(Updated 10/26/19)Â Just a short walk from the Greensboro Metro Station, a meditation center in the heart of Tysons offers free classes for visitors.
The Tysons spot is the second location for Meditation Museum IIÂ in the D.C. area — the other is in Silver Spring, Md. Sister Jenna, the founder of the center, said she chose Tysons because it is vibrant, multi-cultural and serves as a convenient place for people in the area.
A few weekends ago, Tysons Reporter attended one of the entry-level sessions.
It’s hard to miss — there’s a giant banner outside an aging building at 1984 Chain Bridge Road, but the museum’s door is a little hard to find. Guests must walk up a set of indoor stairs to reach the repurposed office, which consists of roughly 1,000 square feet of space.
Once inside, people’s shoes get stored in little cubbies before they check-in.
The woman who led the 9:30 a.m. class said she worked as an IT consultant for a cell phone company in Tysons and volunteered at the center in her free time. She seemed very welcoming and willing to answer any questions.
Self-named a “museum,” the location is decorated with informational panels and posters that are supposed to teach visitors about mindfulness and the philosophy of the center, according to the staff member who led the class.
The meditation class turned out to be a very intimate experience with the two people who showed up.
The journey began with a 15-minute pre-recorded guided meditation that repeated mantras such as “You are a child of light” and “Focus your intention.” Participants were asked to gaze at a screen at the front of the room and instructed to “Tell our thoughts to come back later.”
After the time was up and the recording finished, the teacher reemerged and pulled out a whiteboard where she explained to us the difference between our mind, intellect and the physical brain inside our heads.
She also spent a significant amount of time covering the difference between physical needs and well being compared to spiritual wellbeing, along with encouraging participants to share perspectives.
The session ended with yet another pre-recorded mediation session before the hour-long class concluded and attendees could recollect our belongings at the front.
Though it may not have been this reporter’s cup of tea, the center invites anyone from the community to give it a shot.
The philosophy of the center isn’t based on a singular religion but instead aims to help people of all beliefs enhance their lives, according to Sister Jenna.
“When you want to be a better Christian when you leave the door, that will happen,” she said.” If you want to be a better atheist when you leave, that can also happen.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the classes may sign up online. The “Learn to Meditate” classes begin at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and last an hour.
Although classes are free, donations are encouraged since they use the money to pay rent and rely on volunteers so they don’t have to pay overhead, Sister Jenna said.
First photo courtesy Meditation Museum II; second via Google Maps
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 (Sept. 30)
- Mr. Brown’s Park Dedication — 6-7 p.m. at former Downtown Park (100 block of W. Broad Street) —Â This event celebrates the transition from Downtown Park to Mr. Brown’s Park, which will now be named after the oldest business in the City of Falls Church. Local officials will be on-site commemorating the renaming.
Thursday (Oct. 3)
- Tysons Reporter Happy Hour — 5-7 p.m. at the Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) — Celebrate Tysons Reporter’s first anniversary. Community members will have the chance to grab a drink or a slice of cake with the journalists behind the site. The first 50 attendees will receive a free drink. Rumor has it that there will also be free swag.
Friday (Oct. 4)
- Vienna Oktoberfest — 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Historic Church Street (131 Church Street NE) — This 12th annual event offers visitors a variety of vendors, live music acts, food, kids activities and alcoholic beverages. It is free.
- WellieWishersâ„¢ Friendship Tea Party — 2-4 p.m. at American Girl Store (8090 Tysons Corner) — Kids 5 and up are welcome to gather for an afternoon of dining, crafts and a cupcake-decorating. Tickets are $13.50 per person.
- Block Party — 3-7 p.m. at Capital One Center (1640 Capital One Drive) — Capital One is hosting a block party with City Works Eatery and Pour House to celebrate the new mixed-use development space. There will be live music, games, food and drinks available. Admission is free and includes a free drink. There will be over 90 beers on tap.
Saturday (Oct. 5)
- Ribbon Cutting for Synthetic Turf Field — 10 a.m. at Larry Graves Park (300 Hillwood Avenue) — This event celebrates the grand opening of a field in Larry Graves Park that includes striping for several different sports. All are welcome to attend this free event.
- Moon Festival – Tet Trung Thu — noon-5 p.m. at Eden Center (6761 Wilson Blvd) — This Vietnamese festival invites the community to gather for an afternoon of colorful lantern displays, music, cultural performances and food. It is free and all ages are welcome to attend.
