A male clouded sulphur butterfly on a flower in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Teen Acquited of Murder in Mount Vernon Shooting — “After about six hours of deliberation, a Fairfax Circuit Court jury found Kareem Valentine, 18, not guilty of murder and felony firearm use in the Sept. 1 killing of Joshua Fieldings. Valentine was found guilty of juvenile gun possession, a misdemeanor charge that holds a maximum sentence of one year in prison.” [Washington Post]

County to Offer Free HIV Testing — “Throughout the last week of June, the Fairfax County Health Department is offering free HIV and STI testing and education at our health clinics. If needed, care and treatment support will also be offered.” The clinics will coincide with National HIV Testing Day on June 27. [FCHD]

Popular Lincolnia Pet Store Closes — “After 10 years and three different locations in Barcroft Plaza, Chico’s Natural Pet Market has closed for good. But it’s not going away forever, as the owner, Danielle Areco, is searching for a new location. Areco spent the store’s last day, Sunday, June 9, hosting an ice cream party for dogs with big markdowns on pet supplies for humans.” [Annandale Today]

Advocacy Group Questions I-495 Southside Plan — “A proposal to add express lanes, and even Metro, to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge is getting some pushback from the Coalition for Smarter Growth. The Coalition says that, if enacted, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s 495 Southside Study will create traffic bottlenecks.” [ALXnow]

Water Mains to Be Replaced in Fairfax Neighborhood — “Fairfax Water will replace selected water mains in an area of the Fairview neighborhood due to increased maintenance problems…Fairfax Water’s contractor, A&M Concrete Corp., is scheduled to begin work in June.” [Fairfax City]

Chantilly Contractor Buys Reston Startup — “Chantilly government contractor VTG…announced Monday that it has acquired Clear Cloud LLC, a Reston startup that, like VTG, provides technology services to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies.” Clear Cloud has between 51 and 200 employees, while VTG had 1,300 employees, as of the end of 2022. [Washington Business Journal]

The Who Singer to Rock Wolf Trap — “Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who, performs live at Wolf Trap on Wednesday, June 12, with a touring band that includes Pete Townshend’s younger brother Simon Townshend.” Daltry reflects on the rock band’s origins and work through its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1990 in an interview. [WTOP]

Name Suggestions for Former School to Be Unveiled — “Fairfax County is seeking community feedback on a new name and identity for the Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS) as part of the building’s ongoing renovation and adaptive reuse project.” Name and branding design options will be presented at a meeting on June 18 at the Gerry Hyland Government Center. [On the MoVe]

It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 77 and a gentle northwest wind at around 6 mph. As for Tuesday night, the skies will be mostly clear and the temperature will drop to around 60, with a north wind at around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. [NWS]


Countywide

New regulations on the construction of data centers in Fairfax County cleared their first major hurdle last week.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously endorsed zoning amendments on Thursday (June 6) that aim to restrict the size, location, equipment screening and design standards of any new data centers in the county.


TJ Maxx at Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County police are searching for a man who allegedly exposed himself to a woman while she was shopping at TJ Maxx in Tysons last month.

Officers were dispatched to the discount clothing store at 8389 Leesburg Pike in the Pike 7 Plaza shopping center around 2 p.m. on May 25, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

“Officers learned while the victim was shopping, a male suspect followed her and exposed himself,” the FCPD said in a press release. “The suspect then fled the store before police arrival.”

The press release includes images from a surveillance camera that police say show the suspect, who is believed to be a man in his 20s.

The FCPD says anyone with information can contact its Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Solvers by phone (1-866-411-TIPS), and online.


Around Town

The fast fashion company Primark has set an opening date for its first-ever Virginia location.

The Ireland-based clothing retailer announced today that it will open a 35,000-square-foot store in Tysons Corner Center on July 16. The store will occupy a two-story space that belonged to L.L. Bean for over two decades until its closure in January 2022.


