- Tractor-trailer ‘museum on wheels’  is filled with interactive exhibits and activities –

This 150th anniversary of the Civil War in Virginia, the City will have a wide variety of re-enactors including an encampment of Union Soldiers and citizens representing villagers and trades common at the time.  Visitors will hear period music, see period play scenes from “The Escape”, and children will enjoy crafts and games of the Civil War era, and boxed lunches are available for purchase. Making this year even more special representing the year 1862, the Falls Church Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee has procured the much-in-demand Civil War HistoryMobile. Additionally,  professional performers from The Georgetown Theatre Company will perform scenes from the first play published by an African American written about life on the plantation from the slaves perspective . Come see, listen, and speak to the re-enactors to learn what it was like to live in Falls Church during the Civil War.

Virginia Civil War Sesquicentennial (150th) Historymobile on its way to the City of Falls Church for Civil War Day, 10 a.m. - 3 pm, this Saturday, May 19, at 312 Park Avenue, City of Falls Church

And more Virginia history is on its way, in an 18-wheeler “museum on wheels” as the Civil War 150 HistoryMobile rolls into the City of Falls Church for Civil War Day this Saturday, May 19th for a one-day visit. The exhibit, an initiative of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, will be located at Park Avenue near the Civil War Day site at Historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn will be open beginning at 10 a.m. Admission to the HistoryMobile is free.

The expandable 78-foot tractor-trailer contains a high-tech immersive experience detailing Virginia’s incomparable place in history. The HistoryMobile draws together stories from all over Virginia and uses state-of-the-art technology and immersive exhibit spaces to present individual stories of the Civil War and Emancipation from the viewpoints of those who experienced it—young and old, enslaved and free, soldiers and civilians.

Visitors will encounter history in ways they may have never seen. The HistoryMobile exhibit is divided into four sections: Battlefront, Homefront, Journey to Freedom, and Loss-Gain-Legacy. From the emotional letter written by a dying son to his father after sustaining a mortal wound at Spotsylvania in 1864, to an overheard conversation between husband and wife considering the great risks and rewards of fleeing to freedom, the HistoryMobile presents the stories of real people whose lives were shaped by the historic events of the 1860s and invites visitors to imagine and consider, “What Would You Do?”

The Civil War 150 HistoryMobile visits museums, schools, state and federal parks, fairs, and other sites. Its four-year tour began in July 2011, and it has received widespread praise as it travels throughout Virginia and beyond. In 2011 there were more than 20 scheduled stops and a dedicated two-week tour of Southwest Virginia, and there are over 30 scheduled events in 2012.

The exhibits were designed through a partnership between the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Battlefields Park. The HistoryMobile is also supported by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, through which visitors can obtain information on visiting Virginia Civil War sites at the exhibit, as well as by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Falls Church Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee is proud to present a wide representation of Civil War re-enactors who represent Union and Confederate soldiers and several trades and civilians who lived in that period.  This year’s plans include:  boxed lunches that will be available for purchase;  special live period music which will be performed and  professional performers from the Georgetown Theatre Company will present scenes from the 1858 adventure play, ” The Escape, or A Leap For Freedom“, by noted abolitionist and escaped slave William Wells Brown.  The show is directed by Kenny Littlejohn.  The first play published by an African American, this action-packed melodrama shows plantation life from the perspective of enslaved blacks.  Scenes will be presented at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.  Admission is free.  Come to Historic Cherry Hill House and Farm, 312 Park Avenue in the City of Falls Curch. The Georgetown Theatre Company is made possible by the Falls Church Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee, and the sponsorship of Falls Church Antique Center and Natalia’s Elegant Creations.  The City is grateful to the Georgetown Theatre Company for bringing this special period play to the City of Falls Church for the 150 year commemoration of the Civil War in Falls Church, Virginia.

May 16, 2012

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

Public Drunkenness, 134 W. Broad St. (CVS Pharmacy).  On May 8 a 50 year old man of no fixed address, was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Vandalism to Vehicle, 104A E. Broad St.  (Family Medicine).  On May 8 an unknown suspect(s) was reported to have keyed the side of a vehicle sometime on May 7.

