Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why officials want Oak Street Elementary closed on big Election Days
Be sure to catch Barron Ryan Trio: "There Arises Light in the Darkness" on the Falls Church Patch calendar
Hi there, Falls Church! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why officials want Oak Street Elementary closed on big Election Days
- Why Falls Church now leads the Mid-Atlantic in home prices
- See which Falls Church homes made 2025’s most-clicked listings list.
Also on today's calendar: Barron Ryan Trio: "There Arises Light in the Darkness" and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the baby computer say to the mommy computer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Wednesday: Cloudy, with a high of 51 and low of 29 degrees.
- Thursday: Becoming windier and colder, temps: high: 34, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Breezy in the a.m.; some sun, with a high of 37 and low of 29 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Falls Church elections officials push for school closures during presidential elections (arlnow.com) — Falls Church election officials are again urging city school leaders to close at least Oak Street Elementary, and possibly all schools, on major Election Days, including the 2028 presidential election. They argue that using schools as busy polling places raises concerns, while school officials note the calendar for 2027-28 will be set later this year. 
2. Alexandria home sales and average property prices increased last year (alxnow.com) — Falls Church topped the entire Mid-Atlantic in 2025 with an average home sales price above $1 million, even as prices dipped slightly from 2024. Local sales jumped more than 30%, signaling strong demand that could affect affordability and competition for buyers considering staying in or moving to the Little City.
3. The Top 10 Favorite Northern Virginia Home Listings of 2025 (northernvirginiamag.com) — Two standout 2025 home listings in Falls Church made this regional top‑10 roundup, showcasing remodeled midcentury modern style and creative outdoor spaces. One Lake Barcroft property offers a lush backyard oasis, while another Sycamore Drive home blends classic 1950s charm with updated interiors, giving Falls Church residents a peek at recent high‑end neighborhood sales.
4. Muslim scholar's convictions in 9/11 free speech case overturned (usatoday.com) — A federal appeals court has overturned the remaining convictions of Ali Al‑Timimi, whose case partly stemmed from his role at the Dar al‑Arqam Islamic Center in Falls Church. Judges ruled his post‑9/11 comments were protected speech, emphasizing that even disturbing ideas are shielded by the First Amendment and warning against criminalizing speech based on public alarm or political pressure.
📸 Around Falls Church
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Falls Church
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Barron Ryan Trio: "There Arises Light in the Darkness"
McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean
2:00 pm - Building The Dream Together Job Fair
Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School, 1501 Cameron St, Alexandria
10:00 am - Feast & Fettle Brings a New Standard of Home Dining to Falls Church
9:00 am
Sunday January 18
Monday January 19
Saturday January 31
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- City Council Appointments Committee Meeting
Falls Church, VA Calendar , 300 Park Ave. East Wing, Second Floor , Falls Church
8:00 pm - Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Meeting
Falls Church, VA Calendar , 300 Park Ave. , Falls Church
9:30 am - 1-15-26 BOE Hearing 6
Falls Church, VA Calendar , 300 Park Ave. Center, Lower Level , Falls Church
5:00 pm - Environmental Sustainability Council & Energy Transition Subcommittee Meeting
Falls Church, VA Calendar , 300 Park Ave. Main Level , Falls Church
7:30 pm - Taster Tots: Raising Adventurous Eaters (Picky Eaters Workshop)
KiPS Family Gymnastics , 7395 Lee Hwy , Falls Church
9:30 am - Author Talk: Bruce Holsinger on "Culpability"
Mary Riley Styles Public Library , 120 N Virginia Ave , Falls Church
6:30 pm - Introduction to Judaism at Temple Rodef Shalom
Temple Rodef Shalom , 2100 Westmoreland St , Falls Church
7:00 pm - Top-Ranked Private School in Virginia Hosts Open House
BASIS Independent McLean , 8000 Jones Branch Dr , McLean
9:00 am - Temple Rodef Shalom Early Childhood Center Open House
Temple Rodef Shalom , 2100 Westmoreland St , Falls Church
7:00 pm
Wednesday January 14
Thursday January 15
Saturday January 17
Wednesday January 21
Saturday January 24
Tuesday January 27
📣 Falls Church Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Falls Church PatchAM possible:
- The Brooksfield School — (703) 356-5437
A private school in McLean, VA - Novara Recovery Center — (703) 705-7870
Novara Recovery Center: Fairfax’s Personalized Rehab Care - kids watch pediatrics & urgent care — (703) 775-0777
Falls Church Families: Your Pediatric & Urgent Care Solution - Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible! - The Grout Genie — (571) 374-3643
Licensed Tile & Grout Experts Serving Northern Virginia - R2 Advisors — (571) 766-6727
Integrated Accounting, CFO & Tax Strategy - Redeemer Renaissance Preschool — (703) 356-3567
Redeemer Renaissance Preschool 2025-26 Open Enrollment
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I’m posting on behalf of a dear friend who is available for companion and overnight support for an individual or family in need.
She has CPR and first-aid training, counseling experience, a degree in psychology, and extensive experience providing non-clinical care and support… (Nextdoor Falls Hill)
- Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for shift supervisor - Store# 07585, BROADDALE in Falls Church. Apply here.
- USA Jobs posted a job opening for Retail Sales Specialist in Falls Church. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Falls Church here.
Ok Falls Church! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I want my data.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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