ANNANDALE
   The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TMRead Annandale's News Magazine,
ENDEAVOR

Annandale News & Latest Articles
Annandale News:  NOVA is Back and Thriving
Annandale News:  Let the Good Times Roll
Annandale News: Meet the Artisan Marilu DelCarpio
Annandale News: Health Dept. Urges School Vaccines
Annandale News: New State Laws Effective July 1, 2021
Annandale Business: How Much Home Insurance Do I Need?
Annandale Real Estate: Rental Market on Fire
History:  Uncovered-100 Years of Voting Machines
History: What a Difference a Century Makes 1921
VIEW ON NATURE: Crazy Cats

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 ANNANDALE News, Events & Networking

---

Coming Full Circle with
                  Fairfax County Public Schools 

I’m humbled and honored to share that back on July 1^st of this year, I was appointed as the new proud principal of Columbia Elementary School in Annandale, Va. This long-standing Annandale landmark first opened its doors in 1967, and I’m excited to have been selected as only the ninth principal in the school’s history. I am even more excited to share that I am serving in this role as a 1989 graduate: almost 40 years ago, I attended Columbia from Kindergarten through 6^th grade (back then it was K-6) and then I went on to Holmes Middle School before graduating from Annandale High School as a proud member of the class of 1995. Not only am I product of Fairfax County Public Schools, but I’m also a proud product of the Annandale Pyramid of schools.

When I saw the opening for the principal position at Columbia advertised, in full transparency, I was caught off guard. I had been considering applying for schools on the western half of the county because I reside in Loudoun County with my wife and three school aged children; however, when I saw the announcement posted for Columbia, the memories and feelings of nostalgia came flooding in. As a student, I felt a vibrant culture of caring, hardworking, and spirited staff, fellow students, and parents. When it came time to decide whether to apply for the position, those feelings made all the difference.

As a proud first generation Hispanic American, I stand here today as an example of the American dream fulfilled. My parents moved to the United States from Colombia, South America, in 1971 and they didn’t speak a word of English at the time. Their goal was to settle somewhere that would provide gainful employment and provide quality schools in which to raise a family. After my sister and I were born, my parents landed at 6409 Holyoke Drive, right off Old Columbia Pike. My sister and I benefited from growing up in a community rich with diversity, learning about multiple cultures every day while practicing Spanish language skills at home and learning English at school. This became my home; growing up in Annandale was the starting point for me both personally and professionally.

READ MORE

---

Calling All Musicians!
Orchestra rehearsals are starting up again!I

f you have played in the orchestra in the past, or you know someone who would like to join, we have great news for you.

• First rehearsal* is Wednesday August 25 at 7:30 p.m. on the Alexandria campus.
• Rehearsals have moved! We will be using the Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Building on  the Alexandria campus, room AFA 118. (Don't go to Annandale!)
• Visit the For Our Musicians page for complete details.
• If you have not completed a Player Information Form recently or at all, please do so. You can find it on the Come Play With Us
• Alternatively, contact your section leader or email reunionmusicsociety@gmail.com.
• All players must register for the Fall MUS 148 or 248 class or sign up as volunteers. We're making the process as easy as possible. This page will tell you how to do it.

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: ALL PLAYERS COMING TO CLASSROOM REHEARSALS SHOULD BE VACCINATED. This is for the safety of the other players and their families - and yourself too, of course.

* Classroom rehearsals are subject to NVCC's current COVID precaution policies. We will announce any policy changes by email and will post them on the For Our Musicians page.


We're now the NOVA Symphony Orchestra
We have expanded our collaboration with NVCC to encompass the whole college rather than strictly the Annandale campus. In fact, the orchestra will now be hosted the Music Department in the new Fine Arts building (AFA) on the Alexandria campus, which has outstanding rehearsal and performance facilities.

In recognition, the orchestra has been renamed from the NOVA-Annandale Symphony Orchestra to the NOVA Symphony Orchestra

---

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
August 6-8

Stock up on qualifying school supplies, clothing, hurricane and emergency preparedness supplies, and certain ENERGY STAR™ and WaterSense™ products without paying state sales tax starting Friday, August 6 at 12:01 a.m. and ending Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Enjoy the savings whether you shop online, in-store, or by mail or phone.