Graffiti, 1014 W. Broad St. (Jiffy Lube).  On May 8 graffiti was found on the front wall and dumpster.

Narcotics Violations, 300 W. Broad St. (Stratford Motor Lodge).  On May 8 a 25 year old Annandale woman was arrested for Possession of Cocaine.  A 30 year old man of  no fixed address, was arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Marijuana.

Vandalism to Vehicle, 201 N. Washington St. (Kaiser Permanente).  On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) keyed a vehicle.

Vandalism to Vehicles, 100 block E. Broad St.  On May 9 an unknown suspect(s) smashed a window to two vehicles.  No items were stolen in either vehicles.

Graffiti, 7100 Gordon Rd. (City of Falls Church Property Yard).  On May 11 graffiti was found on a sign.

Panhandling, 1000 block E. Broad St.  On May 11 a 41 year old Alexandria woman was arrested and released on a summons for Panhandling.

Narcotics Violation, 130 N. Washington St. (Clare and Don’s Beach Shack).  On May 11 a 22 year old Mountville, PA man was arrested and released on summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Public Drunkenness, 6763 Wilson Blvd. #R3 (V3 Club).  On May 12 a 22 year old Falls Church man was arrested for Public Drunkenness.

Vandalism to Vehicles, 400 block S. Maple Ave.  On May 12 seven vehicles parked along the street sustained damage to the right side view mirrors sometime overnight.

Breaking and Entering, 1300 block S. Washington St.  On May 12 police received a report for a rear window that was pried open sometime between May 9 and 7 p.m. on May 10.

Driving Under the Influence, 100 block Little Falls St.  On May 1 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 24 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larcenies from Vehicles, 800 block Fulton Ave.  On May 13 an unknown suspect(s) stole iPhones, a GPS device, a cell phone, an Xbox, and various personal items from three unlocked vehicles parked on the street.

Tampering with Auto, 600 block Fulton Ave.  On May 13 an unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle and opened the glove box sometime overnight.  No items were taken.

Larceny from Vehicle, 300 block Riley St.  On May 13, an unknown suspect(s) stole a GPS from the glove box of an unlocked vehicle parked on the street.

Falls Church School Board Member-elect Justin Castillo was privileged to get a look inside Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner aircraft last week on the plane’s maiden flight to Reagan National Airport.  The new wide-body plane made its first landing at DCA as part of a goodwill tour around the country.

The 787 includes numerous new features including  larger windows and higher cabin pressurization to increase passenger comfort.  It also has a carbon fiber fuselage, a sophisticated new wing and high-efficiency engines to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20% over the aircraft it will replace.

Boeing’s new aircraft should be an increasingly common sight in our skies beginning later in 2012, but its size and range make it a better fit for long-haul flights out of Dulles International Airport.  While the new Boeing plane landed with ease on DCA’s relatively short main runway, the airport’s taxiways were not designed to handle the plane’s 197-foot wingspan as part of routine operations.

Asked about lessons FCCPS students can learn from aircraft, Castillo quipped, “Kids who want to work on cool things like the 787 need to study hard and excel in math and science!”

May 14, 2012

During this evening’s Council meeting Falls Church Vice Mayor Dave Snyder commented on the proposed sale of the City’s water system.

“The City is taking the necessary steps to sell its public water distribution system after a long and concerted effort by Fairfax County to drive the City out of providing water service in the County.  The sale is not driven by financial stress in the City.  The City of Falls Church is financially sound, maintaining high bond ratings and high quality public services.”

“The City is taking responsible steps to divest its water utility assets with appropriate protections for our customers and utility employees embedded in the Agreement for Sale. The proceeds from the sale will be deployed to meet other core public needs.  Those who are concerned about private ownership of water utility systems should encourage Fairfax Water to participate in the bidding process.”

Concerning water quality:  “The City water system is a distribution system only.  Whichever entity purchases and operates the City water system in the future will continue to receive treated drinking water from the Washington Aqueduct, operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.  The Army Corps has a long track record of meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements for the water that we deliver to our customers.”

