Straight Talk: Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), an Honorary Member of Tysons Rotary, joined us for breakfast on March 28 during his Recess Roundup and discussed the challenges of passing legislation in the current Congress. On a lighter note, he remarked: “Always a fun time with my friends from Tysons Rotary Club in Tysons Corner! As an Honorary Rotarian, I’m committed to following the Four Way Test Pledge in my work on Capitol Hill.” He gathered with Club President Tyra Garlington (center), members, and guests after his talk.

Clean Water: Tysons Rotarian Tim Long (above) traveled as a team member on the Zambia Due Diligence Trip for the District 7610 Strategic Water Alliance (SWA) June 8-16, 2023. The trip included visits to 21 schools, one orphanage, one correctional facility, and one hospital. Tysons Rotary is one of more than a dozen area Rotary clubs participating in the SWA, which provides funding for wells and sanitation facilities in African countries. Tim reported on his trip at our breakfast meeting on Sept. 28, 2023.

Vision of Service: Tysons Rotary is proud to collaborate with Brigade of Mercy (BoM), a nonprofit organization founded by Tysons Rotary Past President Ambreen Rizvi, that provides humanitarian relief to the destitute, homeless, orphans, refugees, and victims of war. Locally, BoM has helped more than 200 Afghan refugee families; built a food pantry at a school in Arlington serving low-income students; assisted teens, young mothers, and homeless youth at Second Story in Vienna (pictured here); and provided food and supplies to residents of New Hope Housing. Tysons Rotarians helped BoM celebrate its five-year milestone at a reception at the McLean Community Center on Sept. 24, 2023. Congratulations to Ambreen and her Brigade of Mercy!