spirit
Ep9: Today at Elaine’s Literary Salon, meet Award-winning historical young adult fiction author Christine Kessides shares the power of “Magda, Standing” and her new picture book, “A Tail Tale”
"Magda, Standing" and "A Tail Tale" are two books by Christine Kessides that every child should read!
Ep3: “Maintaining Humor Amidst the Chaos” is the theme of this week’s episode of The Questions Bar — What’s on your mind, girlfriend? Hosts AlinaZ and Hope Katz Gibbs want to know!
Finding ways to maintain your sense of humor in a world that seems to have gone mad!
Ep2: Joy is the theme of this week’s episode of The Questions Bar — What’s on your mind, girlfriend? Hosts AlinaZ and Hope Katz Gibbs want to know!
On today's episode you'll find practical tools for managing stress and promoting joy, not just as hypothetical advice.
Ep1: The Questions Bar — What’s on your mind, girlfriend? Hosts AlinaZ and Hope Katz Gibbs want to know!
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Questions Bar
“Memorial Day: Thoughts of the Past and Present,” by IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer
Tim writes: "Was it late 1966 or 1967? I don’t remember the precise year or month. I had just entered my teens. What I do remember is opening a letter from my father."
Summer 2025: Lori Sylvester Carlin shares, “My ministry in work and life is to come alongside others so they feel heard and loved, and assist them in making their wants/needs/dreams come true.”
What advice would you give to your high school self? Lori says, "It’s all about relationships. Cherish them, nurture them, but also have boundaries. Most importantly, don’t take today for granted, as tomorrow isn’t promised."
Life Coach Eva Ross teaches us about “Empowering Women in Uncertain Times Through Language Learning”
While learning a new language, Eva also learns: Adapting to a New Environment, Personal Empowerment, Mindfulness and Healing, and more!
Tim’s Tale: A little fictional humor and diversion from the daily news cycle
Timothy Trainer writes: "Silversea’s World Cruise 2022 has lasting after-effects. A local news piece reported that several restaurants and bars filed police reports about a mature-aged man with limited mobility having skipped out on his food and beverage bills. Local police departments distributed a sketch of the man who was finally identified by a local restaurateur and prevented from leaving unless he paid his bill."
Lenses: The human face of the exhibition of the work of Maksym Melnyk
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“Parting Thoughts,” by Dr. Peter Noonan
When I arrived in Falls Church City Public Schools in the spring of 2017, I knew there was something different about this school system from the others I had the privilege of serving. I didn't know at the time what made this place so special. I learned soon enough!
“Gated” Community, Nostalgia and Diversity — by author and IP attorney Timothy Trainer
March 19, 2025 — We’re counting in weeks the length of time this administration has been in power. To many people, it might feel like it has been much longer. It’s hard to pick just one, two or three things that might have raised blood pressure readings recently.
Ep11 Illuminate Philanthropy — An interview with Christopher Beck, CAP®, Senior Advisor Principal Gifts and Inclusive Philanthropy Officer
Understanding the philanthropic curve
Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association Drawing Contest: Call for Artists under 14
The Youth Committee of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association (MBBWA) is pleased to invite young people under the age of 14, residing in any of the bays within our network, to participate in a drawing contest.
Let’s look at the law: Learn about the reality of “Mindless Ceremony v. Meaning,” with author and IP attorney Timothy Trainer
Is it just a photo op? Is it just a formality? Is it just ceremonial for families and a few select officials? Or, is there an expectation of respecting and fulfilling the duties as embodied in the words of an oath of office or position?
“Nonviolence,” an essay by high school sophomore Shay Jackson. This is her award-winning “Living the Dream” entry
Nonviolence has been seen as a weak or passive approach to resolving conflicts. However, Cesar Chavez's quote, “Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not a discussion. It is not for the timid or weak. Nonviolence is hard work.
How Iceland Became a Global Leader in Gender Equality
True Power Institute founder Rúna Bouius asks: "Can you imagine walking into a room filled with fearless women, all committed to creating a wave of change so powerful it could alter the course of history?"
