The Market at Tysons Corner finally reopened after moving to a smaller location.

The new convenience store location made its debut on July 30 on level two of the mall. Patrons can find it near the Nordstrom.

The market continues to offer a variety of goods to customers, including soft drinks, snacks, toiletries and other items someone would expect to find in a convenience store. The shop will also sell packs of beer and bottles of wine.

The Tysons Market won’t be the only convenience store in the mall — 7-Eleven is expected to open on level one of the mall. A sign indicated that 7-Eleven applied for their license to sell alcohol.

Hours of operation for the Market are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Did you know that we have an Instagram?

Recently, we started posting on Instagram about dishes from local restaurants, Tysons scenery, sneak peeks at new stores and more.

Come check us out on the ‘gram (@tysonsreporter).

Thank you to everyone who has liked, followed and bookmarked us already!

A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $93,000 to help the McLean Little League repair damage from flash flooding last month.

One day after the campaign started, people donated more than $18,000 — about a quarter of the $75,000 goal.

While the GoFundMe says 217 people raised $93,823 in 27 days, Shelly Breslin, who started the campaign, told Tysons Reporter that about $112,000 in total was raised.

Breslin said that she has managed fundraisers before for the little league and decided to create the GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of the damage from the flooding — especially since the little league does not have flood insurance.

Currently, the McLean Little League complex (1836 Westmoreland Street) is closed as it undergoes work rebuilding dugouts, repairing fencing and cleaning up the fields before the fall season starts at the end of August.

Three years ago, the little league started a campaign for recent field improvements, she said.

“The ironic thing is, right before the water came, the McLean Little League closed out and used the money from the campaign,” Breslin said, adding that the funds paid for new batting cages, scoreboards and fencing, which were then damaged in the July flooding. “Many items had just been done in the spring season… We worked so hard over the last three years to get that money.”

Breslin said there was a huge local community response to the GoFundMe campaign from McLean residents to parents and coaches at the little league in Vienna.

“I think it went great,” she said, adding that people from around the country donated as well.

Breslin also said that she was surprised by some of the “big amounts” people donated, which included a $25,000 donation, two $5,000 donations and 20 donations between $1,000-$2,500.

The GoFundMe is now closed because “we raised what we wanted to get,” Breslin said.

“We are overwhelmed by our McLean community and little league community,” she said.

Yet another nail salon is preparing to open in Tysons Corner Center.

Beauty Nail Bar will join two other nail salons and various beauty services already in the mall, including Angel Nail and Modern Nail Studio.

It will be located next to the Paul Mitchell School on level two of the mall.

Todd Putt, a spokesman for the mall, told Tysons Reporter that there is no opening date yet for the nail salon.

No details on the expected hours of operation have been released yet.

Fairfax County Public Library is trying something new this year — a county-wide, adult summer reading challenge.

In years past, various branches held individual challenges for adults, but after demand rose, the county designed a unified program, according to Mary Mulrenan, a spokesperson for FCPL.

“A small committee worked together to create a system-wide program that would provide a way for all library customers to participate,” she said.

So far, participants have turned in 1,534 logs to the library — significantly more than they originally anticipated, according to Mulrenan. “We are surveying customers and to date, 73 people have completed our survey. Out of this number, 92% have rated it excellent or very good and 95% will participate again next summer.”

Anyone interested in participating can pick up reading logs at any local FCPL branch or print them out on the website. The nearest location is the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike).

To complete the challenge, participants must complete two reading logs, each consisting of a challenge to read or listen to four books and complete one other task, like trying out the library’s research database or following FCPL’s social media accounts.

Participants who return one log will be given goodies such as free snacks, discounts, fine forgiveness at the library or free entry to a Fairfax County recreation center.

Upon completion of a second log, participants will receive a drawstring bag and be entered into a drawing at the end of the summer for a canvas bag filled with a Barnes and Noble gift card, a journal and a portable beach blanket. Individual branches may offer additional prizes, according to the county library website.

Anyone interested in participating can still turn in reading logs until Aug. 31.

The library plans to offer more incentives next summer, due to this year’s high demand.

“It’s wonderful that we have exceeded that number and we still have time (one month) to gain more finishers. We also hope to encourage more businesses to sponsor coupons,” Mulrenan said.

Image via Fairfax County

Fairfax County police are investigating a robbery at a 7-Eleven near Tysons Corner Center.

“A man walked behind the counter [and started] taking money and merchandise,” according to a police report.

The incident took place on Friday, Aug. 2, shortly before 9 p.m. at 1931 Old Gallows Road.

“The suspect is described as a black man wearing all black clothing,” police said.