Sunday (Oct. 6)
- MPAartfest –10 a.m.-5 p.m. at McLean Central Park (1468 Dolley Madison Blvd) — This free event invites community members to check out pop-up art galleries, hands-on exhibits, food vendors and live music.
- Tysons Singles Seated Speed Dating — 7-9 p.m. at Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) — Singles in the area are invited for an evening of mingling at the Tysons Biergarten. Event organizers request that attendees arrive before 7 p.m. for check-in. Tickets start at $15.
Image via Facebook/Eden Center
This year’s 16th annual “Sunset Cinema” series features three family-friendly flicks in the City of Falls Church.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host weekly movies at Cherry Hill Park (223 Little Falls Street) beginning at 7:45 p.m.on Fridays.
This week’s pick is Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch” on this Friday (Sept. 20), followed by “Hocus Pocus” on Sept. 27 and finally “Back to the Future” on Oct. 4.
All movies are free and open to the public.
Drinks and popcorn will be available for purchase, and attendees are welcome to bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs for comfort.
In case of bad weather, the showing will be moved indoors to the nearby community center.
Image via the City of Falls Church
Two new art exhibits are set to debut in McLean this week.
Original artwork by Meghan Walsh and Miriam Mörsel Nathan will be on display from Thursday, Sept. 19, until Saturday, Nov. 16, at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue).
The exhibits are presented by the McLean Project for the Arts.
Walsh’s “An Fharraige Fheargach: The Fiery Sea” will be located in the Emerson Gallery while Nathan’s “Some Pieces of the Nature of Things” will be displayed in the Atrium Gallery.
Nathan began her career as a poet and writer — hints of which can be found in her latest artwork which features calligraphy and fluid linear drawings.
Nathan said she did not know Walsh beforehand, but was excited to discover her work. “We have some similar sensibilities,” Nathan said.
Walsh is known for her mixed-media sculptures that incorporate rock and metal. “They speak of our quickly changing world, tapping into a deep historical perspective as they point out the dignity and beauty found in the communion of unexpected objects,” the event page said.
Though the exhibit doesn’t feature any pieces made specifically for the event, Nathan said all of her work was made within the last three years.
“I love the notion that people see art when they enter a building,” she said, adding that she is excited to have her work on display for the McLean community and was familiar with the center’s activities even before this opportunity.
There will be a free evening reception on Friday, Sept. 27, at MCC from 7-9 p.m. where the artists will speak about their work.
Image courtesy Miriam Mörsel Nathan
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!
Thursday (Sept. 5)
- Falls Church Art Show –11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Falls Church Arts (700 W. Broad Street) — Local artists showcase their latest work at this annual event.
Friday (Sept. 6)
- Old Firehouse Family Movie Night — 7-9 p.m. at The Old Firehouse (1440 Chain Bridge Road) — This event gives families the chance to gather and watch Disney’s “Frozen.” Tickets are $3 per person, which includes unlimited popcorn.
- The Piano Guys — 8 p.m. at Filene Center (1551 Trap Road) — The YouTube sensations will perform a live concert of their new album “Limitless.” Tickets are $38 and include a free download of the album.
Saturday (Sept. 7)
- Food For Others Tysons 5k and Fun Run — 8-10 a.m. at Tysons Corner Center Mall (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — This charity 5k invites participants to raise money for the hungry through Food for Others. Participants can purchase tickets for $35 beforehand and meet at the parking lot outside L.L.Bean on the day of the race.
- Coding Day for Beginners — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at WeWork Tysons Corner (1775 Tysons Blvd) — This free event offers participants an inside look into how HTML, CSS and JavaScript work. Participants are asked to bring a laptop but free coffee and lunch will be provided.
Sunday (Sept. 8)
- Wolf Trap National Park Garden Tour — 10 a.m.-noon at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Road) — This free event allows guests to tour the park in coordination with the National Parks Service.
- Uniquely Virginia Festival — noon-4 p.m. at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue) — This festival features products created in northern Virginia. Admission is free and there will be live music and sample tastings.
Photo via Wolf Trap
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!
Tuesday (Aug. 13)
- Stray Cats 40th Anniversary Tour — 8-11 p.m. at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Road) — The band will celebrate its 40-year anniversary with a performance. Tickets start at $35.
