The Year in Food 2010

By KATHLEEN NIXON
Falls Church Times Staff

December 31, 2010

It’s interesting. My “plan” was to share food traditions from around the world that coincide with New Year’s. My co-editor, Ilene Smith, had a delightful story about her time in Thailand where she was consistently soaked with water on New Year’s Day by the locals to signify “cleansing.” I was going to share a not so delightful story of my New Year’s Eve feast celebrated in Denmark that included lots of strange seafood dishes including cod ovaries. But then I realized that the 2010 Year in Food locally has been just as delightful and interesting. Being a locavore foodie, I went with the local food story — and what a year it has been!

We said “goodbye” to Jimmy Scarano, who bravely forged into becoming a foodie writer and set a standard of weekly food articles that has been hard to keep up with, but we are trying! Not that we are trying to fill his shoes, we just wear slightly different ones — sandals, high heels, and barefoot — but we have kept his standard of providing food establishments or “joints” that would be of interest to those living in the City of Falls Church. My deep thanks to Ilene Smith for taking on this challenge.

I was not a total newbie to the Falls Church Times food scene, having contributed a few articles about the Farmers Market and local food, but writing about food can be an all-consuming endeavor, and we soon learned that we needed a few more friends to help us out. Annette Hennessey’s Pizza Wars for those busy school nights, and Kathy Washa’s meal plans for Mother’s Day along with a few special contributions over the year has kept our food writing as vibrant as the local food scene.

Our restaurant landscape has grown, which is surprising in this economy. La Caraquena was celebrated locally and nationally including a Food Network segment, Mad Fox Brewing and Pizzeria Orso opened up and show no signs of slowing down, and just outside the City limits La Cote d’Or opened up La Marche’.

I have to say that our Farmers Market was rocking this year! The winter storms proved difficult for our stalwart winter vendors, but many made the trek to provide goods like hot chocolate as well as vegetables, meat, and dairy.  The market saw an expansion in diversity, including dairy and sausage, which makes good business sense that is also good for our environmental and personal health. In its first year in the American Farmland Trust’s national competition Falls Church Farmers Market was recognized as one of the best in the country.

What will 2011 bring to the Falls Church Times food scene? We will bring you more food articles about our local food landscape including visits to local farm producers, highlights of the 10 Farmers Market Chef series, and reviews of the local restaurant landscape ( but maybe also a few road trips!). We also want to know what you would like to see, as ours is not the only palate to be satisfied.

Happy New Year!

THURS & FRI 12/30-31: City of Falls Church Holiday Schedule

City Hall, DMV Select in City Hall, Mary Riley Styles Public Library and Senior Center: CLOSED all day Dec. 31. Courts and Sheriff’s Office: CLOSED all day Dec, 30 and Dec. 31. Community Center: CLOSED at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.

Watch Night 2010: Good Weather, Good Fun, Good Stuff!

By BARB CRAM
Special to the Falls Church Times

December 30, 2010

Well it’s been two years since the Watch Night team has been able to enjoy many of the outdoor presentations and amusements, and the weather forecast shows that’s all going to change for Friday’s New Year’s Eve Celebration in the downtown business district at the crossroads of Broad (Rt.  7) and Washington (Rt. 20) Sts.

The Grand Fun Alley will be filled with fun for all ages whether it is the Velcro Wall (shown) or the free popcorn, and Scotty’s Karaoke, or The Tiger Belly (shown) or the shopping the New Year’s Novelties, it is FUN to do and almost as much FUN to watch.

The next door restaurants of Pilin, The Dogwood Tavern, The Hunan Café, are anxious to serve hungry patrons with their Walking Watch Night Menus (posted at the entry doors for participating restaurants)Castle Slide Combo Moonbounces, or Argia’s, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (WWNM) on N. Washington St, and on West Broad Ireland’s Four Provinces, Maneki Neko,and Pho 88 will be open, as well as Applebee’s on E. Broad.

The Main Stage is right on Broad Street with our own Duff the 66’ Dragon who is 12’ tall.