What's eligible?

School supplies, clothing, and footwear:
Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item.

Hurricane and emergency preparedness products:
Portable generators – $1,000 or less per item
Gas-powered chainsaws – $350 or less per item
Chainsaw accessories – $60 or less per item
Other specified hurricane preparedness products – $60 or less per item.

ENERGY STAR™ and WaterSense™ products:
Qualifying ENERGY STAR™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for non-commercial home or personal use – $2,500 or less per item.

For more information, see Virginia Sales Tax Holiday.

---

Soon 600 E-Scooters will be available in Fairfax County

The first e-scooter operators are set to roll in Fairfax County. Both LINK and Bird were approved for 300 devices each as part of the county’s Shared Mobility Device (SMD) program.

The county regulates the e-scooter and other operators through a permitting process. Operators are required to maintain certain fleet sizes with an initial maximum fleet of 300 devices per operator permit that can be increased to 600 devices per operator based on usage.

Rules of the Road
Like bicycles, e-scooters can be used on a highway, sidewalk, shared-use path, roadway, or crosswalk.  E-scooters in Fairfax County cannot be operated above 10 mph. Once riders reach their destination, they should leave the device parked in an area that does not impede normal car or foot traffic and on public NOT private property.

How to Report Issues
If you notice an e-scooter parked in an inappropriate place or left on private property, you can contact the device operator listed on the e-scooter and the operator must remove it.

You can report any issues related to scooters and other shared devices by emailing consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

LINK’s e-scooters are geofenced to stay within an enforcement zone while improving rider compliance with speed limits and no parking zones. has a that offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens.

Why E-Scooters?
The Board of Supervisors approved the ordinance governing devices such as e-scooters after the state passed a law allowing locally regulated devices in 2019. For more information about these devices. 

QUICK FACTS

• 600 e-scooters are now approved to operate in Fairfax County.
• Shared Mobility Devices like e-scooters have a 10 mph speed limit.
• Riders should leave the device parked in an area that does not impede normal car or foot traffic.

Photos courtesy of Bird and Fairfax County

---

How Much Home Insurance Do I Need? 
Should I use Market Value or Replacement Cost?  

What is Market Value?  Take the current condition of your house and the associated land and what would a likely buyer pay?  Most homeowners think their homes are worth much more than potential buyers may; just ask any real estate agent attempting to sell an overpriced home.  Realistically, the value of any home is what the market determines and includes not simply the brick and mortar but the location, local crime statistics (are you in a safe neighborhood), the associated school district (parents will often pay more to be in a specific positively recognized district), and whether or not the market is flooded with similar homes in that neighborhood.  How large is your lot?  Although the land is not covered by the homeowner’s policy it certainly influences the market value of the home.   

Homes insured for Market value very often leave you at risk providing inadequate coverage. As an example, let’s say you paid and carry coverage for $350,000 for your new home.  Within a handful of years, especially in a hot real estate market, your home would sell for $410,000.  In ten years that same home might sell for $500,000.  If you have not been continually increasing your coverage, you would be out of pocket $150,000 if your home suffered complete destruction in a fire.  As much as we all try to stay on top of our personal and financial affairs, life, our children’s needs, work and community commitments occupy all of our time.  It is easy to overlook reviewing your policy each and every year and obtaining updated appraisals.   

READ MORE by Kinneman Insurance

---

MEET THE ARTISAN:  Marilu Del Carpio
Work displayed for sale at The Craft Gallery of Artisans United 

I am originally from Peru and now I am a US citizen living in the Washington DC Metro area having moved here in 1966. 

I graduated from American University with a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management. 

For  forty years I worked in the international development world as a management consultant which involves identifying problems and working on solutions, ranging from organization to process analysis and innovation, change management and human resources. 

I never imagined that I would be making something with my hands – perhaps it is in my genes inherited from both my Artisan parents.  In 2006, I discovered jewelry making by accident.   A handmade piece broke and I decided to fix it myself with the help of jewelry magazines – and I was hooked.  At the time, I was retired taking care of my grand kids.  With some time on my hands, and the encouragement of my family and friends, jewelry making became a hobby and, soon after, friends started buying my work.

