Across the next three days, there are three ugly sweater parties planned and two of them will give attendees the chance to win $100.

Tonight (Dec. 21)

• Holiday Potluck (8 p.m.) — The Mosaic Ballroom in Merrifield is hosting a free holiday potluck, with holiday drinks, food and dancing. For those who aren’t feeling festive, the event will include non-holiday songs.
• 2nd Annual Ugliest Sweater Party at Tysons Biergarten (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) — Tysons Biergarten says the harder your sweater is to look at tonight, the more likely you’ll be to walk home with $100 in cash. Participants must register online to win.
• Jingle 2018 (10:30 p.m.) — Greenhouse Bistro is hosting a Christmas party at 2070 Chain Bridge Road in Tysons.

Tomorrow (Dec. 22)

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (4-8 p.m.) — Coastal Flats in Tysons Corner Center is hosting a party for least fashionable, with prizes awarded accordingly.
• Open Road Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (7-8:30 p.m.) — Open Road Grill in Merrifield is holding an ugly sweater party with a chance to win a $100 gift card if yours is the ugliest. The Grill also requests attendees to bring a coat to donate.
• Pre-Christmas Party (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) — The Palladium (1424 Spring Hill Road) is hosting its pre-Christmas party featuring local Latin band Nfuzion.

Sunday (Dec. 23)

• Paint Party with Santa (3-5 p.m.) — Kiln & Co at 138 Church St. in Vienna will be hosting an afternoon of ornament painting and hot chocolate. For $10, parents can drop their kids off at the event to be supervised. Proceeds from the event benefit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo via Facebook

A vehicle caught on fire and stopped two lanes of traffic on the Beltway near Tysons this afternoon.

The burning car was stuck in the left lane of the southbound side of the Beltway near the Dulles Toll Road.

The fire occurred around 1 p.m. and was the scene was cleared by 2 p.m. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

#Tysons Outer Loop near Dulles Toll Rd, vehicle fire along the left side #vatraffic #dctraffic pic.twitter.com/X1OcrdU08m

— Jerry Booth (@TrafficBooth) December 21, 2018

https://twitter.com/WTOPtraffic/status/1076180484525297667

Photo via Twitter

A new skincare company is scheduled to open its first Virginia location in Tysons Corner Center mall next month.

Aesop, an Australia-based company, will be moving into the second floor of the mall, between jewelry vendor Swarovski and work accessory store Levenger.

The exact opening date is still to be determined. Greg Mitola, a spokesperson representing Aesop, said the store is planning to launch in early January.

The store offers a variety of cosmetic products, from a $10 hand wash to a $295 skincare kit made from parsley seed.

The author of the press release, credited as Cynthia Leung from Native Agents, wrote a lengthy explanation of how the store’s design is an homage to Virginia’s mountains:

Writing on the Appalachian cultural expression and antimodernist movement of the 1920s and ’30s, the scholar, abolitionist and former Berea College president William Goodell Frost famously referred to mountain people as ‘our contemporary ancestors’. The mountains themselves are, of course, the true ancestors, predating Frost’s writing–and indeed, all human presence–by millions of years. Such was the heat and pressure generated by successive eruptions and sedimentation that the area’s Precambrian crystalline granite contains no trace of fossilized early life-forms.

It was this geological history that informed the design of Aesop’s inaugural signature store in Virginia, situated within the Tysons Corner retail complex. Created by the company’s in-house Design Department, the space assumes a unitary material palette of granite, lent nuance by different finishes: vertical surfaces with rough-textured flamed granite, and horizontal surfaces, including the flooring, ceiling, sales counter, demonstration sink and domed basins, with smoother honed granite. The stone’s unpolished minerality is punctuated only by the matte powder-coated gray metal of the product shelving.

The influence of Virginia’s landscape is also expressed through the space’s monolithic forms. Large granite elements that form the store’s façade effect both a sense of intrigue for passers-by, with glimpses of the demonstration sink and product display, and an impression of seclusion for customers upon entry. Muted lighting complements the interior’s mineral tones to evince a soothing, understated interior.

Clients can explore and select from a complete range of skin, hair and body care products, distinguished by botanical and laboratory-generated ingredients of the highest quality. The store’s trained consultants are able to offer advice about products best suited to individual needs.

Photo courtesy Aesop

BASIS Independent McLean, a private school at 8000 Jones Branch Dr. in Tysons, is planning on opening a brand new program for 2-3-year-olds next year.

Applications are now available for “The Twos Program,” which will begin in fall 2019.

The new program will offer full-day programming focused on physical, social, emotional and language growth. The program will run year-round and aim at preparing toddlers for pre-K courses.

“Through being a part of the ‘Two Program,’ children will learn about themselves and their world, and how to develop positive, constructive relationships with others in it,” Cassie Korik, director of student affairs, said in a press release. “Opportunities to play, collaborate, and investigate together enhance children’s development and learning.”

The classrooms will be led by two teachers focusing on maintaining consistent daily routines of education in everything from science and technology to social-emotional health.

The school is part of an international network of BASIS schools, which educate students from pre-K through 12th grade.

