See Story, PageS 3 and

PAGE 14 |DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2021 FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Holiday Gift Guide for All Things Local This Giving Season

Continued from Page 3

for you! To-go kits as well as completed pieces can be purchased online at shop.claywire.com.

Clay Cafe Studios is located at 101 N. Maple Ave. in Falls Church. Visit claywire.com or call 703-8793386 for more information.

For young fashionistas: Lemon Lane Consignment offers a variety of clothing for sizes newborn through size 14 and shoes in sizes newborn through three years. The inventory is constantly changing as new items are brought in so you’ll be sure to find something that suits their style.

Lemon Lane is located at 246 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. You can shop via their Instagram @lemonlane_consignment, their website at lemonlaneconsignment.com or by calling 703-300-0060.

For the person who loves the outdoors: A long-time staple of the Falls Church community, Brown’s Hardware has a wide variety of items for any project you might have. In addition, they also have a selection of bird feeders and seed if you’re the type of person who prefers to sit outside and be with nature.

Brown’s Hardware is located at 100 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. Call 703-532-1168 for more information.

For the party host: Preorders are now open for Dogwood Tavern’s limited edition eggnog! The eggnog is made with the finest bourbon, rum and brandy and aged for 30 days inhouse. Preorders can now be made on their website and pickup begins on Monday, December 13. Additionally, they are currently running a gift card promotion— when you purchase $100 worth of gift cards, you’ll receive a complimentary $20 gift card to keep for yourself or give to a loved one!

Dogwood Tavern is located at 132 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. Preorders for eggnog and gift cards can be purchased online at dogwoodtavern.com. Pickup for eggnog begins December 13. Call 703-2378333 or email info@dogwoodtavernfc.com for more information.

For the vintage lover: New to You offers designer clothing, vintage glassware, mid-century modern home goods, fine jewelry, unique gifts and more. Not only is this a great way to shop locally but it’s also a great way to shop sustainably by buying secondhand! Who says you can’t be stylish and sustainable at the same time?

New to You is located at 108 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. For more information, visit https://newtoyou. net/ or call 703-533-1251.

For the person with a resolution to work out more: Workout equipment is an investment and can be pricey. Help your loved one purchase their dream bike with a gift card to Conte’s Bike Shop. Gift cards can be purchased with values from $10 to $1,000. With trails all over the area a new bike is the perfect way to get outdoors and exercise in the new year.

Conte’s Bike Shop is located at 1118 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. Call 703-639-0343 or visit contebikes.com for more details.

For all the kids on your list: Doodlehopper 4 Kids is your one stop shop for toys, games, books and more. With hot toys like Squishmallows and fidget toys to jewelry-making kits and sports equipment and more you’re sure to find something for all of the little ones on the “nice list” this year.

Doodlehopper 4 Kids is located at 234 W. Broad St. in Falls Church. To see their online catalog or find out more information, visit their website at doodlehopper.com.

NEW TO YOU offers a variety of designer shoes, clothes and

accessories. (Photo: Courtesy of New to You)

Faces of Falls Church

Holiday Party

WHILE TRYING TO GET A JUMP on the Holiday shopping I needed to do, I dipped into Penzeys, and there I not only found a great gift for the in-laws but I also found Karyn. Karyn was born in DC but currently resides in Arlington. She loves to cook and has been working there for the last 7

months.(Photo: J. Michael Whalen)

Free and Open to All Friends of the News-Press Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. American Legion Hall, 400 N. Oak Street.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church NEWS BRIEFS

F.C.’s Economic Development Group Plans More Bailout $

Another round of grants to local businesses in the City of Falls Church are being planned by the City’s quasi-independent Economic Development Authority (EDA), based on votes taken by the group Tuesday night. Of the approximately $18 million federal Covid Relief funds designated for the City, it has been determined that $1.5 million will come to the EDA in equal amounts of $500,000 for each of the next three years, Becky Witsman of the City’s Economic Development Office told the EDA board Tuesday.

The first year’s allocation would include another round of small $5,000 grants to local businesses doing between $50,000 and $1 million in annual business that have lost 25 to 80 percent in gross receipts during the pandemic. They would go to businesses not included in the first round of EDA grants from earlier this year and with no other restriction.

In year two, funds would go to a “Dining Parklet Program” to assist in the effort of local businesses to extend their operations to outdoor parking areas, to the hiring of a marketing consultant, the use of “Shop Local” gift cards and to partner with the George Mason University Small Business Center.