Rate structure:  “Rates will be frozen for one year after the sale.  If a private entity were to purchase and operate the water system, rates in the future would be regulated by the State Corporation Commission.”

Service level:  “Water service is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States.  The State Corporation Commission regulates the level of service for private water providers in Virginia.”

Following the statement the Council voted, 5-0, to give preliminary approval for the sale, with Mayor Baroukh and Ms. Gardner absent.  A second reading and vote is scheduled for next month.  Final approval of the sale would be via a referendum.

Pink Ladies also will sell luminaries for the Luminary Ceremony which is conducted during the Falls Church Relay event.

For more information about the Relay for Life of Falls Church event go to www.fallschurchrelay.org

May 11, 2012

Falls Church Times

One of the heralds of warmer weather is the regal asparagus. This year with the warm weather early we have had a bounty of spring fruit to include lots of asparagus along with strawberries and early tomatoes.  Last weekend both my husband and I were so thrilled with the offerings of asparagus that we both loaded up on it. Thus we ended up with 6 bunches of asparagus and we had to come up with a variety of ways to prepare and serve it.

Asparagus is only available in our area for a few weeks in the spring and there is nothing better than those tender stems with slightly purple tips. Asparagus is a highly productive plant highly suited for cooler climates and provides a great source of Vitamins A and C and the leading vegetable supplier of folic acid. An established asparagus plant can produce spears for 15-25 years without replanting. The asparagus crowns are planted and are only harvested after they have been establish for 3-5 years. After a few weeks, the asparagus is allowed to grow to its full height and resembles a small Christmas tree with red berries. The large growth allows for the root crown to build up its energy stores for another year. Asparagus grows wild and many used to harvest it in the open fields.

There is the standard preparation of steamed asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, but we found that grilling the asparagus spears provided an intense accentuation to the majestic vegetable and we were nibbling on the spears before they made it to the table. After breaking the tough ends off of the stalk, we tossed the spears in canola oil, salt and pepper. Then we placed them directly on the grilled perpendicular to the grill slots so we wouldn’t lose them into the grill. It took about 5-8 minutes before the asparagus spears were slightly crispy and ready to eat. We also used another method of creating asparagus “rafts”.  You take 5 asparagus spears, line them up together and spear the stalks with two bamboo skewers – one at the top and one at the bottom of the stalk. This allows you to hold grill the asparagus without losing them into the grill.

A few years ago at a Farmers Market Chef demonstration, Willow Restaurant demonstrated making an asparagus bisque as another way to truly enjoy the vibrant colors, aromas and taste of this herald of spring.  Many at the demonstration asked if variations could be made to accommodate different diets. Vegetable broth could be substituted for chicken broth and it would be helpful if a little extra butter was added to the recipe to add in the necessary fat. Chervil is added to the recipe to ensure the bright green color to the bisque, but if it is not available, you could double the order of parsley. Many asked about substituting the cream with evaporated milk, which is of course perfectly fine. For those who don’t use dairy products, you may use creamed or mashed potatoes to add in the creamy base.

Spring Asparagus Bisque from Willow Restaurant

Yield: 6 Servings

2 bunches Local Spring Asparagus

2 quarts Chicken Stock (Canned Low Sodium Chicken Broth may be used)

16 ounces Heavy Cream

4 ounces Crème Fraiche

4 ounces Smoked Ham, cut into large chunks

1  Leek, white part only

6 pieces Thyme Sprigs, tied in a bunch

3 bunches Fresh Chervil

1 bunch Fresh Parsley

6 ounces Shredded Smoked Salmon, Max & Me Brand (the best!)

to taste  Kosher Salt

2 tbsp.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Bring 8 quarts of water and 1/4 cup salt to a rolling boil.  Trim 3 inches off the top of the asparagus and reserve tips.

All the asparagus should be pre-blanched in the same manner: Add asparagus to boiling water in small batches, cooking the stems and tips separately.  Once the asparagus is tender, place in a large container of ice water until cool so as to stop the cooking process.

