Falls Church News-Press 10-24-2019 by Falls Church News-Press

October 24 — 30, 2019

Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee

Fou n d e d 1991 • V ol. XXIX No. 36

Falls Church • Tysons Corner • Merrifield • McLean • North Arlington • Bailey’s Crossroads

Inside This Week City of F.C. $126M Bond Sale Goes at 2.71% The sale of $126 million in City of Falls Church municipal bonds, the largest in the City’s history, was consummated Tuesday at an interest rate of 2.71 percent. See News Briefs, page 9

Falls Church High School Turns 75

Falls Church High School is expected to have its largest gathering of alumni to date this homecoming weekend as the school celebrates its 75 years of operation.

F.C. Council, School Board Races Heat Up; Election 2 Weeks Away Incumbents Tout West End Gains, Service to City

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

See page 8

Man Struck, Killed By Fairfax Police Cruiser

A man was killed while crossing the intersection of Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) near Graham Road early Sunday morning after being struck by a police cruiser responding to a call. See News Briefs, page 9

Mustang Volleyball Takes District Title

George Mason High School’s volleyball team edged William Monroe High School Tuesday night to clinch a Northwestern District title in its first season playing at the 3A level. See sports, page 20

AT THE CITY COUNCIL work session Monday, the issue of permits for scooters was discussed. Left to right, Council members Ross Litkenhous, Letty Hardi, David Snyder, David Tarter and Marybeth Connelly. Escaping the lens were Dan Sze and Phil Duncan. (Photo: News-Press)

Scooters! F.C. Council Set To Adopt Guidelines Soon

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Index

Editorial................6 Letters.......... 6, 21 News & Notes.10, 11 Comment...12, 13 Business News.19 School News.... 21

Calendar..... 22,23 Classified Ads... 24 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword........ 25 Crime Report.... 26 Critter Corner.... 26

It had to happen: scooters are coming to Falls Church. The latest development in alternative mobility devices, batterypowered scooters that can move a single passenger at up to 15 miles per hour in and around existing pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic is already crawling all over downtown D.C. and

increasingly, City of Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria. The Falls Church City Council Monday night took up the matter of apropos regulation of the new mode of transportation with an eye to adopting terms of a one-year pilot program by Nov. 11 that could authorize them to operate in the City by January. The State Legislature last spring gave localities the choice

of setting their own regulations for operation of scooters and scooter companies or to wait and let state regulations apply if they were to choose not to act by Dec. 31. So, the City Council is facing a mild deadline to establish ground rules for a one-year pilot program and to select two of the seven companies that run scooters by mid-December.

Continued on Page 5

With election day less than two weeks away, campaigns remain in full swing all over Virginia and in the City of Falls Church. Virginia is one of only three states in the U.S. with elections this November as every one of its 100 state delegate district seats and 40 of its state senate district seats are up for election. It is the only one where a sea change can occur in the control of both houses of the legislature, where Republicans hold hair thin margins at present, and as such is a bellwether for how national elections may go a year from now. Virginia Democrats are optimistic that they may follow on the trend set in the 2017 election when they gained 17 seats to come within a coin-flip of winning control of the House of Delegates when one race came in a dead heat. They are buoyed by two things: a court-mandated redistricting this summer of a number of key Republican-held districts on grounds they had been drawn unfairly by the Republican controlled legislature, and the continued enthusiasm within their own party and political base for political change, due in no small part to disfavor with President Trump. On the ballots that City of Falls Church voters will encounter in the upcoming Nov. 5 election include their representatives for the State Senate’s 35th District, Sen. Dick

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 | PAGE 3

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• Falls Church Elementary PTA President, 2017-2018

• Mother of four children attending MD, TJ, MEH, GMHS

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My Platform

• Member, Architectural Selection Advisory Committee for new GMHS

• Making sure all students have access to academic, social and emotional support services

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PAGE 4 | OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Council, School Board Races Head Into Stretch Run

Continued from Page 1

Saslaw, and the House of Delegates’ 53rd District, Del. Marcus Simon, and Commonwealth Attorney Democratic nominee Parisa Delighani-Tafti, all running uncontested. However, there are two hotlycontested races for local offices, for the City Council and the School Board, both non-partisan races. There are four candidates seeking three contested seats (out of seven total) on each body, and all eight candidates have been active and seriously campaigning for election. The Falls Church League of Women Voters has provided a fourpage insert in this week’s edition of the News-Press that publishes the biographical information and responses to questions on affordable housing, traffic, the environment and candidate-choice important issues (see elsewhere, this edition). Additionally, there remains one important public forum for each race. For the City Council, the forum will be held tonight (Thursday, Oct. 22) at the

American Legion Hall, 400 N. Oak, at 7 p.m., co-hosted by the Citizens for a Better City, the American Legion Post 130, the F.C. Chamber of Commerce, and the F.C. Republican and Democratic committees. All four candidates are scheduled to attend, including the three incumbents seeking another four years in their current seats — Mayor David Tarter, Phil Duncan and Letty Hardi — and one challenge, Stuart Whitaker. Then on Monday, Oct. 29, the School Board candidates will have one final major forum co-hosted by all of the City’s Parent-Teacher Associations that will be held at the cafeteria of the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, 601 S. Oak Street, at 7 p.m. Again, all four candidates are expected to participate, including incumbent Phil Reitinger and three seeking positions for the first time, Laura Downs, Douglass Stevens and Susan Dimock. On the Nov. 5 election day, the number of voting locations will be diminished from three to two, as the Ward 2 location at the Falls Green (formerly Oakwood) apart-

ments will be unavailable due to renovations there, such that all Ward 2 voters will be directed to the F.C. Community Center, 223 Little Falls St., to vote there along with voters from Ward 3, who normally cast ballots at that location. Ward 1 voters will also use their usual location at the T.J. Elementary School. Also, absentee voting is currently underway, with voting by mail requiring an arrival time by Nov. 5, and in-person voting at the Voter Registrar office in City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the deadline to vote that way being Nov. 2. The News-Press has endorsed the three incumbents, Duncan, Hardi and Tarter, for the City Council and incumbent Reitinger, Downs and Dimock for the School Board. To date, City Council candidate forums have been held by the F.C. Chamber of Commerce, the same combination of groups holding the School Board forum tonight, and together with the School Board by the F.C. League of Women

Voters and Village Preservation and Improvement Society held at the Mason High auditorium last Thursday night, and the Lasso student newspaper for all the Mason High student body Monday at the Mason High auditorium. To date, while incumbent candidates have touted the achievements in the City for the last four years, including the progress made on the ambitious West End development plan, the deployment of the 36 acres the City acquired as partial payment for the sale of its water system to Fairfax County in 2014. The effort has led to the current construction of a brand new, state of the art George Mason High School due for completion next year, and a contract for the dense mixed-use economic development of 10 acres that promises to do more than pay for the school with expected revenues to the City. That includes the sale this week of the largest bond issue in the City’s history, for $126 million, at an extraordinarily low 2.71 percent interest rate. City progress and challenges on issues of stormwater manage-

ment, walkability and alternative transportation options, environmental sustainability and affordable housing have also been touted by the incumbents, while challenger Whittaker, a relative newcomer with no experience on the City boards or commissions, has touted the superiority of Fairfax’s Marshall High over F.C.’s George Mason High, and the need for the City to do more on transportation and climate control. While incumbent Reitinger has been an important part in the West End developments cited above, two new candidates, Laura Downs and Sue Dimock, have called attention to their extensive service on City school-related groups (Downs heading the Elementary PTA and on the board of the F.C. Education Foundation and Dimock on the schools’ Health and Wellness Advisory Committee) Stevens has cited experience with a variety of Naval institutions. Stevens has held forth through a series of public forums insisting that equality calls for protecting the right of students to disagree on issues associated with transgender identity.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Electric Scooters Coming to F.C.

Continued from Page 1

The program is being called the Motorized Shared Mobility Demonstration Project and it extends from scooters to skateboards, bicycles or electric-powered assisted bicycles offered for rental to the public by the selected entities. One of the biggest issues to come before the Council for deliberation this Monday is whether or not scooters will be allowed for use on sidewalks in the manner that Arlington County is expected to approve next month. As Councilman Phil Duncan pointed out at this Monday’s Council work session, “I am disappointed that Arlington will allow scooters to be used on sidewalks. After all, sidewalks are called sidewalks for a reason. They are for walking.” “It is great to have additional modes of transportation,” Councilman Ross Litkenhous remarked at this Monday’s Council work session. “But given the record of their use in other jurisdictions, there are a lot of

safety and logistical concerns to work out.” Among other things, what should the speed limit for the scooters be? The Council’s consensus is that while it may be up to 15 miles per hour on streets, or designated bike lanes, or on the W&OD trail, it should be only six miles per hour if use is permitted on sidewalks. Those are the limits operational in Alexandria now. Also, should helmets be required for use by adults (helmets are required under state law for anyone 14 or under)? What should the age limit for use be (it is recommended to be 16)? Will scooters users be allowed to also use listening devices? How many total scooters should be allowed in the City (the staff recommendation to date is for far more per capita than in surrounding jurisdictions). What kind of City staff involvement will be required to oversee the program (the City of Fairfax says it requires about a third of a full time position). What about where scooters are left once their use is over (and who will monitor and enforce this)? What about the

use of scooters during emergency or severe weather conditions? The City staff recommended that scooters “must be parked in a manner that does not impede pedestrian traffic, does not obstruct access to fire hydrants and valves, street furniture, crosswalks, the public right of way, or any public property, included but not limited to, public buildings, public parks or open spaces, public trails, driveways or private property, does not damage any property, including but not limited to landscaping, street trees or other aesthetic features, and does not interfere with traffic or bus stop operations or the operation and use of Capital Bikeshare stations.” The staff recommends that the granting of permits to two scooter companies will require the keeping of records and the providing of monthly reports identifying the number of total active customers who reside in the City, the number of trips starting and trips ending, separately, in the City, average trip duration in minutes, average and total distance of trips,

OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019 | PAGE 5 Foxes Music

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a map of trip route data for all to the Council at its work session trips starting, ending or passing Monday. A fee structure would through the City, crashes (giving include $8,000 for a permit fee, a time, date, location and number of cash bond of $5,000 to cover any parties involved), injuries (giving damage to the public and 25 cents time, date, location and cause), per trip in the City. Councilman David Snyder number and location of scooters LESSONS•DEGREED TEACHERS having toPRIVATE be towed, complaints noted Monday that he feels the ALL INSTRUMENTS•ALL STYLES•ALL AGES received (with date, location and fee structure for licensing scooter 416 SOUTH WASHINGTON use is way too low, and quesreason given) and other feedback ST., FALLS CHURCH tioned the insurance requirements received. The recommendation of the for both companies and individu703-533-7393 City staff isLESSONS that enforcement of al renters. • SALES the adopted terms and conditions RENTALS • REPAIRS “It is important that we get this of use will be a low priority for right from the start, because it will be difficult to modify the terms F.C. police. program is The City staff prepared a of use once the pilot PRIVATE LESSONS•DEGREED TE detailed, eight-page, single-spaced underway,” Snyder said. He suggested the Council may report on what it suggests should be the essential contents of a new not be ready to press ahead with a City policy to pertain to scooter comprehensive pilot plan agreeuse in the City that was available ment by next month.

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E D I TO R I A L

Dimock, Downs & Reitinger

Last week, the News-Press enthusiastically endorsed the City of Falls Church’s three incumbent candidates seeking re-election to its City Council in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. They are Phil Duncan, Letty Hardi and David Tarter. This week, we’re equally resolute in our endorsement of three solid candidates for the F.C. School Board: incumbent Phil Reitinger and veterans of years of volunteer service to the City’s schools, Laura Downs and Susan Dimock. The superior quality of the City’s public school system cannot be denied. It has gained a deserved reputation throughout the region for many years, and has only enhanced that with gains in recent years to extend the extraordinary International Baccalaureate program to the entire K-12 system and to press ahead with key infrastructure components, including the construction of a new Henderson Middle School, major renovations at the Thackrey Preschool, Mt. Daniel and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools and the current $120 million state of the art George Mason High School, eliminating, despite robust enrollment growth, the use of trailers as classrooms altogether. City voters since the early 1990s have approved all bond referenda needed to accomplish these results, including by a particularly wide margin in the 2017 election for $120 million for the new high school, as they recognize the value of the system in its own right, including as a component of appreciated residential real estate values. One candidate in this race commented at a forum about how door-to-door campaigning has elicited a broad base of enthusiastic support for the schools in no way limited to citizens with children currently in the schools. Particularly extraordinary has been way the West End development project has unfolded in the last two years since the bond referendum passed, a virtually flawless process that City Council and School Board members were equally involved in carrying out, along with City Manager Wyatt Shields and School Superintendent Peter Noonan (It’s worth also pointing out that the School Board’s choice of Dr. Noonan for the job in April 2017 has been a major success). The most recent achievement in this effort was the sale of $126 million in 30- and 20-year City municipal bonds Tuesday at a eye-popping 2.71 percent interest rate, a result that will save Falls Church citizens over $30 million in debt service costs over the 4.5 percent estimated rate that they approved with the passage of the referendum. So, to us, these remarkable achievements deserve to be rewarded with the election of the three candidates for the School Board that have demonstrated the strongest record, by far, of involvement with the school system: Reitinger as an incumbent leading member of the board, and Downs and Dimock with their laudable record of volunteer achievements on PTA and school support entities such as the Falls Church Education Foundation.