Amazon Affordable Housing Grant $ Said Coming to F.C.

Year 3 grant money from Amazon, dedicated to the advancement of affordable housing initiatives, will likely be coming to the City, it was reported at Tuesday’s meeting of the F.C. Economic Development Authority.

The plan is to use the funds to extend the City’s presence in the Virginia Village affordable housing section of the City.

Rep. Beyer Virtual Town Hall Set Monday Night

Falls Church’s U.S. Rep. Don Beyer will hold his final town hall of the year this coming Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. It will be virtual and citizens looking to tune in can call 703-658-5903 for information. Beyer said, “I will be talking with constituents about how the Build Back Better and Infrastructure Bills will support Northern Virginians, providing an update on what’s happening in Congress, and taking your questions.”

Meanwhile., Rep. Beyer, who is chair of Congress’ Joint Economic Committee and author of the Digital Asset Market Structure and Investor Protection Act, issued the following statement as the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on digital assets:

“I commend the House Financial Services Committee for its work on digital assets to explore legislative solutions that promote innovation and growth while protecting consumers. My comprehensive digital asset legislation is an excellent starting point for those efforts. I look forward to continued conversations with Chair Waters and other members of the Committee on how Congress can incorporate digital assets into regulatory frameworks, a need that both industry and regulators emphasize more and more all the time.”

Beyer recently chaired a Joint Economic Committee hearing, “Demystifying Crypto: Digital Assets and The Role Of Government.” The hearing underscored the important point that, while digital assets have great potential, the lack of comprehensive regulation exposes investors and consumers to fraud, hacks, and other illicit activities. Federal regulators have called upon Congress to create better rules to govern digital assets.

F.C.’s Snyder Honored With GMU Leadership Award

In a program run under the auspices of the Schar School of Policy and Government of George Mason University, a Regional Elected Leaders Institute NOVA Leadership Award was presented last week to long-standing Falls Church City Councilman David Snyder.

This year, the award was presented to State Sen. Janet Howell, Arlington School Board Chair Barbara Kanninen and Prince William School Board Chair Babur Lateef in addition to Snyder.

Northam Announces Big Public Safety Spending Boost

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Tuesday announced that his proposed two-year state budget will include the largest dollar investment in public safety in Virginia history. Northam is proposing pay increases for Virginia State Troopers, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs and regional jail officers, building on his record of law enforcement pay raises over the past four years.

“Law enforcement officers carry a heavy burden as they work to protect Virginians, and this raise is the right thing to do,” said Gov. Northam. “Virginia is committed to training officers, funding alternative response systems, and investing in communities. It is also important that our officers are paid enough to create a positive work environment free from as much stress and burnout as possible. This raise and increased funding is a huge step forward.”

Under the Governor’s proposal, newly-sworn state troopers will receive a 7.7 percent pay raise; the starting salary for new correction officers will increase by 25 percent; and the average entry-level salary for deputy sheriffs and regional jail officials will increase by approximately 20 percent. The Governor’s budget also includes significant funding to address pay compression and provide additional raises to a range of targeted officers and sworn personnel. Virginia gave one-time bonuses of $3,000 to $5,000 to public safety officials in 2021, in addition to a one-time bonus of $500 in 2020. DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2021 | PAGE 15

Protect the ones you love, get your flu shot today.

@vaccinatevirginia

PAGE 16 | DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2021

CALENDAR

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR

LOCALEVENTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

Chamber of Commerce Breakfast

Connection. The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is changing it up this month with a special opportunity. Promote your business before the workday even begins. The format of the Breakfast Connection gives attendees a chance to bring their business to the table, literally. This event focuses on roundtable power networking. This Breakfast is with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and will double your connections! The fee includes a continental breakfast. Register online on the Chamber website. (1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington). 7:30 — 9 a.m.

Baby Storytime. Join TysonsPimmit Library for songs, rhymes, stories and activities for you and your baby. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together in your lap. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Check in at the Children's Information desk for tickets. This class is best for babies 0 — 18 months and their caregivers. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Five & Under Storytime. Join Thomas Jefferson Library for stories, songs, and activities that build early literacy skills. Ages 0 — 5. Space is limited to ticketed attendees for in-person events. Tickets are free and first-come, first-serve at the information desk 30 minutes before each program. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Woodrow Wilson Storytime. Join Woodrow Wilson Library with your kids to read stories, move your feet and have fun at this storytime event. Attendees will also be learning Spanish words as they fit with the theme of each program. Please note masks are required for all people ages 2 and up. This program is limited to the first 15 people total. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. — 12 p.m. Snow Slime Making. There’s no snow outside yet so join TysonsPimmit Library to make some of your own. Ages 6 — 12. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 4 — 5 p.m.

