Tysons Agenda is a listing of interesting events for the week ahead in the Tysons area.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 28

Winterbock Ugly Sweater Tapping Party
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (7861 Tysons Corner Center)
Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Tysons Corner Center restaurant will be tapping into its Winterbock, a German-style beer, at an ugly sweater party. Proceeds of the party and Winterbock sales through December will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Friday, Nov. 30

10th Annual Virginia Women’s Business Conference
Sheraton Tysons Hotel (8661 Leesburg Pike)
Time: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

The conference is a one-day event for women in the area to make business connections. The keynote speaker will be Michelle Poler, founder of the Hello Fears social movement. Tickets are $349 for general admission or $499 for the VIP upgrade.

Saturday, Dec. 1

Annual Norwegian Christmas Luncheon/Julefest
Seasons 52 (7863 Tysons Corner Center)
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Norwegian Christmas celebration, hosted by Norwegian heritage group Lakselaget DC, will include live musical guests and a lunch with Norwegian Kransekake for dessert. Tickets are $40 per person.

Pictures with Santa
Tysons West (1500 Cornerside Blvd)
Time: 1-4 p.m.

Selfies with Santa, or a free professional photo, are available at the Tysons West shopping center. Hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts will also be available.

The latest in a series of proposed sidewalks to make McLean more walkable is a pair of quarter-mile long sidewalks along Kirby Road near Chesterbrook.

One project, north of Chesterbrook, is planned to add a roughly 5-6 feet wide sidewalk with a curb and gutter along the south/east side of Kirby Road between Chesterbrook Road and Mori Street. A crude path currently exists along the roadside, though in parts it blends with the right shoulder lane.

A community meeting on the northern extension is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Chesterbrook Elementary School cafeteria. The meeting will feature a presentation of the project’s preliminary design and offer the public a chance to ask questions and provide input.

The new sidewalk improvements will also include a pedestrian crossing and median refuge at the intersection with Mori Street, connecting the sidewalk to the shared use trail on the west side of Kirby Road.

To the south, the sidewalk will connect with an existing path separated from the road that leads into Chesterbrook neighborhood and shopping center along Old Dominion Drive. To the north, the new sidewalk won’t quite reach the Marie Butler Leven Preserve, but the park is accessible from the trail on the west side of the street.

A new sidewalk is also currently planned for Kirby Road on the other side of Chesterbrook, connecting Chesterbrook Elementary School to Halsey Road. Like the northern sidewalk, the southern extension covers a quarter-mile with a proposed 5-6 foot width.

At a Nov. 9 meeting on the southern Kirby Road sidewalk improvements, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented a plan that would include new concrete infrastructure improvements along the roadside. The white painted fences along Kirby Road may be removed and replaced during the construction.

The construction schedule for the north project is unknown, but the southern sidewalk extension is scheduled for final design in early 2019 and construction later that year.

Photo via Google Maps

Sharp angles and poor line-of-sight make the Balls Hill Road and Old Dominion Drive intersection one of McLean’s worst road hazards.

But after rescheduling due to poor weather conditions, a community meeting will be held later this week to discuss drastic changes to the intersection. The meeting will be held this Wednesday (Nov. 28) at 7:30 p.m. in Cooper Middle School (977 Balls Hill Road).

The intersection is one of the most crash-heavy intersections in McLean, with 29 total crashes around the intersection from 2010-2015. More development planned for the area, including nearby subdivisions Mehr Farms and Summerstone, are likely to make road conditions worse.

But all three of the proposed intersection changes could have a negative impact on either the surrounding developments or other nearby traffic intersections.

According to the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, there are several traffic alternatives being considered for the site:

• T-Intersection: This would solve queuing issues at the site while having a relatively small footprint. But this shift could also have an impact at the Balls Hill Road intersection with Dulany Hill Drive nearby.
• Roundabout: This would allow the intersection to maintain the historic look of the intersection and maintain the state standards of design at the lowest cost. But roundabouts have been shown to have a substantial learning curve for drivers. The intersection would also have to undergo significant topographical changes and it would impact three homes currently under construction at the Mehr Farms development.
• Dedicated Left Turn Lanes: This would be lower in cost than the T-Intersection and have a smaller footprint than the roundabout, but the turn onto Old Dominion Drive would be a quasi U-turn. The new turn lanes would also significantly impact the nearby Korean Presbyterian Church and the Mehr Farms development.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff will give a formal presentation at 7:45 p.m., followed by a question and answer period. Comments on the project can also be made online.

