According to the National Highway and Transport Authority, 9,560 people died in motor vehicle accidents in the first quarter of 2022, a 7% increase compared to 2021, where 8,935 people lost their lives.
Data from the last decade has shown that traffic fatalities are an epidemic plaguing American roads. The trend keeps increasing despite the government’s implementation of measures over the past few years.
The Tysons Get Around Guide, brought to you by the Tysons Community Alliance, offers a variety of routes designed to showcase the diversity and charm of Tysons.
Walk to explore Tysons and claim your reward by July 31. Summer is here, and the clock is ticking!
Don’t miss the chance to discover all that Tysons has to offer. From bustling urban streets to tranquil parks, each Tysons Get Around Guide route promises to uncover hidden gems and local favorites. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Simply download the Tysons Get Around Guide or access the digital routes on Google Maps and embark on your walk. Track your walk using your smartphone and send us a screenshot of your route via our online form to claim your reward.
Choose your path and complete any designated route before July 31 and earn a $15 gift card*. Feeling adventurous? Challenge yourself to walk all four routes. The first 10 trailblazers to complete all routes will win a $100 gift card*.
*Terms and conditions apply.
If you live in the Washington, DC area, it is not uncommon to find yourself in a chat with law enforcement. When that happens, it is critical to establish what is unfolding, whether it is just a momentary pause for some Q&A or you are being taken into custody.
After all, not all encounters with police lead to the same outcome; some might just be an intermission in your day, while others could result in seeing the judge. Either way, you want to make sure you know what could happen after this conversation. In this article, we are untangling the misunderstood difference between being detained and getting arrested.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
My kids absolutely love mini golfing when we are at the beach. It’s a daily ritual we do after breakfast. So why not explore that activity at home?
We have some great local options to try for mini golfing:
Enjoy!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Angie Stiens of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Angie at 703-721-8539.
When it’s mid-summer in Fairfax County, it’s likely to be hot and humid and have us all looking for an escape from the weather.
One of my favorite places to bring younger kids for summer water fun is Our Special Harbor Splash Park in Alexandria near Franconia Rec Center.
The splash park has a Chesapeake Bay theme, so if you’re paying close attention, you’ll find the park includes an osprey nest, a lighthouse, and a crabbing boat! There are misters, sprayers, and even a water maze — lots of options for even the youngest children to enjoy! Coming here is a great way to escape the Virginia heat and have some fun with your family.
Our Special Harbor is fully accessible, so children of all abilities can join the action! And the best part is that admission is FREE for families, whether you’re a Fairfax County resident or not. Who doesn’t love some affordable water relief from these steamy summer days!
Our Special Harbor is open every day during the summer season, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It opens early on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and closes early on Wednesdays. No street shoes, so bring your water shoes (with a closed back) and get ready to cool off while having a great time!
And if you’re looking to extend your family time, you can also check out the other neat things nearby, like Chessie’s Big Backyard — a fabulous playground. There’s also a carousel and a walking trail complete with a treehouse view of the woods!
If you’re looking for something other than a splash park to cool off, there are several waterparks located in Fairfax County. Great Waves waterpark is located on Eisenhower Avenue, also in Alexandria. That’s a great spot for older kids looking to burn some energy on the waterslides or in the wave pool.
Other options include Pirate’s Cove waterpark in Lorton, Ocean Dunes waterpark in Arlington, the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston, or Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville. The waterparks do charge admissions fees, so check out their websites for details and hours.
Regardless of your family’s preferences, there are lots of local options for cooling off in the water this summer. I hope you enjoyed hearing about just a few of them!
Angie Stiens | Live Fairfax | angie.stiens@mcenearney.com | www.angiestiens.com | 703-721-8539 | www.McEnearney.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
With America’s birthday approaching, it’s really important to remind you that not all of the fireworks actually happen on July 4th, so before you post in one of the Facebook groups asking about the noises, make sure you take note of the days and times so you can plan ahead to attend if that’s your thing!
One other mom tip — the fireworks are really loud. If you have a noise-sensitive kid, either bring headphones, or use one of my other tips to watch but not hear the noise.
The Town of Vienna Fireworks are traditionally held at Yeonas Park (the Vienna Little League Fields). This year, they’ll take place on Tuesday, July 2 at 9:30 p.m. (approx. when it gets dark).
However, there’s a lot of things leading up to the actual fireworks that you can attend: live music, kids entertainment, games, food trucks, etc. starting at 6 p.m. This event is BYOC (bring your own chairs, blankets, etc.). Chairs are not permitted on the actual field, but there is a paved path and sidewalks where you can put the chairs for folks who can’t easily get up and down from the ground. There’s also bleachers but they get filled up. Streets around Yeonas will get closed from 4-11 p.m.
There are more options around Northern Virginia like July 1st at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Langley High School in McLean, etc. Lots of opportunities around town if you’re a fireworks enthusiast!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by JaneEllen Saums of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach JaneEllen at 703-861-3523.
Mason Neck State Park is an absolute treasure, and it’s located only 25 miles from Washington, D.C. near Lorton. It has over 1,800 acres, 9 miles of trails, a Visitor’s Center, playground, and a large shaded picnic area. It’s also possible to rent kayaks and canoes there or you can bring your own.
