Community News & Notes

Falls Church Native Ties the Knot

Former Falls Church resident Mary Prendergast and Lieutenant Philip Neal Suchyta, USN, tied the knot on Sept. 19 in Dana Point, Cali.

Falls Church Native Ties the Knot

Former Falls Church resident Mary Prendergast and Lieutenant Philip Neal Suchyta, USN, tied the knot on Sept. 19 in Dana Point, Cali. Prendegast attended George Mason High School and graduated in 2001. Suchyta is the son of Mary Lee and Robert Suchyta, deceased, of Novi, Mich. The couple first met at the University of Notre Dame versus the U.S. Naval Academy Football game in 2004.

A REUNION OF LAST SPRING’S Democratic primary gubernatorial rivals Terry McAuliffe (left) and Creigh Deeds, the nominee, occurred at a Deeds fundraiser at a private home in McLean Sunday. McAuliffe has thrown strong support to Deeds, as has the third primary challenger Brian Moran, who spoke on Deeds’ behalf at the Kennedy-King Dinner in Arlington last Friday night. (Photo: News-Press)

Suchyta is currently stationed in San Diego, and Prendegast is currently pursuing her J.D.  at the UCLA School of Law and will graduate in May 2010.

Partnership Uses Art to Prepare Kids for Success

The Fairfax County Office for Children, in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools and non-profit Fairfax Futures, will launch the “Early Learning Through the Visual Arts” project on Monday, Oct. 5 at 9:45 a.m. at the Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St., Reston). Children will tour the Greater Reston Arts Center, participate in dance activities and create artwork inspired by the current exhibition, “Divining Nature: An Elemental Garden.” Community-based teachers, care providers and Head Start staff have worked together to develop a guide showing how art can prepare preschoolers for academic success. The outline features world-renowned paintings and sculptures.

For more information, call 703-324-8042 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofc.

Falls Church Resident Walks for MS Cause

Falls Church resident Jackie Woodrum is set to walk 50 kilometers this weekend, from Oct. 3 – 4, during the 50k Capital Challenge Walk MS.

This year, Woodrum is walking with her mother and sister, while husband Tom, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, will cheer them on at the finish line.

The team, “Team Tom,” has raised $4,500 for the challenge, and another $12,675 this year for National MS Society events.

F.C. Chamber Hosts Mini-Golf Family Night

Last week’s 10th annual Mental Awareness Week Conference awarded Trudy Harsh (right) the Ed and Vivian Brazil Leadership and Advocacy Award. Pam Gannon (left), CSB Director of Planning, Resource and Site Development, presented the award. (Photo: Courtesy Lara Larson)

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is holding a family night of festivities. The schedule includes unlimited mini-golf play, sponsored by Dominion Hospital Highlights, access to batting cages, a catered meal by Red, Hot & Blue (including vegetarian options), face painting and crafts for kids by Monkey Business and live music by the Polar Overtones.

Adding to the evening excitement is raffle baskets, including vouchers for Restaurant Week, Child’s Play, Health & Beauty and Art and Frame – each valued between $175 and $350.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Upton Hill Regional Park (6060 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). Tickets are $10 per person; children 5 and under are free. For more information, contact the Chamber at 703-532-1050 or email info@fallschurchchamber.org.

Citizens Event Prepares for Upcoming Election

A “Getting Ready to Vote” event is being held Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). Stop by the library anytime between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to learn about the voting process. The event gives a time and place for busy citizens to obtain a voter registration form or application to vote absentee. Those interested can also practice using the voting machine.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Falls Church, a non-partisan organization that serves the citizens of The City of Falls Church through encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. The voter registration deadline is Monday, Oct. 5 for the Virginia State Board Elections for House Delegates, held on Nov. 3. For more information, call 703-248-5031 or visit www.falls-church.lib.va.us.

THE PARENTS AND NIECES of Matt Conner (center), the composer of the musical, “Martin, the King of Pizza,” joined him at a cast party in the home of News-Press Owner Nicholas Benton Sunday following the final performance of the musical at the ArtSpace of Falls Church. Creative Cauldron’s Laura Hull is on the right. The run of the musical marked the first-ever professional production at the new ArtSpace. (Photo: News-Press)

St. James Catholic School Nun Fun Run Raises $2.5K

The St. James Catholic School in Falls Church raised $2,500 through this year’s “Nun Fun Run.” Coordinated by the Parent Teacher Organization, more than 320 people participated in this annual event. Proceeds went to the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), who provided funds for the Camilla Hall retirement home outside Philadelphia. The City of Falls Church police department provided support for the event. Local businesses were also front and center, as Vantage Fitness came for a pre-race warm up and Lazy Sundae, 7-11 and Flippin’ Pizza provided food for the winners.

Local Student Earns Academic Scholarship

Katherine Karczewski of Annandale, earned a Dean’s Academic Scholarship from York College of Pennsylvania. Karczewski is a first-year, undeclared major and a graduate of George C. Marshall High School. The Dean’s Academic Scholarship is a scholarship of one-third tuition per year for entering first-time, full-time freshmen, who have graduated in the upper two-fifths of their high school class and have a combined SAT score of 1150 or higher.

Choralis Holds Anniversary Concert by Ēchos

Select chamber ensemble, Ēchos, will open choral group Choralis’ 10th annual season with, “The Best of Ēchos” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church).

The concert, under the direction of Choralis Artistic Director Gretchen Kuhrmann, will showcase the finely honed choral blend of the Washington metro Ēchos ensemble as they present audience favorites from their choral repertoire. The program includes acclaimed Washington area organist and composer Gary Davison and compositions by William Byrd and Johannes Brahms, as well as selections from world folk songs, American spirituals and works by contemporaries. Concert tickets are $40 for premium seating, $25 for general admission, $5 for students and free for ages 12 and under. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Falls Church Presbyterian Church for its campaign to replace the church’s pipe organ. For more information, visit www.choralis.org or call 703-237-2499.

Falls Church Celebrates FIRSTfriday of October

PROVIDENCE DISTRICT SCHOOL Board candidate John Jennison (foreground) kicked off his campaign Saturday flanked by Congressman Gerry Connolly (second from left) and school socialites Ilyrong Moon, Jim Rainey, Jane Strauss, Phil Niedzielski-Eichner, Tina Hone and Linda Smyth. State Senator Chap Peterson also came out to support Jennison’s candidacy along with more than 100 parents, teachers and community leaders. (Photo: Courtesy George Burke)

Falls Church’s FIRSTfriday of October comes to the city this Friday, Oct. 2. The festivities include exhibits by local photographer Greg Hanson, who will showcase his vision of the world’s enchantments, with conceptualist discussion. Artist events include Open Studio Night, where one can view watercolorist Bill Abel in action at the Park Avenue Gallery Studios (111 Park Ave., Falls Church) and ArtALot with artists Denise Philipbar, Bev Rocco and Peter Tomlinson.

Author Laura Brodie will be book signing her newest work “The Widow’s Season,” and performances by The Polar Overtones, Gerry Timlin and Billy Triplett Trio are also scheduled. Events will be topped-off with free ice cream, courtesy of Lazy Sundae.

Socialize and enjoy the featured wines in the tasting room at Red, White & Bleu Wine and Gourmet (127 S. Washington St., Falls Church), battle other Guitar Heroes at Clay Café Studios (101 Maple Ave., Falls Church) and celebrate the gifts of time with Falls Church Antiques (250 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

For more information and a full listing of events, visit www.firstfridayoffallschurch.com.