Photo courtesy BASIS Independent McLean

A man who was unloading his handgun near Silver Diner in Tysons accidentally shot himself Wednesday morning.

The shooting happened “outside of a business” on the 8100 block of Fletcher Street, just before 9:30 a.m., according to police. That block is home to Silver Diner and a Capital One Bank branch, though an FCPD spokesperson said the department “[does] not include the business if it was not directly involved.”

The man shot himself in the leg, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

“A witness and officers rendered aid,” police said in a crime report. “He was taken to a local hospital with injuries that are not life threatening.”

“Officers confirmed the man lawfully possessed the gun,” the crime report added. “The Office of the Commonwealth Attorney will be consulted for any possible charges.”

Map via Google Maps

Across all of Fairfax County, Tysons has the highest concentration of cybersecurity companies with headquarters or major operations.

According to a list put together by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), Tysons has 119 cybersecurity companies, the most of any jurisdiction in the county. Tysons is followed by Reston with 79 companies and Herndon with 68 companies.

Economic groups have been working to turn Tysons into a Silicon Valley for cybersecurity. Bringing in more tech companies, and how that could impact education and infrastructure challenges around the region, was a major theme of the Tysons 2050 event

Some of the cybersecurity companies — or companies with cybersecurity components — in Tysons include:

• BAE Systems — a defense, security and aerospace company
• Centurum — a network engineering and infrastructure company
• Cyren — a cloud-based internet security services company
• Dell EMC — a data storage and management company acquired by Dell in 2016.
• HumanTouch — a private and public sector cybersecurity company
• Leidos — a defense and intelligence industry focused cybersecurity company
• Merlin International — a cybersecurity company focusing on both government and commercial contracts
• Microstrategy — a data analytics company
• MITRE — a not-for-profit company that operates research and development centers
• Nehemiah Security — a cyber-risk assessment business
• Novetta Solutions — a data-analytics focused business
• OBXtek — a technical and logistics solutions company which works primarily with the federal government
• Preferred Systems Solutions — an IT management, development, and operation company
• PFP Cybersecurity — a cybersecurity company utilizing analog signals to assess the integrity of digital information
• Raytheon — a major defense contractor
• RSA — a commercial-focused cybersecurity company
• Strategic Operational Solutions — an IT strategy and management consulting firm
• Tangible Security — a cybersecurity company
• Tanium — an endpoint security and systems management company
• Trustwave — a business-focused cybersecurity company
• Veris Group — a Tysons cyber-risk assessor that acquired in 2016 by cybersecurity company Coalfire
• Verodin — a cybersecurity management company

There are also several major cybersecurity companies located around the Merrifield area, including:

• Cisco Systems — an IT, networking and cybersecurity company
• Harris Corporation — a company built on improving business’ cybersecurity effectiveness
• Kingfisher Systems, Inc. — a cybersecurity contractor
• Lockheed Martin — a global security and aerospace company
• TEKsystems — an IT staffing company

Photo via FCEDA

An outdated office building in northern Tysons could be replaced by a new mixed-use residential and commercial development called Hanover Tysons if its rezoning is approved early next year.

The new development would be located just west of Jones Branch Park at 1500 Westbranch Drive.

Currently, the site is occupied by a seven-story office building that was built in 1983 and is currently vacant. Redevelopment of the parcel would also require rezoning, and is scheduled for a Planning Commission hearing in February 2019, with a Board of Supervisors hearing in March.

The new residential building would be between 5-7 stories with 350-400 dwelling units. Portions of the ground level along Jones Branch Drive would be designed to accommodate retail and service uses. In keeping with Fairfax County’s efforts to promote more affordable housing around Tysons, 20 percent of the residential units, or 66 of the potential 400 units, would be workforce housing.

“Approval and construction of the proposed Hanover Tysons development will continue the implementation of the Tysons vision by converting a suburban-style office building into a lively residential community and help address the current imbalance between those who work and live in Tysons,” wrote Elizabeth Baker, senior land use planner for the law group filing on behalf of developer Hanover Co., in the application. “Provision of on-site workforce housing will promote Tysons as a community for all.”

The development would also bring street improvements to Jones Branch Drive and Westbranch Drive, widening them to allow parallel parking spaces, bike lanes, and streetscape improvements.

In addition to streetscape improvements, the application also includes new public and private parks for recreational use. The public park would add 1.12 acres of gardens, trees, walking paths and outdoor seating. The private amenity space would include a new swimming pool.

If the new ice cream parlor wasn’t enough dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth in the recently opened Taste of Urbanspace, boutique cakemaker Lady M opened in Tysons Galleria last Thursday.

Lady M’s Urbanspace location is a pop-up that is scheduled to last until February 2019.

During December, the boutique’s website says the shop will offer a selection of classic and seasonal cakes:

Get ready for Mille Crêpes in Signature, Green Tea, Coconut, and Marron. With winter weather in mind, we’re also bringing Chocolate Arc-en-Ciel, Gateau Fromage, Mont Blanc (thoughtfully sized for one), and the beautiful and boozy Black Forest.