Falls Church Farmers Market.

The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday at City Hall, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. For more information, visit fallschurchva.gov/547/FarmersMarket-To-Go. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Kids in the Kitchen. Come join Tysons-Pimmit Library outside for a fun nutrition lesson and a healthy snack! This is an interactive experience that engages kids to form healthy eating habits and learn basic cooking skills. Snack ingredients are provided (may include nuts), just come ready to learn and have fun. This is for ages 3 — 8 with one parent, if you have questions about the appropriate age for a program or its content please call the branch at 703-7908088 (option 4). Due to space limitations we only have room for one adult with each registered child. All employees and visitors — regardless of vaccination status — are required to wear a mask while inside all Fairfax County facilities to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Room capacity will be limited to 40 people. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 11 — 11:30 p.m.

Paws to Read with Lucy. Read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog at Thomas Jefferson Library. Bring your own book or choose a book from the library. Walk-ins welcome. Ages 6 — 12. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

Winter Wreath Making

Workshop. Welcome the season’s change this winter with a festive homemade wreath at TysonsPimmit Library. All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity. This event is for adults. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

Psychic Connections in Criminal

Investigations. Join TysonsPimmit Library for stories of unconventional investigations of unsolved crimes. Psychic detective Noreen Renier, a veteran of over 600 cases, will speak about her investigative work. For decades she has participated in cases for the police and FBI using her psychic insights to help solve crimes and find missing persons when conventional methods couldn’t. Her work has been featured on many platforms including Larry King, Court TV, 48 Hours, and America’s Most Wanted. Books will be available for purchase and signing afterwards. Readers of true crime and stories of the paranormal will be sure to enjoy this lecture! This event is for adults and teens. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 1 — 2 p.m.

Washington Sinfonietta Family

Holiday Concert. The Washington Sinfonietta returns to the stage with its annual Family Holiday Concert — a joyful musical celebration that has come to be beloved in and around the Falls Church community! Under the baton of Music Director Joel Lazar, the orchestra will perform timeless classics and festive tunes ranging from “Greensleeves” and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, to “Sleigh Ride” and choruses from Handel’s immortal “Messiah”. The program will also feature the talented George Mason High School Chamber Singers, an audience holiday carol sing-along, and a visit from Santa! Admission is free for adults and children of all ages. Proof of Covid vaccination or negative test within 72 hours required – please visit washingtonsinfonietta.org for full details and more information. (166 E. Broad St., Falls Church). 4 — 5:30 p.m.

Storytime Fun for Preschoolers.

Join Tysons-Pimmit Library with your preschooler for storytime. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration. Please check in at the information desk for tickets. Masks are once again required at the library regardless of vaccination status. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Reception for Incoming and Outgoing City Council Members.

The public is invited to attend a reception honoring newly elected Council Member Caroline S. Lian; reelected Council Members Marybeth Connelly, Debora Schantz-Hiscott, and David F. Snyder; and outgoing Council Member Ross Litkenhous. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7 — 7:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting. The City Council meets in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers. In-person capacity may be limited due to Covid-19 safety, and all attendees must wear a mask and stay socially distant at all times. The meeting can be viewed live online (fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings) or on FCCTV (Cox channel 11, RCN channel 2, Verizon channel 35). Public comment can be made inperson or via MS Teams on any topic; sign-up by noon on the day of the meeting, fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 — 11 p.m.

Polar Express Pajama Party. Put on your coziest pajamas, snuggle with your favorite stuffed animal, pull up a soft blanket and join Mary Riley Styles Library for a ride on the Polar Express! This annual program is open to students in Grades K — 5. Registration and masks required. Pajamas, stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets are welcome. Hot cocoa, peppermint sticks, and popcorn will be served. (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 3:30 — 4:30 p.m.

After School Activities and

Adventures. Introducing After School Activities and Adventures: the after-school activity of the week at Woodrow Wilson Library. It might be games, activities, or crafts. It's always a surprise and fun. Ages 6 — 12. Limited to the first 12 participants. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

Santamobile. The City of Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce that the popular Santamobile will once again make its way through the City of Falls Church and neighboring communities this year. On Wednesday the 15, the Santamobile will be making its way through South of W. Broad Street in the St. James Cemetery and Virginia Forest neighborhoods up to and including Seaton Lane and S. Oak south of the Tripps Run bridge. To see more details and the routes, visit fallschurchfire.org/santamobile. (South of W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 — 9:30 p.m.

