September 2005
| Inside |
In addition to customary Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (VTRCC) activities like monthly mixers and luncheons, fall promises a cornucopia of family-friendly and business-based activities for area residents and businesspeople.
September 8-11, all ages can enjoy an outing together at our Carnival. Don’t miss this chance to entertain your kids or relive your own childhood with rides, games, and lots of carnival food. The carnival will be held at Nottoway Park (9601 Courthouse Road in Vienna) on Thursday Sept. 8, 5:00-10:00 p.m., Friday Sept. 9, 5:00-11:00 p.m., Saturday Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday Sept. 11, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday only, ride all night for the special “one night only” low price of $20. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will be doing child safety seat demonstrations all weekend, and a Child ID Program on Friday 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00-5:00 p.m. Thank you to our Gold Sponsors: Ameritec Construction and Tysons Dodge and Jeep. Plus, a special thanks to our friends at Ledo’s Pizza for their generosity. Want to become a sponsor? Call 703-281-1333 x21.
On September 12, we turn our attention to the VTRCC Golf Tournament, an amazing opportunity to spend time with potential partners and clients. Sign up to play or draw attention to your business with a sponsorship. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna. The event will be held at Westwood Country Club; registration is at 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 Noon is the Shotgun Start. The $195 per player registration fee includes golf & cart, refreshments, box lunch, course contests, awards banquet, and 1st-4th place prizes. Download registration and sponsor forms at www.vtrcc.org/golf. Thank you to our current sponsors: Dinner Sponsor – UT Settlements; Beverage Cart Sponsor – AIM Home Financial; Hole In One Sponsor – Tysons Dodge Jeep; Closest to the Pin (Men) – The Burdette Smith Group CPAs; Closest to the Pin (Ladies) – Freedom Bank; Longest Drive Men – Hallmark Title; Longest Drive Women – National City Mortgage; and Putting Sponsor – The Business Bank. To become a sponsor, e-mail tana@longandfoster.com. Foursome and individual player spots are still available!
October 14-16 is a special business-building opportunity—a chance to reach the Hispanic Community, a community which is now accounting for billions of dollars in revenue. Awaken the Spanish Within® is a chance to immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Hispanic culture for three days at the Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner. Hispanic purchasing power in Virginia has more than doubled in less than a decade, from $2.1 billion to over $5.8 billion annually. Since most of this population is young and recently married, it represents a significant market and vital workforce for the state. This program is ideal for everyone from retail merchants to rescue personnel, and anyone who interacts with Hispanic customers, clients or co-workers. Lisa Zajur’s unique approach is a Voice Tonality technique (patent pending) developed specifically to address the different ways adults learn. This program is being co-hosted by the VTRCC, the Herdon Dulles Chamber and the Spanish Academy & Cultural Institute. Check the VTRCC referral box on the registration form to have 10% returned to the VTRCC. The early registration fee is $699 per person and includes all instruction, a course manual, a customized case of 15 audio CDs for practice after the event, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and a four-hour fiesta dinner with salsa lessons and dancing on Saturday night. Discounts for couples available. The Sheraton special event rates are $99/night (single) and $109/night (double). All participants are encouraged to stay at the Sheraton, to totally immerse themselves in the culture and the event. For more information, call 866-432-6446 or visit www.awakenthespanishwithin.com.
On October 26, the 59th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade once again promises to be a treat for both young and old. The theme for this year’s parade will be The Best Little Town in America: Fourth in the US, #1 in Our Hearts. The Grand Marshals will be Julian Johnson and DH Scarborough, local business owners whose contributions to the community span many years. In addition to the wonderful array of floats, marching bands, antique cars, clowns, animals, plus ghosts and goblins, we anticipate a wonderful show of community spirit. The Parade will run from Maple Ave. E. at Berry to Maple E. at Center in Vienna, VA from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Applications for Parade entries are due by October 3 and space is limited, so visit www.vtrcc.org/parade today to download an application. Costumed children do not need to register to march in the Parade, but gather at Virginia Commerce Bank at 6:00 p.m. that night. Sponsor this event to spread joy in your community and you’ll receive a DVD to forever commemorate your support of this incredible tradition. Sponsorships start at just $100; see www.vtrcc.org/parade for form.