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How Much Low-Income Housing Does Gross Want? Editor, In a recent survey, the Mason District candidates were asked: Who do you think has the hardest time finding housing that’s affordable to them in Fairfax County, and what steps do you plan to take to address that need? Penny Gross stated: Young families with lower incomes have the most difficulty finding hous-

ing that is affordable, but many others have similar challenges. Fairfax County’s housing spend is in excess of $138 million in the current budget, and we are considering seriously a proposal to increase the “penny for housing” which would add an additional $25 million. I live off of Columbia Pike and see as many as a half-dozen school

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buses picking up elementary age children at the garden apartments east of the Bailey’s Firehouse. If you go through Mason District this scene is repeated at nearly all the low rent housing developments. My thought is how much more low-income housing does Ms. Gross want in Mason District? As Mr. Aiken pointed out in his response I believe we need to keep our middle-class housing and add some high-density complexes like The Loren around transit hubs. Anne Lewis Via the Internet

Stunned by Comments at School Board Debate Editor, I recently attended two events where I heard from the four Falls Church City School Board candidates, and I am stunned and appalled by Douglass Stevens’ concerns about “teaching transgender ideology.” Rather than being concerned about the bullying, depression,

Letter Continues on Page 17

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019 | PAGE 7

How Important Is the That Air You Breathe? B� D�� S��

Few things are more important than the air we breathe. And, we often take for granted our region’s relatively good air. For all of us, clean air is a quality of life issue, but for many elderly and those vulnerable to lung disease, it may be a matter of life or death. As recently as 1999, the Washington Metropolitan Region’s air was significantly more polluted with fine particulate matter in the air than today. In 1999, there were 15 Code Red and Orange days standard exceedance days, rising to 25 in 2001. But from 2011 to 2019 (so far) there were a total of six Code Orange days over the eight-year period, with zero in most years and one Code Red day this year caused by the July 4 fireworks extravaganza, based on the 2006 particulate matter standard. The very fine particles and droplets making up this pollution can get deep into the lungs and even bloodstream and pose the greatest risk to people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. Ozone concentrations have also been dramatically cut. Ground level ozone is a colorless gas created when air pollutants react on hot, sunny summer days. High concentrations of ozone can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, fatigue, headaches, nausea, chest pain and eye and throat irritation. Using the current standard, in 1999 there would have been 82 Code Orange, Red and Purple Days,

this year so far, 10 Code Orange Days. As recently as the early 2000s, when the temperature got over 90 degrees, the air quality often went into the danger zone, today that trend is nearly eradicated.

“Since this administration has come to power, clean air regulation after regulation has been rolled back and proposed new tougher rules halted.”

Cleaner air did not happen by accident. It has taken the commitment and concerted action of the federal, state and local governments, communities, advocates and the private sector to produce these results that many of us take for granted. The federal government was a key player by setting ever tougher national standards including vehicle emissions and power plant standards, followed by the states and localities enacting rules and taking actions such as

creating and supporting Metro, that have led to our cleaner air. But this progress is in serious jeopardy. Since this administration has come to power, clean air regulation after regulation has been rolled back and proposed new tougher rules halted. How tragically ironic that the President argued against climate change actions recently at the U.N. and claimed that the U.S. has the cleanest air in recent times, while his EPA under his direction is gutting the very standards that are a major reason for that progress. Among the federal standards that are most important to our region is the clean power rule that would have required cleaner power plants to our west. This is important to us because air pollution blown in from the Midwest and circulated here due to local climatic conditions are a contributor to the bad air days we experience. Another critical issue for us is the rollback of the proposed auto emission standards. That is because our region is largely a service, rather than a manufacturing economy, so a lot of our air pollution is generated by cars and trucks. The prior President negotiated with the auto industry for tougher emission standards to be phased in. That was blocked by the current President’s EPA. When California then negotiated tougher standards with some of the auto industry, that too is being blocked by the current Administration and the cooperating auto manufacturers are also

being threatened by the Administration. The issue of climate change is, of course, a major if not existential concern. In our area we are seeing more frequent severe storms, elsewhere hurricanes are more ferocious, wildfires and droughts more common and some of the region will be impacted by sea level rise. Responding effectively to this issue will take a level of commitment and action that has seldom been matched. What should be the easy part, “at first do no harm” by maintaining and improving workable standards that have produced cleaner air, is being challenged and reversed. Even clean air has now become a battleground of political labels and ideologies. It wasn’t always that way; it shouldn’t be now. Growing up in the coal region outside of Pittsburgh, I lived through times when the sky was not usually blue and a smoggy haze was all too common. Then, a bipartisan consensus was formed and we acted, and in so doing achieved amazing success. But there is more we must do or we run the risk of backsliding. We should start by protecting the clean air laws and standards that have worked and that are proposed to produce even better results. The stakes in this fight are important, maybe more important than just about any other issue that is currently being debated. David Snyder is a member of the Falls Church City Council.

Q�� W�� Will electric scooters be a positive addition to the City of Falls Church? • Yes • No

Last Week’s Question:

Should traffic calming be a higher priority in the City of Falls Church?

• Not sure

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

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

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS] The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor

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

Email: letters@fcnp.com | Mail: Letters to the Editor, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church 22046 | Fax: 703.340.0347

PAGE 8 | OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. High Alumni Reﬂect on School’s Growth After 75 Years

BY ORRIN KONHEIM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church High School is expected to have its largest gathering of alumni to date this homecoming weekend as the school celebrates its 75 years of operation. “I graduated in 1986 and I have a bunch of friends for our class who are gonna come today because it’s a special one,” said Jeanne Kelly, who also serves as the school’s director of student activities. Falls Church High School has an informal, if active, alumni network. Since 2002, a yearly luncheon is hosted by Jeannette and Barry Hall (Class of 1953) for Falls Church alumni who graduated 50 years ago. As the school is only 75 years old, people like ’77 alum Craig Day have kept in contact with the remaining 91-year-old members of the first class that graduated in 1945. Day, who is a former teacher and current coach, has been the point man for the 75th anniversary celebration. “I love my school, that’s why I’m involved. I care about the school and the school’s history and…If you have pride in your school, and pride in its history, that means the kids currently will have pride and that will be a positive thing for the neighborhood,” said Day. At the annual luncheon this past weekend, approximately eight graduates of the 1947 class were seated at a table and honored during the presentation. “The people we see here today are not going to be here next year, necessarily,” said Class of ’47 alum Benton DeGroot when asked why

he wanted to come. The camaraderie that DeGroot and his childhood friends had was evident in various other peer groups that were seated by high school class. “We’ve been friends for 65, 70 years,” said Class of 54 alumni Iver Steele of Betty Emery Trainer. When asked if they dated, Steele joked “She’s too rich for me” as the two exchanged a fist bump. The two met in a typing class and played hockey together. Much like Falls Church today, the classmates came from a closeknit community where most not only knew each other but were also family friends. Still, without the reunions they wouldn’t keep in touch as much. In the days before the internet, they used phone trees to organize reunions and get togethers. Through the luncheons that have been spearheaded by the Halls, the alumni network has raised approximately $92,000 in school grants and $45,000 in scholarships. “It’s impressive that this groups is so vibrant and alive and active and giving back to the school,” said Principal Ben Nowalk. “Craig Day is just a great resource here. He’s a coach here and substitute teacher so he keeps me in the loop and I communicate with Jeannette and Barry about the scholarships.” In the future, Day and others hope to institute a more comprehensive alumni network beyond the group run by the Halls. The original Falls Church High School opened its doors in the Fall of 1945 to 522 students at the intersection of Cherry Street and Hillwood Avenue expanded

SOME OF THE EARLIEST alumni from Falls Church High School include (from left to right) Dolores Williams McCrae, Joyce Ann Robinson Williams and Benton DeGroot, who are all a part of the class of 1947. The 75th anniversary celebration this weekend is intended to create an of�icial FCHS alumni network out of the already robust, yet informal, network. (P��: O�� K��) from a now-defunct Jefferson High School. When Falls Church officially became a city in 1948, Falls Church High School continued to be the home of city students until George Mason High was completed four years later. As one of the first schools in the region, the original Falls Church High School has shed over the years to the districts of seven other area high schools. Falls Church High School has occupied its current building since the fall 1960 and the school will be undergoing a renovation in fall 2021. “When I was first interested in Falls Church High School, I asked a lot of questions…and pretty consistently across the board everyone

I talked to said ‘It’s a small school with a huge heart,’” said Principal Nowak, now in his fifth year. The school has been known for its diversity over the years and currently there are over 50 languages from over 50 countries represented at the high school. According to the U.S. News and World report, the total minority enrollment is 82 percent and 49 percent are economically disadvantaged. “I’m really proud of the fact that we’re a fully accredited program [by Virginia Department of Education] and that’s for a population that’s [partially] learning English as a second language and on free lunches,” said Nowak. Nowak also cited the school’s

strong advanced placement and a growing Governor’s Academy for health and medical sciences. Events for the homecoming game against Wakefield High School this Friday include a parade through the Broyhill Park neighborhood, a 6 p.m. tailgate with food, games and music, and a special alumni tent. Additionally, there will be a special presentation for the school’s 75th anniversary following the homecoming floats. The following day there will be tours of the school and a dinner for alumni at the restaurant MP’s 11:11 dinner and lounge on Saturday night. A golf tournament concludes the 75th anniversary’s weekend of events on Sunday.

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NEWS BRIEFS City of F.C. $126M Bond Sale Goes at 2.71% The sale of $126 million in City of Falls Church municipal bonds, the largest in the City’s history, to pay for construction of an all-new high school, renovation of the city library and stormwater improvement was consummated Tuesday at a remarkably low 2.71 percent interest rate. $111 million of the total was for 30 year bonds (for the high school) and $14 million for 20 years. The low interest rate compares to the 4.5 percent rate that was put into the model for the new high school that voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2017. The differential between what citizens voted to support and what the actual cost of the debt has turned out to be is over $30 million, the City’s Chief Financial Officer Kiran Bawa told the News-Press Tuesday. That is a savings to City taxpayers spread out over 30 years. “This is a combination of good financial planning and good luck,” City Manager Wyatt Shields told the News-Press Tuesday. Had the City chosen to sell the bonds six months ago, when the parameters of the projects were complete, interest rates were still over 3 percent. “We chose to wait until the agreements for not only the new school construction but also for the 10-acre West End development project were finalized, and that turned out to be fortuitous.” The final closing of the bond sale will come Nov. 7, but nothing but preparation of the paperwork will happen in the meantime. The buyer of the bonds is Morgan Stanley. The West End development continues apace, with the high school now well into its construction with a completion date of December 2020, and the City unveiling its wider West End small area development plan at a public meeting this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Falls Church Episcopal Church fellowship hall. The preliminary unveiling of the 10-acre economic development project, which is slated to commence in January 2021 as soon as the new high school is completed and occupied allowing for the demolition of the old school, will come to the F.C. School Board, and City boards and the City Council on Nov. 11, with a town hall meeting to present the draft to the entire community on Nov. 13.

Fairfax Police Cruiser Kills Man on Rt. 50 A man was killed after being struck by a police cruiser on Arlington Boulevard (Route 50) near Graham Road early Sunday morning. Fairfax County Police say the marked police cruiser was responding to a call for disorderly subjects shortly after midnight on Oct. 20 when it proceeded through a green light at the intersection of Arlington Blvd. and Graham Road where it struck 40-year-old Carlos Romeo Montoya who was walking in the crosswalk. The officer stopped to render first aid and called for the Fire and Rescue Department. After being transported to the hospital, Montoya was pronounced deceased. The posted speed limit for Arlington Boulevard in that area is 45 miles per hour. Police say crash reconstruction detectives are working to determine what factors led to the crash including the speed of the cruiser, lighting conditions at the intersection, condition of the pedestrian walk/don’t walk sign and a forensic medical examination. The officer involved in the crash has been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of police investigations. According the Fairfax County Police, this is the 14th pedestrian fatality in the county to date in 2019. There have been approximately 112 pedestrian involved crashes with 126 injuries. In a statement to the press, Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler said “This is a tragic event for our community and my prayers continue for the deceased, their loved ones and for the officer involved.”

Lee Highway Safety Meeting Tonight A meeting led by Virginia Tech planning students and local businesses on how to make Lee Highway (Route 29) safer between Tinner Hill Road and Graham Road will take place tonight at the Thomas Jefferson Elementary, 601 S. Oak St., at 6:30 p.m.

