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

Lawmakers urge environmental advocates to get more active in politics

A full house at an environmental advocacy workshop. Elected officials urged people concerned about the environment to take a more active role in politics at a workshop at Green Spring Gardens March 18. At least 100 people attended the meeting, which was sponsored by the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and other organizations. “The environmental community … Continued

Immigration policy has huge impact on local community

Government leaders and representatives of nonprofit organizations are reaching out to calm fears following the Trump Administration’s hard-line approach to immigrants and travelers, which is encouraging a rising tide of hate crimes. Panelists at March 11 forum hosted by the Fairfax County NAACP at the Kings Park Library spoke about how children are afraid to … Continued

Public officials, religious leaders denounce anti-Semitic attacks and bomb threats

Rep. Gerry Connolly at the podium, surrounded by public officials. [Jamie Smith] Government leaders and the heads of various religious institutions appeared at a news conference at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia March 3 to denounce the recent wave of anti-Semitic vandalism and intimidation nationwide. Hundreds of gravestones were toppled at Jewish cemeteries … Continued

Neighbors reach out to victims of hate, public officials at postcard-writing party

Local residents send messages of support, gratitude, and advocacy.  A few dozen local residents gathered on Friday evening for a postcard-writing party to commemorate Random Acts of Kindness Day. They sent messages of support to victims of hate crimes, thanked public officials for doing positive things, and urged other officials to focus on human rights. … Continued

Bulova to form ‘community council’ on land use

Bulovaco Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova announced plans to convene a “community council” to identify ways to “enhance and improve community engagement” during the land use planning and development process throughout Fairfax County. The council will begin work in February and will meet at the Fairfax County Government Center at 7:30 p.m. approximately four … Continued

Santa’s Ride collects toys for children in the hospital

Santa’s route covers children in the hospital.  Santa Claus will be making the rounds on a Harley instead of a reindeer-pulled sleigh next week as he picks up donated toys throughout Northern Virginia for hospitalized children. It’s the 28th year of the annual Santa’s Ride for Children, a project spearheaded by the Fairfax County Police … Continued

Environmental Film Festival Oct. 31

Here’s something fun to do on Halloween that doesn’t involve dressing up or pumpkins – Attend the free Environmental Film Festival at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College. It’s Oct. 31, 1-4:30 p.m., in the Ernst Center. NOVA and the Fairfax County Restoration Project invite the public to “learn about a brighter environmental future … Continued

The Annandale Parade is an annual tradition

The Marching Atoms. A longtime Annandale tradition, the annual fall parade, marched along Columbia Pike Saturday morning. The Annandale High School marching band, dressed for Halloween, was a highlight, as were the elaborately costumed Bolivian dancers. Morenada Transpeco USA Other participants included Scouts, elected leaders, schools, businesses, and community organizations. The grand marshal this year … Continued

Police work on building trust with the community

Capt. Thomas Rogers, commander of the Mason Police District speaks at a forum on police-community relations.  From the left: Officer Brian Hall, Officer Chantel Cochrane, Crime Prevention Officer Kat O’Leary, and Lt. William Giger. The mostly African-American participants at a public forum on police-community relations Oct. 13 raised concerns about racial profiling, the use of … Continued