The 2026 Northern Virginia Housing Expo is coming to the city of Fairfax for its 16th annual event on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax. This marks the first time the Northern Virginia Housing Expo will be held in the city of Fairfax, expanding access to one of the region’s most comprehensive housing education events. Attendees can speak directly with housing experts in the exhibit hall, attend a variety of informational workshops, and take advantage of one-on-one financial coaching from trained, certified volunteer coaches.

The Northern Virginia Housing Expo also offers extensive year-round online resources. Its online exhibit hall drew more than 200,000 visits again in 2025, and visitors to NoVaHousingExpo.org can access recorded webinars and sign up for free virtual financial coaching by certified, trained volunteers from nonprofit Britepaths at any time. (more…)


The data is clear: Tysons is Fairfax’s economic engine.

As the County’s leading employment center and a dominant economic force, Tysons supports tens of thousands of jobs, generating $1.82 for every dollar spent by Fairfax County, and contributing $342 million in total revenue, according to Tysons Community Alliance’s Tysons DataHub.

Now, the leaders behind that economic momentum are coming together in one room.

On March 12, the first-ever Vision Tysons: 2026 Development & Investment Summit will convene at The Vault at Capital One Hall, bringing together public- and private-sector decision-makers to examine the trends, investments, and infrastructure priorities that are propelling Tysons’ success story forward.  (more…)


An organized kitchen doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not just about drawer dividers or pantry bins. It starts much earlier with thoughtful design decisions that support how you actually live.

At Synergy Design & Construction, we’ve found that the most functional kitchens aren’t necessarily the largest. They’re the ones that were designed intentionally. When layout, storage, and daily habits are considered together, the result is a space that feels calmer, works harder, and stays organized long after the kitchen remodel is complete.

Here are five ways to design a kitchen that supports lasting organization. (more…)


Bring the whole family or your Valentine to enjoy a day of chocolate history, culture, and food at the National Museum of the American Indian, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 AM – 5 PM. 

Visitors can watch as Executive Chef Alex Strong of the museum’s own Mitsitam Cafe shows how she makes some tasty chocolate treats, enjoy performances by dance group Danza Tecuanis, and follow the path from blossom to beverage with an interactive presentation, and make and take a bookmark to remember the day! 

SCHEDULE

10 AM-4 PM | Amate Bookmark Activity
Made from fig and mulberry bark, amate is a type of paper that has been made and used by Indigenous communities of what is now Mexico for generations. Amate was often used to create codices or folding books. Join our museum educators to make and take home your own amate bookmark. 

10:30 AM-5 PM | Blossom to Beverage
The Jose Reyes Family (Mixtec) will share the process of turning cacao into chocolate. “Blossom to Beverage” delves deep into cacao, from blooms through ripe cacao pods, and finishes with the frothy beverage we recognize as hot chocolate.

11 AM, 2 PM | Food demonstrations with Executive Chef Alexandra Strong
Mitsitam’s executive chef will demonstrate how to make some of her favorite chocolate desserts.

12:30 PM, 3:30 PM | Performances by Danza Tecuanis
Local Mixtec dance group Danza Tecuanis fills the Potomac Atrium with movement.

*Schedule subject to change


Since launching in Fairfax County, Feast & Fettle has begun making its way to dinner tables throughout the region. As the meals arrive, so do the stories that remind the team why this work matters.

One member shared that for the first time in months, she had time to sit with her children after work instead of rushing to prepare dinner. Another told the team that her family had finally eaten three real meals together in a single week. These are the moments Feast & Fettle is designed to support.

Life in Fairfax often moves at a fast pace. Long workdays, after-school commitments, and packed calendars can leave little room for preparing a meal from scratch. But when dinner is already made and waiting in the fridge, the evening feels more manageable. The time around the table becomes something to look forward to again.

Feast & Fettle’s new regional facility is now fully operational. This space allows the team to ensure every delivery arrives on time and with the freshness members expect. It is more than a logistical center. It is a sign of long-term investment in the region, creating jobs and reinforcing a commitment to serving families with care and consistency.

Every meal is crafted in small batches by the in-house culinary team using whole ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. The menu rotates each week and includes a variety of entrees, sides, and kid-friendly options. There are no shortcuts because quality is never the part that should be compromised.

The company is also continuing to build local relationships. An early partnership with community groups supporting furloughed federal workers was just the beginning. Feast & Fettle is committed to being part of the neighborhood in a meaningful and lasting way, not simply a service that drops off meals and moves on.

For those who have recently joined, the team is grateful to welcome them as members. For those still exploring, there is an open invitation to see how much simpler and more nourishing dinner can become.

Because at the end of the day, a good meal should give something back. Time. Comfort. And a chance to simply be together.

New members receive their second week free by using code LOCALNEWSNETWORK at checkout or following the link here: BECOME A MEMBER


Written By: Synergy Design & Construction

Many homes are often designed around togetherness, open layouts, shared living spaces, and rooms built for gathering. While these features are valuable, they can leave little room for something just as important: a place where you can slow down and recharge. Creating a personal retreat is often the last thing considered when designing a home; however, it is just as important as any other space within the home.

As experienced remodelers serving Reston, VA, we see firsthand how thoughtful home design can shape the way people feel in their spaces. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, a well-designed home should include areas that allow you to disconnect from daily demands and reconnect with yourself. Research supports this approach, showing that dedicated spaces for rest and self-care can play a large role in reducing stress and improving long-term health. (more…)


Reston Association is now accepting candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors. This year, four seats are up for election: one At‑Large Director (three‑year term), Hunters Woods/Dogwood District Director (three‑year term), Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director (two‑year term), and Apartment Owners’ Representative (three‑year term). Whether you’ve always wanted a hands‑on role in shaping Reston’s future or are simply eager to give back, this is your moment to step forward.

Board service is deeply rewarding and impactful. Directors set policy in key areas such as finance, strategic planning and personnel, ensuring our neighborhood remains vibrant and valued. This is an opportunity to advocate for sustainable growth, champion amenities that reflect residents’ needs, and help guide decisions that preserve property values and enhance quality of life.

Applications are available online or at 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on January 23, 2026, via email to electionscommittee@reston.org or in person. Voting will take place from February 27 through March 31, with results unveiled at the Annual Meeting in April.

Reston’s strength lies in the active involvement of its members. If you care deeply about your community and want to shape its direction, I encourage you to consider running for the Board of Directors. Visit www.reston.org/election to review the candidate packet, explore district eligibility and begin your application today.


Rugby is a fun sport that allows people of all walks of life and capabilities to be challenged, to enjoy the thrill of a team sport, or being a part of something that can span a lifetime.  Rugby, including tackle, offers kids- whether small or large, slim or heavy, short or stout, agile or speedster- equal opportunities to run with the ball, pass it, and play defense.  In rugby, everyone needs to participate that way; nobody gets left out.

We are registering now for our spring tackle season, which starts in early February. If you have any questions please reach out to info@alexandriarugby.com.


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