Is Your Home in Need of a Makeover? 
ANNANDALE
The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM
Read Annandale's News Magazine,
ENDEAVOR
News: Parking Reimagined
News: Meet the Artisan NOBUE YAMABAYASHI
Real Estate: The State of the Market
History: A Virginia Civil Rights Hero
THE POLICE BEAT: Parents, please talk with your children!
VIEW ON NATURE: Otherworldly...
The Garden Path: Planning Your Garden Landscaping
History: UnCovered: Tracing the Origins of Silhouettes
ANNANDALE News, Events & Networking
Green Spring Gardens
Moon Gate Garden Project
Green Spring celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020. The construction of a Moon Gate Garden is a fitting way to celebrate Green Spring’s milestone 50th anniversary and to look ahead to the next 50 years. The project will include a mix of traditional and modern design concepts to draw visitors into this new Asian-inspired garden.
Moon gates originated in ancient Asian gardens. Guests who passed through them were symbolically granted an auspicious welcome and good fortune. In garden design, they provide enticing passageways or window views from one space into another, piquing curiosity about what lies beyond. At Green Spring Gardens, a moon gate feature will be situated at the apex of a site line established by trailblazing garden designer Beatrix Farrand, with views to the ponds below. Farrand created an iconic moon gate feature for Abbie Rockefeller’s garden in Maine. Inspired by her work there, we are creating this feature to honor her and complement her boxwood design at Green Spring.
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Kenwood Summer Day Camp
Pick Your Weeks, Extended Day, & Family Registration Available
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At Kenwood Summer Day Camp the children not only go on exciting trips every day but also have a wide variety of activities to keep them entertained while they are at camp. When the campers arrive in the morning they are greeted by our friendly camp counselors and immediately go join their friends on our large, wooded playground. Our playground equipment is top notch but you will likely say goodbye to your child as they are running to join the basketball or kickball game in progress on the blacktop. As the day warms up the campers go in groups to one of our 5 themed rooms to cool off and play.
Kenwood offers fun activities for students from kindergarten to 8th grade.
Fieldtrips Include
Pirate Cruise
Medieval Times
Adventure Times USA
Central Park Funland
Kings Dominion
Six Flags and much more!
Gym
Basketball, volleyball, and relay races are played in a nice, air conditioned environment.
Game Room
Board games, air hockey, Foosball tables, and a Wii with a projector.
Art Room
Weekly arts & crafts projects to make and take home.
Video Game Room
Jam packed with PlayStation consoles and lots of games to choose from.
4955 Sunset Lane, Annandale VA. 22003
703-256-4711 addmissions@kenwoodschool.com
VIEW ON NATURE: Otherworldly... 
Wheel bug is known for the "spokes"on its back and
is a member of what is collectively called assassin bugs
What’s over 2 inches long, has scores of always-moving yellow legs, and oozes a cyanide toxin that smells like cherries? Answer…the vibrantly colored cherry millipede.
The cherry millipede’s beautiful contrasting colors, color patterns, and body symmetry may be one of Nature’s finest works of art. Every time I come across one, I marvel at its shiny jet-black body of 19 segments individually framed in yellow on top and rose-orange on the sides propelled by two sets of dexterous lemon-yellow legs. It looks otherworldly as it flows flawlessly, mechanically over all surfaces. Seventy-six legs moving in perfect harmony.
I know, I know, it’s a “creepy” millipede, but we need to look past that and admire this creation for its wonderful appearance and other qualities shaped over millennia by the magic of evolution. For example, the cherry millipede sports the same colors as a monarch butterfly which serve as warnings to predators to beware that they taste terrible. That’s also why cherry millipedes don’t rely on balling up to expose their exoskeletons for protection like most millipedes. Instead, when ambushed, they secrete benzaldehyde (smells like cherries) and hydrogen cyanide (potent poison) to ward off attacks. Upon stimulation, they mix the two chemicals in defense glands and secret them out via tiny holes in the sides of their ringed bands called ozopores. This broadcasts to predators to back off!
