With over $110 million in unallocated funds to work with, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors moved yesterday (Tuesday) to address employee compensation, tax relief and other priorities.
As approved by the board 9-1, nearly all of that available money will go toward reducing the real estate tax rate by 1.5 cents and fully funding salary market rate adjustments for county employees — items totaling $47 million and $54.9 million, respectively.
Other revisions to the county’s advertised budget for fiscal year 2024 include support for bamboo removal on park land, additional staffing for the 24-hour domestic violence hotline, and the creation of a self-help legal center in the Fairfax County Courthouse.
“The adjustments I’ve outlined here show a true balance between tax relief, investing in county employees, standing up and fighting for our school system, and also making sure that the core services that have made this county…are supported in this budget,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said when introducing the mark-up package.
The budget proposal that County Executive Bryan Hill presented in February kept the county’s real estate tax rate flat at $1.11 per $100 of assessed value, but with the average residential bill calculated to increase by about $520, board members indicated that they would look for ways to cut the rate.
With yesterday’s vote, the board agreed to adopt a rate of $1.095 per $100 of value, which will lower the average increase to $412.
Herrity proposes cuts to schools budget
Several supervisors expressed disappointment at not being able to make a bigger cut. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross stated she had hoped for a 3-cent reduction, and Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity proposed an “alternative” budget that he said would take five cents off.
The reduction would’ve been achieved by cutting $100 million from the county’s funding for Fairfax County Public Schools and putting $31 million for affordable housing on hold, among other cuts, according to a plan Herrity shared at a pre-mark-up session on Friday (April 28).
After FCPS told the board in a memo that Herrity’s proposal would “most definitely” prevent the school system from fully covering worker salary increases, he revised the proposal yesterday to suggest cutting $31 million from schools, taking one additional cent off the tax rate.
“I’m all for giving schools all the resources they need to address the challenges of the pandemic and challenges of our kids, but the spending needs to be done in a responsible way,” Herrity said.
Other supervisors blasted Herrity’s proposal as “budgeting by ambush” and “completely out-of-touch.” McKay noted that any reduction in salary increases for teachers would mean losing state money contingent on average raises of at least 2.5% for instructional positions in FY 2024, which begins July 1.
“The Herrity budget proposal doesn’t cut waste,” Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw said. “I think you were trying to find waste. Instead of waste, you found teacher salaries and textbooks. It’s not cutting fat from the FCPS budget, it’s cutting into the bone.”
Support for FCPS constitutes 52% of Hill’s proposed $5.1 billion budget, which includes a $144 million increase for the school system compared to last year.
County workers get boosts in pay
Aside from Herrity, who voted against the mark-up package, the supervisors argued that the 1.5-cent reduction struck a good balance between providing tax relief — which also includes assessing 90% of personal property taxes for this year — and funding county workers and services.
After Hill initially proposed only covering a 2% market scale adjustment for all county employees, the package passed yesterday will fund the full 5.44% recommended by staff. Leaders of SEIU Virginia 512 and the Fairfax Workers Coalition, which both represent county workers, praised the change, while calling for a more stable approach to pay.
“We need to provide a consistent, sustainable and equitable process of compensation that eliminates the annual anxiety that all workers feel when wondering if the County is going to fulfill its commitment to employees,” the FWC said in a statement. “We’re hopeful this helps stem the loss of quality workers to other employers. We look forward to building a fair system together.”
Next year’s budget is expected to be the county’s first in 46 years where pay for many employees will be determined by a contract. According to McKay, the board could approve collective bargaining agreements this December, though general county government employees have yet to hold elections.
Fire department employees became the first to elect a bargaining unit last fall. In January, workers in the Fairfax County Police Department elected the Southern States Police Benevolent Association to represent them in the bargaining process, which is now underway, SSPBA Executive Director Sean McGowan confirmed.
“We know lasting change and true pay fairness will only come with a contract. That is our goal and we won’t stop until we get it,” SEIU Virginia 512 Fairfax County President Tammie Wondong said.
Other compensation adjustments focus on public safety workers, including over $10.2 million to give uniformed police officers a 5% raise and increase police starting salaries by 5%. On average, current officers will see pay increases of 12.8% — in line with what Herrity had proposed — as the county hopes to address recruitment and retention challenges.
