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.

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor those who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s also the perfect kickoff to summer!

And in Fairfax County, you’re in for a treat. Here are seven exciting and enjoyable activities to check out in Fairfax County this Memorial Day weekend:

1. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, a picturesque waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and a farmer’s market.
2. Attend the Tephra ICA Arts Festival (formerly known as the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival), a three-day outdoor event at Reston Town Center showcasing the works of more than 200 artists.
3. Attend the annual National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., which features marching bands, floats, and patriotic performances.
4. Rolling to Remember is a multi-day event featuring the world’s largest police-escorted motorcycle ride to Rolling Thunder®, the biggest single-day motorcycle event globally. In 2023, the ride’s staging will return to the Pentagon.
5. ViVa! Vienna! is a family-focused celebration of Memorial Day and the vibrant Vienna community spirit. The festival runs all weekend and offers thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, unique crafts, lively vendors, and sensational live entertainment.
6. Join the City of Falls Church’s 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival! Enjoy a moving ceremony hosted by the Veteran’s Council, a 3K Fun Run, food and craft vendors, live music, kids’ entertainment, and a parade.
7. Flags In! Get ready to be moved by a powerful Memorial Day tradition that honors America’s fallen heroes. Just before the holiday weekend, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (the “Old Guard”) pays tribute by placing small American flags at gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery. This time-honored ceremony, known as “Flags In,” has been held annually since 1948, with every available soldier participating. Watch in awe as they place flags at more than 228,000 headstones and 7,000 niche rows, each one inserted precisely one boot length from the base.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Fairfax County over Memorial Day weekend. Whether you choose to attend a parade, visit a museum, or simply enjoy the outdoors, there is something for everyone in this beautiful part of Northern Virginia.

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

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

We need this notarized now! Who does that? Now there’s an answer: DC Mobile Notary 

You might not need the services of a notary public every day, but when you do, there is generally a mad scramble to figure out where the nearest notary is. Sometimes, deadlines are missed.

Now the answer for the nearest notary is easy: DC Mobile Notary, like the name says, comes to you, with same-day, fast, reliable, and on-time service to sign and seal the documents you need to complete transactions, authorize wills and powers of attorney, and certify oaths, affirmations, affidavits, and statutory declarations. 

Among other services offered by these trained professionals, DC Mobile Notary can assist in real estate closings, I-9 employment verification, international embassy legalization, and apostille services.

While DC Mobile Notary is happy to come to where you are — including hospitals, nursing homes, offices, and private residences — the company also offers remote online legal services, employing sophisticated ID authentication methods for a seamless and reliable remote notary experience. Printing and other services are available.

“What makes us special is that we offer flexible and convenient solutions to our clients by providing notary services in-person at their location or ours and we offer online notary services,” DC Mobile Notary said in a statement. “This allows our clients to benefit from our expertise without having to leave their homes or offices, saving them time and hassle.

Further, “we pride ourselves on being responsive, reliable, and professional, and we strive to deliver exceptional service to each and every client. Our knowledgeable and experienced notaries are equipped to handle a variety of notary needs, ensuring that our clients’ documents are properly notarized in a timely and efficient manner.

“Our commitment to quality service, flexible solutions, and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted provider of notary services in the Washington, D.C. area.”

To reach DC Mobile Notary, call 202-247-0837, email at [email protected], or see the website at dcmobilenotary.com.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Aging research leader Mather Institute has released groundbreaking findings from its Age Well Study, shedding light on the health and wellness of residents living in Life Plan Communities across the US.

Conducted over five years and in collaboration with Northwestern University, the study surveyed more than 8,200 residents across 122 communities, comparing their responses to those of demographically similar older adults in the community at large. The results are eye-opening: residents of Life Plan Communities reported significantly better physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and vocational wellness compared to their community-at-large counterparts.

Residents living in this type of community reported better outcomes in five of six different dimensions of wellness in 2018, and five years later continued to report significantly better health than those living in the community at large. That’s a powerful indicator of aging well.

Mather Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather, a Life Plan Community that will open in Tysons, VA, in 2024. Life Plan Communities are age-restricted lifestyle communities in which people can pursue passions and priorities, with a plan in place that supports aging well. Life Plan Communities provide an important benefit: a continuum of living options, which enables people to plan ahead to access additional services, including health care, if ever needed.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD 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 [email protected].

Today is the start of Teacher Appreciation Week, which comes at a good time when they’re all tired from the year and stressed from prepping for SOL testing.