F.C. Stormwater Task Force Proposed F.C. City Manager proposed at the Monday F.C. City Council work session the creation of a 5-7 member Stormwater Task Force to prioritize projects for the City in the coming six months. The group’s work would be finished by July 1, 2020. He said he hoped a consensus would be built through the process such that there be no playing of favorites. The members should be chosen from different geographical points in the City. The Council will vote on the matter at its next meeting this Monday.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

News-Press

Community News & Notes Fall Genealogy Fair Comes to Fairfax

THE BAILEY’S CROSSROADS ROTARY CLUB completed their 2019 raffle of a classic 1966 Ford Mustang convertible. First prize winner is Arthur Reyes of Temecula, California. The 2nd prize winner of $500 is Bridget McCarthy of Fairfax. The 3rd prize winner of $500 is Andrew Braddick of McLean. This is the club’s 34th year of raising charitable funds for the Bailey’s community through this raffle. The club has raised more than $1.8 million that benefits the local community as well as international health, education and polio eradication efforts. (Photo: Courtesy Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club)

Fairfax Genealogy Society Fall Fair will take place on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Station (2148 Gallows Rd., Vienna). Interested residents can visit vendors, network with fellow family researchers, listen to speaker Sharon MacInnes with tips about organizing family research and timelines and coordinating with other researchers. Fee after Oct 15 — $45 for Genealogical Society members; $55 for non members. Registration at the door or on line at 2019fxgsfallfair.eventbrite. com, For more information, visit fxgs.org

VFW, Dulin Methodist Host Halloween Events Two Halloween-themed events are coming to Falls Church this weekend. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9274 (7118 Shreve Rd., Falls Church) will hold its community Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26. Interested attendees can participate in a Trunk or Treat, wear costumes as well as play games and win prizes while also eating some non-sugary food. The festivities will take place outside from 6 – 8 p.m., and from 8 – 9:30 p.m. inside. Dulin United Methodist Church (513 E. Broad St., Falls Church) will also be hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Interested attendees are encouraged to come in costume to visit a variety of trunks full of Halloween treats in Dulin’s back parking lot.

Arlington Historical Society ATTENDING THE OPENING OF ‘ORGANICA ll,’ Falls Church Arts’ newest exhibition that debuted on Debuts ‘Storymap’ Oct. 19, are City Council members (from left to right) David Snyder, Phil Duncan and City of Falls Church Mayor David Tarter. They are joined by FCA’s colorful outreach director, Shaun Van Steyn. (Photo: Courtesy Shaun Van Steyn).

The Arlington Historical Society has unveiled the first-ever interactive “Storymap” show-

casing photos of how Arlington looked in 1920, the year a state law changed its name from Alexandria County to Arlington. Coordinated by local columnist, AHS member and history enthusiast Charlie Clark and numerous volunteers, the Storymap shows homes, schools, churches, government buildings, stores and transportation infrastructure that would have been encountered by an Arlingtonian traveling local streets in 1920. The Storymap uses the software created by Esri of Redlands, Calif., to present vintage and modern photographs in a format that allows the user to adjust sizes and zoom in on locations. “The map allows you to envision the scenes in their exact locations,” said AHS member Clark, who writes the “Our Man in Arlington” column for the News-Press. “And we went out of our way to include homes of all income levels in all neighborhoods, not just the storied and fancier ones.” The Storymap was designed by Arlington-based Blue Raster LLC. It can be found on the website of the nonprofit Arlington Historical Society’s website at https://arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org. The project is part of a broader county effort that will unfold over the next year to commemorate the name change by revisiting Arlington’s rich history over the past century.

Mental Health Foundation Lands 1st Corporate Sponsor The Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation announces its first participant in the new Corporate Sponsorships program. Jim Nelson, NVMHF board member and popular local realtor accepted a check for $1,000 from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. Anyone who would like to learn more about the foundation and meet the other board members are encouaged to join members

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

at the annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Nov. 13th at Total Wine and More (1451 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are purchased ahead of the event at novamentalhealth.org.

Annandale Holds 69th Annual Parade The 69th annual Annandale Parade will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 beginning at 10 a.m. Marching along Columbia Pike from the historic white church at Gallows Road, all the way to the Bowling Alley-Safeway, thousands of participants from clowns, storybook characters and marching bands to antique & military cars, fire trucks, civic organizations, scouts and costumed international dancers will parade before the residents of greater Annandale. The parade is sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce. Entry forms to reg-

ister to be a part of the parade are available at annandalechamber. com. The 2019 Annandale Parade is dedicated to the elder residents of Annandale. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes at the parade. For more information, contact info@annandalechamber.com.

Tree Fest Comes to F.C. In Early December The sixth annual Falls Church Tree Fest has been scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W. Broad St., Falls Church). A display of 20 artfully decorated holiday trees will be on display for the public to observe and all are part of the silent auction that takes place throughout the event to benefit each of the non-profits represented by the trees. There will be live music and refreshments throughout the event. To

LO CA L learn more about the event go to fallschurchtreefest.com.

‘Our Man’ Moderates High School Renaming Forum Charlie Clark, the NewsPress’ “Our Man in Arlington” columnist, moderated a retrospective discussion on the renaming process for Washington-Lee High School, which was officially renamed to Washington-Liberty High School this fall. The discussion featured input from Jeremy Myer, a W-L graduate (‘86) and a professor of political science at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, as well as Dean Fleming, who’s also a W-L graduate (‘75) and the vice president of the W-L alumni association. Recorded and produced by Arlington Independent Media, the 30-minute discussion can be viewed at youtube.com/ watch?v=YANh8k8EaWU&featur e=youtu.be.

THE FALLS CHURCH ANGLICAN is open for parishioners at its new location on Arlington Boulevard. The church is made up of a segment of the parishioners that used to attend the Falls Church Episcopal, where after a bitter court battle that concluded in 2012, the now Anglicanadherents were left to �ind a new home. (P��: N��-P��)

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Lee Boulevard, Arlington Boulevard, LeeJackson Memorial Highway, Route 50…doesn’t matter what you call it, the four lane highway that serves as a major thoroughfare in Northern Virginia has been cussed and discussed for many years. Traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, multiple frontage roads, and chaotic intersections all will be considered during the Route 50 STARS (Strategically Targeted and Affordable Roadway Solutions) Safety and Operational Improvements Study that was presented in a community meeting Monday night at Falls Church High School. The STARS program was implemented by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2006, and has been refined continually to address safety and operational issues on roadways across the Commonwealth. The Route 50 STARS review of a section of Route 50, from Jaguar Trail to the Wilson Boulevard overpass near Seven Corners (Route 613), is data-driven, and will examine crash hot spots, speed data, and traffic count data to develop reasonable solutions that can be funded and implemented in the short term. An important part of data collection is gathering information from stakeholders, including residents who use the corridor every day, and are knowledgeable about the rhythms and intricacies of their own neighborhoods. Residents at Monday night’s meeting offered many suggestions for the three-mile corridor, which carries 51,000 vehicles on an average day. The distance to be studied has a 45 mph speed limit, three slip ramps, five signal-controlled intersections, a signalized mid-block pedestrian crossing (near Graham Park Plaza), an emergency signal for the Jefferson Fire Station, and 12 unsignalized intersections and median openings on the main line. Annual crash rates since 2013 for this stretch of Route 50 were at least one-third higher than the average for primary highways in Northern Virginia.

Many residents appealed for more protection for cyclists and pedestrians, a reduction in the speed limit, both likes and dislikes about the recently installed sidewalks in the corridor, improved lighting at night, and preventing illegal turning movements. One resident noted that installing a time-limited Do Not Enter sign on the frontage road near McDonald’s would reduce driver anger and frustration during morning rush hour. Reflective paint on crosswalks, flashing pedestrian crossing signals, and yellow flex posts were some of the lower cost suggested fixes that could be implemented quickly. VDOT is seeking public comment from the broader community, and invites residents and travelers of the study area to take a short online survey at www.virginiadot.org/route50fallschurchstudy. The deadline for participation is Oct. 31. A second public information to present the survey results and potential recommendations will be scheduled for Spring 2020. Good news for history buffs! Virginia Historic Marker T-40, commemorating Lincoln’s Review of Union Troops in November 1861, was removed from its location on Route 7 in Bailey’s Crossroads during a recent sidewalk installation. Unfortunately, the marker was lost during the construction, and VDOT funding for marker replacement was not available. Former History Commissioner Naomi Zeavin was resolute in getting the marker replaced, and worked with VDOT staff to find a new location, and I asked State Senator Richard Saslaw, who represents that area, for assistance. On Monday, we got the good news that the funding has been identified, a new marker is on order, and is expected to be reinstalled sometime this winter. Thank you, Naomi, and thank you, Senator Saslaw!  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Deprogramming the Cult of Trump

It must be in the forefront of awareness amid all the breaking developments around Trump this week the importance of the link between what he’s done in Ukraine and Syria. In both places, he’s dramatically withdrawn U.S. support to the advantage of Russia. In Ukraine, he withheld almost $400 million in badly-needed military support on the pretext of a quid pro quo demand on the Ukraine president Zelensky that the deployment of the aid be conditioned on Zelensky making a display of plans to investigate Trump’s likely Democratic presidential foe Joe Biden. In Syria, Trump ordered the removal of U.S. troops from areas near the Turkish border, allowing the FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS Turks to cleanse the area of Kurds with mass murder and displacement of thousands. Now, Trump has called the process a success, while the Turks continue to hold the territory they’ve claimed in a shared occupation with Russia. In the process of actively inviting Putin and Russia into these areas, Trump escalated his lying slanders against not only the U.S. media, the U.S. intelligence establishment and congressional rivals, but now also extended to the diplomatic corps, against seasoned, patriotic veterans who’ve dedicated their careers to holding the line against those who represent a strategic threat to American interests. That extended to 50-year veteran William Taylor, who brought shocking testimony to a closed session of the House Intelligence Committee Tuesday confirming, according to his 15-page opening statement made public, that Trump grossly illegally insisted on the quid pro quo deal while withholding the military funds. Trump’s latest press secretary stooge Stephanie Grisham issued a statement Tuesday claiming that such as Taylor are among “far left lawmakers and radical unelected bureaucrats waging war on the Constitution.” Calling Taylor, a seasoned diplomat and Army veteran who served with distinction both Republican and Demoratic administrations, a “radical unelected bureaucrat” is about as far from reality as one can get. On the contrary, it would apply aptly to newby Grisham herself. Most Republicans in Congress seem to have drunk the Trump Kool-Aid too, behaving like petulant children in a blind defense of the president, including yesterday’s infantile disruption of the Intelligence Committee hearing. Still, Taylor’s release of his opening statement is the latest in what we hope will be a pattern of defiance and courage by a senior government officials aimed at sounding an alarm to the American public about the threat that Trump represents to the country. The goal has to be to chip away at the base of slavish Trump defenders in the U.S. Senate, in particular, where the fate of the House Democrats’ advance toward impeachment will ultimately be decided. There is much in the new book by cult expert Steven Hassan, “The Cult of Trump,” that must be grasped when it comes to the cult-like devotion of these spineless Republicans, and including a whole swath of their gradually-shrinking electoral base. Hassan is an expert on American mind-control cults, having freed himself from the cult of Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church where he experienced first-hand the “radical personality change” he went through under the influence of mind-control methods. He’s spent his life since exposing the methods used to lure and hold him into that cult, “passing along the lessons I learned from my own deprogramming,” he writes. Yes, these Republican congressmen who refuse to hear the kind of testimony that Taylor and others have presented, covering their ears and going, “La, la, la, la, la…,” exhibit the behavior of cult victims, Hassan claims. The key to the mind control is the denial of facts, in favor of a cult leader’s version of events. Trump’s insistence since Day One in the White House (his press secretary’s claims about Inauguration numbers) that people should not believe their own eyes and ears in favor of Trump’s account goes to the essence of the process. Trump’s relentless attack on what he calls “fake news” is key to the perpetuation of this process. It is not an attack on the media, but on the rational thinking process of the public.  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

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OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

Our sainted parish is revving up to mark the 100th anniversary of its renaming, from Alexandria County to Arlington County in March 1920. My personal contribution to what will be months of commemoration of that action by the state General Assembly rolled out this week. It’s a 21st-century digital interactive “storymap” displaying photos of homes, schools, churches, stores and infrastructure — in their exact locations — that an Arlingtonian in 1920 would encounter during, say, a morning stroll on foot, by horseback, car or trolley. Using Esri software, the storymap was assembled with volunteer help from the Arlington Historical Society and designed by the techno-whizzes at Arlingtonbased Blue Raster LLC. Check it out online at arlingtonhistoricalsociety.org/2019/10/ storymap-images-of-arlingtonin-1920/ The reason for Arlington’s name change — long somewhat mysterious to us moderns due to a scant legislative record and meagre newspaper coverage — was to reduce confusion among the citizenry between events held in what today is Old Town Alexandria and those closer to our own Clarendon. But there are other mysteries enshrouding our name. Most directly, our county was named for Arlington House, the memorial to George Washington built on the Potomac from 1802-1818 by the founding father’s step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis.

