Falls Church News-Press 1-21-2021 by Falls Church News-Press

January 21 – 27, 2021

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 49

T�� C�� F�� C��’� I��, L�� O�� N�� R��, S�� N. V��

Biden Inaugurated as 46th President of U.S.

Comes Into Office Focusing on Pandemic, Economy

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Two days prior to yesterday’s historic inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th president of the United States, his longtime ally and current U.S. Representative from the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, Donald S. Beyer Jr. was here in the Little City for a ceremonial event marking Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Tinner Hill Foundation. Beyer, who was at the inauguration ceremony across the Potomac with his wife Megan yesterday, foreshadowed the work facing the new Biden administration with a bold set of initiatives to combat systemic racism in our culture. It was exactly in step with the moves Biden is taking in his first days. “Our division has more than one cause, but we must be brave enough to acknowledge that the first and primary cause is our structural, systemic and deeply seated racism,” he said. “This is a racism that is obvious and apparent everywhere in our culture and in our economy. It is not new, we have accepted it, nurtured it, and even fought against it for more than 400 years.”

Beyer provided a stark example, suggesting that if those who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, “who beat up police officers, defecated on the Senate floor, threatened to hang the Vice President and assassinate the Speaker, if they were black, how many would have died?” Meanwhile, in the wake of the attack on the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, regional law enforcement, including that in the City of Falls Church, were placed on high alert, with F.C. Police Chief Mary Gavin telling the City Council here that she was on conference calls multiple times daily, noting that the murderous Jan. 6 assault was “one of the most widely documented crimes in U.S. history.” While it was reported that numbers of the demonstrators at that event were staying in City hotels and motels past Jan. 6 in hopes of trying to disrupt the Jan. 20 inauguration, the only incident here that occured at a local shopping center was not related to the demonstrations, she reported. She said that monitoring of online “chatter” indicated there were no direct threats to Northern

Continued on Page 5

JOE BIDEN became the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday during his inauguration. The unique angle of this picture for his first speech as president was courtesy of U.S. Congressman Don Beyer, Jr. (P��: C�� D�� B��)

Key F.C. Developments Looking to Adjust Scope BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In the context of the punishing consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on business development activity worldwide, three of the large mixed use projects now in development in Falls Church are requesting potential revisions in their agreements with the City to take into account prospects for

pulling back. The first addressed by the Falls Church City Council last week involved the Falls Church Gateway Partner’s plans to develop 9.5 acres in the City’s west end, involving an adjusted payment schedule and reported in last week’s edition. Two more came before the City Council in its work session this Tuesday that will be voted on at its next business meeting this coming

Monday. In one case, the City will be asked to OK a change in its agreement with the Mill Creek developers of the 4.3-acre Founder’s Row project, well on its way to completion at the intersection of W. Broad and N. West Streets. In that one, Mill Creek is coming with the unhappy news that the Studio

Continued on Page 4

I�� T�� W�� W�� R�� E�� G��: H�� S�� R��

O�� M�� A��: L�� NAACP M�� B��

SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 11

SEE COMMENTARY, PAGE 17

The housing market will lead the post-Covid economic recovery. But those who can benefit from it depends on how they fared financially during the pandemic.

P�� B�� C�� T�� W�� B�� Preservation Biscuit Company is hosting a pop-up event at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company in Falls Church on Saturday, Jan. 23 from noon – 2 p.m., while supplies last. The event will feature miniature versions of Preservation’s biscuits and more SEE BUSINESS NEWS, PAGE 19

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 News & Notes..................................... 8 Comment ................................ 7,10,17 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 18 Business News ................................. 19 Classified Ads ................................... 20 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 21 Critter Corner.................................... 22

PAGE 2 | JANUARY 21 - 27, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PROJECTED

OPENING 2023

p l a n w i s e l y.

DISCOVER LUXURY OF A DIFFERENT KIND Now more than ever is the time to look forward. Introducing The Mather in Tysons, Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a forward-thinking destination for those 62 and better. Forget what you thought you knew about senior living. Inquire today.

(703) 348.3752 | themathertysons.com 1/21 PB FC

Virtual Information Seminar Tuesday, January 26, 10:00 a.m. ET. RSVP at themathertysons.com or email info@themathertysons.com. 20MAT057_Tysons_PlanWisely_Falls Church_Event_0121.indd 1

12/9/20 9:38 AM

JANUARY 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 3

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

We are OPEN and ready to safely serve your dental needs! Currently accepting new patients

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter.

Join the Chesterbrook Family Today! Are you concerned about a loved one’s warmth or safety this winter? Do you worry about maintaining a home, shoveling snow, and braving the ice and cold for groceries and companionship? Escape the cold and discover safety and comfort at Chesterbrook! Residents enjoy: • Nurses on site 24/7; • Maintenance-free apartments; • Life Enrichment programs and social events; • Hot, nutritious meals, and more!

Apartments available now! Call today to schedule your virtual or socially distanced tour. 703-531-0781 chesterbrookres.org 2030 Westmoreland Street A Caring Assisted Living Retirement Community

Falls Church, VA

Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021

Founders Row Determined To Land New Movie Theater After Bankruptcy

Continued from Page 1

Movie Grill, which had signed a lease to bring an eight-screen theatre as a centerpiece of its project, has had to file for bankruptcy and shut down all their theatres across the U.S. In the other case, the City will be asked to agree to slightly modified language in its deal with the Insight Group developers of the 2.3-acre Broad and Washington project that has promised to be centered around a 55,000-square foot Whole Foods market at the City’s central intersection of Broad and Washington. That project is slated for its final vote of approval from the Council this Monday, but with the uncertain economic times, the developers want to modify their promise of bringing the Whole Foods with a phrase that promises something comparable in the event Whole Foods backs out or undergoes a major change that could include a name change. Neither request was met with enthusiasm by the City Council at

its work session this Tuesday, as Mayor David Tarter pointed out two cases where the City was promised major retailers in connection with a large scale project that failed to materialize, both in association with the Great Recession of the previous decade. In particular, Tarter said he was looking forward to the movie theater as something the City needs, that reminded him of his youth here when he could walk from his home to a local theater. But Joe Muffler, the Mill Creek point person for Falls Church who has marshalled the Founders Row project for years here and is alsoa spokesman for Mill Creek’s ambitions to develop the Rite Aid site across W. Broad from Founder’s Row, insisted that his company remains committed to putting a movie theatre at that site. He said his company, which is the sole owner of the site, has already sunk about $5 million into the foundation for the theater complex. He said he is currently in negotiations with a number of national

firms who have expressed interest, knowing the wider success of his mixed use projects relies on something like a movie theater presence there. As Councilman Phil Duncan pointed out, the cause of the current woes is the pandemic, and it is something that will fade with vaccines now being rushed to the public, making the market for something like a theater project even more desirable than before. “We will get out of this. We will get back to our glory days,” he said. Mayor Tarter agreed that “there is a pent up demand for entertainment and socialization.” “We’re aware of that pent up demand,” Muffler said. “We will turn over every stone to find a viable substitute.” On the Whole Foods prospect at the Insight Group’s Broad and Washington project, the certainty of a final OK Monday remains in the air because of the uncertainty of Whole Foods, even though there are no indicators that Amazon, which owns Whole Foods, has any intent

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

to change the terms they’ve already inked for the project. “We believe Whole Foods will come onto this site. They have no history of pulling out,” Insight’s Scott Adams contended. In fact, Insight’s Scott Adams took strong issue with comments by Council member David Snyder who suggested that changes to allow, for example, more affordable housing in the project are crafted to optimize the developer’s profits over commitments to a fair deal with the City. “Our goal is not to maximize profit,” he stressed, “But to create something of benefit to Falls Church.” He said Insight’s “hard work to resolve all the issues surrounding the project over the years” should be evidence of that. In addition to providing a home for the Creative Cauldron local

theatre performance and education non-profit, the latest willingness of the developer to accommodate a plan that could make up to 10 percent of the residential units of the project “affordable” is another major indicator. The Council is mulling an option that the developers have agreed to that nine of the residential units will be studio apartments offered at 40 percent of the area median income and that another nine will be two bedroom units offered at 60 percent of the area median income. Based on this plan, the developer is willing to add to the total amount of affordable units. “I’d love to hit 33 units,” Councilman Duncan said. But Councilman Snyder said that the offer of more affordable units is not something the developer, but the City would have to pay for.

More at FCNP.com Sports Return to High Schools Amid Pandemic •School may not be face-to-face quite yet, but the return of high school sports a month ago have given students a muchanticipated sense of normalcy. Students adapt to playing their games in masks and other protocols during the winter season.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NEWS-PRESS

Get your news early! Since 1991, the News-Press has been on a mission to provide independent and honest journalism to the Falls Church community. We recognize and appreciate the support the City, its businesses and residents have shown us for the past 29 years.

Never before has the fight to ensure a free press been more important.

• Get the Front Page Early • Breaking Stories and more.. Visit our website for More perks!

Visit FCNP.com/members to become a member of the News-Press today

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 5

Biden: ‘We Celebrate the Triumph Not of a Candidate, But of Democracy’

Continued from Page 1

Virginia or Falls Church, especially in the wake of the buildup of security forces following Jan. 6. Still, everyone in the region was “upstaffed” to full levels for the inauguration yesterday. Everything appeared to go off without a hitch yesterday, with a graphic image of the change seen in a double-image screen aired by CNN in the morning showing on one side the Biden entourage at D.C.’s iconic St. Matthew’s Cathedral and, on the other side, Air Force One carrying Donald Trump in the sky away from D.C. for the last time as president. Lady Gaga’s singing of the National Anthem during the swearing in was considered a major hit, and the bipartisan nature of that event, with Vice President Mike Pence being the highest level Republican accompanied by former president George W. Bush socializing with Democratic former presidents Bill Clinton, with Hillary, and Barack Obama, with Michelle offering a striking image of the

kind of unity made more manifest in the face of the recent weeks’ attempts and threats of a rightwing coup. Unfortunately, the 96-year old warrior, former President Jimmy Carter, was unable to make the event. In his remarks following the swearing in, Biden struck a powerful theme in the context of the recent attacks. “Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy,” he said. “Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.” “We met the moment,” he went on. “Democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch but thrived.” “Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice and setbacks, our ‘better angels’ have always prevailed...History, faith and reason show us the way, the way of unity.” He affirmed the challenges. “A once-in-a-century virus stalks the country. It’s taken

as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War 2. Millions of jobs have been lost, Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.” He added, “A rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism also must be confronted and we will defeat. “Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, and to drive us from this sacred ground. That did not happen. It will never happen. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.” He added, “Hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion. I pledge this to you, I will be President for all Americans.” He quoted St. Augustine that “a people is a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.” Such objects today are, he said, “Opportunity, security, lib-

ON MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY, a new standalone plaque was unveiled at the Tinner Hill Historic Site, with information on some of the men who helped champion civil rights in Falls Church (P��: C�� N�V� P��) erty, dignity, respect, honor and, yes, the truth” and opposed to “lies told for power and for profit.” “Each of us has a duty,” he added, “to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.” As a nation, we can overcome divisions “if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts,” he said. “If we show a little tolerance and humility. If we’re willing

to stand in the other person’s shoes for just a moment….In the work ahead of us, we will need each other, we will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. “With purpose and resolve, we turn to the tasks of our time, sustained by faith, driven by conviction, and devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts.”

