Madison Community Center will temporarily close beginning in June for a multimillion-dollar overhaul, expected to last for about a year.
The community center at 3829 N. Stafford Street will close on Monday, June 15. Planned upgrades including a new air conditioning system to replace window units, a new roof to address leaks and deterioration, a redesign of the lower level and new ceiling tiles and lighting, according to a county webpage.
An Arlington police officer who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon has died from cancer related to those recovery efforts.
The Arlington County Police Department honored Cpl. Barry Foust’s 35 years of service with the agency in a press release today (Tuesday). Foust, who was on patrol the day of the terrorist attack and helped launch Arlington County’s response, died Friday following a cancer diagnosis in June 2025.
No matter your age, having a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. A properly prepared will ensures your wishes are carried out, helps reduce family disputes, and can make the estate administration process much smoother.
Unfortunately, many Virginians make avoidable mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and expense for their loved ones. Here are five of the most common.
Online templates and DIY wills may seem like an easy way to save money, but they often create bigger problems later. Virginia law has specific requirements for a valid will, including proper signatures and witness requirements. Even small mistakes can leave a will open to challenges or delay the administration of an estate.
A will shouldn’t be something you create once and forget. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, buying a home, or losing a loved one can all affect your estate plan.
Reviewing your will every few years—or after a major life event—helps ensure it still reflects your wishes and keeps your loved ones protected.
Virginia no longer has a state estate tax, but federal estate taxes may still affect larger estates. As home values and investments continue to grow, more families may find themselves closer to the federal exemption than they expected.
Planning ahead can help minimize tax consequences and preserve more of your estate for your beneficiaries.
For parents, a will does more than distribute assets—it allows you to name a guardian for your minor children. Without that designation, a court may ultimately decide who will care for them.
Many families also choose to establish a trust so inherited assets can be managed responsibly until children reach an age or milestone they determine is appropriate.
Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying debts, and distributing your assets. Selecting someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling those responsibilities is just as important as deciding who inherits your property.
It’s also essential to clearly identify your beneficiaries. Vague language or outdated information can create confusion and, in some cases, disputes among family members.
A will is only one part of a comprehensive estate plan. Depending on your circumstances, you may also benefit from:
Together, these documents can help protect your finances, outline your healthcare wishes, and simplify matters for your family if you’re ever unable to make decisions yourself.
A well-prepared estate plan provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. By avoiding these common mistakes and keeping your documents up to date, you can help ensure your wishes are honored while reducing stress for your family in the future.
If it’s been several years since you’ve reviewed your will—or you’ve never created one—it may be time to speak with an experienced Virginia estate planning attorney about your options.
At PJI Law, PLC, we work with clients across Fairfax and Northern Virginia to build estate plans that reflect their intentions and align with Virginia law. Our estate planning attorneys take the time to review your assets, beneficiary designations, business interests, and family structure so your plan works as intended.
Whether you’re creating your first will or revisiting an existing one, our team will help you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your entire estate plan.
Call (703) 865-6100 or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
PJI Law, PLC
3900 Jermantown Rd, 2nd Floor
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
(703) 865-6100
https://pjilaw.com
On weekends in the Arlington Forest neighborhood, locals may notice a pink bake stand loaded with fresh bagels, cookies and loaves of sourdough for pickup.
Isabella Fortunato started the stand, Crumb to Mama, about nine months ago from her home kitchen. A self-described “local sourdough dealer,” Fortunato runs the microbakery with Saturday morning pickups from her driveway.
The Costco in Pentagon City is temporarily closing its food court for a couple months of renovations.
The wholesale retailer at 1200 S. Fern Street is planning to overhaul its dining area with updated kitchen equipment and fixtures, resulting in a closure starting today (Tuesday), General Manager John Ward told ARLnow.
Join DC Road Runners and Potomac Valley Track Club for our annual Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles. The event is open to runners of all ages and paces as well as nonmembers.
This event hosts 400 meter and 800 meter races for kids ages 1-8, as well as multiple 1-mile heats for participants of all ages. There is also a 3K race that is open to participants of all ages.
