Jim Larranaga liked to bring in sports psychologist Bob Rotella for two reasons.
The George Mason University men’s basketball coach did so if he believed an individual player needed some help. Or he did so if he felt he had a good team that needed some extra clarity to tap into their potential.
After two years of renovations, the first and second floors of George and Martha Washington’s mansion at Mount Vernon reopened to visitors on Wednesday (Dec. 10).
The $40 million preservation project at the first president’s home included designing and installing a new HVAC system, major infrastructure repairs, and improving drainage in and around the mansion’s cellar, and Washington’s newly restored bedroom.
Don’t just visit the Chesapeake Bay
Explore, unwind, and create memories on the water.
Imagine a Saturday morning on the water. Coffee on the dock as Annapolis wakes up. Cruising by historic waterfronts. Anchoring in a quiet cove with friends and family. Enjoying dinner at a waterfront restaurant before heading back as the sun sets over the harbor.
That’s the Chesapeake lifestyle.
With miles of shoreline, charming waterfront towns, protected waters, and endless places to discover, the Bay offers a unique combination of adventure and accessibility. It feels like a getaway, but it’s closer than you think.
Every fall, the Annapolis Powerboat Show brings that lifestyle to downtown Annapolis.
From October 8–11, City Dock transforms into a waterfront experience where visitors can step aboard hundreds of boats, explore the latest innovations, meet boating experts, and discover what life on the water could look like.
You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the show. You just have to be curious.
Find Your Place on the Water
The Annapolis Powerboat Show is your chance to explore the many ways to enjoy the Chesapeake.
Looking for a way to spend weekends with family and friends? Explore spacious pontoon boats and deck boats built for relaxing, entertaining, and making memories on the water. Interested in adventure? Discover center consoles designed for exploring, fishing, and cruising the Bay’s many destinations. Dreaming about longer escapes? Step aboard cruisers and yachts built for comfortable weekends and extended adventures.
Every boat offers a different way to experience the water. The show gives you the opportunity to see them all in one place, compare options, ask questions, and imagine what your own Chesapeake adventures might look like.
More Than a Boat Show
The Annapolis Powerboat Show is about more than boats. It’s about the people, places, and experiences that make life on the water special.
Spend the day exploring the docks, then continue your Annapolis adventure beyond the show grounds. Enjoy waterfront dining, browse local shops, stroll historic streets, and take in views of one of the most beautiful harbors on the Chesapeake. Meet passionate boaters, connect with marine experts, discover new products and innovations, and experience the energy of Annapolis’s signature fall events.
From first-time visitors to longtime boating enthusiasts, there is something new on every dock.
Discover How Easy It Is to Get Started
Not a boater yet, and not sure where to begin? The Annapolis Powerboat Show makes the first step easier by giving you the chance to learn, ask questions, and experience life on the water firsthand.
Explore educational opportunities designed for every level of interest. Attend free seminars led by boating experts, learn more about navigation and safety, and discover resources that will help you feel comfortable on the water.
Visitors may also experience boats in action at the PropTalk Demo Dock, where select models are available for on-water sea trials. For those looking to build their skills, BoatUS on-water training offers hands-on instruction to help new boaters gain confidence at the helm.
The Annapolis Powerboat Show is more than a place to see boats. It’s a place to explore the boating lifestyle.
Your Next Adventure Is Waiting
The Chesapeake Bay offers endless ways to make the water part of your life.
A quiet morning cruise. A waterfront lunch. An afternoon anchored with friends. A new hobby waiting to be discovered. The Annapolis Powerboat Show brings those possibilities together in one unforgettable weekend.
Come curious. Walk the docks. Step aboard. Experience the boating lifestyle for yourself.