Teen Advisory Board. Join TAB at Tysons-Pimmit Library to share ideas to improve teen programming and earn volunteer credit. Grades 7 — 12. Pick up an application at the information desk or email alisha.hasson@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 7 — 8 p.m.

Conversation with Delegate Marcus Simon. The Falls Church League of Women Voters is hosting a virtual conversation with Marcus Simon, who represents Falls Church in the Virginia House of Delegates, on Sunday, December 12 at 3:00 pm. Delegate Simon will be providing a preview of the upcoming session of the General Assembly and will also be discussing current issues within the Commonwealth. The program is open to the public and questions from the audience are encouraged. You may register to attend this event by going to Eventbrite.com or by emailing Barbara Lipsky, blipsky@cox.net.

The Christmas Angel. Based on a little-known 1910 novel by Abbey Farwell Brown, this tale about an elderly spinster and her heartwarming transformation into the Christmas spirit echo Dickens and the journey of Ebeneezer Scrooge. Creative Cauldron’s award-winning creative team, Conner and Smith, put their signature stamp

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15

VIRTUALEVENTS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

THEATER&ARTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2021 | PAGE 17

on what is sure to become another classic Christmas show. This production features adult professionals and students enrolled in the Musical Theater PreProfessional Training program. Please note: all patrons must wear masks. Social distancing and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required for everyone 12 and over. Performances take place from December 9 — 19 with shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church). 703436-9948.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman

Smells. In this holiday favorite, Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school in this play by Providence Players. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So, when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-knowwho what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. Suitable for children and families. Performances will take place December 10 — 19 with performances at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sunday and 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church). 703-425-6782.

Adam Knudsen. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

LIVEMUSIC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

KT Tunstall with Haley Johnsen

Live and in Concert. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

U2Topia. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $12. 8 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Born Cross Eyed. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 8 p.m. 703-255-1566. Sol Roots Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

Josh Allen Duo Live. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.

Liz Taylor and the Husbands

Live and in Concert. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Maggie Rose. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $29.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Parthenon Huxley & His Ridiculous Band Live and in

Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 8 p.m. 703255-1566.

Roadducks. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Rob Hornfeck Enterprise.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703237-8333.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

Groovequest Live and in Concert.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

Willy Porter. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Southside Johnny & the Asbury Dukes Live and in Concert.

Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $49.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Game Over Man. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Josh Allen Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

The Hackensaw Boys. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $17 — $20. 9 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Curtis Knocking Christmas Show.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703237-8333.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Daryl Davis & Patsy’s Holiday

Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-8589186.

Bill Kirchen. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Eyes of the Nile. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $ 12 — $15. 8 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Linwood Taylor Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 13

Tom Saputo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Sweet Yoder. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Fruit Favorites Gift Box

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Sponsored by The Eden Center

Bold New Works Sponsor Jon Wiant

December 9 - 19

Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Sundays at 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm Get Tickets & See Covid-19 Protocol at creativecauldron.org

PAGE 18 |DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2021

Falls Church School News & Notes

FCCPS School Board Office Hours

FCCPS School Board Chair Shannon Litton and Vice-Chair Laura Downs will be holding “office hours” at Dogwood Tavern (132 W Broad Street) on Monday, December 13th from 6 — 8 p.m. Residents may drop by (no registration required) to ask questions and offer feedback in a casual environment. As this will not be a private setting, community members who prefer to have a private exchange with the School Board can locate members’ email addresses on their website: https://www.fccps.org/ page/school-board.

MHS Senior SCA Cooks for Shelter

Each winter, the Senior Class SCA partners with the Falls Church Homeless shelter to provide home-cooked meals every Tuesday. Meridian High School seniors pick out recipes, prepare meals after school, and deliver the meals directly to the shelter. Their commitment to service and to making a difference in our community is what it’s all about to be a caring IB student.

Tumbler Sale to Support the Choir

The Meridian High School Choir is selling the first-ever “Meridian” High School tumblers to raise funds for the Spring trip to New York City. Support the choir and keep your beverages hot this winter in this stylish stainless steel, insulated tumbler. Contact an MHS Choir student or email Jaime Sample at samplej@ fccps.org to order your tumbler.

