Vienna Finance Director Marion Serfass introduces then-new Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow on May 15, 2023 (courtesy Town of Vienna)
After serving the Town of Vienna for a quarter of a century, Marion Serfass is ready to see new sights.
She will work her final day as the town’s finance director tomorrow (Friday) after announcing plans last month to retire. Deputy Director of Finance Steven Barlow is set to succeed Serfass, starting Monday (Dec. 23).
The FSO and Fairfax Ballet perform Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at George Mason University's Center for the Arts (courtesy Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Ballet)
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) and Fairfax Ballet will reunite later this month for their annual performances of “The Nutcracker” at George Mason University.
Continuing a tradition that’s now in its eighth year, the two local arts organizations will present two shows of Pytor Tchaikovsky’s holiday staple this Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 21 and 22) at Mason’s Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Drive) in Fairfax.
Walk into almost any gym in January, and it’s packed.
Walk into that same gym a few months later, and it’s noticeably quieter.
It isn’t because people stopped wanting to be healthier. It’s because most people eventually run into the same problem:
They simply don’t know what to do.
You download a workout plan. You watch videos online. You try different machines. You spend time figuring out exercises, wondering if you’re doing them correctly, and hoping you’ll eventually see results.
For busy adults, that approach rarely lasts.
That’s one reason personalized training has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the fitness industry.
Instead of paying for access to equipment, people are investing in coaching, accountability, and a plan that’s built specifically for them.
That shift is happening nationwide — and locally, Alloy Personal Training has become the go-to answer for busy adults across Northern Virginia.
At Alloy Personal Training, every member follows a personalized program based on their goals, current fitness level, and any limitations they may have. Every workout is coached by a professional trainer, so there’s never any guesswork about what to do next.
Most members train just two or three times each week in 55-minute sessions, making it realistic to fit fitness into a busy schedule.
Unlike large group classes where everyone performs the same workout, Alloy’s small-group format allows each person to follow their own individualized program while still benefiting from the energy and accountability of training alongside others.
For many members, that’s the difference.
It’s not about finding more motivation.
It’s about removing the obstacles that cause people to quit.
You don’t need to spend hours researching workouts.
You don’t need to wonder whether you’re making progress.
You simply show up, and your coach takes care of the rest.
Whether your goal is to build strength, lose weight, improve energy, stay active as you get older, or simply feel better every day, consistency matters more than perfection.
And consistency becomes much easier when you have a plan designed specifically for you.
That’s why more adults throughout Northern Virginia are moving away from traditional gyms and choosing a more personalized approach to fitness.
If you’ve been thinking about getting back into a routine—but haven’t found something you could truly stick with—Alloy Personal Training invites you to experience it for yourself.
Your complimentary Starting Point Session includes a conversation about your goals, an InBody body composition analysis, a movement assessment, and a personalized roadmap designed around you.
With studios in Falls Church, Reston, and Fairfax City, Alloy helps busy adults train smarter—not longer.
Schedule your complimentary Starting Point Session today and discover why so many of your neighbors have made the switch.