Looking down the pedestrian bridge over I-495 in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Families of Oakton Crash Victims Still Grieving — “Yan, his wife, and other family members joined supporters Friday afternoon at the corner of Blake Lane and Five Oaks Road in Fairfax to mark the second anniversary of the deaths of Lee Yan Hanjia and her friend, Ada Gabriela Martinez Nolasco.” [Patch]

Former Nats Star Leaves McLean House — Retired Washington Nationals pitcher and one-time World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg reflected on his baseball career and its challenging end “over calamari and salmon at a white-tableclothed Tysons Corner seafood restaurant.” Strasburg recently moved out of his McLean home to return to San Diego, California. [Washington Post]

Residents Plan Legal Action to Keep Pickleball Courts — “Residents of the Broyhill Crest community in Annandale who’ve been fighting to retain the pickleball courts at Kendale Woods Park have lost their battle to retain them — at least for the time being. The Park Authority announced it will begin removing pickleball from the park this coming week…The fight isn’t over, however. The pickleball players plan to file a legal injunction to stop the work.” [Annandale Today]

McLean Wins State Baseball Championship — “In the Virginia Class 6 championship game at Deep Run High, McLean rolled to a 15-5 victory over South Lakes to capture the first state championship in program history. The Highlanders (19-10) were rarely threatened Saturday, but the road to this stage wasn’t straight.” [Washington Post]

McLean Groups Supports Workforce Housing Changes — “McLean Citizens Association board members approved a letter June 5 in support of a proposed Fairfax County comprehensive-plan amendment for policies and programs related to for-sale workforce-dwelling units (WDUs).” The county is considering changing the targeted income levels and “expanding the policy’s availability to new parts of the county.” [Gazette Leader]

Memorial Garden Added to Fort Hunt Farm — “A private dedication ceremony was held June 7 for the newly installed Clara B. Plein Memorial Garden at River Farm, the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) headquarters along the Potomac River. Donated by AHS Board Chair Scott Plein in memory of his grandmother, the garden…is an example of sustainable landscaping with around 68% native plants and 32% native cultivars.” [On the MoVe]

Free Little Art Galleries Pop Up in Reston — “There is a small wooden hutch located just off the Turquoise Trail in Reston. Inside is a magical scene, a miniature art gallery replete with small resin characters and scads of ever-changing art. Wanderers are free to take a piece of art, leave a piece of art, or do both. This is the Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) in the Woods, one of four FLAGs in Reston.” [Fairfax County Times]

It’s Monday — Expect increasing clouds and a high near 78 accompanied by a northwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. Monday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures dropping to around 59 and a northwest wind at about 7 mph. [NWS]


Countywide

The average Dominion Energy Virginia residential customer will soon see a charge of about $4.50 dropped from their bills. The fee was being collected to recover costs through the state’s participation in the regional carbon market.

On Monday, the State Corporation Commission, which regulates Virginia’s utilities, approved a request from Dominion to stop tacking the fee on customer’s bills to recoup the costs the utility racked up through participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which Virginia is no longer a part of.


Around Town

Capital One Center may be hopping on board with the modern-day “speakeasy” trend that continues to fascinate the D.C. area.

Capital One recently applied for a commercial alteration permit from Fairfax County that would allow for a “Watermark Speakeasy” on its headquarters campus in Tysons. The 1,500-square-foot bar would be located at the top of the 25-floor Watermark Hotel, adjacent to the fitness center, according to a building plan dated May 16.


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.

Get ready for an epic summer adventure with your family in Fairfax County!

We’ve compiled the ultimate summer family bucket list to ensure an unforgettable season filled with thrilling outdoor activities, cultural discoveries, and delectable delights. Put on your sunscreen, grab your shades, and join us as we explore the best activities and hidden gems Fairfax County has to offer. Create memories that will have your family reminiscing for years to come.

This summer, Fairfax County is the perfect place for families seeking excitement, laughter, and quality time together. Let the summer adventures begin!

  1. Visit Great Falls Park: Explore the stunning Great Falls Park along the Potomac River. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
  2. Enjoy a Day at the Water Park: Cool off at one of Fairfax County’s water parks, such as Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville or the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. These parks offer slides, pools, and water play areas ideal for summer fun.
  3. Summer Concert Series: Enjoy live music at Wolf Trap, Rock the Block, and Mosaic Live. These venues offer a range of musical performances perfect for family entertainment.
  4. Camping at Burke Lake Park: Spend a night under the stars at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy camping, fishing, and boating, along with the park’s scenic trails.
  5. Outdoor Movies: Watch a movie under the stars at City of Fairfax’s Movies Under the Moon or Mosaic Films in the Park. These events provide a fun and relaxing evening for families.
  6. Nature Hikes: Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Check out parks like Burke Lake Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for beautiful family-friendly trails.
  7. Classic Family Games: Slow down and embrace classic family games like Tag, Red Light Green Light, or a game of Uno on the deck. Take time to relax and enjoy being present with your family.

