Falls Church News-Press 1-6-2022

Jan. 6 - 12, 2022

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 • Vol. X XXI No. 47

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

WMATA Files for West F.C. Mega-Plan

Snow Days In the Little City

Rezoning Bid Sets A Humongous Stage

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Another monster step has been taken to advance the prospects for one of the wider region’s biggest and most comprehensive mixed use development districts inclusive of the City of Falls Church’s 10 acre west end development, the adjacent Virginia Tech site and 23 acres around the West Falls Church Metro station.

A formal rezoning application by the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA), owner of the Metro station land, was filed last month after earlier comprehensive plan amendments and other steps were OK’d last year.

Unlike other mega-projects like the Mosaic in Merrifield, this project promises to not only be bigger, but will be directly integrated into the regional Metrorail system to make it a huge player in the blossoming

Continued on Page 3

A STYLIZED ‘LITTLE CITY’ bike rack did not get a lot of business during the sudden six-inch snowfall that hit F.C. and environs Monday. More snow is slated for later this week. (Photo: News-Press)

Dana Lewis Steps Up to Head F.C. Human Services

by Amanda Snead Falls Church News-Press

Yet another talented and dedicated woman has advanced in a leadership role in the City of Falls Church. Last week, the News-Press profiled the

outstanding contributions of Deputy City Manager Cindy Mester. This week features long-time City staffer Dana Lewis.

Beginning this Tuesday, Lewis took over as the Director of Housing and Human Services

following Nancy Vincent’s retirement. Lewis has worked for the city for over 15 years.

City Manager Wyatt Shields had nothing but positive things to say when announcing her promotion.

“Dana has been a positive

leader for the Department for over 15 years and a recognized City wide leader for many of these years as well,” said Shields. “Some of the attributes that stand out for me after many

Continued on Page 4

Inside This Week Local Representatives Reflect on Insurrection

On the one year anniversary of the riots at the Capitol, local representatives Penny Gross and Dick Saslaw reflect on our democracy and where we currently stand as a nation and a democracy See Regional, Page 8

New Year, New You! Fitness Section:

Get And Stay Healthy This New Year With Our Fitness Guide

As we ring in a new year, getting in shape is at the top of many people’s list of goals for 2022. The Little City is full of different types of gyms, a variety of exercise classes and plenty of personal trainers!

See Fitness Guide, Page 9 and 10

Index

Editorial................................................ 6 Letters.................................................. 6 Comment............................................. 7 Crime Report....................................... 8 Calendar............................................ 11 News & Notes.................................... 14 Comics............................................... 16 Classified Ads.................................... 17 Critter Corner..................................... 18 Business News.................................. 19

PAGE 2 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

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JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 3

Big WMATA Plans For West Falls Church Metro Station

Continued from Page 1

urbanization of the wider D.C. Metro area.

Falls Church’s Andrew Painter of the law firm of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley and Walsh, a leading board member of the F.C. Chamber of Commerce, functioning as a spokesman for the visionary project, told the News-Press in an exclusive interview last week that the combined district will be, when developed, a humongous 60-acre urban neighborhood centered around its Metrorail transit capabilities.

The WMATA property’s development teams of EYA, Hoffman and Associates and Rushmark Properties are the same involved in the development of the dense 10-acre West Falls project now being built atop the leveled former George Mason High School in the City of F.C., and in the planning for the development and integration of the Virginia Tech site sandwiched between the WMATA and West Falls sites.

The 60-acre assembled lands will be integrated by a “commons road” that will run the length

of sites from Route 7 west of Haycock Road, through the center of the West Falls site, and onward through the Virginia Tech and WMATA sites to the West Falls Church Metrorail station.

That road will provide a direct access to the Metro station with various feeder elements to transform the public’s accessibility of the station, greatly alleviating disparate alternatives that would have otherwise have built up congestion in the region.

It will completely revitalize the Metro station there, as well, whose rideship has shrunk dramatically by 64 percent since the 2014 opening of the Silver Line.

The WMATA land development proposal “would permit the redevelopment of the property into a series of mixed-use development blocks featuring office, retail, and multifamily residential buildings, as well as urban style residential townhomes as a component of a larger, approximately 60-acre walkable, interjurisdictional neighborhood which straddles the boundary of Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church,” according to the

application.

“The property comprises five parcels of record, containing approximately 24 acres in the aggregate, and is located in the Dranesville Magisterial District.

In addition to the Metrorail station, the property consists of a transit bus loop, a six-level approximate 1,200 space parking garage, a surface commuter parking lot, two access roads and a stormwater management pond. The entirety of the property is located within a quarter-mile radius of the Metro station.

“The Metrorail station has provided transit service to the greater Falls Church area since opening in 1986. Following the 2014 completion of Phase 1 of the Metrorail Silver Line, rail and bus ridership atr the Metrorail station declined by approximately 64 percent. Concurrent with this ridership decline, the City began moving forward with redevelopment of the former George Mason High School into an approximately 10 acre high-density mixeduse neighborhood known as the West Falls development site. The City also began construction of

its new Meridian High School.

At the same time, Virginia Tech expressed interest in redeveloping its Northern Virginia Center into a mixed use development. These factors encouraged WMATA to consider redevelopment of its property in a way tha would link the property, the West Falls site and the Virginia Tech site into one larger mixed-use community to help drive transit ridership,” the application stated.

The land use recommendations seek to transform the properties into a high-density, pedestrian oriented, transit oriented community in a way that is Metrorail-oriented and compatible with surrounding neighborhoods, it stated.

The WMATA land would include up to 810 multifamily units and up to 90 townhomes and an office building comprising a maximum of 110,000 square feet of office floor area, including up to 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail with a resultant density of 0.96 floor-to-area ratio.

The report adds that “housing affordability has figured prominently into the proposed design, and the provision of affordable

and workforce housing is a critical strategy in addressing regional affordability issues, providing 15 percent of for-sale units as affordable and 10 percent of the rental units as workforce dwelling units.

As a “catalyst” the project “will encourage consumers and visitors to patronize commercial uses on and in the vicinity of the property, adding “vitality to the area’s economy, as new residents will drive demand for retail and locally-serving office uses, which will have a very positive fiscal impact.”

Publicly-accessible open spaces and experiential community gathering areas are proposed that include an urban park and green, a transit plaza, a dog park and play space, and a “nature play space.”

Comprising 2.1 acres in aggregate, they “will meet the total urban parkland goal for the property and create a public realm centered on the collection of public spaces and their connectedness, offering the ability for pedestrians to pause, socialize, interact with one another, and increase urban vitality.”

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PAGE 4 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Lewis Promoted to Director of Housing and Human Services Continued from Page 1

conversations with people in the community and on City staff is her knowledge and experience with City programs, her ideas on how to grow these services and broaden their reach, her dedication and commitment to the people we serve, and her positive and collaborative leadership style. The latter attribute has been particularly important the past 20 months as HHS staff have been constantly challenged to develop new solutions for emergency assistance to people most severely impacted by the pandemic, and have been right at the front of the City’s response to this crisis.”

Lewis began her career with the City as part of the Department of Human Services 16 years ago as a Senior Housing Specialist and served as the Deputy Director of the Department of Housing and Human Services before her promotion.

“I’ve been working in the community for a long time and I really feel like I’m a part of Falls Church.

I love my job,” said Lewis in an interview with the News-Press.