That future father-in-law of Robert E. Lee originally named his project Mount Washington. But talk about confusion! The new capital Federal City was taking shape across the river under the label of Washington, D.C. (which encompassed Arlington at the time). So Custis switched it to Arlington House, after his ancestral plantation in Northampton County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. His bequest of the property to the Lees in 1857 became the reason for creation of Arlington National Cemetery. Taking the name derivation further back to England (an inquiry undertaken by black-belt Arlington history buffs) has divided researchers for decades. The Eastern Shore Custis plantation built by planter John Custis IV (1678-1749) is thought by many to have taken its name from his British ancestors’ home in the village of Arlington, Bibury, in Gloucestershire, in the pretty English Cotswold hills. But an alternative claim — first advanced in a mid-19th century book by G.W.P. Custis’s associate and Virginia Episcopal Bishop William Meade — links our name to Henry Bennet, a 17th-century Earl of Arlington, often spelled as “Harlington.” The late Arlington historian C.B Rose, however, concluded in 1976 that the timing of the earl’s life makes it unlikely he was the inspiration to John Custis. That motion was seconded in 1989 by former Arlington Historical Society president Warren Clardy. He actually visited Gloucestershire and did research at the British Museum and other

English libraries before writing in the October 1989 issue of the Arlington Historical Magazine. Former Arlington treasurer Frank O’Leary, speaking recently to the Optimist Club, dutifully repeated the Harlington version, but he tells me he personally is skeptical. Another not-quite-resolved riddle is why our 1920 civic activists chose the name Arlington (already the label on one of three administrative districts). As the county newsroom recently uncovered, the alternatives considered were George Washington (more confusion!), Pocahontas (not local) and the Alexandria acronym Alcova (not really a word). Most likely the name Arlington was favored for its popular association with Confederate hero Robert E. Lee. The nation had long viewed Arlington House as Lee’s even though it was his father -in-law, Custis, who conceived it, built it and occupied it for 55 years. *** Arlington lost one of the two stalwarts of Mario’s Pizza on Oct. 11. Joe Williams, age 87, dished out the late-night slices for more than 50 years. “He never missed a day of work — except for his wife’s funeral,” I was told by former Mario’s owner Alan Levine. “He was a role model, everyone’s father.” A memorial celebration was held Oct. 21 at New Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Williams’ longtime co-worker Willie “Lefty” Lindsay, featured with Joe in promotions, still mans the ovens at Mario’s.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 14 | OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRIC FACILITIES: LOUDOUN-OX 230 KV TRANSMISSION LINE PARTIAL REBUILD CASE NO. PUR-2019-00128

On August 13, 2019, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia ("Dominion" or "Company") filed with the State Corporation Commission ("Commission") an application for approval and for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate electric transmission facilities in Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties, Virginia ("Application"). Dominion filed the Application pursuant to ยง 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia ("Code") and the Utility Facilities Act, Code ยง 56-265.1 et seq. Dominion proposes to rebuild, entirely within an existing right-of-way or on Company-owned property, five separate segments of its existing 230 kilovolt ("kV") transmission Lines #2173, #295, #265, #200, #2051, #2063, #266, and #2008, which are collocated at various points within the existing transmission line corridor between the Company's existing Loudoun and Ox substations ("Rebuild Project"). The Company proposes to: (i) remove approximately 4.4 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #2008 between Structure #2008/1A and Structure #2008/24, retire approximately 8.4 miles of existing 115 kV transmission Line #156 between Loudoun Substation and Bull Run Substation, cut and loop in existing Line #265 into Bull Run Substation as the line passes directly overhead, and perform related substation work at the Loudoun, Bull Run, Mosby, Sully, and Clifton Substations (collectively, the "Loudoun-Bull Run Segment"); (ii) remove approximately 3.9 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #2173 on double circuit structures between Structure #2173/1A and Structure #2173/21, remove idle 230 kV transmission Line #I265, and rebuild approximately 3.9 miles of Line #2008 and Line #2173 on new, shared double circuit structures along the Line #2008 centerline between #2008/1A and Structure #2008/21 (collectively, the "Loudoun-Elklick Segment"); (iii) rebuild approximately 4.4 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #295 on new double circuit structures from existing Structure #295/21, remove idle 230 kV transmission line #I265, rebuild 0.4 mile of Line #2008 between Elklick Junction and Dulles Junction on structures shared with Line #295, and rebuild approximately 4.0 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #265 between Dulles Junction and Bull Run Substation on structures shared with Line #295 (collectively, the "Elklick-Bull Run Segment"); (iv) rebuild approximately 3.2 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #265 on new double circuit structures between Bull Run Substation and Structure #265/4, rebuild approximately 0.6 mile of existing 230 kV transmission Line #200 on structures shared with Line #265 between Bull Run Substation and Pender Junction, and rebuild approximately 2.3 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #2051 on structures shared with Line #265 between Pender Junction and Structure #265/4 (collectively, "Bull Run-Clifton Segment"); and

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 | PAGE 15

Copies of the Application and other supporting materials also may be inspected during regular business hours at the following location: Dominion Energy Virginia 10900 Nuckols Road, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23060 Attn: Lane Carr, Siting and Permitting Specialist Interested persons also may obtain a copy of the Application by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, David J. DePippo, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing, on or before December 20, 2019, a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure ("Rules of Practice"), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00128. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission's Order for Notice and Hearing and the Correcting Order. On or before April 15, 2020, any interested person wishing to comment on the Application shall file written comments on the Application with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before April 15, 2020, by following the instructions on the Commission's website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00128. All documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission's Rules of Practice. The Commission's Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission's Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission's Order for Notice and Hearing and the Correcting Order in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

(v) rebuild a combined total of approximately 6.4 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #2035 on new double circuit structures and rebuild a total of approximately 6.4 miles of existing 230 kV transmission Line #266 on structures shared with Line #2063 along the Clifton Substation DP section and the Moore DP-Ox Substation section (collectively, the "Clifton-Ox Segment"). Dominion states that the Rebuild Project is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and reliability of its transmission system in compliance with mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation Reliability Standards. Further, the Company states that the Rebuild Project will replace aging infrastructure that is at the end of its service life. The Company states that the expected in-service date for the Rebuild Project is December 31, 2024. The estimated cost of the Rebuild Project is approximately $67.5 million, which includes an estimated $59.0 million cost for transmission-related work and approximately $8.5 million for substation-related work. The estimated cost for each segment of the Rebuild Project is approximately (i) $8.11 million for the Loudoun-Bull Run Segment, (ii) $9.65 million for the Loudoun-Elklick Segment, (iii) $13.14 million for the Elklick-Bull Run Segment, (iv) $9.72 million for the Bull Run-Clifton Segment, and (v) $18.35 million for the Clifton-Ox Segment. The proposed Rebuild Project is located entirely within Dominion's service territory and existing right-of-way in Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax Counties. The Loudoun-Elklick Segment includes replacement of 19 structures, currently ranging in height from 106 feet to 136 feet, with an average height of 124 feet. As proposed, the new structures for the Loudoun-Elklick Segment would range in height from 50 feet to 150 feet, with a proposed average height of 131 feet. The Elklick-Bull Run Segment includes 2 sections: the Elklick Junction-Dulles Junction section and the Dulles Junction-Bull Run Substation section. The Elklick Junction-Dulles Junction section includes replacement of 4 structures, currently ranging in height from 35 feet to 115 feet, with an average height of 93 feet. As proposed, the new structures would range in height from 50 feet to 125 feet, with a proposed average height of 101 feet. The Dulles Junction-Bull Run Substation section includes the replacement of 24 structures, currently ranging in height from 95 feet to 140 feet, with an average of 117 feet. As proposed, the new structures would range in height from 85 feet to 147 feet, with an average height of 125 feet. The Bull Run-Clifton Segment includes 2 sections: the Bull Run Substation-Pender Junction section and the Pender Junction-Clifton Substation section. The Bull Run Substation-Pender Junction section includes replacement of 4 structures, currently ranging in height from 109 feet to 151 feet, with an average height of 129 feet. As proposed, the new structures would range in height from 110 feet to 152 feet, with a proposed average height of 132 feet. The Pender Junction-Clifton Substation section includes replacement of 13 structures, currently ranging in height from 101 feet to 134 feet, with an average height of 119 feet. As proposed, the new structures would range in height from 110 feet to 147 feet, with an average height of 129 feet. The Clifton-Ox Segment includes replacement of 39 structures, currently ranging in height from 101 feet to 158 feet, with an average height of 119 feet. As proposed, the new structures would range in height from 110 feet to 162 feet, with an average height of 130 feet. All distances, heights, and directions are approximate. A sketch map of the proposal accompanies this notice. A more detailed map may be viewed on the Commission's website: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pur/elec/transline.aspx. The Commission may consider a route not significantly different from the routes described in this notice without additional notice to the public. A more complete description of the Rebuild Project may be found in the Company's Application. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing and a Correcting Order in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings in Fairfax County and Richmond, Virginia. A local public hearing will be convened on January 29, 2020, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly, Virginia 20151, for the sole purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. The public hearing will resume on April 22, 2020, at 10 a.m., in the Commission's second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission's Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission's Bailiff. Copies of the Application and documents filed in this case are available for interested persons to review in the Commission's Document Control Center, located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission's website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information provided by others as cited in the Notes section. Stantec has not verified the accuracy and/or completeness of this information and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions which may be incorporated herein as a result. Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format, and the recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FALLS CHURCH

League of Women Voters

FALL 2019 VOTERS’ GUIDE GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 POLLS OPEN 6:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. This Voters’ Guide is published by the League of Women Voters. The League has a long tradition of publishing the verbatim responses of candidates to questions important to voters. Go to VOTE411.org to get personalized information about your ballot. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.

are pregnant, or are the primary caretaker of a confined family member; A full list of reasons can be found at vote.virginia.gov.

FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD

Absentee voting by mail: Your request for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Voter Registration and Elections Office by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2019. You will be mailed the absentee ballot which must be mailed back in time to reach the electoral board by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5. Absentee voting in-person: Absentee voting in person began 9/20/2019. You may vote in-person at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections (300 Park Ave., Center Level, Suite 206) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last day to vote in-person absentee is on Saturday, November 2.

Contact the City of Falls Church Voter Registration and Elections Office at (703) 248-5085 (TTY 711) or email: vote@fallschurchva.gov regarding voter identification requirements, absentee voting by mail or in-person and sample ballots. Online, go to www. fallschurchva.gov/vote. In-person absentee voting is available through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at Voter Registration and Elections Office, 300 Park Ave., Center Level, Suite 206, Falls Church, VA 22046. CITY OF FALLS CHURCH Registered voters who live in the City of Falls Church are eligible to vote at the appropriate polling place for their residences. Ward 1: Thomas Jefferson Elementary School 601 South Oak Street Oak Street Gym entrance (Park on Oak Street, Fellows Court, Parker Avenue or Timber Lane) Ward 2: Falls Green Apartments (formerly Oakwood) 501 North Roosevelt Boulevard Pending confirmation, for this election only, voting is very likely to be at the Community Center. Ward 3: Falls Church Community Center 223 Little Falls Street (Park in Community Center lot or on Little Falls Street) IDENTIFICATION REQUIRED TO VOTE The Commonwealth of Virginia now requires all voters to present valid photo identification. IDs with expiration dates

must be current or not be expired for more than 12 months. Registered voters may use one of the following types of photo identification to vote: • Virginia voter identification card, which can be obtained from the City of Falls Church Voter Registration and Elections Office • Valid Virginia driver’s license or special identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles • Military Identification card • Any federal, Virginia state or local government-issued identification with photo • Valid student identification card with a photo issued by any higher education institution in Virginia • Valid employer-issued photo identification card • U.S. Passport Voters without a valid photo identification card may cast a provisional ballot but must submit identification to the Elections Office by noon Friday, November 8, to have their ballots counted. ABSENTEE VOTING In Virginia, registered voters who meet one of the 20 eligibility criteria may vote by absentee ballot, in-person or by mail. This requires the completion of a Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form. You may be eligible if: • You will be working or commuting for 11 hours or more between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; • You will be away from the City of Falls Church on business, personal business, or vacation; • You are a student or the spouse of a student attending a school outside the City of Falls Church • You are active duty Merchant Marine or Armed Forces • You are unable to go to the polls due to illness or disability,

ABOUT THIS GUIDE This Voters’ Guide is published by the League of Women Voters of Falls Church. The League has a long tradition of publishing the verbatim responses of candidates to questions important to voters. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. The League of Women Voters of Falls Church, which includes both women and men, is a nonpartisan organization founded in 1951, whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government. Please visit www.lwvfallschurch.org for more information. The League of Women Voters US provides the platform for locales throughout the US to inform voters of their specific elections via VOTE411.org. When you enter your street address, VOTE411.org allows you to link with official Virginia voter sites. It lists your polling place. You can compare two candidates’ responses to the questions that were posed to them by the League of Women Voters. VOTE411.org’s content is duplicated in this publication. NOTE: Candidates appear in the order they appear on the ballot as determined by the Virginia State Board of Elections.

