FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
ENCORE CREATIVITY FOR OLDER AUDLTS is welcoming new and returning singers in the Fairfax County area to the fall season of its popular Encore Chorales. Registration is open now for the 15-week fall season which begins in September and culminates in holiday concerts that are open to the public. An online program is offered “We appreciate the hard work and patience from our staff and customers that has gone into this process over the past year,” the State Theatre said in a social media post. “We take this decision very seriously and remain committed to ensuring the State Theatre is a safe and comfortable venue to enjoy live music.”
Commissioners To Welcome New Metro GM/CEO Members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission will welcome new Metro GM/CEO Randy Clarke and review upcoming public outreach efforts for the NVTCled Envision Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system planning effort at their monthly meeting Thursday
Commissioners will welcome newly-appointed Metro GM/CEO Randy Clarke at their September meeting. This will be Mr. Clarke’s first meeting with the full Commission since joining Metro in late July. After hearing from Mr. Clarke about his priorities for the transit agency, Commissioners will have an opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Clarke’s appearance comes a week before Metro shuts down the Yellow Line in Northern Virginia for major construction. NVTC’s appointees to the Metro Board of Directors and members of the NVTC WMATA Committee will provide updates on the shutdown and available travel alternatives.
Older Adult Choral Group Ushers in Fall Season
LO CA L Encore Creativity for Older Adults, America’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, welcomes new and returning singers in the Fairfax County area to the fall season of its popular Encore Chorales, local groups that sing a fun and eclectic mix of music in many styles and from many different eras. Registration is open now for the 15-week fall season which begins in September 2022 and culminates in holiday concerts that are free and open to the public. All programs consist of 90-minute sessions held conveniently during the day each week and led by well-known professional conductors from the area. No auditions are necessary. Encore’s mission is to provide an accessible arts education and performance opportunities for older adults regardless of ability or experience. For those who prefer to sing virtually, Encore is also offering its popular Encore University, a comprehensive online program of singing plus enrichment courses in music history, music theory, dance, art, movement classes and more.
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Virginia schools will now require applications and use family income to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price or paid meals. More than 525,000 students qualified for free meals in Virginia when data was last collected in 2019. The new eligibility means approximately 64,500 more kids can access free meals. Filling out a free form may help families qualify for additional benefits to include discounted exam fees and college applications, extracurricular and scholarship opportunities. Families can reach out to their local school nutrition department with questions related to the free meal application form.
Early September Programs Offered for Garden Lovers On Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, join Green Spring Gardens for “Forest
Bathing Walk in the Gardens” to experience Green Spring Gardens with all your senses. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature, will lead a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Contemplative, but more active than meditation, this forest bathing walk will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and enhance mood and creativity. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. This program runs from 10 a.m. until noon. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, explore another beautiful garden on a getaway to Chanticleer Gardens in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The trip departs from Green Spring Gardens at 7 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. The cost is $139 per adult, which includes motor coach, admission, guided tour and lunch. For more information, call 703-642-5173.
Superintendent Encourages Applications for Free Meals Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow is encouraging Virginia families to submit free meal applications to local schools. Virginia is expanding eligibility for free meals during the 20222023 school year through funding provided by the General Assembly in the state budget. Students with families at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Emergency federal flexibility that allowed free meals for all students during the pandemic expired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Moving forward, many
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THE FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS bid farewell to news reporter Alex Russell (left, seated next to senior copy editor Ted White ) with a luncheon at Mark’s Pub. Alex has been working the Press for the past year and has contributed many articles featured in the paper. (P����: F���� C����� N��� P����)