Lady M will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. from Monday-Saturday, then 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

Six or nine-inch cakes are available from $55-95, with slices of cake available from $8.50-9.50.

Photo via Facebook

It’s mid-December and the Holiday events season is in full swing around Tysons.

In Vienna, the Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast tomorrow, Saturday, at 400 Center St. S. From 8 a.m.-12 p.m., the department will be serving pancakes, sausage, bacon, juice, and coffee. At 9:30 a.m., Santa Claus will arrive to green children or adults at the breakfast, and is scheduled to stay until 11 a.m.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to provide a free photo of your child and take a set of fingerprints using clean, inkless technology to help authorities in missing child situations.

Tours of the fire equipment at the station will be held at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.

But for the pancake averse, there’s plenty more to do across Tysons, including a live Christmas event featuring Chewie the camel.

Tonight (Dec. 14)

• 70’s Disco & Funk Holiday Party (8 p.m.) — Jammin Java at 227 Maple Ave E. in Vienna is hosting a 70’s themed party with hits from James Brown, Donna Summer, the Jackson Five and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks, with prizes awarded for best 70’s holiday-inspired outfit. The dance party starts at 8 p.m.
• 80’s Christmas Party (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) — The Palladium’s weekly 80’s party turned holiday themed tonight at 1524 Spring Hill Road. Attendees must be 21 to enter, but tickets reserved in advance are cover-free.

Tomorrow (Dec. 15)

• Holiday Jam at Records and Rarities (2-8 p.m.) — The record shop in the Tysons Corner Center mall is hosting a holiday themed party featuring a lineup of live DJs.
• 2nd Annual Festivus Celebration (8 p.m.-2 a.m.) — The Tysons Biergarten at 8346 Leesburg Pike is throwing a Festivus celebration. The party includes a “re-gifting” table, where unwanted gifts can be dropped off and donated to charity.

Sunday (Dec. 16)

• Live Nativity (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) — The McLean Presbyterian Church at 1020 Balls Hill Road is hosting a live nativity scene featuring real animals, like Chewie the camel, that children can pet.
• Orangetheory Fitness Tysons Grand Opening (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) — Tysons’ newest workout studio will host a grand opening celebration at its 1430 Spring Hill Road location. The event will include food, drinks, music, and a raffle.

Photo via Facebook

It’s a new week with a new crop of job opportunities opening up in Tysons, with management positions available in everything from cybersecurity to opera.

The Taste of UrbanSpace food hall that opened last week in the Tysons Galleria is searching for an assistant food hall manager. According to the job posting:

We are looking for passionate and operations-savvy Assistant Manager to oversee A Taste of Urbanspace. You will be the [general manager’s] right hand, liaising with vendors and the rest of the in-house team to ensure a superior guest experience through smooth daily operation and quality facilities maintenance.

Applicants should have experience in food management, but most of the other requirements are along the lines of “a strong instinct for hospitality” and “a strong communicator and team player.”

For those looking for a different sort of management position, Capital One is looking for a manager in the Transformation and Optimization Team. This work would primarily involve handling security operations, engaging vendors, and working closely with the intelligence and security operations teams.

Applicants should have experience working in cybersecurity technology with either a bachelor’s degree or military experience and several years of experience in various IT or system analysis fields. An MBA or Master’s degree are preferred.

For those looking for a more artistic type of management, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts is looking for an assistant director for artistic operations, particularly for opera and classical programming. The assistant director would help manage classical programming activities at the Filene Center as well as managing the opera operations, from auditions to managing artistic housing.

There’s several job openings related to animal care. PETCO in Vienna is looking for a dog trainer or dog trainer apprentice for those interested in enhancing communication and teamwork between dogs and their owners. An aquatics specialist is also needed to provide care and aquatic life education to prospective owners and to care for the animals.

Meanwhile Dogtopia in Tysons is looking for a general manager, a front desk coordinator, sales manager and canine coach. Among the job benefits are that dogs are always allowed to come to work.

Other jobs around the area this week include:

• Babysitter — A sitter is needed for morning work in Vienna from 6-9:15 a.m., Monday through Friday with every other Friday off. The job would include getting a 2 and 8 year old dressed and ready for school, making breakfast, cleaning dishes, light room cleaning and driving the children to school. The job would pay $15 per hour and starts in early January.
• Pilates Coordinator — Equinox is looking for applicants to help manage pilates sessions at their studio in Tysons Corner. Applicants must be certified in Pilates training and have experience in customer service.
• After School Chess Instructor — Chess Wizards in Vienna is looking for tutors to teach elementary school students the fundamentals of the game. The work is part time, paying $60-65 per hour with between 1-5 one-hour classes per week. Instructors will need experience in maintaining an organized and ordered classroom and an ability to make chess fun.
• After School Minecraft Instructor — Fairfax Collegiate is offering courses teaching students basic engineering and programming, either through Lego robotics or Minecraft. Instructors in these classes should have at least one year of college experience, experience in the course material, and ideally experience in handling younger students. The job is part-time and pays $45-50 per hour.

Additionally, several of the Alarm.com jobs from last week remain open to applicants.