The two candidates on the ballot this fall seeking election to fill a vacant seat on the Falls Church City Council squared off for their second and last in-person debate before the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at the Italian Cafe Tuesday.
More clarity on differences between Laura Downs and John Murphy was provided at their second face-off than was the case after an earlier engagement at the Community Center. This time it was because the focus was more on economic issues of interest to the City’s business community.
The two differed on whether or not a current plan before the City Council to limit requirements for parking spaces in front of businesses should be approved. Downs said yes, Murphy said it should be caseby-case.
Murphy said that commercial development in the City should
HISPANIC HEALTH FAIR
The City of Falls Church is Number One in Virginia in a comprehensive evaluation of “livability factors,” according to the state’s chapter of the highlyrespected American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
The chapter this week released its list of the top 25 communities across the state
that best support residents of all ages, according to the newly updated 2024 AARP Livability Index website, and Falls Church came in at the top of the list.
The comprehensive, datadriven tool evaluates the key factors that shape quality of life as people age, including housing, transportation, neighborhood safety, environmental quality, health services, and community engagement.
The latest data show that while some communities in Virginia have made significant strides in areas such as increasing access to health care, transportation, and civic engagement, every community still faces critical challenges in meeting the growing needs of older adults, the report concluded. Particularly, Virginia’s
top communities must focus on improving affordable housing options, clean air and water, and inclusion opportunities.
Based on the AARP Livability Index criteria, the top 10 communities in Virginia are: Falls Church – with a score of 68, ranks No.6 on the national list of most livable small cities
HEALTH CARE FAIR filled the James Lee Community Center adjacent Falls Church last Saturday sponsored by the National Hispanic Medical Association, with important information and consultations provided to hundreds who showed up. (News-Press Photo)
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Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Aurora Hills Library 735 18th St S, Arlington, VA 22202
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2 F.C. Special Election Candidates Face Off Before Chamber
be more centralized, and Downs argued that market forces limit the ability to do that.
Downs and Murphy have well established in their active campaigns that both are both engaged in considerable civic involvements and exhibit indepth knowledge of local Falls Church issues.
Downs has served four years as an elected member of the Falls Church School Board, including two as chair, being the only in recent memory to serve two consecutive terms in that role during the recent uniquely difficult Covid-19 pandemic era.
Murphy, a lifelong City resident, has served six years as an appointed member of the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals. A past president of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS), he resigned his role on that board to remove any concerns for a conflict of interest while running for the Council seat.
Citizens casting early ballots have already voted for one or the other leading up to the final Election Day of Nov. 5. The deadline to register to vote was this Tuesday, and the last day to vote early will be Nov. 2. The News-Press has endorsed Downs.
Downs made a strong argument before the pro-business Chamber audience that “what is good for business is good for the city,” as she said in her concluding remarks. She noted the critical role that economic development has played in bringing down the tax rate (by 14 cents in the last three years) and providing for the City’s high-quality school system.
She identified with the policies of recent years that have contributed to the conditions here that the AARP, in a recent study, says makes Falls Church the No. 1 “most livable” jurisdiction in the entire state of Virginia (see story, elsewhere this edition).
Murphy, who grew up in Falls Church, vowed if elected to take
a “data driven, evidenced based approach” to issues before the City Council, adding, “It won’t be easy.”
The Chamber’s debate moderator Andrew Painter reminded the audience at the conclusion to vote, noting that “democracy is not a spectator sport.”
While Falls Church Council member Justine Underhill was in the audience, along with Planning Commissioner Phil Duncan, most of the rest were local small business owners and operators, as is usually the case for participants in the Chamber here. The audience included a number of first-time attendees as all were invited to make brief introductions to the group. Chamber executive Elise Neil Bengtson functioned as the time-keeper, and current board chair Dave Chance did the introductions to open the program.
The two candidates have been actively campaigning since a seat on the seven-member City Council came open in August with the surprise resignation of
Council member Caroline Lian, who was found to have failed to provide complete information on her application to originally run for the position.
There is one more year to Lian’s unexpired term, which means that either Downs or Murphy, depending on who wins, will have to face the prospect of seeking re-election in just a year’s time.
The only issue discussed at Tuesday’s forum where the candidates took directly opposite positions concerned a measure now being considered by the City Council that would lower the parking requirements that businesses in the City would have to comply with.
Downs said she favors the measure that would exempt the first 1,000 square feet of a business from any parking requirement, while Murphy said that a “one size fits all” approach should be avoided.
Asked to comment on the fact that Falls Church and Loudoun County are the only jurisdictions in the wider region who
have enjoyed tax cuts in recent years, Loudoun on account of the revenue generated by controversial energy-hogging data centers, Downs said that despite the 14 cent cut recently the tax rate for Falls Church is still very high by comparison to other areas, but that new mixed use projects coming online will drive it down further.
“We have to keep chipping away at it,” she said, adding there is no way to do it except through economic development.
Murphy said that because of its small 2.2 square mile size, Falls Church can’t enjoy “economies of scale” and that the business community needs to grow. “Citizens want everything,” he said, “and it is important to set priorities.”
Also on the ballot this fall is a lone candidate running to fill a vacancy on the Falls Church School Board. Anne Sherwood is running to fill the slot that opened up with the resignation of board member David Ortiz in May due to his relocating from the City.
New Book Contends Trump is Moscow Man
Nicholas F. Benton
Further confirming what I wrote in this space last week, about the fact that the Soviet KGB began cultivating Trump as an agent of influence in 1987, a new book by journalist Craig Unger, “American Kompromat: How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power and Treachery,” provides details about this critical information.
Unger writes that a former KGB spy now living in Northern Virginia revealed that Trump was cultivated as a Russian asset over a 40 year period, so eager to parrot anti-western propaganda that there were celebrations in Moscow.
Yuri Shvets, now 67, was posted to Washington by the Soviet Union in the 1980s. He is a key source for Unger’s new book, the latest of seven. A KGB major, he had a cover job as a correspondent in Washington for the Russian news agency Tass during the 1980s. He moved to the U.S. permanently in 1993 and gained American citizenship and now works as a corporate security investigator.
Unger describes how Trump first appeared on the Russians’ radar in 1977 when he married his first wife, Ivana Zelnickova, a Czech model. Trump became the target of a spying operation overseen by Czechoslovakia’s intelligence service in cooperation with the KGB.
Three years later Trump opened his first big property development, the Grand Hyatt New York hotel. Trump bought 200 television sets for the hotel from Semyon Kislin, a Soviet émigré who co-owned Joy-Lud electronics.
According to Shvets, although he denies it, Kislin worked as a “spotter agent” for the KGB and he identified Trump, a young businessman on the rise, as a potential asset.
Then, in 1987, Trump visited Moscow for the first time. Shvets said he was fed KGB talking points and flattered by KGB operatives who floated the idea that he should go into politics.
Shvets recalled in a recent phone
conversation reported by Andrew Tobias: “For the KGB, it was a charm offensive. They had collected a lot of information on his personality so they knew who he was personally. The feeling was that he was extremely vulnerable intellectually, and psychologically, and he was prone to flattery.
“They played the game as if they were immensely impressed by his personality and believed this is the guy who should be the president of the United States one day: people like him who could change the world,” Shvets said.
Soon after he returned to the U.S., Trump began exploring a run for the Republican nomination for president and held a campaign rally in New Hampshire. He took full-page ads in the New York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe headlined, “There’s Nothing Wrong With America’s Foreign Defense Policy That a Little Backbone Can’t Cure.”
The ads accused Japan of exploiting the U.S. and expressing skepticism about U.S. participation in NATO. It took the form of an “open letter to the American people on why America should stop paying to defend countries that can afford to defend themselves.”
A few days later Shvets, who had returned to Moscow, was at the KGB headquarters in Yasenevo when he received a cable celebrating Trump’s ad as a successful “active measure” executed by a new KGB asset.
“It was unprecedented. I am familiar with KGB active measures starting in the early 70s and 80s, and then afterwards with Russian active measures, and I hadn’t heard anything like that or anything similar until Trump became the president of this country. It was hard to believe that somebody would publish this under his name and impress real serious people in the west but it did and, finally, this guy became the president,” Shvets said.
Trump’s election win in 2016 was again welcomed by Moscow. The Moscow Project, an initiative of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, found the Trump campaign and transition team had at least 272 known contacts and at least 38 known meetings with Russia-linked operatives.
Unger, a former contributing editor for Vanity Fair magazine, says of Trump: “He was the perfect target in a lot of ways: his vanity, narcissism made him a natural target to recruit. He was cultivated over a 40-year period, right up through his election.”
