Press Releases

Following multiple semesters of modified instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marymount University is pleased to announce its plans to reinstate a fully in-person academic delivery model starting in August for the upcoming fall semester, along with a return to a more “normal” college experience for students in regards to resident life, athletics, campus activities and more.

This announcement takes place during a time of extended success mitigating the spread of the virus among Marymount community members. There have been zero active cases on campus dating back to February 17, and the total University positivity rate over the course of the spring semester is currently less than one percent.

For both the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters, Marymount has operated through a hybrid model that has allowed students to learn and live on campus, with remote course delivery options also utilized to achieve a safe and optimal learning environment. No positive COVID-19 cases at Marymount have been traced back to classroom settings, and there have been no disruptions to University operations from any COVID-related impacts. Recently, student athletes resumed competition with other colleges and universities as well.

With continued adherence to health and safety protocols and expected progress in the vaccination of faculty, staff and students during the next few months, University officials are confident for what lies ahead.

“It’s been about exactly one year since Marymount responded with urgency to the escalating crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic was creating around the world last March,” reflected President Irma Becerra in her letter to the Marymount University community on Wednesday morning. “Since those times, we have done everything possible to keep our students and employees safe while still offering our Saints an interactive and high-quality educational experience. Reaching this point where we can make a full return to in-person learning and living is thanks to our community members as a whole, who have all played a part in our collective success.”

As part of Marymount’s “Saints Reunite” Return to Campus Plan, which was rolled out in preparation for the Fall 2020 semester, strict social distancing and face covering rules were implemented, while physical spaces such as residential living areas and classrooms were restructured to accommodate for physical distancing guidelines. Marymount’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts also emphasized rapid testing and proactive contact tracing in order to stem the spread and isolate any clusters of cases that could appear.

These guidelines, like the hybrid academic model, continued into the Spring 2021 semester. In January, all student residents, student athletes, commuters registered for in-person classes, faculty who teach in-person classes and identified staff members were tested for COVID-19 prior to the start of classes. In addition, Marymount recently joined other DC-area universities in the rollout of an innovative saliva-based COVID-19 testing system, Shield T3, with a mobile laboratory located at Gallaudet University. Marymount is currently processing about 5,000 tests per week through the Shield T3 lab to monitor student athletes and conduct enhanced surveillance testing for asymptomatic community members across the University.

Marymount is also working on a campus plan for vaccination for when it becomes available to colleges and universities. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, essential workers at higher education institutions are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Phase 1C.

“The pandemic has demanded so much from our faculty, students and staff as we’ve adapted to the circumstances and offered multiple modes of learning, and everyone has risen to the challenge,” explained Dr. Hesham El-Rewini, Provost at Marymount University. “What we’ve gone through during the past year has been unprecedented in higher education, and it will make us better educators as we take the lessons we’ve learned throughout this process to improve how we fulfill our mission at Marymount in the future.”

“After last spring and the beginning of the pandemic, it was so rewarding for us to have our students come back to campus this past fall and see our campus regain its vibrancy and activity,” added Dr. William Bisset, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Marymount University. “We’re looking forward to providing even more of our Saints the traditional college experience that they have missed for so long during the formative years of their lives.”

Many of the health and safety protocols that have been in place since last year will likely remain in effect for Fall 2021, and will be based on guidance received from health agencies and governments at the county, state and federal levels. Students with unique circumstances may be allowed to opt out of fully in-person instruction and participate in either a hybrid or remote format this fall. More details will be announced at a later date.

Today, Penzance, a leading owner, operator, and developer in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, announced the start of leasing and the opening of their interactive leasing center for Aubrey, the first luxury apartment tower to deliver at The Highlands, a dynamic mixed-use development project along the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. The developer shared a first look at some of the luxury finishes and features that future residents can look forward to enjoying in their new homes; images can be found here.

“We’re excited to share a first look at the amazing homes Aubrey has to offer in a space in which people can safely and comfortably secure their next home,” said John Kusturiss, Senior Vice President of Development and construction for Penzance. “Having the ability to connect with your new community is vital. Rosslyn is Northern Virginia’s most exciting and interactive neighborhood, so we want potential residents to experience that energy first hand.”

Aubrey stands at 23 stories tall with 331 sizable units ranging from one- to three-bedrooms. Each unit has scenic citywide views of Rosslyn and DC’s monuments with certain apartments featuring sculptural balconies. All apartment homes feature chef-style kitchens, state-of-the-art appliances, luxury finishes, and flexible spaces to fit every resident’s needs. Penthouses and loft apartments will boast upgraded features like waterfall kitchen islands, wrap-around balconies, heated tile bathroom floors, and more.

