Business News & Notes

By Sally Cole

Acacia Federal Savings Bank is offering three free seminars on Thursday March 23. “Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud” is scheduled from 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. at Acacia Federal’s office (7600 Leesburg Pike, East Building, Suite 200, Falls Church) while seminars on “Preparing Your Home to Sell” and “Demystifying Student Financial Aid” will be held from 6:30 to 7:45 in Acacia Federal’s Office and George Mason High School respectively. Registration is required – please call 703-873-3596 or visit www.afsbonline.com.

 Argia’s, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Lindsay Cadillac, Quinn’s Auction House , and Two Sisters Coffee have signed on to sponsor The Unity Club’s 10 th Annual Golf Tournament. The event, scheduled for Monday, June 19 th will take place at the Forest Greens Golf and Country Club. For information about the event and its sponsorship opportunities, contact Dan Greenwood at manager@unityclub.com.

 Atlantic Realty Companies is sponsoring FIRSTfriday of Falls Church on April 7th. Events, activities and special discounts will be available at a variety of Falls Church businesses including Art and Frame of Falls Church, Clay Café Studios, Doodlehopper 4 Kids, Impulsive, Maneki Neko, Miniatures from the Attic, Stacy’s Coffee Parlor, and 2 Sisters Coffee. A detailed listing of events will be printed in the April 6 th edition of the Falls Church News-Press. Additional support for FIRSTfriday of Falls Church is provided by Arlington Catering, The Byron, Falls Church Arts, Falls Church Economic Development Authority, Falls Church Recreation and Parks, First Horizon Bank, Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Oshinsky Family Limited Partnership, Sunrise of Falls Church, and The Young Group.

 Beyond the Garden Gate has opened at its new location at 450 W. Broad Street on the side of the building facing Pennsylvania Avenue in Falls Church . Beyond the Garden Gate offers a variety of fine and unique gift items for every occasion including Easter, Mother’s Day, etc. For more information about the store visit www.beyondthegardeng8.com.

Don Beyer Volvo is hosting VERVE! Art Show & Sale from March 24 th to 26 th. The original work of over 50 local artists who are members of Falls Church Arts will be on display at this multi-media exhibit, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more. The opening reception on Friday, March 24 th, from 7 until 9 p.m. will include live music by George Mason High School students and light fare. Look for signs for parking. The show continues Saturday & Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Don Beyer Volvo is located at 1231 W. Broad Street in Falls Church.

 The Falls Church News-Press is inviting local business community to its 15 th Anniversary Celebration at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 30 th at the News-Press office located at 929 W. Broad Street in Falls Church . This will likely be the last public event in the News-Press’ current office space as they are moving to new offices at 450 W. Broad Street in April.

 First Horizon is offering a free course on “ 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Business Taxes” on March 29 th from noon to 1:00 pm. Attendees will be provided a short overview on how to save money on business taxes and the opportunity to pose specific questions as well. RSVPs are required by March 28, 2006 – call 703-536-2644 or email dwprescott@ftb.com. First Horizon is located at 133 S. Washington Street in Falls Church .

 George Mason High School is sponsoring a Career Expo on Wednesday, May 3 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. They are looking for businesspeople to share information about their businesses and career paths. This is a great opportunity to share your business expertise and experiences with high school students. To sign up, contact FCCPS Business in Education coordinator Marybeth Connelly at connellym@fccps.org or 703-248-5691.

The Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce held its 2006 Awards Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 18 th. More than 160 business and area leaders including Congressman Jim Moran, State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, Delegate Jim Scott, Fairfax Chairman Gerry Connolly, Falls Church City Council members Dave Chavern, Robin Gardner, Lindy Hockenberry, and Dave Snyder, Falls Church City’s Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton, school superintend and Dr. Lois Berlin, City Manager Dan McKeever, and a number of City executives as well as local business leaders attended the event which recognized leaders in the Falls Church area who have made significant contributions to our community and others. Falls Church realtor and entertainment publicist Tori McKinney andnine year old student Halley McKinney were recognized with the James S. Elkin Award for Humanitarianism for their outstanding efforts to mobilize the community and provide relieve to Hurricane Katrina victims. Photographer Brenda Schrier received the Chamber Appreciation Award for her ongoing photographic support and documentation of Chamber events. Falls Church City Mayor Dan Gardner was recognized with the prestigious Carroll V. Shreve award for his leadership and efforts to build business and community in Northern Virginia. Bob Young of The Young Group received the Pillar of the Community Award for his substantial work to enhance life and work in Falls Church. Helene Safford, Chamber Chair and owner of Clay Café Studios, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Event sponsors included Acacia Federal Savings Bank, First Horizon, Falls Church News-Press, and The Young Group.

 Nova-Habitat has signed on as a Gold Sponsor of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. Nova-Habitat joins The Falls Church News-Press, The Young Group, Clay Café Studios, Point of View Eyewear, Venable, LLC, Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust , Falls Church Animal Hospital, Miniatures from the Attic, Oshinsky Family Limited Partnerships and Mark Werblood (of Tesler & Werblood) as 2006 sponsors of the Chamber.

 The Original Pancake House is donating proceeds from sales from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 23 rd to the Falls Church Education Foundation. The Original Pancake House, which is open for both breakfast and lunch, is located at 370 W. Broad Street in Falls Church .