A
Penny for Your Thoughts
News
of Greater Falls Church
In the 400 years or so since Virginia’s colonization by Europeans, small settlements have come and gone. We know about Jamestown from archeological expeditions, and about the town of Providence (the forerunner to the City of Fairfax) from historic legal documents. Lost to the mists of time and, perhaps, disinterest, are other communities that were here for a few decades, supported families and businesses, but faded away. One such settlement was Ilda, barely a mile outside the Beltway, that might have been forgotten if not for dedicated Black family members and, curiously, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
The story of Ilda is commemorated in a recent book, “A Place Called Ilda,” by Tom Shoop, a Virginia writer and historian, published by Rivanna Books, a University of Virginia imprint. Ilda was a thriving integrated community that sprang up post-Reconstruction and disappeared in the early 1900s. Today, all that is left of physical Ilda are a historic marker, a subdivision name, and a final gravesite at Pleasant Valley Memorial Park on Little River Turnpike. Much of Ilda lay in the present-day Braddock magisterial district along Guinea Road,
but research indicates that the Pozez Jewish Community Center, Fairfax County Fire Station 23, and several current businesses on the north side of Little River Turnpike were located within Ilda’s informal boundaries. A school, a church, a blacksmith shop, and residences served Ilda’s families and travelers on the busy turnpike. Shoop’s book is deeply researched and well-presented, but I found parts of it hard to read. Anger about how Ilda’s people – and memory – were treated, as well as the more recent fights with VDOT, a state agency, had me take a break from reading at times. Today’s Guinea Road is a residential street, and a popular commuter cut-through, widened and repaved by VDOT to meet traffic demands. Rumors of a cemetery near the intersection of Guinea Road and Little River Turnpike were backed up by oral tradition but Black historical sites were, and are, under-represented in the county. Previous widenings of the Guinea Road/Little River Turnpike intersection did not take any burials into consideration – until the early 2000s, that is. Although Ilda was gone, many of Ilda’s descendants still lived in Northern Virginia, and community outrage about paving over a purported cemetery without doing
City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT
Week of October 7 — 13, 2024
Tampering with Automobile/Larceny from Motor Vehicle/Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, E. Fairfax St, Oct 7, between 10:30 AM and 3:23 PM, an unknown suspect broke the window of a locked vehicle, then stole the steering wheel airbag and a wallet that was left in plain view in the cupholder.
Vandalism, N Virginia Ave/W Broad St, Oct 8, 8:03 AM, a report for graffiti was taken.
Simple Assault, W Broad St, Oct 8, 1:26 PM, two victims reported having food thrown at them by two identified suspects during an altercation.
Embezzlement, Wilson Blvd, Oct 8, 5:12 PM, victim reported an employee had repeatedly changed the price of merchandise prior to purchasing. Investigation is ongoing.
Tampering with Automobile/Larceny
from Motor Vehicle/Theft of Vehicle Parts, E Fairfax St, Oct 9, between 6:30 AM and 8:50 AM, an unknown suspect broke the front and rear windows of a locked vehicle and stole a purse, laptop, and other belongings that were left in plain view.
Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Oct 9, 10:32 AM, a black male, 42, of Arlington, was arrested for Reckless Driving.
Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Park Ave, Oct 9, 10:39 AM, a female, 27, of Annandale, was arrested on seven outstanding warrants from another jurisdiction.
Assist Fire, Hillwood Ave, Oct 9, 5:55 PM, officers responded for a report of two active fires that were started to clear vegetation. The Arlington County Fire Department responded and extinguished the fires. The incident is under investigation by Fire Marshal.
the necessary fieldwork made its way to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Trees and brush were removed from the site before a backhoe was brought in. At first, hand digging revealed a few graves; when the fieldwork was complete, 29 graves had been identified, a number that eventually stretched to 35, all African American.
VDOT’s paving project was on hold while state and federal historic research was conducted. On September 30, 2006, family members gathered at the historic First Baptist Church of Merrifield for a memorial service. Later that day, the remains of the people buried at the Ilda Cemetery more than 100 years prior, were reburied with dignity and respect at Pleasant Valley, their final resting place. VDOT’s project to widen Guinea Road eventually was completed, and few commuters may be aware of the historic background of the intersection. History is replete with stories of small settlements, especially those of under-represented peoples, that have disappeared, intentionally or not. Ilda (a shortened version of Matilda, the daughter of one of the original settlers) lives on in memory, if not literally, because of the commitment of family members who kept Ilda’s story alive. How many other Ildas are there? The answer may lie in the deep recesses of many families’ histories, and worthy of research on your own. The Virginia Room at the Fairfax City Library may be a good place to start.
Reckless Driving/Driving on Revoked License, W Broad St, Oct 11, 5:27 AM, a male, 41, of Manassas, was arrested for Reckless Driving and Driving on Revoked License.
Illegal Gambling, Wilson Blvd, Oct 11, 4:15 PM, a report for an illegal gambling machine inside an establishment was taken. Investigation is ongoing.
Larceny, Laura Dr, Oct 11, 8:38 PM, an unknown suspect stole a campaign sign from the victim’s yard.
Public Intoxication, S Washington St, Oct 12, 8:38 AM, a white male, 26, of Fairfax County, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Continued on Page 18
Failure to Appear, Park Ave, Oct 10, 9:33 AM, a male, 35, of Washington, D.C., was arrested for Failure to Appear. Domestic Assault and Battery, Roosevelt Blvd, Oct 10, 9:13 PM, a male, 55, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Domestic Assault and Battery.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.
You already have a few numbers to get you started.
Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper.
Vol. XXXIV, No. 36
October 17 - 23, 2024
• 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 •
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Newspapers as Household Agoras
This week is an especially sad one in the hometown of our editor. Following the termination last year of the publication of the onceproud Santa Barbara (Calif.) News-Press after over 100 years, this week its remains were being sold off in an online auction, bit by bit, for literally pennies on the dollar. Meanwhile, the beautiful Old Spanish Days-styled News-Press building downtown is gutted, like mugged, stabbed and left for dead behind a dumpster, where so much activity and discourse on the direction of the community took place daily for so many years.
A supporter of this News-Press for which this Falls Church one (named for the Santa Barbara one where our editor began writing while in high school), made the point last week talking about the importance of community newspapers: It’s not just about news, per se, but about the dialogue on the interests and future of the community that is a local newspaper’s essential component. It isn’t about whether or not a newspaper’s slant or editorial content is agreed to or not, but it is the way in which the newspaper enters the homes of residents, by way of being gathered off the roof or out of a rose bush as tossed by a wayward delivery boy, and read and discussed for its contents in the midst of the daily life of the community which makes it so essential. It is the entry point for a community-wide dialogue involving everyone. It is a proxy for the community itself, as it were, its agora, or public meeting space as per the ancient Greek city states, delivered to every home where matters are fleshed out and elevated to everyone’s common interest and concern.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.
You already have a few numbers to get you started.
Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
This is what a newspaper is, and to be its best, it has to be in print form, in full physical, sensual and tactile presence, to function most adequately and widely where no element of an entire community can be neglected or dismissed. Also, at best it is the product of a member of that wider community, a citizen exercising a calling to provide the service in question according to the highest of principles, and not the government, to most effectively trigger that community engagement.
In the case of the Santa Barbara News-Press , its founder and publisher Thomas More Storke grasped the concept of the essential role of a newspaper -in- community, much as the legendary William Allen White of the Emporia (Kansas) Gazette did who fought the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and homegrown fascists in World War II as a champion of FDR’s New Deal and small town American values.
But alas, Stroke sold his Santa Barbara News-Press to the Philadelphia Enquirer in the late 1960s, which in turn sold it to the New York Times , which lacked the sense of community, changed course and sold it to a rightwing Trumper who turned it against the community it was created to serve and drove it into the ground.
Platform
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 content.
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 a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.
You already have a few numbers to get you started.
Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.
You already have a few numbers to get you started.
Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO. 1005
PUZZLE NO. 1006
Hearing Tech • Page 7
Dental Care • Page 8
Botox • Page 9
Mental and Hispanic Health • Page 10
Advances in Alzheimer’s • Page 11
Apple’s Latest Technology May Aid Those With Hearing Impairments
In a groundbreaking move that could revolutionize both the technology for, and access to hearing aid devices, Apple announced at their September 9 event that the company’s Airpods Pro 2, released last year, will receive software this fall allowing the device to — once approved by the FDA — serve as an over-thecounter (OTC) clinical hearing aid. Just three days later the FDA gave the green light to Apple’s Hearing Aid Function (HAF) — their first approval for an OTC hearing aid software device.
Though the release date is unknown, an upcoming iOS update (18.1) is expected to roll out October 28 with a variety of new features including Apple Intelligence — and beta testers for the update (including this writer) have noted a placeholder for hearing health, suggesting the features may be activated alongside the update.
According to the NIH, about 15 percent of American adults
report some trouble hearing — about 37.5 million, with 30 million reporting trouble hearing in both ears. As age increases, so does the prevalence of hearing loss: though just five percent of adults ages 45-54 have disabling hearing loss, that number doubles to 10 percent of those ages 55-64. This more than doubles to 22 percent of those ages 65-74. For those ages 75 and older, 55 percent have disabling hearing loss. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to have hearing loss.
Hearing loss is about more than meets the ear. Research from Johns Hopkins shows mild hearing loss doubles (and moderate hearing loss triples) dementia risk, increases walking problems and falls, and leads to social isolation linked to depression, heart disease, poor sleep, substance abuse, and other ailments.
The Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 tasked the FDA with creating a new OTC category of hearing aids, which as of October 2022 are now available nationwide. OTC hearing aid devices are available
to all adults 18 and over with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, without restriction.
There are two categories of OTC hearing aids: legacy devices with only basic features such as volume control or preset programs, and new self-fitting devices (or, in Apple’s case, software paired with a compatible device) featuring greater customization using hearing tests, software, and smart device connectivity.
Dr. Travis Stehouwer, Au.D., audiologist with Hearing Doctors Falls Church, told the News-Press during an interview that the new technology Apple announced sounds exciting — and is certainly worth a shot at the price — but cautions we won’t know any details of how Apple plans to provide hearing assistance through its new software until its launch.
