Urban Mattress — a family-owned franchise that opened in 2013, is officially closings its doors.
A store-closing sale will kick off on September 7. Owner Nathaniel Hoelk opened the business at 229 Maple Avenue E in an effort to create organic, all-natural mattresses made from eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, according to the company.
“Because we lost our lease, we must liquidate all our inventory and shut down operations. Our family is so grateful for all of the support we have received over the past 10 years,” said Hoelk.
Here’s more from the company on the closure:
The store-closing sale opens to the public September 7 and will feature deep discounts on top quality mattresses from name brands like Vispring and Tempur-Pedic as well as the Urban Mattress brand. Urban Mattress is located at 229 Maple Ave E in the center of downtown Vienna next to Jammin’ Java. Store management encourages early shopping for best selection.
Urban Mattress has consistently demonstrated their passion for giving back by participating in local organizations such as the Vienna Business Association and Chamber Board of Vienna and by donating to local charities like the Salvation Army and Second Story. The Hoelk family has also sponsored local school music programs and football teams.
The area around Tysons Galleria (8025 Galleria Drive) might be a little livelier than usual as Cirque du Soleil brings a new nature-themed show to Tysons tonight (Wednesday).
The new show, ECHO, launches tonight at 7:30 p.m. and will run every Wednesday-Sunday until Sunday, Oct. 22.
The program launched in Montreal in April but tonight marks the debut of ECHO in the United States.
“Cirque du Soleil is proud to debut its newest Big Top show, ECHO, directed by Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar,” a release said. “Washington, DC will kick off the U.S. leg of the tour on Sept. 6, 2023. This is the first time in the show’s history that the nation’s capital will host the U.S. premiere.”
The program features the usual mix of acrobatics and vocals, with a fantasy-themed storyline.
“Creation should always be at the heart of Cirque du Soleil, and one of our biggest excitement anchors itself in our ability to deliver a new show to our audience,” Mukhtar said in the release. “ECHO will push the values of connection, inspiration and the power of intention.”
Ticket prices vary by seating, ranging from $44 tonight and $64 on weekends to $199 front-row seats.
The county is activating its heat plan for the second day in a row this week.
With a Heat Advisory in effect from noon to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), the heat plan intended to offer cooling centers during normal operating hours. The centers will also provide supplies like bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and body wipes.
Heat index values of up to 107 degrees are expected.
Three emergency shelters for single adults will activate day and night overflow shelter capacity.
Here’s more from the National Weather Service:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.
County School Board Candidate Sends Controversial Mailer — “School board candidate Harry Jackson is pictured on the front of a postcard sent to voters in Fairfax County. On the flip side are illustrations of sex acts depicted in some of the books he wants FCPS to remove from schools. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports,” [NBC 4]
Man Injured in Fairfax County Crash — “Several exit ramps from Interstate 66 in Greenbriar were closed temporarily after a crash Tuesday morning, according to Fairfax County police.” [WJLA]
Affordable Housing to Accept Waitlist Applications in Fairfax County — “Individuals interested in applying to affordable housing waitlists will have the opportunity to do so on September 11, 2023 for select properties in the county.” [Fairfax County Government]
Native American Festival Comes to Riverbend Park — “Immerse yourself in the Virginia Native American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Riverbend Park. The Native American Festival brings together tribal members from throughout the Commonwealth.” [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Wednesday — The weather forecast predicts a sunny and hot day, reaching temperatures near 100°F with a northwest wind at approximately 6 mph. During Wednesday night, expect partly cloudy skies with lows around 75°F. The southeast wind at around 5 mph will eventually become light and variable. [Weather.gov]
For local bookworms who missed out on last month’s National Book Festival in D.C., you’re in luck.
Fairfax County Public Library will launch a book festival of its own on Sept. 30 with an exclusive focus on writers based in Northern Virginia.
That mission separates the Local Author Book Festival from not just the Library of Congress literary extravaganza, but also George Mason University’s annual Fall for the Book, which will mark its 25th year in October with top-billed guests like “High Fidelity” author Nick Hornby and Man Booker Prize winner Marlon James.
