Follow our fearless leader’s example and explore a route in the Tysons Get Around Guide
The Tysons Get Around Guide was launched last Wednesday at the Tysons Annual Open House held alongside the June Board meeting of the Tysons Community Alliance. That very morning, Supervisor Dalia Palchik, the representative of the Providence District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, accompanied by her team and TCA staff went out to Explore Tysons!
We walked the Green Route that connects the Boro and Tysons Corner Center as well as the Greensboro and Tysons Metrorail stations. A section of the route follows a cool, shaded, leafy trail with stops at some amazing Urban Parks. This route showcases the blend of urban development and natural beauty that defines our community.
Our walk began in The Boro, a dynamic area known for its mix of stores, entertainment, food, apartments, and offices. From there, we walked past cafes and shops, Onelife Fitness, and the Tysons Galleria mall. Our first stop was the newly inaugurated Ukiyo Park on Westbranch Drive.
We then made our way to the Butterfly Garden at the Monarch. Nestled in a landscaped area near the trail, this is a serene spot in the heart of Tysons. From here it was a short walk down the hill to the Tysons Metrorail station. We used the pedestrian overpass back to the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. After a busy morning at a board meeting, we felt refreshed by our active break. We truly enjoyed this Walk in the Park!
The Boro/Urban Parks route is just one of the four curated paths in the Tysons Get Around Guide designed to encourage residents and visitors alike to Explore Tysons on foot.
Download the guide and start walking today! A walk has many rewards but this summer you can also claim a gift card for walking to Explore Tysons.
Tysons Community Alliance Annual Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 in Washington. (Sarah Heaton / Asico Photo)
Everyone loves an anniversary — and the first one is always special. That’s why the staff and board of the Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) were thrilled to gather with area residents, workers, and other community members on June 12 at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center to celebrate our inaugural year of operations. (The TCA’s fiscal year starts on July 1.)
Chairman Jeff McKay speaking at the Tysons Community Alliance Annual Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 in Tysons. (Sarah Heaton / Asico Photo)
Fairfax County Chair Jeff McKay welcomed the event’s attendees. “We can all see the transformation of Tysons,” he said, noting that the future of the area — which he called “the economic center of Fairfax County” — continues to be tied to the four Silver Line Metro stations within Tysons’ boundaries. McKay also emphasized the importance of building new residential buildings of all kinds, including affordable housing and senior-focused residences, to accommodate a growing population. As he wrapped up, McKay praised the TCA for its work: “They are turning Tysons from a place on a map into a true community.”
Drew Sunderland, TCA’s VP of Strategy & Research speaking at the Tysons Community Alliance Annual Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 in Tysons. (Sarah Heaton / Asico Photo)
TCA’s VP of Strategy & Research, Drew Sunderland, introduced one of the TCA’s most exciting efforts to date: the Tysons DataHub, a comprehensive and user-friendly web-based platform that enables area residents, business owners, investors, and developers to explore a wide range of Tysons data points through dynamic metrics, graphs, and interactive visualizations. (Watch for an upcoming blog post about the DataHub, which has just recently gone live.)
TCA CEO Katie Cristol speaking at the Tysons Community Alliance Annual Meeting and Open House on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 in Tysons. (Sarah Heaton / Asico Photo)
TCA’s CEO, Katie Cristol, wrapped up the presentations by highlighting the organization’s FY24 accomplishments within each of its four work program areas: Communications & Branding, Research & Business Services, Placemaking & Place Management, and Transportation & Mobility. “Above all, this past year has been one of making connections,” she said. Cristol also noted important things that the organization is planning to accomplish in the coming year, including a big “Explore Tysons: Walk, Bike, or Roll” campaign funded by a nearly $100,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. All of the FY24 highlights, as well as goals for FY25, can be found in the TCA’s 2023-2024 Annual Report, which is available to read or download at the TCA website.
Just prior to the public event, the TCA Board convened to:
learn about the sound fiscal health of the organization;
review accomplishments from the TCA’s work program areas;
see and unanimously approve the FY25 budget and work plan;
vote on the FY25 slate of board officers;
and member organizations approved the FY25 slate of TCA’s Board of Directors.
