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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2021 | PAGE 3

Creative Cauldron Gives Classic Fables a Modern Twist

BY AMANDA SNEAD

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Aesop’s Fables are classic tales that many will remember from childhood. The fables began as an oral tradition in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE and have since been written out and passed on through generations.

But what would it be like if these fables took place in modern times? Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater production of Aesop’s Fables does just that. The Boy Who Cried Wolf is busy playing on his phone and the Ants are snacking on Cheetos, bringing a unique 21st century twist to the well-loved classic stories along with music.

The show was put on by Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Ensemble, an eight week acting workshop which helps young actors learn about memorizing lines, putting on a production and more, ending with a final production— in this case, Aesop’s Fables. The youngest of the group recently turned eight years old.

As a majority of the characters in these characters are animals, costume designer Margie Jervis and a team of volunteers set out to make incredible masks for all of the performers. The masks cover the entire face of the performer so masks can be worn underneath for an extra layer of protection along with the audience showing proof of vaccination and wearing masks for the performance.

“We were thrilled to produce our first Learning Theater production in 21 months, and begin to see families return to the Cauldron,” said Laura Conners Hull, director of the play and founder of Creative Cauldron. “We chose Aesop’s Fables because it afforded us the extra protective aspect of all the characters being in masks. And we knew that Margie Jervis, our resident Scenic and Costume Designer, would make them astonishing.”

The audience was filled with adults and children alike. For the adults in attendance, the show likely brings a sense of nostalgia to stories from their childhood but the modern twists keep it unique and entertaining. For many of the younger audience members, this may be their first time hearing these stories and they will certainly walk away from the show with new lessons learned.

The show ended with a question and answer session where audience members could ask members of the Learning Theater questions. Members of the audience were all eager to ask questions and the Learning Theater were even more eager to answer them. Questions ranged from acting to costumes and more with almost everyone on stage raising their hand to answer.

This is the perfect show for people of all ages. The actors in the show have put in lots of time and effort to make this production a great one and it is the first time on stage for many of them. The show closes this weekend so make sure to get your tickets and see it for yourself!

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Aesop’s Fables closes this weekend at Creative Cauldron with shows on Friday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 21 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. To purchase tickets and find out more details on Covid protocol, visit Creative Cauldron’s website at https://www. creativecauldron.org/.

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PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2021

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Birch and Broad Shopping Center Prepares for Grand Illumination

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before Christmas.

The renovation comes ahead of development of the new 10-acre project across the street, whose construction is about to begin.

In addition to its retailers, the Birch and Broad center will include outdoor dining spaces, including one that will be heated during the winter months ahead.

“We are pleased by Federal Realty’s new investment in the Birch and Broad shopping center. The fresh look of the facade, enhanced landscaping, and outdoor dining areas will be enjoyed by City shoppers and help Birch and Broad’s new and established businesses succeed,” Phil Duncan, Falls Church Council member and Chair of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, told the News-Press.

Located at the intersection of West Broad Street and Birch Street, the shopping center has already received lots of new traffic as new stores have begun to open.

“As we approach the completion of the renovation, we are thrilled to welcome the addition of three more notable merchants advancing Birch and Broad to almost full occupancy,” said Deirdre Johnson, vice president of asset management for Federal in a recent press release. “The upgraded aesthetics and outdoor amenities combined with a first-rate mix of shopping, dining and service merchants enhances the experiential element of Birch and Broad creating a premier destination for our neighbors and visitors of the City of Falls Church to gather and enjoy.”

From groceries, to coffee shops, sit down restaurants and more, there is something for everyone in this redesigned space.

Said Chris Gannon, CEO and co-founder of Bolay Fresh Bold Kitchen, “We’re in a growth phase and this will be a really exciting opening for us — our first Virginia location. We hope to open our doors at Birch & Broad in summer of 2022.” Patrons of Bolay can build their own “Bol” options featuring healthy plants and proteins. “Guests can expect fine dining food at the speed and cost of fast casual — a menu with really delicious bold flavors.”

In addition to groceries and food, recreation for kids will also be available at the new Aqua Tots location — a swim school that is open all year long with a heated indoor pool, teaching children from four months to 12 years old how to swim.

“This is a moment of major expansion for the franchise, and we are excited to invite local families to register their little ones for world-class swimming lessons,” said Andrew George, owner of the Birch and Broad location of Aqua-Tots. “There are a lot of kids in the Falls Church area, and we can’t wait to get them in the water.”

While plans for an official grand opening are still in the works and have not been finalized, there are many locations already open in the shopping center and more information on the grand illumination is expected to be announced soon.

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Holiday Guide

November 25th - December 23rd issues

Our holiday guide this year will cover everything you need for a wonderful, enjoyable holiday with your family and friends.