“You would be surprised at the number of writers who live in Northern Virginia!” FCPL Program and Educational Services Director Renee Edwards said. “Every year, we get requests from writers who want the library to host author events where they can meet the public and talk about their books. To bring special attention to our writers and give them the opportunity to meet community members and talk about their books, we are hosting our first Local Author Book Festival.”
Kicking off the festival at 9:30 am with a V.I.P. meet-and-greet at Chantilly Regional Library (4000 Stringfellow Road) will be bestselling suspense novelist David Baldacci. The Fairfax Library Foundation, which is sponsoring the festival, describes him as a “Fairfax County favorite son.”
The meet-and-greet will be limited to 50 people, who must purchase a $75 ticket to attend. However, as the festival’s headline speaker, Baldacci will also discuss his novels and answer questions in a free presentation from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a book sale and signing.
Meet-and-greet participants will get a reserved seat for the general presentation.
A lifelong Virginia resident, Baldacci is a mainstay of the local literary scene, appearing in past events at various county library branches and launching a book at Bards Alley in Vienna last year. The Fairfax Library Foundation honored him and his wife in 2012 for starting the Wish You Well Foundation, a Reston-based charity that supports literacy programs.
“David Baldacci is a local author who is a fan of public libraries. In the past, he has presented at several of our branches and people are always excited to hear him speak!” Edwards said. “We think he is the perfect author to kick off the Local Author Book Festival.”
Overall, there will be 40 authors at the inaugural Local Author Book Festival. FCPL invited authors based on a list of people who had signed up to present at the library, according to Edwards, who says “there was a lot of interest.”
Other confirmed participants include “Instant Pot Asian Pressure Cooker Meals” author Patricia Tanumihardja, “Chronicles of a Royal Pet: Princess and an Ooze” author Ian Rogers, “Havana Hardball: Spring Training, Jackie Robinson, and The Cuban League” author César Brioso, and Jennifer Garman, author of “Flourish: 7 Ways Gratitude can Transform Your Life.”
In addition to allowing community members to meet local authors and buy their books, the outdoor festival will feature snacks, a bookmaking area for kids, a caricature artist, a Silly Shotz photo booth, a raffle for $25 Visa gift cards, and more.
While this festival last just one day, concluding at 3 p.m., FCPL hosts author events year-round. This fall, the library is planning to bring back its Indie Author Day program, which is dedicated to recognizing self-published authors.
Edwards says the library hopes to invite 24 authors to participate in virtual panels from Nov. 1-4.
“Authors and books are our business!” Edwards said. “We love bringing special attention to the people who are right next door — in our county — that may go unnoticed. It is important to us to make sure we are always connecting readers to books.”
Updated at 4:35 p.m. on 9/21/2023 — Fairfax Fiesta has been canceled due to expected inclement weather, organizer Celebrate Fairfax announced today. Digital resources, including a passport to explore different cultures, are being planned instead.
Earlier: A new festival this month celebrates Hispanic culture in Fairfax County.
The Hispanic Heritage Celebration, or the Fairfax Fiesta, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. The part is scheduled for the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike).
The event is free and open to all ages.
“Immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration that highlights Hispanic culture and embraces the diversity of our community,” the event listing said. “Delight in captivating cultural performances and entertainment that will leave you inspired.”
The festival will include live music from Bolivia, Honduras and more from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
The Fairfax Fiesta will also include an artisan market with handmade goods from local vendors and activities for children. Food trucks will also be available on-site, according to the event’s website.
Image via Celebrate Fairfax/Facebook
The county has activated its heat plan for today (Tuesday) as temperates climb today.
Cooling centers around the county will be available during normal operating hours in response to a National Weather Service heat advisory that is in effect from noon to 8 p.m.
Heat index values are expected to reach between 100 and 105 degrees across the region.
Supplies like bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant and body wipes will be available at the cooling centers.