READ MORE

---

Annandale Real Estate:  Rental Market on Fire

Rental market on fire--what?!  Yes, rental properties are now a hot commodity with multiple applications in many locations  not only close-in but Loudoun and Prince William Counties.  Why?  One reason could be that with the increase in sales prices investors are selling now vs. waiting.  It could be that some investors are tired of being landlords.  It could be that some buyers have bowed out of the frenzied market and decided to rent instead.  And, it could just be the usual seasonal increase in people moving into the area for new jobs.  

With all this combined there is simply a shortage of rentals plus an increase in their list prices!  A year ago rentals were languishing on the market but now are renting in less than 5 days.  And, the criteria, (especially for credit scores) is getting more difficult making qualifying more problematic.  I just had a client lose a property in Loudoun County where there were 4 applicants, 2 with credit scores over 800 and salary higher than my client's  by $100k.  The harsh reality is that every time the credit score is run, the applicant's score drops!

READ MORE

---

UnCovered:  100 Years of Voting Machines

Over the decades Virginia has utilized a number of voting methods.  First there was the voice vote, then the paper ballot, later an electronic machine with a handle pulled much like a slot machine which locked in your vote.  For a short time flat screens were used but were either too confusing for some or required more finger pressure for others in order to be certain their choice was clear.  Now, we are back to paper ballots that remind one of a SAT test warning the voter to completely fill in the desired oval next to the candidate’s name.  All have properly recorded votes cast yet the more things change the more they stay the same.

Recently, the Fairfax County Park Authority printed this story about a wood ballot box used 100 years ago.  “When America was founded, there was no expectation of privacy in voting. The voter’s choice, along with their name and address, were recorded into polling books as they voted by voice.

READ MORE

Pictured:  1890 Gillespie Voting Machine

---

VIEW ON NATURE:  Crazy Cats                                                                                      

Met-a-mor-pho-sis – a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. To me, the complete transformation of caterpillars into butterflies or moths is both natural and supernatural.

When you see a beautiful butterfly or moth, do you ever wonder what the adolescent caterpillar looked like?  Like the adults, caterpillars come in every size, color, and pattern, from small, medium, large, skinny, plump, fat, short, and long in every imaginable color.  But their variety doesn’t stop there when you consider the seemingly endless array of color designs, stunning camouflages, and textures. What other animal species comes in different textures -- smooth, bumpy, furry, fuzzy and spikey?!  Rest assured, with 1,386 species of butterflies and over 400 species of moths recorded in Virginia, there’s a whole lot of caterpillar diversity!   

Serving as a vital food source for birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and other predators pushed caterpillars’ ancient ancestors to adapt to offset their vulnerabilities.  Of all living creatures in Virginia, I’m most impressed and amazed at how caterpillars have evolved to protect themselves though camouflage, deception, intimidation, and weaponry. 

READ MORE

---

Find Where Native Animals Live in the Forest  

The Woodland Wildlife Tree Sculpture at Hidden Oaks Nature Center celebrates native wildlife with a whimsical display of 11 species of animals scampering around a dead tree. If the animals were real, they could never share the same tree. Some would fear being eaten by the animal on the other side, and others would just find the closeness too unnerving! Park visitors can now enjoy a walk along the 1/3-mile Old Oak Trail to learn where each of the animals would live in the woodland habitat.

The trail leads visitors along a loop around Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Now as visitors stroll on the wood chipped trail, the shelter and other habitat needs of each creature are revealed. Cutouts of each of the animals indicate where each would find suitable shelter. More details are available on a brochure found at the front entrance of Hidden Oaks or by scanning the QR code on the individual animal sign.

READ MORE

---

NOVA is Back and Thriving
Learned Lessons from Our Virtual Experience   

 After transitioning into telework for employees and remote instruction for students in March 2020 because of the pandemic, NOVA will be back to full on-campus operations for the Fall 2021 Semester, starting on August 23.

NOVA will come back better than ever before because we have learned some lessons from our virtual experience that will improve the services and instruction we offer.

We established safety protocols that will continue into the foreseeable future, including handwashing signage, hygiene stations in classrooms and hallways, providing free face coverings and alcohol wipes, improving indoor air quality, and maintaining enhanced cleaning services.