Included in these 5 issues:

There will be gift suggestions for every budget, and many with options for you to purchase locally. We’ve found some great ideas for how to decorate both inside and outside your home. And of course – food! Recipes and preparations no matter how big or small your gathering.

From our November 25th edition to the December 23rd edition look for our guide to provide helpful suggestions and ideas for your holiday celebrations. If you are a business or service and would like to advertise in this special section Please email Melissa Morse at mmorse@fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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PAGE 5 | NOVEMBER 18 - 24, 2021

Local Nonprofits Recognized by Chamber Ahead of Giving Tuesday

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nonprofits in attendance. the Foundation partners with local mental health organizations and providers to help those with mental health concerns receive the help that they need. Established in 1993, NVMHF has since helped over 6,000 clients. Some of the services they provide include registering clients for educational and technical courses to help them get a job, providing an outing for residents in a group home, cleaning out the house of a hoarder and many more. More information about the Foundation and ways to volunteer and donate can be found at novamentalhealth.org/.

The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation was also at the event. Founded in 2011, owners Pam McAlwee and Ross Underwood purchased 63 acres of land in Sumerduck VA and began building The Lost Dog Ranch, a kennel facility for homeless pets with plenty of outdoor space for dogs to run and a cage-free building for cats. They have since helped to save over 40,000 animals, many of which were facing euthanasia at overcrowded shelters. Every weekend LDCRF holds off-site adoption events at local pet stores to help animals find their forever homes. More information about the rescue, as well as ways to donate and volunteer, can be found on their website at.lostdogrescue.org/.

NOVA ScriptsCentral works to provide quality integrated pharmaceutical care and medication access to the low-income uninsured children and adults of Northern Virginia. Founded in 2004, the organization works to ensure everyone in the Northern Virginia community has access to receive often lifesaving medications, immunizations and medical care. They believe that everyone should have access to quality healthcare. NOVA ScriptsCentral is focused on working with clinic partners to achieve the ‘triple aim’ from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. The triple aim focuses on optimizing health, cost, and care for the underserved community. More information on the services they provide and ways to donate can be found online at novascripts.org/.

The Arc of Northern Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. They work to come up with local solutions to the national crisis of families struggling to support their loved ones with disabilities. Some of the many services they offer include advocating on state and local levels to ensure quality community based services and resources, helping youth transition from school to adult life in the community, empowering advocates with self-advocacy skills through their People First and Toastmasters programs and much more. For more information on how to support their efforts, visit thearcofnova.org/.

The Falls Church Education Foundation was created in 2004 to raise, manage and distribute supplemental funds to enhance the educational experience of Falls Church City Public School students. The Foundation hosts multiple fundraisers every year in the community including the annual Home and Garden Tour and the Little City Scramble golf tournament. This past week, the FCEF presented over $51,000 in Super Grants to FCCPS Staff. To find out more about the Foundation and learn more ways to support them, check out their website at.fcedf.org/.

Columbia Baptist Church seeks to create a safe and diverse community for people to explore their faith. They offer services in multiple languages and in different settings, from a more traditional church space to coffeehouses and other locations. On November 21, they will be holding a 5K/3K race, this annual fundraiser helps raise funds for their hunger projects, including the food pantry located in Bailey’s Crossroads. More information about the race and the church can be found at columbiabaptist.org/.

Better Together Falls Church was created to help out small businesses during the struggles of the pandemic and its impact on the community. This apparel fundraiser uses 100 percent of the money raised to purchase gift cards to small businesses in the Little City. The gift cards then go to local charities that support the community. Tees, sweatshirts and beanies can be purchased at bettertogetherfc.org. Any items purchased now through November 29 will ship on December 7.

Creative Cauldron was founded in 2002 and is dedicated to providing affordable, enriching, and diverse experiences in the performing and visual arts to Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC community. The theater puts on multiple performances every year as well as hosting workshops and lessons for all ages. Currently, the Learning Theater is putting on “Aesop’s Fables,” which closes this weekend. Their next production will be “The Christmas Angel,” beginning on December 9. To purchase tickets to their performances or find out more about volunteer opportunities and workshops, visit creativecauldron. org/.

The luncheon ended with a speech from Brian Creswick of Chartis Federal who spoke about the importance of supporting nonprofits through your business, especially in a small community such as Falls Church.

Additionally, the city of Falls Church is celebrating Live Local Month with a giveaway. Everyone who uses the hashtag #LiveLocalFC on social media when visiting local businesses will be eligible to win a $100 gift card to the local Falls Church business of their choice.

More information on the #LiveLocalFC giveaway can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website at fallschurchchamber.org as well as a full list of nonprofit organizations in the city.