ANNANDALE News, Events & Networking



Saturday, October 28, 2023

The Annandale Parade
The 2023 Annandale Parade is dedicated to the all the volunteers that dedicate time and resources to Annandale.


ENTRY IS FREE TO ALL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS...INCLUDING SCHOOLS, SCOUTS, YOUTH GROUPS, DANCERS AND TO ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS.

The popular Annandale Parade will march along Columbia Pike from the Annandale Shopping Center at Gallows Road, all the way to Markham Place. Thousands of participants from Clowns, Storybook Characters, Waving Politicians and Marching Bands to Antique & Military Cars, Fire Trucks, Civic Organizations, Scouts, and beautifully costumed International Dancers will parade before the residents of Greater Annandale.  This event celebrates the diversity of our community and offers us a unique opportunity to promote Annandale’s spirit, camaraderie, and our sponsors while hosting a fun packed event for the community.  Sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce, this ssevemty-three year old tradition only gets bigger and better every year. Chamber Partners & sponsors are given priority parade positions.


SPONSORSHIP, ADVERTISING & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE

Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. 
Parade Information and Registration


Saturday, September 9th
Gallery Show & Reception 
Join Artisans United for some light refreshments and enjoy an early look at the Fall Show at the Craft Gallery. They are featuring work by 21 local artists and members of the Potomac Polymer Clay Guild in this show. There are so many cool things with fall themes.
Starting September 16th
Exciting Classes offered at the Craft Gallery of Artisans United
 


Saturday, October 21st - 10 am to 1 pm
Grand Opening of the Annandale Civic Space

The Annandale Civic Space, as it is temporarily known, is being developed on less than a one acre parcel between ACCA and the Fire Dept. on Columbia Pike and has evolved with community input. The Grand Opening will consist of a ribbon cutting ceremony with public officials, various activities, and information booths manned by county agencies.  All are welcome to attend.

The park will consist of four areas:

  • Parking Lot Expansion Area for pop-up programming
  • Civic Plaza
  • Educational Garden
  • Great Lawn with a topography playground ideal for children

The design will take the property’s existing underutilized open space and turn it into a more functional community space for public enjoyment. This would include the installation of a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible path to the space, while providing a connection from Daniels Avenue to Columbia Pike.


Friday, October 27
Trunk O' Treat



Insurance Insights

Roof Maintenance   
If I hit my house with my Car, Who Pays?

WISA Solutions Roofing
Homeowners must ensure that a roof is stable and in good working order. The condition of a roof often plays a significant factor in determining homeowners insurance rates, as insurers are often hesitant to cover homes with old and damaged roofs. Maintaining your roof and replacing it if it does not function properly is necessary for helping keep homes safe, protected and insurable. 

Being Proactive                         
Roofs might seem basic on the surface with shingles, gutters and a frame, but they are more complicated than that. Roofs need to be dry and well-ventilated. However, they can trap heat and moisture, often leading to mold, which can be dangerous and create significant issues in homes. Additionally, shingles can trap water, which can cause rot and structural damage.  

Hire a professional to inspect your roof before mold or structural damage occurs because once it does, the entire house may be at risk. Conducting routine maintenance and ensuring proper ventilation can help limit potential home damage.    

Do I Need a New Roof?                                    
Maintaining your roof can help reduce the likelihood of needing to replace it with a new one for a while. However, this requires routine inspections (especially after severe weather) and maintenance to help avoid substantial issues. A lack of regular care can lead to significant and permanent damage, which may require you to install a new roof—at considerable expense. 

READ MORE           


WISA Solutions

        Is Your Home in Need of a Makeover?   WISA Solutions, Home Improvement Inside and Out

                          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. 

READ MORE


MEET THE ARTIST:  Diane Cairns
Stained Glass Artist

Stained Glass has been around and admired for centuries. The first stained glass panel dates back to the 600’s and was quite simple. It was first used as a teaching tool in churches where stained glass panels were created to depict stories from the Bible. Since many people could not read, the beautiful colored glass scenes explained the different verses. Over time when creation  of this art became more affordable, it was incorporated into the décor of residential dwellings.   In the 1800’s New York City became a mecca for glass construction. The colors were superb, colored all the way through and executed by artisans that rivaled the best in Europe.  

The various vibrant colors were made from distinct minerals and silica and sand to achieve the perfect color, like chromium, silver, gold and cobalt.  Creation followed basic steps starting with blowing the glass into cylinders, allowing it  to dry, (think a big balloon) then flattening and cutting for the project.  Most hand-blown glass has thick and thin depths. Being ballooned and flattened causes these inconsistencies.

It is often thought that this fascinating glass can fade with time; it does not.

At times stained glass windows may appear to be melting with the sun.  This material does not melt.  Afterall, it is fired in a kiln reaching over 1500 degrees.  The sun cannot melt it. If there are bends in the windows it sometimes comes from the lead channels stretching over time. Panels made by the lead channel method need to be re-leaded about every 100 years.