Approaching Reston Station on Wiehle Avenue (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Youngkin Proposes School Voucher Program — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Wednesday proposed spending $50 million to start a scholarship program that would give lower-income families money to pay for private K-12 schooling. Called ‘opportunity scholarships,’ the program would allocate $5,000 scholarships to 10,000 students across the commonwealth to pay for private school tuition, fees, uniforms and supplies.” [Washington Post]
Man Convicted of Shooting Ex Faces PrisonTime — A jury recommended a sentence of 23 years in prison and a $100,000 fine for Collins Agyei, who was convicted on Tuesday (Dec. 17) of shooting Esther Arko at a Mount Vernon apartment complex on Feb. 7, 2023. Final sentencing will be determined in April. [Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano/Bluesky]
Route 29 Lane Closes for Construction — “Beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, the right through lane of southbound Route 29 between Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) and Meadow Estates Drive/Hampton Forest Way will be closed until summer 2025 to facilitate construction for the Route 29 widening project.” [VDOT]
Development Considered at Franconia Triangle — “Change has been slow to come in Franconia but it’s picked up speed lately,” with a study “focused on a triangle of land bordered by Franconia Road, Beulah Street and Grovedale Drive.” Fairfax County is looking at a plan amendment to allow affordable housing on the current Franconia Governmental Center site as well as “63 townhouses, 30 multi-family units and retail sites facing Franconia Road.” [The Connection]
Vienna Police ID Alleged Hit-and-RunDriver — Police have identified the driver who allegedly struck a pedestrian on Park Street on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) as a man from New Kent County. Charged with a felony hit-and-run, the man turned himself in on Dec. 11, and was held in custody on a $10,000 secured bond. [Vienna Police]
Nearby: Arlington Adds More Speed Cameras — “Eight new school zone speed cameras are being installed around Arlington. The new cameras will start issuing warnings with the start of school after winter break, before issuing $100 tickets to speeders starting Feb. 5.” Arlington introduced speed cameras this summer, as Fairfax County announced plans to expand its program. [ARLnow]
Fire Department Names New Deputy Chief — “Fire Chief John Butler is pleased to announce the promotion of Battalion Chief Scott Schermerhorn to Deputy Chief. He will lead Division 1, A-Shift. Deputy Chief Schermerhorn has been a proud member of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for over 21 years.” [FCFRD]
It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with highs around 45 degrees and a northwest wind ranging from 6 to 10 mph. As night falls, the sky will transition to increasing clouds and the temperature will drop to around 31 degrees, accompanied by calm winds. [NWS]
Expect sunny conditions and a high of 44 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind between 6 to 10 mph and gusts as high as 20 mph. In contrast, Thursday night will see increasing clouds and a low temperature near 30 degrees, with calm winds. See more from Weather.gov.
Flowers, Fine Art & Fashion is an immersive cultural experience presented by People of The Garden LLC, where nature, creativity, and modest couture converge in a breathtaking indoor garden setting.
Guests will journey through a living landscape featuring dramatic floral installations, botanical art, and a one-of-a-kind rectangular runway designed around lush greenery and sculptural plantings. Throughout the evening, attendees will experience a curated runway presentation showcasing modest fashion designers, alongside original fine art, artisan vendors, and interactive floral experiences.
Lewis' Donnie Goodwin shoots a free throw (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)
It’s no surprise that the Oakton Cougars girls basketball team is off to a strong start this season.
With three returning starters from last winter’s Concorde District champion and 6D North Region tournament runner-up squad, the high-school unit (22-7 last fall) is expected to be a contender for those titles again this year.
Oakton and Madison play in the Concorde District (photo by Deb Kolt)
With the perennial success the teams have enjoyed for decades, the Concorde District is often referenced as the mighty SEC of high school football in Northern Virginia.
SEC stands for the Southeastern Conference, which arguably is the best league in college football.
With details of its separation from Comstock still being worked out, including the fate of the Arts Herndon building that would’ve been demolished, the Town of Herndon declined to comment beyond interim town manager Chris Martinez’s announcement last Tuesday (Dec. 10).
J.Crew Factory is set to open at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons (courtesy Federal Realty)
J. Crew Factory is ready to unveil its new store at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons.
The discount clothing store will open its doors at 8387-D Leesburg Pike tomorrow (Thursday) around 10 a.m., shopping center owner Federal Realty announced today.
The Extended Stay America hotel at 3997 Fair Ridge Drive is planned for conversion into an emergency shelter (via Google Maps)
Fairfax County is moving forward with plans to turn a vacant 94-room hotel near Route 50 and West Ox Road into emergency housing for families and victims of domestic violence.
The former Extended Stay America hotel building at 3997 Fair Ridge Drive was purchased by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) in August for $14.5 million to address a growing need for emergency shelters and consolidate services provided by shelters in Reston.