Whatever activities you choose, enjoy the moments and embrace making lasting memories!

Your Summer Bucket List

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


Dogs and humans gather for “Bark in Boro Park” on June 10, 2023 (courtesy Lancer Photography)

The Boro will hype up the 2024 Summer Olympics tomorrow (Saturday) with a “BorOlympic Bark Bash,” giving Tysons Corner Center some competition in the canine-catering event realm.

As athletes around the world prepare for the Olympics, which start on July 26 in Paris, France, the Tysons neighborhood is inviting pups and their human pals to the park outside Boro Tower (8350 Broad Street) to train and test their agility, while enjoying treats and other activities.

The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — coinciding with Tysons Corner Center’s third annual “Paws on the Plaza,” which is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.

The Bark Bash will be highlighted by interactive dog training sessions, which will offer obedience tips and bandanas for decorating, as well as an agility course with an “Ultimate Puppy Prize Pack” for the winner. The pack will include dog toys and treats and a $50 gift card to a restaurant at The Boro.

Space in the training sessions is limited to 25 spots each that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested can register in advance for a 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. session or one at 1-2 p.m.

Other attractions include a treat bar with “puppacinos” from Paris Baguette and pastries and coffee from Bluestone Lane for human attendees.

Like at last year’s “Bark in Boro Park,” the first 100 visitors can sign up for a live, personalized dog tag engraving, and kid-friendly arts and crafts, glitter tattoos and face painting, will be available throughout the event.

Though sun is currently in the forecast for Saturday, The Boro would reschedule the event to the same time on June 15 if it gets rained out.


A construction crane over Route 7 (West Broad Street) in Falls Church (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Traffic Shift to New I-495 Bridge Coming — “If you plan on traveling through the Tysons area in Northern Virginia this weekend, be prepared for a major traffic shift on the Capital Beltway. It starts Friday night when crews shift traffic onto a new Interstate 495 North bridge over the eastbound Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) ramp.” [WTOP]

Clean-up of Fort Belvoir Fuel Spill Continues — “Two months after the jet fuel spill near Fort Belvoir’s Davison Army Airfield, the garrison is continuing to address the environmental impacts. According to Fort Belvoir’s Public Affairs Office (PAO), the seven to 10 inches of contaminated topsoil at the spill site has yet to be removed.” [On the MoVe]

D.C. Area Sees Exodus for Rural Communities — “Residents moving from D.C. and its surrounding suburbs are relocating further away than they have in the past, part of a national trend of remote workers leaving metropolitan cities for small rural communities,” according to a new analysis by University of Virginia researchers. [WTOP]

Speed Cameras Lead to 36K Citations — “Since all of the speed cameras went live in eight school zones in Fairfax County last year, 36,234 citations have been mailed. New data obtained by WUSA9 from the Fairfax Co. Police Department showed a wide range in the number of fines, but one camera stood out the most.” [WUSA9]

Students Unveil New Art for Lake Thoreau — “A new piece of public art will soon find its home on Reston’s Lake Thoreau. This towering, angular tree sculpture is called Arboris, and it’s the work of the South Lakes High School STEAM Team, which designed and built the concept from scratch.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Dulles Airport Hits 2M Silver Line Riders — “Since the grand opening in November 2022, the Dulles Airport Metro station has served over two million passengers! We were proud to cut the ribbon alongside @wmata, @MWAAHQ and other regional partners, celebrating our investment in Silver Line Phase II and better connectivity for our community.” [Northern Virginia Transportation Authority/Twitter]

Free Composting Bins at Farmers Markets — “Don’t miss out on our free countertop compost bin giveaway June 12-16! During this time, farmers market customers who dispose of food scraps at any of our 10 Farmers Markets may receive a free compost bin. Supplies are limited and open to shoppers who have not received a bin in previous years.” [Fairfax County Park Authority]

It’s Friday — Expect mostly sunny conditions with a high near 83 and west winds between 5 to 10 mph. For Friday night, it will be mostly clear with a low around 60 and west winds at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]


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