For those with severe hearing loss, Dr. Stehouwer says that there truly is no competition with prescription hearing aids; there are six or seven manufacturers that dominate the market, and they all – and their extensive research teams focused solely on
hearing aid advancement – have been around for decades. They are pricey, though: the top hearing aids cost close to $7,000 Though adding a hearing test and related calibration at this price point is a big step forward for OTC device quality, Dr. Stehouwer cautions that “if [the built-in hearing test] of the device does confirm hearing loss in a user, they still should get a true diagnostic hearing exam from an audiologist.” Audiologists like Dr. Stehouwer, he says, can visibly check your ears, interpret test results, and help determine the root cause(s) for, extent of, and most appropriate remedies to your hearing loss — things that an automated hearing test, no matter how advanced, cannot do — which is useful regardless of whether you end up using OTC or prescription hearing aids.
It appears Apple agrees: they claim users will be able to program audiogram information from a hearing specialist into the HAF for calibration. With most OTC hearing aids offering just preset modes or volume toggles,
incorporating user-specific hearing test results into the actual calibration of the device — whether the built-in hearing test or a true diagnostic exam from an audiologist — could quickly put the Airpods Pro 2 in a league of their own, at one-quarter the cost of the nearest device offering a test and calibration options.
When you factor in the features of AirPods that already make them appealing to users — seamless integration to iPhone and Siri, high-quality audio and noise cancelation, an attractive design, and Apple’s extensive library of applications (making it possible to do anything from translate to transcribe in realtime) — the features listed for the AirPods Pro 2 hold their own against even the most premium OTC hearing aid devices.
Though the actual quality of the software’s features won’t be known until its release, the potential is there for Apple to revolutionize access to quality hearing assistance. To learn more or purchase Apple AirPods Pro 2, visit apple.com/airpods-pro.
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
Protect Your Health: Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
by
The Importance of Dental Care: Why Oral Health Matters More Than You Think:
When most people think about dental care, the focus is often on preventing cavities or maintaining a bright smile. While these are certainly important, the scope of dental care goes far beyond aesthetics. Proper oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. Ignoring dental care can lead to severe consequences, not only for your teeth and gums but for your entire body.
Your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, and its condition can impact more than just your ability to chew. Poor dental health is linked to various health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent infections and inflammation that may spread to other parts of the body.
Gum disease has been associated with systemic health conditions. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums. If untreated, it can progress to more severe forms, causing tooth loss and contributing to other health risks.
Cavities Are Extremely Common: According to the CDC, 92 percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Cavities, or dental caries, are caused by bacteria that produce acid from sugar. This acid erodes the tooth’s enamel, leading to decay. Regular brushing and flossing, along with limiting sugary snacks, can prevent this common problem.
Gum Disease Is Pervasive: About 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 and older suffer from some form of periodontal disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Gum disease, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss. The
Drs. Love & Miller, PC
prevalence of this condition increases with age, with about 70 percent of adults aged 65 and older being affected.
Heart Health and Oral Health Are Connected: Several studies have shown that people with gum disease are almost three times more likely to suffer from heart disease. The bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream, leading to increased inflammation throughout the body, which is a known risk factor for heart conditions.
Diabetes and Gum Disease Are Linked: Diabetes is both a cause and a potential consequence of poor oral health. People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. Conversely, untreated gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, exacerbating diabetes.
Oral Health Affects Mental Health: Oral diseases can also impact mental health and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, individuals
with untreated dental issues are more likely to suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Pain from cavities or infections can make daily activities difficult, while missing teeth or untreated gum disease can affect self-confidence.
Untreated Dental Problems Are Expensive: The cost of neglecting oral health is steep. Research shows that untreated dental issues lead to over $45 billion annually in lost productivity in the U.S. alone. The cost of treating cavities, root canals, gum disease, and other issues rises significantly when preventive measures, such as regular cleanings, are ignored. The good news is that most dental issues are preventable. By following simple daily routines and visiting the dentist regularly, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious problems. Ignoring your dental health doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums—it can affect your entire body. As mentioned earlier, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Pregnant women
with gum disease are also at a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Additionally, poor dental health can lead to chronic pain, infections, and difficulty eating, which can, in turn, lead to nutritional deficiencies. In the elderly, untreated oral issues can cause a significant decline in quality of life and even contribute to cognitive decline.
Regular dental check-ups— typically twice a year—are vital for detecting problems early. Look no further than right here in Falls Church. There are several dentists in Falls Church including Dr. Peterson Huang at Nova Premier Dental. Visit his website novapremierdental.com for his specialties. Sarah Yang, DMD, practices at LP Dental and her office is in Idlywood, and her website is lpdentalva.com. Drs. Love and Miller, P.C. - Falls Church Dentist are located on Broad St. and they can be visited at loveandmiller.com. Dr. William Dougherty is also located in the city, his practice can be found at fallschurchdentist.com.
ADA, Virginia Dental Association, Nor thern Virginia Dental Association (Dr Love is Past President), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistr y AWARDS
Washingtonian Best Dentists; Washingtonian Best of Hall of Fame. Best Dentist of Falls Church 2013–2021; Virginia Living Magazine Top Dentists and Nor thern Virginia Magazine Best Dentist, 2016–2023
Drs. Love and Miller provide a family practice with special emphasis on healthy and beautiful smiles for adults and children. Both doctors graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and have been practicing together in Falls Church for over 25 years. We take time to listen to our patients so that we truly understand their needs. With emphasis on overall health, we o er services including composite resto-rations, metal-free crowns, implant restorations, veneers and other cosmetic procedures. Our oral hygiene program excels at understanding the vital relationship between oral health and other systems in the body. Drs. Love and Miller, along with our amazing team, greatly appreciate the community’s trust and support.
Mark A. Miller, DDS, Melanie R. Love, DDS
Nick Gatz Falls Church News-Press
Relief is on the Way Using Botox For TMJ and Migranes
by Dr. Peterson Huang DMD, MS, FACP, FRCDC
When we look in the mirror, we often see ourselves not as who we are now, but who we used to be. As we age, we sink, sag, and wrinkle. The result can lead to looking tired, or even angry. The use of cosmetic Botox can help you look rested and refreshed, like you just came back from a wonderful vacation.
In the last 10 years, there has been a 405 percent increase in the use of Botox. What exactly is Botox (also known as the botulinum toxin)? It is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The version used in medicine is a highly purified protein without any associated active bacteria. It has been approved by the FDA and has been recognized by the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology and National Institute of Health as safe and effective treatment.
When administered in low doses into overactive muscles, it works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the natural chemical produced by the body that causes muscles to contract.
Botox relaxes the muscles and can help reduce facial wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, and mouth. Thus turning back the hands of time.
Botox will help relax overactive jaw muscles to relieve TMJ issues, which cause clenching of the teeth and sore jaw muscles. Botox is also used along the sides of the forehead to relieve migraine headaches. This alone can help improve the quality of life for many patients.
With any medication, there can be possible side effects. Side effects can range from rare allergic reaction, temporary headache, tingling and minor bruising or swelling. The majority of these side effects can be avoided if patients don’t rub the areas of injection for 4 hours. Also, no strenuous exercise or heat related activities (such as going to the Spa) for the first 4 hours is recommended. This will allow the Botox to become fully effective.
So, why have a certified dentist administer Botox for you? Dentists spend a lot of time examining head and neck anatomy. Dentists work in the area all the time. They are familiar with the vascularity, innervation,
and musculature of the head and neck. Most importantly, dentists have a keen eye for esthetics and are trained to look at the comprehensive details of your smile.
The effects of Botox typically
last three to five months but can last as long as six months. There can be visible smoothing of wrinkles as early as three days, but can take up to two weeks for full effect. It is highly
recommended if you are receiving Botox for a special occasion, do it at least two weeks in advance so there is sufficient time for enhancements to occur. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Hispanic Medical Association Holds Semi-Annual Health Fair
enhance access to healthcare through a variety of activities, health screenings and resources tailored to the community’s needs.”
The National Hispanic Medical Association held its semi-annual Community Health Fair, drawing hundreds to the James Lee Community Center just outside the Falls Church city limits last Saturday afternoon.
The importance of being vaccinated against the latest strands of the flu and Covid, as well as HIV screenings, was the main focus of the event, although there were scores of different health and health advocacyrelated organizations which were represented, filling the main hall and talking over the course of the afternoon with hundreds of attendees.
The Hispanic Heritage Month health fair, organizers said, “is dedicated to serving the entire community in the Falls Church area with a particular focus on the Latine community.” A statement added, “Our goal is to provide comprehensive health services, promote wellness, and
Featured speakers at the event included Adelaida Rosario of the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General, Dr. Natalie Gospodinoff, Virginia Regional Tobacco Control coordinator, Fairfax County’s Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and Karol Escalante, director of Fairfax County’s Immigrant Community Affairs.
Established in 1994 in Washington, D.C., the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) is a non-profit association representing the interests of 50,000 licensed Hispanic physicians in the United States. The vision of the organization is to be the national leader in improving the health of Hispanic populations.
According to the organization’s website, its mission is to empower Hispanic physicians to lead efforts to improve the health of Hispanic and other under-
served populations in collaboration with Hispanic state medical societies, residents, medical students, and other public and private sector partners.
“NHMA provides policymakers, healthcare providers, and our partners with expert information and support in strengthening health service delivery to Hispanic communities across the nation. The NHMA works closely with the White House, federal agencies, Congress, the private sector, and foundations as well as national Hispanic organizations. NHMA also works closely with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Hispanic Conference Institute (CHLI), and other Congressional offices on healthcare policy development that impacts our communities, medical education, health reform and research. In addition, NHMA partners with corporations, academia, foundations, media, and coalitions who also advocate on healthcare delivery, medical education and health workforce leadership and diversity, prevention and public
health, and health policy and community-based research for our communities.
