FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
As The Standard Barber Shop in Fairfax, Virginia, gets back to business, its owners and employees are working to make sure their customers feel safe in an environment that some may find unnerving during the coronavirus pandemic.
Ahead of her business reopening, Wong held virtual staff meetings to discuss and implement a new protocol for her barbers. They will need to wash their hands more than usual and sanitize all their equipment after taking care of each client.
On the other side of the chair, clients will be required to wear a face covering.
“If they don’t have a mask, then we’ll provide a disposable mask for them,” Wong said.
So the business is doing everything it can to limit the risk, only offering haircuts. There will be no beard trims or shaves.
Wong’s business partner and husband Tommy Cheung said a maximum of four customers will be allowed in at a time to ensure no more than 10 people are there.
“We’re going to have each client in the corner chairs to separate them as far as we can,” said Cheung. “We’re just going one step at a time per the guidelines.”
Now, if someone is waiting for their appointment, they will need to wait outside or in their car.
Read the full article and listen to the audio here – WTOP Article
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
May 20, 2020
The monumental milestone of high school graduation, with its pomp and circumstance and celebration by family and community, was cut short in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, a committee of Fairfax City leaders has come together to help celebrate and recognize the Fairfax High School Class of 2020.
Look for signs and banners in Old Town Square and on Rebel Run at Fairfax Boulevard. Signs have been placed on CUE buses, and the committee will work with business partners to distribute 100 signs throughout the city. Electronic messages will flash congratulations to FHS seniors throughout the city, and pompons and streamers will be installed in Old Town Fairfax.
The Old Town Business Association are working with the business community to place signs of congratulations at commercial locations.
“This is a time of celebration for graduating seniors and their families, and an opportunity for the community to show support at this exciting time in a young person’s life. That exactly what we’re doing,” said Miller.
“COVID-19 may have changed how we do things in Fairfax City,” Pitches said, “but it won’t stop us from celebrating the Fairfax High School Class of 2020.”
On social media, show your support:
Read more here – Patch Article
Below are some of the signs of congratulations at different City of Fairfax Business locations. Congratulations Class of 2020! from The Old Town Fairfax Business Association.
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
Commonwealth DRY GOODS – These unique @outerbankscandleco in the amazing blue/green jars make a perfect Mother’s Day gift! We have everything you need to make Mom happy on her special day.
Come and visit us.
703-273-7800
We have everything you need to make Mom happy on her special day.
This year you can still:
1) Serve mom breakfast in bed
2) Clean up the kitchen afterwards
3) Paint together as a family with Pottery To Go.
See PTG categories in menu bar. We will miss everyone this year. It’s truly our favorite day in the studio. We hope to see each and everyone of you safe and sound in the future.
703-218-2881
ORNERY BEER COMPANYMother’s Day Specials — BRUNCH or DINNER
We have a delicious meal ready for our family Brunch for 2 with Mimosa or Bloody Mary Kits and Duck Donuts – $49
Mothers Day Dinner for a family of 4 with shareable entrees, salad, bread, & dessert – $99
See website for more info ornerybeer.com
Exotica Florist– Exotica is OPEN!
Exotica provides no contact deliveries & pick ups during this hectic time. Social distancing is not a problem when you can send beautiful flowers! Mother’s Day is not cancelled! Send Mom a beautiful bouquet …
Order today! Contactless deliveries to keep our mommies safe!
Order NOW: https://www.exoticaflorist.net/
Exotica Florist (703) 778-9779
Bellissimo Restaurant, Fine Northern Italian Cuisine
Treat the 
mothers in your life to a fantastic take-out family meal!
Open Noon until 9 pm Mother’s Day!
Call 703 293 2367
Hamrocks- Mother’s Day Menu www.hamrocksrestaurant.com (703) 385-5433
Please order early.
Mara Hair and Mode Studio – Visit store online – www.maramodestudio.com
In particular, Coyote Grille is making an effort to deliver food to the workers who have the night shift, a time when it is harder for departments at medical facilities or fire houses to order food.
