Capital Rail Constructors — the builder of phase two of the Silver Line — estimated that the long-delayed project could be handed over to Metro by July 29.
The forecast — which is simply an estimate and would still ultimately be determined by Metro — was provided in a monthly report with data from May 1.
The estimate comes as Metro declines to provide a date for when service of the 11.4-mile extension into Loudoun County will begin.
As gas prices continue to rise, cab drivers in Fairfax County may be getting even more help at the pump.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is looking at implementing an emergency $2 fuel surcharge on every trip starting later this month. That would double the current surcharge, which was implemented in April, as gas prices have climbed even compared to two months ago.
Aging Well
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia. You can take specific steps to improve your perceptions on aging, which in turn can bolster your health, according to Mather Institute.
How do you feel about your age?
Your response can have consequences for your health and happiness. That’s because studies have shown that our perceptions of aging can have an impact on our own current and future well-being.
“There is a large body of research that shows positive perceptions of aging — seeing later years as a time of continued growth and enjoyment — is associated with better health and stronger relationships later in life. In other words, our expectations of aging impact our behavior and our future outcomes,” says Jennifer Smith, PhD, director of research at Mather Institute. The Institute is the research arm of Mather, the parent organization of The Mather, a Life Plan Community coming to Tysons. The Institute is an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living and successful aging service innovations.
As part of its own research, the Institute referenced proven benefits of having a positive perception of aging:
- Longevity: In a 23-year study, older adults who reported more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with more negative self-perceptions of aging.
- Illness: In a study of 1,286 people (average age of 57), those who indicated that aging is a time of continued learning and development reported decreases (or slower increases) in physical illnesses six years later.
- Functional Health: Older adults with more positive perceptions of aging report better future functional health, such as the ability to do household chores and climb stairs, compared to those with more negative perceptions of aging.
- Brain Health: Compared to people with more positive views of aging, people who endorsed more negative age stereotypes displayed greater signs of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease when their brains were examined decades later.
- Psychological Well-Being: Older adults with more negative perceptions of aging reported greater increases in depressive symptoms three years later, but high levels of optimism helped protect against this effect.
- Healthy Behaviors: Those with more positive perceptions of aging tend to engage in more preventive health behaviors and physical activity compared to those with more negative perceptions of aging.
Change Your Views
The good news is that, even if you’re not feeling very positive about aging, you can take steps to change your attitude and enjoy the health benefits above. All it takes is consciously focusing on appreciating positive experiences. Dr. Smith led a study in collaboration with Loyola University Chicago that revealed that people who took steps to savor their life lessons — reflecting on events in their past that led to knowledge that they wouldn’t want to give up — specifically “grew” their positive perceptions of aging.
You can try this on your own. Research has shown that practicing savoring, or increasing awareness, intensity, and duration of positive feelings, can boost your happiness and life satisfaction. Focusing this practice on positive reminiscence can affect perceptions of aging specifically.
To savor your life lessons, make time to reflect on a meaningful past experience, then write down what you learned from it. Take time to consider the wisdom you obtained, then identify how that wisdom has had a positive impact on your life. Repeat this exercise with other experiences from any time in your life. You can also tell family members or friends about some of your valuable life lessons, which is another means of savoring.
These research findings confirm that Aging Well can depend on your outlook — and luckily, each of us has the opportunity to control and change our perceptions and attitudes.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The developer of a major mixed-use project near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station could have to pay $1.65 million to help fund a safer alternative to a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Wiehle Avenue at the eastbound Dulles Toll Road ramps.
At a board meeting yesterday (Tuesday), Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn introduced a board matter that would require developer TF Cornerstone, the developer of Campus Commons, to pay the proffered funds to build an alternative crossing for the area.
