“Scenes in the City” Plein Air Falls Church Competition, Saturday, 11 a.m

OVER $1,000 IN CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED  by ART PATRONS: June and Mike Beyer, Tori McKinney, and others

Artists from as far as Carlisle, Pennsylvania,  join local area artists to compete in the 4th Annual Plein Air Competition this Saturday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue in the City of Falls Church. The public is invited to attend this free event and vote for their favorite “Scene in the City” painting to win The People’s Choice Award.  Free refreshments will be served.

The Plein Air Festival (Plein Air means painting outside) runs for weeks to allow artists an opportunity to participate  - given their busy work, travel and family schedules.  All participants have their painted entries ready on Saturday.  ArtSpace is filled with the artists particular choice of a favorite or special “Scene in the City” of Falls Church – homes, businesses, parks, and more are represented in many styles and skill levels.  The contest is open to all.  Artists, art-lovers and the curious come and share brunch which begins at 11 a.m. and awards... [Read more...]

Police Investigating Two Robbery and Assault Cases

By FALLS CHURCH CITY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
June 17, 2013

The City of Falls Church Police Department is currently investigating two robberies that occurred in the City this weekend. While the incidents are similar, police have not yet determined if they are related.

On Saturday, June 15 at in the 1100 block of S. Washington Street at approximately 4:45 p.m., two suspects unsuccessfully attempted to take a backpack from the victim. During the struggle, the victim sustained a broken nose and jaw.

The first suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s, with freckles and brownish-red wavy hair that was approximately 4 inches in length. He was wearing a white t-shirt and shorts or pants of an unknown color.

The second suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, bald, with a muscular build of about 200 pounds, and wearing a dark colored t-shirt and khaki shorts.

Another incident occurred the next day, Sunday June, 16, at approximately 11:13 p.m., in the 400 block of E. Broad Street. The victim, who was on seated on a retaining wall beside his own motorcycle, was approached and accosted by two suspects sharing a moped.... [Read more...]

City Council to Consider Transportation Funding

Shown below is the agenda for the June 17 meeting of the Falls Church City Council, to occur at City Hall at 7:30pm.

AGENDA FOR THE WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
HELD IN THE DOGWOOD ROOM AT CITY HALL, 300 PARK AVENUE AT 7:30 P.M., MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2013

A. Joint Session with the Planning Commission

1. S. Washington Street Small Area Plan

S Washington St Corridor Memo

PRIORITY.POAs.MAY2013

B. City Council Work Session

1. Transportation Funding Briefing

Regional Transportation Funding Briefing

2. VRS Resolution to Increase Employee Contribution by 1%

2013 VRS Resolution re Contributions

3. Council Comments and Schedule

4. Closed Session: Pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3) of the Code of Virginia for the “[d]iscussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.”

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OUTSIDE THE BOX: Despite Increased Taxes, Parks Still Need Much Work

By Stephen Siegel
Falls Church Times Staff
June 16, 2013

We’re all aware that taxes and the tax rate — not the same thing, mind you — have each increased substantially in Falls Church City in recent years. Yet there continue to be many unmet needs in a variety of areas, including the city’s parks.

Stormwater issues are being addressed by the City Council’s approval of a fee on property owners, which is scheduled to be imposed beginning in 2014. But what will it take to get the parks on, er, firmer ground?

Some parks have seen improvements. Lincoln Park has received the largest makeover of any city park, mainly because it had to be addressed after a young driver crashed his car through the fence and heavily damaged the playground equipment last summer.

City officials chose to spend $181,337 to dramatically improve Lincoln, even though insurance only covered $26,000. But there remain many needed improvements in other parks.

One of the most pressing needs I’ve come across is the paved trail in Cavalier Trail Park. The trail has for at least a number of years been in terrible condition, with what... [Read more...]

