An anonymous donor to the Falls Church Education Foundation has made a challenge pledge to surpass last year’s field of 300 runners and walkers. For every runner or walker exceeding 300 who signs up to participate, the donor will contribute $10.  The pledge is applicable to competitive runners, recreational joggers, and walkers.

The 5K race and 1 mile family fun run/walk will begin on Park Avenue near the intersection of Little Falls Street in the City of Falls Church. After completing the courses participants are invited to Cherry Hill Park for the awards ceremony and other activities.

Registered participants will receive a race packet including a bib number and t-shirt, and they are eligible to win prizes. Packet pick up will be available to registered participants throughout the weekend, including Saturday, September 11, at the Fall Festival in Cherry Hill Park.

Proceeds benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation.

INDIVIDUAL RUNNER REGISTRATION: Go to www.fcedf.org, click on Activities and go to “Run for the Schools”

TEAM INFORMATION:

• a minimum of four (4) runners per team, there is no maximum for teams;

• no gender restrictions for team members — you may organize co-ed or single sex teams;

• registration fee of $30/runner or walker

• runners are encouraged to wear something that identifies them as a team member-distinctive hats, t-shirts, etc;

• Team captains and/or team members may pick up race packets for team members at packet pick up; packets include a race t-shirt for every team member: Friday, September 10, at Road Runner Sports in Falls Plaza East from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, September 11, at Fall Festival at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church from 9-4 p.m. There will be no team registration on race day

• Team Captains: To create and join a team, go to http://www.active.com/running/falls-church-va/run-for-the-schools-5k-2010. Click the Register Now button and choose the Team Captain category. Create your team at the same time you register. BE SURE TO NAME YOUR TEAM AS TEAM NAME – CAPT’S NAME. This makes it easier for your team members later on. Finish your registration and pay.

• Team Members: To join your team go to http://www.active.com/running/falls-church-va/run-for-the-schools-5k-2010, click on the Register Now button and select the Team Members category. Select your team name from the drop down box on the registration form near the top. Finish your registration and pay.

Team awards:

• Fastest team: The average time of the first four finishers from each team will constitute that team’s finish time;

• Largest team: the largest number of registered runners;

• Team awards will be given immediately following the run in Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church

The Falls Church Education Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 2003 to provide supplemental support for the Falls Church City Public Schools. The FCEF is engaged in a campaign to build a $10 million permanent Endowment Fund to help ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. For more information on the Foundation  go to www.fced.org.

This week’s concert is by Judo Chop (80’s music). Art is by Bev Rocco & Justine Spilman (paintings & photography).

Concert-goers need only bring a picnic, blanket and lawn chairs if they wish. Refreshments and ice cream will be available for purchase.

The concerts are sponsored by the Falls Church City Village Preservation and Improvement Society and the City of Falls Church Recreation & Parks Division.

The series began in 1993 as an outreach of the Village Preservation & Improvement Society rekindling a tradition from Falls Church’s early 20th century.

City resident and local physician Gordon Theisz, who also is a board member of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society, is producer of this year’s concert series.

In the event of rain, concerts will relocate to the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church).

August 2, 2010

A.C. Miller, 61, resident of West Tisbury, MA, died at his home near Lambert’s Cove on Martha’s Vineyard, Thursday, July 22. He passed peacefully just before sunset, surrounded by his loving wife June, their Westie Marley, family, and friends.

Born in 1948 to Loretta Hunsberger and Clifford Eugene Miller in Clay Center, Kansas, A.C. (his formal name, though also known as “Ace”) lived a loving life that embraced family, business, world events, politics, and a passion for the present moment. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving and steadfast inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him.

After growing up in Kansas and Colorado, A. C. received a degree in political science from Southern Colorado State College in 1970 and earned a Masters in Telecommunications from the University of Colorado in 1973.  He subsequently served in the Peace Corps in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1977 to 1979 as a teacher of computer science and English. His service in Afghanistan established a lifelong passion for social justice, democracy, and politics.

After ten years working for the U.S. Department of Commerce and then as a telecommunications consultant in Boulder, Colorado, A.C. relocated to Falls Church, Virginia, where he worked for American Mobile Systems before forming Spectrum Resources. With savvy vision and good timing under A.C.’s leadership, he and his partners succeeded in business, capitalizing on the exploding radio and telecommunications industry by obtaining hundreds of radio spectrum licenses throughout the U.S., which later contributed to the foundation of the national cellular phone system. Subsequently, the same team went on to build a very successful radio tower company which owned over 100 communications towers at the time it was very successfully sold. In Virginia, A.C. also served local government on the Falls Church City’s Economic Development Authority.

He was well known as a coach and supporter of many youth sports teams, especially at George Mason High School and High Point Pool. He embraced many passions, especially the academic and athletic achievements of his kids and their friends. A.C. was devoted to physical fitness and completed a triathalon and several Marine Corps marathons, as well as being an avid golfer. His love of the New York Times crosswords, driving his M5, and traveling throughout the world gave him great pleasure.

