Virginia Announces $12.5 Million in Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Funds
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced the continuance of funding opportunities to increase flood protection across the Commonwealth through the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund.
The Fund, established in 2022 as a self-sustaining program to aid communities and property owners impacted by flooding, is offering up to $12.5 million in loans for localities. Funds are available to advance projects that will improve flood resilience in two distinct categories:
- Local Match for Non-Federal Programs: $5 million in loans to localities to meet local cost-share requirements for non-federal flood mitigation grants.
- Hazard Mitigation of Buildings: $7.5 million in loans to localities for the hazard mitigation of buildings.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until midnight on June 30 or when the funds have been exhausted. All applications must be submitted online via the DCR WebGrants portal.
Detailed information including the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund grant manual, a link to the grants management portal, training materials and contact information are available at dcr.virginia.gov/rvrf.
F.C. Police Warn Community About Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement
The City of Falls Church Police Department wants community members to be aware of an active phone scam in the area and recommends being cautious of anyone requesting payment or gift cards, especially over the phone.
Officers have received reports stating that callers contact them claiming to be members of the police department. The law enforcement impersonator may:
- refer to the community member by name
- tell the community member the call is being recorded
- state they need gift cards or money or a warrant will be issued for their arrest, or they may turn themselves in to jail
Sometimes scams such as these will include spoofing a legitimate police agency phone number and using a law enforcement officer’s actual name to gain the victim’s trust. No government agency of any kind takes gift cards as payment.
If you receive a similar call, disconnect without providing any information or taking any instructions from the caller.
The City of Falls Church Police reminds you to be aware that:
The City of Falls Church Police does not call individuals and demand or request money from community members under any circumstances.
The City of Falls Church Police or any other legitimate law enforcement agency does not call community members seeking payment for outstanding traffic citations or warrants. This includes claims of unpaid federal or state taxes.
Individuals claiming to collect debts may try to instill fear in potential victims to persuade them to forward money.
If you fall victim to these scammers with financial loss, you are encouraged to file a report by calling the City of Falls Church Police’s Non-Emergency line at 703-241-5053 (TTY 711).
Tips to help avoid becoming a victim to this scam:
- Never give personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller or email.
- Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
- Stay private. Regularly update privacy settings for social media sites. Scammers often make their stories more believable by trolling for personal information on Facebook, Twitter and similar sites.
- Remember that anyone who has the number on a prepaid card has access to the funds on your card. Never wire money or provide debit or credit card numbers to a stranger.
For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Scam Alert website at
consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts.
Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count at a Virginia State Park
Identify the birds around you while contributing to science in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
Each year in February, millions of people count the variety of birds that can be seen and heard in their own backyards over a four-day period. Virginia State Parks invites community members to participate in the bird count that takes place February 16 — 19.
The Great Backyard Bird Count brings people from all over the world together to connect and share their love of birds while learning about migration patterns. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.
All you need to do is log the birds that you count in a 15-minute period on at least one of the four days of the event. Download the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify the birds in your area, or use the eBird Mobile app to enter your bird sightings.
“Virginia State Parks offer a unique and scenic location to view various birds this time of the year,” said Powhatan State Park manager Amelia Hulth. “Our park is perfect for anyone to enjoy birdwatching alone or with friends and family. On Saturday, February 17, we will offer a fun ranger-led activity where guests will discover more about our feathered friends that can be found in the park or in their backyard. For the second part of the program, we’ll use peanut butter or vegetable shortening, sweet gum balls, sticks and pinecones to make feeders that provide tasty treats for our winged friends. You can hang the feeder in your backyard and see who comes to visit.”
Those interested in participating in this year’s bird count can find an event or related program at one of several participating parks. Virginia State parks that are having an event include Bear Creek Lake (Cumberland), Caledon (King George), Claytor Lake (Dublin), Hungry Mother (Marion), Mason Neck (Lorton), Natural Tunnel (Duffield), New River Trail (Max Meadows), Pocahontas (Chesterfield), and Powhatan (Powhatan).
Your participation matters and your bird count contributes to a global study that helps protect bird populations all over the world. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way to connect with birds, nature and each other.
News-Press Owner and Editor Nicholas Benton Recognized by City Council on Birthday
On Monday at the City Council meeting, News-Press founder, owner, and editor Nicholas F. Benton was surprised by F.C. Mayor Letty Hardi and the rest of City Council with a a heartfelt letter of recognition — and a rousing version of “The Happy Birthday Song” — in celebration of Benton’s 80th birthday last Friday.
Read the full letter here.
Small Group of Men Protest Family-Friendly Drag Event at Clare and Don’s on Saturday
On Saturday at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, the first of a new family-friendly monthly Drag event, Miss Evita’s Family Drag Lunch, was protested by a small group of men wearing red sashes and holding signs. Read more in The LGBTQ+ Reach.
Falls Church Homeless Shelter to Honor Partners at Little City Big Heart Winter Gala
Friends of Falls Church Homeless Shelter is excited to honor its community partner, Falls Church Presbyterian Church, and its corporate partner, Ledo Pizza Falls Church, at its upcoming Little City Big Heart Winter Gala at the State Theatre on February 24, 6:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.
F.C. Presbyterian has served as a community partner with the shelter for over 20 years. In addition to financial support, the congregation provides dinner for shelter guests on Monday nights and the Sunday School classes provide bag lunches. Each year, the youth group helps prepare the shelter for its opening at the start of the winter season.
Ledo Pizza F.C., owned by Jim Robertson with Marquette Hudson as Managing Partner, has been donating several pizzas to the shelter every Saturday night for many years. They have also collaborated with the shelter on fundraisers and are serving as a sponsor for this year’s Gala.
The event will also include live music by Organ-ized, a silent auction and raffle, heavy appetizers and dessert, and emcee Matthew Cappucci, and will benefit the F.C. Homeless Shelter. Tickets and sponsorships are available at fcshelter.org.
The Falls Church Homeless Shelter operates a hypothermia prevention program from November 15 – March 31 for single adults and depends on the support of all its partners to operate the program.