A new toyshop that allows customers to buy, sell and borrow lightly used toys is coming to Falls Church
The Toy Nest (98 N. Washington Street) is a self-proclaimed “toy library” and will offer second-hand toys, a play space and event venue, according to the Facebook page.
“We see a future where kids borrow toys just like books at a library,” according to the website.
There will be drop-in and membership fees associated with the store’s toy borrowing services and play area, according to the location’s owner Lisa Bourven, who added that she wants to keep the fees affordable for community members of all income levels.
As the location prepares to open, staff members are collecting unusual toys for toddlers, kids’ gardening tools, non-electric musical instruments and pretend adult toys like money or cash registers, along with dry erase boards, according to the website.
Bourven said the shop won’t open until February or later because the toyshop is awaiting permits from the City of Falls Church.
People who want to sell a toy can email the store and make an appointment to meet with the owners.
Photo via The Toy Nest/Facebook
The owner of Tysons Ballroom — who happens to be a former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant — became an author in 2020 with the release of his new kids’ book.
Garry Gekhman, who started dancing at age 6, published “Little Yura Loves to Dance” on Tuesday (Jan. 7) in hopes of inspiring a younger generation to pursue their passion for dance, according to a press release.
Earlier today (Jan. 9), he debuted his book with a reading for kids at the Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, a non-profit preschool.
As a recipient of support from the local Rotary Club, which Gekhman is a member of, he said the children’s center seemed like the perfect location for the reading.
At various times throughout the morning, two classes of roughly 20 preschoolers gathered for storytime and a dance class taught by Gekhman and Suusar Ganbold, Tysons Ballroom’s manager. They learned the basics of dancing — including direction and poise — while interacting with their peers.
Gekhman also shared with the kids parts of a Youtube video adapted from his book.
The book’s storyline guides kids through the life of the main character Yura, the name people called Gekhman in Russia before he moved to the U.S.
Growing up, Gekhman said he struggled with his weight and felt like he didn’t fit in with his peers. Through dance, he managed to find his identity and overcome previous struggles and then decided to share his story with kids who might be dealing with the same issues.
“If you are passionate about something, you’ll achieve it,” Gekhman told Tysons Reporter. “It doesn’t matter how you look.”
Gekhman’s advice to young people: “Follow your passion, think big and start small.”
Gekhman moved to Virginia in 2007 and is now an award-winning dancer who has performed at the White House. He currently teaches Latin dance at his studio (8032 Leesburg Pike, Suite 201). Occasionally, he will also judge various competitions and help co-organize the Yuletide Ball Championships in D.C.
People interested in purchasing his book can find it online for $15.95.
Rent the Runway is coming to Tysons Corner Center later this month for a pop-up show.
From Jan. 16 to 26, shoppers can sample items and purchase designer goods such as handbags, clothes and accessories for up to 90% off.
At the shop, there will be items from designers like ML Monique Lhuillier, Diane von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka, Opening Ceremony, VEDA, Derek Lam 10 Crosby and more, according to the event’s Facebook page.
The hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The pop-up will be located inside of the mall near parking Terrace E.
Anyone who RSVPs on the event’s Facebook page will receive an extra 15% off their purchase.
This event is free and open to the public.
Photo via Rent the Runway/Facebook
Just days before the deadline, Congress passed legislation benefiting small liquor distilleries by extending a tax break that was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2019.
The tax break legislation was first passed in 2017 and only originally guaranteed a decrease through the end of 2019.
But, instead of indefinite decrease that groups like the American Craft Spirits Association were hoping for, the tax decrease was simply extended for another year — until Dec. 31, 2020.
The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act lowered the Federal Excise Taxes (FET) for owners of distilleries from $13.50 to $2.70 per gallon — allowing business owners to reinvest that money by expanding their ventures and hiring more staff.
More than 2,000 distillers across the country — including Falls Church Distillers — benefit from the tax break, according to a press release from the American Craft Spirits Association.
“Though FET permanence is critical to the long-term success of our industry and the peripheral industries we support, including U.S. agriculture and hospitality, today we celebrate a small but critical victory,” Margie Lehrman, the CEO of ACSA, said in the press release.
According to a survey by Forbes of 100 members of the ACSA, half of the respondents said that they would have made staffing cuts if the taxes had risen. Others said that they would have cut production, increased prices or halted expansion to compensate for the tax rise.
Michael Paluzzi, the owner of Falls Church Distillers, said in a previous interview with Tysons Reporter that the tax break allowed him to hire new employees and expand his prospects for growth past NoVA into surrounding areas.
Paluzzi had been working with ACSA since July to push lawmakers for a permanent tax decrease. He originally told Tysons Reporter that though he was hoping that Congress would permanently lower the tax, he was also aware that this outcome was a possibility.
