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ANNANDALE, VA — A Fairfax County teacher was honored with the Recording Academy's 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award ahead of last weekend's star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles.

Annie Ray, orchestra director and Performing Arts Department chair at Annandale High School, received the award Saturday and was selected from 1o finalists, according to the academy.

Each year, the Music Educator Award is given to a teacher who has "made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who also demonstrates a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools," the academy states on the Grammys website.

As part of the award, Ray, who lives in Arlington, will receive a $10,000 prize in addition to a matching grant for Annandale High School's music program.

Ray learned she received the award during a "CBS Mornings" watch party attended by her parents, husband, and daughters, as well as students and colleagues.

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"It’s been a whirlwind experience!" she said in a statement released by Fairfax County Public Schools. "I'm so thankful to all the people who have poured love into me to allow me to make music. I am honored to have been selected from a remarkable group of educators."

During her time with Fairfax County schools, Ray's work with children with disabilities has drawn praise. She is the founder of Crescendo Orchestra, which serves students with severe developmental or intellectual disabilities. She also is a founder of the popular FCPS Parent Orchestra, where parents of music students can learn the same instrument as their child.

In a statement, Ray said the award belongs to her students.

"The love of making music has been our unity and community," she said. "Thank you all for allowing me to guide you in this, I am humbled to accept this award for you all.”

After learning she received the award, Ray attended the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles where she met and spoke to Meryl Streep and Oprah, and took a picture with Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, WTOP reported.

FCPS leaders called Ray an "inspiration" known for her passion and skills.

Annie is an exemplary Fairfax County Public School teacher; dedicated, compassionate, talented, and innovative," Superintendent Michelle Reid said. "We are grateful to Annie for everything she does to inspire her students every day. This award could not have gone to a more deserving teacher."

Patch has your complete guide to Fourth of July fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations around Annandale.

Patch Staff

ANNANDALE, VA — Coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, which means there is even more reason to celebrate this Independence Day. July 4 is almost here, so it's time to find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you.

We have all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening around Annandale so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4:

City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade

What: The City of Fairfax kicks off its 55th Annual Independence Day celebration with a parade on Saturday morning in Old Town. This year's parade includes nine high school marching bands and inflatable parade balloons, as well as floats and clowns. Commemorative 4th of July T-Shirts will be on sale Saturday, June 19, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., on the steps of City Hall. The theme of this year's T-Shirt is "One Flag. One Hand. One Heart." Shirts are priced at $5/youth and $10/adult, while supplies last. Commemorative baseball caps will also be available for $10.

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Where: The parade starts from 4100 Chain Bridge Road and continues, rain or shine, around downtown Fairfax, along Chain Bridge Road, Main Street, University Drive and Armstrong Street.

When: Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show & Fireworks

What: Enjoy an evening of music and dancing followed by fireworks at Fairfax High School stadium. Due to COVID-19 restoration, there will be no children's activities this year. Items that may puncture synthetic turf are not permitted on the football field. In addition, smoking, alcohol, and animals, with the exception of services animals, are prohibited on the football field. In case of rain, the only the fireworks will be presented on Monday, July 5.

Where: Fairfax High School at 3501 Lion Run, in Fairfax City

When: On-stage entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, July 4

Vienna Fourth of July Fireworks

What: Fireworks will be held at dark with preceding festivities. Big Bad JuJu will provide live music. Guests are asked to wear a face mask if they're not vaccinated. Social distancing is encouraged. Alcohol, chairs, glass containers and pets are not permitted at the event. The other Fourth of July event, Sprinklers & Sparklers, is canceled in 2021.

Where: Yeonas Park, 1319 Ross Drive SW, Vienna, VA

When: Sunday, July 4, park opens at 7 p.m., fireworks at dark (around 9:30 p.m.)

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

What: Enjoy daytime fireworks, meet a George Washington reenactor, watch a ceremony where people become U.S. citizens, enjoy 18th century music, watch the National Concert Band, and more.

Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt Vernon, VA

When: Sunday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Workhouse Arts Center Fireworks

What: This choreographed display will delight spectators in the region's largest pre-July 4 fireworks. Preceding the fireworks is live entertainment from U.S. Navy Band and DJ Nose. Another special surprise will occur between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. A drive-in tailgate will also include appearances from Uncle Sam and Julia the Balloon Twister, art demos and a performance by the Great Zucchini. Tickets are limited, and the event is expected to sell out.

Where: Workhouse Arts Center Campus, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton VA

When: Friday, July 2, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Alexandria's 272 Birthday Celebration

What: The birthday celebration will include opening remarks at 8:45 p.m., performance from the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 9 p.m. and fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. To limit crowds due to COVID-19, there will not be birthday cake or cannon support from the 3d United States Infantry Regiment, and viewers are encouraged to watch from various locations from Canal Center Plaza to Jones Point Park. Attendees should leave pets at home and avoid smoking at the event. In the case of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 11.

