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F.C. Bulletin: March 11, 2026

F.C. Bulletin: March 11, 2026
Falls Church City is Celebrating Women's History Month. Pictured above, 2024 Women's History Walk tribute to Grand Marshals, Cherry Hill Farmhouse, May 11. Photo by Chris Jones.

1) City Celebrates Women's History Month & VA 250

2) Va. Redistricting Referendum: April 21 Early Voting

3) Del. Marcus Simon Votes No on Casino

4) Fairfax Supervisor Palchik Notes Public Hearing on F.C. City's Proposed Wastewater Deal

5) What's the Latest in Local Real Estate?

6) Meridian H.S. Hosts Student Job Fair March 12

7) VPIS Announces Increase in 2026 RainSmart Grants

8) Spring Window Painting Volunteer Opportunity

9) Teddy Bear Clinic This Saturday


F.C. City Celebrates Women's History Month

The Falls Church City Council issued the following proclamation Feb. 23 honoring Women's History Month (and announcing the date of the Women's History Walk, Saturday, May 9, 2026 and the 2026 Grand Marshals for the Walk, who are Marty Behr, Sharon Schoeller, Melissa Teates, and Sandy Tarpinian.)

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, women have made lasting contributions to the growth and strength of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the City of Falls Church, in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and

WHEREAS, as the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, it is important to note women's leadership in securing suffrage and equal opportunity for all, and in creating a more fair and just society; and

WHEREAS, women play prominent roles in the local history of Falls Church, which has been home to noted abolitionists, educators, business owners, volunteers, and visionary leaders; and

WHEREAS, Women's History Month is an important opportunity to recommit to learning about the strong women who built our community; and

WHEREAS, the Falls Church Women's History Walk, which started in 2017, is continually expanding, featuring stories of more than 65 local women including many who are permanently memorialized in City sidewalks on South Maple Avenue and Tinner Hill Road; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 Women's History Walk, presented by the Women's History Group, in partnership with like-minded Falls Church civic organizations, will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Marty Behr, Sharon Schoeller, Sandy Tarpinian, and Melissa Teates will be recognized as Grand Marshals for notable and remarkable contributions to the Falls Church community; and

WHEREAS, Young Women of Action from Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and Meridian High School will also be honored; and

WHEREAS, the community is encouraged to learn about and emulate the example of women leaders to make a positive difference in our community and the world.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Letty Hardi, Mayor of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

in the City of Falls Church and call on all residents to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, including participating in the Falls Church Women's History Walk.


For our story from a recent Falls Church Women's History Walk, see below:

Women’s History Walk: Splendid Showcase at Cherry Hill Park
For Mother’s Day weekend in The City of Falls Church, what could be more fitting than the 7th annual Women’s History Walk through historic Cherry Hill Park at 312 Park Ave. just after the Farmers Market and Falls Church Garden Club plant sale at the Community Center this past Saturday, May 11?

City Establishes New Women's History Web Page, Promotes Women-Owned Local Businesses

Following is based on a post in the City of Falls Church's March 6 Falls Church Forward newsletter:

Celebrating Women's History Month in the City

The history of the City of Falls Church has been profoundly shaped by the women who lived, worked, and led here. Their impact is felt in every corner of our community — from the pioneering educators and social activists of the past to the contemporary leaders who continue to drive our City forward.

The new Women's History web page serves as a living archive dedicated to the diverse perspectives and landmark achievements of women who've defined the City of Falls Church legacy, and it will continue to grow.

Support Women-Owned Businesses this March

Explore the women‑owned businesses that make the City of Falls Church such a vibrant place to dine, shop, and discover. From restaurants and boutiques to wellness studios and creative ventures, women entrepreneurs bring energy and character to every corner of The Little City.

This March, support, shop, dine, and explore women‑owned businesses across the City of Falls Church.


F.C. Women's History Group Marks America's 250th by 'Honoring Local Women Who Turned Ideals into Action'

Following is based on a Feb. 25 press release from the Falls Church Women's History Group:

As our nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Falls Church Women’s History Group invites the community to reflect not only on the words penned in 1776, but on the generations of women who labored — often quietly and at great personal risk — to ensure those promises of liberty and equality extended to all. The Declaration proclaimed that “all men are created equal.” Yet for much of our nation’s history, women, African Americans, and immigrants were excluded from full citizenship. In Falls Church, courageous women stepped forward across centuries to narrow that gap between principle and practice. Their stories illuminate how the revolutionary ideals of freedom and self-governance have been carried forward — not just in legislatures and battlefields, but in classrooms, churches, homes, and city halls. 

