🌱 Oakton Native Lee Back With Mets + 37th District Democrats Race

Hey, neighbors. I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary and I'll be your new source for all the most important things happening locally. In today's issue, you'll find...

• Khalil Lee's reentrance to the Mets.
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Turkey.
• An adorable, adoptable senior cat available in Oakton.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Friday: Windy; morning rain, colder. High: 65 Low: 27.
• Saturday: Sunny and cooler. High: 48 Low: 31.
• Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 55 Low: 42.
• Monday: Mainly cloudy and mild. High: 60 Low: 38.

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Here are the top five stories today in Oakton:

1. The Oakton native Khalil Lee is back with the Mets this spring. Lee was designated for assignment earlier in February, just after he became the subject of a domestic violence investigation. However, after he cleared waivers, the Mets decided to keep him. The MLB is currently investigating allegations made by Lee’s ex-girlfriend. (New York Daily News)
2. ArtsFairfax's next Project Support Grants Recipient spotlight goes to Gin Dance Company! Artistic Director and Choreographer of Gin Dance Company Shu-Chen Cuff explained how her newest dance production was inspired by her personal experience of immigrating to the United States from Taiwan. Read the full interview on ArtsFairfax's website. (ArtsFairfax)
3. Some of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is in Turkey helping with relief efforts. Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue volunteers brought over 60,000 pounds of equipment that is in need of maintenance or repair. The logistics cadre manages this and the base camp in Turkey. (Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue)
4. Erika Yalowitz is the third Democrat running for Virginia Senate in the 37th District. Tysons resident Yalowitz announced her intention to run on Feb. 7, meaning she will face Sen. Chap Petersen and Saddam Salim in the Jun. 20 Democratic Party Primary. The 37th District includes all or parts of Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Fair Oaks, Tysons, and Falls Church. (Patch)
5. Looking for a furry friend to relax around the house with? Come meet Benji! Benji is a sweet, mild-mannered 14-year-old cat available for adoption at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. He loves cuddling the day away on the couch and even has a cute little nose freckle! (Fairfax County Animal Shelter via Instagram)

This weekend in Oakton:

Friday, February 17

• Holiness, Purity, and Power Conference at Whole Word Fellowship (7:00 PM)

Saturday, February 18

• Batman, Cinderella, and Spiderman Host Family Festival at Shipgarten (11:00 AM)

Tuesday, February 21

• What's Your Story? at Oakton Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Historical Society delivered a presentation to those wanting to learn more about the homes of U.S. Presidents in Virginia. Presented by Patrick O'Neil from the Burke Historical Society and hosted at Oakton Library, "Virginia Presidential Homes" looked at the various residences of the eight Virginians who became President of the United States of America. (Oakton Patch)
• The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services hosted a press conference on Thursday. There, Supervisor Rodney Lusk discussed how the Franconia District is the logical choice for the future home of the FBI. He made clear his commitment to fighting every day for investments that will improve the lives of every resident that calls the district home. (Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services via Facebook)
• Looking for a new home in or around the Oakton area? This real estate roundup has something for every house hunter, including several million-dollar homes in Oakton and Fairfax. (Oakton Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• NOVA Virtual 50+ Employment Expo - Registration is OPEN! (February 17)
• Home Seller Seminar Northern Virginia (February 18)
• Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Greater Washington (February 18)
• Estate Planning Seminar on February 21st and 22nd at Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim (February 21)
• 20% off MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) - Holiday Weekend Special (February 24)
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For sale:

• Cool paper I wrote on novel relativistic spacecraft fueling system. (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.