The Visitor’s Center overlooks Belmont Bay, and it has great exhibits, restrooms, and sells convenience items. Park rangers work the welcome desk, and if you have any questions or need assistance they’re a wonderful resource.
The Park was established in 1985 with the help of a local activist, Elizabeth Hartwell. She heard of the many plans to develop this land for a range of projects such as a planned community (like Reston), an outer Beltway, an airport, a natural gas pipeline, a landfill and a sewer line. She was ultimately able to get the land protected because of the Bald Eagle, and as the story goes, it was the Bald Eagle that saved Mason Neck and not necessarily the other way around!
The bald eagle population had been declining rapidly in the 1960s due to the use of the pesticide, DDT, and there were only 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. That’s less than 9 nesting pairs per state!.
Luckily, there were Bald Eagles at Mason Neck, and that was the main way Elizabeth Hartwell was able to keep the land from being developed — by protecting their habitat she was not only able to help save the Bald Eagle, but also this beautiful peninsula!
Luckily, the eagles have made a comeback, and it’s not uncommon to see at least one when hiking or kayaking here.
I recommend going up Kane’s Creek where there’s an abundance of wildlife. On the tours I’ve helped lead, we often see ospreys, great blue herons, tree swallows, bluebirds, and red wing black birds — and if we’re lucky — bald eagles, as well.
Several large special events are held at the Park such as the annual Eagle Festival in the spring and the Park After Dark event in the fall, as well as short programs with topics as varied as snakes, wildflowers, birds, turtles, and dragonflies. There’s a Junior Ranger summer camp program for children, and guided kayak tours after-hours in the early morning and late in the evening.
Thanks to Elizabeth Hartwell, and many other local activists, we have this beautiful park which allows you to easily get away from the hustle and bustle of the DMV.
Mason Neck is open from 6 a.m. to dusk during the summer and from 7 a.m. to dusk in the winter. I hope you’re able to come and explore it and see the wildlife, experience a paddle on the water, or participate in a guided walk while you’re there.
For information about Riverbend Park, which is another wonderful park in the DMV, click here.
JaneEllen McLaughlin Saums is a Realtor® with McEnearney Associates and is also a Master Naturalist with Fairfax County. 703-861-3523| jsaums@mcenearney.com | www.janeellensells.com | www.McEnearney.com | 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101
Earn top dollar with full benefits!
When you join the Electrical Alliance, you get to contribute to the biggest projects in the area, all while earning top dollar and employer-paid benefits. This opportunity is open to electricians with 3 to 11 years of experience.
As an Electrical Alliance worker, you get:
Written by Mina Lucks, Synergy Design & Construction.
Did you know the way you design your home can have an impact on your well-being?
In 2024, health and wellness are top of mind in home design trends. We’re seeing this with the soaring popularity of saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, home gyms, electric stoves, steam ovens — the list goes on!
Join us as we explore how homeowners can transform their spaces to prioritize health and wellness.
The Evolution
In the past, design trends mainly focused on aesthetics and creating the perfect interior look and feel. However, there has been a shift towards a more holistic and wellness-focused approach, aiming to promote overall well-being through design.
Various factors have contributed to this shift, including a heightened awareness of health issues, advancements in technology, and changing lifestyles.
Creating Spaces That Prioritize Health and Wellness
The time we spend at home should be a win for our mental, physical, and emotional health. With mindful adjustments, you can turn any space into a nurturing haven without a full home renovation.
From sunny sitting areas to proper ventilation and sustainable materials, it’s all about the little changes that make a big impact on our health and the planet. Check out this sun-soaked living room in our Lake Newport main level remodel!
Perhaps that means creating a Zen meditation room, an indoor garden to connect with nature, or an ergonomic workstation that’s got your back (literally) while you tackle computer work!
Health-Conscious Home Upgrades in 2024
If you’re ready to take your health-driven lifestyle to the next level, it’s time to consider some next-level upgrades. Think saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, and expanded home gyms!
The benefits of these upgrades are immense as they significantly boost circulation, cardiovascular health, and immune system response. Plus, it’s a ticket to stress-free living.
The appliances you choose for your home also have health impacts. Think about swapping out traditional appliances for healthier alternatives, such as induction ranges instead of gas stoves and steam ovens in place of microwaves.
As you make these upgrades, it’s equally important to consider sustainability. Wellness-centric design that utilizes eco-friendly materials ensures your actions have a positive impact on the environment and a minimal carbon footprint.
The Impact on Homeowners
And it’s not just physical benefits homeowners can expect. Incorporating design elements that promote healthy living and foster a sense of harmony and balance can lead to several psychological advantages.
There is long-term potential for better sleep, reduced stress, and increased productivity. It’s like a passive income; once the upgrades or setups are made, you’ll benefit for the rest of your life!
Transform Your Health and Wellness
We’re passionate about creating living spaces that prioritize well-being. Ready to transform your home and health?
Contact Synergy Design and Construction to start living healthier today!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
I love a quick day trip to change things up for everyone.
A day at the beach is good for my soul, along with my family, but some of you may prefer an amusement park or other activity, so trying to pull together a list of quick day trips for you we have:
Beaches
Amusement Parks
Hope you enjoy the start to your summer!
