Falls Church Rotary: "Small Club, Big Impact!"

Falls Church Rotary

Celebrating Service Above Self since 1952!

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 6:30 PM
(Previously, now closed) Harvest Moon Restaurant
7260 Arlington Blvd.(Rte. 50 at Graham Rd.)
Club email: FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com
Falls Church, VA 22042
United States of America
Meets most 1st & 3rd Thursdays 6:30pm. Due to pandemic, meetings are via zoom till further notice. Zoom meeting link is at speaker listings at calendar. Recurring Zoom Meeting ID: 851 7289 8099 Password: 613148. Dial in phone (USA) 301.715.8592
District Site
Home Page Stories

Congratulations, Youth Speech Contest Winners!
 
Congratulations to the winner of the 2021 Falls Church Rotary Youth Speech Contest: Elizabeth Ogletree, sophomore at Bishop O’Connell High School. The annual competition for area high schoolers was held via zoom on March 26, 2021. Elizabeth was awarded the $100 club 1st prize. Stephanie Minaya, a Bishop O’Connel senior, was awarded 2nd place ($50).
 
The speech topic was the current Rotary Presidential theme "Rotary Opens Opportunities." 
 
Elizabeth has advanced as one of six finalists in the Rotary District 7610 Speech Competition, to be held virtually on April 17. Learn more about the annual High School Speech competition at the District website: click here.. The District awards are $1,000, $500, and $250 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
 
Falls Church Rotary sponsors an Interact Club for high schoolers at Bishop O'Connell. Interact is the high school level of rotary, connecting young people ages 12 – 18 to develop leadership skills and discover the power of Service Above Self. Activities include oratorical contests, community service projects, music competition and leadership training camp. Additionally, there are Interact scholarship opportunities and Rotary Club exchange.

Navigate our Website ...
If you are using a mobile device, below are some quick links to navigate our website.
We also have a LinkTree url easier quick access to key info --> go to linktr.ee/FallsChurchRotary
 
Club Brochure (pdf, new for 2020) >> 
 
Follow and engage with our club on our social channels:
And, as always, we welcome email inquiries at FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com.
 

Del. Marcus B. Simon at Club Zoom Meeting April 1
 
Our next zoom meeting on April 1 features special guest Virginia Delegate Marcus B. Simon (53rd District), with an update on the 2021 General Assembly legislative session and new state laws.
 
Bring your questions and concerns -- all welcome!
 
Here is background info at the VA General Assembly website: https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/lawAndResources.php?secid=21&activesec=3#!hb=1&mainContentTabs=0
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- Please join us! No need to RSVP -
Read more...

Watch our Club Slideshow!
 
To celebrate August as Rotary Membership Month, we created a new slideshow video to highlight our commitment to #ServiceAboveSelf and our many projects and activities, both local and abroad. 
 
Watch on our club youtube channel: click here.
 
 

"US Presidential Transitions" 1/21/21 Speaker
 
Our club Jan. 21 meeting program via zoom is a very timely one! Our topic is: "US Presidential Transitions: A Look Ahead" with speaker Kevin Madden, Executive Vice President of Advocacy at Arnold Ventures (www.ArnoldVentures.org)
- All welcome! Zoom link and phone # is below. No need to RSVP -
 
Speaker bio:
Kevin’s experience with today’s modern media, as a frequent guest on national and international cable and broadcast news outlets, has earned him a reputation as a sought-after media strategist and crisis communications manager. He currenly leads the integration of Arnold Ventures’ advocacy and communications strategies with its policy and research capabilities, positioning the organization as a leader in shaping public policy debates and positive outcomes at the federal, state, and local level. Prior to his leadership role at Arnold Ventures, Kevin was a partner at public affairs firm Hamilton Place Strategies. From 2004 to 2016, he served as a senior strategist and spokesperson on three national presidential campaigns. Previously, he was spokesperson and communications strategist in the Office of the Majority Leader, US House of Representatives, and Deputy Director of Public Affairs and national spokesperson for the US Dep. of Justice. He also serves on the advisory board of the Bipartisan Policy Center Action Network.
 
