ANNANDALE
       The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM
    Read Annandale's News Magazine,
                ENDEAVOR
News: Protect Your Skin this Summer
News:  Classes now offered at Artisans United
Real Estate: The State of the Market
News: Old School Methods Still Have Their Use
Insurance Insights: Corporate Insurance
THE POLICE BEAT: Top Home and Office Security Tips
VIEW ON NATURE: Let Us Prey
The Garden Path: Designing with Raised Garden Beds
History: What a Difference a Century Can Make: 1924
History:  Early Baseball in Annandale

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

 ANNANDALE News, Events & Networking

Annandale Mural
ACCA Building on Columbia Pike 

Mural artist, Giuseppe Percivati, also known as Pepe Gaka  has begun creating a mural on the wall at ACCA facing the fire department.  Weather permitting, it will be completed by the end of October.

Pepe performed a great deal of research on Annandale's history including the ACCA building. which served as the Annandale Elementary School from 1926 to 1975 having undergone three expansions during those years.  Currently, it is home to a Child Development Center.  The mural depicts children to honor the history of the building.  Pepe also researched the flora often seen in local gardens to include Dogwood, Sunflowers, Coneflowers, Zinnias, Cinnamon Fern, Lavender, Canna Lily, Hosta, and Black-Eye Susans.   Sitting on the windows are two feral cats that are frequently seen in the park.

The mural on the ACCA building wall is the first such project in Fairfax County's Paint It, Fairfax! program.

Artist Pepe Gaka with rendering of his mural.

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The Garden Path 
Enhance Your Outdoor Oasis: Exploring the Benefits of Synthetic Turf  

Envision a lawn that maintains its vibrant green color throughout the year without mowing or fertilizing. This is the magic of synthetic turf—a low-maintenance solution that effortlessly keeps your outdoor space lush and green without the use of precious water.

Discover these three applications where artificial grass will improve your landscape and your life:

• Synthetic putting greens
• Synthetic lawn
• Synthetic turf dog run.

Extend Your Play Time with Synthetic Turf, Play Spaces, and Outdoor Lighting
Enhance your golf skills by adding synthetic turf areas to your outdoor space. At Campbell & Ferrara, we go the extra mile to tailor your putting greens and chipping areas to your unique preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.

We also design and build custom sports and bocce ball courts that enhance your entire family’s entertainment. Basketball and bocce ball courts provide hours of outdoor fun, whether practicing your free throws or entertaining during an outdoor party. Horseshoes pits are another entertainment option to consider.

Adding outdoor lighting, including a design of various LED fixtures, to your putting greens, basketball, or bocce court allows you to practice your game well after the sun goes down.

Our team has the skills and experience to provide top-notch workmanship to create your new play areas.

READ MORE

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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.

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FCPS Outstanding Elementary School Teacher 

Shea Hestmark, a second grade teacher at Columbia Elementary School in Annandale was recently recognized as FCPS Outstanding Elementary School Teacher.

Shea is a dedicated and passionate second-grade teacher committed to fostering a welcoming environment, supporting student agency, and creating rigorous learning opportunities. Through developing strong relationships, Shea successfully motivates her students to take risks and grow as learners. Her commitment to equity and inclusion drives her to advocate for all students, ensuring each individual feels valued and supported in their educational journey.

Shea’s work does not end at her classroom door, as she has taken on various leadership roles dedicated to ensuring the success of all students within her school community. Shea believes effective communication, an atmosphere of trust, and a commitment to inclusion drive positive change. 

“It’s a great day to be a Columbia Cougar!”

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Jet's Pizza now Open
Great Pizza Comes to Annandale

At last, GREAT Pizza can be found in Annandale at the Annandale Shopping Center at 7026 Columbia Pike. (Columbia Pike and Gallows Road)

Jet's Pizza is a Detroit based premium pizzeria specializing in their famous Detroit style deep dish square pizza.  Founded in 1978 in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights, Jet's Pizza has expanded exponentially over the years to a total of 425 franchises across 22 states as of January 2024.  As a family friendly business, Jet's aims to be a staple in the community and provide the best pizza around.

