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Welcome to the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner!

Club 5840, District 7610

We meet In Person

Thursdays at 7:30 AM

Tower Club

8000 Towers Crescent Dr.
Suite 1700
Vienna, VA 22182
United States of America

We meet twice monthly - 2nd & 4th Thursday, in person meeting at The Tower Club or via video conference. To receive an invitation to a virtual meeting please email tysonsrotaryclub@gmail.com.

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

'Rotary on the Vine' Gala Returns in Person

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Live in Reston: "Rotary on the Vine," one of Tysons Rotary's major fundraising events, took place May 14 at the Reston Lake House after a two-year absence. The event featured wine tastings, delicious food, and a lively jazz combo. Proceeds from the wine gala will help fund the Club's charitable donations and scholarships for the next year. Kudos to Burt Heacock and his volunteers for a stellar evening! Photo by Rick Kaplar

Tysons Rotary Receives Polio Plus Recognition

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Fighting Polio: Tysons Rotary President Elect Brian Mansir holds Polio Plus donation recognition awards for 2019-20 and 2020-21, finally presented in person (due to Covid) in March 2022. The occasion was the Chesapeake President Elect Training Seminar (C-PETS) held at the Westfield Marriott in Chantilly, Va., on March 4-5, 2022. Sitting next to Brian is District Governor Pat Borowski of Rotary District 7610. Tysons Rotary has been a long-time supporter of Rotary International's effort to eradicate polio worldwide. Photo by Jane Nash

Tysons 5K Turkey Trot Draws Record Field

Posted by Rick Kaplar

They're Off: Runners from every age group braved a chilly morning to compete in the Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot on Nov. 14, 2021. Approximately 200 persons registered for the race, which started on Tysons Blvd. and wound through the Galleria area of Tysons. Proceeds from the event benefited local charities supported by Tysons Rotary. Lerner Enterprises was the principal sponsor of the 5K race, a community event now in its third year. Photo by Rick Kaplar

Flags for Heroes on Veterans Day

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Stars and Stripes: The “Flags for Heroes” program co-sponsored by the Tysons Corner and McLean Rotary clubs was a perfect fit for Veterans Day. Ronnie Chantker (left), a Rotary Past District Governor, Tysons Rotarian, and co-chair of Flags for Heroes, presents a Gold Level “Red-White-and-Blue Hero Sponsor” plaque to State Farm agent Lynn Heinrichs at a Veterans Day ceremony in McLean on Nov. 11, 2021. Flags for Heroes enables individuals, companies, and organizations to honor their heroes with American Flags displayed in multiple locations throughout the McLean and Tysons communities on patriotic holidays. Photo by Pamela Danner

Walk Supports Rotary Water Projects

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Made for Walkin’: The annual Walk for Water to benefit Rotary water projects in Zambia and elsewhere took place in person and virtually on Oct. 30, 2021. Among the biggest supporters were members of the Danner family. David and Pamela (pictured) participated from McLean, while their far-flung family and friends participated virtually in Warrenton, Va., Bairradas, Portugal, Nurfingen, Germany (near Stuttgart), and Naples, Italy.

Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot LIVE Nov. 14!

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Start Trotting: The Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot will return as a LIVE race on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 at 8 a.m.! Start line will be at Tysons Central Park, 1775 Tysons Blvd. in Tysons Corner. Registration fee is $35 until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, and $40 on Nov. 13 and 14. Run, walk, or trot on this 5K certified course around Tysons Corner. (A virtual option on Nov. 13 and 14 is also available.) Packet pickup will be Saturday, Nov. 13 at Potomac River Running, 111 Maple Avenue W., Vienna, VA 22180 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. or at the race site starting at 7 a.m. on Nov. 14. Free race-day parking at 1775 Tysons Blvd. with garage access on Galleria Dr. For more information and to register go to www.TysonsTurkeyTrot.com.

Tysons Rotary Honors Heroes on Memorial Day

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Flags for Heroes: Tysons Rotarian and Past District Governor Ronnie Chantker speaks about "Flags for Heroes," a joint project with the McLean Rotary Club. Looking on is Ronnie's husband, Art Chantker, chair of the Rotary District 7610 Flags for Heroes Program. The occasion was the American Legion Memorial Day Program in McLean on May 31, 2021. Photo by Burt Heacock

Family Fun at Virtual 5K Turkey Trot

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Tysons Trotters: Rotary families (and many others) had a great time participating in the virtual Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot in November - wherever they were! At top is Burt Heacock's daughter Jessica Poulin and husband Michael with Ezra and Theo in Buffalo, N.Y. At bottom are David and Pamela Danner with Sierra at Manassas Battlefield. They were joined remotely by their three daughters in Naples, Italy, Warrenton, Va., and Pass Christian, Miss. More Danner family photos inside.