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The Police Beat:
Parents Please Talk with Your Children
Parents, it is important to talk with your child about safety. Having a discussion before a situation occurs is vital. Abductions are not common. Non-family abductions are the rarest type of abduction case and make up only 1% of the missing children cases reported to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Still, these conversations are best before your child gets lost or goes missing. Here are a few tips to discuss with your child ahead of any such incident:
Ask your parents for permission:
- Ask before you leave, even if it is to go a few houses away or to the playground.
- If you’re getting a ride or changing a routine, ask first.
Always tell your parents your plan:
- Where you’re going.
- Who you’re going with.
- When you’ll be back.
Have a meeting spot:
- Identify a place you and your parent can meet if you get separated.
- Designate a meeting spot near your home or, if you’re elsewhere, a pick location to meet.
- If you don’t have a meeting spot and get separated, stay put.
Establish safe areas:
- Determine locations in your neighborhood that are safe to play and visit.
- Determine the areas you need permission to go and areas you should avoid.
Saturday, June 10 -- 9am to Noon
Shred It and Forget It
Saturday, June 10 -- 10 am to Noon
Painting Classes Now Offered at ARTISANS UNITED GALLERY
How about a painting class? One of the artist members of the Craft Gallery of Artisans United is offering a class at the craft gallery on Saturday, June 10th, from 10:00 to noon. She will teach you how to paint the image in the attached flyer, Sunset Birch Trees, on an 8"x10" canvas with acrylic paints. Open to ages 8 and up. Cost is $15.00 (cash, or check payable to Artisans United, Inc.), which includes all materials and light refreshments. Call the gallery at 703-941-0202 to register or for additional information.
Annandale REAL ESTATE
The State of the Market
The State of the Market
Hello friends, here’s a short note to bring you up-to-date on our vibrant Northern Virginia housing market. Properties which are well priced and in good condition are getting contracts very quickly with multiple offers and prices bid up. What should you do to make sure you are poised to enter this market?
For one thing, you can sell a property that has not had updates as long as it’s in good condition, easy to show and, primarily, well priced. It is best to price at a lower number close to what you will accept and let the market provide the answer. Currently I have a full basement rambler coming on the market in North Springfield with kitchen and baths not updated.
February sales were above a year ago, both in number of sales and prices. As you all know, the assessed values are rising in most cases based on last year’s sales. The assessor’s office uses sales price data from our listing service. There is still a significant shortage of inventory vs. number of buyers. This continuing shortage of properties for sale impacts both rentals and sales. Maybe we will see some change as more people decide to sell for the springtime market. Already, on my saved searches, I am seeing more new listings coming on line as Coming Soon and Active.
READ MORE
Artisan Show & Sale
This show is featuring work by members of the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild and the 21 permanent artists at the Gallery. Open 10-4 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1-4 pm on Sundays.
The Gallery offers a wide variety of items hand-crafted by local artists available. Find practical and decorative items for the season and all your gift-giving needs. Examples include:
- * Wearable and other Glass art
- * Photography
- * Baby bib and blanket sets, stuffed animals
- * Creative animal photography
- * Wearable fabric art
- * Wooden toys and other carved items
- * One-of-a-kind wire and braided jewelry
- *Functional and decorative quilted items
- * Needle-felted items (flowers, small animals, etc.)
- *Decorative and functional pottery
- *Acrylic painting on glass and wood
- *Wire woven jewelry
- *Crocheted and knitted accessories
- *Macrame home decor
- *Wood boxes
- *and Origami jewelry and decorative items
Artisan United Gallery
4022 Hummer Road, Annandale
In the Fred Packard Center in the Annandale Community Park
www.augallery.org
SOCIABLE ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS
Deena Imbriglia, Home Instead Senior Care
As individuals age, they tend to spend more time in their homes and by themselves. This can lead to loneliness and isolation. Interacting with other people helps to stimulate the brain and keep mental and social acuity sharp. Here are some activities that are suitable and accessible for most older individuals and inclusive with varying levels of mobility.
- Hobby Clubs – Find seniors that share your interests. This might include physical activities like dancing, fishing, walking groups or simply getting together to watch sports or common interest features or events on TV.
- Reading Groups – These are great for seniors, do not require much physical exertion and can extend to impaired individuals who can enjoy a ‘group’ through audiobooks and e-readers.