Affordable housing is just one of the major projects that Lewis

will be handling in her new position. After speaking with Cindy Mester in last week’s edition and Lewis this week, it can be seen that making more options for affordable housing is one of the top priorities for City staff.. Lewis announced at the meeting of the Economic Development Authority Tuesday that she will be seeking a development specialist to help her department carry out its affordable housing mission.

The City received grants from Virginia Housing and Amazon last year to help turn these visions into reality as Northern Virginia remains an expensive place to live.

The community impact grant from Virginia Housing helped to bring out a consultant to help the City detail their goals for affordable housing. After making a plan, the City has been able to begin acting on these goals.

One of the Amazon grants is to help create homeownership opportunities within the City. According to Lewis, this means “working with the NHP Foundation, [the City] is going to purchase units in the City, rehab them to sell at an affordable price.”

The second Amazon grant will be used to “set up an acquisition strike fund” which will allow the City to purchase units at Virginia Village to rehab and keep at an affordable price.

“We are going to be able to purchase units to keep them affordable as that’s one of the few remaining market-rate affordable rentals in the City and we want to keep them that way,” said Lewis. “We’ll do the necessary work to rehab them and keep them up to date. Our longterm goal is to eventually assemble those units so we can create a larger number of affordable units. We want to preserve the units that are there and eventually create more.”

When it comes to affordable housing, there are different levels of income to be considered.

In Falls Church, very low income is considered to be 30 percent or under of area median income, which includes Housing Choice Voucher clients, with an income of $27,090 or less. Low income includes those who are eligible for City Committed Affordable Units with an income of $45,150 or less.

Those considered to be at the midlevel are eligible for the Affordable

Dwelling Unit (ADU) program and have an income of $54,180 or less.

Those making between $72,240 and $99,330 may qualify for some ADUs and will be included in the new Amazon Homeownership Program.

The City currently has six committed four-plex ADU properties, with two additional complexes expected to be added in the future, for a total of 86 units currently.

There is currently a waitlist for ADUs with people in different priority levels. Priority one includes those who live or work in the City and are elderly and/or disabled.

Priority two includes those who live and/or work in the city. Priority three includes those with no relation to the City. Over 100 people currently sit on the waitlist.

Lewis stated that she plans to preserve the affordable housing units that the City currently has and work to improve them, stating that the issues at the Fields apartments are some of her biggest priorities.

“We’re working together to try to improve the conditions there and work to create a plan for what to do when the tax credits expire in 2027. When those credits expire

we want to make sure that the over 90 residents who live there remain in the City because they’re very important to us,” said Lewis about the work being done at the Fields Apartments.

Increasing community engagement is another priority high on Lewis’ list. This means working to ensure that citizens’ voices are heard and their input is taken into account when making decisions that will affect them directly.

Additionally, Lewis will be working with Aurora House, a residential counseling center for girls aged 16 — 21 in the City that offers both short and long-term community-based treatment to girls from Falls Church and the surrounding area. This is a program that is directly at the intersection of both housing and human services.

Finally, Lewis wants to continue to work to meet the needs of the City’s more vulnerable populations— something that has been a top priority since the pandemic began. This included helping people to pay their rent, buy food and much more. As the pandemic continues, this will remain a priority.

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The Ongoing Fight For Democracy

Today, January 6, 2022, marks the first anniversary of the massive physical assault on the nation’s Capitol that threatened to overthrow the democratic institutions of our republic at the instigation of then-sitting president Donald Trump. Even now, just one year later, the very notion that this thug, this criminal sociopath had actually held the position of President of the United States seems eerily surrealistic and uncanny to many, myself included. It was like a four-year hiatus of unreality, viewed FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS from hindsight, even as we picked through it day by day for an incredible four full years.

Even as it began to look like there was an end in sight, that Trump would not win re-election, there were those who warned us that he would not go easily, that he would break whatever rules might be in his way to stay in office. I can remember how such a troubling prediction at once filled me with dread, and at the same time felt so true. Yes, it was HBO commentator Bill Maher, among others I recalled then, who kept insisting on this, and it was a claim that proved right.

Now, we are getting to see a picture of the inside of this coup attempt as the select Congressional committee presses ahead in its investigation, making key findings public that draw a line of infamy directly to Trump. Suddenly, what was beginning to fade into bad memories has been revived in the immediacy of what transpired on January 6, 2021. Even those of us watching it all on live TV did not realize the extent of the insurrection, for there were not enough angles to be shown to capture the real essence of what was happening.

I simply remember that when order was restored and the recording of the Electoral College vote was resumed, duly establishing the lawful election of Joe Biden as the new president, that I became truly emotional, tears rolling down my cheeks as I watched. And I didn’t even know how close the nation, how close democracy, had come to being overturned that very day.

As Sen. Jamie Raskin revealed in an interview with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on the eve of this anniversary, he had been part of a team of Democratic lawmakers that had been tasked to evaluate every possible way that Trump and his cronies might try to legally prevent the transfer of power to Biden. They thought they had anticipated every possible avenue, but they didn’t count on the crass use of force and violence, the overthrow of the rule of law, altogether.

Indeed, it came down to the fact that on an individual level, there were enough citizens at the scene, engaged in pitched battles, whose strength became steeled in the heat of the violence such that they refused to allow the insurrection to succeed. They met the onslaught with an almost superhuman resolve so the coordinated physical assault on the Capitol failed despite being outmanned by cadres of insurrectionists who had laid out their plans and anticipated success.

Yes, we came as a nation far closer to losing our democracy that day than we may ever come to fully appreciate.

And yes, the coup is not over. Trump and his minions are actively engaged in plotting and carrying out their next steps. It is going to take a national mobilization as committed to protecting our democracy, and the rights of every citizen provided by it, as those who fought on that day a year ago to hold their ground against the lawless and cruel insurgency that easily could have resulted in the loss of life of numerous lawmakers as well as Vice President Pence.

Every bit as impassioned as the millions of Americans were who took to the streets to demonstrate against the election of Trump in January 2017, who mobilized over those four surreal years to boot him out and put Democrats in control of Congress, we the people are going to have to rise up again in 2022 to hold this fascist movement at bay once again.

We must not allow flaccid disappointments of Congressional entropy to deter us. We fight for the future of democracy.

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JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 5

Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

If you agree that immigrants enrich our community, you can guess that the way to Arlingtonians’ hearts is through our stomachs.

I tasted this phenomenon last month when I sampled an Ethiopian-style spinach sambusa, marble cake and a latte at the Dama Pastry Restaurant and Café.

That ethnic cuisine success story at 1505 Columbia Pike near the Air Force Memorial does more than its share to localize the traditionally gentle culture of that East African nation.

I’ve long been partial to Ethiopian fare, with its spongy injera bread you handle sensually in lieu of a fork to devour spicy meat and vegetable stews by hand. The influx of Ethiopians to our area in recent decades is manifest in the refugee settlement agency just off the Pike called the Ethiopian Community Development Council.

And my own experience, as a frequent user of taxi cabs before my retirement as a reporter downtown, is that a huge percentage of those hard-working drivers hail from Addis Ababa or surroundings.

Columbia Pike, one of our county’s oldest thoroughfares and now Arlington’s diversity corridor, hosts several Ethiopian eateries, among them Ethio Café and Greens N Teff in Columbia Heights, and, just over the Falls Church line, Meaza Restaurant.

At Dama’s café on this crowded Monday lunch hour, I basked in the African music on stereo amid two dozen patrons— their mutual familiarity suggests they are regulars.

