Arrests Made After Annandale Barricade — “Fairfax County Police arrested 13 people March 25 following a dispute at the Parliaments Apartments in Annandale. Police responded to a report of a brandishing incident in the 7300 block of Englewood Place at about 8:30 p.m.” A 19-year-old “displayed a firearm, then threatened to shoot” one of the occupants. [Annandale Today]
Trial Underway in Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against FCPS — “A 24-year-old woman told jurors Tuesday that she was repeatedly raped and sexually harassed a decade ago as a seventh-grade student in Virginia, and that school officials reacted to her pleas for help with indifference…The case involving B.R. stretches back to allegations she was raped and harassed as a 12-year-old student at Rachel Carson Middle School in Reston.” [Associated Press]
Virginia Reports Rise in Mpox Cases — “The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is closely monitoring a recent increase in mpox cases in Virginia. Since January 1, 2024, 12 mpox cases have been reported to VDH…Four patients required hospitalization, six were co-infected with HIV, and none had been previously vaccinated.” [VDH]
Herndon Consulting Firm Patents Software — “Herndon fintech and consulting firm Skience has received patent approval for part of its software that makes work more efficient for wealth management professionals and financial advisers.” The technology reduces the “number of programs and portals where advisers need to enter client information,” so it takes less time to open accounts, CEO and co-founder Sanjeev Kumar says. [Washington Business Journal]
Justice HS Teacher Wins National Award — “Congratulations to Justice HS teacher Kirsten Salonga, who has been awarded the 2023 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). Kristen is one of six winners who has received a cash award of $1,000.” [Fairfax County Public Schools/Facebook]
State Police Launch New Recruitment Program — “The Virginia State Police is offering a first-of-its-kind employment opportunity for those interested in becoming state troopers, but are too young to apply…The agency’s new ‘Pathway to Trooper’ program aims to help people 18 to 20 years old who need to find employment while waiting to apply to the Trooper Basic Session Academy.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Wednesday — Expect rain in the morning, transitioning to potential thunderstorms from noon to 3pm, followed by possible rain and storms later in the afternoon. The high will be near 53, and there’s an 80% chance of precipitation. Cloudy skies will persist at night, along with a 50% chance of rain and lows around 47. [NWS]
Fairfax County is taking steps to make affordable housing more accessible to people dealing with serious mental illness.
The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will implement a major increase in rental assistance for people with serious mental illness, thanks to a $20 million agreement approved earlier this month with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).
“The additional funding is expected to help prevent homelessness among individuals with serious mental illness, as well as reduce census at state psychiatric hospitals,” the FCRHA announced on March 15 reads.
Starting in May, the approved agreement will fund 300 new supportive rental assistance vouchers for Fairfax County residents over three years and three new staff positions to manage the program.
“The new Fairfax County program supports an identified need for permanent supportive housing as noted in the Fairfax County Countywide Strategic Plan,” FCRHA spokesperson Allyson Pearce told FFXnow, adding that funding needs will be evaluated over time.
Details on how the 300 recipients will be chosen are still coming together, Pearce said, but the program will prioritize:
- Individuals experiencing long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness
- Individuals and those whose housing instability frequently leads to crisis, hospital visits, or contact with criminal justice systems
- Individuals leaving state psychiatric hospitals
- People residing in congregate care settings with a high concentration of individuals with serious mental illness
The Fairfax County Community Services Board (CSB) will coordinate referrals from “various stakeholders,” such as state hospitals and the federal Continuum of Care program, according to the FCRHA release.
A separate partnership with the nonprofit Pathways Homes will allow the 300 participants to receive additional supportive services. Fifty of the participants will also have access to services like psychiatry and case management as well as funds for the expenses needed to lease a housing unit.
“The remaining 250 participants will be coupled with two Supportive Housing Teams under a separate contract,” the release states.
Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development Director Tom Fleetwood said in the release that increasing access to affordable housing reduces homelessness, and is essential in getting a person back on their feet.
“That is why this funding is so important,” Fleetwood said. “It provides critical support services along with rental assistance needed for people to be successful in their new home.”
