Food For Neighbors Kicks Off 2024 with New Partners and A Record Food Collection

On Saturday, January 13, over 800 Northern Virginia volunteers braved the cold to collect, sort, and deliver a record-breaking 25,000+ pounds of food and toiletries to 45 schools partnering with Food For Neighbors to tackle teen food insecurity. Spirits were high as car after car arrived with donations from 1,956 households and food drives from a number of organizations. Such generosity and community spirit has enabled Food For Neighbors to expand its programming every year, with January’s “Red Bag” food and toiletry collection including three new partnering schools: Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington, Riverside High School in Leesburg, and Cedar Lane School in Vienna.

“We’re thrilled to add these three new school partners to our Food For Neighbors family,” shared Anne O’Flaherty, Food For Neighbors’ Director of Operations. “We thank our Red Bag donors and volunteers for making it possible to provide supplemental nutrition to more students in need.”

Also rallying to address teen food insecurity are Food For Neighbors’ 45 partnering schools. There, school staff identify students in need of help and connect them with supplemental food, toiletries, and/or grocery store gift cards.

“The new partnership between Food for Neighbors and Cedar Lane School is making a dynamic impact on our school community,” said Dr. Cheronda Farrish, Principal of Cedar Lane School. “They are truly a testament to the power of community organizations supporting schools to help students reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances …. Their generosity will not only change the lives of our deserving students, but also contribute to the betterment of the entire Fairfax community.”
To learn how you can make a difference in the lives of nearby students, please visit foodforneighbors.org or email getinvolved@foodforneighbors.org.

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Continues Medicaid Renewal Outreach in 2024

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus remains dedicated to ensuring Virginians have access to essential healthcare benefits by continuing its Medicaid Renewal Outreach efforts. Patricia Moreno, a representative of Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, recently conducted an informative presentation at the Braddock Elementary School coffee parents meeting.

Moreno’s engaging presentation aimed to empower parents and community members with the knowledge needed to navigate the Medicaid renewal process seamlessly. She highlighted key indicators to help individuals identify when their Medicaid benefits need renewal and discussed the available resources for those seeking support.

If you or someone you know has lost Medicaid benefits or requires more information about it, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus encourages you to call Cover Virginia to update a mailing address and renew Medicaid benefits, on their dedicated hotline at 855-242-8282.

‘The Magic Flute’ Wins Juror’s Choice Award for FCA ‘Music to My Eyes’ Exhibit

On January 13, “Music to My Eyes” opened the 2024 Falls Church Arts exhibit season with 49 artworks from 29 artists on display, all inspired by music. The Juror’s Choice Award went to Beth Nogay Carenbauer for her artwork, “The Magic Flute.”

“Music to My Eyes” is on view through February 25 at the FCA gallery (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church). The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Masks are optional and guests are asked to postpone their visit if they are not well. Artworks can also be viewed online at fallschurcharts.org. All pieces can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.

One More Page Invites Community to Celebrate 13-Year Anniversary

One More Page Books invites the community, friends and family to celebrate their 13th anniversary on Friday, January 19 from 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. at OMP (2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington, VA). Cake and refreshments will be provided and along with some special OMP themed prizes for lucky winners.
OMP Books is an independent bookstore located in North Arlington, on the border of Falls Church City. OMP’s goal is to provide a place for the community to come together to share a love of reading and books. OMP is dedicated to being a part of the community, providing excellent customer service and being a place of discovery and welcome. Over the past 13 years, they have hosted hundreds of author events, wine tastings and book club meetings. Visit onemorepagebooks.com for more information.

Assistance League of Northern Virginia Releases ‘Tushies and Toes’ Wish List

Throughout 2024, Assistance League of Northern Virginia (ALNV) will have monthly opportunities for friends and supporters to help celebrate its 20th anniversary as a chapter by purchasing items from its wish lists. Your donations will ensure that the nonprofit can continue its philanthropic programs.
In January, Assistance League is featuring its “Tushies and Toes” wish list to provide much-needed underwear and socks for the elementary school students it serves.

Many supporters have already purchased items from the wish lists and helped ALNV’s year get off to a great start.

To help with this month’s campaign, visit tiny.alnv.org/wish/tandts, choose the items you want to donate, and select Assistance League of Northern Virginia as the shipping address to ensure prompt delivery.

Meridian Students Join NexTrex Challenge, Seek Plastic Film Donations

NexTrex, a nationwide competition for students, challenges schools to collect as much plastic film — plastic that cannot be recycled and would otherwise end up in landfills — as possible within a year. This includes items like plastic grocery, dry cleaning, salt, ice, cereal, produce, and bread bags; plastic shipping envelopes, bubble wrap, case overwrap, pallet wrap, and stretch film.

Participating students at Meridian started their second year of the challenge, and have until January 2025 to reach their goal of collecting 800 pounds of material. If they reach their goal, NexTrex will award Meridian with a bench made from recycled material. Learn more about the challenge at nextrex.com.

MEHMS Theatre Department Presents ‘Greek Myths, Comedy Style’ Next Week

From January 25-27, the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School Theatre Department will perform a production of “Greek Myths, Comedy Style,” in the Meridian H.S. auditorium (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church).  Tickets are available at the door for $10, cash or card accepted.