County Officials React to Oakton Crash — Multiple Fairfax County elected officials expressed devastation at news that two Oakton High School students have died after a vehicle crash in Oakton yesterday (Tuesday). Crisis support services are available for students, according to school board members. [Twitter]
Fire Reported at Prosperity Flats Apartments — “Fire sprinklers extinguished a fire Tuesday night at a high-rise apartment building in Dunn Loring, according to a 6:58 p.m. post on the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Department’s official Twitter account. Fire units were called earlier to the apartment building in the 2700 block of Dorr Avenue after eighth floor residents reported seeing smoke.” [Patch]
Fairfax County Marks Pride Month — “Today, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. We urge all county residents, employees and elected officials to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community, and to stand up, speak out and show support for those who face prejudice and discrimination.” [Fairfax County Government/Twitter]
Police Set Up Car Parts Theft Task Force — “The Fairfax County Police Department has created a Catalytic Converter Task Force to investigate the theft of the converters and any organized regional rings behind the increase in thefts…From January to April this year, 333 catalytic converters were stolen in Fairfax County, compared with just 27 similar thefts over the same period in 2021.” [Patch]
Major Broadband Investment Announced in Springfield — Virginia will receive $219.8 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to expand broadband access, Sen. Mark Warner announced yesterday at Northern Virginia Community College’s Springfield campus. The American Rescue Plan Act funds will be allocated to local governments through grants and could improve access in an estimated 76,873 locations. [Mark Warner]
New FCPS Budget Supports Virtual Mental Health Services — “As part of the $3.3 billion budget, school board officials allocated $500,000 for telehealth mental health services for students. The Virginia county is still in the early stages of identifying a vendor for the services, but county officials said program possibilities include access to physical and behavioral health providers and mobile services that would allow students to use their devices for symptom management or tracking.” [WTOP]
Fairfax City Moves Back Fourth of July Celebration — The City of Fairfax will hold its Independence Day Evening Show on July 5 at Fairfax High School due to a shortage of licensed pyrotechnicians. The city says its fireworks vendor has canceled more than two dozen contracts, an issue that has also affected the Town of Vienna. [Fairfax City]
New Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Lorton — Anderson Orthopaedic Clinic has opened a new weekend urgent care clinic in its Lorton office (10716 Richmond Highway, Suite 101) to help patients with acute bone and joint injuries. The clinic, which has also has offices in Fairfax, Arlington, and at Mount Vernon Hospital, accepts both walk-in patients and appointments. [M2 Orthopedics]
It’s Wednesday — Rain in the evening and overnight. High of 82 and low of 69. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:34 pm. [Weather.gov]
Two injured fledglings from a peregrine falcon nest in Reston are expected to make their way back to their home soon after taking a tumble during last week’s storms.
A smaller male was blown of his nest at the top of a building during storms two Fridays ago and the larger female hit a window, fracturing her coracoid bone.
The fledglings were taken to Wildlife Vet Care, an organization launched by wildlife veterinarian Belinda Burwell to provide veterinary and rehabilitative care for sick and injured native wildlife in the area.
By Nicola Caul Shelley, Synergy Design & Construction
Not thinking of a complete home remodel but looking for a few design ideas to spruce your space? Then look no further, as this month the Synergy team are providing some easy hacks any homeowner can do that provide an instant upgrade.
Mina, Founder
Mina’s top tip?
“Consider using decals because they’re inexpensive, easy to order and you can install them without professional help. I did this myself in my office with roses on a dark wall. Choosing this type of contrast easily creates drama and a ‘designed’ space while remaining flexible enough to remove the decals and choose a different paint color when you tire of it down the road.”
Emily, Interior Designer
When it comes to quick, but high-impact changes, Emily has lots of tips!
“If you can only do one thing at this time to update or make an impact on your space to make it look ‘designed’, it’s paint, paint, paint! Walls that is! Painting cabinets is a whole different ball game and painting walls is way easier, with a big impact.”
“If you’re able to hire a painter, great, but even if you have to spend a weekend to invest some time in taping, prepping and painting some walls yourself, it will make a huge difference. Paint instantly elevates any furniture or decor you then add to the room. I’ve (DIY) painted at least the bedroom and living room of every apartment/rental/house I’ve ever lived in even if it was only a year-long living situation. To me, the impact of paint outweighs even having to prime and paint back the rooms to their original color at the end of a lease!”
Download our FREE Guide to Paint Finishes to get you started!
Emily’s second tip (although, if you’re not handy or good at DIY, you might need a little outside help!) is to add vertical interest and/or add architectural details to a space. For example, create a tile, stone or millwork fireplace surround that goes to the ceiling or add a shiplap wall. These details create visual interest and can completely alter the look and feel of a room. Check out the carousel below for inspiration!
Maegan, Office & Client Relations Manager
Maegan is all about letting nature be an interior design inspiration.
“This time of year is a great time to think about biophilic design. It might sound technical, but it’s not. Biophilic design is the practice of connecting to nature in our inside spaces. Studies show that when we connect to natural elements, we tend to feel less stressed, more restored and even more productive and creative. This is true for both our work and home spaces and is fairly simple to achieve.”
- Houseplants are a great way to bring the outdoors in. Or if you don’t have a green thumb, pick up fresh flowers weekly at the grocery or local farmer’s market.
- Let there be light.. and fresh air! Open the blinds to let in sunshine and allow it to filter through your space. And if the weather is agreeable, open a window, too! Not only will that allow fresh air in, you can hear birds chirping or leaves rustling.
- Bring in a water feature like a tabletop fountain. With so many people living and working in urban environments, the sounds of water can create a soothing change of pace.
