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News & Notes
PAGE 8 |APRIL 22 – 28, 2021
LOCAL News-Press
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Community News & Notes
Women Voters Affordable Housing Event on Sunday
The Falls Church League of Women Voters and the Citizens for a Better City invite the public to a virtual program on on Sunday, April 25 at 4 p.m. about the current developments and efforts in providing affordable housing in Falls Church.
Five Falls Church-based experts will discuss current efforts to address this issue, including a new $3.75 million housing grant from Amazon and the push for more affordable units in large mixed-used developments.
The panel of five local experts will include: Letty Hardi, member of the Falls Church City Council; Dana Lewis, with the Falls Church Department of Housing and Human Services; Julio Cesar Idrobo, tenant advocate; Michelle Winters, executive director of the Alliance for Housing Solutions; and Joe Muffler, developer of the Founders Row/Mill Creek project in Falls Church. Nancy Vincent, director of the Falls Church Housing and Human Services Department, will moderate the program.
The public may access the program via Zoom at us02web.zoom. us/j/85073147018. The Zoom link is also posted on the website of the Falls Church League of Women Voters at my.lwv.org/virginia/fallschurch. For additional information, please email Barbara Lipsky at blipsky@cox.net.
Former F.C. Resident Joins Company Board
David Meredith, a former Falls Church resident, has been added to the Board of Directors for SADA, a global business and technology consultancy.
Meredith serves as the CEO and Board Director at Everbridge (a NASDAQ Russell 1000 Index company), the global leader in critical event management software solutions to “Keep people safe and organizations running.” Prior to Everbridge, Meredith amassed over 25 years of senior executive leadership and board director roles across both multi-billion-dollar public companies as well as private equity-backed, technologyfocused firms.
Athletic Scholarships Being Offered to Mustangs
The George Mason High
School Athletic Boosters
Association will be awarding $11,500 in scholarships this year to eight graduating seniors from the Class of 2021 and three alumni. These scholarships are targeted at those students that participate in Mustang Athletics as an athlete or as an active supporter (e.g., team manager, film coordinator, or student trainer).
The deadline to apply is May 7. General information about each scholarship’s unique requirements and the application form can be found at masonathletics.org (from the home page, click on “Athletic Boosters” then click on “Boosters’ Scholarships”). Scholarship winners will be announced in June. Donations to the ABA Scholarship Program are always welcome and can be made at the Mason Fan Shop: mason-fan-shop.myshopify. com.
For questions, contact gm.athleticboosters@gmail.com.
MORE THAN 40 CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES were all smiles Saturday after receiving free dental care from the medical staff and volunteers at Everlasting Dental Care in Falls Church. (Photo:
Courtesy Ashley Morabito) DR. ROBERT MORABITO (left picture), Dr. David Morabito (right picture) and other medical staff performed root canals, fillings, extractions, cleanings, and other care valued at more than $45,000 to children who had no access to dental care. Many will also be returning for follow up visits to complete necessary procedures at no charge. Ashley Morabito is the executive director of the Little Yellow Bird Foundation, a registered non-profit organization that raises funds to support dental missions locally and internationally. She organized the Give Kids a Smile Day and recruited nearly
30 volunteers. (Photo: Courtesy Ashley Morabito)
Send Us Your News & Notes! The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best! Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
LOCAL
APRIL 22 – 28, 2021 | PAGE 9
F.C. High Fundraises For Sports Programs Congressional School Receives New Pool Funding
Falls Church High School
Athletics Boosters will be holding their FUNDrive on Saturday, April 24, where donors are asked to donate a maximum of two, 30 gallon bags full of clothes and household textiles. Each bag is weighed by Unique (2956 Gallows Rd, Falls Church), a thrift store in Merrifield, who in turn will donate cash to FCHS athletics.
The goal is to raise $1,000.
To drop off before Saturday, contact Lisa Johns at fchsspiritwear@gmail.com or by calling 501-951-1084. Final drop-off is Saturday from 10: 45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd., Falls Church).
Clothing items that can be donated are men’s, women’s and children’s clothes as well as coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, ties, belts, backpacks. Household textiles that can be donated include bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows.
