The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative is up and running as Virginia’s first statewide, free virtual mental health clinic after successfully completing a pilot phase.
The nonprofit initiative offers free tele-mental health services to eligible uninsured or under-insured Virginians, according to a news release.
A long-gestating project to widen East Elden Street will no longer move utilities along the Herndon corridor underground.
The Herndon Town Council approved a resolution on May 28 authorizing the removal of a utility duct bank from the project’s scope after town staff reported that costs had drastically increased from an earlier $57.3 million estimate.
Climate Activists Rally Against Data Centers — “Dozens of environmental activists took part in a rally June 2 in Reston to push for more state and local action to pause the out-of-control expansion of data centers…The Fairfax County Planning Commission is scheduled to consider proposed zoning changes on June 5 that would impose some restrictions on data centers, but the activists say they don’t go far enough.” [Annandale Today]
Reston Man Arrested on DUI — “A 24-year-old Reston man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol [on May 29] in Fairfax City. City of Fairfax Police responded around 2:36 a.m. for the report of a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Fairfax Boulevard and Fair Woods Parkway.” [Patch]
Housing to Open on Former Motel Site Soon — “Pulte Homes expects to have the first of its properties in the Overlook at Fairfax Boulevard development in Fairfax City available for purchase this summer, according to a BusinessWire report. The development is located on the former site of the Breezeway Motel on Fairfax Boulevard.” [Patch]
Afghan Refugee to Graduate from FCPS — “Four years ago, Samiullah Luddin was new to the U.S. His father had escaped the Taliban and brought him and his four siblings to Fairfax County from Afghanistan…Despite the learning challenges that came with a new country, a new school, new technology, and a pandemic, the Annandale student never gave up, and on June 3, he will graduate” from Annandale High School. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Vienna Replacing Park Merry-Go-Round — “It’s last call for those who over the past 40 years have loved the metal merry-go-around at Meadow Lane Park in Vienna…Town officials are planning a celebration on Tuesday, June 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. to say goodbye to the childhood favorite, in place since the early 1980s.” [Gazette Leader]
Metro Service Changes in Effect — As of Sunday (June 2), Metro has implemented “a minor service adjustment on the Orange Line during the weekend and off-peak on weekdays. On Metrobus, changes will take place on 31 routes starting on June 16, including expanded service on high-demand routes and schedule changes to improve reliability.” [WMATA]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 86, but there’s a 20% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Those will clear up before 8pm, with a slight possibility of showers resuming after 2am. Night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. [NWS]
When students arrive at Oakton High School, they will now encounter a historical marker honoring civil rights activist Lillian Blackwell, whose own children might not have been allowed inside when the school opened in 1967 if not for her advocacy.
Fairfax County officials unveiled the plaque detailing Blackwell’s legacy, including her fight against the segregation of local public schools and movie theaters, at a ceremony on Saturday (June 1) attended by some of her family members and the students who suggested her for the recognition.
A technology company assembled by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s former employer has extended its reach to the Herndon area.
Two Six Technologies held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday (May 29) to celebrate the opening of its new office at 13865 Sunrise Valley Drive in Coppermine Commons, a three-building campus in the McNair neighborhood just east of Dulles International Airport.
The Town of Herndon will hold its first-ever Pride event this Saturday (June 8). The family-friendly festival is free and will feature music, crafts, food, drag performers and more.
The event, called HerndonPRIDE, will be hosted by Arts Herndon, an organization focused on artistic and educational opportunities for artists and performers.