- Visit with Pets – Pet centers are making animals more available to Seniors to interact and play with them. Some pet organizations and individuals will provide visits to long-term care facilities.
- Charity Work – This offers a variety of benefits for those mobile Seniors who might be able to serve or pack food for needy groups or work on hand making projects like quilts or crocheting. It also provides the added sense of purpose and teamwork for the greater good .
- Puzzles and Games- Playing games with one or more other people is a quick and easy social activity for most older individuals. Quick and accessible games can include jigsaw puzzles, Bingo, easy board and card games.
Keeping older individuals socially engaged can be challenging but these activities are just a few suggestions available for both mobile and non-mobile Seniors. Feel free to contact a Senior Living Service for guidance, recommendations or concerns. Whether it’s Home Instead or any healthcare provider, we are all resources to help our community seniors-and for those who care to enrich their lives.
The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale. Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.
A Critical Issue for Annandale
Fairfax County is proposing a parking amendment to Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance that will reduce Minimum Parking Requirements (MPRs) both in residential and commercial areas. There are some benefits to the concept of reducing MPRs and residents support reductions that are reasonable and add a net benefit to the environment. The currently proposed parking amendment does not attain these goals. Residents have raised many issues associated with the proposed parking amendment during the last year, both in the County work group and in the virtual Town Halls. Some of these issues have been addressed, but many still exist. Issues which residents are the most concerned about include the following:
- The amendment benefits developers and the County, but it does not improve the quality of life for residents and does not do enough for the environment.
- While many think that minimum parking requirements should be reduced near metro transit stations, many have concerns about reducing MPRs in areas not near metro stations. The claim of County staff that MPRs can be reduced in areas where there is currently bus service instead of metro service is imprudent. Bus service in Fairfax County has been cut in the past for various reasons and could easily be cut in the future, leaving residents in these areas without necessary transportation.
- In regards to reducing MPRs in areas near metro transit stations, many think that this reduction should be done in relationship to distance from the metro station. Many surrounding jurisdictions choose to reduce MPRs within one half of a mile of a metro station. This is far more reasonable than reducing MPRs in the entire zoning designation, which is what Fairfax County is proposing.
- The County must identify the specific challenges of each area before changing parking requirements. Applying percentage reductions to areas based on their zoning designation is not sufficient.
- Many residents have voiced extreme concern that the proposed parking rates for multifamily dwelling units are not sufficient to support the residents living in these multifamily buildings. Residents have not found meaningful analysis for these proposed parking rates in the material posted on the Parking Reimagined website and do not think that they have received reasonable answers to their questions at the various virtual Town Halls hosted by the County.
- Reductions in MPRs need to take into consideration that we are now seeing extended families living in townhouses and multifamily dwellings. Also, reductions in MPRs should be integrated with other aspects of parking, such as enforcement procedures that ensure overflow parking into adjacent communities is prevented.
- Reductions in MPRs must provide adequate loading spaces for numerous daily deliveries and strict enforcement to ensure handicapped spaces remain accessible for handicapped use only. There needs to be a careful case by case review if a developer wants a reduction or waiver of loading spaces. Keep a public hearing requirement with notice and an opportunity to be heard is a matter of dignity and respect for the handicapped population in Fairfax County.
- Residents are concerned that the amendment gives the Director of Land Development Services (LDS) the ability to issue reductions in MPRs through administrative action, for up to 50% of the required parking. Residents do not think that MPRs should be further reduced without information indicating the availability of other accessible parking. In these cases, residents think that a public hearing concerning the further reduction in MPRs should be held.
- Residents do not think that the proposed parking amendment does enough to benefit the environment as a result of the reduction in required parking. Throughout the world, countries are using reductions in MPRs to increase green spaces to assist with climate issues, stormwater management, mitigation of heat islands and other environmental benefits. The proposed parking amendment does not require any additional green space as a result of reductions in MPRs. County staff has stated that developers are free to add green space if they wish, but that the County wants to keep the amendment “flexible”.
- County staff has stated that the parking amendment does not increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a proposed development. However, it does allow the developer to build out to the enlarged footprint resulting from the decrease in parking area. Therefore, the County could be increasing the buildings associated with a development, and hence the impervious surfaces, without an increase in FAR. It is conceivable that as a result of this amendment, Fairfax County could end up with more impervious surfaces then it currently possesses.
