A Very Victorian Christmas as Reenactors Spread Holiday Cheer at Cherry Hill
It was a “Very Victorian Christmas” indeed at Cherry Hill Farmhouse on November 25, as 1860s reenactors welcomed friends and soldiers alike to the historic building to enjoy holiday cheer during the Civil War.
Falls Church Police, Sheriff, Fire Departments Seeking Donations For Holiday Drives
Three holiday fundraisers are being held by Falls Church first responders over the coming weeks.
On Thursday, November 30, the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department is seeking donations of specific household goods and gift cards, which are listed at bit.ly/FCNP1223fd. Community members should drop off their donations and gifts at the ambulance parked outside the F.C. Community Center on November 30, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The Falls Church City Police Department is holding a Toys for Tots drive. Community members are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys and items for teens to a donation box located in the lobbies of City Hall (Police Department, East Wing), the F.C. Community Center, or Mary Riley Styles Public Library between now and December 7 at 6:00 p.m.
The Falls Church Sheriff’s Office is holding a toy drive between now and December 12. Donations of new, unwrapped toys should be dropped off in a donation box in the City Hall lobby. Toys will be given to children in local hospitals.
Fairfax County Police Department Hosts Tenth Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive
Fairfax County Police Department is holding a gift card drive benefiting child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence. Please drop off or mail gift cards between now and December 16 to Saly Fayez at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters building (12099 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22035).
For more information, contact saly.fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Little City Gift Card Program And Bonus Cash Returns For the 2023 Holiday Season!
The Little City Gift Card program has returned for the 2023 holiday season! Gift cards are redeemable with over 70 participating businesses and restaurants, and can be purchased at bit.ly/lcgiftcard.
Purchase fees are $1 plus five percent of the card total (i.e. $6 for a $100 card). Gift cards do not expire, however a monthly $3 fee may be applied after 12 consecutive months of non-use.
The F.C. Economic Development Office and Economic Development Authority are sponsoring The Little City Gift Card Program again this year with $100,000 of approved ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to support local businesses and organizations.
Until the $100,000 funds are depleted, a 50 percent bonus gift card will be provided with each purchase (limit three bonus gift cards per purchaser, while supplies last).
Bonus gift cards must be used within 90 days of purchase.
Last year’s designation of ARPA funds was well-received and successful, recognized as having a significant impact on the community.
For questions or additional information, email Sarah Swinton in the Economic Development Office at sswinton@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5468.
NOVA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Receives International Recognition
At last month’s Go Global Awards, a program of the International Trade Council, the NOVA Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce received one of the top recognitions for business associations: The International Trade Advancement Award.
The awards, which recognize organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of international trade, brought together leaders and visionaries in the international trade community to celebrate the outstanding achievements and innovations of 125 business organizations from over 85 countries. The NOVA Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce received the International Trade Advancement Award in recognition of its dedication to advancing global trade initiatives.
“We have consistently demonstrated excellence in fostering international trade relationships, creating opportunities for businesses to expand their reach, and enhancing the global competitiveness of our members and partners alike,” said Susan Marino, president and CEO of the chamber.
“We understand that 95 percent of the world’s population and 80 percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside the United States, that one in four jobs in Virginia are related to international trade and furthermore, 75 percent of identified U.S. exporters are very small businesses with less than 20 employees,” Marino continued.
Winning in the category underscores the chamber’s role as a catalyst for economic growth and cross-cultural collaboration.
‘Grandfather of Black Basketball’ E.B. Henderson Bio Release Date Announced
A release date has been announced for the highly anticipated definitive book on Falls Church native and influential civil rights advocate Dr. E.B. Henderson, who is credited as the first to introduce basketball to African Americans on a wide-scale, organized basis.
The book will release on February 20, 2024, and is available for pre-order on Amazon at a.co/d/fCDfmuQ.
Assistance League of Northern Virginia Announces White House Ornament Sale
Herndon-based Assistance League of Northern Virginia is raising money for their programs with their annual White House ornament sale, with a deadline of December 15 to place orders. The 2023 White House Historical Association’s Ford Christmas Ornament is usually $35.95, but purchase through ALNV and you’ll pay just $23, with a portion of sales supporting the organization, and delivery to homes in Northern Virginia.
Get yours today, and no later than December 15, by visiting tinyurl.com/WHOrnaments or calling 800-426-0781 (mention campaign ID #300777). Send inquiries to ornaments@alnv.org. Between now and December 10, ALNV is also selling wreaths, centerpieces, garland, and decor through a partnership with Lynch Creek Farm Fundraising at tinyurl.com/ALNVshop4holidays, with 15 percent of sales supporting ALNV.
Tickets Now Available For ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet At Meridian December 9 and 10
The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet presents The Nutcracker, adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” featuring music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and original choreography by Mark Mejia. In this beloved and timeless story, a young girl Clara is presented with a Christmas gift, a Nutcracker doll. Clara falls to sleep that night and dreams that the Nutcracker has come alive. After battling with the evil Mouse King, the Nutcracker carries Clara away to a magical kingdom with filled with dolls and sweets. Come and enjoy this classic ballet for the holidays!
Performances are on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m., at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA).
Tickets are $35 and available at kintzmejiaballet.org. For more information, call 703-501-4319 or email info@kintzmejiaballet.org.
Santamobile Will Be Hitting The Streets of Falls Church Early This Year
The Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department has announced that this year the beloved Santamobile will start a week earlier than in past years, from December 8 through December 16.
As is the tradition, Santa will wave from atop the “sleigh” to children and adults of all ages who brave the cold to see him. Santa will be joined by his team of elves handing out candy canes and safety information.
“This festive community tradition shouldn’t be missed, said Jenny Quinn, the Department’s Santamobile Coordinator. “We can’t wait to see everyone starting December 8. And a big thank you to the Bitici group at KW Metro and The Freshman Group with Atlantic Coast Mortgage for being the exclusive sponsors of the Santamobile — the FCVFD appreciates their generous support!”
The nightly routes for the Santamobile are posted on the Department’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages with a real time “Santa Tracker”. Schedule changes and cancellations will be posted to Facebook and Instagram.
The Santamobile schedule is below, but routes may change because of road conditions, traffic, construction, and to ensure Santa’s safety. The remaining days are reserved for Santa to drive through neighborhoods in Fairfax and Arlington, weather permitting.
- December 8: South of W. Broad Street in the St. James Cemetery and Virginia Forest neighborhoods up to and including Seaton Lane and S. Oak south of the Tripps Run bridge.
- December 9: North of W. Broad Street including Little Falls Street.
- December 10: South of W. Broad Street in the Tyler Gardens neighborhood and Virginia Forest neighborhood south of Seaton Lane; also includes streets north of the Tripps Run bridge (Hillier, S. Oak, Lee, Rees, Chanel).
- December 11: The Little Falls neighborhood, and streets east of Washington Street including the Madison Park and Whittier Park neighborhoods.
- December 12: Broadmont neighborhood and streets on the north side of Hillwood east of Cherry Street.
The FCVFD respectfully requests that you refrain from calling the fire station for information on Santa’s intended routes. Instead, send your questions to santamobile@fallschurchfire.org. Please note that Santa is unable to respond to requests for private drive-bys.