A random ‘wildlife’ sighting
In these frigid, dark days of January, a random sighting, like this stuffed moose hanging from the back of a construction vehicle in the Bloom parking lot, can momentarily lift one’s spirits.
Applications accepted for FCPS immersion programs
Online registration for Fairfax County Public Schools’ two-way and partial immersion elementary school foreign language programs opened Jan. 5. Current kindergarten students may apply for the partial-immersion world language program for the 2010-11 school year, which is offered at 12 elementary schools, including Bailey’s Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences in Bailey’s Crossroads. Students … Continued
Fairfax County Democrats face challenges in Richmond
Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has a message for the state legislature: “Don’t shift responsibilities to localities. Don’t disproportionately target Fairfax County.” With both the state and county struggling with huge budget shortfalls, you can expect some huge conflicts over how state funding will be allocated—and what new revenue sources … Continued
Frame Factory fire blamed on wiring
The fire at The Frame Shop on the morning of Jan. 1 caused about three-quarters of a million dollars in damages, says owner Kurt Kruger, who also owns Kruger’s Antiques. The fire was apparently started in the electrical system and just about destroyed the entire store. Kruger’s office behind the Frame Shop was also damaged … Continued
Frame shop burns down
The Frame Factory burned down on New Year’s Day. The two-alarm fire totally destroyed the building at 7130 Little River Turnpike, according to TV reporter Dave Statter’s blog, STATter911, which covers fire and EMS news. No one was inside the building, when the fire was reported, around 7 a.m. The photo is by Joel Kobersteen, … Continued
New shops open in Annandale
Annandale has recently gained some new retail outlets with the opening of a two-story shopping center on Annandale Road between Little River Turnpike and Maple Place. Does anyone know what used to be in that spot? The Annandale blogger doesn’t remember. All but one of the stores are Korean, and none of the people working … Continued
Check out the Frostival for family fun
Looking for something fun to do with the little ones during the break? Thanks to Jill Anderson of the Lake Barcroft blog for suggesting the Frostival, a new winter-themed family festival sponsored by Celebrate Fairfax. Geared to children ages 2-12, the Frostival runs from 10 a.m., Jan. 1 to 5 p.m., Jan. 3 at the … Continued
Urge Kaine to extend voting rights to ex-offenders
Before Gov. Tim Kaine leaves office, there is one really important thing he needs to do: sign an executive order restoring voting rights to former felons. The Virginia Voter Restoration Project’s Restore Our Vote campaign urges citizens to sign a petition calling for Kaine to act now. More than 300,000 formerly incarcerated residents of Virginia, … Continued
Free workshops on starting a business
If your plans for 2010 include starting your own business, you might want to sign up for an entrepreneurship seminar hosted by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). “Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County” seminars will be held Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 8, Sept. 14, … Continued
Contact VDOT for snow plowing
Is your street still unplowed? The Virginia Department of Transportation, 703/838-8368, is responsible for nearly all road plowing. Property owners or homeowner associations are responsibly for private roads (which are not identified with a route number sign at intersections).Visit the winter weather preparedness section on the Fairfax County website for more information on snow removal … Continued
Winter storm could be a record breaker
With more than a foot of snow covering Annandale already (at 2 p.m. Saturday), we could be snowbound for days. According to the National Weather Service, we could be in the midst of the biggest winter storm to hit the D.C. area since February 2003 when we had 16 inches of snow. The storm could also … Continued
Annandale has grown rapidly in the past few decades
Thanks to Annandale resident Gil Tribbett for sharing an aerial photo of Annandale that was probably taken sometime around 1951, give or take a couple of years. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to scan it well enough so you make out any detail. It’s amazing how rural this area was back then. The intersection of … Continued
Samantha Rucker running for school board
The Fairfax County Republican Committee has endorsed former Virginia Assistant Attorney General Samantha Vanterpool Rucker as a candidate for the Mason seat on the Fairfax County school board. Rucker has been a substitute teacher and instructional assistant at Weyanoke Elementary School in Annandale, a Head Start volunteer, a member of the FCPS Minority Student Achievement … Continued
Wine tastings at Hidden Oaks Nature Center
My friend, Jill Anderson, of the Lake Barcroft blog, reports on an upcoming series of wine tastings this winter at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Faced the with prospect of draconian budget cuts, the Fairfax County Parks must come up with creative ways to raise revenue. Hidden Oaks, located off Hummer Road in between Gallows and … Continued
More details emerge on new Lacey school
Fairfax County school officials offered new details of the elementary school to be built on the Lacey site at a Dec. 12 meeting sponsored by the Broyhill Crest Community Association. The Lacey school administration building will be torn down, and construction of the new school is expected to be completed in February 2012, which will … Continued