<sh>Bank Robbed
<bt>A branch of BB&T Bank was robbed at approximately 11:10 a.m. on Friday, July 28, according to police reports. Two suspects entered the bank, located at 1953 Gallows Road, and announced a robbery while brandishing handguns. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the bank. Nobody was injured. The suspects have been described as black men in their 30s. No further description is available at this time, but police have released surveillance photos of the suspects and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying them. Anyone with information about this incident or these suspects is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.
<sh>A Gazebo Now?
<bt>The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Monday a plan to build a 123-foot tall building on Hunter Mill Road near the Dulles Toll Road.
The building includes an architectural feature, which had been called a "lantern roof" during Planning Commission deliberations. Neighbors on the opposite side of Hunter Mill Road had been opposed to the proposal, citing the visual intrusion of a lighted area on the top floors of the building.
The roof, which is not permitted to be lighted, is now being called a "gazebo-like" roof feature.
The buildings will not increase the overall density on the property. They had to come before the Board of Supervisors to obtain approval for the additional height, since the zoning would only allow buildings of up to 75 feet.
The plan may also make the Rail to Dulles project a bit cheaper. The developer, Walker FLP, is proposing to give land to the rail project to be used for a stormwater management facility for the rail line. Without the land, Dulles rail would need to purchase the land from Walker.
<sh>Redskins To March in Parade
<bt>The Redskins Marching Band will again appear in the Vienna Halloween Parade this year. The Redskins Band is the country's oldest professional football marching band and one of only two professional football marching bands in existence. Its appearance in the parade is sponsored by Tysons Dodge Jeep.
The 60th annual Vienna Halloween Parade is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25 on Maple Avenue.
<sh>Red Cross Seeks Donations
<bt>The Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is reporting a sharp decline in available blood, and is issuing an urgent plea to eligible blood donors to give blood as soon as possible. All eligible donors are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule a blood donation appointment immediately.