Medical Weight Loss Near Fairfax, VA

The Brief

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA - A lawsuit filed against Fairfax County School Board member Kyle McDaniel by a local flight school accuses him of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from the business — including using the company credit card for entertainment, personal expenses and campaign-related expenses.

They also say he continued to embezzle after getting caught and paying some of the money back.

By the numbers:

McDaniel is accused of embezzling $175,000 from flight school Blue Label Aviation. He's alleged to have spent the money on luxuries like strip clubs as well as to subsidize his campaign for office, according to the lawsuit.

Blue Label Aviation filed a lawsuit last month, alleging that McDaniel used his position as Secretary and Treasurer of the company to access its credit cards and bank accounts.

In June 2024, Timothy Fischer, Blue Label's CEO, confronted McDaniel on $120,000 of improper charges. McDaniel confessed and paid back $50,000.

In December 2024, Fischer discovered that McDaniel had "expanded his use of the company's credit cards and bank accounts for his personal expenses" and charged $160,000 on personal expenses.

On January 22, McDaniel was confronted and was given the opportunity to resign in exchange for giving up his shares in the company and giving back his company credit cards, according to the lawsuit. McDaniel then said he wanted time to consult a lawyer, but more unauthorized charges were made and McDaniel was terminated.

"Fischer thereafter continued to observe that new, non-business-related charges were being made to the company credit card," according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks $175,000 as well as punitive damages or $350,000 – and for McDaniel to return his corporate credit cards and remove himself from company bank accounts.

Dig deeper:

FOX 5 DC obtained a copy of the lawsuit. See the full lawsuit below.

What they're saying:

A spokesperson for McDaniel released an official statement on his behalf:

"This is an ongoing business dispute between my former business partner and myself. I’m going to let this play out in the courts where I intend to prevail, and not in the press.

My focus has been and will remain on fully funding and supporting a public education system that’s responsive to the needs of our kids and community. I will not let this situation distract me from that."

Statement from Fairfax County Public Schools:

"We have been made aware of a civil lawsuit filed against School Board Member Kyle McDaniel. We understand that this is an ongoing business and legal dispute. We respect the legal process and will refrain from commenting further at this time."

The Source: This story includes information from a civil complaint from Loudoun County, as well as statements from Fairfax County School Board member Kyle McDaniel and Fairfax County Public Schools.

Fairfax CountyNews

~ Nearly $3 million dollar grant to fund Mount Vernon District land purchase ~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – As a part of ongoing efforts to improve the water quality in Dogue Creek, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has purchased three parcels of land at 8800 Richmond Highway. The county is funding the land acquisition with a $2.8 million Virginia Community Preparedness Fund (CFPF) grant and the Stormwater Service District Fund. This is part of a multi-decade effort to preserve sensitive floodplain and resource protection area.

“This important acquisition marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect and restore our local natural resources. By enhancing the health of Dogue Creek, we are investing in the long-term well-being of our community and the environment. Our commitment to improving water quality and supporting sustainable practices will have lasting benefits, and we look forward to continuing this work for future generations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay.

Dogue Creek is a tributary of the Potomac River that drains approximately 19.5 square miles of Fairfax County including portions of Huntley Meadows and Fort Belvoir Military Reservation.

Buying the land near the creek is the first step in restoring the area to its natural stormwater functions and improving the creek’s water quality. Since 2017, the County has received multiple proposals to redevelop this site for residential or mixed use, making it a prime candidate for redevelopment. However, redeveloping the property with new buildings conflicts with a number of county policies because of the risk of flooding and the county’s desire to restore environmentally sensitive lands.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck considers the project a win for his district, “This site has a rich history dating back to colonial times, including the Dogue Indians, George Washington, and a piece of Americana as Route 1 became a travel corridor with roadside attractions like the amusement park once here. As part of our revitalization efforts and with its location adjacent to Dogue Creek, the county’s purchase presents a unique opportunity to transform this long-standing eyesore. While it sits in a floodplain and resource protection area, it also has significant runoff and impervious surfaces. Preserving these environmentally sensitive lands, removing blight from the corridor and creating the opportunity to open access to the beautiful Dogue Creek and potential future park land is a huge win for our residents.”

The buildings and other impervious surfaces on the 7.9-acre property will be removed once the current tenants’ leases end and the property is fully transferred. The county anticipates receiving credit towards Chesapeake Bay protection goals once the conversion of the current impervious area to a restored natural area is completed.

As part of this effort, the natural stream buffer on the acquired parcels along this reach of Dogue Creek will be restored. This includes planting native species that thrive in wetlands and floodplains and removing non-native invasive plants. This buffer restoration will optimize floodplain and resource protection area (RPA) functions. The work is planned for 2025-2026.