JET'S PIZZA
7026 Columbia Pike
(In the Annandale Shopping Cener)
Open 10 am to 10 pm, Monday thru Sunday
703-977-7117   .   https://www.jetspizza.com/stores/virginia/

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The Garden Path 
The Garden Path Elevate Your Garden Designing with Raised Garden Beds 

Do you love local fresh produce over store-bought in the summertime?

You can’t get more local than growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your garden. You’ll also be satisfied when you pick your first juicy tomato of the season or chop peppers to add to your favorite gazpacho recipe.

If your backyard is limited in space, don't fret. Raised beds are the perfect solution. They fit snugly into smaller backyards, offering a convenient and manageable gardening experience. No more kneeling on the ground to pull weeds or cut herbs—gardening made easy.

There are four materials you can use for a raised garden bed design:

• Timber
• Cedar
• Metal
• Wall stone.
  
  

Constructing Your Garden Beds with Timber

Many homeowners use timber to build their raised garden beds—it’s affordable and efficient. Here are five timber choices we can use to build your raised garden beds:

• Cedar
• Cypress
• Hemlock
• Juniper

These wood types are durable and long-lasting. Cedar and hemlock are more resistant to rot and decay. However, pine isn’t as resistant to pests as cedar because it has fewer bug-resistant tannins.

Designing Raised Garden Beds Using Cedar

Cedar’s scent makes it an attractive building material for raised garden beds and a natural insect repellant. Cedar is also a popular wood choice for decks and siding. It is a soft, dense wood that is naturally rot resistant.

The knots in the cedar also provide a natural, sustainable look that works well in raised garden beds. Imagine growing heirloom tomatoes, basil, and oregano in a pizza-themed raised garden.

Building Raised Garden Beds Using Metal

If you love modern rustic, you’ll love the look of metal raised garden beds. With its rusty exterior and patina that will develop over the years, weathered steel, such as Corten steel, will give your garden a classic feel.

Corten steel and other distressed metals used for raised garden bed construction are warmer along the edges, while the inner part of the garden remains at a consistent temperature.

Plant heat-tolerant okra, oregano, thyme, and rosemary along the edges of the metal garden bed. Add cucumbers, zucchini, hot and sweet peppers, and eggplant in the middle of the raised bed.
READ MORE

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Classes Now Offered at Artisans United

Adding color to our lives and tapping into our creativity are great things to focus on. Annandale is a vibrant cultural center, with many performing groups and arts-focused activities. Artisans United has been part of the Annandale community for more than 35 years. During that time the organization has offered a wide variety of handmade crafts by local artists in our gallery as well as hosting a variety of craft demonstrations, classes, and other activities to further our purpose of preserving, promoting, and developing the arts and crafts.

Since June 2023, AU has offered classes showcasing the various arts and crafts our member artists engage in. Students of all ages have painted a scene of birch trees in sunset on canvas and designs on rocks, carved a spoon from a wood block, learned to weave a decorative basket, learned to use polymer and decorated a pen, created a greeting card with a pop-up rose, and more. Classes currently are scheduled in needle-felting, wood carving and mosaic glass, with more to come.

READ MORE

Artisans United Gallery
4022 Hummer Road (in the Annandale Community Park)
Annandale, VA  22003
703.941.0202   .  www.augallery.org

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SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER WITH OLDER LOVED ONES TO HELP THEM AVOID LONELINESS:

1. Look and listen: Ask an older adult about hobbies and passions that piqued their interests in earlier days. Try to help them reengage in those interests. If they are no longer able to do those things, suggest adapting hobbies or in finding new interests altogether. Example: A family member got her father, a former builder, interested in woodworking projects.

2. Plan: Try to alter the TV habit of so many seniors by creating a monthly plan of activities that will connect them with others. Example: FaceTime with a grandchild, a coffee date with you or a friend, or planning a special dinner or meal together.

3. Encourage visits: Encourage visits from other family and friends. Plan special gatherings with friends and family members. Ask them to commit to be there by responding to an RSVP.

4. Be creative: Older adults, even many who have a dementia illness or cognitive decline still enjoy many activities with a little creativity or to spur their memories. Looking at old photos, watching an old movie, taking a walk or listening to music can bring on some sweet smiles.

