A rally organized by local LGBTQ advocacy groups outside Luther Jackson Middle School in Merrifield last night (Thursday) served as both a celebration of the upcoming Transgender Day of Visibility and a call for solidarity.
During the half-hour rally, that solidarity manifested in dozens of passing vehicles honking in apparent support of the crowd, which had gathered ahead of a Fairfax County School Board meeting to support the trans community.
Metro is following through on plans to prohibit people alleged to have committed serious infractions on its property from returning.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors voted 8-0 yesterday (Thursday) to approve a new policy allowing the transit agency to issue citations banning individuals arrested for assault or sex-related crimes from its system.
Spring is in the air, which means another Friday Night Live! season is on the horizon.
The free outdoor concert series will return to the Town of Herndon for its 31st year on May 2. Highlights of the upcoming season include the first-ever introduction of a non-alcoholic beer option and a “special reunion show” by the D.C. area party band Gonzo’s Nose, according to Friday Night Live! Chairman Laura Poindexter.
When it comes to preserving economic development gains in challenging times, localities need to have strategies to play offense and defense, and Fairfax County has room for improvement in both cases, a consultant told the Board of Supervisors earlier this week.
Economic success is “not something to take for granted,” Camoin Associates CEO Rachel Selsky said at an economic initiatives committee meeting on Tuesday (March 25).
Local high school girls’ basketball teams recently wrapped up their winter season with a pair of all-star games as part of the recent 20th annual Northern Virginia Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (NVWBCA) Suburban Classic.
The contests, preceded by a three-point shootout, consisted of seniors from high schools throughout the area. The afternoon classic on Sunday, March 16 was held in front of a sizable crowd at Oakton High School.
Partial Solar Eclipse May Be Visible — NASA says a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of North America early tomorrow (Saturday) morning. “The eclipse will be visible from the Washington, D.C., area up to Maine and parts of Canada and across the Atlantic Ocean to portions of Africa and Europe, according to a map from NASA.” [NPR]
New Details on Potential Federal Worker Cuts — “Federal officials are preparing for agencies to cut between 8 and 50 percent of their employees as part of a Trump administration push to shrink the federal government, according to an internal White House document.” Sources said “planning remains fluid,” but the draft included reductions at the IRS, Interior Department and more. [Washington Post]
Alleged East Coast Gang Leader Arrested — “The alleged leader of the violent MS-13 street gang on the East Coast has been arrested in Virginia, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday.” The 24-year-old man from El Salvador was taken into custody in Manassas on an outstanding ICE warrant and charged with illegal gun possession. [Associated Press]
Va. Could Limit Speeds of Reckless Drivers — “Virginia is poised to become the first state to implement a high-tech speed-limiting device in the vehicles of convicted reckless drivers. HB2096, which Gov. Glenn Youngkin returned to the House with an amendment, would establish the Intelligent Speed Assistance Program.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Local Students Head to International Art Contest — The U.S. will be represented in this year’s International Aviation Art Competition in Switzerland by three Fairfax County students: Andrew Yang of Great Falls, Aspen Xing of Vienna and Lalitha Kuchipudi of Chantilly. They were chosen from 140 participants in the national contest, which followed a state competition also dominated by local residents. [Virginia Department of Aviation]
Student Concerned by Potential Loss of After-School Activities — “Poe Middle School student Diego Egas said he takes part in the after-school program from Monday through Friday.” With Fairfax County proposing to eliminate funding for the middle school program in its budget, Diego shared his concerns at a virtual town hall hosted on Wednesday (March 26) for the Mason District. [WJLA]
Vienna Library Gets Farewell Celebration — “Patrick Henry Library will hold a community farewell event Saturday ahead of construction. The library, which has been around for 54 years, is expected to close in late spring or early summer for the renovation and expansion project.” [Patch]
Monthly Asian Market Returns to Annandale — “The monthly Asiantique night markets are coming back to Annandale. The first one this season will be Sunday, March 30, 5-9 p.m., in the parking lot behind the Elmer Timberman Masonic Lodge at 6911 Columbia Pike. There will be about 25 food vendors offering mostly Thai specialties plus two craft vendors.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Friday — Showers are possible after 2pm, with partly sunny skies and a high near 68. There’s a 30% chance of precipitation. At night, there’s still a 30% chance of showers before 8pm, followed by partly cloudy conditions and a low around 59. [NWS]
The Fairfax County Police Department has wrapped up the first “wave” of its now-annual campaign cracking down on traffic violations.