“NHMA coordinates leadership programs to develop future leaders that we actively nominate to positions, boards and commissions within the federal government and corporate sector. We have trained 150 Fellows and 200 Resident Leaders. HHS has been the principal sponsor of these programs. In 2013, we started the NHMA California Leadership Fellowship supported by the California Wellness Foundation to develop physician leaders in California. NHMA shares leadership opportunities with its professional members on Fridays to public and private sector organizations.”
In 1997, NHMA began convening its Annual Hispanic Health Conference in March each year in Washington, D.C. to build its network of physicians, residents, medical students, premedical students, and other providers. It’s agenda includes expanding access to quality culturally competent healthcare,
increasing opportunities for clinicians in private practice and academic medicine, and health research for Latinos. Another major focus is healthcare policies focused on the ACA and eliminating health disparities faced by Latinos.
NHMA sponsors Hispanic Health Congressional Briefings and 18 NHMA Chapter Policy Forums each year with health experts to educate Congressional staff, national and local stakeholders on policies and programs that can improve the health of our communities.
NHMA provides a monthly e-newsletter to its 25,000 members and meeting/programs participants with Member Highlights.
Among the informational materials available at the fair Saturday were ones which provided an overview of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, HIV transmission facts and misunderstandings, prenatal care, Medicaid application and renewal assistance, and lists of health clinics available in the region.
Ms. Virginia Brings Relief to Dominion Hospital Patients
ages 30 and above throughout the Commonwealth in January of this year.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, the NewsPress joined Taylor Ragano, Ms. Virginia North America 2024, as she visited patients at nearby Dominion Hospital to deliver a variety of books, games, and puzzles, intended to help patients of the mental health facility stay engaged during their stay.
The visit was part of the Boredom Relief Program (BRP), an initiative Ragano founded in June of this year to address the monotony that patients in mental health facilities often experience.
This is not Ragano’s first time wearing a crown. In 2008, she was crowned Miss Northern Virginia Teen USA, the North America Beauty Pageant’s division for ages 16 to 19. Now in her early thirties, Taylor represents the Ms. division of the pageant, having competed and won against other contestants
Ragano’s visit to Dominion was particularly poignant given her personal history. During her senior year, after winning the Miss Northern Virginia Teen USA pageant in 2008, she was hospitalized for mental health reasons.
It wasn’t until four years later, at the age of 22, that Ragano was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She was a patient at Dominion in 20122013, and again in 2021.
Ragano’s lived experience provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by patients in similar circumstances, making the mission of BRP especially personal. Her journey to become Ms. Virginia North America has been defined not only by her success, but also by the struggles she’s faced along the way.
With her platform, Ragano is addressing a vital issue: the stigma surrounding mental ill -
ness. In the beauty pageant industry — known for prioritizing perfection — Ragano’s candid discussions about her bipolar diagnosis stand out. “I spoke about my mental health journey during my competition” this year, she said, adding that her goal is “to be the first national title holder with bipolar [disorder].” Though she did not win the national competition this year, she plans on continuing to pursue the title — and to destigmatize conditions like bipolar disorder, especially in spaces where vulnerability is not often showcased, along the way.
In the meantime, the BRP is one way Ragano hopes to continue making a tangible difference in the lives of mental health patients. The goal of BRP is to provide patients with engaging, technology-free activities such as books, puzzles, and games — items that can offer a mental break and alleviate the isolation and boredom that can come with extended hospital stays.
Dominion Hospital, where Ragano herself has twice found care and treatment, is one of the first places to benefit from BRP’s efforts.
When asked how the community can support her cause, Ragano explained, “People can support [BRP] by donating to my GoFundMe page (gofund.me/b20c24c7), or by donating [games, puzzles, books, and other safe, technology-free activities] by finding a donation box or emailing ms.virginianorthamerica@ gmail.com.” She also noted that in early November, she will set up a donation box outside Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, offering a local dropoff point for those who wish to contribute.
Beyond tangible donations, Ragano emphasizes that awareness is key. “Spread awareness: share information about BRP and mental health challenges on social media, in community groups, and through word of mouth,” she urged. Her call
to action is one that seeks to extend conversations about mental health beyond the walls of hospitals, fostering the community openness and understanding necessary to allow those with mental health challenges to thrive.
In the months since its inception, the Boredom Relief Program has already made an impact, but Ragano’s ambitions extend far beyond Dominion Hospital. She hopes to develop BRP into a formal nonprofit organization, bringing relief and understanding to patients in mental health facilities across the state, and potentially beyond.
For Ragano, the journey from a patient at Dominion to a state titleholder has come full circle. By sharing her personal struggles, she aims to create a lasting impact on the way society views mental health. Now, as she continues to champion the Boredom Relief Program, Ragano is doing more than just wearing a crown — she’s using it as a tool for change.
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
The Kensington Falls Church Hosts Talk on Alzheimer’s With Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai
by Belen Quellet
New advances in the treatment of Alzheimer’s were shared by Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai at a talk at the Kensington Senior Living in Falls Church last week.
In the words of one of her patients, “Dr. Pauldurai is a warm, caring physician who explains everything well and answers questions carefully.” After attending her presentation on the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment at The Kensington Falls Church, it’s easy to see why this sentiment is so widely shared. The Kensington, which hosts monthly educational events free and open to the public, welcomed Dr. Pauldurai for the first time to discuss new medications and behavioral therapies for Alzheimer’s. Her approachable and empathetic style made the complex subject matter accessible, bringing much-needed clarity and hope to those affected by the disease.
Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai is a board-certified adult neurologist specializing in Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology. Her training in whole-person integrative care allows her to provide comprehensive treatment for people experiencing cognitive and functional changes. Currently practicing at the Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, Dr. Pauldurai focuses on lessening the burden of brain disease through empathetic, shared decision-making that addresses not just physical but also emotional, cognitive, and social health.
“Dementia doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Dr. Pauldurai explained. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognized form of dementia, it is not necessarily the most severe. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can range from forgetfulness to mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, and shifts in appetite. Despite the vast amount of research being done in this area, there is currently no cure. However, there are symptom-based therapies aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing distressing symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which disrupt cell function and lead to cognitive decline. Dr. Pauldurai highlighted the progress being made in targeting these plaques with FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs. These treatments, administered through intravenous (IV) infusions, are designed to reduce betaamyloid plaques, helping to slow down cognitive and functional decline, particularly in the early stages of the disease. She was careful to note, however, that amyloid is just one of many targets being studied in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s.
Living with cognitive impairment is extremely stressful, both for the indi -
vidual and their loved ones. Dr. Pauldurai described how the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s enters a sort of “survival mode.” It’s constantly on the defense, fighting the plaques as if they were a threat, unaware of the symptoms the disease is causing. “It’s the loss of who I am as a person,” she explained, urging caregivers and loved ones to consider the emotional and psychological toll of Alzheimer’s on the patient.
This “survival mode” often leads to resistance when others attempt to provide care. Dr. Pauldurai advised approaching patients with empathy and patience, as their behavior is shaped by their brain’s ongoing struggle. Rather than forcing them into situations that provoke anxiety, it’s important to work alongside them in a way that minimizes resistance and encourages cooperation. Patients often become more self-conscious as they begin to notice their memory lapses, which can lead to increased anxiety and a tendency to avoid social situations.
In a particularly poignant moment, Dr. Pauldurai compared the needs of Alzheimer’s patients to those of a child. Just as a baby feels safe when its mother is calm and happy, an Alzheimer’s patient who has lost their sense of safety and security will respond to the emotional environment around them. By treating them with patience and compassion, and by being mindful of their basic needs—such as sleep, food, and emotional security—we can help ease their anxiety.
Dr. Pauldurai emphasized that caregivers should focus on adjusting the environment to meet the needs of the patient rather than attempting to change the person themselves. It starts with normalizing the situation and meeting the individual where they are, rather than trying to impose expectations on them.
Dr. Pauldurai’s final message was simple but powerful: “The best thing you can do is protect your brain health.” She likened the current era to the 1960s, when public awareness of heart health surged, leading to widespread changes in lifestyle and medical care. Brain health is becoming a top priority for people of all ages, helping to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and protect future generations from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Her advice? Be kind to your brain. Engage in activities that stimulate cognitive function, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay connected with your community. The breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment are promising, but prevention and early intervention remain the best strategies for long-term brain health.
Anime USA: Crafts and Cosplayers Convene in Crystal City
The Anime USA Convention was held in Crystal City this past weekend, featuring Japanese traditional crafts, cultural symposiums, and cosplayers dressing as their favorite manga, anime, and game characters.
The event occupied much of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal City, creating a world in which the anime aficionado could see characters transported from two-dimensional manga and anime—that is, Japanese and Japanese-inspired comic books, graphic novels, and animated films—and brought to life in 3-D reality through elaborate costuming (“cosplay”). Yet there is so much more to the anime convention, with everything from an entire room dedicated to the most fabulous assortment of every board game imaginable to reconstructions of lost vintage video games. Discussion panels were also featured on topics such as how some older anime game titles have been lost due to poor management of the underlying computer source code.
In addition to gaming, cosplay, and discussion panels, there were free arts and crafts classes for the artistic visitor. One activity involved doll-making, and there were informative guides on the art of kimono, including yukata, a simplified summer kimono. There were also public art displays of manga sketches penciled out by very skilled convention attendees.
Manga and anime share a long history, one which many trace back to the woodblock prints of Japan during the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Both artforms have produced a number of famous artists, such as the award-winning Junji Ito, who works with Japanese classical themes as well as Western literature; Ito has, for example, produced a graphic novel of Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” (appropriate for our current season of Halloween!). Referencing literature as well as history, the world of Norse legend is presented in such works as Makoto Yakimura’s “Vinland Saga,” which focuses on Leif Eriksson’s explorations in coastal North America more than 1000 years ago.