In the shadow of the 1769 brick church that still stands today as the Falls Church Episcopal, Sarah Wren quietly advanced the cause of freedom. After inheriting several enslaved people following the death of her husband, architect and builder James Wren, Sarah ensured that they each learned to read before emancipating them — an act of profound defiance in an era when literacy among enslaved people was often criminalized. By linking freedom with education, Sarah Wren embodied the revolutionary belief that liberty requires knowledge.

A generation later, Betsy Read carried that conviction forward. The daughter of abolitionist and lay preacher John Read, Betsy risked violence to teach Black adults and children to read and write in and around Falls Church. With her father and uncle, Hiram Read, she organized secret classes for enslaved people and for those crossing into Union lines, defying local laws and the wrath of Confederate sympathizers. When it became too dangerous to gather at her uncle’s home, Betsy went house to house, quietly continuing her lessons. In 1864 her father — serving in the Union Home Guard — was captured and executed by Confederate soldiers. Betsy and her aunt braved hostile territory to retrieve the body. Betsy’s courage reminds us that the Declaration’s promise of life and liberty demanded sacrifice long after 1776.

Harriet Foote Turner, a free woman of color working on the Fitzhugh plantation, also understood the sacrifice required to secure freedom. In 1851, entrusted to transport 12 newly purchased enslaved people from the Alexandria slave market, she instead posed as their owner, forged travel passes, and led them north to freedom in Canada. Unable to return safely to Falls Church, she nevertheless maintained ties to family and later purchased land for relatives on what would become the site of Tinner Hill. Her daring act stands among the boldest expressions of self-determination in our local history.

For Eliza Henderson, liberty was not an abstraction but a hard-won reality. Enslaved in Washington, D.C., she endured sexual assault and, after attempting escape, was sold away from her family to Mississippi. There she married and bore a son. Following the Battle of Vicksburg, Eliza seized her chance. Carrying her infant son — hidden inside a trunk for protection — she followed Union troops back to Washington and her family. After emancipation, Eliza purchased land at what is now Broad and Washington Streets in Falls Church, where she operated a grocery store for many years, transforming survival into prosperity and rooting her family’s future in the very soil of a town once shaped by slavery.

As the nation wrestled with women’s political rights, Mattie Gundry reshaped Falls Church civic life. After moving here in 1893, she founded the Virginia Training School for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities in 1899, leading it for nearly half a century. In 1908 the Falls Church Town Council elected her as a school trustee — making her the first woman in Virginia to serve in that role — only to be declared ineligible because she did not have the right to vote. Undeterred, she became active in the Women’s Suffrage League of Fairfax in 1913 and continued advocating until ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. In 1921 she became one of the first two women elected to the Falls Church Town Council, serving three terms. Mattie Gundry’s life illustrates how the ideals of representative government must be defended and expanded. 

Mary Ellen Henderson devoted 32 years to teaching and leading Falls Church’s “Colored School,” where classrooms lacked heat, running water, and janitorial services. In 1936, she documented the stark disparities between Black and white schools and presented her findings to the city council. Her advocacy led to the construction of a new school for African American students. Her persistence affirmed that equal protection under law must include equal investment in children’s futures.

The struggle to realize the Declaration’s promise continued into the modern era. In 1961, Marian Costner Selby became one of the first African American students to attend George Mason High School, and in 1964 she became the school’s first African American graduate. She went on to break barriers in the Fairfax Education Association and the Fairfax County Planning Department. Her quiet courage and dignified resolve helped integrate both classrooms and professional spaces.

Jackie Bong Wright fled Communist Vietnam with her three young children in 1975 and quickly made civic participation her mission. After moving with her children to Falls Church, she established the Indochinese Refugees Social Services, organized vocational training courses for immigrants, and founded the Vietnamese American Voters Association, registering thousands of new voters between 2000 and 2004. Recognized by Washingtonian Magazine and awarded the Gold Medal of Liberty and the Gold Peace Statue, she has devoted her life to empowering citizens and advocating for victims of sex and labor trafficking. In her work the revolutionary principle of freedom and government by the people finds renewed meaning.