Mark Hand—
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —In this time of increased concern over the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the health and well-being of our city is a top priority. Click here for more info and to learn about the city Business Resources. Here’s the link to more info.In this time of increased concern over the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the health and well-being of our city is a top priority.The city is working closely with Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) officials to carefully monitor the situation and minimize any potential impact on those who utilize and rely on our local businesses. Guidance from trusted sources such as the FCHD, Virginia Health Department, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will help employers, businesses, and the public remain informed. Employers and their employees can prepare and implement strategies to address the impacts of COVID-19 with resources from the Commonwealth of Virginia and U.S. Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, the Small Business Administration is providing diaster assistance to help small businesses navigate coronavirus related issues.Currently, the CDC has determined the risk of exposure to the general public is low but we also know patrons of your business may be in higher risk groups: older adults and people with chronic conditions. Therefore, the city is encouraging businesses to take extra precautions by adopting and adhering to the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.We can ensure that small businesses – the backbone of our community – continue to thrive by taking everyday wellness steps and using alternative ways to support our local economy by purchasing directly from the business website, ordering takeout or delivery, and purchasing gift cards that give businesses immediate income but can be redeemed at a later date.As we continue to monitor and navigate the situation together, we will share resources and updates as they become available.
FAIRFAX CITY, VA —
Please note: this information will be updated regularly, as needed.
The City of Fairfax is working with the Fairfax County Health Department and other partners to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our area.
Public health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, China.
The Fairfax County Health Department offers several ways to stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 outbreak as it continues to evolve:
Fairfax Water has information on their website regarding this issue: https://www.fairfaxwater.org/news/covid-19
The Virginia Department of Health has resources available for public information:
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has resources available for public information:
Information is subject to last-minute change.
Here are updates regarding the situation in the City of Fairfax:
March 8, 2020: Information about the first presumptive positive test result was provided in a press conference held at 1 pm Sunday, March 8; here is the livestream video of that press conference:
March 9, 2020: The Fairfax County Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health received a second presumptive positive test result for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a City of Fairfax resident. This individual is the spouse and close contact of the patient who tested positive on Saturday, and the exposure is not the result of community transmission.vA presumptive positive test result also was received for a resident in Spotsylvania County. This marks the fourth and fifth cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. See the media advisory for more details.
Please check back for additional information, which will be posted as available.
Coyote Grille now has its own online ordering and delivery platform. You can get your Coyote faves delivered right to your door.
State Courts: Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court are closed Feb. 17.
Fairfax City Schools: Closed Feb. 17.
Trash & Recycling: Monday and Tuesday refuse and recycling routes will be collected Feb. 18.
Waste and Recycling Drop-off Centers: Closed Feb. 17.
City of Fairfax Regional Library: All Fairfax County libraries are closed Feb. 17.
Post Offices: Closed Feb. 17.
CUE Bus: Modified weekday service
DMV Select services: Closed Feb. 17.
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center: Open
The transition in the holiday’s name from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day began in the late 1960s as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The bill proposed that the country celebrate holidays on Monday rather than when birthdays fell on the calendar so workers could have a three-day weekend.
During the debate of that bill, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed Presidents Day to celebrate the birthdays of both Washington on Feb. 22 and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12.
Congress actually rejected the name change in the 1968 version of the bill. However, after the bill went into effect in 1971, Presidents Day became the commonly accepted name.
According to the operators of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Fairfax County, the U.S. government never officially changed the name. In the 1980s, owing to advertising campaigns for holiday sales, the term became popularized and largely accepted.
“This joint recognition would also celebrate President Lincoln’s February 12 birthday within the same period,” the Mount Vernon website says, “but arguably, George Washington (the Father of our country) deserves his own day.”