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY FOR ARLINGTON COUNTY AND THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting crimes committed in Arlington County and the City of Falls Church and is elected to a four-year term. CANDIDATE: Parisa Dehghani-Tafti (Dem)

VIRGINIA SENATE DISTRICT 35

VIRGINIA HOUSE DISTRICT 53

The Senate of Virginia is the upper house of the Virginia General Assembly. Virginia Senate District 35 covers parts of Fairfax County, Alexandria City and Falls Church City. Members of the Senate are elected every four years. The Senate is composed of 40 Senators representing an equal number of single-member constituent districts. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. The regular session of the General Assembly is 60 days long during even numbered years and 30 days long during odd numbered years, unless extended by a two-thirds vote of both houses. The annual salary for a Senator is $18,000. CANDIDATE: Richard “Dick” Saslaw (Dem)

The Virginia House of Delegates is one of two parts in the Virginia General Assembly, the other being the Senate of Virginia. The House is presided over by the Speaker of the House, who is elected from among the House membership by the Delegates. It has 100 members elected for terms of two years; unlike most states, these elections take place during odd-numbered years. The annual salary for delegates is $17,640 per year. CANDIDATE: Marcus Simon (Dem) The candidates’ answers to questions submitted by the League of Women Voters Virginia (if they respond) will be available on VOTE411.org.

FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL THE OFFICE

The seven-member City Council enacts ordinances and resolutions, approves budgets, sets tax rates, and establishes policy. THE QUESTIONS: 1. What will you do during the next year or two to reduce concerns about AFFORDABILITY OF

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HOUSING in the City of Falls Church? What zoning changes, if any, do you support? 2. How do you propose to address TRAFFIC congestion, parking and safety issues? 3. What will you do as a City Council member to PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT particularly with regard to green space/trees vs. hardscape and potential for damage resulting from severe weather? 4. What do you see as the MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing the city over the next 2 or 3 years?

CANDIDATES FOR FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL ON NEXT PAGE

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CANDIDATES FOR FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN THREE) BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: Leslie and I bought our City home in 1985. Our kids attended City schools K-12. Before my 2012 Council election, I served on the Economic Development Auth., Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation, and FC Education Foundation, to name a few. WEB SITE: www.Duncan4FC.com EMAIL ADDRESS: Duncan4FC@gmail.com TELEPHONE: (703) 209-2005

QUESTIONS:

Philip D. Duncan Party: N

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Preserve The Fields (on Ellison St.) as affordable for our lower-income residents; 2) work with neighboring jurisdictions, the state, and the non-profit and faith communities on a regionwide plan to build more affordable housing; 3) hold our City property tax rate level, helping existing homeowners afford to age in place. Already, Council has helped more City residents remain in their homes by expanding property tax relief and deferral for income-eligible senior citizens. And we are adding significantly to the supply of workforce housing by requiring developers to include affordable units in all new mixed-use communities, such as Westbroad, Lincoln Tinner Hill, Founders Row

BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: While born and raised in Northern Virginia, it took Falls Church to provide me a forever-home community where I wanted to raise my family. With two kids in the schools and a wife who works there, I remain heavily invested in Falls Church’s future. WEB SITE: http://www.davidtarterforfallschurch.com/ EMAIL ADDRESS: dave@davidtarterforfallschurch. com TELEPHONE: 703-408-3459

QUESTIONS:

P. David “Dave” Tarter Party: N

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: It’s essential that Falls Church remains an inclusive and welcoming community for all, including those of varying income levels. We are working towards that goal by expanding tax relief for seniors and folks with disabilities, obtaining affordable units in new developments for the life of the project (instead of 30 years as in the past) and exploring ways to ensure that our current affordable stock remains in the system. More broadly, we can keep the City affordable by keeping taxes as low as possible through continued economic growth and measured spending.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: *City Council Member since 2016 *City Council’s Econ Dev & Appointments Committees *Liaison to the Econ Dev Authority, Housing Commission, Rec & Parks Board, Arts & Humanities Council *16+ year resident with deep FC roots *UVA grad, econ & psychology WEB SITE: lettyhardi.org with links to my weekly blog posts EMAIL ADDRESS: lettyhardifcc@gmail.com

QUESTIONS:

Letty C. Hardi Party: N

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Housing affordability, while a regional and market challenge, needs to be a local priority. (1) Keep a tight rein on budgets and capital projects so property taxes don’t further exacerbate affordability. As a Council member, I’ve made prudent budget choices and expanded senior tax relief (2) Preserve the affordable housing here, eg The Fields, and add more workforce housing options so teachers, police officers, service workers can afford to live closer to their jobs. In my tenure, we’ve negotiated new affordable units that will never expire (3) Learn from housing reform happening across the US, like new zoning tools that incent keeping/renovating smaller homes vs teardowns

(Broad & West), and West Falls Church Gateway (old GMHS site). TRAFFIC: Because Falls Church is at the historic crossroads of close-in Northern Virginia, we see tens of thousands of vehicles travel through our City every day. Our job is to create an expectation among those passing through that they must slow down and pay close attention — to children at neighborhood bus stops, and to pedestrians and cyclists. In recent years, Council has allocated more resources to neighborhood traffic calming, but I have called for a more ambitious effort, bond-financed if necessary, to design and build a robust traffic-calming infrastructure. I have supported Council’s expansion of on-street parking downtown, and required that new mixed-use buildings include adequate structured parking to accommodate residents and customers. ENVIRONMENT: To better manage heavy-rain runoff, I voted for creating a City stormwater management utility with a dedicated funding source to improve infrastructure. As climate instability brings more frequent intense storms, we must raise our damage-prevention game, and Council has tasked City staff to do so. In one of the most significant openspace preservation moves in City history, this Council approved public purchase of the Fellows property

(across from TJ school), which was slated for private construction of seven large houses. And I am proud to have supported construction of numerous mixed-use buildings with stormwater-capture capacity far superior to the outdated 1950s-era properties they replaced, which were mostly impervious pavement. IMPORTANT ISSUE: In areas outside Falls Church, new residents are pouring in — to Tysons, Merrifield/ Dunn Loring, Arlington — straining our patience in the morning and evening rush hours. In response, we need to expand and diversify our City’s economy, so we can meet most of our needs very close to home, reducing our carbon footprint by walking, biking, or taking a short hop by car to buy groceries and household goods, dine out, see a movie, concert or play, visit the gym or a doctor, and so on. Directly ahead of us in 2020 is the challenge of finishing the new high school, then in 2021 on the old GMHS site, planning and building the West Falls Church Gateway development. By adding office, hotel, retail, dining, entertainment, outdoor space, and condos and apartments for a range of ages, it holds the promise of helping our City become a truly complete community. In the next few years, we have a golden opportunity to embrace progress while retaining and strengthening all that we love about our City.

Zoning changes may have a place in addressing affordability, but must be considered with care and community input. TRAFFIC: Despite significant walkability improvements, cars remain the means of transportation for many. Ensuring adequate parking is essential to the success of our downtown businesses. This means better management of the parking we have and continuing our push for additional community parking in new developments. It also means expanding traffic calming initiatives as well as adding more crosswalks and other pedestrian improvements. With over a million cars driving through the City each month, it also means working with our neighbors to implement regional solutions. As the new chair of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, I hope to do just that. ENVIRONMENT: Protecting our environment is essential, and we have been steadily “raising the bar” in this area. We added City park land with the recently purchased “Fellows Property” and have completed the restoration of the Howard Herman stream valley.

We’re building a new “net zero ready” high school from the ground up; its solar panels will eliminate the need for outside energy consumption. I was on the streetscape task force and I’m committed to ensuring that our tree canopy remains an integral part of our charm. Finally, we’re upgrading our storm sewer system to address climate-change related flooding. IMPORTANT ISSUE: In short, getting through our City’s most ambitious capital improvement plan. We are in the midst of a great investment in our children’s and City’s future with construction of a new state-of-the-art high school, major renovations to our library and city hall, new open space, storm sewer and traffic calming measures. Ensuring that these investments are soundly made and properly executed is critical to our City’s longterm success. Intertwined are our plans for 10 acres of economic development on City land, which can go a long way towards paying for the new high school. As a commercial real estate lawyer, I have extensive experience managing these kinds of projects.

and how diverse housing types can help- cottages, micronunits, ADUs. TRAFFIC: I’ve advocated for more sidewalks, crosswalks, biking/bikeshare, bus, transit access, and dedicated funding in the budget for pedestrian improvements. By providing safer alternatives, we make it easier to not drive, which reduces congestion. At the same time - some may need to drive, so we should ensure we have adequate parking so our businesses can thrive. I’ve added 30+ spaces in the downtown with on street spaces and more efficient layout in parking lots. I support the parking study underway, improve wayfinding to the public parking, and forecast the parking supply needed for the future. I’d also support funding a city-wide traffic calming push, extra police enforcement, and signage to address cut through traffic and speeding issues. ENVIRONMENT: I’m proud that in my tenure, the City has purchased the Fellows Property, adding 2 acres of open space as a future park. We should keep looking for strategic acquisitions. We’ve also brought major improvements in many of our parks such as Cherry Hill, Mr. Brown’s Park, and Big Chimneys soon - recreational, gathering space is critical to quality of life. I support updating our city code with more stringent tree preservation for residential and commer-

cial development, tree replacement fund, and higher tree canopy coverage goals. As we experience more severe weather, mature trees boost our resilience by absorbing stormwater runoff. We’ve pushed public and private building to higher standards: LEED certified City Hall and net-zero ready GMHS. IMPORTANT ISSUE: The current City Council has been ambitious in tackling many priorities at the same time. We have not been a single issue team - so to succeed, we need to do all of this well (1) With the $120M new high school underway that is a huge, generational project, we need to continue our excellent partnership with the schools and execute flawlessly, on time and on budget, and kickoff the economic development project that is defraying some of the costs (2) With an expected recession, we have sound planning in place, but will still require extra diligence in our finances and be willing to make hard decisions, especially with construction costs escalating (3) Big picture issues - create strategic plans and projects to sustain us for the future: climate change, affordability, stormwater, traffic (see answers above) (4) Finally, as we continue evolving into a vibrant, welcoming city for all - we need to balance our small town charm with growth, so our community values remain a part of our identity.

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CANDIDATES FOR FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL—CONTINUED (VOTE FOR NO MORE THAN THREE) BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: Financial economist by training, AB, MBA from the University of Chicago. Worked in telecommunications and information services for an equipment manufacturer and as a consultant, in the US and Europe. Focused on climate and transportation since 2006. WEB SITE: StuartMWhitaker.com EMAIL ADDRESS: StuartMWhitaker@gmail.com TELEPHONE: 703 863 1289

QUESTIONS:

Stuart M. Whitaker Party: N

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Many retirees on fixed incomes who have paid off their homes find their property tax bills burdensome. I support fiscal responsibility to keep taxes down and support allowing accessory dwelling units to help further aging in place. I support revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, including measures to preserve and increase the number of Affordable Dwelling Units, and agree that the current rate of addition of ADUs is too slow. Included in these revisions should be reduced zoning restrictions to allow construction of more multifamily housing. I support using market tools where possible. Transportation is often the second largest house-

hold expenditure in low and moderate households, and should be considered along with housing costs. TRAFFIC: Much is known about transportation. For example, a professor at my alma mater won the Nobel Prize in economics in part for research on transportation demand. Sadly, much of the knowledge about transportation never gets to policy makers for a simple reason. While the school system is the responsibility of the school board, whose members presumably were elected because they have an interest and expertise in education, there is no corresponding transportation board whose members are elected because they have an interest and expertise in transportation. I have spent over a decade focused on transportation issues and intend to bring my experience and expertise to critical transportation issues including congestion, parking, and safety. ENVIRONMENT: My concern about climate change and the increased incidence of severe weather is the primary reason I have been working on transportation—the number one source of GHG emissions— and the primary reason I am running for the City Council. We have to protect against severe damage and reduce the cause of severe weather: a global increase in GHG emissions. While we can’t solve this problem alone, it won’t be solved unless we lend our

support. As for adaptation, first, I support an honest assessment of the storm risks that we face and development of a plan to address these risks. Second, I will support investing in green spaces, trees, pervious City infrastructure, and requirements that new buildings contribute to such adaptation. IMPORTANT ISSUE: Transportation. A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system running on Route 7, which will provide transportation choice, reduce congestion, increase safety, reduce the need for additional parking, serve everyone, and reduce emissions, is planned in ten years. We can’t wait. We also need to be careful to ensure that it doesn’t suffer the same fate as the George Bus. Pedestrian safety is of critical concern. People throughout the City have expressed concerns about the speed of cars in their neighborhoods, the number of cars, and the lack of sidewalks. The City Council should establish a clear policy with respect to speeds, develop a plan to realize that policy, and the City staff should implement such policy. Bike safety is another concern. Different transportation modes--walking, biking, scooters, autos--don’t mix well, so I believe we need to develop and communicate clear “rules of the road” and develop dedicated bike lanes to reduce conflicts.

FALLS CHURCH SCHOOL BOARD THE OFFICE

The School Board’s primary responsibilities are to set policy for the school division, approve the annual budget, develop a strategic plan, and hire a superintendent to operate the school division in accordance with board policy. THE QUESTIONS: 1. How will you support students to assure they have the OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES they need to be successful? Include possible improvements in the Individualized

Education Plan process. What are your views on continuing to incorporate Social and Emotional Learning into the curriculum in each of the FCCPS schools? 2. What are your ideas to provide better SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS in the work that they do? 3. What is your approach to balancing the USE OF TECHNOLOGY in the classroom with learning fundamentals as well as recognizing the concerns about increasing screen time that may affect the mental/physical health of children/teens? 4. What do you see as the MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing the Falls Church City Public Schools in the next year or two?

