Diners looking to eat Greek cuisine at the newly opened Archontiko in McLean will need to wait a month.
The restaurant is temporarily closed, according to a sign in the window.
“Due to remodeling and [the] hire of [a] new executive chef we will be closed until January the 29th,” the sign says. “We are sorry for any inconvenience and hope to see you all again soon with exclusive tasty Greek dishes and our vast variety of wines.”
After a year of delays, the restaurant opened in the former spot of Mediterranean restaurant Evo Bistro (1313 Old Chain Bridge Road) in the fall.
While Tysons Reporter isn’t sure when the sign first appeared, a tipster emailed us about the sign yesterday.
With the new year almost here, the editorial team at Tysons Reporter took a look at the archives to gear up for 2020.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest things that we’ll be keeping an eye on and covering next year.
Spanning the Tysons Area
Fairfax County has approved regulations that limit how many (and how fast) scooters can zip around their areas. The new rules start Jan. 1.
New faces are joining the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board, including Dalia Palchik, who will oversee the Providence District on the Board of Supervisors.
The Vienna, Dunn Loring and East Falls Church stations will tentatively be closed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Meanwhile, the West Falls Church station will stay open with trains running less frequently from the station. At the East Falls Church Station, trains will still pass through the station even though it will be closed to riders.
Tysons
What Happens to the Proposed Valo Park Redesign?
The owners of Valo Park want to open the office complex to the public by adding restaurants, a 9/11 memorial and a bocce court. The plans are tentatively scheduled to go before the Fairfax County Planning Commission on March 25, 2020.
State of Proposed Spring Hill Project
The Fairfax County Planning Commission is set to decide on two mixed-use developments by the Spring Hill Metro station in March. The project would bring more commercial and residential units near Tyco Road.
Construction is aiming to be done on the new Scotts Run Fire and Rescue Station 44 in Tysons East by Dec. 31, 2020. The station is designed to relieve the overburdened Fire Station 29, which currently covers the entire Tysons area.
Dozens of stores and eateries opened in the mixed-use development this year, including Whole Foods and Ethan Allen. For next year, we’ll be keeping an eye on when ShowPlace ICON opens, along with the El Bebe and Open Road eateries.
Tysons Partnership is working with Gensler to rebrand the area to encourage economic growth and is also looking to establish a “sustainable business and funding model” for the nonprofit association.
New Concept From The Owners Behind Tysons Biergarten
Tysons Biergarten is now closed by the Greensboro Metro station, but sometime in the spring, a new concept called The Shipgarten — made of shipping containers — aims to open at Scotts Run. Diners can expect a biergarten with German and Belgium beers, Asian fusion cuisine, barbecue food and a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant.
No More Dropped Calls in the Tysons Metro Tunnel
Metro plans to have cell coverage in the tunnel between the Tysons Corner Center and Greensboro Metro stations by June. The tunnel is one of the last set of areas Metro is working to complete wireless coverage for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon customers.
Merrifield
More Mosaic District Newcomers
Fairfax County permits indicate that Sephora, Drybar, a Connecticut-based eatery called The Granola Bar, Madison Reed and several new food options like Neapolitan pizza chain Pupatella and Urban Hot Pot are coming to the Mosaic District. While opening dates haven’t been announced yet, Tysons Reporter will be following up to find out when people can expect the newcomers.
A pilot program with autonomous shuttles from EasyMile is set to start transporting people from the Mosaic District to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro station in the spring or summer.
City of Falls Church
Solutions for Stormwater Issues
After severe flooding in July, officials in the Little City have been working to fix the damage, while also planning how to prevent future issues. A newly formed taskforce is set to work until July on updating the list of priority projects for stormwater improvements in the Watershed Management Plan.
Whole Foods Expanding NoVa Footprint in Falls Church
Weeks after opening in Tysons, the grocery chain signed a lease in early November to anchor the redevelopment of the corner of E. Broad and N. Washington streets. Tysons Reporter is looking to find out when the store plans to open and what community members think the new store’s impact will be on local businesses.
Progress of Little City Commons Development
Tysons Reporter will continue to provide updates on the construction of the new commercial area in Falls Church known as Litty City Commons.
Town of Vienna
New Tavern Opening Along Maple Avenue
The owners of Bear Branch Tavern said they want to open later this winter, adding a restaurant with two bars, a patio, indoor and outdoor fire pits, an oyster bar, frozen drink machines and bike racks to 133 E. Maple Avenue.
