A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has just been issued, as some strong storms approach Fairfax from the northwest.
Fairfax, the District and other neighboring counties — as well as points west, south and east — are all covered by the watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m.
The National Weather Service says large hail, frequent lightning, and scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible with the storms that are developing.
The earliest arriving storms can currently be seen on radar, over Loudoun and Montgomery counties.
More, below, from NWS via social media.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia, until 10 PM EDT. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. pic.twitter.com/Yr3innCAGN
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 15, 2024
Scattered severe thunderstorms likely along/south of I-66/US-50 this afternoon. Large hail & damaging wind will be the main threats, along with lightning strikes. The strongest storms are most likely around the Fredericksburg to far Southern MD area. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/qX3aQ3o1xl
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 15, 2024
Firefighters at Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Station 25 shared a cheeky message welcoming the new bridge at the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.
“We Wiehle like this new bridge,” said a note on the message sign outside the fire station.
Construction on the 147-foot-long bridge started in March 2023 and the new pedestrian bridge was installed this weekend over Wiehle Avenue. The new bridge replaced an at-grade crossing over the street.
While the bridge is now in place, it isn’t scheduled to open for use until mid-June.
Photo via Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department/Facebook
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
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A home-based golf instruction facility is coming soon to a half-acre of land on 1051 Kelso Road in Great Falls.
Next Level Golf — a local golf instruction company — hopes to open a golf instruction facility that “fosters golf development for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, including veterans, individuals with PTSD, disabilities and juniors/adults interested in the sport,” according to the application, which was filed last week.
The company plans to install a green and bunker area for golf lessons. The applicant emphasized that that the company has no intention of installing a driving range or golf course — only a specialized facility focused “solely on golf development activities.”
“The utilization of the land will not pose any harm or distraction to neighboring properties, streets, or roads, and will maintain the agricultural stability of the area. The proposed short game area will span approximately 1/2 acre and will be designed specifically for putting, chipping, and pitching practice within a designated 15,000 square foot area. No chemicals other than those required for normal lawn maintenance will be used, ensuring minimal environmental impact and preserving the integrity of the soil,” the application states.
Next Level Golf also plans to use a portion of a home’s garage — roughly 700 square feet — to install golf simulators that allow indoor training options.
The addition requires a special permit and special permit amendment. The application is in the early stages of the county’s review process and has not yet been formally accepted for review.
Image via Google Maps
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.
Spring is a magical time in the D.C. Metro area, where cherry blossoms bloom, temperatures warm up, and outdoor activities abound.
Whether you’re a local Fairfax resident aspiring to become a D.C. tourist or just ready for some spring fun around the area, there are plenty of exciting things to do and explore during this vibrant season.
Become an Outdoor Explorer
Take advantage of the mild weather to explore the region’s parks and outdoor spaces. Visit Great Falls Park for breathtaking views of the Potomac River and hiking trails, or head to Shenandoah National Park for a day of scenic drives and wildlife spotting. Additionally, local parks like Burke Lake Park, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island offer serene settings for picnics and outdoor recreation near Fairfax County.
Become the Historian of the Family or a Museum Junkie
Spring is an ideal time to explore the area’s wealth of museums and historic landmarks. In Fairfax County check out the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, Reston Museum, Lucy Burns Museum, Gunston Hall, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
Of course, you can also wander through world-class museums in D.C. that are free, such as the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art, to immerse yourself in art, culture, and history. Don’t forget to visit iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill for a glimpse into the nation’s past and present.
Outdoor Dining and Farmer’s Market Guru
Indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Northern Virginia and D.C. by dining al fresco at local restaurants and cafes. Many establishments offer outdoor seating options, allowing you to savor delicious meals while soaking up the sunshine. Additionally, explore the vibrant farmers’ markets in the area, such as Mosaic, Fairfax City, Reston, Eastern Market and Dupont Circle, to sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats.
Outdoor Festivals and Events
Spring brings a flurry of festivals and events to the region, celebrating everything from music and art to food and culture. Attend the Virginia Gold Cup, a beloved horse racing event held in May, or explore neighborhood festivals like the Manassas Spring Carnival, Earth Day Fairfax, Shipgarten’s Sour & Gummies Festival, and Reston StreetFest. Check local event calendars for the latest happenings and plan your spring itinerary accordingly.
With its array of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and culinary delights, spring in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re admiring flowers blooming, exploring historic landmarks, or indulging in local cuisine, make the most of this season in our area!
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
New members of Reston Association’s Board of Directors officially took over following the first board meeting after the election.
The new board formally elected its officers following a month-long election and annual meeting this week, where the results were announced.