I know local PTA’s have organized things like food, flowers, and cards from the classes to show the homeroom teachers some love, but I wanted to throw out some other ideas — from the wife of a teacher:

1. We all know teachers love kids, but that doesn’t mean they don’t also love cash and gift cards. Find out where they love to eat, shop, play or get a generic Target/Amazon gift card and let them do something for themselves.
2. My husband has kept cards from students from decades ago. A meaningful card does go a long way. If that’s all you can do, that’s still a lot!
3. Don’t forget the special teachers (music, PE, art) and special ed teachers. They often get forgotten since they’re not homeroom teachers.

Great teachers can make a huge difference in a kids life. Thank you teachers for all that you do everyday!

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.

Volunteer work is a wonderful use of your time. Doing something worthwhile for others offers a wealth of benefits to your own well-being, from keeping you mentally and socially active to strengthening your sense of purpose and satisfaction with life.

When The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, opens in Tysons in 2024, it will be home to some dedicated volunteers. One of them is Bob Fall, who dedicates approximately 30 hours a week during basketball season as an assistant coach for the girls’ varsity team at Langley High School.

Bob has served as one of two assistant coaches on the team for eight years. “I did this while I was still working a ‘real job’ — I’m not sure how I did that!” he says. “We have to do a tremendous amount of prep work. I watch a heck of a lot of film of the teams we play, as well as our own team.”

He enjoys the camaraderie with the other coaches, and the energy of the kids. “This is a particularly satisfying experience, because I’m part of a small, stable coaching staff that works well together,” he says. “And it’s a very energetic atmosphere to be in a gym with 12 teenage girls. There’s a lot of intensity — it keeps me young. It’s just fantastic.”

Staying Local

Currently living in Annandale, Bob and his wife Helen have lived in the area since he went to law school at George Washington University. He worked at the Freddie Mac headquarters, close to The Mather’s location. “I used to jog past The Mather’s future site on my lunch hour,” he says.

As they prepare to move to Tysons, Bob says, “I’m looking forward to joining a community in which I know there will be a lot of activities, and opportunities to be with interesting people, with learning opportunities all the time.”

Benefits of Volunteering

Interestingly, some volunteer activities may be better than others when it comes to life satisfaction. Research from Mather Institute looked at different formal and informal volunteer activities and found that many older adults could increase their life satisfaction by choosing formal activities, generally done through an organization, as opposed to informal activities like helping out a neighbor or friend.

Mather Institute is the research area of Mather, the parent organization to The Mather. The Institute is an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations.

“In our study on ‘the value of volunteering,’ we found that not all opportunities offer the same psychological benefits,” says study author Nicole Lehpamer, PhD, senior research associate at Mather Institute. The study reveals that volunteer activities most likely to increase your life satisfaction include:

• Fundraising
• Mentoring youth or tutoring and teaching
• Collecting, preparing, serving, or distributing food
• General labor (like cleaning up a public park)

Want to find a volunteer opportunity that will maximize your life satisfaction? Start by looking at local community groups, schools, or places of worship for formal volunteer opportunities like those listed above.

The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Pierce’s award-winning condominiums in Arlington, Virginia are the epitome of luxury living. With a superior location, premier amenities and highly desired residences, Pierce has had 12 new sales in the past month and remaining inventory will not be here for long!

Join us for a Champagne Open House on Sunday, May 7, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., to experience the refined lifestyle offered at Pierce and tour our stunning new models.

Now, there’s even more reason to consider calling Pierce home with new pricing on 2-bedroom and den floor plans: most over 2,000 Sq. Ft. and several with spectacular views. Pierce offers chef-inspired kitchens with oversized islands and wine refrigerators, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.

Use your den as a dedicated home office, savor relaxing moments in your spa-like owner’s bath, and provide the perfect atmosphere for guests in your generously sized entertainment spaces.

Enjoy access to our expansive 2-story fitness center, 24-hour white-glove concierge service, and a decadent rooftop pool and terrace with breathtaking views of the Potomac River and D.C. skyline. Pierce also offers onsite garage parking and indoor bike storage for the utmost in convenience.

Stepping out from Pierce’s luxurious, hotel-style lobby, you’re minutes from the Rosslyn Metro, nearby parks, high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment. The best of D.C. culture is just outside your door.

Get ready to indulge in all these exceptional comforts and more. Picturesque, elegant, and vibrant, there is no better place to call home than Pierce. Learn more or schedule a private tour at PierceVA.com.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

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.

