Falls Church News-Press 10-21-2021

Oct. 21 — 27, 2021

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FOU N D E D 1991 • VOL. XXXI NO. 36

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F.C. Has Lost 15 Percent Of Staff

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25 — 30 positions are currently left unfilled.

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In the context of some proposals of Falls Church City Council members that news of a $3 million budget surplus may justify a tax rebate, the reality has come to light that the City is currently down 15 percent or more in its current staffing, putting enormous burdens on existing employees. On top of the surplus gained in large part by underspending during the Covid-19 pandemic has come $18 million in federal Covid19 relief funds that the City Council also has to decide how to spend.

City Manager Wyatt Shields told the News-Press this week that while the current labor shortage has resulted in some “heroic” efforts by existing City staff to meet needs ranging from public safety to public works to operations, considerable push-

Continued on Page 4

AT THE ONLY IN-PERSON Candidates forum of this fall’s election cycle, Falls Church City Council candidates appeared before the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday. Left to right, Debbie Schantz-Hiscott, Marybeth Connelly, Caroline Lian, Stuart Whittaker, Scott Diaz and David Snyder (P����: N���-�����)

City Council Candidates Face Off at In-Person Debate

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

With some citizens having already voted, the official election day for this Fall’s critical statewide races in Virginia and locally for the City Council and School Board in

the City of Falls Church is now less than two weeks away. By Tuesday, Nov. 2, just around the bend, when the City’s three polling places close at 7 p.m., it should be all over but the counting. (Note we said “should.”)

In the first major race since the chaos associated with the presiden-

tial election last November and its subsequent coup-intended madness.

Virginia will select its next governor, and the race has become a crucial test of what the aftermath of the criminal presidency of Donald Trump and his attempt in January to overthrow American democracy

through a violent insurrection at the Capitol holds for us.

To the extent that the Trump surrogate, first time candidate Glenn Youngkin, tried his best to present himself to voters as a

Continued on Page 5

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Scramble opened its newest location in Falls Church just a few months ago. The indoor play center offers “European-style” play to children and familes as well as hosting afterschool campus

Once Upon a Time Parties D.C. was started by a young Latina entreprenuer with the goal of making sure the child of every family who books the company can see themselves represented through the characters.

SEE STORY PAGES 2 — 3

SEE STORY, PAGE 14

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ............................................ 7 News & Notes..........................8,10,11 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar .....................................16,17 Classified Ads ................................... 20 Comics.............................................. 21 Critter Corner.................................... 22 Business News ................................. 23

PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

New Indoor Play Center Offers “European-Style” Play for Children

BY AMANDA SNEAD

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

While there are many indoor play centers scattered throughout the area, the new Scramble facility that just opened in a new building built to its specs on E. Fairfax Dr. works to provide a unique experience with it’s “European-style” play. Owner Laurence Smallman opened a second location of the highly popular play center a few months ago here in Falls Church.

But what does “European-style” mean? According to Smallman, there are a few things that go into this. “It isn’t just that the equipment is made in Europe,” he said. “It’s more to do with the way in which the equipment and the play areas are laid out in the available space.

That there’s a natural progression in order as to where children at different ages play. When you have an open play area with children at different ages, obviously you’re going to get a mixing of those different aged children. Sometimes that’s a good thing, but sometimes, you

know, bigger kids run faster than little kids. And we’re cognizant of that. We’re aware of that. So we want to try and provide safety for those people with younger children. That’s why, for example, the sensory area has got a gate. There’s signage up there that older children can read saying about the age range.”

The age range for Scramble goes from five months to 12 years.

When you walk into the play area, you can see the progression— from a sensory area for younger children with colorful changing lights and a ball pit, all the way to the four-story main frame for older children.

Additionally, the cafe is at the heart of the building. With reasonable prices and delicious, locally-sourced food, it’s clear that it isn’t an afterthought and is central to the overall experience. The pork used for the tacos comes from Maryland and the coffee is roasted in Annandale. Alcoholic drinks are also sold at the location in Alexandria, with beers from Port City Brewing Company and

Smallman is currently working on obtaining an ABC license for the Falls Church location.

“So we’re selling local food, local drinks, and we’re also selling at very reasonable prices that aren’t like movie popcorn pricing,” said Smallman. “So the European style is the idea that the family and experience as a family, eating together, enjoying the food is central to the day out. It isn’t just a day out for the kids.”

Scramble puts an emphasis on both physical play, such as running and climbing, and cognitive play, which involves using your imagination and being creative.

After many months spent at home and learning online, play is more important now than ever.

Smallman wanted to bring the concept back to the Northern Virginia area after visiting his brother and his family overseas.

His children played for many hours and Smallman began to wonder why nothing like this existed in

Continued on Page 3

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A HAWAIIAN THEME is featured in this area filled with soft play equipment for younger children. (P����: N���-P����)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 3

Scramble Offers Unique Play for Kids of All Ages Continued from Page 2

America.

After returning home, he began developing a business plan answering the question “why doesn’t this style of play center exist in the states?”

Scramble in Alexandria was the first play center of its kind in America and Scramble in Falls Church is the largest, with a building built from scratch with the purpose of becoming a play center in mind.

The Falls Church location opened in August in a new building built by the Young Group, which has a long-term lease on the land from the Falls Church Episcopal Church across the street, with the health and safety of guests as a top priority. Thirty percent of the air in the building is always fresh air from outside. An electrostatic sprayer is used to disinfect surfaces, the chemical used is CDC approved, killing Covid within 10 minutes of the initial spray and stays on surfaces for 72 hours.

Masks are required for unvaccinated guests but are allowed to be

removed when playing if allowed by the caretaker in accordance with local health regulations.

In addition to regular play hours each day of the week, Scramble also offers an after school camp program Monday through Friday until 6:30 p.m. including early release days and teacher professional days. Freshly made snacks are provided to each child and time is made both for play and homework, including a private room to complete work without distraction.

The theme of the play center is “water, land, air and space,” starting with water on the bottom level of the main frame and scenes of Hawaii in the sensory area. As you move up the main frame, the scenes around you change.

For older children, bits of educational information are scattered throughout the main frame with topics such as Christopher Columbus, westward expansion and climate change.

“I don’t know whether a child playing here will in any way absorb the idea that they’re even on sea, land, air or space,” said Smallman.

“But they may get a sense of some

of these things because the brain will file it away.”

An additional feature unique to Scramble is the inclusion of a bookstore. The bookstore is located right in the entrance of the building and is one of the largest suppliers of Usborne Books, a British publishing house, on the east coast.

There are books available corresponding with the wide age range of children visiting the play center and are all educational while still being interactive and fun to read and look at.

Smallman believes that play is innate to humans and important for development. He is incredibly passionate about creating a unique play experience that both children and their caretakers will want to return to.

“Over time, if you were growing up with this system, I wouldn’t have to explain to you how valuable cognitive play is, you would notice,” says Smallman. “And I’ve had parents say to me ‘oh, my child is far more or he explores more on his own. You know, we, um, instead of now encouraging him, we just have to, we have to

Vote Ilya Shapiro for School Board Maintain our excellent public schools while improving the board’s accountability and responsiveness to the community.

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THE MAIN FRAME of the play center goes up four levels and features sea, land, air and space themes. (P����: N���-P����) watch out and hold it back.’ And of course, some of that could be anecdotal. Some of it could be, that’s just how children develop at an age. And of course you can’t differentiate the two, except that there’s a huge amount of research that shows that the more we play and the better the quality of the play, the more we develop. And it is obvious if play’s developmental,

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it is then that the more we play, the more development we’re going to do, the better, quality of the play, the better, the nature of that development.”

Scramble is located at 130 E. Fairfax St. adjacent the Southgate Village Shoppes. To find out more about Scramble and book a visit, check out their website at https:// goscramble.com/.

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PAGE 4 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

City Staff Members Leave Amongst Discussion of Allocation of Funds Continued from Page 1

back from the City’s Employee Advisory Committee and others has met the notion of a tax rebate, the News-Press has learned.

Last Monday’s weekly virtual meeting of key City department heads was met with firm resistance to the idea of giving surplus money back to taxpayers when it could be argued that the surplus was obtained at the expense of the extra labor of existing employees.

Shields noted that two more members of the F.C.Police Department have announced they are leaving for more lucrative options in adjacent jurisdictions.

That has raised the question of what Falls Church needs to do not only to be fair to its employees, but to remain competitive in salaries and benefits with other jurisdictions in the region in order to retain employees.

“When Fairfax and Arlington have a shortage, they know to come looking to Falls Church,” said one City employee, because they know they can be enticed away with better compensation.

What remains unspecified is how the current labor shortage is impacting the Falls Church quality of life for its residents. Shortages at the Police Department, and how that may be placing citizens in jeopardy, are more than matched by shortages in Public Works, for example, which are responsible for everything from leaf removal to unclogging sewers and fixing broken roads and sidewalks.

“This shortage is part of a national pattern,” Shields said.

In Falls Church, it began with a hiring freeze instigated at the onset of the pandemic, and has continued. Now, he says, “We are working hard to fill the 25-30 positions [out of some 200 full time City positions--ed.] we are down. We are clawing back but are finding it difficult to hire. But our situation is not unique.”

Key employees at City Hall, however, insist that Falls Church is unique, indeed. It is from the standpoint of the services demanded in a locality like Northern Virginia as compared to more rural areas. Even in the case of the nearby Town of Vienna,

it was noted, it has the same number of full time employees to engage in some kinds of work that require half the effort because the burden is on Fairfax County to offer the service.

People earning $50,000 are being offered $70,000 by Fairfax for the same or even less work, one source noted.

When a compensation study was finally done for one category of work, it was learned that the City, indeed, was paying considerably less than the going rate regionally, and that led to across the board salary hikes in that department.

Some are now saying that a compensation study for the entire City workforce needs to be done.

Not all, or even many, on the City Council, have expressed support for a tax rebate, Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly wrote the News-Press following Monday’s meeting: “Just in case I wasn’t clear enough from the dais, I want to use to the FY2021 surplus, which consists of underspending and revenue surplus, to meet the needs that the City has in serving

its taxpayers. We’ve constrained budgets for several years due to the pandemic, and while things are looking up, we aren’t out of the woods yet.”

She added, “Many departments need staff and resources to serve citizens, and I think that’s the best use of surplus, not a tax rebate or refund. It gives me hope that we may be able to lower the [real estate tax] rate further next year, but due to the unstable nature of the economy right now, I am not in favor of the plan [for a tax rebate that Councilman Phil] Duncan set forth.”

Duncan’s proposal was to use

$1.37 million of the budget surplus for a tax rebate of 3 cents (per $100 assessed valuation), arguing “that would still leave enough to do a lot of catch-up work on things the City and the schools scrimped on when we were in the deepest pandemic gloom.”