- Even hanging images of natural surroundings can have biophilic benefits. Botanical prints or landscapes work well. Or any photos you’ve taken yourself on trips or times outdoors not only have the benefit of bringing nature in, but have special meaning because it represents a moment special to you.
Barbara, Project Coordinator
Barbara’s got two top design tips!
“Add floating wall shelves to a room to reflect your mood and personality. It is a great way to showcase fun and special items that are meaningful to you. These items can be changed out throughout the year. This is something that anyone can do and a great activity for the entire family. It is easy and inexpensive. Just let your creative juices flow and think about what makes you happy!”
“It’s not all about interiors! My second tip is to update your patio or porch with flowering annuals and colorful pots and accessories. It is an inexpensive way to add warmth and charm to your outdoor space, not to mention added curb appeal. This is perfect for the person who loves to ‘play in the dirt’. And added bonus? Bees, butterflies, ladybugs and dragonflies will love it.”
Nicola, Director of Marketing
I am not afraid of using color in my own home. If you aren’t brave enough to paint an entire room or even an accent wall and prefer to keep your wall color neutral, you can easily add a pop of color with accessories. It doesn’t have to be one color: pick a palette of three or so complementary colors that appeal to you and bring a room to life with artwork, cushions and rugs. The nice thing about this is you can switch things up as the mood (or seasons) change.
My second suggestion is to group more than one photo or pieces of art (such as a triptych — three coordinating panels or pictures). Grouping of photos and art is a great hack that doesn’t need to break the budget but gives a designer touch. It’s also great if you have a large wall where one piece might look a little ‘lost’.
In the example below, the walls are neutral but the yellow, gray and blue touches and the grouping of the three pieces of art in the same colors brings the room together.
Check out some of our Before & Afters to see how we used these ideas in local home remodels and get inspired with what’s possible in your space!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
The Herndon Town Council is exploring ways to improve safety and security in the town, possibly through increased police presence.
The idea, pitched by Vice Mayor Cesar del Aguila at a quarterly strategy meeting late last month, could involve more foot patrols in the community, primarily an effort to curb traffic-related issues.
Del Aguila says that for a small town like Herndon, safety and security can be enhanced with visibility and is less contingent on policing and enforcing.
Rabies Confirmed in Biting Coyote — The Fairfax County Health Department confirmed yesterday (Monday) that a coyote that bit four people and two dogs over the weekend in the Lake Accotink area was infected with rabies. Anyone who touched or was bitten or scratched by the animal should call the county health department’s rabies program at 703-246-2433, TTY 711. [FCHD]
Confederate Soldier’s Tombstone Defaced — The letters ‘CS,’ ‘NVA,’ and a Star of David were spraypainted on the tombstone of Armistead T. Thompson in the Thompson Family Cemetery by the Pan Am Shopping Center in Merrifield. Fairfax County police received a report last Tuesday (May 31) and said the property management is working to remove it, though as of Sunday (June 5), the graffiti was still there. [Patch]
Homicide Investigation in Reston Continues — “Detectives and officers are canvassing in the area of Springs Apartments & Hunters Woods Plaza in Reston after Rene Alberto Pineda Sanchez was found deceased on May 31. Call detectives at 703-246-7800, option 2 w/any info.” [FCPD/Twitter]
Inova Opens Northern Virginia’s First LGBTQ-Focused Clinic — “Inova’s Pride Clinic will be open to anyone who needs services. It will begin small as a primary care practice for patients of all ages and then grow to include specialties…The Inova Pride Clinic ribbon-cutting will be Wednesday, June 8 at 10 a.m. in Falls Church at 500 North Washington St., Suite 200.” [WTOP]
Tysons Emergency Is Now Open — “HCA Virginia held a grand opening ceremony on Friday, June 3, 2022 for its new freestanding emergency room in Northern Virginia…The state-of-the-art ER will be staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, just like an emergency room that is housed within the walls of a hospital.” [HCA Virginia]
County Puts Food Inspection Reports Online — “The public can now access retail food establishment inspection reports more quickly and easily, as part of an update to the county’s new online PLUS platform…Environmental health staff inspect restaurants and other retail food service establishments to make sure employees follow safe food handling practices, covering sanitation, food storage and preparation, and have adequate kitchen facilities.” [FCHD]
Wolf Trap Nonprofit Awarded by Governor — A provider of short-term, overnight care for children with intellectual disabilities, Jill’s House was honored on May 26 with the second ‘Spirit of Virginia Award’ given by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin since they took office in January. The organization has served more than 1,000 families since it opened in 2010. [Sun Gazette]
Annandale Park Gets Clean-up — “A big thank you to community volunteers who came out to Backlick Park this past weekend and held a spring clean-up. This successful venture was a wonderful way to mark World Environment Day and the National Great Outdoors Month.” [FCPA/Twitter]
Chantilly Neighborhood Watch on the Lookout for Thievery — “Rob, 53, was already a neighborhood watcher in his Brookfield community…before the ransacking incident two years ago but he said it made him increasingly aware neighborhood watch is a needed position to mitigate this from happening to one of his neighbors.” [Fairfax County Times]
It’s Tuesday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 74 and low of 62. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:34 pm. [Weather.gov]
Residents of Leona Lane in Herndon are seeking the town’s help to rectify long-term parking issues in the area.