Looking for fun and affordable date ideas in Fairfax County? Check out our top 5 date nights (or day dates)!

1. Head to The Boro for scrumptious shrimp ceviche and grilled fish tacos at Fish Taco. Save room for Plant Burger’s irresistible dairy-free shakes, like the Campfire S’mores flavor. Cap off the night with a trip down memory lane at Whole Foods’ arcade featuring an impressive selection of 80s and 90s video games.

2. The vibrant Mosaic District is a perfect date spot with something for everyone. Experience the delectable Cuban food at the lively Colada Shop or indulge in the mouth-watering Mexican cuisine at Urbano. Take a leisurely walk after dinner and find yourself in the lush green space where you can relax, connect and savor the moment with your special someone.

3. and 4. Looking for an active and delicious date idea? Look no further than hitting the W& OD trail for a cycling or running adventure! Not only will you enjoy the beautiful outdoors and get some exercise in, but you’ll also have plenty of yummy options to fuel up along the way. Stop by Sushi Yoshi for fresh and flavorful sushi, grab a refreshing smoothie and South Block or indulge in some savory tacos at Taco Bamba, all located right off the trail in Vienna. This is the perfect way to combine fitness and food while making lasting memories with your special someone.

5. Why not try Aim Point airsoft shooting inside Fair Oaks mall? It’s a thrilling and exciting way to bond with your special someone while getting your adrenaline pumping. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Coastal Flats for some delicious cuisine. Indulge in their mouth-watering seafood dishes or treat yourself to a juicy steak. This date night is sure to be a memorable one that you’ll be talking about for years to come!

 Make your date nights unforgettable, even on a budget!

Whether you’re exploring new places, trying new activities, or simply enjoying each other’s company, remember to savor every moment and create lasting memories.

Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.

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

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD 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 [email protected].

The end of April, early May means that strawberries are ready for picking.

The weather this week looks amazing and I’ll take any excuse to get outside and enjoy it before we get the heat and humidity coming. This is my annual PSA that there are so many great places to go berry picking around Northern Virginia.

Don’t forget: they’ll shut down for a day or two if they get over picked so make sure you’re checking their websites/social media for current updates.

• Messick’s Farm in Bealton, Virginixa: Check their Facebook page for updates on the availability of U-pick. While Messick’s has their own custard and availability of treats and food, we drove about three miles down the road to the famous Moo Thru — an ice cream drive-thru, which was so good. (Coffee ice cream was delicious!) Their Strawberry Festival starts on Saturday, April 29 and includes Barrel Train Rides, hayrides, bounce pillow, zipline, goats, candy cannon and kids tattoos. Weekends from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wegmeyer Farms has three locations in Hamilton, Aldie and Leesburg, Virginia. Make sure you follow them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information (as of this writing on April 24, the berries are almost ready). Don’t miss their donuts!
• Hollin Farms in Delaplane, Virginia: Hollin Farms will open in late May for strawberries and spring vegetables. They have a lot of other fruit throughout the year as well.
• Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland: Strawberries should be ready for picking in May.
• Shlagel Farms in Waldorf, Maryland: Shlagel Farms will be open in May. They update availability on their Facebook page.
• Swann Farms in Owings, Maryland: Check their website for updates, as they too should be ready for picking in May.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.

A multitude of research shows that those who spend time planting or cultivating a garden can end up reaping a variety of health benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. This is good news for avid gardeners in the D.C. area, many of whom are transplants themselves from other parts of the United States.

A Passion for Plants

Lou Marotta had never set foot in Virginia before he moved here with his husband Michael after retiring from a career in interior design. A long-time gardener, Lou says, “I gradually went from being a doer — digging, moving things around, and getting my hands in the dirt — to becoming a creator. I think about the color and texture of a garden, and create composition. It’s been a 40-year transition.”

Lou says he and Michael plan to move from the farm to The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, when it opens in Tysons, Virginia, in 2024. “I’m a city person and will be happy to get back to that environment — though I love the idea of The Mather’s three-acre garden,” he says. “We’re looking forward to moving to a sophisticated community with like-minded people. And, of course, there are practical factors, like health care.” The Mather provides residents with health care services, should the need ever arise.

Another gardener moving to The Mather is Lavona Grow, who has a special passion for native plants and pollinators. “I feel it’s part of my job to plant what birds and butterflies and bees want,” she says. “In fact, before we move to The Mather next year, I’m hoping to get our yard certified as a wildlife habitat.”