Izzy Santa and Jalal Mapar will fill two vacant at-large seats on the board, beating out Darin Skelly for the three-year position.
Incumbent Jennifer Jushchuk — who ran unopposed for the South Lakes District seat — was reelected with no fanfare.
Margaret Perry, also an incumbent, triumphed over Carolina Mejia and Lynda McCann-Ovington to serve a two-year term for the apartment owners’ position.
Mapar was formally named board president — a position previously held by John Farrell.
At last night’s meeting, Mapar urged the board to set aside personal agendas and maintain its responsibility to the community.
“We need to put our personal agendas aside and focus on working as a team to serve the community. We all need to do this together,” he said.
Robert Petrine stepped down from the board at the conclusion of his term but accepted the nomination to continue to serve as the board’s treasurer.
County Sues Owners of Burned Annandale Buildings — “Fairfax County has filed suit against the owners of the buildings on Columbia Pike in Annandale that had been destroyed by a fire more than a year ago. Meanwhile, the property owner has lined up a demolition contractor, but the work can’t proceed until the gas is cut off, according to a county official. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) has reached out to Washington Gas and arranged for Long Fence to put up new fencing.” [Annandale Today]
Park Authority to Join Earth Day Celebrations — “Combining efforts with the reusables experts at r.World, the Park Authority will distribute reusable cups and food containers to food and beverage vendors around the site to fill with their respective food items when orders are made.” [Fairfax County Government]
Survey of McLean Citizens Association Released — “Respondents to a recent McLean Citizens Association (MCA) membership survey urged the group continue advocating for responsible development, limited county spending, school accountability, transportation improvements, more parks and recreational opportunities and tree preservation.” [Gazette Leader]
McLean Basketball Court to Get Facelift — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce renovations to McLean Central Park Basketball Court beginning this week. Work crews with contractor ATC will be mobilizing on-site to prepare for work.” [Fairfax County Government]
Venture Capital Firm Relocates HQ to Tysons — “Veteran Ventures Capital, a veteran-led and -owned capital firm, will be moving its headquarters from Knoxville, Tennessee to the Boro Tower on Broad Street, according to news reports. The new HQ is steps away from the Greensboro Metro Station and Tysons Galleria.” [Reston Patch]
It’s Friday — Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected early in the day, followed by a chance of showers between 8am and 11am, and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms returning after 11am. The weather will be partly sunny with a high near 68, accompanied by a west wind of 14 to 16 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. Friday night’s forecast includes a chance of showers before 2am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49. The west wind will be around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
McLean-based Golden Boot Soccer has been a leader in youth soccer skill development and fun for nearly 30 years, and this summer features even more of their popular camps.
These morning, half-day and full-day programs for ages 3 to 13 combine positive, professional trainers with engaging activities and challenges, often featuring their signature cogno-technical approach.
“Cognitive training is a fancy way of saying we train the body and brain together,” says Golden Boot president and founder Tamir Linhart.
“Our specialized curriculum improves soccer intelligence, reaction time, decision-making, situational awareness, and memory, while also developing technical skills such as passing, receiving, dribbling and finishing. The result is players who are always thinking ahead and are able to make positive and intelligent decisions on the field.”
Cognitive training is folded into each Golden Boot session, using innovative and creative activities appropriate to each level.
This summer, Golden Boot offers a variety of options for all ages and levels, including special camps for travel players, a VIP week featuring college and professional coaches, and an international week focused on Italian pro clubs. Most weeks feature morning Lil’ Boots camps for ages 3-4 and 5-6, plus half-day or full-day options such as Ball Mastery (ages 7-8), Positive Touch Footskills (ages 9-13), Art of Scoring Goals (ages 9-13) and Goalkeeper Training (ages 8-13). All full-day camps include indoor access, giving players air-conditioned breaks throughout the day.
“We plan our schedules with kids’ needs in mind,” explains Linhart.
In addition to Fairfax, Golden Boot has more camps planned in McLean, Vienna, Burke and Arlington, plus weekly skills classes on Saturday mornings.
If there’s one thing that’s constant at Golden Boot, it’s their commitment to innovation and growth.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Our firm defends security clearance holders and applicants (federal employees, government contractors, and military personnel) when security issues arise. Here are some tips to consider when starting the security clearance process:
- Consult with an Attorney for Legal Advice When Issues May Arise: It is important to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible if there is the possibility of negative security issues arising. An individual has the best chance of resolving security concerns when they recognize a potential security concern and seek legal advice early. Doing so at the beginning of the clearance process usually maximizes the ability of an individual to mitigate any security concerns. When an individual has serious security concerns the longer they wait for legal advice the more difficult overcoming the issues may become.
