Community News & Notes: March 21-27, 2024

E.B. Henderson II Discussing New Book on Thursday

Today, March 21 at 4:00 p.m., F.C. native E.B. Henderson, II will participate in an author discussion in the Devil’s Backbone Lounge of Capital One Arena (601 F St. NW, Washington, DC) promoting his new book about his grandfather: “The Grandfather of Black Basketball: The Life and Times of Dr. E.B. Henderson.”
Host Daelyn Waters will lead the event. Henderson II will be joined by author Rachel Jamison Webster, who will be discussing her book, “Benjamen Banneker and Us: Eleven Generations of An American Family.”

FCA Announces Excellence in Art Student Scholarship

This week Falls Church Arts announced the introduction of the Excellence in Art Scholarship, a new offering of the organization designed to recognize and encourage those who display an early dedication to making art. High school seniors who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution and further their artistic pursuits will be eligible to apply. In 2024, FCA will offer $1,000 scholarships to a limited number of students.

Students are eligible to apply for this $1,000 scholarship if they meet all of the following criteria:
Exhibits excellence and creativity in the visual arts fields of drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, or sculpture.

Is in the final academic year of their secondary education at a Northern Virginia high school.
Plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution and further their artistic pursuits there.
Special consideration will be given to applicants whose art work and activities have benefited other students, their school, or members of the community.

Applicants must provide five images of their work, an artist statement, recommendations from an art instruction and a general recommendation from a non-family adult, and a transcript of their academic record. Applications, official transcripts, and recommendations must be received by April 30, 2024. For more information or to apply, visit fallschurcharts.org.

Falls Church Arts is a recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2003. With a stated mission to “ensure the arts are an essential part of the cultural environment,” FCA has since inception focused on the visual arts, bringing exhibition opportunities and the chance to learn, share, and grow. They have dedicated exhibition space at 700-B West Broad St. and offer classes, workshops, and dialogue groups at that same location.

Ghostbusters of Virginia Visiting N.Va This Week

The Ghostbusters of Virginia announce several appearances ahead of the Sony Pictures release of the latest movie in the Ghostbusters franchise, “Frozen Empire.”

In full Ghostbusters gear, alongside vehicles decked out as the famous Ecto-1, these dedicated volunteers will be helping to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Through charity appearances for events, conventions, and more, GBVA is now in the top three earners for Make-A-Wish in Virginia.

“Bustin’ means doing good! As life-long fans of the franchise, it’s an honor to use our passion to help other charities raise much needed funding.” says Jeff Foxwell, Vice President of the Ghostbusters of Virginia. “Our members are excited to be making appearances all throughout Virginia during opening week of the movie release to provide photo ops and meet fans.”

Ghostbusters of Virginia will travel around the state this week for the opening weekend of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” with three stops in Northern Virginia:

  • March 22: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City (1660 Crystal Dr., Arlington, VA), 6:00 p.m.
  • March 23: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Loudoun (20575 Easthampton Plz., Ashburn, VA), 4:00 p.m.
  • March 24: Main Street Geek Front Royal (301 E. Main St., Front Royal, VA), 12:00 p.m.

GBVA will also make appearances in Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, and Chester during the three-day tour.

The Ghostbusters of Virginia is the only 501c3 registered non-profit recognized by Sony Ghost Corps in VA. A volunteer-led organization dedicated to raising funds for other charities across the state, GBVA makes appearances at several events throughout the year. To learn more about the Ghostbusters of Virginia, visit ghostbustersva.com.

Little City Concerts Announces April 13 Benefit Show

Little City Concerts announced they will soon present fortepianist David Kim and Friends performing “The Artistry of Clara Schumann: Composer and Performer,” a program that celebrates the artistry of Clara Schumann, including two of her finest pieces: the three-violin “Romances,” played by David Kim and violinist Lauren Basney, and the g minor “Piano Trio,” where they will be joined by cellist John Moran.
Clara’s improvisations were greatly admired in her day: David’s research and practice makes it possible to reproduce improvisations that mimic her style, and our program will include some of these as well. 50 percent of ticket sales will be donated to Doorways.

Serving the Arlington, VA community since 1978, Doorways creates pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives.

The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at The Falls Church Episcopal (166 E. Broad St., Falls Church). Tickets are $20 and available at tinyurl.com/FCNP0324lc.

Pianist Tatiana to Perform Free Show in F.C. This April

On April 14 at 4:00 p.m., internationally-acclaimed pianist Tatiana will perform a program, titled “The Magic of the Miniature,” at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church (3421 Brush Dr., Falls Church). Admission is free, with a $20 suggested donation to defray costs.

A wine and cheese reception will follow the concert.

The program includes “Sonata op.31 no.3” by Beethoven, selections from Schubert’s “Impromptus op.90,” selections from Chopin’s “Preludes op.28,” selections from Gershwin’s “3 Preludes,” and Gershwin’s “Song 3” transcriptions.

Details are available online at odeonchambermusicseries.org.

I-66 EMP Donates Refrigerator To Food For Others

Last Thursday, as part of the company’s mission to help reduce food insecurity in Northern Virginia, I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) — builders and operators of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway — donated a new upright commercial refrigerator to local food bank and longtime non-profit partner Food For Others.

Manufactured by Jaecool, the new fridge is eco-friendly and holds a capacity of 12.8 cubic feet for keeping food and beverages cold and fresh. Food For Others will put the refrigerator to use immediately.
“Our friends at the 66 Express have really stepped up, and we appreciate their continued partnership,” said Deb Haynes, executive director of Food For Others. “This new refrigerator is a high-impact gift that will benefit our clients for years to come.”

I-66 EMP has enjoyed a partnership with Food For Others since the 66 Express opened with full operations in November 2022. That year, the roadway operator held a food drive for Food For Others which netted nearly 600 pounds of fresh and non-perishable food in time for Thanksgiving.

In November 2023, I-66 EMP provided a $5,000 donation toward Food For Others’ Power Pack program, funding 7,500 meals plus healthy snacks for food-insecure students attending Fairfax County Public Schools.

“Even in an affluent region like ours, there are still families who don’t have enough nutritious food to eat,” said Nancy H. Smith, director of corporate affairs for I-66 EMP. “We’re grateful for the amazing work Food For Others does in our community, and we’re happy to support their work fighting food insecurity in Northern Virginia.”