As for the $18 million in federal ARPA dollars, Shields said that terms for its use are restrictive, that the funds can’t be used to increase salaries and that only “premium pay” can be allotted, which he says is a fancy term for bonuses. But bonuses, per se, are not allowed, either.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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PAGE 5 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

City Council Candidates Participate In Only In-Person Debate This Election Cycle

Continued from Page 1

ordinary businessman and family man, and to the extent that temporarily boosted his standing in the polls, that advantage against Democratic former governor Terry McAuliffe began to crumble thanks to Trump’s personal intervention on his behalf in the race. That happened at a Steve Bannon-run political rally in Richmond last week where Trump called into the event to offer his heartfelt endorsement of Youngkin, assuring the faithful there that Youngkin would do everything Trump wants.

Youngkin hopes his Trumpian campaign will also lift more Republican novices, equally radical candidates for attorney general and lieutenant governor, over seasoned and solid Democratic veterans, incumbent attorney general Mark Herring and state delegate Hala Ayala.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances of this first post-Trump year, there is no way that Falls Church’s local elections for City Council and School Board can be seen as simply local. They all are surrounded by the taint of national politics.

In that context, perhaps the most important of the sequence of local

candidate forums this month is coming tonight, when the F.C. Citizens for a Better City (CBC) hosts a virtual event involving the seven candidates running to fill four vacant School Board seats. The debate begins at 7:30 p.m., and the link can be found on the CBC website.

Why is a School Board race so important in the grander scheme of things?

First, one need look no further than Falls Church’s neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun counties, where angry and violent behavior has forced the shutting down of more than one school board meeting as Trumpian right wingers have disrupted proceedings with whacked out claims of conspiracies and “critical race theory” untruths exposing a racist underbelly to some of the protests. This is exactly the Trumpian formula for chaos.

Second, in the case of Falls Church’s race itself, there is a candidate in the running who has brought in over $30,000 in outside money after launching his campaign with a column in the Wall Street Journal that ignored the local nature of the race and its issues, and included disparaging comments about the awardwinning Falls Church schools. The

candidate, Ilya Shapiro, is a top level operative in the D.C.-based rightwing think tank, the Cato Institute.

Other candidates have played big roles in the attempts to stir up citizen dissent in the City over the School Board’s handling of the extremely challenging Covid-19 pandemic crisis, and attempting to rally opposition to the School Board’s courageous effort to bring the City in line with the national anti-racist movement by electing to change the name of two City schools away from early leaders of the nation who stood for democracy but unapologetically owned many slaves.

Voter discernment in this race, with its seven candidates and no incumbents, is vital and Falls Church citizens have a penchant for smart decision making. To the extent some can’t make up their minds, tonight’s forum will help and, minus that, the News-Press will reiterate its final, updated endorsements for the City Council and School Board on its editorial page next week.

Two forums highlighting the City Council race in the last week proved particularly helpful in drawing out the strengths and aspirations of the six candidates seeking the four open seats.

One, the first of the two online events hosted by the CBC, was made particularly useful by the moderator role assumed by young Falls Church native Pete Davis, Harvard Law School graduate, co-founder of the Democracy Network, and author of the new book, “Dedicated, The Case for Commitment in An Age of Browsing.” Davis kept the candidates on topic and within their allotted times to respond.

The second was the first inperson forum event of the campaign hosted by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at an outdoor venue, the backyard lunch facility of Dominion Wine and Beer.

There, the candidates got to see each other in person all in one place for the first time and with the Chamber’s Andrew Painter as the moderator, they all made forceful cases for their candidacies and achievements of the current board, with a partial emphasis on business development issues of special interest to the Chamber.

The three incumbents in the race, Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly, David Snyder and Deborah SchantzHiscott, despite their wide disparities in years of service (Snyder since 1994, Connelly seeking a third

term and Hiscott winning a special election), laid out the considerable achievements of the current Council solidly, and challengers Caroline Lian, Stuart Whitaker and Scott Diaz all acquitted themselves effectively.

An evidence of the interrelationship between Trumpian priorities of Youngkin, the GOP gubernatorial candidate, and the local races here is reflected in the comment made to the News-Press by veteran Councilman and candidate for re-election to a seventh four-year term David Snyder, reflecting on Youngkin’s “threat to cut state school funds to jurisdictions who would remove the role of School Resource officers.”

While he favors keeping the officers “as safety threats regrettably have not dissipated,” Youngkin’s threat “clearly indicated a future return to bureaucratic command and control from Richmond,” Snyder wrote. “We don’t need Richmond to dictate what is right for our community or our schools.”

All expected to participate in the School Board debate tonight are all seeking public office for the first time: Shapiro, Lori Silverman, Jerrod Anderson, Courtney Mooney, David Ortiz, Kathleen Tysse and Tate Gould.

PAGE 6 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 

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Editorial

E D I TO R I A L

The Budget Surplus: ‘Let Them Eat Cake’

Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting was a frustrating exercise for viewers familiar with some of the underlying structural problems facing the Little City. The Council discussion of how to deploy not only the $3 million budget surplus but the $18 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money smacked of a scene from a French court revolution era drama where Queen Marie Antoinette is asked what to do about the starved but angry masses. The people having no bread to eat, the queen quipped, “Then let them eat cake.”

In the Falls Church case, the Council mulled options such as major renovations to some City parks and even a tax rebate to City taxpayers (even though the last time that was tried it actually became a net loss to City taxpayers because the administrative cost of implementation was greater than the alleged benefit). It all seems so surreal, clearly ignoring all the evidence of the hardships facing basic City government operations and local businesses in the wake of the pandemic and, in some cases, problems that began piling up prior to it.

For one, the Council cannot be unaware that City Hall is down about 20 employees from earlier levels that themselves were bare bones. This has put great pressure on existing employees as well as on the City’s ability to provide essential services, including public safety functions and its ability to handle permit applications for vital income-generating economic development and other projects.

For another, City businesses, especially the small ones, are facing severe shortages in employees, as well, due to multiple reasons that are impacting the national economy and essentially because a lot of people are simply not willing to come back to the kind of radically unfair wages and working conditions they were forced to endure before they were laid off by the pandemic.

This is not a local problem, but the funds coming to the City now can play an important role mitigating it. It is not just the struggles of the employees, but of the businesses they must work for that are the issue here. All have in some way contributed to the obscene and still growing disparity between the wealth of the super-rich and all the rest of us. As a culture, we’ve grown accustomed to average households needing two jobs to make ends meet and low-end jobs not providing basics such as health care or retirement benefits, much less educational resources, child care and retirement security.

The idea that waiters at restaurants can be paid $2 an hour on the notion that tips make up for that is an example. No wonder that even many of our cherished local restaurants can’t stay open normal hours for lack of service help!

It’s not the individual restaurants who are responsible as it is a structural industry wide issue, and while bigger chains can offer incentives for hiring, local ones can’t afford to.

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Letters

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Green Infrastructure Alone Won’t Prevent Flooding Editor, Many recent community discussions about flooding have included well-intentioned suggestions that Falls Church should prioritize “green infrastructure,” which includes rain gardens, rain barrels, and other strategies, above the need to upgrade our stormwater drainage.

Let’s set the record straight: Green infrastructure can help improve stormwater quality, but it is not necessarily a cost-effective strategy to prevent repeated flood damage to homes and businesses from major storms like the ones the City endured the past three summers.

For example, a 2020 Public Works memo estimated that a green infrastructure retention facility nearly the size of a football field and 10 feet deep, costing about $10 million, would provide the Trammel Branch watershed the same flood protection during an intense storm as replacing a pipe at a bottleneck for a small fraction of that cost.

Falls Church has greatly benefitted from VPIS and the City encouraging residents to install rain gardens and rain barrels, and to plant more trees. We also thank City Council and City staff for their strong commitment in recent years to alleviate repeated flooding while exploring ways to add green infrastructure.

Falls Church’s stormwater strategy should prioritize “rightsizing” our drainage system and reducing impervious areas that lack stormwater management with a secondary goal of adding green infrastructure when and wherever possible. The Stormwater Task Force also recommended that the City emphasize reducing impervious surfaces that accelerate runoff.

This comprehensive approach will meet our dual challenges of reducing repeated flooding, which was City Council’s primary goal creating the Task Force, along with continuing to improve the quality of water that the City discharges to streams and the Chesapeake Bay. Many stormwater investments over the last 15 years improved water quality, but our flooding problems have worsened during that time. The City needs to continue investments in preventing repeated flooding. The six priority stormwater projects are a great start, and those will take years to complete. More recently,

the Stormwater Task Force recommended four projects with more green infrastructure benefits high in our watersheds, which will help with both water quality and, to a lesser extent, water quantity downstream.

Rolf Anderson Dave Gustafson Ellen Heather Jeff Jardine Hans Miller Lauren Pinkus Matthew Ries Falls Church

Donations for School Board Election Editor, If you were watching the League of Women Voters’ school board candidate debate, you heard candidate Shapiro say that he has raised nearly $30,000 for his campaign for school board— $30,000— of which 40—45 percent is local If you consider Maryland and Northern Virginia local for a school board election. More than half his money comes from further away. Most other candidates had raised considerably smaller amounts, with most contributions coming from within the city or family members and friends supportive of their campaigns. They have relied on door-to-door campaigning.

Candidate Silverman indicated that she has received a fair amount of money from outside organizations (but nothing close to $30,000).

Falls Church, let’s keep our school board local. Out of state idealogues and their representatives have no place on our school board.

Kathy Rice Falls Church

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CO MME NT

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 7

3 F.C. City Council Candidate Statements

Statements from other will be in print next week.

Caroline Lian

Marybeth Connelly

Scott Diaz

This is my first time running for public office, and I am excited about the chance to represent my fellow citizens in this great city. The city deserves a council member who not only knows and loves this city, but also has relevant business, government, and community experience. I believe that my 26 years of work history and skills in management, operational execution, policy development and affordable housing implementation can help navigate our challenges and opportunities. I want to serve the community and am passionate about the issues I am running on: maintaining excellent public education, preserving, protecting and expanding affordable housing, and supporting economic development that improves quality of life and is environmentally sustainable. I am a full-time working parent who believes that both life and work diversity in public office is important. As I undertake this effort, I also hope to encourage others, especially my children, to participate civically and give back to the community.

As a Citizen and Mom, I am active in our schools as a room parent, Odyssey of the Mind and Science Olympiad coach, and events volunteer since 2013. I am a supporter of the Falls Church Education Foundation and active in our local Cubscout and Boyscout packs. I have served ten consecutive years as a board member for four different nonprofits focused on youth mentorship, education policy, a DC public charter school and sustainable homeownership advocacy.

I am a first generation immigrant from Indonesia who came to the US as a non-English speaking child, and became a naturalized citizen in 2008. I am a product of the American public education system. I attended public schools in Alexandria and Prince William County, and graduated with a B.A. in Biology from the University of Virginia where I met my husband, Andrew Manwaring.

We have been married for 18 years and have two sons attending Oak Street and MEH. When looking for a place to raise a family, my husband’s family roots as residents since 1946 made Falls Church City our top choice to purchase a home. We moved to the city in 2006, joining third and fourth generation members of the Manwaring family who still reside here today.

