Civil War Show and Sale Coming Soon
A Civil War Books, Relics and Memorabilia Show and Sale will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. at the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge (8421 Arlington Blvd). Admission is $5.00 per person. Vendors are welcome. Additional information may be obtained by sending an email to dhakenson@verizon.net and/or mayo5304@cox.net.
Tinner Hill to Host Workshop on Critical Race Theory
What is critical race theory (CRT)? Is it demonizing white individuals? Is racism really a systemic issue? These are burning questions one may ask. Led by local high school students from Meridian High School, the “Uncovering Critical Race Theory: POC Experiences and White Guilt” workshop is free and aims to provide a sociological framework for understanding and dismantling racism through POC experiences and academic resources. The workshop will be held at Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 East Broad Street, Falls Church) on Saturday, April 22nd from 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Register at tinyurl.com/2mdk9j56 to hear from the youth of today.
NOVA Parks Adds Rare Trees to Old-Growth Forest Network
On Tuesday, April 18th, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) celebrated the induction of Hemlock Overlook Regional Park into the Old-Growth Forest Network by unveiling a permanent sign marking the forest’s location and importance. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay, Springfield District Supervisor Patrick Herrity, NOVA Parks Chair Cate Magennis Wyatt, and other local leaders participated in an Earth Day commemoration.
Old-growth trees like the Eastern hemlocks growing on the banks of Bull Run in Hemlock Overlook Regional Park are exceptionally rare; less than 1 percent of these original forests are thought to remain in the eastern United States. These trees offer exceptional ecological value, such as providing valuable canopy layers that shelter hundreds of species of birds, insects, and mammals.
Taste of Annandale Celebrates a Diverse, Vibrant Community
The public is invited to the Taste of Annandale, a free family-friendly festival April 29, 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., along Tom Davis Drive.
The Taste of Annandale features live performances, food trucks and restaurants, a 5K race, a best-dressed pet contest, a beer garden, dozens of vendors, a chili cook off, children’s entertainment and activities, and the police helicopter.
If one would like to volunteer at the Taste of Annandale, sign up here: volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/opp_details/188579.
F.C. Specialists Recognized as a Best Dumpster Rental
Bin There Dump That, a residential dumpster rental franchise company with locations in the U.S. and Canada, has been recognized by Forbes HOME as a Best Dumpster Rental Company for 2023.
Forbes Home Improvement editorial team commended “Bin There Dump That” for the “most thorough services included in a residential dumpster rental package, including driveway protection and sweep up after every job.”
Volunteers Needed at Cherry Hill Farmhouse
Cherry Hill Farmhouse is a small historic house that relies on the hard work of its volunteers. They need local help.
Volunteer opportunities include: Farmhouse and barn docents, program and event assistants, history researchers and more.
Interested? Contact Holly Irwin or call 703-248-5171 (TTY 711).
Learn About Composting Through Workshop
Learn how to compost at the April 30 Backyard Composting Workshop. Topics include leaf mulching in a yard, yard waste composting, hands-on composting demonstration, making compost tea, proper food waste composting, and vermicomposting. All participants will receive free backyard compost bins while supplies last. To reserve a spot, email Master Gardener Sandra Tarpinian or call 571-275-8800 (TTY 711).
Inova Bloodmobile Returns to Falls Church
The Inova Bloodmobile returns to the City on Monday, May 29. It will be set up outside the Community Center (223 Little Falls Street) from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. during the City’s 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade.
You can visit the donor portal at inovabloodsaves.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/32944 or call 866-256-6372 (TTY 711), sponsor code 0053, to schedule an appointment.
FCCDC Potluck to Feature Congressman Beyer
Join the FCCDC and special guest Congressman Don Beyer, featuring former Delegate and candidate for Attorney General, Jay Jones, for a potluck dinner to support the Falls Church City Democratic Committee. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, at 223 Little Falls Street.
Ticket pricing for one seat with a dish is $50; one seat with no dish is $75; 2 seats is $100; a table is $450; a Young Democrat member ticket is $15.