A.C. became a full-time resident of Martha’s Vineyard in 2009 where he was the Executive Director of the Men’s Bereavement Group of Martha’s Vineyard – a fitting final life’s coda that combined his passion for business with the desire to help those in need.

He is survived by his loving wife, June Myers Miller of West Tisbury, MA; his daughter, Rory Leraris and her husband Mike of New York, NY; his son, Robin and his wife Katelyn of Columbus, OH; his stepsons, Justin and Tobias Myers, Tobias’ wife, Leslie, and Tobias and Leslie’s children, Lily and Tanner of Martha’s Vineyard, MA. He is also survived by his mother, Loretta Miller of Keytesville, MO, and his former wife, Barbara Grable Miller of Washington, DC. A.C. was preceded in death by his father, his sister, Patricia Simmons of Palm Desert, CA, his brother, Dr. William Miller of Keytesville, MO, and his loyal Newfie, Huckleberry.

In lieu of flowers or other tokens of love, A.C.’s family asks that donations be made to Island Hospice, P.O. Box 4188, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or The Martha’s Vineyard Cancer Support Group, P.O. Box 2214, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Celebrations of A.C.’s life are being planned for the fall on Martha’s Vineyard and in Falls Church, VA.

Editor’s Note: A.C. Miller was an early contributor to the Falls Church Times, writing a series about the CBC – Citizens for a Better City – A Member’s Perspective“ and ”CBC — A Member’s Perspective — Part Two.”

Household hazardous waste refers to used or leftover contents of consumer products that contain materials with one of the four characteristics of a hazardous waste: toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive. Household hazardous wastes, such as cleaners, automotive fluids, herbicides, pesticides, oil-based paints, and thinners should not be disposed with regular trash. Improper disposal of even a small amount of hazardous waste can have major adverse impacts on our air, water, and soil and may result in death or serious bodily injury.

The safest way for residents to dispose of household hazardous waste is to bring it to one of the City’s collection events or to the permanent collection facility in Fairfax County, free of charge. (The City’s fee to dispose of residential refuse at the Fairfax County Transfer Station entitles City residents to use the Fairfax County Facility.) The household hazardous waste is disposed or recycled according to local, state and federal regulations.

Items marked “YES” in the second column may be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Permanent Collection Site or to a Collection Event.

Material Accepted at HHW Collection

or Permanent Facility? Additional Instructions

Acids YES

Aerosol sprays YES

Ammunition or explosives NO Call the City Police Department 703-241-5053

Automotive: gasoline, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, diesel fuel, transmission fluid and motor oil YES* *diesel fuel, transmission fluid and motor oil may be recycled in the used motor oil area of the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 W. Ox Rd., Fairfax)

Batteries: alkaline (A, AA, C, D etc.), carbon zinc NO Dispose of alkaline and carbon zinc batteries in the regular trash

Batteries: button (hearing aid and watch), rechargeable (NiCd, Ni-MH, Li-ion) YES Rechargeable batteries may also be taken to the collection box under the Police Dispatch window in City Hall

Batteries: Lead acid (SSLA, Pb), including vehicle (car, boat, motorcycle) YES* Recycle at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 W. Ox Rd., Fairfax)

Bathroom and kitchen cleaning products:ammonia based cleaners, drain cleaners, most bathroom cleaners NO Pour ammonia-based cleaners, drain cleaners and most bathroom cleaners down the drain inside your home. NEVER pour products down storm drains or on the ground.

Cleaning products: polishes, rust removers, floor care products YES

Coal tar products (driveway, foundation and roof sealers) YES

Compressed gas cylinders NO Return to point of purchase. Also see “Gas Propane Tanks.”

Computers, TVs and Electronics NO Bring them to a City of Falls Church Recycling Extravaganza or a Fairfax County Event.

Creosote products (wood treatment products, wood sealers) YES

Fireworks and Flares NO Dispose of legal fireworks and flares in trash after first soaking in water. Contact the Fire Department, 703-221-0106, regarding illegal fireworks.

Fluorescent light bulbs (tubes and compact) YES

Gas propane tanks, small hand-type torches YES* *Tanks up to 20 pounds such as those used on gas grills may be recycled at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 W. Ox Rd., Fairfax) for a fee.

*Return to point of purchase. Tanks over 20 pounds are not accepted at the Permanent Collection Facility.

Glue, solvent-based YES

Glue, water-based NO Dispose of in the trash.

Home renovation: varnish and stains, driveway sealers YES Also see “Paint”

Inks and dyes YES

Medicines NO DO NOT flush unused medicines down the toilet. NEVER pour products down storm drains or dump on the ground. Throw unwanted medicines in the trash. Cross out your name and phone number, duct-tape the container closed and place in the trash as close to collection time as possible. Do not put containers containing medicine in the recycling. Also see “Syringes, needles and other medical sharps”.

