News | FFXnow - Part 439

Vienna moves forward with tree conservation plans

Published September 7, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated March 8, 2024 at 7:08PM

Trees and a bench in Vienna's Wildwood Park (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

In an effort to reverse a decrease in the tree canopy, Vienna’s government is taking another step towards tree preservation and plantings. Last week, the town council discussed proposed amendments to enhance tree canopy, including moving forward with a tree conservation ordinance and the possible creation of an independent tree commission.

Town Attorney Steven Brigalia said the tree conservation ordinance would put the town in line with Fairfax County, which has had conservation rules since 1990. He said it would require builders to indicate which trees can and cannot be saved before cutting them.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published September 7, 2023 at 8:30AM | Updated September 11, 2023 at 10:46AM

Lake Thoreau is seen at dawn (photo courtesy Terry Baranski).

Former Israeli Combat Vet to Bring Second Thesis Gym to Vienna — Thesis gym operator Ori Perlman has inked a deal for a second fitness center in Vienna, buoyed by strong demand at the downtown D.C. location the former Israeli combat specialist-turned-fitness-specialist opened more than a year ago. [Washington Business Journal]

Adult Man Found with Life-threatening Injuries in Fairfax County — “Authorities are investigating an adult man found with life-threatening injuries in Fairfax County. There is a police presence at Stringfellow Rd. under Interstate 66 in Greenbriar. Authorities say Stringfellow Rd. will remain closed during this investigation. Exits ramps from Eastbound and Westbound Interstate 66 onto Stringfellow Rd. are closed.” [FOX 5]

UPDATE: Police respond at Springfield Mall for man ‘experiencing a crisis’

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 6, 2023 at 5:50PM | Updated September 6, 2023 at 10:26PM

Fairfax County police car with lights on (file photo)

Updated at 9:25 p.m.: The man was safely apprehended by police.

Earlier: Local police are responding to an incident this evening at Springfield Mall where a man is reportedly “experiencing a crisis,” according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

Urban Mattress to permanently close in Vienna

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 6, 2023 at 2:30PM

The Vienna location is officially closings its doors (Photo via Urban Mattress).

Urban Mattress — a family-owned franchise that opened in 2013, is officially closings its doors.

A store-closing sale will kick off on September 7. Owner Nathaniel Hoelk opened the business at 229 Maple Avenue E in an effort to create organic, all-natural mattresses made from eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, according to the company.

Town awaits resubmission of plans for Herndon Biergarten

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 6, 2023 at 1:30PM

The town sought revisions to the project in October 2022 (Photo via Herndon Biergarten/website).

Plans for Herndon’s first beer garden — Herndon Biergarten — are still brewing, although at a slower place than previously anticipated.

In November 2021, the Town of Herndon’s Historic District Review Board (HDRB) reviewed the company’s plan to demolish a two-story building at 771 Center Street to make way for the business.

Cirque du Soleil launches new nature-themed show at Tysons tonight

By Vernon Miles

Published September 6, 2023 at 11:30AM

Acrobatic performance in ECHOS (image via Cirque du Soleil)

The area around Tysons Galleria (8025 Galleria Drive) might be a little livelier than usual as Cirque du Soleil brings a new nature-themed show to Tysons tonight (Wednesday).

The new show, ECHO, launches tonight at 7:30 p.m. and will run every Wednesday-Sunday until Sunday, Oct. 22.

Major improvements on Van Buren Street completed

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 6, 2023 at 10:30AM

Improvements were made to Herndon Parkway's intersection with Van Buren Street (Photo courtesy Town of Herndon).

Major improvements on Van Buren Street are officially complete.

The Town of Herndon is set to celebrate the completion of the project at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday (Sept. 7) at Halley Smith Park.

County activates heat plan for second day in a row

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 6, 2023 at 9:30AM

The heat is expected to continue through the week (staff photo by Jay Westcott).

The county is activating its heat plan for the second day in a row this week.

With a Heat Advisory in effect from noon to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), the heat plan intended to offer cooling centers during normal operating hours. The centers will also provide supplies like bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and body wipes.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published September 6, 2023 at 8:15AM

Reston is likely not a target in the quest for a new casino (staff photo by Angela Woolsey).

County School Board Candidate Sends Controversial Mailer — “School board candidate Harry Jackson is pictured on the front of a postcard sent to voters in Fairfax County. On the flip side are illustrations of sex acts depicted in some of the books he wants FCPS to remove from schools. Northern Virginia Bureau Chief Julie Carey reports,” [NBC 4]

Man Injured in Fairfax County Crash — “Several exit ramps from Interstate 66 in Greenbriar were closed temporarily after a crash Tuesday morning, according to Fairfax County police.” [WJLA]

Reston Association hires new director of communications, community engagement

By Fatimah Waseem

Published September 5, 2023 at 2:15PM

O'Donnell will begin her first day on Sept. 25 (Photo via Reston Association).

The former director of communications and media relations for Arlington Economic Development (AED) is set to take over the communication’s department at Reston Association.

Cara O’Donnell — who spent the last 11 year managing communications for the AED — will begin her first day on Sept. 25. She replaces Mike Leone, who left his position earlier this year.