The FY25 board officers were unanimously ratified: Josh White, LCOR, President; David Schneider, Holland & Knight, and RebeccaMoudry, Fairfax County Government, Vice Chairs; Dave Gelfond, TMG (The Meridian Group), Treasurer; and Lisa Samuels, Gates of McLean, Secretary. This will be the second year of directorship for White, Moudry, Gelfond, and Samuels.
The FY25 board of directors, who were up for renewal or appointment, were also unanimously approved: Shweta Adyanthaya, Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs; Andrew Clark, Tysons Chamber of Commerce; Martha Coello, Fairfax County Department of Transportation; Claudia Diamond, Tysons Resident (Hunter Mill District); Kathryn Falk, Cox Communications; Pastor Sandy Kessinger, Tysons Interfaith; Joe Mondoro, Tysons Resident (Providence District); Jim Policaro, Lerner Enterprises; Greg Riegle, McGuire Woods; Jeff Roman, Stream Realty Partners; Brandon Todd, WGL Energy; Lloyd Tucker, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services; and Terry Williams, PenFed Credit Union. They will serve three-year terms.
As incredible and successful as the past year has been, we know the year to come will be even better. We hope you’ll continue to support and work with us as we all strive to help make Tysons a vibrant, thriving, and connected urban center.
One important theme in the Tysons Community Alliance’s Strategic Plan, released at the end of 2023, is Build Connections and Enhance Mobility — including efforts to increase opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to enjoy traveling around Tysons on a bicycle safely and enjoyably. It’s not just good for one’s health and good for the environment; it also helps people discover the many great parks, paths, public spaces, and destinations throughout the area.
As part of National Bike Month, the TCA hosted its second annual Pedal With Petals event on May 11 to celebrate the arrival of spring and encourage more cycling in Tysons. On a bright and nearly cloudless Saturday morning, individuals, friends, and families (40 adults, 11 children) gathered at The Concourse, located near the Spring Hill Metro Station, and enjoyed riding along one of two paths, which were both larger and different from last year’s ride: a family-friendly 2-mile beginner circuit and a more-adventurous 4.7-mile advanced loop.
At the gathering point and along the way, attendees enjoyed free bike tune-ups, giveaways, face painting, treats, and more from vendors including:
DJ Bounce kept the energy high for attendees, vendors, and volunteers, and Food for Others collected nonperishable food items.
At the start of the event, among other comments by TCA staff and local leaders, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn announced the recent opening of a nearly 7-mile-long shared hike-bike path along Route 7, part of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s ongoing efforts to improve that stretch of the corridor.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for a great morning and a great reminder that Tysons is for cyclists, too! We’re already looking forward to next year’s Pedal With Petals, which will be bigger than ever.
Earlier this year, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) announced the awardees of their annual Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) awards. Among the list of awardees were five Tysons employers, including Freddie Mac, INADEV, Jones Robb, Kajeet, and Maximus.
These Tysons-based businesses have created exceptional commuter programs for their employees. With a healthier planet in mind, they offer services such as bike storage, shuttle service to and from the Metro, ridesharing, EV charging stations, Capital Bikeshare access, and other transit benefits. Below are each of the five local companies and a description of their award-winning commuter services programs:
Freddie Mac
With a robust commuter benefits program, it is no surprise the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Freddie Mac, has been recognized as a BWC awardee. In addition to providing Metro shuttles to and from the two nearest Metro stations, the company supports vanpool and carpool formation with an additional ride-share subsidy, has created a permanent hybrid work schedule for all employees, has electronic transit displays in their lobby areas, provides bike storage, as well as fitness centers and food service onsite. Headquartered in Tysons, Freddie Mac’s campus has over 3,000 employees.
INADEV INADEV, a multinational IT company, was identified as a BWC awardee based on their hybrid work environment. Despite being partially remote, they still offer a variety of commuter services to their employees on in-person days, including a shuttle to and from Metro, bike storage, an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, restaurants, and EV charging stations. Jones Robb
Vehicle reduction tactics are critical to reducing congestion and CO2 emissions. Women-owned, intellectual property law firm, Jones Robb, received a BWC award because of their commuter program that works to get cars off the road. Their program includes pre-tax commuter benefits, remote work policies, EV charging stations, bike storage, fitness center with showers, as well as Uber for business to Metro and restaurants.
