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
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