CITY FOCUS:
New Online Payment System for Property Taxes;
Where to Turn for City News and Information;
Fall Activities in Falls Church City

Click here to read the Autumn 2010 CITY FOCUS prepared by Falls Church City Communications.

CITY MEETINGS: September 27 – October 1

 
Click on [Read More] to access links.

Monday 9/27:  City Council.  Council Chamber, 7:30 pm.  Agenda and documents.  

Tuesday 9/28: School Board Work Session.  Council Chamber, 7:00 pm.  

Regular School Board Meeting.  Council Chamber, 8:00 pm.

Wednesday 9/29:  Environmental Services Council.  Library Conference Room, 7:30 pm.

City Advisory Committee on Transportation.  Administrative Conference Room, 7:30 pm.

Thursday 9/30: Human Services Advisory Council.  Administrative Conference Room, 7:15 pm.  Agenda.

Friday 9/24: City Council Economic Development Committee.  Administrative Conference Room, 7:30 am.   

Meeting notices are obtained from the City and School Board on-line calendars and from the notice board at the east entrance of City Hall.  Meetings may be subject to re-scheduling or cancellation.  Meetings are held in City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, unless otherwise indicated.

FOOD: Personal Take | Clare and Don’s Beach Shack

By ILENE SMITH
Falls Church Times Staff

September 24, 2010

This article is the first in a series called “Personal Takes.”   Visiting established restaurants that may have been reviewed previously, I will use my experience from extensive travel and love of all cuisine to take a fresh look at some “oldies but goodies” in Falls Church City and nearby vicinity.  For the first review, I visited a transplant from Arlington and one of Falls Church city’s landmark restaurants:  Clare and Don’s Beach Shack.

Clare and Don’s Beach Shack – or ‘The Shack’ as we affectionately call it at our house- is not just the quintessential summer dining experience, but a year-round tropical oasis where you can kick off your shoes, relax and escape from the “city.”  The beach vibe is instantly set when you step through the wooden arches and come face-to-face with a life-size mural depicting that consummate lazy summer day- lounging in a hammock under the palms surrounded by turquoise water.  The outdoor tiki hut literally transforms the patio into a beach bar complete with tropical drinks and live acoustic entertainment.  Walking past the weathered pastel colored picnic tables into the main dining station you will be transported to a beach-side restaurant adorned with autographed flip-flops, shells, and fisherman’s nets, sans the smell of suntan lotion and sand between your toes.  I must say, after spending many vacations fishing the Florida Keys and searching for that perfectly seasoned grilled grouper sandwich, Clare and Don’s was the answer to my quest.

The Shack’s newly expanded menu appeals to all palates.  Enjoy a bountiful seafood ensemble prepared “your way” beginning with a selection from any of the four daily “fresh catches.”  Or, if you aren’t a seafood lover, choose a dinner combo, pasta and rice ‘Shack’ favorite, grilled entree, or even a Baja beach special. The vegetarian menu sets forth quite an array of “catchy” creations; and for the meat lovers please check out the Beachcomber burgers- no drooling allowed! You might want to start with the Holy Mackerel dip, which is a secret family recipe featuring smoked fish in a creamy setting with herbs, flanked by toasted baguettes – I dare you to stop dipping!  The ceviche, hugely popular in South America, is made with shrimp instead of raw fish, a refreshing variation.  The shrimp is lightly cooked and then marinated in citrus juice sprinkled with spicy seasonings to give it the authentic flavoring – great lead in to the main course.  Salads are standard, except for the Caesar – the homemade croutons and freshly grated romano cheese sprinkled on top of crisp romaine, coupled with the creamy dressing distinguishes it as a classic.

I must stop here, and mention that I have heard some conflicting opinions about fish tacos.  I want to be clear that the Shack’s fish taco “house favorite” lives up to its billing.  My husband fancies himself a fish taco connoisseur. In fact, when we go out, if ‘fish taco’ is on the menu, I know what he’ll order  so I am giving deference to his opinion – and he says this is the best dish on the Shack’s menu.  The plate arrives fajita style with all the trimmings and the mahi mahi is always seared just enough to let you know it hit the grill. Consistency has been the operative word on the Shack’s fish tacos- my husband can attest to this since he has ordered them at least a dozen times!  I, on the other hand, go for the grilled blackened grouper sandwich (my absolute favorite!)or the lump crab cake dinner- tender crab meat from Maryland, sautéed until golden brown and seasoned to perfection……need I say more? If you brought your appetite there are plenty of tasty 3 buck “Sides” to add to any of the main dishes.  And if you have a hankering for dessert, the Key Lime pie is as good as it gets this side of Key Largo. The homemade ice-cream from Lazy Sundae is also quite popular.