While watching the folks run the obstacle course, the Main Stage is loaded with entertainment beginning at 7 pm with musical acts performing through to the Historic Star countdown. From 7 until 9 the talent from George Mason High School, Guava, The Suppliers, and Rand’s Band will be playing, and at 9:15 JUDO CHOP will be doing the 80’s music (after they play Acoustically at behind 104 E. Broad St, home of Drs Theisz and Cannon), and Motown with Andre Jackson’s band, SUDDEN M PAC will be rocking the stage at 11 pm. Countdown Festivities begin at 11:30.  There is a special surprise for Watch Night attendees happening after 11:30 pm near the Main Stage where this not to be missed event will delight the audience and the participants.  Hint: GMHS Dance Team has planned and practiced this for several weeks.  Be sure to arrive no later than 11:30 to witness this and see the Countdown!

Of course, there is a lot going on at the Main Stage, but the indoor venues are packed with many attractions as well.    The activities which have formerly been at the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (just next to the State Theatre will be at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church).   The Narthax at the Falls Church Anglican is also not being used this year, so we could have the opportunity to do a tour of  The Historic Falls Church between 7 and 8 pm, followed by a special treat, Andrew Acosta’s New Old Time String Band,  who will be playing at 8 pm.

A unique treat is in store.  Roy Odell “Speedy” Tolliver, winner of the first THE VIRGINIA HERITAGE AWARD from the State of Virginia Commission of the Arts will be featured on fiddle.    This award honors Virginia’s masters of the traditional arts for their contributions to the cultural heritage of Virginia.  This is an opportunity to hear a music legend who is in his 90’s now, and still teaches, jams and competes.  Speedy has so many awards, and even a festival named after him.

Just down E. Broad St. at No. Fairfax St. at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, the Victorian Photo Studio will be at the N. Fairfax Entrance, which if you haven’t done a portrait in Victorian clothing it is something special!  The Victorian Society brings all types of Victorian clothing for you to choose the outfit and dress in the special room provided and return to have your photo taken in the Victorian Parlor.  Further down that hallway is the spacious Fellowship Hall which will have a lot of activities, Professional Caricaturist,  Professional Face Painter, and Professional Balloon Artist/Entertainer along with free refreshments, including fresh popcorn!   Cowboy Hay will also be entertaining here throughout the evening with breaks to play the MainStage.

The very popular  Northern Lights Orchestra, will be playing from 8:30 until 10:30 pm.  Vocalist, Margie Johnson is featured this year.

Swing dancing and the great Big Band sound is something you don’t want to miss.   Decorated tables and seating will round out the scene in the Fellowship Hall, with tents and refreshments provided at no charge

For a full listing of all venues and entertainment, please visit www.fallschurchva.gov/watchnight. where there are links to FB page, photos and even more details.

All of the indoor venues have FREE PARKING available, and there is a FREE SHUTTLE BUS to all venues and the circuit completes at the EAST FALLS CHURCH METRO stop running approximately every 30 minutes to each stop.
This year’s route goes to all venues and most parking areas:

The Falls Church Anglican and The Falls Church Presbyterian parking areas entries are on East Broad Street and the Shuttle Bus will be stopping here and  at all venues.  The MC, Andre Jackson, is familiar to many in the City from his years working with the youth, will be running the show at the Main Stage.

The event has grown over the years due to the dedication of many people and efforts.  Our City business, organizations, and churches (who loan these organizations the use of their building and provide staff) are key to the organic growth of this strong community event.  I wish I could name here all of the many generous and skillful people who donate their time and talents and make this free party possible.  These selfless examples of community service, whose fuel of positive energy make this event the fun that it is.   I am proud to be part of it.

We are grateful for our loyal and dedicated sponsors:  Atlantic Realty, the City of Falls Church, The Falls Church Economic Development Authority, The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and The Village Preservation and Improvement Society.

Watch Night 2011 is being dedicated to Howard Herman.  We appreciate the generous support and personal commitment of Howard Herman to improving our City throughout his 40 years of service to the City of Falls Church.  His iconic presence at the Community Center, The Falls Church Farmer’s Market and set up at Watch  Night  are just a few examples of his commitment to the City.  The designation of the Falls Church Farmer’s Market as #1 Market in America is a sampling of his leadership.   Building successes by listening and caring the way he does has been a hallmark of his service.  Watch Night will miss Howard Herman.  Thank you Howard from all of us who work on Watch Night, New Year’s in the City of Falls Church City!

