Real estate market improved in February
Annandale’s real estate market has shown some improvements in February, compared with January. Twenty-five single-family homes were sold here last month, compared to just 17 in January, reports Vivianne Couts of Coldwell Banker. The average sales price in February was a bit lower, though–$435,000, compared to $504,719 in January. There were 62 single-family homes on … Continued
Mason District elects Evans to FCPS school board
Mason District voters elected Sandy Evans to the Fairfax County school board March 2. Evans received 2,633 votes, while her opponent, Samantha Rucker received 2,069. While FCPS school board elections are considered non-partisan, Evans was endorsed by the Democratic Party, and Rucker was endorsed by the Republicans. Turnout was light, as this was the only … Continued
ReLeaf works to conserve and restore urban forests
It always seems like there’s more open space in winter until the trees start sprouting new leaves. But each year, the onslaught of suburban development and large projects, like the beltway HOT lanes construction, have led to a steady decline of the tree cover in Fairfax County. A wonderful volunteer organization called Fairfax ReLeaf is … Continued
Learning to love bibimbap: An Annandale lunchtime primer
By James Moon You’d be hard pressed to find a standard Korean restaurant that doesn’t serve the humble bowl of rice known as bibimbap (pronounced “bee beam bahp”). For those of you who haven’t discovered what is probably Korea’s most accessible and a favorite lunchtime export, here’s a rice bowl primer. Bibimbap is a bowl … Continued
Up for a late-night karaoke party in a private room? Cafe Muse is the spot
If you’ve always wanted to try karaoke but were intimidated about performing in a crowded bar without copious amounts of “liquid courage,” Annandale’s Café Muse Karaoke Studio is a good place to get your feet wet. This establishment, 7356 Little River Turnpike (in between the Safeway shopping center and Markham Street), offers noraebang, Korean-style karaoke … Continued
FCPS Superintendent drops proposal for longer school days
Fairfax County Superintendent Jack Dale recommends that FCPS stick with its original calendar, which calls for April 12 and June 23, 24, and 25 to be used as make-up days for the school days lost to the heavy snowfall earlier this month. Dale had earlier proposed two other options that called for the school day … Continued
Evans more qualified to represent Mason District on Fairfax County school board
Next Tuesday, voters will go to the polls to select a school board member to represent Mason District during a critical period. Over the next few months, the Fairfax County school board will be making some tough choices, as it struggles to adopt a balanced budget to close a shortfall of some $176 million. Of … Continued
Free tax assistance available
Need help with your tax return? Volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program are providing free, walk-in assistance to local taxpayers at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale until April 15. This service is available be 1-8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 9 … Continued
Annandale girl stabbed on the way to school
The local NBC news station has a report about a 17-year-old girl being stabbed Tuesday morning as she walked to school in the 4400 block of Elan Place in Annandale. According to the story, “neighbors said they heard cries for help. The victim’s father told News4’s Pat Collins his daughter came running back to the house screaming. … Continued
Annandale assessments decline 5.5 percent
Assessed value of residential property in Annandale declined 5.56 percent from last year, the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration reports. The median value of homes in Annandale is $351,907 in 2010, compared to $372,973 in 2009. The county began mailing real estate assessment notes to county taxpayers Feb. 23. Based on equalization changes, the … Continued
Ravensworth Road: Then and now
A reader who wishes to remain anonymous sent the photo (top) of Ravensworth Road looking toward Annandale. It was taken around 1950 or 1951, before St. Michael’s Catholic Church was built. The other photo, taken yesterday, shows Ravensworth Road from the intersection of Davian Drive. It might not be the same section of road. Here’s what … Continued
Devastating budget cuts proposed for libraries
After suffering devastating budget cuts last year, the Fairfax County library system is facing even more draconian cutbacks in the county’s fiscal year 2011 budget, including reduced hours and layoffs. If the board of supervisors approves the proposed 15 percent cut in the library budget, this is what you can expect, beginning in July: Library … Continued
Try Miso for unique fusion cuisine
When one thinks of “fusion cuisine,” Asian foods and techniques with a Western influence usually comes to mind. But Miso, a Japanese-Korean restaurant in the Safeway shopping center at 7410 Little River Turnpike takes the concept in a different direction, incorporating such ingredients as mozzarella and curry on its menu. Miso is a Japanese soybean … Continued
FCPS weighs plans for making up snow days
If you have a children in Fairfax County Public Schools, how do you think the school system should make up the four school days lost due to snow? It’s already been determined that a teacher workday on April 12 would become a full day of school for all students, and schools using a modified calendar … Continued
ABC store awarded for beautification effort
Congratulations to the ABC store at 7200 Little River Turnpike for receiving a beautification award from the Annandale Commercial Business District Planning Committee in recognition of the new fenced-in patio in front of the store. The award was presented Wednesday morning to store manager Harry Berry Jr. In the picture are (from the left): Helen Winter, … Continued