The participating businesses will have their window decorations on display through Thursday, Feb. 20. The businesses include:
Another part of the partnership between GMU and the city is a program called Patriots in the City where GMU students and alumni get to enjoy discounts up to 20 percent at Fairfax City businesses through Feb. 22. Students will need to show their Mason ID and alumni can get a pass from the university to receive the discounts at the participating businesses.
Businesses participating in the Patriots in the City discount program include:
A tip-off party with live music, free food and special guests kicked off the homecoming celebration Tuesday night, which is followed by a day of service on Wednesday where students can donate blood or give items that will be distributed to people in need in the Fairfax area.
The Patriots’ men’s basketball team plays George Washington University Saturday afternoon at EagleBank Arena followed by a lip sync battle in the evening at Dewberry Hall. The homecoming celebrations will continue into next week when George Mason’s women’s basketball team plays the University of Richmond on Feb. 19 at EagleBank Arena. The official homecoming game will take place Feb. 22 when the men’s basketball team takes on St. Joseph’s University at EagleBank Arena.
GMU’s 2020 homecoming headliner is comedian Colin Jost of Saturday Night Live who will be performing Feb. 20 at the George Mason University for the Arts.
By Bonnie Hobbs
Students and City Council members Janice Miller and Jennifer Passey look on while Director Maureen Santamaria (in pink) and Fairfax Mayor David Meyer cut the ribbon on the school. Photo Courtesy of Danette Nguyen
Since 2007, ChiCeLaCu! (Children’s Center for Language and Culture) has offered Spanish immersion programs for children in Vienna. And on Saturday, Jan 25, it opened a new location in Fairfax City, at 10201 Main St., Suite 230 (the World Gym building).
The new space is cheerful, colorful, warm and inviting. Geared for ages 3-12, the school offers programs for preschoolers, plus afterschool and Saturday classes – and even summer camps – combining innovative strategies with traditional, classroom learning.
“When children learn Spanish earlier, it’s easier,” said school director and founder, Maureen Santamaria. When she and her husband bought a home in Fairfax City, two years ago, she began looking for a place to open another school here. Then she found and renovated this spot. “We feel so welcome here,” she said. “This City is really special, and I appreciate its support. They really want businesses to come here.”
ChiCeLaCu!’s program is also in three FCPS elementary schools. “They’re long-term programs so the children can really learn the language well,” said Santamaria. “It takes about four years to become really fluent.”
In Fairfax City, the emphasis is on preschool and Saturday classes. Preschool is for ages 3-5, either three or five days/week. Students may attend from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., from 2:30-4:30 p.m., or all day. Saturday classes, for kindergarten through sixth grade, run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
But afterschool classes and summer camps are also offered; see www.childrencenterlanguage.com. Or call 571-210-0161 or 703-992-8722. And for working parents, the school is open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Originally from Nicaragua, Santamaria said, “My mom always emphasized the importance of my four siblings and I going to a university and getting degrees, and we all did. This is my passion – I’m a teacher with a bachelor’s in education, and I teach Spanish in the classroom.’
THE SCHOOL also has an administrative staff, plus 10 other teachers, who’ve all been with ChiCeLaCu! a long time. Classes are small, with 8-10 students per teacher. Five classrooms are used on Saturday, and three during the week. And since 2007, some 4,000 children have attended ChiCeLaCu!’s programs.
“You need to be dedicated, perseverant, patient and hardworking,” explained Santamaria. “And if you have those qualities, then you can succeed. The students, parents and teachers here all have a special connection as a community. Our teachers are warm, caring, dedicated professionals, and the safety and wellbeing of the children is our priority.”
In the preschool program, children are taught music, language arts, math, science and cursive writing – for fine motor skills and so they’ll be able to write words in Spanish. In the Saturday program, they learn language arts, history, geography, some math and cursive writing. And, added Santamaria, “We also teach the children to listen to and respect each other.”