School Board/City Council Budget Work

Monday night, Superintendent Peter Noonan presented a first look at the Fiscal Year 2023 FCCPS Budget request to a joint meeting of the Falls Church School Board & City Council. For the fourth year in a row, the proposed 6.2 percent transfer request falls below the current projected organic revenue growth of 8.4 percent. Priorities for this budget year include compensation for FCCPS staff and program building.

The City Council will vote on this year’s Budget Guidance on December 13th, and Superintendent Noonan will present his annual Proposed Budget to the School Board on January 11th.

OSE Students Are Coding in Class

The National Computer Science Week is an annual time to inspire K-12 students to learn more about computer science. Coding can be challenging and uncertain, and risk-takers at OSE are taking this challenge head-on in their technology classes with Ms. Megan Torpey all week.

Learning to code in elementary school helps students with problem-solving, logic, and creativity skills.

They use Code.org, scratch, and a few other programs to code this year. Computer Science Week honors Grace Hopper’s birthday (December 9, 1906). She is known as a pioneer of computer programming. Students at OSE will continue coding in Technology class through January.

Choral Boosters Poinsettias for Pick Up

If you ordered plants, here are the ways to get them from Meridian High School, where they will be delivered:

If you plan to attend one of the Middle School choir concerts on December 14, come to the Meridian cafeteria to pick up your plants before or after you hear your child’s grade sing. Poinsettias will be sorted alphabetically by the last name on the order.

If you plan to attend the High School concert on December 15, pick up your plants after the show since they will decorate the stage for the concert.

If you do not plan to attend the middle or high school choir concerts, please pick up your plants 3 — 8 pm on December 14 in the Meridian cafeteria.

If you cannot choose any of the options above, please email Beth Neal to make other arrangements. Visit fccpschoralboosters. org for more details.

LOCAL

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MERIDIAN, HENDERSON, AND OAK STREET musicians spread musical cheer throughout the city this weekend. The events were held at Tree Fest at Ireland’s Four Provinces night and the Falls Church Community Center’s Arts and Craft Festival. (Photo Courtesy FCCPS)

Upload Student Vaccination Cards

To help speed up the vaccination verification process and avoid pauses/quarantines for fully vaccinated students, FCCPS would like to ask families to consider uploading their student’s updated vaccination cards to their new FCCPS Vaccination Card Upload page. Visit the FCCPS website for the form.

Please note: There is no need to upload the new form if you have already uploaded it to the previous Google Form and there are no changes.

Meridian HS Legacy Grove

Remember those engraved bricks from the old high school? They were saved and installed, along with new ones in the Meridian High School Legacy Grove.

Wondering if there’s a brick with your name? Check the Legacy Kiosk online or in the school for the Legacy Grove Directory. Search by name/keyword and check out a map of the area to figure out where to find your brick.

There are 1,443 engraved bricks and space for new ones to be added. Bricks ordered by June 15, 2022, will be installed this summer.

Health and Wellness Advisory Survey

Would you mind taking two minutes to complete a brief survey for the School Board’s Health & Wellness Advisory Committee and FCCPS PTAs?

The survey invites parents and teachers to share feedback about the health and wellness topics they are most interested in learning about this year.

The survey will close on Friday, December 17. The survey can be accessed on the FCCPS website.

Saturday Learning Lounge at Meridian

All students in grades 8 — 12 are invited to sign up for the Learning Lounge with Mrs. Rafique & Mr. Perkins. This quiet space allows students the opportunity to get work done with the help of a teacher or peer tutors. The SLL is offered most Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. in room 4L29 (across from the fitness room).

Students must sign up if they plan to attend. They should indicate in the request form if they would like to have a tutor by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Henderson Students Learn Through Games

Seventh graders in Ms. Axelle Amos’ World History class have been learning about different religions in the world. As a formative assignment, they create Game Boards to test their knowledge. Students made Game Boards about various religions, such as Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. They will play the games in groups to help prepare for their summative assessment.

Upcoming Henderson and MHS Concerts

Enjoy music in the new Meridian High School Auditorium:

Thursday, December 9 at 7 p.m. — Meridian Band Concert

Tuesday, December 14 at 6:45 p.m. — Henderson Choir Concert (6th grade)

Tuesday, December 14 at 7:15 p.m. — Henderson Choir Concert (7th grade)

Tuesday, December 14 at 7:45 p.m. — Henderson Choir Concert (8th grade)

Wednesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. — Meridian Choral Concert