On the walls are original paintings of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, President Obama and, as another sign of Americanization, a departed friend’s Pittsburgh Steelers jacket. A community bulletin board advertises distance learning opportunities and health services.

In the next room is a counter selling books, CDs, spices and injera bread in plastic bags.

In the quieter restaurant room (open at night), I chatted with Hailu Dama, the manager who came to the United States in 1981. He runs the business with his sister, the baker Almaz Dama, who came over in 1974.

What in 1998 started as a restaurant expanded in 2000 to include a coffee shop, named for their “kind soul” father, who died in 1967. In 20 years, they’ve expanded the main business to catering, Hailu explains, for graduations, baptisms and memorial services. While the clients are chiefly Ethiopians, they serve many American corporations, including the high-rise Sheraton Hotel next door. Dama provides jobs for 10-15 full-time staff, plus part-timers for catering.

The menu is a lesson in crosscultural awareness. You can experiment with firfir (a breakfast dish like Huevos Rancheros), or kitifo (chopped beef tartar)

or Doro Wot chicken stew. But you can also get good ol’ egg sandwiches, fries, split peas and seafood.

With the fancy coffees come pies and cakes, in white and dark chocolate, plus cream puffs, Italian Rum, and raspberry lemon pastries.

Hailu, who lives in Annandale (Arlington, he notes, has become very expensive), expresses concern when I ask about the tragic ethnic violence over the past two years in the Ethiopia’s Tigray region. “The United States should do more,” replies Hailu, who does visit the homeland.

As for Covid, Hailu reports that his eatery shut down for the first two months in 2020, then opened partially when the county allowed them to fill 10 seats.

“The help we got from the county was unbelievable,” he added.

“I’m so glad I work in Arlington County.” *** As our ever-more-expensiveto-live-in county eyes zoning for more “accessory dwelling units,” one friend’s family legacy is worth noting.

Diane Doughty Pollack, who grew up in the 1950s-60s in three different Arlington houses, tells me her father built not one but three playhouses-cum-sheds in all three backyards. One at 3400 N. Edison St., another on 2704 N. Lexington St. and a third on 369 N. Granada St. Her father’s DIY construction was clearly done with loving care: Six decades later they all are still standing.

PAGE 6 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 

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E D I TO R I A L

Connelly Deserves To Be F.C. Mayor

City of Falls Church’s Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly has indicated she is willing to accept should her colleagues on the City Council select her to serve as mayor for the next two years, and we think it is a splendid idea. The Council will vote on the matter next Monday.

This is nothing against the City’s current mayor David Tarter.

There is no question but that he has served for eight years with great distinction, being elected by his colleagues every two years for four terms, tying the record in the Little City for length of service in this role. We expect that Mr. Tarter, if replaced in his role for the next two years, would continue to serve his community as one of seven Council members with the same commitment and talent he has up until now.

We have the greatest of admiration and respect for his tireless efforts to this point.

But over the period of his service, Vice Mayor Connelly has shown an equal measure of talent and commitment, and her service has resulted in her regularly being the highest single vote getter of any of the candidates for Council in the last three of her elections. In 2013, she won the most votes with 3,520, in 2017 she won the most votes with 3,715 and in 2021 she won the most votes with 4,303.votes.

Each time, her totals have gone further up. It could be the first time in City history that the same person has gained the highest total each time she’s run, and the first time a person who has had the highest total among all the candidates in the race she’s competed in for three consecutive elections has not been rewarded for that achievement by being elected mayor.

Therefore, in our view, the fact that she has accomplished these results consistently over almost a decade has not resulted in her election as mayor could almost be seen as a slight. Moreover, she was joined by the election of two other women this November, Deborah Schantz-Hiscott and Caroline Lian, giving women a majority on the Council for the first time in the history of the City, itself more than justifying Connelly’s election as mayor.

After all, the position of mayor in the City’s form of government is largely symbolic, anyway. The mayor represents the City at countless events and ceremonies, mostly for domestic consumption. To have a woman’s face in all those photo opportunities would better reflect the true nature of the City.

The fact that Connelly also has an ongoing role with the public schools here, being an employee, is even more reason for her to become mayor. She has contributed to the hard-won concord on the Council between the City and its schools and as mayor her role would elevate a wider public perception of the importance that the schools rightly enjoy in the City.

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Reflecting on 10 Years as a U.S. Citizen From the Internet upon the 10th anniversary of his arrival in the U.S.: “I landed in the United States 10 years ago with nothing but credit card debt. After one startup exit, one big tech job, and one unicorn, I genuinely believe that it wouldn’t have been possible anywhere else in the world. Here are 10 things that I love about this country: “1. Work Ethic. First thing I noticed was that everyone regardless of occupation took pride in doing a bang-up job, even when no one looked. I asked people: ‘why do you pour everything into a job even when it is seemingly thankless?’

And it was like asking fish ‘what is water?’

“2. Lack of corruption. In the 10 years in the US, I’ve never been asked for a bribe, and that’s surprising. When you know that you predictably get to keep a sizeable portion of the value you create and that no one will arbitrarily stop you, it makes it easier to be ambitious.

“3. Win-win mindset. People don’t try to screw you on deals, they play the long game, and align incentives in such a way that everyone wins. This is especially apparent in Silicon Valley where you can’t underestimate anyone because one day you might be working for them.

“4. Rewarding talent. From sports to engineering, America is obsessed with properly rewarding talent. If you’re good, you’ll get recognized. The market for talent is dynamic—if you don’t feel valued today, you can find a better place tomorrow.

“5. Open to weirdos. Because

Got Beef?

Send us a letter and let us know what you think.

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Email letters@fcnp.com Fax 703-342-0347 Mail or drop off Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

you never know where the next tech, sports, or arts innovation will come from, America had to be open to weirdness. Weirdos thrive without being crushed. We employ people with the most interesting backgrounds—dropouts to artists— they’re awesome!

“6. Forgiveness. Weird and innovative people have to put themselves out there, and as part of that, they’re going to make mistakes in public. The culture here values authenticity, and if you’re authentic and open about your failures, you’ll get a second and a third chance.

“7. Basic infrastructure.

Americans take care of their public spaces. Parks are clean, subways and busses run on time, and utilities & services just work. Because life can be livable for a time without income, it was possible for us to quit our jobs and bootstrap our business.

“8. Optimism. When you step foot in the US there is a palpable sense of optimism. People believe that tomorrow will be better than today. They don’t know where progress will come from, but that’s why they’re open to differences. When we started up even unbelievers encouraged us.

“9. Freedom. Clearly a cliche, but it’s totally true. None of the above works if you’re not free to explore & tinker, to build companies, and to move freely. I still find it amazing that if I respect the law and others, I can do whatever I want without being compelled/restricted.

“10. Access to capital. It’s a lot harder to innovate & try to change the world without capital. If you have a good idea & track record, then someone will be willing to bet on you. The respect for entrepreneurship in this country is inspiring.

And it makes the whole thing tick.”

Amjad Masad

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JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� Staying Hopeful During Trying Times in the New Year B� T�� R��. D�. M. D����� K�������

“Hold On to hope!”

Face it, as we enter a new year, 2022, our lives still feel out of control. In the Epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul is helping early Christians deal with challenges beyond their control: getting along with one another, sinfulness and forgiveness, political and economic issues. Sound familiar? He offers them and us a message of hope. “…suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured into our hearts…” Romans 5:3-5.

