In an effort to reverse a decrease in the tree canopy, Vienna’s government is taking another step towards tree preservation and plantings. Last week, the town council discussed proposed amendments to enhance tree canopy, including moving forward with a tree conservation ordinance and the possible creation of an independent tree commission.
Town Attorney Steven Brigalia said the tree conservation ordinance would put the town in line with Fairfax County, which has had conservation rules since 1990. He said it would require builders to indicate which trees can and cannot be saved before cutting them.
“They are still allowed to develop their property,” Brigalia said. “But they have to upfront identify the trees and give justification if they’re going to take out trees, and then they still have to meet a canopy requirement.”
Under the town’s current canopy requirements, developers are only required to replace eliminated trees to meet canopy standards. Also, for single-family residential lots, builders must provide enough trees to cover at least 20% of the lot after 20 years. A conservation ordinance would increase that 20-year standard to 25%.
Brigalia said the town would have to provide provisions if they increase the standard to 25%. For example, if a developer says they are unable to preserve a 25% canopy, they would pay into a tree bank or tree fund.
There’s also a requirement for allowing additional credits for the developer if they provide certain types of trees.
Brigalia also hopes to strengthen the town’s tree board.
“There’s not a lot of authority for what they can do except advise the town on good tree planning processes and advise the town on planning on public property,” he said, adding that the board could eventually give recommendations of where to plant trees with money from the tree fund.
Councilmember Howard Springsteen said he hadn’t heard of the tree board in his 14 years of service.
“I never heard of it, so I rather have a tree commission that reports to council,” he said.
Springsteen also said residents are starting to voice concern about the town’s tree coverage, prompting the need for the council to act according to council member Ray Brill.
“We need to set up something separate, that focuses on tree canopy if, in fact, we believe it’s an issue. I personally believe it’s an issue, and we need to focus on it and get it done and get it done,” Brill said.
The council voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the planning commission for their consideration and review. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 23.
Terry Baranski).
Former Israeli Combat Ven to Bring Second Thesis Gym to Vienna — Thesis gym operator Ori Perlman has inked a deal for a second fitness center in Vienna, buoyed by strong demand at the downtown D.C. location the former Israeli combat specialist-turned-fitness-specialist opened more than a year ago. [Washington Business Journal]
Adult Man Found with Life-threatening Injuries in Fairfax County — “Authorities are investigating an adult man found with life-threatening injuries in Fairfax County. There is a police presence at Stringfellow Rd. under Interstate 66 in Greenbriar. Authorities say Stringfellow Rd. will remain closed during this investigation. Exits ramps from Eastbound and Westbound Interstate 66 onto Stringfellow Rd. are closed.” [FOX 5]
Reston Farm Garden Market Kicks Off Fall Fest — “Reston Farm Garden Market is excited to announce our annual Fall Fest, which runs from September 23rd to October 29th, including a special session on October 9th for Columbus Day. Join us on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.” [Reston Farm Garden Market]
Auto Century Expands with Fairfax, Herndon Locations — “Celebrating nearly two decades of automotive service excellence, Auto Century is excited to unveil two new service centers in Fairfax and Herndon, Virginia.” [Digital Journal]
It’s Thursday — There is a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with mostly sunny conditions and a high of 96°F. Light south wind will increase to 5-10 mph in the morning. Thursday night, a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, turning mostly cloudy, with a low of 71°F. Southwest wind of 5-8 mph will become light and variable after midnight. [Weather.gov]
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.
