Memorial Day weekend is nearing, but the holiday honoring people who died while serving in the U.S. military and marking the unofficial start of summer will be different this year due to COVID-19.
Both the City of Falls Church and Town of Vienna have canceled their in-person events, opting instead to have online videos to recognize the holiday.
Instead of the annual parade and festival, Falls Church will offer virtual activities like a pre-recorded Memorial Day Ceremony, according to an email from the city.
The recording “will air on Monday, May 25 at 11 a.m. on the Falls Church Community Television Channel (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35) and available to watch on the city’s YouTube channel,” the email said.
More from the city:
A special Memorial Day edition of the Virtual Community Center — the Recreation and Parks Department’s bi-weekly newsletter — will debut Friday, May 22 with exclusive content including a Q&A with this year’s (and next year’s) Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal, Lindy Hockenberry; a spotlight on the veteran who hosts our Senior Center Military History Forum; and stay-at-home Memorial Day themed activities for all ages.
Meanwhile, Vienna won’t have its annual ViVa Vienna event, which is hosted by the Rotary Club of Vienna. Instead, the town will have a video celebration.
“The town has worked with American Legion Post 180 to create a video that captures virtually the ceremony it hosts each year at Flint Hill Cemetery to honor those who have died in military service,” according to an email from the town. “The virtual ceremony will be broadcast several times over the weekend on TVCN (channel 27 on Cox and 38 on Verizon Fios).”
Government services will be closed on Monday (May 25) in both the city and town due to the holiday.
People in the Tysons area can also get outside and go to Fairfax County’s parks, which reopened earlier this week.
File photo
To support other businesses around Vienna, locally-owned French Press Printing created a fundraiser that has collected more than $7,000 so far.
By selling specially designed t-shirts, owner Sarah Bohn said that she not only managed to raise funds for her neighboring buisnesses challenged by COVID-19, but also drawn attention to the compassion shared by Vienna residents.
Part of the reason the fundraiser has been so successful is that “people want to be involved in their community,” she said. “People didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to participate.”
For $20 people can purchase a dark blue t-shirt, which comes in two styles and has white lettering listing the 35 participating buisnesses on the back and the word “community” on the front.
Though all of the local buisnesses featured benefit from the extra advertising, some of them chose to forgo the money and either request it be given to other local buisnesses who need it more or take it to donate to a charity of their choice, Bohn said.
Frame Factory, for example, took its share and purchased fresh groceries from Caboose Tavern to share with locals facing food insecurity, according to Bohn.
Originally, Bohn ran a trial fundraiser in April and brought back a second edition out of popular demand. New orders will be accepted through June 5, according to the website.
More than 100 shirts have been ordered so far in the second fundraising round, Bohn said.
Currently, Bohn said she is in the process of sending out the original orders, adding that people who ordered recently will receive their shirts after the June 5 order deadline.
Despite the hardship many buisnesses are facing, Bohn commented on the “wonderful energy” around town. She said she noticed that more and more buisnesses are reaching out to one another and forming partnerships, finding ways they can coordinate packages and deals for customers.
Around town, Bohn said she looks forward to watching people walk down the streets in their #supportingvienna shirts as a reminder of the small-town feel that Vienna shares with residents.
Besides just t-shirts, French Press Printing also sells pillows, custom made fabric items, glassware, bags and jewelry, according to its website.
Photo via French Press Printing/Facebook
Look down and you can spot a new public art piece near the Vienna Community Center.
The Town of Vienna posted on Facebook yesterday that Myles T., the student member of the Vienna Public Art Commission, painted a storm drain with the help of his friends Anneliese B. and Gavin K. “All three students are rising seniors at James Madison High School,” the post said.
The picture of the painting on the sidewalk around the drain shows a turtle swimming through water that is surrounded by yellow, purple and red flowers.
“[Myles] spent last Friday painting a colorful, whimsical design on the storm drain at the bend in the road near the community center on Cherry Street,” the post said.
