A shelf of food items in Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' food pantry (staff photo by Vivian Hoang)
Fairfax County is seeing a rise in food insecurity, with nearly 27% of households struggling to afford enough nutritious food, the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) found in its 2024 Hunger Report.
Though food insecurity has increased across all income levels, the sharpest growth has been among middle-income households earning between $100,000 and $150,000 annually. For those families, the cost of living in Fairfax County and rising prices for essentials like housing and food have outpaced wage growth.
The sun sets on “The Dancer,” a sculpture outside the City of Fairfax Police Station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
D.C. Area to Get More EV Charging Stations — “A few dozen electric vehicle charging stations are coming into disadvantaged communities in Maryland and Virginia, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced.” Fairfax County and city will benefit from the nearly $4 million grant awarded to COG by the Federal Highway Administration. [WTOP]
Virginia Shares Respiratory Illness Data — “Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) launched a new Respiratory Illness Dashboard, which replaces several older dashboards. This dashboard provides key insights into respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” [VDH]
West Falls Development Prepares for Residents — “Phase One of the West Falls Development Project…is nearing completion,” developer Hoffman & Associates shared on Monday (Sept. 9). An apartment building has begun accepting tenant applications, while a condo building “celebrated a grand opening on Sunday after its condos went on sale in March.” [ARLnow]
Deer Management Debate Emerges in Vienna — Vienna Town Council member Charles Anderson suggested exploring ways to control invasive species, including deer, in the town’s monthly newsletter. At the council’s meeting on Monday (Sept. 9), he said he was surprised to receive “15 or so e-mails” in response, and some residents shared their opinions. [Gazette Leader]
FCPS Releases Family Survey Results — “The results of FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey are now available. A key finding showed that 92% of respondents say they ‘feel welcome’ at their child’s school, an increase from 89% in the 2021-22 survey…Thank you to the more than 26,000 parents and guardians who participated!” [FCPS]
FCPD Hosts Mental Health Conference — “The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) hosted a Public Safety Suicide Prevention Conference, drawing over 130 first responders from across the National Capital area. Held on World Suicide Prevention Day, the event highlighted the importance of mental health support for those on the front lines of public safety.” [FCPD]
Celebrate Moon Festival at Oakton Library — “Celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival (The Moon Festival) with Oakton library! Listen to stories and learn some unique Taiwan Moon Festival traditions. There will also be crafts and activities to celebrate the Moon.” The event will take place this Saturday (Sept. 14) from 3-5 p.m. [Fairfax County Public Library]
It’s Thursday — Patchy fog will clear by 9am, making way for a mostly sunny day and a high near 81, accompanied by an east wind of 3 to 8 mph. Thursday night will be partly cloudy as temperatures drop to around 63, with the southeast wind blowing at 3 to 6 mph. [NWS]
The second annual Beer in the Garden event returns to Halley Rise in Reston (courtesy Halley Rise)
A now-annual event featuring craft beers and bouquet-making returns to Halley Rise in Reston this weekend.
The second annual “Beer in the Garden” will bring beer from Lost Rhino Brewing Company, barbecue, live music and floral bouquets to the development on Saturday (Sept. 14) from noon to 3 p.m.
The CIA seal next to a U.S. flag at the agency's Langley headquarters (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
By JIM MUSTIAN and JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated Press
LEESBURG, Va. (AP) — At an impromptu party in the office to celebrate his 50th birthday, a veteran CIA officer got drunk, reached up a colleague’s skirt and forcibly kissed her in front of stunned co-workers, prosecutors alleged in the latest case of sexual misconduct to spill from the spy agency into a public court.
Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by James Jarvis)
Fairfax County will review its property deeds to remove clauses that historically barred non-Caucasian individuals from owning or leasing property in specific neighborhoods.
In response to new research revealing the prevalence of racially restrictive covenants in Northern Virginia property deeds, the Board of Supervisors, led by Dan Storck and Rodney Lusk, unanimously approved a board matter yesterday (Tuesday) to allocate resources for eliminating any segregation-era language from county-owned property deeds and assisting private property owners in doing the same.
Hybrid work environments have become increasingly popular and with back-to-school season here, many working parents are once again having to navigate the challenges of crazy schedules and managing their work-life balance.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore some ways you can keep work and life separate through a well-designed and functional home office.
The Importance of a Dedicated Home Office Space
Imagine this: No more kids running around your feet while you’re answering emails at the kitchen table or having to turn your bedroom into a makeshift conference room at the last minute.
Your home office will become a sanctuary of productivity, fostering creativity and helping you get things done without distractions. Once you step outside, that is your family space, a clear boundary between work and personal life.
The clear distinction not only benefits you but also the family, creating a work-life balance that is at times hard to achieve when working from home.
Synergy Design & Construction
Designing a Home Office You’ll Love
Picking the perfect spot: Consider privacy, lighting, and noise level when choosing your workspace. Opt for a place with low foot traffic to keep distractions at bay, natural lighting for video calls, and minimal noise for meetings.
Synergy Design & Construction
Ergonomic furniture and equipment: Ergonomic furniture and adjustable equipment can improve your posture and overall comfort throughout the workday.