Nonprofit and For-Profit Relationships: Everyone Profits
Vienna is thriving. Having made the list of the top five communities in the U.S., one has to wonder… what does Vienna have that other communities might not have?
One of the answers has to be the broad range of businesses that are based in the Vienna-Tysons area. In addition to bustling retail, corporate and medical businesses, Vienna boasts another significant force: the presence of nonprofits, often overlooked as an vital force within a community.
There are a total of 966 nonprofits in the D.C. metropolitan area, over 1/3 of which are based in Northern Virginia. The focus of these nonprofits run the gamut in terms of the services and resources they provide. And their numbers are growing. From 1995 to 2000, the number of nonprofits in the greater Washington region increased by 28 percent.
That is why the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce
has reached out to nonprofits. As “The Chamber That Cares,”
VTRCC has an active nonprofit-only committee called the Nonprofit Roundtable
that is dedicated to promoting the crucial link between nonprofits and
businesses. And the Chamber recently appointed Diane Poldy, manager
of the financial literacy programs at The Women’s Center (a nonprofit
that has been in existence in Vienna for over 30 years), as a Nonprofit
Roundtable representative on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
How does working with a nonprofit benefit a for-profit business? A nonprofit
provides valuable resources for an employer to pass on to employees.
It provides the opportunity for myriad partnerships. And it provides
an additional customer base for local businesses. A nonprofit can help
you to grow and enhance your business. And your involvement with a nonprofit
enhances their business, as well.
The diverse nonprofits that are a part of the VTRCC include: Alternative House; Alzheimer’s Family Day Center; American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Society; Cold War Museum; CrisisLink; Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire & Rescue; Five Talents International; Gooddogz.org, Inc.; Historic Vienna, Inc.; The Shepherds Center of Oakton-Vienna; The Global Plan Initiative; United Way-Fairfax Falls Church; Vienna Arts Society, Inc.; Vienna Choral Society; Virginia International University; and The Women’s Center.
The Nonprofit Roundtable has begun a campaign to encourage other nonprofits in the area to join “The Chamber That Cares.” They are also encouraging Chamber business members to join them in this effort to expand the resources of the Vienna Chamber by inviting them to the regular monthly meetings of the Roundtable, which occur monthly at the VTRCC office. Please contact Janice Holmblad at jholmblad@SCOV.org or Diane Poldy at dpoldy@thewomenscenter.org for date and time.
The dog days of
summer are behind us. The kids are getting back to school and for many
of us it is time to get the momentum back in our businesses. I can't
think of a better way to get back into the swing
of things than taking advantage of the EVENTS the Vienna-Tysons Regional
Chamber of Commerce has planned in the coming weeks!
I have often been coached with the advice that EVENTS drive your business.
Successful businesspeople preach that we need to be out in the public,
involved in meeting new people and cultivating those important relationships.
Whether you are in retail, real estate, insurance, finance or a service
industry, attending an EVENT puts you only one step away from making
that important contact that can take your business to the next level.
| September
Business Spotlight October
Business Spotlight Click here for more information about these members or to find out how your business can be "Member of the Month". |
The EVENTS
profiled in this month’s lead article are even more amazing when
you consider that they are volunteer-driven. We’d like to thank
the Chairpersons and the hard-working Committees who make these events
possible. Former VTRCC Chairman Bob Stemetzki (The Burdette Smith Group,
CPAs) is our Carnival Committee chairman. Tana Keeffe (Long & Foster
Realtors) is the Golf Committee Chairperson. And we have two co-chairs
for the Vienna Halloween Parade, Granddaddy of events: Joan Fletcher
(Winning Ways, Inc.) and Rebecca McKeever (Courtyard by Marriott-Tysons
Corner).
To get involved, contact the committee chairs or the Chamber office
and see how EVENTS truly drive your business.
