Crime Report for January 24 – 30

By FALLS CHURCH POLICE DEPARTMENT

January 31, 2012

NOTE: This report is not a definitive list of all criminal activity and is subject to change upon investigation.

Larceny from Building, 400 block S. Maple Ave.  On Jan. 25, two bicycles were stolen from a bike station.

Driving Under the Influence and Possession of a False ID, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On Jan. 25, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 35 year old Riverdale, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, and Possession of False ID.

Larceny from Building, 313 Park Ave. #202 (Park Avenue Medical Group).  On Jan. 27, an unknown suspect(s) stole cash from an unattended purse sometime overnight.

Driving Under the Influence, 200 block E. Broad St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 37 year old Suitland, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, 500 block N. West St.  On Jan. 28, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 29 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Attempted Sexual Assault, 450 W. Broad St. #220 (Venus & Mars Spa).  On Jan. 28 at approximately 9:56 a.m., the suspect entered the business as a patron and attempted to sexually assault the victim in one of the rooms.  The victim was able to break free and leave the scene.  The suspect was described as a male, approximately 40-45 years of age.  He has a medium build and unshaven.  He was wearing dark colored pants, a gray sweatshirt, a gray stocking cap, and dark rimmed glasses.

Shoplifting, 1150 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On Jan. 28, a 30 year old Oxon Hill, MD man was arrested for Grand Larceny.

Public Drunkenness, 800 block Villa Ridge.  On Jan. 28, a 55 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Liquor Law Violation, 6619 Wilson Blvd. (New Moon Restaurant). On Jan. 29, the manager of the restaurant, a 59 year old McLean man, was arrested for Virginia ABC violations.

Urinating In Public, 300 block W. Broad St.  On Jan. 29, a 22 year old Woodbridge man was arrested for Urinating In Public. 

Domestic Assault, 100 block Rowell Ct.  On Jan. 30, a 42 year old Arlington man was arrested for Assaulting a Family Member.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, 2/3-5: Latin Music and Story Theater at Creative Cauldron

The Passport to the World Festival goes to South America this weekend with two musical performances and a story theater show at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church.

On Friday, February 3 at 7:30 pm,  the Latin American musical duo Ernesto Bravo and Jose Sacin will present a musical journey with a wide variety of instruments such as guitar, charango, quena and Latin American percussion instruments. Bravo and Sacin are talented singers and musicians who will surprise the audience as they swithc from instrumentals to vocals for an unusual effect.

On Saturday, February 4 at 7:30pm, Raymi will perform their haunting and mystical fusion of Andean and Latin music. Raymi uses traditional instruments such as Zamponas, Moscenos, Quenas and Tarkas in context with the classic band instrumentation, exploring the possibilities that the bass, guitars, keyboards and trap drums can have with the Andes tradition.

Creative Cauldron performing artists will join forces with Raymi musicians for an afternoon of storytelling, bringing to life ancient folktales from teh Andes with large-scale puppets, choreography and music.   The family-friendly story theater presentation “Tales from the Andes” will be on Sunday, February 5 at 2 pm.

Tickets for the evening shows are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.  Tickets for the Sunday Story Theater are $10 each.  Order in advance online at www.creativecauldron.org.

Creative Cauldron is located at 410 S. Maple Avenue in the Pearson Square building.  Free parking is available in the garages at 410 and 400 S. Maple Avenue.

City Manager Puts Down Roots With New House

By STEPHEN SIEGEL
January 30, 2012

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields is putting down roots in the city he runs.

Living in Arlington when he was first named manager, the top ranking position in the City hierarchy, Mr. Shields and his family moved to the City and rented a home on Poplar for the last several years.

Last September, the Shields bought a home that needed extensive rehab at 900 Parker and have been renovating it ever since. They hope to move in by March, said Patricia Shields, Wyatt’s wife and also the general contractor on the rehab.

Ms. Shields owns a company called Metro Green, an Arlington-based contracting firm that specializes in so-called “green” renovations that make homes especially energy efficient.