The Fairfax City location opened earlier this month; and during Saturday’s official grand opening, students sang a song in Spanish for the visitors, and parents, students and teachers mingled with each other and with the City officials attending the event. Among them was mom Mahtab Tehrani, whose son, Daniel, a sixth-grader, has taken classes at ChiCeLaCu! since second grade.
“He’s doing very well and is fluent in speaking and writing Spanish,” she said. “He started Spanish at a Montessori preschool and liked it. And because it’s a popular language in the U.S., we thought it would be valuable for him to learn it. I like this school because they speak only Spanish here, so the kids speak the language the whole time they’re here.”
Daniel attends afterschool classes, Tuesday and Thursday, for about 90 minutes each, plus three hours on Saturday mornings. “It’s a very good school, and this new location is very nice and spacious,” said Tehrani. “And Miss Maureen really does a lot for the children.”
Dad James Catto was there, too, with his twin daughters, Anya and Elena, 11, now in their sixth year with this school. “I speak Spanish,” he said. “I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia and served in the State Department’s Foreign Service in Mexico, so the girls spent three years there and learned Spanish. So when we moved back when they were 5½, we wanted to continue their Spanish-language skills.”
Catto then did “tons of research” into schools, but he and his wife liked ChiCeLaCu! because “It offers a unique structure. It teaches both spoken and written fluency, with a strong emphasis on grammar. The kids use books they’d use in Spanish-speaking countries and are doing lessons as if they were native Spanish speakers. So they get a deep understanding of the language and grammar.”
“It’s really imprinted on them,” he continued. “And besides speaking, the students write, do research and have to give presentations. Plus, there’s a whole cultural component. The kids study both ancient and contemporary culture – including the foods, dances, traditions, etc., of Spanish-speaking countries – so they also learn about the region and its people.”
Pleased with the school’s new location, Catto said it’s larger than its space in Vienna so there’s more room to differentiate between the students’ levels of learning. “And it’s near the park,” he added. “I love Fairfax, and we come here all the time, so I’m delighted that the school is here. And this larger space reflects the fact that the school is growing and doing well and shows all the hard work Maureen and the staff have put into it.”
STUDENT DANIEL FRIEDMAN, 11, has attended for five or six years. “They teach you Spanish in a fun way,” he said. “Instead of just lecturing, they give you lots of projects, like writing a five-page book in Spanish. It’s neat because it’s a common language and you could go to Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, etc., and talk to the people. I’d recommend this school to others because there’s lots of hands-on learning, you learn Spanish and you get to be creative, at the same time.”
One of the teachers is Santamaria’s son, Braulio Mayorga Santamaria, who teaches world history and geography to first- through sixth-graders. “I love it,” he said. “The students and parents like me and are all genuinely interested in the class. They participate and have fun.”
“Speaking more than one language is a huge advantage in life,” he explained. “And once people learn Spanish, they can communicate and use it in their everyday lives. Our parents are extremely loyal, and I’ve seen progress in their children, learning to be their own people and speak fluently.”
Proud of what they’ve accomplished, Maureen Santamaria said her greatest satisfaction is seeing students who initially can’t read or speak Spanish become fluent. And, she added, “They’ll remember me, because you always remember a good teacher.”
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/jan/31/fairfax-city-we-feel-so-welcome-here-city-really-s/
Virginia Living’s Best of 2020 survey is out now and you need to vote. The survey is for the Commonwealth, broken down by regions. Click here to begin the survey for Northern Virginia area. Note that the voting ends for this survey January 31. 2020 at 11:59 pm EST.
There are over 100 categories and each has a drop down menu which lists last year’s top 20, so be sure to ADD YOUR BUSINESS to the list. I have taken the survey and was able to add a few businesses. You may only take this survey once, so please share among your fans, family, and friends, and we will do the same on social media. Tag the editor on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @VirginiaLiving with your #BestofVirginia2020
Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best of NoVA is out and it’s time to VOTE. Polling ends February 14, 2020 at 11:45 pm, with results named in the June 2020 issue. The June issue hits online and newsstands May 21, 2020. Vote early, vote often on this one. Share with friends, family, etc. and tag #BestofNoVA2020 because WE LIKE WINNING!!!! Here’s a media kit to print posters to place in your business or on your windows. Here’s the link to vote.