Where: Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street, Alexandria, VA, other viewing points at Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza); Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.); Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.); Founders Park (351 North Union St.); Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.); Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.); Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.); Jones Point Park (Jones Point Dr.); George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Dr.)

When: Saturday, July 10; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks on the National Mall in D.C.

What: To celebrate progress made in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joe Biden is planning to celebrate the July Fourth holiday as "a summer of freedom." He will be hosting 1,000 medical workers, first responders, essential workers and military members on the South Lawn of the White House for the National Mall fireworks.

The National Park Service said that consistent with CDC guidelines, people who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces on the National Mall. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation. All the memorials, except the Washington Monument, will be open.

People visiting the National Mall for the fireworks should practice social or physical distancing, staying at least six feet away from others who are not a member of your household, according to the NPS.

Where: Fireworks will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

When: The 17-minute display will be held on Sunday, July 4 starting at 9:09 p.m.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute, so double-check with organizers. Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

It was curiosity that brought Nell Miller to Boxhill Farm and delight that made her stay as the sixth steward of the idyllic, 7-acre property with roots going back to 1685.

For 25 years, Nell, a retired teacher, and her husband, Ron, were happily ensconced in their Annandale home two miles from Boxhill Farm, with no thought of moving. But, one day they received a brochure in the mail advertising luxury homes in the area, including one on 8316 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard, a place called Boxhill Farm.

See more details, listing on Zillow.

“We are not the luxury home types,” Nell said. “But I was curious to see what a 100-year-old house on 7 acres was in our neighborhood. I wondered where it was.”

Nell, a history buff who grew up in a Nebraska farmhouse with parents who are antique dealers, went to look at the property. She was immediately taken with the old house, originally a simple, four-room farm home built around 1897, then carefully expanded to 2,600 square feet through several additions.

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Nell told Ron about her find. Ron recalled, “When she came home that night, Nell told me, ‘This is a house I could retire in.’”

Ron visited the home and was impressed with the park-like property, which includes a pond and a stream, all a half-mile from the Beltway. “We are both outdoors people,” said Ron. “This was 7 acres of boxwoods, walnut trees…it was just gorgeous.” Within days, the couple, who “always liked old homes and properties with big trees,” had arranged to buy the house.

The Millers said they learned that the property, which is bordered on three sides by Wakefield Park, has a rich history. It was part of a large tract of wilderness land bought from the original Jamestown grantee by William Fitzhugh around 1685, farmed for tobacco, and then sold off in parcels. In the 1700s, the nearby estates of Ravensworth, Oak Hill, and Ossian Hill were built on some of those parcels, places that Patriot luminaries such as George Washington, George Mason and Thomas Jefferson likely visited.

(Editor's note: This is a shortened version of a larger feature story on the home, written by local writer Chery Kenny. )

Updated 10:23 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012

According to Toni Niece, vice presdent of marketing for Fuddruckers, the Annandale location will close in late April.

"We are really sad [about leaving], but we appreciate everyone's comments," said Niece. The company has been actively looking for another property and has not ruled out staying in the Annandale area.

"We would love to relocate. We're working diligently to find another site. We just haven't been able to. We love Annandale. We don't want to leave, but unfortunately, we have no choice," said Niece.

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Fuddruckers opened at their Annandale location in August of 1985.

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Original post 6 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012

After more than 20 years in business, will leave Annandale.

A Walgreens will replace the family-friendly restaurant once Fuddruckers' current lease expires.

According to Rona Kramer, who owns the property at 4300 Backlick Rd., Fuddruckers will close before the end of this year.

Representatives for Fuddruckers did not return repeated phone calls from Annandale Patch.

Kramer, a former Maryland Senator, declined to disclose specific details about the terms of Fuddruckers' lease, but said she believes Walgreens will fit in with the Annandale community.

"They're a good a company. I have no reason to believe otherwise," said Kramer, who added that there was a “great deal of interest” in the property while it was on the market.

Some business leaders in the Annandale community disagree with Kramer. Representatives from Walgreens were met with animosity during their presentation to the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 13 outlining the company’s preliminary proposed site plan for the property.

“We’re losing our last big family restaurant. This is the place where kids go after soccer, football, and boys and girls clubs, so [Walgreens] is going to come in here and not be completely welcome… You can’t get a cheeseburger in Walgreens,” said Dan McKinnon, chairman of the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee.

McKinnon said the community is concerned about a lack of balance in restaurants and services in Annandale; he pointed out there are already several pharmacies in Annandale, including the ones in grocery stores like Giant and Safeway and in . The 24-hour CVS on Little River Turnpike will be fewer than 500 feet from the new Walgreens.