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, the Falls Church Women’s History Group celebrates not only the authors of the Declaration of Independence but also the women who insisted its ideals apply to everyone. From emancipation and secret schools to suffrage campaigns, integration, and voter registration drives, these women transformed lofty language into lived reality. Their stories remind us that liberty is not self-executing. It must be taught, defended, expanded, and renewed. In honoring the women of Falls Church, we honor the enduring work of making independence meaningful for every generation.

For more information about the Falls Church Women’s History Walk and the women honored by the Falls Church Women’s History Group, visit our website: www.fallschurchwomenshistory.org


Falls Church City Celebrates VA 250

"Declaration of Independence," by John Trumbell, 1818.

Courtesy City of Falls Church:

Attend a 250th Event in the City 

Communities across the country will host events and programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone to reflect on our nation’s founding and diverse history, including the City of Falls Church!

Wednesday, March 11:

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion: The Pioneers: the Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West

Courtesy MRSPL.

 Sunday, March 15:

Standing up for Change: African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement (Virtual Talk Presented by the National Women's History Museum)

Courtesy MRSPL.

Va. Redistricting Referendum: April 21 Early Voting

Following is based on a press release from the League of Women Voters Falls Church:

Booth at the Falls Church Festival, 2025. Courtesy LWVFC.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

A Special Election on Redistricting will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Under consideration:

Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?

In-Person Early Voting Information

Skip the lines on Election Day by voting early at City Hall. Early voting is available to all registered voters; no reason or application is required.

  • Dates: Friday, March 6 – Saturday, April 18, 2026
    • Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Saturday, April 11 and 18: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Thursday, April 16 open until 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: City Hall, 300 Park Ave (Main Hall)

Del. Marcus Simon Votes No on Casino

Attending a No Kings protest. Virginia Delegate Marcus Simon represents Falls Church in the Virginia House of Representatives. Photo by Chris Jones.

Delegate Marcus Simon's March 9 constituent newsletter included the following:

Casino Legislation Update

One bill that has generated a significant amount of attention this session is SB 756, which would add Fairfax County to the list of localities eligible to host a casino in the Commonwealth and establish parameters for where a proposed casino gaming establishment could be located.

I voted against this bill and have opposed it from the beginning. Fairfax County did not ask for this, and the response from our community has been overwhelming. I have received thousands of emails from across Northern Virginia expressing strong opposition, reinforcing what I have consistently heard from residents across the district: our community does not support bringing a casino to Fairfax County. For that reason, I could not support moving this legislation forward.


For our recent stories on the Tysons Casino question, see below:

F.C. Bulletin, Feb. 10, 2025: Tysons Casino, Black History, Falls Church Arts
Casino Foes to Travel to Richmond by Bus Feb. 11 in Protest of Tysons Resort-style Gambling District. You may have seen signs around the neighborhood proclaiming, “No Tysons Casino!” Wondering what the fuss is about?
F.C. Bulletin, Feb. 14, 2025: Tysons Casino, Homestretch, Falls Church Arts
Tysons Casino Update. Quick update on the Tysons Casino bill (Virginia, SB 982) on which we reported Feb. 10 here…

Fairfax Supervisor Dalia Palchik Notes Public Hearing on F.C. City's Proposed Wastewater Deal

Providence District Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik. Courtesy Daliaforsupervisor.com.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Sale of Wastewater Capacity to City of Falls Church

As the City of Falls Church develops rapidly, its wastewater management capacity has been strained. Recently, however, the City Council approved an agreement with Fairfax County to purchase more sewer capacity for the Little City.

According to Citizen Portal, "Falls Church City Council voted unanimously Jan. 27 to approve a capacity‑purchase agreement with Fairfax County intended to address the city’s near‑term sewer capacity constraints and reduce long‑term operational risk."

"The agreement the council adopted funds an $8.8 million purchase in 2026 that will secure an additional 1.5 million gallons per day of treatment capacity for the city (the agreement specifies a maximum total daily volume of 3.0 million gallons and a current peak flow limit of 5.38 million gallons per day). Staff said the 2026 purchase will be paid from sewer availability fees the city has on hand."

Public Hearing to Be Held

Providence District Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik reported March 4 that the Fairfax Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing [scheduled for May 5, 4:30 p.m.] on the proposed sale of wastewater capacity to Falls Church City.