Cutting the ribbon are (from left), City treasurer Tom Scibilia, Council members So Lim and Michael DeMarco, Mayor David Meyer, Dave Omary, Page Johnson, Kelly Seungyon, and Sharon Ricciardi with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.
By Bonnie Hobbs
With nearly two decades of experience in commercial and residential kitchen, closet and bathroom design/remodeling, Biltmore Design Galleria has already amassed a stellar reputation in Chantilly. And now, local residents may also avail themselves of this business’s expertise, since it recently opened a second location in Old Town Fairfax.
And owners Dave Omary and wife Kelly Seungyon didn’t choose just any building in which to set up shop. They selected the historic Sauls House, which holds special meaning for Fairfax City Commissioner of the Revenue Page Johnson.
“My great aunt, Mary Sauls, lived in this house and ran a boarding house here,” he said, during the new business’s grand opening at 10381 Main St. “And I’m glad to see that they’ve kept the integrity of the building.”
Also pleased to welcome Biltmore Design Galleria to the City was Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. “For this business to come and have a presence in this City speaks volumes about our commitment to businesses that are filling a niche,” he said. “People can come to places like this and get exactly what they want.”
He said customers reap the benefits of the owners’ expertise, while having their interior design customized. And besides that, added Meyer, “It’s important that we have a design-build business in this cool, 127-year-old building.”
Noting that Biltmore Design Galleria has been in business for 18 years, Danette Nguyen, with the City’s Economic Development Office, said, “The owners believe everyone should have their dream kitchen, bathroom and closets. And now that they have their Fairfax City location, they’re able to make these dreams a reality.”
“We’re excited to be here,” said Omary. “We chose this area because we like the City’s downtown. I like to support the City and have our business in a small town where everyone knows each other.” He said he’ll make sure things are running smoothly at both their locations, but his wife is the designer.
“We help people with the color and design of their cabinets, floors, paints, etc.,” he explained. “We don’t charge for design or measuring, just for the work and materials.”
Delighted by the turnout at the grand opening, Omary said, “I see the mayor, Council members and City representatives here, plus old friends and customers, which means a lot. This is amazing to see everyone here to support us.”
Biltmore Design Galleria is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, by appointment only. Phone 571-340-3566.
http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/jan/13/historic-fairfax-building-houses-new-business/
When we last met in November, it was to wrap up the year and prepare for 2020. This will be our membership’s founding year, and you should all be founding members. We have approximately 50 members at this time.
In the past 12 months, OTFBA has gone from a steering committee to a small board with part time staff and an intern, and a thriving membership. At our January 29th meeting, members will elect our officers.
That means if you are an OTFBA member, you can run for the seat of Secretary or Treasurer, and vote for Chair*, Secretary, and Treasurer. It’s pretty exciting stuff, we are a newly reinvigorated group with a talented base of members and business owners who have expressed their sense of urgency and ownership to see that we all succeed. Join us and let’s do it!
SAVE THE DATE
What: Jan. OTFBA Membership Meeting
When: Jan. 29 at 8:00am
Where: Twins Ace Hardware
10310 Main St.
All members interested in running for Chair*, Secretary, or Treasurer should submit a nomination (self-nomination is fine) in writing to: Info@oldtownfairfax.org by Close of Business (5:00PM) on January 15. Ballots will be finalized by January 16.
Votes will be cast and counted at our January 29 Membership meeting.
* The seat of the Chair is limited to board members only, per OTFBA bylaws which are available upon request.
Thank you Craig Smith, Twins Ace Hardware, for graciously hosting us!
Don’t miss out on the latest news! Sign up for our newsletter:
© 2021 · Old Town Fairfax Business Association
Havabite Eatery-