Tag: culture
Teens from Cyprus here for the summer learn peace begins with friendship
The Cypriot teens at Great Falls. Twenty teenagers from Cyprus are spending a few weeks in the D.C. area this summer, living with host families while they absorb American culture, go on outings, and make new friends. But it’s not just fun and games. The teens are here with the Cyprus Friendship Program, which is … Continued
Diversity in Annandale: The dialogue continues
Rev. Brown About 50 people—community leaders, police officers, school and county officials, and local residents—spent Wednesday evening at Annandale High School exploring ways to improve civic engagement and develop leadership among Annandale’s diverse population. The event, coordinated by the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, builds on the “dialogue on diversity” sessions held … Continued
Neighborhood groups hope to engage people from diverse cultures
Annandale residents took part in a dialogue on diversity last spring at Annandale High School With Fairfax County becoming increasingly diverse, neighborhood groups are finding it sometimes difficult to recruit volunteers that reflect their communities. As George Klein, vice chair of the Braddock District Council of Community Associations, put it. “We need to better engage … Continued
NOVA-based Bolivian dance group competes internationally
Fraternidad Cultural Pachamama, the Bolivian folklore group that marched in the Annandale parade and performed on the stage at the Annandale Festival last Saturday, has been performing all over the East Coast for the past 11 years. Last April, the group won first place in an international Tinku dance competition in Madrid, Spain, where they … Continued
Burning Man comes to Annandale
The original Burning Man festival drew some 50,000 people to a temporary, self-sufficient community in the Nevada desert a couple of weeks ago. A local gathering based on the Burning Man concept was held in the Annandale area this weekend. Dozens of “burners” set up tents in a backyard for a weekend of camping, music, … Continued
Festival highlights Cambodian culture
Ben Brenman Park in Alexandria was turned into a showcase of all things Cambodian Sunday afternoon, featuring music, dance, processions, games, crafts, educational exhibits, and food. The park is on Duke Street, just east of Annandale. This was the 10th annual Cambodian Community Day, says Sophia Tep, a member of the festival’s organizing committee. The … Continued
Summer concert series still going strong at Mason District Park
Orquestra Tropikiimba If you haven’t been to a Spotlight by Starlight concert at Annandale’s Mason District Park this summer, you’re missing out on a great opportunity for free, convenient entertainment. The shows take place in the park’s amphitheater every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and child-friendly shows are 10 a.m. Saturdays. You have a … Continued
All-women jazz orchestra will perform at NOVA
Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes An historic event takes place in Annandale next weekend: the debut performance of Washington, D.C.’s, first all-women, all-star professional jazz orchestra. Shannon Gunn and the Bullettes Jazz Orchestra, with singer Lena Seikaly, will perform Sunday, June 26, at 4 p.m., in the Ernst Cultural Center Theater at Northern Virginia Community College … Continued
Many challenges, few solutions offered at final Annandale Dialogue on Diversity
If the purpose of the Annandale Dialogue on Diversity was to open up lines of communication among an assortment of immigrants and people with deeper roots here, it accomplished its goals. But if the idea is to lay the groundwork for some sort of longer-lasting initiative aimed at cross-cultural understanding, we’ll have to wait and … Continued
Just World Festival at Annandale HS promotes global awareness
The sixth annual Just World Festival at Annandale High School Feb. 25 offered students from AHS and other schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia an opportunity to share their interests in and learn about humanitarian causes, environmental issues, and global and cultural awareness. “We believe that by learning more about our world, … Continued
Community celebrates Chinese New Year
Luther Jackson Middle School was turned into a mini-Chinatown Saturday as people from Annandale and across the region ushered in the Year of the Rabbit at a Chinese New Years Festival. A Dragon Dance wound through the crowd, as spectators enjoyed crafts, games, and food. The entertainment included dance and instrumental music from Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, Mongolia, and … Continued
Annandale High School hosts Just World Festival next month
The Just World Festival will bring hundreds of youths and community leaders to Annandale High School Feb. 25 to learn about global issues and youth initiatives. The festival, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Association of IB World Schools and the AHS Just World Club, is targeted to students from schools in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District … Continued
Virginia Music Adventures supports young jazz musicians
Chapel Square Combo Some of the most talented youths in the area performed at Virginia Music Adventures’ 6th Annual Benefit Gala Saturday evening at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale. The students were in the Chapel Square Combo, a jazz ensemble made up of local high school students, and the Annandale Jazz Ambassadors, a … Continued
Renovated Ossian Hall Park enhances Annandale quality of life
The Annandale High School marching band and Korean Pure Sound drummers performed, as a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local government leaders marked the official opening of the newly renovated Ossian Hall Park Saturday afternoon. The 22-acre park, on the corner of Heritage Drive and Four Year Run next to Annandale High School, has a plaza, two playgrounds, … Continued