Drought Watch in Effect for Northern Virginia
 The Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments declared a Drought Watch for the region due to unusually dry conditions. Unusually dry conditions are expected to persist despite recent rainfall.
The regional Drought Watch applies to nearly six million residents across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The region’s last Drought Watch occurred July 2024 to June 2025.
This year, from March to April, the region experienced record-breaking high temperatures along with some periods of historically low streamflow levels. The Potomac River reached its lowest level during this period, based on 130 years of data! In addition, the two-year precipitation deficit is almost eight inches.
While there is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, residents and businesses are encouraged to practice wise water use by taking simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect the region’s water resources.
Tips for Wise Water Use:
INDOOR
- Reduce shower length to under five minutes
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
- Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets
OUTDOOR
- Monitor watering lawns, plants, and shrubs
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose)
- Avoid washing your car; instead, use a commercial car wash that recycles water
Old Glory Rugby Match to Include Coast Guard Flyover
As part of Old Glory Rugby's Military Appreciation Day celebration on June 6, the U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a ceremonial flyover to honor service members and their families. The flyover is scheduled for 4:04 p.m., just before kickoff, and will last around 15 seconds.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Keith Morrisroe, Sr. Associate AD for Facilities & Events, at kmorrisr@gmu.edu.
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Blenheim Boulevard Construction Information Meeting, June 30
The city will host a Blenheim Boulevard construction information meeting on Tuesday, June 30 at 5 p.m. in the work session room in City Hall.
The project team will present information about the construction schedule, work hours, contractor parking, equipment staging, and overlap with other capital improvement projects occurring along the boulevard, such as the Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center.
The projects will be coordinated to reduce disruption to residents and other stakeholders; however, construction activity will be evident, especially during the summer months. Construction activity typically includes truck traffic, dust, noise, tree removal, and lane closures.
Add this meeting to your calendar.
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Purchase a Commemorative 250th T-shirt
The Independence Day Celebration Committee is selling T-shirts with the 2026 logo/theme, “VA 250.” T-shirts will be available in tie-dye and light blue colors, while supplies last. Trucker hats and visors will also be available for purchase, while supplies last.
Sale Locations and Times
- 9 a.m. to noon June 6 at City Hall
- 2 to 4 p.m. June 13 at Commonwealth Brewery, 10426 Main St.
- 6 to 9:30 p.m. June 26 at Old Town Square, 10415 North St.
- 2 to 3 p.m. June 28 at Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center
Order your merch today!
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Council Reporter for the June 2 Work Session
 Pictured from left to right: Mayor Catherine Read and City Councilmembers Anthony Amos, Billy Bates, Stacy Hall, Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Rachel McQuillen, and Thomas Peterson.
The city council met on June 2. View the full Council Reporter with linked videos of the discussions. A summary is provided below.
Presentations
Katherine Johnson Middle School students presented sustainable design ideas for redeveloping Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center.
Over the course of several months in fall 2025 and early 2026, students in the leadership class at Katherine Johnson Middle School worked on planning projects with a focus on sustainability for Northfax and Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center. Students were given background information on both locations and asked to select one to propose a redevelopment program.
The students were challenged to consider stormwater needs and reducing runoff, improving pedestrian safety, and strengthening the local economy in their redevelopment proposals.
Work Session
Discussed a grant supplemental appropriation resolution in the amount of $1,815,512 for FY 2026 federal, state, local, and use of balance sheet funds for expenditures. This was an administrative action to align the budget with actual revenues and expenditures in preparation for year-end close and the upcoming financial audit.
A city council meeting is scheduled for June 9. View the agenda (subject to change). Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in City Hall. Watch meetings live on Channel 12 (COX/Verizon) and online, or catch a replay at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visit the city meetings website.
Submit Your Patriotic Art by June 24
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