“Two Horizons” Named People’s Choice of FCA’s Intersection Show

Blanca Belisario’s piece “Two Horizons” has received the Falls Church Arts’ People’s Choice Award. The prize is sponsored by Art and Frame of Falls Church (307 Annandale Rd., Falls Church).

Belisario’s work, which is available at FCA for $380, is a collage. Belisario says about her artwork, “Four years ago, I left my hometown of Caracas, Venezuela and moved to the DMV. I’ve been inspired by this region and my artistic style has been continually informed by my surroundings. I still miss my city, especially an impressive mountain that borders it to its north and that lives deep in the heart of every Caraqueño, the Avila.

“With my latest work, I wanted to marry my beloved Avila and the beautiful region that has welcomed me. Through my art and as an immigrant, I’ll continue this dialogue between these two places that I now carry in my hear.”

The piece was chosen by the visitors to FCA. The exhibit, Intersection: Identity and Culture, runs through January 7.

Smoothie King Now Open in Falls Church

Smoothie King has finally opened its doors in the City of Falls Church. The new location located at 603 W. Broad St. is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. This is the company’s 13th location in Virginia, and second Virginia location inside the Beltway.

Bailey’s Crossroads Man Faces Additional Charges After Church Threats

On Sunday, September 24, a concerned Maryland resident alerted Anne Arundel County Police of violent threats made on Instagram by Rui Jiang, 35, of Bailey’s Crossroads. AACPD contacted the Fairfax County Police Department, who conducted a wellness check at his residence in the 5600 block of Seminary Rd.

Jiang was not home, and based on his Instagram posts, FCPD contacted the Prince William County Police Department to request an immediate response to Park Valley Church in Haymarket, VA. Officers found Jiang heavily armed near one of the church entrances, carrying a loaded handgun with an additional magazine and a folding knife.

When PWCPD arrived at the church shortly after 10:00 a.m., service had already begun. Church security was already monitoring Jiang as suspicious — clad in all black and wearing dark sunglasses indoors, he’d entered and exited the building prior to being stopped. Jiang was detained without incident, held without bond, and charged with threatening bodily harm and possessing a firearm in a place of worship.

FCPD’s Threat Assessment Management (TAM) unit was assigned to assist with the investigation, and executed a search warrant on Jiang’s home, where additional evidence was recovered.

On December 10, after analysis of Jiang’s devices and posts indicated intent to cause death to the congregation, police further charged him with multiple counts of attempted aggravated murder.

Kensington Falls Church Cuts Ribbon on New Free Little Library

In a celebration of community, literacy, and the joy of reading, the Kensington F.C. proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Free Little Library on December 14. The event, marked by excitement and a shared love for books, brought neighbors together to foster a sense of connection through literature.

The Free Little Library, located on N. Lee Street, promises to be a hub of literary exploration for residents of all ages. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held with great enthusiasm, marked the official opening of this charming literary oasis. Local residents and book enthusiasts gathered to witness the unveiling, reinforcing the belief that access to books should be a shared and accessible experience for everyone.

A fun side note, one of Kensington’s own team members, Francene, hand painted every detail to mirror the Kensington F.C. Community.

Stop by to pick up a book or donate a book!