5. Consider companionship: If you can’t be there to provide companionship and assistance, consider some outside home care, such as Home Instead. Assistance with meal preparation, transportation to appointments or activities with someone to brighten a day, can go a long way toward alleviating loneliness.

Just a little time, effort and thoughtfulness from you, can reduce an older person’s loneliness and bring such joy and gratification to you both.

 

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 Police Beat
Top Security Tips for Homes and Business Owners 

Our homes are our safe havens, and FCPD is ensuring that our community members are equipped with the necessary information and tools to protect this space for ourselves and loved ones. Home burglaries can be a distressing experience, but with some precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the risk.

1. Secure Entry Points

Strong Doors and Windows: Ensure all exterior doors are made of solid materials and equipped with sturdy deadbolt locks. Reinforce windows with laminated glass or install security film to make them more resistant to break-ins.

Quality Locks: Invest in high-quality locks for doors and windows. Deadbolt locks with at least a one-inch throw are recommended for exterior doors.

Sliding Doors: Place a metal rod or a dowel (Charley bar) in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent them from being forced open.

2. Adequate Lighting

Exterior Lighting: Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home, especially near entry points. A well-lit property serves as a deterrent to potential burglars.

Timers: Use timers for interior lights, radios, or TVs to give the appearance that someone is home, even when you're away.

3. Landscaping

Trim Shrubs and Trees: Keep vegetation around doors and windows trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.

Visible Address Numbers: Ensure that your house number is clearly visible from the street, making it easier for emergency responders to locate your home quickly.

4. Neighborhood Watch

Community Awareness: Establish or participate in a neighborhood watch program. Encourage residents to look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police.

Communication: Share information with neighbors about any recent incidents or security concerns, fostering a strong sense of community.

5. Home Security Systems

Install Alarms: Consider installing a professionally monitored home security system. Visible alarms and signs act as powerful deterrents.

Smart Technology: Explore the use of smart home security devices, such as doorbell cameras and surveillance systems that allow remote monitoring. Remember to monitor any alarm notifications, especially when you are not home.

READ MORE

VIEW ON NATURE
Let Us Prey                                                                                              

 
Mother Nature must have been very fond of insects when creating Virginia because there are more than 20,000 species of bugs and bug-like creatures living across the Old Dominion.  And of all of those, about 10 percent or 2,100 species are deemed beneficial bugs.  And in my book, the king of the beneficial insects is the praying mantis. 

The Praying mantis is a strong, patient hunter.  It can wait motionless for long periods of time until a clueless victim wanders within reach.  And within reach is the name of the mantis game. 

Careful observation reveals that the mantis lies in wait until it can reach out and imperceptibly touch its prey with both of its long, super-thin antennae; the moment it touches with both, the mantis quick-as-lightning strikes to grasp its prey in both spiked forearms.  Once in hold, the otherworldly mantis mechanically devours its prey with its strong jaws.  To us, they are harmless, do not sting, and have no venom. 

The completely carnivorous mantis is the ultimate patient predator with its camouflage appearance and sole, unique ability to swivel its head at extreme angles while using its excellent binocular vision to hone in on victims. Adding to its invincibility is a defensive hearing adaptation in the middle of its thorax. This auditory organ evolved to detect bat echolocation waves, its main predator, enables flying mantises to respond evasively.  So, when you see a mantis on a night flight suddenly dive downward, he’s proactively avoiding an incoming bat like a fighter pilot.  
READ MORE

EARLY BASEBALL IN ANNANDALE
The Annandale Dreadnaughts & the Beginning of the Annandale Little League

The Annandale Dreadnaughts late 1940’s   (Photos courtesy of ACC Photographic Archive,
with all rights for use reserved.)

The Annandale Dreadnaughts, founded in 1940, played teams from around the Northern Virginia region, attracting a loyal crowd of fans.  When hosting a game in Annandale, fans brought blankets and folding chairs along with picnic gear for a full afternoon of entertainment.  A field was established off Daniels Ave. close to the site of what would become the school & Little League field behind the Annandale Elementary School.  The team would "pass the hat" after each game to help pay for uniforms and equipment.  Many of these players went onto coach Annandale Little League Teams when the Annandale Little League was formed in the mid 1950’s. 

