News and Notes

We’re kicking off the new year of News and Notes with a hearty congratulations to Alexandria resident Jeremy Paul Smith, who recently received his Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene with a Health Policy and Administration concentration from the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

A similar congrats to Michael Patrick Costello of Falls Church. He’ll serve as a messenger in the Senate of Virginia during the 2005 session of the General Assembly, which adjourns Feb. 26. The duties of the messengers include running errands for the Senators and Clerk’s Office staff, collating and filing bills, and assisting committee clerks with meetings and recycling. Costello attends George Mason High School.

The Fairfax County Health Department has additional influenza (flu) vaccines available for adults and children who are considered high-risk as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu shots will be offered by appointment only, beginning today. Call one of the five numbers below to register for a shot:

• Falls Church: 703-534-8343

• Herndon-Reston:703-481-4242

• Fairfax City: 703-246-7100

• Mount Vernon: 703-704-6100

• Springfield: 703-569-1031

With weather like we’ve been having its never too early to think about baseball, particularly when Falls Church Kiwanis Little League begins registration at 9:30 a.m. today at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). Registration will run until 4 p.m. today and from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 12. You can find out more online at www.fckll.org.

The Falls Church-Kiwanis Little League is also currently seeking youth and adult umpires for the Spring season. All training and equipment will be provided. Training classes are scheduled to start in the next few weeks. Youth umpires are paid based on the number of games officiated. Anyone over 12 years of age who may be interested should contact Mike Wetmore at 703-371-9085 or via e-mail at wetmorecpa@aol.com.

Waterford Development of Reston announced Tuesday that the company will enter the commercial real estate market with the formation of a new entity, Waterford Commercial, LLC. Christopher A. Ciliberti, formerly vice president of development for The Akridge Company, will serve as president of te newly established company, which will focus primarily on office development in the Washington, D.C. metro-area and Northern Virginia.

Falls Church-headquartered General Dynamics has announced they’ve teamed up with Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf, Germany, to create a U.S.-based joint venture company to manufacture and deliver the 5.56mm XM8 Light Weight Modular Carbine System to U.S. government customers. General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 71,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue in excess of $19 billion.

Better late than never. After a slight delay, it’s time for the Falls Church Lions Charities, Inc. Citrus Fruit Sale. The sale begins Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues at the same times Jan. 15. The sale will be conducted on Gordon Rd., a short distance from Don Beyer Volvo. For more information, visit www.fallschurchlions.com.

Acacia Federal Savings Bank in Falls Church will begin a series of financial seminars for local residents on Jan. 11 to help consumers better manage their own finances.

PETCO announces the opening of its remodeled Tysons Corner store Jan. 7. Take a peek at the Calendar for a full list of the events for the three-day celebration. Stop by to check out the new “Pisces” look.

Mark your calendars for March 19 when the National Capital Area Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society holds its 2005 Leukemia Ball. Rocker John Mellencamp will serve as entertainment for the ball held at the new Washington Convention Center. For more information and how to procure tickets to this black-tie formal event, visit www.leukemiaball.org.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, you might consider volunteering to become a mentor with CHAMPS. Mentors in this program provide the children of prisoners in Northern Virginia with friendship, recreational activities and a constructive example. Please call Ellen Klene at (703) 533-3302, Ext. 107 or eklene@cmhs.org.

The National Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free, flowering trees to those who join the Foundation during January. To become a member, send a $10 donation to: Ten Free Flowering Trees, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 by Jan. 31. Or apply online at www.arborday.org.

Homestretch of Falls Church was recently awarded $5,000 for its Family Violence Prevention and Recovery Program. The award was made by Family and Children’s Trust Fund, a Richmond, Va.-based organization.

Speaking of charity, if you’re looking for local ways to give to the Tsunami relief efforts in South Asia, Asian Fortune, a Virginia-based newspaper, has announced plans to a benefit event Jan. 15 on the grounds of the Fort Myer military base. The paper is working with a group of local volunteers to develop an afternoon of cultural performances and silent auction from which 100-percent of the proceeds will go to the victims. Attendance at the fundraiser will require a minimum $20 donation. Local artists, performers and a bevy of ethnic restaurants will highlight the event. To RSVP or for more information, e-mail tsunamireliefdc@asianfortune.com or call 202-468-5668.

Ledo Pizza of Falls Church is organizing a fundraiser to support the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia. For individuals or organizations wishing to help out or for more information on the relief effort, call Rez Choudhury at 703-847-5336. The event has yet to be scheduled, but will be held in the near future.

Annie Farschon owner and designer of You Lucky Girl Jewelry announced today that she will donate five-percent of each purchase to the tsunami relief effort. The donation will be made to the American Red Cross. You can purchase the jewelry, which runs between $28-$68, on-line at www.youluckygirl.com.