$119/MO

24�MONTHS�/�12K�MILES *Stock�#8442C.�MSRP�$20,320�with�$0�due�at� signing�plus,�tax,�title,�acquisition,�destination� fee�and�dealer�processing�fee�of�$799.�On� approved�credit�only.�No�Security�Deposit� required.�Expires�1/31/21.

PAGE 6 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 

One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers

(Published by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXX, No. 49 January 21 – 27, 2021 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N�� F. B�� O�� E��-I�-C�� .��

N�� G�� A�� S�� A�� .��

M�� D�� N�� E��

��.��

M�� M�� A�� O�� .��

C�� C��, T�� W�� C�� T�� W�� C�� E�� J�� I�� C�� M�� .��

T� C�� N��-P�� : 703-532-3267 ��: 703-342-0347 ��: ��.�� .�� .�� .�� .��

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2020 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E��

E D I TO R I A L

Truth Has Won Out

It was at 11:48 a.m. Eastern Standard Time yesterday, January 20, 2021, a “palendrome” date (“12021” being the same forward and backwards), that the biggest climate change event in U.S. history happened. It was defined by a great collective exhale. For millions of us, we’ve been holding our breath, figuratively at least, from the time that a two-bit con man, grifter and sociopath moved into the White House four years ago. The physical reaction was more than called for, as the man proved to the world in his final days, when he incited a riot with the intent of executing a coup against the constitutionally-grounded government of the U.S. This was a matter of no mean significance, as it came from the highest authority in the land, the president himself. For everyone with grave concerns about this man, their misgivings were proven correct in spades by the coup attempt and its motive, coming from Trump himself. We will learn in the coming months much more about the machinations that went into that coup attempt. It was intended to involve far more horrific outcomes than materialized, including loss of life of elected officials and a disruption of the confirmation the election of Joe Biden that could have led to chaos and the kind of dissembling that may have resulted in Trump’s continued rule under severe police state conditions. Some of us feared and warned this foul administration would represent a coup against democracy, that Trump was determined from Day One to be dictator for life. On his very first day, he ordered his press secretary, no less, to force a bald-faced lie about the attendance numbers at his inauguration down the throats of the free press. It was a prelude for what was to come, including the relentless attacks on the press as “fake news.” This is the first goal of a dictator, to suppress the free press. Documents show that had the coup somehow succeeded on January 6, the first order of business was to be the shutting down of all media. Trump bypassed that media throughout his four years by use of Twitter, for which it took all but the last two weeks of his regrettable reign to be cut off to him. As we’ve editorialized in the past, the major media can be soundly criticized for its shortcomings to allow for Trump. But on the other hand, the U.S. media played a heroic role in exposing his crimes with solid exposes that eroded his power. The Washington Post, the New York Times and others played huge roles in weakening Trump’s fascist intentions. This newspaper was 100 percent in moral alignment with this effort from day one. Inauguration Day 2017 signaled that a new would-be fascist regime was grounded in an outrageous repudiation of truth. It was the relentless demand that truth be asserted and affirmed that brought that most foul effort down.

L��

U.S. Capitol Grounds Will Be A Place of Reverence Again Editor, As an educator and resident of the D.C. area for four decades, I have shown many students, from those in high school to those pursuing PhDs, through the United States Capitol. It is always a thrill for me. I’ve seen the impact it has on students. I remember an undergraduate from China, here on a semester program, as we walked into the Rotunda. He stopped, looked up and said, “Oh, it

is so beautiful.” Another student was moved by John Trumbull’s painting of “General George Washington Resigning His Commission.” Back in class, that led to a discussion of Washington’s relinquishing of power and the importance of that action in U.S. and world history. Someone then raised the issue of Washington owning slaves. After much lively conversation, we decided to visit Mt.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

P�� 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

ADVERTISE IN THE

The News-Press is delivered to every household and many businesses in the City of Falls Church (22046), and to many homes and businesses (but not all) in the adjacent 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 and 22205 zip codes. Its total circulation of 10,000 per issue is greater than any other newspaper in the distribution area, including dailies. For complete advertising information, call us or check out our web site.

Call 532-3267 x2274 or visit www.FCNP.com

All original and some syndicated content is accessible via the Falls Church News-Press online site, www.FCNP.com. FCNP.com also includes photos, stories, ads and more not appearing in the print edition.

For information on online advertising, please contact Nick Gatz at 703-532-3267 or ngatz@fcnp.com. ONLINE

Vernon, where were able to partake in a ceremony marking the contributions of the slaves who worked there. On another trip, I led a group of PhD students from Africa, here on a fellowship program named after Norman Borlaugh, an Iowa farmer and scientist whose statue is in the Capitol. They were eager to get a group photo by his statue. Our guide, one of the extraordinary people who lead Capitol tours, knew quite a bit about Borlaugh’s extraordinary efforts to eradicate global hunger. Seeing these scientists so interested in the Capitol — and Borlaugh in particular — brought her to tears. On what would be his last trip to

Washington, my brother was in failing health from Parkinson’s Disease. Though he needed a wheelchair, we were not slowed as we took in the Lincoln Memorial, Gettysburg, a lecture at Ford’s Theater and a tour of the Capitol. He passed away in September. He loved this country and its rich, complicated history. I will forever cherish that memory of our time together in the Capitol. I have always been inspired by the majesty of the building, the complex history it highlights and the amazing people who work there. I am looking forward to my next visit. Steve Selby via the Internet

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

G � � � � C � � � � � ��

CO MME NT

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 7

F.C.’s Tinner Hill Remains a Benchmark for Racial Progress B� I�� C��

In accepting the Nobel Prize for Peace in December of 1964, Dr. King spoke of the significance of the recently passed Civil Rights Bill and the role that non-violent protest had played in achieving this landmark legislation. But he cautioned and encouraged his listeners about the road to the promised land of freedom and justice in these words: We must still face prodigious hilltops of opposition and gigantic mountains of resistance. But with patient and firm determination we will press on until every valley of despair is exalted to new peaks of hope, until every mountain of pride and irrationality is made low by the leveling process of humility and compassion; until the rough places of injustice are transformed into a smooth plane of equality or opportunity; and until the crooked places of prejudice are transformed by the straightening process of bright-eyed wisdom. The events of recent years, and particularly the violence of January 6th, show clearly and searingly that Dr. King was right about how long, how arduous, and how perilous the journey to freedom and justice is. Falls Church’s Tinner Hill historic site provides hope and inspiration for that struggle and for its success. It is a pivotal place, a place where all residents may find answers to the issues roiling this country today. African American life in Falls Church predates the 1700s. Enslaved and free African Americans lived, worked (too often as enslaved labor), struggled and prospered for

generations before the Civil War. The Tinner Hill community began right after the Civil War when Charles and Elizabeth Tinner purchased land and divided it among their nine children. The Tinners, outstanding craftsmen, and highly skilled stonemasons in the 19th

“Falls Church’s Tinner Hill historic site provides hope and inspiration for that struggle and for its success.” century, created a solid and thriving community which, remarkably, continues today. The Tinner Hill neighborhood is a noteworthy array of vernacular homes dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, owned and occupied primarily by Tinner descendants. The persistent survival of the Tinner Hill community, despite racism and prejudice in the Jim Crow era and beyond, is cause enough to revere this place. But one event provides an even greater reason. In 1915, in the home of Joseph and Mary Tinner, nine African American leaders of the Falls Church community, met to plan how they could defeat a proposed ordinance that would segregate Falls Church, forcing all African American families to live in a small, designated area of town. Confronted

with this grave injustice, endangering their community and their right to choose where they lived, the men met to plan their resistance. They organized, they strategized, and they reached out to others. Their non-violent efforts worked. The ordinance that would have created a segregated black community was never implemented. Those nine men are heroes worth remembering. In line with today’s Black Lives Matter sensibilities and as we commemorate Dr. King’s birthday, let us remember and learn the names of the nine individuals who salvaged civil rights in Falls Church in 1915: Mr. Joseph Tinner, host of the meeting and elected president; Rev. John Colbert, elected vice president; Dr. Edwin B. Henderson, called the meeting and elected secretary; Rev. George Powell, elected treasurer; Mr. Melvin Tinner; Mr. Robert J. Evans; Mr. George W. Simmons; Mr. William Carpenter and Mr. Louis Summerall. These men, joined by other male and female members of the black community, pooled their resources, hired lawyers, and filed a lawsuit. They petitioned the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), newly founded in 1909, to become a chapter. Calling themselves the Colored Citizens Protective League, they blocked the town from enacting the legislation. In 1917, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that residential segregation, and such ordinances were unconstitutional. By 1918 the Falls Church group was a fullfledged chapter of the NAACP and continued

Should President Trump be

• Vaccine rollout

• Reviving economy

• Reopening schools

• Other

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS]

Irene Chambers is the president of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation

Yes -- 87%

Q�� W�� What should President Biden’s priority be during his first 100 days?

to fight successfully for equality in education, equal access to public services, and voter participation in the Northern Virginia area. These local leaders and those who joined them went on to fight against segregation laws in Virginia and for equal rights and opportunities for all people. If, as some scholars have written, freedom is the hallmark of American democracy, then the freedom fought for and won by African Americans in Falls Church, before and after the pivotal 1915 struggle, is a stellar example of freedom triumphant. It is a particularly American story but with universal implications. It is one small but important step on the road to full justice and equality that Dr. King spoke of in his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Because of what these men did in 1915 and in Fall Church — nonviolently, without storming a sacred civic structure — we have all gained immeasurably. When justice triumphs, we all triumph. We invite all citizens to visit the Tinner Hill historic site to learn more about a place of hope and inspiration, conscience, and compassion. It is, we believe, a place where we can remember what is at the heart of this country, where we remind ourselves what freedom is, how important justice is, and where we renew our dedication to fighting for the cause championed by Dr. King — a promised land where justice and freedom reign.

No -- 11%

Last Week’s Question: Not sure -2% Should President Trump be impeached before inauguration?

11% Yes 2% Not Sure

87% No

FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientiﬁc polls.

The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published. All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.