In the late 1950's Annandale formed a Little League bringing the National sport and enjoyment to the boys and families in our community.  Much later, it joined with neighboring teams to form the Mason District Little League which brings today the same spirit of teamwork,  comradeship and sportsmanship to the next generation while providing them with a formative athletic experience.

How did the Annandale Little League start?  First a trip to Williamsport, PA to consult with the National Little League including a lengthy seminar about starting a Little League.  Back in Annandale, a committee was formed including many former Dreadnaught players.  A few fields were available but more would be necessary to form a larger league.  Fundraising ensued to purchase bases, balls, bats and umpire equipment. More funds were eventually raised to build dugouts and backstops, but for the early days, a few parents would drag along their picnic benches.

These exhaustive early efforts were made by a group of father, most all WWII / Korean War Veterans who wanted their sons to experience the “National Sport” here in rural-turning-suburban Annandale.

READ MORE

Insurance Insights
Does a Corporation Need Business Insurance? 

You may have heard that corporations protect you from business liability. But does that mean you don't need insurance? Not if you don't want to lose your business. A corporation may protect you from personal liability, but the corporation itself can still be sued. 

Why Do Lawyers Say a Corporation Can Protect You from Liability? 
A corporation protects you from personal liability for business debts. What this means is that if someone sues your corporation or if your corporation can't pay back a loan, the plaintiff or creditor can only take what's inside of the corporation. They can't take your house, your retirement savings, or any other personal property. 

Your corporation can still be sued, and you may still need to go to court to defend it. If your corporation loses, you may have to pay the judgment by using the savings in your business bank account, selling business assets, or giving up real property owned by the corporation. If there is nothing left or you don't have enough cash to continue operations, you may have to go out of business.

Can't You Just Make a New Corporation? 
It may be possible to close your original corporation and start over under a new name, but doing this isn't easy. The law is designed so that you repay your debts whenever possible. A judge may decide to pierce the corporate veil and say that your actions weren't really under the original corporation and enter a judgment against either you personally or your new business. If you try to transfer assets to a new corporation — anything from tools to intangible assets like goodwill — a judge may decide it's a continuation of the original business and enforce a judgment against its future income. In short, you shouldn't view operating under a corporation as a get-out-of-jail-free card. 

READ MORE

FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE ANNANDALE PANTRY

Current Pantry Needs
Low sodium and low sugar items and the following items (canned or in boxes) continue to be in demand and also PAPER BAGS:

George Mason Regional Library Programs

We're 85!
It’s hard to imagine that the 1939 Board of Supervisors could envision the success of their new library system when they budgeted a whopping $250 to support the library, but here we are, stronger than ever!

READ MORE

Why You Should Have a Paper Map for Emergencies 

During an emergency situation like a natural disaster or power outage, your phone or GPS may not work. Cell towers and internet access can go down, leaving you without digital maps or navigation. That’s why it’s wise to keep a paper map on hand for backup during emergencies.

Here are some key reasons why a paper map is an essential part of emergency preparedness.

Reliable Backup Navigation
If the power goes out or cell towers are down, most smartphones and GPS units will be rendered useless. But a paper map does not depend on electricity or internet connectivity. Unfolding a paper map provides you with a trusty backup way to navigate and find alternate routes if needed.  Knowing how to read a map is an invaluable skill when technology fails.READ MORE

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The Clarke House

Family Homestead & 400 Acre Dairy Farm,
Now an Event Venue

The Clark House was built in 1902 by William Lee Clark and served as

the family homestead, of this 400 acre dairy farm, for over 50 years. The builder, Henry Manchester, was a long time local resident. His remuneration came in the form of dinner plus two dollars a day. One of the first telephones in the area was installed here in 1918 and electricity was added around 1935. The family consisted of William, his wife Minnie Howdershell Clark and their children, Wilbur, Lillian and Madeline.

In 1953, Wilbur Burnley Clark (son of William) retired from farming and sold all his land except the house and 6.1 acres. Here he established W.B. Clark and Sons Inc. which sold top soil, sawdust, gravel, wood mulch, fertilizer, firewood, and railroad ties. His sons Larry and Wayne ran the business in an office next to the kitchen and employed over 20 people.

