F.C. Bulletin: Foodie Trek II; New Mahjong Biz.; City to Laud 'Culture of Repair;' Paragon's G-Parents' Day
Second Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek Launched, Sept. 1
Attention all Food Trekkies: Keep those discerning palettes cleansed!
On the heels of this summer's first Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek, July 1 to Aug. 31, now comes the Second Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek (SGFCFT), Sept. 1 to Nov. 30!
"Discover new flavors, revisit old favorites, and support the incredible restaurants that make our community so special — one delicious stop at a time," SGFCFT announced on Instagram.
According to organizer of both Treks, Tricia Barba, owner of Preservation Biscuit Co. in Falls Church, the first Trek this summer, "was a great success"!
"We received 40 completed passports and will be drawing the winners tomorrow [Sept. 1]," Barba said. "With that momentum, we’re excited to launch the next culinary adventure. If it’s of interest to The Falls Church Independent."
"The second Foodie Trek kicks off tomorrow, September 1, and runs through the end of November," Barba told us. "This tasty journey invites locals and visitors alike to explore Falls Church’s vibrant food scene, one delicious stop at a time. Participants can pick up a Food Trek passport at any participating location, collect stamps at each stop, and submit their completed passports for a chance to win one of three prize baskets filled with gift cards and goodies from some of the city’s favorite eateries." (See below).
"They can also print out a passport at home here," Barba continued. "The Foodie Trek is designed to showcase Falls Church’s culinary gems while encouraging community engagement through food, drinks, and fun."
Participating Restaurants:
- Banh Mi Oi
- Clare & Don's
- Fava Pot
- Lil City Creamery
- Luzmila's
- Northside Social
- Roll Play
- Seoul Prime
- Sweet Rice
- Taco Rock
- Thompson Italian
- Toby's Homemade Ice Cream
New Mahjong Business 'Talk Tiles to Me' Opens Studio in City of Falls Church
Is this game catching on?
At Northside Social the other day, I saw several enthusiastic customers busting out a Mahjong set and plunging with fervor into a game over coffee and treats.
And now, the City of Falls Church has a new Mahjong business, Talk Tiles to Me (TTTM). On Sept. 4, TTTM – founded in Arlington in 2024 – held an opening celebration in its new studio and event spaces at 113 Rowell Court, next to Dominion Wine & Beer.
TTTM's studio has four game rooms – representing Mahjong tile suits – and accommodates up to eight game tables as well as a small merch section.
“I think the area [Falls Church City] needs it,” TTTM's Founder Tori Rittinger told ARLnow. “The demand is there, with people coming together and playing Mahjong. So, why not just have a community gathering space for it?”
With its team of instructors, TTTM offers both private and group lessons, on or off site, themed pop-up games and events, and is considering adding new programs such as "'kids camps,' 'Mommy and Me' games, drop-in playtimes and a Mahjong brunch club," according to ArlNow.
"We believe Mahjong is more than a game — it’s a way to connect across generations, cultures, and communities," TTTM says. "Our studio is designed with intention: to feel approachable, elevated, and endlessly fun. Whether you're here for your first lesson or your fiftieth game, there's a seat waiting for you."
"Host birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, game nights, and more in our customizable space," TTTM's website offers. "You’ll have exclusive access to three rooms and a main area that seats up to 24. Bring your own food and drinks, or add a group lesson for extra fun. We’ll help set up the space to fit your needs — just show up and enjoy. Perfect for gatherings big or small, your event belongs here."
How does Mahjong work?
Similar to the Western card game "rummy," Mahjong is considered a "game of skill, strategy, and luck," per Wikipedia. Developed in China during the 19th century, Mahjong is a tile-based game (with 144 tiles) based on Chinese characters and symbols. Usually played by four participants, the game has also been adapted into a "widespread form of online entertainment." Mahjong's popularity has now spread throughout the world.
"In most variations, each player begins by receiving 13 tiles. In turn, players draw and discard tiles until they complete a legal hand using the 14th drawn tile to form four melds (or sets) and a pair (eye)," Wikipedia says. "A player can also win with a small class of special hands. While many variations of Mahjong exist, most variations have some basic rules in common including how a piece is drawn and discarded, the use of suits (numbered tiles) and honors (winds and dragons), the basic kinds of melds allowed, how to deal the tiles and the order of play."
"Beyond these basic common rules, numerous regional variations exist which may have notably different criteria for legal melds and winning hands, radically different scoring systems and even elaborate extra rules. A group of players may introduce their own house rules which can notably change the feel of play."
