The Vienna Market condominium townhomes from across Maple Avenue (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Annandale Man Arrested for Carjacking — “Fairfax County Police detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau are seeking additional witnesses and victims following the apprehension of an Annandale man who committed a carjacking and multiple attempted carjackings within a 90-minute period.” The charges include assault after two victims were reportedly injured. [Annandale Today]

Thousands of Migrant Kids Resettled in Virginia — “Children who arrive to the U.S. without parents entered a sponsor’s care in 14 Virginia localities from Oct. 2023 to April 2024, including Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William and Fairfax Counties in Northern Virginia.” Since October 2014, 33,812 unaccompanied children have been released to a sponsor in Virginia, the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) says. [Virginia Mercury]

June Results of Crime Prevention Effort — The Fairfax County Police Department says its 2024 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative has resulted in over 60 felony charges and more than 150 misdemeanor charges so far. “Over 330 suspected fentanyl pills were taken off the streets, one stolen vehicle was recovered, and one stolen gun was seized from a convicted felon.” [FCPD]

Brush Fire Put Out at Huntley Meadows — “A fire broke out during the evening of July 6 at Huntley Meadows Park in Hybla Valley, burning around three acres of wooded area before it was extinguished, according to a spokesperson for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD).” The cause remains under investigation. [On the MoVe]

Metro Expands Use of Automatic Doors — The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission gave Metro the go-ahead yesterday (Monday) “to fully operate in Auto Door mode,” a function tested on the Red Line in December. All train doors will now automatically open within three to five seconds of stopping at a station platform, saving up to 10 seconds per stop. [WMATA]

Hearing on Fort Hunt Road Pedestrian Improvements — “The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a virtual design public hearing Wednesday, July 10 on planned improvements at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road (Route 629) and Rollins Drive/Westgrove Boulevard to improve pedestrian and driver safety and operations.” Feedback will be accepted through Aug. 7. [VDOT]

Free Water Sports Clinic Coming to Lorton — “The 14th Annual So Kids SOAR Adaptive Water Sports Clinic is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 13, at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton. Children will have access to adaptive equipment and instructors. A total of about 120 families are coming this year, up from 57 families in 2023.” [WTOP]

Throwback to Fairfax County Bookmobile — “County supervisors approved funding for the first library in 1939, but that $250 wasn’t enough. The federal Works Progress Administration stepped in with funding and loaned Fairfax a bookmobile. The dark blue, converted 1-ton 1939 Chevrolet Suburban panel truck filled with books started Fairfax County on its road to reading on July 30, 1940.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny and hot day with a high near 97 and heat index values up to 106, along with a 20% chance of rain after 2pm. At night, there’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, with partly cloudy conditions and a low of 79. [NWS]


Countywide

The Fairfax County Circuit Court has rolled out a new online tool that allows people to search case information in several languages for free.

The new eCaseSearch system delivers on a key campaign promise of Chris Falcon, who was elected last year as the county’s circuit court clerk and pledged to make court records more accessible to the general public.


Around Town

Updated at 4:25 p.m. on 8/8/2024 — Char’d will get a grand opening at Tysons Galleria at noon on Aug. 18, the business announced on Instagram.

Earlier: A food truck that sells halal burgers has staked out a spot in Tysons Galleria (2001 International Drive) for its first brick-and-mortar location.


Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.

My kids absolutely love mini golfing when we are at the beach. It’s a daily ritual we do after breakfast. So why not explore that activity at home?

We have some great local options to try for mini golfing:

  • Perch Putt, Tysons18 holes, 11 stories up (rooftop golfing!) Kids under 6 are free. Book a tee time online.
  • Pixar Putt, The Wharf Pixar themed golf course, tee times after 7 p.m. are for people 18 and over.
  • Oakmont, Oakton18 holes (not very difficult holes) close by to Vienna if you’re going for proximity. Can also head over to the driving range after if you’re looking for more golf.
  • Upton Hill, Arlington — A fun 18 hole course that’s part of a larger complex that has batting cages, a climbing structure, and a pool.
  • Jefferson Falls, Falls Church — A newly renovated 18 hole course near Mosaic.
  • The Magic Putting Place, Manassas — The home to 2 individual 18 hole courses, so do both for the full experience! And then head to Nathan’s Dairy Bar next door for ice cream (just voted best ice cream by Northern Virginia Magazine).

Enjoy!

Pixar Putt (Photo via Pixar Putt Facebook Page)

News

The last week of June was apparently a tough one for Vienna food service workers.

On the same day that a man reportedly threatened Hawk & Griffin employees and customers over the pub’s Pride flags, a woman got arrested after she assaulted three workers at Carnegie Diner & Cafe (501 Maple Avenue West), the Vienna Police Department says.