LO CA L

PAGE 8 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021

N��-P��

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�� N�� N�� Local Students Recognized For Academic Honors The following residents were recognized for achieving outstanding grade-point-averages for their respective universities for the Fall 2020 semester. All students are from Falls Church, unless otherwise noted. Belmont University — Rosalind Coolidge. Bucknell University — Justin Kahr and Amy Roche. Colgate University (from Spring 2020) — Katherinne Bertrand Ortiz, Hannah Trauberman and David McCarthy. DePauw University — Benjamin Mennitt. Emory & Henry College — Tiffany Collins and Carlos Pineda-Lopez. George Washington University — Megan Butler, from McLean. University of Kentucky, College of Arts & Sciences — Ian Alvano. McDaniel College — Nicholas Cummings. Mount St. Mary’s University — David Vaughn. Muhlenberg College — Rebekah Ayre. Plymouth State University — Gavin McNabb. University of Utah — Grace

Johnson. University of Vermont Charlotte Crum.

—

McLean Center Director George Sachs Retires McLean Community Center (MCC) Executive Director George Sachs announced that he is retiring on Friday, May 7. By the time of his retirement, Sachs will have served as the executive director at MCC for 11 years (2010-2021). The MCC Governing Board hopes to identify a replacement by the end of March. Sachs’ career in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services profession started in 1974, when he was hired as a Recreation Specialist with the Fairfax County Department of Recreation. He later was hired by the Fairfax County Park Authority and opened the first RECenter at Wakefield Park, now named Audrey Moore RECenter. He left the county in 1982 to open the new Fieldhouse Sports Complex at George Mason University and managed the university’s recreation and sports facilities. While there, he also became an adjunct professor for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services. In 1991, he was hired as the Deputy Director of MCC under Executive Director

Page Shelp. Four years later, he moved to South Carolina, where he owned and operated what grew to be a chain of five recreation, health and fitness centers. Sachs returned to Fairfax County in 2009, and a year later, he was appointed as the community center’s new Executive Director.

Arlington Lions Bring Back Contactless Charity Sale The Lions of Northwest Arlington have started a new, contactless charity format for its sale of citrus fruit, pecans and maple syrup. For health and safety reasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic — no “Brick-and-Mortar,” no boxes of citrus or pecans or maple syrup, no money, no cars, nor trucks, no opening or closing, no people coming together — will be a part of the sale. Ordering and payment is online at any time at either the NWARL Lions website at nwarlionscitrus. fwffb.net or Puriton Maple’s website at purintonmaple.com (for maple syrup only — use promo code “nwarlions” at checkout). The sale opened on Jan. 14 and ends March 31 for deliveries direct to the customer. For more information, call 703528-1130 or text 703-772-3784.

MORGAN LONG, a graduate of George Mason High School (‘99). has been elected judge of the Circuit Court, Multnomah County, Oregon. Judge Long is the daughter of Anne and Chris Norloff, residents of Falls Church. Judge Long has a BA from Virginia Commonwealth University and her law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland. (P��: C�� A�� N��)

Send Us Your News & Notes!

The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

LO CA L

NEWS BRIEFS

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 9 Walk-In Tubs

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500 ✓ EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST! Only American Standard has OVER 140 years of experience and offers the Liberation Walk-In Bathtub.

11 Seek F.C. School Board Appointment As of the deadline last Friday, the number of applicants seeking appointment to fill an unfinished term on the School Board ballooned in the last 24 hours to 11. Compared to when the News-Press went to press last Wednesday, and the number was two. In addition, a total of 77 citizens submitted notification of interest being placed on one of two school renaming committees tasked with recommending new names for Thomas Jefferson Elementary and George Mason High School. Twelve signed up for the committee to recommend a new name for the elementary school, and 65 signed up for the committee to recommend a new name for the high school. The choices of the new School Board member and new school names will be up to the School Board this spring. The School Board has not yet determined how many citizens will be appointed to each committee. Those seeking the nod for appointment to a one-year completion of the term vacated by Lawrence Webb last month are Jerrod Anderson, Rebecca Avitia, David Calabrese, Kyle Erickson, Jennifer Halvaksz, Toni Lewis, Caroline Lian, Heather Pressler, Sonia Ruiz-Bolanos, Ilya Shapiro and Deborah Smyth.

77 Seek School Naming Committee Appointments A total of 77 City of Falls Church citizens stepped forward last week to seek appointment to one of two school renaming committees. The two groups will make recommendations to the Falls Church School Board which will have the final say on alternative names for Thomas Jefferson Elementary and George Mason High School. Last month, the board voted unanimously to change the names of the two schools on grounds that both Jefferson and Mason owned slaves during the time of the American Revolution. Requesting appointments to the Jefferson Elementary renaming committee were Brad Allen, Marculius Davis, Ryan Bourke, Lesley Marlin, Leigh Johnson, Will Shorter, Julia Huber, Brannon McLaughlin, Sherry Witt, Aaron Ford, Kathryn Martin and Kyle Erickson. Seeking appointment to the Mason High renaming committee are Kabir Kamboh, Allison Hyra, Arnie Murphy, Stella Turner, Shaun Dakin, Joshua Reitinger, Noor DeWald, Jeff Jordan, Jasyn Polowitz, Truman Lapp, James Callahan, Christina Lynn E. McCoy, James Augie Reitmeyer, Matteo Chiappetta, Eden Heard, Jackson Pierce, Eli Wildman, Hunter Hicks, Casey Miner, Jack Ackerman, Kornal Bazaz Smith, Marvin Wooten, Bill Ackerman, Shawn Northrip, Tom Lubnow, Julie M. Stufft, Chris Marrow, Kristen Ross, Sean Lester, Susan Rotherham, Edwin Kim, Will Stewart, Stephen Whitcomb, Katie Clinton, Kimberly Tolhurst, Jim Wildman, Frank Micciche, Arabia Sher Afgan, Clara Theisz, Lauren Mellon, Dave Rifkin, Adam Rice, Susan Kearney, Reid Sassman, Erik Autor, Vikki Spencer Ehrlich, Paul G. Stankevich, Andra Popa, Hana Saldate, Georgia Brown, Belarmino CastilloJuarez, Lisa Gross, Elliott Smith, William Wanlund, Jamie Argento Rodriguez, Peter Musurlian, Austin H. Ives, Tim Campbell, Frank Spinello, Matthew E. Henry, Lisa Ferguson, Bethany, John D. Lawrence, Olivia Pilson and Gabriella Abruzzi.

Area Food Program Seeks Volunteers Volunteers are being sought to help provide food support for the Fairfax County Region 2 Hypothermia Prevention Program operated by New Hope Housing. This year, due to Covid-19 and CDC guidelines, the shelter is being operated at the Lincolnia Senior Center near the Landmark Mall in Alexandria. Help is needed providing breakfast bags, lunch bags, and hot dinner meals seven days a week, from now until March 31. Dinner, lunch and breakfast bags are needed. Persons interested in helping are asked to sign up. It does not commit one but signers will be reached out to for information.

County Library System Reports Record Checkouts The Fairfax County Public Library announced this week that it reached a record-breaking two million digital book checkouts in 2020. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of library digital lending of e-books and e-audiobooks, especially in a year with building closures due to the global pandemic, according to library officials. The Fairfax system is one of 102 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million checkouts. Fairfax County Public Library has been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and e-audiobooks for several years through OverDrive and its award-winning Libby reading app. Reader interest and usage has grown every year. “We are excited to reach this milestone and see the continued success of our e-books and e-audiobooks,” said Dianne Coan, Division Director for Support Services at Fairfax County Public Library. “E-books are more important than ever this year as library closures and other pandemic precautions made it difficult for many county residents to access reading material. We have been able to offer our customers a valuable lifeline to information and diversion during these challenging times.”

✓ SUPERIOR DESIGN! Ultra low easy entry and exit design, wide door, built-in safety bar and textured floor provides a safer bathing experience.

✓ PATENTED QUICK-DRAIN® TECHNOLOGY ✓ LIFETIME WARRANTY!

The ONLY Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard.

✓ 44 HYDROTHERAPY JETS! More than any other tub we’ve seen.

FREE!

Lifetime Warranty! Finance Options Available*

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

877-691-5591 Or visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/vapa

Feeling Stressed about COVID? Virginia C.O.P.E.S. Warmline

877-349-MHAV (6428) Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday - Sunday 5pm - 9pm

OPEN TO ALL VIRGINIANS I YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Compassionate Optimistic Person•Centered Empowering Support

CO MME NT

PAGE 10 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

What a mess! No, not across the river, but right here in Fairfax County. The coronavirus vaccination registration roll-out for Phase 1b was bound to have a few problems, but overwhelming telephone and on-line response, technical difficulties, unrealistic expectations, and lack of vaccine doses combined to create frustration and anger for many residents during the past couple of weeks. While the technical glitches may have been resolved, uncertainty in the registration process continues to vex the many older residents who qualify in Phase 1b. Fairfax County has 1.2 million residents; when Governor Northam announced that residents aged 75 and above could register for vaccination appointments, and the Fairfax County Health Department opened the site on Jan. 11, thousands of people began calling and logging on at midnight. Some say they called up to 400 times in a row (re-dial appears to be a favored mechanism), without success. The system was overwhelmed, requiring fixes by vendors, and lots of patience was needed, but finally, reports were that callers actually were able to access and submit the registration form. As explained, but perhaps not understood, the completed registration form did not automatically generate an actual appointment to get a shot; applicants would have to wait for a call back or text about scheduling. That was confusing, especially for seniors without access to a cell phone. Bottom line: you do not need a cell phone; a landline number will suffice. So many people registered (the system recorded 268,000 voice mails the first day) that call backs probably will take several weeks. Added to the complications was the Governor’s surprise announcement on Thursday that Phase 1b would open to those aged 65 to 75 on Jan. 18. The already-overburdened registration system now would be open to thousands more applicants, with little time for the system to pivot to take additional

registrations on a new form. You guessed it: the system crashed again on Monday, this time it was a cloud-based problem with the county’s vendor for the sign-up form. That problem affected many local jurisdictions, not just Fairfax County, and appears to have been rectified. The “elephant in the room,” of course, is the availability of vaccines. States and localities are dependent, totally, on the federal government’s “Warp Speed” vaccine distribution system. On Christmas Eve, the Fairfax County Health Department received 12,000 doses, and another 12,000 followed shortly after, for administration to first responders and health care workers. A limited number of doses was not a surprise, because Warp Speed leaders had assured the nation that enough vaccines were reserved for more rollouts and the all-important second shots that are part of the regimen. So the news this weekend that there are no doses reserved, and the huge numbers of promised vaccines simply do not exist, was devastating. What promised to be a rather lengthy rollout now has no timeline at all. The Biden administration must move quickly to restore trust and make more doses available. As of Tuesday, Fairfax County had more than 100,000 residents registered for vaccines. When the needed doses are available, appointments will be scheduled, but patience is required. It will be several weeks, perhaps months, for Health Department staff to work through the list when vaccine doses become available. To paraphrase an old movie line, this mess will do until the real one comes along. One hopes that order will return soon, via the Biden administration and our own local resources.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h