The planned intersection improvements are part of a broader series of transportation projects planned throughout McLean.

Fairfax County police and firefighters are on the scene of a crash in McLean in which a car ran off the side of the road.

The crash was reported around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Kirby Road and Barbee Street. Initial reports suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle and careened into a wooded area along the side of the road.

At least one person could be seen being loaded into an ambulance, which then left the scene en route to a local hospital.

There were no significant traffic backups as a result of the crash.

Map and street view via Google Maps

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is working to rescue a person “trapped on the rocks” near a trail in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.

The “low-angle rescue” was underway as of 4:50 p.m., according to the fire department’s Twitter account. So far there’s no word on the nature of the patient’s injuries, though initial reports suggest that the patient was found near a creek and rescuers are worried about him or her becoming hypothermic.

An ATV, a stokes basket and spotlights are reportedly being utilized as part of the rescue operation.

The nature preserve abuts Georgetown Pike, the Capital Beltway and the Potomac River.

Update at 5:30 p.m. — The victim has been carried out of the woods, according to scanner traffic.

Units on scene 7400 Georgetown Pike with one patient trapped on the rocks off the trail. Crews attempting low-angle rescue. Unknown injuries. #fcfrd #news pic.twitter.com/p5PEgtyfbZ

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) November 21, 2018

Photo via Fairfax County Park Authority. Map via Google Maps.

Black Friday makes the headlines, but this upcoming Small Business Saturday (Nov. 24) will give locals a chance to check out some of the small stores throughout the area and maybe get some holiday shopping done.

The Vienna Business Association has put together a list of all small businesses in the areas with special deals on Saturday, including:

• Bards Alley LLC (110 Church St NW) — A book store in Vienna that will have giveaways for purchase over $50, refreshments, and a signing by local authors Katy Upperman, author of The Impossibility of Us, at 11:00 a.m., Eugenia Kim author of The Kinship of Secrets, at 1:00 p.m., and Anna Whiston Donaldson, author of the book A Hug from Heaven, at 3:00 p.m.
• Elements Massage (122 Maple Ave W) — A massage parlor offering $30 discount off of your first one-hour massage session. The deal will run both Saturday and Sunday.
• Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom (258 Maple Ave E) — The mattress store will be offering 30 percent off all Savvy Rest Mattresses and 25 percent off all other products.
• Bikes @ Vienna (128 A Church Street NW) — This store bicycle, which specializes in non-traditional models, will be offering 10 percent off select bicycles and accessories.
• Aesthetic Medical Center (8150 Leesburg Pike) — Calling the clinic (703-992-7979) on small business Saturday will net a 15 percent discount on any single treatment through Dec. 31.
• Colleen’s Creations, LLC — This online-only business run out of a Vienna home will be offering a variety of discounts on lipstick and glosses. All cosmetics and skincare materials are 40 percent off. Pickup is available in Vienna or via mail for a $4 charge.
• Generation Code (112 Church St NW) — This kids coding camp will offer five percent off winter break camps.
• Freeman Store (131 Church St NE) — The Freeman Store and Museum, a historically styled general goods store, will offer a 10 percent discount (15 percent for members) on merchandise in the store excluding used books.
• Potomac River Running Store (111 Maple Ave W) — The regional chain is offering buy one, get one 40 percent off. A Potomac River graphic t-shirt is available for $10 with any purchase of $20 or more.
• Skintelligence (421 Church St) — This skincare and spa treatment clinic in Vienna is offering 10 percent off any massage scheduled on Nov. 24 for any day between Nov. 26 and Dec. 23. All skin care products are also 20 percent off.
• John Edwards Hair Design (103 Church St NE) – A cosmetic studio offering 40 percent off any facial or skin care peel.

Meanwhile, for those looking to support small businesses in Tysons and McLean, here is a partial list put together from both American Express’s map of small businesses and the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce’s retail directory.