McLean Art Society Meeting on Friday
Nancy Tankersley, a contemporary Impressionist painter, will be the featured presenter on the Friday, April 23 meeting of the McLean Art Society. The business meeting will start at 10 a.m. to be followed by the artistic demonstration. Tankersley is the founder of the Plein Air Society in Easton, Maryland, and has traveled widely participating in competitions, serving as a competition judge and teaching. The meeting will be presented on Zoom and guests are invited. To get the link required contact the MAS president Ray Goodrow at raymgoodrow@aol. com.
Congressional School just received the school’s largest single gift in its 81-year history — the renovation of the school’s two swimming pools, which are the most significant capital improvements to the school’s 40-acre campus since the building of its gymnasium in the late-1990s. The donors are Edy Rameika, an alumna of Congressional’s class of 1986, and her husband Sean, who are the grandparents of two Congressional School students.
Congressional’s pool was built in 1964, but over the last several years the school determined that it was time to update it for future generations. Requiring thoughtful planning and considerable resources, Congressional positioned itself to begin construction in fall 2020. A swimming pool fund was developed, and the school raised twothirds of the necessary funding. Congressional’s 2020 gala was earmarked to help close the funding gap, but when Covid-19 struck, gala funds were redirected, and the project was set to be delayed. The Rameikas were inspired to help the school and made a major gift to cover the remaining one-third of the required funding, ensuring the pool renovation could continue without further delay.
The new pool is designed to enhance the summer camp experience in addition to offering afterschool swim lessons and integration into Congressional School’s physical education program. The heated pool will include a splash zone designed for all ages, a gradual beach entrance, water features, anchored pool float toys, a water slide, a diving board, and renovated locker rooms. Renderings of the renovations are available on the Congressional’s website at congressionalschool.org/campuslife/pool.
KYLE FRIEDLANDER, a TJ Elementary School 4th grader, spontaneously decided to start a food drive for Food For Others. He distributed �liers to one street in his neighborhood and received nearly 180 lbs of food donations from nearly two-thirds of the homes he canvassed. He delivered
the food on Monday. (P����: C������� T��� F����������)
SCOUTS BSA TROOP 1996 hosted a CPR training and certification program, with Jonathan Bjorson, Eagle Scout, EMT, RN, and Director of Health and Safety at Goshen Scout Reservation National Capital Area Council, leading the training. Upon conclusion of the program — which included independent textbook training followed by simulations with “Resusci Anne” CPR mannequins — 18 Scouts from Troop 1996 earned full CPR certification honors, joining 2 Scouts
already certified. (P����: C������� S�������� O����������)
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German Gourmet 5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 703-379-8080 www.germangourmet.com
PAGE 10 | APRIL 22 – 28, 2021
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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Esteemed F.C. Citizens Group Vs. Name Options
A group of 10 longtime civic activists and leaders in the City of Falls Church has officially objected to the choices determined by two citizen volunteer committees to rename the City’s high school and one of its elementary schools.
Led by a former mayor and two former vice mayors, the group submitted a letter to the F.C. School Board Tuesday stated “None of them [the proposed names] resonated with us and we found ourselves asking, ‘is this list the best we can come up with?’”
Signing the letter were Former Mayor Brian O’Connor, Former Vice Mayors Hal Lippman and Lindy Hockenberry, along with Sally Ekfelt, Harry Shovlin, Tim Stevens, Nancy Brandon, Dick McCall, Ken Feltman and Marian Jarrett.
The School Board is currently slated to make its choices at its virtual meeting next Tuesday, April 27.
The group’s full statement reads, “Upon seeing the list of suggested names for the new high school, the undersigned – individuals who have in the past served the City as mayor, vice-mayor, school board chair, acclaimed FCCPS teacher and, currently, in other local civic capacities – were disappointed and let down by those presented. None of them resonated with us and we found ourselves asking, ‘is this list the best we can come up with?’ Hopefully, the answer is no. We wonder if this isn’t a case where those responsible should go back to the drawing board – mightn’t the School Board consider redirecting the advisory group to try again or appoint a successor group to develop a new list of names?”
Henderson To Be Feted With Highway Plaque
Former Falls Church citizen and civil rights pioneer, the late Edwin Bancroft Henderson, is one of five Black Virginians being honored with a new series of highway plaques aimed at highlighting Black history throughout the state. Options for the new markers were submitted by Virginia students, and of the 100 submissions, five were chosen.
