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.
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/.
On May 6th, Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) collaborated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF), and members of the community to plant 17 cherry blossom trees in Tysons.
With the help of trained volunteers from Casey Trees, an official partner of NCBF, saplings were planted along the Cityline Partners’ property near Scotts Run and on the Tysons Corner Center side of the I-495 pedestrian bridge. These trees are the first of their kind in Tysons.
Pictured are volunteers planting cherry blossom trees in Tysons.
During the event, TCA held an official ceremony to commemorate the planting.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Interim CEO of TCA Rich Bradley at the ceremony. “The Alliance was formed, in part, to engage the community and build lasting relationships with organizations like the Festival. Through this partnership, we are able to provide a point of connection between Tysons and the greater DC region.”
The cherry blossom tree, as well as NCBF, represent unity and have a rich cultural history. Bringing that symbolism and spirit to Tysons will make a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.
“Cherry blossoms symbolize new beginnings,” said National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew. “We look forward to continuing to work together to bring the joy of the cherry blossoms and the Festival to this wonderful community.”
Pictured, from left to right, are Interim CEO of Tysons Community Alliance Rich Bradley and National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved event with a history that goes back over a century. In 1912, Japan gifted the United States cherry blossom trees to honor the budding friendship between the two nations. Each year, as cherry blossom trees bloom, the Festival enlivens the region with countless parades, performances and other festivities that bring people from all over the world together.
Pictured is the official plaque marking the tree planting.
This monumental tree planting is a testament to what can be achieved when TCA collaborates with organizations to create a sense of community in Tysons.
“The planting of cherry trees serves as a symbol of Tysons’ continued transformation into an inclusive, urban destination within the region and around the world,” said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik. “It is through partnerships like the one between Tysons Community Alliance and the Festival, that will make our community blossom.”
After the ceremony, TCA board members and staff, Fairfax County officials and NCBF staff shoveled dirt around one of the 17 trees.
Pictured, from left to right, are Joe Mondero, TCA board member, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Interim CEO of Tysons Community Alliance Rich Bradley, Managing Director of Cityline Partners Tasso Flocos, Fairfax County School Board Member Karl Frisch, and National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew.
TCA is hopeful that these trees will not only add to the beauty of Tysons, but also help create a sense of collaboration and unity among community members. As these young cherry blossom trees continue to grow and flourish, so shall the Tysons community.
On April 2nd, Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) hosted our first-ever Pedal with Petals Family Bike Ride event at The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center. The Plaza was buzzing with energy as participants of all ages and experience levels came together to celebrate their love for cycling.
The crowd’s enthusiasm was as strong as the wind itself. Community members and volunteers descended upon The Plaza early Sunday morning in anticipation of the ride.
The Family Bike Ride event drew dozens of participants, including children, adults, and even some furry friends. The excitement was palpable as participants geared up, mounted their bikes and eagerly awaited the start of the ride.
With a few words of encouragement from National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew and TCA Board Member Donald Garrett, the riders set off on their journey.
In designated waves, bike marshals provided by Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) escorted riders across The Plaza every half hour. Cyclists enjoyed exploring Tysons on two wheels while basking in the sights and smells of spring.
Cheers from volunteers and TCA staff could be heard from all directions as each wave of riders returned from their journey and recharged with refreshments and snacks. The festivities did not stop at the bike ride. Attendees were treated to a full morning of fun.
The face painting station was a hit as children and adults alike rocked vibrant and colorful facial designs. TREK, a well-known cycling brand, provided complimentary bike repairs, ensuring that everyone’s ride was in tip-top shape. And, thanks to a DJ, the event was complete with music that kept the party going all morning long.
As TCA’s first event in partnership with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the family bike ride event was a truly spectacular way to kick off the beginning of what we hope to be an annual cherry blossom tradition.
“It’s incredible to witness the community come together in celebration of the onset of spring and the budding relationship between Tysons and the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said TCA’s Interim CEO Rich Bradley. “Events and opportunities such as these are the reason the TCA was created.”
Look out for next year’s event for new routes, festivities and a wonderful community experience for all.
Fairfax County leaders and Celebrate Fairfax debuted Tysons newest mural at The PARC on Saturday, May 7th during an afternoon of celebratory activities. The event featured local artisans, a maker’s market, live music from DJ Cabezon, Pakos Fresk Mex food truck, Caboose brewing, kids activities, and a live painting by the mural’s artist Rodrigo Pradel. The new mural at The PARC is the latest public activation in Tysons, a result of Fairfax County’s efforts to create more place-making opportunities for various communities, residents, visitors, and businesses to engage with each other.
“The Mural is a stunning piece of work and its outward visibility from the Metro and surrounding area will be a fun draw to the venue,” said Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik. “The PARC brings events focused on Tysons’ art and culture offerings as well as numerous events focused on local retail and small businesses.”
The PARC which opened last year, has been a place for artists and makers alike to showcase and sell their items during Celebrate Fairfax’s “Shop Local Markets.” Many artists and vendors who frequent those markets were present during the mural’s debut event.
“As our County grows, events like this help to give a neighborhood feel to a city landscape while supporting small and local businesses. I am proud of the work by Celebrate Fairfax and its partners to create and sustain these important community threads,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay.
Tysons continues to serve as a model for place making and activation with businesses and organizations looking for creative ways to engage with the community.
“The mural at the PARC is just one more example of how Tysons is building our community to engage all residents, business, and visitors,” said Tysons Partnership Deputy Executive Director Drew Sunderland. “We are focused on driving sustained economic interest which will continue to fuel our future growth.”
Celebrate Fairfax leads the activation of The PARC space, hosting new events each month, with various themes that allow community members to get know the space. In addition to the monthly Shop Local Markets, Celebrate Fairfax will bring its annual Block Party to The PARC in June!
“We are very excited about the opportunity to activate a high visibility space in the heart of Tysons and for the PARC to be a catalyst of change for how we fulfill our mission: Celebrating Fairfax County and its Communities,” said Celebrate Fairfax President & CEO, Ashley Morris. “We look forward to bringing everyone together and hosting a wider variety of community engagements, so stay tuned. We have much more to come!”
The mural, presented by Art Whino featured themes from Pradel’s latest series, “Waves,” exploring energy through color growing across the canvas.
“Waves of energy flow through us constantly. The waves envelop everything it touches and alters the space with a hyper-color surface. Viewers are encouraged to explore the whole area, find a spot they are interested in, and focus on the artwork. They should allow themselves to visually ingest the energy with intention, spawn imagination and creativity, and witness Synesthesia at The PARC.”
Back view of businesswoman sit at desk have video call with multiracial colleagues on laptop, female employee speak talk on webcam conference on computer, brainstorm with coworkers at meeting online
A lively and engaged group of Tysons Partnership members met virtually for an inaugural Employer Forum, led by forum chair, Barbara Steacy from Freddie Mac. The group combined two previously existing groups: 1) The Post-Pandemic Return to Office Group and 2) The Employer Forum (a group that previously predominately discussed wellness and mental health in the workplace) into one.
During the kick-off meeting, members shared unique experiences from their companies about return to office plans and policies, and a look toward 2022. The group agreed to meet bi-monthly with topics to include: policies for COVID-19 in a return to the office, innovative ideas to rebuild the workforce (especially within the hospitality industry), the future of a hybrid workplace, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (One Fairfax).
We look forward to providing Tysons employers and other stakeholders with a safe space to compare notes and share practices on a range of issues. The next meeting is scheduled for December 13. If you’d like to join the group or invite others from your organization to the meetings, please email ellen@tysonspartnership.org.
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