Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Cook launches community engagement initiative

Dozens of people came to a Town Hall meeting at Lake Braddock Secondary School Oct. 21 to hear Fairfax Supervisor John C. Cook of the Braddock District announce plans for a new community engagement initiative. A Leadership Institute, to be held Jan. 23, will educate community leaders on their legal, financial, and fiduciary responsibilities along … Continued

ArtsSpace Falls Church hosts musical fundraiser this Saturday

If you looking for a fun thing to do Saturday evening, Oct. 24, come hear live music—while supporting the local arts scene—at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South Maple Ave. NoBetterOff, a band of five northern Virginia musicians, will perform in the tradition of folk, rock, blues, and country at a fundraising event to support ArtSpace. … Continued

Major cuts in school funding considered

Brace yourselves for some major cuts in basic school services. The Fairfax County Public Schools budget has a revenue shortfall requiring cuts totaling $162 million and the elimination of more than 1,700 positions. The problem stems from an enrollment increase of more than 7,000 students, a decline in state revenue for the school district, and … Continued

Deeds gets real about revenue

In an exclusive interview with the Annandale blog, Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds indicated that addressing Virginia’s transportation problem is going to require a tax increase. The needed revenue “is not going to fall like manna from heaven,” he said. Republican candidate Bob McDonnell’s “plan [to privatize the state-run liquor stores] doesn’t work. The … Continued

Kory, Smith square off on taxes

The candidates for the 38th district of the House of Delegates—Democrat Kaye Kory and Republican Danny Smith—clearly differed on the issue of raising taxes Oct. 13 at the Greater Sleepy Hollow Candidates Forum at the Congressional School sponsored by the Sleepy Hollow. The 38th district includes most of Annandale, Lake Barcroft, and parts of Falls … Continued

Annandale’s crazy boys

These guys represent the spirit of Annandale – fun-loving, kinda cute, a little nerdy, maybe a little psycho. Who are these guys and what are they doing on the outside of the Francis Tailors building on the corner of Little River and Backlick? They are dressed to kill, so I guess they’re trying to sell … Continued

September home sales reported

In September, 66 residences sold in Annandale, according to the local multiple listing service, reports Vivianne Couts of Coldwell Banker. The highest sales price was $850,000, the lowest was $86,900. Of the homes sold, 38 were single family, 10 were townhouse, and the rest were condos. Fifteen were short sales, and another 15 were foreclosures.

The Lacey School: It’s really happening

If you’re curious about what the new elementary school in the Broyhill Crest neighborhood will look like, see the photo of the brand-new Laurel Hill school in Lorton. The new Annandale school on the Lacey site, scheduled to open for the start of the 2012 school year, will have a similar design as the Laurel … Continued

Progress on Lacey school site

Finally some action on the Lacey school! Fairfax County Public Schools located office space for the school employees at the Lacey Center, smoothing the way for the building to be demolished so construction of a new elementary school on that site can begin. Current plans call for staff moves to begin in December and be … Continued

Arrests made in huge mortgage fraud operation

Ever wonder what’s going on with those huge mansions springing up all over and who would buy them? It turns out many of them are part of criminal mortgage schemes. The Fairfax County Police Department, in conjunction with the FBI, busted 20 suspects involved in an elaborate fraudulent mortgage operation, the police department reported Sept. … Continued

Fairfax school budget will be “ugly”

Fairfax County Public Schools is facing another tough year, with deep budget cuts likely to result in staff cuts, program eliminations, larger class sizes, transportation cutbacks, and fees for such things as sports participation and AP and IB exams. At a meeting of the Superintendent’s Business and Community Advisory Council Sept. 22, Superintendent Jack Dale … Continued

KORUS Festival celebrates all things Korean

Large crowds jammed the Kmart parking lot last weekend for the seventh annual KORUS Festival, featuring traditional and pop music, break dancing, martial arts demonstrations, and food–lots of food. The event, hosted by the KORUS House of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area, is … Continued