Routine Maintenance Closes Parts of Clemyjontri Park — “While some sections are closed, others will remain open and the work will rotate throughout the playground from Sat., Nov. 21 through approximately Fri., Dec. 4, 2020.” [Fairfax County Park Authority/Twitter]
Tysons Sheraton Liquidation Sale Shows Impact of Pandemic — “[Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association Eric] Terry estimated 20 Virginia hotels closed on a temporary basis during the pandemic, and although most have since reopened, the outlook is bleak. More hotels may follow the Sheraton’s path.” [DCist]
Social Distancing Santa Offers Sense of Normalcy — “The Wells were among a stready stream of families entering Santa’s Headquarters at Tysons Corner Center Friday night with a reservation in hand for their annual picture with Santa Claus.” [ABC7-WJLA]
Pandemic Pushes Key Retailers out of Founders Row Project — “Business casualties from the coronavirus pandemic hit home for the City of Falls Church, with major retailers in hybrid theater-restaurant Studio Movie Grill and City Works restaurant both backing out of their commitment to the Founders Row Development due to financial troubles.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
A man is now facing charges for unlawfully filming people at the Nordstrom in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County police announced this morning (Friday).
The Fairfax County Police Department says it first learned about possible unlawful filming at the store after a janitor reported finding a concealed video camera inside a bathroom on Oct. 24.
A woman then reported on Nov. 7 that she had been illegally filmed while in a dressing room, prompting the FCPD’s Tysons Urban Team to launch an investigation.
Officers arrested a man identified as Gerson A. Rosales Miranda of Woodbridge on Nov. 14 after Nordstrom alerted police that an unidentified woman who investigators had linked to the two reported incidents had returned to the store.
Officers searched the area and found Rosales Miranda “disguised as a woman.” Major crimes bureau detectives confirmed that he was responsible for the Nov. 7 incident, according to the department.
Rosales Miranda has been charged with five counts of unlawful filming with additional charges pending the outcome of the continuing police investigation. He was given a $2,500 bond.
“The investigation is ongoing and we will provide updates regarding charges and victims at a later time,” the FCPD public affairs bureau said when asked for more details about the number of incidents involved in the case.
Check out our video sharing details surrounding a recent arrest involving several unlawful filming incidents at Tysons Corner Mall in the McLean District. #FCPD #FCPDOnScene pic.twitter.com/BextGrZLx1
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) November 20, 2020
This is not the first time that unlawful filming has been reported at Tysons Corner Center.
A case involving over 100 videos allegedly taken in store dressing rooms at Tysons Corner Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Springfield Town Center, and Fair Lakes Promenade in December 2018 ended with Fairfax County police charging an Alexandria resident with unlawful videotaping and other crimes in January 2019.
The FCPD also charged a man from Maryland with unlawful filming and trespassing on Dec. 14, 2019 after he was seen recording two women at Tysons Corner Center.
A Tysons Corner Center spokesperson says the mall has no comment on the current case, noting that the FCPD is leading the effort.
The FCPD has officers assigned to Tysons Corner, Fair Oaks Mall, and Springfield Town Center for anyone who needs assistance or sees “anything suspicious while out shopping this holiday season,” the public affairs bureau says.
Photo via FCPD
The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.
We’ve searched the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!
Monday (Nov. 16)
- Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Contest — (Nov. 16 – Dec. 9) — The Light Up McLean Holiday Decorating Competition is your opportunity to show off your home in all its holiday splendor, the website says. The competition is open to the first 15 registered households. To register, use this link.
- Monday Game Challenge (Online) — 3:30-6:30 p.m. — During this event hosted by the McLean Community Center, participants will play Call of Duty: Warzone. To register, use this link.
Tuesday (Nov. 17)
- Affordable Housing Community Conversation (Online) — 7 p.m. — Falls Church residents will have a conversation about affordable housing, featuring a panel of local experts on social equity, the website says. The conversation will take place via Zoom. Email Pete Sullivan, [email protected], to register.
Wednesday (Nov. 18)
- Turkey in Trouble Crafternoon (Online) — 3-3:3o p.m. — Join the Mary Riley Styles Public Library on Facebook to talk about camouflage and strategies to keep turkey from being eaten. Craft kits are available for pick up at MRSPL (120 N. Virginia Ave.) through Nov. 24. The craft video will remain on the MRSPL Facebook page in the Crafternoon playlist.
- Virtual Improv Show (Online) — 7 p.m.– The Alden‘s professional teen improv company, The Unruly Theatre Project, is dedicated to bringing comedic productions to the community, the website says. To register, use this link.
Friday (Nov. 20)
- Photos with Santa (Nov. 20 – Dec. 24) — 12-8 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — Santa will be in Tysons Corner Center’s Fashion Court at the intersection of the Nordstrom and Bloomingdale wings starting Nov. 20, the website says. A visit with Santa will be free, and photo packages will be available for purchase.
- Mayor’s Walk — 9:30 a.m. at Vienna Town Hall (127 Center St. S.) — Enjoy a chat and stroll through the Town of Vienna with Mayor Linda Colbert, the website says.
- Virtual Family Fun Night (Online) — 7-9 p.m. — Gather the whole family around the computer or tablet and get ready for some socially distant trivia, according to the McLean Community Center website. The cost is $5 for resident families and $8 for non-resident families. To register, use this link.