The neighborhood is constrained by limited curbside parking, limited space for emergency vehicles, sight line issues, and trash and litter, according to residents. They also say they’ve had trouble getting town services like trash, recycling, and snow and leaf removal.
After investigating the matter, Town Manager Bill Ashton II said he discovered residents of an adjacent neighborhood have been taking up most of the available parking space along Leona Lane from the intersection with Marjorie Lane and its associated cul-de-sac.
As summer takes hold, COVID-19 transmissions appear to be plateauing in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church.
After hitting 601 cases on May 25, the peak for this spring, the district’s weekly average dipped to 457.4 cases per day on Thursday (June 2) and is currently sitting at 479.1 cases, according to Virginia Department of Health data.
Local police are investigating a shooting that happened in Herndon over the weekend.
One individual was shot in the 1000 block of Elden Street early yesterday (Sunday) morning, according to the Herndon Police Department. The individual was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Reston Hospital.
“It appears to be an isolated incident; there is no known threat to the public,” according to the Herndon Police Department.
A spokesperson for HPD told FFXnow that police were called in to investigate around 2:30 a.m.
Truck Fire Shuts Down I-95 South — “Saturday around 4:30 p.m., units were dispatched for a Truck Fire on I-95 South at Mile Marker 161. Multiple Vehicles on fire being transported by 18-Wheeler Vehicle Carrier, located in local lanes. Multiple Lanes were shutdown in southbound lanes. No reported injuries.” [FCFRD/Twitter]
BB Gun Drawn in Reston Over Smoking Confrontation — A security guard was surrounded by 10 juveniles outside a business in the 11900 block of Market Street on May 31 after telling them that smoking was not allowed there. One of the juveniles displayed a handgun that police later determined was “a replica style Glock BB gun.” No injuries were reported, but police intend to seek petitions for charges. [FCPD]
Idylwood Section of W&OD Trail Opens — A new, realigned section of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail by Idylwood Park has opened. Work on the new trail segment began in January to accommodate new ramps constructed as part of the project to add express lanes on I-66 outside the Capital Beltway. [W&OD Trail/Twitter]
Vienna Police Busy During Memorial Day Weekend — According to the most recent weekly report, the Vienna Police Department responded to a variety of incidents during last week’s ViVa Vienna festival. Issues included a juvenile attempting to enter a locked trailer, a driver backing into a police vehicle, and thefts of $20, a beverage, and 100 wristbands. [Sun Gazette]
Firefighters Rescue Kitten in Woodlawn — “On Saturday, May 28, a crew from Woodlawn Fire Station (Tower 424) responded to a non-emergency call from the Mount Vernon area about a whimpering kitten that had been stuck in a tree for over an hour. The team of first responders, led by Lt. Dave Bender, used the bucket to access the kitten and bring it to safety.” [On the MoVe]
See Photos from Reston Pride — The 2022 Reston Pride Festival was held at Lake Anne Plaza on Saturday (June 4). The festival’s fifth iteration featured more than 65 vendors, drag and spoken word performances, the acapella quartet Kinsey Sicks, and more. [Washington Blade]
Things to Do in Fairfax County This Summer — Fairfax County’s guide to the season highlights outdoor concerts, swimming pools and water parks, a “family adventure pass” to county rec centers, the Fairfax County Public Library’s summer reading program, and the recently launched “Potomac Banks” tourism campaign. [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Monday — Clear throughout the day. High of 79 and low of 61. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:33 pm. [Weather.gov]
The weekend is almost here. Before you start saving up for your next visit to the gas pump or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit the past week of news in Fairfax County.
Here are the 10 most-read stories on FFXnow this week:
Ideas for potential stories can be sent to [email protected] or submitted as an anonymous tip. Photos of scenes from around the county are welcome too, with credit always given to the photographer.
The team behind more than 2.3 million square feet of development at Arrowbrook Centre in Herndon is poised to make some big changes to the massive mixed-use neighborhood near the Herndon Metro Station.
Property owner Arrowbrook Centre LLC — a subsidary of the Ruth and Hal Landers Charitable Trust — and developer Pulte Home Company hope to shuffle several previously approved buildings, consolidate residential buildings and eliminate certain aspects of the plan.