Paul offers four words to guide us during these challenging times: suffering, endurance, character, and hope.

Suffering. Suffering is simply part of the human condition. We today, living in the Falls Church community are suffering from a pandemic of Covid-19 that has changed our lives in many ways. Look at what we have been dealing with: masks, vaccines, hospitalizations and deaths, testing. Add to this, we have been facing inflation and supply chain problems; a divided government unable to get things done; and-- just in time for the holiday season- nightmare travel stories. We are exhausted. Our patience has run out.

Endurance. Suffering leads to endur-

ance. Throughout this pandemic, I have been asked and have heard others asking the same question, “How are you holding up?” This speaks to our endurance.

Endurance is how we will continue to

“Hold on to hope when we feel our lives have been shattered. Hold onto hope when we are ready to give up. Don’t let go!

carry on despite the obstacles and hardships of life. Endurance is the key to our lives today. When our lives are filled with challenges, disappointments, and suffering, we look not only to ourselves, but to others. Endurance sustains us in these turbulent times.

Character. Endurance leads to character. How are we going to act in our endurance? Integrity. Character is how we live our lives. Character is how people see us for who we are through our words and actions towards others. Some examples of character are kindness, self-control, goodness, peace, love, and faithfulness.

Hope. Character leads to hope. Hope is something to look forward to. Hope is something to believe in. Hope is an expectation. We are going to get through

this storm. We believe that God’s love is pouring into our lives, seeing us through these difficult times.

As a United Methodist pastor in the City of Falls Church, I have learned a lesson related to COVID-19 using these four words: suffering, endurance, character and hope.

The COVID pandemic came upon us at Dulin Church in March 2020. Like many churches, we had to close our doors. Some churches began to record worship services while others began livestreaming. I was in a quandary over what to do. I was stuck. I prayed asking God for help discerning how to make this transition.

One of our youth, Luke Batarseh, a 10th grader, contacted me and said, “Pastor Dave, I can record the worship services, edit them, and then place them on the church website.” What a godsend.

As we have moved to livestreaming, staff and Dulin disciples led in purchasing equipment, helping design a multi-media booth, and telling me each week, “It’s going to be alright Pastor Dave!” Each week I would simply say, “Just tell me what to do.” I was given hope my ministry would continue, though in a totally different way.

“Tell me what to do!” That is my point. Usually, in our typical “DMV” way, we think we have all the tools ourselves to take care of families, perform high expectation jobs, and excel at every-

thing else.

We now are in a “new-normal”, as they say. I think the new normal is believing that we don’t have to do everything by ourselves. It’s ok to ask for help.

We reach out to one another.

How do we do this?

We turn to our neighbor we hardly know to share stories of present-day challenges.

Setting aside any differences, we turn to family members for guidance and comfort.

We treat one another with new-found respect.

We offer kind words backed up by thoughtful actions.

We give thanks to those in public service who work to ensure our community’s health and safety.

We will get though these challenges… but only if we face them together. As we practice the “new normal”, let us practice forgiveness rather than punishmentworking for the common good rather than our own self interests.

So, hold on to hope in 2022. Hold on to hope when we feel our lives have been shattered. Hold on to hope when we are ready to give up! Don’t let go!

God is not going to give up on us!

Hold on to hope!

The Reverend Doctor M. Davies Kirkland is the minister of Dulin United Methodist Church

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PAGE 8 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

It’s been exactly a year since the unprecedented and horrific assault on the United States Capitol, perpetrated

by Donald Trump’s supporters and others bent on preventing Congressional certification of the 2020 presidential election results. It’s been almost six years since the Washington Post published a series of editorials that warned about the “bullying demagogue” who eventually would become the 45th president of the United States.

The violence the editors feared played out on live television, worldwide, on January 6, 2021, following a course that began years earlier. During the 2016 campaign, Mr. Trump espoused force as the best way to meet challenges, whether immigration, public safety, or relationships with our allies.

A recent Washington Post-University of Maryland poll of 1100 people revealed that nearly one-third of respondents said that violence against the government sometimes is justified. Sixty percent thought that Mr. Trump bears a great deal of the blame for the January 6 attack. On that same question, not surprisingly, 92 percent of Democrats blamed Trump, but only 27 percent of Republicans agreed.

Similar results were reported in a September 2021 poll of 2000 residents in five Intermountain West states – Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – commissioned by the Frank Church Institute at Boise State University (FCI/BSU). I worked on Capitol Hill for nearly two decades, and served on the FCI Board. The FCI/ BSU poll indicated that 58 percent of respondents overall said that political violence is not justified in a democracy; the better solution is the ballot box. Accounting by state, those responses ranged from a high of 62 percent in Idaho to 47 percent in Wyoming. More Republicans than Democrats said that political violence is justified in a democracy when you believe that the government is not acting in the best interests of the people, although “best interests” was not defined. In the same survey, more than half (56 percent) had confidence that the federal government would act in their best interests, and even fewer had confidence in the U. S. Congress. More than 70 percent of adults in the five states said the actions of the January

6 mob were not justified. Respondents also said that Mr. Trump was most responsible for violence at the Capitol.

More than half the respondents also said that it is likely that the U.S. would experience violence, similar to the events of January 6, in the future.

The two surveys are separated by time and geography, but a basic shared theme is the future of our democracy.

One of the Washington Post editorials warned that Mr. Trump’s “contempt for constitutional norms might reveal the nation’s two-century-old experiment in checks and balances to be more fragile than we knew.” Another posited that “A President Trump could, unilaterally, change this country to its core.” Both comments were prescient: democracy is more fragile than many expected, and the nation has been changed – by lies, denigration, scapegoating, and conspiracy theories, from elected leaders and their followers.

So now what? Can our democracy be strengthened and saved? If so, whose responsibility is it? The answer to the first, I hope, is yes. The answer to the second is all of us. Whether elected official or ordinary citizen, if we truly treasure the democratic ideals that built and sustained this nation, we must do everything necessary to continue this great experiment – the only one of its kind in the world. The Declaration of Independence was a gutsy move by the nation’s founders, but it is the Constitution that provides the framework for governance.

It is broad, as it should be, and its various amendments (only 12 in the past 120 years) have broadened it. The nation’s founders recognized that independence and governance are not a “winner take all” equation, but that promoting the common good requires compromise, sometimes a lot of it. Fortunately, last year’s violent attempt to strangle that ideal failed. Whether Democrat, Republican, independent, or unaffiliated, we all must work to ensure that there is no next attempt, violent or non-violent. The future of our nation depends on it.  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

C RI M E R E PO RT Week of Dec. 27, 2021 — Jan. 2, 2022

arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal.

Driving Under the Influence, Leesburg Pike, Dec 28, 1:21 AM, a male, 29, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

Fraud, Van Buren St, Dec 29, 9:04 AM, an incident of fraud was reported.

Driving Under the Influence, W Broad St, Jan 1, 1:25 AM, a white male, 20, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Underage Possession of Alcohol, Underage Possession of Marijuana Products and Open Container.

Driving Under the Influence, S Maple Ave, Dec 29, 11:46 PM, a male, 30, of Arlington, VA, was

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, Jan 1, 2:01 AM, a female, 21, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested

for Drunk In Public.

