Fairfax County Meals Tax: Not a Chance, Some Voters Say

Fairfax Chamber of Commerce won't support a possible 4 percent tax on meals and beverages in Fairfax County. But some leaders say it's a good way to bring in extra revenue.

A potential meals tax in Fairfax County is already leaving a bad taste in the mouths of some members of the business community. During a meeting of the county’s top economic officials Tuesday, the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) said it was opposed to the tax. Christian Deschauer, the FCCC’s vice president of government relations, said the chamber would not support a referendum — a position shared by many restaurant owners, he said. “We’ve never supported state legislation or board action that specifically targets a single industry,” Deschauer said. “I’ve talked to a bunch of restaurants in the past week … and the message has not changed from them – they remain adamantly opposed. That’s just the initial feedback.” Last week …

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Editor's Notebook

Construction Continues on Annandale Hess Gas Station Remodel

The station closed temporarily for the renovations back in March.

After almost two months of construction, the remodel of the Annandale Hess gas station at 7100 Little River Tpke., near the corner of John Marr Drive is starting to take shape. The convenience store building for the gas station was delivered at the end of April. Construction crews have been at work almost daily continuining work on the property in order to meet the scheduled July open date. The gas station closed in March in order to complete renovations. When finished, the gas station will include a new Dunkin' Donuts and other food offerings inside the convenience store. Related stories Hess Gas Station in Annandale to Reopen This Summer Hess Gas Station Slated for Remodel in February

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Guide to Celebrating Mother's Day in Annandale

Where to buy flowers, gifts and other ways to show your mom how much you love her.

Mother's Day is Sunday and there are a handful of ways you can celebrate close to home here in Annandale with the special mom in your life. Here's an overview of everything you need to know to find Mom's Day events, where to buy those last-minute gifts and more. Mother's Day-Themed Events Green Spring Gardens will host a Mother's Day tea Sunday from 1-3 p.m. For $28 per adult and $18 for children under 12, you and your mother can enjoy hearing about mothers from the 1780s up to the 1960s while enjoying a selection of teas from those periods. AnnSandra is hosting a Juliska Lemonade & Iced Tea Dessert Party Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children ages 4-12 can make their own gift for mom this year at Hidden Oaks Nature Center's Make a Bird …

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Vornado Realty Expected to Spend $225 Million on Springfield Mall Renovations by 2014

The company released its quarterly earnings report Monday.

Between Jan. 1 and March 31, Vornado Realty Trust spent $8.8 million on the Springfield Mall renovation, which is more than the company has spent on any other projects in its pipeline, according to the Washington Business Journal. The transformation of the Springfield Mall into the Springfield Town Center is expected to cost Vornado $225 million by the middle of 2014. When completed, the new town center will be 1.3 million sq. ft., accessible to about 800,000 people with an estimated household income of more than $117,000 a year and growing, according to the Vornado website. Some features, Springfield and surrounding area residents should expect, include a multi-screen cinema, a new main entrance with valet parking, a health club, 700-seat…

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Annandale Comic Book and Collectors Shop Gets New Owners

Ron's Collectors World owners Ron and Vinnie Savino sold the store last week. The store will stay in Annandale and be renamed Collector's World.

For 21 years, Ron and Vinnie Savino have faithfully owned one of the Annandale Shopping Center’s familiar specialty shops, Ron's Collectors World. Last Wednesday, the brothers sold the store to Collector's World, LLC. “I’m heartbroken, but it’s good. My life is changing, so that’s what’s heartbreaking. They’re good people. They know their stuff, so the store’s in good hands,” said Vinnie Savino of the new owners, Damon Hudson and Stephen Weber. Related Story: Meet the Mayor of the Annandale Shopping Center Savino said he and his brother had just finished selling off their entire inventory to begin slowly rebuilding it with newer items when Hudson approached him about buying the store. The store, which will be renamed Collector's World, …

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Dave Fuller

12:41 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2013

I went in just after moving to Annandale (about 5 years ago). A lot of the comics in the front of the store were sun-bleached and/or dusty. I just assumed the store was a front for something illegal.   more ›

WOW Houses for Sale: Inside Virginia and D.C.'s Most Exclusive Properties

Peek inside these amazing homes for sale in Virginia and DC.

  Maybe you don't need his-and-her master bathrooms. Or a wine grotto, a pool or acres of land. Some people, though, apparently do—and they're willing to spend a lot of money to have those amenities in DC or Northern Virginia. We can all dream, can't we? In addition to dreaming, we can take a look inside some of the most exclusive, amazing homes for sale in Virginia and DC. Just click on the links below to see what's for sale in some of our 31 Patches around the region. Great Falls Wow House: No More Shared Bathrooms Wow House for Sale in Fredericksburg: Grand City Living on Hanover Street Wow House for Sale in Arlington: Patio, Pond, Porch Wow House for Sale in Manassas: Lots of Office Space Wow House for Sale in Centreville: Lawn, Stream…

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Get Your Read On: Free Comic Book Day is May 4

Local comic book and collector's stores in Fairfax County and beyond will hand out free issues of comics to visitors on Saturday to celebrate the annual event.

On Saturday, veteran comic book fans, first-time readers, and everyone in between will head to their local comic book shop for Free Comic Book Day. That's right: Free. Every year, since 2002 on the first Saturday in May, participating independent comic book and collector specialty stores across the country hand out free issues of comic books to anyone who stops by. This year, the release of Marvel's Iron Man 3 movie also coincides with the annual event (think of it as an added bonus to continuing your comics-filled weekend). Here's some options in and around Fairfax County, where you can grab a free comic: Each local store's stock for Free Comic Book Day will vary and issues may be available on a limited basis depending on the volume of …

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Annandale Farmers Market Opens Thursday

Offers fresh produce, products from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Annandale farmers market, located in the parking lot of Mason District Park located at 6621 Columbia Pike, opens for the season Thursday, May 2. The hours of the market are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market will be open weekly through Nov. 7. Read profiles of 2012 Annandale farmers market vendors in Patch's "Fresh Market Finds" column. The market includes everything from fresh tomatos to peaches. From May to November, there are 11 farmers markets across the county that come to life with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables contrast with the fragrant perfume of cut flowers. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries floats across the market while patrons savor samples of creamy artisan cheese…

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