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Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar
PAGE 16 | JUNE 24 – 30, 2021
CALENDAR
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR
LOCALEVENTS
THURSDAY, JUNE 24
Concerts in the Park: Nomad.
Cover band Nomad will be performing classic rock songs by bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs as well as food and water. Made possible by the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department and Village Preservation and Improvement Society. Concerts will run until July 29. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/concerts. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.). In case of rain, the show will be moved inside the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.). 7 – 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
Falls Church Farmers Market.
The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go.
Pre-K: Going Buggy. Join Long Branch Nature Center for an afternoon of exploration and discovery. Learn about the variety of insect life in our area and how they benefit our ecosystem. Registration is required. Themes for preschool programs are repeated during the month, so make sure to only register for one session at each nature center. Register online at parks. arlingtonva.us or by calling 703-228-4747. For information, call 703-228-6535. Ages 3 – 5. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Creek Hike at Long Branch
Nature Center. Families are invited on a hike to explore one of our many creeks to learn about the various creatures and plants that live in them and why creeks are vital to our ecosystem. Registration required. Children must be under adult supervision. For information, call 703-2286535. Register online at parks. arlingtonva.us or by calling 703228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). Noon – 12:45 p.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 27
VIRTUALEVENTS
THURSDAY, JUNE 24
Falls Church Writers Group
(online). A place for writers to receive and give constructive criticism on their writing. For more information or to request a Zoom invite, email Pete Sullivan at psullivan@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8 p.m.
Online Preschool Story Time. Those who are interested can join the Mary Riley Styles Library staff live on the library’s Facebook page for a virtual fun time of stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5. Visit facebook.com/mrspl to join in on the activities. 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Vegetable Garden Pests and
Diseases (online). Join Kirsten Conrad, Extension Agent for Arlington and the City of Alexandria, for a class on recognizing common insects and diseases in your vegetable garden. Learn how to attract and encourage beneficial insects to help you fight off pests and help maintain your garden. RSVP mgnv.org/events to receive a link to participate. Sponsored by the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Talewise’s Unicorns — Break the Cage (online). Join a wild adventure about two kids who visit the city zoo and discover all sorts of animals, including a horse who knows that it’s really a unicorn! Will the animals have what it takes to join forces and stand up to the Zoo Owner? This animated story will feature life science segments that will make for an entertaining and informative experience. Program will air live on the Mary Riley Styles Public Library Facebook page. For information, contact 703-248-5034. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Recording of the performance will be available until July 3.
ESOL Conversation Group
(online). Interested participants can practice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group. This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 25 SATURDAY, JUNE 26
MONDAY, JUNE 28
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
CALENDAR
JUNE 24 – 30, 2021 | PAGE 17
City Council Meeting (online).
City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues and the public is invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. The virtual meeting will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. 7:30 – 11 p.m.
Dragon Gizmo Crafternoon (online).
Guests are invited to spend a creative afternoon with Ms. Meredith, full of stories, songs, and dragon-themed crafts.. All you will need is a Grab and Go Craft kit and some supplies from around your house. The craft video instructions will remain on the Mary Riley Styles Public Library Facebook page. For information, contact 703248-5034. 3 – 3:30 p.m.
Daddy Long Legs. This charming musical is based on the 1912 novel of the same name by Jean Webster. Set in turn-of-the-century New England, “Daddy Long Legs” tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, the oldest orphan in the John Grier Home, and her correspondence with a mysterious benefactor who sends her to college on the condition that she writes him a letter once a month. Jerusha shares her experiences on discovering literature, adventure, love and the self. Not knowing her sponsor’s identity, she writes to him under the nickname “Daddy Long Legs.” This outdoor performance is $25 and will be socially distanced. For more information, visit creativecauldron.org/ daddy-long-legs.html. “Daddy Long Legs” will be presented this Friday, June 25, as well as on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. Cherry Hill Park at the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m.
The Sisters. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-532-9283.
Michelle Swan. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-8589186.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30
THEATER&ARTS
FRIDAY, JUNE 25
LIVEMUSIC
THURSDAY, JUNE 24
Bachelor Boys Band (Outdoor
Show). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-2551566.