Wednesday (Aug. 14)
- Wednesday West Coast Swing Lessons and Dance — 8 p.m. at Latin Dancer Studio (1057 W. Broad Street, Suite 221) — This event invites newbies and seasoned dancers alike to join lessons and an open dance floor later in the evening. Tickets are $15 for a lesson or just $10 after 10 p.m. for the social dance.
Thursday (Aug. 15)
- Karaoke Thursday! — 8-11 p.m. at Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street) — This locally owned distillery opens their doors for patrons to come to sing and enjoy some spirits.
Friday (Aug. 16)
- The Slambovian Circus of Dreams and Lumen Jingos — 8 p.m. at the Jammin Java (227 E. Maple Avenue) — The bands take to the stage for an evening of live music. Both bands have been described as “psychedelic.” Tickets are $25.
- McLean Famers Market — 8 a.m. at Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bride Road) — This event will feature fresh veggies and food from local vendors.
Saturday (Aug. 17)
- Family Bingo Party With Food for Others — noon-3 p.m. at Brandbox Lounge at Tysons Corner Center —Â Food for Others will host an event to raise awareness for their cause while attendees play games and win prizes.
Photo via The Slambovian Circus of Dreams/Facebook
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
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!
Tuesday (July 30)
- Ruff Tuesdays — 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) and 4-9 p.m. at Caboose Tavern (520 Mill Street NE) — This brewery invites patrons to come for an extended happy hour and bring their dogs. They will have water and treats for furry friends as well as raffle-giveaways.
- Cinema Tuesday — 9-11 p.m. at Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) — This Tuesday, people at Tysons Biergarten can watch a free showing of “Jaws.” Beer and appetizers will be served.
Wednesday (July 31)
- Culture Shock D.C. — 10 a.m. at Theatre-in-the-Woods (1551 Trap Road) — This hip-hop dance show features a local Culture Shock troupe. The show is suited for ages 7 and up. Tickets are $10.
Thursday (August 1)
- 9th Annual Grateful Dead Meet-Up at the Movies — 7 p.m. at Angelika Film Center (2911 District Avenue) — Fans of the American rock band can watch a feature film, which showcases the previously unreleased June 17, 1991 concert. Tickets are $14.50.
Friday (August 2)
- Movie Night with the National Law Enforcement Museum — 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. at The Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — The National Law Enforcement Museum invites the community for a free showing of “Zootopia.” Popcorn and treats from Lolli & Pops will be provided before the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday (August 3)
- K-9 Law Enforcement-Themed Kid’s Club — 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — Kids will have the opportunity to learn about K9 law enforcement by making crafts and watching demonstrations. Attendees can also meet Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority K9 Russell and his handler Corporal Matthew Werner.
Sunday (August 4)
- Free Yoga — 9-10 a.m. at Strawberry Park (2910 District Avenue) — A free yoga class will take place outside for community members. The Mosaic District asks that participants bring their own yoga mat, water and other necessities.
Photo via Mosaic District/Facebook
It might not be the national holiday from the week before, but National Free Slurpee Day is coming up on Thursday, July 11.
The event is 7-Eleven’s celebration of its unofficial birthday. Stopping by a 7-Eleven between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. will allow the visitor to receive a free 12 oz Slurpee while supplies last.
Below, Tysons Reporter has put together a map of 7-Elevens around the Tysons area to stop by for a free Slurpee. Also, stay tuned for more information on the new 7-Eleven planned at Tysons Corner Center this fall.
If you get a brain freeze from your Slurpee, National Day Calendar advises you to press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, cover your nose and mouth with your hand, and breathe through your nose — allowing warmer air to circulate through your sinus passages.
Tysons:
McLean:
Vienna:
Merrifield:
If you didn’t get your ice cream fill on Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s, you can stop by Häagen-Dazs tomorrow (Tuesday) for more.
The Häagen-Dazs on the second floor of Tysons Corner Center is set to participate in the chain’s Free Cone Day. From 4-8 p.m. tomorrow, one mini-cone per customer will be given away for free, according to the Tysons Corner Center website.
The event also serves as a promotion for the chain’s Häagen-Dazs loves Honey Bees Initiative, a fundraising effort to develop solutions for Colony Collapse Disorder, which is placing the future of the food chain at risk. Donations to the fundraiser can be made online.
Photo via Facebook