Indeed, at the recent con-
vention, Norse mythology took center stage as panel presenter Brent P. Newhall, a self-styled twenty-first-century renaissance man, presented “‘Genshin Impact’ as Norse Tragedy: Mapping the ‘Nibelungenlied’ onto the Fall of Khaenri’ah.” Here the doom of Siegfried, the revenge of Kriemhild, and the defeat of Brünhild through trickery from Icelandic mythology are paralleled to events in the anime game “Genshin Impact,” not unlike how these medieval Icelandic cultural elements entered German art and literature during the 1800s in works such as Wagner’s “Ring” cycle of operas.
We then met many cosplayers, including a woman named Lily portraying the character of Lynette (also from “Genshin Impact”) and, later, three persons cosplaying Himeno, the Devil Hunter Kishibe, and the Control Devil Makima, all from “Chainsaw Man.” The latter is a game and manga series following the manga trope of henshin, or metamorphosis, in which an individual has the ability to change into someone with superhuman
powers and strength. We also met a cosplayer dressed as Jill from “Final Fantasy,” a game/manga which falls into the manga genre of isekai in which an ordinary person is teleported into another world, there becoming a hero.
Many of the cosplayers identified with the characters they played for personal reasons, but several said that their costumes also helped them to locate fellow fans of particular book and film series.
The anime convention was not limited to manga but included other forms of animation and fantasy as well. We encountered everything from Charlie Brown, from the American “Peanuts” newspaper comics series, to Sophie Hatter, from Studio Ghibli’s “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Indeed, cosplayer Avery from Sterling, Virginia, presented a familiar cloaked figure to fans of Victorian literature: Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Avery reminded us that the annual Anime USA event serves as an opportunity for all to come and connect through cosplay and self-expression. The assemblage is clearly a costume designer’s
dream and offers new ways to see the world.
While the Anime USA convention has come and gone for 2024, we warmly recommend a visit to, if not participation in, this event next year, currently scheduled for October 10-12, 2025, again at Northern Virginia’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal City. Fair notice to future cosplayers everywhere and in all anime realms!
‘You Can’t Take It with You’ Revival at FC’s Trinity School
The 1936 comedy and love story for the stage, “You Can’t Take It with You” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, is being revived at Falls Church’s Trinity School at Meadow View by the eleventh-grade class. In the tradition of “screwball comedies” of the era, a conventional type, Tony Kirby, is placed among a family of eccentrics, including Grandpa Martin Vanderhof and his philosophy of go against the grain and do what makes you happy; a ballet dancer, novelist, and xylophonist committed to little else; and fervent fireworks makers. Tony is willing to adapt to this unusual household and much more out of his love for Alice Syacmore of the said eccentric family. Tony’s businessman father and his conventional wife, however, may have other ideas as to how far they will go to accept Alice’s family’s unique and different ways.
Trinity School at Meadow View, currently celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary since its founding in Falls Church, Virginia, is noted for a classics-based program that has an extensive drama class built into the curriculum. While preparing plays in which all students take part, students
are encouraged to write analytic reflection papers, make parallels to literature, and “broaden horizons” by approaching works in a “tangible way,” says student Bethan Bray, who plays Essie Carmichael. Although the play has comedic moments, “You Can’t Take It With You” presents “relevant [themes] to a modern audience” and a “thought-provoking message” of whether one can devote oneself solely to a life of satisfaction. Eleventh-grader Tony Fraga states that “this play draws on the simple beauty of appreciating what one has gained in life and learning to chase after the things you have in the moment.”
Student Gigi Barth, who plays J-Man and Olga Katrina, comments: “‘You Can’t Take It with You’ contrasts its ideals of satisfaction against the typical idea of American success in the form of two families, the Sycamores (Grandpa Vanderhof’s family) and the Kirbys. The Sycamores are an admittedly peculiar family as each member follows his or her own passion relentlessly, although each character does not, in fact, have much skill to show for it. The Kirbys, in contrast, are something of the American ideal, with the father of the family being a
wealthy CEO of a company on Wall Street and a son groomed to be his successor. Most would expect the Kirbys to be satisfied with their lives, but the play makes it clear, through its comparison with the Sycamores, that the Kirbys are not satisfied and feel a deep sense of yearning to live in a more satisfying way, though they say otherwise.”
Students also make unexpected comments that the conflict between conventional Kirby and free-spirited Vanderhoff can be seen as a conflict in world views between philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Other students comment on themes in the play which they parallel to ideas in the novels of Dostoyevsky, part of the Trinity School at Meadow View core curriculum. The drama department at Trinity School is thus successfully urging twenty-first-century students to analyze a mid-twentieth-century work using authors from nineteenthcentury Realism, the Romantic Era, the Enlightenment, the Renaissance, and antiquity. Another advantage of studying and performing a 1930s play is it also introduces students to some of the popular and literary culture of its time, such as references to Pearl Buck’s novel “The Good
Earth,” which informed the 1930s generation in the U.S. about life and traditions in China. The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, still a relatively recent event in the 1930s, is referenced several times in the play as well, an event students discuss thoroughly in the school’s upper grades. Such reflections and historical exposures are intended to deepen the students’ understanding of their characters. Genevieve Renaud applies such thought to her excellent performance as stay-at-home novelist Penelope Sycamore. The grandfather, Martin Vanderhof ,is similarly performed splendidly by Tony Fraga. Gianna Thiede as Alice Sycamore and Tony Kirby and James Horne are similarly in fine form. JP Barrett portrays Boris Kolenkov comically and with a convincing Russian accent. In a humorous scene, Grandpa Vanderhof is confronted by an earnest Matthias Kuker as IRS agent Wilbur Henderson about why he never pays income tax. “I don’t believe in it!” Vanderhof says to the consternation of Henderson. Props include a manual Smith Corona typewriter, a vintage radio, and an aquarium for snakes, to accentuate the Vanderhof/Sycamore family’s eccentric nature.
Patty Whelpley, teacher at Trinity and co-director of the production, says: “The directors picked ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ because it fits so well with our curriculum and our examination of the human condition. Even though this play is considered a lighthearted comedy, it makes us all stop and consider the underlying discussions about what happiness is, what success looks like, and what it means to be an individualist. This play forces the students to consider their characters’ strengths and weaknesses and their own personal views of what it means to be happy.” The ultimate lesson of the play is perhaps best expressed by grandfather Martin Vanderhof in his speech to businessman Kirby: “You’ve got all the money you need. You can’t take it with you.” Life is short and should thus be lived to attain one’s own personal fulfilment.
For those interested in seeing the play and its reflective “underlying discussions about what happiness is and what success looks like,” in the words of Mrs. Whelpley, the Trinity School at Meadow View performance can be enjoyed at the Pozez Jewish Community Center in Annandale, Virginia on October 18 and 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m
by Mark Dreisonstok
by Mark Dreisonstok
Jill from the game/manga “Final Fantasy.” (Photo: Cordelia Dreisonstok)
LOCAL
News-Press
Community News & Notes
Red Cross Blood Drive October 1
An hour of your time can save a life — there is currently a crucial need for blood donations. Join a Red Cross blood drive on Monday, October 21, from 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Register today at rcblood. org/3CuaTmy.
Arlington Fall Festival November 2
On November 2, from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., Arlington Church of the Brethren (300 N. Montague St., Arlington, VA) invites the community to shop craft vendors while enjoying food and petting alpacas and goats, at their Fall Festival. The event is free to attend.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
F.C. Jazzercise is doing a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this weekend, October 19 — 20, with 100 percent of walk-in profits to Breast Cancer Research Foundation — plus a separate donation for those wearing pink. Learn more at facebook.com/fallschurchjazzercise.
Club Pilates is host a free course (suggested $10 donation to American Cancer Society) on Sunday, October 27 at 11:30 a.m. on the Founders Row lawn (110 Founders Ave., Falls Church). Register at tinyurl.com/ FCNP1024cp.
Bone Healing Tech Helps Local
Barb Jonas, an 87-year-old resident of F.C., faced a significant challenge after injuring her knee twice. After being confined to a wheelchair for several months, Barb began using the Exogen ® ultrasound bone healing system, and after using the device for 60 days daily for just 40 minutes, her bones had fully healed. She now proudly reports walking over 9,000 steps a day.
Future City Competition Expands
The Future City® Competition, a globally recognized STEM program that reaches over 66,000 middle and high school students from around the world, is now accepting registrations for the 2024 — 2025 season. The competition aims to inspire even more middle and high school teams to join before the October 31 registration deadline at futurecity.org.
Plein Air Festival Concludes
Artists from the mid-Atlantic competed for over $5,000 in prizes at the 15th Annual Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival held on October 12 at the Falls Church City Hall grounds. The competition featured not only works by artists who painted outdoor scenes around the city during the festival but also works completed by artists during a three-hour “Quick Draw”
competition that morning.
Around 400 onlookers cast votes for People’s Choice Award winner “Isaac Crossman Park” by Vicky Zhou. Juror Tricia Ratliff selected the remaining prize winners, including first place “House on Broad Street” by Dipali Rabadiya, second place: “Falls Church Downtown” by Rajendra KC, third place: “Barn at Cherry Hill Farmhouse” by Diane Ellor, Barbara Cram Memorial Plein Air Prize “Falls Church Presbyterian” by Oyunaa Waskin, and honorable mentions “State Theater” by Yvonne Leung and “Isaac Crossman Park” by Vicky Zhou. Quick Draw awards went to “Farmers Market” by Dipali Rabadiya (first) and “Farmers Market” by Rajendra KC (second).