New Zoning Maple Avenue Guidelines
The Vienna Town Council extended the suspension of the Maple Avenue Commercial (MAC) Zone to June 2020. Town officials are working to redesign the rules for new development applications for Maple Avenue.
Senior Living Facility Moving Forward?
Sunrise’s proposal to build a senior living facility at 380 Maple Avenue will go before the Vienna Town Council next year.
McLean
The Future of Claude Moore Colonial Farm
The National Park Service is trying to decide what to do with Claude Moore Colonial Farm property. Three different proposed plans were presented to the community in the fall for feedback. NPS is hoping to release a final proposal in spring 2020.
The Fate of Overcrowded McLean High School
Fairfax County wants to shift students from the overcrowded McLean High School to the under-capacity Langley High School. Boundary scope meetings are expected to continue into the spring, followed by a public hearing on the proposal and then a vote, so that the change can impact the 2020-2021 school year.
Tell us in the comments which pf these upcoming things you’re most interested in.
Visit Fairfax has made its list of the top five tackiest lights displays in the county — and homes in Vienna and McLean are included.
In McLean, the house at 6530 Heather Brook Court has a “Start” button for a 10-minute show set to music, according to the list. Over in Vienna, the house at 10203 Lawyers Road has lighted animals.
Visit Fairfax wants to remind people that the lights may be off when it’s raining or snowing.
Visit Fairfax also has tips for Christmas lights viewers, saying that 6-8 p.m. is the best time window for watching lights shows and that viewers should respect homeowners’ properties.
For people looking for more holiday lights, Tysons Reporter spotted several sparkly spots in the Ingleside and Langley areas of McLean.
A fire that broke out in a McLean house earlier this week caused the death of the family’s dog and displaced five residents.
The firefighters responded to the fire, which started in the basement of a house in the 6800 block of Old Chesterbrook Road, on Wednesday (Dec. 18) morning. The fire had spread to other floors. By around 12:30 p.m., firefighters had the blaze extinguished.
“A family dog was located in the basement but unfortunately did not survive,” Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said in an update today (Friday).
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“No occupants were home at the time of the fire,” the fire department said. “The fire was discovered by a neighbor who called 9-1-1 and then flagged down a Fairfax County Police Officer.”
The human occupants and firefighters were uninjured.
“Five occupants were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered but declined,” the fire department said. “Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $100,000.”
A few local organizations are working to help people struggling financially.
In Fairfax County, around 56,000 people face food insecurity, according to Feeding America, which means that roughly 5% of the population struggles to feed themselves and their families.
Females from ages 25 to 34 are the largest group living in poverty in Fairfax County, according to data from Data USA.
Food For Others in Merrifield and SHARE of McLean are two organizations working have holiday donation drives.
SHARE of McLean began serving the community in 1967 and continues to fight food insecurity, helping people obtain clean and functional clothing, assisting with holiday celebrations for those in need and hosting fundraising events.
In November, SHARE of McLean collected holiday wishes from people who qualified for assistance. Many of the people who requested assistance included families with young children under 3 years old, and the group is now calling on the community to help put together care packages or donate.
The organization also released a list of high priority food items in December 2019, which include canned fruit, cereals, dry beans, pasta, vegetable oil, coffee and tea.
People seeking assistance with food or clothing can visit the center (1367 Chain Bridge Road) and must either bring a photo ID and piece of mail. Hours of operation are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon. The center will be closed during the week of Dec. 23.
Meanwhile, Food For Others also supports the community with food supplement programs.
Tomorrow, and every Thursday, people registered can come to the corner of Ellison and Irving streets in Falls Church at 5:45 p.m. to pick up food.
NoVA residents may also show up at the organization’s warehouse (2938 Prosperity Avenue) from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who think they may be eligible for help can bring a photo ID and piece of mail to register or receive a referral before their visit.
Britepaths in Fairfax is another organization that assists people struggling with poverty and food insecurity. Though the majority of clients are referred to them by social workers, people can also request assistance individually.
Photo via Food for Others/Facebook
(Updated at 12:30 p.m.) Firefighters extinguished a house fire along Old Chesterbrook Road in McLean.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue tweeted about the fire in the 6800 block of Old Chesterbrook Road at 10:51 a.m. The fire department tweeted at 11:09 a.m. that firefighters located the fire in the basement.
“Firefighters working to extinguish the fire in walls and between floors,” the fire department tweeted shortly after 11:30 a.m.