CANDIDATES FOR FALLS CHURCH SCHOOL BOARD (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN THREE) BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: FC Elem PTA President, 2017-18; Board Member, FCEF; Board Member, FCKLL; Member, GMHS ASAC Cmte.; Former Asst. Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Executive Director of Student Life at George Washington Univ; MA, Higher Education Administration WEB SITE: DownsforSchoolBoard.com EMAIL ADDRESS: lauradowns4fccsb@gmail.com TELEPHONE: 703-536-6628

QUESTIONS:

Laura T. Downs Party: N

OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES: To better support all students, I will work to enhance services by adding more ESOL teachers and social workers. At GMHS, I will ensure students know of the free tutoring service, Arlington Career Center and the EIP Program at GMU. I will support the career fairs and career chats at MEH and Mason. I will also make certain that the college and career guidance office helps students understand options like trade schools and community colleges. In terms of the IEP process, parents indicate they need more support. An orientation for parents and a parent liaison who would help parents navigate the system would be helpful. It would also help parents if someone could explain the 504 vs. IEP process. There also needs to be more transparency of services offered for 504 and IEPs. I feel that social and emotional learning occur both at

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home and in the schools through the IB curriculum and programs such as the Mindfulness elective at MEH. At the high school, freshmen are participating in a mental health curriculum. With recent hate language incidents at MEH and property destruction by a student at Mason during school hours, it is clear that work still needs to be done. TEACHERS: During my time as Elementary PTA President and as a current Board member of the FCEF, I have read many grant applications from teachers. They want professional development opportunities, new equipment and supplies and want to try new approaches to learning. The schools’ budgets are tight so organizations like the PTAs and FCEF must fill-in the gaps. The School Board must ensure that regular Step and/or COLA increases are part of the budget and benefits such as the Employee Assistance Program are comprehensive so that we can recruit and retain great teachers. With the IB curriculum and preparing students for the SOL exams, teachers have a heavy workload. We need to make sure they have sufficient planning time and professional days. TECHNOLOGY: Our schools need to prepare students for the technology they will encounter in college and the workforce. After discussions with principals and students, I feel the use of technology in FCCPS is age appropriate and limited until students reach GMHS. A recent report by Johns Hopkins University indicated that social media

(Facebook, Instagram, etc.) does have an impact on young people’s mental health. Accessing social media on personal devices outside the classroom, does seem to have an effect on children's mental health. Inside the classroom, I feel our school system’s use of technology is age appropriate and enables our students to build their skills as they mature and will ultimately prepare them for post-secondary education and careers. IMPORTANT ISSUE: The budget and enrollment. Though enrollment has been flat recently, there is an increase in ESOL and economically disadvantaged students. As a result, there is a need for additional staff to better support these students. Parents have also indicated that we need to improve our mental health services especially at MEH and GMHS. Additional school psychologists, counselors, college counselor at GMHS, ESOL teachers and social workers would improve the student experience and close achievement gaps. We also need to have competitive salaries to recruit and retain great teachers. If enrollment stays flat or slightly increases, we should be able to gradually hire more support staff while maintaining competitive salaries and benefits packages for teachers and staff. However, if enrollment begins to increase at a faster pace, it will be a challenge to hire new support staff as we must keep teacher salaries competitive and class sizes small which would require hiring additional classroom teachers.

GENERAL ELECTION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 POLLS OPEN 6:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

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CANDIDATES FOR FALLS CHURCH SCHOOL BOARD—CONTINUED (VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN THREE) BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: I have lived in Falls Church City since 1998 and served on the School Board for four years, two of them as Vice Chair. I have three kids at GMHS who are FCCPS “lifers.” I have come to know may of the teachers and administrators in FCCPS personally. WEB SITE: www.reitinger.org EMAIL ADDRESS: phil4fcc@gmail.com

QUESTIONS:

Philip R. Reitinger Party: N

OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES: FCCPS needs to meet the needs of all students. This includes options ranging from career-oriented programs (such as at the Arlington Career Center) through IB and AP classes. To do this with limited resources, we need to use technology effectively and partner with larger jurisdictions and local colleges. We must continue to improve the process and results for special education curricula (as our staff is doing), and help student to

BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: My entire career has been in public service—first as a Naval nuclear propulsion officer, now as a civilian supervisor, where I have managed technical research projects, multi-agency teams, and relations between the executive and legislative branches. WEB SITE: DouglassStevens.com EMAIL ADDRESS: DouglassForFallsChurch@gmail. com

QUESTIONS:

Douglass G. Stevens Party: N

OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES: Ensuring each student graduates equipped to succeed in life is the object of all school board activities. As I have listened to parents, I have heard suggestions of how to improve care for children across our entire student population, such as better handling of IEP and 504 plans, more specialized classes for high achievers, a larger selection of non-advanced classes, stronger vocational training programs, and improved integration of English learners. As a school board member, I will support our excellent educational professionals in applying best practices to improve learning across our student population. I believe the home is the primary place for students to learn strong social and emotional skills, but I fully support the schools supplementing

BIOGRAPHICAL INFO:

BIOGRAPHY: 19-year resident of Falls Church, Chair of FCCPS Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. Career focus on experiential learning in semester-in-DC university programs, helping young adults successfully launch from school to life to career fulfillment. WEB SITE: www.dimock4fallschurch.org EMAIL ADDRESS: dimock4fallschurch@gmail.com

QUESTIONS:

Susan C. Dimock Party: N

OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES: To serve all of our students’ needs, I would work with the Superintendent to hire and retain highly qualified certified teachers who are strong communicators. While the IEP process is set by federal law, we should educate parents on their rights and the process; foster strong communication between staff and families; give middle schoolers the option of keeping their case manager through Henderson; and encourage and support students to advocate for their needs with their teachers. Anxiety and depression are critical issues in our schools, and as director of a university program I

grow as people, and not just academic performers. TEACHERS: Teachers need a number of things, but the two most important are planning time and better access to professional development. The latter requires that we find way to devote additional resources to professional development, and continue to work through the Administration to find ways to improve access to the training that is available. The former also depends on the resources to have additional planning time for teachers. Paraprofessional face these same challenges. TECHNOLOGY: Technology offers great potential for personalized learning, in letting students learn at their own pace in their own way. Materials can be more interactive, and more up to date, than is possible with textbooks. But screen time remains a significant issue especially for younger students. My approach is the one I have advocated since before I joined the board - use of technology where it makes sense, not

just because it is available, and watching overall use. IMPORTANT ISSUE: There is no single issue. The most important issues include: (1) Addressing the needs of ALL our students, including those receiving special education and with limited English proficiency. We must recognize that the needs of our students are changing, and adapt. (2) Addressing stress in our students. In a school district such as ours, stress is significant challenge. Eradicating bullying from our schools, and building a caring environment, are a part of this. This requires both programs, like Mindfulness, and resources for counselors, psychologists, and others. (3) Ensuring all FCCPS students benefit from the inclusive, problem-solving IB approach. (4) Successfully finishing the build-out of the new George Mason High School. This is the biggest project in Falls Church’s history, and will and must be a cornerstone of our efforts.

that in a way that takes the students’ various backgrounds and needs into consideration. TEACHERS: I believe quality teachers and staff are the most important factor in our children’s education and should be one of the school board’s highest priorities. The City’s 2018 average teacher salary was the second highest in the state, yet many of our teachers cannot afford to live in the City. Inflation adjusted U.S. teacher wages are lower than in 1996, and teachers earn 18.7% less than comparable workers. My own sister is a special-needs teacher and feels this acutely. Other important factors are a teacher’s relationship with their supervisor, having all the resources they need, and having their accomplishments acknowledged. I would like to hear more from teachers about how their needs are being met and other suggestions for improvements. TECHNOLOGY: Ensuring the school administration is wisely using technology only in ways that enhance learning is an important part of the school board’s responsibility. Under the previous school administration, there were concerns about whether new technology introduced into the classrooms was truly improving the educational process. The current administration has made improvements, and our students’ overall level of academic achievement is impressive, yet the board must continue to monitor

how technology use enhances learning. Being technologically savvy is practically a requirement for our students’ future, and there are valuable educational resources delivered through technology, but use of technology is just one piece of a balanced learning plan. IMPORTANT ISSUE: The school budget may not be a hot conversation topic, but it underpins everything the schools do. In recent budgets, a strong economy enabled both the city council and school board to fund their priorities and enjoy a smooth negotiation process. But future economic conditions will vary, and it will take some time for the new development projects around the city to begin generating tax revenues. Additionally, the current school budget incorporates cost reductions and realignments that were one-time events and will not be available to cushion future budget needs. The school board should oversee detailed planning for how future budgets will continue to provide excellent results for all students in the face of potential downward economic pressures. I will also work for a strong relationship between the board and the city council because I believe the citizens of Falls Church are best served when the two bodies work cooperatively with a holistic goal of serving our entire community.

have increasingly seen extremely bright and inspired students sidetracked by these issues. Our top-rate academic programs must be accompanied by social and emotional learning if we are to successfully “launch” young adults into a more complex world. TEACHERS: To keep our great teachers and attract more, our school system must be a great place to work. Our teachers are professionals: we need to respect their input, provide for professional development and ensure that they have a voice at the table. A great work environment provides autonomy, support and room to develop and grow. While we are competitive on our starting salaries with Arlington, we need to work to increase compensation for our teachers with advanced degrees and years of service to FCC. TECHNOLOGY: It is essential that we consistently use research-based best practices for technology in schools. Technology can be a great academic tool if used well and our students must be prepared for a digital world. But computer access is not a fix in and of itself. Research shows mixed results on the academic benefits of technology in the classroom. To serve our students well we must empower our

teachers and staff with both applications and professional best practices that are evidence-based. IMPORTANT ISSUE: FCCPS is on a great trajectory: our community has made critical capital investments in facilities and our school board has recruited strong leadership in Superintendent Noonan. Our focus now is making sure our investments pay off for all students. I see five critical priorities in this progression: (1) moving from technology access to technology optimization, (2) ensuring that students of all abilities and interests are supported and challenged in their growth, (3) attracting and retaining strong teachers, (4) focusing on a culture of caring and inclusion, and (5) instilling independence, selfconfidence and socio-emotional resilience to prepare our students for a complex world. Looking ahead, we must also be mindful that the strong economic growth of the past decade may not continue even as Falls Church attracts new residents and students. These dual challenges will require that the school board plan and think creatively about the future.

The Fall 2019 Voters’ Guide was prepared, using monies from the LWV Education Fund, by:

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League of Women Voters of Falls Church P.O. Box 156 Falls Church, VA 22040 www.lwvfallschurch.org

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OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 | PAGE 15

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LETTERS

TO THE

Continued from Page 6

and high rates of suicide among transgender teenagers and young people, he’s concerned that it might be exclusive of those who “disagree.” He mentioned a high school assembly a couple years ago featuring an author who wrote about a transgender student’s successful reassignment surgery. He felt the school “weighing in” was unnecessary, but at a minimum should have been followed up by someone with a different perspective. By that logic, if we teach about racial equality and civil rights on MLK Day, should we follow that up with a presentation from a racist? Are we being exclusive of racists when we teach racial equality? If we teach about women’s suffrage, should we make sure to also hear from someone who thinks women shouldn’t be allowed to vote? Are we being exclusive of misogynists? This does not reflect our values as a community. Inclusivity does not mean giving voice to racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, nor transphobia — that’s not how we create a welcoming place to live. Phil Reitinger, Laura Downs, and Susan Dimock will strive to ensure that all our students are able to learn in school without worrying about being bullied, intimidated, or discriminated against. I’ll be voting for them Nov. 5. Elizabeth Hume Falls Church

Use West End For More Green Space, Not Construction Editor, I am a 12 year old resident of Falls Church City and I have noticed that we do not have many green spaces. Everywhere I go I see cars and construction sites. According to United States Census Bureau, in 2011 we had 12,751 people in Falls Church City. According to further research, Falls Church City needs 0.4092 square miles of green space. We have a huge lot to be (George Mason High School) and we are selling it off instead of

EDITOR

OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 | PAGE 17

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creating a green space. We should be able to walk around without a car right behind us, or better yet, a place safe to meet up with friends. Trees help make the air better to breathe. Also being in a green space helps with depression, physical fitness and the wellbeing of people. I want a green space and I hope the city council hears my voice. Andrew Gilmore Falls Church

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B�� N�� N�� Creative Cauldron Seeks Sponsors for Holiday Performance Creative Cauldron is seeking a sponsor for “Madeline’s Christmas,” which will be performed Dec. 6-23. “Madeline’s Christmas” has become a sold out holiday tradition. The performance sponsor will receive recognition in all email marketing and all social media marketing, as well as verbally at every performance and in the program. Businesses or community members interested in sponsoring this, or any Creative Cauldron events, can contact Elizabeth Meade at emeade@creativecauldron.org.