Even though many residents see potential benefits to reducing MPRs in certain areas throughout Fairfax County, they are worried that their questions concerning the above issues have not been adequately answered. Residents are especially apprehensive that the County does not have a viable plan, such as reducing MPRs in phases, in case their original assumptions about reducing parking requirements are incorrect.
The Board of Supervisors is deciding whether to authorize the proposed parking amendment for advertisement at their meeting on Tuesday, March 21st. If advertised, the public hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19th and the public hearing before the Board of Supervisors is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 6th. You can email your concerns about the amendment to the following email addresses: ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov
You can sign up to speak at the Planning Commission public hearing at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker Testimony can be given in person, via telephone or via video.
Fairfax County residents will be forced to live with the changes in MPRs for years. Any changes in MPRs need to be implemented in a fashion which ensures that Fairfax County has the resources and abilities to support the change. Most importantly, they need to be implemented in a fashion such that any unforeseen negative consequences which arise, will not be borne by residents.
The Garden Path:
Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space Now
PLANNING YOUR LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Spring is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start thinking about transforming your backyard into an outdoor living and entertainment space.
Whether you're looking to host a summer barbecue, enjoy a cozy evening by the fire pit, or relax in a peaceful garden, many landscaping elements must work together to create the perfect outdoor oasis. Here are the landscaping elements we use:
- Firepits
- Outdoor lighting
- Patios
- Plant design
- Retaining walls
- Walkways
- Drainage
At Campbell and Ferrara, planting design is crucial for our successful outdoor designs. Our landscaping company’s focus on hardscape and landscape elements allows us to bring a holistic approach to your outdoor space.
It's time to start planning and bringing your vision to life. Let us show why you should be excited about your landscape this spring.
Beanetics Coffee Roasters
The Evolution of a Better Coffee
When Beanetics Coffee Roasters opened its doors in February 2007, Annandale residents joined communities such as Seattle and San Francisco with their own coffee micro-roaster. Beyond the prestige of having freshly roasted coffee in our community, having our own micro-roaster means that we can enjoy the full experience of drinking wonderful coffee – a naturally smooth taste, without bitterness.
Every day it is estimated that Americans consume 300 million cups of coffee. But few of these coffee drinkers ask the most important question about their coffee: when was it roasted. Who would buy a bottle of wine without first seeing what its “vintage year” was? Just as vintage is to wine, the roast date is to coffee.
Beanetics Coffee Roasters is Annandale’s only independently owned micro coffee roasting facility. Since the evolution of a better cup of coffee starts with the origin of the beans and the roasting, Beanetics customers can watch the roasting process in the glass enclosed roasting room, and select single bean or blended roasts. This home grown business has become the favorite haunt for the residential and business community. It is not unusual to see politicians, journalists, artists, joggers, or moms with a baby carriage sipping and chatting. Visit Beanetics and find coffees from around the world, and blends that you can only find at Beanetics. Seating is and has been available both indoors and out.
Besides coffee, Beanetics offers a selection of pastry and the best bagels you will find this side of NYC. They also carry a number of coffee related gift items so you can put together a single gift or an entire gift basket for the coffee lovers in your life. You can purchase coffee by the cup or by the pound to take home or to the office from some of the most knowledgeable, friendly, and professional staff found anywhere. Many started, after extensive training, part time while in high school, and have continued through college enjoying the Beanetics' atmosphere, customers, and owners.
BEANETICS COFFEE ROASTERS
7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
(In the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road)
Phone: 703-941-4506
www.beanetics.com (you can also order online)
- Monday to Thursday: 9am – 5pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm
- Sunday: 9am – 5pm
UnCovered: Tracing the Origins of Silhouettes
Before photography, if someone wanted to have their portrait made quickly and inexpensively, they might visit a silhouette artist. Cutting portraits became popular in the mid-18th century, and skilled artists using minimal materials could cut an accurate portrait in a matter of minutes. They represented a cheap but effective alternative to the portrait miniature, and skilled specialist artists could cut a high-quality bust portrait, by far the most common style, in a matter of minutes, working purely by eye. (1)
The term silhouette comes from Étienne de Silhouette, a French 
minister who enacted severe economic demands on the French people during the Seven Years’ War to curb the deficit and strengthen the nation’s finances. His name became synonymous with anything viewed as cheap and austere, and people who could not afford more expensive painted portraiture turned to the cheap paper cutouts that we now know as silhouettes. Prior to this, silhouettes were referred to as profiles or shades. The invention of the camera heralded the end of the popularity of these portraits.