I'll see you at the EVENTS.
Legislative Update
By Congressman Tom Davis
U.S. House of Representatives
Allow me to extend my greetings; I hope that you and your families enjoyed the summer months, and that this newsletter finds you happy, healthy, and prosperous. Before Congress recessed for the August District Work Period, we dealt with several transportation items that could provide enormous benefits to Northern Virginia.
The President recently signed into law the $286 billion Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation, which contains $936.8 million per year, or a 31.8% increase in federal highway funding for Virginia over the next five years. Passage of the highway bill will help address the region's need for better highways and mass transit options.
I am particularly happy that the Virginia delegation was able to procure such a strong commitment to widening I-66 inside the Beltway and fixing the I-66 / Route 29 interchange in Gainesville, one of the region's worst traffic chokepoints. Whether it is those projects, the widening of I-95 between the Fairfax County Parkway and Route 123, the $1.32 million in improvements for Maple Avenue in Vienna, or fulfilling the federal commitment to extend Metrorail to Tysons Corner and beyond, this bill has good news for those seeking to spend less time commuting and more time with their families.
Bringing rail service to Dulles, something that has long been a top transportation priority for me, is vital if we are to ease gridlock in Northern Virginia. It will also help ensure that Tysons Corner continues to be a magnet for world-class businesses. However, extending Metrorail to Dulles will provide little benefit if the existing system collapses. Metrorail will not be able to sustain itself unless all stakeholders renew their commitment and provide needed funds.
The Metro system has become a vital part of Northern Virginia, providing an indispensable commuting option for hundreds of thousands of people. A significant segment of the federal workforce also relies on the system, making it an integral component of the government’s ability to function. To help begin the dialogue on the need for a renewed federal investment in Metro, I have introduced legislation that authorizes $150 million annually over ten years for capital improvements and critical maintenance needs.
Recognizing that the federal government is not the only interested or duty-bound stakeholder in WMATA’s long-term health, the legislation stipulates that the federal investment would be matched by state and local contributions. Specifically, the legislation would require the jurisdictions making up the “WMATA Compact” – Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia – to come up with a true dedicated funding stream to pay for their share of Metro’s costs before the federal funding is authorized.
This is good policy
and, frankly, good politics. We cannot get consensus behind a $1.5 billion
federal commitment unless we’re absolutely certain that WMATA
is not going to continue reeling from year to year, tin cup in hand,
jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The current requirement of “stable
and reliable” is, in reality, anything but. Subjecting the local
match to annual appropriations processes rather than having a dedicated
stream set in stone is not the wisest way to run a railroad.
In addition to requiring a commitment from state and local governments
before the federal contribution to Metro kicks in, the legislation also
recognizes that the well-publicized management challenges WMATA has
faced in recent years have prompted calls for enhanced oversight and
accountability. Acknowledging the need to balance new money with strengthened
oversight, the legislation would establish an Inspector General to oversee
the affairs of the transit system, and would require federal representation
on the WMATA board. These oversight and accountability mechanisms are
critical if we are to credibly move forward with the much-needed authorization
of funds.
Finally, the bill includes language dealing with the proposed sale or lease of Metro properties in Vienna. It’s hard for me to make the case for a renewed federal investment in Metro when they dispose so easily of valuable existing assets. WMATA’s own project manager has acknowledged that the development would result in significant lost parking that would seriously strain the Vienna station. I have a responsibility to ask if Metro’s capabilities and limitations are being properly considered in regional land use planning, and whether Metro has been complicit in illogical land use decisions.
This legislative proposal, as well as the Highway Reauthorization, is good news to the residents of Virginia’s 11th District. Your concerns are being heard and your interests are being protected. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any thoughts, questions, or concerns.