Police said that no one was injured.

Image via Google Maps

Tysons Corner Center now offers a new mattress store where shoppers can nap.

The Casper Sleep Shop offers the full array of mattresses, pillows, bedding, furniture and dog beds. But, the location also allows guests to book a nap at a “mini home” if they want to actually test out a mattress for themselves.

“Inspired by the comforts of home, the store reimagines how we shop for sleep,” a spokesperson for Casper said.

The store opened in the mall on Thursday, Aug. 1, according to a spokesman for the mall.

Get the sleep you’ve always dreamed of at our new Casper Store on level 2 across from Macy’s pic.twitter.com/1GxHVObzou

— Tysons Corner Center (@ShopTysons) July 26, 2019

This is one of 30 similar Casper Sleep Shops across the county, according to a press release. Most products at the stores are available for customers to take home that day and also available to ship directly to their home.

Casper is an international brand based out of New York but shoppers can also find a smaller selection of products in specific stores like Target and Hudson’s Bay.

The store is open 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

Also in the mall, shoppers might notice a new display in BrandBox.

Peloton decided to set up a new 3D pop-up to drive foot traffic to their larger location, according to a store representative. The mini location opened on July 25 to advertise the company’s treadmill, rower and subscription fitness services.

Peloton has a store on the second level by Lord & Taylor.

Photos courtesy Casper Sleep Shop

The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.

We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!

Monday (Aug. 5)

• Sound Check Bingo — 7-8:30 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — Music lovers have the opportunity to test their skills by guessing songs and artists after hearing a short clip of music.

Tuesday (Aug. 6)

• Tysons Corner Book Club — 7:30-9 p.m. at Tysons Galleria Food Hall (2001 International Drive) — Members will be discussing Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming” near Andy’s Pizza. This event is free.
• Tuesday Trivia With John W. — 7-9 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — This trivia session will feature a variety of topics. It is free to attend.

Wednesday (Aug. 7)

• Summer Rooftop Hit Workout — 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lululemon Athletica (2920 District Avenue) — Lululemon sponsors this free workout class. All fitness levels are welcome.
• Chanel “Working Woman Wednesday” Beauty Masterclass — 6:30-9 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue (2001 International Drive) — This event will feature makeup tutorials from Chanel. Attendance is free and dessert will be provided.

Friday (Aug. 9)

• Meet E.A. Dustin — 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble (2921 District Avenue Suite 180) — This local author will discuss her book and signing copies of “Save Me Twice” about WWll.

Saturday (Aug. 10)

• Stop the Bleed Workshop — 1:30-4 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library (101 E. Maple Avenue) — CERT and FEMA will teach attendees how to stop bleeding in case of an emergency and save a life if necessary. This is open to everyone 16 years of age and above.
• Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band — 8 p.m. at Wolf Trap at the Filene Center (1551 Trap Road) — This live musical event will feature musicians who have played alongside Ringo Starr. Tickets start at $45.
• 29th Anniversary Block Party — 1-4 p.m. in McLean (1440 Chain Bridge Road) — The McLean Community Center will host a celebration for the 29th anniversary of the old firehouse. This free event offers free admission and there will be live music, games, food and activities for all ages.

Sunday (Aug. 11)

• Tysons Farmers Market — 9 a.m. at The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center — Every week, local businesses gather to share their goods with the community. Entry is free, and activities for kids will be available.
• Live Music with Eli Lev — noon-3 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — Folk singer and songwriter Eli Lev will perform live for the audience. This free performance will likely include music from his upcoming album.

Image via Eli Lev/Facebook 

(Updated at 4 p.m. 8/6/19) Colleagues are commemorating the woman who died from a hit and run in Falls Church as a loving mother, wife and passionate U.S. State Department employee.

Police said Betty Ana Bernstein-Zabza, a 60-year-old Falls Church resident, died as a result of injuries from the crash, which happened shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Shreve Road and Hickory Street — less than a mile away from her home.

“Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit have preliminarily determined that [Bernstein-Zabza] was walking with a juvenile northbound on a pedestrian pathway adjacent to Shreve Road,” police said. “They entered a crosswalk that connected the pathway to a sidewalk when they were hit by a stolen 2013 Nissan Titan pickup truck.”

A State Department spokesperson told Tysons Reporter that Bernstein-Zabza was a senior advisor in the Bureau of Counterterrorism.

“Ms. Bernstein joined the Department of State on Oct. 1, 1993 and served at overseas posts in Warsaw, Bern and Berlin, as well as several domestic posts,” the spokesperson said.

