14th Annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest August 3

The 14th Annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest, hosted by the American Legion Post 130, will take place this Saturday, August 3, at 1:00 p.m.

Onsite registration for the contest is open to the public, with fee, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Instruction and practice on proper throwing technique and safety will be provided.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, which will last until approximately 5:00 p.m.

The American Legion Post 130 is located at 400 N. Oak St. in Falls Church. Free parking is available.

Innovative Program Fights Dementia With Animatronics

Capital Caring Health, part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit advanced illness care and hospice provider — Chapters Health System, and Ageless Innovation, the makers of the award-winning “Joy for All Companion Pets,” are distributing companion pets to Veterans with dementia, and those suffering from feelings of social isolation and loneliness as part of their innovative “Robotic Pets for Vets” program.
Beginning in 2021, Capital Caring Health has been partnering with Ageless Innovation, the pet manufacturer, to provide Joy for All Companion Pets to Veterans in Capital Caring Health’s service area in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and nationwide. To date, Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program has distributed more than 3,000 robotic companion pets — which provide joy, companionship, emotional support, and more to Veterans, will expand to deliver 1,000+ companion pets to Veterans living in Long-Term Care Centers across the nation.

There are 171 Long-Term Care Centers throughout the United States; these imperative homes provide a comfortable environment and extensive care for vulnerable Veterans across the United States. Of those living in Long-Term Care Centers, more than fifty percent have a diagnosis of dementia and/or experience feelings of social isolation and loneliness. This revolutionary initiative aims to combat said challenges via the distribution of care packages of Companion Pets to those impacted.

Thanks to a generous bequest from Mary Stowe Boyd to Capital Caring Health, six robotic pets, three dogs and three cats, will be distributed to each of the 171 state-administered Long-Term Care Centers for Veterans.

“Joy for All Companion Pets” from Ageless Innovation are lifelike robotic animals designed to simulate the presence and behaviors of real pets. Equipped with advanced features like realistic fur, responsive movements, and interactive sounds, these companions offer a unique and interactive experience, providing emotional support and comfort to individuals who may be unable to care for live pets. More than a dozen clinical studies from AARP, UnitedHealthcare, and other trusted sources have shown that they have the ability to enhance the lives of older adults living with social isolation, loneliness, and forms of cognitive decline including Alzheimer’s and dementia. The pets, through many clinical studies and first-hand experience at Capital Caring Health, are proven to improve the quality of life of Veterans and others suffering from dementia and loneliness.

Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program has recognized that Veterans, as well as older adults in general, can be positively impacted by Companion Pets. Through the significant distribution of Companion Pets through Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program, Capital Caring Health Care Teams have routinely heard and seen how life-changing these Companion Pets can be for the recipient and their caretakers.

“Veterans and their families have access to many support services, but most of these do not provide for the evidence-based and lasting joy to Veterans similar to the robotic companion pets,” said Steve Cone, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Capital Caring Health.

“At Ageless Innovation, our meaningful partnership with Capital Caring Health allows us to reach a remarkable group of individuals that are deserving of comfort, and companionship,” said Jim Murphy, SVP of Healthcare at Ageless Innovation. “The impact of the “Robotic Pets for Vets” program thus far has been vast, and we’re confident that the delivery of even more companion pets will only further that impact among Veterans across the nation.”

For additional information, visit CapitalCaring.org and AgelessInnovation.com.

Tori McKinney Recognized On Birthday by Mayor Hardi

At an event celebrating her birthday last Friday at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, local realtor Tori McKinney of Rock Star Realty Group was presented with a letter of recognition by Mayor Letty Hardi. The letter read as follows:

“Dear Tori,

“On the occasion of your birthday, we are writing to express our heartfelt appreciation and recognition for your outstanding contributions and dedicated support to the City of Falls Church and the surrounding community. Your leadership as a community advocate and philanthropist makes our Little City a better place.

“Thank you for your many years of service on the City’s Housing Commission, including service as Vice Chair. The work of the Housing Commission was instrumental in advancing housing initiatives and improving the quality of life for our community members.

“Your exceptional service as the Executive Producer of the Tinner Hill Music Festival from 2018 to 2024 deserves special commendation. The event not only showcased outstanding musical talent, but generated substantial proceeds to support the ongoing programming of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Your work as a Board Member of the Heritage Foundation exemplified your deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation and community.

“The lives of City residents have also been greatly enriched by your support for the Falls Church City Public Schools, the Falls Church Education Foundation, and your participation in numerous City events. Your generosity has played an integral role in providing opportunities and fostering a welcoming and nurturing environment for members of our community.

“Thank you for your commitment and contributions to Falls Church. Happy Birthday!

“With warm regard,

“Mayor Letty Hardi”

VA Falls to NC in Little League Softball Tournament

Local student at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, Vilija Plummer, joined the rest of the Virginia Little League Softball Team to represent the Commonwealth in the Southeast Regional Tournament in July.
In their first game of the tournament on July 21, Virginia beat West Virginia 14 to 0. After narrowly losing to Florida, 3 to 4, on July 22, the team continued to beat Georgia on July 23, 8 to 5, beat West Virginia a second time, this time 6 to 3, on July 24, and beat Florida 10 to 0 on July 25, earning Virginia a place in the final championship, where they ultimately lost to North Carolina on July 26.