A U.S. flag hangs from a condo balcony at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (staff photo)

Circuit Court Welcomes New Judge — “Patrick M. Blanch will be presented with his official commission as a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge on Friday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Courthouse…The public is invited to attend the investiture ceremony.” Blanch officially joined the circuit court when he took his oath of office on April 1. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Library Reopens to Public — “The Reston Regional Library welcomes you back…Doors open at 10 a.m., following 10 weeks of renovations that included upgraded lighting, refurbished bathrooms, a first-ever water bottle filling station and carpet replacements.” [Supervisor Walter Alcorn/Facebook]

Yoga Studio Coming to Belle View — “Belle View Shopping Center is now fully leased following the signing of a new tenant at a unit that was recently vacated. Jess Purtell Yoga, a yoga studio, will soon be opening at the space between Roy Rogers and GOLFTEC.” [On the MoVe]

Bailey’s Crossroads Community Center Renamed — “Descendants of Minnie Peyton, residents of the Springdale community, and Fairfax County officials cheered as a new sign was unveiled designating the Bailey’s Community Center as the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s.” The renaming was celebrated at a ceremony on Saturday (Sept. 14). [Annandale Today]

Dance Studio to Open in Annandale — “International Dance anticipates opening in the former Treasure Trove spot in the Annandale Shopping Center in early October. The dance studio will offer lessons in ballet, tap, lyrical dance, jazz, modern dance, and Broadway dance for children ages 3 and above, teens, and adults.” [Annandale Today]

Reston Contractor Buys Fairfax IT Firm — “CACI…said early Monday that it would pay $1.275 billion in cash for Azure, a 17-year-old engineering firm that develops radio-frequency hardware and software for the Department of Defense. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.” [Washington Business Journal]

Local Restaurant Chain Celebrates 50 Years — “When Randy Norton opened a tiny Fairfax City pizza restaurant in 1974, he had no idea he would one day become a restaurant tycoon…Norton is now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ultra-successful dining chain he and wife Patsy built from the ground up — Great American Restaurants.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Parking Restrictions Approved Near Madison HS — “Trash, lawn damage and safety were among factors Fairfax County supervisors considered before unanimously agreeing Sept. 10 to expand the Madison Residential Permit Parking District (District 11)” to Carey Lane between Jerry Lane and Vale Road after residents reported “large numbers” of students parking there. [Gazette Leader]

It’s Tuesday — Expect cloudy conditions with a 50% chance of showers and a high near 75. Tuesday night will see a 60% chance of precipitation, including potential thunderstorms, with a low around 67. Rainfall amounts could range from a quarter to half an inch. [NWS]


News

A Herndon man has officially been charged with murder in connection to the 2023 deaths of his wife and another man at their home in the Frying Pan area.

Brendan Banfield, a former IRS criminal investigative agent, was indicted today (Monday) by a grand jury for his alleged involvement in the shooting and stabbing that killed Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, a 39-year-old Springfield man, the Fairfax County Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced.


Around Town

The Reston Multicultural Festival is set to return this weekend with expanded offerings.

Presented by Reston Community Center, Boston Properties (BXP), and the Reston Town Center Association (RTCA), the annual community event will bring three performance stages this year to Reston Town Center on Saturday (Sept. 21).


Countywide

Bad news for anyone who has already gotten roots in the ground: Fairfax County’s window for planting trees has shifted back following a record-hot summer.

Forest Conservation (FCON) staff in the county’s Department of Land Development Services (LDS) updated its policy this spring to designate Oct. 1 through May 31 as the recommended time frame for planting trees, pushing back the previous start date of Sept. 1 and extending it through the winter.


News

A 33-year-old woman was shot and killed by a Fairfax County police officer this morning (Monday) at the VY Reston Heights apartment building.

Officers were dispatched to the residences at 11830 Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston around 10:03 a.m. for a welfare check, according to the county’s police scanner. Officers reported “shots fired” at 10:17 a.m.


A skipper butterfly settles on pink flowers in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Pedestrian in Fatal Franconia Road Crash ID’d — Fairfax County police have identified the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash on Franconia Road on Friday (Sept. 13) as 43-year-old Springfield resident Julio Cesar Pasassi. Crash Reconstruction Unit detectives are still working to identify and find the driver. [FCPD]

Lake Accotink to Be Temporarily Lowered — “The Fairfax County Park Authority plans to begin an assessment of the dam structure at Lake Accotink in mid-September. To carry out the study, the water level in the lake will be lowered by up to five feet, which is expected to expose the muddy lakebed in many areas.” [Annandale Today]

Police Focus on Trespassing Issues — “The Mount Vernon Police District’s new station commander, Maj. Matthew Luik, told attendees of the Mount Vernon Community Advisory Committee meeting Sept. 12 that the station is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to prevent trespassing at vacant parcels along the Richmond Highway Corridor.” [On the MoVe]

