OmBaked CBD Boutique at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

OmBaked CBD Boutique at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston is hosting a holistic health fair next month.

The event , Scheduled for May 19, aims to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, according to a press release. It will feature local vendors showcasing eco-friendly products and practices, along with educational exhibits on the importance of preserving natural resources.

Located at 11414 Washington Plaza, the boutique opened late last year and offers a variety of cannabidiol products focused on holistic wellness.

According to the owner, Radhika Murari, all profits from the event will go to Earth Sangha, a local native plant nursery involved in conservation efforts in Northern Virginia for over 30 years.

Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra and Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn are also expected to attend, discussing their health initiatives.

Read more on FFXnow…

Morning Notes

Boaters and geese can be seen in the distance on Lake Accotink (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Man fires gun at dog, Fairfax County police say — “Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said they received a report of a man firing a gun at a dog in Annandale on Thursday morning.” [DC News Now]

Fairfax County libraries hosting used book sales this spring — “There’s no need to spend a fortune on brand-new books — various Friends of the Library groups throughout Fairfax County are holding used book sales this spring that can help you stock your bookshelves for a lower price, all while supporting the library.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Footwear retailer New Balance opens in Mosaic District — “Specializing in one-on-one service, New Balance Mosaic District offers a wide variety of footwear and apparel.” [Patch]

All Virginia drivers required to have insurance by July 1 — “All Virginia drivers will be required to have vehicle insurance starting on July 1, ending the Uninsured Motorists Fund.” [WAVY]

It’s Monday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 64 accompanied by a northwest wind at 7 to 9 mph during the day. The night will be mostly clear with the temperature dropping to around 40. The northwest wind will decrease to around 5 mph and become calm as evening approaches. [NWS]

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Morning Notes

Beaver munching on grass by Walney Pond in Chantilly (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Shake Shack proposed for Kamp Washington Shopping Center — “Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review approved exterior designs for two new restaurants planned for the former Just Tires location.” [Patch]

A Fairfax County school bus crashes into a DMV — A Fairfax County school bus struck the relatively new Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building on Braddock Road Thursday morning when another driver failed to yield, forcing the bus driver to swerve off the road, Fairfax County police said. [Northern Virginia Magazine]

Poetry in the Parks coming to Turner Farm Park Observatory — “April is National Poetry Month, and ArtsFairfax and the Fairfax County Park Authority are kicking off a summer of fun poetry events to get you inspired. Poetry in the Parks is a series of poetry readings and workshops, created by Fairfax County Poet Laureate Daniella Badra, that will span from April 27 to August 17.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]

The Peterson family, of Fairfax-based Peterson Cos., donates $20 million to Inova Health System — “Inova Health System just landed another substantial donation from big names in Greater Washington’s real estate world, putting the system closer to its $75 million fundraising goal.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Friday — Expect showers after 2pm, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 65 degrees. The southeast wind will blow at 6 to 8 mph, and there’s a 30% chance of precipitation. For Friday night, showers are likely in a mostly cloudy setting and a low temperature of around 54 degrees. The southeast wind will be around 6 mph before transitioning to a northwest wind after midnight, with a 50% chance of precipitation. [NWS]

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Taim Mediterranean Kitchen is officially open in Reston (Photo courtesy taim).

Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston has permanently closed just four months after its opening.

The New York-based chain, known for its falafel, initially held a grand opening at 11692 Plaza America Drive in Reston on Dec. 6. However, the restaurant suddenly closed this month without warning.

The closure of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen in Reston was not announced on the company’s social media accounts, but Google has marked it as “permanently closed.” When FFXnow contacted its sister restaurant in D.C., a manager confirmed that the closure is permanent.

The owner did not respond to a request for more information by press time.

Taim has 13 eateries along the eastern seaboard, nearly all of which are in New York. There is one location in D.C., and another was planned for Vienna, although there have been no updates on its opening.

None of the company’s other locations appear to have closed, according to Google.