Social distancing and capacity restrictions have been lifted in Virginia and NOVA will not impose additional social distancing requirements for students or employees. But, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), NOVA recommends face coverings for all non-vaccinated employees and students.

Vaccinated students and employees can continue to wear face covering if they choose to do so and they will be available to students and employees who do not have them at each campus NOVA Parking and NOVACard Office.

It was on January 1, 2020, when Dr. Anne Kress took office as NOVA’s new president and was almost immediately faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spring 2020 Semester started on January 13 and Spring Break began on March 9, with students due back to campuses on March 15.

Worried about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students and employees, Dr. Kress issued an order on March 11 telling students not to return to campus after the break, cancelled March 16 and 17 classes, and moved classes to remote instruction om March 18.

On March 12, Governor Northam declared a State of Emergency to combat the pandemic, which prompted Dr. Kress to order employees on March 13 to begin teleworking. To track guidance from state and federal authorities, the Return to NOVA Advisory Group, led by our Office of Emergency Management, was created and we have followed their advice throughout this period.

We provided instruction online either through asynchronous classes offered by NOVA Online that could be viewed at any time or synchronous classes offered via Zoom at set times with a live instructor like it was live in the classroom.

READ MORE

---

Read the Latest
ENDEAVOR News MagazineThe 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.  

---

Mixed-Use Community and State-of-the-Art Medical Campus at Landmark
City of Alexandria Approves Project

At its July 6 meeting, the Alexandria City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment agreements for the site of the former Landmark Mall, which will result in up to approximately four million square feet of new development. The project will be anchored by the relocation and expansion of Inova’s new state-of-the-art Alexandria Hospital bringing more than 2,000 health care workers to the medical campus. This transformational project—led by developer Foulger-Pratt—was recently named by the Washington Business Journal as the 2020 Real Estate Deal of the Year. 

The 52-acre Landmark site is one of the most desirable large-scale underdeveloped locations remaining inside the Capital Beltway. The project will transform the currently unoccupied mall into a mixed-use, walkable urban village and will propel the revitalization of the West End of the City of Alexandria. The plan will result in more than $2 billion in investment in the community, including the new Inova hospital, medical office buildings, for-rent and for-sale multifamily residential units, retail, commercial, and entertainment offerings. Additionally, the project will provide outdoor parks, a replacement for Fire Station 208, affordable housing, and a transit hub anchoring the City's proposed bus rapid transit network, DASH, and Metrobus. Construction at the site could begin as soon as 2023, with the first buildings delivering in 2025.

“Tonight’s vote by City Council helps cement the path forward for the Landmark site and the West End of Alexandria,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “This long-anticipated project will not only revitalize a currently vacant site many had given up on and provide significant new economic activity, but will also be a catalyst for redevelopment and enhancements throughout the West End of our City. This truly transformational redevelopment of the Landmark mall site will provide a new, modern hospital facility where Inova can continue to provide world-class care to our community and to the region. In addition, the much-needed mixed-income housing; new municipal facilities and services; and new open space will come together at this site to support and enhance the health, wellness and quality of life of the West End and our entire community for generations to come.”

READ MORE

---

CHILD TAX CREDIT

The Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan Act -- which was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021 -- provides the largest Child Tax Credit ever and historic relief to the most working families ever and most families will automatically receive monthly payments without having to take any action.

For those with children, the American Rescue Plan increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children over the age of six and from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six, and raised the age limit from 16 to 17. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household).

If you’ve filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you will get this tax relief automatically. You do not need to sign up or take any action.

People who receive payments by direct deposit will get their first payment on July 15, 2021. After that, payments will go out on the 15 of every month. (In August the payment will go out on August 13 since the 15 falls on a weekend.) If you haven’t provided the IRS with your bank account information on a recent tax return, a check will be sent out to you around the same time to the address the IRS has for you.

For additional information, visit the The White House's website.

---

Annandale Area Swimming Pools
Splash Your Way through Summer

Most neighborhood and community pools  intend to open Memorial Weekend or the one after. Contact them directly for information. 