And as you might expect, their own home will be no different, featuring a heat pump hot water system, high-tech “dense pack” insulation, and thick R38 insulation in the walls, among other things. Most homes only have R38 in their roofs, if at all, and something about one-half to one-third as insulating in the walls.

The home also has a very contemporary look, and will be about 3,000 square feet when finished. The couple took an old rambler that they paid $490,000 for and have been adding a second story to the original brick home.

Additionally, the original brick on the rambler remains, but has been mostly covered by a new exterior paneling.

COMMUNITY COMMENT: Time for Transition in Falls Church

By MATT ABEL
January 30, 2012

There is no doubt that we face difficult times. The rising cost of fuel is driving up the price of living and the our enormously interconnected economy has been sending shock-waves around the world. However, we often feel powerless against the forces driving peak oil, economic interdependence, and climate change. We fear that government is unresponsive and that individual action is not enough. Instead of facing these issues as individuals we can work together on a community level to improve the way we live.

The future without oil can be better than the present with oil.  We can build genuine relationships with our neighbors instead of the people on reality TV. We can transition Falls Church to a self-reliant, sustainable, and resilient future powered by local food, economy, energy, and ingenuity. Instead of waiting around for government to act, we can act as a community of individuals.

This is the hope of Transition Falls Church. Transition is a student-initiated project that emphasizes a grass roots response to the greatest challenges of our time. By unleashing the collective genius of the Falls Church people, we can respond to the issues posed by climate change and peak-oil while simultaneously building a closer, tight-knit community.

We will be holding events over the next several months to teach people about this exciting new movement starting with a film screening at the Community Center on Saturday, February 18th. We will be showing a documentary called Transition 1.0 starting at 4:00pm. Please come as early as 3:30pm to ensure your seat. The documentary will last about an hour and there will be an opportunity for discussion at the end of the film. Please shoot us an email at transitionfc@gmail.com to sign up for email our email list and receive updates about upcoming events.

Although our initiating group will be steering the project for the next several months, it is ultimately something we are going to leave in the hands of the community. You can start the transition on the neighborhood level! Get together with the people on your street to discuss the Transition idea. Develop projects designed to make your neighborhood a more sustainable, vibrant place to live. Your neighborhood can practice community composting, develop a neighborhood garden, or start teaching people about a special skill (this can be anything from knitting to box gardening).

It starts with you! Hold a meeting in your neighborhood and send us an email. We will provide you with the information and resources necessary to make your idea a reality. Also, if you are interested in becoming a leader in the movement please let us know. We look forward to making Falls Church a better place to live.

Matt Abel is a student at George Mason  High School.

Guitar and Bass Lessons at Creative Cauldron

By FALLS CHURCH TIMES STAFF
January 30, 2012

Creative Cauldron is pleased to announce that it is now offering Guitar and Bass lessons with their newest teaching artist and local musician Bruce Turner.  Lessons are taught at Creative Cauldron at ArtSpace Falls Church and are offered for all ages and levels.  For more information, contact Bruce Turner at 703-608-1948 or turnerblues@gmail.com or Creative Cauldron at 571-239-5288 or info@creativecauldron.org.

For more about all music and arts educational programs and performances, go to www.creativecauldron.org or stop by ArtSpace at 410 S. Maple Avenue in the Pearson Square building.  Free parking is available in the garages at 410 and 400 S. Maple Avenue.

WEDNESDAY, 2/1: How to Talk to Your Teen Focus of PTSA Speaker

The February PTSA meeting will feature Jenifer Marshall Lippincott, the author of “7 Things your Teen Won’t Tell You (And How To Talk About Them Anyway).”

“Every teenager keeps secrets,” the book says. “And every parent worries that those secrets could lead to dangerous or risky behavior. In this clear-eyed guide to keeping pace, and peace, with teens today, authors Lippincott and (Robin) Deutsch – one an educator, the other a psychologist, both parents – offer a deceptively simple plan to break down those barriers based on three clear rules: Teens need to stay safe, show respect, and keep in touch. The key? Keep the conversation going. How? By understanding there are things in adolescent life that, like acne and attitude, are part of the landscape.”