Family-owned and operated by David Tax and his sister, Rebecca, Clare and Don’s hasn’t skipped a beat since it moved from Arlington.  The brainstorm behind the Shack was to create a quality seafood restaurant that had something for everyone.  Growing up in Florida, where seafood restaurants are as ubiquitous as McDonalds, David and Rebecca hatched their dream of some day opening a “Beach Shack.”   Fast forward through college and a move to NoVA, and you have the mainstay seafood restaurant in Falls Church City.  The brother and sister duo also offer more than just a sit-down seafood restaurant with a beachy décor.   Clare and Don’s creative catering services are perfect for any get–together, office party or holiday event with custom menus on or off the premises.

For the environmentally conscious, you might have noticed the newly installed solar panels used to convert sunshine into electricity.   The entire Beach Shack is now powered by solar energy.   Biodegradable “to go” containers are another “green “addition which greatly reduce the Shack’s carbon footprint.   Finally, the Beach Shack’s website has one of the best GUIs (graphic user interface) around, which means it’s well organized, creative and when you click on a link it works!  For the kids- don’t forget to check out Shack Games and try your skill at Sea Pong.  Take a look for yourself – Clare and Don’s Beach Shack.

All in all, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack offers a wide variety of seafood and other dishes at moderate prices, fun appetizers, live entertainment, tropical drinks and beers, and a friendly wait staff.   The Beach Shack really is a landlocked tropical oasis in downtown Falls Church City.  Surf’s up!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Summing it up:   A-

Recommend:  Holy mackerel dip, fish tacos, grilled blackened grouper sandwich, crab cakes, and the “must have” dessert- key lime pie

Vegetarian:  Yes! One of the most extensive vegetarian menus around

Sound level: 68 decibels/ conversation is easy; occasionally up to 70-75 decibels/ must raise your voice a bit

Beverages:  full bar, many types of beer and fun tropical drinks

Price Range:  Appetizers $4-$8, entrees $14-$23

Extras:  The best outdoor seating!  Credit cards, large parking lot, kid-friendly, disabled access, live music, happy hours, patio bar, dog friendly(!)

Serving:  Lunch and dinner every day 11:30am- 11:00pm / Friday and Saturday 11:30am till last call

Located at 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church City

Crime Report for September 14 – 20

By FALLS CHURCH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Drug/Narcotic Violation, 132 W Broad St (Dogwood Tavern), Sept 14, 00:37 AM. A 52 year old Annandale man was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and Drunk in Public.

Larceny from Vehicle, 1300 blk N Tuckahoe St, Sept 14, 05:00 AM, a Garmin GPS and a phone charger were stolen from an unlocked vehicle.  Various personal items were removed from the vehicle and scattered about the front lawn.  Police located the phone charger nearby.  Arlington Police were investigating similar incidents that occurred in their jurisdiction and had suspects in custody.  Three Washington, DC men, two age 18 and one 22, were arrested for Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny and Larceny With the Intent to Sell or Distribute.

Larceny from Vehicle, 1300 blk N Tuckahoe St, Sept 14, 05:39 AM, a Magellan GPS was stolen from an unlocked truck.  Police located the item nearby.  See related case above.

Tampering with Vehicle, 1100 blk N Tuckahoe St, Sept 14, 05:41 AM, unlocked SUV’s center console and glove box were open, their contents scattered on the front seats.  Owner heard car alarm at 2 AM and used remote to turn it off.  Saw interior dome lights on but no one around.  Nothing was taken.  See related cases above. 

Tampering with Vehicle, 1100 blk N Tuckahoe St, Sept 14, 05:46 AM, unlocked car gone through by suspect(s), but nothing taken.  An Oakley sunglass case located in the vehicle did not belong to the owner.    A wallet and its contents belonging to an Arlington address were found on the lawn.  See related cases above. 

Drunk in Public, 6757 Wilson Blvd, Sept 16, 10:15 PM. A 58 year old man of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk in Public and for Trespassing. 

