Fairfax County has shared the initial design for a “Circles of Memory” memorial to recognize the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the Fairfax County Arts Committee’s project team submitted a zoning interpretation application to allow the memorial’s construction in front of the Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters at 12055 Government Center Parkway.
During their final meeting of 2024, members of the Fairfax County Planning Commission paid tribute to their colleague John Ulfelder, who is departing his post as the Dranesville representative.
Ulfelder “is very balanced in his view of all the cases,” Braddock District Commissioner Mary Cortina said at the Dec. 11 meeting. “He looks out for the people in his community as well as the rest of Fairfax County.”
Though Herndon’s downtown revitalization push has stalled, a key piece of the town’s vision for development outside its Metro station reached a milestone last month.
The Town of Herndon Architectural Review Board (ARB) gave its approval on Nov. 20 to architectural and landscape design plans for the first phase of Fairfield Residential’s 555 Herndon Parkway project, a multifamily residential building with retail that will later be complemented by an office building.
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 Prison Time — 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-Run Driver — 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]
Herndon leaders past and present are surveying the aftermath of Comstock’s decision to officially pull the plug on its long-percolating downtown redevelopment project, but so far, they’re not blaming the developer.
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).
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.
A proposal that would bring 131 independent-living, assisted-living and memory-care units to a parcel along Route 7 in the Reston/Great Falls area is advancing to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval on Dec. 11 of the facility planned by Silverstone Senior Living at 10819 Leesburg Pike, across from Riva Ridge Road and west of Baron Cameron Avenue.
Holidays Bring Uptick in Respiratory Illnesses — Dr. Katherine Cox-Flaherty, a pulmonologist with Inova, says the flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses tend to increase around the holiday season. This year has been no exception, but the uptick in circulating viruses is currently “around par for the course for wintertime.” [WTOP]
Arrest Made in Recent ABC Store Thefts — A 38-year-old man from Alexandria has been charged with petit larceny in connection to six thefts at Virginia ABC stores reported on Dec. 13 and 14. Police say they’re still looking for more suspects in a string of thefts where individuals were seen “concealing bottles of high-end tequila and cognac in coats and bags.” [FCPD]
Connolly Wins Bid for Key Committee Role — House Democrats chose Rep. Gerry Connolly to serve as their top member on the House Oversight Committee over New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, favoring experience over calls for fresh leadership after a tough general election. “Connolly had unsuccessfully run for the Oversight role twice before. He was facing concerns from colleagues over his recent cancer diagnosis.” [Associated Press]
Contractor Opens Reston Headquarters — The aerospace and defense contractor V2X announced on Monday (Dec. 16) that it has opened its new corporate headquarters at 1875 Campus Common Drive in Reston. “This strategic move aligns with V2X’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence in support of national security, defense, and mission readiness worldwide.” [V2X Inc.]
Annandale Renter Fights Eviction — “Fairmont Gardens tenant Zahid Khan says he’s being evicted because he filed a complaint with Fairfax County about the unsanitary and unsafe conditions at the Annandale apartment complex. He’s fighting the eviction in court.” [Annandale Today]
New Annandale Sports Bar Offers Korean Fusion Dishes — The name of JMT Kitchen + Bar comes from a Korean saying that roughly translates to “just my taste,” says owner Jin-Gak Bae, whose family also owns Han Gang. “Anyone who heads to the Annandale building that shares space with A&J Restaurant and Kozy Ramen & Bar will realize that this statement is no exaggeration.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Longtime Tysons Santa Answers Questions — “Mike Graham has been Santa for 40 years now, long enough to long outlast the shops around him at Tysons Corner Center. Long enough for the kids who once perched on his lap to grow up and bring kids of their own, to build the kind of loyalty that leads families to jet in each year just to see him from Michigan, Texas, California.” [Fairfax Machine]
Truck Ban Approved for Two Lorton Streets — The Virginia Department of Transportation has “signed off on a ban on through truck traffic on Gunston Cove Road and Lorton Market Street between Richmond Highway and Lorton Road.” Signage alerting drivers to the change was recently installed by VDOT, not the Fairfax County Department of Transportation as initially reported. [On the MoVe]
It’s Wednesday — Expect rain to begin around 9am, with a high of 53 degrees and mild southeast winds at 6 mph. By night, rain will likely continue until 1am, cooling to a low of 36 degrees. Precipitation chances are 80%, with an additional tenth to a quarter inch of rainfall possible. [NWS]
Fairfax County is stepping up efforts to meet its carbon neutrality goals with new programs and tools to help residents go green, starting next year.
First outlined in May, the three-part plan includes a public awareness campaign, a climate action tracking app and a home energy advisory service to help residents transition to clean energy and reduce their carbon footprints.
