Lake Anne’s plaza will once again spring to life this summer with concerts.

Lake Anne Live! — an event series that kicked off last year — brings Thursday evening concerts to the plaza from June 15 through July 27.

The free concerts will feature music and dance from local musicians and dance instructors. Attendees will also have the chance to dance along the instructors, according to a release by the Lake Anne and Washington Plaza Merchant Association (LAWPA).

In a statement to FFXnow, the LAWPA team said they decided to continue the series this year due to popular demand.

“Because of the great response, especially to our dance nights, and because of repeated requests from our community and neighbors, we decided to have them again this year,” LAWPA said. “Our aim is to bring our community together for dancing, music, and laughter through the Summer.”

The line-up includes the following:

• June 15 (6-9 p.m.): Salsa Instruction and Dance with David Norton
• June 22, (6-9 p.m.): Swing Instruction and Dance with Gottaswing; pet adoptions by Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
• June 29 (7-9 p.m.): Bruce Corsino concert
• July 6 (6-9 p.m.): Bachata Instruction and Dance with David Norton
• July 13 (7-9 p.m.): To be announced on Lake Anne Plaza’s social media pages
• July 20 (7-9 p.m.): Concert with the Reston Community Orchestra
• July 27 (6-9 p.m.): Salsa and Bachata Instruction and Dance with David Norton

The plaza is located at 1609 Washington Plaza North. All concerts are free.

Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

Get ready to make this summer an epic adventure for your family in Fairfax County!

From thrilling outdoor escapades to cultural discoveries and delectable delights, we’ve compiled the ultimate Summer Family Bucket List to ensure an unforgettable season of fun. So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades, and join us as we explore the best activities and hidden gems that our area has to offer.

Get ready to create memories that will have your family reminiscing for years to come, because this summer, Fairfax County is the place to be for excitement, laughter, and quality time together.

Let the summer adventures begin!

1. Visit Great Falls Park: Explore the beautiful Great Falls Park located along the Potomac River. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
2. Explore the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: Located near Dulles International Airport, this museum features an impressive collection of aviation and space artifacts. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike to learn and be inspired.
3. Spend a day at Mount Vernon: Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and gardens. Take a tour of the mansion, visit the museum, and learn about the life of the first U.S. president. The property also hosts special events during the summer.
4. Enjoy water activities at Lake Fairfax Park: Rent paddleboats or go fishing at Lake Fairfax Park. The park also offers a water park, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
5. Explore Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: Discover the beauty of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens with its stunning landscapes, colorful flowers, and serene walking paths. The Children’s Garden section is especially designed to engage and entertain young visitors.
6. Take a trip to the National Zoo: So, this one is not located in Fairfax County, but the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is so close. Home to a wide variety of animals, it’s the perfect place to explore exhibits, attend animal feedings and demonstrations, and enjoy a fun-filled day surrounded by wildlife.
7. Attend a Rock the Block summer concert at Old Town Square in Downtown Fairfax or outdoor movie Films in the Park at Mosaic: Many parks and town centers in Fairfax County offer free summer concerts and outdoor movie screenings.
8. Discover the Workhouse Arts Center: Visit the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, where you can explore galleries, attend art classes, and enjoy live performances. The center often hosts family-friendly events and exhibitions.
9. Go on a nature hike: Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Check out parks like Burke Lake Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for beautiful trails suitable for families.
10. Enjoy a day at the water park: Cool off at one of the water parks in Fairfax County, such as Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville or the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. These parks offer slides, pools, and water play areas perfect for summer fun.

Whatever you decide, enjoy the moments and embrace making lasting memories!

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180

In an effort to reduce heat islands in vulnerable communities, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has applied for millions of dollars in grant funding to establish a street tree planting program.

The county will use its Vulnerability Index to identify communities in need of the program, according to county staff.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the department’s request on Tuesday (June 6) to apply for a $11.5 million Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

“The grant period is five years from the award date which is anticipated to be October 2023,” the board meeting package said.

Department of Public Works and Environmental Services spokesperson (DPWES) Sharon North told FFXnow the department is proposing to plant 1,000 trees over a five-year period. Although the county is looking at vulnerable communities, she said “no decision on the grant recipients will be made until October.”

The Forest Service announced the funding opportunity back in April. The UCF program received $1.5 billion under the Inflation Reduction Act to support urban tree planting and forest planning and management in at-risk communities.

“The Resilient Fairfax Plan notes that 91 percent of vulnerable households are in areas identified as having a significantly high urban heat island effect and that vulnerable populations are more likely to be impacted by extreme heat,” the package said.