Annandale Swim and Tennis Club
7530 Little River Turnpike, Annandale 22003
Membership contact: 703-354-4272 ast22003@gmail.com
Swim team: Red Tide
Social activities: Family dinners, movie nights, family campout and sleepover, annual pig roast, dog swim, ladies’ night party, men’s Texas hold ‘em party,
Special features: Dive team and tennis team, pool slides.

Audrey Moore Recreational Center at Wakefield Park
8100 Braddock Road, Annandale, VA  22003
703-321-7081
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/wakerec.htm

Fully equipped recreational center located within Wakefield Park with a 50m x 25yd pool, one 3m and two 1m diving boards, and super slide.  The natatorium also contains spectator seating, doors that lead to a spacious outdoor sundeck, and locker rooms containing saunas and showers.  In addition to the various racquetball/wallyball and squash courts, the center has a large gymnasium with six basketball hoops, and volleyball nets.  The center also contains a cycle studio, a dance room, a pottery lab and kiln, an arts and crafts room, a photography lab, three multi-purpose activity rooms, and a senior center. Over 40 fitness classes each week are offered for all ages.

Wakefield Park has miles of outdoor trails including the Cross County Trail which is utilized by cyclists, runners and nature lovers.  There are well lit outdoor basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, baseball & softball diamonds, a newly expanded skate board park, and soccer fields.  An extensive summer camp program is held each year along with the Braddock Farmer's Market on Wednesdays during early May to late October from 2-6pm.

Broyhill Crest Recreation Club
7212 Early St., Annandale 22003
Membership contact: 703-560-1282, 703-914-9608 (front desk)
Swim team: Barracudas
Social activities: Weekly float night, Friday evening happy hours, Sunday night dinners, annual pig roast and silent auction, Fourth of July festivities, Christmas in July, Oktoberfest. Special features: Snack bar, party pavilion available for rental, playground, swim lessons, volleyball, basketball, tennis courts.

Camelot Community Club
3604 Balin Court, Annandale 22003
Membership contact: 703-876-0611, bgagermeier@gmail.com
Swim team: Knights
Social activities: Float nights, adult socials.
Special features: Dive team, covered pavilion, aqua fitness and yoga classes.

READ MORE

---

Let the Good Times Roll
Summer Treats are Coming Your Way

Remember the long lost days of your youth listening for the musical chimes of the Ice Cream Truck rolling down your neighborhood street?  Today, that truck has been replaced by a Kona Ice Truck filled with the most delicious assortment of flavored toppings on icy refreshing snow cones. 

Just a bit more than a year ago, chamber member Trung Dinh bought his first Kona Ice Truck, worked closely with the Fairfax County Health Dept. to insure all safe practices were employed during this strange and challenging Covid year, and began to bring Kona Ice treats to the neighborhoods and businesses of Annandale. 

Trung Dinh is a small business owner living in Burke with his family. For twenty-two years he worked in the Information Technology industry, lived abroad in Australia, and traveled all over the world.  In 2018 he decided to leave IT and the constant travel to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur while putting down firm roots with his family.  He also wanted to find a business where he could give back to the community while making customers happy. 
READ MORE

---

Summer Day Camps & Youth Activities in Annandale

Annandale has a number of great summer day camp programs for children that will entertain and thrill your kids this year.  All are well supervised fun programs with a variety of activities to hold the interest of the campers while providing memorable experiences. 

Kenwood School Summer Day Camp

At Kenwood Summer Day Camp the children not only go on exciting trips everyday 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.

• Game Room - board games, air hockey and foosball tables, and a Wii with a projector
• Art Room - weekly arts & crafts projects to make and take home
• Lounge - bean bag chairs, oversized pillows to relax on, books and magazines to read
• Video Game Room - jam packed with televisions with playstations and lots of games to choose from
• Gym - basketball, volleyball, or relay races are played in a nice, air conditioned environment
• Extended Day at no additional charge (7 am to 6 pm)
• Week by Week Sign-Up
• Weekly Tuition covers all activity fees
• Sibling Discounts
• Family Registration

4955 Sunset Lane    
Annandale, VA  22003
703-256-4711
www.kenwoodschool.com/services/

 

Hapmudo Summer Camp &
After-School Tutoring Programs

Summer Programs include well supervised field trips for swimming and many child friendly activities to promote health, social interaction, and just plain fun.  Hapmudo also offers an evening Martial Arts program with a 15% discount if you mention the Chamber of Commerce.  Contact them directly for more information on these classes or details on the Summer Program.  See below for information on this amazing organization.