The FY 2024 budget will be formally adopted next Tuesday (May 9).
When Cirque du Soleil rolls into Tysons this fall, American audiences will get their first opportunity to watch its brand-new show.
The Canadian circus launched the environment-themed production “Echo” on Thursday (April 27) with a world premiere in Montreal.
The show’s U.S. premiere will be at Lerner Town Square (8025 Galleria Drive) near Tysons Galleria — a first for the D.C. area, even though Cirque du Soleil has regularly visited Tysons in recent years.
“The Washington, D.C. region has always been a welcoming and successful tour stop for Cirque du Soleil and we are so happy to start the U.S. leg of the tour in the nation’s capital,” said Mike Newquist, president of the touring shows division of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. “After last summer’s amazing success with Kurios’ run in the nation’s capital, we are looking forward to launching this new creation and giving D.C. fans the first look at ECHO in the U.S.”
The Tysons leg of the tour will begin on Sept. 7 and run through Oct. 22. Ticket sales are now underway, starting at $64, though some package deals for groups and families are available.
According to a press release, “Echo” is directed by Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, a performer and choreographer for Cirque du Soleil, and features “never-before-seen acrobatic feats, powerhouse live vocals and an awe-inducing two-story interactive cube.”
Fueled by the power of change, the hope of the youth, and the value of empathy, ECHO follows an inquisitive young woman named FUTURE as she wanders into a fantasy world that explores humans’ sacred bond with animals and nature. When FUTURE and her best friend the DOG encounter a mysterious CUBE, they quickly learn how their actions have the power to shape this world, and if we come together, we can rebuild our planet to create the world we all want to live in.
After Tysons, the show will move to Atlanta in November. No other U.S. stops have been announced yet, but the tour is expected to add more cities.
Troubled trash company Haulin’ Trash has closed its bankruptcy case, leaving thousands of Fairfax County residents unable to get refunds for missed or delayed services.
Back in December, the trash collecting company Haulin’ Trash permanently shuttered after missing a series of collections due to staff shortages and “financial difficulties.” The company had operated in the county for about a year and served approximately 3,000 customers.
To help those residents, Fairfax County temporarily waived landfill disposal fees for former Haulin’ Trash customers.
Fairfax County received more than 300 complaints about the company during its one year of operation, including 147 to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) and 188 to the Department of Cable and Consumer Services (DCCS), per officials.
In March, the company officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The case was closed early last month, with the company not having enough funds to provide refunds or credits to customers.
“On April 5, 2023, the bankruptcy trustee issued a report of No Distribution-No Funds, and the case was closed on April 6, 2023. No credits or refunds will be issued to affected residents/customers,” DPWES spokesperson Sharon North wrote FFXnow. “To date, Haulin’ Trash has not been responsive to the consumer complaints sent from the County. Because the bankruptcy case is now closed, Fairfax County Consumer Affairs is unable to mediate further.”
DPWES does have a list on its website of other providers for impacted residents.
Haulin’ Trash’s demise came as the county grappled with trash troubles that date back to at least 2019 but worsened during the pandemic. About 90% of residents and businesses are served by private collection companies like Haulin’ Trash.
Complaints against American Disposal Services led to the county asking the Virginia General Assembly for more authority to rework its solid waste management model.
Last fall, DWPES had American Disposal enter into a consent agreement that asked the company to hire more drivers and customer service personnel, increase salaries, and credit customers for missed pick-ups. It also imposed a $5,000 fine on the company.
Since that time, customer complaints against American Disposal have significantly decreased, the county says.
“American Disposal Service has met the requirements of the 2022 Consent Agreement,” North wrote. “Complaints for haulers which operate in Fairfax County are currently at satisfactory levels.”
Only four complaints have been made to DCCS about American Disposal since the beginning of the year, per a spokesperson from the agency.
Despite short-term service problems appearing to be resolved, the county is still looking to make big chances to its solid waste management model.
“DPWES staff are in the process of scoping a major revision to our solid waste management plan to meet state and board directives,” North said. “During this time we will look at alternative options for waste management.”
