F.C.’s Tamara Keith Wins Correspondents’ Award
Longtime Falls Church resident Tamara Keith, White House correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR) was presented a broadcast award at last weekend’s White House Correspondents Dinner (WHCA) for her coverage of President Biden’s trip to Israel in the week following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack last fall.
A former president of the WHCA, Keith’s “gripping audio report,” the judges’ notes stated, “expertly took listeners behind the scenes on the 31-hour trip to Tel Aviv, preparing her audience for the president’s statement to America later that night. Sound-rich and textured, and written on Air Force One while en route back to the United States — Keith’s story lays out Biden’s thinking and brings listeners on the trip along with her and onto Air Force One to hear the president himself announce breaking news. And Keith’s quick work as part of the White House press pool to share her audio also speaks volumes of her professionalism and of her dedication not only to her employer but also to her colleagues in the White House Correspondents Association and to Washington journalism.”
Family Drag Lunch Returns, More Protests Expected
On May 11, Evita Peroxide will once again host Miss Evita’s Family Drag Lunch at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church), with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and the show beginning at 12:00 p.m.
“Let your imagination soar with… dancing, special guests, and so much fun!” an advertisement reads on the Clare and Don’s website (clareanddons.com).
Evita Peroxide, the young up-and-coming local Drag Queen who has held multiple Drag events at the Shack (and beyond) over the past two years — including a popular monthly Drag Bingo and show — started the event this year.
When the first installment of the now-monthly Family Drag Lunch was held in February, four or five hateful protesters, all white males, demonstrated across the street, wearing distinct red sashes and holding signs reading “Drag Queen Story Time = Childhood’s End,” “Praying Reparation for Drag Queen Story Hour,” and “Honk to Protect Our Children.”
In March the group grew to nearly a dozen, with hand-made signs reading “Honk for Chastity, Stop Drag,” “Bio 101, XY=Male, XX=Female,” and large professionally printed banners, one condemning abortion and one promoting The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property (TFP), a Christian Nationalist organization that calls itself “an organization of lay Catholic Americans concerned about the moral crisis shaking the remnants of Christian civilization” on its website.
At the top of the TFP website’s home page, a feature banner links to the most recent article added to their “Fighting the Culture War” section: “The White Nationalism Scare: Is it a Real Threat or a Social(ist) Construct?”
Last month, a bomb threat forced the temporary evacuation of Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, the only gay-themed establishment in Northern Virginia. Freddie’s, a small purple and pink restaurant and bar with Barbie dolls lining the walls, was hosting a Drag Story Hour. A bomb sniffing dog from the Pentagon was called in response, clearing the building before families were allowed to re-enter. Outside that venue, protesters continued to shout at patrons.
“Clare and Don’s and Evita Peroxide need your help! Come on out and show your support… to help shield our youth attending Miss Evita’s Family Drag Lunch,” said Miss Evita in a statement to the News-Press, continuing that “lately Miss Evita has been facing very hateful protesters on her drag lunch, trying to spread messages of hate to families that attend [the show]. Volunteer and bring your most colorful umbrellas or sheets to help keep our youth safe while they attend this fabulous event.”
Shack owner Dave Tax, undeterred by the protests, expressed unwavering support for the show and the LGBTQ+ community.
Christ Crossman Invites F.C. to ‘Feeds the World’
On May 5 from 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m., Christ Crossman UMC will host the “Falls Church Feeds the World” event, opening their doors to the community to make a difference in the world together, with a goal of packing 10,000 dehydrated meals for Rise Against Hunger to ship to people around the globe suffering from hunger.
Event coordinator Monti Board says volunteers are needed, and participation is free and open to all. To register as an event volunteer or make a donation visit tinyurl.com/FCNP0524cc. For more information, contact Board at office@christcrossman.org or 703-532-4026.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival Returns Week of June 26
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Folklife Festival returns June 26 — July 1 this year. This year’s theme, “Indigenous Voices of the Americas,” honors 20 years since the NMAI’s opening and celebrates Indigenous creative expression. Featuring more than 250 participants from 60 Indigenous communities in ten countries, the festival is co-presented by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the NMAI, and the National Park Service.
At the festival, Indigenous artists and makers, professional chefs and home cooks, musicians, dancers, athletes, and storytellers will demonstrate multigenerational traditions as well as new, innovative approaches to cultural expression.
Follow #2024Folklife to learn more about the festival on social media.
U.S. Army Brass Quintet Holds Free Concert May 4
The U.S. Army Brass Quintet has gained a reputation as one of the most highly respected and sought after groups of its kind, and they will be performing at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (3022 Woodlawn Ave., Falls Church) on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. Appropriately for “May the Fourth,” the Quintet has promised to include Star Wars music in the program. All are welcome to enjoy this exceptional ensemble in a free concert being offered in appreciation of the service and sacrifice of our military members and their families. A reception will follow.
RSVP or learn more at facebook.com/events/1344482512895651.
AAUW and VPIS Thank Donors
Both the AAUW Used Book Sale and VPIS Attic Treasures Sale benefitted this year from collector donations that will make this year’s sales extraordinary. From a $1,000 first edition of Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” to a trove of musical instrument treasures and a collection of art books from a local art legend.
The sale takes place at the F.C. Community Center on Friday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. early entry with fee) and Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will provide extraordinary treasure hunting for bibliophiles to antique hounds alike, including a jewelry and accessory sale.
An extensive art book collection comes from the estate of the late Eileen Hecht Levy, F.C. grand artist-in-residence and frequent contributor to the News-Press.
AAUW book sale co-chair Sarah John said donations enable the organization “to raise scholarship funds each year to support the higher education dreams of so many rising seniors.”
Foxes Music donated violins and guitars to the sale, making it a destination for those musically inclined. The sale also benefitted from the generosity of two separate first edition collectors who contributed more than 100 first edition mysteries and thrillers, many of them signed.
Former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran Honored by Kiwanis Club
On April 25, the Kiwanis Club of S. Arlington presented Jim Moran the inaugural “Legendary Service Award” for his work supporting social-safety-net efforts during his years in local and federal office, at a luncheon event held at Busboys & Poets in Shirlington.
The luncheon included a free-form discussion with civic leaders on issues ranging from national affairs to the challenges facing youth in modern society.
“We want a community that reaches out [to youth], but a lot of it comes down to the parents,” Moran said at the event. “There’s only so much a community can do,” he continued, while noting that we have a terrific, progressive community with great schools.
Moran served as mayor of Alexandria before representing the 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 years. During his service, he supported expanded efforts to provide safety and security for youth.
In addition to the awards presentation, it was a chance for prospective members to test-drive the organization, learn about its mission and meet current members.
