Article Text

Falls Church residents have a packed calendar ahead, with a second restaurant passport challenge, a new Mahjong studio, an environmental proclamation and discounted family screenings of Hamilton.

Foodie Trek returns with 12 stops

The Second Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek runs from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, giving participants another chance to explore the area’s restaurants while competing for prizes.

The follow-up comes after the first trek, held from July 1 through Aug. 31, drew 40 completed passports. Organizer Tricia Barba, owner of Preservation Biscuit Co., called that inaugural outing a success.

Participants can collect a passport from any participating business or print one at home. After gathering stamps at each stop, they may submit the completed passport for a chance to win one of three baskets containing restaurant gift cards and other items.

The 12 participating restaurants are Banh Mi Oi, Clare & Don’s, Fava Pot, Lil City Creamery, Luzmila’s, Northside Social, Roll Play, Seoul Prime, Sweet Rice, Taco Rock, Thompson Italian and Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream.

New studio bets big on Mahjong’s local appeal

Talk Tiles to Me celebrated the opening of its Falls Church studio and event space on Sept. 4 at 113 Rowell Court, next to Dominion Wine & Beer.

Founder Tori Rittinger launched the business in Arlington in 2024 after becoming captivated by Mahjong’s combination of strategy and social interaction. She said demand for the game made Falls Church a natural place for a dedicated community gathering space.

The studio features four rooms inspired by Mahjong tile suits, space for as many as eight game tables and a small merchandise area. Its instructors provide private and group lessons both at the studio and elsewhere, along with themed games and pop-up events.

Talk Tiles to Me is also considering children’s camps, parent-and-child games, drop-in sessions and a Mahjong brunch club.

Groups can rent the customizable venue for birthdays, baby showers, corporate functions and game nights. Event rentals provide access to three rooms and a main area seating up to 24 people, with an optional group lesson. Guests may bring their own food and drinks.

Mahjong originated in China during the 19th century and is generally played by four people using a set of 144 tiles. Players typically begin with 13 tiles, then draw and discard as they try to complete a legal hand with four sets and a pair. Rules and scoring can differ substantially among regional versions and individual groups.

Rittinger, a Wisconsin native who has lived on the East Coast for two decades, first encountered the game while playing with a friend in Fort Worth, Texas. After learning Mahjong, she became an instructor and began offering lessons, parties and corporate events.

She said the game’s appeal extends beyond its mental challenge. Introducing players, watching friendships form and helping newcomers grasp the rules have made community building a central part of her work.

Falls Church prepares to honor a “culture of repair”

The Falls Church City Council intends to issue a proclamation recognizing International Repair Day at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8.

The recognition follows local efforts led by The Learning Quest, a Falls Church nonprofit focused on community education and engagement. The initiative promotes repairing and reusing possessions to cut waste, conserve resources and strengthen connections among residents. It also supports the city’s Vision for 2040, which calls for a sustainable, connected and thriving community.

“Repair isn’t just about fixing objects — it’s about building resilient, sustainable communities, and a great problem-based learning opportunity,” said Belen Quellet, executive director of The Learning Quest.

The proclamation comes shortly after The Learning Quest and The Toy Nest held their second Teddy Bear Fix-It Clinic in the city. Volunteers repaired well-loved stuffed animals during the Aug. 30 clinic outside the Community Center at the Falls Church Farmers Market.

At the groups’ first clinic, held in April at Mr. Brown’s Park, volunteers including senior citizens and students in Years 7 and 8 welcomed children and examined their damaged toys before beginning repairs. Thread, fabric, wool, buttons and crochet needles were among the tools used to restore missing eyes, noses and limbs.

Organizers say repairing stuffed animals can keep textiles, cotton, beads and buttons out of landfills, where some materials may take generations to decompose.

Another local clinic is planned for Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Pohick Regional Library, where the Fairfax Repair Cafe will hold its next gathering. Organizers have also said a local “library of things,” where residents could borrow useful items rather than buy them, is coming soon.

Paragon marks Grandparents’ Day with discounted Hamilton

Paragon Theaters Founders Row, located at 112 Founders Ave., will celebrate Grandparents’ Day on Sept. 7 with three specially priced screenings of Hamilton.

The filmed version of the Broadway musical, featuring the original cast performing at New York’s Richard Rodgers Theatre, arrives on the big screen Sept. 5 as the production celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The Grandparents’ Day screenings are scheduled for 12:10, 3:30 and 6:50 p.m. Children’s admission will cost $10, while senior tickets will be $9.

The theater’s restaurant and bar will also serve three themed drinks. Jefferson’s Declaration, priced at $12.50, combines bourbon, bitters, simple syrup and cherry juice. The $11.50 My Shot Sangria includes Merlot, simple syrup and orange juice. The $12.50 Rise Up Refresher is made with Tanqueray gin, simple syrup, lemon juice and honey syrup.