Factors considered by the county’s vulnerability index include household income, education, English proficiency, health insurance and the percentage of the population that owns a home or vehicle.

If the county is awarded the funds, the program will also promote tree planting through partnerships with the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Fairfax County Park Authority, Fairfax County Public Schools, and nonprofit organizations.

The county also identifies specific activities that will receive the funding:

1. identifying areas in the county that are heat vulnerable low tree canopy and/or areas where green infrastructure would provide additional community and resilience benefits
2. planting and maintaining up to 5,000 native and/or climate-resilient street trees over five years in neighborhoods and within the right-of-way and on public property
3. educating and engaging the public on the benefits of green spaces and trees
4. expansion of a green workforce to maintain existing and new street trees.

The county launched a pilot program in 2021 that provides free trees to residents of areas with minimal tree canopy coverage. The program initially focused on the Richmond Highway corridor but was expected to shift to Bailey’s Crossroads this year.

A new neighborhood park is officially online at Reston Station just in time for the summer — although recent air quality advisories may deter some park-goers.

Developer EYA will host a grand opening ceremony tomorrow (Saturday) for the latest neighborhood playground and park at Reston Station.

The grand opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. with remarks at 10 a.m. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn and Robbin Martz, a resident of the townhomes, are expected to speak at the park, which is bounded by Reston Station Blvd, Faraday Park Drive and Midline Avenue.

Music and activities for children of all ages are also planned.

The Townhomes at Reston Station development turned an office park into a mixed-use neighborhood near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station. Other amenities in the area include plaza for seating, a bocce ball court, and a dog park.

McLean Quinn, president and CEO of EYA, told FFXnow that the project represents everything that the company seeks in redevelopment opportunities.

“By combining access to transit, a new grid of streets and plenty of green space like the newly opened park, we were able to design a neighborhood that brings homeowners closer to all the livable and walkable elements that fulfill our brand promise of life within walking distance,” Quinn said.

There are 113 units in the townhome community, along with a 229-unit apartment building with ground-floor retail that was sold to Elm Street Development. The townhomes — which are roughly 1,690-square-feet each — start from $850,000.

D.C. Area Briefly Had World’s Worst Air Quality — “‘Very unhealthy’ and ‘hazardous’ air quality put the health of people across the Washington, D.C., area at risk Thursday as smoke from wildfires in Canada brings some of the most polluted air ever recorded in the region.” Conditions improved to a Code Red into the evening, “but for a time Thursday, the D.C. area had the worst air quality in the world.” [NBC4]

Rep. Connolly Hosts Gun Violence Prevention Talk — In the wake of this week’s mass shooting at a Richmond high school graduation, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, and State Senator Jennifer Boysko will discuss gun violence prevention measures with local advocates. The panel will be streamed live at 10 a.m. today (Friday) on Channel 16. [Jeff McKay’s office]

Commuters Face Long Lines for Free Metro Shuttles — “While a shutdown affecting some Orange Line stations and an Orange and Silver transfer station started, commuters have shared frustrations about long waits for shuttles between closed stations. Metro is promising to address wait times with more buses and strategies to get shuttles through traffic congestion.” [Patch]

Springfield Appears Favored by FBI in HQ Search — “As Maryland and Virginia continue to battle to be the new home of the FBI’s headquarters, a document is being circulated that indicates the bureau itself prefers to move to Virginia.” The agency sees proximity to its training academy in Quantico as a priority, suggesting Springfield may have an edge over the two proposed Maryland sites. [WUSA9, Baltimore Banner]

Reston Contractor Opens Health Clinic — “QTC Medical Services Inc., a subsidiary of Reston government contractor Leidos Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LDOS), has opened a new flagship health clinic in Fairfax…The 7,800-square-foot space at 8505 Arlington Blvd. replaces a smaller facility in Alexandria that closed last month.” The clinic will mostly serve active and former military personnel, but it’s also expected to assist civilian federal government workers. [Washington Business Journal]

Candidates Sought for Reston Association Board — “Following the recent resignation of former Board of Directors President Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza, the Reston Association is seeking candidates interested in filling the remainder of her term.” The filing deadline is noon on Thursday, June 15, and the new at-large member will be appointed June 22. [Patch]

Students Showcase Auto Mechanical Skills in Burke — Lake Braddock Secondary School recently showed off work by students in its auto technology program. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority “donated 20 abandoned vehicles for the students to work on, and was on hand to meet with graduates about possible employment opportunities.” [WTOP]

Reston VC Firm Raises Millions — “Venture capital firm PROOF said it has raised $135 million in its third fund, ending a prolonged period of fundraising marked by both historic highs in 2021 and a more conservative environment of late…PROOF has yet to officially close its third fund but has already made 12 investments with that $135 million, [managing partner John] Backus said.” [DC Inno]

It’s Friday — Widespread haze. Patchy smoke. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. [Weather.gov]

Arrowbrook Centre, an anchoring mixed-use neighborhood near the Innovation Center Metro station, is moving one step forward to completion.