From Fairfax Supervisor (Providence) Dalia Palchik's March 4 constituent newsletter:

Admin & Action Items to Note:

  • The Board authorized a public hearing on the proposed sale of unused wastewater capacity to the City of Falls Church. The agreement would generate approximately $9.6 million for Fairfax County’s sewer infrastructure fund while supporting regional growth and environmental sustainability.

Village Preservation & Improvement Society (VPIS) Announces Increase in RainSmart Grants

Falls Church rain gardens. Courtesy VPIS.

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2026 RainSmart Grants to Manage Stormwater Increased

Following is based on a VPIS press release:

The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) announces an increase in the amount of grants to City of Falls Church residents for some projects to reduce stormwater runoff. Grants are available for projects to install rain gardens or conservation landscapes and for purchase of rain barrels to store rain water. 

This year, grants for rain garden and conservation landscape projects are increased to up to $3,000, rather than the prior cap of $1,500. This increased grant amount is intended to support larger projects to more effectively manage stormwater and to account for inflation.

The grants are part of the RainSmart Program implemented by VPIS with support from the City of Falls Church. It is intended to help City of Falls Church residents implement practices, such as rain barrels and rain gardens, that help rainwater soak into the ground on-site to prevent flooding and protect water quality locally and in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Program also includes public information and outreach programs to promote stormwater management. 

Rain Barrel Grants 

An easy way to manage stormwater is to install rain barrels to catch runoff from roofs. Under the RainSmart Program, City residents can apply for grant funds for up to two rain barrels with a limit of $50 for each barrel. Residents may apply for rain barrel grants throughout the year and can purchase rain barrels from a commercial source. VPIS also sells rain barrels at a cost of $80 per barrel. Residents are responsible for installing and maintaining rain barrels.  

Rain Garden Grants

Another opportunity to improve local stormwater management is to design and install a rain garden to help rainwater soak into the ground and reduce high volumes of runoff that carry sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants into local streams. Under the RainSmart Program, City residents can apply for grant funds to cover up to 50% of the cost of a project or $3,000, whichever is less. The cap on total project costs in prior years was $1,500. 

Grants are also available for landscape conservation projects that have stormwater benefits for the same grant amount as rain garden projects. Both rain garden and conservation landscape projects need to be designed and installed by contractors approved by the RainSmart Program.   

Funds for both rain barrel and rain garden grants are limited. Applications for rain barrel or rain garden projects will be considered on a continuing basis until available funds for the year are committed.   

For more information about the RainSmart Program and for rain barrel and rain garden applications, go to: http://www.vpis.org/environment/rainsmart-program/. If you have questions about the RainSmart Program, send an email to RainSmartFallsChurch@gmail.com.


What's the Latest in Local Real Estate?

Listing photo for 7908 Holmes Run, Falls Church, Va. Courtesy Realtor.com.

Following is based on a March 10 press release from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR):

NoVa Home Sales Climb in February as Inventory Grows, Homes Spend More Time on the Market

Rising listings and steady sales volume signal a more stable, resilient market as Spring approaches.

FAIRFAX, Va., March 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – The Northern Virginia housing market continued to demonstrate resilience in February, with steady sales even as homes spent more time on the market. With inventory expanding and the pace of transactions slowing, the region is experiencing a period of market recalibration, according to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR).

A total of 974 homes closed in February 2026, a 3.9% increase from February 2025. Total sold dollar volume reached $834,845,364, marking a 9.7% increase year-over-year, reflecting continued demand across the region's housing market.

The market continued to show signs of gradual normalization as buyers gained more choices. Active listings rose to 1,699 units, an 11.8% increase from the previous year, while months of supply reached 1.23, up 10% compared to February 2025.

"The Northern Virginia housing market remains fundamentally strong," said NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin. "Sales activity increased, and buyers continue to show confidence in the long-term value of owning a home in this region. Meanwhile, the increase in listings means some buyers will have more opportunities without facing quite the same level of competition we saw over the past several years."

Home prices remained relatively stable. The median sold price in February was $720,500, a 1.7% decrease compared to February 2025. Homes also spent more time on the market, with the average days on market rising to 30 days — a 36.4% increase year-over-year. This increase highlights that homes are taking longer to sell than in the previous year, giving buyers more time to weigh their options and signaling a market that is gradually shifting toward a steadier, more deliberate pace.