Member News
The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna thanks VTRCC and the avid golfers our area for their generosity at the annual golf tournament! September 2005 is an exciting month at the Shepherd's Center. The popular Adventures in Learning program (AIL) begins again, and Lunch n’ Life will be offering new menus and stimulating speakers. The Fall 2005 term of AIL begins with an Open House on September 15 (from 10-12). Classes run September 22-November 10. The World Affairs series from 1:00-2:00 p.m. will include: H.E. Jehangir Karamat – Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, and Dr. Finn Ruda- Deputy Head of International Committee of the Red Cross. (PLEASE NOTE: AIL has moved to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax on Hunter Mill Road.) Lunch n’ Life will be held September 26 at 11:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. We are pleased to welcome Professor Stephen C. Smith of George Washington University as our speaker. Following lunch, Dr. Smith will be talking about his book Ending Global Poverty, A Guide to What Works. This promises to be an enlightening and engaging presentation on addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time. For more information, visit www.scov.org or call 703-281-0538.
The American Diabetes Association will welcome over 600 walkers to America’s Walk for Diabetes on October 9. Corporations, unions, family teams and individuals will all take steps together to find a cure for diabetes by participating in a 2 or 6-mile walk. Food, clowns, face painters, and a DJ will entertain at the 12:00 registration, and special guest speakers will kick-off the 1:00 p.m. walk. The event, which will take place at Manassas National Battlefield Park with Start/Finish at Northern Virginia Community College, aims to raise over $225,000 to support the American Diabetes Association’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. Each walker has a goal of raising at least $150 or more through flat donations. Corporations, unions and families build large teams of co-workers, friends and associates, with each team member raising money toward an overall team total. The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Donations raised through the America’s Walk for Diabetes will fund research for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, prevention programs, education programs, residential and day camps for children affected by diabetes and advocacy initiatives. For more information please contact your Walk Coordinator Linda Rodriguez at 202-331-8303 x4514 or e-mail lrodriguez@diabetes.org.
Winning Ways Inc., your source for personal and professional development, presents two sessions of “Winning at Sales” this fall. Winning Ways President Joan Fletcher will teach participants to define sales goals and develop a sales system. Topics include: tracking system, stay-in-touch system, strategies to keep the funnel full, determining difference between suspects and prospects, pre-call preparation and calling techniques, networking methods, active listening techniques, presentation skills, creating urgency, effective questioning techniques, balanced score card, proposals, follow-up, stalls and objections and more. Past participants include real estate agents, mortgage lenders, gift shop owners, communications company owners, office supply salespeople, marketing professionals, credit card processors, university administrators, insurance agents, and educators. Sessions include time to practice, role play and apply concepts to your business. The location is National-Louis University (8000 Westpark Drive, McLean) and sessions will be held Fridays 9:00-11:00am, September 16-December 16; Wednesdays 9:00-11:00am September 28-December 7; and evenings (date & time to be determined). Seating is limited, register today!
TML Copiers & Digital Solutions, a locally owned and operated Office Technology Dealer, is proud to announce yet another program to benefit the local nonprofit community. TML has over 15 previously leased Panasonic Copiers that have been maintained by our service staff that we would like to donate to qualified nonprofit organizations for a $150 delivery fee. This program will run August 1-31. If you are a nonprofit organization and would like to apply to receive a free copier please contact our Sales & Marketing Administrator Laura R. Dindal at ldindal@tmlcopiers.com. TML President Mike Hoover expressed happiness to be in a situation where they can assist their nonprofit organizations with their operating expenses. CEO Tom Lensis added that part of TML’s mission statement is to be a long-term partner with our community, and this is an example of trying to live up to that promise.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) publishes a newsletter every quarter called "Prospectus" which talks about a range of FCEDA news, issues and topics for existing industry. See current and past issues at www.fairfaxcountyeda.org.
SunTrust
Bank (515 Maple Ave., East) has been collecting books for the
McLean Branch of American Association of University Women’s 36th
Used Book Sale. It will be held at the McLean Community Center (1234
Ingleside Avenue, McLean) September 16-18 and it will benefit scholarships
for women. The hours are Friday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00
a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. On Saturday, local authors
will be signing their books: Carole Herrick of McLean will sign August
24, 1814 -Washington in Flames from 10:00 am-2:00 p.m.; Julie Sheilds
of Arlington will sign How to avoid the Mommy trap: A Roadmap for Sharing
Parenting and Making it Work " from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.; and Anne
Webb of Arlington will sign The Glebe Houses of Colonial Virginia from
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. On Sunday, books are $7.00 a bag. For more information,
call 703-726-6470 or visit www.mcleanaauw.org.