Explore Dien Yuen’s Daylight: The global home for learning, practice, and research
Redefining Philanthropy
Ep3: Uprising of Women in Philanthropy — Don’t miss this Q&A with Stephanie Clohesy and Ruby Bright, two more authors of this international social justice playbook
The True Story of How The Realities of Women’s Lives Turned A Global Financial System Upside Down
January-February 2025: Barbara Tarlow Radler, mom, grandmom, and owner of the BTK Group, a healthcare communications business focusing on video production
What did you dream of becoming in high school? I dreamed of becoming an orthopedic surgeon but didn’t really consider what it would take to make that happen. Now, I am so thankful that I switched gears to communications. I can truly say that this is my calling, and I can’t imagine that I would have enjoyed the clinical setting as much as the work I am doing now.
The Little City: “Falls Church Education Foundation is a key ingredient in the Special Sauce of Falls Church City Public Schools.” — Mary Asel, President, FCEF Board of Directors; Debbie Hiscott, Executive Director, FCEF (retired); and Suzanne Hladky, Executive Director, FCEF
There’s a saying: if you build it, they will come. In our roles with the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF), we’ve had the good fortune to build a wide variety of opportunities for the people and businesses of Falls Church City to come together and show their support for the Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS).
The Little City: “Changing Lives and Changing the World, since 1949” — Marybeth Connelly, Director of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement and Falls Church City Council Member
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Anthropologist Margaret Mead would appreciate the FCCPS Secret Sauce project.
The Little City: “All hands on deck: There isn’t a single person in our district who is not willing to step in and support our students in ways that go beyond their usual responsibilities” — By Jen Fessenden, PK-12 Mathematics Coordinator, Falls Church City Public Schools
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Empowered Together Network co-founder Cynthia de Lorenzi is an artist, activist, peacemaker and founder of Success in the City, an international networking group that she launched in 2006 in Washington, DC
Cynthia is also an International Motivational and TEDx Women Speaker, former tech CEO, and art curator living in Las Cruces, NM
The Little City: “During the few months I have been in FCCPS, I have focused on learning the stories of the amazing people who make up this wonderful community. I look to Finding Nemo for guidance.” — Dustin Wright, Chief of Schools
As the father of three awesome kids, I have seen most of the Pixar movies countless times. My favorite is “Finding Nemo,” my son Emmett always loved “The Incredibles,” my other son Hank is a “Toy Story 3″ kind of guy, and my daughter Charlotte was always mesmerized by “Up.”
The Little City: “Collaboration and shared values turn advocacy into action throughout FCCPS.” — Kristen Michael, Chief Operating Officer, Falls Church City Public Schools
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Teachers Make the Difference: “FCCPS is a group of people willing to roll up their sleeves and heed President Kennedy’s famous maxim to always ask what they can do to make their community better.” — Peter Laub, Principal of Meridian High School
FCCPS is a DIY school system. It was created by people willing to work late nights to read and create state code, establish a council and school board, and write policy and zoning regulations. The government was the neighbor, and everything was, and remains, hyper-local.
Teachers Make the Difference: “At the heart of FCCPS is a commitment to preparing students for the future.” — Dr. William Bates, Chief Academic Officer for the Falls Church City Public Schools
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Teachers Make the Difference: “Our teachers go beyond teaching calculus or history. They contribute to developing our students into kind people.” — Amy Hall, Director of Human Resources of the Falls Church City Public Schools
Both of my daughters have since graduated from Meridian High School with the knowledge to take them on their continued educational journey and with a genuine attentiveness to the acceptance and well-being of others.