“Lee’s Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio has been a fixture in Annandale for decades providing classes for adults as well as children.  Located in the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike, Grand Master Lee believes that the study of Martial Arts is a method of living as well as an art.  He wants his students to study the philosophies of Martial Arts through which they will master good manners and the values needed to achieve happiness in everyday life and to become true friends and good citizens.  Frequently, the students display their community commitment with energetic demonstrations at events such as the Spring Bed Race and other Annandale and Metropolitan area events.  Master Lee practices what he teaches, regularly giving back to the community; he exemplifies the term, "good citizen."

Lee’s Hapmudo offers various styles of training in Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Jujitsu, Aidido, Kendo, and Judo.  In his many years of teaching, Grand Master Lee has helped his students overcome and improve problems such as asthma, chronic back pain, and addiction.  Students are taught to develop self-discipline and self-control. Perhaps his proudest achievement is the number of children he has helped with learning disabilities and other scholastic behavior problems. 

Classes are offered during the day and in the evenings along with summer camps.  An excellent after school program offers homework assistance and transportation from school.  Discounts are also provided for law enforcement, military personnel, and families.”

7036 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA  22003   
(In the Annandale Shopping Center - Columbia Pike at Gallows Road)
703-750-3330      
www.hapmudo.net
webmaster@hapmudo.net

 

Annandale Boys & Girls Club

Since 1959 the Annandale Boys and Girls Club has organized team sports in the Annandale area. If you wish to play Soccer, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, and any number of other spots, this is the organization to contact.   Operating out of their downtown Annandale office on Annandale Road, the club also operates a Bingo Hall on Friday and Saturday nights in nearby Alexandria and has a Sports Center a few miles from Annandale in Springfield, VA. 

The Annandale Boys & Girls Club mission is to provide a variety of instructional, recreational and competitive youth sports opportunities, emphasizing learning, teamwork and sportsmanship, focusing on age-appropriate player development that is fun, improves self-esteem, self-confidence, and respect for others.  The club has many sports programs for youth fitness and a few affiliated programs for adult fitness.

Soccer programs

• for youth Pre-K to 4th grade are provided through Recreation Soccer
• for youth ages 10-19 can participate in Suburban Friendship League (SFL) Soccer
• On a competitive selection basis, some are asked to participate in Travel Soccer, which involves travel to tournaments around the state, the country, and sometimes outside the U.S.
• Soccer programs also include camp sessions - three in the Summer and one in the Spring - where players can develop their skills.
• Winter Indoor Soccer.

In addition to year-round soccer programs, the club has

• Fall Sports: Football, Cheerleading, Field Hockey and T-Ball;
• Winter Sports: Basketball and Wrestling; and
• Spring Sports: Lacrosse, and T-Ball.
• Boxing is available year-round.

REGISTRATION FOR FALL SPORTS PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE

Annandale Boys & Girls Club
4216 Annandale Road
Annandale, VA  22003
703.941.4411
abgc@abgc.org
www.ABGC.org

---

---

GREEN SPRING GARDENS  -  Summer 2021

GARDEN PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Saturday, August 14 

Garden Tour: Green Spring Up and Down 
10-11:30am. (Adults) Extension Master Gardener docents lead a special “Grand Tour” of Green Spring! View some upper demonstration gardens, then take the garden path less travelled to explore the naturalistic lower garden areas: the Virginia Native Plant Garden, woodland stream valley, and ponds. Tour involves a steep slope with loose gravel. $15 per person. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes (code 8A0.I0PR) or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.  

Historic Green Spring Virtual Tea Programs 

 This summer, Historic Green Spring invites you to enjoy five virtual afternoon tea programs at home. All registrants will be sent a link by e-mail to attend the lectures on Zoom. Make an occasion of it. Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea just like the ones served at the Historic House. Optional afternoon tea boxes prepared by our caterer will be available for pick up at Green Spring Gardens between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the program. Tea boxes include savory finger sandwiches, pastry, scones, with cream and jam, and tea bag. Just put the kettle on, relax, and enjoy.  