Police Release Video of Fairfax County Parkway Crash — “Heart-stopping police dash-camera footage shows an out-of-control car spin across a median and hit a stopped car and an officer making a traffic stop in Fairfax County… 17-year-old driver going ‘well over 120 mph’ in a 2018 BMW M3 caused the crash, Chief Kevin Davis said.” [NBC4]
Vienna Councilmember Won’t Seek Reelection — “Steve Potter, who has served on the Council for two terms, said on May 1 he would not be joining the fray in the November election.” The first council member to announce his intentions, he cited health challenges from “living with the effects of diabetes and esophageal cancer and…undergoing immuno-therapy for leukemia.” [Gazette Leader]
Auditor Supports Police Investigation on Chantilly Shooting — “The report from auditor Richard Schott said officers in the shooting of Robert Jablonski, 50, in front of his parents’ Chantilly house January 4, 2022, were acting on a reasonable belief that they were in danger, given that Jablonski was pointing a loaded compound bow at them.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Fairfax Task Force Looks at Homelessness — “A task force established to assess the impact of homelessness within Fairfax City and develop strategies to address the issue met for the first time Monday night at city hall.” Some members held listening sessions in April where residents shared their concerns. [Patch]
Franconia School Gets New Principal — “Darin Thompson has been named principal of Hayfield Secondary School effective July 5, according to the leadership team from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Region 3. Thompson replaces Martin Grimm who departed Hayfield for a position in Prince William County Public Schools just before the start of the 2022-2023 academic year.” [On the MoVe]
Youngkin Still Open to Presidential Run — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin “was asked Monday at a conference where he was speaking in California if he would be ‘getting out on the presidential campaign trail’ in 2023.” His reply of “no” was interpreted by some as an announcement that he won’t seek the presidency, but his team now says he “hasn’t publicly ruled out a presidential campaign in 2024.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
Dominion Energy Seeks to Reduce Rates — “Dominion Energy is asking the State Corporation Commission to approve plans to reduce customer bills starting this summer in response to legislation that passed during the 2023 General Assembly session…If approved, Dominion estimates each measure would reduce the average residential monthly bill by about $7” [Virginia Mercury]
HUD Shouts out County Housing Program — “Emergency Housing Voucher Success Stories highlights the personal journeys and success stories of two Fairfax County residents who are receiving federal rental assistance through Emergency Housing Vouchers. The story describes the importance of partnerships…as well as the perseverance of the residents.” [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Wednesday — Overcast. Cool. High of 61 and low of 45. Sunrise at 6:08 am and sunset at 8:02 pm. [Weather.gov]
Tysons Blvd was shut down in front of the Ritz-Carlton this afternoon by demonstrators protesting a visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Police closed the road between Galleria Drive and Park Run Drive starting around 3:50 p.m., according to a Fairfax Alert.
“A large group has gathered for a demonstration,” the Fairfax County Police Department said. “Officers are in the area to ensure public safety. Please use an alternate route.”
Tysons Blvd is currently closed between Galleria Drive and Park Run Drive. A large group has gathered for a demonstration. Officers are in the area to ensure public safety. Please use an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/l0SMPF0vVr
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) May 2, 2023
According to a flyer posted to Facebook, the D.C., Virginia and Maryland chapters of the Bangladeshi National Party (BNP) organized the demonstration to protest Hasina’s arrival on Saturday (April 29) for a week-long visit to D.C.
The group also held a protest yesterday (Monday) outside the World Bank in D.C.
A video of the protest shows people chanting and holding posters calling for democracy and free elections in Bangladesh.
The daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who helped found Bangladesh when it separated from Pakistan in 1971, Hasina has become the country’s longest-serving prime minister since assuming the position in 2009.
Her government has been accused of suppressing political opponents with election rigging, torture, arbitrary arrests and violent crackdowns on protestors. The BNP, an opposition party to Hasina’s ruling Awami League, has been mobilizing in recent months both within Bangladesh and globally to protest rising fuel prices and arrests of its leaders.
The drive down Echols Street SE is about to get bumpier — and, the Town of Vienna hopes, a little slower.
After some initial skepticism, the Vienna Town Council gave its support on April 24 to traffic-calming measures designed to force drivers to slow down on the two-lane residential street, which crosses over Wolftrap Creek.
Town staff and the Transportation Safety Commission recommended installing three speed tables between Branch Road SE and Follin Lane, adding solid white parking lane lines on both sides of the roadway, and painting the word “Stop” before the three-way stop sign at the Berry Street SE intersection.