According to a statement from the office of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam,
“Henderson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and known as the ‘Father of Black Basketball,’ organized athletic leagues for African Americans, wrote ‘The Negro in Sports’ (1939), organized the first rural chapter of the NAACP, and was president of the NAACP Virginia state conference as he worked for civil rights.”
The marker for Henderson was suggested by Sullivan Massaro from Kings Glen Elementary in Springfield, Virginia. “The Historical Marker Contest helped me learn more about Black Virginians who have made a difference, like Dr. Edwin Henderson,” Massaro said in the press release. “Dr. Henderson introduced the sport of basketball to Black athletes in Washington, D.C. and is a big part of why basketball is so popular today. As I researched him I learned how much he did not only for the sport of basketball, but for civil rights in Virginia. I couldn’t believe that he did not already have a historical marker, so I chose to nominate him for the contest.”
In 2013, Henderson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is the grandfather of current F.C. School Board member and Tinner Hill Foundation founder Edwin Henderson II.
Early Voting for June 8 Primary Begins Friday
Early in-person voting begins Friday, April 23, for the June 8, 2021 Democratic Party Primary Election in the City of Falls Church. The ballot includes candidates running for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
In Virginia, any registered voter can vote in a primary, regardless of political affiliation. Current 17-year-olds who will be 18 by Nov. 2 are eligible to vote in this primary. The deadline to register to vote or update an existing registration is Monday, May 17.
As of July 1, 2020, all registered voters in Virginia are eligible to vote either early in-person or by mail, with no excuse needed.
Falls Church City’s Office of Elections in City Hall (300 Park Ave.) will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., except on holidays, and on two Saturdays, May 29 and June 5, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, June 5 is the last day of early in-person voting before Election Day on Tuesday, June 8.
Everyone is required to wear a face mask or covering when inside City Hall. Voting booths have been set-up in the main lobby for social distancing purposes. Curbside voting is available only for voters over the age of 65 or with physical limitations. Call the Office of Elections when you have arrived at City Hall: 703-248-5085 (TTY 711).
Voters are reminded to bring an accepted form of Voter ID to the polling place if they wish to cast their ballot.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
CAMP GUIDE 2021
APRIL 22 - 28, 2021 | PAGE 11
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH RECREATION AND PARKS
After a long school year of virtual learning at the dining room table and WiFi buffering messages, you and the kids deserve a break this summer. The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department can help make that happen. We are offering dozens of summer camps for ages 4-18 in both indoor and outdoor environments, with an array of athletic, artistic, musical, STEM-based, and classic camp programs to choose from.
The Recreation and Parks Department is committed to providing a safe camp environment. Mask wearing, social distancing, and other COVID-19 preventative measures will be required for all campers and staff.
City of Falls Church 223 Little Falls Street Falls Church, VA 22046 703.248.5077 fallschurchva.gov/camps
STUDIOS ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
5506 TALON COURT FAIRFAX, VA 22032 703.554.4931
afyp.org
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EQUESTRIAN SCIENCES
aaesva.com
BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN
mclean.basisindependent.com BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL
1830 KIRBY ROAD MCLEAN, VA 22101 703.356.5437
brooksfieldschool.org
C3 CYBER CLUB
c3cyberclub.com
CAMP JAM
AT THE FOXCROFT SCHOOL
22407 FOXHOUND LANE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117
campjam.com CAMP TWIN CREEKS
camptwincreeks.com
CLAY CAFE STUDIOS
claywire.com
COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS AMERICAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
202.885.2442
american.edu/sis/communityofscholars
COMMUNIKIDS
Immerse your child in a second language through fun activities that include: cooking, music, dance, art, and stories from a world country! Every week children explore a country through games, songs, crafts, and arts while learning a language! Children spend their day engaging with peers, playing, learning, and developing skills that help them become global citizens!
