Bicyling advocates press for more trails
If you’re a bike rider, you should check out Fairfax Advocates for Better Biking (FABB). This group, founded in 2005 by 10 bicycle enthusiasts, pushes for more bike trails, bike racks, and better protection for bike riders; provides bike valet parking at community festivals; sponsors training courses for bikers; and helps produce bike trail maps. … Continued
Annandale to get another Korean bank
Another new bank is coming to Annandale. Foster Bank, based in Chicago, is opening a branch next to Radio Shack in the Safeway shopping center on Little River Turnpike. It is expected to open in May. A company press release calls the Annandale location “a short 10-minute drive from Washington, D.C.” [Ha!] Foster Bank was … Continued
Seen any foxes or coyotes lately?
Several Annandale residents have reported seeing more foxes lately during daylight hours. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the fox population is growing, says Michael McDonnell, manager of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center off Hummer Road in Annandale. He thinks the foxes are changing their behavior in response to the growing number of coyotes in the area. … Continued
Sears development proposal withdrawn
Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross reports that the owner of the Sears property on Leesburg Pike has withdrawn the proposal for a multi-use development. That decision is being made due to other contractual obligations, not because of citizen opposition. The proposal for developing townhouses on the site of the nursery off Route 50 near Seven … Continued
Parent, teacher advocacy groups form coalition to push for more FCPS accountability
Leaders of parent advocacy groups, teacher organizations, and community groups announced the formation of the Fairfax Education Coalition (FEC) Jan. 20 “to advocate for improved accountability, transparency, and community participation in the Fairfax County Public Schools’ decision-making process.” Coalition members include representatives from the Fairfax Coalition of Advocates for Public Schools (FairfaxCAPS), the Fairfax County … Continued
Does Route 7 need 425 more condos?
If you’ve ever driven on Leesburg Pike between Seven Corners and the Skyline Center at just about any time of the day, you’ve probably run into some of the worst traffic congestion in Northern Virginia. How can it possibly get any worse? Unless Fairfax County officials act to stop it, a major new project will … Continued
Bloom opens in Annandale Shopping Center
With a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross and local business leaders, the Bloom grocery store in the Annandale Shopping Center opened Tuesday afternoon. First-day shoppers were treated to performances by the Poe Middle School Jazz Band and students from the Hapmudo martial arts studio, as well as free samples. The new … Continued
Teens raise money for Haiti earthquake victims
Who says teenagers are apathetic and self-centered? These Annandale youths—Sylvia Greer, Sydney Khalaji, and Sarah Mueller—organized a bake sale Sunday at the Annandale Giant and raised $537 to help victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Towers Watson, a global professional services company based in Arlington, contributed matching funds. The money will go to the … Continued
Sandy Evans: ‘I will not be a rubber stamp’
School board candidate Sandy Evans (center) told voters Jan. 16, “I will not be a rubber stamp” for Fairfax County Superintendent Jack Dale. Noting that the Fairfax County Public Schools budget is in “terrible shape,” Evans vowed to protect class and look for more efficient ways of doing things so any funding cuts that need … Continued
Coming to Annandale: TD Bank and Blimpies
Two new little development projects are in the works for Annandale. A one-story TD Bank is slated to be built on the southwest corner of Little River Turnpike and Backlick Road, currently the site of a gas station. The 3,800-square foot building will have a drive through. On the northwest corner of Little River Turnpike … Continued
Community groups can seek grants for projects near HOT lanes
Fluor and Transurban, the two companies working on the beltway High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes Project, have announced a grant program to support nearby communities. The HOT lanes will extend from the Springfield interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road. Communities and organizations can apply for grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 for projects … Continued
Respond now for free tickets to craft festival
The first person who responds to this post will win two free tickets to the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. Please send an email to [email protected] and include your mailing address.
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival comes to Chantilly
If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, check out the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly Jan. 29-31. More than 250 artisans will be selling pottery, sculpture, glass, fashion, furniture, art, and much more. The festival also features interactive demonstrations with master crafters, live music, children’s entertainment, and specialty gourmet … Continued
What happened to Annandale’s antique community?
About half a dozen years ago, Annandale had a thriving community of antique dealers, mostly centered around Little River Turnpike. At one point, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce even promoted Annandale as an antique center. Unfortunately, many antique dealers are no longer in business, and some of those that are left are barely hanging on. … Continued
Proposed budget cuts would decimate Fairfax County Public Schools
Faced with a “dismal” budget picture, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Dale is calling for gut-wrenching cuts in key programs, a one-student increase in class sizes, and new fees for participating in sports and taking advanced tests. Dale announced his budget proposals at the Jan. 7 school board meeting. The proposed $2.3 billion budget … Continued