Progress was not to favor the Clark family.  In 1972 Fairfax County went in search of a building site for the Mason District Government Center and the Clark property became a prime contender. Unfortunately, Wilbur Clark had no desire to sell. By this time four Clark generations had lived on the homestead, built decades of memories and a thriving business. The issue was resolved when another site was deemed more appropriate, but that was not the end of Wilbur’s problems. The Fairfax County Park Authority was in need of 8.1 acres in Mason District to meet the 8.5 acres of community parkland for every 1,000 people goal. A long fight ensued, and the Clarks were ultimately forced to sell the house and remaining land to the Park Authority in 1986. The house was moved down Columbia Pike in 1990 (originally located at 6337 Columbia Pike); townhouses built around it; and, a saddened Mr. Clark died two years later at age 92.

READ MORE

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What a Difference a Century Makes:  1924
US Population: 114,109,000 

President Coolidge with his Mother, Mrs. Jones, in the White House Garden 

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President: Calvin Coolidge
Vice President:  Charles G. Dawes
Virginia Governor:  Elbert Lee Trinkle
Chief Justice Supreme Court:  William Howard Taft
Speaker of the House:  Frederick H. Gillett (R-Massachusetts) 
Senate Majority Leader:  Charles Curtis (R-Kansas)
VA Senators: Claude A. Swanson & Carter Glass
BORN:  Marlon Brando, Tom Landry, Gloria Vanderbilt, James Baldwin, George H.W. Bush, Robert Mugabe, Henry Mancini
DIED: Woodrow Wilson,  Henry Bacon, Isabella Stewart Gardner, Louis Sullivan

HISTORICAL EVENTS

• Mahatma Gandhi is released from jail early because of ill health. He served less than two years of a six year sentence. Gandhi decides to write about improvements for India instead of taking part in political action. 
  
  
• In Munich, the trial against Hitler for treason in the Beer Hall Putsch begins. He is found guilty, sentenced to 5 years of hard labor but only serves 9 months. During his imprisonment, he writes Mein Kampf (My Struggle). It was part political treatise and part autobiography. The book lays out Hitler’s his ever increasing antisemitic and militaristic views. 
  
  
• An immigration law is signed by Pres. Calvin Coolidge restricting immigration to the U.S. Part of the law is the Asian Exclusion Act which banned the entry of Asians to the US from a variety of countries.  
  
  
• The Indian Citizenship Act was signed into law by President Calvin Coolidge declaring all Native Americans to be U.S. citizens. 
  
  
• J. Edgar Hoover is appointed head of the FBI. 
  
  
• The Statue of Liberty is declared a National Monument
  
  
• Nellie Tayloe Ross is elected as the first U.S. female governor (Wyoming) much to the surprise of her male colleagues.
  
  
• Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two wealthy students from the University of Chicago, kidnapped and killed 14 year old Bobby Franks to demonstrate their supposed intellectual superiority by committing a “perfect crime” without consequences. They were each sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 99 years for kidnapping.  The trial of Leopold and Loeb at Chicago's Cook County Criminal Court became a media spectacle and the third (after those of Harry Thaw and Sacco and Vanzetti) to be labeled "the trial of the century." The Leopold and Loeb families hired the renowned criminal defense attorney Clarence Darrow to lead the defense team. Darrow took the case because he was a staunch opponent of capital punishment. Both Leopold and Loeb were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, and an additional 99 years for the kidnapping.  They were sent to Northern Illinois Penitentiary near Joliet. In January 1936, Loeb was razor-slashed and killed by a fellow inmate, toward whom Loeb allegedly had made sadistic homosexual advances.
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  Blue Moon Estate Sales

Helping Families. Selling Treasures. Having Fun.

Blue Moon Estate Sales began over 10 years ago as one family's mission to help others sell belongings during life transitions. As the need for home and business liquidation is never-ending, Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise locations have continued to open around the nation to service additional communities. Since opening last year, our team at Blue Moon Estate Sales of NE Fairfax County has proudly offered professional, modern estate sale services in our local area. Blue Moon prides itself on their mission, values, experience and results.