Read more on FFXnow…

Morning Notes

Cat (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Cat declawing to be banned in Virginia — “Veterinarians will not be allowed to declaw cats in Virginia starting in July, unless there are certain ‘therapeutic’ reasons to do so.” [ABC8]

Proposed 4-cent tax hike prompts community debate — “The proposed Fairfax County budget comes with a hefty real estate tax increase, and a lot of opinions from community members.” [WUSA9]

Historic McLean garden tour returns this weekend — “This walking tour showcases Ballantrae Farm — a 6.5-acre estate with a 1923 Colonial Revival manor house, a c. 1843 farmhouse and extensively landscaped grounds with areas for outdoor entertaining, a sunken tennis court, a hidden treehouse, and a walled kitchen garden.” [Eventbrite]

Two Florida men arrested for string of car break-ins at Fairfax parks — “Fairfax County police say two Florida men are under arrest and have been charged in connection with a string of car break-ins at parks across the Virginia county during a nearly two-year period.” [WTOP]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly sunny day with temperatures reaching a high near 79 degrees, accompanied by a northwest wind blowing at 6 to 10 mph. As for Thursday night, the clouds will increase and the temperature will drop to around 51 degrees, with an east wind at 6 to 9 mph. [NWS]

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The Knutson Companies is thrilled to announce new opportunities for Loudoun County living with the release of a new section of rooftop terrace townhomes and a brand new community of garage townhomes. Each community offers a distinctive living experience tailored to fit your family’s lifestyle, blending Knutson’s signature classic design with the convenience and vibrancy of Brambleton.

The spacious townhomes in the new section at Knutson at Downtown Brambleton offer up to 5 bedrooms, nearly 3,000 square feet of living space and a loft and rooftop terrace — your Yard in the Sky. The previous section sold out quickly and this new section is now open for sales from the high $700s.

Knutson West Park at Brambleton presents a new community of garage townhomes from the mid $600s. These homes boast private backyards, ideal for family fun and neighborhood gatherings, 3 bedrooms and flexible home office space.

Both communities have a coveted location within walking distance of Downtown Brambleton, a retail hub with a plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options. The Brambleton neighborhood also offers homeowners access to award-winning neighborhood schools, sport courts, walking trails, pools and more. There are also year-round community events with activities for everyone in the family to enjoy.

These homes provide the perfect backdrop for life’s next chapter, offering sought-after new construction options in Loudoun County and embodying the Knutson Companies’ commitment to crafting exceptional living spaces in enriching neighborhoods.

Learn more and schedule a tour at DowntownBrambleton.com and KnutsonatWestPark.com.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Lake Anne Plaza in Reston (staff photo by James Jarvis)

The Lake Anne Plaza summer concert series is making a comeback after a five-year break.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 12, the community will host weekly music events every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. in the plaza until Aug. 12, per a press release. Before 2019, the concert series, known as “Sunset Concerts at Lake Anne Plaza,” had been held consistently for 20 years.

“We are delighted to bring a high-quality variety of musical styles to Lake Anne again,” Reston Community Center (RCC) Board Chair Beverly Cosham said in the release. “Lake Anne Plaza is where RCC’s summer concert series began. As we’ve branched out to some of Reston’s newest neighborhoods, it’s sweet to be back where we started in 2024.”

RCC has agreed to support Reston nonprofit events at Lake Anne Plaza by becoming an annual Community Sponsor.

This sponsorship will allow the the Lake Anne of Reston Condominium Association (LARCA) to waive use fees for Reston nonprofits hosting events on the plaza. RCC will also have its concert series fees waived. Two sponsorships will be implemented this year: one for $12,000 covering plaza events in May and June, and another for $50,000 starting July 1, covering events until June 30, 2025.

“We are happy to host RCC-funded Reston area organized events on our property for the enjoyment of the greater Reston community, while at the same time ensuring the maintenance, cleaning, and insuring costs are not borne by the association,” President of LARCA George Hadjikyriakou said in the release. “We look forward to the continued partnership as it benefits everyone.”