CRIME REPORT Week of January 11 – 17, 2021

Attempted Robbery-6600 blk Wilson Blvd. Jan 11, 923pm, three unknown male suspects approached a victim and asked him for money. When the victim denied of having any money on him, one of the subjects assaulted him and left the scene on foot. The victim sustained minor nonlife threatening injuries. Motor Vehicle Theft- 200 blk W Annandale Road. January 13,

sometime overnight, a parked vehicle was stolen. The stolen vehicle was left unsecured with keys in the cup holder. Fraud- 200 blk Noland Street. Maple Ave, between mid-August and October of 2020, victims debit card was used fraudulently to make online purchases. Driving Under the Influence, 100 blk S Washington St. January 15, 1108 pm, a male, 23, of Springfield, VA, was arrested for driving under the influence.

www.FCNP.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report Over the years, members of the Falls Church City delegation have had various titles for their monthly “Richmond Report” columns. Former Delegate Bob Hull called his the Coffin Corner Report, referring to his seat on the far left hand side of the chamber, where some of the most powerful legislators took their seats, and if they rose to speak on a bill, it was already dead. Delegate Kory still calls hers “The View from the Front Row” because for years she sat right up front in the chamber. The 2021 Session, like everything these last 11 months, looks and feels a lot different than it has in the past, due to the necessity of social distance. Like many of you, we’ve gone to a virtual workplace, and the workday is a series of Zooms, Teams, Webex, Google Hangouts, and good old-fashioned telephone calls. This year’s column could be the “View from Behind My Keyboard.” In spite of the challenges, when the 2021 General Assembly Session began on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at precisely 12:00 noon, we hit the ground running. As Chair of the Privileges & Elections Committee, I gaveled in the first committee meeting of the Session, one half hour after adjournment of the whole House It wasn’t a simple organization session where we introduced ourselves and our staff. We advanced a large absentee voting bill that will make permanent many of the innovations we implemented during the 2020 Session that made it easier to vote, helping to drive record shattering turnout even in the midst of the pandemic. Look forward to the absentee ballot drop box at Falls Church City hall becoming a permanent fixture, literally! The odd sessions are busy for those of us on Privileges & Elections as they are the year we hear everyone’s ideas for amendments to the Virginia Constitution. Only those that pass this year will be considered a second time after this fall’s election, and if they pass again, will make it on to the ballot for a referendum in 2022. The two most likely to advance this year include a repeal of the 2007 amendment banning same sex marriages in the Commonwealth, and another that will automatically restore the voting rights of former felons who have completed their sentences. Campaign finance reform also works its way through P&E, and this

year I hope my additional clout as Chairman gives my longtime effort to make Virginia one of the very last states to explicitly prohibit the personal use of campaign funds a better chance of succeeding. I’ll also continue to serve on the House Courts of Justice Committee, where we will continue to build on the very consequential criminal justice reform efforts we began in the special session last fall. With the Governor’s backing, we’ll take a serious look at legalizing marijuana. Doing so will provide revenue for a variety of programs across the Commonwealth, expunging old convictions, and repealing most mandatory minimum sentences. Also, I believe this will be the year Virginia finally repeals the death penalty — a bill that is long overdue and that I’m proud to copatron. On the environmental front, we’ll continue to work on the Virginia Clean Economy Act and other measures to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. There is also a bill to establish an Electric Vehicle Grant Program to assist school boards with replacing existing diesel school buses with electric buses as well as a bill to create an electric vehicle rebate program for those wishing to purchase one. The state budget, fortunately, doesn’t look as grim as we originally expected at this point with the Governor estimating $1.2 billion in additional revenue in this biennium. Revenues are exceeding official forecasts, even during a pandemic, which is in sharp contrast to other states that have been forced to lay off workers, cut services, and even borrow money to pay the bills. The proposed budget includes allocating $30 million to restore financial aid increases at public colleges and universities across our Commonwealth and to restore a planned increase to the Tuition Assistance Grants. Local school jurisdictions will get more than $500 million over the next two years. Broadband is getting some much-needed support with a historic $50 million boost in each year. Overall, we’re off to a good start this session and I’m looking forward to all that we’ll be able to accomplish. I always appreciate hearing from constituents, so please reach out to my office anytime — (804) 698-1053 or delmsimon@house. virginia.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

R EA L E STATE

R�� E�� W�� 2021

Housing Market Ripe for 1st-Time Buyers, But Could Worsen Inequality

BY MATT DELANEY

WINTER 2021 | PAGE 11

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Analysts have claimed that the housing market will be a major player in the post-Covid economic recovery — and by and large, they’re right. But while some firsttime buyers are well-positioned to break into notoriously competitive markets such as the Washington, D.C. region’s, those who’ve struggled financially thanks to the virus may find themselves priced out once they regain their footing. Home sales are a positive gauge for an economy because, as John Walsh from the Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center

said, people will commit to their life’s most expensive purchase when they have the money to do so. That demand creates a multiplier effect — more people wanting homes means there’s more interest in building them, helping those in the construction industry as well as those with jobs at utility companies. And it keeps real estate agents busy with selling homes and mortgage loan companies active by helping people finance them. “Especially when you’re building homes, you’re hiring labor and buying everything that you’ll need for that home,” Walsh said. “You’re inspiring different pieces of the economy and funding them when

you build a home.” This is a change from how the Great Recession unfolded. Back then, the generosity of mortgage companies to default-prone clients facilitated the decline and damaged a traditional pillar of an economic recovery. Just like how Walsh explained housing sales have a multiplier effect in a positive way, it can also be negative — for example, the housing collapse made employment growth in the construction industry stagnate for nearly four years, as Bloomberg News noted. Less construction workers meant less housing being built, which created inventory challenges and made for a tighter mar-

LOWER PRICED homes in the City of Falls Church often get bid above their list price, removing starter homes for prospective buyers. But historically low mortgage interest rates introduced to fight the economic consequences of the pandemic have added more options for first-time buyers. (P��: N��-P��.) ket overall. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies said that lower interest rates inspired by recessions (in this case, historically low rates below three percent) reduces borrowing costs for both homebuyers and builders, which makes homebuying more attractive

and spurs homebuilding. Again, it’s that multiplier effect in action. Northern Virginia’s market has been no stranger to this trend. After the spring lull, sales began heating up in June and haven’t slowed since, according to Northern

Continued on Page 12

INSIDE: Mudrooms Disappearing? Not So, Say Builders, Architects & Agents �� 15 | F.C. Real Estate Market #s (insert) �� 16

REALTOR® LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE

Licensed in VA & DC

Serving all of Falls Church, Northern VA and DC real estate markets.

Bethany Ellis

Realtor,® SRES, e-PRO Corporate Relocation Specialist NVAR Lifetime Top Producer & Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club Cell: 703-307-7003 Office: 703-790-1990 McLean Sales Office 1355 Beverly Rd., #109 McLean, VA 22101 bethany.ellis@longandfoster.com

www.buyandsellwithBethany.com

R EA L E STATE

PAGE 12 | WINTER 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Those Struggling Due to Virus May be Priced Out of Homebuying Window Continued from Page 11

Virginia Association of Realtors president, Derek Swaak. The region saw year-over-year increases in dollar sales volume (13 percent), average price sold (nine percent) and total number of homes sold (four percent), all while seeing a steep drop in average days-onmarket (21 percent). However, Swaak did say that the City of Falls Church was the only jurisdiction that cut against the regional trends. The average volume of sales were down nine percent in the City, with a four percent decline in average price per sale. Swaak said it was purely a function of inventory — the City’s consistent bugaboo given its limited space — and how a few less sales can have a noticeable effect on percentages compared to larger localities. The winner from all this? Firsttime millennial home buyers. “Millennials are now in the homebuying stage of their lives,” Swaak said. “They may be renting and now maybe they’re buying a single family home in the city. And in some cases, they’re moving out even further beyond the beltway

BUILDING NEW HOMES creates jobs in real estate, mortgage lending, construction, utilities and other areas, making them a positive indicator of an economy’s health. (P��: N��-P��) into places like Loudon County or even further out. Technology allows them to do that.” It’s not a luxury everyone has been afforded — or even can afford. After years of dwindling wages, low income earners started to see their pay increase starting in 2014 and accelerate from there. CBS News reported that by the end of 2019, they were outpacing higher earners in terms of percent-

age of wage. The pandemic has upended many in low income jobs, whether they work in the restaurant industry or help at entertainment venues. Walsh from the Urban Institute pointed out that, since those jobs aren’t large drivers in the D.C. region’s economy, they won’t sway much of the region’s very positive home sales data. He even mentioned that the combination of

stimulus checks and having less expenditures given the lockdowns has likely improved many people’s financial situations in the area. But it doesn’t mean everyone’s been so fortunate. Sherly Pardo, who is part of the Urban Institute’s communications team, said that some homeowners could have lost their job, yet also could have seen their home value increase during that time. However, since crediting

standards have been stringent since the onset of the virus, they may not be able to tap the improved equity in their home if their personal finances aren’t up to snuff. Only the most well-off have that opportunity. Pardo also believes this will exacerbate the racial gap in homeownership. “People who are Black and Hispanic disproportionately have lower credit scores, work in the service industry and are renters, so all of those things are going to hurt you right now,” Pardo said. On top of that, those groups are getting a larger share of infections from Covid-19, Pardo continued, adding a steeper hill to overcome. Walsh said that one thing that could help is local governments making it easier for builders to construct single-family and multifamily housing. He estimated that regulations alone can sometimes contribute a third of the cost of a single home build. Finding ways to lower that bar and make the building process more profitable will only help inventory problems, particularly among affordable homes that are bid up into higher price ranges.

IT’S TIME TO LOVE YOUR KITCHEN AGAIN

Stunning Ballston Condo For Sale

50% OFF INSTALLATION* *Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/ Designer Shelves.

3800 Fairfax Dr, Arlington VA 22203 #708

Stunning Ballston condo hitting the market 1/22/21! Located in the very desired Tower Villas. Unit is fully remodeled. Owners renovated with intention to stay, quality is everything throughout the unit! Extended cabinetry, top of the line appliances, entire HVAC is brand new, new flooring throughout, custom shelves in premier closet, bathrooms have only the best finishes, brand new sliding glass doors leading you to your private balcony! This unit comes with 2 parking spaces! Too much to list, this one is a must see and will go quickly!

Jenn Burns

Cell/Text: 703-835-3305 Office: 703-790-1990 instagram: Burnsvita Email: jennifer.burns@longandfoster.com

EXP 3/31/21

Schedule Your FREE Design Consultation Now:

(855) 784-2590

Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 10am - 4pm EST

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

R EA L E STATE

WINTER 2021 | PAGE 13

A n e x cel l en t pr oper ty m a n a g emen t compa ny r i g h t i n yo ur hom eto w n. F o c us i n g on y our s u c ces s.

