New Vehicle Charging Fees Coming Soon

Starting February 1, 2023, the City will implement a new fee structure for its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This new fee structure is intended to encourage EV use (first hour free), recoup costs to the City (per kWh charge after the first hour), and increase turnover to make stations available to other users (move vehicle fee after charging is complete).

Access to the charging stations will require the SemaConnect app, which can be downloaded to your smartphone (iOS or Google).

TV Series ‘American Pickers’ Comes to Virginia

American Pickers is coming to Virginia in March and they’re looking for leads throughout the state. The way they find people and collections for their show is through spreading the word far and wide so that people know they’re coming to town.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore Virginia resident’s hidden treasure. If someone has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through they would love to hear from you. Please note, the Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. They are open to traveling all over the state to meet with potential collectors

If interested, please send one’s name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library Named a Star Library

The Mary Riley Styles Public Library (MRSPL) was named a “star library” in Library Journal’s recently released Index of Public Library Service 2022.

This is the 15th year the Library Journal scored U.S. public libraries on the LJ Index of Public Library Service and awarded Star Library ratings. MRSPL has received a star designation for 14 of the 15 years.

Nominate the Grand Marshal of Memorial Day Parade

The 2023 Memorial Day event is Monday, May 29. Nominations should be submitted to Scarlett Williams in the Recreation and Parks Department at sawilliams@ fallschurchva.gov by March 3. Nominators should send the nominee’s name and describe why that person deserves the honor of Grand Marshal. Nominees have contributed significantly to the City of Falls Church community, and previous Grand Marshals are not eligible.

Businesses, organizations, and vendors interested in sponsoring or setting up a booth at the Memorial Day Parade and Festival can find more information online or contact Scarlett Williams at sawilliams@ fallschurchva.gov.

Little City Gift Cards Still Available

Shopping locally is easy with the Little City Gift Card program which directly supports local businesses. The City of Falls Church will match up to three gift card sales for shoppers until January 31. To learn more and purchase cards, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/ three bonus gift cards per per son. The Little City Gift Card does not expire and can still be redeemed at participating businesses after January 31, 2023.

After January 31, 2023, customers will still be able to purchase The Little City Gift Card but will no longer receive a bonus gift card with their purchase.

2023 Special Events Application Out Soon

The Recreation and Parks Department just announced that all 2023 Special Event Vendor and Sponsorship applications are now posted online. Not sure what vendor category to fall under? Take a look at their vendor categories sheet. If one has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Scarlett Williams at sawilliams@ fallschurchva.gov.

3rd Annual Mayors’ Fitness Challenge Coming Soon

Join the Recreation and Parks Department for the 3rd Annual Mayors’ Fitness Challenge between the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the City of Falls Church. This 8-week challenge will run from March 18 — May 13. It’s open to all City of Falls Church residents. All one has to do is submit the number of minutes one exercises each week — any physical fitness counts. Once registered, one will get an email with directions on how to submit minutes. www.fallschurchva.gov/MayorsChallenge

Ways to Care for Native Plants Garden

In response to requests from viewers of sustainable landscaping programs, Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills will discuss gardening techniques with a focus on gardens with native plants. Following the cycle of the seasons, she will cover such tasks as dealing with winter storm damage and salt; doing a soil test and interpreting results; winter and summer pruning of native trees and shrubs; planting, dividing, and cutting back native perennials, grasses, and sedges; dealing with summer flooding and drought; and making use of fall leaves. She will also share information on making wise selections of plants and choosing lawn alternatives as well as year-long practices to encourage and support local wildlife. Free. RSVP at https://mgnv. org/events/ to receive a link to participate.

PAGE 24 | JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2023