Red trees line Strawberry Lane leading into the Mosaic District in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

ICYMI: Hayfield Drops Out of Football Playoffs — Fairfax County Public Schools announced last night (Monday) that Hayfield Secondary School has withdrawn its football team from playoff contention as the fallout of alleged improper student-athlete recruiting practices continues. The Eagles were set to play Fairfax High School tonight at 7 p.m. [FCPS]

Reston Woman Killed in Maryland Car Crash — “Montgomery County police identified a Reston, Virginia, woman as the victim of a fatal single-vehicle collision Thursday evening in Gaithersburg, police said Monday in a statement. Alyssa Marie Clark, 42, was driving a blue 2007 Toyota Camry westbound on Darnestown Road near Bondy Lane when the car left the roadway and collided with a wooden utility pole.” [MoCo360]

GW Parkway Ramp to I-495 Closed — “The northbound GWMP exit ramp to I-495 north toward Maryland will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26 through 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 to continue curb demolition and reconstruction and asphalt paving … Motorists should continue along the detour route to access I-495.” [National Park Service]

Supervisor Advocates for Keeping Leaf Vacuuming — “Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez told Annandale Today he is working to ensure Fairfax County permanently retains its leaf vacuuming service. Jimenez is also urging the county executive to make the program more accountable by picking up leaves in a timely manner.” [Annandale Today]

Interactive Map Shows County’s Progress on Climate Goals — “We’re tracking our progress as a community toward a greener future with the Climate Action Viewer from our Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination … Use the map to find opportunities for climate action near you including where to bring compostable waste, recycle glass and charge your electric vehicle.” [Fairfax County Government]

Architectural Firm Opens New Reston Office — “The M Group Architects, an architectural firm specializing in data centers, corporate interiors and industrial projects, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 7, 2024, to celebrate the relocation of its office within Reston to RTC West.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Local Nonprofit Seeks Thanksgiving Day Volunteers — “Nonprofit The 25th Project says you can put your name on the list to volunteer with them on Thursday morning in Fairfax County.” The group will hopes to assemble enough meals at the Burke Community Church to feed 2,500 people, though it’s also still seeking donations of turkeys and ham. [WTOP]

Tysons Hotel Hosts Postpartum Care Center — “Nationwide, there are only a few places like Sanu — which opened this year inside the Watermark Hotel in Tysons, Virginia — that offer pampering and rest and a temporary village for those who may be far from family. But stays there don’t come cheap. Some can cost as much as $1,500 a night. Sanu’s nightly rate tops out at $880.” [Washington Post]

It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly cloudy skies until mid-morning. The skies will then gradually clear, and the temperature will reach a high near 61°F. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, but any new rainfall will likely be less than a tenth of an inch. Night will be mostly clear with a low around 36°F. [NWS]


Countywide

Hayfield Secondary School has withdrawn its football team from playoff contention, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced tonight (Monday).

According to Reid, the decision was made by Hayfield principal Darin Thompson as questions continue to mount about the recruiting practices used by head coach Darryl Overton and his staff and how FCPS has responded to the allegations.


News

Reston Association members will once again see an uptick in the annual assessment that they pay for the services and facilities provided by the homeowners’ organization.

The RA Board of Directors voted at its meeting on Thursday (Nov. 21) to adopt a $23 million budget for 2025 and implement a $848 assessment fee — a $31 or 3.8% increase from the current rate of $817, according to a memo from RA staff to the board.


Countywide

Riders on Metro’s Silver Line and other lines serving Fairfax County could see a number of service improvements coming down the track.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s board of directors got a first look at the transit agency’s fiscal year 2026 budget conditions and, if funding allows, potential service improvements at a meeting of its finance and capital committee last Thursday (Nov. 21).


News

Fairfax County police believe speeding and alcohol both contributed to a crash on Fairfax County Parkway in Reston that killed a woman over the weekend.

Officers and medical personnel were dispatched to northbound Fairfax County Parkway over Elden Street around 2:40 a.m. on Saturday (Nov. 23) for the single-vehicle crash.


A colorful fall morning at Lake Newport in Reston (photo by Terry Baranski)

Two Injured in Annandale Apartment Fire — “Two people were injured in a three-alarm fire that started at about 2 a.m. on Nov. 23 in a garden-style apartment building in the 4900 block of Americana Drive … Two occupants were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.” [Annandale Today]

Hybla Valley Popeyes Damaged by Fire — “Fairfax County firefighters responded to a fire shortly after 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 at Popeyes restaurant at Mount Vernon Crossroads shopping plaza in Hybla Valley.” The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but no injuries were reported. The restaurant has closed until further notice. [On the MoVe]