Kajeet One of the positive benefits of remote work is the decrease in the number of cars on the road. Kajeet, a multi-carrier IoT firm, was identified as a BWC awardee based on their flextime and remote work options. However, in the process of researching the company, FCDOT learned that the firm is part of the EV charging technology industry, which quickly solidified their position as an award recipient. In addition to an office space designed to foster creativity and collaboration, the building’s amenities include a fitness center with lockers and showers, EV charging stations, bike storage, an electronic transit display board, and complimentary Uber for Business shuttle.
Maximus Maximus is maximizing their green commuter program. The health and human services provider was identified as a BWC awardee because their commitment to sustainability caught the attention of their staff. Maximus’ website notes that their HQ office location was chosen to “improve collaborations and well-being” for their nearly 1000 employees in the Tysons area. In addition to offering a hybrid work model, the firm offers pre-tax commuter benefits and a complimentary shuttle to Tysons Corner Metro station. Other amenities include a fitness center with showers, café onsite, EV charging stations, and Capital Bikeshare access.
These awards are in partnership with the Best Workplaces for Commuters program. The initiative is designed to recognize organizations that are reducing their carbon footprint by providing more sustainable modes of transportation to their employees.
For more information about the awards program, click here.
Small Business Spotlight: Nothing in Between Studio, Transforming the Nail Industry One Client At a Time
When it comes to nail polish and treatment, the nail industry has a history of using harsh chemicals. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nail technicians are exposed to numerous toxic chemicals for hours on end. This extended exposure can lead to serious health problems, such as cancer, reproductive health issues, and respiratory concerns.
Jade Trusso, founder of Nothing in Between (NIB) Studio, is on a mission to transform the industry by providing a healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly experience. Having studied the nail and spa industries for years, Jade was disillusioned by what she found. In addition to the health concerns caused by harsh chemicals, the work environment in many salons is inadequate. NIB offers an alternative. The studio offers non-toxic and sustainable products to clients, as well as a safe and supportive environment for its workers.
“I started Nothing in Between because I was horrified by the practices that were being used in many nail salons and wanted to change the industry for the better,” said Trusso. “I also wanted to provide a work environment that is empowering for both my staff and our clients.”
What started as a dream in 2014, became a reality on November 9, 2018, when Jade opened her first studio in Falls Church. In 2020, when the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NIB had to close its doors. Not letting that stop her from realizing her vision, Jade created at-home nail care kits. Moreover, with the value of community in mind, she and her staff made over 500 face masks for local aid organizations.
Surviving the pandemic and the idea of a “modern self-care sanctuary” resonating with the community, Jade opened her second location in Tysons on May 26, 2021. Located within Capital One Center, the Tysons location expanded upon the company’s services by offering massages.
According to Jade, Tysons was the ideal second location for Nothing in Between because of its partnership with Capital One Center, the studio’s location, and the diversity of clients. “The location is great,” said Trusso. “We get clients from everywhere. In addition to our local community, we have clients that don’t live in Tysons but visit because of all the nice restaurants, shopping centers, and business gatherings.” Services offered at the Tysons location include manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials.
NIB is also dedicated to investing in the community and giving back to local nonprofits. Two of the organizations that the studio supports on an ongoing basis are Doorways and The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. The company recently hosted a diaper drive at their studios to benefit Doorways.
As Nothing in Between continues to expand, the company is offering the opportunity to franchise. “I never thought of franchising my brand,” said Trusso. “I thought they weren’t cool. However, I want more people to experience what we have to offer, a spa experience that is better for your body and our planet. There are many women just like me who want to start their business, but they don’t know where to start. I can help them through our business.”
Jade moved to the United States in 2014 from South Korea for love. “I met my husband in South Korea, and he was offered a job here in the States,” said Trusso. “It was either we break-up or I move to be with him.” She chose to move.
