In announcing her candidacy for the Falls Church City Council this week, F.C. community and school activist Marybeth Connelly issued the following statement:
“Shortly after my husband and I bought our first house in Falls Church in 1995, we walked from our cozy cape to the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. We were so happy to discover that we had moved into a real community. What luck!
“Since then Falls Church has grown, our house has grown, our family has grown. What has stayed the same? We live in a real community. We know our neighbors. We treasure our parks and library. Through block parties, community organizations and youth sports, we enjoy friendships with people of all ages. These people are the heart of Falls Church.
“Since 2005 I have worked in the Falls Church City Public Schools as Community Outreach Coordinator. As the liaison between the school and business communities, I’ve been able to work with many business owners and non-profit volunteers dedicated to Falls Church. These people are the heart of Falls Church.
“I also have the privilege of taking lots of pictures in the schools. My photos tell the stories of all the amazing things that are happening in our classrooms because of FCCPS teachers and staff. These people are the heart of Falls Church.
“I’m running for City Council because I love living and working here. Over the years I’ve seen dedicated city leaders make tough decisions as members of School Board and City Council. Through ups and downs, they have led Falls Church to a wonderful time, with the best interests of the city in mind. I would be honored to be part of City Council and to continue this admirable work.
“I am a native Virginian, born in Norfolk. I grew up in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Villanova University in 1985. During a year of service at St. Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I met by husband, Michael Connelly. We’ve lived in Northern Virginia for 20 years, most of those years in Falls Church. We have three children – Brian (16), Andrew (14), Julie (12), all students in Falls Church City Public Schools. I’m currently on the Boards of Directors of Village Preservation & Improvement Society; Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and Falls Church Education Foundation. I also serve on the Falls Church Alliance for Youth; CATCH and FCCPS Support Employee Advisory Committee. Other volunteer work over the years in Falls Church includes Elementary PTA; Falls Church Kiwanis Little League; Girl Scout leader.
“I am so optimistic about the future of the Falls Church. We are headed in the right direction. We are in a great location. We’ve got so many smart, engaged citizens.”