Blanch the chervil and parsley in boiling water for 30 seconds and cool in ice water.

Drain asparagus tips, herbs and asparagus stems separately.

In a blender, puree the asparagus stems, chervil & parsley with just enough ice water (2 Tbsp) to ensure the items are thoroughly blended to a smooth texture.  To make the base, start by heating an 8 quart stock pot over medium-high heat, add 1 ounce Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the ham & the leek.  Cook over medium heat until everything is soft, trying not to add too much color.  Once tender, add the chicken stock and thyme bouquet.  Bring the stock to a boil and reduce to a simmer.  Gently reduce the liquid by half.

Once reduced, add the heavy cream and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes.  Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, after which pass through a fine sieve strainer.  Discard the vegetables.

Just before you plan to serve the soup, return the base to the heat and slowly bring to a simmer.  First, whisk in the crème fraiche and then the asparagus puree, ensuring the soup has returned to a simmer before adding the asparagus.  Taste and adjust the seasoning with Kosher salt.  Serve immediately and garnish the bowls with smoked salmon, asparagus tips and chopped chives.

US Chamber Hall of Flags

The International theme of the Gala is a fitting tribute to the many international students and friends from overseas that chose Falls Church City as their temporary home away from home. We are pleased to welcome them to our schools and recognize that while they are here, their presence adds a unique dimension to the educational experience of all our students. The FCEF Gala is one of 2 major fundraising events initiated by the Foundation each year. Its aim is to raise fiduciary and community support for the Foundation and the four public schools that it benefits. Since its inception in 2003 the Foundation has worked to maintain the highest standard of excellence of education in our schools. Funds raised by last year’s gala were instigatory in updating the teaching technology at all four schools including the purchase of Elmo document cameras at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, digital cameras and iPads at George Mason High school and interactive state of- the- art smart boards at Mt. Daniel and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools. It also provided seed funding for the start up of the Pathway to International Baccalaureate Program at George Mason High School.

The Chairman of this year’s gala is Ms Gabi Enache who has recently moved to Falls Church herself. A veteran of event planning she has brought an enthusiasm and energy to the Host Committee that promises to make this year’s Gala one to remember. The event has been made possible thanks to lead sponsor Alarm.com and Honorary Chairs, Scott & Michelle Whitaker along with other sponsors including Acacia Federal Savings Bank, Arcadis, BB&T, David Chavern and Sarita Gopal, Cox Communications, Hess Construction, Cathy Kaye and Tom Clinton; Needham, Mitnick & Pollack, Pearson Square; Gabi & John Sandoz; Steve Sprague; SWH Group; Tori McKinney/Keller-Williams Realtor; Valic Financial Advisors, Virginia Commerce Bank, Rick’s Carpet and Dominion Virginia Power.

Opportunities are still available for additional sponsors and donations of items for auction are still being sought. Sponsors, benefactors and donors will be featured in the souvenir Gala program that will be published for the event and will be available on line. The program will also offer advertising space for local businesses. For more information contact Donna Englander at 703 248 5627 or denglander@fcedf.org. Tickets for the gala are $125 per person and are on sale now at www.fcedf.org. A portion of the cost is tax deductible. 

Learn what steps the City’s Public Works is taking to deal with stormwater and floodplain management in a presentation by Bill Hicks, P.E., entitled “Prospects for Stormwater Management.”  The presentation will help residents understand the important local flood control implications and the regional impacts of runoff to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.

The meeting will begin with presentation of VPIS Awards and a brief business meeting, followed by a presentation of Excellence in Design Awards in recognition of outstanding  homes, additions and landscaping.

For additional information, see www.vpis.org.

NOTE:  The reports are not a definitive list of all criminal activity and are subject to change upon investigation.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, 900 block W. Broad St.  On Apr. 24 an officer responded to an accident involving a scooter.  The driver of the scooter, a 51 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test.

Urinating In Public, 6763 Wilson Blvd. #R3 (V3 Club).  On Apr. 25 a 43 year old Manassas man was arrested and released on summons for Urinating In Public.