Great tenant screening Fast communication Cloud-based statements Accurate and clear accounting Shared inspections

Accepting new clients! 450 N Washington St. Ste M Falls Church, VA 22046 www.peakeinc.com Geoff@peakeinc.com 703-891-5316

R EA L E STATE

PAGE 14 | WINTER 2021

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

M e e t Fa l l s C h u rc h’ s Re a l E s t a t e E x p e r t s Jennifer Burns - Long & Foster - McLean

Jenn Burns personifies hard work, energy, and integrity, whether helping you find a new home or assisting your family in navigating the market. A Colorado native who transferred to D.C. in 2002 to handle opening operations for a well-known boutique hotel chain, Jenn became well versed in the unique and beautiful qualities of living outside and inside the beltway. After starting a family, Jenn began helping families who needed housing market research to guide their home purchase. Jenn’s data-driven approach to harnessing the unique qualities of local neighborhoods, home value, and the rapidly changing D.C. area housing market allowed her to assist homebuyers with countless successful outcomes and planted the seed for her future as a Long and Foster Agent. Jenn truly cares about her clients and enjoys the hunt for the perfect home. If she is not with her family or representing homeowners, Jenn is often finding new ways to give back. Whether working on behalf of multiple sclerosis cares and research or volunteering for family newborns with urgent needs, Jenn knows how important it is to give every second that you can. As a Northern Virginia resident for over two decades, Jenn is proud to call the Mid-Atlantic region her home and assist your search in making it your home. Jennifer Burns, Long & Foster McLean, VA - Realty 1355 Beverly Rd #109, McLean, VA 22101 Direct Office: 703-790-1990 • Mobile: 703-835-3305

Chris Earman - Weichert Realtors - Falls Church As a Lifelong resident of Falls Church City, I’ve experienced first hand the growth and changes to the local and regional real estate market. My past experiences in mortgage & finance, running local small businesses, volunteering, being involved in the local school systems, and building relationships over the past decades, gives me a unique perspective and advantage in representing my clients in the local Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. I am fully committed to providing you with a higher level of service that will make your real estate experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Please call for a “No Obligation” consultation, for all of your Real Estate needs. Chris Earman, Weichert 703-628-4541 Chris@EarmanRealEstate.com

Bethany Ellis - Long & Foster - McLean Bethany Ellis owns and operates a highly successful real estate business in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. She is an experienced Realtor® whose goal is to exceed your expectations. Her knowledge of the local market, attention to every detail, excellent negotiating ability, and effective communication ensures that your real estate transaction will go smoothly from start to finish. Bethany has direct access to lenders, home inspectors, new home developers, settlement groups, and local service providers (painters, plumbers, carpet suppliers, handymen, electricians, plumbers, and more). If you’re looking to find a new home, build your dream home, get market statistics for your home or neighborhood, sell your existing home, make improvements to your current home, buy or sell an investment property or need answers to any real estate questions, make Bethany Ellis your real estate resource. Bethany Ellis, Long & Foster 1355 Beverly Road, Suite 109 McLean, VA 22101 703-307-7003 • BuyandSellWithBethany.com

Peake Management Peake Management, Inc. is a real estate property management firm specializing in the management of residential properties for Northern Virginia landlords. Our company foundation initially consisted of a client base of Foreign Service and military officers. They were the primary landlords of quality single-family homes in the early days. As the market

changed, so did our clientele, and we now enjoy the diversity of working with all types of property owners. A few years ago, Peake had the privilege to team up with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Premier to help market the properties we manage. We moved into shared space to make the partnership easier, and it was a great move for our clients. Their marketing support makes us that much stronger, and during the busy times, we have more resources to draw upon to make sure the job gets done right. Our specialty is definitely investment real estate. If you own quality rental property in Arlington County, Alexandria, Reston, Hernon, Falls Church, Fairfax County or Loudoun County, talk to us. We have some geographic restrictions for efficiency’s sake. If the property is a good fit, we’d love to manage it for you. We’re passionate about our calling and you’ll be glad you chose to work with us. Our whole team is excellent.

Peake Mangement 450 N Washington St. Ste M, Falls Church, VA 22046 703-891-5316 • peakeinc.com

Tori McKinney - Keller Williams - Metro Center Being a Realtor® perfectly blends Tori’s passion for Falls Church and finding her clients their dream home. After moving to Falls Church in 1998, she immediately immersed herself in community advocacy as a Housing Commissioner and ongoing public school volunteer and sponsor. Since 2010, Tori has directed her philanthropic efforts to the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, whose mission is preserving, presenting, and celebrating the African American Legacy. Prior to Tori’s real estate career, she owned and operated a Concert Production company. Her ongoing dedication to LIVE music and musicians along with her work in the music industry was a natural progression for her becoming the Executive Producer of the Tinner Hill Music Festival, the Foundation’s premier charity event that will take place this year on August 21, 2021. While purposefully participating in the community, Tori, the Falls Church real estate expert, and her ROCK STAR Realty Group are here every step of the way eager to provide ROCK STAR service to all homebuyers and sellers while treating them like VIP’s. She is ever so grateful for each client and the neighborhoods she serves. Call Tori to help you find the home you LOVE! Tori McKinney | CEO & Realtor® | ROCK STAR Realty Group 703-867-8674 Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com • www.ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com

Ken Trotter - TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Ken Trotter is the founder and principal agent of the Silver Line Group and regularly recognized as one of Washington, DC’s top producing Realtors®. While the heart of the Silver Line Group’s practice is in Falls Church, the team also regularly represents buyers and sellers along the Silver Line corridor from DC to the Dulles. Ken was a successful litigation attorney prior to becoming a Realtor, and he drew upon that experience when establishing the guiding principals behind the Silver Line Group’s professional service: “We focus on making our clients’ interests our sole priority and zealously strive to achieve the best results for our clients in every transaction.” The Silver Line Group’s talented team of professionals strongly believes in delivering the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and expertise at all price points. From urban condos with high walkability scores to estate homes with acreage, the team is passionate about helping you find the perfect home, or the right buyer for your home. For more detailed information about the Silver Line Group’s real estate practice, please visit SilverLineHouses.com and reach out directly to Ken. Ken Trotter, J.D., Realtor, Silver Line Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 703-863-0650 (c) 745-1212 (o) KenTrotterHomes.com

R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WINTER 2021 | PAGE 15

Necessity of Mudrooms Remains Even as Shape, Size & Features Con�nue to Evolve

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Mudrooms — those small rooms with either tiled or linoleum floors where people can de-shoe and de-coat themselves before entering the heart of the home — are said to be disappearing. But builders, architects and real estate agents throughout the Washington, D.C. region don’t see it that way. Leading the call that mudrooms are vanishing is Wayfair, the online furniture retail company. Though that hunch could stem from the company’s desire to push products that can accommodate the lack of a dedicated room for your mud. Jeff DuBro, president of DuBro Architects + Builders on South Maple Avenue in Falls Church, doesn’t see mud rooms fading as much as the terminology does. For example, his company does not routinely use the term “mudroom,” even though the firm continues to include these spaces or

modified versions of these spaces in its construction plans. “People will always need a transition from outside to inside for storage. We design and build if a need is there. It adheres to the old dictum, ‘form follows function,’” DuBro said. Reba Winstead, a realtor with Keller-Williams on West Broad Street in Falls Church, told the News-Press that mudrooms remain very popular. Not only are they serving their traditional use as a transitional space between the outside world and the family home, in the Covid-19 era they also provide a space for an essential worker to change and dispose of masks and clothing. It’s an added precaution before entering the home and engaging with loved ones. “If space is an issue and we cannot have a mud room, we can incorporate some cubbies and hooks where people can store their shoes and so forth,” Andrew Moore, president of Arlington Designer Homes, said.

Further out in the exurbs, mudrooms are even more important. Jessica Dreisonstok (coincidently, a distant relative of the author) is a real estate agent in Frederick and Washington counties out in rural Maryland. She said that the majority of new homes built in that area actually include mudrooms. Her colleague, Sophia Richards, a real estate agent and interior designer in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., suggested that while some “empty nesters” may consider a mud room a waste of space, families are very fond of them. “Mud rooms are also called ‘family entrances,’ as they are typically attached to the garage leading into the home with space for anything from storage to an additional washer and dryer,” Richards said. For families with children, Richards noted “it is a great spot to hang coats and leave items like

Continued on Page 16

Buy or Sell with Chris!! UNDER CONTRACT

SOLD

707 Poplar Dr. - Offered at $1,224,500

SOLD

2418 Caron Ln - $840,000 (Represented Buyers)

UNDER CONTACT

SOLD

530 Greenwich St - $858,000

NEW CONSTRUCTION

344 Meltons Hill Dr. - $330,000 (Represented Buyers)

5139 N 9th St - Offered at $1,300,000 (Represented Buyers)

1849 Ware Rd - Offered at $1,289,000

SOLD

16628 Downey Flake Mews - $440,000

521 Anne St - $1,440,000

7306 Gordons Rd - $1,787,119

Lore

COMING SOON

• 2BR/2BA Condo in Falls Church City...• 2BR/1BA Condo in 7 Corners • 5BR/5BA New Construction in Pimmit Hills

If you are looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent in 2021 please call Chris for a no obligation consultation.

Chris Earman

Member NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club Residential Top Producer

(703) 628-4541 | Chris@EarmanRealEstate.com Your Local Falls Church Realtor EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

REALTOR

703-760-8880 Falls Church/McLean

APARTMENTS don’t have the spaces built in the way single family or townhomes do, so some residents decide that behind the loveseat by their front door is a good alternative. (P��: N��P��)

R EA L E STATE

PAGE 16 | WINTER 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Pandemic Makes Room Helpful for Shedding Used Protective Gear

Continued from Page 15

backpacks that don’t need to be carried into the home. Similarly, kids can remove their clothes right in that room and put them straight in the washer, eliminating the need to track dirt through the home.” These areas are sometimes turned into home offices as well, she continued, once the children are a little older. So, in summary, the term “mudroom” may not be quite as fashionable as it once was, but the utility of these areas remain both common and desirable, especially in free-standing homes. Even Lindsay Reed, a blogger who wrote about “Why Are Mud Rooms Disappearing from Homes?” acknowledged that mudrooms are not so much disappearing as “being redesigned and can come in all shapes and sizes,” and that the modern mud room “no longer has to be a box-like room positioned between your garage and kitchen.” A simple linguistic shift and the exact form may be changing in mudrooms, but how the functionality of the space can’t be denied.