This unidentified profile of a man in a gilded frame was purchased by the Park Authority in 1989 from an antique store. It is a hollow-cut silhouette, meaning the positive image was traced and cut away from a light-colored paper, leaving the negative outline behind.
MEET THE ARTIST: NOBUE YAMABAYASHI
Work on Display and for Sale at the Artisans United Gallery
“Origami” literally translates to the “folded paper” in the Japanese language. I was surprised at the amazed reaction of my American friends when I casually folded a paper frog at a restaurant table. For me, a Japanese citizen, origami seems second nature since children in Japan are taught this craft from elementary school and it becomes automatic like braiding one’s hair.
In October 2021, I become a member at Artisans United as I realized that I could create miniature origami shapes into earrings and other unique ornamental pieces. Japan is well known for its paper creations, and history shows references in poetry to butterfly origami as far back as 1680. Japanese culture has embraced origami as a time-honored art and many of the paper creatures are symbolic. One of the most famous creatures is the paper crane (tsuru). The paper crane symbolizes honor, good fortune, happiness and longevity. I choose to feature the crane in my origami jewelry (see picture) because of the many positive qualities it represents.
Each crane I fold begins with a square piece of origami paper sized 3 cm x 3 cm (approximately 1 inch x 1 inch). I carefully and painstakingly fold the paper 22 times to create a miniature crane. I apply a clear glaze and attach the earring hooks to create a delicate hanging earring. It is my hope that my customers will appreciate not only the craftsmanship but also the symbolism the crane has in Japanese culture.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
PARKING REIMAGINED INITIATIVE
"The County is reducing the ability to use cars without reducing the need to do so."
As it stands now, this will not work for Annandale Residents
Overflow parking on residential streets is epidemic in Annandale.
County staff from both the Land Development Services and the Department of Planning and Development have been asked by the Board of Supervisors to review Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance (ZO), which sets requirements for off-street parking and loading.
County staff is currently working on a White Paper concerning proposed changes to the minimum parking requirements (MPRs) for new and renovated developments. This White Paper should be available on the Parking Reimagined website this fall at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/parking-reimagined. County staff is expecting to be presenting their proposed parking amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors in early 2023.
Dr. Donald Shoup, a professor at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) was the first to come up with the theory of reducing minimum parking requirements (MPRs). His theory was first applied in the low-income areas of Los Angeles, where MPRs were preventing the building of adequate low-income housing. Los Angeles implemented his reductions in MPRs and were able to build more low-income housing along transportation routes. Since that time, other localities have started to reduce the minimum parking requirements in their areas. This reduction in MPRs has been especially helpful in areas with well-established mass transportation and has allowed the introduction of additional green spaces and trees in areas which had previously been large, impervious parking lots.
Green spaces and trees are important to our area for numerous reasons, including:
¨ Assisting in managing storm water runoff.
¨ Assisting in improving air and water quality.
¨ Assisting in mitigating heat islands.
¨ Assisting in improving the quality of life for residents.
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Meet the Artisan: Susan Yindra, Ceramicist
After practicing dental hygiene for more than thirty years, I thought about retiring and wanted to find an artistic outlet that would be challenging and fun. Over the years, I had collected glass bottles, paperweights, and stained glass. So I thought it might be fun to try and signed up for a beginner level stained glass class. In class, I learned how to score glass, work with a soldering iron, solder and copper foil to create sun catchers and glass panels. I especially liked working with the different glass colors and textures. After a year or so, I progressed to making three dimensional pieces such as jewelry boxes and Tiffany style lamp shades. I especially enjoyed designing lamp shades for small table lamps and gave them as gifts to family at Christmas. I continued working with stained glass, fused glass and even glass blowing for several years, but when my favorite instructor retired I decided to make a change.