Prior to launching Nothing in Between and moving to the States, Jade worked in the fashion industry. She worked in clientele and then buying for Louis Vuitton. She got into the nail business because she thought it would be an easy transition given her skill sets. It was not. “I looked at other nail salon owners, and I thought I could do it,” said Trusso. While she did do it and has been very successful, it hasn’t been easy. She has a newfound appreciation for small business owners.
When asked what advice she has for those who are thinking about starting their own company, she said, “It’s really cliché but true, don’t give up. If you have purpose, it’s going to work. There will be lots of ups and downs, but just keep going.”
To learn more about NIB and/or to book an appointment, click here.
Located in the heart of Tysons, 1st Stage is a non-profit professional theater organization dedicated to presenting thought-provoking performances and nurturing talented artists. The theater creates an intimate connection between audiences and artists, offering a diverse range of productions including solo performances, dramas, comedies and musicals.
From a local volunteer organization to a nationally known, award-winning theater
1st Stage was started in 2008 by Mark Krikstan, a beloved drama teacher at Marshall High School who saw the need for a local theater where his students could perform professionally. At the time, there were no professional theater companies in Fairfax County anywhere. 1st Stage initially began, like most theaters do, with the help of passionate volunteers. The theater flourished quickly, fulfilling the community’s artistic needs.
Airness (2019)
By 2013, the company had expanded beyond its humble beginnings and underwent a national search for new leadership. Alex Levy, originally from Los Angeles, was appointed as Artistic and Managing Director, becoming First Stage’s first full-time employee. As the theater began to meet the demand for arts in Tysons, it quickly grew into a full-fledged theater company with seven full-time employees. Today, the company produces five main stage shows, hosts a festival that attracts artists from across the country, and offers educational and youth engagement programs.
Surviving and Thriving Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Like most organizations, 1st Stage faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Alex, the theater’s deep roots throughout the community played a significant role in its ability to survive during the unprecedented time. “Because of who 1st stage had been previous to the pandemic,” said Alex, “it allowed us to weather the storm and survive.” Despite the cancellations of shows, the theater continued to receive enough community support to pay all of its artists through their contracts. To accommodate for social distancing, the theater shifted to online programming and focused on maintaining its commitment to its audience and the stories they needed to hear. Recognizing itself as a community organization, 1st Stage used its platform to organize food drives and check on their subscribers, especially older folks.
The Brothers Size (2020) awarded the Helen Hayes award for Outstanding Production in a Play
As 1st Stage transitioned back to normal operations, the theater implemented a series of protections for both the audience and the cast, such as limited capacity and a strong testing protocol. These measures and more demonstrate 1st Stage’s commitment to the health and safety of their audiences and their cast, as well as their desire to provide an enjoyable theater experience in the post-pandemic world. In spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic, First Stage was able to return stronger than ever, with their last show selling at 96% capacity.
Strengthening Workforce Engagement and Client Relationships
To address the growing need for community within the workforce, the theater recently launched a unique program for business partners.
“One of the things we hear all the time from the business community is ‘how do we build community within our employment and our labor?’” said Alex.
The Creative Catalyst program allows businesses to purchase subscriptions, or bulk tickets, to shows, which can then be distributed to employees or clients. The strategy behind this program is to provide businesses with a new and exciting way to foster a sense of community within their workforce, as well as offering a unique experience for their clients. In addition to the tickets, companies get the added advantage of exposure through 1st Stage’s various platforms, including their program, website and social media accounts, amplifying the visibility of participating businesses and expanding their reach to a diverse audience of theater lovers.
The Vibrant Future of Arts in Tysons
The future of arts in Tysons, according to Alex, is a big unknown, but one filled with boundless potential. However, one thing is for sure: Tysons is a community in motion, continuously redefining and remaking itself, and institutions like 1st stage allow for its community members to come together in an inclusive and vibrant environment.
The Last Match (2023)
More than just a theater company, 1st stage is a testament to the transformative power of the arts, a champion for diversity and inclusivity and an invaluable asset to the Tysons community. As we look to the future, we can expect 1st Stage to continue telling stories that matter, fostering a love for the arts and playing a pivotal role in the evolution of Tysons’ cultural landscape.
To learn more about 1st stage and their upcoming shows, visit https://1ststage.org/.
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