Tysons 5K Turkey Trot Goes Virtual

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Gather Your Flock: Get out and take part in the Second Annual Tysons Rotary Turkey Trot 5K! This year's race will be a VIRTUAL event Nov. 14 - 22, 2020. Participants can run, walk, or trot the 5K distance (3.1 miles) at their own pace, on their own course, at any time of day between Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 22.

The Tysons Rotary Virtual Turkey Trot 5K raises funds for the local charities our Club supports and helps develop a sense of community for residents and businesses in the Tysons area. But since it's virtual, it's open to anyone, anywhere - so ask your family and friends around the country to participate as well!

Although this year we're not able to hold the race at Tysons Central Park, the needs of our local charities still remain high and have increased. Sign up and run/walk to show the spirit and camaraderie of the Tysons community - enhancing lives for a better tomorrow. If you are unable to participate, please consider a donation.

Registration fee is $35. For more race details and to register, visit www.tysonsrotary5k.com.

For 2020-21, It's President Ambreen!

Taking Charge: Top Photo: Incoming Tysons Rotary President Ambreen Rizvi expresses her gratitude to the Club following her installation as President on June 27, 2020. Breaking with tradition because of the pandemic, Ambreen hosted an informal open-air picnic in her backyard. Ambreen will lead the Club from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

Bottom Photo: Ambreen (center) is flanked by exuberant members of the Club's incoming board and leadership team, all properly social distanced and sporting Rotary masks, courtesy of Ambreen! Photos by Leena Raza

Goodstone Inn Getaway Winner!

Winning Ticket: Dennis Lucey draws the winning ticket on June 26 for the fabulous Goodstone Inn Getaway raffle sponsored by Tysons Rotary and the Dunn Loring-Merrified Rotary Club. The winner of the two-night stay at the luxurious Middleburg, Va., resort was Rotarian Conrad Heer. On the edge of their seats as the winning ticket is drawn are Tysons Rotarian Tim Long (left) and Virginia Hottel (right) of the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Club. Photo by David Danner

Goodstone Inn Raffle: Win a Great Getaway!

You Could Win! Remember sipping wine with a view of the mountains just over your shoulder and the fresh country air wisping through ............ NEED A GETAWAY!!

We’ve got just the place: The award-winning Goodstone Inn & Restaurant in Middleburg, Virginia. Here’s your chance to win the ultimate experience at this sumptuous country retreat, including dinner at the Inn’s renowned Conservatory Restaurant. Since we couldn’t hold our annual Spring Wine Gala this year, the Rotary Clubs of Tysons Corner and Dunn Loring-Merrifield are offering a fabulous new opportunity: a raffle to win two nights plus dinner at the Goodstone Inn. Raffle proceeds will benefit the clubs’ charities. The drawing will take place on June 26, 2020. You do not have to be present to win. Purchase your raffle tickets NOW! Visit http://rotaryonthevine.org/goodstone-inn/.

Club Mourns Passing of PDG Bishnu Poudel

Posted by Rick Kaplar

A Life Well Lived: Dr. Bishnu P. Poudel, who began life in a mud hut in Nepal and would later move to the United States to pursue the American dream, becoming a college president and successful businessman before helping found the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner in 1983, died on April 14, 2020. He was 88 years old.

“Bish” was a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner and remained an active member until his death. He served as Club President in 1985-86 and went on to become the Charter Governor of Rotary District 761 (now 7610) in 1988-89.

Tysons Corner Rotary Cancels Weekly Meetings

Posted by Rick Kaplar

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner has canceled its weekly Thursday breakfast meetings and evening happy hours until further notice. The Club follows the Fairfax County Public Schools closure schedule, so meetings and happy hours will remain canceled as long as public schools are closed.

The “Rotary on the Vine” Wine Tasting Gala scheduled for March 27 has also been canceled. We hope to reschedule this event later in the year.

Rotary Sows Seeds of Service for Refugees

Welcoming Newcomers: Tysons Corner Rotarians join Northern Virginia Returned Peace Corps Volunteers & Falls Church Rotary members on Feb. 22 to pack welcome kits of essential items to benefit refugees being resettled in our area. Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area Refugee and Immigrant Services works with the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees from around the world.

'Rotary on the Vine' Wine Gala Set for March 27

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Wines Galore: The Rotary Clubs of Tysons Corner and Dunn Loring-Merrifield cordially invite you to Rotary on the Vine 2020! Join fellow wine connoisseurs for an exclusive experience. Sommeliers and wine professionals will guide you through a variety of wines amid the ambiance of the beautiful Washington Golf & Country Club. Dinner, dancing, and live music will complete your experience. Tickets are $95 each. For information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities visit www.rotaryonthevine.com.