With extra time on my hands, I began searching for a creative hobby to replace stained glass. In the 80's, I had enrolled in a beginner pottery class. I was introduced to hand building and using a coil technique I created a large bowl. My memories of the fun I had working with clay inspired me to look for another beginner pottery class. I discovered that Audrey Moore Rec Center offered pottery classes and I signed up for a level one wheel class. In class, I learned the basics of throwing pots on the wheel, starting with the preparation of the clay or wedging and moving on to centering the clay on the wheel. Centering clay is one of the greatest challenges for a beginning potter but it is an important step in producing a pot with uniform wall thickness. Once the clay is centered, you open the pot outward to achieve the desired diameter. Using both hands and the wheel speed, you begin raising the walls to the height you want. Learning to make a basic cylinder, allows even a novice potter to create small pots and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
The Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps
MRC Volunteers Support the Daily Operations of the Fairfax County Health Department
The COVID-19 pandemic solidified just how important Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers are to local public health when they stepped-up to provide testing, vaccines, and vital health and safety information. The residents of Fairfax County owe them a debt of gratitude.
MRC volunteers with the Fairfax County CareVan at a vaccine event
Since February of 2020, over 1,400 MRC members volunteered more than 65,000 hours at vaccination clinics and testing events, and assisting with outreach, isolation and quarantine efforts, logistical support, and so much more.
It was their tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic that earned the Fairfax MRC program the Volunteer Fairfax award for Improving Quality of Life in Fairfax. "The impact of the Fairfax MRC is best represented by the countless lives that volunteers have positively impacted over the past two years and their hard work that continues to keep our friends, family, and neighbors healthy and safe!" wrote Paula Rosca, Fairfax MRC Program Coordinator.
"The most poignant moment as a volunteer came after I had been vaccinating for several months, first at the Herndon District Office, then at the Government Center and finally at Inova Stonebridge. I was on duty at Stonebridge when the announcement came out that teenagers could be vaccinated. The very next day, one mother came in with her three teenagers in tow. I took the mother and we distributed the kids out to nearby tables. I gave her the usual counseling, then completed the injection. As I was filling out her vaccination card, I commended her on bringing in her three teens. She looked at me and said simply, 'They lost their father to Covid last year.' We both has tears in our eyes. As I handed her the completed card, I felt a great sense of purpose as to why I had joined MRC," Phil Beauchene, Vaccinator, MRC.
Route 236/Little River Turnpike Plan HORRIFIC for the Residents and Merchants of Annandale
The proposed plan to expand Little River Turnpike has one and only one goal, to accommodate more and more cross county commuter traffic and move it through the LIttle River corridor as quickly and as unencumbered as possible. There is NO consideration shown for the residents and businesses of Annandale. This proposal will greatly hinder the people of Annandale while killing off easy access to Annandale merchants.
Just imagine driving from Fairfax to Annandale on your way home. You wish to take a left on Hummer Road or to access roadways to Falls Church? Under this new plan, you will be driving many more minutes while all but circumnavigating the western banks of Annandale traveling through one traffic circle to another. THIS PROPOSAL IS NUTS and we can only hope that the leadership in Mason District will stand up and fight for the rights of our citizens.
Many NO left turns off of Little River will be blocked causing more inconvenience and time burden to our residents. Other detour type routes and traffic circles are proposed taking you further from your destination every single day. Yet, the commuter traffic will race through our community unfettered while eliminating the much needed access roads that provide easy entrance and inter-parcel access to the merchants on which you depend.
These access roads also provide a calmer direct route for the local residents keeping them off Little River. Without them, we will be forced to join what will become a Freeway. Designers of this plan intentionally market a massive misdirect by calling the expanded Little River a Boulevard. Sounds nice but this is not Paris. Have no doubt, this will be a Freeway and one that is far harder for pedestrians to cross no matter how many cross walks are striped.
The breadth of Little River does not allow anyone to cross all lanes in one go. Waiting on the median for another round of changing lights is necessary and dangerous. Pedestrian accessibility in Annandale is all but non existent right now. The most dangerous spots have always been when attempting to cross both Columbia Pike and Little River. Recently we have also experienced such distracted and high volume driving that fatalities have occurred on sidewalks. The next victim, and there will be more, could be you! This new road plan does not improve pedestrian accessibility although there are lofty claims that it is one of the goals. If in fact that is more than lip service, that goal deserves a grade of (F) Failure.