The recommendations are based on a traffic study conducted last year that showed 85% of vehicles driving up to 31 mph on the 25-mph street, Vienna’s acting public works director Christine Horner told the town council.
Some council members questioned whether those speeds are enough to need traffic calming.
“I’ve gone to the street a couple of times,” Councilmember Howard Springsteen said. “I personally would prefer to go with two [speed tables]. I think three is potentially excessive for that street.”
Echols Street just meets Vienna’s threshold for traffic calming, staff said. The town’s street safety guide states that physical measures can be considered if the 85th percentile average speed is 31 mph or higher, along with other criteria based on the type of road and traffic volumes.
Vienna Transportation Engineer Andrew Jinks noted that there was an additional police presence on the street when the traffic study was conducted on Nov. 3-10 last year, so typical speeds are likely higher than what was recorded.
Requested by a resident petition, the study counted a total of 3,765 vehicles in front of 509 Echols Street and 18,250 vehicles at the Wolftrap Creek crossing that week, observing speeds from 3 to 55 mph. The average speed at the creek was 27.2 mph.
“Basically, half the cars are going above the speed limit,” Councilmember Ray Brill observed.
According to a staff proposal, the speed tables will be located just before the Delano Drive SE intersection and on either side of the E Street intersection.
Speed tables are raised like speed bumps, but they’re wider and have a flat top, making them less disruptive to the passing vehicles. They can reduce speeds by around 6-9 mph on average, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s traffic calming guide.
Multiple tables are often needed for them to be effective, Jinks said. VDOT recommends placing the tables about 200 to 500 feet apart.
“If staff says it takes three to get the proper spacing to make an effect, I have to defer to staff on this,” Councilmember Chuck Anderson said, as Springsteen ultimately agreed.
The project has an estimated total cost of $20,000, including $6,000 for each of the speed tables, according to Jinks. The traffic calming devices will likely be installed within the next two to three months, a town spokesperson says.
Image via Google Maps
Fairfax County Public Schools is in the process of instituting new safety and security measures, including vape detection in bathrooms, expanded background checks, and a drone pilot program for the incident response team.
At last week’s school board meeting, FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid delivered a comprehensive update on several security and safety measures in advance of a “community conversation” on May 8 at South Lakes High School in Reston.
In addition to touching on previously reported steps, like employee background checks and a joint effort with the county to install speed cameras near schools, Reid shared that FCPS is in the midst of a pilot program placing vape detection tools in bathrooms at several schools.
“This will immediately detect use at our schools and we are monitoring its effectiveness right now,” she said. “We think it’s prudent to pilot it to see whether it delivers on its promise before we actually install it in all schools.”
However, Reid later said the installed vape sensors have provided “mixed results so far and I’m not sure that’s the answer.”
The idea for installing sensors of this nature was first broached in 2019, but the program was only first implemented recently.
Vaping is a major concern among parents and schools, not only due to tobacco and marijuana use but because of the potential for overdosing. There have been reported cases where the substances used in vaping cartridges are laced with fentanyl.
The vape detection sensors are currently being used in two high schools and one middle school, an FCPS spokesperson told FFXnow. They declined to specify the exact schools, citing a need to balance information sharing with concerns about compromising security.
Also in the pilot phase is a weapons screening system utilizing “software that would detect weapons coming onto campus” and front office panic alarms, Reid said.
FCPS didn’t share which or how many schools are included in the weapons screening and panic alarm systems pilots.
“It is too early to provide feedback on systems that are already being piloted or explored, such as vape detection…or weapons detection and panic alarm systems,” the spokesperson said.
Reid also mentioned briefly a drone pilot program for the school system’s incident response team.
“[The drones are] able to go to sites that may not be able to be secured right away so that we can get information back and forth to division security staff,” Reid said.
Information about costs or when this drone program could be used was not mentioned at the meeting or in FCPS’ response to FFXnow.
A “safety review audit” of all schools and FCPS buildings is also underway, where a third party reviews all procedures, processes, and infrastructure from a safety and security perspective. It’s expected the audit will be completed by the end of July, Reid said.