Falls Church Kiwanis Little League Playoffs Wrap Up

By Neal Comstock
Falls Church Times Staff
June 13, 2013

Below are exclusive to The Falls Church Times game reports from the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League (FCKLL) at the Majors and AAA levels. Game reports were prepared by FCKLL Managers, Coaches and parents. Complete scores and standings can be found at FCKLL.org.

On Saturday, June 8, the League held its Family Fun Fair and Awards Ceremony at Westgate Park.

Each year the League gives out the Bill Rose Sportsmanship Award to the AAA and Majors players who best exemplify the values of Little League and respect for teammates, coaches, umpires and League officials.

For AAA, the 2013 Rose award went to Zach Sedmak of the Dodgers.

At the Majors level, this year’s Rose award was given to Jack Moyer of the Athletics.

Last year, the League instituted the Richard Marsh Award for both exemplary ability and sportsmanship at the AA level. This year, the Richard Marsh Award was won by Michael Hammond of the Scrappers.

Majors (ages 10-12)

For the fifth time this season, the Nationals and Red Sox faced each other at... [Read more...]

Council Approves Substandard Lot Restrictions on First Reading

By Stephen Siegel
Falls Church Times Staff
June 11, 2013

The Falls Church City Council Monday night unanimously approved a first reading of legislation that would restrict development of so-called “substandard” lots in a 5-0 vote, but it remains to be seen if it will vote to halt the controversial practice at a second and final vote scheduled for July 22.

The substandard lot issue is technical, but the legislation being drafted by city officials only would address one fairly straightforward question: Can a property owner build two houses on two lots in cases where one house currently sits across both of the lots and where the lots that the new houses would sit on would be smaller than the zoning code now allows?

Builders have been doing just that in recent years, and the practice has been approved by Zoning Administrator John Boyle. But complaints from a number of residents have prompted the City Council to consider a prohibition.

The idea for a prohibition was first brought to the Council last September in a memo from City Manager Wyatt Shields and was discussed in a number of forums since then. The Planning Commission... [Read more...]

Cub Scouts Rise to the Next Level

By Neal Comstock
Falls Church Times Staff
June 10, 2013

On Friday, June 7, Falls Church Cub Scout Pack 657 held its annual Bridging Ceremony in which scouts advance to the next level of scouting. More than 50 scouts took part in the ceremony held at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church on Broad Street, which sponsors the Pack.

Prior to the Ceremony, Cub Master Dan Maller and Pack Committee Chair John Wilson led the scouts in an interactive discussion of twelve core values of scouting: citizenship, compassion, cooperation, courage, faith, health and fitness, honesty, perseverance, a positive attitude, resourcefulness, respect and responsibility.

At the Ceremony, boys who had completed the necessary requirements during the preceding year advanced to the next level of Cub Scouts. Specifically, Tiger scouts, ages 6-7, became Wolf scouts. Wolf scouts, ages 7-8, became Bear scouts. Bear scouts, ages 8-9, became Webelos I scouts. Lastly, Webelos scouts, ages 9-10, became Webelos II scouts. Many Webelos II scouts participated in the Pack’s Arrow of Light Ceremony in February and are now Boy Scouts.

New... [Read more...]

Council To Take Up Substandard Lot Issue Tonight

By Stephen Siegel
Falls Church Times Staff
June 10, 2013

The long-running and controversial “substandard lot” issue may be set to come to a conclusion soon.

The Falls Church City Council will take up the issue in a first reading tonight, after having debated and discussed the issue at its work session last week.

The issue is technical, but the legislation being drafted by city officials only would address one fairly straightforward question: Can a property owner build two houses on two lots in cases where one house currently sits across both of the lots and where the lots that the new houses would sit on would be smaller than the zoning code now allows?

Builders have been doing just that in recent years, and the practice has been approved by Zoning Administrator John Boyle. But complaints from a number of residents have prompted the City Council to consider a prohibition.

The idea for a prohibition was first brought to the Council last September in a memo from City Manager Wyatt Shields and was discussed in a number of forums since then. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval in April.

At... [Read more...]

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