DiRocco Named Interim Mayor
Since Laurie DiRocco is the only person running for mayor in Vienna, it’s a good bet that she’ll be elected. And in the meantime, she’s getting some on-the-job training by fulfilling the unexpired term of the town’s late mayor, M. Jane Seeman, who died Feb. 23.
A Vienna resident since 1995, DiRocco was first elected to the Town Council in 2009 and was re-elected in 2011 and 2013. Following Seeman’s death, Vice-Mayor Carey Sienicki has served as acting mayor.
But the town had 45 days to appoint someone to assume the job officially until Seeman’s term of office ends June 30. So at the Monday, April 7 Town Council meeting, DiRocco was named interim mayor.
Councilman Howard Springsteen made the motion to appoint her and the Council members approved unanimously. Sienicki then thanked DiRocco for taking on this extra responsibility while working on her own election campaign, and DiRocco said she was “happy to serve.” She was sworn in as mayor last Tuesday, April 8, in Council chambers.
Budget Work Session Set
The Vienna Town Council will hold a third, budget work session on Monday, April 21, at 8 p.m., in the Town Hall, 127 Cherry St. S.
Mayor, Council Candidates Forum
The Northeast Vienna Citizens Assn. will host a Candidates Forum for Vienna candidates for mayor and town council. It will be held Tuesday, April 22, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the Vienna Community Center auditorium, 120 Cherry St. S.E. Each candidate will make a brief statement, followed by a moderated question-and-answer session.
Vienna Tree-Planting Ceremony
The Town of Vienna and the Community Enhancement Commission invite the public to attend the annual Arbor Day ceremony on Thursday, April 24, at 4 p.m. A tree will be planted next to the Parks and Recreation Department’s community learning garden behind Vienna Elementary, 128 Center St. S.
Green Expo Is April 24
Vienna will host the sixth annual Green Expo on Thursday, April 24, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. S.E. It’s a juried showcase of local and regional, earth-friendly exhibitors showing how people may achieve a green lifestyle. Admission is free, and more than 35 organizations and businesses will participate.
Attendees will receive information on energy efficiency, purchasing local organic products, creating green gardens, recycling options and more practical ideas to save money and help the environment. New this year, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will offer rain barrel workshops, tips for rain gardens and guidance on protecting streams and rivers.
The alternative fuel auto collection will return for a second year. Featured cars include a converted BMW Z3, Tesla, Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and a converted bi-fuel, hybrid-electric Prius. All vehicles are owned by area residents who’ll be on hand to answer questions.
Also featured will be the Children’s Passport Program. School-aged children may visit vendors, learn new things and complete their passports for a chance to win prizes. For more information, call 703-255-6360 or see www.viennava.gov.
Prescription Drug Take-Back
In conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state and local law-enforcement agencies, Vienna police will again participate in a one-day initiative to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from area homes.
On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., residents may turn in their old, expired, unused or unwanted medications. Prescription drugs, controlled or non-controlled substances, and over-the-counter drugs may be dropped off anonymously at a collection site inside Vienna Police Headquarters, 215 Center St. S.
If an original container is disposed of, people might consider removing any identifying information from the prescription label. Liquid products should remain sealed in their original containers to prevent leakage. Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will not be accepted due to associated hazards.
Commercial businesses, pharmacies or other medical facilities may not use this as a means of discarding expired medications or medical waste. For more information, contact MPO Gary R. Lose at glose@viennava.gov or 703-255-6396.
Pear Tree Cottage Holds Spring Sale
Pear Tree Cottage is holding a 7th annual Spring Sale through Saturday, April 19. They will be offering 35 percent off on all full priced in-stock items (except for a few consignment items. Some merchandise is marked up to 80 percent off.
Special Sale Days & Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10-5 p.m.;
Sunday: 12-4, Closed Monday.
Pear Tree Cottage is located at 130 Maple Avenue, East
Vienna.Tel: 703-938-1331; e-mail theptcottage@aol.com
New Business Open Houses, April 17 and 29
The Town/Business Liaison Committee welcomes two new businesses to Vienna by hosting special ribbon cutting ceremonies. An open house for Church Street Antiques, located at 131 Church Street NW, Suite 2, will be held on Thursday, April 17, and Barre Tone, located at 370 Maple Avenue W, will be on Tuesday, April 29.
Church Street Antiques’ open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Church Street Antiques offers vintage items repurposed into unique artwork. You might find old door knobs turned into hooks, lamps made out of tea cups or a necklace made out of antique keys.
Barre Tone, a ballet-inspired barre exercise studio, will be hosting an open house and ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, April 29. The open house will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Barre Tone classes incorporate the ballet barre to sculpt, strengthen and increase flexibility, while infusing dance, aerobics, drums and more.
The public is encouraged to stop by both events and meet the owners. Details can be found at www.churchstreetantiques.net and www.barre-tone.com. Businesses new to the Vienna community are welcome to request a ribbon cutting event through the Town/Business Liaison Committee (T/BLC) by completing a request form online at www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?nid=1088. For more information on the T/BLC, visit www.viennava.gov/index.aspx?NID=416.