Photo via Fairfax County
When you have concerns about an artificial intelligence-based technology, who are you going to call? For many federal government agencies, the answer is now the Mitre Corporation.
The not-for-profit research organization launched a new AI Assurance and Discovery Lab at its Tysons headquarters yesterday (Monday) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and Reps. Gerry Connolly and Don Beyer.
Staffed by Mitre’s scientists and engineers, the lab will help federal agencies and, in the future, private companies assess the risks, security and effectiveness of AI systems that could be used in health care, national security, transportation and other fields, according to a press release.
“Government use of AI will have consequential impacts on the nation and world,” Mitre Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Charles Clancy said. “…However, in adopting these systems, we also need to mitigate risks. Providing an independent assessment of the security, safety, and efficacy of AI systems will play a critical role toward helping government and business realize the transformational power of AI in benefits processing, intelligence analysis, autonomous vehicles, and more.”
Clancy added that the lab is envisioned as “a blueprint for a national network of AI assurance facilities.”
Founded in 1958 in Bedford, Massachusetts, where it still maintains a headquarters, Mitre was started by MIT to develop and manage an air defense system designed to detect potential Soviet missiles. Now bringing in a reported $2.2 billion in revenue, the contractor has helped build everything from facial recognition tools for the FBI to a contact-tracing system used during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Forbes profile.
The new lab inside the Mitre 4 high-rise at 7525 Colshire Drive will provide a space for testing AI technology, which is already being used by federal agencies to analyze drone photos, study volcanoes and match job seekers with openings, among other reported examples.
“The opening of MITRE’s AI Assurance and Discovery Lab is an exciting development in the most fertile frontier of technological progress — extracting maximum value from AI while mitigating some of its risks,” Warner said in a statement. “We need to have an all-hands-on-deck approach to studying and unleashing the potential of AI, and I look forward to seeing the discoveries and progress the lab will be able to make in this critical field.”
According to the press release, the lab’s physical space can be customized “for specific mission scenarios and workflows.”
The facility will be supported by more than 200 staff members from Mitre’s AI and Autonomy Innovation Center, according to AI Assurance Solutions Lead Miles Thompson, who oversees the lab. The space can accommodate 50 people at a time and “thousands of remote connections.”
“Federal agencies, and soon private companies, can bring AI-enabled systems to the lab to explore potential risks including whether they perform effectively, consistently, and safely in real-world contexts,” the release said. “MITRE will also use the lab to evaluate factors such as whether systems are secure and free from harmful bias, and allow users to control how their information is used.”
Connolly said Mitre’s lab will be “invaluable” for helping the government adopt AI “with the proper guardrails in place,” while Beyer noted that it suggests Northern Virginia will “continue to lead the way on tech innovation.”
State lawmakers punted consideration of a casino in Fairfax County to next year, but that hasn’t stopped some proponents from seeking to assist in the divisive plan to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Northern Virginia, whose odds of a comeback win are looking slim.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who represents Fairfax County’s Richmond Highway corridor, recently pitched the idea of bringing both a casino and the sports arena to Tysons to a representative of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the basketball and hockey teams, the Washington Post reported on Sunday (March 24).
According to the Post, Surovell dropped the idea after Monumental President of External Affairs Monica Dixon “immediately” rejected it, but Christopher Clemente, CEO of the aspiring casino developer Comstock, and Ben Tribbett, a prominent consultant whose clients include Comstock and Surovell, “continued shopping the idea last week.”
The suggestion of combined arena/casino site in Tysons emerged as Monumental’s much-hyped plan to move the teams from D.C. to Alexandria’s Potomac Yard flailed for support. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned on March 9 without including funding for a state authority to finance the $2 billion entertainment district in their budget proposal, and at least one Alexandria City elected official withdrew her endorsement of the project.
Clemente told the Post that a joint development could “enhance financing options for the arena” by using tax revenue generated by the casino to guarantee bonds that would pay for the stadium, but Potomac Yard developer JBG Smith’s CEO, Matt Kelly, noted the deal could be used to evade Virginia’s requirement that casinos get approved by voter referendum.