- Answer Security Clearance Forms Carefully: It is pretty common for individuals to receive clearance denials because they did not adequately read the questions or proofread their responses on the SF-86/e-QIP before submission. Additionally, many questions on security clearance forms can be confusing which can lead to incorrect responses. A mistake on security clearance forms can lead to an assumption that the individual has not been truthful in their application.
- The Importance of Truthfulness: When an individual is not truthful during the clearance process it not only can bar the individual from receiving a security clearance but can raise a host of other legal issues. For example, it is a lot easier for a security clearance lawyer to mitigate security clearance concerns involving prior drug or alcohol usage, than it is to defend against an allegation that the individual was not truthful in their clearance application or interview about these issues. A potential caveat here might be if the issue involves alleged criminal activity so it is important to consult with counsel.
- Prepare for an Investigative Interview: If an individual knows that there is a good chance that problem areas exist in a security clearance application, he or she should expect to be asked about the areas in advance by the assigned investigator. Preparation (and practice) for the interview can help prepare for any problem areas in advance.
- Don’t React Defensively in Interviews: When asked about problem areas in a security clearance application by an investigator, do not react defensively. It is important to be calm and positive about the issues when speaking to an investigator. This is why we generally recommend preparing with counsel for a security clearance interview if there are significant security issues that may be raised. Arguing or acting defensive with an investigator will never benefit an individual in a security clearance investigation.
Contact Us
When potential security clearance issues arise, it is important to obtain the advice of an experienced security clearance lawyer as early in the clearance process as possible. Our law firm advises and represents individuals in the security clearance process. We can be contacted at www.berrylegal.com or by telephone at (703) 668-0070.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
A new pedestrian bridge is slated for installation this weekend over Wiehle Avenue at the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, according to the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
The installation will prompt the closure of Wiehle Avenue from midnight to 5 a.m. this Saturday (April 13).
The bridge replaces an at-grade crossing at the trail over Wiehle Avenue. Traffic will be detoured to Sunset Hills Road, Reston Parkway and Baron Cameron Avenue.
“The bridge will make it safer for walkers, bikers and drivers moving through this area,” Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn wrote in an email to constituents.
The project kicked off with a groundbreaking in March 2023. The bridge will be delivered in several sections and assembled in the parking lot along the north side of the existing business facilities. Assembly began in early April.
Here’s a breakdown of the planned detours:
Road Closure Hours: 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., Saturday April 13, 2024. Weather backup: 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., Sunday April 14, 2024.
A transportation management plan will be implemented for the total closure of Wiehle Avenue traffic during the bridge installation. Click here to see the Transportation Management Plan.
Police control will be provided at the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue as well as at the intersection of Roger Bacon Drive and Wiehle Avenue.
Traffic from Wiehle Avenue will be detoured to Sunset Hills Road, Reston Parkway and Baron Cameron Avenue.
All necessary traffic control signs for the detour will be installed prior to the road closure.
Appropriate signs will be installed for the closure of the sidewalk along Wiehle Avenue within the work area.
• The crosswalk and curb ramps at the intersection Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue will be kept open.
Chantilly Man Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material — “Detectives from our Child Abuse Squad began investigating William Riddell, 40, of Chantilly after it was reported he may have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor in Fairfax County.” [Fairfax County Police Department]
House Fire Injures Two Children — “A community is clinging to hope after a horrific house fire in Clifton, Virginia, badly injured two young children Wednesday, neighbors say. Two people were rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after being pulled from a burning home in the 13900 block of Whetstone Manor Court, Fairfax County Fire & EMS said. Three others have lesser injuries.” [NBC Washington]
Reston Hospital Expansion Continues — “Reston Hospital Center’s ongoing expansion won’t slow down. That’s the message from CEO Nathan Vooys, who took over the top role on March 4. The hospital, owned by HCA Healthcare, plans to build a freestanding ER in Leesburg, Vooys told me in an interview. It is targeting an opening by the end of 2025 or into 2026.” [Washington Business Journal]
Reston Startup Lands Big Funds from Arlington Firm — “Reston software engineering firm Raft LLC has received more than $60 million in new funding to build out its product line and hire more senior executives to bring in business. Arlington private equity firm Washington Harbour Partners LP announced the strategic investment in the 6-year-old government contractor Wednesday.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Thursday — Expect showers mainly after noon, with patchy fog developing after 3pm and a high near 69. The southeast wind will blow at 9-13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph, and a 70% chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts up to a quarter of an inch possible. Thursday night, showers and a potential thunderstorm are expected before 2am, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms until 5am, with chances of more showers and thunderstorm after 5am. Patchy fog may occur before 2am, the low will be around 57, and southeast wind at 11-16 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Precipitation chances are 100%, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. [NWS]
