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Absolon Kent
 

My Annandale: Cat Janice Mural

My Annandale: Cat Janice Mural
ANNANDALE, Va. — Annandale has long been home to talented artists and musicians, and few have touched hearts around the world like Cat Janice.

Born Catherine Ipsan the Annandale native was a singer-songwriter whose music inspired millions. After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, she released her final single, Dance Outta My Head, ensuring that all proceeds would support her young son. The song became a global sensation, reaching the top of the TikTok Billboard chart and introducing her remarkable story of love, courage, and resilience to audiences worldwide.

Today, her legacy is being celebrated in Annandale with a beautiful new mural on the side of the Annandale Watch & Clock building at 4221 Annandale Road. The mural depicts Cat singing into a microphone, surrounded by flowers she loved, a star-filled night sky, and the poignant lyric, "I see you in the stars now." The project was inspired by her husband, Kyle Higginbotham, and made possible with the support of her family and the local community.

The mural is more than public art—it is a lasting tribute to an Annandale native whose music, strength, and generosity continue to inspire people around the world.

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Absolon Kent
 

Civilian Conservation Corps (Colored) Camp Historical Marker

Civilian Conservation Corps (Colored) Camp Historical Marker
Civilian Conservation Corps (Colored) Camp Historical Marker

SPRINGFIELD, Va. — During the New Deal era, the Civilian Conservation Corps established racially segregated camps across the South and border states. The Depression-era Colored CCC camp at Fort Belvoir (Army 3 VA-2399 C) was home to African American enrollees who constructed fire trails and other conservation infrastructure throughout Fairfax County's forests. Like all Colored CCC camps, the Fort Belvoir unit operated under federal segregation policies, reflecting the compromise that President Franklin D. Roosevelt made with Southern Democrats to secure passage of New Deal legislation.

Today, the Fairfax County historical highway marker near the Lake Accotink Park Headquarters building acknowledges both the labor contributions of these men and the discriminatory system under which they served.

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Absolon Kent
 

Monocacy National Battlefield

Monocacy National Battlefield
Monocacy National Battlefield
Monocacy National Battlefield
FREDERICK, Md. — On July 9, 1864, Federal soldiers, although outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River to buy time for Union reinforcements to arrive in Washington, DC to defend the city from advancing Confederate forces. Because of their actions, the Battle of Monocacy is known as the “Battle that Saved Washington.”
Designated as a National Military Park by Congress in 1934, Monocacy National Battlefield Park officially opened to the public in 1991.
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Absolon Kent
 

The Block

The Block
ANNANDALE, Va. — Enjoying one last meal at The Block before they close at the end of the month.   
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Absolon Kent
 

Rained Out!

Rained Out!

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Welp...our second attempt to catch a Fredericksburg Nationals game was also rained out, but I can't complain about the company. Hopefully our next visit will be on a sunny evening.

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