No Charges Against Officers in Fatal Penn Daw Shooting — Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced that no criminal charges will be pursued against the police officers involved in last year’s fatal shooting of Brandon Lemagne outside a McDonald’s in Penn Daw. The May 11, 2023 shooting followed a struggle where Lemagne was reportedly able to take a gun from one of the officers. [WUSA9]

Herndon Apartment Residents Report Mold — After experiencing an asthma attack, Cody Segraves investigated the HVAC unit at his home in the Trellis Herndon Apartments and “discovered what he suspected to be mold … Other residents of the Herndon, Virginia, complex said they’ve uncovered something similar in their units. But when the issue gets raised to building management, Segraves said it’s ignored.” [WTOP]

Popular Lorton Restaurant Appears to Have Closed — “The Hometown Grill and Bar, a popular dining establishment that opened in late 2021 at Lorton Station Town Center, has been closed for several days, according to multiple reports from community members. A ‘Closed’ sign appears at the restaurant entrance at 9000 Lorton Station Boulevard, #N, and the restaurant’s Facebook page is no longer active.” [On the MoVe]

State Legislators Consider Response to Student Protests — “House lawmakers studying how some of Virginia’s universities handle campus protests and free speech policies faced criticism Wednesday after arranging a hearing that some in attendance felt leaned heavily toward institutional and pro-Israeli perspectives.” [Virginia Mercury]

McLean Mansion Bought by Private Equity Leader — “A senior managing director with Vista Equity Partners manages Eagles Perch LLC, which paid $25.5 million cash on Oct. 31 for The Cliffs in McLean, according to Virginia records.” The sale of the 33,000-square-foot mansion was the priciest in the D.C. area so far this year and among the top five for the region ever. [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 59, with calm winds turning south at around 6 mph later in the afternoon. As for Monday night, there’s a 50% chance of showers after 1am, accompanied by mostly cloudy conditions and a low of around 49. South winds will persist at 5 to 8 mph. [NWS]


Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Corcoran | McEnearney.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you — McEnearney Associates | Middleburg Real Estate | Atoka Properties has joined forces with Corcoran, one of the most esteemed names in real estate. We are now Corcoran McEnearney!

What does this mean for you? It’s simple: the same trusted service and local expertise you’ve always relied on, now paired with the global reach, cutting-edge resources, and industry-leading innovation that Corcoran brings us.

This partnership enhances our ability to serve you better, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. With Corcoran’s renowned network and our unwavering commitment to your success, we’re confident this marks a new chapter of possibilities for your real estate journey.

If you have any questions about this exciting change or how it benefits you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service as Corcoran McEnearney.

Corcoran McEnearney

More Than 40 Years of Exceptional Service

The first McEnearney Associates office opened in 1980 with John McEnearney at the helm, whose personal commitment to offer best-in-class service with the industry’s best agents set the foundation for the company. More than 40 years later, the McEnearney name has continued to uphold this foundation while steadily growing to include more than 420 agents and 40 support staff across 13 offices, located throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Today, Maureen McEnearney Dunn, daughter of John McEnearney, is the President of Corcoran McEnearney, having been a part of the company since its inception and holding her current position since 2007. Throughout her tenure, Dunn has brought visionary leadership to grow the firm sevenfold, transforming its operations and expanding its market presence significantly.

Under her leadership, the firm has recruited top talent and fostered success amongst the agents, while focusing on marketing, education, training, relocation, and technology to keep the company ahead of the curve. Deeply committed to industry and community involvement, she has served on the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® Ethics and Professional Standards Committees and has led hundreds of key fundraising initiatives including the Capital Area Food Bank, Arlington Food Assistance Center, At Home in Alexandria, SCAN, Act for Alexandria, Share of McLean, and more.

“The authentic culture and dedication to excellence with the Corcoran® brand has always aligned seamlessly with the core values of McEnearney,” said Dunn. “Corcoran’s robust marketing strategies and expansive network can help equip our agents to deliver even greater care and support to both new and loyal clients. We are energized by the immense growth potential this partnership brings, reinforcing our commitment to delivering the exceptional service that has defined our company for 45 years.”

Depth of Industry Leadership

As a strategic growth merger, McEnearney Associates joined forces with Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties in June 2023. Having led successful careers as agents, Peter Pejacsevich and Scott Buzzelli founded Atoka Properties and acquired Middleburg Real Estate in 2008. Initially drawn to Middleburg, Virginia, for its strong heritage and deep history, the team channeled their personal interest and successful business into establishing a premier brokerage serving Virginia and West Virginia’s countryside and beyond.

Now operating as Principal & Chief Operating Officer of Corcoran McEnearney, Pejacsevich brings his strong business acumen and global perspective to continue driving the company’s presence and growth throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metro region. His extensive industry experience in luxury sales and track record of success provide him with a profound understanding of every level within the business. This deep-rooted expertise allows him to drive innovation and enhance overall operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the firm’s continued long-term success.