WATER WAR: Fairfax Residents File Against City

By GEORGE BROMLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

December 28, 2010

A group of Fairfax County residents have entered a claim against the City of Falls Church for reimbursement of water utility service payments.   The complaint, filed yesterday afternoon by an Alexandria attorney in Fairfax Circuit Court, lists 20 individual plaintiffs and one business.

This is the third claim filed against Falls Church since the Virginia Supreme Court upheld Judge R. Terrence Ney’s January 2010 ruling that the City’s practice of transferring water fund profits to its general fund was an unconstitutional tax on Fairfax customers.  In late November, the County demanded that the City return $127,877 in overcharges.  Earlier this month, two Fairfax apartment complexes filed suit for $96,558.  

Yesterday’s complaint asks for an amount equal to not less than 15% of the aggregate amount of payments each claimant made to Falls Church for each of the calendar years 2007, 2008, and 2009, plus interest.  Under the statute of limitations, claims for 2007 must be filed by Friday. 

During the 2007-09 fiscal years,  the City transferred over $8 million in water fund profits to its general fund.  In compliance with Judge Ney’s ruling, Falls Church has returned the  FY 2009 transfer of $2.25 million to the water fund.

The total amount sought by the plaintiffs surely is well below either of the previous claims.  However, this might be only the first in a series of actions brought by Fairfax residents against Falls Church.  Ninety-two percent of its water system’s customers are in the County, maintaining around 35,000 accounts.

Crime Report for December 21 – 27

By FALLS CHURCH POLICE DEPARTMENT

December 28, 2010

Smoking in a Non-Designated Area, 6795 Wilson Blvd, #21 (Hai Lua Restaurant), Dec 21, 8:50 PM.  A 34 year old Lorton man and a 45 year old Reston man were arrested for Smoking in a Non-Designated Area.

Driving Under the Influence, Roosevelt Blvd/Roosevelt St, Dec 22, 12:46 AM.  A 31 year old Silver Spring, MD woman was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. 

Drunk in Public, 100 blk Chanel Ter, Dec 22, 4:57 AM.  A 20 year old Falls Church City man was arrested for being Drunk in Public. 

Drunk in Public, 110 N West St (7-11 Store), Dec 23, 1:26 AM.  A 57 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Larceny from Building, 140 S Maple Ave (Bowl America), Dec 23, 10:43 PM, unknown suspect(s) took an iPhone left unattended on a table.

Larceny from Vehicle, 115 E Fairfax St (The Falls Church), Dec 24, between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM, unknown suspect(s) took a wallet, purse and personal papers from an unlocked vehicle. 

Larceny from Building, 6795 Wilson Blvd, #52 (Café Dang), Dec 27, between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM, unknown suspect(s) took an iPhone left unattended on a counter.

New Year’s Resolution: Learn More About Trees

By GINGER PINHOLSTER
Falls Church Times Staff

December 27, 2010

Forget about losing five pounds or never sweating the small stuff.

Residents of Falls Church, otherwise known as “Tree City, U.S.A.,” should learn more about trees, Tree Commission Chair Larry Dorr said.

Need a good “Trees for Dummies” book?

Dorr noted, first of all, that identifying native species and recognizing cultivars—species such as hybrids that have been cultivated to withstand specific environmental threats—are two different challenges

“The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees in the Eastern Region is pretty good and readily available in retail bookstores,” he said.

Here are a few of his other picks for tree primers:

1) Common Native Trees of Virginia: Tree Identification Guide
Copies are readily available from the Virginia Department of Forestry. The price is right, at $2. Read more

ANALYSIS: Falls Church NOT That Rich, Comparatively

By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Falls Church Times Staff

December 27, 2010

From the December 15, 2010, edition of the Washington Post:

The Washington area’s affluence and education levels make it the wealthiest and most educated region in the nation, according to census data . . . .  Fairfax and Loudoun were the only two U.S. counties with median household incomes surpassing $100,000. Tiny Falls Church, which is an independent city and counted separately, had that median income level as well. . . . [T]he island of Falls Church stood out in the ocean of wealth that is suburban Washington. . . .  The median household income in Falls Church tops $113,000.