Personalize your space: Make the space your own! You get to choose the colors that uplift you, which beautiful artwork to display, and your favorite plants to create a soothing atmosphere. The possibilities are endless.
Prioritizing Productivity and Comfort
Lighting and ambiance: The right lighting can positively impact your mood and productivity. For a workspace, we recommend using natural light when possible, as it has a strong impact on emotional well-being. Cool-toned lighting can have a similar effect.
Synergy Design & Construction
Technology and connectivity: Splurging on technology needed for work, such as a quality monitor, can go a long way in boosting productivity. Just make sure you have a strong internet connection to go along with it!
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Avoid burnout: Make sure you are taking breaks and finding ways to stay active while you work. Adding a yoga mat or exercise ball to your office can help you stay physically and mentally alert. Standing desks with a treadmill are also a great option that has been trending lately.
Setting boundaries: Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you always have to be working. Even though we want you to love your office space, there comes a time to leave it!
Craft Your Ideal Home Office with Synergy
For parents who work hybrid, separating your home and work life can be challenging, especially when you have little ones and a back-to-school season to manage. That is why having a designated workspace that is comfortable and uniquely yours is so important.
Synergy is here to help you design the perfect functional home office. Contact us today to get started!
A sign showing the concept plan for Comstock's downtown Herndon redevelopment project (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The Herndon Town Council has once again deferred finalizing an agreement with developer Comstock to redevelop downtown Herndon — a move met with an ire and skepticism that has steadily grown after years of delays.
The council voted 5-1 last night (Tuesday) to extend a deadline for signing an amended agreement with the developer to Dec. 10. The deadline — known as the “outside satisfaction date” — had already been pushed back from April 30 and again from Aug. 15 following a two-year pause on the project.
Attendees of the Fairfax County Planning Commission's June 5 public hearing call for stricter rules on data centers (staff photo by James Jarvis)
After a lengthy and contentious debate, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved a revised zoning ordinance that imposes strict regulations on data center development in the county.
Yesterday’s 8-2 vote followed over a year of community input and revisions to the proposed ordinance, which tightens restrictions on where and how data centers can be built in Fairfax County.
Capital One Center across I-495 in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Person Rescued From Sewer — The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department was called to the 4100 block of Wadsworth Court in the Annandale area around noon yesterday (Tuesday) after a person “fell 15-feet down a storm sewer. Technical rescue resources have successfully packaged and extricated the patient.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
Where to Commemorate 9/11 in N. Va. — “A number of events are planned around Northern Virginia to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.” In Fairfax County, there are ceremonies this morning in Great Falls, Vienna, Fort Belvoir and Legato. [Inside NoVA]
Fairfax City Man Charged with Abduction — A 54-year-old Fairfax City man was charged with abduction after City of Fairfax police got a report around 6:53 a.m. on Sept. 5 for “a man acting erratically in the common area in the 10200 block of Aspen Willow Drive.” A person who was at the man’s home when police knocked later said “they were intimidated by the suspect, who told them to not answer it.” [Patch]
Fairfax City Extends RestaurantWeek — “The city’s Restaurant Week has been extended until Sunday, Sept. 15 with 20 eateries and options to choose from.” The promotional campaign’s popularity inspired Fairfax City Economic Development and other organizers to continue it beyond its original end date of last Sunday (Sept. 8). [DC News Now]
Vienna Students Surprise Custodian With Car — “A group of sophomore students at James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, stunned their beloved school custodian Monday afternoon, by presenting him with something he’s dreamed about — a Jeep Wrangler.” Francis Apraku was greeted with the vehicle, which was made possible through community fundraising, at Vienna Inn. [WTOP]
New Film Festival to Offer FreeScreenings — “In commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, the National Park Service plans to screen several movies at Fort Hunt Park next month involving World War II and featuring characters with disabilities.” [On the MoVe]
Sign Unveiled for 50 Years of W&OD Trail — “September 1974 also brought the opening of the first segment of the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Trail. To mark the occasion, NOVA Parks (the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) held a special event Sept. 7, unveiling a permanent sign about the history of the W&OD Trail and its many enhancements over its first half-century.” [Gazette Leader]
Moon Gate Completed in Lincolnia Park — Construction a new moon gate, a circular stone structure, was completed at Green Spring Gardens in August. Conceived in 2020 to mark the park’s 20th anniversary, “the rest of the project – including a permanent path, an Asian-inspired garden, a bench, and plaques – is under development.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Wednesday — Expect sunshine and a high of 84 during the day, with light winds turning east at 5 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to a low of 62. [NWS]
Individuals call attention to homelessness in Reston near a newly cleared homelessness encampment on the morning of Sept. 10, 2024 (staff file photo by Fatimah Waseem)
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted today (Tuesday) to authorize consideration of an amended interim land swap agreement with Inova Health System for the redevelopment of Reston Town Center North.
Under the agreement, the county will acquire the land under the North County Governmental Center, which is currently owned by Inova, in exchange for a wooded area that has hosted the county’s largest homeless encampment — until today.