Sunday, August 15  
Brush Up Your British 
2-3pm. (Adults) Celebrate Britain’s National Afternoon Tea Week by exploring linguistic and cultural differences between Britain and America. Compare customs and manners in these two nations “divided by a common language” - at the tea table and beyond! Lecture only: $12/ Optional tea box: $24. Register online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes (code FB8.E4K2) or call Green Spring Gardens at 703-642-5173.

READ MORE

---

Lost Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card?
Here’s How to Get a Copy of Your Record

After you receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you are handed a vaccination card that lists the type of vaccine received and the date the shot was given. You are asked to bring back this card if you require a second dose, as is the case if you received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. This card is proof that following two doses, or one dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, that you are fully vaccinated.

But what happens if you lose your card?

You may have been instructed to take a photo of the front and back side of your card. However, if you have misplaced your card, you can email the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) help desk at vaccinerecord@vdh.virginia.gov, or call the VIIS help desk at 1-866-375-9795 to request a copy of your vaccination record. The help desk operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition, you can also request a copy of your vaccination record by filling out an an Immunization Record Request Form. Within 24 to 48 hours, a VIIS representative will contact you.  

---

Collector’s World Expanding
A New Venue for Games and Events

Collector's World Comic Heroes

Later this year,  Collector’s World in the Annandale Shopping Center will be moving next door to Mathnasium and expanding to over 6,000 square feet.  Their dedicated retail space will more than double plus two additional rooms will be added.  One will host their online business sales and the other a very exciting  event/game room.  No matter your age, when walking into this business you can’t help but feel that FUN is heading your way. 

Much attention is being paid to expanding their inventory system and selection to 1 million cards ranging from modern and vintage to non-sports.  They will also expand their comics section to over 50,000 and add a customer aide table where patrons can sit and sort through their favorite cards and comics.  Aside from retail buying and selling, Collector’s World will host special events focusing on gaming, cosplay, authentication, card shows, tent sales and children’s gatherings.

Focusing on their customer experience, the new and expanded Collector’s World will be a very kid friendly location with special perks for good grades and enough stock to provide excitement for  kids, their family, and adults alike.

READ MORE

---

Pupusas Express -- NOW OPEN

In the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows 

 Now Open in the Annandale Shopping Center is a much awaited new dining experience known as Pupusas Express. (7042 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) Delicious, spotlessly clean and friendly, this eatery will delight the young and the young at heart. The menu reflects the traditional Salvadoran dishes offered at affordable prices certain to please every budget.

Known for their warm hospitality and exceptionally quick and courteous service, they have now expanded to four locations. If you are unfamiliar with Salvadoran cuisine, the staff will be happy to discuss ingredients and walk you through the menu offerings.

The traditional Salvadoran foods are a mix of Native American cuisines from indigenous groups and influences from European (Spanish) cuisine.  Many of the dishes are made with maize (corn) in one form or another. There is also a heavy use of pork, chicken, and seafood.

El Salvador's most notable dish is the pupusa, a thick handmade corn flour or rice flour flatbread stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, chicken, refried beans, or vegetables.

  Since most are only $2.40 each, you can afford to try a few combinations.  Condiments accompanying the pupusas are pickled-cabbage (a cole slaw known as curitido) and tomato sauce.

A favorite Salvadoran specialty is pupusa stuffed with cheese and the loroco flower.    Fernaldia pandurate  is a vine with edible flowers known as loroco flowers grown throughout Mexico and Central America and is an important source of food in El Salvador and Guatemala. The plant's buds and flowers are used for cooking in a variety of ways, including in pupusas.  At Pupusas Express a special pupusa is stuffed with cheese and the loroco flower.

Other well-known Salvadoran dishes include carne guisada (a saucy beef stew with potatoes and carrots), carne asada (grilled steak),  Camarones a la Crema (Sauteed shrimp mixed with onions, green peppers and cream),  Ceviche de Camaron (lime cooked shrimp), various Tacos, Quesadillas, and Fajitas. 

SOUP-SOUP, YOU MUST TRY THE SOUP
Don’t overlook their four soup offerings as they are of special note. 

