Eastbound Route 7 at Idylwood Road, heading toward I-66 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County will receive millions of dollars in state funding for major transportation improvements, but it didn’t get everything it asked for from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).
Members of the regional organization, including Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, adopted a new six-year program for fiscal years 2024-2029 on Thursday (July 11) that allocated $696.6 million to 23 projects designed to reduce congestion and add travel options, including five projects in Fairfax County and two in Fairfax City.
This heat wave is hard on our houses, just like it’s hard on our bodies. It’s important to be mindful of home maintenance during this time.
We’ve lost power already this summer and I’m sure it’ll happen again, so please keep these tips in mind to care for your home:
1. Check your trees! Limbs have been falling on wires, on the street and on homes. The excessive heat and storms are powerful and can cause so much damage. Have an arborist come look at a tree if you’re worried about it, or if it’s leaning, consider the health of the tree and whether to remove it. If it’s dead, definitely remove it. I’ve personally used JL Tree Service in the past with success.
2. Make sure you have batteries and flashlights. The power goes out at the most inconvenient times, right? We lost power just as my kids were going to bed and we didn’t have enough batteries to power their clocks, their sound machines, plus a flashlight as a night light and you know how much you want your kids to just go to bed right? Batteries will help.
3. Check your HVAC units. Especially those in the attic. If the insulation isn’t properly working on your ducts, it can cause condensation, which will cause mold eventually if the water drips on drywall or plywood. If there’s any water in your drip pan, it could also indicate there’s an issue which you’ll want to address before it gets worse. I’d also recommend having them serviced and also ask them to check for clogs in the condensation line.
4. Clear gutters if you haven’t yet. Fast and hard rain will wreak havoc on your gutters if they’re sitting full of leaves you never cleaned out.
5. On super hot days, close your blinds in rooms you’re not in. It’ll help keep it cooler and help your A/C.
Don’t forget water in the hose will be hot when you first spray it. Trex decks will be hot to the touch. Door handles will burn your hand if they’re in direct sunlight, and cars will be very hot if they’re outside.
Protect yourself and your investments from this heat!
Don’t forget you can always download my free preferred vendor guide.
The sun glares over Waters Field in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
It’s going to be another hot and humid start to the week in the D.C. area.
An Excessive Heat Warning will take effect across the region, including for Fairfax County, at 11 a.m. and continue until 8 p.m. today (Monday). Shortly before 1 p.m., the National Weather Service also upgraded an Excessive Heat Watch for the same time frame tomorrow (Tuesday) to another Excessive Heat Warning.
The I-66 Express Lanes near the Dunn Loring Metro station’s parking garage (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Two Injured in Clifton Crash — “The Fairfax County Police Department responded to a crash at the intersection of Old Yates Ford Road and Henderson Road in Clifton, Virginia, on Saturday.” A driver and a passenger were taken to the hospital, with the latter, an adult man, sustaining life-threatening injuries. [WUSA9]
Sentence Reduced for Fatal Lorton Hit-and-Run — “The family of a Fairfax County, Virginia, man killed by a hit-and-run driver says they’re devastated after a judge dramatically reduced the driver’s sentence on Friday. In April, Guillermo Vasquez pleaded guilty to the hit-and-run crash that killed 28-year-old Joey Lanza outside his home in Lorton in 2020.” [NBC4]
Fire Chief Condemns Violence after Fatal Shooting at Trump Rally — As president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler expressed his “deepest condolences” to the family of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief in Buffalo, Pennsylvania who was killed in the shooting at former president Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday (July 13). [Fire Chief John Butler/Twitter]
Lost Dog Found in Sewer — “Mack is back home resting following an adventure that almost sounds too unreal to be true! After he escaped his backyard and somehow ended up in the sewer system, he traveled two miles before peeking out of a curb inlet near a police station.” [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Facebook]
Work Group Planning 250th Independence Day — “As a young man growing up in Philadelphia, Scott Stroh was thrilled with the red-white-and-blue extravaganza celebrating the nation’s bicentennial in 1976…Stroh, who now is director of historic Gunston Hall, is leading a Fairfax County group that for three years has been gearing up” to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. [Gazette Leader]
Inside Oldest Building on CIA Campus — “When buying a house on 30 wooded acres in northern Virginia, the last thing you might expect to get is a nosy neighbor. But after Margaret Scattergood and Florence Thorne moved into their new home in 1933, they got more than they bargained for – an entire campus full of spies.” [CBS News]
Potomac River Experiencing ‘Flash Drought’ — “The probability of releases from backup reservoirs to ensure an adequate drinking water supply in the Potomac River is higher than normal this year, according to the group that coordinates the three major water providers in the Washington, D.C. area.” [WTOP]
Annandale Office Building Sold — “Windows Plus has sold its building at 4321 Markham Street in Annandale. The buyer paid $1.72 million for the two-story, 3,600-square-foot commercial building, says Chris Bernard, a real estate broker with CRES Inc…The buyers, who wish to remain anonymous, do not have immediate plans to redevelop the property, Bernard said.” [Annandale Today]
It’s Monday — Showers and thunderstorms may develop after 2pm, accompanied by sunny, hot conditions with a high temperature near 100°F and heat index values reaching up to 109°F. Monday night will be mostly clear with a low temperature around 75°F. [NWS]
Amid an extended stretch of dangerous heat, humidity and potential drought, flooding hasn’t been the D.C. area’s top meterological concern this summer, but the possibility might’ve crossed some minds during a passing downpour on Wednesday (July 10) — remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which has devastated other parts of the U.S. and the Caribbean.
