Warmth of Holidays Shared at FCNP Party

It was another huge turnout of Falls Church's best and brightest, along with a smattering of friends from other places, at the 15th annual Falls Church News-Press Holiday Party last week at the historic Washington House.

During periods when Len Michalowski was mysteriously absent, Santa Claus appeared just as he has for each of the last 15 years. The News-Press party is famous for its consistency, being held in the same colorful location on the same third Monday night of December, with the same type of entertainment and catered food since 1991, and the same Len and Santa switch-up routine.

Variations this year included the musical performers and the caterer. This time, the music of the season was provided by brass and woodwind ensembles from George Mason High School, and Ledo Pizza of Pimmit Hills supplied the food. Both this year's new elements met with high praise from the more than 120 who attended.

Ledo Pizza was a special surprise, delighting the attendees with wide and plentiful varieties of pizza slices, sandwiches and pastas from its diverse menu.

Among the many prestigious guests who signed the ledger coming in was U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, who dwelled for much of the evening chatting with other guests, including local political leaders.

Falls Church's two representatives to the Virginia General Assembly, preparing for the beginning of the new session in Richmond in January, were present. State Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple attended with her husband, Tom, and the tall Del. Jim Scott was easy to spot despite the crowd as he made his way throughout the room.

Representing the local government of the City of Falls Church were City Manager Dan McKeever with wife Cindy, Assistant City Manager Wyatt Shields, Communications Chief Dionne Williams and City Council members Lindy Hockenberry and Robin Gardner. Gardner had husband Mike and twins David and Emma in tow. Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton brought along wife Karen and young Eric.

From the Falls Church City Schools came Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin and Community Education czar Cheryl Fontes. From the School Board were Bob Storck, Jerry Barrett and Kieran Sharpe with wife Barbara.

Falls Church Planning Commissioners Peter Holran, Christine Sanders and Bob Burnett came, Burnett acompanied by spouse Susan and daughter Jenna.

Among the famous community leaders on hand were the venerable Falls Church founding father Lou Olom, former Chamber of Commerce chief and current TV commentator Robert S. "Hap" Day, David Eckert (responsible for the last seven years' New Year's Eve Watch Nights and so much more) and City environmental honcho Annette Mills, Mike Curtin, how heading the D.C. Central Kitchen, Beverly Rausch from the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Roger Neighborgall, Carol Jackson, executive director of the Falls Church Housing Corporation and Ron Brousseau, head of the Friends of the Falls Church Emergency Homeless Shelter.

On that note, it should be pointed out that scores of forms qualifying persons making contributions to either the Homeless Shelter or Housing Corporation to free tickets to a Washington Wizards game were also distributed at the event.

From the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and local business community came the Chamber's Deborah Thompson and board members Robert Young of the Young Group, Architect Paul Barkley, Attorney Mark Werblood, Gary LaPorta of Miniatures in the Attic, Mike Diener of Diener and Associates, CPAs (with Richard Snyder), Architect Robert E. Beach, Tom Gittins (as in kittens) of Falls Church Art & Frame (responsible for monthly "First Friday" events in the City) and Chamber chair-elect Phil Duncan.

Barkley and his wife, Jeannette, came with Attorney Ray and wife Marie Stewart, and the foursome was headed out from the party to celebrate the Barkley's wedding anniversary.

Falls Church Democratic Committee boss Edna Frady was on hand, along with committee member Bud Bresnahan and wife Nancy.

Stacy Moot of Stacy's Coffee Parlor was present with her brood, including Taylor, Ryan and Rebecca. Other friends of the News-Press included Paul Butler and Marie Himel with their boys, Charlie and Miles. Miles Butler is currently performing in the extended-stay production of "Carousel" at the Olney Theatre in Maryland and will have an important role in the Folger Theatre production of "Romeo and Juliet" opening in January. Other couples present included Nancy Davis and partner Lilli Vincenz and Josh Limbaugh and partner Ben Carter.

The too-live News-Press crew on hand included boss Nick Benton and "other mother" Eileen Levy, managing editor Jody Fellows with friend Megan Strange, advertising chief Blackwell Hawthorne with charming wife Betsy, staff reporters Mike Hume and Darien Bates, whose spouse was present and is also named Betsy, columnist Michael Hoover, Adam Chandler, David Sprankle and Andrew Goetting (who had parents Steve and Barb Goetting in tow).

Like the Barkleys, the Bates' were also celebrating a wedding anniversary that night, but in their case it was their first.

Others from the News-Press family present included former Critter Corner editor Simon VanSteyn with his dad, Shaun, Peter Laub, Sean Snider and chief of the FCNP Fantasy Football League, Jason Whippich with fiance Jessica Sovey. John Maier was there representing his son, Drew Maier, who didn't get home from his final exam at U.Va. until later that night.

Many others attended who either signed in illegibly or did not sign in at all. But the most important thing was that everyone seemed to have a really good time.

The 16th annual News-Press Holiday Party will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 at the Washington House from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mark it on your new calendar now.