Like the arena, Fairfax County’s potential casino is envisioned as part of an entertainment district, according to State Sen. Dave Marsden, who sponsored legislation to make the county eligible for a gambling establishment this past session and in 2023.
After vocal opposition from local residents and some officials, though the county board stopped short of taking an official position, a Senate committee voted on Feb. 6 to continue this year’s bill to 2025 to allow for more study and public engagement.
The combined facility proposal appears to be dead on arrival, with Monumental owner Ted Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin reportedly expressing “disgust” and “no interest,” respectively. But hypothetically, would you support the Wizards and Capitals calling Fairfax County home? Would it alter your stance on a casino?
(Updated at 3:30 p.m. on 3/29/2024) Clogged-up pipes will force Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to close for more than a month, starting later this week.
Contractors will begin work on the “emergency project” to clear and repair wastewater pipes in the McLean park this Thursday (March 28), the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services recently announced.
The 385-acre park at 7400 Georgetown Pike will be closed throughout the project’s first phase, which is expected to take about six weeks and will remove an estimated 80 tons of sediment from the pipes, according to DPWES.
Also known as siphons, the pipes carry wastewater from McLean across the Potomac River and into Maryland, connecting to a DC Water interceptor through Carderock National Park.
“During a recent inspection two of the three pipes at the wastewater siphon were found to be non-operational,” DPWES said in a news release. “An emergency repair is necessary, as there is no reasonable bypass alternative if the last pipe fails, which would mean millions of gallons of sewage per day going into the Potomac.”
According to the project page, the park needs to close during the project so construction crews and equipment can access the trails without creating conflicts for visitors or pushing pedestrians off-trail, which would damage the natural environment.
Work will take place Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the weather. The closure will apply to all trails and the east and west parking lots.
In addition to removing sediment, which will be transported out of Scott’s Run daily by truck, the project will involve replacing valves and cleaning the siphon barrels. The siphon barrel cleaning will be done in Carderock National Park.
A second phase of work focused on maintenance repairs is expected later, requiring another park closure, but the exact timing will be determined after “additional investigations are made during the cleaning process,” DPWES said.
In total, the work at Scott’s Run is expected to take three months, though the overall project has an anticipated timeline of six to nine months.
DPWES says no other properties should be affected by the project, and traffic into and out of the Scott’s Run parking lot will be “limited” after the contractors arrive Thursday morning.
“Materials and construction equipment for the project will be safely stored onsite,” the project page says. “Additionally, Fairfax County McLean District Police have been notified of the project and will be monitoring traffic patterns in the area to ensure safety of residents and commuters.”
The county says it’s identifying “methods to optimize and enhance its inspection and cleaning procedures to reduce the likelihood” that an emergency response of this level will be needed in the future.
Correction: DPWES says 80 tons of sediment are being removed from the Scott’s Run pipes, not 80,000 tons as first reported.
Local Figure Skater Wins World Championship — “Ilia Malinin, the 19-year-old from Fairfax, Virginia, put on a dominant display Saturday night in Montreal and took the world figure skating crown in record performance. His free program included a jaw-dropping six quadruple jumps — including his patented quad axel” and setting a record for the competition’s free skate. [WTOP]
Police Investigate “Suspicious Package” in Reston — Sunset Hills Road closed outside of the Reston Town Center Metro station yesterday (Monday) after Fairfax County police got a report of a “suspicious package” in the area at 4:40 p.m. An investigation determined the item wasn’t an explosive device, and there was “no apparent threat to the community at this time.” [Patch]
Data Center Company Sues County Over Reston Facility — CoreSite “has filed a civil suit against Fairfax County, alleging the county has overstepped its authority in demanding it hand over identifying information about its tenants” for tax purposes. The March 8 complaint argues that it’s not CoreSite’s responsibility to “know whether a given tenant is subject to or exempt from the state’s and county’s tax authority” and it would be “overly burdensome” for the company to make that determination. [Washington Business Journal]