Vienna Paint donated the paint, the post said.
Photo via Town of Vienna/Facebook
While many small businesses are currently struggling to weather the coronavirus pandemic, several upcoming ones are continuing their plans to open in Vienna.
Signage considerations for South Block’s planned relocation to 207 Maple Avenue E. and a cookie chain’s new location in the town are on the agenda for Vienna’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) meeting tonight (Thursday).
Crumbl Cookies started hiring for its upcoming Vienna location back earlier this year. BAR documents indicate that the cookie chain plans to occupy 203 Maple Ave E, which is between Cold Stone Creamery and Noodles & Company.
Viva Sol Juice Company is also planning on coming to the town at 124 Maple Ave W. in the Vienna Shopping Center, according to BAR documents and a Fairfax County permit.
The sign for the newly opened PizzaRoni is also on tonight’s agenda.
Photo via South Block/Facebook
Virtual Job Fair for Recent Grads Next Thursday — “Participants will be able to browse companies in the lobby, enter their booths, view open positions specifically curated for recent grads, and chat with HR representatives in real-time.” [Brazen Connect]
First Child Case in Va. of Syndrome Tied to COVID-19 — “The Fairfax Health District has confirmed a case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. This is the first case of MIS-C reported in Virginia.” [Inside NoVa]
N. Va.’s Reopening Date TBD — “Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Wednesday he has not decided whether Northern Virginia can enter Phase One of reopening on May 29… Northam said he is in daily communication with Northern Virginia government leaders and has set no timeline for making a decision.” [Inside NoVa]
Helen Hayes Awards Delayed to August — D.C.-area theater companies will have to wait until late August for the awards ceremony that will determine the winners. Tysons’ 1st Stage Theatre received 18 nominations this year. [Broadway World, Tysons Reporter]
84 Falls Church Businesses Win Grant Funding — “The City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA) is proud to announce the winners of the EDA Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program. Each business will receive $2,000 to help with urgent expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” [City of Falls Church]
Summer Camps Canceled — “The Fairfax County Park Authority and the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services have canceled 2020 summer camp programs due to the COVID-19 crisis.” [Tysons Reporter]
People can now shop at Tysons Galleria with a new curbside pick-up program for the mall’s retailers and restaurants.
The mall rolled out its new Retail-to-go initiative yesterday, according to a press release.
“Retail-to-go is a mall-wide Curbside Pickup program to support the needs of tenants and the shopping community,” the press release said. “This initiative will keep customers and staff safe during these unusual times.”
Customers can pick-up items from restaurants including Wilfire, P.F. Chang’s, Lebanese Taverna, the Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano’s, along with items from the following stores:
Curbside pick-up is available from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon-6 p.m. on Sundays at two locations in the parking lot closest to the entrance off of International Drive, the press release said.
“Once guests park in the appropriate retailer zone, then they will call the retailer for further instruction,” the press release said, adding that shoppers must pay for their items over the phone or online.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a new Asian fusion eatery is set to open in June at Idylwood Plaza.
Bing & Bao, a casual restaurant offering Chinese street food, will move into a vacant spot at 7505 Leesburg Pike, according to a company spokesperson.
Since the eatery doesn’t have outdoor seating and won’t be able to serve sit-down meals, the spokesperson said that Bing & Bao will only offer carryout at first.
For anyone seeking a job, the location is also hiring. People can find contact information on the eatery’s website.
Due to concerns about large gatherings, the spokesperson also said it might not host a grand opening celebration.
Going forward, the spokesperson said that eatery staff will be mindful of mandates and will reevaluate the situation as need-be.
Photo via Bing and Bao/Facebook
To improve multi-modal transportation, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) wants to hear from the public about 41 project possibilities — three of which are in Falls Church and Vienna.
The updates will be part of a project called the Six Year Program that spans from fiscal years 2020-2025. The program aims to reduce congestion around the region, according to a press release.
“The projects being evaluated cover multiple modes of transportation, including roadways, transit and pedestrian/bicycle facilities,” the release said.
