Birch & Broad Wins Top Design Award
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has announced the 2023 Global Design and Development Awards, with the Silver going to the renovated Birch & Broad. The ICSC recognizes outstanding achievements in design and development of marketplace properties and tenant design. Owned by Federal Realty Investment Trust, the center won in the category of renovations/expansions for projects under 150,000 square feet. Completed in 2021, the new name pays tribute to the first city council member, John Birch, and the architect of the city, Colonel James Wren, with a wren on the centers’ sign.
Chamber Luncheon Features Mayor
Mayor Dave Tarter will address the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, reflecting on his years of service in Falls Church on Tuesday, December 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at Italian Café. Members and their guests are welcome to wear their favorite “ugly ties and sweaters.” This is a popular event and an opportunity to express appreciation to the mayor. Reservations are required in advance and can be made on the chamber website.
Holiday Volunteering
Arlington Magazine cited Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation as a great place for youth to volunteer over the holidays. Teens aged 14 and up are needed to handle dogs at adoption events in local PetSmart and PetCo stores. Youth are also needed to care for cats and kittens at the Foundation’s Cat Condo at the Seven Corners PetSmart when accompanied by an adult. Kids and teens can also help by organizing supply drives to collect food, paper towels, bath towels, treats and more. Since 2001, more than 45,000 animals have been rescued by Lost Dogs and Cats Rescue Foundation.
Blueprint Business Workshop
The Virginia Small Business Development Center is holding a four-hour workshop on writing a business plan and financial forecasting. The session covers research tools, business plan components, the financial plan, and supporting documents. Participants will actively create their own draft plan during the course of the session. The workshop is on December 19, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and has a $35 fee upon registration at clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=140430063.
Watch Night
The little City is hosting a family night out, Watch Night, on December 31 with food and entertainment for all ages. Local restaurant, Dogwood Café, is one of several restaurants participating on New Years’s Eve. The Falls Church Episcopal will host live music and tours and the Falls Church Presbyterian Church will also feature live music as well as children’s entertainment. The main outdoor stage on Broad Street will feature local bands including local high schooler Ruby Jones at 7:00 p.m. and the headliner is Skyline Band from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. A rock wall, turbo tubs, and a mechanical shark will be on Broad Street between Maple and Washington while Fun Alley, the parking lot behind Mr. Brown’s Park, will have a bounce house, bungee run/gladiator combo, and karaoke. Keeping with tradition, the evening will conclude with the countdown for the star drop.
Lions Fruit Sale
The Falls Church-Annandale LIONS Club is having a fruit sale on Saturday, December 16, 8:15 a.m. until sold out. The location is the Annandale Swim and Tennis Club, 7530 Little River Turnpike at the Craig Moving Van spot. The proceeds support work in the Falls Church and Annandale communities. Be sure to visit The LIONS Club at fc-alions.org/.
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