MUDROOMS come in many forms, such as this one, which is separate from its laundry area, but instead features cubbies for three kids to stow clothes and shoes and a direct connection to the garage. (Photo: News-Press)

Falls Church Area Housing Market — 4th Quarter 2020 Report Zip Code Area Median Price Number of Homes Sold

Average Days on Market

22046

City of Falls Church $749,950

22041

Bailey’s Crossroads

$368,000

22042

Sleepy Hollow

$578,750

22043

Pimmit Hills

$700,450

22044

Lake Barcroft

$679,000

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

This Civil War, As Then

When I am at a loss for words, I turn to our poet, Walt Whitman. He was there the last time we had a civil war. The one before this one, this one when we’ve spent the last four years at war, at war for the soul of the nation, for our souls. I sit here now on the eve of the inauguration that spells an end to this war, for now at least. Joe Biden is going to bind up our wounds, set us back on the path to promised land. The last civil war cost over 600,000 American lives lost. The count for this current one is 400,000 so far — dear mostly modest, ordinary lives succumbed in cruel pain and separation by a pandemic that became the final, signature horror of what these last four years visited upon us. Before it’s over it may be 600,000, too, given FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS how helpless we were rendered by our mortal foe. Whitman was there in 1865 in Washington, D.C., the same place where we now await, on Jan. 20, 2021, the formal liberation of our American people from the puss-faced, hissing, gurgling terrible emanation of hell that declared war on us when it arose to the presidency of this land four years ago. Walt was at the historic Grand Review of the Union Troops (by great-great grandfather among them) that, but two months after winning the surrender of the treasonous, slavery-obsessed Confederacy, marched up, in the tens of thousands, Pennsylvania Avenue past the reviewing stand where President Lincoln should have been, but for his own murder weeks before. Whitman saw the ferocious consequences of horrible war in the faces of those men he gazed upon that day. “How solemn as one by one. “As the ranks returning worn and sweaty, as the men file by where I stand, “As the faces the marks appear, as I glance at the faces studying the marks, “(As I glance upward out of this page studying you, dear friend, whoever you are.) “How solemn the thought of my whispering soul to each in the ranks, and to you. “I see behind each mark that wonder a kindred soul, “O bullet could never kill what you really are, dear friend. “Not the bayonet stab what you really are. “The soul yourself I see, great as any, good as the best, “Waiting secure and content, which the bullet could never kill, “Nor the bayonet stab, O friend.” There you have it, in 1865 Whitman chronicles the images before him or war-worn veterans of our first great domestic clash between good and evil, and as he is doing that, he turns to look at us, to you and me, to acknowledge us in this struggle, too: “As I glance upward of this page, studying you, dear friend, whoever you are.” Yes, O friend Whitman, we have come through a great civil war, too, just now. We’re not going to be present on Pennsylvania Avenue today, but we are there in spirit, at our nation’s Capitol, where the last four years of war against us culminated in the most debased assault on our sacred house, on January 6, 2021, a day that will live in infamy, when filthy demons carrying the flags of our most grievous enemies, the Confederacy and the Nazis, were paraded in that house, cheered on by an evil force, like the force compelling lust for a right to slavery into a terrible civil war. We’re looking back on this page bearing your words at you, Walt. Yes, you see us and we see you. We see in what you saw then, in those weary, dirty troops, ourselves reflected. We’ve been through hell, sir, and finally on this day we get to lift for a precious moment a toast to our victory. For the last four years, there were so many of us who fought, beginning with the million woman march just weeks after our enemy took office. We never let up. Heroic journalists were relentless in their pursuits of the truth, even as GOP party members over and over again displayed their souls’ allegiance to the devil. In the end, we prevailed.  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

CO MME NT

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 17

Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

The NAACP was founded in 1909 by a multiracial coalition of Blacks, Jews, and other whites, I’m reminded by Julius “J.D.” Spain Sr., president of the Arlington branch, that over the past year the organization has exploded in visibility. That’s one reason Spain wants to “get rid of the perception that it’s all about folks” as the advocacy group takes on “structural racism” at the local level at a time of national tensions with police and a merciless pandemic that’s especially tough on people of color. Arlington’s NAACP weighed in on the impact of last May’s George Floyd killing in Minneapolis — on police policy as well as unfortunate language used in November as a mnemonic by an H.B. Woodlawn teacher (still on administrative leave pending an investigation, I confirmed). It is working in schools in partnership with Challenging Racism and Black Parents of Arlington, and partnering with church groups on anti-racism cultural events. And the branch in November succeeded in persuading the county to reconsider its use of the Arlington House plantation logo in official business. Spain, a 26-year Marine veteran and now an intel consultant telecommuting from his home in the Penrose neighborhood, is pleased to report that paid membership has risen from 200 when he was elected in 2018 to 707 this month.

Though current events inspired many joiners, Spain can also point to the “unique skill set” he brings to “mission objectives” from a career that included combat in Iraq, diplomacy in Europe and legislative affairs on Capitol Hill. The South Carolina native is an “institutionalist” who believes in a disciplined policy process. That inclines him to ease away from the “perception” that the NAACP is a Democratic Party adjunct. Though a southerner comfortable with Arlington’s diversity, Spain — whose wife is Mexican — still sees things “through the lens of discrimination.” He worries that gentrification debates risk leaving many minority group members late for a “seat at the table.” The NAACP was especially vocal in criticizing the Arlington Police Department for the December episode in which a Black real estate photographer at a client’s home outside of Fort Myer-Henderson Hall was reported as “suspicious” by neighbors. The professional was questioned and asked for I.D. by officers in five squad cars outside a gate packed with security cameras. Marlon Crutchfield “was racially profiled,” Spain said, adding that he is not satisfied with the department’s subsequent denial of any mishandling, and the branch has filed with the state of Virginia for internal documents on the incident. “What about de-escalation tactics?” he asks. “Police should

be mindful of the pulse of the country.” Yet overall, the NAACP retains “utmost trust and confidence in the police,” Spain said, hoping they can be “reimagined,” not defunded. I asked Spain whether the notion that the Arlington House logo is offensive because of past slavery there leads to a push to rename the county itself. “We have a dark past history,” he said. But the NAACP branch, whose members recently heard a National Park Service presentation on the newly modernized (but closed during the pandemic) exhibit on slavery at Arlington House, is deferring to County Manager Mark Schwartz’s long-term community engagement process for considering an array of local renamings. “There is no one perfect answer” on what will be done, Spain said. And yes, renaming the county itself would be “a heavy lift.” *** Some “firsts” in Arlington, culled from my history books. The first private telephone line was installed in what is now the Knights of Columbus headquarters, installed in 1894 by inventor and educator George Saegmuller. The county’s first cement sidewalk was laid outside the pharmacy opened in 1905 at N. Glebe and Wilson Blvd., by county medical examiner Williamson Welburn. The first residential indoor plumbing and electricity were enjoyed by developer Frank Lyon, who in 1907 built them into Lyonhurst (now the Catholic order Missionhurst CICM), in the woods off Old Dominion Dr. at N. 25th St.

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 18 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021

FALLS CHURCH

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Falls Church Farmers Market. The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Middle School Book Club (online). This meeting’s book is “Stargirl” by Jerry Spinelli. Book club for grades 6-8. This discussion will be held online via Zoom. For more information, email Laura Miller at lmiller@fallschurchva.gov. 4 – 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Pint Size Polkas (online). Awardwinning polka musician and accordion player Mike Schneider joins the Mary Riley Styles Public Library staff for a musical morning of family-friendly polkas. The program combines magic, comedy and education into one fluid, high-energy musical package. Mike’s program will air on Saturday and be available on the library’s Facebook page (facebook.com/mrspl) through Jan. 30. 11 – 11:45 a.m. Virtual Winter Survival Hike (online). Families can join the Arlington Park’s staff for a leisurely-paced virtual hike talking about how exactly do animals survive the bitter cold of winter. The staff will answer those questions by “meeting” some live animals, then with a nature walk through the different habitats in Glencarlyn Park by Long Branch Nature Center. The staff will email participants a link to

Microsoft Teams before the program start time. Everyone should have their device ready to go prior to the start of the program. Registration required. To register, contact 703-228-4747. 5 – 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Virtual Animals In Winter Puppet Show Story Time (online). Children can check out this seasonal puppet show featuring some of the furry critters found in Arlington’s parks throughout the winter months. For ages 3 – 5 years. Preschool programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, so please register for only one session at each nature center per month. The staff will email participants a link to Microsoft Teams before the program start time. Everyone should have their device ready to go prior to the start of the program. Registration required. To register, contact 703-228-4747. 10:30 – 11 a.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25 City Council Meeting (online). City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues and the public is invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva.gov/ CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). This meeting’s availability follows the state’s emergency Covid-19 order. Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

BRAHMAN NOODLES will be performing at Falls Church Distillers on Friday. (Photo: Facebook.Com/ TheBrahmanNoodles)

THEATER&ARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Passport to the World of Music. GRAMMY-nominated lutenist Ronn McFarlane strives to bring the lute,the most popular instrument of the Renaissance,into today’s musical mainstream and make it accessible to a wider audience. Celtic music from Scotland and Ireland combine with McFarlane’s original compositions. All concerts will live stream from Creative Cauldron’s multicam HD studio. All Tickets are $15; concerts are live-streamed 7:30 p.m. Visit creativecauldron. org for tickets and information.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 Sean Tracy. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls

Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Adrian Shipman Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Mike Tash & Mary Shaver Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

A Song & A Slice (Indoors + Distanced!): Couples Therapy — A Comedy Show. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Born Cross-Eyed: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-237-0300.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Bongo District. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300. Brahman Noodles. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186. A Song & A Slice (Indoors + Distanced!): Cat Janice + Dante Frisiello. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Red Shoes Band. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186. Linwood Taylor & Sol Roots Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:45 p.m. 703241-9504.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Open Jam with Tim Harmon Live at the Still. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-8589186.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F� � � � C � � � � �

LO CA L

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 19 INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

B�� N�� N�� Preservation Biscuit Company Teams Up with Settle Down Easy Brewing Preservation Biscuit Company is hosting a pop-up event at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company in Falls Church on Saturday, Jan. 23 from noon – 2 p.m., while supplies last. The event will feature miniature versions of Preservation’s Goodness Gracious Biscuit with slow-roasted pulled pork, house made barbeque, coleslaw, and pickles and its PBC Bar with peanut butter, cheerio bar, and chocolate highlights. Settle Down Easy will donate $1 for every pint sold during the event to One Neighborhood Foundation which supports restaurants and provides meals to frontline workers, first responders, essential workers, and local heroes. Preservation Biscuit Company is expected to open in the Southgate Shopping Center at 102 E. Fairfax in early February. The event will take place at 2822 Fallfax Drive in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.preservationbiscuit.com or www.settledowneasybrewing.com.

ter AFTER LeafFil

ter BEFORE LeafFil

LIFETIME WARRANTY

OFF

AND!