READ MORE

In the Annandale Shopping Center
on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road

7042 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA  22003
571-378-0018
www.pupusasexpress.com

Open Monday thru Saturday 11 am
to 10 pm, closed on Sunday
Free delivery within 4 miles and a minimum $12.00 order.

---

MEET THE ARTISAN: Bob Simoniz
Ye Old Toymaker and Wood Carver

Bob Simoniz first started in crafts after graduating from Virginia Tech and marring his wife Maureen in 1968.  He began with leathercraft and placed items in a consignment store in Crystal City near where he worked for the Naval Sea Systems Command.  One day the owner asked if he could make wooden toys since she was having problems with her current artisan.  That set Bob on the path to creating numerous toys over a period of several years. 

During this period he made furniture for his family and eventually for friends.  When he bought their current home in 1976, he finished off the lower level adding a family room and two bedrooms managing the construction and wiring himself.  Later he added a garage and built a 14x16 addition.  With the exception of pouring the foundation, Bob and his wife designed and provided all the labor.  When Bob was in college, he worked summers as a helper for an Electrical Construction Company in Lynchburg, VA where he learned the electrical trade.

Over the years of building furniture, Bob always wanted to try wood carving.  In 1989, he finally bought a kit and carved a very rough Santa which he still has.  Until about 15 years ago, his main carvings were Santa's and snowmen for personal Christmas gifts (usually between 11-15 gifts a year).  After taking a class on chip carving with Barry McKenzie, Bob began carving icicles as Christmas gifts. His next door neighbor was ordering 35 for gifts each Christmas.

Then he added Welsh Lovespoons.  Lovespoons have been made and given for about 350 years.  The earliest example dates to 1667 and can be seen in the Welch Museum in Cardiff although the majority on exhibit date to the 18th and 19th century. They are ornately carved spoons made from a single piece of wood and given by a young suitor as a love token to show his intentions.   Tradition has it that the spoon was equivalent to a proposal of marriage.  Numerous symbols can be carved into a single spoon expressing the entwining of lives forever, the intention to support her, the number of children envisioned,  fidelity, and eternal happiness are but a few. Bob says that he has carved some complex love spoons just for the challenge.  Now they are a labor of love.

READ MORE
______________________________________________________________________

Farmers Markets in Annandale

Organized by the Fairfax County Park Authority, these Farmers' Markets offer a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers.  There are also fresh eggs, baked goods, fresh pasta, honey, jam, teas and cider to purchase.  Milk and cheese products, and homemade ice cream, along with a wide array of meat products, round out the edible delights offered.  If gardening is an interest, many vendors have small plants at the beginning of the season, while other vendors have larger landscape plants for those ambitious projects. Master Gardener Plant Clinic on site, at both Mason District and Wakefield Park, to answer questions about plants in your landscape.

---

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.

More News and Local Issues

 

---

Trust Properties

Trust Properties was founded in 1994 and is committed to providing a broad range of Commercial Real Estate Services throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area.  Staffed by knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated career professionals, Trust Properties takes pride in delivering impeccable levels of service and exceptional results to their clients and customers.

Greg McGillicuddy is a Vice President and Principal Broker at Trust Properties.  Greg grew up in Arlington and returned here after completing his studies at Harvard and Hopkins.  Greg is one of the most knowledgeable brokers in local real estate, with more than 27 years of experience in the sales and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties and has managed more than two million square feet of properties in the Greater Metro area, including numerous properties here in Annandale.        READ MORE

---

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

---

WEEKLY VACCINATION CLINIC

United Methodist Church
7901 Heritage Dr. Annandale, VA
(Near H-Mart and Heritage Shop Center)

Weekly walk-in vaccination clinics every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. through 7:30 p.m. No I.D. or health insurance is required.

---

---

---

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

---

Help Fill the Needs of Your Neighbors this Summer



As the COVID-19 crisis continues, 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

---

___________________________________

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 1976 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)

---

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

---

---

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.

_____________________________________

Local Web Links:

ACCA

Annandale Acres

Annandale Boys & Girls Club Blog

Annandale:  Comprehensive Plan Amendment

Annandale Revitalization Committee

Annandale Shopping Center

Braddock District Supervisor

Broyhill Crest

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