Annandale Restaurants Near Launches — “Three new eateries — L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Garden Social, and Tiger Sugar — are tentatively scheduled to have a soft opening the second week of April. All three are located in the same 5,000-square-foot space at 4363 John Marr Drive…in the Eastgate Shopping Center.” [Annandale Today]
Former Auto Dealerships in Tysons Acquired — Asbury Automotive Group “bought the 11.6-acre property at 8525 Leesburg Pike, until recently home to a Priority Nissan and a Priority Mazda, on Feb. 15 for $67 million.” The buyer and seller didn’t comment on the deal, which was reported by CoStar, but the site was once part of the planned Dominion Square West redevelopment. [WBJ]
Space Research Nonprofit Moves HQ to Chantilly — “The non-profit Aerospace Corp., which functions as a federal research lab focused on space, announced last week it relocated its corporate headquarters from El Segundo, California, to the Washington D.C. area.” The corporation’s president says the move “was driven by the evolving space landscape in the U.S. government and a need for closer proximity to key decision makers.” [Space News]
Lorton Thrift Shop Plans Refresh — “Lorton’s Attic, the thrift store at Williamsburg Square Shopping Center operated by the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), will close for the first two days of April before reopening April 3 with a new layout, fresh inventory and expanded hours.” [On the MoVe]
Homeless Shelter Clients Beautify County Gardens — “The gardens at the Herrity Building on the Fairfax County Government Center Complex have been given a renewed lease on life this spring, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Operation Stream Shield and guidance from landscape architects of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Management Division.” [DPWES]
It’s Tuesday — Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 55 and an east wind around 6 mph. Moving into Tuesday night, there is a 30% chance of rain, primarily after 2am, and the temperature will drop to around 44 with a southeast wind at 7 mph. [NWS]
(Updated at 9:40 a.m. on 3/26/2024) A federal funding boost is coming to help improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities on the Town of Herndon’s main through street and more than a dozen other sites around Northern Virginia.
At its meeting last Thursday (March 21), the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) approved $19.5 million through the federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program for 15 non-highway transportation projects in the state.
Five of the projects to receive funds are in Fairfax County or its towns, led by $2.5 million for a plan to improve the safety, accessibility and walkability of Elden Street.
According to a Town of Herndon presentation, the project includes new ADA ramps and crosswalks, a widened sidewalk that moves around existing barriers, and a grass buffer. Spanning 0.3 miles between Center Street and Ferndale Avenue, the improvements will be in close proximity to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, Herndon Middle School and St. Joseph’s School.
Over in the Town of Vienna, the Locust Street Trail project will get $1.3 million to facilitate the replacement of an existing sidewalk within a 10-foot-wide shared-use path. The project will also address drainage issues that “frequently make the existing path unusable for extended periods,” per a news release from the TPB.
The funding approved for Fairfax County will go to three different Safe Routes to Schools projects, including $140,000 for Shrevewood Elementary School in Idylwood. Developed in response to a fatal crash in 2019, the project will add three new crosswalks with a sidewalk or a shared use path connection.
“In addition to making it safer to walk or bike to school, this project will expand safe access for kids to the W&OD Trail, a key link in the National Capital Trail Network,” the TPB’s summary said.
The project has received another $1 million through other Transporation Alternatives Set-Aside funding, fulfilling the county’s full request, according to the board.
A Safe Routes to Schools program for Lake Braddock Elementary School in Annandale got around $356,000 to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity across the road and school entrance. It includes ADA ramps, new crosswalks and new pedestrian refuge islands.
More broadly, the school system’s overall SRTS program will get $276,000 to educate students on safe walking and bicycling.
“The project will develop maps with suggested safe routes, safety education, bike rodeos, walk and bike to school days, monthly challenges with rewards, build a bike give a bike programs, and the development of park and walk programs for students who live beyond the walking zone,” the press release said.
Two projects in Fairfax City also got funding from the Federal Highway Administration program:
Fern Street Neighborhood Connection, City of Fairfax: $285,119
Utilizing city property, this project will connect commercial and residential areas lacking a paved ADA-accessible pathway. The project prioritizes bikes and pedestrians by building a trail instead of a road extension and supports small area plan recommendations by initiating a pedestrian priority corridor and providing links to potential mixed-use redevelopments.
Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path, City of Fairfax: $2,098,314
This project will provide a safer and higher quality bike and pedestrian facility along Chain Bridge Road, a busy arterial that feeds into I-66. The project will build a shared-use path between existing trails, including a connection to the National Capital Trail Network’s Custis/I-66 Trail. The project serves an Equity Emphasis area.
The total amount of approved funding from the Transportation Alternatives set-aside program has been corrected from $195 million to $19.5 million.
More than a dozen candidates will vie for six seats — four held by adults, two by teens — on the McLean Community Center’s governing board this spring.
The community center announced on Friday (March 22) that 10 adults and five teens have qualified to run in this year’s board election, which has one more open seat than usual with current board member Ari Ghasemian resigning at the end of March.
Ghasemian’s empty seat will be filled by the fourth-highest adult vote-getter, who will serve the remaining year in his term. The other adult seats are for three-year terms, while the two youth seats — one representing the McLean High School area and the other representing Langley High School — have one-year terms.
Two existing board members — Lisa Mariam and Matt Colsia — are seeking to retain their seats, but they will need to fend off eight newcomers: Tarek Atia, Jonathan “Slade” Broom, Mike Drabyk, Doug Jeffery, Ronald Keesing, Michael Monroe, Peter Pin and Peggy Richardson.
There are three candidates for the Langley seat — Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak, Sonya Thott and Luke Understein — and two for the McLean High School seat — Aanya Jain and Aaron Stark.
Open to residents of MCC’s tax district, absentee voting will begin this Wednesday (March 27) and continue until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 13. Ballots can be requested in person at MCC (1234 Ingleside Avenue), online, by phone at 703-744-9348 or by email at [email protected].
The election will conclude with a day of in-person voting during McLean Day, which will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bridge Road).
MCC’s 11-person volunteer governing board guides policy and oversees the organization’s budget and strategic planning.
Provided by MCC in a press release, statements from each of the candidates can be found below. The statements will be available on the community center’s website once absentee voting begins.
Adult Candidates
Tarek Atia
I am a longtime McLean resident seeking to use my passion for the arts to benefit my community. If elected, I will collaborate with fellow board members to advance MCC’s critical mission. Throughout my career, I have leveraged my diverse experience as a journalist, entrepreneur and teacher to drive cultural engagement at home and overseas, most recently as director of a major arts and culture center at the American University in Cairo. An alumnus of Churchill, Cooper, Langley and UVA, and father of two adult sons, I am currently writing a book called “Ten Days in America’s Next Great City.”
Jonathan “Slade” Broom
I moved to McLean in 2013 with my wife, Katie. Our three children perform at the Alden Theatre and enjoy the Old Firehouse and the MCC summer camps. I volunteer in our community, primarily coaching McLean Little League. I bring two decades of public service experience. I have honed skills in international negotiations, managing large federal budgets and delivering aid in emergency situations. At CFPB, I protect consumers from financial harm, improve processes and manage organizational change. As a board member, I will focus on expanding family-focused and sensory-friendly events, listening and finding collaborative solutions and providing responsible financial management.
Matt Colsia
As a dedicated member of the MCC Governing Board, I’ve championed accessibility, modernization, and fiscal responsibility. With 26 years of Army service and deep involvement in our schools and community organizations, I bring a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to service. My vision is to foster a thriving, inclusive community center that enriches the lives of residents. I’m excited to shape MCC’s 50th anniversary celebration and beyond, ensuring it remains a beacon of learning, growth, and unity. With your support, I will continue to lead with integrity, advocate for your needs, and tirelessly work towards a stronger, more vibrant community.
Mike Drabyk
My name is Mike Drabyk. As a McLean resident for more than 25 years, I have watched my family grow and thrive. The benefits of being here include the McLean Community Center, the Old Firehouse and events like McLean Day. My family and I have an annual tradition where I play the carnival games at McLean Day for prizes for my wife and family. I want to do my part so others can continue enjoying this local experience as well. I ask for your vote for the McLean Community Center Board. Thank you.