Three emergency centers for single adults with also activate day and night overflow shelter capacity, according to the county.
Here’s more from NWS on the alert:
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
Our county has activated its Heat Plan for today, Tuesday, Sept. 5, in response to a @NWS_BaltWash Heat Advisory, in effect from noon to 8 p.m.
For details, visit: https://t.co/8AmmGoUNX6 pic.twitter.com/bgrcnABug0
— Fairfax County Government
(@fairfaxcounty) September 5, 2023
An 80-year-old Vienna resident was charged in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash in McLean’s Kirby Road crosswalk.
Police believe Gamaathige Desoya was trying to make a left turn onto northbound Kirby Road but instead turned into the southbound lanes. The incident happened on August 12 around 6 a.m.
His car struck Brigitte Forster, who was walking along the crosswalk. She died on the scene police said.
Excessive speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash, according ot the Fairfax County Police Department.
FCPD is seeking more information on the case:
Detectives would like to speak to anyone who may have information about this case. Those with information are asked to please call our Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
Teen Charged in Fatal Fairfax County Shooting — “Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, have arrested and charged a 17-year-old who they say is responsible for the fatal shooting of a man in a parking lot in the Woodlawn area on Friday evening.” [WTOP]
New Stroller Policy In Effect for Fairfax Connector Buses —“. Effective immediately, adults boarding with a child in a stroller are no longer required to fold the stroller and hold the child in their lap. This family-friendly approach allows passengers to board Fairfax Connector buses with children comfortably secured in their strollers,” [Fairfax County Government]
Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash in Fairfax Station — A 22-year-old man was killed in a motorcycle crash on Sept. 1 in Fairfax Station. Police believe the man as speeding a stolen motorcycle. When he crestted a hill, he lost control and fell off the motorcycle, police said. [Fairfax County Police Department]
A Look Inside the Life of Herndon’s ‘Baby Doctor’ — “Dr. William Meyer was a popular doctor in Herndon, from the 1920s to 1960, and was well known for delivering many babies, earning him the moniker: ‘The Baby Doctor.’” [Reston Patch]
Pricey McLean Home Hits Market — One of the state’s priciest homes is officially on sale for $25 million. It includes about 210 feet of frontage on the Potomac River. [The Wall Street Journal]
It’s Tuesday — The weather forecast for Tuesday is primarily sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching around 97°F and a north wind at about 8 mph. As for Tuesday night, expect mostly clear skies and a low temperature of approximately 74°F. The north wind will be around 6 mph before becoming calm in the evening. [Weather.gov]
(Updated at 7:15 p.m. on 9/13/2023) A Pakistani clothing store is opening what appears to be the international company’s first U.S. location.
Khaadi, a Pakistani clothing brand, is expected to open a 5,491-square-foot store on the second floor of Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road), according to Fairfax County permits.
The company — which sells traditional and Western attire, including fabrics and ready-to-wear items — currently has locations in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
Weaves Group operates the Khaadi brand. Shamoon Sultan founded the business in 1998 to “revive the ancient craft of the handloom and popularizing the traditional medium in a contemporary manner,” according to the company’s website.
The company has more than 45 brick-and-mortar stores just in Pakistan, along with U.K. and Middle East locations. It also ships around the world through its online store.
Khaadi expects to open the new store by the end of this year, CEO Rehan Syed said in an announcement by Cushman & Wakefield, the real estate firm that represented the retailer in leasing negotiations.
The store will be located in Suite M11U near Barnes & Noble and Urban Outfitters.
The Tysons Corner Center location will mark the launch of ambitious expansion plans for Khaadi, which hopes to open “as many as 30 stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as distribution and eCommerce centers.”
“Khaadi is one of the world’s most exciting fashion brands, producing unsurpassed quality and a fusion of style to compliment both East and West,” Cushman & Wakefield Managing Director Eric Lestin said in a statement. “Tysons Corner, with its strong demographics and location, offers an excellent launching point for the brand in the U.S., and we look forward to continuing our growth-partnership across North America.”