The meeting will be at the George Mason High School Library at 7:30 on Feb. 1.

The book’s web site is www.7thingsyourteen.com

For questions, call Sue Earman, PTSA President for GMHS, at 703-628-8365 or email sueearman@verizon.net.

FOOD: Places for Breakfast

By KATHLEEN NIXON
January 27, 2012

For me winter is about slowing down and taking life a little easier. Basically I am just taking a cue from Mother Nature, shut down, recharge and get ready for spring. One of my favorite things about winter is that mornings are later and I can linger a bit longer to start my day. This also means more time to enjoy breakfasts rather than just fortifying myself with cup of coffee.

When I say breakfast, I am not talking about brunch which I truly leave for a special occasion.  Breakfast for me is anywhere from a latte and a scone to a cup of Joe alongside eggs, bacon, and hash browns or pancakes and sausage.

Around our area we have many wonderful options for breakfast from al fresco munchies at the Farmers Market to good old fashion diners and some places in between. Now being a curmudgeon, I tend to go back to the same places over and over again, so I have not tried all of our available breakfast venues, but I am sure many in our audience have!

Here are a few of my breakfast hangouts:

Falls Church Farmers Market – from the new donut lady with her hot fresh donut holes covered in powdered sugar to the Atwater’s Triple Ginger scones there is always something wonderful for breakfast on Saturday mornings.

Le Marche’ at La Cote D’Or – What I love about Le Marche’ are the breakfast options: fresh, piping hot croissants with a Café au Lait or omelet Parisien served with bacon and a baguette. Too many times omelets are huge like the chef is trying to put the whole dozen of eggs in there. At Le Marche the omelets are just right!

Buzz Bakery – An outpost of the Slater’s Lane Buzz Bakery is located in the Ballston area. While Buzz is known for its cupcakes, I truly believe its breakfast options are stellar. From the ham scone with great chucks of ham, cheese and scallions to the all in one breakfast waffle with maple syrup and bacon in the batter. This coupled with awesome coffee takes the chill off of any morning for me.

The Original Pancake House – What more can I say – it’s the pancake house!. You want pancakes this is where you go and you have many options including gluten free pancakes.

Linda’s – Don’t let the sign out front touting the Gyros and Burgers fool you, this is a great place for breakfast. The staff remembers you and your order. The breakfasts are large, delicious and just what you are looking for when you want a great dive for breakfast.

Silver Diner – I really enjoy the Sliver Diner over in Merrifield. It tends not to be as crowded as the other locations and even with the construction it is still easy to get to. When I have a group of folks who all want a wide variety of breakfast options this is where we will go.

Of course there is Starbucks, Panera and Cosi, but these seem to be good for a “grab and go” kind of breakfast rather than a sit, relax and catch up on life kind of breakfast.

The three I have yet to try are Famous Dave’s, Bentley’s and Mike’s Deli but I plan on visiting very soon.

Now I know this will cause some controversy, but I have only been to Anthony’s a few times and each time it was an abominable experience. I won’t go into details, but our family refuses to go back ever again. I am happy for the business that there are so many in the community that likes to go there.

Volunteers Sought for Crime Solvers Board

By CITY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

January 26, 2012

The City of Falls Church Police Department is hosting an information session for City residents, business owners, and interested individuals to volunteer for the Crime Solvers Board.  The session will be held Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dogwood Room in City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
 
Crime Solvers is a community-oriented program involving citizens, the business community, news media, and the Police Department working together in the fight against crime.  The Board would pay cash rewards to anonymous informants who provide information leading to the arrest and indictment of any person or persons who commit crimes or to the capture of a wanted person.  No tax dollars are used for rewards as Crime Solvers depends on the community for the funds.  The Board will work independently from but in partnership with the Police Department.
 
For additional information, please call Officer James Brooks at 703-248-5056 or send an e-mail to jbrooks@fallschurchva.gov.

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