The rooftop amenities at Aubrey include a penthouse-level pool and sun deck, as well as an indoor craft beer lounge and tailgate lounge with billiards to gather with friends. Other amenities play to a wide range of interests, from an exhibition kitchen for creating memorable meals, a dedicated coworking hall for those continuing to work from home, and a winery-inspired clubroom to unwind with friends. Aubrey also features a 24-hr concierge, garage parking, onsite storage, and ground-floor retail including a CVS Pharmacy.

The leasing center is located at 1600 Wilson Blvd, directly across the street from the development, helping potential residents experience the exciting Rosslyn neighborhood. The leasing center for Aubrey is offering in-person appointments, as well as virtual leasing with rendering virtual tours for each amenity space and several model homes.

Rosslyn’s lively community features dozens of restaurants and hundreds of businesses conveniently located across the Key Bridge from Georgetown. Situated on the blue, orange, and silver metro lines and easily accessed by several major highways, Rosslyn is one of Northern Virginia’s most accessible neighborhoods. In addition to The Highlands, Rosslyn will soon be home to other exciting tenants including Microsoft and an innovative new food hall.

Leasing for Aubrey begins March 1st with Evo following in mid-summer, both of which will be leased and managed by Greystar. Sales for Pierce are going on now, which are being handled by the Mayhood Company.

More details on Aubrey can be found at AubreyRosslyn.com. For updates and more information on The Highlands please visit TheHighlandsVA.com.

Colony Grill, Clarendon’s new family-friendly tavern, known for its gracious hospitality and famous “hot oil” bar-style pizzas, will serve a special corned beef & cabbage “Bar Pie” on St. Patrick’s Day.  From Friday, March 12 through Wednesday, March 17, from 11:30 a.m. until closing, the restaurant will pay tribute to its Irish roots by offering its one-of-a-kind, thin-crust pizza topped with corned beef and cabbage. Colony Grill’s signature pizzas are priced at $9.95 with additional toppings priced at $1.75 each. The Corned Beef & Cabbage Pizza is priced at $13.45. In addition to the new location at 2800 Clarendon Boulevard, Colony Grill has multiple locations across Connecticut and New York.  This pizza special offer applies to dine-in and carryout orders.

In 1935, Colony Grill opened in an Irish immigrant neighborhood in Stamford, Connecticut.  Since then, Colony Grill has become famous for what is now its only menu offering: a one-of-a-kind, thin-crust pizza that is best served with its signature “hot oil” topping – a spicy, full-of-flavor, pepper-infused creation which can be ordered with any other combination of toppings. The original owners of Colony Grill were Irish American, but they employed Italian and Eastern European chefs throughout the Great Depression. These men proudly wanted bar patrons to try the pizza recipes of their homelands but needed a way to fit a pizza tray on Colony Grill’s narrow bar top.  The solution: the “Bar Pie,” a thin crust pizza that is smaller in diameter than a traditional pizza with a thin layer of cheese and sauce so slices can be easily managed with one hand. The local Irish crowd – and anyone else who visited Colony Grill – seemingly could not get enough of this unique pizza.  Eventually, across the decades, the hot oil bar pie became so popular that all the other Colony menu items faded away, as did the need for a grill.  But the name Colony Grill remains as a link to their heritage.  The restaurant has been named one of “56 Greatest Old-School Pizzeria’s in America” by The Daily Meal and one of the “Top 101 Pizzas in America” by TripAdvisor.

Late last week, Democrats on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology elected Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) to serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics for the 117th Congress.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the Chairman for the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee,” said Beyer. “Over the last year, we witnessed some of the most impactful moments for U.S. space exploration in decades. As someone who has long supported NASA’s important work on earth sciences, I am also excited to advance a climate-driven agenda, working hand in hand with NASA’s new climate advisor and advancing research into cleaner modes of flight. I am eager to boldly go forward with this important work with my colleagues in the 117th Congress for an ambitious space and aeronautics agenda.”  

Beyer has served on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee since taking office in 2015, where he has been a longtime advocate for NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Beyer serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus, and was a vocal defender of NASA’s Earth Science Division following attacks by Science Committee Republicans early in the Trump Administration. Beyer also led the effort to protect funding for the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), now named the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, in the face of proposed defunding by the Trump Administration, an effort which ultimately succeeded.

Beyer is the author of the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act, legislation that would bolster NASA’s efforts to reduce emissions from the aviation industry while also reducing the impact of airplane noise in airport-adjacent communities. He loves nerding out on science and space policy, and has long supported missions to return to the moon and subsequently land Americans on Mars. He is a proponent of increasing representation of women and people of color in the space program, and once arranged a special screening of the film Hidden Figures for members of his community.