I started my career in 1995 at Ernst & Young Consulting in New York City and moved on to investment banking with JP Morgan. In 2008, I worked for the District of Columbia Government as a Director of Program Management and then COO for the Office of the Chief Technology Officer and DC Public Schools. After government service I worked for private equity and consulting firms taking executive leadership roles executing mergers, integrations, and product development. I currently work at FreddieMac, where I have been developing and implementing affordable lending programs for the past six years.

I am a hardworking, outcome oriented, data driven thinker and relationship builder. I would be honored to earn your vote and work toward keeping the best current elements of our city and to improve the areas where we see challenges and opportunities.

I am running for my third term on Falls Church City Council. After eight years, I’m proud to say that we’ve made significant progress in many areas, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m asking for your vote so that I can continue to lead the Council in moving Falls Church forward. It has been an honor to serve the City, and I hope I’ve earned your confidence and your vote this November.

My husband, Michael, and I bought our first Falls Church home in 1995, and the City quickly became home. Our three children are Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) alumni, and our lives are centered on the City. I am employed by FCCPS as the Community Outreach Director, and in that role I am able to bring together teachers, support staff, local businesses, nonprofits, and professionals for the good of the community.

The biggest, most visible, achievement in recent years is Meridian High School. This was a true community effort, accomplished through collaboration between Council and School Board, along with school and city employees. Many years of community meetings, disagreement, fact-finding, and persistence led us to the wonderful ribbon cutting earlier this month. We should all be proud of this magnificent school building.

The high school is just one piece of the most ambitious building plan in City history. The renovations of City Hall and Mary Riley Styles Public LIbrary complete the trifecta of tough, but important, Council decisions that make the City a better place to live, work, and go to school.

Along the way we’ve cultivated a positive relationship between the City Council and School Board. What once was a contentious culture has evolved into mutual respect, even as individual members have changed. This transformed relationship is apparent in the collegial way we have built the budget for the past few years.

I’m committed to playing a key role in the upcoming FY 2023 budget planning process.

Many challenges lie ahead. The ongoing work with Gateway Partners on the development of the property abutting our secondary schools is essential to the City’s future. The groundwork is set, and we need to keep the process moving so that our plan of finance for the new school is solid. I’m committed to persisting until the visions and plans become streets, parks, and buildings.

We face additional challenges as we fully emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.The City has $16M in American Rescue Plan funding, and I am committed to using that money to steward recovery and growth.

We need to continue to build our commercial tax base, upgrade our stormwater infrastructure, increase our supply of affordable housing, enact policies that protect the environment, and ensure that all residents and employees are treated with dignity.

I ask for your vote on November 2, or before, and look forward to serving the City of Falls Church for four more years.

This is my first run for public office. I’ve spent my adult life in service to my nation; first for more than 26 years as a soldier, Green Beret, and helicopter pilot, and now post retirement as a government civilian employee for the Department of Defense. My wife Jennifer, teenage son Hendrix and I moved here in 2019 after living in Europe and Asia for more than fifteen years. I believe my extensive international experience and global perspective would benefit the City and Council. I see my candidacy as an investment for my family and the community.

I was born in Puerto Rico then grew up in Western Massachusetts, attending public school. I entered the Army after graduation for a job and educational opportunities.

I’ve always sought greater challenges, first as a paratrooper, then in Special Forces, and finally in aviation. I furthered my education, eventually earning a master’s degree in international relations.

My military experience provided me with the opportunity to work and collaborate, at many levels, with a number of partner military forces in Asia, Europe, and Africa. This interaction provided me with much insight into how both our and their government works to find solutions within each other’s needs and means. I understand that conflicting views must be addressed, in consideration of the long-term goals and their impact, be they an annual budget battle or development and implementation of new policies.

Many of you know, living outside of the United States provides you with a different perspective. We are truly a nation of many cultures and peoples, and through that international exposure it is much easier to see that our society includes a little bit from all over. This has provided me a fuller appreciation of why America is America.

I see economic development and private investment as the keys to generating the revenue necessary to grow our city and maintain the quality of our schools and services.

Our city vision includes some ambitious development that could significantly change the look and feel of the community. Our future development is physically limited to the Broad and Washington Development Corridor; over the next decade, this development calls for large scale, multi-story, mixed-use complexes, with many hundreds of apartments being built along those narrow thoroughfares. I believe now is the time to shape that development, to reflect the character of the city, to meet or exceed a 10 percent affordable housing goal, and ensure the developer considers available technology to reduce energy consumption and urban heat island effect.

Our city budget is very tight. We need to spend within our means and find efficiencies everywhere we may. One percent saved here and there could reduce the need for budget off-sets, or fund needed resources for the schools or our first responders. The American Rescue Plan and an Amazon grant have allocated more than $18 million that the city may use for infrastructure and economic assistance.

That largess needs to be allocated to shovel-ready projects or essential assistance programs quickly.

You may reach me at scott.c.diaz@gmail.com

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OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 8

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School News & Notes Meridian High School Cheer Teams Qualify for Nationals

change facing our world. It premiered at an International Youth Forum, “Our Planet Matters,” in July of this year.

For the first time in school history, both the JV and Varsity Cheer teams competed in the UCA Game Day competition at Deep Run HS on October 9. JV placed 2nd, and Varsity placed 3rd, qualifying for Nationals in Disney World in February 2022.

Saturday Learning Lounge at Meridian

MHS Sports Medicine Students Chosen for Leadership Forum Two Meridian High School Sports Medicine Level 1 students — Rachel Brantley and Lorsim Bellevue — have been selected to attend the 2022 National Youth Leadership Forum in Medicine (NYLFM). Before this academic year, only one of the George Mason/Meridian High School students had been selected to attend this prestigious 9-day enrichment program in medicine.

This is a significant educational opportunity and honor for Rachel & Lorsim. Meridian HS wishes congratulations to both students on their tremendous accomplishments at such an early stage of their high school careers.

Meridian Music Project Chosen for International IB Conference Meridian High School Instrumental Music students composed the lyrics and performed the music to “I’d Forgotten — We Can Change, We Can Live” in collaboration with the Sejong Arts School, South Korea.

This international climate change project was selected for the 2021 IB International Conference to be shown to over 1700 participants from over 80 countries on October 18 — 22nd virtually.

Moving lyrics composed by the IB DP Music class bring awareness to the issues of climate

All students in grades 8 — 12 are invited to sign up for the Learning Lounge with Mrs. Rafique and Mr. Perkins. This quiet space allows students the opportunity to get work done with the help of a teacher or peer tutors.

The SLL is offered most Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.

— 12:00 p.m. in room 4L29 (across from the fitness room).

Students must sign up if they plan to attend.

They should indicate in the request form if they would like to have a tutor by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Oak Street Elementary Pumpkin Carving Contest The Oak Street Elementary SCA invites all students to bring their pumpkin carving creations to the school’s front on Wednesday, Oct 27. Winners will be announced on Friday, Oct 29. Each student should make a Google slide with a picture of their pumpkin (their name, teacher, and category) and share the slide with chunga@fccps.org

by Oct 27th.

FCCPS/ViSSTA Covid-19 Screening Program FCCPS are getting close to launching their Covid-19 screening test program in collaboration with VDH and VDOE. This is an entirely voluntary program.

If you wish for your student(s) to participate in the program, you must provide permission. The school system hopes that every student will participate in this program.

Parents will need to complete

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL volleyball players celebrated senior night at their last home game of the season with a win against Brentsville. Pictured here (left to right) are seniors Sydney Longer, Katie Teague, Charlotte Oleson, Lily Kulok and Natalie Burke (Photo: Will Turner)

a separate permission form for each student and can rescind your permission at any time.

More information and the permission form can be found at fccps.org.

Falls Church Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly visited Henderson 7th grade Civics students from Mr. Buck and Ms. Amos’s classes to talk about Local Government in Falls Church City — everything from crosswalks to fire trucks to future development right next door.

the representation of all voices within the community.

Complete the Community Assessment Form, which was released in Morning Announcements on October 19, on the FCCPS website and through social media. It will be open until October 29 and will provide all community members an opportunity to comment on the FCCPS Strategic Plan.

Join a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. This one-hour session will include an overview of the strategic planning process and facilitated small group discussions about your experiences within FCCPS. Register online and you will receive the link to the Town Hall.

Strategic Planning Virtual Town Hall

School Board Debate Tonight

As School Board Chair Shannon Litton shared during Tuesday evening’s meeting, FCCPS is excited to engage stakeholders (students, staff, parents, and community members) in the Strategic Planning process.

Information on the process is available on the FCCPS website at www.fccps.org/strategicplan.

This month there will be two opportunities to share your ideas about the future of the school division. Your participation will help FCCPS identify key instructional priorities, drive practice across our schools, and ensure

Falls Church Citizens for a Better City will be hosting a debate for school board candidates in collaboration with the PTAs. This debate will be held virtually via Zoom and take place on Thursday, October 21 from 7:30 — 9 p.m. To access the Zoom link, visit https://tinyurl. com/SchoolBoardDebate. For more information, visit https:// www.fallschurchcbc.net/.

All seven candidates, Jerrod Anderson, Tate Gould, Courtney Mooney, David Ortiz, Ilya Shapiro, Lori Silverman, and

Middle Schoolers Learn About Local Government

Kathleen Tysse, will be participating in this debate.

Meridian Band Tag Day This Sat, Oct 23, from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m., members of the Meridian High School band will bring music to Falls Church City neighborhoods as they travel door to door collecting donations for the annual Tag Day fundraiser.

The high school students are hoping to travel to Walt Disney World at the end of January, a trip that has been canceled two years in a row due to Covid. The musicians accept donations of any amount (cash, checks, or online payments). Funds will help all members participate in performance clinics with Disney musicians and perform at Walt Disney World.

Student Asynchronous Day on November 2 There are three ATL asynchronous days this school year around important IB education and real-world themes, including International-Mindednes on November 2.

Students will have an opportunity to engage in learning experiences of their choosing on each of these days based on teacher-created lessons shared with students during the virtual school day.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

NEWS BRIEFS Meridian Band Students To Tour Around F.C. This Saturday, Oct 23, from 9 a.m. to noon, members of the Meridian High School band will bring music to Falls Church City neighborhoods as they travel door to door collecting donations for their annual fundraiser.

The students are raising money to travel to Walt Disney World at the end of January, a trip that has been canceled two years in a row due to Covid. The musicians accept donations of any amount (cash, checks, or online payments). Funds will help all members participate in performance clinics with Disney musicians and perform at Walt Disney World.

ated a record $77 billion in capital investment commitments across more than 850 projects, as businesses expand their footprint in Virginia and new companies move into the Commonwealth. These projects will create nearly 100,000 new jobs and represent more capital investment secured than any previous governor, Northam said.

“Virginia’s economy is roaring because we’re investing in people, infrastructure, and our future,” said Northam. “When you treat people right it’s good for everyone and good for business. Companies want to invest here, and people want to work here. The billions of dollars companies are investing in our Commonwealth will expand opportunities and help Virginia reach new heights.”

Fairfax Votes to OK Collective Bargaining

Beyer Calls for Full’ Use of Metro Buses

Tuesday, after reviewing extensive feedback from employees and the public and following a year of work, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance, authorized by the Virginia General Assembly this past session, to allow collective bargaining with County employee groups, according to Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. The new policy applies to general county employees and public safety employees, but not school employees.