Jesters to the Left. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.
Sol Roots Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Josh Allen Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Curtis Knocking. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-5329283.
SuperFunk 5. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.
FRIDAY, JUNE 25
Back to the 90’s (Outdoor Show).
Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.
BACHELOR BOYS BAND will be at Jammin’ Java tonight. (Photo: BachelorBoysBand.com)
Jameson Green. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.
Corey Smith. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.
Sean Tracy. Solace Outpost (444 W Broad St., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 571378-1469.
Indigo Boulevard. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-5329283.
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
Smokin’ Lounge — Janna &
Rob. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186.
Honky Tonk Casanovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504. Digital Underpants. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-5329283.
Red Sun King. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.
Born Cross Eyed (Grateful Dead
Tribute) and Pictrola. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 6 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Nowhere Men — Acoustic Beatles
Tribute (Indoor Show). The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-2370300.
Kreek Water Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
SUNDAY, JUNE 27
Country Jamboree Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 3:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
Open Jam with Tim Harmon.
Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186.
A Tribute to the Red Hot Chili
Peppers. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m.
Trio Sefardi. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.
MONDAY, JUNE 28
Jonathan Coulton and Paul &
Storm Live and In Concert. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $35. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.
Open Mic Night with Josh and
Andy. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Calendar Submissions
Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046
Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.
PAGE 18 |JUNE 24 – 30, 2021
SPORTS
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Mustangs Refuse to Quit, Beat Tabb High 5 – 0 in State Semi-Final
BY MIKE ABLER
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Monday night in front of their home crowd, George Mason High School’s boys soccer team shut out Tabb 5 – 0. This victory marks the 11th trip to the State Championship game in the school’s history.
The last time the team made it to states was in 2018 where they bested Giles in the Class 2 championship round.
Both teams have a lot in common; they were both undefeated at home and they also destroyed almost every opponent on the docket. The only difference so far is that the Spring 2021 squad is undefeated with one tie and the 2018 squad lost one game.
The first half of Monday night’s game started tight as neither team was able to score. Even when Tabb had a free shot following a penalty, they missed.
This was when Mason exploded, scoring 2 goals within five minutes of game time and adding an extra goal for good measure to end the first half.
While Mason’s aggressive playing style led to several penalties throughout the game, it never slowed them down.
Mason would go into halftime with a 3 – 0 lead, continuing their dominance in the second half with two more goals. Mason’s been on a long win streak, their only blemish being a tie on opening day. Since then, they’ve never lost a game and have only surrendered 3 goals.
Going into Wednesday night’s game, Head Coach Frank Spinello feels that Mason’s on the right track, “We don’t need to make any changes to win, we just need to stay the course,” he said.
Spinello attributed the success to having a strong team, from the backups to the marquee starters on the roster. “We have a strong group of players,” he explained. “We train hard every day so we’re prepared for anything … We like to apply pressure to the other team and pressure on our players to perform at a high level.”
Boys Baseball
Last week, Mason’s team lost 8 – 3, ending their season against
JOHN BROWN, varsity midfielder, brings his A-game to an intense match. (P����: C���� S��)
Independence on the road. The boys had a great season and are looking forward to taking to the diamond again.
Next Season
With the conclusion for Boys Soccer and other sports on the horizon, Mason’s teams won’t be playing again until Aug. 24, starting with girls volleyball and field hockey.
The volleyball team came painfully close to a championship run, so this year will be filled with the sting of last year’s defeat to win it all.
Mason’s football team will take on Falls Church High School at home to open up the 2021 season.
The Mustangs went 3 – 2 last year due to a shortened season but this year they’ll have a full slate of eight games to compete in.
For many teams at Mason the future looks bright while others are hoping for a better tomorrow after this Summer.
If it’s one thing that teams cherish, it’s the promise of another season and the shot to rewrite the script and have a better season than the one before.
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PAGE 19 |JUNE 24 – 30, 2021
LOCAL
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Anthony’s Restaurant Feels the Love from Little City Community
by Alex Russell
Falls Church News-Press
Anthony’s Restaurant is a masterclass in perseverance and determination. A staple of Falls Church, it’s witnessed a rebirth the past eight-odd years since it was forced to move from its original location near the heart of the Little City — a painful part of its history that’s only been dulled by the love expressed by the community.
