This post is one year following the grand reopening of the Tysons Tower Apartments. On this occasion, the caterer referred me for this event. Augustin from The Chef’s Table Caterers and Event Planners contacted me since we have worked many Santa Breakfast’s together.
At this time, the apartment building was celebrating their grand reopening. For months prior to the celebration, they renovated all the apartments and the common areas of the facility. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, and the reception, it was nice to the residents happy with the results. To be sure it was tough work to coordinate the project with so many residents. Now they celebrated the results! Without a doubt, the residents and staff have a beautiful new building to work and live.
Last week, the Tysons Partnership formally opened an Open Streets project on Tysons Blvd. Being that this was my first commercial assignment since the lock down restrictions have started to lift, I was eager to get out there! Similarly, the annual report release for the Partnership was the last event I photographed before quarantine. On this occasion, everyone was practicing their social distancing, and wearing masks.
Since we are still social distancing, the groups that worked on this project had a vision of ‘active’ or ‘open’ streets. Blocking off the north bound lane of Tysons Blvd. to motor traffic allows for more space for biking, walking, and exercise. Despite many different agencies and other stake holders that need to be involved in this kind of project, it was quite a win for those involved! It was a great example of the kind of work the Tysons Partnership does to bring improvements to Tysons. Stop by the next time you are in the area, and enjoy the open street!
Last week, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Leonard Theiss. In a world that is full of strong personalities, preferences, and emotions, he was a gentle presence. Whenever we photographed an Arthur Murray event, he was there to dance, judge, and be an ambassador for his art form.
It was not an exaggeration that he was at EVERY Arthur Murray event we attended. To illustrate, we first attended a large Dance-o-rama in 2007 at the Bally’s in Atlantic City. Being that this was my first serious ballroom dance photography, many of my memories have long since left me. I found the folder of photos, and saw him at the dais with his cousin, Steve sitting next to him.
Alexandria, Virginia
Soon after, the 2008 Northstar Dance-o-rama was officially the first event where TimeLine Media was the photography vendor. At this time, he brought students far from his home studio in Alexandria, Virginia to compete. I noticed how soft spoken, and gentle he was both on and off the floor. Likewise I saw many other dance teachers and students that were so happy to see him. Although he was an important person in the company, he gave so much of his attention to his students.
Throughout the years, Leonard became more familiar with us. Of course, we made lots of photos of him and his students, and he always made us feel welcome. Rarely, we would visit his studio to dance, and he was happy to see us do more than play with cameras. I’ll remember him as a friend to all of the staff in the DC area – a dancer that appreciated studying the craft and passing his passion along to staff and student. To all of the Theiss family, and the extended Arthur Murray family, please accept our condolences.