Driving Under the Influence, W Broad St, Jan 2, 2:47 AM, a female, 40, of Arlington, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

www.FCNP.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report This past weekend we welcomed the year 2022 with open arms and the hope for better days ahead. Once again, Mother Nature took control with a powerful snowstorm that followed balmy weather that started the New Year. Due to the volume of precipitation, the number of wrecks, and the intensity of the storm, VDOT could not do its job effectively. This comes as no consolation for thousands of travelers trying to get ahead of the weather by driving directly into the bullseye of the storm. It was a brutal start of the year. Is there any doubt climate change is affecting our planet?

The Covid-19 pandemic is surging with its highly transmissible Omicron variant. To date, Virginia has seen more than 1.1 million cases and sadly lost more than 15,000 individuals. More than 78% of adults in the Commonwealth are vaccinated against the virus and more than two million have received a booster shot. Additionally, 50%+ of 5 to 17-year-olds are vaccinated.

Despite the contagiousness of the new variant, deaths from the virus are still well below peak numbers in February and March 2021.

January 6, 2021 marks the infamous anniversary of a heinous attack on our democracy. Mob violence inspired by the loser of the presidential election, perpetrated a barbaric assault at the US Capitol. This brutal attack threatened the Vice President, members of Congress, as well as resulted in numerous deaths of Capitol Police that were beaten and outnumbered until reinforcements were sent to reclaim the Capitol. Rising to its Constitutional duty, Congress was able to certify the election of President Joe Biden.

Last November 2, Virginians cast their ballots in races for the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and House of Delegates.

On January 15, Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears, and Jason Myares will take their oaths of office at the Virginia Capitol. By contrast, this inauguration will follow tradition with members from both sides of the aisle escorting the governor-elect to the ceremony. It will be a seamless transition of power from Governor Northam and his Administration.

Once again, Virginia, the cradle of democracy will show the nation what the founding fathers envisioned with fair elections.

The year 2022 marks the enactment of additional laws here in the Commonwealth and in the

35th District. The minimum wage in Virginia increased to $11/hour on January 1 thanks to work by Democrats in the VA House and Senate. The rate will increase again on January 1, 2023 to $12/hour.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2022 through Jan. 1, 2025 car insurance liability policies will cover more in cases of bodily injury or death. Liability insurance will now cover $30,000 when one person is injured or killed instead of $25,000. In cases involving two people, coverage goes from $50,000 to $60,000.

Starting January 1, Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria began to impose a 5-cent tax per disposable plastic bag used at retail establishments and grocery stores.

This nation uses 100 billion plastic bags a year, each of which takes 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill.

The environmental toll is severe and the solution is easy… reusable and durable bags as well as easilyrecyclable paper bags. The tax starts April 1 in the City of Falls Church.

Looking ahead to the upcoming General Assembly, nurturing our economic comeback and keeping Virginia the best place to do business remain top priorities of mine.

The health and well-being of businesses directly correlates to putting food on the table for Virginians.

Covid-19 has certainly left its mark on the workplace demonstrating a need to revisit paid leave for working families, worker’s compensation guidelines, and worker protections.

Key elements of public education will be front and center in 2022.

The workforce of the future will require different skills and certifications and is likely to morph due to a shrinking pool of workers. I remain steadfast in providing the support needed to fill that critical pipeline that best positions Virginians.

It is widely rumored attempts may be made to roll back some of the progress made in areas of the environment, women’s reproductive rights, and the election process. Virginia has taken great strides enabling voter participation and ensuring safe and secure elections in the previous legislative sessions.

I will lead the fight to protect these past legislative gains.

I am sure there will be no shortage of hot button issues during session. As Majority Leader, I will do my part to ensure a civil and democratic review of the things that matter most to Virginians.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 6 - 12, 2021 | PAGE 9

2022 New Year, New You Fitness Guide

BY AMANDA SNEAD

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

For many, a new year means creating a list of resolutions to keep throughout the year— particularly when it comes to getting in shape, working out more or just being more healthy in general are some of the most common resolutions.

Everyone’s fitness journey is different. According to research

by RunRepeat, 50% of people quit their gym membership after six months so finding the type of workout that works best for you is important.

Falls Church is filled with a wide variety of gyms, personal trainers and workout classes to help you get started or continue your fitness journey.

FIT4MOM Falls Church Vienna Fairfax offers workouts for mothers seven days a week

in multiple formats with classes as short as 10 minutes, gentle stretching classes, strength training, HIIT and offers Run Club Coaching multiple times a year. In addition to fitness classes, FIT4MOM provides social and emotional support through their “Mom Squad,” which offers playdates, field trips, educational events for moms and kids, Moms’ Nights Outs, and gives back to the community through sponsorships, volunteering and hosting events like diaper drives. This is perfect for moms with a busy schedule who still want to make time for themselves and their health.

You can contact owner Jaclyn Robertson at jaclynrobertson@ fit4mom.com or general manager Amy Currier at amycurrier@ fit4mom.com for more information.

Jazzercise is another great

option if you’re looking for group classes with offerings both in person and virtually. These classes incorporate HIIT cardio dance moves with strength training for a full-body workout with classes for those at any level. Jazzercise is currently offering a special for the new year which includes a 30-day digital wellness plan and access to On Demand for one month with the purchase of any recurring monthly membership. This deal is available through Friday, January 7th.

Jazzercise of Falls Church is located at 513 W. Broad Street.

Call 703-237-9000 or email fallschurchjazzercise@gmail. com for more details. A class schedule and more information can be found at jazzercise.com/ location/falls-church-jazzercise.

If you’re looking for a little more guidance, a personal

trainer might be the way to go.

Functional Fitness VA offers virtual and on-site personal training, kettlebell instruction and sports-specific training in addition to group classes. They also have partnerships with other health professionals offering services such as physical therapy, cupping and more to keep you meet all of your health goals.

Functional Fitness VA is located at 350 S. Washington St. #2. For more information, visit functionalfitnessva.com.

Fit Theorem aims to transform lives, minds, bodies and spirits through fitness. They offer kickboxing classes as well as kettlebell/kickboxing classes. Classes require registration in advance with a maximum of 18 people to allow for safe social distancing. They are currently offering a special which

includes three free classes, an InBody Scan and a nutrition consultation.

Fit Theorem is located at 6138-B Arlington Blvd. For more information, call 571-7712080 or email fallschurch@fittheorem.com. You can also visit fittheorem.com/fallschurch/ to send them a message with any questions.

Capstone Performance aims to bridge the gap between an athletes on-field and off-field training by prioritizing an athlete’s mobility, stability, speed, strength, power, conditioning, nutrition and recovery. You can schedule an evaluation to help set goals for your training before getting started and receive a complimentary group training session. They offer group, partner, private and team sessions.

Capstone Performance Training is located at 444 W.

Celebrating our 60th Birthday!

4 Week Beginner Trial - just $175

(reg $195)

*Uniform included *2 classes per week *Flexible schedule *Ages 5 and older *New students only For over 59 years (Since 1962), Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do has offered the best martial arts instruction for children in Northern Virginia. All classes are taught by certified adult Black Belt instructors trained within our system (we do not hire outside of our organization).

We will help develop your child’s focus, balance, and coordination but more importantly their confidence through character building. Your child will actually have fun with discipline! We invite you to stop in and observe a class with your child to see why we are the best choice for children. Please visit our website for our class schedule and to make an appointment.

Mention this ad before 2/1/21and get an additional $25 off !

1136 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA (Birch & Broad) 703-237-7433

JhoonRheeTKD.com

PAGE 10 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

2022 New Year, New You Fitness Guide Broad St., Suite B. For more information, visit their website at capstoneperformancetraining.com.