Several pieces of the 54-acre development, which is bounded by the Dulles Airport Access Road to the north and Centreville Road to the east, were approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at a Tuesday (June 6) meeting.

Specifically, the proposal swaps a 435-unit residential building called Aura from the eastern corner of the property with an office building directly east to it. Aura will be constructed by Trinsic Residential Group.

The swap pushes a hotel planned at the site further east, leaving space for two office buildings at the corner of the site.

To maintain the terms of the charitable trust that governs the development, the developer is planning a partnership with the Virginia Tech Foundation and Virginia Cooperative Extension, a venture that focuses heavily on sustainable agriculture, culinary arts and urban farming programs.

So far, the development includes Ovation at Arrowbrook, a 274-unit development for lease to tenants earning between 30 and 60% of the area median income (AMI).

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay called Arrowbrook a “huge asset” for the county.

Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust applauded the applicant for installing Arrowbrook Park and the affordable housing component of the project.

“I think you’ve really created something special out there and you keep making it better,” Foust said.

Roughly 75% of 36,000 square feet of retail space is already leased to tenants like grocer Hello2India, Ornery Beer Company Public House and Paris Baguette. Chef Peter Chang has also leased 3,500 square feet at the development for a Mama Chang restaurant.

Overall, roughly 32% of the property is dedicated as open space.

The application is one of several in the county that was affected by the Virginia Supreme Court’s ruling that temporarily voided Fairfax County’s newly modernized zoning ordinance. The board re-adopted the zoning code on May 9.

There’s less than a week left until Barnes & Noble will officially open its doors in The Spectrum at Reston Town Center.

Filling a space vacated by Office Depot in 2021, the nearly 28,000-square-foot bookstore at 11816 Spectrum Center will include a B&N Cafe, along with books, toys, games and gifts.

The grand opening next Wednesday (June 14) will feature a ribbon-cutting by author Tania James, who will also sign copies of her new historical fiction novel “Loot,” the company announced yesterday (Wednesday).

“We are delighted to open in Reston such a beautiful and impressive new bookstore,” Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said. “In an especially happy turn of events, we return to the same shopping center we had anchored over a decade ago. Nowhere is the success of brick-and-mortar bookstores better demonstrated than the opening of this very large new Barnes & Noble in Reston. Our booksellers…have created an exceptional bookstore for their community.”

James lives in D.C. and works as an associate professor of English for George Mason University, according to her official bio. Officially released on Tuesday (June 13), “Loot” is described by its publisher as “an exuberant heist adventure that traces the bloody legacy of colonialism” from India to England.

The opening is a comeback in Reston for Barnes & Noble, which previously had a location in the center several years ago. It will be the company’s first new store in Fairfax County since 2019, according to the press release.

The store will join a local literary scene that includes the nearby independent store, Scrawl Books, in Reston Town Center and Reston’s Used Book Shop at Lake Anne Plaza.

Store manager Elisabeth Swift said she is excited to bring the bookstore to Reston, which she describes a “town of readers.”

“Opening a new Barnes & Noble is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I’ve looked forward to — creating an extraordinary team of dedicated booksellers, building a store together and embracing the community has been a fantastic experience for all involved,” she said. “We can’t wait to welcome readers into our stunning new bookstore.”

Photo via Barnes & Noble/Instagram

(Updated at 10:30 a.m.) It’s another day of poor air quality for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area.

As wildfires continue to burn in Canada, the resulting smoke has clouded the East Coast in a sometimes orange-tinted haze of particulate matter. As of 9 a.m., Fairfax was at 313 on the Air Quality Index (AQI) — a Code Maroon for hazardous air that’s even more severe than yesterday’s Code Red.

Today’s AQI appears to be the highest for the D.C. region since records began in 1999, according to Ryan Stauffer, a NASA scientist who studies air pollution.

The highest alert on the official AQI, Maroon is a health warning of emergency conditions that can affect everyone, according to AirNow, which monitors official air quality based on data reported by federal, state and local agencies.

Air Quality Alert for Thursday, June 8 🚨

Due to the wildfires in Canada, an air quality alert has been issued for today, Thursday, June 8. The air quality is unhealthy for everyone in Fairfax County and the region.