The Vienna Rotary Club is one of the Rotary Clubs of
northern Virginia offering an extraordinary opportunity this year for
four young professionals to experience the cultural and vocational enrichment
of a four-week exchange program in Poland, Ukraine and Belarus as a
member of a Rotary Group Study Exchange Team. This exchange team will
be abroad May 1-30, 2006. All of the team's travel and accommodation
expenses will be paid by Rotary. Applications are now being accepted
for selection of members to this team. To qualify, an applicant: 1)
Must reside or work in the territorial limits of Rotary District 7610
(i.e., in northern Virginia); 2) Must be sponsored by a local Rotary
Club within District 7610; 3) Must be between the ages of 25 and 40;
4) Must be committed to remaining in the workforce well after the exchange;
5) Must be in the early stages of a career or vocation; and 6) Must
be a citizen of the United States and be eligible to receive the required
visas to each host country. While proficiency in one of the languages
spoken in the host countries is preferred, it is by no means a requirement
for qualifying for the team. This also is an excellent opportunity for
an employer to reward an up-and-coming leader in a company by sponsoring
the employee's application and ensuring the applicant's salary, benefits,
and reinstatement upon return from the exchange. Contact Scott Mills
at smills@eblg.com or 703-584-3257
for a brochure, an application, or a brochure for employers. The deadline
for applications is October 8; interviews will be held on October 22.
Anniversaries
The VTRCC is happy to acknowledge members who have belonged to the Chamber for many years. Those celebrating anniversaries during August and September are:
| 48 years | Vienna Animal Hospital |
| 36 years | Vienna Drug Center, Inc. |
| 33 years | Westwood Country Club |
| 32 years | Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Assoc., PC |
| 28 years | Donnelly's Printing & Graphics |
| 26 years | Long & Foster Realtors (Spinks) |
| 20 years | INOVA Blood
Donor Services Navy Federal Credit Union Vienna Eye Care Center |
| 19 years | Accounting
Financial, Ltd. INOVA Urgent Care |
| 15 years | James Madison High School |
| 13 years | Vienna's (Tiny
Tots) Village Yvonne de Vilar Scientific Skin Care, Ltd. |
| 12 years | Italian Gourmet Patrick Henry Library TML Copiers & Digital Solutions |
| 10 years | Access Enterprises,
Inc. Karin's Custom Images Kelsoft, Inc. |
| 9 years | Todd M. Casey,
DDS, PC Whole Foods Market®... Vienna |
| 8 years | Popeye's Chicken
& Biscuits Sunrise at Hunter Mill |
| 7 years | Hill, Vernon |
| 6 years | BB&T-West Bernhardt Wealth Management, Inc. Clyde's of Tysons Corner Cook's Photo-Art Studio Evolution Health and Fitness FFX Supervisors-Hunter Mill District Marco Polo Restaurant Money & King Funeral Home SunTrust Bank, Vienna SunTrust Bank, Greater Washington Times Community Newspapers Town of Vienna Vienna Inn The Women's Center |
| 5 years | Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna |
| 4 years | The Freedom
Bank of Virginia Northern Virginia Community College |
| 3 years | ABC Media,
Inc. CHO, Inc. Jasmine Moghissi, M.D., P.C. Prinitt Corporation DBA Sir Speedy Shillelagh Travel Club |
| 2 years | Cold War Museum Harrison Consulting Group, Inc. The HoneyBaked Ham Company Mercantile Potomac Bank National Louis University New York Life Insurance Company Re/Max Allegiance Sexton Executive Security Strean Financial Services Sunrise at McLean Welcome Wagon - Corporate HQ |
| 1 year | Adelie Group,
LLC ADT Security Services, Inc. - Business AFLAC (Alyssa Smith) Alzheimer's Family Day Center Chevy Chase Bank Cox Business Services Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dept. Five Talents International Foreign Service Global Business Builders Greater Merrifield Business Association Keller Williams Realty (Havard) Kinetic Group International National Technologies Incorporated Washington Business Journal WAVA 105.1 FM World Market |
Business News