RSVP at secure.actblue.com/donate/fccdcpotluck23. Questions can be directed to fallschurchdems@gmail.com or 703-727-1843.
World Art Day Celebrated in Falls Church
World Art Day, April 15th, was celebrated for the first time in Falls Church this year. It was established by UNESCO, to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. “Art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue.” The Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church decided to engage in the day and feature artists around the Farmer Market area and close by at the Alexia Scott Gallery. The Falls Church Art Walk was highlighted with its website and map to walk throughout the City to see locations of public art as well as the galleries such as Falls Church Arts.
All Member Art Show Open to the Public
The Falls Church Art’s All Member Show is an annual event open to Falls Church Arts member artists. Participation in this show is a benefit of membership, so no entry fee is required.
This year, the All Member Show has two sessions, with artists whose last names begin with A-K in the first session and those whose last names begin with L-Z in the second session.
A-K Artists show dates are April 22 through May 21, 2023. Meet the A-K Artists reception is 7:00 through 9:00 pm, Saturday, April 22.
L-Z Artists show dates are May 27 through June 25, 2023. Meet the L-Z Artists reception is 7:00 through 9:00 pm, Saturday, May 27.
A People’s Choice prize will be awarded for each session, courtesy of a donation from DuBro Architects + Builders.
The Boom that Silenced the Farmers Market
On a beautiful spring morning at the Falls Church farmers market on Saturday April 15 — a very loud boom pierced the social chatter. The noise sounded like a large cannon had been fired very close to City Hall. The crowd became totally silent — all looking toward the Cherry Hill Farm House. As some smoke drifted towards Cherry Hill park it was clear whatever exploded was very close to the market. A vendor said he saw a ball of fire roll out of a vendor’s tent — and speculation was that a propane canister had exploded. Actually it was a can of Pam cooking oil spray resting too close to a heated grill — and it exploded with force to sound like a cannon. The fire department responded but found the only damage was the grill operator’s hair was singed — and food had been splattered around the tent. Within 20 minutes the world that is the Falls Church Farmers Market was back to normal.
DEA National Drug Take Back Day is April 22
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) annual Spring National Drug Take Back Initiative will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, and the City of Falls Church Police Department and Falls Church Sheriff’s Office will host a collection site near the police entrance outside City Hall (300 Park Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public can safely and anonymously drop off potentially dangerous prescription drugs or unwanted or expired over the counter (OTC) medications during Drug Take Back Day. Accepted materials include tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Vape pens and liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
For more information about Drug Take Back Day and additional collection sites, visit dea.gov/TakeBackDay.
Free Shakespeare Event at The Little Theatre of Alexandria
On Sunday, April 23rd from 1-2:30pm, The Little Theatre of Alexandria will be observing Shakespeare’s birthday with a special event — The Blades of Shakespeare. This lecture & demonstration, presented by The Noble Blades, will explore the history and significance of the various bladed weaponry that appears throughout the works of William Shakespeare. The event is free and open to all and takes place immediately before the matinee of “Mary Stuart.” RSVP to LTA’s Governor for Education Heather Sanderson at bardsplay@gmail.com.
Town Hall Meeting Focuses on Community Energy Action Plan
On Thursday, April 20, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Meridian High School, The City of Falls Church is kicking off the creation of a Community Energy Action Plan centered around green goals, resource needs, and vision for the city’s future. This is a flexible open house style event; drop in anytime this evening to learn about the City’s current climate change initiatives and provide your input! The City hopes to present a final Energy Action Plan to City Council in September and is seeking input.
Karma Yoga Hosts Various Free Events
Karma Yoga is offering regular, free events. On Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. already started: Sangha, Mantra & Philosophy nights, free to join, potluck style, bring food or drink to share (vegetarian and no alcohol). Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m., already started: Walking Club, free to join, meet at Karma Yoga studio to walk and talk and make new friends or connect with old ones along the W&OD, you can grab a coffee after or jump into yoga class. Monthly community service, “Falls Church Clean Up” on Sunday, April 23rd from 2-4pm, meet at Karma Yoga studio and we will pick up trash in groups, biodegradable gloves and collection bags will be provided.