Introducing herself on Instagram, TTTM's founder Tori Rittinger said:
".... I’m Tori and I am based in Arlington, Virginia. I am an east coast transplant, I was born and raised in Wisconsin 🧀 and moved east 20 years ago (I have been told my accent is a dead giveaway). My full time job is Chaos Coordinator 🤪 for the circus 🎪 I call my family, which consists of myself, hubs, our three kiddos and our two dogs 🐶. I was introduced to Mahjong from a childhood friend in 2023, once I learned the game I was hooked! I knew I found a new hobby that would last a lifetime. Move over golf ⛳️ and tennis, there is a new sheriff in town! I love playing Mahjong not only for the challenge and the ability to keep my mind sharp, but I love being able to socialize and connect people. Random fact, I am a self proclaimed mixologist who enjoys making and coming up with fun, new cocktails. 🍸 Who knows, maybe you’ll see one of my concoctions at a Mahjong event. I’m excited to share my passion for Mahjong with the DMV! If you’re interested in learning how to play, DM me" .... "I offer private lessons (4 or more people), pop up events, corporate events, Mahjong parties and more (and yes, I will travel ✈️ ). Now let’s get our Mahj on! 🀄️"
Building Community
"Rittinger first came across Mahjong in 2021 when she played with a friend in Fort Worth, Texas," ArlNow reported. "She said the game’s strategic play and social aspects had her 'hooked immediately,' and she later became an instructor. Her favorite parts of the job include introducing players at social events, watching friendships develop and seeing new players understand the game. It’s a good addiction. The community building part of it and bringing people together is wonderful."
For more info on Talk Tiles to Me, go here.
City to Issue Sept. 8 Proclamation Honoring Learning Quest's Fostering of 'Culture of Repair'
Did you catch the cool Repair Clinic at last weekend's farmers market?
"We were blown away by the interest in repairing and restoring well-loved stuffies during last weekend’s @fallschurchfarmersmarket !," posted @thetoynest on Instagram following the Teddy Bear Fix-it Clinic The Toy Nest held with The Learning Quest Aug. 30 in front of the Community Center.
This was only the second Teddy Bear Fix-It Clinic held in the City by these two groups.
"Missed Saturday’s Teddy Bear Repair Clinic?," they asked. "We will be back, so stay tuned to our newsletter. And don’t miss the next meetup of the Fairfax Repair Cafe on Sunday, September 14 at 10:30 at Pohick Regional Library. Be on the lookout for a library of things coming soon to our area!"
What's the Fix-it Clinic all about?
At the first Teddy Bear Fix-it Clinic, held last April at Mr. Brown's Park, "Volunteer 'doctors' — a mix of senior citizens and students from Years 7 and 8" greet "each child and patient, asking 'admission questions' and conducting triage before beginning treatment," The Learning Quest wrote. "Questions such as 'critical injury?', 'lost his eye and nose?, and 'lost his arm?'" are often heard as "each beloved stuffed animal was carefully examined. Instrument trays were set with thread, cloth, wool, buttons, and crochet needles, ready for the delicate work."
Many of the participants are "fully aware that stuffed animals, largely made of textiles, buttons, beads, and cotton, can take generations to decompose in landfills," The Learning Quest said.
Falls Church City Proclamation for International Repair Day
On Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m., the Falls Church City Council intends to issue a Proclamation in recognition of International Repair Day.
"Witness the official proclamation by Falls Church City recognizing the importance of repairing and reusing items to reduce waste. Let's come together to promote a culture of repair and make a positive impact on our environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a greener future!," The Learning Quest wrote.
"International Repair Day highlights the global movement to reduce waste, extend the life of products, and build a culture of repair, reuse, and sustainability," the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce wrote. "By embracing repair, communities save resources, support the environment, and strengthen connections among neighbors."
"This initiative is led by The Learning Quest, a Falls Church–based non-profit dedicated to fostering community learning and engagement," the Chamber continued. "The effort aligns with the City of Falls Church Vision for 2040, which calls for a thriving, sustainable, and connected community."
“Repair isn’t just about fixing objects — it’s about building resilient, sustainable communities, and a great problem-based learning opportunity,” said Belen Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, per the Chamber.
For our recent articles on The Learning Quest and The Toy Nest, see below:
Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones
Christopher Jones
And for an interview with Mayor Hardi on progress towards the City of Falls Church Vision for 2040, see below:
Christopher Jones
Celebrate Grandparents' Day at Paragon Founders Row, Sept. 7
True to their mission to serve the Falls Church community, Paragon Theaters Founders Row at 112 Founders Ave. is offering special screenings – with reduced admissions prices! – of the smash-hit film Hamilton in celebration of Grandparents Day, Sept. 7.
Following is Paragon's press release on the occasion:
Make History Together on Grandparents' Day
Hamilton, celebrating 10 blockbuster years on Broadway, is coming to the big screen on September 5. Falls Church’s Paragon Theater will commemorate the decade milestone with the opportunity for families to enjoy the movie version, filmed with the original cast live at New York’s Richard Rogers Theatre, with special showings on Grandparents’ Day, Sunday September 7.
Paragon Theater will have $10 kids’ tickets and $9 senior tickets at its three showings on Grandparents’ Day: 12:10, 3:30 and 6:50 PM.
Hamilton has developed a huge following with kids who know all the words to the songs. The musical has become a great family form of entertainment giving youngsters the chance to learn about historical figures through rap and dance.
The new theater, with a full-service restaurant menu and bar, will offer three Hamilton-themed cocktails Jefferson’s Declaration ($12.50) with bourbon, bitters, simple syrup and cherry juice; My Shot Sangria ($11.50) made with Merlot, simple syrup and orange juice and the Rise Up Refresher ($12.50) with Tanqueray gin, simple syrup, lemon juice and honey syrup.
Tickets for the Hamilton movie are on sale now: https://www.paragontheaters.com/movieinfo/hamilton.
By Christopher Jones
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