Stay informed: https://t.co/0SheATD3Zg pic.twitter.com/iHffXGXIWh

— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) June 8, 2023

Record-breaking bad air quality in DC area yesterday dating back to 1999. Today probably will end up worse. https://t.co/YG1C95A31U

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) June 8, 2023

Everyone is advised to limit their exposure to the air pollution by staying inside or limiting the level of exertion required for outdoor activities, Fairfax County says.

Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on school grounds for the day, including recess, P.E., sports and after-school programs. The Fairfax County Park Authority has also canceled all outdoor classes, activities and amusements.

“Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles from burning trees and plants, buildings, and other material,” the county said in an emergency blog post. “Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but people with asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease are more likely to experience health effects of smoke. Pregnant women, babies and children are also at risk.”

In a twist, the masks that proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic have made a comeback as the most effective way to filter particles from air pollution. In New York, which had the world’s worst air quality yesterday, N95 masks are being handed out for free today.

The worst of the pollution is expected to start clearing tomorrow (Friday), when a Code Orange AQI is forecast, but until then, it’s probably best to stay indoors if possible and mask up.

Image via VDOT

Air Quality Issues Continue Today — “Due to the wildfires in Canada, a Code Red Air Quality alert has been issued for Thursday, June 8, which means air quality is unhealthy for everyone in Fairfax County and the region…Take steps to limit your exposure,” such as by spending more time indoors “where particle pollution levels are usually lower.” [Fairfax Alerts]

Survivor of Fatal Blake Lane Crash Still Recovering — “Flowers, candles, crosses, rosaries and handwritten signs mark the spot where three students walking home from Oakton High School were struck by a speeding car driven by a fellow student on June 7, 2022…One year after the fatal crash and the victims’ families are still waiting for answers.” [Patch]

Vice President Recently Visited Local High School — “The John R. Lewis High School community, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. Reid, Ed.D., and the Lewis High School band welcomed U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to their school [last] Friday to advocate for safer schools.” [FCPS]

New Recreational Trail Will Connect Gum Springs to Creek — “For nearly 40 years, residents of Gum Springs, the oldest African American community in Fairfax County, have been waiting to gain trail access to the waterfront along Little Hunting Creek…Last October, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck was able to secure support from his BoS colleagues to fund $600,000 in trail connections.” [On the MoVe]

VDOT Launches Study of Old Ox Road Near Herndon Area — “The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on…potential safety, operational and accessibility improvements for about three miles of Old Ox Road (Route 606) between the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) and Rock Hill Road. Within the study limits, Old Ox Road averages about 33,000 vehicles a day.” An online survey is available through June 19. [VDOT]

Virginia Leaves Initiative to Combat Carbon Emissions — “A Virginia regulatory board on Wednesday voted to withdraw the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, fulfilling a directive from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin but triggering the threat of legal action from environmental groups who say the board overstepped its authority.” [The Washington Post]

Madison HS Boys’ Lacrosse Team Returns to State Finals — “With a 12-8 victory over the host Robinson Rams on June 6 in a semifinal match of the Virginia High School League Class 6 state tournament, the defending champion Warhawks (19-2) will play for the 2023 state title on June 10. Madison is in the state final for the third time in five seasons” [Gazette Leader]

Park Authority Seeking New Hires — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking to fill several seasonal and part-time positions at a variety of park locations surrounded by trees, sunlight, water, history, animals and fun! With so many opportunities to choose from, applicants can literally choose their own adventure!” [FCPA]

It’s Thursday — Widespread haze. Areas of smoke. Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 8 mph. At night: Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. Northwest wind around 7 mph. [Weather.gov]

An industrial automation manufacturer from Austria is now a part of the business fabric in the Town of Herndon.

Tele Controls Inc., a 60-year-old, woman-owned manufacturer, opened its first U.S. subsidiary in Arlington in 2018, according to company spokesperson Apolinar Rivera.

The company makes power monitors, switching relays and other technology used in control panels by industrial sectors, including water and wastewater, power plants and agriculture.

Rivera said that four successful years at a co-working location during the pandemic prompted the move to permanent offices in Herndon, as the company seeks to grow its presence in the U.S.

“We aim to be a valuable resource for these industries and our relocation was made possible with the help of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority,” Rivera said.

A grand opening ceremony is slated for June 22 at the company’s new offices at 570 Herndon Parkway in Suite 110.

The company only has three employees in the U.S. but around 100 employees in Europe.

“With our intentions to grow our industrial footprint in the U.S., we relocated our office in May intending to hire more staff and expand our company to become the top supplier of timer relays, monitoring relays, and energy sensors,” Rivera said.