These shifts reflect a market adjusting toward a steadier pace rather than a slowdown in demand. "For several years, Northern Virginia experienced extraordinarily tight inventory that pushed buyers into fast-paced decision making," McLaughlin said. "What we are seeing now is a market that is becoming more deliberate. Homes are still selling, and sales volume continues to grow, but buyers are gaining the time and flexibility to make thoughtful decisions. That is a positive development for long-term market stability."

Despite the modest decline in the median sales price, the overall increase in dollar volume reflects continued strength in higher-priced transactions and sustained demand in Northern Virginia's competitive housing landscape.

"While median prices have dipped slightly, the continued growth in total sales volume shows that Northern Virginia's housing market remains stable," said NVAR President-Elect Christina Rice, Pearson Smith Realty. "With more homes available and steady transaction activity, the region is moving toward a more balanced market in 2026."

The February data reflects a housing market that remains active while gradually adjusting to increased inventory and a more measured sales pace. With closed sales and overall dollar volume rising year-over-year, Northern Virginia's housing market enters the Spring season showing resilience, with conditions pointing to steady activity in the months ahead.

Background: The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® reports on home sales activity for Fairfax and Arlington counties, the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church and the towns of Vienna, Herndon, and Clifton.

Below are February 2026 regional home sales compared to February 2025 for Northern Virginia, with data derived from Bright MLS as of March 9, 2026 (total sales and listings may not include garage/parking spaces):

  • The number of closed sales in February 2026 was 974 units. This was a 3.9% increase compared to February 2025.
  • The volume sold in February 2026 was $834,845,364. This was a 9.7% increase compared to February 2025.
  • The median sold price in February 2026 was $720,500. This was down 1.7% compared to February 2025.
  • The average days on market was 30 days in February 2026. This was up 36.4% compared to February 2025.
  • The number of new pending sales in February 2026 was 1,195 units. This was up 8.8% compared to February 2025.
  • The number of active listings in February 2026 was 1,699 units. This number was up 11.8% compared to February 2025.
  • The months of supply of inventory in February 2026 was 1.23. This was up 10.0% compared to February 2025.

About NVARThe Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) serves as the voice of real estate in the Greater Northern Virginia Region. NVAR is dedicated to enhancing Realtor® success by delivering exceptional value, driving innovation, and impacting the industry. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with a new Member Experience Center located in Loudoun County, NVAR supports its 13,000 members with essential resources, including industry education, advocacy, networking, and professional development opportunities.

For more info go to nvar.com. 


Falls Church City Real Estate Assessments Up 6.9 Percent Overall for 2026  

Entrance to City Hall for the City of Falls Church at 300 Park Ave. Photo by Chris Jones.

Following is based on a March 5 press release from the City of Falls Church:

Thursday, March 5, 2026 – The total taxable assessed value for all properties within the City of Falls Church, Va. as of January 1, 2026, stands at $6,858,095,600. After adjustments, this represents an overall increase of $445.4 million, or 6.9 percent increase, from January 1, 2025. Market growth is 5.3 percent and an increase due to new construction is 1.6 percent.   

Individual Assessment notices were mailed to property owners in early March. Updated assessment information is also available on the City’s public website: Real Property City of Falls Church

Residential: Overall residential real estate values have risen 7.2 percent (6.2 percent market growth and 1.0 percent new construction) over the past year. Single-family homes and townhomes have experienced varied changes but overall increased by 8.1 percent and 7.0 percent respectively. Residential condominiums have also seen varied changes resulting in a 3.2 percent increase.    

Commercial: Overall commercial property values have increased 6.5 percent (2.3 percent market growth and 4.2 percent new construction). Further, multi-family property values have experienced similar growth of 6.3 percent (4.8 percent market growth and 1.4 percent new construction) over the past year.   

New Construction: Valued at $102.3 million, new construction accounts for 23 percent of the increase in assessed value. Residential new construction contributed $43.2 million to this growth while commercial and multi-family new construction accounted for the remaining $59.2 million of growth.   

Real Estate Calculations: As set forth in the Virginia Constitution, real estate is assessed at 100 percent of fair market value. The City's Office of Real Estate Assessment calculates property values annually using mass appraisal techniques that are standard in the real estate assessment industry.  

Real Estate Taxes and Public Hearings: The notice of assessment is an appraisal of the fair market value of the property; it is not a tax bill.   