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VIEW ON NATURE:  Old-Growth Greatness
                      Chestnuts provide food to many forest animals.    Photo Credit:  Stephen Wendt       Many of us think of the forest when Nature comes to mind.  All of our lives we lived amongst trees, be it a lone silver maple in your front yard or a tall stand of oaks in the back forty. Trees are and will remain a part of our own ecosystems. 

Closer examination reveals the established woodlands we see today are second-growth forests, from 100 years or more ago.  Virgin forests once covered much of the Eastern U. S. and Pacific Northwest. Sadly, only about one percent of those uncut stands remains east of the Mississippi River.  What caused this?  Quite simply, progressive commercial and industrial logging, and a fungal tree disease from Asia.

Settlement and expansion between the 1600s and 1700s were relatively modest.  Settlors only cleared trees from a few acres to build homesteads and grow personal crops.  But the growth of villages, towns and then cities fueled commercial downing of forests for timber in the 1800s.  Old-growth forests that thrived for centuries, especially in the south, were replaced with softwood pine plantations.  

The American chestnut dominated much of eastern U.S. among the largest, tallest, and fastest growing trees before they were slowly wiped out in the first half of the 20th century by a fungal blight, the greatest tragedy in American forest history.  Back then, the forest was a dark shadowy expanse that the Lewis and Clarke expedition warily saw dissipate, once upon the Great Plains.  

Uncut and less cut forests host more diverse ecosystems and biodiversity.  Surveys have established finding almost 500 salamanders per acre as compared to 100 salamanders in younger woods.  Many species of lichens, mushrooms, and insects are only found in old-growth timbers.

Today’s old-growth forest stands have towering 100+ foot high canopies.  Giant trees of different species and numerous fallen tree trunks in different stages of decomposition back are signs of virgin forests.  Another clue is the presence of huge bends or unusual growth patterns in mature tree trunks, indicators of past disruptions in natural growth often caused by other trees falling on neighboring saplings and sudden shifts in nutrient light availability.  Naturalists call this ability for trees to adapt by curving growth “sinuosity”.

Another rapidly scientific interest re: trees, especially in old-growth areas, is the growing evidence that trees are connected by vast networks of fungal networks in and amongst tree roots. This has opened a wide series of studies about the subterranean interaction, likely chemical communications amongst trees as a community.  

An amazing old-growth stands grows on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg known as Stadium Woods.  This rare forest consists of 11.5 acres of large to very large trees, including dozens of white oaks over 300 years old.  The university considered clearing this miracle forest until significant public outcry and VA Tech’s realization of its truly unique historic, educational, and research importance. 

I will never forget walking through Stadium Woods with its absolutely giant, towering white oaks with massive thick trunks which significantly spread into a higher layer of huge 3+ ft diameter branching beginning at the height of 75 feet up!  That’s where old-growth greatness beacons.  

READ MORE


Sun and Heat Safety
HEALTH RISKS RISE WITH HEAT:  Doctors Warn Against Heat Exposure

As the heat and humidity rises, so does the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be a real health threat, especially for older people and young children.

How can you avoid heat-related illnesses?

  • Wear light-weight, light colored clothing made of breathable material, like cotton.
  • Cover up when you can with long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Hats are fine, but remember baseball caps won’t protect your ears and neck from the sun.
  • Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, even when it is cloudy. Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Avoid uninterrupted sun exposure between 10am and 4pm whenever possible.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on hot days.
  • If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a cool place.
  • Air-conditioning is the best way to protect against heat-related illness. If you do not have air-conditioning at home during extreme heat. Try to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as a shopping mall, public library, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelter in your area.

READ MORE


 

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.


New State Laws
Effective July 1, 2023

Most laws that were passed by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session took  effect in Virginia on Saturday, July 1, 2023. A few are highlighted below with links that provide additional details.


Pedestrian Safety and Transportation

Drivers must stop for pedestrians at clearly marked crosswalks, any regular pedestrian crossings or any intersections where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less. In 2020, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring drivers in Virginia to stop for pedestrians in these areas, stating “yield” now means “stop”. This law clarifies this language and makes it clear that localities authorized to install such signs can do so, helping to avoid confusion among drivers (who are required to stop for pedestrians under state law, but are confronted by street signs that continue to say “yield”.

The “Move Over” law was expanded so drivers must now change lanes or slow down, when possible, for all stopped vehicles on the side of a road with flashing lights or flares.

This law adds contractors to the list of those able to act on behalf of the county to remove illegal signs from the state-maintained right-of-way.

Background Checks for School Staff

These laws were intended to fix communication gaps in the current background check reporting system. The bills require each division superintendent to annually designate an employee as the division safety official and provide updated contact information to the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety. This enables information about arrests and/or convictions of individuals between jurisdictions in the Commonwealth, as well as across state lines. 

This law updates the current code to reflect required language for implementing the Virginia Rap Back program. Fairfax County supported the bills, with ongoing state funding, to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations throughout the commonwealth. 