Assault and Battery, 100 Hillwood Ave. (Hillwood Mart).  On Apr. 27 three individuals from a family were assaulted during an altercation at the gas station.

Narcotics Violation, 100 Hillwood Ave. (Hillwood Mart).  On Apr. 27 two 22 year old Falls Church men were arrested and released on summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Destruction of Property, 100 block S. Maple Ave.  On Apr. 28 a window to the victim’s vehicle was punched.  A bag that was left in the vehicle was found nearby.  No items were stolen.

Driving Under the Influence, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On Apr. 28 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 32 year old Laurel, MD man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Destruction of Property, 900 block Ellison St.  On Apr. 28 a windshield to the victim’s vehicle was smashed sometime overnight.  No items were stolen.

Destruction of Property, 500 block Greenwich St.  On Apr. 28 two vehicles were egged and sprayed with silly string sometime overnight.

Narcotics Violation, 300 W. Broad St. (Stratford Motor Lodge).  On Apr. 28 an 18 Clinton , MD man and a 19 year old Falls Church man were arrested and released on summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, 300 block S. West St.  On Apr. 29 an officer responded to an accident.  One of the drivers, a 44 year old Arlington man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test.

Larceny from Vehicle, 100 block Noland St.  On Apr. 30 an unknown suspect(s) stole a wallet and an iPad from an unlocked vehicle.

Graffiti, 200 block W. Jefferson St.  On Apr. 30 graffiti was found spray painted on a stop sign.

Graffiti, 600 block Lincoln Ave.  On Apr. 30 graffiti was found on two utility boxes.

Destruction of Property, 100 block Park Ave.  On Apr. 30 a rear window to the victim’s vehicle was smashed sometime in the afternoon.  No items were stolen.

Drinking in Public, 200 block S. Washington St.  On Apr. 30 a 28, of Seattle, WA man, a 40 year old Falls Church man, and a 39 year old Sterling man were arrested and released on summons for Drinking in Public.

Public Drunkenness and Defecating in Public, 6795 Wilson Blvd. (Hai Duong Restaurant).  On Apr. 30 a 60 year old man of no fixed address was arrested for Public Drunkenness and Defecating in Public.

Driving Under the Influence, 100 block Little Falls St.  On May 1 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 24 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Graffiti, 444 W. Broad St. (The Spectrum).  On May 1 graffiti was found on a wall and in the parking garage.

Assault and Battery, 804 S. Washington St. (7-Eleven).  On May 1 officers responded to the location for a report of an assault which had just occurred.  A  61 year old woman of no fixed address was arrested for Assault and Battery.

Driving Under the Influence, 6700 block Wilson Blvd.  On May 1 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 52 year old Centreville man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larceny from Building, 1230 W. Broad St. (Giant Foods).  On May 2 an unknown suspect(s) stole a purse from an unattended carriage at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Narcotics Violation, 137 N. Washington St.  On May 2 officers responded to an alarm call and found individuals on the building’s roof.  A 20 year old Annandale man was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and released on summons.

Graffiti, 1100 block S. Washington St.  On May 4 graffiti was found on the sidewalk.

Driving Under the Influence, 400 block S. Washington St.  On May 4 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 24 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, 900 block W. Broad St.  On May 5 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 23 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, 100 block Haycock Rd.  On May 5 an unknown suspect(s) stole license plates from a vehicle sometime after Apr. 28.

Urinating In Public, 6763 Wilson Blvd. (Eden Center).  On May 6 a 21 year old Arlington man was arrested and released on summons for Urinating In Public.

Driving Under the Influence, Unit-block Hillwood Ave.  On May 6 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 38 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, and Fail to Provide Care for Companion Animal, 500 block S. Washington St.  On May 7 an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation.  The driver, a 31 year old Falls Church man, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to Blood or Breath Test, and Fail to Provide Care for Companion Animal.

Larceny from Building, 1218 W. Broad St. (Starbucks).  On May 6 an unknown suspect(s) stole an unattended iPhone.