McKay said if the School Board decides to allow FCPS employees to collectively bargain, the School Board would have to adopt a resolution authorizing it.

Collective bargaining is the process of negotiation between an employer and employee representatives to reach agreements regarding County employees’ wages, benefits, and working conditions subject to appropriation by the Board of Supervisors.

During the 2020 session of the Virginia General Assembly, local governments were given the authority to adopt an ordinance or resolution allowing employees to collectively bargain. A number of local governments throughout Virginia have implemented or are considering allowing collective bargaining as a result of this change in state law.

Nationwide, McKay explained, there is a labor shortage and collective bargaining is important for employee retention because our employees have a stake in their future and their benefits.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, issued the following statement today on ongoing Metro service disruptions in the region after the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) 7000-series train cars were removed from service following a derailment last week: “While they continue to work towards the safe resumption of regular service, WMATA must take necessary steps to maximize bus service across the region.

It is simply unsustainable to cut train service in half without a significant corresponding increase in bus service.

WMATA should work with regional leaders to increase bus lane capacity where it is needed.”

Virginia Economy Booming Gov, Northam Says Virginia Gov. Northam announced this week that Virginia’s economy has gener-

OCTOBER 21 - 27 , 2021 | PAGE 9

Join sabihacademy Math tutoring We offer Virtual and in-person classes . Calculus & precalculus . Algebra 1 & algebra 2 . Geometry . SAT & ACT prep Call 703-861-1426 Or visit: sabihacademy.com

450 W Broad St. Suite 211 and 211B, Falls Church , Va 22046 Hours of operation: Monday through Thursday: 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday: Closed Saturday and Sunday : 10:00 am to 7: 00 pm

SAVE THE DATES!

More Dates Open for DMV Appointments With the recent changes at the Department of Motor Vehicles, “we have received more dates at the American Legion than ever before,” announced F.C.’s Revenue Commissioner Tom Clinton.

There are numerous appointments still available today (Thursday the 21st) and a few on Friday the 22nd. The following week there are numerous appointments still available Monday through Thursday October 25-28.

The DMV Connect’s hours at the American Legion located at 400 N Oak Street in Falls Church City are 9:30-3:30 and they close for lunch from 12:30-1:30.

Walk-ins will be considered on a case by case basis. For more details, please call (703) 248-5450 or e-mail commissioner@ fallschurchva.gov.

ARPA FUNDING VIRTUAL TOWN HALL Wednesday, October 27 at 7pm Thursday, November 4 at Noon fallschurchva.gov/ARPA

PAGE 10 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Afterschool Camps Offered at Scramble Scramble, a European-style indoor play center, offers afterschool camps for children from school release until 6:30 p.m.

This includes flexible periods around play, homework and activities and snacks upon arrival.

More information on the program, pricing and booking can be found at https://goscramble.com/ booking/.

Plein Air Festival Delayed Until October 23 The Falls Church Plein Air Festival will now take place on Saturday, October 23 due to a forecast of rain. The Festival will include the judging of artist’s work as well as a quick draw competition. More details on the event can be found online at https://www.fallschurchchamber. org/.

Falls Church Trunk or Treat at Columbia Baptist Church Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church will be hosting its annual Trunk or Treat event from 3 — 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 31.

This is a fun, safe and convenient way for children and families of the community to celebrate Halloween in one location. Families are invited to come in costume and practice their best “trick or treat” at their 40+ themed trunks. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome.

Falls Church Ghost Tours Offered on Fridays and Saturdays This Month Falls Church Ghosts and History Tour will take place on the last two Fridays and Saturdays of October. The tour starts at Cherry Hill Farmhouse (302 Park) promptly at 6 p.m.

The event is 90 minutes long and covers 1.5 miles.

Please bring a flashlight and a donation of five dollars or three cans of food as this event benefits local food drives.

More information and the link to

CELEBRATING HER 92ND birthday this month, Scalywag creator Eileen Levy, with doggie Lili, was joined by l. to r., the News-Press’ Nicholas Benton, Simon VanSteyn. Donna Byrne and Stephen Mory. (Photo: News-Press) reserve your spot can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ FallsChurchGhostTours/.

Cox Farms Fields of Fear Open Every Friday and Saturday Looking for a way to get into the spooky Halloween Spirit?

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms in Centreville is open every Friday and Saturday night through November 6 with a bonus Sunday night opening on Saturday, October 31, for Halloween. For more information about the event, Covid protocols and to purchase tickets, visit https://fieldsoffear. coxfarms.com/.

Tysons Block Party This Weekend A part of Celebrate Fairfax’s 40th Anniversary Series, Tysons Block Party will take place from 4 — 11 p.m. on Friday and 12 — 11 p.m. on Saturday at 8505 Leesburg Pike in Vienna. They are looking for creative ways to celebrate the entire Fairfax County community, and will be

hosting events that change for the seasons – from family fall activities, beer festivals, concerts, silent discos and more! More information on the event can be found at https://www.fxva.com/.

Haunt Collection at Workhouse Arts Center This year’s Workhouse Haunt immerses guests through a highly-themed walk-through experience, as creepy characters deliver contactless scares in multiple scenes. Guests will travel in small groups for a frightening 30 minute experience that brings them next to the site’s abandoned, historic buildings and into the dark woods where they will encounter terrifying characters and sights that are not for the faint of heart.

Set on the grounds of the former District of Columbia’s Correctional Facility, the Workhouse campus provides a unique and extra eerie setting for this unusual Halloween attraction.

Please note that this outdoor route includes paved and unpaved surfaces, so guests are cautioned

to wear appropriate footwear.

Tickets are being sold by timed entry, and advance purchase is highly recommended to reserve your time slot. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the Haunt Bar, located near the check-in area in the campus quad.

The 2021 Workhouse Haunt (recommended for guests 13 years of age and older) will take place on 15 nights, beginning on Sunday, October 3rd at 7pm.

Timed entry tickets are now available and must be purchased online (pricing varies upon the night).There will be premium nights with live entertainment on October 16th, 23rd, 30th and 31st. To find more information about the event or purchase tickets, visit https://insidenovatix. com/organizations/workhousearts-center.

Annual Vienna Halloween Parade on October 27 The 75th annual Halloween Parade will take place at 7 p.m.

Oct. 27. The theme for this year’s parade is “The Roaring

Twenties.”

Since 1946, the Town of Vienna has hosted a Halloween parade for area families. Now held rain or shine on Wednesday evening the week before Halloween, the parade includes floats and other forms of entertainment marching down Maple Avenue, from Branch Road to Center Street.

Children and others in costume are invited to march along in the parade as well, no need to register. Children with parents who want to march meet at 6 p.m. at the United Bank, 374 Maple Ave., E. Only businesses, organizations and representatives with floats or cars need to apply.

Mosaic District Halloween Spook-tacular on October 31 Families are welcome to join Mosaic District on Sunday, October 31 for a Spooktacular Halloween at Mosaic. From store open to store close, stop by your favorite shops for trick-or-treating. Shop around at the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. — 2 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

and get your face painted at the Vienna Singing Princesses popup tent from 12 p.m. — 6 p.m. in Strawberry Park. Layout your blankets, spread out your candy, and enjoy The Addams Family on a big screen in Strawberry Park, starting at 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://mosaicdistrict.com/.

Virginia Hospital Center Receives CHIME Most Wired Recognition Virginia Hospital Center (VHC), a community-based hospital providing medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for 75 years, has earned 2021 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Most Wired recognition as a certified level 9.

The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities. VHC received recognition for its community engagement efforts with the launch of its app in April.

In April, VHC launched its app, marking a major step for their technological engagement with the community. The VHC app includes directional technology that guides patients through the hospital and allows users to make appointments and access the MyVHC Patient Portal all in one place. VHC teamed up with software company Phunware to digitize the Hospital’s campus map and allow for turn-byturn directions across floors and buildings.

Virginia Hospital center also formed partnerships within the community, including sharing their technology with Arlington Free Clinic. Through this partner-

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ship, patients can now seamlessly virtually schedule appointments between AFC and VHC. The collaboration is a part of VHC’s effort to strengthen its commitment in serving the Arlington community through technology.

For more information about the CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program, please visit https://chimecentral.org/.

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 11

Words Matter: Solo Show of Works at Gallery Underground in November Gallery Underground’s Focus Gallery presents in November Words Matter, a two-person solo show of fused glass pieces

by Steena Fullmer and acrylic abstracts by Sandi Parker, focusing on the power of words.

Fullmer’s fused glass enclosed in nicho boxes are portable shrines to the words of feminists from around the world. The nicho boxes are done in silver and jewel tones, with words of female empowerment fused onto glass.

Each nicho box represents an idea or message meant to inspire women and girls and counter the onslaught of negative and often belittling messages society directs to women. Fullmer, an ardent feminist, treats these poignant messages with seriousness, humor, and a touch of snark.

Parker’s acrylic abstracts contain uplifting quotes from a variety of modern-day icons including Michelle Obama, Leonard Cohen and Malala Yousafzai. The abstracts are done in both vibrant and pastel hues, with the quotes rendered in graffiti-style lettering using techniques such as stamping, stenciling, collaging and photo transfer. Says Parker about her work: “As an eternal optimist who sees the glass not half-empty but overflowing with champagne, I am a great believer in the power of inspirational words on a per-

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 1109 helped Brown’s Hardware get into the Halloween spirit by helping paint the windows of the store during Falls Church’s annual window painting festival. (Photo courtesy Dawn Behrens)

son’s psyche; having a sense of hope no matter what obstacles you stumble over. These powerful works of art radiate encouragement and positivity in a bold, colorful way.”

Fullmer and Parker are Co-Directors of Gallery Underground. Fullmer has worked with glass for 30 years. She trained at the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State. In 2008, she launched her art business “Buddha Kitty Glass” named after her cat who sat at her feet while she was making her first stained glass window. Parker has been painting for over 20 years and works in a variety of media – both traditional works and abstracts. Two of

her abstracts were selected by the National Landing Bid for largescale public installation at 12th Street and Army Navy Drive in Crystal City.

FCA Artist Cafe and Critique First Monday of Every Month Join creative artists in a Falls Church Arts monthly discussion and critique group on November 1 from 12 — 2 p.m. at the Falls Church Art Gallery. Bring a piece of art you’d like feedback on and their community of artists will share their thoughts. If you have questions, email the facilitator, Pamela Huffman, at info@

fallschurcharts.org.

Early Voting Weekend and Extended Hours In preparation for the upcoming election, City Hall will be open on select weekend dates for those looking to vote early inperson in addition to their regular weekday hours. City Hall will be open from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 23 and 30 and from 12 — 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 24. Weekday hours are 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27. The last day to vote early in-person is Saturday, October 30.

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PAGE 12 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Early in-person absentee voting for Fairfax County voters begins Thursday, October 21, 2021, at multiple satellite locations across the county.