Doug Jeffery
I moved to Northern Virginia in 1997. I attended Chantilly High School and later the University of Virginia. In 2019, my wife and I decided to make McLean our home. Since then, we welcomed our first daughter, now nearly 2, and are expecting our second this spring. I have worked for a large financial services firm in Tysons Corner for 16 years and am a CFA Charterholder. As a father and finance professional, I will make sure that the MCC produces an inclusive and family-friendly environment and that it uses its resources prudently. I am excited to serve our community!
Ronald Keesing
As a 20-year resident, I feel fortunate to live in McLean. I’ve raised two daughters who received world-class educations here. Our family has spent countless hours enjoying local performances, events, classes, parks and the library. I believe the quality of life we’ve enjoyed is only possible through decades of responsible, non-partisan, inclusive leadership. Now, I’d like to give back, continuing that tradition while serving on the MCC Governing Board. I believe I have much to offer, particularly through my expertise in technology and ethics. I’m excited to continue MCC’s important work bringing arts, events and education to our diverse community.
Lisa Mariam
It has been an honor to serve on the McLean Community Center Board for the last three years. I helped guide MCC through strategic planning and chaired the 50th Anniversary Committee. I look forward to continuing to support McLean traditions and exploring new opportunities to engage residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit programs and administration, I bring a broad community perspective to represent the residents of our special tax district. I’ll prioritize increasing awareness of MCC, being responsive to community needs and interests and bringing people together to strengthen our community.
Michael Monroe
It would be an honor to serve McLean and I was thrilled to be asked to do so. I live, work and raise my three children here in the Langley pyramid. My finance experience over the past 20 years and relationships in multiple industries, including Hollywood, can help drive amazing activity and efficiency at MCC. I’m a graduate of Leadership Fairfax and the Political Leaders Program through UVA Sorenson, have a master’s in real estate from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s from James Madison University. I’m a life member of Sharon Lodge #327. I’d appreciate your vote.
Peter Pin
It is my pleasure to submit my application for candidate for the MCC Governing Board. As a resident of McLean for 24 years and Northern Virginia for 40, I have a deep commitment to the wellbeing of our community. Having served for over 30 years as a leader in the business community, I hope to bring my spirit of innovation and collaboration along with my skills in leadership and communications to create and advance a wonderful agenda for the community. I thank those that have been here before me and look forward to serving you.
Peggy Richardson
My name is Peggy Richardson, and I would be honored to serve on McLean Community Center’s Governing Board. I’ve lived in the area for over 20 years and have always enjoyed being an active member of my community. Having served on several different volunteer boards such as the Women’s Civic Alliance and the Arlington Community Foundation, I’m confident that my 25-plus years of experience spearheading fundraising campaigns and coordinating philanthropic events would directly benefit MCC and its constituency. As a board member, I would ensure that the programs represent the needs and wants of all the McLean community.
Langley High School Boundary Area Candidates
Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak
I am Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak, a freshman at Langley High, and I am running for the MCC Board. My candidacy is rooted in genuine desire to enhance McLean’s liveliness, vibrance and responsiveness to the diverse needs of its residents. I aim to create a lively and welcoming community, uniting us all by organizing inclusive and engaging events, such as cultural festivals, movie nights, outdoor activities, parties, fundraising events and promoting teen nonprofit startups. With my fresh perspective and dedication, I intend to amplify the voices of teens, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for McLean youths.
Sonya Thott
My name is Sonya Thott and I’m a junior at Langley High School. My ambition to incorporate cultural diversity and inclusivity within our community is the core of my campaign. I have showcased my culture via dance and music by performing at Capital One Hall and I am also very involved in my school by being an officer in Langley’s student government, where I help organize school events, learn how to be an efficient leader and listen to students’ opinions. With these experiences, I hope to enhance MCC’s inclusivity statement further and support the betterment of the community for all.
Luke Understein
I am running for board member because I want to make a difference in our community and promote MCC’s outreach, growth and innovation as a cultural resource for residents of McLean. I am familiar with the interests of young people in McLean, and I will bring the perspectives of my peers to aid the decisions of the board. I will also make strong contributions to the committees I serve, because I have good communication and organizational skills and I am very detail oriented. So, I am asking for your vote to represent the Langley district.