Launched on March 17 in partnership with the Virginia State Police (VSP), the 2025 Road Shark campaign aims to deter aggressive driving and reduce crashes by boosting enforcement in areas known to be problematic and promoting traffic safety through social media, educational events and community outreach.
Fairfax County officials are likely headed back to the drawing board after a veto of a bill that would have let Northern Virginia localities host a pilot program to reduce vehicle exhaust noise.
H.B. 2550, which was introduced in the Virginia General Assembly by local Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6), was one of 157 bills vetoed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday (March 24).
Written By: Synergy Design & Construction
Deciding to remodel is a major decision — and an exciting one. It’s your chance to transform your space into something that truly works for your lifestyle and vision. But without a solid plan, even the most thrilling projects can become overwhelming.
At Synergy Design & Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful planning and a structured process can remove stress and deliver outstanding results. Whether you’re redesigning a kitchen, updating a whole floor, or rethinking your entire home, here’s what it takes to set yourself up for success from day one.
1. Clarify Your Goals
Before crunching numbers or diving into design ideas, take time to reflect on why you’re renovating. Is your home layout causing daily frustrations? Are you ready for a space that better reflects your personal style? Knowing what’s driving your decision helps set clear priorities that will influence every choice ahead.
Ask yourself:
Having these conversations — and sharing your answers with your partner — is key. When everyone involved has a shared understanding of the goals, it makes decision-making easier throughout the entire project.
2. Budget With Intention
Once your priorities are clear, building your budget becomes more intuitive. You’ll naturally start identifying areas where you want to invest more and where you can scale back.
A professional remodeling team can help you navigate these financial decisions and provide ballpark pricing based on your goals. At Synergy, we also offer guidance on which upgrades deliver the most impact and where you can save without compromising quality.
Establishing your budget and funding strategy early on helps keep your project on schedule — and helps avoid surprises later.
3. Find the Right Partner
Choosing the right remodeling company goes beyond skill — it’s about finding a team that’s a good fit for your project and your personality. Communication style, transparency, and values all play a big role.
After all, this team will be in your home for weeks, sometimes months. You want to feel confident not only in their craftsmanship but also in the working relationship. The Synergy team often forms close bonds with our clients — we truly value the trust you place in us and love being part of such a meaningful experience in your life.
4. Look Beyond the Estimate
When comparing quotes, it’s easy to focus on the bottom line, but it’s just as important to evaluate how each team approaches the process.
Consider:
A proposal that looks “affordable” may not include critical items or may be vague about timelines and allowances. A collaborative, detail-oriented process like our Renovation Roadmap is designed to keep projects running smoothly and reduce surprises along the way.
5. Prepare for Construction Life
Depending on the scope of work, you may be able to stay in your home during construction or you may need to plan temporary accommodations.
Larger renovations, like whole home transformations, might require a short-term move. Whether you stay with family or book an Airbnb, having a game plan in place makes a big difference in reducing stress.
One of the most common concerns we hear is: “Will I be living off takeout during the kitchen renovation?” The good news? Not necessarily. Our team helps set up a functional temporary kitchen so you can still prepare meals at home while your dream kitchen comes to life.
A good remodeling partner should think through all the little details and help you prepare for what’s ahead.
6. Make the Most of the Experience
Yes, renovations can come with highs and lows, but they should also be enjoyable. After all, you’re creating a home that better serves you and your family. The key is remembering why you started and trusting the process.
With the right team in your corner, you can feel excited, confident, and supported — from the first planning meeting to the final reveal.
Renovation Experts in Reston
At Synergy Design & Construction, we walk homeowners through every step of the process, from big-picture planning to the finishing touches. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible — while delivering results that exceed expectations.
If you’re planning a renovation in Reston, Virginia, and want a partner who prioritizes quality, clarity, and craftsmanship, we’d love to hear from you.
After weeks of negotiations and public complaints, Dominion Energy has agreed to reassess plans to clear nearly all trees near its power lines in the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park.
However, the pause won’t bring relief to Vienna and Dunn Loring, where the utility will finish clearing trees and brush along a 4-mile section of trail in conjunction with a transmission line replacement between its Clark and Idylwood substations, Dominion Senior Vice President of Electric Transmission Joseph Woomer said yesterday in a letter to the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority (NOVA Parks).