Reaction of a fellow staff member at the Falls Church Times: “But I don’t FEEL rich!”

In fact, an analysis by this writer indicates that Census Bureau statistics by no means substantiate the Washington Post’s claim that Falls Church is the “wealthiest region in the nation.”

For that matter, simply driving through the streets of the City and observing the houses is common-sense proof that Falls Church is hardly the richest area in the country (unless a lot of Warren Buffett-types live in those “ordinary” residences).

But how could news reports citing U.S. Census data be wrong? The answer is that while the reports technically are not “wrong,” they are highly misleading and poorly interpreted. The Washington Post, not the Census Bureau, labeled us “wealthiest in the nation.”  They drew that assumption from a list of counties with median household income above $100,000.

But “median household income” is a very imperfect indicator of wealth. For one thing, it leaves out net worth. For another, it favors homogeneous areas over disparate ones. Falls Church, like Loudoun and Fairfax counties, has few outliers. While there aren’t that many fabulously rich families, the great majority are quite comfortable. And remember that “median income” is not the average but rather the mid-point.

Net worth is the only real measurement of wealth, but the trouble is that it’s hard to get statistics on net worth and much easier to measure income.  So even Forbes Magazine takes the easy way out and uses median income to compile its list of “America’s 25 Richest Counties.”

The biggest statistical anomaly, however, is the fact that Falls Church City, although not a county and measuring only 2.2 square miles, is nevertheless ranked among counties. That’s because the state of Virginia, alone among the 50 states, prohibits cities from being part of a county.

There is no rural land in Falls Church, and City lines were drawn to exclude anyone living “across the tracks.” So little Falls Church is a “tenderloin” thrown into a comparison with other more disparate areas. Think of the Little City as the “Liechtenstein“ of the United States. That also helps explain Falls Church’s #1 ranking in the United States with 69.5 percent of residents over age 25 holding a bachelor’s degree.

But if Georgetown, or Old Town Alexandria, or McLean, or Clifton, or hundreds of other places were considered a county for statistical purposes, their incomes would all outrank Falls Church City. In fact, in Wikipedia’s list of 100 “Highest Income Places” (vice counties ) in the United States, measuring per capita income, Falls Church doesn’t even appear.

For example, even Beverly Hills, CA, with a per capita income of $65,500, barely makes the list of 100 Highest Income Places, coming in at #99. Yet Falls Church City’s per capita income, at around $41,000, is less than two-thirds that of Beverly Hills.

The 98 other “places” with per capita incomes higher than Beverly Hills include Palm Beach FL, Chevy Chase  Village MD, Scarsdale NY, Sausalito CA, Weston (Both MA and CT), Great Falls VA, Malibu CA, Westport CT, and 89 more with a population of at least 1,000.

In conclusion, census data indicate that the City of Falls Church, along with Loudoun and Fairfax counties, enjoys a higher median household income than any other county in the United States. But that median income of $113,000 is typical of a white-collar, middle-class family with two wage-earners — the type of family that is attracted to Falls Church. The median income is high because there just aren’t very many low-income dwelling units in the City.

But for real “wealth,” look elsewhere than in Falls Church.

George Southern is a former international economist for the U.S. Department of State.

1999 FLASHBACK: Mayor Snyder Explains Water Return

December 26, 2010

Someone, unknown, with access to the Falls Church City Council video archive, has posted a 2-minute clip on YouTube from May 5, 1999, of then-Mayor Dave Snyder announcing that the City would begin taking a higher rate of return on income from its water sales and thereby reduce City taxes.

On January 6, 2010, Fairfax Circuit Court Judge R. Terrence Ney ruled to strike down a sentence in the City’s charter which allowed it to transfer surpluses from its water fund to its general fund as a “return on equity.”   On appeal, that ruling was left standing by the Virgina Supreme Court.

Click below to view the video clip.
Read more

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