Two days of vendors, activities and pet-themed fun are returning to Clarendon in an annual market happening this weekend.
Pet Palooza is coming to 2800 Clarendon Blvd from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 30-31, bringing pet adoption opportunities, live music and giveaways. More than 50 vendors are expected to participate, offering items like handmade pet accessories, treats and toys.
A potential ban on gas-powered leaf blowers in Arlington is moving forward, with county staff preparing draft regulations for community and County Board consideration.
Board action as early as this summer could start the clock ticking on a multi-year phaseout period.
Some Metro travelers are experiencing delays during their commutes this morning due to a downed tree near Arlington National Cemetery.
Shuttle service for the Blue Line is currently operating between Rosslyn and the Pentagon, and Metro is warning of delays on the Orange and Yellow lines in both directions due to train congestion, according to the most recent advisory.
Budget cuts at Arlington’s historic preservation office could keep services relatively bare-bones, county officials acknowledge.
“We will need to be doing some adjustments — see what other options we have,” said Lorin Faris, the county government’s historic preservation supervisor, at the May 20 meeting of the county’s Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB).
Ex-Arlington Officer Charged — A former Arlington County police officer has been charged with three counts of solicitation of a minor following a Fairfax County police investigation. Lawrence Lofzewski, 37, of Springfield served with ACPD from 2022 to 2025 and previously with D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, FCPD said. He was working as a mental health associate at Rivermont Schools in Lorton at the time of his arrest. [WJLA]
Trump Speaks at ANC — President Donald Trump honored the nation’s fallen service members Monday during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, speaking before veterans, active-duty military personnel and Gold Star families near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “From 1776 to 2026, America has always stood as a great and moral cause,” Trump said. [The National Desk]
Mini Grant Applications Open — Arlington County’s Neighborhood Mini Grant Program is accepting applications through July 17 for projects that promote community building, racial equity and inclusion. Up to $25,000 in total funding is available, with grants capped at $1,000 per applicant. Eligible projects include block parties, neighborhood clean-ups and small beautification efforts. [Arlington County]
Recycle Right Rollout — The County is rolling out a new “Recycle Right” initiative aimed at reducing contamination in curbside recycling. Key reminders: keep recyclables empty, clean and dry; leave out plastic bags; and flatten cardboard boxes. The County’s “Where Does It Go?” tool offers item-by-item disposal guidance. [Arlington County]
Holiday Travelers at DCA — At Reagan National, travelers told WTOP about their Memorial Day plans. “I’m here to celebrate my brother’s 80th birthday,” said Marcel, who flew in from Atlanta. “He has no idea and it’s been a secret for two months.” AAA expected 45 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles over the holiday weekend. [WTOP]
Diploma 60 Years Later — Arlington resident Ken Grundborg twice missed his Georgia Tech commencement ceremonies — in 1960, when the Army sent him to Korea after he finished undergrad, and again in 1966, when graduate work was followed by a posting to Vietnam. Six decades later, the school welcomed the 88-year-old retired Army colonel back to receive both diplomas. “It was the most memorable day of my life,” Grundborg said. [Kiwanis Club of South Arlington]
Arlington 1958 Flashback — Falls Church News-Press columnist Bill Fogarty looks back at May 1958 in Arlington, when the County considered an $8 million bond referendum that would help build a new Central Library on Quincy Street and a new Courthouse, while the School Board narrowly defeated a motion to require sitting teachers to sign a “non-Communist oath.” New hires, however, would have to. [FCNP]
Spanberger Defends Veto — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), speaking at the Center for American Progress’ Ideas conference in Washington, defended her veto of public sector collective bargaining legislation passed by the Virginia legislature. “I continue to support public sector collective bargaining. And I continue to look forward to a place where we’ll have a bill that I’ll sign into law,” she said, citing implementation concerns. [FNCP]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly cloudy skies today with patchy fog and a 40% chance of rain showers. High near 77 with an east wind around 1–5 mph. Showers and thunderstorms become more likely overnight, with a low around 66. [NWS]
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