Honored as a 'Capital Pride Hero' during the annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival in Washington, D.C., last weekend was Arlington and Falls Church’s Lilli Vincenz (waving), in a convertible at the parade with her long-time partner Nancy Davis (seated). Vincenz is recognized as a “gay pioneer” for her activism to promote respect and equal rights for lesbians and gays in the 1960s, years before the Stonewall Riots of 1969 was identified as a launch of the modern gay civil rights movement. (Photo: News-Press)

This year, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly will further acknowledge these accomplishments in the U.S. Congressional record, which will be shared with each of the evening's honorees. Students, volunteers and their families will gather in the James Lee Community Theater (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church), along with the Council's partners, sponsors and elected officials to hear the poignant essays of four adult literacy students on their "Hopes for the Future" - the night's theme - read aloud in their own words. For more information, visit www.lcnv.org.

Bad Hair Day Rocks Beach Shack with Classic Hits

On Friday, June 19, Clare & Don's Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church) will kick off the weekend with just one of their numerous regularly-scheduled musical performances. Bad Hair Day, a classic cover band, will play live hits patrons can sing along to starting at 7 p.m. For more information, or to check out Clare & Don's full live music schedule, visit www.clareanddons.com.

The block party held this past Saturday for the Falls Church residents of the Berry/Brook/Cleave curve, along with some East Broad and Hillwood folks, gathered to enjoy free-throw competitions, biking, scootering, moon-bouncing, food and each other’s company. (Photo: Courtesy Nancy Romps)

The show itself will open Saturday, July 11 from 6 – 8 p.m., and will celebrate the opening of Falls Church Arts' new home, located at 410 S. Maple Ave. in Falls Church. The exhibit will continue though Sunday, July 26. For more information, and to download the registration form, visit www.fallschurcharts.org.

All Things Bach Comes to F.C. Presbyterian

On Thursday, June 18, a discussion of all things Bach will kick of at 7 p.m. at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church). Choralis Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann and the Artistic Director of the Washington Bach Consort, J. Reilly Lewis, will lead a free discussion with musical examples of Bach's great work. The even is free, but is ticketed. Tickets can be requested by visiting www.choralis.org or calling 703-237-2499.

Local Law Firm Hosts Open F.C. Networking Mixer

Those interested are invited to help Needham, Mitnick & Pollack celebrate its first-year anniversary in the new Tax Analysts building (400 S. Maple Ave., Suite 210, Falls Church) for a networking mixer. The event is co-sponsored by Benton, Potter & Murdock, P.C. and will be held from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23. Enjoy refreshments while touring its offices and visiting with Falls Church Chamber of Commerce members and friends. For more information, call the Chamber at 703-532-1050.

'Strictly Painting 7' Exhibit Hits MPA's Walls

The McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) will unleash its eagerly-awaited painting exhibition, "Strictly Painting 7," this Thursday, June 18. An opening reception will be held that evening from 7 – 9 p.m., which is free and open to the public, and the showcase will be up for viewing through Aug. 1.

Employees of the new Falls Church branch of Commerce Bank lined up for a team photo during the location’s gala Grand Opening festivities Saturday. They stood in front of a moon bounce, one of the amusements along with lots of free food and drink. The bank is located at 7115 Leesburg Pike, across from George Mason High School. Lisa D’Ambrosio-Irons is the branch manager. (Photo: News-Press)

This year's juror is well-known independent curator Vivienne Lassman, who chose works by 24 artists from almost 200 entrants. For the list of artists selected for Strictly Painting 7, visit www.mpaart.org/futr.php.

Also opening in the Atrium and Ramp galleries is the MPA/Corcoran Student Art Show, featuring the works by adult students who take classes at MPA. Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m.

Furthermore, this Saturday, June 20, MPA is hosting "Family Art Workshop: Fantastic Abstractions" from 10 – 11:30 a.m. The cost is $10 per family and registration is required. Cut fantastic shapes and collage them onto shiny, patterned papers, then apply watercolor and tempera paint, sparkles and string to finish the work. For more information, call 703-790-1953.

Falls Church Lions Club Holds Diabetes Discussion

On Tuesday, June 23, the Falls Church Lions Club will hold its regular dinner meeting at La Cote D'Or Café (6876 Lee Hwy., Arlington) at 6:30 p.m. The meeting's program will focus on diabetes. For more information, visit www.fallschurchlions.org.

Local Resident Graduates From Bates College

Local Resident Winthrop Rodgers, son of Richard and Anne Rogers of Falls Church received a bachelor's degree from Bates College Sunday, May 31. He was one of 472 seniors who graduated during the college's 143rd commencement exercises.

Rogers is a 2005 graduate of St. Anselm's Abbey School in Washington, D.C. and majored in Political Science at Bates.

George C. Marshall High Hosts Lacrosse Camp

FALLS CHURCH’S WIANT FAMILY made it together to the Thomas Jefferson Elementary polling place for the Democratic primary election last week. Left to right: Jon, Cay, Meg and Teddy are shown in front of the Ward 1 location. For Jon and Cay, it has been 35 years of voting in every election. (Photo: News-Press)

Their staff consists of high school varsity, college club and Division I college lacrosse players for the intermediate and advanced groups. The camp is directed by Nicholle Depaz.

Financial assistance to families who have experienced hardships this year is available. $125 registration fee if paid before July 10, $150 after July 10. For more information, see flyer and registration form at www.fcps.edu/MarshallHS/activities/sports/glaxcamp.pdf.