Larceny – Theft From Building, 6763 R-1 Wilson Blvd (Planet Fitness), Sept 18, 4:20 PM, $300, 2 credit cards and 2 gift cards were taken from a wallet.  The credit cards were used shortly thereafter at a business in Fairfax.  The suspects were both described as white females, short and stocky, approximately 5`02″.  One had blonde hair and was wearing pink scrub pants and a multi-colored top.  The second suspect had dark hair and was wearing green scrub pants and a grey shirt.

Driving Under the Influence, 700 blk E Broad St, Sept 18, 01:55 AM. A 48 year old Washington, DC woman was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Unreasonable Refusal. 

Disorderly Conduct, 6751 Wilson Blvd (Eden Center), Sept 19, 00:22 AM. A 44 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Trespassing.

Driving Under the Influence, 900 blk E Broad St, Sept 19, 02:12 AM. A 27 year old Rockville, MD man was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Local Business “Artfully” Helping Local Nonprofit

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF

Stifel & Capra: Art and Ornament Gallery (260 W. Broad Street)  is helping to organize and promote “Artists Helping Others” —  a two day show and sale to be held in the Great Hall of the Vienna Presbyterian Church (124 Park Street NE, Vienna VA) on Saturday, September 25th from 6 to 9 pm and Sunday, September 26th from 9am to 1pm.

The juried show will consist of  fine art from local professional artists and members of the community.  Proceeds from the show will benefit two local community charities:  Falls Church-based Homestretch and CHO (Committee for Helping Others).

Homestretch, founded in 1990, is the largest provider of transitional housing and services for homeless families with children in Northern Virginia. In addition to providing subsidized housing, the comprehensive program also offers job and credit counseling, ESL classes, computer and life skills training, domestic violence and substance abuse counseling, family and children’s programs – all aimed at helping families get on their feet and stay that way.

CHO is an all-volunteer organization that was organized in 1969 by a group of concerned churches and individuals in the Dunn Loring / Merrifield / Oakton / Vienna community to provide  to those in need of goods and services which they are unable to provide for themselves or obtain from governmental social service organizations. 

“It is exciting to get together again with these talented local artists for two such great causes” comments Stifel and Capra founder, Theresa Wells Stifel. “The wealth of art talent is immense as are the community needs.”

There will be no admission fee for the “Artists Helping Others” show and all are welcome.  For more information about Homestretch and CHO, please visit their websites at www.homestretch-inc.org and www.cho-va.com

Music & Art Weekend at ArtSpace Falls Church

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF

If you like abstract art and jazz music, ArtSpace Falls Church (410 S. Maple Avenue) is the place for you this weekend.  The “Abstract Expressions” art exhibit in the Falls Church Arts Gallery at ArtSpace is open from Noon to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday, September 25 & 26.  The juried show features more than 50 works in all media.  For more information, see www.fallschurcharts.org

On Saturday, September 25, come to the cabaret at 8 pm – the Fourth Wall Cabaret Series presented by Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace continues with original songs by Jamie Boyd from her soon-to-be-released album.  Jamie is a very talented 16-year old who won this year’s SAW/BMI Song Contest at the Smithsonian Museum.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors/students and can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.creativecauldron.org

And you can extend your weekend into Monday with “That Girl” — another Fourth Wall Cabaret show at 8 pm on September 27.  Featuring DC singer, Dani Danger Stoller, and Signature Theatre’s pianist, Gabriel Magiante, the performance will showcase songs dedicated to the true romantic.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior and can be purchase at the door or in advance.

Free parking for all these events at ArtSpace is available in the garages at 400 and 410 S. Maple Avenue.

Council Discusses Election Date Change After Closed Session With School Board & Planning Commission

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

September 21, 2010

Last night’s City Council work session was interrupted by an extraordinary 85 minute closed door meeting of the Council, the School Board, and the Planning Commission.  According to the School Board’s calendar, the closed session was ”For the purpose of discussing real property under Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), in particular acquisition of real property for a public purpose.”   The meeting presumably concerned issues relating either to a new school or expansion of an existing facility.  After members of the other bodies departed, the Council attended to matters on its published agenda.

Election Date Change

Several councilmen expressed the view that the question of changing the election date should be settled by a referendum.  The Council voted, 5-2, on January 11 to move municipal elections from May to November, starting in 2011.  As the change was made by ordinance, the City’s Charter has not been formally amended.   In order for the shift to take effect, Falls Church must give notice to the General Assembly.  City Manager Wyatt Shields stated that after Council review,  notificaton of the change could be submitted to Richmond as early as November, as part of the City’s legislative program.