Items accumulated over the years can become overwhelming when families or individuals are ready to make a change.   Blue Moon streamlines possessions as people adjust to life as empty nesters, move to a new destination, relocate for a job or family responsibilities, sell a rental property, close a business or office, relocate for care, or sell an estate after the loss of a loved one.

No matter the stage of life that sellers are in, estate sales serve as a turnkey solution to avoid the time-consuming, costly, and stressful process of dealing with personal property. Their professionally-trained estate liquidators speed up and simplify downsizing. Unlike garage sales, estate sales sell as much as possible, typically with the goal of clearing the entire contents of a residential or commercial space. Estate sales encourage sustainability through resale; allowing belongings to serve a new purpose.

READ MORE

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MEET THE ARTISAN:  Shelia Lynch
Work on Display and for Sale at the Artisans United Gallery

In a world where specialization often reigns supreme, there are individuals who defy conventional boundaries and embrace a multitude of talents. Meet Sheila Lynch, a polymath artist whose diverse range of skills and expertise spans across various fields of science, humanities, and the arts.

With a passion for exploration and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, Lynch has mastered an astonishing array of disciplines. Playing and teaching 11 musical instruments showcases a remarkable musical talent that knows no boundaries. From delicate strokes of a paintbrush to the intricate art of glass fusing and mosaic creation, Lynch’s artistic prowess knows no limits

But it doesn’t stop there. Sheila Lynch is also a skilled silver-smith, crafting exquisite jewelry pieces that reflect her unique artistic vision. Sculpture becomes a medium for her to breathe life into her imagination, while calligraphy allows her to express her creativity through the written word.

The term “polymath artist” is not one to be taken lightly. It harkens back to the days of Leonardo DaVinci, the true Renaissance genius who excelled in painting, architecture, invention and scientific exploration. In a similar vein, Sheila Lynch embodies the spirit of a modern day polymath artist. 

Lynch explained her creative journeys:
“An idea will pop into my head randomly at any given time. I will see an actual picture in my mind’s eye. I then draw the picture, using diagrams and explanations of how it will work. I analyze the inner workings of the piece to visualize how I want to create what I see. I often draw 10 versions of the piece in order to find the one I am most excited about creating. At this time, I start thinking about what materials I want to use to accomplish my vision. Then, I start to draw, in reverse, the steps I will need to take to complete the project. I work out any foreseen problems I may have along the way and remedy them before I begin. I plan every step of the way. Gathering up my materials, I begin the journey to creating my vision.”

READ MORE

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Annandale's American Legion

Would you like to be a part of a winning organization who helps the community and has fun doing it? Are you a veteran or someone in your family a veteran? Common myth is that if you are not a veteran, you cannot join. Not true, you can join under family members. American Legion Post 1976 is always looking for new members. If anyone in your family is a veteran, you may qualify. Meeting new people in our club is a great part of the experience. We have a monthly breakfast that is the best in town. Other events include trivia, spaghetti dinners, lunches on Tuesday and Wednesday, steak dinners, karaoke and many more. We participate in the Annandale parade and toys for tots. We have a pool table, 6 televisions and low prices. Lockers are also available. Email me at rpcomm6759@aol.com to see if you qualify. If you prefer, stop by the post at American Legion Post 1976, 4206 Daniels Avenue, Annandale, VA 22003. 703-941-9608 or 703-941-9460.

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UnCovered:   Cookie Cutters and Kitchen Tools
The tradition of baking holiday cookies to share with friends and family dates to the medieval era. Historically, these cookies would be made with fragrant spices such as black pepper, ginger and cinnamon, making them taste similar to modern day gingerbread. The first known recipe for gingerbread came from Greece in 2400 BC.

Gingerbread is claimed to have been brought to Europe in 992 AD by the Armenian monk Gregory of Nicopolis (also called Gregory Makar and Grégoire de Nicopolis). He left Nicopolis(in modern-day western Greece) to live in Bondaroy (north-central France), near the town of Pithiviers. He stayed there for seven years until he died in 999 and taught gingerbread baking to French Christians ⁽¹⁾  It may have been brought to Western Europe from the eastern Mediterranean in the 11th century.  ⁽²⁾

The creation of gingerbread men cookies is attributed to Queen Elizabeth I. It is said that she presented visiting foreign officials with gingerbread in their likeness. Gingerbread was also a favored treat at medieval European festivals and fairs, and there were even dedicated gingerbread fairs.