“This partnership has been a natural fit from the beginning,” said Pejacsevich. “The Corcoran® brand’s genuine spirit resonated with us – values of service, integrity, market expertise, and neighborhood fluency, affirming that together we could achieve something even more impactful in our market. While maintaining independence, we now gain access to cutting-edge technology, refined marketing strategies, an expanded network, and enhanced resources.”

Joining Dunn and Pejacsevich on Corcoran McEnearney’s executive leadership team is David Howell, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer. Howell is a recognized industry leader who, among other distinctions, is a member of the Hall of Fame for both Virginia REALTORS® and the Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, where he also formerly served as President.

The Corcoran McEnearney executive team also includes Scott Buzzelli, Chief Strategy Officer; Jeanne Choi, Chief Marketing Officer; Kristen Doczkat, Chief Financial Officer, and a strategic growth team. Complementing this executive team, Corcoran McEnearney is further supported by five exceptional Managing Brokers, skilled corporate department leads, and dedicated office managers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corcoran McEnearney, an impressive and well-respected company with a well-earned reputation for excellence and integrity,” said Stephanie Anton, President of Corcoran Affiliates. “By joining forces, our network is gaining invaluable expertise and presence in a major world market, while providing the tools and resources to further strengthen Corcoran McEnearney’s high standards in client service and agent support.”


Countywide

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) expects performance at Dulles International Airport to have a solid tailwind throughout 2025.

The authority’s calendar-year-2025 budget projects 13.7 million passenger enplanements at the airport in the coming year. If it transpires, passenger counts for 2025 would rise slightly from updated 2024 projections and be up 10.5% from 2019, the last year before arrival of Covid sent air travel into a tailspin.


News

D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival recently branched out to Reston with the planting of six Yoshino cherry trees at South Lakes High School.

Representatives of the festival and the Japanese airline All-Nippon Airways (ANA), which sponsored the trees, joined school officials and students on Nov. 13 for a ceremony to celebrate the plantings, which had taken place on Oct. 23.


A parking lot near the Arrowbrook Centre development south of Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

What to Expect From Thanksgiving Travel — “Almost 80 million people nationwide are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, per a AAA forecast — a record that shatters last year’s traveler record.” In addition, driving congestion is projected to peak on “Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 4:30pm on the US-50 East stretch between D.C. and Annapolis, per data transportation group INRIX.” [Axios DC]

Suspect in 2023 Shooting Still at Large — “Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau continue to seek the community’s help in locating Javon Reid, who is wanted for a murder that occurred on May 7, 2023.” A man from D.C. was killed and another man was hospitalized in the shooting in the 3800 block of South George Mason Drive. [FCPD]

Great Falls Restaurant Ranked Among Top 100 in U.S. — “As if it wasn’t hard enough to get a reservation at L’Auberge Chez François, good luck now. The Great Falls restaurant was selected as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the United States by OpenTable. This marks the second year in a row the old-school French eatery made OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Redevelopment Rolls Along in Falls Church — A proposal for 223 senior-living residences with ground-floor retail and restaurants on S. Washington Street and S. Maple Avenue is “the latest in a series of projects helping transform the Little City from a bedroom community with aging office and commercial spaces, benefiting from a prime location between Tysons and Arlington.” [ARLnow]

Sushi Restaurant Opens in Annandale — “Issho, an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant and izakaya, had a soft opening in Annandale on Nov. 20. It’s located at 7358 Little River Turnpike in the former Baden spot between a laundromat and Gopchang Story BBQ. For those unfamiliar with an izakaya, it’s a casual, late-night bar with small bites.” [Annandale Today]

Woodlawn Home Getting Renovation — “Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) is back in Southeast Fairfax County with an active build site in Woodlawn.” The house on Frye Road, first purchased and remodeled by Habitat in 2016, is getting “additional renovations with the goal of selling the house to another family” after its last owner passed away. [On the MoVe]

Falls Church Wine Store Recovers From Theft — “The overnight intruder is believed to have smashed a window at Dominion Wine and Beer in Falls Church last week before cutting a hole in a wine cabinet and climbing through it to access the store, owner Arash Tafakor told ARLnow.” The suspect made away with about $3,000 worth of wine. [ARLnow]

South Run Trail Project Undergoes Maintenance — “The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun a trail maintenance project in South Run Stream Valley Park. The project includes trail repairs, culvert replacements and related improvements to enhance safety and usability.” Occasional trail closures may be needed, but the repaving is expected to finish by next Wednesday, Nov. 27. [FCPA]

It’s Friday — Scattered snow showers will turn into a mix of rain and snow between 11am and noon, likely followed by rain after noon. Expect increasing clouds and a high of 44. There’s a 70% chance of precipitation, but negligible snow accumulation. Night could bring scattered showers before 10pm with a low of 38. The precipitation chance decreases to 40%. [NWS]


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