Good morning, Burke.
We are officially in the holiday homestretch. Whether you are looking for the best light displays to walk off the cookies or scrambling to get the kids signed up for spring sports before the prices jump, we’ve got you covered.
Here is what is happening in our backyard this week.
The Sports Watch: Spring Sign-Ups
If you want to save money on Spring 2026 registration, you need to act before New Year's Eve. Here are the deadlines approaching fast:
West Springfield Little League (Baseball): Regular registration closes Dec 31. A $25 late fee kicks in on Jan 1.
BRYC Soccer (Rec): Early Bird discount ($25 off) ends Dec 31. Regular registration stays open until Feb 7, but why pay more?.
Burke Athletic Club (Lacrosse): Early Bird pricing ends Dec 31.
Grades K-2: Price jumps from $105 to $120.
Grades 3-8: Price jumps from $160 to $175.
BAC Soccer: You have a little more time here—Early Bird pricing is good through Jan 18.
Public Safety
Fairfax County Joins "Neighbors" App The Fairfax County Police Department has officially joined the Neighbors app (by Ring).
What it is: A free app where residents share real-time safety info and videos (like package theft or suspicious activity).
The Update: Police can now view public posts and chime in with official safety alerts.
Action: You don't need a Ring camera to use it. You can download it for free to stay in the loop.
Holiday Fire Watch With dry Christmas trees and menorahs in full swing, Fire & Rescue issued a few critical reminders this week:
Water Daily: A dry tree can burn faster than newspaper.
3-Foot Rule: Keep a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around your stove during holiday cooking.
Wrapping Paper: Never burn it in the fireplace—it burns too hot and can ignite chimney soot.
Weekend Events
Marshall Pond Christmas Village If you haven't been yet, this is the "must-see" local display of the year.
Where: 10108 Marshall Pond Rd, Burke.
The Vibe: An entire pipe-stem community coordinates to create a massive "Christmas Village."
Pro Tip: Do not drive down the pipe-stem. Park at the top of Marshall Pond Rd and walk down to enjoy the displays safely.
Bunnyman Brewing Meetup Looking to warm up after the lights?
Event: Marshall Pond Lights & Bunnyman Brewery Meetup.
When: Thursday, Dec 18 @ 5:00 PM.
Details: A group gathering to hit the lights and then grab a drink. Rated "D FUN" by local hiking groups.
Real Estate Snapshot
The market is slowing down for the holidays, but homes are still moving. Here is what sold in 22015 this week:
High: $920,750 – A 4-bed, 3-bath single-family home on Lincolnwood Ct.
Low: $450,000 – A 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhouse on Fenestra Ct.
Inventory: Listings are tight. If you are thinking of selling, waiting until mid-January might be your best bet to avoid the holiday dead zone.