The occupants are safe and didn’t receive any injuries, the fire department said.
Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, which firefighters were able to extinguish shortly before 12:30 p.m.
UPDATE from scene of house fire in 6800 block of Old Chesterbrook Road in McLean. Firefighters working to extinguish fire in walls and between floors. All occupants accounted for and safe. #FCFRD #FairfaxCounty pic.twitter.com/126124vvcx
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 18, 2019
Map via Google Maps
(Updated 12/20/19) This year, Hanukkah begins this Sunday (Dec. 22) and will end on Monday (Dec. 30).
For anyone looking into public celebrations, there are lots of events around the Tysons area where people can gather and join in the festivities
This Sunday (Dec. 22), the Chocolate Gelt Drop at the Freeman House (131 NE Church Street) will feature the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department as it hosts an evening of live music, menorah lighting and festivities. There will be chocolate gelt’s dropped from the top of a fire truck as well as food. All are welcome to this free event from 5 to 6 p.m.
Temple Rodef Shalom is sponsoring a community dinner next Friday (Dec. 27) from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at their place of worship in McLean (2100 Westmoreland Street). They will be serving brisket and Latke, a type of fried potato cake. Tickets are $30 for non-member adults, $18 for kids age 6 to 10 and $10 for kids under 5 years old.
For members of Temple Rodef Shalom, there will be a “low-key” Hanukkah event designed for kids on Friday, Dec. 27, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Temple Rodef Shalom (2100 Westmoreland Street). According to the event page, this event is designed for kids who thrive in low stress and relaxed environments. They will have the opportunity to enjoy a story, crafts, a photo booth and food. Tickets are $5.
On Sunday (Dec. 29), the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia will host Light Up the Night! Community Menorah Lighting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Strawberry Park in the Mosaic District. People are welcome to gather and light candles, play games, sing together and eat sufganiyot, a type of round jelly donut.
The same day there will be a Hanukkah Master Chef: Latke Edition around 1 p.m. at 226 W Maple Ave. Attendees are asked to RSVP beforehand for this free event.
“A Festival of Lasers — Laser Tag” is an alternative way for people to celebrate Hanukkah among their peers.
Hosted by Gather DC, an organization designed to bring together people of the Jewish faith, this event invites people to enjoy three games of laser tag as well as snacks, drinks and socializing for $25. The event will take place this Wednesday (Dec. 18) at Ultrazone Laser Tag and Amusement Center (3447 Carlin Springs Road) from 6:45-10 p.m. and allow people to meet others around the 20s and 30s age range.
For the entire week, the Chanukah Wonderland will feature crafts, entertainment and a store from Dec.22-29 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. It will be held at 226 W Maple Ave in Vienna.
Photo via Element5 Digital/Unsplash
Clinton Portis, a former running back in the National Football League, was charged in connection to an alleged health benefits scam, according to the Department of Justice.
Portis and the nine former NFL players allegedly committed multi-million dollar fraud from expensive medical equipment that police say was never purchased or received, according to a press release from the Justice Department yesterday (Thursday).
Portis, who was a running back for the Washington Redskins, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of health care fraud.
Fox 5 DC reported that Portis surrendered to authorities in North Carolina today (Friday).
Portis sold his McLean home in 2013 for $1.65 million, according to Fairfax County records. A Sports Illustrated story about Portis in 2017 said he was living in an apartment in Northern Virginia.
The Department of Justice says that Portis is a McLean resident.
More from the Justice Department:
The alleged fraud targeted the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan (the Plan), which was established pursuant to the 2006 collective bargaining agreement and provided for tax-free reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical care expenses that were not covered by insurance and that were incurred by former players, their wives and their dependents – up to a maximum of $350,000 per player. According to the charging documents, over $3.9 million in false and fraudulent claims were submitted to the Plan, and the Plan paid out over $3.4 million on those claims between June 2017 and December 2018…
“The defendants are alleged to have developed and executed a fraudulent scheme to undermine a health care benefit plan established by the NFL — one established to help their former teammates and colleagues pay for legitimate medical expenses,” said U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The defendants allegedly submitted false claims to the plan and obtained money for expensive medical equipment that was never purchased or received, depriving that plan of valuable resources to help others meet their medical needs. We have prioritized the investigation and prosecution of health care fraud in our office, and we appreciate the partnership we share with the Criminal Division and the FBI in pursuing these important matters.”