In addition to Beyer Auto Group, Kensington Senior Living, and June Beyer Art, prize sponsors included Rock Star Realty and Founders Row by Mill Creek.
For more information, please visit fallschurcharts.org.
Free Candy X-rays at Patient First
Bring your candy into any Patient First from October 27 through November 1, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for a free digital X-ray screening, allowing trick-or-treaters to see what is inside their treats, like peanuts or other surprises.
FROM BROADMONT TO Broadway: Dave and Nonie Spevacek were feted by friends and family at a block party on Sunday ahead of their move to the Broadway after 48 years on Broadmont Terrace. (Courtesy Photo)
COMMUNITY MEMBERS celebrated F.C. Commissioner of the Revenue, Tom Clinton, on his 60th birthday last week. (Photo: Phil Duncan)
AT A RECURRING luncheon, community leaders and the News-Press team discussed the news of the week. (News-Press Photo)
F.C. LEADERS SHOW innovations award at VML conference. (Photo: Gary Mester)
OCTOBER 17 - 23, 2024
CALENDAR
THIS WEEK AROUND F.C.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 17
Choral Boosters Trivia Night
The FCCPS Choral Boosters host a trivia night for games, prizes, costumes, and lots of music. Tickets at tinyurl.com/FCNP1024cb. Clare and Don's Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 18
The Remember Balloons
A dance-theater production that helps families discuss Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, and grief. Tickets at mcleancenter.org. The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
The Woman in Black
This chilling adaptation transports audiences to a time when the veil between the living and the dead seemed thinnest. Tickets at keeganthreatre.com. Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 19
Justice H.S. Recycling Fair
Free student-run community event providing free recycling of electronics, sensitive documents and bicycles. Hosted by Justice Athletic Boosters. Justice High School (3301 Peace Valley Ln., Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Community Symposium on Aging Well
Explore vendor booths to discover wellness providers and services focused primarily on seniors. Free and open to the public. The Kensington Falls Church (700 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Electrify F.C. Home Showcase
FCCAN and Falls Church Forward host an "Electrify Falls
Church" open house in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria. Details and free registration at tinyurl.com/FCNP1024he. Register for address (Alexandria, VA), 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Documentary:
Join or Die
Free screening of the award-winning documentary "Join or Die," directed by Falls Church siblings Pete & Rebecca Davis. Free registration at mrspl.org. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Coming Out
Gay-la
NoVA Prism Center presents their second annual black-time Coming Out Gay-la. Tickets and details at novaprismcenter.gay. Reston Community Center Lake Anne (1609-A Washington Plaza N, Reston, VA), 5:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
Waking the Witch
An exciting new immersive opera, "Waking the Witch: Conspiracy Theories, Misinformation, and Conversation About Making New Opera," presented by Little City Concerts. Tickets at littlecityconcerts.org. The Falls Church Episcopal (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.
Mark Morris Dance Group
Mark Morris Dance Group performs. Tickets at cfa.calendar. gmu.edu. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
OCTOBER 20
Sondheim
Tribute Revue
A scintillating musical revue celebrating the work of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and innovative composers and lyricists in Broadway history. Tickets at creativecauldron.org. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m.
Quynh Nguyen
Piano Recital
Odeon Chamber Music Series presents a free piano recital by
Quynh Nguyen, with music by Beethoven, Chopin. St. Patrick's Episcopal Church (3241 Brush Dr., Falls Church), 4:00 p.m.
MONDAY
OCTOBER 21
City Council Work Session
Council members discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues. Watch live or on demand at fallschruchva.gov/councilmeetings or on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
OCTOBER 22
Chamber Halloween Networking Mixer
October Mixer for the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. This month will have a Halloween theme, so feel freee to dress for the occasion, bring a guest, and join for great networking and food. Free and open to the public. Murphy's Funeral Home (1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 5:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Embracing Neurodiversity
An engaging an informative program exploring the world of neurodiversity. Free registration at mrspl.org. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23
Alexandria-ArlingtonF.C. Eat & Greet
Members of the Falls Church city council, the Arlington County board, and the Alexandria city council are invited to attend an "Eat and Greet." Clare and Don's Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
AN EXCITING new immersive opera, 'Waking the Witch,' is presented by Little City Concerts this Saturday. (Courtesy Photo)
COMMENT
September is the beginning of several different seasons. It’s football season (as you may remember from my last column, we dropped my son off at Virginia Tech last month, so Go Hokies!), it’s back-to-school season, in Virginia it’s election season (early Voting has already started this week) and in Richmond, it’s “Boards, Councils and Commissions Season” — at least that’s what I’m calling it.
Virginia has a very short legislative session — 60 days in the even years and an even more concise 45 days in the odd years. As we get ready for the 2025 Session, the pace of commission work picks up in September, October and November.
I currently serve as Chairman of the Virginia Code Commission as well as a member of the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission (JLARC), the Virginia Military Advisory Council, the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel (SRCP), the Judicial Conference of Virginia District Courts, the House Select Committee on Maintaining Campus Safety and First Amendment Expression, and the Virginia Tribes Commission. I also Chair the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (FOIA Council).
In my time on the FOIA Council, I have come to appreciate the issues surrounding FOIA requests in Virginia. Now that I am the Chair, I am eager to take a closer look at this process. What is FOIA?
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
was enacted in 1966, empowering the public to request access to federal agency records, ensuring that citizens, journalists, and watchdog organizations can monitor government activities. FOIA plays a crucial role in upholding democratic values by shedding light on the workings of public institutions, preventing corruption, and fostering informed public debate. By making government actions visible, FOIA strengthens trust between citizens and their representatives, reinforcing the principle that government should serve the people with integrity and openness.
Virginia FOIA Council
The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council brings this transparency to the statelevel. The Council helps resolve FOIA-related disputes by answering questions from private citizens, public officials, and the media about access to public records and meetings. Under Virginia law, the presumption is that all public officials’ documents and all meetings of state and local public bodies are open to the public. However, there are exceptions, which often lead to good faith disagreements between interested parties.
The Council has the authority to issue advisory opinions with the intent to resolve disputes by clarifying what the law requires and to guide future practices. That said, it has no authority to mediate disagreements but can serve as a resource, conduct training seminars, and publish educational materials.
Meridian Field Hockey, Girls Volleyball Pick Up Big Wins
by Ryan McCafferty
It’s halfway through October, meaning that fall sports at Meridian High School are beginning to wrap up their regular seasons with playoffs right around the corner. One team already deep into its postseason run is the golf squad, which competes in the State Finals on Tuesday and results will be made available as soon as possible. Elsewhere, though, here’s a brief recap of how the various Mustang programs fared this past week.
Field hockey took its second loss of the season by falling 3-0 at Fauquier on Tuesday, but quickly bounced back by trampling Brentsville at home on Thursday in a 5-0 Senior Night shutout. This week will be the final one of regular-season play for the girls, who wrap up by
hosting Annandale Today. They should be able to earn a high seed and at least a few home games in the regional playoffs.
The football team took a rough loss at Kettle Run on Friday, falling in a 47-7 romp to drop to 1-5 on the year. It’s a disappointing result after the boys had competed hard in several other close defeats throughout the season, but on the plus side, there’s still a few more opportunities to right the ship. This week they’ll stay on the road to play Manassas Park on Friday, looking to pick up their second win of 2024.
Boys’ volleyball stayed hot by beating West Potomac in five sets on the road last Wednesday, earning their sixth consecutive win after starting the season 0-7.
Girls Volleyball: won at
Fauquier last Tuesday.
Cheer: competed at LibertyBealeton last Wednesday, they are back in action this week at Brentsville on Saturday.
Delegate Marcus Simon’s Richmond Report
T h e LGB T Q + R e ach
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
Restoring Honor, Years After DADT
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced the completion of their proactive review of hundreds of records for military members discharged under the now-repealed “Don’t Ash, Don’t Tell” (DADT) because of their sexual orientation.
“After a year of exceptional work, the Military Department Review Boards directed relief in 96.8 percent of the 851 cases that they proactively reviewed,” said DoD Sec. Lloyd J. Austin III, saying 96 percent of the 13,500 discharged under DADT have had their status upgraded to fully honorable.
DADT was signed into law by President Clinton in 1993, and went into effect in 1994. It remained in effect until 2011, one year after President Barack Obama signed its repeal into law. During that time about 2,000 of the 13,500 discharged under DADT received a status of less than fully honorable, disqualifying them from certain jobs, as well many benefits and programs offered to those with honorable discharges through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
In the 13 years since its repeal, most of those 2,000 discharged service members applied for, and in most cases received, upgrades to their discharges. The recent review focused on the 851 cases where the discharged service members had not applied for a discharge upgrade, likely having no idea they were eligible to do so.
No, Bill Clinton Wasn’t The Villain
President Clinton’s signing of DADT has been used by some to criticize him — or, by extension, former Sec. of State and Presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton — as being insufficiently progressive on issues of LGBTQ+ equality. The truth, however, is not that simple.
As candidate for President in 1992, Clinton campaigned on a platform including a repeal of the ban on military service, though once elected he faced opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike in the U.S. Congress.
So, he compromised. Under DADT, LGB service members were allowed to serve, so long as they did not disclose or discuss their sexual orientation or any non-heterosexual relationships. If violated, they were often discharged — sometimes dishonorably — for “homosexual conduct.”
Prior to DADT, homosexuals had been regularly discharged from military service — sometimes subject to jailing and court-martial — and had been explicitly banned since the 1940s.