Planters block off the pavilion from vehicles at Reston Town Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Heat Advisory Issued for Today — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the D.C. area, including Fairfax County, that will take effect from noon to 8 p.m. today (Monday). With heat index values of up to 105 expected, the county has activated its heat plan and will provide supplies like water at cooling centers. [NWS]

Witnesses Reportedly Stop Carjackings — “In the 7600 block of Allman Drive in Annandale, a 38-year-old man allegedly carjacked a victim then attempted carjackings on Lukens Lane and the 8600 block of Richmond Highway in Mount Vernon an hour later,” Fairfax County police said. “Several onlookers who witnessed the attempted carjackings stepped in and detained the man until officers arrived and responded to the scene.” [WUSA9]

Virginia Senator Allegedly Concerned by Biden’s Candidacy — “Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) is attempting to assemble a group of Democratic senators to ask President Biden to exit the presidential race, according to two people with direct knowledge of the effort…Warner spokeswoman Rachel Cohen would neither confirm nor deny that the senator thinks Biden needs to drop out of the race.” [Washington Post]

West Falls Church Road Closes for Pipe Project — “Weather permitting, Wayne Road (Route 2304) between Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) and Regent Lane (Route 2303) will be closed to through traffic Monday, July 8 through Thursday, July 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day for drainage pipe replacement.” [VDOT]

Herndon Woman Wins Taekwondo Title — “Some of the best amateur taekwondo athletes in the United States spent the last week in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, competing at the AAU Taekwondo National Championship…Elena Kelley of Herndon, Virginia, is bringing home the national championship in the 33-42 female bracket in the traditional open forms in poomsae.” [WTOP]

Annandale Stream Project Makes Progress — “The project to restore the Coons Branch stream in Annandale Community Park is ahead of schedule. Workers have completed stabilizing the stream banks, says project manager Jasdeep Saini, of the Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division. However, the fence around the project area won’t be removed and the stream won’t be open to the public until late fall.” [Annandale Today]

Primark Plans Giveaways for Tysons Opening — “International clothing retailer Primark has planned special giveaways, complimentary sweet treats, food trucks and a visit from [SpongeBob] SquarePants to celebrate the opening of its first store in Virginia on July 16.” [Patch]

It’s Monday — It’ll be mostly sunny and hot conditions and a high near 97, feeling like 105 due to the heat index. There’s a 20% chance of precipitation of isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Monday night will be partly cloudy with a low of around 78. [NWS]


Around Town

Call Your Mother’s McLean location will morph from a food truck into a physical storefront this weekend.

The popular bagel shop will hold a grand opening for its newest deli at 6232 Old Dominion Drive in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center this Sunday (July 7), according to a notice posted to its website.


Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Angie Stiens of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Angie at 703-721-8539.

When it’s mid-summer in Fairfax County, it’s likely to be hot and humid and have us all looking for an escape from the weather. 

One of my favorite places to bring younger kids for summer water fun is Our Special Harbor Splash Park in Alexandria near Franconia Rec Center.

The splash park has a Chesapeake Bay theme, so if you’re paying close attention, you’ll find the park includes an osprey nest, a lighthouse, and a crabbing boat! There are misters, sprayers, and even a water maze — lots of options for even the youngest children to enjoy! Coming here is a great way to escape the Virginia heat and have some fun with your family.  

Our Special Harbor is fully accessible, so children of all abilities can join the action! And the best part is that admission is FREE for families, whether you’re a Fairfax County resident or not. Who doesn’t love some affordable water relief from these steamy summer days!

Our Special Harbor is open every day during the summer season, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It opens early on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and closes early on Wednesdays. No street shoes, so bring your water shoes (with a closed back) and get ready to cool off while having a great time! 

And if you’re looking to extend your family time, you can also check out the other neat things nearby, like Chessie’s Big Backyard — a fabulous playground. There’s also a carousel and a walking trail complete with a treehouse view of the woods!  

If you’re looking for something other than a splash park to cool off, there are several waterparks located in Fairfax County. Great Waves waterpark is located on Eisenhower Avenue, also in Alexandria. That’s a great spot for older kids looking to burn some energy on the waterslides or in the wave pool. 

Other options include Pirate’s Cove waterpark in Lorton, Ocean Dunes waterpark in Arlington, the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston, or Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville. The waterparks do charge admissions fees, so check out their websites for details and hours.   

Regardless of your family’s preferences, there are lots of local options for cooling off in the water this summer. I hope you enjoyed hearing about just a few of them! 

Angie Stiens | Live Fairfax | angie.stiens@mcenearney.com | www.angiestiens.com | 703-721-8539 | www.McEnearney.com


Countywide

Fairfax Water customers weren’t affected by the recent Boil Water Advisory that went out to D.C. and Arlington County residents before Independence Day.

The utility, which serves almost 2 million people in Northern Virginia, suspended its use of the Washington Aqueduct early on Wednesday (July 3) before the advisory was issued later that day. Though D.C. and Arlington both lifted the advisory yesterday (Thursday), Fairfax Water says it hasn’t yet resumed getting water from the aqueduct.


News

Two teens were arrested in Albemarle County last week in connection to an armed carjacking reported near the Silver Diner in Merrifield.

Officers were dispatched to the 8100 block of Porter Road around 6 a.m. for a robbery after a man called 911, stating that his black Toyota Camry had been stolen, according to the police scanner on Open MHz.


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