Jane Zimmerman told Tysons Reporter that she will remember her former work colleague as a loving mother and wife. “Her son was her everything. She cherished every moment with him and was so grateful for her husband as a wonderful father and loving family man,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman also said that Bernstein-Zabza especially loved working on global women’s issues and supporting and mentoring her colleagues at the State Department.

“Her experience from Pakistan to Poland and Germany made her take women’s issues and human rights close to her heart,” Zimmerman said, adding that she was a wise, compassionate and joyful person who “could always make us laugh, especially at ourselves.”

Known for her efforts to empower women, Bernstein-Zabza spoke at several events advocating for providing more tools for women to succeed.

"If women do better countries do better" – Betty Bernstein-Zabza @GenderAtState at today's seminar @CTR_SAIS #DiversifiedInnovation #DKinUSA pic.twitter.com/rVrQpdfEKy

— HelenaMølgaardHansen (@HelenaMoelgaard) June 13, 2017

Betty Bernstein-Zabza: State Dept looking esp at adolescent girls to give them tools and access to help gain foothold #DiversifiedInnovation

— Daniel S. Hamilton (@DanSHamilton) June 13, 2017

Another former work colleague, Marci Hodge, told Tysons Reporter that Bernstein-Zabza “worked so hard for women and girls particular in this world and we all owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership on these issues.”

Hodge said that Bernstein-Zabza hired her and helped get her started on her “dream job” at the State Department. “I would not be here without her.”

Shakyra McMillon, who was supervised by Zabza in the Office of Global Women’s Issues at the State Department, said that Zabza was “a great leader and you made sure the women and girls priorities were known.”

She said that Bernstein-Zabza was “an inspiring, goal-driven, intelligent, and thoughtful woman,” adding, “Not only were you a great colleague but a wonderful mother!”

Maryum Saifee, who worked with Bernstein-Zabza in the Office of Global Women’s Issues, said that her former colleague “was part of this special crew of rockstar colleagues that represented the very best in public service.”

“She helped bring me into that office by creating a special tour of duty that year — which was bureaucratically not easy, but she fought for me,” Saifee said. “And because of her, I was given a platform to fight for issues I care deeply about and grow professionally as a diplomat.”

Several people also shared memories of Bernstein-Zabza on social media, describing her as a beloved work colleague.

https://twitter.com/michaelduffin/status/1158360597471252481?s=20

Tragic news about a friend and fellow #StateDept employee from #FallsChurch Betty Bernstein-Zabza. We worked together years ago on the Pakistan desk. — "Woman walking on pathway killed by driver in stolen pickup" https://t.co/CaYaebx17c

— Donald Camp 康 普 டானல்ட் ேகம்ப் (@donacamp) August 4, 2019

Police arrested the vehicle’s driver — 46-year-old South Riding resident David Alan Francis — and charged him with one count of felony hit and run. Detectives believe Francis may have been involved in additional criminal events yesterday in both Fairfax County and adjoining jurisdictions.

Since 2009, Francis has faced 30 charges including many traffic-related ones like driving under a revoked or suspended license, operating an insured vehicle, speeding and improper driving, according to court records.

A bouquet of flowers left at Shreve Road and Hickory Street where Betty Bernstein-Zabza was struck and killed Saturday 📷: @VernonAndOn https://t.co/bcipnfLoYp pic.twitter.com/3Wg8BcPi4c

— Catherine Douglas Moran (@c_douglasmoran) August 6, 2019

Photo via Facebook

Some Northern Virginia commuter buses are experiencing delays trying to get to Tysons — or not going there at all.

OmniRide started operating fewer buses on Thursday (Aug. 1) after the union that represents its bus operators rejected to extend the contract, which expired last week, Inside NoVa reported.

While the bus system primarily serves the Prince William County and Manassas areas, some of its routes take riders to and from Tysons.

Five days later, the work stoppage is still impacting bus schedules today (Monday).

More from OmniRide’s modified plan for today:

Our service plan continues to evolve, as a result of the dynamic situation.  We will continue to notify passengers of any further changes to service levels as soon as possible.

Ultimately, service levels depend on the number of operators who come to work, so please stay tuned for updates as we learn more, and keep in mind that the service frequencies listed below are approximate and dependent on anticipated operator attendance.

OmniRide will not have Express bus service for Mark Center and Tysons-Woodbridge today. Several other Express buses have also been changed. Fares are free today for OmniRide Express buses that are not running on a regular schedule today.

For people trying to get to Tysons, OmniRide is encouraging people to hop on a Metro Express bus or share a ride.

Let us know if the recent OmniRide bus service changes have impacted you.

Photo via Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission/Facebook