“Homosexual personnel, irrespective of sex, should not be permitted to serve in any branch of the Armed Services in any capacity, and prompt separation of known homosexuals from the Armed
Forces is mandatory,” the 1949 DoD policy reads.
In the 1950s, homosexuals were categorized as “aggressive,” “active but nonaggressive,” or “professing or exhibiting homosexual tendencies without committing [sodomy].” Anybody found to have engaged in homosexual conduct could only avoid a court-martial by accepting a dishonorable discharge (or, for officers, by resigning). Over the decades that followed, discrepancies between policies across military branches resulted in a number of lawsuits, until 1980 when Defense Sec. W. Graham Claytor Jr. proposed — and in 1981 issued — a revised policy on homosexuals in the military.
Though some language was removed calling homosexuals physically or mentally unfit for military service, the opposition to LGB participation in active duty remained, with the policy’s preamble beginning with “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service,” and requiring their discharge from service.
According to a 1991 GAO report, Between 1980 and 1990 approximately 17,000 service members were discharged under the category of “homosexuality.”
The report adds that “no determination that their behavior had adversely affected the ability of the military services to perform their missions was required.” The report estimated, at the time, that five to ten percent of the military was homosexual.
The report found that the Navy was particularly harsh in enforcing the ban on homosexuality, accounting for 51 percent of the 17,000 discharges — most of which were issued against enlisted white men — despite representing just 27 percent of the active military at the time. In addition, 22 percent of Naval discharges for homosexuality were women, despite making up just 11 percent of the Navy.
The report estimated the cost to recruit and replace each of the LGB service members discharged under DADT to be between $28,226 per troop and $120,772 per general: about $500 million dollars in total. With another 13,500 discharged under DADT, the U.S. military has officially discharged over 35,000 LGB service members since 1980. Adjusting for inflation, and considering the first homosexual discharge from the military was ordered by General George Washington in 1778, our country has easily spent over one billion dollars replacing those removed for homosexuality.
The Bottom Line
For the 35,000 LGB service members removed for their sexual orientation, justice can never be fully achieved — but, for the 13,500 discharged under DADT, at least honor has been somewhat restored. Hopefully a similar review will be conducted of the records for the 17,000 LGB service members discharged before DADT. Only time will tell.
To those who serve, regardless of whom or how you love or identify: thank you for your service.
Falls Church Business News & Notes
Community Symposium On Aging Well
Kensington invites the community to a symposium on aging well with a number of expert exhibitors and vendors on Saturday, October 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Participants will learn about wellness providers and services specifically focused on seniors and gain deeper knowledge and insight. Join Kensington and hear from city officials and experts, view a fitness demonstration, and meet wellness providers. Register via the website.
Andworx Contract with US Army
Falls Church-based Andworx has won a $2.4M prime contract by the US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA). Andworx will develop various Microsoft Power Apps and Microsoft Power Platform solutions to enable the US Army to operate more quickly and efficiently, utilizing cloud automation, leveraging the latest Microsoft low code technologies. The work will be completed in Huntsville, Alabama. Andworx specializes in the Microsoft Power Platform with expertise in Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot Studio, Dataverse, SharePoint and Azure AI.
Kettlebell Introduction
Foundational Fitness is offering a free introduction to kettlebell fundamentals on Saturday, October 19, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. The class will teach you how to “move better” and “get stronger” using the kettlebell swing, deadlift, squat and press. There’s no experience necessary and the class is scalable to suit individual ability levels.
Solace Rescue Ale 2024 Dog Adoption Event
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation is teaming up again with Solace Brewing Company and Lost Dog Cafe to bring you another year of Solace Rescue Ale. Join them on Saturday, October 12, 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Solace Outpost to enjoy this year’s freshly brewed Solace Rescue Ale. Meet some of their dogs hoping to find their forever homes and learn about the efforts of LDCRF to assist with hurricane relief. The annual LDCRF Yard Sale will be by the outdoor patio so come ready to shop.
Trivia Night for a Cause
Solace Outpost is hosting a trivia night for the nonprofit, Hope for Grieving Families, on Monday, October 21. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and trivia begins at 6:30 p.m. The event includes a live auction, 50/50 Raffle, and more. All proceeds support the free monthly programming for grieving families. Hope for Grieving Families focuses on providing fun, family-oriented events for families who have experienced the loss of a close family member. Hope creates a community of support and connects families with agencies that provide grief counseling and professional services.
Chamber Business Mixer Features Treats
Murphys Funeral Home is hosting the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce business mixer on Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. This is the second-year hosting with Halloween themed décor and food. Members and prospective members are invited.
OAR Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary
Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church is celebrating its 50th Anniversary on October 23. The community-based nonprofit organization was established in 1974 by individuals from local faith communities who were volunteering in the local jail. OAR assists with alternative sentencing options and diversion programs. They offer support via community service, mentoring, and job search assistance to those returning from incarceration.
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing and possible recommendation for City Council action is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations.
The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@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 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@ fallschurchva.gov.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, October 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter 7:30 p.m. as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations.
The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or
cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. 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) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify the existing 280-foot-tall (282-foot overall height) building wireless telecommunications facility located at 5505 Seminary Road, Falls Church, Fairfax County, VA 22041 (N38° 50’ 34.2” and W77° 07’ 15.2”). AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Action Section 106. Parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking or with questions on the proposed facility should contact Eocene at 8951 Windsor Parkway, Johnston, IA 50131 or call 515-473-6256 and reference project #NE 1185/JC. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice.
ABC NOTICE
Dominion Wine & Beer LLC trading as Dominion Wine & Beer, 107 Rowell Court, Falls Church, 22046 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Mixed Beverage License. Arash Tafakor, Owner as Authorized Signatory. 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 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200
lzakaya Chantilly LLC trading as lzakaya Nana, 13882Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Beer and Wine On and OffPremises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant license. KamWong, Managing Member, Authorized Signatory, lzakayaChantilly LLC. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of thislicense must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaperlegal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or800-552-3200
AUCTIONS
Bankruptcy Real Estate Auction! November 14 at 11AM Live & Online. 7.4± acres of Industrial Zoned Real Estate with 11,200 SF Office/ Warehouse Space will be offered in two tracts! Agents will be onsite for property previews on 10/26 & 11/9 from Noon to 3PM. 3321 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017. See Woltz.com for more information or call Woltz & Associates, Inc., Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers. (VA #321), 800-551-3588. 5% Buyers’ Premium.
Real Estate Auction – Nov. 7 at 11 AM Live & Online. 3,377± Acres Offered in 21 Tracts. Discover an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of West Virginia’s stunning natural landscape, where the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains meets the tranquility of untouched wilderness. These three unique properties, spanning Monroe and Greenbrier counties, offer unparalleled outdoor recreation, breathtaking vistas, and the chance to build your dream retreat. Auction Held at WVSOM at
400 Lee St, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Previews: 10/19, 10/20, 11/2 & 11/3 from 10AM to 3PM. Meet agents at Barn Store Gas Station Parking lot – 8075 Sweet Springs Valley Rd, Gap Mills, WV 24941. Visit Woltz.com for details or call Woltz & Associates, Inc., Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers. Jim Woltz, Broker (WVAL #1000), 800-551-3588. 5% Buyer’s Premium. Online Absolute Bankruptcy Auction! Trucks, Trailers, Boats, Environmental Cleanup Tools and Accessories, and more will be offered through online auction starting 10/29 and closing 11/12 at Noon (Soft Close). Auction representative will be onsite for previews on 10/19 and 10/26 from Noon to 3PM. Property located at 1757 Healys Road, Locust Hill, VA 23092. See Woltz.com for inventory list and more information. Call Woltz & Associates, Inc., Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers. (VA #321), 800-551-3588. 10% Buyer’s Premium.
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
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pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are avail-
In Memoriam: Hobbie, Young Ei Shin
Young Ei Shin Hobbie, February 6. 1946 – October 5, 2024 died peacefully at home after a yearlong courageous battle with liver cancer. She was 78 and had lived in Falls Church City for fifty years. Her life demonstrated her extraordinary talents, determination, professionalism as an occupational health nurse, and love of family, nature, travel, dancing, and adventure. Born in the village of Apo, in North Gyeongsang Province, Republic of Korea as one of six children, she attended the Dong San Hospital nursing college— now the Keimyung University College of Nursing, in Daegu, Korea—after being separated from her family during the Korean War and many years thereafter. While a nursing student she was supported by the loving missionary family of John and Jean Sibley and her close friends Jae Chul Han and Hwa Wook Choi, through whom she first met her husband Chuck—a Peace Corps volunteer teacher. She became a nurse “pioneer” in 1971 after graduation, joining a Korean-West German initiative in which she went with other nurses to West Germany to serve in the St. Joseph’s Hospital and the St. Agnes’ Hospital in Hannover to earn German monetary support for Korea’s struggling economic
development, then in an early stage. She and her future and surviving husband Chuck reunited in Hannover years later, married, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August of this year.
Mother of Jason Shin Hobbie and Amy Margaret Hobbie, Young with Chuck raised their family in Falls Church City, Virginia, where she was a member of Falls Church Presbyterian Church for four decades and beloved especially as a welcoming usher of quiet demeanor and a beautiful smile. She was deeply attached to and loved by her family, friends in the Falls Church community and the Northern Virginia/Maryland Korean community, and her neighbors in Falls Church, Little River, SC, and Wardensville, WV. Most of all Young adored her children and her grandchildren: Amy and Patrick Rabenold’s daughter Aoife Mae Hobbie (2017) and Jason and Callie Hawkins’ sons Coley James Hobbie, who died at birth (2018), and Fletcher Hayes Hobbie (2021).