The U.S. Census Bureau released preliminary estimates from its 2002 Survey of Business Owners, indicating that minority groups and women are increasing business ownership at a much faster rate than the national average. Overwhelming increases in minority business ownership parallel the demand for SBA loan products in these communities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) flagship 7(a) loan program has registered sharp increases in loans to women and minority-owned businesses during the first three quarters of FY 2005. Loans to minorities have increased by 27 percent, compared to the same period in FY 2004, and loans to women have shown an increase of almost 50 percent, followed closely by loans to African-American business owners, which are up 46 percent. SBA loans to start-up companies have increased by 76 percent over last year. The U.S. Census Bureau’s press release is located at http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/business_ownership/005477.html. For more information on SBA loan programs visit http://www.sba.gov/financing/index.html.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized county staff to schedule and advertise a public hearing regarding a proposed 15-year franchise agreement with Verizon Virginia Inc. to provide cable service to Fairfax County residents. The hearing will be held on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The board also will hold a public work session on Sept. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in Room 232 of the Government Center. Federal law requires cable companies to obtain a cable franchise from local authorities before providing cable service in a locality. Fairfax County currently has cable franchise agreements with Cox Communications of Northern Virginia, which serves the majority of the county, and with Comcast of Virginia, which provides service to residents in Reston. Verizon has applied to provide cable service in all areas of the county. If the proposal is approved, Verizon would begin providing service to some areas by late 2005, and it would be required to offer service by 2012 to the same percentage of homes in the county that is served by Cox and Comcast. Verizon is already in the process of installing a new fiber optic cabling network, as authorized by the state, to replace its copper wire telephone network. The new fiber optic network has the bandwidth capability for video services, as well as voice and Internet services. Residents interested in speaking at the public hearing should contact the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors at 703-324-3151, TTY 703-324-3903 or ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information, view Verizon's application for a cable television franchise, the proposed franchise agreement and more online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable, or contact the Office of Public Affairs at 703-324-3175, TTY 711. The documents will also be available for review at public library branches throughout the county.
Report Assesses Transportation Demand Management at Fairlee/MetroWest Development—A report by UrbanTrans Consultants assessing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) for the Fairlee/MetroWest development, which is within the Vienna Metrorail Station area, was released by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. The study was to determine if the reductions in peak hour traffic as outlined in the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan for the Fairlee/MetroWest development were achievable. According to the report "The research and analysis elements of the Fairlee/MetroWest TDM Development Program conclude that the trip reduction targets for the proposed project (peak-hour vehicle trip reductions of 47 percent for the residential uses and 25 percent reduction for the office uses) can be achieved through a combination of the physical design characteristics of the site, as proposed, and the full application of the TDM programs and strategies recommended in this document." UrbanTrans Consultants further stated, "The trip reductions, however, remain aggressive targets. The development of the TDM program recommendations and the trip reduction analysis conducted for this effort considered the project as a whole, with the full level of development planned; the mix and quantity of residential, office and retail uses proposed; and the pedestrian-friendly design of the site as planned. All of the design elements of the proposed project, along with the recommended TDM strategies (programs and budget levels), must work collectively to achieve the trip reduction targets. With all elements in place, however, trip reductions should prove sustainable." In December 2004, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a change to the county's Comprehensive Plan for certain land units within the Vienna Metrorail Station area known as Fairlee/MetroWest. One element of the revised Comprehensive Plan language pertains to TDM, or strategies aimed at reducing traffic from the development site. TDM includes alternatives to driving alone, such as ridesharing, public transit, walking and biking, as well as the supporting strategies that encourage the use of transportation modes other than the single occupancy vehicle.