Join Falls Church Rotary Zoom Meeting  -- recurring 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6.30pm:
 
Meeting ID: 851 7289 8099
Passcode: 613148
One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,85172898099#,,,,,,0#,,613148# US 
Dial by phone:  301.715.8592 

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Falls Church Rotary continues to meet virtually due to public health concerns. In non social distancing times: we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Visiting Rotarians, prospective members, and public welcome. Club meetings are held 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6.30 pm, with interesting programs & speakers. On 5th Thursdays, we sometimes meet for a social activity at a local bar or other venue. Our club brochure is at -- https://bit.ly/FallsChurchRotary-BrochureStory.
 
Not sure what #Rotary is?... Maybe you've seen a need in our community & wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others -- or even learn new skills. Maybe you're seeking connections with other service-minded professionals locally & abroad. Then maybe #Rotary is for you!
 
More info at www.linktr.ee/FallsChurchRotary to check our speakers schedule & upcoming events.
Join us for fun & fellowship! Our Falls Church Rotary has been celebrating "Service Above Self" since 1952! Learn more about #ServiceAboveSelf & Rotary service at www.rotary.org.

Club Meetings Now Virtual via Zoom
             
 
Club Meeting now via Zoom effective April 2020
 
Due to the ongoing pandemic and health concerns, our club meetings on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6.30 are via Zoom.
 
Meeting ID and access phone numbers are listed with the speaker program on our Club calendar for the meeting date, but here is our recurring meeting details for 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6.30pm:
 
Meeting ID: 851 7289 8099
Passcode: 613148
One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,85172898099#,,,,,,0#,,613148# US 
Dial by phone:  301.715.8592 
 
Guests and prospective members always welcome! If you'd  like to join a meeting, email Club President Rene Calandria at FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com -- and we'll . the info to you! We also publicize our speaker programs at our popular club facebook page
 
And for a really easy way to view all our digital channels, go to www.linktr.ee/FallsChurchRotary.

COVID-19 Response Virtual Town Hall

The pandemic and community public health safety issues continue to be of grave concern. All welcome for this town hall zoom webinar with Inova Health System executives, hosted by Falls Church Rotary on Sept. 3 at 6 pm ET. Click here for event flyer (pdf).

** Watch the recording via our club youtube channel.  Click here to view.**

Topics to be covered include:

  • COVID-19: Its nature & why it matters
  • COVID services for low income and uninsured community members
  • Safety measures during in-person meetings
  • Cloth mask vs surgical mask: the safest route
  • Inova’s support for Latinx communities, the hardest hit demographic, and communities of color
  • Rotarians as community partners in the fight against COVID
  • Inova’s educational & community outreach on COVID
  • Keeping our workplaces safe for both workers and customers

Featured Speakers:

  • Michelle Vassallo, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CEN - Vice President, Nursing, Inova Clinical Platforms [note: Michelle could not be with us, so Dr. Chalapathy Venkatesan, MD joined us instead.]
  • Michael Forehand - Vice President, Inova Government and Community Affairs.
Read more...

Club Brochure for Rotary Year 20/21 Now Online
We've updated our club brochure -- now a front/back rack card -- for Rotary Year 20/21.
Download the pdf --> click here
 
 
We are a "small club with big impact" with a diverse membership in profession, age, gender, cultures, and passions -- all committed to our Rotary mission of "Service Above Self."  Rotary International exists because of people like you -- and us -- working together, to accomplish extraordinary things in our community and across the world. Rotary is your chance to give back to your community and the world -- all it takes is a willingness to get involved!
 
Are you or someone you know interested to join our club? We'd love to meet you and invite you to join us for a zoom meeting. For questions, further information and to introduce yourself, email our Club Membership chair, Rex Hayes, at FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting you!
 
Read more...

Food For Others | Aug. 20 Meeting
Our club meetings continue on 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6.30pm. Now via Zoom, led by Pres. Rene Calandria.
 
Our program speaker for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020 is:
 
Alison Padget, Director of Development and Outreach, at Food for Others -- which distributes food to our local neighbors in need nmby mobilizing our communuty and volunteers. Here in our nation’s capital area, the high cost of living forces many families who are struggling to make ends meet to choose between spending money for food, or on other basic needs such as housing and healthcare. Food for Others is an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for those needing food when an emergency strikes and for the growing number of working poor who need to supplement their inadequate food supplies.
 
