AARP volunteers help residents file taxes
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program starts this week. AARP volunteers will provide free federal tax return preparation and e-filing at 11 locations in Northern Virginia, including the Mason Government Center and the James Lee Community Center. Although everyone is welcome to take advantage of this service, Tax-Aide clients are generally low and middle-income seniors, … Continued
Asian community celebrates lunar new year
The community ushered in the Year of the Snake with Asian cultural performances, food, crafts, and vendors at the 16th Annual Chinese New Festival at Luther Jackson Middle School on Jan. 25. The event was hosted by the Asian Community Service Center. The event celebrates the lunar new year while educating the public about Chinese … Continued
FCPS vows to protect students if ICE agents come to schools
As fears mount following President Trump’s threat to deport many more immigrants, including those here legally, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid told Annandale Today, “We are committed to the fullest extent of the law to protecting our students and staff.” Reid said she met with all the principals last week. “We gave them … Continued
Police charge man with firearm violations
Officers from the Mason Police District arrested a man for possession of a concealed weapon on county property in Bailey’s Crossroads, the FCPD reports. On Jan. 22, shortly before 8 p.m., officers responded to the Bailey’s Shelter at 5914 Seminary Road for a weapon violation. The victim reported that a man pointed a firearm at … Continued
BoS urged to act on illegal dumping
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council is urging county leaders to take action to curb illegal dumping along roadways and in parks, streams, and neighborhoods. EQAC recommends the Board of Supervisors assign a county agency to take on a leadership role for eliminating illegal dumping. It also calls for better signage at dump sites … Continued
Weekly crime report
The following recent crimes in the Annandale/Mason District area are reported by the Fairfax County Police Department on CityProtect: Jan. 22 Jan. 21 Jan. 20 Jan. 19 Jan. 18 Jan. 17 Jan. 16
Casino bill advances in the state Senate
The Virginia Senate’s General Laws Committee passed a bill Jan. 22 that would authorize a casino in Tysons. The measure (SB 982), introduced by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) would permit Fairfax County to hold a public referendum on a casino. While the legislation doesn’t specifically mention Tysons, the paraments it sets would … Continued
School board could delay action on middle school start times
Mason District parents are pushing back against a delay in implementing later middle school start times. In September 2023, FCPS awarded a contract to Prismatic Services to develop a plan for changing middle school start times – to 8 a.m. or later – to take effect in fall 2025. An online petition calls for FCPS … Continued
Honorary name proposed for Annandale’s main street
Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez has scheduled two community meetings on a proposal to designate a portion of Little River Turnpike as Gangnam Street. The name would be purely honorary; it would not change residential or business addresses and would not be recognized by the Post Office. If approved, Gangnam Street would run from Evergreen … Continued
Man arrested for reckless discharge
Fairfax County police arrested a man for recklessly discharging a gun in a Lincolnia neighborhood. No one was injured. Officers responded to the 6400 block of Montrose Street at 1 p.m. on Jan. 17 for the report of gunshots. The incidence happened near Holmes Middle School. They found evidence of a gun being discharged and determined … Continued
School news
The following news items are from Fairfax County Public Schools and the School Board. A Tiger welcome – The Tiger Team at Mason Crest Elementary School welcomes new kids to school and shows them the ropes. Mason Crest sees a lot of changes in their student population every year, notes a story about the Tiger … Continued
Board calls for review of county leaf pickups
Among the resolutions approved by the Board of Supervisors last week, one addresses leaf collections, and another deals with the need for apartments to have pet-friendly policies. Mason District residents were told to put their leaves on the curb in early November but in some cases, the leaves weren’t picked up until a month later, … Continued
Megamart Supermarket to open in Annandale
Megamart, a grocery store focusing on the Hispanic community, is expected to open in Annandale in late February or early March.
Jan. 21 designated a Day of Racial Healing
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation declaring Jan. 21, 2025, as a Day of Racial Healing. The resolution calls upon “all residents to participate in programs and activities that reflect our shared humanity and join ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive community for everyone.” The National Day of Racial … Continued
Volunteer projects honor King’s legacy
In honor of Martin Luther King, Fairfax County invites residents to carry out volunteer activities to benefit the community. County offices and schools are closed for MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 20. There will be a trash and litter cleanup event on Monday hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. To participate, register in … Continued