification Aug. 17 about Bruce E. Landrum, of 7504 Rocart Drive, Annandale, Va. Rocart Drive is between Ravensworth Road and Bristow Drive and is about a block from Annandale High School and the Sleepy Hollow Preschool. Landrum, a white male, age 50, … Continued
Long-range park planning document addresses park issues in Annandale
Among the Fairfax County Park Authority’s long-range plans for Annandale are recommendations for new trails and new connections between existing trails, upgraded facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Audrey Moore RECenter, the preservation of historic sites, and much more. These proposals are included in the draft report, Great Parks, Great Communities. This project was initiated … Continued