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

Habitat for Humanity renovates bug-infested house for first-time homeowner

Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia has turned a roach-infested, heavily damaged townhouse in Annandale into a beautifully redone home for a lower-income first-time homebuyer. The four-bedroom house at 4537 Garbo Court, in the Cavalcade community off Ravensworth Road, was donated to Habitat in winter 2014 by Mary Ann Elliott. Rev. Jon Smoot, the executive … Continued

Annandale High School students show they care at Just World Festival

Annandale High School students involved in organizations aimed at making the world a better place showcased a variety of  initiatives promoting environmental activism, social justice, and cultural understanding at the 10th annual Just Word Festival Feb. 27.  The Bag Monster, a.k.a. Annandale High School junior Ismail Ahmad, is wearing 500 plastic bags to show the … Continued

Free tax help available

Need help with your taxes? Eligible taxpayers are encouraged to take advantage of free tax preparation assistance in the Annandale/Mason area. Volunteers from the AARP Tax-Aide program will be stationed at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale) through April 15 to help taxpayers on a walk-in basis. The program is free for … Continued

Community celebration shines spotlight on Annandale restaurants

“The Taste of Annandale,” a major community event showcasing local restaurants – and much more – is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., in downtown Annandale. This multicultural celebration, organized by Mason District residents and stakeholders, is designed to spotlight the Annandale business district, engage young people, and build community spirit though music, … Continued

Worship Watch crime prevention program targets faith community

The Fairfax County Police Department is launching a program aimed at preventing crime at houses of worship by encouraging congregants to be more vigilant. Worship Watch is modeled after Neighborhood Watch, a crime-prevention program that encourages residents to be observant of their surroundings and report suspicious activity. The public is invited to a free workshop … Continued

Audrey Moore has some new friends

The organizational meeting for a new citizens’ group to advocate for improvements at Audrey Moore RECenter drew lots of support. About three dozen residents – and several county officials – came to a Feb. 5 meeting to explore the formation of a group called Friends of Audrey Moore RECenter (AMRC). Built in 1976, Audrey Moore … Continued

Congressional School celebrating 75th anniversary

It’s a big year for the Congressional Schools of Virginia: The elite private school on Sleepy Hollow Road in Mason District is celebrating its 75th anniversary. A series of celebrations is going on all year, says Chris Pryor, Congressional’s development director, with the main events – a golf tournament at the Reston National Golf Course … Continued

Any Fairfax County teen could become a sex trafficking victim

West Springfield High School students Alyssa Wenklar (left) and Kyra Beckman, are members of the Spartans Against Human Trafficking club. Any  teenager in Fairfax County could be at risk for becoming a victim of sex trafficking. It’s happened to youths from every school, ethnicity, and family income level, said Det. Bill Woolf during a program … Continued

Ryan McElveen to headline AHS Just World Festival

McElveen’s Happy New Year tweet. Popular Fairfax County school board member Ryan McElveen (at large) will be the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Just World Festival Feb. 27 at Annandale High School. The free Friday afternoon event features workshops, exhibits, and entertainment aimed at promoting social activism among youths from the perspective: “It’s not … Continued