Community News
Town of Vienna—Unless otherwise noted, call the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department at 703-255-6360 for more information. The Vienna Community Center is located at 120 Cherry St., S.E.
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Application forms for "Neighborhood College," a leadership program for students in grades 9-12, will be available beginning September 6 at the Vienna Community Center. Neighborhood College will be held each Tuesday, October 18-November 15, from 5:15-7:30 p.m. Our future community leaders will learn how to run effective meetings, make decisions within a group and work in a multicultural environment. There is no charge for the program and a light meal will be served at each session. For more information, call Isabel Taramasco at 703-787-4962 or e-mail Isabel.taramasco@fairfax county.gov. Neighborhood College is sponsored by the Fairfax County Department of Systems Management for Human Services in partnership with the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department and the Vienna-Madison Community Coalition.
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An evening walking group for adults will meet each Wednesday beginning September 7 in front of the Vienna Community Center. The group will leave at 5:30 p.m. sharp for a three-mile walk along local trails and scenic paths. There is no fee for this program and no registration is required. A morning walking group will meet on Mondays, September 12-October 24, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The fee of $5 for Town of Vienna residents and $8 for out-of-town participants includes a guide, trail maps and written materials. The Friday morning group will meet September 9-October 14 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at different locations around Fairfax County. The cost is $12 for Town of Vienna residents and $15 for out-of-town participants, and includes guides and maps.
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"Writing Your Personal History," an informal, group-run class for people interested in documenting their life stories for themselves and future generations to enjoy, will be held each Thursday, September 8-March 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Class members select topics about which to write, and read their work to each other for supportive feedback. The class is free of charge; a donation of $5 will be used to provide coffee and tea at each class. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
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September 9 is the registration deadline for the Vienna Parks and Recreation Department's Adult Fall Tennis League. League play begins September 17, with men's singles games on Saturdays and women's singles games on Sundays at Glyndon and Meadow Lane Parks. Each participant will play a minimum of seven matches during the season. The fee is $10 for Town of Vienna residents and $15 for out-of-town participants.
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The Vienna Parks and Recreation Department's adult co-ed kickball league for ages 18 and up begins September 11. Doubleheader games will be played at Southside Park on Sundays beginning at 9 a.m. The fee of $200 per team includes umpires, equipment and awards. The league is limited to 12 teams, which will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call Keith Fees at 703-255-6352 or e-mail fees@ci.vienna.va.us.
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An Introduction to Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning will be presented on Monday, September 12, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Attorney David Hoffman will discuss the many forms of wills and trusts, gift giving, federal and state tax considerations, and making peace with probate. This program is free of charge and no registration is required.
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The Town of Vienna's adult co-ed softball league begins its fall season September 13. Games will be played on weeknights at Southside Park. The registration fee of $350 per team includes 10 regular season double-header games, a post-season tournament, umpire fees, softballs and awards. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of 12 teams. For more information, call Keith Fees at 703-255-6352 or e-mail fees@ci.vienna.va.us.
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Teen Center Open House For Parents - An open house will be held on Wednesday, September 14, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at Club Phoenix Teen Center, located in the Vienna Community Center. The purpose of the open house is to give teen center parents an opportunity to view the facility, share information, meet the staff, complete the required registration form, and discuss issues or concerns. Parents can also sign up to be teen center volunteers or serve on the Club Phoenix Parent Advisory Committee. For more information, call Brandy Mullen at 703-255-5721.
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Professional writer and editor Robert Middlemiss will offer an introductory course in personal history writing each Thursday, September 15-March 30, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Vienna Community Center. No previous writing experience is required. The course includes gathering material, interviewing, basic writing and editing tips, and techniques for creative self-expression. The fee is $25 for Town of Vienna residents and $30 for out-of-town participants plus a materials fee for coffee and tea at each class and a bound copy of your writings at the end of the session. Advance registration is required.