For voters who reside in the Mason District, the closest satellite location may be the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, or the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church. Voting hours are Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, October 23 and 30, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Sunday, October 24, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Covid-19 protocols are observed in all county facilities, and masks must be worn. Please bring a current and valid photo identification to the polling place.

Only two states, Virginia and New Jersey, have statewide races during this “off-year” election cycle.

Pollsters indicate that the results in reliably “blue” New Jersey are expected to retain Democratic control. “Purple” Virginia is another story, as polls show the governor’s race tightening, which may have an effect on the down-ballot races. In addition to governor, Virginians will vote for lieutenant governor and attorney general statewide, along with House of Delegates and, in Fairfax County, a school bond referendum. That’s a total of five slots to check on the not-so-long ballot, much shorter than the 2019 ballot for county offices, which had 14 slots for decision!

Former Governor Terry McAuliffe served as the Commonwealth’s leader from 2013 to 2017, created 200,000 Virginia jobs, and secured a record $1 billion investment in education during his previous tenure. An indefatigable and positive campaigner who always is in high gear, Governor McAuliffe had pledged to fight for increased funding for affordable and attainable housing, end gun violence, and stand fast against anti-woman legislation. The Commonwealth needs an experienced leader who can address, and find solutions for, the multiple real life needs and demands of its people. Terry McAuliffe is that experienced leader, and deserves a second (non-consecutive) term as Virginia’s governor.

Virginia will make history this year in electing a woman of color to the Lieutenant Governor position, regardless of party. Hala Ayala, a native Virginian who represents Prince William County in the House of Delegates, won a heavily contested Democratic primary in June. Delegate Ayala has a special interest in improving educational opportunities for all children, and was instrumental in expanding Medicaid to more than 400,000 Virginians. A vote for Hala is a vote for continuing progress in the Commonwealth.

Attorney General Mark Herring is running for his third term to that office. Mark comes from a local government background; I first met him when he was on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

His experience in local government gives him special insight into the myriad of legal issues that may affect provision of local services, but he also has fought on the national issues that affect us at the local level – ensuring marriage equality, fighting the Trump Muslim ban, and protecting a woman’s right to make her own health decisions. Mark has been a leader in the national fight to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the heroin and opioid crises that have devastated many families and communities.

A School Bond question on Fairfax County ballots this year asks voters to approve a $360 million bond to renovate existing schools and acquire property for future schools. The approved bond would contain funding for renovation planning at Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Mason District, but a third of the funding would support renovation of Falls Church High School, also in Mason District, long a goal of former School Board member Sandy Evans and me. Fairfax County voters generously have supported school bonds in the past, and it is time to do so again.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

C RIM E R EPO RT Week of Oct. 11 — 17 , 2021 Simple Assault, Forest Dr, Oct 11, 11:40 AM, a male, 37, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Assault and Batter.

Simple Assault, W Broad St, , Oct 11, 9:11 PM, a male, 69, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Assault and Batter.

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, Oct 12, 11:52 AM, a female, 62, of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk In Public.

Larceny, S Washington St, Oct 13, between 3:50 and 3:55 PM, unknown suspect(s) took an unsecured Cannondale Quick 5 bike, silver in color with a big seat.

Larceny, W Westmoreland Rd, Oct 13, between 9 and 10:29 PM, a license plate was

taken from a vehicle.

Drunk in Public, W Broad St, Oct 14, 7:15 AM, a female, 47, of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk In Public.

Fraud - I dent it y Theft, Chanel Ter, Oct 16, 1:58 PM, an incident of identity thef t was repor ted.

Drunk in Public/ Trespass/ Indecent Exposure, S Washington St, Oct 16, 6:49 PM, a male, 65, of no fixed address, was ar rested for Dr unk in Public, Indec ent Exposure and Trespass.

Larceny, Park Ave, Oct 16, 9:30 PM, unknown suspect(s), took t wo unsecured Norc o Mountain Bikes

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report If Spring is marked by the sprouting of cherry blossom and daffodils around our region, then Election Season is marked by the sprouting of wire frames and political signs in yards all over Falls Church, from the City School Board and Council, to the House of Delegates, to statewide races for Governor, Lt Governor, and Attorney General.

Right now, we are probably at peak bloom.

I call it election season, rather than campaign season, very intentionally. In the past in Virginia, you were expected to cast your vote with everyone else at your assigned polling place on Election Day. This year, and in years to come, you have far more options for casting your ballots. The process lasts weeks, and it started back on September 17th.

You can vote in person, you can vote by mail, you can vote at home and drop your ballot off in a drop box, you can make sure your college student votes in their dorm.

Your vote will count, even if it arrives late — as late as the Friday after election day. What I am saying is, it’s never been easier to vote in Virginia. That’s intentional as well.

About 15 percent of you have already voted which is great! For the rest of you, make a plan to vote!

To vote early in-person at City Hall (300 Park Avenue), drop by Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 29th. There are extended hours on Wednesday, October 27th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. plus Saturday hours on October 23rd and October 30th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Sunday, October 24th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. is also an option.

If you request an absentee ballot, you can return it via mail or put it in an official drop box. On Election Day, polls will be open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Check your registration status or request an absentee ballot by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections webpage.

All these options exist because of changes we made in Virginia over the last two years to make voting easier, including the ability to request an absentee ballot or vote early in-person for any reason.

Curbside voting is available at every early voting location for people 65 and older or for those who have a physical disability. Just remember that the deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you is this Friday,

October 22nd and the last day for in-person early voting is Saturday, October 30th.

The November 2nd election is an opportunity to ensure that we continue to make these impactful changes and further solidify all the progressive work we’ve been doing. We’ve passed a Virginia Voting Rights Act, enacted common sense gun violence prevention initiatives, raised the minimum wage, abolished the death penalty, decriminalized marijuana, invested in public education, and the list goes on and on.

Unfortunately, all this progress is at risk this election.

Virginia recently had a risk limiting audit that found our 2020 election was nearly flawless. Voting machines have a rigorous testing and maintenance protocol, yet Republicans continue to say or suggest that our election systems can’t be trusted. The top of the ticket continues to parrot the Big Lie about the presidential election being stolen.

If elected we know they’ll roll back voter access enhancements in the name of “integrity” but we all know it’s really about voter suppression.

If you are the parent of a 7th, 8th, or 9th grader, I wanted to share an opportunity to give them a unique insight into Virginia’s government and lawmaking process. I’m happy to report that the House Page Program will be back up for the 2022 legislative session!

This program is a wonderful opportunity for bright young minds to learn more about our legislative process and develop important skills. Pages must be 13 or 14 years old as of January 12, 2022 (the first day of legislative session) and they are paid for their work plus they will receive per diem expense payments.

Those who wish to apply to the program must submit their applications no later than November 1st at 5 p.m.. Applications must include an endorsement letter from their Delegate and authorization from the applicant’s school principal, teachers, and guidance counselor as well as an essay about why they want to serve as a page.

The link to the application can be found here: https://housepages. virginiageneralassembly.gov/.  Delegate Simon represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed at DelMSimon@house.virginia.gov

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Love or Cruelty, The Universal

The opposite of love is not fear, it is cruelty.

There is a quote by former president Obama that is floating about social media platforms nowadays that goes, “I don’t know what happened to our culture. I don’t know when we began to celebrate bullies instead of looking out for people who care for other people. When did that happen?”

It is not unlike my oft-repeated rhetorical question, “What happened to our culture between 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS his timeless ‘I Have a Dream’ speech to the March on Washington that summer, and 1987, when the signature expression became a speech by Gordon Gecko, the fictional character in the film, ‘Wall Street,’ that ‘Greed Is Good’?”

“I Have a Dream” included the promise of racial and cultural equality under the notion that “people will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the strength of their character.”

“Greed Is Good” was the opposite, with the implication that people will be judged by their ability to turn a profit, period. That latter “ethic,” or lack thereof, would give rise to Donald Trump, among other things, so no wonder that something like character would have nothing to do with his ability to win support.

The future of this democracy requires that we examine the root of that distinction between the preachings of King and Gecko, and what transpired in our culture beneath the outward trappings to account for it. It obviously requires that we redress whatever caused it so we do not descend further down the pathway to hell that was marked by that sharp and swift moral decline in our culture.

Angry dogs howling to support that decline attempt to reduce the issue of morality to certain “do’s” and “don’ts” of personal tastes, such as being for or against abortion or homosexuality, without regard for contexts or nuances. But genuine morality operates on an entirely different level, having to do with kindness and empathy and not hard rules of right or wrong.

When we finally conclusively discover, or have revealed to us, the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in this universe, and I for one am convinced it is all around us albeit at what our physics currently measures as great distances, we will find that love and kindness drive their cultures, and not cruelty. There is simply no way that a cruelty-based culture can survive beyond the point of a very early demise.

The wonderful if perhaps a bit too pop astrophysicist Neil deGrass Tyson contends that while as a scientist he can’t speak definitively to the existence of intelligent life beyond this miniscule orb, he does point out that the basic elements of life as we know it are everywhere and in great abundance in our known universe. That points to the overwhelming likelihood that we on this planet are far from alone. Far from it.

Nonetheless, it must be stated from our own experience and the wonders of life on this planet that there is a destructive reality that we confront, and so it must also be so on a universal level. It is not fear, but downright cruelty.

We experience it in our lives personally and as a culture. It can be the object of proliferation, as it has. It was the conscious degradation of the human spirit and potential that was unleashed in the early 1970s in the U.S. to blunt progress in human rights and racial equality that accounted for the most recent decline here. The “sexual revolution” degradation of women was at its core.

It was only the latest version of the Industrial Revolution ruling elite’s assault on human social equality, justice and democracy over the last two centuries. Earlier versions included the massacre of half a million young American lives in defence of slavery duirng our Civil War, and the instigation of the Great War or 1914 and the extermination of 30 million young lives between countries (Britain, Germany and Russia) all ruled by extensions of the same royal family.

Trumpism is the modern representation of that impulse to cruelty, the opposite of love. Yet love, our hope, must survive still.

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OCTOBER 21 — 27, 2021 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

The Spanish word for “Reunion” is “Reencuentro.” That was the catchword at Central Library on Oct. 16 among celebrants at the first annual “Latinos in Arlington” gathering of speakers, musicians and Latinflavored offerings via food truck.

Passionate panelists in the auditorium assembled—for the first time— Arlington’s five (past and present) Latino elected officials.

One-time immigrants who carved out careers in Arlington Public Schools described the challenges of their early years (applauded from the audience by school superintendent Francisco Durán and predecessor Robert Smith).

And at the event staged as part of Arlington’s (pandemic-delayed) marking of the 100th anniversary of its name change, Library Director Diane Kresh announced that her Center for Local History’s Community Archives is soliciting donations of photos to “present a full picture” of Arlington’s Latino population “not just for today, not just for us, but for future generations and scholars.”

“In Arlington, I have met someone from every country that represents Latin America,” said “Maestra of Ceremonies” Tannia Talento, former school board member (replaced by Puerto Rican Christina Diaz-Torres).

“The Latin community was underrecognized, but has a deep history.”

Raised in D.C. by Guatemalan immigrants, the bilingual Talento—who mentioned she dopped out of high school—bemoaned an “opportunity gap.”