“Do I miss the old place?” founder and owner Anthony Yiannarakis asked rhetorically. “Yes, I do. [It was] home for 41 years.” He mentioned that there was “not much time to think,” and at first, the whole situation was “extremely disappointing.”
But as he finished up his story, he returned to the present and emphasized how happy and appreciative he was of the continued support following what was essentially a do-over.
The new Annandale location was basically “a shell” at first. Though the way the restaurant looks now, it is hard to believe that it was once just an empty space for lease.
Originally from Greece, Yiannarakis is a natural-born storyteller. He shared the long history of his business, sprinkling in anecdotes on his journey from his native Greece to Virginia.
As he talked in his measured yet friendly manner, it became clear how the restaurant stayed afloat for decades and why Anthony’s old customers followed him and his wife Faye when their business had to move.
“I appreciate [it] very much,” said Yiannarakis. “We felt the love.” And if the adage “you get what you give” is to be believed, then one can see why Anthony’s Restaurant maintains its popularity and foothold within the Falls Church area.
The large, open, minimalist layout of the restaurant is impressive. There is a lot of breathing room; there are also several tasteful decorations spread throughout — an especially attractive stand-out are the detailed murals that depicts the Greek landscape. (Faye also hails from Greece. Yiannarakis said their villages are about five miles apart.)
As spacious as it is, the restaurant is imbued with a neighborly coziness. The bar is large and beautifully arranged and in the center one can see a framed photograph of the original Anthony’s Restaurant.
“I tried to go to college in D.C.,” said Yiannarakis, “[but] my parents were in Greece so I was forced to work…to pay [my] living expenses.”
His first job was a prophetic one: he began earning money as a busboy and eventually entered into a partnership where he was co-owner of a restaurant.
This was back in the early 1960s. By 1972 Yiannarakis made the decision to go it alone. He felt that it was “better to try and open up” his own place, as opposed to “having others telling you what to do.”
The prospect of owning his own restaurant greatly motivated Yiannarakis, but he also knew from the get-go that there would be a lot of work and care involved if he was going to succeed.
A restaurant is the kind of business that requires someone to “always be present.” And indeed, for the first four years, Yiannarakis was the one who made sure to be there.
Getting the restaurant to work meant that he would have to alternate through a variety of roles, like cook, dishwasher, manager. His time as a cook in the Army was the “best school,” remarked Yiannarakis.
Presently, the menu is a combination of Greek, Italian, and American culinary staples, but even dishes like subs and BLT’s are served up with, as Yiannarakis put it, “a little Greek touch.”
Besides his engaging, amiable story-telling style, his memory was another thing that stood out. He still remembers his very first day — it was a Thursday in 1972. He only made 57 dollars, but there was something more fulfilling than money that attracted Yiannarakis to the world of food and service.
“[I liked] to talk to people, see people,” he said, sharing that seeing people get together and spend time with each other was one of his biggest reasons for getting into the business.
He recounted a variety of moments that show the kind of person he is; someone who rejoices in community, the happiness of others and meeting all kinds of people from all walks of life.
Patience was key, as well as the necessity to play different roles. As Yiannarakis put it, “Sometimes you have to be a comedian, [sometimes] a psychologist.”
The people of Falls Church responded favorably to Anthony and his family’s restaurant, which embodies that term in its truest sense. Ted and Penny are Yiannarakis’ son and daughter, with Penny talking about her experience growing up with her dad who was working to create a successful business.
“We grew up in the old location,” said Penny. She said there was a strong emotional link that the family still has to where the restaurant used to be.
At one point, Yiannarakis walked over to the photograph mentioned earlier and showed how the very first iteration of Anthony’s was only one-fourth of the original location; through the years he would add squarefootage and expand the property.
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the restaurant. Yiannarakis smiled and said that they are definitely planning to commemorate the start of the business, before he demurred by adding that “you never know.”
His response reflected the cautious optimism he brings to his work and life. After enduring a year like the one brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has served him well. But the one thing that keeps people coming back through Anthony’s doors is his genuine interest in those having a seat at his table.