Columbia Baptist Hosting ‘Trunk or Treat’ Columbia Baptist Church is hosting Trunk or Treat, a free family Halloween celebration on Saturday, Oct. 26 from noon – 2 p.m. Admission is free and includes an afternoon of access to inflatables, balloon artists, crafts, an obstacle course, food, and candy. Attendees are to wear costumes and bring their own candy bag. The event will be held rain or shine. Columbia Baptist Church is located at 103 W. Columbia Street in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.ColumbiaBaptist.org.

Everyone is invited to help us celebrate our business community. Enjoy an evening of delicious treats and dancing to help support our businesses and business leaders who go above and beyond! Tickets are available now at www.fallschurchchamber.org Online auction at www.32auctions.com/FCCC2019 Headline Music Sponsor

Opening Music Sponsor

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Arc of Nova’s Annual Halloween Party Set for Oct. 26 The Arc of Northern Virginia is hosting its annual Arctoberfest Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. at The Columbus Club at the Knights of Columbus, 5115 Little Falls Road, Arlington. The family-friendly event is designed for people of all ages, and perfect for people with and without disabilities. It will include a haunted house and graveyard, a DJ, music, and dancing, refreshments, a photo booth, and a costume contest. The $25 tickets can be purchased at www. theArcofNova.org.

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Four P’s Halloween Party Features Prizes, Costume Contests & More Ireland’s Four Provinces will host its annual halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. The free event will include a DJ, dancing, drink specials, door prizes, and costume contests. Ireland’s Four provinces is located at 105 W. Broad Street in Falls Church. For more information, call 703-534-8999.

Home Buying Happy Hour Coming Oct. 29 Rock Star Realty Group is hosting its eighth annual Rock the House free home buying happy hour on Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Republik Coffee Bar. The event is designed to educate attendees on how to buy a home in today’s real estate market and introduce them to realtors, mortgage lenders, title experts, home inspectors and other housing professionals. Admission is free and those who register online will receive one drink ticket. Drawings will also be held with more than $1,000 in prizes.

Lost Dog’s ‘Paws Vegas’ at Solace Brewing Co. Next Week Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation is hosting Paws Vegas on Oct. 27, 2 – 6 p.m. at Solace Brewing Company. Tickets to the event are $25 for adults, $10 for kids, and include admission to Bets for Pets casino & “Paw Bucks” for gambling, two beverage tickets, a goodie bag, and access to family fun activities. Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation’s work to help homeless pets find loving homes and its Animal Care Center located in Falls Church. Solace Brewing is located at 42615 Trade West Drive, suite 100, Dulles. For information about sponsoring the event, email giving@ lostdogrescue.org.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Mustangs Capture 1st Northwestern District Title by Caitlin Butler

Falls Church News-Press

George Mason High School’s volleyball team claimed a close three set victory over William Monroe High School Tuesday night en route to winning a Northwestern District title in its first season at the 3A level. A winning ace from the hands of junior outside hitter Megan Boesen capped off a night where Mason finished a clean match against the visiting Dragons. William Monroe matched the pace of the Mustangs to trail tightly throughout the first set. The Dragons came up short with the Mustangs finding holes in their defense to allow the Mason to hail a first set victory of 25-18 and set the tone for the rest of the game. “We came out as a team, that’s something we have been working on a lot throughout the season, is to play cohesively because we are all individually good players,” said junior middle hitter Roza Gal. “At this point in the season we are really playing strong as a team. Our individual skills are amplified

when we play as a team.” The Mustangs teamwork and talent carried them for the remainder of the second set with an immediate ace from their sophomore setter Lily Kulok, allowing Mason to build a small, twopoint lead at 7-5. William Monroe continued to keep pace with the Mustangs’ runs until Gal blocked the Dragons’ shot and their chances of being competitive, giving Mason a comfy 25-19 margin to end the second set. Teamwork and communication were on point heading into the third set of the evening, and has become one of Mason’s strongest attributes during the home stretch of the season. “Communication is always one of the biggest things we always work on. I think this game we were definitely more together and more on the same page. We were talking a lot more and the energy was there. We were all just playing our hearts out,” said junior setter Olivia Pilson. Gal christened the third set with a spike. Despite the strong start, William Monroe continued

JUNIORS Olivia Pilson (left) and Megan Boesen (center) were key to helping steer Mason to its first Northwestern District title in its first year at the 3A level. (Photo: Carol Sly) match the Mustangs point-forpoint, with both teams tied at 20 apiece. Mason mounted a 4-1 sprint to close out the match with Boesen’s ace punctuating the win. The win over the Dragons followed the Mustangs’ straight sets victory against Brentsville District

High School last Thursday. Prior to that, Mason had its nine match win streak snapped in a 3-1 loss on the road against Skyline High School. While Mason celebrates a district title, the team also looks to improve its serving — a key

strength from last year’s playoff run — and diversify its offense to keep opponents off balance as it shifts its focus to the postseason. The Mustangs will conclude the regular season at home next Tuesday, Oct. 29 against Warren County High School at 7:15 p.m.

Mason Rebounds with Slim 15-13 Win Over Central High by Natalie Heavren

Falls Church News-Press

George Mason High School Football bounced back from its loss to Warren County High School to narrowly defeat Central High School 15-13 on Friday improving to 4-3. The Falcons landed the first blow when they found endzone with 6:49 left before halftime, but Mason’s 15 unanswered points and a defensive stand would eventually earn them the win. Sophomore running back George Papadopoulos countered Central’s early score when he ran one of his own in from a yard out to put the Mustangs on the board right before halftime. Mason took an 8-6 lead into the break after sophomore quarterback Evans Rice completed a pass to sophomore Graham Felgar for a successful two-point conversion following Papadopoulos’ run. Mason head coach Adam Amerine believes the second quarter was the turning point of last week’s game. “We were able to get some success running the ball with a long run from [senior running back Connor] Plaks that

SOPHOMORE GRAHAM FELGAR filled in for Robert Silva as Mason’s punter and also caught a crucial pass from quarterback Evans Rice for a two-point conversion. (Photo: Carol Sly) set up our first TD and we took advantage of a few Central penalties on the drive.” After a scoreless third quarter, Mason would extend their lead in the fourth quarter, going up 15-6 after Papadopoulos ran the ball in, again from the one-yard line, to score his second touchdown of the night. Central would score again before the end of the fourth quarter, making it 15-13, but the Mustangs defense prevented them from completing the comeback.

Amerine hopes his team learned “that all three phases of the game matter, our offense had a challenging night but we picked it up with solid special teams play and a great defensive effort.” Overall, Amerine saw improvements in the second half from last week, though there are still aspects of the game the team struggled with. “Once again, some penalties hurt us on offense with three touchdowns called back on penalties but we battled and stuck

together as a team and got a big score to start the fourth quarter and made some big stops late.” Defense was once again critical for Mason. Senior defensive back Enzo Paradiso had four tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions. Three players had double-digit tackles. Sophomore linebacker Joshua Stillwagoner led the team again with 12 tackles. In addition to his offensive success, Papadopoulos had 11 tackles, a fumble recovery and a pass

breakup. Because of this, no one player impressed Amerine this week, “Josh Stillwagoner was great at linebacker leading us in tackles, George Papadopoulos stepped up and played both ways after Robert Silva got hurt early, as well as Graham Felgar stepping in as the punter for Silva and getting some quality kicks for us.” Amerine continued, “I thought our defensive line was much better, they were active and able to get pressure on the QB when we needed it most. I thought [junior linebacker Carlos] Shields, Thompson, [senior defensive lineman Elias] Wisemiller and [junior defensive lineman Ethan] Titus were all very good allowing our linebackers to make plays.” Shields had nine tackles and a tackle for a loss, Wisemiller contributed a tackle and a tackle for a loss and Titus added four tackles and a tackle for a loss. Going forward Amerine would still like to see the team get penalized less, as well as improve their perimeter edge blocking. The Mustangs are home again this week and take on Skyline High School at 7 p.m. on Friday.

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CAREER CHAT DAY came and went at George Mason High School yesterday, where professionals from the technology and military industries joined others from artistic and civil service backgrounds to enlighten Mason’s seniors about what it takes to work in their fields. (Photos: News-Press)

Fa l l s C h u r c h

School News & Notes MUSIC Days Fundraiser Commences Saturday MUSIC Days Annual Fundraiser, sponsored by the George Mason High School band boosters, returns from Oct. 26 – Dec. 8. The goal of the fundraiser is for students to help raise money for their performance and enrichment trip to Orlando, Florida. Community members have the option to hire a minimum of two students to come to their home or business to do one of the following — rake leaves; spread mulch; plant bulbs; do yard work; stack firewood; walk the dog; stain a fence or deck; wash windows; help with a party; perform music, give a les-

son; help with a computer; decorate for the holidays; wrap gifts; wash and vacuum the car; babysit or do odd jobs. Interested donors can let the band boosters know what they need help with and they’ll be matched with students who have the skills to get the job done. The community is encouraged to sign up early as slots fill quickly. To sign up, visit bandboostersfcc.org/ membership-and-fundraisers/m-u-si-c-days. Interested donors can also contact parent volunteers Christina Zaveri and Julie Paradiso at musicdaysgmhs@gmail.com or 781-7333421 to sign up or explore possible ideas for jobs.

Falls Church High Celebrates 75 years Founded in 1945, Falls Church High School (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church) celebrates its 75th anniversary during its 2019 Homecoming weekend from Oct. 25-27 On Friday, Oct. 25, current students and alumni can attend the Homecoming parade, tailgate and a varsity football game against Wakefield High School (with an alumni tent at the game). To register for the parade, visit fallschurchsports.org and click on the “75th Anniversary” tab. On Saturday, Oct. 26, tours of FCHS will be taking place from 10

a.m. – 4 p.m. Interested attendees should meet in the main gym lobby by door #8. Saturday evening will be the alumni gathering (for ages 21 & over) at 11:11 Restaurant (6633 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). from 7 – 11 p.m. (registration is required). On Sunday, Oct. 27, the FCHS Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament at Penderbrook Golf Course (registration is required). For more information please contact Jeanne Kelly, Director of Student Activities, jkelly@fcps.edu or 703-207-4023.

Belvedere Elementary Awarded Grant for Garden At Belvedere Elementary, fourth grade teacher Danielle Thiam and environmental educator Stacey Evers won a Keep Virginia Beautiful grant to fund a meditation garden. Students in several grades are

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creating the garden, which will be a stress-free space requested by school counselors and a music teacher. Students will be able to plant, tend, and enjoy the garden when experiencing stress any time. The first step was to paint the storm drain near the garden so the community can see that it drains directly to streams. The garden will include plants—mostly herbs—known to ease anxiety, such as pineapple sage (ancient Romans believed it was a sacred herb), lavender (soothing), oregano (rich in antioxidants), and creeping thyme (immune booster). Flowers will include but not be limited to coneflowers and bee balm (both anti-anxiety). There will also be elements that provide musical sounds, such as wind chimes. School staff members are working with the Department of Facilities and Transportation Services to determine appropriate seating.

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PAGE 22 | OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019

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FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 Amateur Writers Group. A group for aspiring writers. Attendees can share their work, give and receive feedback. All kinds of writing considered. Attendees are encouraged to bring something that they’re working on. Meets the last Thursday of the month at Northside Social (205 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Dog Band — Fall Concert. A long running rock and roll jam band with an extended family of musicians in both Kensington, Maryland and Reston, Virginia. A true Beltway band. Mr. Brown’s Park (100 block of W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6 – 8 p.m. 703-2485468

A Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. On October 7, 1849, the famed American author Edgar Allan Poe died from mysterious causes in Baltimore, Maryland. A dramatic reading of some of Poe’s tales of mystery and the macabre will take place at the Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Hosted by the Victorian Society of Falls Church, this program is designed for adults. Cost is $5 per person. Advanced tickets on sale now. Email cjannicelli@fallschurchva.gov to book a seat. Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 – 10 p.m. 703248-5171.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Farmers Market. The year-round market is filled with fresh, local produce, meat, dairy and much more for interested attendees. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. – noon. 703-2485034.

Community Meeting: West End Small Area Plan. Residents can share their ideas with City officials, staff, and your neighbors at this Community Meeting about the City’s West End Small Area Plan. The Community Meeting will include a presentation about the Schools Related Parcel, the Gordon Road Triangle, and West End Planning Opportunity Areas (POAs) followed by breakout sessions where participants can provide feedback through group discussion and written comments. A small area plan defines a vision for redevelopment in a relatively small area of the City (usually 10 blocks or less). Fellowship Hall @ Falls Church Episcopal (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church). 9 – 11:30 a.m. 703-248-5040. Halloween Carnival. Interested residents and children at the Community Center in a Halloween costume for spooky fun, includ-

ing puppet shows, moon bounces, haunted trails, crafts, carnival games, a creepy creature show and candy. Reptiles Alive and Blue Sky Puppet Theatre will have shows for each age group. From 3 – 4:30 p.m., the carnival is appropriate for ages 0-6. From 4:30 – 6 p.m., the carnival is appropriate for ages 6-11. Cost is $2 child at the door. Cash only. Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 3 – 6 p.m. 703-248-5077.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Sunday Morning Tai Chi with Karma Yoga. Interested attendees can enjoy a free tai chi class that is guided by Karma Yoga’s instructors. Attendees are asked to bring their own mat if they desire. Complimentary water will be provided to guests. Mr. Brown’s Park (100 block of W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9 – 10 a.m. 703-248-5210 (TTY 711).