The renewal of the lower tax rate was packaged with other legislation, allowing it to be fast-tracked before it expired.
“Tomorrow, we will again shift gears to focus on permanent tax relief and long-term parity with our friends in craft beer and wine,” Lehrman said.
Photo via Dylan de Jonge/Unsplash
Several restaurants recently opened in the Falls Plaza Shopping Center in Falls Church and another one plans to open this week.
Jersey Mike’s new location will open on Wednesday (Jan. 8), according to Phil Duncan, a Falls Church City Councilmember, who said that it will be the first new business to open in the City of Falls Church this year. The hours of operation for the new spot have not been announced yet.
The sandwich chain has more than 2,000 stores across the country, according to its website.
Tasty Dumplings (1112 W. Broad Street) in Falls Church officially opened in November.
The eatery offers customers a choice of either fried or steamed dumplings filled with beef, veggies, chicken or pork. Diners can also try the pork soup dumplings, which Linda Lang, Tasty Dumplings’ co-founder, said are extremely popular.
The eatery is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Plaka Grill (1216 W. Broad Street) relocated to Falls Plaza in December from a previous spot in the city and will continue to serve Greek and Mediterranean fare, according to its website.
Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, according to Google.
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.
We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Monday (Jan. 6)
- Daf Circle — 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Iranian-American Community Center (2236 C Gallows Road) — People from around the community are invited to come and make drum music with friends and other community members — no previous skill required. A $10 cash entry fee will be collected at the door.
Thursday (Jan. 9)
- Fall Church Chamber Networking Breakfast — 8 to 9 a.m. at Original Pancake House (7395 Lee Hwy) — This event invites anyone interested in the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce to attend this meet and greet. No registration is required but attendees are expected to pay for their own meals.
Friday (Jan. 10)
- Dining in the Dark — 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Greenhouse (2070 Chainbridge Road) — Ever wonder what it is like to remove one of your senses and let the others take control? At this event, you will be blindfolded by a waiter who will serve you a four-course meal along with a wine pairing for $99 while a DJ plays music.
- Vision Board Workshop — 6 to 8 p.m. at BRAWS Office (114 Courthouse Road SW) — This event will teach attendees how to put together a vision board and help people design what they want their lives to look like. A $10 donation is suggested to benefit Bringing Resources to Women’s Shelters. Snacks, wine and supplies will be included. All are welcome.
- “(the) unRuly TheaTre pRojecT” — 6 to 8 p.m. at Bards Alley (110 Church Street NW) — This teen improv group will perform a free show for the public. No RSVP is required. “These talented teens make up the show as they go along, so that each show is completely new and hilarious,” according to the Facebook page.
Saturday (Jan. 11)
- Children’s Clothing and Toy Swap — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Philip Catholic Church (7500 St. Phillips Court) — People are invited to gather at Hayden Hall and either donate or swap gently used or new items for kids. All items not claimed at the end of the event will be donated to families in need. The event will also accept bedding, strollers and bouncy swings.
- Resolution Buster Bash — 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Settle Down Easy Brewing (2822 Fallfax Drive) — To celebrate the release of its new hard seltzer water, the brewery is hosting a party. The first 50 people to attend will receive a free pint glass with $1 off refills all day. There will also be food and various beer specials.
Sunday (Jan. 12)
- Ski and Snowboard Waxing Workshop — 9 to 11 a.m. at REI (8209 Watson Street) — This winter, people can learn how to make their rides down the mountain go more smoothly with regular waxings. No prior experience is needed. This workshop is free and open to all.
- Dog Adoption Event — noon to 3 p.m. at Chico’s Natural Pet Market (6349 Columbia Pike) — Anyone interested in adopting a furry friend can stop by to meet new friends in need of a home. Volunteers will be available to ask questions and the shelter is also looking for foster homes. This event is free and open to the public.
Image via Facebook
Foodies rejoice — Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week will soon offer dining deals around the Tysons area.
From Jan. 13-19 (Monday-Sunday), people can visit over a dozen locations with lunch and brunch specials for $22 or dinner deals for $35. Meals from each participating restaurant will include multiple courses or specialty foods.
Anyone curious about the menus at each participating location can check online to see if the menu is posted yet or call ahead and ask the restaurant directly.
For example, Wildfire (2001 International Drive) in Tysons is offering guests a three-course meal. People can choose from either a choice of salad or soup for a starter, chicken, salmon or pork chop for main and then either key lime pie or flourless chocolate cake for dessert.
To accommodate those with food allergies, the restaurant is also offering gluten-free options.
People should note that some restaurants only offer dinner or lunch. For example, Chima Steakhouse (8010 Towers Crescent Drive) will only offer the dinner deal while Maple Ave Resturant will offer brunch, lunch and dinner deals.