McLean High School Boundary Area Candidates
Aanya Jain
Hello, I’m Aanya Jain and I’m running for MCC Governing Board. I was born in McLean and MCC has played a pivotal role in my active involvement within my community. I was exposed to summer activities and plays sponsored by MCC (and let’s not forget McLean Day)! I realized the importance of community engagement and advocacy and am part of Raising Student Voices and Debate clubs, which strengthened my skills in diplomacy, advocacy and teamwork! By serving on MCC’s Board, I’ll strive to promote the magnificent programs MCC offers to those of all backgrounds and will represent my fellow Highlanders!
Aaron Stark
My name is Aaron Stark. I’m a junior and the president of the class of 2025 at McLean High School. I’ve had extensive experience working alongside the MCC and other McLean-based service programs, including the MCC’s Youth Ambassador Program and the Safe Community Coalition’s Youth Advisory Council. I’ve spent nearly all my life growing up in the area, so I figured it was about time to start giving back. As a member of the Governing Board, I would work to add resources and activities for older teens. Vote Aaron Stark for the MCC Governing Board!
A longtime arts educator and administrator who has helped keep opera alive in cities as different as New York City and Nashville will soon bring that expertise to Fairfax County.
ArtsFairfax has hired Stuart Holt as its new president and CEO to replace Linda Sullivan, who retired on Feb. 29 after a 14-year tenure that saw the organization evolve from a council most known for producing the International Children’s Festival into a key advocate and source of funding for the county’s artistic community.
Holt’s experience with expanding access to the arts — most recently as director of learning and engagement for the Metropolitan Opera Guild in New York City — will help ArtsFairfax build on the transformation that Sullivan started, ArtsFairfax Board Chair Scott Cryer said in today’s announcement.
“Fairfax County interest in the arts has grown exponentially over the last 10 years due in large part to Linda Sullivan’s leadership,” Cryer said. “Now, we look to Stuart Holt to increase access to the arts for all residents throughout the region. The ArtsFairfax Board believes that Stuart’s vision and spirit of collaboration will inspire our talented staff and multiple stakeholders to find new ways of working together to strengthen the arts in Fairfax.”
Envisioning ArtsFairfax as a “catalyst for area artists to amplify and celebrate their work,” Holt told FFXnow in an exclusive interview that he’s “extremely excited about the opportunity” to work in a community the size of Fairfax County, which he noted has more residents than the state of Montana.
“The opportunity to think about access, exposure, a commitment to the arts on that scale is thrilling,” Holt said. “It’s daunting, but it is a huge opportunity, one which I think is a beautiful combination of all of the work that I have done up to this point in my career.”
A graduate of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and Florida State University, where he got a master’s degree in opera production, Holt began his administrative career in 2004 as the director of youth opera programs for the Sarasota Opera. He then served as Nashville Opera’s education and outreach director before joining the Metropolitan Opera Guild in 2012.
According to ArtsFairfax, Holt’s work with the Met Opera Guild included a redesign of its Opera Learning Institute, participation in an Arts Workforce Fellowship that assists emerging artists from historically underrepresented communities, the creation of a Community Voices Choir for the arts center Culture Lab, and oversight of a research project on how “opera-based and arts-integrated learning” connects to student achievement.
Holt’s efforts have brought arts education programming to 30,000 students in Nashville and 120,000 students in New York, ArtsFairfax said in a press release.
Throughout his career Mr. Holt has brokered unique community partnerships, including collaborations with Lincoln Center to provide music education for children and young adults on the Autism spectrum and to serve adults affected by dementia; a partnership with the Vanderbilt Observatory to create the outdoor dining and live music “Opera on the Mountain” event, which remains an integral part of Nashville Opera’s perennial community engagement offerings; and a partnership with the Police Athletic League to develop an afterschool choral program in Sarasota, Florida.