Beyer is also an unabashed science fiction enthusiast.

ARLINGTON, Va. – Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers caught an Arlington County, Virginia, man with a 9mm handgun loaded with seven bullets including one in the chamber at a Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport security checkpoint early this morning, Monday, Feb. 8.

A TSA officer spotted the handgun on the checkpoint X-ray machine’s monitor as the man’s carry-on items were being screened. TSA immediately alerted Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police, which responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the weapon and questioned the man, who was cited on a local charge. He is facing stiff Federal civil penalties for bringing a loaded gun to an airport security checkpoint.

TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. A typical first offense for carrying a loaded handgun into a checkpoint is $4,100 and can go as high as $13,669 depending on any mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because even though an individual may have a concealed carry permit, it does not allow for a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. If a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.

When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm, the checkpoint lane comes to a standstill until the police resolve the incident. Guns at checkpoints can delay travelers from getting to their gates.

Nationwide, TSA officers detected 3,257 firearms on passengers or their carry-on bags at checkpoints last year, although the total number of passengers screened at airport checkpoints across the country fell by 500 million compared to 2019 due to the pandemic. The result was that twice as many firearms per million passengers screened were detected at checkpoints in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2020, TSA caught approximately 10 firearms per million passengers as compared to about five firearms per million passengers in 2019.  Of the guns caught by TSA in 2020, about 83 percent were loaded.

Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are properly packaged and declared at their airline ticket counter. Firearms must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided case, locked, and packed separately from ammunition. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality.

TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), issued the following statement today after the announcement by Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Schumer that his constituent, Officer Brian Sicknick, would lie in honor at the United States Capitol Rotunda before receiving burial honors at Arlington National Cemetery:

“Officer Brian Sicknick’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. These honors, accorded to few, are richly deserved by one who gave his life in defense of American democracy. As we remember his heroism and mourn his loss, I hope everyone will hold the Sicknick family in their hearts.”

Officer Sicknick fell in the line of duty, passing away after sustaining injuries during the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Rep. Beyer, who represented Sicknick, yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), who represents much of the Sicknick family, to honor Sicknick’s life and sacrifice with a resolution and Congressional Gold Medal.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) announced today that they will reintroduce their Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act, which would require uniformed federal police officers, including U.S. Capitol Police, to wear body cameras and have dashboard cameras in police vehicles. Last Congress, their bill was included in the House-passed George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020. The District of Columbia and Fairfax County both require officers to wear body cameras and have dashboard cameras in marked vehicles.

“There is an urgent need for this bill,” Norton said. “Capitol Police tried to stop last week’s mob attack on the Capitol, but without body cameras, we have been forced to rely on social media streams, cameras in the Capitol and pubic reporting to learn what happened. The events at Lafayette Square last year, where U.S. Park Police and other federal police officers forcibly removed peaceful protestors so the President could hold a photo op, is another recent example of why our bill is needed. Body and dashboard cameras have long been used by local police and are appreciated by both officers and the public. There is no reason federal police officers should not also be using body and dashboard cameras.”

“Consider that following a violent invasion of the United States Capitol, one of the most sacred places in our country, investigators were using cell phone footage taken by the attackers to identify them. It is 2021 – federal officers should all be wearing body cameras, period,” said Rep. Beyer. “Civil rights protests and demands for justice this summer brought attention to the need for better transparency by federal law enforcement, and we will continue to find new ways where this deficiency does harm until Congress fixes it. That was true in 2017 following the still-unexplained killing of Bijan Ghaisar, and it is true now.”

Norton and Beyer originally introduced their bill following the November 2017 fatal shooting of unarmed 25-year-old Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police. Ghaisar was fatally shot in his car by Park Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, after he fled a car crash in the District and was pursued by officers down George Washington Parkway. Footage of the shooting was released by the Fairfax County Police Department, which captured it on a cruiser’s dashboard camera. Without that footage, Ghaisar’s family and the public would have had no access to the circumstances surrounding Ghaisar’s death.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today congratulated his departing Chief of Staff, Tanya Bradsher, who was appointed by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement on the National Security Council. Beyer also announced staffing changes as a result of her departure.

“Everyone who knows Tanya knows she is a wonderful person who is bound for greatness. I wish her all the best as she continues her already-storied career of service to this country. I can’t fault President-elect Biden for stealing my Chief of Staff, he showed excellent judgment in hiring her. I will feel safer knowing that Tanya is playing this important role on the National Security Council, but I also hope that she visits us on the Hill, because we will miss her.”

