Countywide

In the D.C. area, the summer solstice has brought a reminder that heat doesn’t just make people sluggish. It can affect transportation infrastructure too.

Metro has instituted a systemwide speed restriction, limiting all trains to a maximum of 35 mph when they’re above ground due to rail temperatures exceeding 135 degrees Fahrenheit. The limit took effect today (Thursday) at 2 p.m.


Electrical Alliance

Earn top dollar with full benefits!

When you join the Electrical Alliance, you get to contribute to the biggest projects in the area, all while earning top dollar and employer-paid benefits. This opportunity is open to electricians with 3 to 11 years of experience.

As an Electrical Alliance worker, you get:

  • Salary Range $11.50-$54.00/Hour
  • Paid Apprenticeship
  • Continuing education to advance within the industry
  • Safer working conditions and top-tier safety training
  • Full Family medical care, eye care, dental care, and EAP programs
  • Paid time off
  • Employer Paid Retirement Benefits: Pensions and Annuity

News

Fairfax County is looking at Reston’s Lake Anne area and the Huntington Metro station as the next candidates for a program that offers tax breaks and other incentives to jumpstart revitalization efforts.

Both areas have proven difficult to redevelop and are seeing stagnant real estate values, despite their prime locations and the county’s overall economic growth, according to Elizabeth Hagg, director of the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development’s community revitalization section.


Rainbow-colored lights illuminate Reston Town Center’s Mercury fountain for Pride Month (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Va. Attorney General Race Gets First Candidate — “Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor announced Wednesday she will seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia attorney general, emphasizing her track record as a prosecutor in what is likely to be a competitive primary contest for the job now held by Republican Jason S. Miyares.” [Washington Post]

Push for Inclusive Sex-Ed Continues — “Some parents and community members are calling for an overhaul of Fairfax County Public Schools’ sex education curriculum.” Speakers at a recent board meeting urged FCPS to consider coed classes, a proposal that got put on hold in 2022 and wasn’t included in the Family Life Education Advisory Committee’s latest recommendations. [WTOP]

Assault on Security Guard Reported in Reston — “Fairfax County Police are investigating an assault that occurred late Tuesday afternoon in Reston Town Center.” Police say two people approached and assaulted a security guard in the 11900 block of Market Street, though the guard “was not injured.” [Patch]

Montessori Plan for Groveton School Paused — “Quick action by parent leaders at Bucknell Elementary School in Groveton last week led Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to put a hold on plans to transform Bucknell into a magnet public Montessori school.” A requested $15 million grant would’ve created a “lottery-based process” targeted toward parents who might otherwise send their kids to private early education centers. [On the MoVe]

Former Governor Hosts Biden Fundraiser in McLean — “Hosted by former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) in his McLean backyard, Tuesday’s event [was] the largest non-auditorium Biden fundraiser of this election cycle. It sold out in seven days, according to Democratic officials.” It was expected to raise $8 million for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. [Axios]

New Gunston Fire Station Will Reroute Trail — “A segment of multiuse trail connecting two parks on opposite sides of Gunston Road in Lorton will be displaced by the new Gunston Fire Station, requiring the trail to be rerouted around the building, according to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES).” Some worry the new location will be too close to the station. [On the MoVe]

Dulles Airport Wants to Be a Cargo Hub — Dulles International Airport and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership are seeking a consultant to conduct a 12-week feasibility study “to identify specific businesses and industries that could benefit from expanded cargo operations at IAD.” Manager Richard Golinowski says Dulles is better positioned now than it was a decade ago “thanks to business growth not just in Virginia and Maryland, but also in states likely to use a Dulles hub, such as West Virginia and Kentucky.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Credit Unions Propose Merger — “Apple Federal Credit Union, with $4.4 billion in assets, and $532 million-asset NextMark Credit Union recently announced their intent to merge later this year, with Apple FCU being the surviving institution. Terms weren’t disclosed but the merger agreement is expected to close by November, pending approval from regulators and NextMark’s members.” [WBJ]

It’s Thursday — Expect mostly sunny conditions and a high near 91 today, with calm winds picking up from the south at around 6 mph in the afternoon. For Thursday night, the sky will be partly cloudy, with temperatures cooling down to around 70, accompanied by a 6 mph south wind. [NWS]


Countywide

With no local or state races on the ballot, Fairfax County voters turned out in a trickle today (Tuesday) for relatively low-key primary elections.

In the lone Fairfax County-only race, Rep. Gerry Connolly remains on track for a ninth term representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District after handily securing the Democratic nomination over challenger Ahsan Nasar.


News

Fairfax County is seeking any and all ideas for facilities to incorporate into the future central green space planned for Reston Town Center North (RTC North).

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn’s office launched a community survey today (Tuesday) to gather input on how the 3.5-acre expanse once occupied by the Inova Cameron Glen Care Center should be utilized, including possible recreational amenities and events programming.


Synergy Design and Construction

Written by Mina Lucks, Synergy Design & Construction.

Did you know the way you design your home can have an impact on your well-being? 

In 2024, health and wellness are top of mind in home design trends. We’re seeing this with the soaring popularity of saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, home gyms, electric stoves, steam ovens — the list goes on! 

Join us as we explore how homeowners can transform their spaces to prioritize health and wellness.