Vice Mayor Dave Snyder, who voted against the move, termed changing the date as ”not a housekeeping issue, but rather a fundamental decision that the public should make.”  He noted that any referendum would have to take place within 81 days of the Council’s authorization.

Councilwoman Robin Gardner, who voted for the move, saw the ordinance to change the date as sufficient and favored sending the matter to the General Assembly this fall.  She pointed out that the turnout for a referendum likely would be low if it were held in the winter.  

Councilmen Ira Kaylin and Ron Peppe, who were not on the Council in January, leaned toward Mr. Snyder’s view.  Council members Johannah Barry and Lawrence Webb were not present yesterday.  Mr. Webb was an early advocate for the move and voted for it.  Ms. Barry joined the Council in July. 

Mayor Nader Baroukh, who opposed the shift, said he was not comfortable submitting the date change to Richmond without some form of referendum.  He stated the matter required further Council discussion and requested City Attorney John Foster to review the legal aspects of holding a referendum. 

Long Range Financial Working Group (LRFWG) Work Plan

Richard Sommerfeld, chairman of the LRFWG, delivered a briefing on the organization’s nine-point work plan.  He stunned the Council when he stated that the City’s pension plans are only 80% funded and face a $15 million ”hole.”  This directly contradicts prior auditors’ reports that the plans are fully funded.

Highlights of the work plan include updating Falls Church’s master plan in conjunction with its core values, implementing zero-based budgeting, consolidating City and School financial functions, and improving the City’s financial forecasting model.  Mr. Sommerfeld called for a strong Chief Financial Officer and strong City and School Board comptrollers.

Council reaction was generally favorable, although Ms. Gardner viewed some of the plan’s aspects as more the responsibility of the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority.  Mr. Sommerfeld responded that the Group’s role is only to build “scripts” for those organizations.

Traffic Calming

Prior to the closed session the Council discussed how to best proceed on implementing traffic calming measures, which recently have proved controversial on Lincoln Ave. and E. Columbia St.  Mr. Shields stated that there were speed problems on both streets, but no neighborhood consensus on how to proceed.

The city manager explained that the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation receives three or four resident petitions each year.  The City then lays “lines” across streets to determine traffic volume and speed.  Changes usually are considered only when 85% of the traffic volume is five miles or more over the posted limit (25 mph).  Neighborhood residents then receive a letter outlining the proposed changes, which are implemented only if 75% of the recipients approve.   

Mr. Shields advised that each street in the City will have a volume and speed study as part of the pedestrian plan now in progress.  He estimated it would take six months to assess conditions and another six months to complete the evaluation.

Mr. Snyder suggested that the Lincoln and Columbia situations now require special focus and outreach to residents.  Ms. Gardner felt that mediation was necessary as people on Lincoln had felt “bullied.”  Both urged the City to determine how other jurisdictions have approached traffic calming.   

Mayor Baroukh concurred and stated that action on petitions could not be deferred while the study was underway.

Council Retreat

The Council will hold its annual retreat this weekend at Mary Ellen Henderson School.

FRIDAY 9/24: Military History Forum

Virginia Holmes, author of “Guerilla Daughter”, will describe her family’s experiences in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945.  

No charge. 10 a.m. – noon, Falls Church Community Center, 221 Little Falls Street. 703-248-5020. The Forum meets every other Friday, same time, same place.

The following lectures have been scheduled for 2010-2011:
 
Oct. 8     To be announced

Oct. 22  Nancy Jordan: My Journey Through Dixie – My Time As A Confederate Prisoner
 
Nov. 5  Ken Moll: The Guns of July: How American Airpower Saved South Korea
 
Nov. 19    Tom Gudiness: Doolittle Raid Part IV           
 
Dec. 3  Richard Kirkland: The Flying Knights of WWII
 
Dec. 17  Roger Neighborgall: Battle of Irsch Zerf
 
Jan. 14  Frank Cohn: From Germany and Back to the Elbe

Jan. 28   TBA
 
Feb. 11  Jack Kull: POW Program (tentative) per Marge Craven
 
Feb. 25  Col. Charles McGee (ret.): Tuskegee Airmen
 
Mar. 11  Will Hutchison: Balaclava: So Where Was The Damned Infantry?

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