With climate change exacerbating storms and other extreme weather, Fairfax County has created a new grant program that will reimburse residents who shore up their home against flooding.
A closeup of an iPhone screen (via Adrien/Unsplash)
Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent executive order to limit phone use in Virginia schools may align with a new pilot program being considered by Fairfax County Public Schools.
Signed Wednesday (July 10), the executive order directs the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to gather feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators to create guidelines for enforcing “cell-phone-free” classrooms in public schools.
Address:6470 Purple Aster Lane Neighborhood: Carter’s Mill Type: 2 BR, 2 BA villa — 2,183 sq. ft. Listed: $640,000
Noteworthy: Main level living in Carter’s Mill! 2-bed, 2-bath, amenities & prime location.
Introducing this pristine Bluemont model in the vibrant 55+ community of Carter’s Mill. This end unit home, barely lived in since its completion a year ago, offers luxury and comfort. Located on a level lot, this home backs to trees and the community walking path.
The classic stone facade and inviting covered porch set the stage for a warm welcome. Spanning 2,183 square feet, the main level features a primary suite with an oversized walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom with a double vanity and state-of-the-art shower. A second bedroom and nearby full bath provide versatility for guests or family members. A flex space awaits your personal touch, ideal for a home office or gym. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, a sprawling island with seating, stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and an oversized pantry. The cozy living room with access to the back patio creates the perfect ambiance for gatherings and everyday living.
Upstairs, a spacious loft offers endless possibilities as a third bedroom, entertainment space, or gathering area. Adjacent conditioned storage provides additional convenience and can be finished to suit your preferences. Residents of Carter’s Mill enjoy access to the Buckland House, boasting 14,000 square feet of community entertainment and activities, including pools, sport courts, walking paths, game/craft rooms, and a fitness center.
Just minutes from shops, dining, entertainment, and major roadways like I-66 and Route 15, Carter’s Mill offers an unparalleled senior living experience in a coveted location.
Fairfax County Police Officer First Class Brian Hungarter is the new lead traffic enforcement officer for the McLean District Police Station (via Dranesville Dispatch)
The Fairfax County Police Department has assigned an officer to guide the enforcement of traffic laws and safety in its McLean District.
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman shared in his Dranesville Dispatch newsletter yesterday that Police Officer First Class Brian Hungarter has been named the lead traffic enforcement officer for the station, which covers a 44-square-mile area from McLean, Great Falls and Tysons down to Merrifield and Pimmit Hills.
Crossing University Drive at Main Street in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Scam Warning From County Animal Shelter — “SCAM ALERT! We’ve become aware of scammers falsely claiming to represent our shelter, calling pet owners alleging that we have their pets and requesting funds for urgent medical expenses. If you receive any suspicious communications, please hang up and contact us directly.” [Fairfax County Animal Shelter/Twitter]
McLean Rower Has Qualified for Olympics — “Fifteen athletes from Virginia have qualified for the Paris Summer Olympic Games as Team USA continues to take shape. Among those 15 Virginians is 27-year-old Claire Collins of McLean, who is a member of the U.S. Women’s Rowing Team.” [Patch]
Culmore Library Renaming Approved — “The Fairfax County Library Board of Trustees voted on July 10 to rename the Woodrow Wilson Library the Culmore Community Library…Over the past few months, the Library Board received numerous comments from the community urging the board to change the name citing Wilson’s support for racial segregation.” [Annandale Today]
Dulles Ranked Among World’s Best Airports — “Dulles International Airport ranks as the 11th best airport in the world, a ranking by AirHelp finds. AirHelp, a passenger rights tech company that assists passengers with flight disruptions, crunched data for 239 of the world’s busiest airports in 69 countries.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Local Delegate Reflects on General Assembly Session — “Active, highly partisan and ultimately productive are how Del. Rip Sullivan (D-McLean) described this year’s General Assembly session at the McLean Citizens Association’s July 3 board meeting.” His adopted bills included ones that address tree preservation and allergic reaction awareness training. [Gazette Leader]
Park Authority Recognizes Top Volunteers — “At its meeting on July 10, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved a resolution honoring 23 individuals as outstanding volunteers. These peer-nominated individuals were recognized for their dedication to their community and their invaluable service to the Fairfax County park system.” [FCPA]
Virginia Named No. 1 State for Business — “With the nation’s best education system and policies that give companies room — both literally and figuratively — to grow, Virginia is America’s Top State for Business in 2024. This is the Old Dominion’s sixth time at the top of CNBC’s rankings, and its third win in five years.” [CNBC]
It’s Friday — Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, increasing after 7am with a high near 81. Precipitation likelihood is 90%, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. Friday night brings a 70% chance of showers. Temperatures dip to around 73, and another quarter to half an inch of rain is expected. [NWS]
A Fairfax Connector bus (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Fairfax County is set to receive close to $51 million from the federal government to buy 60 new diesel-electric hybrid Connector buses.
Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner announced yesterday (Wednesday) that the county has been awarded over $50.5 million for the buses from the Federal Transportation Administration’s Low or No Emission Grant program, which has funded more than 1,100 buses in 47 states.