State Del. Alfonso Lopez thanked his latermother Carol, a language instructor at WashingtonLiberty High, regretting she didn’t live to see the Dream Act passed.

Lopez’s father, who grew up in Venezuela “in abject poverty,” came to the States as a busboy and waiter. The English courses his father took at George Mason University meant he graduated a month before Lopez finished high school. “Only in America.”

Former county board chair Walter Tejada, now chair of the Virginia Latino Leaders Council, described his move from D.C. to Arlington to be with the world’s third-largest population of Salvadorans. The key to leadership, Tejada said, “is participation.” He defined two tracks, one the conventional working your way up via advisory commissions, and the other “working with your own.”

He tapped into soccer leagues and organized ethnic festivals. When county board chair Charles Monroe died suddenly in 2003, Tejada was encouraged to run by board stalwarts Jim Hunter, Al Eisenberg, Ellen Bozman and Mary Margaret Whipple. “But it is not the establishment, but whoever gets involved.”

Emma Violand-Sanchez, former school board chair, who conceived of this month’s Reencuentro, said when she arrived from Bolivia in 1976, “I didn’t want to be a foreigner,” but “hoped her children would continue learning Spanish and identify with their country of origin.” She recounted the 2011 founding in her living room of the Dream Project, which has raised scholarships for Latinos.

Moderator David Bearinger,

of the grants program at Virginia Humanities, said, “These pioneers will be heard of 100 years from now.” *** Dozens of Arlington stalwarts filled a tent at Penrose Square Oct. 14 to celebrate over three decades of development work by the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization.

Politicians (state Sen. Barbara Favola, former County Board member Chris Zimmerman), housing activists, Chamber of Commerce officers and Pike preservationists such as photographer Lloyd Wolf.

The nonprofit’s director Kim Klingler announced a new name for the group, the less cumbersome Columbia Pike Partnership. “After 35 years of dedication to the Columbia Pike community,” she said, “we felt it was time to update the organization’s name to better reflect the work we do.” *** Old home week at the Oct. 13 Arlington Sports Hall of Fame inductions: I attended to honor my Yorktown High football coaches, the late Jesse Meeks and Chuck Harris, (though Meeks molded athletes equally in gymnastics and Harris in wrestling).

Honorees present included broadcaster Steve Buckhantz and Bishop O’Connell High’s softball firebrand Kristy Burch Bergmann, who, with the late baseball mentor Al Burch, makes the hall’s only father-daughter combo.

Boxer Jimmy Lange was inducted. His father, plumbing supplier Johnny Lange, when reminded of the “Jimmy Lange Fight” signs long seen on medians of Lee Highway, said mischievously, “I wonder who put them there.”

PAGE 14 | OCTOBER 21 – 27, 2021

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Princess Party Company Brings Magic Through Diversity and Inclusion

by Amanda Snead

Falls Church News-Press

Making sure every family has a magical celebration is the number one priority of Once Upon a Time Parties D.C., a princess party company serving the DMV area. Its owner, Alexa Garcia, created the company with a mission of diversity and inclusion in mind.

“Growing up as a Mexican girl in America in the 2000s, there was hardly any positive Latine cultural representation in TV/film, let alone any fairytale characters that had similar stories to my own,” said Garcia. “Since then, a few more culturally diverse stories have been told, but there is still so much work that needs to be done when it comes to making sure that BIPOC children get to see themselves centered and represented as princesses and other fairytale characters. As a white Latina, I know and understand that our society praises white Eurocentric beauty standards. So, I follow the education and work of the many BIPOC entertainment company owners in our industry to make sure that my own company is prioritizing accurately melanated and well-researched representation.”

Like most people her age, she

grew up watching Disney movies and participating in extracurriculars like singing and dancing, passions which continued through her teenage years.

“I grew up adoring Disney movies and even more so, admiring the strong characters that inspired me to dream big— especially the princesses. From the age of 3, I was active in various forms of art and performance, such as dance, competitive figure skating, musical theatre, and improv. Once I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to continue to perform, even though I planned on majoring in a different field. I performed with a local character company for about a year but felt that it lacked the professionalism and high-quality standards that I was ultimately seeking.”

Garcia started the business in 2019, when she was just 20 years old, after returning home from the Disney College Program, an internship program that allows college students to live and work at the park.

“On a whim, I applied to the Disney College Program and after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered one of my dream roles — character attendant,” said Garcia when asked about her time in the program. “I moved to Orlando,

THE SNOW SISTERS are some of the most highly requested characters, with a wide range of different costumes offered. (Photo: Courtesy Once Upon A Time Parties D.C.)

ONCE UPON A TIME offers a wide variety of characters, including many princesses. Pictured here are (left to right) Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Arabian Princess and Bayou Princess. (Photo: Courtesy Once Upon A Time Parties D.C.) Florida for five months and worked full-time, facilitating interactions and making magic for thousands of guests at Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.

After returning from my program, I knew that I wanted to make that same high-quality magic accessible to Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.”

“My role as a character attendant introduced me to so many dedicated, hard-working people that inspired me to work just as hard to make magic back home in the DMV. I am now able to implement that theme park knowledge into my own company with a unique training program that I have developed. I designed and created highly detailed character training guides that guide my performers to fully embody the mannerisms, voices, movements, and songs of the characters they are portraying.”

Garcia runs the business alongside her mom, Jeanette Eveland and family friend Ashley Allen with the intention of bringing high-quality, park-accurate characters to parties and events all over the area.

“My favorite part about getting to work with my mom is that she is an incredible support system. She jumps at any opportunity to helpfrom mending costume pieces that need fixing, to lacing up performers into their gowns, driving performers to events if we need an extra hand, and everything in between.

She does everything with a touch of grace and magic and is a true Fairy

Godmother,” said Garcia.

A normal weekend for the company can include a handful of parties. In the days leading up to an event, lots of work is going on behind the scenes from washing costumes and styling wigs to confirming details with the clients and packing supplies for games and other activities.

“My weekends involve hours of applying park-accurate makeup, carefully pinning wigs onto performers, dressing the performers in the many layers and undergarments necessary, coordinating and attending multiple events with said different characters, and sometimes stepping in as a character if I am needed! While we’re at events, our character performers lead children in activities while our character attendants set up and oversee the event,” said Garcia, who handles many different tasks in her role as owner.

During the pandemic, the company still worked to create magical experiences for children and their families while stuck at home and before they started doing in-person events again. This included storytimes via IGTV on Instagram and making a variety of printable activities available on their website.

Their online reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the company for all of the steps they take to ensure a magical and highquality experience, both for the children and adults attending.

In May, the company celebrat-

ed its two year anniversary. Over this time, they have partnered with multiple small local businesses and helped create memorable experiences for families all over the DMV area.

When asked what her advice is for other young women looking to start a business, she said, “First of all, congratulations on following your dream! Second, I highly recommend making sure that you’re covering all your bases when it comes to not only running your business effectively but also legally.

Third, research the market you’re interested in and find the areas that are lacking so that you can be unique in what you offer. And most importantly, give yourself grace.

Running a business is hard and there is so much work behind the scenes that others don’t always see.

Make sure to take care of yourself and your mental health so that you can offer the best version of yourself and your business to your clients!”

Overall, the company strives for quality and inclusion in order to provide magic to children of all ages.

For more information about characters offered and packages available, visit onceuponatimepartiesdc.com. You can also follow Once Upon a Time Parties D.C. on social media @ouatpartiesdc to see event photos, character videos and their #BehindtheMagic series where Garcia shares a backstage look into the characters and company.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SPO RTS

PAGE 15 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

Mustangs Win Highly Physical Contest Full of Penalties

by Julie Felgar

Falls Church News-Press

On Friday night, under perfect weather conditions and with the stands full, the Mustangs (6-2) broke a 14-year losing streak against the perennial football powerhouse, the Clarke County Eagles (5-0 going into this game). The score of 14-7 reflected a hardfought win.

Both teams have a similar strategy, control the ball and control the clock. “Our goal going into the game was to match the physical level of play that Clarke plays with and we did a nice job of matching their toughness.” said Adam Amerine, Head Coach of the Mustangs. “I thought the offense and defense played well, we did a great job keeping the ball moving forward on offense and defensively made the plays when we needed to and forced Clarke to work for their yardage.”

The first quarter was marred by an enormous number of penalties thrown by the referees on both teams. Passions were running high on the field. By the end of the

first half, the yellow flag had been thrown over 15 times. Major offensive pushes were called back for both teams on numerous occasions.

“I thought the team gave 110 percent and despite all the penalties we were still able to execute our game plan. I was also very proud of how well our defense completely eliminated their pass game.” said senior captain George Papadopoulos.

Striking early, Ryan Ibelli, number 58, scooped up a forced fumble after a punt attempt in the 1st quarter which ultimately led to a rushing TD by Graham Felgar, number 34. The extra point attempt by Patrick Whitaker, number 23, was blocked.

Clarke County’s QB Mathew Sipe answered in the second quarter on a QB keeper and the Eagles took a 7-6 lead into the half after an extra point by kicker Chris LeBlanc.

The Mustangs maintained control of the ball for most of the second half, allowing only 19 plays for the Eagles. The Mustangs had 14 plays alone in their game-winning touchdown drive that took up most of the third quarter. Patrick

Whitaker capitalized at the end of that drive with a 13-yard run into the endzone late in the third quarter.

He then took a shuttle pass from Griffin Harrison, number 24, to score the two-point conversion.

“The third quarter drive was old school Mustang football, set up by a nice interception from Patrick Whitaker, the offense then controlled the pace of the game and finished with a big eight points,” said Amerine.

The Mustang’s double-wing offense accounted for 296 total yards and Clarke was held to 176 yards. The Mustangs overcame 15 penalties for 132 yards. Rice was 5-58 in passing yards, Felgar added seven carries for 60 yards.

Whitaker rushed for 80 yards on 17 carries. Defensive standouts included David Ziayee and Seth Stillwagoner who combined for 21 tackles.

The Mustangs look strong heading into the end of the regular season. “As for the playoffs, there is a lot to be determined, but right now we are in a good position. We just have to focus on Manassas Park and William Monroe and let the

I believe in Falls Church City Public Schools and I understand what makes them excellent. But we should always strive to be better. I am ready to work hard for our community as we continue to move our schools forward.

If elected to the FCCPS Schoo l Board, I pledge to:w • serve all of our students and families equitably; • respect the professional expertise of our teachers; and • lead with responsive and open

MUSTANG DEFENSE brings down an Eagles player at the line of scrimage. (Photo: Julie Felgar) rest of the region play out and be healthy and ready for the tournament,” commented Amerine.

The team is very focused on what they need to do going forward. “For so many of us (seniors),

this is our last run with Mustang football.” said Felgar. “We are playing to win. We are playing for each other and our coaches and will leave everything on the field each game.”

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PAGE 16 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 Baby Storytime. Babies and their caregivers are invited to join Tysons-Pimmit Library for rhymes, songs, stories and activities. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis.

This class is best for babies 0-18 months and their caregivers. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Woodrow Wilson Storytime.