Beyer announced that his Acting Chief of Staff Zach Cafritz, who had previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, would take over as Chief of Staff, with Policy Advisor Kate Schisler being promoted to Legislative Director.

“In addition to celebrating Tanya’s appointment, I can also share the good news that even after her departure my office will be in extremely capable hands. Zach and Kate are talented, creative, experienced, and wise counselors, and I appreciate their continued service to Virginia’s 8th District. I am so proud of my team, and look forward to what we will accomplish in the time to come.”

Bradsher joined Beyer as Chief of Staff in 2019 following years of service in the U.S. Army, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Council, and had been on leave while serving as an advisor on the Biden-Harris Transition. Cafritz and Schisler are Capitol Hill veterans with years of experience, having been with Beyer since he took office and previously with Beyer’s predecessor James P. Moran.

Details from the Transition’s announcement of Bradsher’s appointment follow below:

Tanya Bradsher, Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement
Tanya Bradsher is the National Security Agency lead on the Biden-Harris Transition Team. Prior to her role on transition, she served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Don Beyer. Bradsher served as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama-Biden administration, led Veteran and Military Family outreach in the Office of Public Engagement, and served as the Assistant Press Secretary on the National Security Council. Bradsher is an Iraq war veteran who served 20 years in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Bradsher was born in Virginia, is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The George Washington University. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters.

“The National Security Council plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure. These crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore America’s leadership in the world. They will ensure that the needs of working Americans are front and center in our national security policymaking, and our country will be better for it,” said President-elect Joe Biden.

“This outstanding team of dedicated public servants will be ready to hit the ground running on day one to address the transnational challenges facing the American people — from climate to cyber. They reflect the very best of our nation and they have the knowledge and experience to help build our nation back better for all Americans,” said Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

“I am proud to announce that these incredibly accomplished individuals will be joining the National Security Council. They will bring a wide range of perspectives to tackling the defining challenges of our time, and I thank them for their willingness to serve their country,” said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement after violent insurrectionists invaded the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power:

“Donald Trump is a danger to our democracy. I continue to support his impeachment and removal from office, and am looking carefully at new articles of impeachment being drafted and offered by my colleagues. Impeachment, however, would require the cooperation of Senate Republicans who have always protected Trump in the past. The 25th Amendment can only be invoked by the Vice President with the concurrence of the Cabinet.

“Congress must ensure Trump’s removal from office by the swiftest and surest method available: confirmation of the American people’s will as expressed in the 2020 election. I look forward to completing the certification of that election as soon as possible, and demand that my colleagues immediately drop their cynical, destructive, and antidemocratic efforts to overturn the election results which incited today’s attempts at violent insurrection. Democracy must and shall prevail.”

OrthoVirginia is pleased to announce the acquisition of Optimal Physical Therapy in Arlington, VA. This merger allows more continuity of care for patients as well as improves access to physical therapy services.

This location is the 10th OrthoVirginia physical therapy office in Northern Virginia and is open Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is conveniently located above the Rosslyn Metro Station.

“Optimal Physical Therapy and OrthoVirginia share a common mission of returning patients to activities they enjoy,” said Anne Harshey, Physical Therapy Director. “This merger of our practices allows us to achieve that shared vision through increasing access to our services.”

Dr. Ben Kittredge, Regional Vice President of OrthoVirginia – Northern Virginia, agrees. “Physical therapy is a critical component of a patient’s recovery journey. We strive to make our services available where our patients live, work and play so that they can return to activities they enjoy sooner.”

The office is easily accessible through metro services. Parking is also available in nearby garages. The office is open Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19, each patient will be asked to wear a face mask and complete a quick screening questionnaire before their appointment.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement after the release of a recording of a January 2nd call between President Donald Trump, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and their attorneys and staff:

“The recording released yesterday establishes beyond a doubt that Donald Trump used the power of his office to threaten election officials, and to coerce them into committing criminal acts to overturn the election results. This clearly warrants a criminal investigation.

“The President previously held numerous meetings and calls with election officials and lawmakers in other states where he attempted to negate election results. Those conversations should be examined by investigators to determine whether Trump engaged in additional criminal acts.

“President Trump also has not acted alone in his attempts to overturn the election. Investigators should scrutinize the actions of White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Senator Lindsey Graham, and any others who there is reason to believe may have been party to criminal acts intended to change election results.

“This recording makes Nixon’s ‘smoking gun’ tape sound tame, but that tape captured only one part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Donald Trump must be held accountable for his illegal acts and his attacks on the Constitution. Nothing less than a criminal investigation will serve.”