Choralis Youth Choirs Perform in Falls Church

This Sunday, April 26, the Choralis Youth Choirs will be held at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church) at 4 p.m.

The new Choralis youth choruses and high-school-aged scholarship singers will present a family-friendly program, including fun songs and traditional works. A free reception will follow the concert. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $5 for students and free for children ages 12 and under. For more information, visit www.choralis.org or call 703 237-2499.

Locals Graduate College in N.Y.

Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y. recently said farewell to four local graduates. From Alexandria, Lorrie Lynn Christman received a Bachelor of Science, while Joseph Browne and Jennifer T. Ivey both earned an Associate in Science for nursing. Alongside Christman, Corey Demar Smallwood of Fort Myer also received a Bachelor of Science. Founded in 1971, Excelsior College is an accredited, private non-profit institution focusing on the needs of working adults.

Royal Treatment Next Patrick Henry Apartment

The IRIS (Interior Redesign Industry Specialists) National Capital Area Chapter Interior Redesigners have worked their makeover magic on the second of three apartments for the Patrick Henry Shelter House in Falls Church. Shelter House provides temporary emergency housing and support services to homeless families. Continuing the green design approach from the first apartment, they added to the original nine pieces of furniture and dinette set by searching through Craigslist, Freecycle and even curbside shopping for giveaways. Refinishing, repairing and recovering these used items that might otherwise contribute to local landfills resulted in a transformation that is full of color and life.

Alexandria Man Promoted by Army National Guard

Buzz from the big apple informs the News-Press that Eric Poole from Alexandria was recently promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Poole is currently serving with Joint Forces Headquarters of the Army National Guard in Latham, N.Y. Promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential.

Yard Sale Donations Needed by VPIS

The Falls Church Village Preservation & Improvement Society (VPIS) is currently collecting items for their Attic Treasures Sale to be held Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). Donations can be dropped off starting Friday, May 1 between 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the back gym entrance near the tennis courts. Donations of household goods and small furniture, baked goods, books, kitchenware, antiques, collectibles or art, musical instruments, recordings, stereos or record players, plants, gardening items, outdoor ornaments, toys, jewelry and/or hardware must be clean and in good working order. Volunteers are also needed to help sort and set up on Friday and to sell and clean up following Saturday’s main event. Those interested in volunteering can call Riva at 703-241-7015. For donation questions, call Keith 703-241-1672.

F.C. Curves to Host ‘Passion’ Seminar

Curves in Falls Church will be hosting “Living Your Passion” from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). The seminar, being offered by Life & Wellness Coach Monica Thakar, will provide strategies for participants in identifying their passions and steps to take in order to achieve them. There is no fee to attend the seminar, but space is limited. To RSVP, call 703-536-0140.

Great McLean Chamber Presents ‘Taste of Chesterbrook’

The Great McLean Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Chesterbrook Residences (2030 Westmoreland St., Falls Church) for the Taste of Chesterbrook from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. next Wednesday, April 29. The event will feature local restaurants, raffles and live music and is free for Chamber members and their guests. Attendees must register for this event or they will be charged at the door the public fee of $25. To register and RSVP, call Kathy Halteh at 703-531-0781. For more information, visit the sponsor Web site at www.chesterbrookres.com.

GMU Players Present ‘Say Goodnight Gracie’

George Mason University (GMU) and the GMU Players will present “Say Goodnight Gracie” by Ralph Pape April 23 – 25 at 8 p.m. at the TheaterSpace, located in the campus’ Performing Arts building (4400 University Dr., Fairfax). The production tells the tale of three New Jersey high school buddies living in the 1970s, who come to a turning point in their lives. Tickets cost $12 for general admission or $8 for students, seniors and GMU faculty/staff. However, limited free tickets are available for students. To purchase tickets by phone, or for directions, call the Center for the Arts Box Office at 703-993-8888.

F.C.’s Reich Recognized by ‘Who’s Who’

Mary Baldwin College recently honored Rachel Reich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Reich of Falls Church, for being selected by “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges” for the spring 2009 semester. Selections are based on academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.

Claude Moore Farm Kicks of Spring with Plant Sale

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm (6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean) will hold its Spring Plant Sale & Greenhouse Opening this Friday and Saturday, April 24 – 25 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Available plants will include annual and perennial flowers and herbs and vegetable transplants with a special emphasis on heirloom plants. All sales and proceeds benefit the farm’s educational programs. Admission is complimentary and parking is free. For more information, visit www.1711.org or call 703-442-7557.

Resident, 21, Given Harrison Research Award

Local resident, 21-year-old Anastasia Crihfield, is among 39 University of Virginia undergraduates who have received Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards, which will assist them in conducting independent research during the summer. The Harrison Awards, funded by the family of the late David A. Harrison III, were first presented in 2000. Crihfield, daughter of Susan Gossman of Burke and John Crihfield of Falls Church, is a third-year neuroscience major with a global public health minor, researching women’s nutrition and food security in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. She’s also an Echols Scholar and founder of the Slow Food UVA club, as well as a member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad.

Donations Requested for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Bethany House, a non-profit organization assisting victims of domestic abuse in the Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for more than 25 years, is requesting donations for small gift bags as part of their Women’s Day Event to be held on April 30, 2009. It would like to provide these gifts for the women victims of domestic abuse to brighten their day.

Executive Director Cathy Hassinger explains that the women have survived the devastating effects of domestic violence and are in the process of rebuilding their lives. Donations of new coffee mugs, tea, cookies, manicure kits, lip gloss and journals would be much appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the administrative office of Bethany House (6121 Lincolnia Rd., Suite 303, Alexandria) Those who would like to give financial contributions may mail them to the administrative office or visit Bethany House’s website at www.bhnv.org to make an online using a credit card. For more information, call 703-658-9500‎.