Club Supports Firefighters' Toy Drive

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Furry Fun: Tysons Rotary President Tyra Garlington pauses to give a few rubs to a comfort dog at the annual toy drive sponsored by Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue in Alexandria on Dec. 12, 2019. Every December, Tysons Rotarians join hosts of volunteers who financially and personally help Fairfax County firefighters distribute new toys and books to children in the region. School buses transport wide-eyed tykes to the firehouse where they are met with the love, laughter, and hugs of volunteers who guide them through a maze of unexpected joy ending with a talk with Santa and a chance to enjoy the therapy and comfort dogs.

Spreading Yuletide Cheer

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Toys for the Kiddos: Tysons Rotarian Burt Heacock (left) presents a check to Fairfax County Deputy Fire Chief Willie Bailey, president of Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue, at the Club's holiday dinner at Cafe Oggi in McLean on Dec. 2, 2019. The firefighters' group sponsors a Christmas toy drive plus a school-supply drive and winter coat drive for needy children in the area. The Club's Foundation provided checks to nine community groups at this festive holiday event. Photo by Bill Knopf

Tysons Rotary Loses Two Valued Members

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Farewell, Good Friends: Tysons Rotary lost two of its most colorful and beloved members this fall with the passing of Bruno Walker and Lucas Gallegos. Bruno, 78, who lived in Oakton with his wife of 37 years, Joanna, died on Sept. 20, 2019 just days after being diagnosed with leukemia. Lucas, 97, a long-time resident of McLean with his wife of 77 years, Earlene, passed away on Oct. 23, 2019. The Club salutes Bruno and Lucas for their dedication to their families, their faith, and their communities. They helped make Tysons Corner Rotary the exceptional Club it is. Read more about their lives.

Turkey Trot Benefits Club's Charities

Posted by Rick Kaplar

They're Off! Runners braved chilly temperatures to cross the start line at the first Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot on Nov. 17, 2019. About 100 runners registered for the event, which featured a certified 5K course in the Tysons Galleria area. Hot coffee and plenty of snacks at the finish helped compensate for temps in the 30s. Major sponsor Lerner provided gathering space at Lerner Plaza. Race proceeds will benefit the many community organizations supported by Tysons Rotary including Second Story and Insight Memory Care Center. Photo by Rick Kaplar

Tysons Rotary Helps Rise Against Hunger

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Food Fest: Tysons Rotary’s Laurie Kent and Tyra Garlington braved the early shift at the Rise Against Hunger event in McLean on Saturday, Nov. 2. The goal was 100,000 meals packed by each of three shifts. Their first shift exceeded expectations! Lively music set the pace - and the joy in this giving community spanned the generations of volunteers. On Nov. 5, these 300,000 meals left on an ocean freighter bound for Yemen.

Tysons Rotary Sponsors First 5K Turkey Trot

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Get Out and Trot: The Club sponsors its first race on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, with the Tysons Rotary 5K Turkey Trot. The race will take place in the Galleria area of Tysons Corner on a certified 5K course managed and timed by Potomac River Running. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers overall. The race starts at Central Park at Tysons II, Lerner Plaza, 1775 Tysons Blvd., with free parking available there (enter garage from Galleria Drive). Your registration fee ($35 in advance, $40 on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17) will support local charities through the Rotary Club of Tysons Corner Foundation. Sponsorships are also available. See full details and register at www.tysonsrotary5k.com.

Tyra Takes the Helm for 2019-20

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Tyra’s Turn: Top Photo – A radiant Tyra Garlington (right) is congratulated by outgoing District Governor Glenn Yarborough after being installed as Club President by Past District Governor and Tysons Rotarian Ronnie Chantker (left). Outgoing President Catherine Ahearn enjoys the moment.

Bottom Photo – Tyra has her likeness captured by caricaturist Mindy Mitchell before her installation ceremony at the Waterford at Fair Oaks on June 20. Sketches of Board members, live music, and tasty hors d’oeuvres made for a festive evening. Photos by Bill Knopf

McLean Wine Outlet Supports Rotary Charities

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Helping Rotary: Tysons Rotarian Tim Long (right) receives a check for $767 from Jon Wiant (center) of the McLean Wine Outlet on June 14, representing 15 percent of wine sales from the Spring Wine Gala in March. The donation will help fund charities supported by Tysons Corner Rotary and Gala co-sponsor Dunn Loring-Merrifield Rotary Club. Lynn Fueschel of Dunn Loring-Merrifield is at left. The McLean Wine Outlet has contributed more than $5,000 to local Rotary-supported charities over the past 10 years.

Reaching Out To End Hunger

Posted by Rick Kaplar

Feeding the Hungry: Bobby Polito (right) pauses with President Catherine Ahearn after describing the work of The Outreach Program at the Club's June 6 meeting. Bobby is a regional manager for Outreach, a nonprofit based in Iowa that sponsors meal packaging events around the country. The group distributes seven varieties of meals in the United States and abroad in pursuit of its goal of "ending hunger, enriching lives." Photo by Don Wipf