As to Roundabouts the research shows serious concerns about safety, so much so that in England where Roundabouts have existed in plenty for more than 100 years, they are now disappearing because of serious safety concerns.
They are not as safe as traditional crossings for either pedestrians or bicyclists and they are not meant for higher speed roadways since entry speeds on each leg of the intersection should not exceed 15-18 mph. Roundabouts are also not designed for multilane road intersections which all of the roadways displayed for inclusion in this proposal are multilane. Raises even more questions about creating safe road conditions.
Ten years ago when a less dramatic version of this plan was first proposed, a compromise was reached to create an inner loop for the residents of Annandale so we would be able to avoid much of the commuter traffic and easily access our neighborhoods and merchants. That Inner-Annandale Loop has been abandoned. Do not be deceived, there is NOTHING in this plan that will benefit the people of Annandale.
Annandale Road to BacklickWe will forever be going around in circles. Have you seen the shockingly ugly Roundabout on Ravensworth Road that VDOT installed? If they can not install even one attractive “roundabout” what horror awaits with these circles littering every roadway?
DOT Extends Route 236/Little River Turnpike STARS Study Comment Period
By public request, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is extending the comment period for the Route 236/Little River Turnpike STARS Study from May 31 through Sunday, June 12, 2022. This STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) Study is assessing potential cost-effective measures to improve safety and reduce congestion during morning and evening peak periods for approximately four miles of Route 236/Little River Turnpike, between I-495 in Annandale and I-395 in Alexandria. For more information, and to access the survey in English, Korean, and Spanish, visit www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/route236stars.asp Make certain to add a note in the comment area that neither proposal is acceptable!
WISA Solutions
Exterior Improvements include Roofing & Siding
The Chamber would like to introduce Waris Mojaddidi and WISA Solutions, his family run business to the Annandale Community. Waris was born and raised in Springfield attending West Springfield High School. He went onto Coastal Carolina University playing Division 1 Soccer and graduating with a Business Management Degree in 2010. A year later he and his father drew together a business plan and opened WISA Solutions.
WISA is a full service home improvement company that specializes in mid to major interior design build renovations (kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions) along with roof, siding and gutter replacement. They can make your home renovations easier by hiring one contractor to take care of your many needs.
Need more space? Have your basement renovated into a home theatre, home office, playroom, and study space.
Need a new roof? WISA can provide an accurate view of your roof with drone technology and then show you a range of roofing materials including the longest wearing materials on the market today.
Want to reduce your home insurance premiums? Replacing your roof, especially before the harsh winds and heavy winter storms, may be the single best home investment you can make.
Artisans United Gallery of Gifts
When you shop at the gallery, you will find a wide variety of reasonably priced hand-crafted items by local artisans. Socially distanced shopping at the Gallery is easy. Or, if you can’t visit in person, call to arrange for a virtual tour and shopping. Staff can take payments over the phone and provide curbside pickup. Mailing or delivery to your home may be available.
Visit us at the Packard Center (Annandale Community Park), 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
READ MORE ABOUT ARTISANS UNITED Call us at 703-941-0202 to check on current hours. You may also arrange a Sunday, Monday, or evening visit.
(703)941-0202 . augallery1@gmail.com . www.augallery.org
Collector's World
7030 Columbia Pike (current location), Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-8408 . collectorsworldinfo@gmail.com
Call for current hours of operation.
Golf Gifts and Gift Cards
Pinecrest Golf Course
Corner of Braddock and Little River
6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 941-1061 . www.fairfaxcounty.gov/golf/pinecrest
Chamber Membership is an Effective Business Strategy
According to a recent study conducted by the Shapiro Group:
“When consumers know a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of that business, and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.” For more information on benefits when joining the Annandale Chamber of Commerce please see......
Membership Information.
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LAMBROS GOLDSMITH AND FINE JEWELRY
Sparkling, even inspiring are the jewelry designs exhibited in abundance at this charming retailer. Lambros and Jayne Magiafas, goldsmith and geologist, are a team made in Jewelers Heaven. Lambros began his goldsmith apprenticeship at the age of 12 in his native Greece while Jayne started her career in the US at the age of 16.
