A former police officer who now works at a private school in Lorton has been charged with child solicitation, the Fairfax County Police Department announced today.
Detectives in the FCPD’s Child Exploitation Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Lawrence Lofzewski, a 37-year-old Springfield resident, “had posted disturbing online content regarding minors,” according to a press release.
Fairfax County leaders marked the 10th anniversary of the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge earlier this week.
“It’s only gotten bigger and better,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said when presenting a proclamation saluting the contest’s first decade on Tuesday (May 19).
For nearly three decades, one event has united Fort Belvoir’s sprawling community of soldiers, families, retirees and civilian employees like no other: Oktoberfest. This September, the tradition continues — and grows — with the 28th Annual Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, running September 24–27 at a brand-new location, Pullen Field, 9625 Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Hosted by Fort Belvoir Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), the four-day festival is the installation’s largest annual event and one of the most beloved in the Northern Virginia military community. Best of all? General admission is free — no tickets required to walk through the gates and enjoy four days of German tradition.
Whether you’re a polka devotee, a carnival enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good bratwurst, the schedule has you covered. The fest kicks off Thursday, September 24 (6–10 p.m.) with live performances from the Fritz Polka Band and the Sepp Walzer Fest Band. Friday (4–11 p.m.) brings an expanded lineup, including a captivating performance by the Alt-Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein, a traditional German folk dance group, alongside more live music and DJ sets.
Saturday (noon–11 p.m.) is the festival’s longest day, featuring a full rotation of performers including Johnny Koenig and Leroy Burks, plus special contests (more on those below). The celebration wraps up on Sunday, September 27 — Military Appreciation Day (noon–8 p.m.) — with a fitting send-off honoring the men and women who make this community what it is. All Active Duty Military and their dependents can purchase a carnival wristband for $27. Must present valid Active Duty Military ID Card for discounted wristband.
Longtime attendees will notice a few exciting additions in 2026. The festival is making its debut at Pullen Field, adjacent to the Bowling Center — a new venue that opens up even more options for a full day out, including bowling and American cuisine for anyone looking for a break from the German revelry.
The crowd-favorite Stein Holding Contest (ages 18+) and Costume Contest (all ages, with Dirndl & Lederhosen and Kinder categories) return on both Saturday and Sunday inside the fest tent. And in a thoughtful new addition, the event will feature a dedicated sensory area for families who need a quieter moment away from the excitement — a small but meaningful touch that reflects MWR’s commitment to serving the whole community.
Authentic German cuisine, specialty food trucks, beer on tap, and Oktoberfest merchandise — including Bavarian mugs, glass boots and traditional hats — round out the experience. Carnival rides are available for a separate ticket fee, purchased on-site.
The event is open to active duty personnel, retirees, civilian federal employees and their guests. Parking is free and in lots surrounding the event. Members of the general public may attend as sponsored guests. Because the festival is held on the installation, all visitors must plan for gate access in advance. Non-DoD ID holders aged 18 and older need a sponsored visitor pass and should submit their applications at least 72 hours before arriving. The Visitor Control Center at Tulley Gate can assist with questions. For access details, visit https://home.army.mil/belvoir/about/installation-access
For the latest updates on food vendors, entertainment and access details, visit belvoir.armymwr.com.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest is presented by USAA, with support from Wegmans, Potomac Music, First Command, Brain Treatment Center and Embassy Suites by Hilton, Springfield. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Army or Fort Belvoir.
New York City-based food hall Wonder is continuing its regional expansion with a new location in Hybla Valley.
Wonder is hosting a grand opening next week for its new food hall at 7713 Fordson Road in the Fordson Place shopping center. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, with festivities including giveaways and a ribbon cutting.
Centreville could get a defined town center with more walkable, mixed-use spaces over the next few decades if Fairfax County adopts a proposed amendment to its comprehensive plan.
The amendment lays the groundwork for connecting parts of Centreville that are split by I-66 with pedestrian pathways and potentially an extension of New Braddock Road; expanding the availability of affordable and mixed-use housing; and enhancing public transportation, including a potential location for a hypothetical expansion of Metro’s Orange Line.
The SLHS PTSA Food Pantry will be hosting its 9th Annual “Do It Your Way 0.5K” on September 27th from 2-4pm at Lake Anne Plaza. Join others in our community for music provided by DJ Randy Platts, pre-race warm-ups led by Kurt Rose, Celebrity Starters, cookies based by SLHS culinary students, a live raffle, and the most rewarding 650 steps you’ll take all year. Register online now or in-person the day of the event. All proceeds will directly support over 500 local students and families in the SLHS Pyramid each week.
Whether your kid enjoys getting active outdoors, expressing their artistry or volunteering in the community, Fairfax County offers plenty of options for keeping students busy outside the classroom.
Here are the nominees for “Best After School Programs in Fairfax” as part of our FFXnow Readers’ Choice Awards. Did we miss your favorite program below? Write them in!
Voting will close in two weeks. Be sure to cast your vote before 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 5.
Voting for Best Tutoring Service in Fairfax County is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday, May 29 at 8:30 a.m.
A few weeks ago, we voted on the Best Title Company serving Fairfax County. The results are now official:
The rain that’s expected to persist in the D.C. area throughout Memorial Day weekend has already put a damper on one summer tradition.
Tonight’s Friday Night Live! concert in Herndon has been canceled due to the inclement weather, organizers announced this morning (Friday).
A McLean resident was hospitalized as a result of a fire that broke out at their home in the Langley High School area early this morning (Friday).
Firefighters were dispatched to the 900 block of Turkey Run Road for the house fire at around 12:49 a.m., according to scanner traffic.
Support for the arts can take different forms, as evidenced by the honorees who will take center stage this fall at the 2026 ArtsFairfax Awards.
ArtsFairfax announced earlier this month that this year’s recipients of the annual awards will be longtime McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) donor and board member Bruce Berlage, Reston community leaders Karen and Jim Cleveland, the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation and D.C.-area singer, conductor and composer Thomas Beveridge.
Attendees of this weekend’s ViVa Vienna will have an opportunity to give back to the community in more ways than one.
Inova has partnered with Vienna-based Bards Alley Bookshop for a blood drive that will take place during the annual festival this Sunday and Monday (May 24-25).