Teachers Make the Difference: “There isn’t a way to mass market our secret sauce; the addition of all the finest ingredients, prepared at the proper temperature using the best methods, takes us from a series of numerical data to a recipe for success.” — Lisa Eaton, English Collaborative Team Leader Yearbook Adviser Meridian High School, FCCPS
Enter NameTeachers Make the Difference: “The secret sauce lies in each student’s growth, curiosity, resilience, and willingness to engage with the world.” — Miriam Schimmoller, Third Grade Teacher, Oak Street Elementary School
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Stephanie Clohesy, Former Board Chairman of the Women’s Funding Network
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Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, founder and president of the HLH Family Foundation
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Jessica Tomlin, Chief Executive Officer of the Equality Fund
Jess leads an effort to resource feminist movements worldwide, working to change systems, shift power, and dismantle barriers.Teachers Make the Difference: “The Secret to the Sauce is Dr. Noonan himself.” — Brian Fowler, Director of Facilities, Falls Church City Public Schools
Enter NameTeachers Make the Difference: “During my seven years as superintendent, I saw many aspects of the secret sauce at work and play, but the most outstanding ingredient for me was the schools and what they did for my husband, Larry.” — Lois F. Berlin, Ed.D., Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent (2004 – 2011)
Enter NameTeachers Make the Difference: “Unshakable Belief” — Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Services
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Professor Cindi Gilliland, Ph.D., teaches us about “The Power of Love” — Attend, Mend, Ascend
In her latest TEDx Talk, "The Power of Love," Professor Cindi Gilliland, Ph.D., knows love has the power to transform us, others, and the world.
October 2024: Classmate Ron Mahoney and his wife Peggy are the proud owners of the 4th Street Cafe in Bridgeport, PA
Fun fact: Ron met his wife, Margaret Mahoney (Peggy), on his 18th birthday while walking down the street. "I told her it was my birthday and got a kiss from her." They married in 1985.
Ep3 Daylight’s “Illuminate Philanthropy” show — Trend 3: Evolving Vehicles with Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck
Meet Daylight’s Advisor Practice Specialist Rick Peck who shares insights into Evolving Vehicles that includes charitable giving, the private sector, public policy, and peer-based givingRelationships Matter: “I am part of the Kindergarten team—a team that is like a tree. It changes through the seasons but remains strong and steadfast.” — Karen Bevan, Kindergarten teacher, Mount Daniel Family Literacy Program
Enter NameRelationships Matter: “The reasons behind Falls Church City Public Schools consistently ranking as the number one school district in Virginia are clear: the people make this place extraordinary.” — Sarah Gurgo, Meridian High School Visual Art, IB Visual Art, and Photography teacher
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Relationships Matter: “FCCPS is thriving community where excellence isn’t just an expectation. It’s a way of life.” — Dave Serensits, Assistant Principal, Meridian High School
Enter NameRelationships Matter: “Is a “Secret Sauce” tangible? Not always. The innate understanding of meeting students and colleagues where they are is not easily written on a checklist of interview questions.” — Carol Felderman, Literary Specialist FCCPS
Enter NameRelationshpis Matter: “Due to our staff’s kindness and genuine caring culture, they embrace each day with lots of enthusiasm and share their joy of teaching with students.” — Marty Gadell, Executive Administrative Assistant and School Board Clerk
Enter NameRelationships Matter: “I’m a FCCPS ‘lifer’ who is marrying my fellow high school science teacher this summer, and I wouldn’t want to be any other place than FCCPS.” — Will Stewart, high school science teacher at FCCPS
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Relationships Matter: “The secret sauce truly is the people.” — Timothy Kasik, Principal at Mount Daniel Elementary School
Enter NameRelationships Matter: “Our Secret? FCCPS has a hierarchy without rigid boundaries.” — Jennifer Santiago, Director of Equity and Excellence at Falls Church City Public Schools
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Dien Yuen, JD/LLM, CAP®, AEP® CEO of Daylight, is working to maximize philanthropy’s potential for transforming lives by advancing the sector’s training, research, professionalization, and diversity
Illuminate Philantropy Show — Trend 1: The Changing Client Base with Daylight’s founder Dien Yuen and Daylight’s Director of Advisor Practice Tony Macklin