“We have engaged with an external third party to provide a holistic review of our safety and security protocols and procedures across our division,” the FCPS spokesperson said on the audit. “The assessment will look at all aspects of school safety and security, and ultimately make observations and recommendations for any required or suggested improvements or additions.”
All FCPS high schools have had exterior video cameras installed, Reid said, while camera installation at middle schools should be done by the end of the academic year. Cameras will ultimately be added at every single FCPS school.
“This is about a year and a half ahead of schedule,” Reid said.
About half of the elementary schools currently have cameras, she said. FCPS is in the midst of applying for a federal grant to add cameras at 10 more with the intention of having cameras at all elementary schools in the “near future.”
After the presentation, several school board members commented that illicit activity happening on school grounds after hours has been an ongoing concern. The installed cameras could help capture and act as a deterrent with that, both Reid and the board members noted.
She also confirmed that security vestibules are coming to schools that don’t have them yet FCPS has previously indicated that the secured sign-in areas will be installed this summer.
Last week, FCPS announced that it would now require expanded background checks for all employees in response to an ex-counselor’s conviction. That process has begun and will result in a re-issuing of new employee badges, Reid said.
“This has created quite a stir among our staff,” Reid said. “Some of our veteran staff prefer pictures that were taken a while ago.”
The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) has its first permanent leader.
Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol will take over as the first permanent CEO on July 5, the community improvement district announced today (Tuesday).
Cristol, who announced last year that she won’t seek reelection, will replace Richard Bradley, who has served as acting CEO since the TCA was created in October to replace the Tysons Partnership as a nonprofit advocacy organization for Tysons.
TCA Chair Josh White lauded Cristol’s work in Arlington in the announcement:
We are thrilled to have Katie Cristol as the new CEO for the Tysons Community Alliance. Katie has a proven track record of championing inclusivity, collaboration and community engagement. She is a well-respected leader and consummate professional with experience in catalyzing communities and urban management planning efforts in transportation, sustainability and economic development. We are thrilled to have her leading the organization as we continue to progress our work at the TCA and for Tysons.
Publicly launched in February, the TCA promotes economic and community development in Tysons, overseeing the implementation of Fairfax County’s comprehensive plan for the area. It’s currently funded by public investments, but it will ultimately be supported by local property owners.
County leaders believe that funding structure will be more sustainable than the Tysons Partnership, which relied on county funds and private donations.
In a statement, Cristol said she’s interested in working with the TCA because of its focus “on community building and inclusive, equitable economic growth, along with its vision for Tysons as a thriving regional downtown.”
“Particularly exciting to me is how the TCA has already brought together the private and public sector and created a foundation of collaborative partnership on which to build,” she said. “In the months ahead, we’ll be growing the efforts already underway in coalition building and strategic planning, while starting to deliver tactical results and improvements for the Tysons community.”
Here is more on Cristol from the TCA’s press release:
Cristol is a recognized leader in the region. In addition to serving on the Arlington County Board for eight years, she served on numerous boards including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission where she also served as Chair. Additionally, she has served in leadership roles in the Virginial Municipal League, The Virginia Railway Express Operations Board and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Human Services Policy Committee. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing, racial equity and women’s issues. She holds a public policy master’s degree from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.
Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who was a key advocate for the TCA’s creation, expressed enthusiasm for the TCA Board of Directors’ choice for CEO.
“Cristol will bring the necessary energy and broad approach to the TCA,” Palchik said. “She is an organized and strategic leader who knows how to move the needle to get key initiatives across the finish line. Her enthusiasm and ability to push projects forward within a collaborative environment will serve Tysons and the TCA well. We are thrilled to have her serve as the TCA’s new CEO.”
The TCA organized its first major public event last month — the “Pedal with Petals” family bicycle ride at Tysons Corner Center — in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The organization is also recruiting volunteers to help plant cherry trees in the area, an event that was scheduled for last Friday (April 28) but got postponed by weather to this Saturday (May 6).
The TCA has a calendar of other forthcoming events in Tysons on its website, which also has general information about the urban center.