Photo via DrZ/Unsplash
NoVa Leads State in COVID-19 New Cases — “There has been an uptick of cases in Northern Virginia for over a week and an increase in the southwest region during October.” [Patch]
The Boro Wins Regional Development Awards — “KETTLER, one of Greater Washington, D.C.’s leading real estate services companies, announces the acceptance of multiple awards for Rise and Bolden Apartments, and Verse Condominiums located at The Boro in Tysons, Virginia.” [InsideNova]
Tysons Corner Center Announces Contact-Free Santa — “Santa and his helpers will be back at Tysons Corner Center, but there will be some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” [Yahoo]
Macerich Secures Loan for New Residential Tower in Tysons — “While reporting its financial results for the third quarter on Thursday, Macerich Co. (MAC), a self-administered real estate investment trust, said its joint venture has secured a commitment for a $95 million loan on Tysons Vita, the residential tower at Tysons Corner.” [Nasdaq]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Foam mattress company Purple is opening today in Tysons Corner Center in the mall’s BrandBox space.
Purple is a company that specializes in cushioning products, like mattresses, pillows and seat cushions. The company is moving into BrandBox, an flexible area designed to feature a rotating set of smaller companies that don’t need a full store location.
“The store is full of amazing product and has been built out with top of the line technology and AI and is definitely something to see!” the company said in a press release. “The Purple team will be on-site to speak to the brand as well as the store.”
BrandBox is located on the first level of the mall, between Arhaus and Seasons 52. Purple joins Tailor on Tap as one of the pop-up brands filling the space after sitting vacant for months during the pandemic.
Photo via Purple/Facebook
Gov. Ralph Northam Shows Up to Fairfax County Early Voting — “I was glad to see voters and election workers in Fairfax today staying safe, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing” [Twitter]
Reminder: Barbie Truck Coming to Tysons Corner Center This Week — “A Barbie truck is crossing the country on a tour that will stop at Tysons Corner Center late next month to sell limited edition retro Barbie material. The truck is scheduled to stop at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.” [Tysons Reporter]
Vienna Launches ‘Stop and Stroll’ Initiative — “Starting on Oct. 24, a different shopping center will be featured on select Saturdays. The shopping centers will host socially-distant seasonal activities and in-store promotions.” [Patch]
Cut Cable in Vienna Cancels Arlington Classes — “Our ISP notified us of a major fiber cut in Vienna causing a service disruption for APS. The vendor is working to restore service, but there is no estimate for restoration.” [Twitter]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
According to a police report, two acquaintances were robbed at gunpoint earlier this week at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road).
The police said the incident happened on Tuesday, Oct. 13, around 8:11 p.m. According to the report:
Two acquaintances reported they were returning to their car when they were approached by three men. The men displayed firearms, demanded their money and merchandise, and ran away. No injuries were reported.
Other crimes around the McLean district this week included a carjacking at gunpoint on Saturday, Oct. 10. The incident reportedly happened at the Residence Inn at 8400 Old Courthouse Road. According to the report:
A man reported that he was in a parking lot when a man approached him, displayed a gun and demanded his car keys. The man drove away in the victim’s 2018 Mercedes sedan after taking cash and personal property. No injuries were reported.
Staff photo by Michelle Goldchain
Custom clothing brand Tailor on Tap will hold the grand opening of its showroom in Tysons Corner Center on Oct. 16.
The grand opening will be preceded by a private, invite-only event on Oct. 15 to celebrate the opening.
“I’m excited to bring our custom clothing options to Tysons Corner shoppers,” Adam D’Angelo, the founder and CEO of the company, said in a press release. “I founded Tailor on Tap to provide high-end, tailor-made clothing to anyone from college students and athletes to young professionals. Our new showroom allows them a chance to meet with stylists, browse fabrics, and create their unique pieces in comfort and style.”
There will be different promotions running throughout the grand opening, according to the release. The first 50 shoppers to enter the store on Friday will receive free gift bags with a value of more than $100. Additionally, shoppers who spend more than $749 will receive a free custom blazer.
The brand was founded in Pittsburgh, Penn. in 2018 by four college students. Their showroom claims to offer the “comfort of home,” while letting customers browse dozens of fabrics, threads, and buttons with the help of their own personal style consultant, according to the release.
The showroom is located in BrandBox on Level 1 of Tysons Corner Center. Operating hours will go from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., or by appointment with a style consultant.
Photo courtesy of Tailor on Tap
The Washington Nationals are headed to Tysons Corner Center for their third and final blood drive of the year.
The blood drive will be hosted by appointment or people can show up and donate the dya of the event.
“All blood donors will receive a free Washington Nationals/Inova Blood Donor Services t-shirt and reusable water bottle,” the event organizers said on Facebook. “Snacks and other treats will be provided by mall eateries.”
The program is scheduled to run from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at the former Lord and Taylor. Photo ID and masks are required, though a mask will be provided if needed. The Inova website noted that one hour should generally be set aside for the appointment.
A Barbie truck is crossing the country on a tour that will stop at Tysons Corner Center late next month to sell limited edition retro Barbie material.
The truck is scheduled to stop at Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Road) on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
“Barbie is hitting the road with the Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour, celebrating over 60-years of Barbie’s iconic heritage and the fans who love her,” toy company Mattel said on Facebook. “Come check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch only available at the truck. We encourage everyone to practice social distancing!”
The merchandise tour is a celebration of the brand’s 60th birthday, which was celebrated last year.
The company outlined on social media a series of sanitation procedures to help keep the transactions safe, including wiping down counters, points of service and payment readers with disinfectant every thirty minutes. Staff will also wear gloves and masks inside the trucks with an acrylic barrier separating them from guests.
The website indicates the van will have everything from Barbie stickers and accessories to vintage jean jackets with Barbie branding on them.
Photo via Barbie/Facebook