This is a multi-agency county effort, including Public Works, Planning and Development, and Department of Transportation and Fairfax County Park Authority. Future actions for the site will include documenting that the area is to be maintained as an open space in perpetuity and coordination with VDOT on right-of way and easement needs for the Richmond Highway expansion project, as well as coordination with other stakeholders.

Parcel acquisition is subject to the terms of the CFPF grant program.

We’re social! For updates on DPWES projects, services, and events, visit us on Facebook @ffxpublicworks and on X (formerly Twitter) @ffxpublicworks.

When her class was interrupted so that Virginia eighth-grader Amanda Choate could be recognized, she became overwhelmed with joy.

Her teacher handed her a sheet of blue paper, and her peers clapped in celebration. Choate learned she had received a referral for being a leader during a previous group discussion in her English class.

The class was talking about the book “The Giver,” and she encouraged others to speak up too.

Typically, referrals are a disciplinary tool used by school staff members. But Choate is one of the hundreds of Kilmer Middle School students who have received a “positive” referral since August.

The initiative started at the end of last school year, with the goal of emphasizing what students are doing to help the school community and motivating others to do the same.

“It encourages us to come to school and excites us to come to school knowing that our actions and kindness to others do actually mean something,” Choate said.

The idea came from what Principal Steven McFarlane described as one of the most important parts of being a middle school educator: teaching students what it means to be a good citizen in their community.

Any staff member can write one of the positive referrals, nominating a student through a Google form. The referrals get printed once each week, and there are two copies. One gets posted on the windows in front of the cafeteria, and the other goes directly to the student.

On Fridays, students who earn a positive referral are given a candy bar.

“I had a decent amount of eighth graders that will come and kind of pull me aside and say, ‘Hey, I forgot my certificate to get my candy bar on Friday because my parents took my positive referral and it’s on our fridge,’” McFarlane said. “That, to me, tells me everything, the impact it has on kids and their families.”

Students can earn the referrals for things such as good behavior choices, setting a good example, or making the school community a warm and caring place, counselor Kristen Reighard said. Some students are honored for giving new kids school tours.

“Nobody looks forward to writing a discipline referral,” Reighard said. “We all really enjoy and are inspired to write positive referrals.”

The program is having an impact, Reighard said because “then their peers are seeing their friends get recognized. It inspires the friends, the peers to also make those great choices.”

Seventh grader Ethan Harney got his referral for his work during a Socratic seminar. He was “being a really good actor at that role and telling other people to join in and be their role,” Harney said.

McFarlane, meanwhile, said while students are in the cafeteria or transitioning between classes, he’s looking for the ones who are “just doing the right thing because it’s the right thing.”

“You talk to any teacher in here, and they’re going to tell you about the impact that this has in their classroom,” McFarlane said. “When kids are celebrating each other, when kids are going out of their way to make an impact in their classrooms, that, to me, tells you everything you need to know about the impact of this program.”

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Scott Gelman is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.

Quaint small towns are a big part of the landscape in Northern Virginia. The region is home to places like lush Middleburg with its rolling vineyards and nature-filled Sperryville. One of North Virginia’s best-kept secrets is the town of Fairfax, which is technically considered a suburb of Washington D.C. since it’s only 30 minutes from the capital, but feels like an entirely different destination. The city of around 25,000 people is a lovely place to spend a long weekend. Spend time walking the grounds of George Mason University, learn about the area’s rich past at historic sites, and take advantage of the town’s diverse and delicious dining scene. Here are the 12 best things to do in the town of Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding county.

What To Do In Fairfax, Virginia

The central destination in this charming destination is Old Town Fairfax. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than by strolling through this historic district. Start at Fairfax County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1799 and is one of the area’s oldest buildings. The building has seen some pretty important moments over the years, including the first Confederate officer casualty during the Civil War. You can learn all about its biggest moments on a free guided tour, held each Friday at 3 p.m. The downtown district packs a punch in a relatively contained space. You can visit four of its best local shops all within practically one block. Commonwealth Dry Goods is your spot for locally made products and vintage records. Head to Mode on Main By Mara for stylish women’s wear and accessories. Games and Comic Pair O’Dice is a veteran-owned business specializing in all things board games, comics, and collectibles, while Mobius Records has a vinyl collection to please music lovers of all genres.