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Active for Life®, designed to help healthy but less active adults age 50 and older increase physical activity, will be held on Thursdays, September 22-February 9, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. This program is free of charge and offers an alternative to exercise classes and gyms for those who have tried these options without success and need motivation, direction and accountability. Active for Life® emphasizes incorporating 5-, 10- and 15-minute "short doses" of moderately intensive physical activity throughout an individual's daily routine. The Active for Life® program is part of a national study of physical activity behavior and attitudes, and certain qualifications apply. Prescreening by phone is required; call the Active for Life® Center at 703-807-5855.
At its August meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors discussed the results of a recent public opinion poll on transportation in Northern Virginia. The board discussed the survey results because they indicate that Fairfax County residents, along with other Northern Virginia communities, are frustrated by traffic. Two-thirds of survey respondents are frustrated with the trips they take and of those, nine of ten expressed frustration with traffic as the reason. The poll was commissioned by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The authority surveyed 1,263 residents of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax City, Manassas and Manassas Park. Full results can be found online at www.transaction2030.com.
New Members You’ll Like Doing Business With
The following businesses were approved for membership during the August and September Board of Directors meetings. Please welcome them.
| Judith
Dittman, Executive Director Alternative House 2100 Gallows Road Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703-506-9191 Fax: 703-506-8949 E-mail: ah@thealternativehouse.org Alternative House provides support for at-risk youth and their families through counseling, shelter, crisis intervention and outreach. |
Holly Tunstall,
Partner |
| Kimberley Davidson,
Account Executive Chronicle Newspapers 7420 Alban Station Boulevard Springfield, VA 22150 Phone: 703-440-9550 Fax: 703-913-9520 E-mail: kimberley@chroniclenewspapers.com Web site: www.chroniclenewspapers.com A group of six different local news publications mailed monthly servicing Northern Virginia. |
Gene Hill,
President |
|
Bob Harrison, Citizen Member |
Jeffrey
Thorp, Citizen Member E-mail: JT@lcap.com |
| Danny Nguyen,
President Fairfax Mailing, Inc. 10807 Main Street, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: 703-691-9203 Fax: 703-691-0896 E-mail: fairfaxmailing@aol.com Web site: www.fairfaxmailing.com We are a full-service mail house located in Fairfax, VA. We provide direct mail marketing. WE GROW YOUR BUSINESS! We have been in business for 23 years. |
Karen Greenfield,
Sales Manager |
|
Jonathan
Reed, CEO |
Kenneth Nunnenkamp,
Proprietor Nunnenkamp, Kenneth J., Esq. 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 515 Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703-442-9035 Fax: 703-442-9036 E-mail: knunnenkamp@ipappeals.com Web site: www.ipappeals.com Law practice; civil litigation; intellectual property trials and appeals and licensing. |
| Lyndsey Mirmelstein,
Marketing Panera Bread 8365 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA 22180 Phone: 800-301-5566 Fax: 703-556-3706 E-mail: lyndsey.mirmelstein@panerabread.com Web site: www.panerabread.com Bakery café, offers via Panera catering, free wireless internet. |
Mustafa
Anisa, Student |
| Brett Cordeau,
Owner The FotoFairy 616 Plum Street Vienna, VA 22180 Phone: 703-599-7780 Fax: 703-991-2389 E-mail: brett@thefotofairy.com Web site: www.thefotofairy.com Freelance photography specializing in candid & outdoor photos of children, families, pets, occasions, maternity, etc. |
Coley Dize,
General Manager Tysons Dodge Jeep 8448 Leesburg Pike Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703-790-0900 Fax: 703-821-1347 Web site: www.tysonsdodgejeep.com Dodge-Jeep low price leader in Tysons Corner. Free inspections for all makes & models. |
| Jonathan Reed,
CEO Tysons Mortgage 1950 Old Gallows Road, 8th Floor Vienna, VA 22182 Phone: 703-442-7955 Fax: 703-442-7959 E-mail: tysons@tysonsmortgage.com Web site: www.tysonsmortgage.com Commercial and Residential Financing. |