Local Projects Under Consideration
The Town of Vienna proposes an expansion of its Capital Bikeshare program to help people get to the Metro, according to NVTA documentation. Changes would include the addition of four new bike stations.
“This town implementation of the Capital Bikeshare system will connect residents and the surrounding community to transit and trail options in the I-66 corridor, including the Orange Metrorail line, planned commuter buses, the W&OD, and the planned I-66 trail,” the document said.
Costing $282,400, the project would be completed in 2025, according to the proposal.
The City of Falls Church proposed $8.3 million to improve walkability and bike-friendliness along Park Avenue and West Broad Street, which are typically hectic area.
“Park Avenue connects to many of the city’s civic, recreational, and cultural resources,” documentation said.
If chosen for funding, this project would be finalized in 2026.
Another project proposed by the city would address safety needs near the West Falls Church Metro station by encouraging multi-modal transit and fixing problematic areas, documentation said.
“A pedestrian fatality occurred on this stretch of Shreve Road earlier this year,” the document said. “The scope of this project includes professional and construction services for a new multi-use path to better connect the W&OD Trail with the West Falls Church Metrorail Station.”
This proposal would cost $6.9 million.
A complete list of project propositions from other NoVA counties and localities can be found online.
How to Get Involved
Due to the demand for funding and a budget cap of $522 million, NVTA cannot fund all of the projects and must choose which ones to complete based on a variety of factors, which include community input.
“Public input is an important part of the Six Year Program Update process,” the press release said. “Feedback is encouraged and all public comment provided will be reviewed and considered.”
People interested in leaving feedback can either visit the website or call 703-642-4652. The deadline to leave a comment is Sunday (May 24).
Final projects are set to be adopted on July 9 at a NVTA meeting, according to the press release.
Image courtesy NVTA
Work has started on the Highland District Apartments — a 390-unit apartment building coming soon to Tysons.
Billed as a “luxury class-A multifamily development project,” the five-story building will encompass a parking deck, according to PointOne Holdings.
PointOne Holdings announced the development yesterday (Tuesday) with the NRP Group.
“We are excited to be breaking ground on our latest development, Highland District Apartments in Tysons Corner, Virginia,” Ben Colonomos, PointOne Holdings’ managing partner, said in the announcement.
The building at 1768 Old Meadow Road is expected to be done by the summer of 2022, Bisnow reported.
The project’s description stresses the location’s proximity to jobs east of I-495 in Tysons and access to the McLean Metro station.
“Highland District will enjoy excellent walkability to over 20,000 jobs at the Capital One Headquarters, Northrop-Grumman and MITRE,” the website says.
Here are the amenities residents can expect, according to the website:
- clubroom with gaming areas
- areas for work
- a doorman
- infinity edge pool
- yoga lawns
- outdoor grilling area
- package concierge service
- fitness center with spin and cardio studios
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the Highland District development, which includes six buildings, eight parks and an athletic field, in 2016. The development will sit next to Tysons’ second fire station, which is currently under construction.
Image via PointOne Holdings
Park-goers will be able to enjoy some features of county parks ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The Fairfax County Park Authority has started reopening parking lots and parks in its park system beginning today. The process of clearing barricades and opening parking lots for its 427 parks is expected to continue through Friday, May 22. Facilities and restrooms will remain closed.
Indoor and outdoor parks closed roughly one month ago due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We greatly appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by County residents during this closure,” said Park Authority Executive Director Kirk Kincannon. “We understand this has been a challenge to many who enjoy the park system on a regular basis. And it will be important that everyone follows the safety and physical distancing guidelines recommended by health authorities.”
Park visitors should adhere to social distancing guidelines and groups of more than 10 people should not congregate. Other areas that will remain closed include dog parks, playgrounds, nature centers, visitor centers, volleyball and basketball courts, and athletic fields. Water foundations will also be returned off.
The opening is part of the first phase of FCPA’s reopening plan.