• Color Wheel (1374 Chain Bridge Road) — A family business offering paint and specialty finishes and custom photo framing.
• Mangan Jewelers of McLean (6801 Whittier Ave) — A jewelry store featuring wedding rings, fashion jewelry and estate pieces.
• McLean Hardware Co. Inc. (1445 Chain Bridge Rd) — McLean’s local hardware and household goods shop, offering a variety of gardening, plumbing, electric and houseware supplies.
• Mayflowers of McLean (1363 Chain Bridge Rd) — A florist shop in downtown McLean.
• Treasure Trove (1317 Chain Bridge Rd) — A used merchandise store offering everything from old books to clothing. All proceeds benefit Inova Hospital.
• Mesmeralda’s Gifts (1339 Chain Bridge Rd) — A gifts and novelty items store.
• Gegi Couture (1339 Chain Bridge Rd) — A fashion store focusing on custom clothing and tailoring for women.
• Carpet Impressions (1339 Chain Bridge Rd) — A carpet and handmade rug store.
• The Preppy Pink Pony (6829 Redmond Drive) — A monogrammed gifts and invitations store.
• Tysons Tailors (8099 Tysons Corner Center) — An alterations and tailoring shop inside Tysons Corner Center.
• Tysons Watch and Jewelry Exchange (8150 Leesburg Pike) — a store trading in jewelry, watches and luxury items.
• Aram Boutique (2001 International Dr) — A women’s fashion store in Tysons Galleria.
• Vienna Hot Tubs & Patio (1524 Spring Hill Rd) — An emporium stocking home spas, fire pits and patio furniture
• Shiraz Market (8486 Tyco Rd) — An international grocery store featuring Middle Eastern and Asian goods.

Photo via Facebook

Driving through fancy neighborhoods and marveling at Christmas decorations is a time-honored American suburban tradition, but the Woman’s Club of McLean is offering visitors a chance to go inside those homes for a tour.

On Thursday, Dec. 6, the club will host their 52nd annual Holiday Homes Tour. The tour, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will stop at four homes throughout the area. Homes on the tour range from older colonial style brick homes to a sprawling seven-bedroom home in Odricks Corner, just north of Tysons.

This year’s honorary tour host will be state Sen. Barbara Favola (D).

Tickets for the tour are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, with all proceeds going to local charities. Tickets can be purchased at:

• Mesmeralda’s in McLean (1339 Chain Bridge Rd)
• Karen’s Florist in Vienna (527 Maple Ave E)
• Great Dogs of Great Falls (9859 Old Georgetown Pike)

In addition to the tours, one home in River Oaks will be selling jewelry, handmade wreaths and gift baskets. There will also be a raffle for gift certificates to several local businesses.

Wondering what to do with your long weekend? Never fear, Tysons Reporter has you covered.

Throughout the weekend, Tysons Corner Center mall will be one of a handful of locations nationwide where players will be able to demo popular Nintendo brawler Super Smash Bros. Ultimate one month before its release.

The game will be playable at kiosks in the mall, along with other Nintendo games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Just Dance 2019. The kiosks will be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tonight (Nov. 9)

• Opening Night at Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights (5:30-10 p.m.) — The Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court) will be lit up with a half-mile stretch of light displays. Tickets are $14 for regular admission or $8 for child admission. Be warned, light rain is expected tonight, and cold weather is expected tomorrow. The Walk of Lights will run until Jan. 6, 2019.
• Happy Hour Fundraiser for Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (6-9 p.m.) — The Tysons Biergarten will donate $2 to the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) for every person that shows up with the Facebook event flyer either printed out or on their phone. A percentage of bar sales from 7-8 p.m. will also be donated to the VVFD.

Saturday (Nov. 10)

• Wolf Trap Mega-Adoption Event (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) — The Wolf Trap Animal Rescue’s adoption events typically have around 30 animals available, but for National Adoption Weekend the organization will have nearly 100 puppies and kittens up for adoption Sunday morning at the Tysons PetSmart (8204 Leesburg Pike). A full list of animals up for adoption is available online.
• Veterans Expeditions BBQ and Blues Fundraiser (6:30-9:30 p.m.) — Veterans Expeditions is hosting a fundraiser at J.R.’s Stockyards Inn (8130 Watson St) in Tysons to support its mission of arranging outdoor adventures for veterans. The event will feature live retro-blues music and barbecue.
• Gordon Biersch Tysons Corner Veteran’s Day Fundraiser (Noon-5 p.m.) — A percentage of food and beer sales at the Tysons Corner (7861 Tysons Corner Center) brewpub will go towards the EOD Warrior Foundation, a charity that provides assistance to explosive ordnance disposal veterans and their families. Veterans eat free from a special menu.
• Sabado with Jeff Carr (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) — Guest DJ Jeff Carr will host a night of salsa and bachata dancing with hits from Latin house music and Latin pop at the newly opened nightclub Palladium (1524 Spring Hill Road). Salsa and Bachata classes start at 8 p.m. with cover free for anyone who arrives before 11 p.m.