Lavona has planted her Arlington yard with goldenrod — “It looks great in autumn,” she says — New York asters, lungworts, dwarf iris, a serviceberry tree, and some redbud trees. She adds, “I like to use pots, because you can move them around and change them out. I like to play with colors.”

Whether planting perennials in pots or sowing seeds in soil, working with plants is good for you.

A Bouquet of Health Benefits

Multiple studies show that gardening is an ideal way to cultivate good health:

Stress relief: Dutch researchers found that gardening fights stress better than other hobbies. In their study, participants who gardened outdoors reported better moods and tested for lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who spent time reading.

Physical activity: Gardening may not burn a lot of calories, but activities like digging and weeding are wonderful forms of low-impact exercise. The stretching and repetitive movements are good for those who may not be able to exercise more vigorously.

Healthy diet: A University of Florida study found that people who learn to garden as children or young adults are far more likely to eat the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and far more likely to enjoy them.

Mood boost: Researchers found that people diagnosed with depression who spent six hours a week gardening showed a measurable improvement in their depressive symptoms; this trend continued for three months after the gardening program stopped.

Lavona strongly believes in these benefits and more: “It’s good exercise, and I do believe it’s a mood booster. I think the physical aspect of gardening is a stress reliever, and it can even get a little spiritual, thinking about the interconnectedness of life,” she says.

The Mather in Tysons, VA, for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. It opens in 2024.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com

Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD 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 [email protected].

A hot topic in every real estate sale is the home inspection process. In recent years, sometimes that inspection never happened, or it happened after a home was purchased. If you were lucky, you had the chance to do a pre-inspection before making an offer.

Many of my clients use the team at Enlighten Home Inspections — a team of 6 licensed inspectors. I had a conversation with owner Isaac Kieffer about a residential home inspection and some of his thoughts and advice. The company has been serving clients in the DC, MD and VA region for 10 years.

Here’s what came out of that:

Q: What are the top 3 concerns that come up during an inspection?

A: In my opinion, the three of the biggest concerns during a home inspection are water, water, water. Water is the enemy of the house, and knowing how to manage the water on your property can be the best way to protect the future of your property. Other major areas of concern that home inspectors can help discover are health and safety concerns as well as costly defects of various varieties.

Q: What is something you wish buyers knew about inspections?

A: Home inspectors are on your team. A good home inspector will be able to make a buyer more knowledgeable of the condition of the property that they are considering buying. Inspectors will go into areas of the homes that buyers may not think to explore or do not feel comfortable to go themselves (i.e. attics and crawl spaces). Inspectors give insight into budgeting timelines for future replacement of major appliances and systems, which equips a prospective buyer with a game plan on how to maintain their investment as well as give them peace of mind in understanding more fully what they are purchasing.

Q: What is the most common thing you see with new home inspections? Why should a buyer do a pre-drywall inspection in addition to the final?

A: I often feel that a home inspector is the final punch list. I have yet to perform an inspection, new or old, where I did not have a report with 50+ defects. It is much easier to ask the builder to fix the issues, while they have crews contracted for the work and still own the property, than when the owner takes possession of the property.

Inspections during the pre-drywall phase of construction are a good idea because this is the best chance for an inspector to see the structure. Many of the defects that we find during a pre-drywall inspection ultimately end up being covered by drywall or siding, so these defects can go unnoticed until there is a major issue and the house no longer has a builder warranty.

Q: What items do you see come up that make buyers most panicked?

A: Major structural issues tend to give buyers the most pause. Everything is fixable but the cost and time required to make structural repairs can make buyers think twice about purchasing a property. Roof leaks are another issue that can give purchasers pause especially when there is limited ability to negotiate. Buying a house is a huge investment, and major expenses out of the gates are often overwhelming so having a better understanding of these areas often can help to reduce some of the anxiety of purchasing a house.

Q: What is your best piece of advice for homeowners thinking of selling their home soon?

A: Take care of the little maintenance issues that you are aware of. If you know a good handy person, they can fix most issues. If these nuisances are not fixed ahead of time and you have to negotiate against a home inspection, typically a licensed professional is required for the repairs, and the cost can become much more exorbitant.

Declutter and present the house in a way that will set you up for success. Realtors are a great source of knowledge, so do not hesitate to ask them what other sellers on the market are doing to sell their house quickly.

Lastly, make sure you have nice clear paths for the home inspector to access all major appliances!

If you’re looking for an annual checklist of items to help tune up your home, please email me. I give clients a checklist to help them and I’m happy to share it!

You can follow the adventures of these home inspectors on Instagram at @enlightenhomeinspections.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com