Tax Rate Decrease on Table for County Budget — “The Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on a budget mark-up that provides a lower real estate tax rate but doesn’t fully cancel out the impact of increased assessment values. Pay increases for county employees are also provided in the budget.” [Patch]
Local Man Gets 10 Years for Fatal Crash — “A 45-year-old Fairfax County man was sentenced to 10 years in prison last Thursday for a 2022 crash on Duke Street that killed a Fairfax County man and injured four others…[Carlos] McKethan, who drove a silver SUV, was high on Phencyclidine (PCP) when he attempted to pass a bus at 110 miles per hour.” [ALXnow]
Rally Today for Man Shot by Police in Tysons — The family of Timothy Johnson, the Fairfax County NAACP, and others will gather at 3 p.m. today outside the Fairfax County Courthouse “to fight for justice and demand action in memory of Timothy.” State legislators were slated to attend but stepped out after Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano announced plans to convene a special grand jury for the case. [Holly Seibold/Twitter]
Three Injured in Apparent DWI Crash — A 22-year-old man from Alexandria was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and not having a driver’s license after crashing into another vehicle on Maple Avenue. Per Vienna police, a woman said the man’s vehicle rear-ended her vehicle “at a high rate of speed” at 3:44 a.m. on April 23, sending the vehicle spinning into a median. [Gazette Leader]
MLB Tests Home Run Derby Changes at Fairfax Park — “This weekend, the MLB rented Patriot Park North to test a new Home Run Derby format, Home Run Derby X. This will feature some fun twists to the usual event, featuring defensive catch zones and points, festival-like activities and more swings!” [Pat Herrity/Twitter]
Pot Smoking Among Concerns Raised by Metro Riders — “Mike Lebowitz, the Riders’ Advisory Council’s new chair, told the board about a Silver Line ride where a man rolled a joint and started smoking it, blowing smoke in the direction of morning commuters…Riders said that smoking makes them want to drive instead of taking transit.” [DCist]
Jiwa Singapura in Tysons Praised by WaPo — “My first visit had me focused on signatures. Subsequent reservations found me grazing on dishes I thought I knew, but fell for anew. Take sweet-and-sour pork, which starts with a cure of aromatics and cooks to tenderness overnight. The balancing act between sugar and vinegar rates a 10.” [The Washington Post]
Fairfax Filmmaker to Premiere Movie This Week — “Fairfax City native [Chris Schrack] will debut his third feature film, ‘For Sale,’ on May 3 at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. The horror-comedy tells the story of a shady salesman entrusted with selling a haunted house.” [Inside NoVA]
It’s Tuesday — Passing showers. Overcast. Cool. High of 54 and low of 43. Sunrise at 6:09 am and sunset at 8:01 pm. [Weather.gov]
Mid-spring is evidently the season to get a taste of restaurants around Fairfax County.
For those who didn’t fill up on samplers from this past weekend’s festivals in Vienna and Annandale, Tysons Corner Center will launch its own “Taste of” celebration to promote restaurants at the mall on Saturday (May 6).
Held from 1-4 p.m. on the Plaza, the first annual Taste of Tysons Corner Center will feature samples from over 40 eateries, a beer garden from Barrel & Bushel, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment.
The full schedule from a media alert:
1-2PM: Tour Tysons Corner Center for a “Taste Of” 40+ participating restaurants.
- Check in at the Tysons Corner tent on The Plaza for your “Passport to Delicious: Eatery Guide”.
- Get your Passport stamped at every sampling table to be entered to win the Grand Prize (Nespresso VertuoPlus machine and $200 Eddie V’s gift card).
- Enjoy the music of Under The Covers Band live on The Plaza stage.
2-3PM: Cooking Demos and Chef Appearances on The Plaza from:
- Barrel & Bushel’s (and Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner’s) Executive Chef Daron Lee
- Seasons 52’s Executive Chef Partner Matt Beverley
- Nordstrom Ebar Manager Kris Kozosky
- Shake Shack: Shake-making with General Manager Sam Posey
- Wasabi: Sushi Rolling 101 with Alex Lee
3-4PM: So Fetch will perform live on The Plaza stage.
There will also be a photo booth and a tent for a “Spin the Wheel” game with restaurant gift cards as the prizes.
While the overall event is free, there’s a VIP lounge with a complimentary oyster bar and tuna tartar from Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, food and alcohol tastings from Seasons 52, and a build-your-own-taco bar from La Sandia.
Tickets to the VIP lounge cost $25, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit Food for Others.
A full list of the participating restaurants can be found on the mall’s website.