Sunday (Nov. 11)

• SyteraYoga Grand Opening Celebration (1:30-3:30 p.m.) — The yoga studio that launched in January in downtown McLean will open its doors in a new location (6888 Elm Street) with a celebration that includes chair massages, local vendors, food and drinks.
• Tyler Ramsey at Jammin Java (8 p.m.) — The former lead guitarist for Band of Horses will be performing at Jammin Java in Vienna (227 Maple Ave E). Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 for same-day purchases. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Image via Nintendo

If you’re driving through McLean and you see a yard full of American flags, remember Vincent Hiltz.

Hiltz was a train engineer from northern Kentucky who served in the First World War, a war that ended 100 years ago this Veterans Day (Nov. 11). One of those flags is planted for him.

The McLean and Tysons Rotary Clubs are collaborating for Flags for Heroes, an effort to fill McLean with American flags every Memorial Day and Veterans Day (Sunday).

Sponsorship for a flag and a commemorative certificate is $60. Paul Kohlenberger, a Rotarian and President of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, said all proceeds of the fundraiser to go charity, predominately ones supporting veteran and first responder organizations locally.

Once a flag is purchased, it will be replanted every Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

In addition to veterans, flags can be purchased in honor of a first responder or even a personal hero. Those interested in purchasing a flag should contact Rotarian Vance Zavela at [email protected] or Kohlenberger at [email protected].

Robert Jansen, Past President of the Rotary Club of McLean, bought one of those flags to honor Hiltz, who was his grandmother’s brother.

Jansen said there was a story passed down in his family from the war, where Hiltz came face to face with a German soldier.

“They both stared at each other,” Jansen said. “Both were about the same age, very young in their early 20s. Vincent thought about the German’s soldier’s family and just how tragic the war was.”

Jansen didn’t say what happened next.

This is the first Veterans Day for which Flags for Heroes planted flags. Currently, there are 50 flags on display in front of the Sharon Masonic Temple (999 Balls Hill Road) and ten in front of the American Legion Post (1355 Balls Hill Road). Jansen said the organization’s goal is to gradually increase the number of flags planted to 200-300 as it expands year after year.

A brief ceremony will be held at the American Legion Post on Monday, Nov. 12, at noon.

(Updated at 2:25 p.m.) Fairfax County Police have arrested Megan Hargan for the murder of her sister Helen Hargan and mother Pamela Hargan in McLean in 2017

Palema and Helen Hargan were murdered on July 14, 2017 in their home at 6708 Dean Drive. Police had initially suspected a murder-suicide, but as the investigation continued police began to suspect double homicide.

A search warrant revealed that police believed the scene had been staged by the suspect. Suspicion turned to Pamela’s daughter Megan, who had attempted fraudulent wire transfers from her mother’s account.

Megan, 35, was arrested this morning in West Virginia is being interviewed by detectives, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. More details were released at an afternoon news conference.

More from an FCPD press release:

A 35-year-old woman is facing charges in the murder of her mom and sister. On July 14, 2017, 23-year-old Helen Lorena Hargan and her mother, 63-year-old Pamela Denise Hansen Hargan were found dead in a home in the 6700 block of Dean Drive in McLean. They had both been shot. This morning, detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau arrested Megan Hargan near her home in Monongalia County, West Virginia for their murders.

The bodies were discovered by officers, after a 9-1-1 call reporting someone in the home might have been killed. The scene was secured and meticulously processed over several days by our Crime Scene Section. Detectives determined early in the investigation that the scene was staged to appear to be a murder-suicide. Due to the complexity of the evidence, a reconstruction of the crime scene was completed by an independent company. Our investigation and forensic findings led us to Megan Hargan, and our Major Crimes Bureau remained vigilant while pursuing every investigative lead. We interviewed Megan Hargan on July 14th, and then again a few days later. Megan Hargan attempted fraudulent money transfers from her mom’s bank account on the day of the murders, as well as the day before. Megan Hargan was indicted by a multi-jurisdictional grand jury yesterday for two counts of 1st degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in committing a felony.

“This is a tragedy, domestic violence at its worst,” said Major Ed O’Carroll, commander of the Major Crimes Bureau.  “Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Helen Hargan and Pamela Hargan. Know that justice always leads to the truth, and today the criminal justice process on this case continues.”

Our detectives are still in West Virginia, as the case remains active. We want to thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation on this complex case, including the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office.

UPDATE: Woman arrested in 2017 murder of mom and sister. #FCPD #FairfaxCountyhttps://t.co/bi7AlGMGeC pic.twitter.com/VzGYW6dsty

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 9, 2018

Photo via Twitter