Community News & Notes: September 7 – 13

First Annual 9/11 Memorial Ruck March/Walk Coming Soon

The first annual VFW Post 9274 9/11 Memorial Ruck March/Walk will be held on Sunday, September 10 at the Meridian High School Football Field Track at 9:00 a.m. It is a 5K Ruck March/Walk to honor the victims of 9/11, first responders and military (no ruck necessary). A cookout will be held afterwards at VFW 9274 (7118 Shreve Road, Falls Church).

Falls Church Presbyterian Celebrates 150 Years

Falls Church Presbyterian Church (FCPC), located at 225 East Broad Street, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary on September 10, 2023. FCPC has a rich, local history, starting as a branch of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean in 1873, building the first stone structure in the City of Falls Church in 1884 (quarried from what is now Sislers Stone), with expansions to the building in the 1950s, 1960s, and 2005, to create more space for worship, fellowship, and service activities. FCPC welcomes the community to join the celebration Sunday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. for worship followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.

LGBTQ+ Falls Church held its first gathering of the new season Sunday at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. A robust crowd enjoyed the event, including (from right to left) the Rev. Burl Salmon, rector of the Falls Church Episcopal, FCNP Owner Nicholas Benton, founder of LGBTQ+ Falls Church, a gay pioneer dating to 1970, and Brian Reach, executive director of the organization. (News-Press Photo)

Local Festival Features Crafts and Cornhole 

Grace Christian Academy will be hosting their 7th annual “Truck & Toss” — a food truck, corn hole, and craft brew tasting festival on Saturday, September 9th, 4:00 — 8:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. for VIP admission).  All proceeds benefit Grace Christian Academy (GCA). Admission to Truck and Toss includes unlimited generous tastings from the best food trucks in the DMV. 

The festival will be held on the grounds of Grace Christian Academy/Grace Lutheran Church at 3233 Annandale Rd, Falls Church. For details and to purchase tickets, visit truckandtoss.com or email truckandtoss@gmail.com. 

Art Donation at Taste of Islam Creates Community Building

On September 3, a community-building event took place at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia. David Merrell, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, made a gesture of unity and understanding by donating a substantial piece of Islamic art he created entirely from LEGO brand bricks. 

The donation of this meaningful LEGO artwork occurred during the annual “Taste of Islam” event at the Islamic Center. This event serves as an outreach effort to the community, inviting people of all backgrounds to come together and learn about the Islamic faith, culture, and traditions.

Compromising square Kufic Arabic script spelling the name “Mohamed” nine times, David’s artwork beautifully combined artistic expression with a profound message.

David Merrell (right), a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, made a gesture of unity and understanding by donating a substantial piece of Islamic art he crafted entirely from LEGO brand bricks. (Photo: Jeff Jardine)

2023 NoVa Senior Olympics Opens in October

Opening ceremonies for the 2023 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington.

The Alexandria City High School Army JROTC Color Guard will lead the opening, followed by The National Anthem sung by the Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus. The Torch Bearers, Carlos Rodriquez and Margaret DeWilde from Dumfries will declare the official opening with “Let the Games Begin.”

Arlington County Board Chairman Christian Dorsey will welcome the assembled participants and observers from all eight of the participating jurisdictions. Nine track events and an ERG rowing event will follow the opening. Events will continue through Sunday, Sept. 24 at more than 20 venues throughout Northern Virginia. All events are open to the public.

The daily schedule of events is on the website at nvso.us where results will be published throughout the competitions.

Art and Frame of Falls Church Open House at New Location

Art and Frame of Falls Church is holding an Open House on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 307 East Annandale Road – its new, expanded location. Come see the shop in this two-story building, check out the exhibit in “The Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudzki Art Gallery,” and tour studiosat307, the 40+ artist studios and small business offices.  Plenty of onsite parking! More information can be found at artandframeoffallschurch.com.

1st Annual Celebrate Virginia to Take Place Soon  

Tysons Corner Center invites the public to a special Celebrate Virginia day on Saturday, September 16 on The Plaza from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., rain or shine. Bring the family and have some fun outdoors celebrating the talent of Virginia as you enjoy live music & entertainment, shop local artisans’ wares, indulge in Virginia Beer Tasting, VIP Wine Tasting, mural painting, giveaways, and more.

Shop the Made in Fairfax local artisan market, enjoy live music from three Virginia based musicians, sample beer from five state breweries, and take part in painting a community mural with Loudon-based artist Kevin Bednarz. Participants will also get a chance to Spin the Tysons Wheel for limited edition “Virginia is for Shopping Lovers” custom merchandise including t-shirts, picnic blankets, beanie hats and more! The event is open to the public and free to attend.

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