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 “Escaped Alone.” In a serene British garden three old friends are joined by a neighbor to engage in amiable chitchat — with a side of apocalyptic horror. The women’s talk of grandchildren and tv shows breezily intersperses with tales of terror in a quietly teetering world where all is not what it seems. Acclaimed Washington,

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D.C. actress Holly Twyford takes the helm as director for the Washington premiere of this dazzling and inventive masterpiece. Signature Theatre (420 Campbell Ave., Arlington) $56 – $95. 2 p.m. sigtheatre.org. “Trying.” This two-hander explores the author’s real experience working for Francis Biddle at his home in Washington, DC from 1967-1968. Judge Biddle, Former Attorney General of the United States under Franklin Roosevelt and Chief Judge of the American Military Tribunal at Nuremberg is notoriously hard on his staff as he tries to cement his legacy. Can the old Philadelphia aristocrat and his young Canadian assistant bridge the generational divide and come to understand one another in this “comic and touching” play (The New York Times)? 1st Stage Theatre (1524 Spring Hill Rd.., Tysons) $42. 8 p.m. 1ststagetysons.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 “Fences.” Set in segregated Pittsburgh in the 1950s, “Fences” depicts the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now scraping by as a sanitation worker. A towering figure facing thwarted aspirations, Troy attempts to assert control in his life through his relationships with his wife and son. But even as he takes responsibility for their safety and well-being, he betrays them each in ways that will forever alter their lives. “Fences” explores the walls we build around ourselves and our loved ones, while also illuminating one family’s struggles in a racist society. Ford’s Theatre (514 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C.) $60. 2 p.m. fords.org.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 Joe Downer. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-237-8333. Patrick Park + William Wild w/ Cereus Bright. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $13 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

CA L E NDA R

OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019 | PAGE 23

Karaoke. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-8589186. Dave Chappell Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Dreamsville Jazz by Jacques. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. Happy Hour: Shartel & Hume. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703241-9504. Amy Speace: Ghost of Charlemagne Tour. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $18 – $25. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Melinda Adams and The Roadtrip Band (with local school teacher & violinist Kristin Gomez!). Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-8589186. Halloween Boolesque. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $12 – $15. 9 p.m. 703-237-0300. Wicked Jezabel — Wicked Woodstock Halloween. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9:15 p.m. 703-2419504. Halloween Party. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-532-9283. #FEELintheBLANK Fireday. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 10 p.m. 703255-1566. Dan N’ Friends. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 The Bullets. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

WICKED JEZABEL will be at JV’s Restaurant on Friday. (Photo: WickedJezabel.com) Joseph Monasterial. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283.

Andrew Acosta Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-2419504.

DJ 6’6 with our second annual Halloween costume party! Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-858-9186.

David Finckel (cello) with Wu Han (piano) — Founder’s Day Celebration. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $50. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.

The Legwarmers Live — D.C.’s Biggest 80s Retro Halloween Dance Party. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $20. 9:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

Humor for Humanity Comedy Night feat. Michael Ian Black, Aida Rodriguez and Steve Byrne. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $40 – $95. 6 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Young Relics — Halloween Party. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703241-9504.

TreeHouse! + Artikal Soundsystem w/ Gabo de Fayuca & Vana Liya. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $25. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Two Blue. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church).Noon. 703-5329283.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 Wolf Blues Jam Weekly Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m.

703-241-9504. The Yachtsmen, Marshall Keith. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 The New Vybe. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Sol Roots & Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 The 9 Songwriters Series. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $15. 6:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Open Mic Night with Bob Hume and Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046

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

PAGE 24 | OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019

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Public Notice ABC LICENSE DC STEAKHOLDERS CORPORATION, Trading as: DC STEAKHOLDERS, 6641 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Virginia 22042-3002. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer on Premises. Gurpreet Kaur, Owner. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the ﬁrst of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

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

KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen. Levy

School’s out, I worked hard Now I’m helping in the yard!

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

43 46

42 47

50 52

1. XXX-XX-XXXX nos. 5. V, in physics 9. Words on some blood drive stickers 14. Tax ____ 15. Ilhan ____, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress 16. Figure in Jewish folklore 17. Suffix with buck 18. Ship of 1492 19. ‘90s “SNL” regular Cheri 20. Tale of an impressionist painter’s experience with #15 of 26? 23. “____ queen!” (slangy affirmative) 24. High fever for Caesar? 25. Allow #13 of 26 to have some dessert? 32. Vinegar’s partner 33. “Take a Chance on Me” group 34. Glance over 35. ____ Aviv 36. Statement when it’s #14 of 26’s turn? 40. Numero ____ 41. Siouan people 43. First name in Harlem Renaissance literature 44. TV’s Burrell and Pennington 45. Expression of one’s adoration for #5 of 26? 50. Ancient speakers of Quechua 51. Madre’s hermana 52. Duplicitous comment from someone cheating on #25 of 26? 59. Turkey neighbor

Across

STRANGE BREW

1. XXX-XX-XXXX nos.

60. Off-Broadway award 61. Like French toast 62. Fabric name since 1924 63. Times New Roman, e.g. 64. ____ Bator, Mongolia 65. Tweak, as text 66. Withdrawal annoyances 67. ____ & Teller

OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019 | PAGE 25

DOWN

1. Balkan native 2. Voice of the Apple Watch 3. Highlighter color 4. Vehicle with caterpillar treads 5. World Cup skiing champ Lindsey 6. Leave out 7. “Video Games” singer Del Rey 8. Hypnotic state 9. Outfielder’s cry 10. “Frankenstein” and “Dracula,” for two 11. Protected while sailing 12. Florida’s ____ Beach 13. Company that once owned Capitol and Virgin Records 21. “Dónde ___ los Ladrones?” (1998 platinum album by Shakira) 22. 24 horas 25. Deceive 26. “True Detective” and “True Blood” airer 27. “Charlotte’s Web” author’s monogram 28. ____ ball soup 29. It measures less than 90º 30. He married Kim

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

31. Baseball Hall of Famer Slaughter 32. Tweeter’s “Then again ...” 37. Carpool lane initials 38. Poetic “before” 39. Smartly dressed 42. A book collector might seek a first one 46. Available 47. “Rocks” 48. “Stop bugging me!” 49. Raise 52. Start of Popeye’s credo 53. “Punky Brewster” star Soleil Moon ____ 54. Reed section member 55. Golfer’s front or back 56. “We should totally do that!” 57. “Manhattan Beach” author Jennifer 58. Baseball Hall of Famer Early 59. Mexican Mrs. Last Thursday’s Solution A N E M I C B I G A P E C H O C O L A D I C N A E N A E C O G N A C S A T E I N L A N D O FMILK E X T S O M A M A ILK C A R T O N W O N I T E N D S C O E D G E D A S K D I O S

F R I A Y N T EMILK E D H A R O R E P R O A N D H S I J S T O C A A A H S N D E N N M A A E G

S A W I V

I M A G E

P S O K S I E M YMILK

D O O R S

O N T O E

L E A K Y

S E DMILK R L E E O Y A N

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

5. V, in physics 9. Words on some blood drive stickers 14. Tax ____ 15. Ilhan ____, one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress 16. Figure in Jewish folklore 17. Suffix with buck 18. Ship of 1492 19. '90s "SNL" regular Cheri

20. Tale of an impressionist painter's experience with #15 of 26? 23. "____ queen!" (slangy affirmative) 24. High fever for Caesar? 25. Allow #13 of 26 to have some dessert? Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

32. Vinegar's partner NICK KNACK

L Y S E

10/27/19

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2019 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 26 | OCTOBER 24 – 30, 2019

dog. lazy ick qu The fox sly p e d j u m the over dog. lazy is the Now for all time cows good co me to aid to the the ir of t u r e . pas

20 s Yearo Ag

is the Now for all time cows good co me to aid to the the ir of t u r e . p a s is the Now for all time cows good me to to coaid of the their.

BACK IN THE DAY

20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press

Falls Church News-Press Vol. IX, No. 33 • October 28, 1999

It is now the time fo r all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XIX, No. 34 • October 29, 2009

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Critter Corner 10 Year s Ago

It is now the time fo r all good to go cows to aid of the the ir pas ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up

Hull Vs. Smith Debate Thrives on Tough Questions From Students

GOP Tops Polls on Eve of Nov. 3 Vote

It marked the only time during the entire campaign that the two candidates vying for the 38th District Assembly seat appeared on the same platform in the City of Falls Church. It took George Mason High School government teacher Richard Peloquin to organize the kind of event that is usually the purview of the League of Women Voters or the Chamber of Commerce.

For the second time during the campaign, and the first time since Aug. 6, President Barack Obama crossed the Potomac into Virginia Tuesday to weigh in on the gubernatorial race on behalf of Democrat Creigh Deeds, trailing in the polls to Republican Bob McDonnell with less than a week to go before the Nov. 3 election.

Norma Teaford ‘Tea’ Lanier Dies at 86 Norma Teaford Proctor Lanier, 86, passed away at her home in Locust Grove on Sunday, Oct. 13. Norma was born in Millboro, Virginia on Feb. 2, 1933 to the late Ashby Gibson Proctor and Edith Bowman Proctor. After graduating from Madison College, she married William F. Lanier on March 30, 1956 and they lived in his family home in Falls Church, Virginia for many years before moving to Lake of the Woods, Virginia in 2003. Norma was always an active and beloved member in her community. In 2015 she was honored as a Falls Church Visionary for her work as the Director of Extended Daycare for Falls Church Public Schools, where she worked from 1987 until her retirement in 1993. From 1955 – 1962, she was a pioneer in pushing to create sports programs for girls as a P.E. teacher at George Mason High School. She led the girls’ basketball team to championship during the 1957-1958 season. In 2016 she was recognized with a

Special Achievement Award and inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for her coaching successes. Her devotion to her community never wavered and she remained a dynamic member of the LOW Church “Families Feeding Families” program, the Wilderness Food Pantry and the Steering Committee of the LOW Democratic Club until her passing. “Tea,” as she was known to many, is survived by her husband, William F. Lanier, her children, Elizabeth Ann Lanier, W. Todd Lanier (wife Page), Christopher Ashby Lanier (wife Sara Katherine), her grandchildren, Sarah, David, Hannah, Carolyn, Peyton, Dylan, Owen and Evelyn, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Her love, warmth, and welcoming spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Falls Church Presbyterian (225 E Broad St., Falls Church) as

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

CRIME REPORT Week of Oct. 14 – 20, 2019 Larceny from Motor Vehicle, 100 blk W Jefferson St, Oct 11, 12:30 AM, unknown suspect took items of value from unsecured toolboxes on two commercial vehicles. Larceny from Motor Vehicle, 1000 blk E Broad St, Oct 14, between 3 and 5 PM, items of value was taken from a vehicle by unknown suspect(s).

Destruction of Property, 400 blk N Washington St, Oct 14, between 6:50 and 8:35 PM, unknown suspect(s) broke the window of a locked vehicle in a commercial garage. Destruction of Property, 400 blk N Washington St, Oct 15, 4:05 AM, PD came across an unattended vehicle that had a window broken by unknown suspect(s). Larceny from Building, 500 blk E

A NEIGHBORHOOD DEER catches some autumn rays right before the sun goes down somewhere around N. Oak St. in Falls Church. NORMA “TEA” LANIER well as a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Lake of the Woods Church (1 Church Ln., Locust Grove). Both services will be immediately followed by refreshments and a time for remembrance. Memorials may be given in Norma’s name to the Wilderness Food Pantry — lowlions.org/ food-pantry; or to the National Brain Tumor Society — braintumor.org. Broad St, Oct 13, between 11 AM and 12 PM, Items of value were taken by unknown suspect(s). Drug/Narcotic Violation, 900 blk W Broad St, Oct 16, 12:23 AM, following a traffic stop, a male, 22, of Vienna, VA, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana. Driving Under the Influence, 900 blk W Broad St, Oct 17, 2:05 AM, a male, 44, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Larceny from Vehicle, 300 blk Hillwood Ave, Oct 17, between 5:30 and 6 PM unknown suspect(s) took items of value from an unattended vehicle.

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

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We reach some of the

OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019 | PAGE 27

SMARTEST, HEALTHIEST & WEALTHIEST

PEOPLE IN THE NATION. DO YOU? The City of Falls Church: #3 Healthiest Community in America, 2019 U.S. News & World Report #4 Richest County in America, 2019 Forbes 80%+ F.C. residents 25 years+ with Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degrees or Higher, U.S. Census Bureau Also... #1 Best County in the U.S. to Live In, 2018 USA TODAY #1 Fastest Growing County in America, U.S. Census Bureau #1 Traditional High School in Virginia (George Mason H.S.), 2018 U.S. News & World Report

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PAGE 28 | OCTOBER 24 - 30, 2019

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