Specialty forms of gingerbread can be found in Belgium, France, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Panama.  Some substitute honey for molasses, others add a sweet sauce over the top.

Other forms of gingerbread, such as loaves and houses, have historical ties as well. It is believed that gingerbread houses were popularized by the witch’s cottage from the fairytale Hansel and Gretel. In America, George Washington’s mother, Mary Ball Washington, was known for her gingerbread loaf recipe, which was her hospitality staple. Her recipe called for spices such as ginger, cinnamon, mace and nutmeg, with a surprise hint of citrus from some orange zest.

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Shop Locally and Support Annandale Merchants

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Artisans United Gallery of Gifts
When you shop at the gallery, you will find a wide variety of reasonably priced hand-crafted items by local artisans. Socially distanced shopping at the Gallery is easy. Or, if you can’t visit in person, call to arrange for a virtual tour and shopping. Staff can take payments over the phone and provide curbside pickup. Mailing or delivery to your home may be available.
Visit us at the Packard Center (Annandale Community Park), 4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

READ MORE ABOUT ARTISANS UNITED Call us at 703-941-0202 to check on current hours. You may also arrange a Sunday, Monday, or evening visit.
(703)941-0202    .    augallery1@gmail.com   .   www.augallery.org

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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/

Green Spring Gardens  -  Tea Gifts, Nature & Garden Gifts
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

Collector's World
Comics, Collector's Cards and Sports Memorabilia
7006 Columbia Pike,  Annandale, VA 22003
(In the Annandale Shopping Center at Columbia Pike & Gallows Road)
703-256-8408   .   collectorsworldinfo@gmail.com
Call for current hours of operation. 

Pinecrest Golf Course - Golf Gifts, Clothing, and Gift Cards
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

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

 
Blue Moon Estate Sales

READ MORE OR TO REGISTER

Youth Sports & Summer Camps
in Annandale are best represented by:

Annandale Boys & Girls Club

Lee's Hapmudo Martial Arts Studio

Kenwood School Summer Day Camp

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

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Read the Latest
ENDEAVOR News Magazine

 

The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale.  Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern Virginia TM.

The Annandale American Legion
Post 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.
RPCOMM6759@aol.com 

Mondays and Thursdays
The 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

Homeless & Hypothermia Shelters
in Northern Virginia through Fredericksburg (Fairfax, Loudoun, Culpepper, Arlington, Alexandria,  and Prince William Counties, plus Manassas & Manassas Park,  can be found at:  www.novaregion.org/DocumentCenter/View/11750

Office to Prevent and End Homelessness: 703-324-9492   https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/

Families with children who need shelter must contact Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to gain access. After business hours, families with children in need of shelter should go directly to the nearest family shelter.

As the weather gets colder, Bailey's Shelter and Supportive Housing (BSSH) is getting ready to begin its Hypothermia Prevention Program, which provides shelter to 50+ additional individuals during the coldest months of the year.  The shelter currently needs donations of new sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and underwear to support increased outreach for our homeless neighbors. 

To schedule a donation, volunteer, or just learn more about shelter needs, contact Bianca Clark at bclark@newhopehousing.org, or call 703-578-8852.  If you or someone you know needs shelter, please call BSSH at 703-820-7621.  If you see someone who may need shelter, call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.  

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Help Fill the Needs of Your Neighbors here in Annandale



The need for food donations is greater than ever before. Your support will go a long way in helping to bring relief to our most vulnerable neighbors. For more information or, to donate now, click HERE.

ACCA collects food donations on weekdays with the exception of County Holidays and other scheduled closings from 1 – 5 pm at the food pantry across from Giant Food on Columbia Pike (trailer separate from the day care center) in Annandale. See their website for Saturday donation schedule.

Annandale Christian Community for Action
7200 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-0100  info@accacares.org
https://accacares.org/foodpantry/

Local Web Links:

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

ENDEAVOR News Magazine

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