As Director of Learning and Engagement at the Metropolitan Opera Guild, Mr. Holt dramatically increased the Guild’s reach, growing their K-12 school programs across all five boroughs of New York City and to six counties in New Jersey; launching the Metropolitan Opera Guild Podcast, which garnered over 2.2 million listens across 200 episodes; and creating the Guild’s Continuing Opera Education-Online Learning Platform, which reached adult learners from 41 states and 29 countries.
Holt says his past work has given him an appreciation for the importance of listening to constituents and building personal connections.
Fittingly, his top priority as ArtsFairfax’s new president and CEO is to conduct a listening tour with arts organizations, public officials and other partners “to hear what is working well and what are their thoughts for improvements.”
He also wants to expand the funding that the agency is able to give to arts and cultural groups, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide. Per its latest annual report, which was released Thursday (March 21), ArtsFairfax awarded $735,839 in grants to 63 nonprofit arts organizations last year, an amount boosted by a $250,000 boost from Fairfax County.
“We know as we continue to move forward that that need is probably going to increase,” Holt said. “So, we need to think about how are we increasing the pot that’s available so that arts organizations know that they can come to us when they have a project that they really want to do, and they know that we are going to think carefully about trying to help them amplify that work out to their community.”
In addition to providing funding, ArtsFairfax helps promote local organizations and events, and connects artists with jobs, facilities, professional development workshops and other resources. Recent initiatives have included the introduction of a Fairfax Poet Laureate and a map to locate public art.
Holt shares the ArtsFairfax team’s goal, outlined in its strategic plan, of increasing the accessibility and availability of those services.
“I really want to be thinking about how we are engaging the most possible community members with our work,” he said. “This…is listening to those arts partners, those civic organizations, those stakeholders who are thinking about, ‘How are we making the arts accessible to everybody, and what are the tools that ArtsFairfax can provide to help with that work?’”
A chain of bubble tea shops is adding another local link, this time in the Town of Vienna.
Vivi Bubble Tea anticipates opening its newest franchise at 233 Maple Avenue East in mid-April, according to Yaya Zhang, manager of both the upcoming Vienna location and the existing Fairfax City cafe (9974 Main Street).
The shop has moved into the former Elite Tutoring Place in Glyndon Shopping Center, filling out a row also occupied by Pizza Vienna and Bruster’s Ice Cream.
Zhang says Vivi Bubble Tea was interested in adding a franchise in Vienna for “many reasons,” including the opportunity to attract a different customer base than the people it sees in Fairfax.
“Vivi Bubble Tea would like to increase its brand presence and respond to customer demand, and we believe Vienna Town offers an attractive demographic profile and foot traffic,” Zhang said by email. “Compared to the Fairfax City branch, which faces customers with college students and nearby residents, the Vienna Town branch is looking to attract families, young professionals, and other nearby residents.”
Vivi Bubble Tea launched in 2007 with “cutting-edge technology for tea production,” according to its website. Since opening its first store in New York City, the company has expanded to over 100 locations across four continents and 13 countries.
The proliferation of chains like Vivi and Sharetea has fueled a surge in bubble tea’s popularity in the U.S., drawing attention to a longtime favorite of some Asian immigrant communities. First developed in Taiwan in the 1980s, the drink consists of cold, sweet milk tea and chewy tapioca balls, or boba.
In addition to both dairy and non-dairy milk teas, Vivi offers fruit and jelly teas, flavored hot tea, soda and slushes, which come in flavors like strawberry, lychee and Oreo cookie. The variety and ability to customize menu items with toppings and different sugar or ice levels sets the chain apart from other bubble tea shops, Zhang says.
The business also serves Asian street food, including popcorn chicken, bento boxes and takoyaki, a traditionally Japanese snack.
“We believe that by offering a range of food options alongside their bubble tea drinks, Vivi Bubble Tea can attract customers looking for a complete dining experience or those who want to enjoy a snack or meal with their beverages,” Zhang said.
Vivi’s Vienna shop will be its third franchise in Virginia, joining ones in Fairfax and at the Eden Center in Falls Church.
Zhang says the business plans to get involved in the local community, and customers can expect plenty of promotions and discounts.
“We can’t wait to open up and service everyone in Vienna,” Zhang said.