“We’re a revitalization committee and we’re trying to improve Annandale. This is C-level retail,” said Vicki Burman, executive director of the . “Annandale isn’t going to improve its retailing base by having a Walgreens. It is nothing we need or want.”

Walgreens filed their site plan within the last month, according to Lawrence Leber, president and CEO of Upshire Realty Advisors who was one of three representatives that spoke at Tuesday’s ACBDPC meeting. The company anticipates the approval process will take six months and they hope to break ground once the site plan’s approved. (See the site plans in the images attached to this article.)

The proposed plan for the property shows that the current Fuddruckers 8,000 square feet building will be demolished and replaced by a larger 12,000 square feet building to accommodate the Walgreens. There will be a drive-thru component and 50 parking spaces.

Robert Brown, an associate with Urban, Ltd., said Walgreens completed a traffic analysis with Fairfax County representatives and with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to determine the best way to control the traffic flow. The principal entrance for the store will be accessible from Little River Turnpike. The store will also keep the existing sidewalks on Columbia Pike and Backlick Road.

In a letter to the community dated March 8, 2012, Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross said the property owned by Kramer and occupied by Fuddruckers is a by-right property, which means the underlying zoning category permits certain development without Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors’ approval.

Gross also said she was “disappointed in this change in use” regarding the site plan for Walgreens.

“The transfer of private property ownership or use is a private business decision, not subject to public input. Although I am disappointed in this change in use, there are benefits from reinvestment at this location. The applicant has agreed to implement improved pedestrian facilities in accordance with the Annandale Streetscape Design Guidelines. The number of entrances will be consolidated from the current five, down to three, greatly improving site access to this congested area of downtown Annandale. The applicant also will provide an increase in green open space and pervious surface on the redevelopment parcel, which currently is almost entirely paved." (Read the full letter in the images attached to this article.)

McKinnon and other members of the ACBDP committee urged the representatives to utilize more of the Annandale Streetscape Guidelines and work closely with the community if Walgreens expects to be welcomed by residents and other businesses.

“Until land owners are willing to come to us and help work with us to develop the kind of retail that Annandale wants, you can’t blame us for not wanting Walgreens,” said Burman.

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Update Monday, March 12 at 1:23 p.m.: According to their Facebook page, Super Pets is now open at their Springfield location at 5230-A Port Royal Rd in the Ravensworth Shopping Center. In a comment on Annandale Patch's Facebook page, co-owner John Blauner said the location is a small animal, reptile and bird store.

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After 18 years, the aquarium and pet store is leaving its Annandale location. The family-owned shop at 4415 John Marr Dr. will reopen its doors in two months, but at a smaller store in the Ravensworth Shopping Center in Springfield.

According to John Blauner, one of the co-owners, the Super Pets is relocating because their landlord chose not to extend their lease. “[There was] nothing we could do. He didn’t even tell us why,” said Blauner. [Annandale Patch could not independently confirm the expiration of the lease with the owner of the building at the time of publication.]

For years, Supers Pets sold everything from tropical fish to birds and reptiles to pet lovers from Annandale and neighboring cities. “We sold everything but dogs and we had an incredibly large fish department,” said Blauner. They also sold a variety of accessories and supplies for pets.

They may be leaving Annandale, but Blauner said customers can expect the same service, just on a smaller scale. The store’s official last day at their Annandale location was July 31 and they tried to sell much of the inventory before then. Much of their sales were advertised at the shop itself, their website and Facebook page. Devoted customers continue to post messages and questions, mostly wondering when the store will reopen.

“It was a wonderful place,” said David Kirshaum of Arlington who used to bring his daughter to the store to see the animals. Kirshaum added he was glad the store is only relocating and not leaving for good.

Blauner and his family are from Annandale and he said before the arrival of the PetCo’s and PetSmart’s to the area, residents shopped at Super Pets. “My dad originally owned a corporation around the area called Virginia Pet Centers. We were up to about seven stores and then he built [Super Pets]. We took it over from him,” said Blauner, who runs and co-owns the store with his two siblings. Blauner said his sister, Tracie, primarily handles the day-to-day operations of the store.

Although they are a pet store, Blauner said not all of the animals were for sale; some were brought in for display, which may have added to the zoo-like atmosphere in the shop. Blauner said schools and families organized trips to Super Pets to visit the animals. “You could spend hours looking at various fish and parrots and reptiles,” said Blauner.

While Blauner said it’s a shame to lose the 15,000 square foot space, he’ll miss “being in the heart of the Annandale” the most. Blauner did not specify an exact reopening date, but said Super Pets will begin accepting orders out of the warehouse shortly.

For updates on when Super Pets will open at their Ravensworth location, visit their website or “like” them on Facebook.