Families can visit Woodrow Wilson Library to read stories, move their feet and have fun.

Attendees will also be learning Spanish words as they fit with the theme of each program. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Arm Chair Travel. Join Mary Riley Styles Library in the Falls Church Senior Center to watch a travel video from destinations around the world! This program is hosted jointly by the Falls Church Senior Center and the Mary Riley Styles Public Library. (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church) 1 — 2:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 Falls Church Farmers Market.

The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday at City Hall, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. For more information, visit fallschurchva.gov/547/FarmersMarket-To-Go. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Plein Air Arts Festival. Come and enjoy the artwork and paintings of Falls Church at the 12th annual outdoor art festival — Plein Air Falls Church. Artists paint and display their original paintings of Falls Church at Cherry Hill Park next to the Farmers Market.

Come and vote on the best painting for the People's Choice Award.

(312 Park Ave., Falls Church) 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Early In-Person Voting Weekend Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall.

Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Saturday Morning Stories. Start your weekend off at the Woodrow Wilson Library with their Saturday Morning Stories event with Ms. Nancy. Guests will hear three to four stories and find new stories to check out. All ages are welcomed. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 10:15 — 10:45 a.m.

Family Storytime. Children and their caregivers participate in music, movement and song in this program at Tysons-Pimmit Library that promotes bonding and highlights the natural rhythms in language. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Paws to Read with Lucy. Visit Thomas Jefferson Library and read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog. Bring your own book or choose a book from the library. Walk-ins welcome. Age 6 — 12. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 Early In-Person Voting Weekend Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall.

Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 12 — 3 p.m.

Mickey’s Music Spectacular.

Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School choral departments will be having a Disney concert at Henderson Middle School. (105 Mustang Alley, Falls Church). 2 — 4 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Storytime Fun for Preschoolers.

Parents and their preschoolers can visit Tysons-Pimmit Library for stories. Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each.

No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Check in at

the Info desk for tickets. Masks are once again required at the library regardless of vaccination status. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Woodrow Wilson Library Spooky Movie Night: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. Celebrate spooky season at Woodrow Wilson Library's showing of the 2018 movie Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. This movie is rated PG. This program is for all ages.

No food or drink will be allowed during the movie to ensure safety.

Per county standards all library visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask while in county buildings. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 6 — 9 p.m.

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 In-Person Early Voting Extended Hours. Registered voters in the City of Falls Church can vote early in-person for the November 2 General Election at City Hall.

Please bring a mask and valid voter identification. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 7 p.m.

hosting a school board candidate forum on Zoom in collaboration with the Falls Church PTAs. CBC seeks to provide multiple opportunities to showcase the candidates given the large number running for office in this election cycle. The Zoom link and more details can be found online at https://www.fallschurchcbc.net/.

7:30 — 9 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 Having Our Say. This play follows the real-life centenarian Delany sisters as they welcome attendees into their home where they share 100 years of American history recounting fascinating events and anecdotes drawn from their rich family history and careers as pioneering African American professionals. All patrons must wear masks. Social distancing and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test is required for everyone 12 and over. Tickets available online at creativecauldron.org/. October 7—31. (410 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church). 703-436-9948.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 Picnic. A small Kansas town in the 1950s is the setting for William Inge's bittersweet melodrama "Picnic", which explores themes of sexuality, repression, rites of passage, and disappointment.

Tickets and more information are available online at novanightskytheater.com/. October 22, 23.

(400 N Oak St, Falls Church).

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

Pajama Storytime. Families can come to Tysons-Pimmit Library in pajamas and bring a teddy bear for a bedtime story. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 7 — 7:30 p.m.

The Soul Crackers. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

Tab Benoit. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

School Board Candidate Forum: Hosted by Citizens For a Better City and school PTAs. Falls Church Citizens for a Better City will be

Honky Tonk Cassnovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

VIRTUALEVENTS

Blood + Cal Rifkin + Airospace.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 8 p.m. 703-2551566.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 Josh Allen Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

SWELL. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.

The Whispers. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $85. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

The Roadducks. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $15. 8 p.m. 703237-0300.

Pat McGee Band. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40+. 8 p.m.

703-255-1900.

Bad Bad Hats + 2nd Grade.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 8 p.m. 703255-1566.

Brook Yoder. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St., Falls Church) 8 p.m. 703-534-8999.

Chris Timbers Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 Rocky’s Stealin’ the Deal. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.

Old Dominion Trio. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m.

703-858-9186.

Ellis Paul. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25.

6:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

The Whispers. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $85. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

Brook Yoder. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St., Falls Church) 8 p.m. 703-534-8999.

CA L E NDA R

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Pat McGee Band. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40+. 8 p.m.

703-255-1900.

Kreek Water Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Good Vibes Reggae Party.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $22. 9:30 p.m. 703255-1566.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 Wu Han & Friends. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $50+. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.

Country Jamboree.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 3:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-8589186.

The Thrillbillys. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300.

T.3. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25. 7 p.m. 703-2551566.

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 17

Rick Wakeman. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $59.50. 7:30 p.m.

703-549-7500.

Tommy Lepson Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Tom Saputo & Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Sammy Boller. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $25.

7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 Open Mic. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Christopher Paul Stelling.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-2551566.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Smlyin Jack Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.

AMERICAN GUITARIST TAB BENOIT will be playing at the Birchmere on Thursday, October 21 as part of his 2021 U.S. tour. (Photo: Sandra Dahdah Photography)

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

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

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www.fcnp.com See the News-Press Online Just Like you See it in Print With our

E-Issue

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 18

R E STAUR A NT SPOTLI GHT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

KAMAYAN FIESTA, a locally-owned Filipino resturant, opened its second location on S. Washington St. here in Falls Church. Pictured here is the chicken pancit with a variety of vegtables, just one of the many dishes on the menu. The owners, (left to right) Leo Duran, Ray Ann Duran and Chef Jhett Duran, work both behind the counter and in the kitchen. (Photos: Patricia Leslie)

New Restaurant, Kamayan Fiesta Brings Authentic Filipino Cuisine to F.C.

by Patricia Leslie

Falls Church News-Press

The long line to order food at the Kamayan Fiesta at the corner of Annandale and Washington Streets was surprising for the middle of a Saturday afternoon.

Most restaurants slow down after the lunch rush, but the line kept growing and the orders kept flowing, even from those who sat outside at picnic tables, finishing their meals before they went inside to buy more for takehome.

Kamayan prides itself on authentic Filipino food (“Filipino Asian American cuisine,” according to its website), serving individual dishes and family-style meals of breakfast (until 12 p.m.), lunch, and dinner.

“At some American restaurants, it takes two to three hours for customers to order, wait and eat,” said Chef Jhett Duran, an owner, during an interview at a picnic table.

“Right here, customers spend less than an hour. They eat and go and don’t stay long.”

Some stay to order the popular chicken pancit ($8.99 entrée) with cabbage, carrots, green onions, snow peas and rice noodles cooked in soy sauce with the meat, said Ray Ann Duran, Kamayan’s founder, co-owner and the chef’s partner.

I stayed to order it, too, and found it delicious, even when cold the next day after I easily stretched it into two meals.

Ray Ann giggled when I asked for the best sellers: “They are all the best sellers!” she exclaimed.

And, “every single day,” the restaurant runs out of chicken and rice noodles, “especially in Falls Church,” piped in another owner who is the chef’s brother, Leo Duran. (Their first location is in Springfield.)

The chicken adobo dish is an entrée and a traditional Filipino dish with meat braised in soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and bay leaves.

“The rice noodles are similar to lo mein, but way better tasting,” Leo bragged, but my American taste buds could detect no difference.

“A lot of people come in here trying to find it at the end of the day” when it’s often gone, he added.

The thin or thick rice noodles (“pancit”) are cooked in a variety of ways with seafood, for one variation, and sliced squid, shrimp, mussels, pork rinds, and more ($14.99) or there’s the spaghetti “Filipino style” ($10.99) with sliced hot dogs, ground beef and banana ketchup, which is not what it seems.

Ray Ann explained: Banana ketchup “is a dipping tomato sauce, kind of like a sweet gravy the kids love and we use for fried chicken, pork, and hot dogs.”

Look, ma! No bananas!

When Chef Jhett found out I was not allergic to peanut butter, she fixed me up a scrumptious peanut butter sauce meal, unlike any entrée I have had with

savory meat and green beans slathered in a gooey peanut butter sauce. Talk about proteins!

Who would have thought?

The Durans change the menu daily and offer 35 to 40 selections on Saturday, their busiest day.

Rice and bottled water accompany meals which start at $7.99 for a selection of one entrée, $9.99 for two (the “chef’s duo”), $12.99 for three (the “chef’s platter”), and the “chef’s quadro” for four ($24.99).

Entrées include the celebrated chicken adobo and five other chicken choices (not all available every day), four pork entrees like the binagoongan cooked in garlic, tomato, shrimp paste, and coconut milk, and Tokwa’t Baboy which is pork and fried tofu in a sauce of soy sauce, onion, vinegar, and chili peppers.

From the large menu, customers may also choose from eight beef and veggies dishes including mongo guisado (mung bean soup sauteed in garlic and onions with bittermelon).

The name of the restaurant, “Kamayan” means eating with your hands, a popular Filipino tradition, Leo explained, “a concept,” and option for anyone eating at the restaurant, but no one was “kamayaning” when I was there.

“We have customers who come from Centreville [Virginia], Herndon, Baltimore, Manassas,” he boasted. Really?

From Maryland?

A few minutes later when I stood in line inside to place my order, the customer in front of me exclaimed to the counter staff: “I drove from Maryland for your food!” Across the small room, Leo and I exchanged smiles.

What looked like half a pig, spiced, diced, and ready to go, sat on top of the counter. Pork is a hot seller, the team told me, and I can vouch for the reason: I ate a pork stick ($3.25) which was marinated overnight and then grilled with an excellent topping of homemade bbq sauce which almost melted in my mouth, reminding me of chocolate sauce on vanilla ice cream, but disguised at the restaurant as a “side.”

The Durans’ foray in the restaurant business began about 18 months ago when they opened their Springfield eatery, just before covid shut everything down.

“We were really nervous,” Leo said, “because we had to start paying the rent” and their landlord paid no heed to their plight.

They did not qualify for a paycheck protection program loan because the restaurant had been open only a short while, but they worked hard and persisted and, so far, their efforts are paying off.

The Falls Church location has been open about a month in the same spot which the Indian restaurant, Johnsons Café, occupied about six months earlier this year.

Although the Johnsons were concerned about enough parking, Ray Ann said their Falls Church building owner said customers can park at the Dunkin’ Donuts across the street. “We’re a ‘grab and go,’” Chef Jhett said.

It’s quick.

The chef theorized that a low number of area Indian customers may have contributed to Johnsons’ closure, but “many Filipinos live around here, and everybody loves Filipino food,” so much that Kamayan Fiesta is getting ready to open another restaurant in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Ray Ann said.

The selections are a great value for a lot of tasty food, sure to attract those tempting taste buds with new culinary delights while celebrating diversity in our community, too.

The number of guests permitted inside is limited, due to covid restrictions, and face masks are required for entry.