The first event is scheduled for June 12, featuring a performance by the Mystic Warriors.

Read more on FFXnow…

Fairfax County police vehicle with lights (file photo)

A juvenile was arrested for allegedly abducting and raping an adult woman in Reston.

The incident occurred just before 11:30 p.m. on April 15 in the laundry room of an apartment building on the 11900 block of Winterthur Lane, according to a Fairfax County Police Department press release. The victim was threatened with a knife before being sexually assaulted, police say.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau quickly identified and apprehended the suspect following the incident. The juvenile is now being held at the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of rape, forcible sodomy and abduction with the intent to defile, without the possibility of bond.

According to police, the victim recognized the suspect from the area, but does not know them.

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A statue of Reston founder Robert E. Simon sits on a bench at Lake Anne Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Reston is sort of an odd duck — an Epcot-like planned community named for its founder Robert E. Simon — and anyone curious about how it came together can learn all about it at a walking tour this weekend.

The Reston Museum has opened registration for a historic walking tour.

The tours are scheduled for 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, April 27, May 18 and May 25.

“Learn about the founding of Reston through our historic walking tour,” the Reston Museum said. “Learn about how Reston’s founding principles were implemented and the early history of Reston’s art and architecture.”

Tickets are $10 for non-museum members or free for museum members.

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Morning Notes

Falls Church High School entrance (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax Schools could lose millions under proposed Youngkin budget amendments — “Fairfax County Public Schools would lose over $6 million in funding for English language learners in each of the next two years, as a result of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed changes to the state’s budget.” [WTOP]

Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market — “Female-owned Caboose Commons is hosting Women’s Market Sunday afternoon in the Mosaic District, featuring more than 20 women vendors.” [Patch]

Fairfax students use AI to create an algorithm for classifying brain signals — “Ramachandran said he and Nalini considered different types of available technology for analyzing brain signals. In some cases, patients get implants, which Ramachandran said are innovative but ‘require a level of invasiveness that isn’t really ideal for everyone.'” [WTOP]

Non-fatal student overdose reported at Falls Church High School — “A non-fatal student overdose was reported at Falls Church High School Monday, Fairfax County police said.” [ABC7]

It’s Wednesday — Expect showers with possible thunderstorms after 5pm, cloudy skies, and a high near 70 accompanied by a southeast wind at 5-7 mph. Precipitation chance stands at 70%, with new rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch, although higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms. On Wednesday night, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 pm, with showers likely and possible thunderstorms between 8 pm and 2 am, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 am. The night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 59, southeast wind at 6-8 mph, and a 60% chance of precipitation. Similar to the day, new rainfall amounts will be less than a tenth of an inch except for potentially higher amounts in thunderstorms. [NWS]

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South Lake Drive Park basketball court (courtesy of Fairfax County Park Authority)

The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking feedback from residents on proposed improvements to the basketball court at South Lakes Drive Park in Reston.

Below is a list of the proposed improvements, according to the park authority’s website.

  • Repaving the court surface
  • Installing perimeter paneling and gates
  • Adding combination futsal/basketball goals
  • Constructing an ADA accessible pathway

The improvements at 11951 South Lakes Drive are part of a broader initiative to meet the increasing demand for sports facilities across the county, per the county’s website.

“The Park Authority is committed to improving recreational opportunities for a diverse array of recreational opportunities, including relatively young sports with a rapidly growing interest such as pickleball and futsal,” spokesperson for the park authority Ben Boxer told FFxnow.

Earlier this month, the park authority announced that the basketball court at McLean Central Park is also undergoing renovations.

According to Boxer, the upgrades are financed through multiple channels, including park authority maintenance budgets, ARPA funds, grants and additional third-party sources.

The survey, which was published last week, will remain open until 5 p.m. on May 10.

Read more on FFXnow…

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