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

Virginia Beach will open Friday

Virginia Beach on a typical summer weekend. (Kaitlin McKeown/Virginia Media) Virginia Beach will reopen Friday, May 22, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced during a coronavirus briefing today.  Recreational activities – including sunbathing, swimming, and fishing – will be allowed, although beach goers are urged to maintain social distancing.  No group sports, alcohol, tents, speakers, or … Continued

There have been fewer accidents, more burglaries in Annandale during pandemic

Members of the community express their appreciation for the officers at the Franconia Police District. [FCPD] Traffic accidents are down during the coronavirus lockdown in the Annandale/Mason District area, but there’s been an increase in certain crimes.   According to data shared by Capt. Brooke Wright, commander of the Mason Police Station, and Lt. Jane Burns … Continued

FCPS outlines plan for summer programs

A message from Camelot Elementary School in Annandale. Schools will continue distance learning for students during the summer along with targeted intervention services, according to an update from Fairfax County Public Schools. School buildings will remain closed in July.  No decisions have been made about the 2020-21 school year, although several scenarios are being considered. Special … Continued

New Fairfax County grant program aids nonprofits

The food pantry run by Annandale Christian Community for Action. [Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club.] The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors established a $5 million fund to assist nonprofit organizations whose primary work supports social safety net services for vulnerable populations. The application process for Nonprofit Sustainability Grants begins May 15. The deadline to apply is … Continued

FCPS weighs options for fall and for graduation

Signs like these are cropping up all over.  The Fairfax County School Board reviewed three possible scenarios for the 2020-21 school year at a May 11 work session.  Meanwhile, a state-level COVID-19 Education Task Force plans to issue policy guidance in June on the conditions for reopening schools.   The three possibilities considered for fall 2020 … Continued

Fairfax County supervisors approve new grant program for small businesses

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors created a new $25 million grant program May 12 to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. The Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (Fairfax RISE) is funded by the county’s allocation from the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. Fairfax RISE will offer grants to … Continued

Northam delays Phase I of reopening plan for Northern Virginia

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order May 12 stating that localities in Northern Virginia can delay Phase I of the state’s plan to ease restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.  Northam had previously announced that Phase I, which allows non-essential businesses, barbershops, hair salons, and places of … Continued

Stuff the Bus returns to Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads

The Stuff the Bus campaign is coming back on two days this month to collect food donations to meet the needs of people struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  But this time, instead of having the Fastran buses park in supermarket parking lots, the buses will be at less-frequented lots throughout Fairfax County.  Stuff the … Continued

Community leaders urge supervisors to not make decisions on land use during virtual meetings

A virtual Board of Supervisors meeting in April. Representatives of 18 community associations and 74 individuals signed on to a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors urging them to hold off on making decisions about land use during the pandemic when residents don’t have a chance for meaningful engagement. The May 7 letter … Continued