Virginia Dropping Sweet Drinks From SNAP Coverage — “Virginia is among six states approved for SNAP food choice waivers under a new initiative launched by the Trump administration that will deny some items to those who use the program … According to the USDA, Virginia SNAP benefits will restrict the purchase of ‘sweetened beverages.'” [WUSA9]
GMU Students Advocate for Increased Voter Turnout — George Mason University freshman Rithvik Hari “was part of a research experiment to figure out ways to increase turnout among college students … The experiment was a success: George Mason was the only precinct in Fairfax County to see an increase in voter turnout [this year] compared to the 2024 presidential election.” [WVTF]
Man Charged With Trespassing at CIA HQ — “An Uber passenger who flew from Puerto Rico to Virginia was arrested early Monday morning after he tried to gain entry to CIA headquarters in McLean, according to court documents.” The man has been “charged with trespassing on an agency installation and failing to obey an order to leave an agency installation.” [Patch]
State of Data Centers in D.C. Region — “With the explosion of AI, the demand for data processing power is growing exponentially, sparking debate over the growth of data centers nationally and regionally … WAMU’s Regional Politics team dug into the debate in each of the three jurisdictions,” from the established data center hub of Northern Virginia to D.C., which has no sites but could still feel the effects of rising energy costs. [WAMU]
Facility Issues Close Libraries — “Burke Centre Library and Richard Byrd Library will remain closed through Friday, December 12 due to ongoing facility issues. Holds and due dates will be extended for customers of both facilities. We will provide further updates soon regarding anticipated reopening timelines.” [Fairfax County Public Library/X]
Santa Visits Inova Hospital — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department “was honored to bring the big guy himself, Santa, to Inova Children’s so he could assist Fairfax County Police Department with donating some of the toys collected through this year’s Santa’s Ride. We were grateful to be part of the holiday cheer!” [FCFRD/Facebook]
FCPS Tweaks Boundary Changes for Annandale Area — “Bren Mar Park Elementary School families concerned about a boundary change have been given a reprieve. At a Dec. 10 community meeting on recently announced changes to the Fairfax County school boundary review process, Superintendent Michelle Reid said students at Bren Mar Park (BMP) will stay at the middle and high schools to which they are already assigned.” [Annandale Today]
Trucking Company to Deliver Memorial Wreaths — “On Friday, December 12, 2025, over 200 participants will be present to execute this annual initiative. Interstate employees, their families, and community partners, including the new Driver Ambassador, CJ3 Foundation, will gather at the company’s Springfield headquarters to salute and send off over 70 drivers, who will deliver wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and other area cemeteries, joining thousands of volunteers nationwide who carry forward Wreaths Across America’s legacy of remembrance.” [Interstate Moving]
Capital Craft Festival Returns — “The Capital Art and Craft Festival features more than 300 juried artists at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. From Friday through Sunday, expect everything from glass and metal works to jewelry and clothing to pottery and printmaking.” With Dulles Expo closing this month, the festival’s director says a new venue for 2026 “will be announced ‘soon.'” [WTOP]
It’s Friday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 38 degrees with a light west wind of 3 to 6 mph. As night falls, the sky will turn mostly cloudy with the temperature dropping to a low of around 28 degrees. The wind will remain calm throughout the night. [NWS]
We love fall at Art House 7 and can’t wait for you to explore all our offerings. Painting, drawing, ceramics, and sewing/crocheting are our perennials, along with less traditional mediums. Kawaii Style Drawing and Digital Art are among our new classes for kids. We offer an excellent 6-week program for high schoolers preparing their college portfolios. Want something shorter? We have 3-week classes, including linocut notecards. Love ceramics? We have a dedicated studio that comfortably accommodates wheel and hand-building classes.
Fall 1 Session begins Tue. Sep. 8.
Good Thursday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.
The following articles were published earlier today — Dec 11, 2025.
Here is what’s going on Friday throughout the county, from our event calendar.
Expect partly sunny skies today, a high near 38°F and gentle west winds between 3-6 mph. Tonight, the skies will be mostly cloudy as temperatures dip to a low of around 27°F, accompanied by a calm wind. See more from Weather.gov.
The MonumentCam screenshot above is used with permission of the Trust for the National Mall and courtesy of EarthCam.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to discuss the day’s happenings in the comments.
Event location
Online event (see link)
*Mamistad Groups meet IN PERSON-only the introductory Zoom call is virtual. 🙂
Pregnancy and new mom groups are a lifesaver when it comes to normalizing those feelings we just can’t be prepared for.
Fairfax County has committed to funding its responsibilities to employees under a collective bargaining agreement.
At its meeting on Tuesday (Dec. 9), the Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 to approve a resolution committing to funding obligations under the agreement with the Fairfax County Government Employees Union.
One fitness center at Merrifield’s Mosaic District intends to close shortly after the start of the new year.
The LA Fitness gym located at 8190 Strawberry Lane will shutter next month, with its last day scheduled for Jan. 13, according to an email sent to members.
Update — Fairfax High School has been cleared after a sweep of the campus didn’t turn up any safety threats, police say. Students are being dismissed in accordance with “normal” procedures.
“Nothing was found and there were no reported injuries,” a Fairfax City police spokesperson said.
Fairfax Democrats won’t have to look far for a candidate to succeed Del. David Bulova (D-11) in the House of Delegates.
Gretchen Bulova will seek to replace her husband as the 11th House District’s delegate once he officially joins the cabinet of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger next month, she told FFXnow.
Some Fairfax voters will soon be faced with yet another special election.
Del. David Bulova (D-11), who represents Oakton, Fairfax City and the Fair Oaks area, will step down from his seat in the General Assembly after accepting an appointment from governor-elect Abigail Spanberger to serve as Virginia’s secretary of natural and historic resources.
Reston Children’s Center announces that it is continuing to be a sponsor of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Reston Children’s Center has been part of the CACFP program since 1995.
The same meals will be available at no separate charge to all participants at each CACFP facility without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