“This investigation serves as an illustration of the rampant and deliberate scams against health care plans occurring daily throughout the country,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the Miami Field Office. “In this case, these fraudsters pocketed money from the Gene Upshaw National Football League Health Reimbursement Account Plan that was intended for former NFL players who are ill or infirm. Over 20 FBI field offices participated in this investigation which demonstrates the level of commitment we have to rooting out this type of fraud.”
Two separate indictments filed in the Eastern District of Kentucky outline two alleged conspiracies involving different players related to the same scheme to defraud the Plan. Those charged in the indictments are the following:
Robert McCune, 40, of Riverdale, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and nine counts of health care fraud.
John Eubanks, 36, of Cleveland, Mississippi; Tamarick Vanover, 45, of Tallahassee, Florida; and Carlos Rogers, 38, of Alpharetta, Georgia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of health care fraud.
Clinton Portis, 38, of McLean, Virginia; Ceandris Brown, 36, of Fresno, Texas; James Butler, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Fredrick Bennett, 35, of Port Wentworth, Georgia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of health care fraud.
Correll Buckhalter, 41, of Colleyville, Texas, and Etric Pruitt, 38, of Theodore, Alabama, are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud. In addition, the government has filed notice that it intends to file criminal informations charging Joseph Horn, 47, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Donald “Reche” Caldwell, 40, of Tampa, Florida, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The indictments charge that the scheme to defraud involved the submission of false and fraudulent claims to the Plan for expensive medical equipment — typically between $40,000 and $50,000 for each claim — that was never purchased or received. The expensive medical equipment described on the false and fraudulent claims included hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy machines, ultrasound machines designed for use by a doctor’s office to conduct women’s health examinations and electromagnetic therapy devices designed for use on horses.
According to allegations in the indictments, McCune, Eubanks, Vanover, Buckhalter, Rogers and others recruited other players into the scheme by offering to submit or cause the submission of these false and fraudulent claims in exchange for kickbacks and bribes that ranged from a few thousand dollars to $10,000 or more per claim submitted. As part of the scheme, the defendants allegedly fabricated supporting documentation for the claims, including invoices, prescriptions and letters of medical necessity. After the claims were submitted, McCune and Buckhalter allegedly called the telephone number provided by the Plan and impersonated certain other players in order to check on the status of the false and fraudulent claims.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The investigation included efforts by various FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies, including: Augusta, Georgia; Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Columbia, South Carolina; Dallas and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Jackson, Mississippi; Lexington, Kentucky; New Orleans, Louisiana; Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida; Newark, New Jersey; Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Newport Beach, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Washington, D.C.
Trial Attorneys John (Fritz) Scanlon, Alexander J. Kramer and Thomas J. Tynan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. McCaffrey and Andrew E. Smith of the Eastern District of Kentucky are prosecuting the cases.
Photo by Joe Gratz/Flickr
With the holiday season in full swing, several residents in McLean are turning the exteriors of their homes into festive showcases.
Tysons Reporter spotted more than a dozen houses in the Ingleside and Langley areas with colorful lights and elaborate decorations. Blue-colored snowflake projections onto the side of the homes seemed to be a popular choice this year.
Check out the gallery above and let us know in the comments if you have — or are planning to — deck your residence or business with holiday spirit this year.
Have a photo you want to submit? Tag or direct message us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or email [email protected].
Kirby Road reopened yesterday in McLean, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced.
The 1300 block of Kirby Road closed in July due to severe storm damage from flash flooding, along with Swinks Mill Road, which reopened in October.
Martins Construction Corporation was awarded the $2.1 million emergency contract. The work included relocating Little Pimmit Run, rebuilding the washed-out section of Kirby Road and reconstructing the bridge over Pimmit Run.
The work was completed ahead of the Dec. 15 deadline — a date VDOT set to incentivize the contractor to get the work done as quickly as possible. VDOT officials said in October that they were offering up to $2,000 for every day completed early — capped at $120,000.
One of the reasons the work took several months to complete was because work could not be done simultaneously on the bridge and roadway since it would cut off access to 21 homes, VDOT official Denise Cantwell said in October.
Work to add surface asphalt and striping is expected to be completed by May 2020.
“Landscaping and other detail work will be completed over the next few weeks during normal work zone hours, weather permitting,” according to VDOT.
Very big news from @VaDOTNOVA… Kirby Road in #McLean is open! https://t.co/Mji61LxWJW
— John Foust (@johnfoustva) December 12, 2019
Photo via VDOT