Whether you’re already a pilates pro or a beginner, Betty Body Pilates offers programs based on your personal needs and desires. Their instructors come from a variety of different backgrounds from physical therapy to martial arts. They currently offer both private and partner sessions as well as reformer and tower classes for groups.

Better Body is located at 105 E. Annandale Rd., Unit 210. You can find out more about their services at betterbodystudio. com or email info@betterbodystudio.com.

If crossfit is more your speed, the Little City has you covered! Tinner Hill Crossfit offers programs for both beginners

(those with less than two years of crossfit experience) and veterans (those with two or more years of experience). For those looking to work out from home, they also offer virtual training and have videos available on their website to guide you through various workouts.

Tinner Hill Crossfit is located at 336 S. Washington St. For more information on the services they offer, visit tinnerhillcrossfit.com.

If yoga is more your pace, The Yogi Underground offers a wide variety of yoga classes, both in person and virtually.

This studio aims to create a safe space for discovery, whether you are just starting out with yoga or are a seasoned pro.

New students can get 30 days of classes for $30 by registering online on their website!

The Yogi Underground is

located at 450 N. Washington St. For more information, visit email info@theyogiunderground.com or visit theyogiunderground.com. Class passes and gift certificates are also available.

Looking to try out boxing or kickboxing? TITLE Boxing Club can provide a full body workout. Sessions are offered anywhere from 30 minutes to 75 so you can find something that fits in with your schedule.

The studio is dedicated to giving people of all ages, all bodies, and all abilities the most empowering workout of their lives.They also offer a variety of different membership options depending on how often you’re looking to get a workout in.

TITLE Boxing Club is located at 450 N. Washington St. To learn more about their offerings or schedule a workout,

Online and in-person classes available!

513 W. Broad St., #230, Falls Church, VA 22046

703-237-9000

fallschurchjazzercise@gmail.com

visit titleboxingclub.com/fallschurch-va/.

If you’re in need of physical therapy, Body Dynamics Inc. works beyond just a rehab checklist to help you get back to where you need to be. They have a team of fitness trainers and medical professionals that collaborate to help bring you the best care possible. One-onone appointments are offered in addition to small groups depending on your needs, as well as assessments and special programs.

Body Dynamics Inc. is located at 410 S. Maple St. Email Ask@bodydynamicsinc.com with any questions or visit bodydynamicsinc.com for more information.

Looking to try out barre?

Pure Barre offers one free class for those who are new to barre!

Barre uses techniques from bal-

let, pilates and yoga for a lowimpact, high-intensity workout for your whole body. There are a variety of different classes using weights, resistance bands and other tools. You can also check out their app for class times and availability.

Pure Barre is located at 2121 N. Westmoreland St. More information can be found online at purebarre.com/location/fallschurch-va.

If you’re more interested in working out alone and in need of a gym, there are plenty of those too. Falls Church is home to a 24 Hour Fitness and a Planet Fitness in addition to all of the specialized gyms in the area offering more specific workouts and classes.

Whatever kind of workout you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Falls Church. Happy New Year!

www.tinnerhillcrossst.com

336 South Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia Marcus@tinnerhillcrossst.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 11 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

FALLS CHURCH

CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 Baby Storytime. Join TysonsPimmit Library for songs, rhymes, songs, stories and activities for you and your baby. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together in your lap. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Check in at the Children’s Information desk for tickets. This class is best for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Woodrow Wilson Storytime.

Join Woodrow Wilson Library to read stories, move your feet and have fun. Attendees will also be learning Spanish words as they fit with the theme of each program.

Please note masks are required for all people ages 2 and up. This program is limited to the first 15 people total. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Pimmit Library regardless of vaccination status. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

City Council Meeting. The City Council meets in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers. In-person capacity may be limited due to Covid-19 safety, and all attendees must wear a mask and stay socially distant at all times. The meeting can be viewed live online (fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings) or on FCCTV (Cox channel 11, RCN channel 2, Verizon channel 35).

Public comment can be made inperson or via MS Teams on any topic; sign-up by noon on the day of the meeting, fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 — 11 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 Baby Lapsit Storytime. Books, songs and bounces for our littlest friends at Tysons-Pimmit Library.

Babies will be in their caregiver’s lap while the grownup actively participates. Birth to 18 months.

(7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).

10:30 — 11 a.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12

Paws to Read with Lucy. Read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog, at Thomas Jefferson Library.

Bring your own book or choose a book from the library. Walk-ins welcome. Ages 6 — 12. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

Needlecraft Circle. Want to get crafty? Each Wednesday Thomas Jefferson Library teaches a new needlecraft! (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 — 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 10 Storytime Fun for Preschoolers.

Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration. Please check in at the information desk for tickets. Masks are once again required at Tysons-

Afterschool Activities and Adventures. Introducing After School Activities and Adventures: the after-school activity of the week at Woodrow Wilson Library.

It might be games, activities, or crafts! It’s always a surprise and fun. Ages 6 — 12. Limited to first 12 participants. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

THE OVERTONES, an a capella group from James Madison University, will be performing live on Tuesday, January 11 at Jammin’ Java. (Photo: Hunter Carrico)

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 Jehovah’s Favorite Choir. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $10. 7:30 p.m.

703-237-0300.

Thrillbillys. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 Torrey B. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 703237-8333.

Josh Duo Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Eaglemania. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $25. 8 p.m. 703-2370300.

Shartel & Hume. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 Josh Allen Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Cleidsner + Paul Bell. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $18 — 20. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Magic Trio Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Mitchell Norton. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 Kevin Dudley & Valarie Stewart.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

Band Battle Prelims: Night 1.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 — $20. 7 p.m. 703255-1566.

Honky Tonk Cassanovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd.,

Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

MONDAY, JANUARY 10 Tom Saputo Show.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 Open Mic with Josh and Andy.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

The JMU Overtones Live and in Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m.

703-255-1566.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 Open Mic. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Band Battle Prelims: Night 2.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 — $20. 7 p.m. 703255-1566.

Musiq Soul Child. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $79.50. 7:30 p.m.

703-549-7500.

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

PAGE 12 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 13

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�������� N��� � N���� Plastic Bag Tax Begins April 1 in City of Falls Church Beginning April 1, 2022, a fivecent tax on single-use disposable plastic bags will go into effect for grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores in the City of Falls Church. The same tax went into effect in Arlington and Fairfax Counties and the City of Alexandria on January 1. The City of Falls Church Council adopted the plastic bag tax as a step to reduce the negative environmental impacts of singleuse plastic bags.

To support the transition, all of the jurisdictions have been working closely with the Northern Virginia Regional Waste Management Board to align outreach, education, timelines, and common language for the localities to ensure consistency and clarity. A regional informational website contains answers to frequently asked questions and multilingual outreach materials for retailers. Reusable bags have also been distributed with information about the plastic bag tax to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefit recipients over the past few months.

The tax would not apply to plastic bags intended for reuse, plastic bags solely used to wrap, contain or package certain items (ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, produce, unwrapped bulk food items or perishable food items), plastic bags for dry cleaning or prescription drugs; multiple plastic bags sold in packages for garbage, pet waste or leaf removal.

Collected taxes may be used for

environmental cleanup; providing educational programs designed to reduce environmental waste, mitigating pollution and litter; or for providing reusable bags to benefit recipients of either Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC).