Written By: Synergy Design & Construction
At Synergy Design & Construction, we know the holidays can be both magical and demanding. From festive gatherings to last-minute guests and everything in between, it’s no wonder so many of us find ourselves feeling frazzled. The good news? With some intentional planning and strategic design choices, your home can become a soothing sanctuary that helps you embrace the season with comfort and ease.
We’re sharing our approach to creating a holiday environment that nurtures connection, encourages relaxation, and feels truly welcoming. From pre-holiday decluttering and flex spaces to savvy lighting and thoughtful décor, these tips will help transform your home into a calming oasis — one that reflects your style and supports your busy life.
Declutter for Peace of Mind
Before you hang the wreath or stock up on eggnog, spend some time clearing out what you don’t need. Think of it like prepping a canvas before you start painting. By removing clutter, you’ll free up space — both physically and mentally — for all the joys of the season.
Focus first on the kitchen, living room, and entryway, as these areas typically see the most holiday traffic. In the kitchen, clear off crowded countertops and organize the pantry for easy access to all those festive ingredients. In the living room, pare down everyday décor to make room for special seasonal pieces. And at the entryway, streamline coats and shoes so guests aren’t tripping over clutter when they arrive.
Multitasking Made Easy: Flexible Holiday Spaces
When the holidays roll in, it’s normal to need spaces that adapt quickly to new demands. Embracing multi-functional areas helps ensure your home can handle anything from a cozy family movie night to wrapping a flurry of gifts.
A Gift-Wrapping Oasis
Transforming a corner of your basement or bonus room into a dedicated wrapping station keeps tape, paper, and ribbons organized and out of your main living areas. With all your supplies in one place, you can focus on the fun of presenting beautifully wrapped gifts — without worrying about clearing the dining table every time you take a break.
Office by Day, Guest Room by Night
If you anticipate overnight visitors, consider a built-in Murphy bed or a sleeper sofa in your home office. During the day, it’s a productive workspace; at night, it seamlessly becomes a comfortable guest retreat. Modern Murphy beds and quality convertible sofas blend style with function, ensuring your guests feel welcomed, not stashed away.
Designing With Intention
Furniture arrangement might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on how guests connect and engage. Arrange seating to encourage conversation rather than facing everyone toward the TV. Pulling chairs and sofas slightly away from walls also helps create more intimate conversation zones.
When adding seasonal décor, remember that less can often be more. A well-placed wreath, a beautifully dressed mantel, or a simple centerpiece can speak volumes. Highlight the qualities you love about your home — such as a freshly remodeled kitchen island or an elegant fireplace — by choosing décor that enhances, rather than competes with, its natural beauty.
Lighting and Ambiance
Lighting can instantly shift the mood from frenzied to festive. Instead of relying solely on overhead lights, layer your illumination sources. Floor lamps, table lamps, and dimmable fixtures allow you to control brightness and create a cozy, intimate environment. Candles and string lights are a simple yet effective way to add warmth and charm — think flickering flames along the mantel or twinkling lights inside a decorative bowl.
With the right lighting strategy, you can effortlessly transition from a lively family gathering in the afternoon to a peaceful fireside chat in the evening.
Little Details, Big Impact
Preparation is key when it comes to easing the stress of holiday hosting. If you have guests staying overnight, set out fresh linens, a decorative throw, and perhaps a scented candle to create a soothing retreat. In common areas, keep a few seasonal treats and beverages accessible so guests can help themselves without feeling like they’re imposing. Don’t forget the practical extras: have an extra phone charger handy, along with basic toiletries, spare blankets, and bottled water.
Get ahead of the holiday rush by setting the table the night before a big meal and prepping ingredients in advance. Stock up on necessities like napkins, utensils, and serving dishes well before guests arrive. These small steps free you up to participate in the celebrations rather than feeling like you’re racing from one task to another.
Prioritize Personal Comfort
With so much focus on making others feel welcome, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. Treat yourself to small moments of calm — a warm bath, a quiet reading break, or even a quick meditation session in a favorite room. Prioritizing your well-being helps you remain present and appreciative during this special time.
Reimagine the Holidays
Envision walking into a home that not only looks ready for the holidays, but feels ready, too. That sense of ease and calm doesn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of intentional design choices and proactive planning.
If you’re curious about how a future remodel or redesign can support a more harmonious holiday season, Synergy Design & Construction is here to help. We’re dedicated to creating homes that look beautiful and function brilliantly all year long — especially during life’s most meaningful celebrations.
With a thoughtful approach to decluttering, flexible spaces, furniture arrangements, lighting, and personal care, you can transform the busy energy of the holidays into something more restful and rewarding. Let’s turn your home into a haven where treasured moments flow freely and the hustle of the season is met with a relaxed, welcoming embrace.
Visit RenovateHappy.com to learn more about Synergy Design & Construction.