Blood Drive in McLean Today — “The McLean Community Center is helping the American Red Cross with diverse blood donations. A donation drive will be held on Monday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center,” which is urging “donors of all ethnicities to support patients in need.” [Gazette Leader]
GMU Delays Diversity-Focused Course Requirement — “George Mason University announced it would postpone a ‘Just Societies‘ diversity-themed course requirement for incoming students that was initially set to take effect in the fall…Kenneth D. Walsh, George Mason’s interim executive vice president and provost, said the school would delay implementation of the courses to the 2025-26 academic year.” [CNN]
New Trial Sought in FCPS Sexual Assault Lawsuit — “The Fairfax County School Board is asking a judge to order a sexual abuse survivor to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in court fees…In April, a jury found the school board not liable. However, the former Fairfax County Public School student is asking a federal court to grant a new trial.” [WJLA]
Springfield Bicycle Store Burglarized Twice — “Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division are investigating two bike store burglaries in North Springfield believed to be connected.” The Bicycle Pro Shop first had over $9,000 of merchandise taken around 4 a.m. on May 21, and it was hit again just after 5 a.m. on May 26, when nearly $2,000 was stolen. [FCPD]
Vienna Police Launch Stop Sign Enforcement Campaign — “The Vienna Police Department is launching its annual traffic safety campaign, focusing on enforcing all traffic laws, particularly those related to stop signs. Officers will be vigilant in issuing tickets and reminding drivers of the importance of coming to a complete stop when encountering a solid or flashing red light or a stop sign.” [Vienna Police]
Funds Approved to Upgrade Lincolnia Ballfield — “The Fairfax County Park Authority Board has awarded the Mason District Little League a grant for renovating the diamond infield at Parklawn Park in Lincolnia. The $12,945 Mastenbrook Volunteer Matching Fund Grant requires the MDLL to contribute matching funds to complete the $25,891 project.” [Annandale Today]
Pride Month Events at County Library — “Throughout the month, Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) is celebrating the contributions of members of the LGBTQIA+ community all month long with workshops, book discussions, trivia, crafts and more. Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you.” [FCPL]
NFL Coach’s McLean Mansion for Sale — “The estate at 1060 Vista Dr. in McLean, Va., is a tale of twos: two primary bedroom suites, two lots and the juxtaposition of two approaches to residential design in Northern Virginia. The 9,300-square-foot French-Mediterranean villa…went on the market for $5.2 million after its owner, former NFL linebacker NaVorro Bowman, was hired in February as linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers.” [Washington Post]
It’s Monday — It will be mostly sunny with a high near 84 and light wind. Monday night will also see a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, followed by partly cloudy skies and a low around 66. [NWS]
Greenheart Juice Shop plans to open its newest location in Reston this summer.
Greenheart’s area manager, Cheryl Strzemienski, confirmed that the juice and smoothie shop plans to open its sixth location in the North Point Village Center as early as August.
Thursday nights will be filled with swinging and swaying at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston next month.
The village center will host free dance nights on the waterfront at 1609 Washington Plaza from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday, starting June 6 through June 27, the Lake Anne and Washington Plaza Merchant Association (LAWPA) announced today (Thursday).
Driver Injured in Reston Crash — Fairfax County police officers responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 2300 block of Gallant Fox Court shortly before 5 p.m. “The adult male driver was taken to the hospital w/ life-threatening injuries.” Community members were advised to avoid the area while detectives investigated. [FCPD/Twitter]
Mount Vernon Buildings Set for Demolition — Demolitions are expected to begin soon for the former Su Pollo at 8741 Richmond Highway and M&B Automotive Services at 8130 Richmond Highway in preparation for the planned Richmond Highway widening. Su Pollo, a Peruvian chicken restaurant, recently moved to a new spot at Engleside Plaza. [On the MoVe]
Architect Remembered for Great Falls Work — Memorial services were held on May 17 in Wolf Trap for Robert Mobley, an architect who “helped shape Great Falls into the attractive community it is today,” a former Great Falls Citizens Association president says. “Mobley, 85, died of a stroke March 29 after being involved in a minor traffic accident the previous week, his family said.” [Gazette Leader]
Herndon School Evacuated for Smoke — “The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department said crews responded to Floris Elementary School, located in the 2700 block of Centerville Road, just before 3 p.m. after receiving reports of smoke inside the school.” Responders determined that the smoke came from an “electrical event” related to the HVAC system. No injuries were reported. [DC News Now]
Lorton Park Gets New Bathroom — “Laurel Hill Central Green in Lorton now features a brand new, 32-feet-by-52-feet restroom facility. The restroom facility was installed as part of a two-phase development project at the park. The ribbon-cutting will be held in conjunction with the Park Authority’s #NationalTrailsDay event THIS Saturday, June 1.” [FCPA/Facebook]
FCPS Hosts Summer Extravaganza — “FCPS invites all families to get a jump on summer learning by participating in engaging, educational, and enriching activities for Fairfax County students,” including storytime, food, live music and alpaca petting. The free event will be held at Woodson High School from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday). [FCPS]
New Exhibit Looks at Life in Lorton Prison — A new permanent installation called “Counting the Days” recently opened in the Workhouse Arts Center’s Q-block, which was “known as the Hole” when the site belonged to the Lorton Reformatory. The exhibit was curated by museum staff and filmmaker Karim Mowatt, who was incarcerated at the prison on drug charges for “a considerable hunk” the 1990s. [Washingtonian]
Falls Church HS Student Starts Glass Recycling Business — “For those who see the benefit of recycling but find it cumbersome to bring their glass bottles and jars to a county bin, Falls Church High School student Sam Ross has a solution. Ross launched a business, called Glass Goat, that does it for you.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Friday — Expect sunshine and a high around 75 degrees with a north wind of 8 to 13 mph. In the evening, clear skies will persist, and the temperature will drop to about 56 degrees, accompanied by a west wind of 3 to 5 mph. [NWS]