Hearing Doctors Giving the Gift of Hearing in 2022 Hearing Doctors is donating over $75,000 worth of hearing aids to members of the Washington, DC Metro community who are in need. In partnership with ReSound, Hearing Doctors is providing 11 pairs of hearing aids to those who cannot afford hearing devices.

As part of that effort, Hearing Doctors is now seeking nominations of people with hearing loss who are experiencing financial difficulty and would benefit from receiving a free pair of hearing aids. The rechargeable ReSound ONETM hearing aids are one of the top hearing devices available on the market today.

Hearing Doctors is waiving initial fitting and follow-up care fees for recipients.

“The holiday season is upon us and we want to give back to our community. We know how difficult the past couple of years have been for so many, and we are delighted to be able to give the gift of hearing to those in need in our community,” says Dr. Ana Anzola, principal of Hearing Doctors.

Nominations are made by filling in the form online at https:// www.HearingDoctors.com/gift.

FALLS CHURCH’S SIMON and Shelly van Steyn took to the grand marquee at the State Theater to announce the imminent arrival of their second child, due in May, putting little Cameron out of the ranks of an only child. (P����: S���� ��� S����) Nominations must be received by January 31, 2022.

Nominees must reside within 15 miles of a Hearing Doctors location to qualify. Only selected nominees will receive a pair of hearing aids. Recipients will be notified by Hearing Doctors on or after February 4, 2022.

Passport to the World of Music Begins Friday Join Creative Cauldron on a musical tour of the world in their intimate cabaret space, with a diverse

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musical line up specially curated

by Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau of the WAMMY Award-winning jazz samba group Veronneau. Enjoy blues, jazz, Latin, fusion, bluegrass, folk and a musical experience only the well travelled know. The 11th installment of the “Passport to the World” concert series promises another first rate music festival that allows you to travel the world without ever leaving Falls Church.

The event takes place January 7 — February 5.

Weekend one will focus on bluegrass, folk and country traditions

Weekend two will include artists who are new to Creative Cauldron.

Weekend three will focus on world traditions.

Weekend four includes performances of jazz and song .

The final weekend of the event will conclude with finale performances by Irene Jalenti and Veronneau.

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets for inperson performances or live streaming, visit Creative Cauldron’s website at creativecauldron.org/passport. html or call 703-436-9948.

JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 15

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

NEWS BRIEFS Final Verdict: Peterson to Be State Senator Beyer Assails Youngkin’s Appointment Of New State Resource Secretary Representing Falls Church The redistricting maps finally approved by the Virginia Supreme Court last week placed State Sen. Chap Peterson as the City of Falls Church’s new state senate representative, replacing veteran Sen. Dick Saslaw in a newly configured 34th District.

Peterson, based in the City of Fairfax in a Senate district that also includes Vienna, Oakton, Idyllwoodll and Tysons Corner, in addition to Falls Church, will maintain the role until facing the election in November 2023.

Del. Marcus Simon will continue to represent the City of Falls Church in the House of Delegates under the new district boundaries, and it is speculated by some that, whereas he was contemplating running for Saslaw’s Senate seat in 2023, he may run for Peterson’s seat now.

Updated Fiscal Impact Model for Falls Church Proposed Projects Presented An updated fiscal impact model for the City of Falls Church, aimed at better projecting the net revenue consequences of development projects, was presented to the City’s Economic Development Authority by Julie Herlands of TischerBise at the EDA’s meeting this Tuesday. The new model will come to the City Council for evaluation and approval next month.

The model currently under use was developed in the early 2000s, and the new model includes many more factors that contribute to the net worth of projected projects, including ranges from 25 plus-or-minus students in a project, online retail sales tax revenue, and retail and restaurant spending.

F.C.’s EDA Approves Acquisition of 310 S. Maple to Affordable Housing Roster By a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Falls Church Economic Development Authority board approved the acquisition of the four-plex at 310 S. Maple, being the fifth affordable four-plex in the Virginia Village complex acquired for use by the City. The sale price was $975,000 with credits and closing costs.

Deputy City Manager Cindy Mester told the group that with funds coming from Amazon and other sources, the City’s Affordable Housing Acquisition Strike Fund will grow to an excess of $8 million this spring.

Founder’s Row Announces Michelin Star Restaurant & Cuates Grill Opens New elegant restaurant openings in Falls Church announced this week include the Ellie Bird, announced coming to the Founder’s Row (see story, Page 19), with six more restaurants to follow in that complex (three in the senior housing and three more facing along Broad Street) and the Cuates Grill, finally opened in The Broadway in the location of the former Locker Room.

Another new highly-anticipated restaurant, Harvey’s, is due to open in The Byron soon, no specific date yet given.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Falls Church, who serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, issued the following statement yesterday on reports that Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin intends to appoint former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler to serve as Virginia’s next Secretary of Natural Resources: “Andrew Wheeler is one of the worst people the Governor-elect could have chosen for this job,” Beyer said. “Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, led the implementation of an EPA dirty air initiative his own agency estimated would lead to 1,400 premature deaths and breathing problems in thousands of people, many of them children. He led the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle environmental protections, selling out the American people and the EPA’s very mission to benefit corporate polluters. He violated the Trump Administration’s ethics pledge.

“After the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol one year ago, numerous senior Administration officials publicly condemned President Trump’s role in inciting the violence, including several Cabinet Members who resigned in protest. Andrew Wheeler stood by Trump and refused to criticize him.

“Putting an anti-environment ideologue in this important position would be a far cry from the kind of consensus-based, pragmatic leadership the Governor-elect promised. There are others with defensible records on environmental protection who would not compromise our natural resources or the moral and ethical standards Virginians expect and deserve. Governor-elect Youngkin can do better than this.”

Rep. Connolly Recounted His Experiences From Jan. 6 Insurrection In an article entitled “It Was an Attack on Our Hometown, How 11 Washingtonians Remember the Insurrection” in DC List, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Northern Virginia was “defiant,” he said, when “waiting on the House floor as a mob pounded on the door outside the chamber.”

According to his account, “Part of me, the Irish in me, didn’t like this… like ‘who is this mob to interrupt the workings of the House?’” as he saw dozens of angry faces, bodies slamming against the door. “And I’ll be damned if I was going to be intimidated by that crowd.”

The DC List report continued with Connelly’s recollection, “Many members of Congress stayed away from the floor that day — leaders asked those not involved to be elsewhere because of COVID concerns. But Connolly had never missed the counting of Electoral College votes in his 13 years as a representative.

“I was coming here, no matter what, and I was going to witness the counting of the ballots, given Trump’s assault on the legitimacy of the election, and his lies and false assertions,” he said.

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ACROSS 1. Real 5. High point 8. Medicine 12. Charged atoms 13. Hooter 14. Luxury 15. Long narrative 16. “____ More Night” 17. Wineglass part 18. Reattach a label 20. Fearful admiration 22. Dad 25. Bert’s friend on “Sesame Street”

29. Provided food 32. Yarn 33. Hearth residue 34. Unwanted breeze 36. Foot digit 37. “War and ____” 39. Fake 41. Moth-____ 42. Ripped 43. Solicit 45. Full of gossip 49. Woeful word 52. ____ a boy!

