Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Former South Lakes football star gives back with Christmas donation drive

Published December 22, 2025 at 11:45AM

Former South Lakes Seahawks wide receiver Zac Parker at a rookie camp for the Washington Commanders (via NFL, provided by Zac Parker)

A former professional football player is giving back to his hometown of Reston this Christmas.

Zac Parker, who played for the South Lakes Seahawks before graduating in 2013, has been collecting donated food, toys, clothes and other items that he plans to distribute tomorrow (Tuesday) to people in need, including kids and people experiencing homelessness.

Around Town

Meadows Frozen Custard opens in Reston ahead of winter holidays

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 1:45PM

The Meadows Frozen Custard storefront at South Lakes Village Center in Reston (staff photo)

The Meadows Original Frozen Custard has at last completed its move from Ashburn to Reston.

After some delays, the frozen desserts shop began serving customers in the South Lakes Village Shopping Center (11130-I South Lakes Drive) on Wednesday (Dec. 17) and will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow (Saturday).

News

Old Town Fairfax shops count on holiday market for end-of-year business boost

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 10:00AM | Updated December 22, 2025 at 10:45AM

Woman shopping at Mode on Main by Mara in Old Town Fairfax at a Main Street Market (photo by Setareh Sabti/Mode on Main by Mara)

For many small businesses, the holiday shopping season is the most critical time of the year, determining their ability to continue operating, and Mode on Main by Mara is no exception.

The lifestyle boutique in Old Town Fairfax shared on Instagram this week that had processed 611 orders at that point since Nov. 1, leaving it shy of the 1,000 orders it says are needed to ensure it can keep its doors open at 10417 Main Street in 2026.

Around Town

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra teams up with Patti LuPone, dragons for new concerts

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 19, 2025 at 8:30AM

The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) is expanding its season with a pair of newly announced concerts.

In separate events next spring, the orchestra will host musical theater legend Patti LuPone and perform alongside the animated film “How to Train Your Dragon,” adding more star power to a season that has already featured cellist Yo-Yo Ma as a soloist.

Around Town

Mediterranean fusion restaurant setting up shop near Dunn Loring Metro

By Jared Serre and Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2025 at 2:45PM

Signage has appeared for Mandi Mediterranean, a new restaurant, at the Shops at Avenir Place in Merrifield (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A restaurant fusing cuisines from the Mediterranean and South Asia is planning to open soon in a vacant storefront near the Dunn Loring Metro station.

Signage for Mandi Mediterranean has appeared in Merrifield at 2670A Avenir Place — the former home of Burger7, which closed in 2024.

News

State, federal legislators look to address speed enforcement on GW Parkway

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2025 at 10:15AM | Updated December 23, 2025 at 1:44PM

Southbound traffic on the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Belle Haven (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Lawmakers who represent southeastern Fairfax County at both the state and federal levels are looking to clear the way for increased speed enforcement on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Rep. Don Beyer unveiled legislation yesterday (Wednesday) to authorize revenue generated by any speed cameras on roads maintained by the National Park Service, such as the GW Parkway, to be used for speed camera installations, maintenance and construction projects on those same roads.

News

Public hearing to name FCPS’ new western high school set for tonight

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 18, 2025 at 8:30AM

The lobby of the former King Abdullah Academy, which will be converted into a new public high school for western Fairfax County (via FCPS/YouTube)

Fairfax County Public Schools officials are starting to close in on a name for the new high school expected to open in the Floris area south of Herndon next year.

The Fairfax County School Board will hold a public hearing at its meeting tonight (Thursday) to accept community feedback on potential names recommended earlier this month by FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid.

News

UPDATED: Man fatally shot in Reston, suspect arrested after intense search

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 17, 2025 at 1:55PM | Updated December 18, 2025 at 8:41PM

Fairfax County police on Cocquina Drive at Glade Drive in Reston for fatal shooting investigation (staff photo)

A man was fatally shot in south Reston this morning (Wednesday), prompting an extensive police search for another man believed to be the suspect.

Fairfax County police officers were dispatched to the 12300 block of Fan Shell Court in the Cocquina Cluster around 11:49 a.m. after a 911 caller reported that his mother had arrived at the house and found it to be “a mess,” suggesting a possible break-in, according to scanner traffic.

News

Lottery ticket sold in Annandale nets $1 million in winnings

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 17, 2025 at 11:45AM

The Express Food Mart in Annandale (via Google Maps)

One recent customer of the Express Food Mart in Annandale is now a millionaire — at least before taxes kick in.

A lottery ticket sold by the convenience store at 4713 Backlick Road resulted in a $1 million prize for the not-yet-identified buyer, Virginia Lottery announced on Sunday (Dec. 14).

News

Trump administration pushes for action on American Legion Bridge rebuild

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 17, 2025 at 10:00AM

Traffic entering and leaving Maryland on the American Legion Bridge on Nov. 8, 2025 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Like many local and state officials in Virginia, the Trump administration appears to be growing impatient with a perceived lack of progress by Maryland to replace the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced last week (Dec. 9) that the Federal Highway Administration will seek feedback and proposals on ways to accelerate the delivery of a new bridge in the hopes of relieving congestion on the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-270).