Lambros Goldsmiths is a family owned and operated, full service Fine Jewelry retailer.
Founded in 1987, Lambros Goldsmiths has been serving the Fine Jewelry needs of people from around the country. Nestled in our friendly town of Annandale, Lambros Goldsmiths offers uniquely handcrafted Fine Jewelry at competitive prices. READ MORE
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Youth Sports & Summer Camps
in Annandale are best represented by:
Annandale Boys & Girls Club
Lee's Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio
Kenwood School Summer Day Camp
Artisans United Gallery of Gifts
10-4, Tuesday through Saturday
1-4 on Sunday
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Read the Latest
ENDEAVOR News Magazine
The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale. Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.
The Annandale American Legion
Post 1
976 is recruiting new members. Veterans and family members welcome to join. Party hall rental is free for all members. Call 703-408-9123 and ask for Diane Ramsey.
4206 Daniels Ave, Annandale, VA 22003
(behind the Bank of America building
on Columbia Pike.
RPCOMM6759@aol.com
Mondays and Thursdays
The Annandale Volunteer Fire Dept. BINGO
Temporarily Halted due to Covid
Doors opening at 4:30pm – Early Birds start at 6:45pm – Regular Sessions starts 7:45pm
- 42” LCD TV monitors display next ball to be called.
- Must be 14 yrs of age to play bingo at AVFD.
- ATM machine available.
- Bingo Hotline is 703-941-1328
- Non-smoking inside format
7128 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Ample parking on site. www.avfd.org
Wednesdays at 6 PM
Annandale Boys & Girls Club BINGO
Annandale Boys & Girls Club BINGO
This weekly event is held at Annandale's
American Legion Bicentennial Post 1976
4206 Daniels Ave. . Annandale, VA 22003
located directly behind the Bank of America on Columbia Pike.
Homeless & Hypothermia Shelters
in Northern Virginia through Fredericksburg (Fairfax, Loudoun, Culpepper, Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William Counties, plus Manassas & Manassas Park, can be found at: www.novaregion.org/DocumentCenter/View/11750
Office to Prevent and End Homelessness: 703-324-9492 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/
Families with children who need shelter must contact Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to gain access. After business hours, families with children in need of shelter should go directly to the nearest family shelter.
As the weather gets colder, Bailey's Shelter and Supportive Housing (BSSH) is getting ready to begin its Hypothermia Prevention Program, which provides shelter to 50+ additional individuals during the coldest months of the year. The shelter currently needs donations of new sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and underwear to support increased outreach for our homeless neighbors.
To schedule a donation, volunteer, or just learn more about shelter needs, contact Bianca Clark at bclark@newhopehousing.org, or call 703-578-8852. If you or someone you know needs shelter, please call BSSH at 703-820-7621. If you see someone who may need shelter, call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
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Help Fill the Needs of Your Neighbors here in Annandale
The need for food donations is greater than ever before. Your support will go a long way in helping to bring relief to our most vulnerable neighbors. For more information or, to donate now, click HERE.
ACCA collects food donations on weekdays with the exception of County Holidays and other scheduled closings from 1 – 5 pm at the food pantry across from Giant Food on Columbia Pike (trailer separate from the day care center) in Annandale. See their website for Saturday donation schedule.
Annandale Christian Community for Action
7200 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-0100 info@accacares.org
https://accacares.org/foodpantry/
Local Web Links:
Annandale Acres
Annandale Boys & Girls Club Blog
Annandale: Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Annandale Revitalization Committee
Annandale Shopping Center
Braddock District Supervisor
Broyhill Park
Danbury Forrest
Elan Mews/Royal Court
ENDEAVOR News Magazine
Fairfax County Community Associations
Fairfax County Government
Fairfax County Schools
Falls Church News Press
Holmes Run Acres
Lafayette Village
Lake Barcroft
Leewoods
Long Branch
Mason District Supervisor
Mosaic District (Merrifield)
Oak Hill
Ravensworth-Bristow
Raymondale
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow Woods
Tysons Corner
Washington Post
Woodburn Homes
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