All welcome to join us to learn about the need in our area, FFO programs, and how to help. 
Read more...

"Front Porch" Food Collection Drive: Now to Sat. 8/15/20
 
 
Many families are struggling in these challenging times. To help at least a bit: our Rotary Club of Falls Church VA is hosting a
Front Porch Food Collection Drive -- now through Sat., Aug. 15 -- to benefit families who depend on our local food pantry, located at Knox Presbyterian Church, operated by the Falls Church Community Service Council.
 
Here's how it works with 3 ways to make your donation:
 
  >> 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭: Drop off your donations at any time at your convenience by Aug. 15 at Past President Diane Hill's front porch (near our club's non-pandemic meeting location Harvest Moon) at: 6818 Kincaid Ave , Falls Church 22042.
  >> 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮: Email us to coordinate a contactless pickup: FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com.
  >> 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯: On afternoon of Sat. Aug. 15, stop by Diane's front yard with your donations  to say hello and meet club members, other Rotarians and neighbors for some socially distanced refreshments!
 
>> 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲: Canned goods (tuna, fruits, vegetables, sauces). Rice, pasta, energy bars, cooking oil, low-sugar cereals. Giant grocery gift cards also welcome!
 
𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗻 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀: we welcome your help to spread the word to share our flyer and/or to collect donations to partner with us to help families in need. Comment below -- or email FC Club Pres. Rene Calandria at FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com.
 
View and download pdf of our flyer: click here
 
Full info at Patch.com at: http://bit.ly/FCRotaryFoodDriveInfo.
 
 
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 🙏  #WeAreRotary #PeopleOfAction #ServiceAboveSelf
Club Photos & Albums Now at SmugMug 
Our club photo albums from meeting and soecial events are now at a club SmugMug site:
https://fallschurchrotary.smugmug.com/
 
It's easy to view and download photos -- all at no charge 👍
 
* Meetings CANCELLED through April 30 *
Per advisories from RI and our Rotary District 7610, our in-person club dinner meetings are canceled through April 30. Club members: see the emails that President Stephanie Arnold has sent in recent days per conference calls for board meetings, future planning, etc.
 
We will be re-scheduling speaker programs and still hope to be able to host our 2nd Walk For Peace at some later date ... watch this space! For questions or concerns, please email Club President Stephanie Arnold via: FallsChurchRotary@gmail.com.
 
Please see our club facebook page for more timely updates: www.facebook.com/FallsChurchRotary --
including, on a cheerier note, see photos of our Club President-Elect Rene Calandria at the March #ChesapeakePETS training seminar: https://www.facebook.com/142010319167937/posts/2797132426989033/
 
We hope everyone will exercise caution and safe hygiene --stay safe!
Brunch at Ronald McDonald House! - 9.21.19
 
Our club served as  “guest chefs” preparing and serving breakfast/brunch to residents at the Ronald McDonald House of Northern Virginia on grounds of INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3312 Gallows Road, Falls Church, on World Peace Day, Sept. 21.

The Ronald McDonald House provides lodging for families of critically-ill children experiencing long hospital stays. Our club will determine the menu, buy groceries, and prepare and serve the meal on-site that morning.
 
 
 
 
See our club Facebook page for details:
 
 
*****
We're a fun, group, with club members from around the globe.
We meet at 6.30pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, for family-style Chinese dinner at Harvest Moon Restaurant & Lounge (only $15). Other Thursdays, you'll find us out in the community volunteering or enjoying a social hour at a local restaurant.

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File Downloads
 
Speakers
Honoring Youth Contest Awardees
May 20, 2021 6:30 PM
High School Speech & Middle School Essay Contests
Ms. Ajashu Thomas
Jun 03, 2021 6:30 PM
Fairfax County Office of Human Rights & Equity
TBD
Jun 17, 2021 6:30 PM
TBD
TBD
Jul 01, 2021 6:30 PM
TBD
TBD
Jul 15, 2021 6:30 PM
TBD
5th Thurs. so no formal meeting
Jul 29, 2021
5th Thurs. so no formal meeting
Eric Garcia, author
Aug 05, 2021 6:30 PM
Book "We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation"
View entire list...