The Falls Church restaurant is open every day except Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.(despite the website’s listing of closing at 6 p.m.) and after the labor crunch eases, the owners plan to hire more workers and open on Mondays, too.

• This article is part of the “Restaurant Spotlight” series, which will feature one local restaurant and its menu each month. To suggest that your restaurant be covered, contact Amanda Snead, News Editor at asnead@fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 19

Falls Church Chamber Celebrates 17 Years of Sally Cole

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce celebrated 17 years of Sally Cole at its helm this week, on “Sally Cole Day” as proclaimed by the F.C. Mayor and City Council, at a rousing fete held at the Rowell Court sponsored by attorney Mark Werblood. (Photos: News-Press)

PAGE 20 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

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A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT PUZZLE NO. 107

PUZZLE NO. 106

20. Verse 21. Tom Hanks film 22. Bungle 23. Schuss 24. Heavy hammer 27. Betrayals 29. Scat!

31. Sheep’s ma 32. Spot 33. Correct!

10. Roof extension 11. Dance component 19. Plan 23. Born first 25. Cook’s shield 26. Golf shoe grippers 27. Subside 28. Entire 29. Specialized aircraft BREW 31.STRANGE Actor’s hint

35. Airtight 37. Wizardry 38. Isolated from others 39. Pebble 41. Andes animal 43. Roof projection 45. Chop down 47. Sly animal 48. British brew 49. Santa’s suit color

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Epic 5. Fellow 9. Carpenter’s tool 12. Milky gem 13. Wallet items 14. Hawaiian gift 15. Valley 16. Minerals 17. Sun-bronzed 18. Monsters 20. Cover with cement 21. Gives 24. More achy 25. Provoke 26. Armed conflict

OCTOBER 21 - 27 , 2021 | PAGE 21

28. Gruesome 30. Treatment 34. Imitated a serpent 36. Anguish 37. Bricklayer 40. Baby birds of prey 42. Choir voice 43. Artist’s stand 44. Infant’s sound 45. Angel’s headdress 46. Remotely 50. Country hotel 51. Constant 52. Burrowing animal 53. So-so grade

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

54. Joins 55. Fired DOWN 1. Lay turf 2. Act like 3. Maiden 4. Deal out 5. Entrances 6. Turmoil 7. Poor grades 8. Superhero’s chest letter 9. Sacred table 10. Zigzag 11. Ocean cruiser 19. Halloween creature

32. Be wrong 36. Boil 37. African adventure 40. Humanities 41. Sheep’s coat 43. Pencil’s middle 45. Has a mortgage 46. Farm building 47. Solely 49. Cat’s sound 51. Allow JOHN DEERING

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 106

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

ACROSS 1. What it takes to tango 4. Lather 8. Poems 12. Torn cloth 13. Again 14. Phooey’s kin 15. Feel sick 16. Grand party 17. Plunged 18. Court response 20. Glass part 21. Gusto 22. Diamond or pearl 24. Cram 27. Painters’ stands

30. Interlace 33. Mix thoroughly 34. Happen again 35. Razors 37. One who drenches 38. Trim rind from 39. Social insect 40. Puncturing tool 42. Mischievous creature 44. Not bad: hyph.

48. Wander 50. Kind of duck 52. Succeed 53. Pitch 54. Jack rabbit

55. House addition 56. Large number 57. Correct 58. Asian sauce DOWN 1. Catch 2. Lament 3. Stare rudely at 4. Hang loosely 5. Disables 6. Sandwich mart 7. Bogs 8. Weird 9. Punter’s action: 2 wds.

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 107

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz 1. “The Malice at 108 the Palace” was a 2004 brawl involving players (and a few fans) of what two NBA PUZZLE NO. teams?

21. Shakespeare’s 35. Catcher’s

PUZZLE NO. 109

10. Church ceremony 11. Cafe sign 17. Hospital garb 22. Metropolitan 24. Competitor 25. Thrust 26. Fury 27. For every 28. Dwelling 29. Appropriate 30. Negative word 31. Couple

catcher “King ____” 2. What syndicated TV highlight show did New York Yankees22.broadcaster Mel Allen host from its start 38. Loves Nothing more excessively in 1977 until his death in 1996? than 23. Bring to trial 39. Copied Game playedof 3. What Pro Football Hall of Fame running back had his No. 26.

20 Brewery jersey retired by40.the University on horseback Texas Longhorns in 1979? beverage 41. Likewise 27. Forget 44. “____ Done 4. What event, traditionally held on the first Saturday in August, is the first race of the Triple Crown of 28. Unadorned Him Wrong” Harness Racing for Trotters?

29. Saw 45. Impose a tariff 31. Religious 46. 19th letter 5. What pontiff, an avid sportsman, was nicknamed “Lolek the Goalie” playing faction during his 47.days Sharp knockyouth soccer?

34. Calling 48. Barnyard pen

34. Pleasing 37. Coal source 39. Breakfast fare 41. Honking birds 42. Iranian ruler, once 43. Post 44. Freshly 46. Baggage 48. Ox’s harness 49. Nights before holidays 50. Snooze 52. Sweet root

6. Name the U.S. duo who won the gold medal in ice dancing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

7. What Texas Rangers pitcher threw a perfect game aginst the California Angels on July 28, 1994?

(Hint: He shares a name with a country music legend.)

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

Last DOWN Week’s Answers 31. Farm towers ACROSS 1. Vintage 32. Is allowed to 1. Night bird 4. Switch 33. Comes before 2. Luau welcome Answers 8. Trademark 35. Mud 3. Bear cave Murphy 2. Roger Maltbie • 3. The Seattle Kraken.

12. Very small 1. Dale 36. Head of a •suit 4. Beer mug PUZZLE NO. 108 4. John “Frenchy” Fuqua The Charlotte ANSWER Sting • TO 6. Rush Limbaugh.

13. Caesar’s 37. Corrected text • 5.5. Global garment 39. Separate 7. ASICS (anima in corpore sano).

6. Vitalsana statistic 14. Sleeping 42. Camp bunk 7. Shoulder 15. Dawdled 43. Flag site enhancer (c) 2021 King Features Syndicate, Inc 17. Curved roof 44. Stammers 8. Soup server 18. Olive ____ 49. Alternative 9. Clarinet’s 19. Make holy word cousin 20. Marzipan 50. Dislike 10.

Valued flavoring intensely minerals 23. Slapstick prop 51. Posed, as for 11. Keats poems a portrait 24. Juvenile 16. Thug 25. Collection of 52. Gateway 19. Auction calls clothes 53. 24th letters 20. On the 54. Have a 30. Rowboat CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS necessity USE AMERICAN SPELLING look-see summit

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Fashionable 5. Bring up 9. To’s mate 12. Painful comment 13. Lazily 14. Glass edge 15. Appeal 16. Representative 18. Merit 19. Type of antelope 20. Draft animals 21. Pool shark’s need 23. Mountain ____ 25. More mature 28. Tapering flag

32. How ____ you?

33. Part of a knife 35. Whack!

36. “The Little ____” 38. Slogan 40. Squid’s defense 41. Basketball site 42. Reach 45. ____ of Reason 47. Observer 51. Nectar gatherer 53. Cherish 54. Pub brew 55. Woe is me!

56. ____ out (barely makes) 57. Chop 58. Pierre’s mom 59. Exam

DOWN 1. Contend (with) 2. Grass-skirt dance 3. Bakery worker 4. Luck 5. Chain of hills 6. First garden 7. Referred 8. Grain 9. Linen source

Last Week’s Answer

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 109

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Critter Corner

25 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 31 • October 17, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 35• October 20, 2011

By 4-3 Vote, Council Denies Church Requests to Operate Homeless Shelter

F.C.’s Water Management Woes Could Require Big New Costs, Officials Warn

By a 4-3 vote late Tuesday night, the Falls Church City Council denined, for the second year straight, a request by the Dulin United Methodist Church at 503 E. Broad St., to operate a temporary, emergency overflow homeless shelter facility at its site. An emotionpacked meeting saw impassioned citizens.

Falls Church City taxpayers may be facing another huge bur­den on their wallets if the citizen complaints expressed at a town hall meeting in the Community Center Monday night result in some major, sweeping reforms by the Falls Church City Council. The town hall was called by City Hall.

Faces of Falls Church

POLLY moved to Falls Church City from Fairfax County three months ago and she loves it already. She’s made fast friends with the dogs in the neighborhood and especially loves playing with all of the kids on her block.

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

www.FCNP.com

LORENZO THE GREAT has been specializing in magic for children in the Northern Virginia area for more years than many of the residents have lived in Falls Church. I caught up with him at Mr. Browns Park while he was rehearsing for an upcoming party.

Photo: J. Michael Whalen)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021 | PAGE 23

Business News & Notes KW United-Falls Church Coat Drive Alison Miller and KW United-Falls Church are collecting winter coats to benefit the families supported by Comunidad in Seven Corners. The kick-off for the annual drive will be Saturday, October 23 at the picnic pavilion at Cherry Hill Park between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Coats, hats, and gloves will continue to be collected at 105 W. Broad Street, second floor, over Ireland’s Four Provinces through December.

Halloween-Dressed Windows Invite All to Shop and Stroll The windows of Falls Church now have a Halloween-theme. Local restaurants and retailers have participated in the Falls Church Halloween Window Painting Festival sponsored by Falls Church Arts. This event has run since 2008, displaying the artistic talents of business owners with their depiction of bats, witches, pumpkins, ghosts and all things Halloween.

There are two more weeks to take in the artwork when you visit Falls Church businesses.

Shop and stroll Falls Church.

NOVA Nightsky Theatre Production of Picnic The New NOVA Nightsky Theatre debut of William Inge’s Picnic will run this weekend, October 22-23, at the American Legion in Falls Church City. Since it is outdoors, the audience is invited to bring a blanket and picnic to the show. Doors open at 6 for the 6:30 performance.

Tickets are $12, general admission; $9, seniors, and $5 for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Nightsky Theatre plans to produce three to four shows annually. For more information on the theater and upcoming shows, visit www.novanightskytheater.com.

Urgent Need for Blood Donations at INOVA INOVA seeks blood donors of all blood types, but especially Type B and O blood. Just a week ago, they were completely out of both B-negative and AB-negative blood. Supplies are low in part because Type B blood is rare, comprising only about 10 percent of the U.S. population, according to the American Red Cross. Type O is particularly valuable because O-negative can be used for all patients. INOVA Health System reports that it needs approximately 200 blood donations per day to maintain a sufficient inventory for the region. A donation takes 15 minutes and can save three lives.

Dispose Old and Unused Prescriptions this Saturday National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This event happens twice a year and provides a safe and convenient option for disposing of the prescription drugs and prevent them from getting into the wrong hands. This is free and anonymous, and all pills are accepted with the exception of liquids, needles and sharps. The Falls Church Police Department is a participating agency and will collect prescriptions outside of City Hall, 300 Park Avenue.  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@fallschcurchchamber.org.

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PAGE 24 | OCTOBER 21 - 27, 2021

FALL IS IN THE AIR 3

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