Here are the local restaurants around the Tysons area that plan to participate:
Tysons:
- Wildfire
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
- American Prime
- Founding Farmers
- Randy’s Prime Seafood and Steaks
- Agora Tysons
- 2941 Restaurant
- Chima Steakhouse
Merrifield and Falls Church area:
Vienna:
Mosaic District
For art lovers across the community, the McLean Project for the Arts will host a talk next week featuring the artists responsible for the latest showcase at the Emerson and Atrium Galleries.
Eve Stockton and Kyujin Lee will be at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue) on Sunday (Jan. 12), sharing stories about their artwork from 2-4 p.m.
Though the showcase opened about a month ago, this event gives visitors the chance to learn more about the process behind “Origin Stories” by Stockton and “Replay and Reshuffle” by Lee.
“Combining the spontaneity of surrealist automatism with refined illustrative skill, Kyujin Lee draws on the world of fairy tale to compose paintings exploring dreams, identity and personal transformation,” a press release said.
Meanwhile, Stockton’s works are inspired by nature and science, according to the press release, which added that woodworking is her specialty.
Admission is free and the event is open to everyone.
Photo courtesy McLean Project for the Arts
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.
We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Tysons Reporter also complied a list of the upcoming New Year’s events, for those seeking festivities.
Monday (Dec. 30)
- Trails and Ales — 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Caboose Tavern (520 Mill Street NE) — This event brings together people for a group run or walk on the W&OD Trail. People are encouraged to bring headlamps and reflective gear. All ages are welcome but they must be 21+ to enjoy brews afterward.
Wednesday (Jan.1)
- Korean Bell Ringing — 2-2:30 p.m. at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court) — This celebration displays bells given to Virginians by the Korean-American Cultural Committee. Attendees can drink free hot cocoa and listen to musical sounds. This event is free and all ages are welcome.
- New Year’s Day Brunch — 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Caboose Commons (520 Mill Street NE) — Community members can gather with friends and family to enjoy their first brunch of the New Year. There will be a variety of dining options available.
Friday (Jan. 3)
- Minecraft Day Camp — 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Code Ninjas (510 S. Washington Street) — Kids of all ages can come and learn how to model 3D objects and create various models. A half-day camp option is available for $45 as well as a full-day option for $80. Registration can be found online.
Saturday (Jan. 4)
- Intro Into Cyber Workshop — 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Cover 6 Solutions (1964 Gallows Road) — This workshop teaches people the basics of cybersecurity and people will walk away being able to integrate skills into their schooling and careers. Tickets are $199 and a spot can be reserved online. Once complete, people will receive a certificate of training.
- The Beat Open Mic — 6:45 to 9:45 p.m. at Caffe Amouri (107 Church Street NE) — People of all ages are welcome to gather and enjoy music from the community or perform themselves. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required beforehand.
Sunday (Jan. 5)
- Falls Church Distillers Tour and Tasting — 4 until 5 p.m. at Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street) — This event invites people to come and tour where the company makes its liquor and learn how the process works. Tickets are $25, which includes a tasting of seasonal whiskeys.
Photo via Caffe Amouri/Facebook
As 2020 nears, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around Tysons catering to people trying to spend their final hours of the year in style.
Here are some of the events Tysons Reporter spotted on New Year’s Eve.
Jammin Java will host an 80s’ themed dance party begging at 6:30 p.m. that will feature prizes for the best outfits, trivia and a champagne toast at midnight. There is a $35 cover for tickets but all ages are welcome to attend.
Greenhouse Bistro will host a Toast to the Decade event feating a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. People are invited to swing by Greenhouse Bistro (2070 Chain Bridge Road) around 9 p.m. and stay until 2 a.m. There is a $50 cover per person and there is a strict dress code for men, according to the event page.
New Year’s Eve Masquerade Rumba at Inca Social (2670 Avenir Place) will offer guests a chance to celebrate with dinner, a DJ and a midnight champagne toast to celebrate 2020. Guests will receive a masquerade mask and other goodies. Tickets start around $20.
Maggiano’s Little Italy (2001 International Drive) is hosting a murder mystery-themed dinner from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Guests will have the chance to investigate clues in order to solve a crime. Tickets are $100 and include a multi-course meal.
Sapphire Tysons (8201 Greensboro Drive) is hosting an event from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. with unlimited food and an open bar. The cost is $85 or $150 for a couple. People are encouraged to dress up to hit the dance floor and enjoy a DJ playing a variety of music genres.
Anyone excited about the return of the roaring 20s’ can gather at Blackfinn Ameripub (2750 Gallows Road) from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and enjoy 1920s-inspired cocktails, a champagne toast at midnight, a live DJ and a photo station. Tickets start at $15 online and include appetizers and the toast.
Photo by Yasemin K. on Unsplash