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

OFF

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS!**

Promo Number: 285 CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

F.C. Distillers’ Owner Appointed to the Craft Advisory Council

1-877-614-6667

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

Falls Church Distillers’ Michael Paluzzi has been appointed to the Craft Advisory Council at the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS.) DISCUS is the leading voice and advocate for the U.S. spirits industry. The Craft Advisory Council was created to represent craft distillers’ positions on key policy issues at the federal, state and local level, as well as to help guide DISCUS’ craft distiller-focused programming and benefits. Paluzzi opened the award winning craft distillery at 442 S. Washington Street in Falls Church in September of 2017. For information about events or to see the menu of locally produced spirits, visit www.fcdistillers.com.

NOVA ScriptsCentral Initiating Diabetes Access Pilot Program

*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Oﬀer valid at estimate only. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suﬀolk HIC License# 52229-H

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

NOVA ScriptsCentral announced that it is initiating a Diabetes Access Pilot Program designed to assist those in the Northern Virginia area living with diabetes who need access to insulin. Established in 2006, NOVA ScriptsCentral’s mission is to provide quality integrated pharmaceutical care and medication access to low-income uninsured children and adults. Through this pilot initiative NOVA ScriptsCentral will provide insulin for free to uninsured patients being treated at one of its 16 safety net partner clinics in Northern Virginia. These patients will also have access to affordable diabetic testing supplies. For more information, visit https://novascriptscentral.org.

844-947-1479

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Offer valid December 15, 2020 - March 1, 2021

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

Anthony Lewis, Financial Services Professional, is Moving Anthony Lewis, Financial Services Professional with New York Life Securities is moving his office to 3605-D Chain Bridge Road, in Fairfax. Lewis specializes in risk management and retirement and investment planning. For more information, call 703-283-4825.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

Your Paper Without the Paper

DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE. IF YOU SMOKED, GET SCANNED.

www.fcnp.com G e t S a v e d B y T h e S c a n . o rg

See the News-Press Online Just Like you See it in Print With our

E-Issue

Your Paper Without the Paper

PAGE 20 | JANUARY 21 -27, 2021

C L AS S I F I E DS

AUCTIONS

LEGAL NOTICE

ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

FARM EQUIPMENT OWN LAND IN VIRGINIA? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to lease your land. Call now for free info packet 1-866-309-1507 www. BaseCampLeasing.com / Ref# VA11721

HELP WANTED DENTAL ASSISTANT: General Dentist Office, Falls Church, VA, near West FC Metro. Willing to train right candidate. Hours: Full or Part-time hours available (around children’s schedule). Email resume with salary requirements to: jobs122@yahoo.com. DENTAL RECEPTIONIST General Dentist Office, Falls Church, VA, near West F. C. Metro. Hours: Full or Part-time hours available (around children’s schedule). Email resume with salary requirements to: jobs122@yahoo.com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Vinyl Replacement Windows Starting at $235* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap Call 804-739-8207 Siding, Roofing, Gutters and More! GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-877-636-0738 Special financing for qualified customers. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-614-6667 ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your business statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

REAL ESTATE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

SENIOR CARE SERVICES CERTIFIED CAREGIVER Seeking private duty position caring for the Elderly in their homes & all daily needs. Personal care, own transportation, Run errands, good cook, excellent references. Live in /hourly. Covid prepared. Call Naana--630 -200--9592

fcnp.com

Public hearing and final City Council action is scheduled for the following on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TR20-33) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY HALF AN ACRE OF LAND KNOWN AS THE CITY LOT LOCATED ON PARK PLACE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBER 53-104-015) FROM “BUSINESS” TO “MIXED USE” ON THE CITY’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP, ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. (TR20-34) RESOLUTION (1) TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND (2) TO INCREASE THE BUILDING HEIGHT WITH A BONUS OF SIXTEEN (16) FEET TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF NINETY-ONE (91) FEET FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON APPROXIMATELY 3.16 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 100 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET, AND 127 AND 131 EAST BROAD STREET, AND PARK PLACE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS 53-104-051, 53-104-036, 53-104050, AND 53-104-015), ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on December 14, 2020. Public hearings, second readings, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, January 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO20-25) ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE SALE OF CITY-OWNED LAND KNOWN AS THE PARKING LOT PROPERTY ON PARK PLACE [RPC NO. 52-309415] TO INSIGHT PROPERTY GROUP INC., AND AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE Public hearings will be held electronically. To speak on a public hearing item, complete a speaker form at www.fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment before noon on the day of the Council meeting. Following submission of the form, you will receive emailed instructions to join the virtual Council meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF EQUALIZATION FOR REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT CITY OF FALLS CHURCH FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)

The Board of Equalization for Real Estate Assessments in the City of Falls Church will hold public hearings for the purpose of equalizing 2021 real estate assessments in the City, and for the purpose of hearing complaints of inequalities wherein property owners allege a lack of uniformity in assessment or errors in property description.

Lions Den Lounge LLC, Trading as: Lions Den, 5820 Seminary Rd Ste D Falls Church, VA 22041. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage. K C Ayele Managing Member, Authorized Signatory Lions Den Lounge LLC, the Managing Member of Lions Den. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

The Board will give consideration to and INCREASE, DECREASE OR AFFIRM such real estate assessments. Before a change can be granted, the taxpayer or his agent must overcome a clear presumption in favor of the assessment. The taxpayer or agent must prove that the property is not uniform with other similar properties, or prove that the property is assessed in excess of its fair market value as of January 1, 2021. Hearings will be held Tuesday January 26, 2021 & February 9, 2021. See the online Calendar on the City’s website under Events at http://www.fallschurchva.gov. Virtual meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. Location will be posted three days prior to the hearing date at City Hall 300 Park Ave Falls Church, Virginia 22046 and on the City’s website under Real Estate Assessment, Appeals, Board of Equalization Hearings. These hearings will conclude the appeals filed by the June 5, 2021 deadline, as established by City Code 33-48.

PUBLIC NOTICE PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC NOTICE PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE: The meeting for which this agenda has been posted will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. All participating members of Planning Commission will be present at this meeting through electronic means; and all members of the public are welcome to view the meeting at www.fallschurchva.gov/PC and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). On February 3, 2021, at 7:30 p.m., the City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a virtual public meeting. Public comments will be accepted electronically only until the end of the public hearing. Please submit comments to plan@fallschurchva. gov. The Planning Commission will consider the following items and recommendations to City Council: (TO20-26) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT, AND RECODIFY CHAPTER 48, “ZONING,” ARTICLE II, “ADMINISTRATION,” DIVISION 3, “AMENDMENTS,” SEC. 48-90, “SPECIAL EXCEPTION” TO EDIT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CRITERIA TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY BY ALLOWING CONSIDERATION OF PROJECTS THAT PROVIDE NEWER, BUT NOT NECESSARILY ADDITIONAL, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND TO SPECIFICALLY REFERENCE CONSIDERATIONS OF SMALL AREA PLAN GUIDANCE, WALKABILITY, AND STREETSCAPE Meeting agenda and materials will be available on the following page prior to the public meeting: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. This location is fully accessible to persons

ABC NOTICE

Taqueria Cancun LLC, Trading as: Taqueria Cancun, 7810-G Lee Highway Falls Church, 22042. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Beer On Premises. Brandon Rios, Owner. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

Home Improvement Handyman Service

All repairs, plumbing, drywall, windows, doors, rotted wood, siding, lighting + FREE estimates, Licensed & Insured

Call Doug (703)556-4276 www.fallschurchhandyman.com

Other Services

fcnp.com

classads@fcnp.com

KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen Levy Out with you Is a pleasure, Looking for buried treasure.

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

20 23

30 34

54 59

61 65

44 47

36 39

1. In 7. Orff’s “____ Burana” 14. Boom, zoom and vroom 15. Gets into easily 16. Tchaikovsky dancer 18. German’s “Oh!” 19. Place to go in Britain? 20. “Save me a ____!” 21. Speak with a gravelly voice 23. Piglet producer 25. “Kisses, dahling!” 29. Machu Picchu builder 30. Battle site of June 6, 1944 34. Four-baggers: Abbr. 36. McIlroy who was 2014’s PGA Player of the Year 37. Old IBM PCs 38. One who penalizes icing 42. Opposite of paleo43. Blade with no sharp edge 44. Kim, to KhloÈ, for short 45. Fully merited 49. Inferiors to sgts. 52. “Not only that ...” 53. “Understand?” 54. “I’m intrigued!” 55. Lions, Tigers or Bears 59. Fast-food chain with a goateed spokesman 61. Follower of Kennedy or Clinton 62. Improve one’s endurance and self-reliance, say ... or solve 16-, 30-, 38- and 45-Across

STRANGE BREW

66. Like waves on a shoreline 67. Typical lab rat, e.g. 68. One standing in the back of an alley 69. Stranded motorist’s boon

JANUARY 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 21

Down 1. Aziz of Netflix’s “Master of None” 2. Bird on a Froot Loops box 3. Classy places? 4. Mama grizzly, south of the border 5. Jazzman Saunders 6. Husband, in Hidalgo 7. Ft. Collins campus 8. Charitable donations 9. Widespread 10. Film-rating grp. 11. “Am I nuts?” 12. Neither’s partner 13. “____ takers?” 17. Weaving machine 22. Setting for Seurat’s “La Grande Jatte” 24. Elizabeth and Earl 26. Uses flowery language 27. “RomÈo et Juliette” segment 28. Cabinet inits. since 1979 31. Tool for tilling 32. Alternative to “Woof!” 33. They’re exchanged at parting 35. ____-Ball 38. Achilles’ weak spot

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

39. Clean Air Act org. 40. “____ durn tootin’!” 41. Puerto ____ 42. “Straight Outta Compton” rappers 46. Bottle in a beach bag 47. Reggae artist ____-Mouse 48. Reorganize computer data to improve performance, informally 50. ____ Ochoa, 2017 Golf Hall of Fame inductee 51. Actress Stone of “Casino” 56. Besides that 57. Take ____ in the pool 58. DLIII + DLIII 60. ____ d’Or (touristy Majorca town) 62. “Uncle” on a food package 63. Celebrity psychic Geller 64. Egg producer 65. “Young Sheldon” airer Last Thursday’s Solution

T A X I S U L A M I C R O

A G V A I I A N T W K I E N D E O A T T N A E O R G N B A N E T O L E W L S

I N A H U R R Y

M O T O R S

B O H R S

I N E P T

J I O U R D M V S O P A N E D I K P R E E N B S A Y

B E E R N S E T A D O N S L T E I T S H T E M O J E T U M E D E R G S M E

B E J E W E L

I V A N A T R U E M M P I R N A D A

N E V E R

S L A T E

O N E L

N O N E

E X I T

R E N E

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

1/10/21

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2021 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�� C��

25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 44 • January 18, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 47 • January 20,, 2011

Special Prosecutor Named to Probe Charges Vs. Lasso

F.C. Absorbs Yet Another $ Blow: Arlington Co. Demands $2 Million

Arlington Commonwealth Attorney Richard Trodden told the News-Press in an interview yesterday that a letter to him in mid-November from Falls Church City Treasurer Robert Morrison outlining allegations of improprieties in the conduct of Falls Church City goverment made in a series WJLA-TV (ABC7) news reports prompted an inquiry.

