GCM’s Martin Named Tech Teacher of the Year

At the Virginia Technology Education Association conference held earlier this month, Michael Martin, a Technology Education teacher at George C. Marshall High School (GCM) (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) was awarded the state high school Technology Teacher of the Year Award.

VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORTING the day-long “Falls Church Arts Day” at the Dogfish Head restaurant in Seven Corners, where a robust percentage of all sales at the restaurant for the day went to support the new Falls Church Arts Space, were (left) Lindy Hockenberry, Joan Scully, Cathy Kaye, Marty Behr and Marty Meserve. A raffle accompanied the dining experience, as supporters of Falls Church Arts, Creative Cauldron, Tinner Hill and other pro-arts efforts in the City came to dine and support the effort at the same time. (Photo: News-Press)

Martin has been at GCM for six years, starting off as a half-time teacher offering Basic Technical Drawing, Design and Technology and Electronics classes. Because of him and the support of the administration, the program has grown and improved, now offering Architectural Drawing, Engineering Drawing and Advanced Drawing.

Martin also sponsors the ACE Mentoring Program, which provides students with the opportunity to interact with the local business community. In the last two years, ACE members have received $11,000 in renewable scholarships. Martin has also mentored Tech Ed teachers at local schools in an effort to support new staff.

Local Company Donates to Needy F.C. Family

The Falls Church-based branch of BG Healthcare Services Inc. has begun a community outreach program, working hand in hand with the City of Falls Church Department of Family Services. The company recently donated a bunk bed to a local single mother, who was experiencing financial hardships. Though a small gesture, the bed will provide a new, comfortable sleep haven for her two eldest children.

Those interested in making donations to the family are urged to contact their social worker Belica Weinstein by calling 703-533-5332 in order to find out more information regarding additional items the family may need. For more information on BG Healthcare, visit bghealthservices.com.

GMU Presents 4th Annual ARTS by George

George Mason University’s (GMU) College of Visual and Performing Arts will host the 4th annual ARTS by George, a benefit event that supports student scholarships and the Great Performances at the Mason series, at GMU’s Fairfax campus (4400 University Dr., Fairfax) on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

The evening begins with an exciting showcase of the artistic talents of GMU students and faculty, as well as a unique silent auction of arts-related items and experiences. Tickets are $200 a person and include student showcases, food, beverages and a concert by Brian Stokes Mitchell as well as a dessert reception onstage. To reserve tickets now, contact Deborah Paez at 703-993-4188 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.artsbygeorge.com.

Smithsonian Hosts Free Summer Conert

BG HEALTHCARE SERVICES INC. recently donated a bunk bed to the family seen in the photo above as part of its new community outreach program. BG has been working hand in hand with the City of Falls Church Department of Family Services to help out where needed. (Photo: Courtesy John Bogo)

The bands include The Blues, Roots, Branches and Beyond, the George Leach Band, Rez Bluez All-Starz, Corey Harris and The Carolina Chocolate Drops. For more information, visit www.nmat.si.edu.

‘Coloring & Cocktails’ Event Shakes up MPA

Several McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) MPAartfest artists and Washington, D.C.-area residents will gather on Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Emerson Gallery in the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) to promote arts awareness.

“Coloring and Cocktails” will start at 7 p.m. and provide its participants the opportunity to use their creativity to decorate 18-inch-by-24-inch drawings of the MPAartfest logo. The decorated logos will then be displayed throughout the Emerson Gallery.

The event costs $10 per person, or $5 if you bring art supplies to share. Snacks and refreshments will be served. To RSVP for the event, send an e-mail with “RSVP Coloring and Cocktails” in the subject line to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday, Aug. 21. Space is limited. For more information about MPAartfest or its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.mpaart.org, call 703-790-1953 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dr. Tiller Honored at F.C. Garden Memorial

The Tiller Memorial Garden Dedication was well-attended Sunday, Aug. 9, with speakers including Rep. James Moran, NARAL-Virginia Executive Director Tania Keane and many others dedicated to peace, women’s health and reproductive justice. All spoke of the man whom the garden was dedicated to, Dr. George Tiller, who was killed because of his advocacy of pro-choice for women.

Representing the Venable Law Firm in Vienna, attorney David Lasso (center) recently made a significant donation to the Falls Church Housing Corporation (FCHC). Lasso and fellow Venable attorneys, Henry Brandenstein, Jay Chadwick, Lauren Coapstick, Ashley Kyle and Maggie Selwood, contributed to the gift to FCHC. Pictured with Lasso are FCHC’s CEO Carol Jackson (left) and FCHC Board President, Steve Rogers (right). (Photo: Courtesy Mary Lynn Hickey)

Stones engraved with words embodied in Dr. Tiller’s practice were set in the garden by the speakers. The Falls Church Healthcare Center (900 S. Washington St., Falls Church) will create a permanent bed for the stones as a part of the garden in the near future.

To make a donation to the George R. Tiller Memorial Fund for the Advancement of Women’s Health, visit www.fallschurchhealthcare.com. Those interested can also mail donations to: Falls Church Healthcare Center, 900 S. Washington St., Suite 300, Falls Church, VA 22046.

MCC Begins its Fall Registration

The McLean Community Center (MCC) (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean) will open registration for its fall classes and activities on Monday, Aug. 17 for McLean district residents. Registration for those living outside the tax district will begin on Monday, Aug. 24.

The Center is offering more than 100 classes this fall and a variety of day trips and tours, special events, performances and youth and teen activities.

The class program has 30 new offerings for children, teens, adults, seniors and families, including: Art Studio for Teens, School Report/Internet Search, Cooking for Two, The Fish Class, Adult Hip-Hop Boot Camp, Standing Yoga Flow, Chess, Spanish for Travelers, Memoir and Journal Writing and 55 or Better Adult Choir. For more information, call 703-790-0123.

F.C. Chamber Cookout Encourages Networking

Dogfish Head Alehouse, Matt Smith’s State Farm, ServPro, and North Shore Design are co-hosting the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce’s August Networking Mixer from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The event will be a cookout in the back parking lot of 400 N. Washington Street. To help provide a head count, those planning to attend should call 703-532-1050.

Area-Wide ‘Food for Others’ Drive Still Underway

Lead by the Vienna/Tyson’s Center, Huntington Learning Centers across Northern Virginia are partnering with Food for Others in sponsoring a food drive during the month of August. Those interested in donating can find the nearest Huntington location by visiting www.huntingtonlearning.com/location and typing in the appropriate zip code. (Photo: Courtesy Jeff Cummins)

While Huntington is approaching all of their current and former students to ask for support in this important effort, all area citizens are invited to participate by dropping by their nearest local Huntington Learning Center with a donation of non-perishable food.

For more information on the food drive or for drop off locations, contact Jeff Cummins at 703-356-3433 or visit www.huntingtonlearning.com/location.

Arlington’s Blesdoe Earns ‘Wall Street’ Student Award

Kelley Bledsoe of Arlington received The Wall Street Journal Student Acievement Award. for the 2009 academic year. Bledsoe is a member of the class of 2009 at Agnes Scott College, an independent national liberal arts and sciences college for women founded in 1889.

She is the daughter of Melinda and Michael Blesdoe. Anges Scott College is in Atlanta, Ga.