NHL Team Partners with Herndon Company — “The LA Kings have announced a new strategic, multi-year partnership with Herndon-based Iron Bow Technologies, which marks Iron Bow’s first official sports partnership in Los Angeles,” the team announced earlier this month. “Iron Bow’s logo will appear on the front of all the Kings’ away jerseys.” [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]

Eden Center Hosts Moon Festival — “This year, bakery owner Vinh Tran said they made more than 500 mooncakes in preparation for their busiest day of the year: the Eden Center’s Moon Festival celebration Saturday. The Vietnamese shopping center hosts the annual event to honor the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated in many Asian cultures.” [Washington Post]

Local Restauranteurs to Compete in Capital Food Fight — “The Capital Food Fight is back this fall for its 20th year, presenting an evening of great food with some of the region’s best chefs to support DC Central Kitchen in its mission to combat hunger.” Four chefs will engage in a competition at the Anthem in D.C. on Nov. 7, while over 60 restaurants hawk samples to attendees. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Latino Conservation Week Underway — “The Fairfax County Park Authority proudly honors the cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities during Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Conservation Week. Park enthusiasts are invited to join in celebrating the diverse traditions that have shaped our nation and local community — particularly within our parks.” [FCPA]

It’s Monday — Expect partly sunny skies and a high of 77 accompanied by an east wind at around 9 mph. Tonight, there’s a 50% chance of showers starting after 2 am, with cloudy conditions and a low of 66. [NWS]


Around Town

Attention aspiring hockey players: the Washington Capitals are bringing a unique opportunity to Reston.

The Fairfax County Park Authority is partnering with the team to provide two free hockey programs at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) this fall. First, attendees will learn inline skating techniques this Sunday (Sept. 15), and then, on Nov. 3, newcomers can try their hand at the sport.


Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.

If you’re considering a move to Fairfax County or just curious about its diverse neighborhoods, I’ve got five iconic areas you definitely don’t want to miss.

Whether you’re into bustling town centers, tranquil suburban living, or active outdoor lifestyles, these neighborhoods have something for everyone.

 1. Reston — The Master-Planned Haven
Reston is a model of what a master-planned community should be! With miles of trails connecting to the W&OD Trail, it’s a paradise for runners, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Reston Town Center offers everything from great dining to entertainment options — Jackson’s is a must-visit! And with the Silver Line Metro, your commute is easier than ever. Housing options here vary from condos to townhomes and stunning single-family residences, each with its own architectural charm. Reston blends convenience and community seamlessly, making it a top choice for many. 

 2. Fairfax City — Charming and Quaint
Let’s talk about Fairfax City, my hometown! Living here offers that small-town feel with access to everything. Local shops, cozy cafe’s (yes, De Clieu Coffee, I see you!), and a vibrant community vibe make it special. The housing market is diverse, with single-family homes, townhouses, and some condo options sprinkled in. Plus, there’s so much growth happening — city planning is bringing more amenities our way. The accessibility to D.C., the Pentagon, and Tyson’s Corner is unmatched, adding a practical edge to this charming area. 

 3. Vienna — Community-Driven and Close-Knit
Vienna’s community spirit is like no other. From annual festivals to the historic charm of its old-town feel, it’s an area where neighbors truly become friends. The W&OD Trail cuts right through, perfect for outdoor lovers. And let’s not forget Vienna’s vibrant restaurant scene — many local spots have been around for decades! The housing is a mix of new builds and classic homes, giving the area a distinctive appeal. Townhouses here are spacious, offering excellent options for growing families or young professionals. 

 4. Great Falls — Luxurious and Serene
Great Falls is the epitome of luxury living. Known for its expansive homes and large, private lots, this area is perfect for those seeking tranquility. Yet, it still has a strong sense of community with festivals, events, and the breathtaking Great Falls Park right at your doorstep. Hiking trails and scenic waterfalls create a natural retreat without sacrificing accessibility to the city. It’s truly a place where luxury meets nature. 

 5. Falls Church — Historic and Accessible
Historic charm meets modern living in Falls Church. From its colonial roots to its lively farmer’s market, this neighborhood offers a unique blend of old and new. It’s ideal for those seeking a small-town vibe with big-city conveniences, thanks to two Metro stops and the W&OD Trail for active lifestyles. The housing market offers everything from historic homes to new builds, condos, and townhouses — there’s something for every style and budget. 

Fairfax County is full of hidden gems and iconic spots like these. Each area offers its own unique blend of history, community, and accessibility.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the best of Fairfax County living!

5 Iconic Areas in Fairfax County You Should Know About

Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180


News

Flagship Carwash is looking to open another location in the Herndon area, this time right by the Fairfax and Loudoun county border.

Earlier this month, the company submitted a development plan to Fairfax County seeking to rezone a portion of land at 1013 Dranesville Road from commercial and residential uses to strictly commercial uses.


Countywide

Changes will be coming to taxicab rates and charges in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a staff recommendation to permanently increase rates for the first time in a decade during a meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 10).


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