Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

Vienna teens seek donations to make care packages for overseas troops

Published March 1, 2024 at 1:30PM

Donations for the Club Phoenix Teen Council's HeroBox drive are being collected at the Vienna Community Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Some teenage volunteers in Vienna have teamed up with a national nonprofit to show their support for American military service members.

The town’s Club Phoenix Teen Council launched a donation drive this week to collect clothes, non-perishable food and other items that will be assembled into care packages for military troops serving around the world.

News

Local teachers win grants from Wolf Trap Foundation for performing arts projects

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 1, 2024 at 10:15AM

Left to right: Fairfax High School teacher Meredith Barnes, Groveton Elementary School teacher Karine Chapdelaine and Robinson Secondary School band director Tiffany Hitz (headshots courtesy of the individuals)

Three Fairfax County Public Schools teachers will now be able to pursue unique arts projects with their students, thanks to financial assistance from the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts.

A nonprofit that supports and programs Wolf Trap National Park, the foundation announced on Feb. 20 that it has awarded 13 grants from an annual program for D.C. area educators who teach music, dance or theater at public schools.

News

GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley to hold rally in Idylwood ahead of primary

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 29, 2024 at 3:50PM

Nikki Haley speaks to supporters after the Republican presidential primary in South Carolina (via Nikki Haley/YouTube)

With Virginia’s presidential primary elections just around the corner, one candidate is hoping to whip up some support in Fairfax County before polls open next Tuesday (March 5).

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley will hold a rally at The Westin Tysons Corner (7801 Leesburg Pike) in Idylwood at 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday). It will be her second event in the state today after she visited Richmond at 12:30 p.m.

News

McLean fire department expands capacity by adding a third ambulance

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 29, 2024 at 1:30PM

The McLean Volunteer Fire Department has added a third ambulance, on the right, to its vehicle fleet (courtesy MVFD)

For the first time since it was established in 1921, the McLean Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) has expanded its vehicle fleet to three ambulances.

The newest ambulance began operating out of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Station 1 (1455 Laughlin Avenue) on Feb. 21, but it will get an official, public reveal this Saturday (March 2) at the annual “I Love McLean” celebration.

News

MS-13 member gets maximum prison time for 2016 murder of teen in Lincolnia

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 29, 2024 at 10:15AM

Remains of two murdered teens were found in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park in Lincolnia on March 2, 2017 (via Google Maps)

A man who helped murder a 14-year-old in Holmes Run Stream Valley Park nearly eight years ago will spend a quarter-century in prison for his role in the crime.

Edwin Orellana Caballero was sentenced yesterday (Wednesday) to 25 years in prison — the maximum possible sentence — by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr., the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced.

Around Town

Vienna ramen restaurant Akai Tori to close for good tonight

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 29, 2024 at 9:30AM

Akai Tori Ramen and Yakitori is closing its doors in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Perhaps the commercial building at 234 Maple Avenue East in Vienna is just not meant to be a ramen shop.

Its current occupant, Akai Tori Ramen & Yakitori, will dish out its last noodle soup bowl today (Thursday) before permanently closing its doors at 7 p.m. The restaurant announced the closure “with a heavy heart” via social media on Monday (Feb. 26), and it was first reported by Patch.

News

Construction to begin on McLean Central Park upgrades in March

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 28, 2024 at 3:30PM

A project to revitalize McLean Central Park will update and expand the playgrounds, add new walkways and relocate pedestrian lights (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Nearly two years after updating its vision for the future of McLean Central Park, the Fairfax County Park Authority is ready to start work on some of the planned upgrades.

Imperio Construction, a Delaware-based company contracted by the park authority, began mobilizing on the site at 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd this week, and active construction is expected to start during the first week of March.

Around Town

New Fairfax pickleball center serves up grand opening with pro players exhibition

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 28, 2024 at 2:30PM

Down the Line Sports Center's Fairfax location has five indoor pickleball courts (courtesy Fairfax City Economic Development)

Professional pickleball players, local officials and community members are expected to turn out in abundance for the upcoming grand opening of Down the Line Sports Center in Fairfax City.

After a soft opening in early February, the indoor pickleball facility at Courthouse Plaza (10390 Willard Way) will officially introduce itself to the city tomorrow (Thursday). The event will kick off at 5 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting, followed by a meet-and-greet with six pro athletes visiting from around the country.

News

Rehabilitation planned for Dulles Toll Road bridge over Route 123 in Tysons

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 28, 2024 at 11:00AM

Eastbound Dulles Toll Road over Route 123 in Tysons (courtesy VDOT)

The Dulles Toll Road bridge that officially separates Tysons from McLean is in need of some major upkeep.

At a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday), the Virginia Department of Transportation will share its plans to rehabilitate the toll road’s eastbound lanes over Route 123 (Dolley Madison Blvd). The proposed project will replace the bridge’s concrete deck, parapets and steel beams.

Countywide

Park Authority passes on sports complex proposals but still open to ideas

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 28, 2024 at 9:30AM

One of the baseball diamonds at Patriot Park North, Fairfax County's first official sports tourism development (via Fairfax County Park Authority/YouTube)

The Fairfax County Park Authority is still scouting for its next sports tourism project.

After opening Patriot Park North, a $28 million baseball and softball facility, near George Mason University last spring, the park authority put out a call in June for potential private partners on a new, multi-sport tournament complex that it hopes could benefit both residents and visitors.