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Monday, late afternoon January 23, around 4 p.m., I found myself unexpectedly in Falls Church, Virginia.

Shortly after leaving the Dunn Loring Metro station, the train conductor made an announcements to commuters that the train is headed back to Vienna.

Therefore all the riders exited the train at the West Falls Church station. I am learning it, but still unfamiliar with the all the Metro rail stations and its station stops.

But of course, there is a first time for everything. Even for those of us relying on public transportation service.

I am aware that mild unexpected situations happen in wintertime. I am very understanding of that, too.

The announcement at the station was shuttle buses had been requested. Then after over an hour of waiting for the buses outside the station, we were allowed to re-board the Metro train again.

We departed with much hesitation. I don’t have nor can afford an Uber account.

My only suggestion to the Metro system is to be more proficient in providing shuttle bus service and deliver on that request particularly in the cold weather.

Wayne Williams Washington D.C.

Pinewood Derby Races into 2023

Editor,

When asked what brings him back to the Derby each year, Craig Thor thundered above the echoey din inside Heller Hall at the 2023 Pinewood Derby, hosted by Troop 681 at St. James, “I did this with my dad every year and now I do this with my sons. It’s a way to stay connected for us.”

Such is the claim for many of the dads, moms and kids who anxiously flock to the event each year and wait with bated breath for their times to be shown up on the big screen, measured to the 1000th of a second. The St. James Troop has been through a lot over the years and yet fathers and sons reunite their child-like excite- ment and put their sweat, blood and tears into this friendly and painfully competitive contest of physics, artistry and drive each winter.

In fact, it was too much for this anxious mom this year. I took a back seat while I witnessed my husband and two oldest sons put their heads together. The Derby doesn’t just give our boys a chance to perform. It gave me the opportunity to instill a bit of craftiness to the science of speed. An opportunity that I missed by a little bit, thus sacrificing the key to aerodynamics for the sake of a beautiful creation.

But the lessons of sportsmanship, courage and craftsmanship will thankfully continue for my boys. For the Thor family, this may be one of their final Derbys. “We Be Loyal Scouts,” nicknamed “Webelos,” are the oldest stage of Cub Scout and next year they will leave the Derby to their younger fellow scouts. Frank Doherty, a former scout himself, said that “Webelos is a bittersweet year. You come of age but you’re still a boy. You say goodbye but you also lead the way.” Maybe that sentiment is what made us girls so jealous of our brothers.

Meaghan E. DeCelle City of Falls Church

Bring Vibrancy to Transitional Zones

Editor,

The City Council and Planning Commission are considering zoning changes for property in the zones known as Transition Zones, which provide for a transition between dense commercial and mixed-use zones and residential neighborhoods. The proposed changes would allow for neighborhood-serving commercial uses, denser residential housing, and a greater variety of housing types. F.C. City sorely needs new housing types because single family homes are out-of-reach for too many. The changes will enhance the downtown area and bring vibrancy to our community. The Transition Zones are adjacent to or close to major bus routes and Metro stations, which will promote public transportation and minimize the impact on traffic. Our community should support the proposed zoning changes to promote the vibrancy that this targeted new development will bring.

Allison Brown City of Falls Church