  • Property tax payments will be due in two installments on Monday, Dec. 7, 2026, and Monday, June 7, 2027; property owners will receive bills prior to these dates.   
  • The real estate tax rate will be determined on Monday, May 11, 2026, when the City of Falls Church Council adopts the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program and sets the tax rate. Learn more about those meetings at the following link: City of Falls Church Budget.  
  • Public hearings on the budget will be held in 2026 on Monday, April 13, Monday, April 27, and Monday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.  To see the complete budget schedule visit the following link: FY27 Budget. 

Assessment Appeals: Individual property assessments will be mailed during early March 2026. Homeowners who wish to verify the accuracy of their assessment should contact the Office of Real Estate Assessment at 703-248-5022 (TTY 711). Should there be any disagreement with the value determined by the Assessor, homeowners may appeal to the Assessor and/or the Board of Equalization. It is important to note that an assessment appeal is not a complaint regarding higher taxes. More information about the assessment review process is available at the following link: Assessment Process

  • The deadlines for assessment appeals are Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for an Office of Real Estate Assessment review, and Friday, June 5, 2026, for a Board of Equalization review.   
  • As appeal reviews may not be complete prior to the Board of Equalization application deadline, property owners who have not received their first-level appeal results by Friday, May 22, 2026, should file an appeal to the Board of Equalization to preserve their rights. More information about the appeals process is available at the following link: Appeals Process | Falls Church, VA - Official Website 
  • Property owners must prove that their property’s market value is either inaccurate or unfair.  State law puts the burden of proof on the property owner to demonstrate that the assessment is incorrect.  

Meridian H.S. Hosts Student Job Fair March 12

Meridian H.S. Courtesy Niche.com.

On Thursday, March 12 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Meridian H.S. students will have a chance to attend a summer job fair sponsored by the Falls Church City Schools' Business in Education Partnerships.

According to FCCPS Community Outreach Coordinator Regan Davis, the job fair will provide a chance "to connect high school students with local businesses and organizations who offer summer, seasonal or part-time employment opportunities."  

Following is from FCCPS's Business in Education Partnerships website:

BUSINESS IN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

What is a Business in Education (BIE) Partnership?

BIE Partners are committed to helping students become competent, creative and constructive citizens. BIE partners share their knowledge and talents with students and our schools in the following ways:

  • Providing real-world learning experiences
  • Preparing students for the workforce through internships, mentorships and career education
  • Supporting teachers and staff members
  • Donating professional services and goods to augment school experiences
  • Sponsoring school affiliated organizations and clubs/teams/events
  • Serving as school volunteers
  • Offering volunteer opportunities for students
  • Assisting school staff in the review of instructional programs to ensure relevant instruction
  • Assisting and advising in the development and approval of the Annual Career and Technical Education (CTE) Plan and programs

The BIE Partnership Directory includes recognition of these individual partnerships and how they support FCCPS students and staff. Please show your appreciation for these businesses and their commitment to our schools.  


F.C. Arts Announces Volunteer Opportunity for Spring Window Painting Festival

Falls Church Arts announces a "two-day experience taking place 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. on Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22. "The community is invited to paint festive, family-friendly, spring-themed (non-religious) designs on storefront and first-floor business windows on major Falls Church thoroughfares. Windows may be cleaned any time in mid-April, but must be cleaned by April 19."

Spring Window Painting is a volunteer-led project of local nonprofit Falls Church Arts. There is no cost to participate, though we do appreciate and accept donations to defray the costs. Register Here.


Learning Quest to Host Teddy Bear Clinic This Saturday at Mary Riley Styles Public Library

Do you have a stuffie in need of a few stitches? Stop by the Repair Clinic for your Teddy, Stuffie, and Lovey needs!

We will be at Mary Riley Styles Public Library on March 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the lower conference room.

You can add it to your calendar using this link. Our expert volunteers (you're welcome to join us) can help:

  • Reattach limbs
  • Patch up holes
  • Mend open seams
  • Restore unraveled yarn
  • Replace lost eyes and nose (plastic, black and brown)
  • Add a loop for hanging or carrying your stuffie. 
  • You can also help with "triage" and with a pop-up quiz about stuffies and landfills and why it matters.

Due to the limited time and materials, volunteers cannot re-stuff, wash, detangle, construct, or personalize items. Reach out to belen@thelearningquest.org for more information on how you can help! See you there!


Compiled by Christopher Jones