Communikids 115 Hillwood Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 703.534.2221 communikids.com
PAGE 12 | APRIL 22 – 28, 2021
CAMP GUIDE 2021
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
CREATIVE CAULDRON
Creative Cauldron is a non-profit professional theater and educational arts space in Falls Church that brings quality, affordable arts experiences to the Washington, DC area community. Summer camps return in-person with covid-19 precautions in place. Campers will enjoy the engaging and imagination-fueled summer experience they’ve loved for 19 years! Each camp day, children will have the opportunity to work with Creative Cauldron’s seasoned and creative teaching artists in the areas of drama, music, movement, and art. Campers, grouped by age, will explore science, myth, folklore, music, and art and create a final performance to share with family and friends.
Creative Cauldron 410 S. Maple Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 703.436.9948 Creativecauldron.org
CONGRESSIONAL CAMP
Congocamp.org
ENCORE STAGE AND STUDIO
4000 LORCOM LANE ARLINGTON, VA 22207 703.548.1154
encorestage.org
GOLDEN BOOT SOCCER
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NOVA
703.287.0088
goldenbootsoccer.com GOW SCHOOL
2491 EMERY ROAD SOUTH WALES, NY 14139-0085 716.652.3450
gow.org
JHOON RHEE TAE KWON DO
Jhoonrheetkd.com
KENWOOD SUMMER DAY CAMP
4955 SUNSET LANE ANNANDALE, VA 703.256.4711
kenwoodschool.com LIVING EARTH SCHOOL
livingearthva.com
MASON GAME AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY
gmu.edu
MCLEAN COMMUNITY CENTER
mcleancenter.org
MATHNASIUM
When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math. Our formula for teaching kids math, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across 1,000+ centers in the US and Canada. Our specially trained math instructors will teach your child how to understand math in an individual setting – our unique approach enables us to effectively explain math concepts and lend a helping hand to every student. Our tutors foster a caring, encouraging environment that helps kids thrive and learn!
Mathnasium of Falls Church 6674 Arlington Boulevard Falls Church, VA 22042 703.573.6284 Mathnasium.com/fallschurch
Summer Camp
Language Immersion Summer Camp Falls Church
Spanish, French, Mandarin Programs for Children 2 1/2 to 8 years of age Fun, Safe Outdoor and Indoor activities Weekly Options June 21 - August 20 communikids.com 703-534-2221
PAGE 14 | APRIL 22 – 28, 2021
CAMP GUIDE 2021
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
MEDSTAR CAPITALS ICEPLEX
MedStar Capitals Iceplex is a state-of\ the-art facility located atop the Ballston Common Mall Parking Garage in Arlington, Virginia. We are the official home of the NHL Washington Capitals. Our plans for the 2021 Summer Camp options are to provide as much variety as possible, to accommodate all skaters - those campers learning to skate for the first time as well as those who are experienced athletes who need the best training and instructors – we have it all. We have both half day and full day options available. Never fear – we plan to have a lot of fun, whatever your camper decides to do – but we will always be safe, following all CDC guidelines.
MedStar Capitals Iceplex 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 571.224.0555 medstarcapitalsiceplex.com
MERCERSBURG ACADEMY
mercersburg.edu
MULFORD RIDING SCHOOL
mulfordridingschool.com
OAKCREST SCHOOL
1619 CROWELL ROAD VIENNA, VA 22182 703.790.5450
oakcrest.org REVOLUTION SOCCER CAMPS
EC LAWRENCE PARK CHANTILLY, VA
soccercamper.com
ST. PHILIP SUMMER CAMPS
Stphilipecc.org
SYNETIC THEATRE
synetictheater.org THE LITTLE THEATRE OF ALEXANDRIA
thelittletheatre.com
WASHINGTON SAILING MARINA CAMP
1 MARINA DRIVE ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 703.548.9027
washingtonsailingmarina.com
YMCA CAMP KANATA
13524 CAMP KANATA ROAD WAKE FOREST, NC 27587 919.556.2661
campkanata.org
THE ST. JAMES
The St. James is where your sports journey begins with developmental programs for all ages and abilities. Our sports programs are designed to provide a comprehensive developmental and competitive experience for athletes of all ages and skill levels, featuring best in-class facilities, highly qualified coaches, and proprietary curriculum in our state-ofthe-art Complex. With world-class facilities, The St. James is designed for the best of the best. Do not be surprised if you find yourself working out next to a pro athlete or Olympian. They are here every day.
The St. James Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Complex 6805 Industrial Road Springfield, VA 22151 703.239.6870 thestjames.com