The Evolution 

In the past, design trends mainly focused on aesthetics and creating the perfect interior look and feel. However, there has been a shift towards a more holistic and wellness-focused approach, aiming to promote overall well-being through design. 

Various factors have contributed to this shift, including a heightened awareness of health issues, advancements in technology, and changing lifestyles. 

Creating Spaces That Prioritize Health and Wellness   

The time we spend at home should be a win for our mental, physical, and emotional health. With mindful adjustments, you can turn any space into a nurturing haven without a full home renovation. 

From sunny sitting areas to proper ventilation and sustainable materials, it’s all about the little changes that make a big impact on our health and the planet. Check out this sun-soaked living room in our Lake Newport main level remodel! 

Synergy Design and Construction

Perhaps that means creating a Zen meditation room, an indoor garden to connect with nature, or an ergonomic workstation that’s got your back (literally) while you tackle computer work!  

Health-Conscious Home Upgrades in 2024 

If you’re ready to take your health-driven lifestyle to the next level, it’s time to consider some next-level upgrades. Think saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, and expanded home gyms!  

The benefits of these upgrades are immense as they significantly boost circulation, cardiovascular health, and immune system response. Plus, it’s a ticket to stress-free living.

Synergy Design and Construction

The appliances you choose for your home also have health impacts. Think about swapping out traditional appliances for healthier alternatives, such as induction ranges instead of gas stoves and steam ovens in place of microwaves.

Synergy Design and Construction

As you make these upgrades, it’s equally important to consider sustainability. Wellness-centric design that utilizes eco-friendly materials ensures your actions have a positive impact on the environment and a minimal carbon footprint. 

The Impact on Homeowners 

And it’s not just physical benefits homeowners can expect. Incorporating design elements that promote healthy living and foster a sense of harmony and balance can lead to several psychological advantages.  

There is long-term potential for better sleep, reduced stress, and increased productivity. It’s like a passive income; once the upgrades or setups are made, you’ll benefit for the rest of your life! 

Transform Your Health and Wellness 

We’re passionate about creating living spaces that prioritize well-being. Ready to transform your home and health? 

Contact Synergy Design and Construction to start living healthier today!


News

Herndon’s only professional theater company is preparing for a change in leadership.

NextStop Theatre announced yesterday (Monday) that Evan Hoffmann will step down in early July after 12 years as its producing artistic director. Hoffmann’s departure will prompt a nationwide search for his successor.


Countywide

In half a decade, George Mason University students and faculty will help NASA launch an “artificial star” into space.

The university’s Fairfax campus will serve as mission control for the Landolt NASA Space Mission, which will send a laser-pointing satellite into Earth’s orbit in 2029, GMU announced on June 10. The artificial star created by the satellite will help scientists more accurately calculate the brightness of real stars.


Pedestrian walkway between office buildings in Capital One Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Brace for Heat This Week — “The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a prolonged period of hot weather this week with temperatures in the 90s, with increasing humidity and high temperatures. The combination of heat and humidity could result in heat indices above 100 degrees.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]

Driver Dies After Crashing Into House — “On May 13, around 10 a.m., officers responded to View Lane and Bold Lion Lane in Newington for a single-vehicle crash into a house.” Ellsworth Jackson Jr., 69, of Alexandria died at a hospital on May 22. A medical examiner determined that he died as a result of injuries from the crash, which occurred when he experienced a medical emergency. [FCPD]

Polls Open for Congressional Primaries — Polls across Fairfax County opened at 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) for a primary election that will determine “representatives for Virginia’s 10th and 11th Congressional districts, as well as the Republican who will challenge Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine this fall.” Polls will close at 7 p.m. [FFXnow]

Pizza Shop Opens in Annandale — “Jet’s Pizza opens [Monday] at 7026 Columbia Pike in the Annandale Shopping Center. Jet’s features Detroit-style deep-dish pizza, which is similar to Chicago pizza but is baked in a rectangular pan. That tends to make a better crust, says General Manager Bronson Parry.” [Annandale Today]

Vienna to Host Naturalization Ceremony — “On Saturday, June 29, 2024, 15 people from all walks of life will take that oath during a naturalization ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center…The new U.S. citizens will be granted full voting rights and liberties granted to all native-born Americans.” The town previously hosted a ceremony in 2022. [Town of Vienna]

Oakton Rec Center Getting Facility Improvements — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will close Oakmont RECenter in Oakton from Aug. 19 through Sept. 14 to conduct several improvements following the close of summer camps. The agency will perform several building-maintenance projects and upgrades simultaneously to minimize the length of the closure.” [Gazette Leader]

New Principals Named for Elementary Schools — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has announced new administrative leadership at two elementary schools that feed into West Potomac High School: Fort Hunt Elementary School (ES) and Hollin Meadows ES.” Jean Consolla will be the new principal for Fort Hunt, starting Aug. 1, and Jasibi Crews will get the position at Hollin Meadows. [On the MoVe]

Reston Pool Scheduled to Close on Friday — “The Hunters Woods Pool Facility will be closed for maintenance on Friday, June 21. It is expected to reopen on Saturday, June 22. In the meantime, pass holders are advised to visit nearby pool facilities, including Dogwood, Shadowood, and Glade.” [Reston Association/Twitter]

It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high around 93 degrees with south winds at 8 to 10 mph. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy, with lows near 68. For Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, the weather will be mostly sunny, reaching a high near 91 degrees. [NWS]


View More Stories