Mercury products YES

Moth balls YES

Nail polish, nail polish remover YES

Oven cleaner YES

Paint, latex (water-based) NO DRY latex paint may be safely disposed of in the regular trash. To dry the paint, add sand, kitty litter, or a paint hardener to the can. Place dry paint cans next to your trash can on collection day. NEVER leave wet paint out for collection.

Paint, oil-based and paint thinner YES

Photographic mixes NO Diluted developers, fixers, etc. can be poured down the drain inside your home. NEVER pour products down storm drains.

Poisons YES

Pool chemicals YES

Radioactive materials NO

See Fairfax County’s list of Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies under Business Hazardous Waste.

Shoe Polish NO Dispose of in the trash.

Smoke alarms NO Dispose of in the trash or send back to the manufacturer. Recycle rechargeable batteries contained inside. Also see “Batteries, rechargeable.”

Syringes, needles and other medical sharps NO Dispose of in the trash after placing them in an empty jar with screw-on lid or a soda bottle with a screw-on lid. Mark the container “residential sharps.”

Yard care products: fertilizers (lawn and garden, tree spikes) NO Dispose of in the trash. NEVER put products down storm drains.

Yard care products: pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, weed killers YES

Permanent Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility

4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA

703-324-5068 (TTY 711)

Directions: take I-66 west to Route 50 west. Continue west and then go south on West Ox Road. Located on the right, just past the county’s Fire Training Academy and before Costco.

Hours of Operation

Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Waste should not be left at the facility at any other time.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events

City of Falls Church Recycling Center and Property Yard (217 Gordon Road) 703-248-5176 (TTY 711)

Directions: Heading west on Route 7, go through the traffic light at Birch Street and turn left onto Gordon Road. The Property Yard is on the right. Gordon Road is directly across from the West Falls Shopping Center (Giant) and next to the Don Beyer Volvo Dealer on Route 7.

Next Event: July 24, 2010, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Procedures for Packing and Transporting Household Hazardous Waste

• Keep products in their original containers. Do not mix products. Make sure lids are tightly sealed. Label materials that are not in their original containers.

• Place leaking containers in a larger, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

• Secure products upright in a cardboard box. Do not transport products in plastic bags.

• Transport products in the back of a pickup truck or in a car trunk. Ensure adequate ventilation if transported in car passenger compartment.

• Keep flammables out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat, spark, flame or ignition. Do not smoke.

The series is the brainchild of Matt Conner, a critically acclaimed musical theater composer and performer who has been a long-standing member of Creative Cauldron’s artistic circle. “Cabaret is a theatrical form that allows performers to break down the traditional “fourth wall” barrier between the artist and audience,” says Conner. “It gives performers an opportunity to experiment with material and it creates a heightened sense of intimacy with the audience. There are some amazing performers in the series . . . Theatergoers are in for a real treat.”

The series begins July 23 with “From Pizza to Poe,” an evening featuring musical works composed by Conner.

Conner will be joined by Eleasha Gamble and Stephen Gregory Smith, who will perform a variety of songs from his original musicals including “Martin: The King of Pizza,” commissioned and produced by Creative Cauldron, and “Nevermore,” a new work based on the poetry and stories of Edgar Allen Poe that played to critical acclaim at Signature Theater.

Curtain Times are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Refreshments will be available.

Performance Schedule (click for details)

July 23 – From Pizza to Poe

July 24 – Songs In the Key of Me, featuring Jenny Cartney

August 6 – Questionable Plots by 3 Sensible Divas, featuring: Bligh Voth, Shayna Blass and Karissa Lynn Swanigan

August 14 – Coming into Focus, featuring Erin Driscoll

August 21 – The Kid Inside, featuring Stephen Gregory Smith

August 28 – Save the Last Dance for Me, featuring: Stephen Gregory Smith and Karissa Lynn Swanigan

Creative Cauldron is a not-for-profit arts organization operating in Northern Virginia since 2002 that provides opportunities for learning and participation in the performing and visual arts for children and adults. In June 2009, Creative Cauldron opened the doors of its new home in ArtSpace Falls Church, a 3,000 square foot flexible arts facility located in the City of Falls Church. Classes, workshops and performances in all disciplines are offered year round at the site.

Creative Cauldron receives funding from the Arts Council of Fairfax County and the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

June 29, 2010

The evening before its grand opening, Chipotle opened its doors to anyone who wanted to donate $5 to the City of Falls Church Special Events fund in exchange for a burrito, chips, and soft drink.  Thursday night, the Chipotle fundraiser raised $2,460 for such special events as the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Carnival. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Photo provided by the City of Falls Church Communications Office.

June 25, 2010

What better way for students to spend summer break than to tap into their creative talent and vie for a cash prize? Students with a still or video camera can do just that and compete for one of two, $250 Bob Morrison Prizes. This first annual contest was created by the TV station’s Cable Access Board in memory of longtime board member Bob Morrison.

To read more details about the awards and entry requirements, click here.