Health and Human Services

This law requires hotel managers and staff to complete online training on human trafficking within six months of being employed by a hotel and once every two years thereafter.  Although the law was effective Jan. 1, 2023, the Fairfax County Health Department will begin enforcing these requirements starting July 1.

Landlords who own four or more units will have to provide written notice of a rent increase to their tenants at least 60 days in advance.

This law amends the Family and Individual Supports, Community Living, and Building Independence waivers to provide greater financial flexibility to individuals with developmental disabilities who are receiving waiver services.

Land Use

This law creates a new cause of action for a person negatively affected by some type of local government enforcement action (for example zoning enforcement actions or decisions) if the local government’s action willfully disregards the law or regulations. In court, a case like this requires a high standard of proof, but if the person who is negatively affected is successful in court, they will be entitled to compensatory damages and may be awarded attorney’s fees and costs.

Jury Duty

Jury duty allowance has been increased from $30 to $50 per day. 

Online Age Verification

This law requires pornography websites to implement an age verification system to access their content. 

False 911 Calls

This new law will provide penalties for false emergency communication to emergency personnel that leads to a response a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, which comes with up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Temporary Detention Orders

This law permits the director of a facility where a person is awaiting transport to the facility of temporary detention pursuant to a temporary detention order to release the person if an employee or a designee of the local community services board, in consultation with the person’s treating physician, conducts an evaluation, determines that the person no longer meets commitment criteria, authorizes the release of the person and provides a discharge plan.

Military Members

This law creates the Virginia National Guard Passport, which provides free entry to all 41 state parks for active Virginia National Guard members and their immediate family members traveling in the same vehicle.

Virginia's Official Pony

Lawmakers passed a bill to make the Chincoteague Pony – from the commonwealth’s Chincoteague Island — Virginia’s official pony.


 THE POLICE BEAT
Home Security Reminders Ahead of Vacation Season

The Fairfax County Police Department needs your help in preventing burglaries. Home security starts with you.

Officers from our Crime Prevention Unit have identified some simple tips that can help strengthen the security of your property and deter crime.

  • Install security cameras that preferably have recording capabilities.
  • If you’re heading out of town, avoid announcing your plans on social media.
  • Ensure your residence appears occupied, even when no one is home, by using timers on lights.
  • Keep all doors and windows closed and locked.
  • Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or a wooden dowel rod in the track.
  • Lock the door to an attached garage.
  • Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit.
  • Have a trusted neighbor check on your home if you plan to be away.
  • Keep landscaping trimmed near entrances and walkways.
  • Organize or join a Neighborhood Watch program.
  • Keep an inventory of your property.
  • Store ladders, tools, and any other outside objects in a locked shed or garage.
  • Set a reminder every night before bed to lock your car and home to keep them safe.
  • Report suspicious activity to our non-emergency number at (703) 691-2131. If you have an emergency, use 911. 

READ MORE


Green Spring Gardens
Moon Gate Garden Project

	Picture6Photos are from the Park_s Inspiration Board being used for this project. FCPA 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.
READ MORE                                        


Kenwood Summer Day Camp
Pick Your Weeks, Extended Day, & Family Registration Available

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



Annandale REAL ESTATE
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.


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.


 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 Private Family Archive copywrite, not for reproduction.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.

READ MORE


                                                                                   

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 onto residential streets

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.

READ MORE



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 Backlick

We 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!

For more photos of other intersections, go to the VDOT Northern Virginia page or the Route 236 STARS Study.


Shop Locally and Support Annandale Merchants

Artisans United Gallery of Gifts Artisans United Gallery of Gifts, Annandale, VA
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
Gifts for All Occasions
The Craft Gallery of Artisans United
Artisan Creations from woodworking to ceramics, jewelry to knitware & weaving and so much more are available to purchase at very reasonable prices. 

4022 Hummer Road, Annandale 22003   (in the Annandale Community Park)
703.941.0202   .   www.augallery.org/
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


Coffee Gifts
Beanetics Coffee Roasters
Annandale Shopping Center
7028 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 941-4506
   .   www.beanetics.com

Tea Gifts, Nature & Garden Gifts

Green Spring Gardens

Off Braddock Rd. behind Pinecrest Shopping Center-Braddock and Little River
6600 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312

(703) 642-5173
   .  
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring

Comics, Collector's Cards and Sports Memorabilia
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.

More News and Local Issues

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LAMBROS GOLDSMITH AND FINE JEWELRY

Lambros Fine Jewelry in Annandale, VASparkling, 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

  

FAVORITE PAGES:


(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)


 

 

 

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Annandale Shopping Center



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

Annandale Boys & Girls Club Youth Sports

Hapmudo Summer Camp

Kenwood Summer Day Camp


Artisans United Gallery of Gifts 
10-4, Tuesday through Saturday
1-4 on Sunday

Artisans United

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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
The American Legion976 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

Annandale Volunteer Fire Dept. BINGO

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
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.

Bailey's Homeless 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

Food Bank at ACCA

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/



 

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