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 116

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

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21. Serious plays 23. Snarl 24. Skirt style 25. Bird of ill ____ 26. Titanic’s foe 27. Mama’s fellow 28. Amazed 29. Egg beverages 30. Toil

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ACROSS 1. Night hooter 4. Apiece 7. Sailing vessel 12. Big hairdo 13. “Where the Boys ____” 14. Royal headwear 15. Blow upon 16. Disappointed 17. Transform 18. Tired 20. Anxious 22. ____ space 24. Riot crowd 27. Scenic view 30. Shade of green 31. Roused

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50. Briny expanse 51. Cousins’ moms 52. Moral crime 53. Hazardous curve 54. Type of tea 55. Golf gadget

56. College cheer

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 118

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz 1. Name the nonprofit organization that promotes youth football and cheer/dance programs for some 325,000 participants worldwide?

2. What boxer defeated Felix Trinidad Jr. to claim the undisputed middleweight title in a 2001 bout at New York City’s Madison Square Garden?

3. “Better to lose honorably in a British car than win in a foreign one” is a quote attributed to what motorsports legend?

4. Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team settled a lawsuit over its new Guardians nickname with another Cleveland team that played what sport?

5. What was the original name of the Extreme Football League (X League) women’s tackle football association when it was founded in 2009?

6. What outdoor sports television program, produced and hosted by Babe Winkelman, first hit the airwaves in 1980?

7. The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is a road cycling race held annually in February in what country?

Last Week’s Answers 1. 40 • 2. Curt Flood • 3. Georges Vezina.

4. Sylvia Hanika • 5. The Harlem Globetrotters • 6. 11 7. The Statue of Liberty. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA City Council scheduled a public hearing and final action for the following item for Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TR21-32) RESOLUTION TO NAME THE STREETS AT THE WEST FALLS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on November 22, 2021. A continued public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard.

(TO21-17) ORDINANCE APPROVING DEED OF PARTIAL RELEASE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS, DEED IMPOSING NEW RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AND DEED TO VACATE EXISTING EASEMENT WHICH TRAVERSES THE CENTERLINE, FOR LOT(S) A AND B AS PART OF PROPERTY AT 405 NORTH VAN BUREN STREET RPC# 53-101-128, FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, BY OWNER/APPLICANT STEPHEN HISCOTT Public hearings are scheduled be held in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA. If the meeting is held in person, the public may sign up at the meeting or sign up to speak remotely at www.fallschurchva.gov/PublicComment before noon on the day of the meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

If it is deemed necessary to convene the meeting virtually because of the COVID-19 emergency, public hearings will be held electronically. The public may sign up to speak remotely at www.fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment before noon on the day of the meeting. Council members attend virtual meetings through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Variance application V1629-21 by Karen Stoll and Scott Hiromoto applicant and owner, for variances to Sections 48-238(3)a. and 481102(e)(1)c, to allow: (1) a front setback of 25.2 feet instead of 30 feet along the Jackson Street frontage, and (2) a side setback of 10.1 feet instead of 15 feet for the purpose of constructing a second story addition, and (3) a front porch setback of 18.7 feet instead of 22 feet for the extension of an existing porch extension on premises known as 600 Jackson Street, RPC #52-205-001 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.

Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for January 13, 2022, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard.

All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@ fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on January

JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 17

C L AS S I F I E DS

13, 2022. Virtual meeting link, agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information.

Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

Architectural Advisory Board (Alternate) Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church (at-large member) Board of Equalization Citizens’Advisory Committee on Transportation City Employee Review Board Economic Development Authority Environmental Sustainability Council Historic Architectural Review Board Human Services Advisory Council Library Board of Trustees Public Utilities Commission Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Towing Advisory Board (Towing Representative) Urban Forestry Commission Regional Boards/Commissions Long Term Care Coordinating Council Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission

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PAGE 18 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 42 • January 2, 1997

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 43 • January 12, 2012

School Board May Have to Pay All Dignan’s Contract

City of F.C. Faces Year of Opportunities, Challenges from Next Door Neighbor

Washington D.C. based experts in employment law have told the News-Press that the Falls Church School Board may be faced with having to pay out the full cost equivalent of the four year contract of Superintendent Dr. Patricia Dignan in negotiations now underway for an early termination of that contract.

The City of Falls Church moves into a 2012 that will be filled with those prospects of challenge and opportunity. The City has confronted extraordinary difficulties in recent years but a severe political and legal offensive from its oversized neighbor, Fairfax County.

F���� �� F���� C����� ZOE was adopted in January of last year and is celebrating her first adopt-iversary with her family! Zoe is well known from her daily walks in the neighborhood with her always wagging tail and unmistakable one eye. She loves car rides with her head sticking out of the passenger door and making friends at Birch & Broad!

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

I RAN INTO RYAN a day after Christmas who appeared to be just as busy as he was in the days leading up to the holiday. A Native of Quantico, Va, Ryan spent 20 years in New York before returning to the area. When asked if he had any parting words he quickly replied, ‘Thanks for keeping us employed!’ (P����: J. M������ W�����)

JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022 | PAGE 19

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h Business News & Notes Ellie Bird Lands Founders Row Restaurateurs Yuan and Carey Tang earned a Michelin star for their DC restaurant Rooster & Owl and are opening Ellie Bird in Falls Church with a focus on casual comfort food. Variations of the that menu will include seafood paella, miso Caesar salad, grilled corn ravioli and the famous pineapple buns.

This will be a family-friendly restaurant offering brunch, a kids menu, and a la carte offerings built for takeout or dine in. The Tangs grew up in Falls Church where they also began their careers in the industry. Yuan’s first job was at Red Lobster; Carey’s was at Applebee’s. Scheduled to open in late 2022, the 70-seat dining room and patio will feature fun wallpapers, neon lights, and bird-themed decor.

Transportation Projects Unveiled

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has received an update on the FY2022-2027 Six Year Program (SYP) and an overview of total applications. Nine Northern Virginia jurisdictions and localities submitted 26 applications to NVTA for funding consideration, totaling more than $1.2 billion. This includes one in Falls Church and the Ring Road project in Seven Corners. To review the summary of project applications, modal breakouts, and funding requests by each jurisdiction, visit the links: https://thenovaauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/FY2022-2027-SYP-ApplicationSummary-as-of-12.6.21.pdf and https://thenovaauthority.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SYP2022_27-Candidate-Projects-as-of-12.6.21.pdf The candidate projects for the FY2022-2027 SYP now advances to the detailed project evaluation phase.

Falls Church Distillers Closed On Christmas Eve, Falls Church Distillers closed the family-owned and operated business. The bar was taken apart to move to a new home it will share with Manassas-based Ticked Away Brewing Co. and the prominently displayed American flag was shipped to the widow who gave it to them. The fiveyear-old distillery made a range of whisky, brandy, run, vodka, gin and more recently hand sanitizer.

Customers will be able to get the company’s spirits at restaurants in the region as well as liquor stores.

Michael Paluzzi, owner, says the new location is expected to open this spring.

St. James Announces Annual Auction & Gala Saint James is inviting all Falls Church businesses to support the Saint James Annual Auction and Gala that will take place on February 12, 2022. Saint James Catholic School has been a community fixture since 1906 and is the second largest elementary school in the Diocese of Arlington, with more than 400 students and a three-time winner of the Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon School Award.

Falls Church-based Sierra7 announced Monday that Gayle Grasso will join as the Business Development Director. She will support the management consulting firm’s work with the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation, the Veterans Health Administration Integrated Healthcare Transformation, and other prime contracts. Grasso has over three decades of experience in information technology sales.

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PAGE 20 | JANUARY 6 - 12, 2022

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