The area now known as Fairfax County was first settled in the early 1700s, but the city of Fairfax wouldn’t be established as its own place until 1805, when it began as the Town of Providence. Start your crash course in area history at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, located in a historic schoolhouse in the heart of Fairfax’s historic downtown. You’ll want to start at the Fairfax Story exhibit to learn about the city’s past and present. Then, take time see other special temporary exhibits or chat with the friendly staff for recommendations what to do during your visit. Another nearby point of interest for history buffs is Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center, a Greek Revival-style house dating to 1859 that preserves signatures and pictographs from Federal soldiers who once lived there.

If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, two sites (within one mile of one another) provide all the options you could ever need. Fair Oaks Mall, a massive shopping mall, is home to almost 160 stores and restaurants including all your favorite national retailers. Just down the road, Fairfax Corner provides even more options in an outdoor setting that includes retail stores, boutiques, restaurants, and even a movie theater.

shopfairoaksmall.com; 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA 22033; 703-359-8300

fairfaxcorner.com; 4100 Monument Corner Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030

The state’s largest public research university, George Mason University and its students are a huge part of the community in Fairfax. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the beautiful campus, then take advantage of the plethora of programming that’s available to the public as well as students. The university’s Center for the Arts has a robust schedule or performances that range from dance to theater to visiting musicians and singers. There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages. Another can’t-miss spot is the Observatory, located on the roof of the Research Hall, which hosts free public tours every other Tuesday during the academic year.

gmu.edu; 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

Royal Lake Park and Lakeside Park, which together make up the Royal Lake Park system, cover a 155 acres surrounding a 38-acre lake. Locals take advantage of amenities like basketball and tennis courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds year-round. There are several loop trails that take walkers, joggers, and runners around the scenic lake. In the summer, you can even catch a free concert next to the lake.

friendsofroyallake.org/the-park

Where To Eat In Fairfax, Virginia

Continue the history tour by getting dinner at Hamrock’s, which is located inside the Moore-McCandlish House, built in 1842. In nice weather, opt for a seat on the wraparound veranda. Open for lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, there are plenty of opportunities to snag a reservation. The menu offers a little bit of everything, from pasta to a grilled filet mignon to Southern fried chicken.

hamrocksrestaurant.com; 3950 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-385-5433

For a small town, Fairfax has a rather accomplished craft beer scene. Four local breweries are located within the city limits, each offering something a little different. A second location of Virginia Beach favorite Commonwealth Brewing Co. recently opened a taproom, restaurant, and music venue on Main Street. Other taprooms and brewpubs to check out include Chubby Squirrel Brewing, Ornery Beer Company, and Audacious Aleworks.

Chef John Krinn brings his immense talents to Northern Virginia with his newest venture, Elyse. The 30-seat fine dining experience offers a multicourse tasting menu of French-inspired, globally influenced. Foodies won’t want to miss this opportunity to treat their tastebuds and expand their culinary horizons.

lila.llc; 10822 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-831-2052

Established in 1977, Captain Pell’s is best known for serving up the freshest steamed blue crabs in the area. Stop in to see what all the fuss is about. In addition to whole crabs, crab legs, and their famous cream of crab chowder, you can also indulge in every other type of seafood under the sun. From middle neck clams to broiled sea scallops to fried clam strips, Pell’s does it all.

captainpell.com; 10195 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-560-0060

You’ve probably heard of iconic Chinese chef and restaurateur Peter Chang, but you may not know that he has an outpost in Fairfax. Folks drive in from t surrounding areas to get their fix of his home cooking on a regular basis, so if you’re visiting Fairfax, it's a must-visit destination. The menu at Mama Chang is largely influenced by the female cooks in Chang’s life, including his wife, daughter, and mother. Come with a group and spring for a Peking or roast duck. Come during brunch on the weekend for dim sum service.

mamachangva.com; 3251 Blenheim Blvd., Suite 101, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-268-5556

The whimsical dining room or “living room café” as they refer to it at Sisters Thai makes your meal taste that much better. Natural light steams into this quaint restaurant where colorful built-in bookcases line one wall and wisteria hangs from the ceiling. Choose from a menu of classic Thai dishes, including a special street food section that includes dishes like Boat Noodles, Khao Soi, and Moo Grob. Don’t skip dessert here. The Mango Sticky Rice is an obvious hit, but other delicacies like Thai Tea Soft Cake and Matcha Green Tea Chocolate Cake are also well worth an order.

sistersthai.com; 4004 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030; 703-267-9618

Where To Stay In Fairfax, Virginia

You’ll have your pick of the lot when it comes to national hotels with outposts in Fairfax, so you’ll be able to easily add to your frequent stay points. Popular options include a Marriott property at Fair Oaks, a Hilton nestled into a quiet wooded area, and a comfortable Sonesta ES Suites at Fair Lakes.