In her initial years in Falls Church, while learning English and adjusting to her new American life, she passed her citizenship, nursing licensing, and occupational health nursing licensing examinations. Thereafter she worked with the Powhatan Nursing Home in Arlington, Virginia; American Red Cross, in Washington, DC; and World Bank in Washington, DC, before becoming a federal government nurse. In the latter position she worked first with the Postal Service in Merrifield, Virginia, and Washington, DC, and finally with the Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, where she earned the deep thanks of actor George Takei and many others, as well as special performance awards before retiring.
CRIME REPORT
Continued from Page 5
Young delighted in hiking in the mountains of New Hampshire and West Virginia and along the Carolina beaches. She possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of edible plants, mushrooms, trees, wildflowers, and ocean life— honed during years of struggling to survive as a child in war-torn Korea. She was an accomplished poet and published poems in The Korea Times and other Korean publications. She studied Korean ink-brush painting and filled her home with beautiful art. One of her pure joys pre-Covid was ballroom dancing, which she enjoyed for over ten years. She also delighted in travel, especially by cruise ships, and visited three dozen countries and four continents after retirement in addition to visiting periodically her family and friends in Korea. Some of her favorite travel memories were accompanying Jason and Amy and their spouses on a tour of her homeland and introducing them to her older brother, who predeceased her, and surviving older sister, younger brother, younger sister, nephews and nieces, and their children. She also shared Chuck’s love of Dartmouth College, as an honorary member of the class of 1967, became an avid bird-watcher—she had the sharp eyes of an eagle, and was beloved by the AFGE/AFLCIO community and Peace Corps family worldwide.
Young will be buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church near Coley James’s grave and celebrated at a memorial service at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church on November 16, 2024, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Young’s name may be made to the Falls Church Presbyterian Church.
Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Oct 12, 8:12 PM, a female, 44, of Herndon, was arrested for Reckless Driving.
Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, Wilson Blvd, Oct 13, between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM, an unknown suspect stole a license plate off a vehicle.
Fraud – Computer Invasion, Offutt Dr, Oct 12, 4:00 PM, victim reported receiving a security alert on their iPad and contacted the customer support number that was displayed in the alert. The victim was advised of a $15,000 pending charge to their banking account. The victim was instructed to purchase $15,000 worth of gift cards and provide the receipts to remove the pending fraudulent charge. Investigation is ongoing.
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F.C. Named ‘Most Livable’ in All of Virginia in AARP Study
with populations of 5,000 to 24,999. Its high est measure is 82 for health, measured by metrics and policies that promote healthy behaviors including smoking cessation, and exercise opportunities. The city’s lowest score is 37 in housing affordability and access.
Next, Arlington County, with a score of 67, ranked No. 1 on the national list of most livable large communities with populations of 100,000 to 499,999. Its highest score is 84 for health while the lowest score was 47 in housing. The county is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC).
Vienna – scores 65, with its lowest score at 32 for housing and its highest score is 84 in health. Alexandria – with an overall score of 64, its highest score is 75 in transportation convenience, safety and options. Its lowest score was 41 in opportunity, which measures job availability, government creditworthiness, and graduation rates. The city is a member of the NAFSC. Charlottesville – with an overall score of 63, it scored lowest in opportunity at 39 and highest in health at 77. The city is a member of the NAFSC.
Herndon – with an overall score of 62, its highest score was a tie at 71 for both health and neighborhood proximity to key destinations, safety, and supporting mixed-use development. Its lowest score is 46 for housing. Fairfax City – with an overall score of 62, the city’s lowest score is 43 in housing while its highest score is 84 in health.
Fairfax County – with a score of 62, ranks No. 9 on the national list of most livable very large communities, with populations of over 500,000. Its highest score is 80 in health and lowest is 43 in housing. Vinton – with an overall score of 61, its lowest score of 49 is in health while its highest score is 73 in environment, related to air and water quality, as well as energy efficiency, and hazard mitigation plans. Blacksburg – with an overall score of 61, its highest measure is 90 for transportation with its lowest score at 41 for opportunity.
NEWS BRIEFS
Leap in F.C. Housing Costs Highest By Far in Region
“The AARP Livability Index website underscores that all communities in Virginia
must continue to innovate and adapt to become more inclusive for people of all ages,” said AARP Virginia State President Joyce Williams.
“AARP Virginia remains dedicated to collaborating with residents, advocates, and policymakers to ensure that our communities thrive for individuals at every stage of life.”
Other communities in Virginia ranking in the top 25 and their overall scores are: 11. Salem – 59, 12. Purcellville – 59, 13. Lexington – 59, 14. Leesburg – 59, 15. Albemarle County – 58 NAFSC, 16. Staunton – 58, 17. Bridgewater – 58, 18. Roanoke County – 58, 19. Loudoun County – 57, 20. Warrenton – 57, 21. Montgomery County – 57, 22. Christiansburg – 57, 23. Roanoke City – 56 NAFSC, 24. Harrisonburg – 56, 25. Virginia Beach – 56.
The AARP Livability Index platform is the most comprehensive, web-based tool of its kind that scores every neighborhood and community in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most as they age, according to the AARP.
The platform scores livability by using more than 50 national data sources to measure each community against 61 indicators of livability. Users can search the website by address, ZIP code, or community to find an overall or category score, identify challenges in their community and compare their neighborhood to others across performance benchmarks.
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age, the organization states. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment.
AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin Continued from Page 1
The average per-square-foot housing cost of $466 in September 2024 in the City of Falls Church was up a whopping 26 percent over the year before, by far the region’s highest oneyear leap, according to the Oct. 10 report of Bright MLS, based on data from Market Stats by Showing Time.
The average per-square-foot housing cost in Fairfax County was up 5.5 percent to $365 in September 2024 across Fairfax, up from $346 in September 2023. In Arlington, the average per-square-foot sales price of $521 was up 10.4 percent from $472, surpassing D.C. ($520) for the regional lead, followed by Falls Church ($466, up 26 percent) and Alexandria ($440, down 6.6 percent), while Loudoun ($296, up 3.1 percent) and Prince William ($247, up 2.1 percent) counties ranked behind overall.
Across the 87 counties and independent cities in the Mid-Atlantic tracked by Bright MLS, the average per-square-foot sales price for September was $245, up 2.5 percent from $239 a year before.
Also up was the number of active listings at the end of September across the Washington region, up by 19 percent year-over-year. In September, the Fairfax homes market recorded 920 transactions, up about 11 percent from a year before.
Average sales prices were up in all three segments of the market: the average sales price of single-family homes rose 17.2 percent year-over-year to $1,163,561; the sales price of attached homes (townhouses, row houses and condominiums) rose 11.8 percent to $557,313, the sales price in the condominium-only segment was up 9.5 percent to $416,499.
Total sales volume for the month across Fairfax County was $788.9 million, up 31.2 percent from a year before.
Ceca, F.C. Founded Non-Profit Boosting Nursing, Wins Award
Ceca, a national nonprofit with Falls Church founders serving senior living, skilled nursing and other care communities across the country, has earned the Bronze Medal in the “Building Bridges” Category for the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards.
Ceca’s Recognition and Awards programs, designed to improve both employee and resident experiences in the long-term care sector, were acknowledged through a joint production of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Home Care. Ceca was the only nonprofit recipient in the category.
Ceca was named a finalist back in September
for its innovative caregiver recognition platform, a uniquely inclusive technology for staff, administrators, corporate leadership, patients, residents, loved ones and guests to submit stories about acts of care from their exceptional caregivers and highlight the integral role that they play in the healthcare experience.
Falls Church native Nathan Hamme, President and Executive Director of Ceca, shared the following statement: “We are absolutely thrilled to be a McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Award Recipient. It means a great deal to me that our team is being recognized for their passion and exceptional work supporting the industry. Our sincere thanks to all of Ceca’s partners who participated in the initiative that made this possible. And I’d like to give special thanks to Providence Place Senior Living, whose success in creating a culture of gratitude has been an inspiration to all of us.”
Falls Church’s Matt and Rosemary Lawler are co-founders of the organization.
Creative Cauldron Set to Go Down Rabbit Hole With Alice
Creative Cauldron Falls Down the Rabbit Hole with Learning Theater Production of Alice in Wonderland next month. The family friendly show based on the Lewis Carroll book will feature music and lyrics by Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, and an updated script featuring Spanish language elements by Artistic Associate Lenny Mendez who is codirecting with Founding Artistic Director Laura Connors Hull.
The show is presented by Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Ensemble which is composed of elementary and middle school aged students and two professional actors. Alice in Wonderland, a.k.a. Alicia en el País de las Maravillas is sponsored by Destination Rwanda. It will run from November 8-24.
“Wonderland is already a magical place where we saw an opportunity to add bi-lingual characters to enhance this land’s zany world. We still experience the traditional story of Alice following the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole, but with some fun, unexpected twists. Alice meets familiar characters such as the Duchess with a pig for a baby, the Cook obsessed with pepper, the wise but mad Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, Mad Hatter, Dormouse, the Gryphon, the Mock Turtle, talking flowers, the nasty Queen of Hearts, and the Caterpillar that shows her how to adjust her height by eating from the right and left sides of mushrooms. Our Learning Theater Ensemble makes each of them come to life with humor and wit. They are a terrific group of budding professionals.” said Lenny Mendez on updating the classic Lewis Carroll tale.
THE HISPANIC HEALTH FAIR held at the James Lee Center Saturday offered information and key speakers in the semi-annual event attended by hundreds. (News-Press photo)
