Around Town

Reston residents will have many free ways to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors as part of Play All Day VA celebrations, which fall on Father’s Day this year.

As a part of a statewide initiative to get residents active in their own communities, Reston Association is offering a number of activities at its facilities that are free or reduced in price on June 21, the longest day of the year.


Countywide

Fairfax County residents still have plenty of opportunities to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday with reflection, celebration and an eye toward the future.

“It’s amazing to look at our plans for June, [and] just wait until you see July and the rest of the year,” Elizabeth Maurer, chair of the Fairfax County 250th Commission, said when briefing the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors yesterday (Tuesday).


Sponsored

No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.

Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.

1. Trying to Write a Will Without Legal Guidance

Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.

2. Forgetting to Update Your Will

A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.

Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.

3. Overlooking Federal Estate Tax Planning

Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.

Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

4. Not Planning for Minor Children

For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.

Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.

5. Choosing the Wrong Executor—or Not Naming One at All

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.

It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Estate Plan

A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:

  • A revocable living trust
  • A durable power of attorney
  • An advance medical directive
  • A transfer-on-death deed for your home

Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.

If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.

PJI Law, PLC: Estate Planning Attorneys in Fairfax, VA

At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.

Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.

Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.

PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com


Countywide

Fairfax County planners want to expedite their review process for public school facilities with several projects on the horizon.

The county Planning Commission’s schools committee held a meeting to discuss Fairfax County Public Schools’ upcoming capital projects on June 4.


Around Town

A new brand of ice cream shop has launched in the Town of Vienna’s Village Green shopping center.

Whistler’s Ice Cream Extraordinaire started serving scoops of its signature ultra-premium French custard in the former Molly’s Yogurt space at 521 Maple Avenue West last Friday (June 5).


Event

The George Mason Friends will hold their semi-annual Fall Book Sale at George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale from Wednesday evening, September 23 through Sunday, September 27, 2026.

A Preview Sale will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for a $20 entry fee per adult. A no entry fee, General Sale, will begin on Thursday, September 23 and run through Sunday, September 27, with hours 10:00 am to 5:30 pm daily.


Countywide
North American toad spotted in Turkey Run Park in McLean (photo by Susan Woolsey)

Fatal Crash on Old Keene Mill Road — Police officers responded yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) to a single-vehicle crash on Old Keene Mill Road near Tiverton Drive in Springfield. “An adult driver was pronounced deceased on scene. Two adult passengers were transported with injuries, one life-threatening.” [FCPD/X]

Wanted Herndon Man in Custody — Wanted on charges of abduction, carjacking, assault and more following an alleged altercation at his home, Cristian Vasquez Alvarenga “has been taken into custody in the area of Elden St and Alabama Dr,” Herndon police announced yesterday morning. “Thank you to multiple community members that called in after seeing him.” [Herndon Police/Facebook]

One Hospitalized After I-95 Crash — “One person needed to be rescued and taken to the hospital after a crash on Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, officials said Tuesday.” Dispatched shortly after 5 p.m. to I-95 south near the I-395 split in Springfield, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews found “several vehicles that had been involved in a crash. One person was trapped.” [DC News Now]

Falls Church Tests Sip-and-Stroll Program — “From 5-10 p.m. this Saturday, Little City Sips will allow residents to partake in alcoholic beverages on the go, while enjoying entertainment, a lively atmosphere and libations from local restaurants, available in branded cups. The sip-and-stroll will be piloted around a section of W. Broad Street and Park Avenue.” [ARLnow]

Volunteer Fire Depts Seek New Recruits — A new campaign from the International Association of Fire Chiefs is targeting a new generation of volunteer firefighters “through social media campaigns and marketing materials.” Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department Chief Shawn Stokes says that “over the years, it has become harder and harder to recruit ready volunteers.” [WTOP]

Loudoun Winery Up for Sale — “Aspiring winemakers in Northern Virginia have a new opportunity to purchase a fully operational vineyard. Carriage House Wineworks, a boutique winery in Waterford, is now on the market. The property at 40817 Browns Ln., Waterford, is currently listed for $1,990,000.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Nearly $12M Sought for McLean Mansion — “Sneak a peek at this ultra-luxury property for sale on McLean’s so-called ‘Gold Coast,’ where exclusive riverfront estates enjoy sweeping vistas of the Potomac River and its cascading falls. The 2.4 acre Bella Vista property, located at 1159 Crest Lane, is perched right at the water’s edge. The asking price: $11.9 million.” [Arlington Magazine]

Free America 250 Concert in Annandale — “The Mason District Arts Council’s Mason Arts 250 program is presenting ‘America the Beautiful at 250,’ an afternoon of music and poetry, on June 13 at John Calvin Presbyterian Church … The Mason Arts 250 series kicked off last Sunday with a free concert by the NoVA Lights Chorale.” [Annandale Today]

It’s Wednesday — There’s a 50% chance of precipitation with storms especially possible 2-7 p.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a high near 88°F. A 30% chance of precipitation remains at night, when skies will partially clear and temperatures dip to a low around 72°F. [NWS]

There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.


Around Town

Good Tuesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar.

🕗 News recap

The following articles were published earlier today — Jun 9, 2026.

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on Wednesday throughout the county, from our event calendar.

⛈️ Wednesday’s forecast

There is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 88°F, accompanied by a southwest wind around 9 mph. In the evening, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m., becoming partly cloudy with a low around 72°F, and a southwest wind between 3 to 6 mph. See more from Weather.gov.

🌅 Tonight’s sunset

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.


Around Town

Two years after “coming soon” signs started teasing its arrival, KPot has finally opened its doors at the South Alex development in Penn Daw.

The Korean barbecue and hot pot chain had a soft launch for its newest Fairfax County location at 6224A North Kings Highway last Thursday, June 4, welcoming local residents who had been awaiting the incoming restaurant since 2024.


Countywide

Fairfax County leaders are reacting with a mix of anxiety and irritation to the continued lack of a state government budget.

“This is not a trivial issue — it’s not the way a state like Virginia should be acting,” Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting today (Tuesday).


Around Town

When the owners of the Dulles Expo Center announced last fall that the building would be turned into an IKEA, the husband-and-wife team that hosts the DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival had to move quickly to find a new venue for 2026 — one capable of hosting over 200 small businesses and artisans, and thousands of visitors.

Now, co-founders John and Lindsay Hill have not only found a new venue to keep the festival running in its fifth anniversary year. They’re also expanding to a second location.