A bombshell was dropped on the Falls Church City Council at its work session Tuesday night when F.C.‘s new chief financial officer Richard LaCondre reported that Arlington County has suddenly billed the City an extra $2.2 million for its alleged share of use of the Arlington Detention Center since 2008.

F.C. Restaurant Mainstay, Jose Mar�nez, Dies Management of Thompson’s Italian in the City of Falls Church announced this week that one of its beloved, long-time servers Jose Rogelio Martinez Alvarenca died January 17 after an extensive battle with the Covid-19 virus. The management wrote, “Many of you will recognize Jose. He was a true fixture in the Falls Church community. He worked in neighborhood restaurants for decades and seemed to know everyone who walked into our door. He had a ready smile, lots of swagger and unparalleled enthusiasm. He is survived by his wife and children.” In addition to Thompson’s, in recent years he also worked at the Ireland’s Four Provinces.

WE’RE GETTING AROUND to this one a bit late (thanks for your patience, Young family), but this picture of their pup Lucie looking fashionable even on a dreary day is fitting no matter the season or the reason.

JOSE ROGELIO MARTINEZ ALVARENCA His family has set up a GoFundMe page to accept donations to defer medical costs and

funeral expenses. It can be found by visiting gofundme.com/f/josemartinez-living-memorial.

MY SHELTER PETS ARE MY BEST FRIENDS

OLIVIA MUNN WITH CHANCE AND FRANKIE: ADOPTED 2014 AND 2016.

THESHELTERPETPROJECT.ORG

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

Esteemed Flutist Sharyn Byer Dies Sharyn Byer, a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a virtuoso flutist, conductor and educator, ascended to Heaven at the age of 72. Sharyn was a remarkable woman of strong faith and gentle soul who carried herself with tremendous class, style and grace. She was a giving friend and mentor to scores of people around the world. Her presence as a life force will be deeply missed. Sharyn was born Feb. 5, 1948 in Miami, Florida to Glenn and Mary Sue Sudduth. Sharyn attended Miami High School, served as president of Honoria, was the first chair flute in the band and used her talents to earn a scholarship to The University of Miami School of Music. While in school, she was honored both as a Poinciana Princess and later as Queen of the Poinciana Festival, served as president of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and soloed with the Wind Ensemble under Fredrick Fennell. She met Barry while they were both working in the student union and on Jan. 2, 1973, Sharyn and Barry began their 48 year storybook marriage. Sharyn worked for Pan Am Airlines as a flight attendant for 5 years before she and Barry were blessed with children, first Lauren Devon and then David Leland. From that point forward, Sharyn balanced motherhood with a highly acclaimed career in music. She was Principal Flutist of the McLean Symphony for 20 years and directed the band at The Langley School in McLean, Virginia for 11 years. She served as Administrator and Education Committee member of the Young Soloists’ Competition of the National Symphony Orchestra. She was a performing member of the Friday Morning Music Club of Washington, D.C. and twice

served as President of the Flute Society of Washington, earning the President’s Award. She was the Principal Flutist of the Capital City Symphony for 20 years, during which time, she invited each of her three beloved grandchildren to conduct a live concert. She founded the Columbia Flute Choir (CFC) and served as its director for over 25 years. CFC has been revered as one of the best. While Sharyn’s professional legacy is quite esteemed, her greatest treasure was family. She is survived by her loving husband, Barry Byer, MD; daughter Lauren Byer Burke and husband Kenneth Michael Burke, Jr.; son David Leland Byer, MD; grandchildren Kenneth Michael Burke, III, Carter Michael Burke and Elizabeth Lauren Burke; sister Linda Sudduth Smith and husband Buck, nephew Austin; sister Cathey Sudduth Wallbank, nephew Derek and wife Eeda, nieces Emma and Claire. Sharyn was a devoted wife, nurturing mother and an award winning “Grammy” to her precious grandchildren. Sharyn kept her spirit bright, remained classy and enjoyed simple moments while she battled pancreatic cancer over the last 5 months. Her faith sustained her, family remained by her side, and scores of friends showered her with inspirational tributes. We would like to thank MD Anderson Cancer Center, including Dr. Brandon Smaglo and nurse Judith Odityo, who offered such compassionate care. In great affirmation of her leadership, contribution to the music community and as a founding member, The Columbia Institute of Fine Arts, will be renamed as the “Sharyn Byer Institute of Fine Arts at Columbia” (SIFA) in her honor.

SHARYN BYER A virtual memorial service will be broadcast on the Columbia Baptist Church YouTube Channel and at www.columbiabaptistchurch.org on her birthday, February 5, 2021 at 2pm EST. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Columbia Baptist Church Foundation with a designation to “The Sharyn Byer Institute of Fine Arts at Columbia” or to the Flute Society of Washington with a designation to the “Sharyn Byer Scholarship Fund.” Donate on-line here: onrealm. org/ColumbiaBaptist/-/give/now. In the memo, designate the “Sharyn Byer Institute of Fine Arts Endowment.” Donations may be mailed to: Sharyn Byer Institute of Fine Arts Endowment Columbia Foundation 103 W. Columbia Street Falls Church, VA 22046

F.C. Native & Painter John Vanderheyden Dies at 66 John W. Vanderheyden, 66, an exhibited landscape painter in the Washington, D.C., area and central North Carolina, died suddenly on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, as the result of a fall while hiking near Pittsboro, North Carolina. A native of Falls Church, Vanderheyden began working in oils in high school, where he was one of three class valedictorians and captain of the soccer team. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1977 with a degree in art history and studio painting.

He spent his career working as a telecommunications technology specialist, beginning with C&P Telephone and retiring from Verizon after 35 years with the company. Following retirement, he and his beloved wife of 40 years, Gail, moved from Fairfax County to the North Carolina piedmont town of Pittsboro. Vanderheyden was an accomplished painter of landscape scenes chosen from the National Capital area, as well as Colorado and the American Southwest, Cape Cod, and the North

Carolina piedmont. He exhibited regularly at the annual juried Labor Day art shows at Glen Echo Park, Maryland, sponsored by the National Park Service, as well as annual juried shows at Oxon Hill Manor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He had exhibits in the Virginia General Assembly office building in Richmond, Virginia, John Tyler Community College in Midlothian, Virginia; and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.; Seven Corners, Herndon, Old Town Alexandria, and at Meadowlark

JANUARY 21 – 27, 2021 | PAGE 23

Midwesterner-Turned-F.C. Resident Dick Ekfelt Dies Dick Ekfelt died unexpectedly on Jan. 10 after a brief illness. Dick lived in Falls Church for the last 36 years of his life, but the Midwest never left this tall slender Nebraskan. His natural warmth, his friendly, open disposition, and his innate kindness charmed all who met him. Dick also had a healthy dose of Midwestern skepticism and stubborn resolve and a wry, irreverent humor tucked into that sweet persona. Dick was born and raised in Omaha and graduated from Omaha North High in 1967. During his Nebraska childhood, Dick was steeped in sports culture. His dad Vernon Ekfelt was a high school biology teacher, but first and foremost a coach — the first high school wrestling coach to be named to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. It is no surprise that at 11 years old, Dick was a Nebraska State wrestling champ. In his journey through life he attended Yale University, where he was delighted to play shortstop and second base on the Yale varsity baseball team, “a veritable vacuum cleaner around the keystone,” according to the school press, and where he was honored to be a member of Skull and Bones. He graduated from Yale in 1971 and completed his education with a JD at the University of Virginia Law School in 1974. Dick loved words. He loved Scrabble and crossword puzzles. He loved to write and was a fierce and unforgiving editor of all his children’s papers throughout their schooling. After a career as a lawyer and then trade association executive, he immersed himself in words as a freelance editor and was never so happy. Botanical Gardens headquarters in Fairfax. Vanderheyden participated in various art league shows in the National Capital area, where he won recognition for several works. He was a member of the Fairfax, Vienna, and Great Falls art leagues. He also exhibited in The Roxboro, North Carolina Arts Center and the Mebane, North Carolina Arts Center. For a time was represented by Lazy Lane Gallery in Key West, Florida. In recent years, he taught painting classes at Shakori Hills Arts Center in Pittsboro and The Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, New

DICK EKFELT Dick loved Nebraska Football. GO BIG RED. He loved baseball and especially in recent years — the Nats. AND — he loved to play golf almost more than anything. But, more than anything he loved his wife Sally, his daughter Mikki, and his two sons Charlie and Joey. He married these boys along with Sally in 1986. They were a package deal — all three — and he never ran screaming from the house — not once — especially not after Mikki arrived in 1988 completing his family. Dick is survived by his wife Sally Ekfelt of Falls Church, his daughter Mikki Clayton and son-in-law Zach of Park City, Utah, his sons Charlie Mize and Joe Moore and daughter-in-law Deanna of Centreville, his beloved brother Dan Ekfelt of Omaha, Nebraska, and sister Kelly Kessler of Laguna Hills, California. His wife, sons, daughter, family, and friends plan to celebrate the life of this beloved and loving man with bright blue Nordic eyes and a generous heart when gathering is safe again — to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to INOVA Neuroscience and Spine Institute at foundation. inova.org. York. In retirement, John spent his time painting, hiking, going to live music shows and festivals, and dancing with his beloved friends. He loved a good time, was extremely well read and content with his life. In addition to his wife, Vanderheyden is survived by his sister, Dale, of Richmond. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Marion, and by his cherished daughter, Jaime. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in his honor to Tracyskids.org, ShakoriHills. org or Shiva.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | JANUARY 21 - 27, 2021

$449/MO

36 MONTHS / 10K MILES *Stock #8892D. MSRP $49,010 with only first payment, taxes and fees due at signing plus, tax, title, acquisition and dealer processing fee of $799. On approved credit only. Pricing includes all available incentives including loyalty. No Security Deposit required. Expires 1/31/21.

Beyer Volvo Cars of Falls Church

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

JUST SOLD!

Desperately seeking for our buyers! 4+ bedroom single family home in Falls Church, McLean or North Arlington with garage up to $1,400,000. The more unique the better!

JUST SOLD!

$1,974,000 308 Poplar Drive, Falls Church City

$732,500 305 Douglass Avenue, Falls Church City

6 Beds

2-Story Library

4 Beds

Updated Kitchen

6.5 Bathrooms

Gourmet Chef's Kitchen

4 Bathrooms

Fully Finished Lower Level

Please call Merelyn or Karin if you think you have something for our buyers!

CALL 703-867-TORI

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY