Falls Church News-Press 11-19-2020 by Falls Church News-Press

November 19 – 25, 2020

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FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 40

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Name Change Survey Reveals 2-to-1 Favor Keeping Mason, TJ Results Presented to Falls Church’s School Board Tuesday Night, Final Decision Set for Dec. 8 BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

By a roughly two-to-one margin, students, parents and community members in the City of Falls Church gave a resounding “No” about whether they favored

changing the names of George Mason High and Thomas Jefferson Elementary. The results of the Falls Church School Board-commissioned survey were presented at the board’s work session Tuesday night and covered the lopsided answer that

Civic Mainstay, F.C. School Board Veteran Jerry Barrett Dies at 87 Dr. Jerome Thomas Barrett, a lifelong learner, amateur boxer, sailor, mediator, world traveler, marathon runner, author, civic activist and archivist with an enduring zest for life, an endless supply of stories and an infectious smile, died Nov. 5 of complications from lymphoma. He was 87. Jerry loved his wife, Rose, root-beer floats, the Minnesota Twins, his 1976 MG Midget and hiking, biking and sailing with his five boys and five grandchildren. An avid athlete, he completed numerous marathons and suffered several broken bones from various sports-related mishaps, including a broken jaw while jogging at age 83. He was still walking an hour a day five weeks before his death. He was Minnesota nice with a little bit of spice. On his calf was a skunk tattoo. Born Dec. 29, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jerry was the fourth of 11 children of Henry and

Ann Barrett. He was an indifferent student with a mean left hook at Cretin High School when he fell in love with a smart, pretty girl from rival Harding High. Rose and Jerry married at 19 on Sept. 6, 1952. They had their first four boys while Jerry served in the boiler room of the U.S.S. Conway during the Korean War and completed his BA at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He worked nights as an operating engineer at Hamm’s Brewery, Como Park Zoo and an asphalt plant among other places. After graduating, Jerry climbed the ladder of state and federal mediation jobs mediating labormanagement disputes in Detroit, the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago, moving the family five times in 10 years, before landing in the D.C. suburb of McLean in 1969. Along the way, Jerry complet-

Continued on Page 5

was gathered during a two-week period in October. But passionate, emotionallyladen comments by two members of the board, one its only Black and gay member and the other its only student member, left the body in an extended, brooding

silence. Veteran board member Lawrence Webb, expressing disappointment in the Falls Church community as a result of the survey’s outcome, was followed by high school senior Elizabeth Snyder, who added an emotional

appeal to the fact that, as she said, “the decision should not be determined by those who’ve never had to experience racism.” Concerning the survey, the K-12 Insights group that ran the

Continued on Page 4

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IN EARLY NOVEMBER the Saint James School PTO put together a scavenger hunt in and around the City of Falls Church that involved hiding letters in many local parks and at local businesses. Over a hundred students participated in this enrichment event, both on foot and by car. Wondering what slogan they needed to unscramble? The ten letters spell out “Go Rockets!” (P��: C�� A�� C��)

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Few people have been more loyal to the Falls Church News-Press than its first advertiser ever — local realtor Merelyn Kaye. And given how she was introduced to the paper’s operation nearly 30 years ago, it’s a surprise she’s still around. See Story, page 8

B�� Y�� W�� I�� CBC “S�� A��” City of Falls Church developer and chair of the Falls Church Economic Development Authority won the Citizens for a Better City’s first-ever “Shoutout Award” for leading the EDA’s effort to distribute microgrants to Falls Church businesses that were suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. See News & Notes, page 9

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Many won’t be leaving town for this nontraditional Thanksgiving, but for those staying at home and missing the good fare and family time, there’s no need to give up the one day when we can gorge ourselves and express thanks for the bounty we have. See Story, page 19

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 News & Notes..................................... 9 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 News Briefs & Business News ......... 15 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18

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PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER 19 -25, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA IN THE MATTER OF AMENDING REGULATIONS GOVERNING NET ENERGY METERING CASE NO. PUR-2020-00195 The Regulations Governing Net Energy Metering, 20 VAC 5-315-10 et seq. (“Net Energy Metering Rules”), adopted by the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to § 56-594 of the Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act, Chapter 23 (§ 56-576 et seq.) of Title 56 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), establish the requirements for participation by an eligible customer-generator in net energy metering in the Commonwealth. The Net Energy Metering Rules include conditions for interconnection and metering, billing, and contract requirements between net metering customers, electric distribution companies, and energy service providers. Chapter 1188 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly amended § 56-594 of the Code to (1) increase the caps on participation in net metering by residential and nonresidential customers; (2) establish revised limits on capacity on net metering facilities based on the customer’s expected annual energy consumption; (3) require the Commission to conduct a net metering proceeding under parameters set by the Code when certain criteria have been met; and (4) permit localities meeting criteria established in the Code to install solar or wind-powered facilities under parameters set forth in the statute. The current Net Energy Metering Rules thus must be revised to reflect the changes set forth in Chapter 1188. On October 21, 2020, the Commission issued an Order Establishing Proceeding seeking to amend the Net Energy Metering Rules to provide for net metering by eligible customer-generators as defined in the Code. The proposed rules (“Proposed Rules”) are appended to the Order Establishing Proceeding. TAKE NOTICE THAT on or before December 22, 2020, any interested person may comment on, propose modifications or supplements to, or request a hearing on the Proposed Rules following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00195. Individuals should be specific in their comments, proposals, or supplements to the Proposed Rules and address only those issues pertaining to the amendment of § 56-594 of the Code pursuant to Chapter 1188 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly. Issues outside the scope of implementing this amendment will not be open for consideration. Any request for hearing shall state with specificity why the issues raised in the request for hearing cannot be adequately addressed in written comments. If a sufficient request for hearing is not received, the Commission may consider the matter and enter an Order based upon the comments, documents or other pleadings filed in this proceeding. The Commission further takes judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order Establishing Proceeding for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information. An electronic copy of the Order Establishing Proceeding and Proposed Rules may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, David J. DePippo, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or david.j.depippo@dominionenergy.com. Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing Proceeding, 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, the Order Establishing Proceeding and Proposed Rules, and the Order Modifying Notice Requirements may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

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NOVEMBER 19 -25, 2020 | PAGE 3

City of Falls Church Real Estate Taxes are due Monday, December 7 Stay safe and skip the visit inside City Hall. Pay online, by text, by mail, or by the outdoor City Hall drop box.

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Questions? Didn't receive a bill? Contact the Treasurer's Office: treasurer@fallschurchva.gov 703-248-5046 (TTY 711)

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PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Board’s Webb, Student Rep. Snyder Speak Against Results

Continued from Page 1

survey reported that only 26 percent favored a change in the name of Mason High, compared to 56 percent against, and only 23 percent favored a change in the name of Jefferson Elementary compared to 56 percent against. Respondents included 1,005 students from the two schools in question, 943 members of the community, 1,332 parents and 208 members of the school staff. The School Board is slated to hold another hearing and then vote on the proposal at its first meeting in December. But the survey results reported Tuesday night were apparently more than offset by the impassioned comments from Webb and Snyder. “I am surprised and disappointed by the results of the survey,” Webb said after the report on the results. “It does not follow that keeping the current names, both of slaveowners, should be OK because slavery was an accepted practice at the time. It is never good that one person owns someone else.”

He also criticized the argument that changing the names would be costly. The estimated cost of $100,000 to do that, he said, is not a great burden on one of the wealthiest jurisdictions in America, and a lot of the cost is already built into the overall construction cost of the new high school, which will be set for occupancy before the end of this year. “There are a lot of homes in Falls Church with ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs on their lawns, but do they support that really?,” Webb asked. He amplified his meaning in comments to the News-Press Wednesday. Snyder expanded her comments Tuesday night following a brief recess by the board, saying the decision “should not be based on what I think as a privileged white person,” but “no student should feel uncomfortable” walking into a school with a name of someone who was a slaveholder.” She added, “No one should walk in feeling inferior, making it more difficult for someone to learn.” Webb and Snyder were thanked by School Board chair

Greg Anderson for speaking up, and Superintendent Noonan later added, “I have great admiration for students who step up and say what they believe. It is heartening to me. I am proud of such students.” The survey conducted by K-12 showed similar results for all the participating groups concerning the reasons given for changing the names, those being that Mason and Jefferson owned slaves, that keeping the names reflects poorly on Falls Church community values, and keeping the names does not demonstrate an ability to respond to current social currents. In defense of keeping the current names, respondents cited the importance of honoring the nation’s Founding Fathers, saying it would better enable educational efforts at “learning from past mistakes,” saying the practice of slavery was “the norm at that time,” and that it is a “waste of resources” to rename everything from stationery to football uniforms at the two schools in question. It was noted that of the com-

Share your thoughts. www.fallschurchva.gov/CFCsurvey The City of Falls Church is conducting an anecdotal survey about public perception of and experiences with the City's Police Department and Sheriff's Office. We need your input. The City's Use of Force Review Committee will analyze and present the survey results to City Council. Results will help inform the Committee's recommendations for the Police and Sheriff's use of force policies and procedures. For more information about the Committee and survey, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/UFRC.

MEMBERS OF THE Falls Church School Board digested the results of the survy showing that over 55 percent of respondents were against changing the names of George Mason High and Thomas Jefferson Elementary. (S��:N��-P��) munity respondents, 47 percent were graduates of one or more of the schools involved, which could have resulted in some overlap. It was also noted that there were 119 cases of attempted stuffings of ballot boxes that the survey organizers were able to detect and delete. The School Board will put off making a final decision on whether or not to make name

changes at one or both of the schools in question to its Dec. 8 meeting. If it votes to change one or both names at that time, they will then proceed with a process to determine what the new name or names will be. The goal is to conclude the process in time for the necessary changes in the signage at the new high school, which is due for occupancy in early January.

The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department Presents

Holiday Hol olilid ol ida day ay Gift if & Craft ift C af Cr aftft Pop-Up Pop o -Up Shops op Shop h s hop Saturdays, November 21 through December 19 8 a.m. to Noon At the City of Falls Church Farmers Market City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Avenue

This Weekend Jenny Paxton Calligraphy (ornaments, address stamps) and Roots of Development (metal art). Future Weekends Jewelry Designs by Mary Ruth, Herban Avenues, and SASstitch. Stay tuned as more vendors are announced!

www.fallschurchva.gov/PopUps

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Barrett Was Involved Well Into His Life By Completing Doctorate, Teaching

Continued from Page 1

ed a master’s degree in Industrial Relations at the University of Minnesota and wrote the first of many articles about the history and art of mediation, including one on common mediation tactics that caught the eye of his bosses. The paper also led to ribbing by union officials, who would ask if he was trying technique 20 or 27 in the middle of a negotiation. In Washington, Jerry worked for the National Center for Dispute Resolution, where he applied mediation techniques to civil rights disputes and Vietnam War protests. Then at the Department of Labor, he trained local and state governments and their unions in the emerging field of public-sector collective bargaining. Later, as a senior official at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, he mentored multiple classes of interns and developed new techniques that broadened the scope of mediation to foster a spirit of cooperation between

labor and management. While at FMCS, Jerry began collecting materials, some fished from a dumpster behind the building, for an archive he lovingly maintained for nearly 40 years, eventually launching a foundation, The Friends of FMCS History, to help support the work. In the early 80s, Jerry taught for two years at Northern Kentucky University while completing his dissertation for a doctorate in education at George Washington University. He then returned to Washington to work at the Labor Department, where he developed pioneering training models in the new field of Alternative Dispute Resolution. He also visited more than 30 countries from Brazil to Zimbabwe training local businesses and unions on successful negotiations. After retiring from the government, Jerry had a successful business as an arbitrator and consultant, wrote numerous books and articles and continued to gather

material for his FMCS archive, housed in several rooms in an office building near his home. In 2012, Jerry donated the entire archive, along with 200 taped oral histories he conducted of leaders and rank-and-file members of the FMCS, to George Washington University’s Special Collections. The material covers 136 shelf feet and includes 120 articles and published papers and six books he wrote or cowrote, including “A History of Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Story of a Political, Social and Cultural Movement.” In his adopted home of Falls Church, Jerry served for eight years each on the boards of the local school system and Northern Virginia Community College. He founded two 5k races and was learning to be a cameraman at age 85 after settling a dispute at the local public access channel. Jerry also followed Rose as board president at their beloved Park Towers Condos. With Rose supervising, and Jerry wielding a

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NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 | PAGE 5

JERRY BARRETT was active in the City well into his 80s, as he’s seen here crossing the finish line at the Run For the Schools race in 2017. (Photo: Courtesy Julie Krachman) shovel, they planted flowers, trees and shrubs all around the building. He especially relished chopping down the crepe myrtle trees by the pool, to the horror of fellow board

members who had declined to listen to his arguments about why it was necessary, only to watch them grow back, thicker and more beautiful than ever.

PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 

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E D I TO R I A L

What’s in a School Name?

Soon it will be decision day for the Falls Church School Board. It’s down to a matter of weeks now before the board will have to decide whether or not to change the name of two of its public schools currently named for Founding Fathers who, despite their world-historic roles in the establishment of a democratic republic in the midst of tyranny, did not repudiate their own ownership of slaves. As reported on Page One of this edition, the School Board has taken on the matter in the wake of this year’s Black Lives Matter social insurgency spearheaded by a new generation and a new sensibility recognizing our collective social striving for justice and equality, that proverbial long arc Martin Luther King promised us would bend in the direction of these things, needs leaning on to work. This age has not arrived to us in a vacuum. The American Revolution was an extraordinary achievement. It succeeded where others in its time and others failed. It was rooted in the simple but incredibly profound notion that “all persons are created equal,” the super-historic phrase embedded in the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. Every significant advance in this revolutionary republic’s life has been based on an advance in the application of this core notion. Notwithstanding the passages of time, by it was slavery outlawed and all slaves emancipated, albeit at the cost of many lives in a war. Laborers granted rights to organize, women achieved the right to vote, and equal access to education, opportunities in employment and at the ballot were affirmed for all regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, disability or, most recently, sexual orientation. Our nation’s problems remain in the execution of these promises, and the murder of George Floyd this summer drove that point home for millions who had to witness a murder in real time. Systemic racism and inequality persist in this land to a shocking degree and the overtly racist, cruel and anti-democratic presidency of Donald Trump drives home how true this still is. Honestly, anyone who refuses to affirm “equal justice under the law” for all Americans doesn’t belong here. We are not just a country, but a revolutionary democracy defined by that notion. 2020 has been a year of reckoning for such values. If a lawful public entity feels that changing a name of a school or other public place will better reflect or advance our nation’s core values, then indeed it should. But it must be done with an eye to the due respect and affirmation of the courage and sacrifices that so many of us, imperfect as we are, have made since the time our noble Declaration of Independence was first drafted. A name change should not be about the shortcomings of anyone, except for the criminal elements of the Confederacy, that treasonous insurgency against our republic. It should be about our ongoing striving for “a more perfect union.”

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Learn About Trump Voters, But Don’t Debate Basic Principles Editor, I read with interest and growing disagreement Ms. Adrienne Varner’s letter reprimanding Don Beyer and reminding all of us that the division in this country needs to be healed. I agree with Ms. Varner that listening to others is a critical first step. I agree also that Falls Church may not have disparate views and that learning about those other views is vital to healing this country.

I disagree with the writer, however, on this central point: To question any U.S. citizen when he or she disparages others, characterizes them as objects or less human or less deserving of the rights and opportunities that this country’s most profound documents espouse and entitle all men and women — is the right thing to do. In fact, it probably should be a requirement of good citizenry to object and to condemn such words

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or actions when they occur. Unquestionably, there are reasons why so many voters cast their ballots for Donald Trump. We should and we will, I believe, learn more about those motivations. But to focus, as Don Beyer did, on the words and actions of the now-defeated president is to serve notice that we cannot and should not forget that Trump’s words and actions were wrong, unacceptable, and condemnable. In fact, Congressman Beyer’s words are based on facts and are true — two things which were tragically absent in this administration and among too many other elected officials. In summary, we need to know

why more than 70 million U.S. citizens voted for the man who currently refuses to acknowledge the verdict of the people. To do that, we must look honestly and candidly at the violations, in word and in deed, that threatened the rights sought and fought for in the Civil Rights and Suffragists movements. The necessary dialogue must begin with recognition that those basic principles — justice, freedom, equality for all citizens regardless of race, creed, or gender — are not questionable or debatable. Once that is understood, a meaningful dialogue can begin. Irene Chambers Falls Church

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NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 | PAGE 7

With Amendment 1, Virginia Voters Have Made History B� B�� C��

Six years ago, our parent organization, OneVirginia2021, embarked on a mission to reform the long-broken redistricting system in Virginia. This year, over 2.7 million Virginians joined this mission by approving Amendment 1. The approval ballot referendum is historic for several reasons. First, the new process ends partisan gerrymandering by ensuring that legislative district lines are drawn fairly and do not favor one party over the other. One party does not have unilateral control over the process. Next, it will be led by citizens. Politicians will no longer have free rein to choose whoever they want to represent. Not only will citizens be part of this process for the first time in our history, but a citizen will also serve as chair of the commission itself. Third, historic voting rights protections for minority communities will be added to the Virginia Constitution for the first time. In fact, Justin Levitt, a former Obama administration Justice Department official, said that the commission “requires adherence to the Voting Rights Act … and then goes beyond.” Further, total transparency is required. Instead of shady backroom deals, public meetings will be held across Virginia, with all data and notes from the meetings being completely open to the public. Finally, Virginia will become the first Southern state to shift responsibility for redistricting from the legislature to a bipartisan commission.

The process by which this came about should also not be overlooked. Because Virginia requires constitutional amendments to pass through both legislative chambers in two consecutive years, the process to get this on the ballot itself is far more difficult than

“Politicians will no longer have free rein to choose whoever they want to represent. Not only will citizens be part of this process for the �irst time in our history, but a citizen will also serve as chair of the commission itself” most other states. All told, the commission created by this referendum’s approval is the single most significant redistricting reform package ever to pass through a legislature, without the threat of a citizens initiative, in American history. From the start, this movement has been about putting the voices of citizens above politicians and political parties. This month, Virginia voters spoke loud and clear in

approving Amendment 1. In creating a bipartisan redistricting commission, they said they want a seat at the table when district lines are drawn next year and beyond. They said they want a transparent redistricting process. They want civil rights protections to be added to the state constitution for the very first time. And they said that they want to end partisan gerrymandering in Virginia once and for all. What’s more, in the days following the victory at the ballot box, the General Assembly approved a state budget that includes additional provisions to enhance the commission’s work next year and beyond. These “enabling statutes” include regulations banning career politicians and/or political campaign workers/staffers and/ or relatives from serving as citizen commissioners. The commission will also be required to accurately reflect the “racial, ethnic, geographic and gender diversity” of the Commonwealth as well. Further, the budget includes strict rules to follow in the unlikely event of a gridlocked commission. All told, this took a great commission and made it even better. Now that the referendum has been approved, the question our organization gets most often is “what’s next?” And the answer is simple: now that a redistricting commission is being formed, Virginia’s citizens must be the ones to ensure that the commission’s work is successful. Anyone who wants the redistricting process to be fairer, transparent and more equitable should remain engaged at this critical moment. Winning on Election Day was

never the goal -- the goal has always been to produce fairer district maps. Citizen watchdogs are vital to making sure this happens. Whether it means attending the public meetings of the commission to submitting comments and engaging with the members and staff to serving as a citizen commissioner themselves, in many ways the hardest work is just beginning. We encourage anyone and everyone to remain engaged. Finally, we also want to acknowledge that getting to this point has been a long process, and there have been many spirited conversations and debates surrounding the commission — even among those who have long supported reforming Virginia’s broken redistricting practices. We know that there are some who voted “no” on the ballot measure. These discussions have made the amendment and accompanying enabling legislation even stronger, and we are at a historically positive place for anyone who wants to see Virginia’s redistricting commission be successful in its work. In the end, we all want to make redistricting more public, transparent and equitable. So whether you were part of the 66 percent of Virginians who voted “yes” on Amendment 1, or the 34 percent who voted “no,” our campaign knows that we all want the same thing: to make redistricting more public, transparent and equitable. We remain ready to work together. Brian Cannon is the executive director of Fair Maps VA

Q�� W�� Will the survey showing little interest in changing school names put the issue to bed? • Yes

• No

• Not sure

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PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020

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1st-Ever Advertiser Merelyn Kaye Reflects On 30 Year Relationship with the News-Press

by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

Few people have been more loyal to the News-Press than its first advertiser ever — local realtor Merelyn Kaye. And given how she was introduced to the paper’s operation nearly 30 years ago, it’s a surprise she’s still around. Back then, it was Danny O’Brien coming over to make a sales pitch with his “asymmetrical haircut, where it was shaved on one side and combed over on the other, and he had overalls on with one strap hanging off.” Kaye would go on to say that “it was a wonder we even met with him because our broker, David Howell, is a very proper guy.” But they did, paying a lump sum for a full year that included a double-truck (an advertisement that spans two facing pages) and giving Kaye the entire back page as well. The agent who had been in the business for 21 years at that point was now throwing her weight behind a young startup. It’s fitting, considering how Kaye got her own start in real estate in 1970. She and her husband, Art, were house-hunting for an older home with a welcoming patina on it, and were as excited as all buyers would be when they actually managed to find just the one. The couple phoned their agent to come over and write up the contract, but he said he was too busy to make it right then and there. So, Kaye called the broker for the home, who showed up 15 minutes later to complete the sale. It was that moment where she was set on her path to become a real estate agent. “I told the broker, ‘If that idiot who wouldn’t come here and write the contract can make a living in real estate then I can too,’ and the broker said back, ‘Well if you get trained, then come see me because you’ll have a job,’” Kaye recollected. The agent was already a known commodity in the Falls Church and McLean areas when she began her business relationship with the News-Press. Over the years she would regularly vouch for the paper when other agents would call her up and ask

if it was a wise investment. But, again, after her first formal interaction with the newspaper during O’Brien’s sales pitch, Kaye and Art thought it would be best if they designed their own advertisements and delivered them to the staff. It became a weekly ritual to hand over the floppy disk to the News-Press, where they would then print out the ad and paste it onto the back page. It didn’t take long for the young paper to justify her and her husband’s decision to design their ads ahead of time. Most other agents, Kaye said, would scribble some marketing language on a sheet of paper and ask the News-Press to handle it from there. A very prim and proper former agent in the area was one who did just that when she used the newspaper to promote a home of hers with a large deck in the backyard. When Kaye saw the ad in the paper that weekend, she noticed an inconvenient typo that solicited buyers to “Come check out a house with a big…” We’ll let your imagination take it from there. Still, the newspaper did pull out all the stops for her when the sales meant the most. When Kaye had the Tallwood home as one of her listings, she coordinated with the paper to make the most of the spaces she paid for. That included using the single pages to show photos of the estate’s gate and tease that into the double truck with a huge shot of Tallwood and had language inviting people to the open house. The News-Press also helped Kaye celebrate her customers annually by designing a Christmas tree with their names on it in one of her ads. And the staff was always accommodating with last minute changes or edits that Kaye had, which according to her, was fairly often. Of course, it also helped sales. “There’s no question it did increase my business. I told a lot of people they should advertise there,” Kaye said, adding that sellers would ask her if their home would be featured in her full, back page ad from timeto-time. Kaye hasn’t been immune to the changing dynamics in adver-

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

tising, though. Her ownership of the backpage has steadily decreased to a half and then a quarter over the years because of price. Art would mention to her that the News-Press wouldn’t check in as frequently as they once did, and now her daughter, Karin Morrison, who helps run her operation, said that it’s worth looking into removing her presence from the paper altogether since so much advertising is digital anyways. But Kaye will often quip that people will think she’s either dead or went out of business if she removes the ad, so she keeps it in. It’s also a commitment to the last local print advertiser she makes use of, since the newspapers in Arlington, Vienna and Alexandria that she used to buy space in have all gone under. The News-Press is the only one that has stuck it through all those years, so in Kaye’s mind, “I can’t say enough good stuff about the paper.”

FLANKED BY broker David Howell (right) and Ellen Salsbury (left) from Falls Church’s Chamber of Commerce is Merelyn Kaye in this vintage photo. In the top photo is a sample of the Christmas Tree the News-Press staff helped make to celebrate the customers she served throughout all of 1997. (Photos: News-Press)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 | PAGE 9

C�� N�� N�� Botanologica Hosts Pop-Up Holiday Market Botanologica (817 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be holding a pop-up Festive Outdoor Market on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Several local artists and crafters will be bringing their handmade items including Persimmon Street Ceramics, Good Goose Graphics, The Captured Muse jewelry, Karina Gaull Shop & TINT: a Modern Makerspace fiber and fabric arts, Libby’s Lathers soap and more. The shop will also be open and filled with holiday decor, seasonal plants and botanical goods and gifts. All patrons are asked to respect social distancing while visiting and wear a face mask. Parking is very limited. There will not be a rain date, so check Botanologica’s Facebook or Instagram page for updates.

F.C. Resident Sells Pottery at Home for Holiday Season Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Falls Church resident Ann Baier will be selling her pottery at the carport of her home (6625 Van

Winkle Drive, Falls Church) on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. instead of the annual Christmas Show at the Falls Church Community Center. Baier has been selling pottery in Falls Church for the past 24 years, and includes functional pottery such as bowls, mugs and sponge holders. The sale is cash only and patrons must bring their own bag.

Arlington Lions Go Contactless For Charity Sale The Lions of Northwest Arlington have started a new, contactless charity format for its sale of citrus fruit, pecans and maple syrup. For health and safety reasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic — no “Brick-and-Mortar,” no boxes of citrus or pecans or maple syrup, no money, no cars, nor trucks, no opening or closing, no people coming together — will be a part of the sale. Ordering and payment is online at any time at either nwarlionscitrus.fwffb.net or purintonmaple. com (for maple syrup only — use promo code nwarlions at checkout).

The sale opened on Nov. 12 and ends Dec. 15 for deliveries by Christmas direct to the customer. The ordering online will resume around Jan. 12 and go through March 31, 2021, again with deliveries direct to customers. For more information, call 703528-1130 or text 703-772-3784.

McLean Art Society Meeting Being Held Friday Gavin Glakas, a renowned local artist, will be the presenter and demonstrator at the Friday, Nov. 20 meeting of the McLean Art Society that will take place from 10 a.m. – noon. The presentation portion will begin at 11 a.m., and the entire meeting will occur on Zoom. Glakas has won awards from The Portrait Society of America and The Butler Inst. of American Art. His paintings have been featured on NBC News, and he has exhibited at National Museums and Galleries. Those who are interested in joining the meeting to view this presentation, contact Ray Goodrow, president of the Mclean Art Society at raymgoodrow@aol. com. Guests are welcome.

A NEW HISTORICAL MARKER was installed along Hillwood Avenue with the help of the City of Falls Church Public Works department Superintendent Robert Goff, Ron Anzalone as the head of the City’s Historical Commission and donations from the Falls Church High School Alumni 50+ group. The marker commemorates the original location of Falls Church High School in 1945. Seen here are Goff (right) and F.C. High School alumnus Craig Day.

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, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

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PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES: PARTIAL LINE #2010 230 KV SINGLE CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION LINE UNDERGROUND PILOT PROJECT (TYSONS-FUTURE SPRING HILL SUBSTATION) CASE NO. PUR-2020-00198

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM ADVERTISEMENT

On September 29, 2020, 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 certification of electric transmission facilities ("Application") in Fairfax County, Virginia. Dominion filed its Application pursuant to ยง 56-585.1:5 and ยง 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia ("Code") and the Utility Facilities Act, Code ยง 56-265.1 et seq. Through its Application, the Company proposes: (1) to remove an approximate 0.56 mile segment of its existing overhead 230 kilovolt ("kV") Reston-Tysons Line #2010 from the Tysons Substation to just south of the site for the future Spring Hill Substation and to relocate and replace the line underground; (2) to complete work at the Tysons Substation to allow this segment of Line #2010 to be relocated underground; and (3) to construct a transition pole just south of the future Spring Hill Substation to transition Line #2010 from an underground line to an overhead line (collectively, "Project"). Dominion states that the Project is necessary to support economic development priorities of the Commonwealth, including the economic development priorities and the Comprehensive Plan of Fairfax County, Virginia. The Company requests that the Project be approved by the Commission as a project that qualifies as a line to be placed underground, in part, because the Project meets all of the statutory requirements set forth in Code ยง 56-585.1:5 D for the Underground Pilot Program. Dominion represents that pursuant to Code ยง 56-585.1:5 D, Fairfax County has adopted a resolution in support of the Project and requested that the Company relocate and convert a portion of Transmission Line #2010 between the Tysons Substation and the future Spring Hill Substation from overhead to underground to facilitate the construction of a large planned mixeduse development, named "The View," that supports the economic development priorities and Comprehensive Plan of Fairfax County. The Company states that the desired in-service date for this project is December 31, 2025. The Company represents that the estimated conceptual cost of the Project (in 2020 dollars) is approximately $30.4 million, which includes approximately $22.6 million for underground transmission line-related work,

approximately $0.70 million for overhead transmission line-related work, and approximately $7.10 million for substation-related work. The Proposed Route consists of approximately 0.58 mile of variable width right-of-way along existing Line #2010 between Tysons Substation and just south of the future Spring Hill Substation site. It largely will be on existing Company owned right-of-way and deviates for approximately 0.10 mile to accommodate the future site of The View development. The Line will exit the existing Tysons Substation across Tyco Road via VDOT permit and continue southwest for approximately 0.20 mile on existing 42-foot right-of-way. Temporary construction easements will be needed along this segment as will a VDOT permit. At this point, the Line will depart from the existing right-of-way and turn south within a private service road for approximately 0.05 mile on a newly acquired 30-foot easement until it reaches Spring Hill Road (Route 684). Temporary construction easement will be required along this segment. At Spring Hill Road, the Line will turn west

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

within Spring Hill Road for approximately 0.05 mile via a VDOT permit until it reaches Leesburg Pike (Route 7). These two 0.05 mile sections of the Line are being relocated outside of the existing right-of-way to accommodate The View, a future development. At Leesburg Pike, the Line turns southwest crossing under the elevated Metro Train Line and crossing Leesburg Pike via a VDOT permit for approximately 0.05 mile and then continues on existing 42-foot right-of-way for approximately 0.14 mile where it turns southeast and goes around the east side of the future Spring Hill Substation site within existing easement and the future Substation parcel. Temporary construction easements will be required along this segment. Just south of the future Spring Hill Substation parcel, the Line continues on existing 42-foot right-of-way to terminate at a Transition Pole. For purposes of this Project, the Company intends to build a Transition Pole just south of the location where the Company plans to construct the future Spring Hill Substation. The Transition Pole will be approximately 140 feet tall, subject to final engineering. The Company also intends to replace the existing Structure #2010/12 located south of the future Spring Hill Substation and the Transition Pole. The existing approximately 61-foot Structure #2010/12 will be replaced with an approximately 90-foot structure, subject to final engineering. 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: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Transmission-Line-Projects. 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 Project may be found in the Company's Application.

NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2020 PAGE 11

Virginia 23219, or by electronic means, the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission's Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner's Ruling.

Electronic copies of the Application and other supporting materials, including a video depiction of the route, may be inspected at: http://www. dominionenergy.com/springhill. An electronic copy of the Company's Application also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, David J. DePippo, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or david.j.depippo@dominionenergy.com. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing, on or before December 29, 2020, a notice of participation. Notices of participation shall include the email addresses of the party or its counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 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. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00198. 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.

On or before March 26, 2021, any interested person may file comments The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission's that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion's Application. website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. All such On March 31, 2021, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00198. with no witness present in the Commission's courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On March 29, 2021, any person Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission respects, except as modified by the Commission's Order for Notice and to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Copies and format, of the Commission's Rules of Practice. Commission's website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc. The Company's Application, the Commission's Rules of Practice, the virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will Commission's Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting. case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On April 1, 2021, at 10 a.m., either in the Commission's second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond,

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Concede, v. To acknowledge as true, just, or proper, often unwillingly; admit. As with any contest, when you run for office, there may be a reasonable expectation that you might not win, so preparing a concession statement, uncomfortable though it may be, should be part of any campaign. It was decades ago, but I still remember, as a young Capitol Hill aide to Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon, typing his concession statement after a vote recount showed almost no change in his very narrow loss in the Senate race. I had difficulty seeing the keyboard through my tears, but Senator Morse accepted the results with the grace and attitude you would expect of a seasoned statesman. A seasoned statesman approach apparently isn’t the course chosen by the Senate Republican majority, most of whom continue to support Mr. Trump’s insistence that the 2020 election results were rigged, and that he will be the victor when all the votes are recounted. The dictionary definition of concede does include “often unwillingly,” and that’s a nod to the discomfort that a loss produces. It is awkward to lose a hard-fought campaign, but when all the votes are counted and recounted, and the evidence of a legitimate result — that our democratic American ideal of free and fair elections prevailed — it’s time to bring the campaign to a close and accept the results with some semblance of grace or, at least, fair play. Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be in the DNA of Mr. Trump, his cabinet, and his Senate supporters. I wonder what their parents taught them. If the lack of a presidential concession is a low point, perhaps the Fairfax RISE program can elevate the mood. In the Spring, the Board of Supervisors instituted a small business and nonprofit grant program, Fairfax RISE (Relief Initiative to Support Employers), to assist county small businesses affected by Covid-19. Using CARES Act money, grant awards, at levels of $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000, total $52 million. More than 4800 applications were approved; 86 percent of the awards were for busi-

nesses with one to 10 employees, and 72 percent of the awards were to woman, minority, and/or veteranowned businesses. Although $10,000 doesn’t sound like a lot of money, business owners told me that it can make the difference between paying rent, or not, and keeping people employed, or not. Top business categories assisted were types the community has relied on — food service and accommodations, health care, and professional services. The success of the program depended a great deal on the collaboration of dozens of county staff and the Community Business Partnership, who gathered and evaluated thousands of applications in a short period of time. Getting the funds quickly to qualified businesses was paramount; that meant fast action and a minimum of red tape. This is America Recycles Week, and heralds the opening of food scrap recycling locations at the county’s I-66 transfer station in Fairfax and the I-95 landfill in Lorton. Food scrap recycling is easy; a plastic receptacle with a tight-fitting lid is all you need. Instead of tossing food scraps into the trash, dump the food scraps (fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover food, coffee grounds, eggshells, etc.) into the receptacle. The food scraps may get a little “juicy” on the bottom, but the tight-fitting lid will take care of any odors. When your receptacle gets full, dump it at one of the food scrap recycling stations, wash out the receptacle, and start over again. Planning meals and sharpening your food storage skills will make a difference, too. The Board of Supervisors returned to virtual meetings this week, to comply with Governor Northam’s restrictions to fight and limit exposure to the increasing rate of Covid-19 cases. Wear a mask, observe social distancing, wash hands frequently, and stay safe.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

CRIME REPORT Week of November 9 – 15, 2020

Trespass, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd. November 9, 11:27 am, a male, 53, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a citation for trespassing. Larceny-Shoplifting, 1100 blk W Broad St. November 11, 3:58 pm, an unknown suspect concealed merchandise in a bag and left the business without paying. Larceny from Vehicle, 100 blk N Washington St. November 11,

unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered a parked car, rummaged through its contents, and stole several items of value. Larceny from Vehicle, 1100 blk W Broad St. November 11, unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered a parked car and stole several items of value. Bicycle Larceny, 500 blk Roosevelt Blvd. Between November 10 and November 13, unknown suspect(s) stole a bicycle from the balcony of a residence.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report With Thanksgiving 2020 fast approaching, it’s time to take stock of those things in our life for which we are grateful. This year will go down in history as one of the most trying and difficult in our nation’s history. There will be plenty of time to look back at what went wrong and why. This month, this week, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to focus on things we in the greater Falls Church community can be thankful for. After all, about this time last year we were so optimistic. The 2019 Election had produced another blue wave, sweeping in Democratic majorities in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. With Democrats in charge of the Governor’s mansion as well, we had a blue trifecta of sorts and would soon take complete control of the lawmaking apparatus in Virginia. As our first order of business, we elected Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and the first woman and the first African American majority leader, Delegate Charniele Herring. Keeping a campaign promise to make the Virginia legislature reflect all Virginians, the Speaker then appointed the most diverse slate of committee chairs ever. The transformation of the Virginia General assembly was about more than simply who we elected. It also is about what, together, we stand for. With our new majorities and leaders from diverse communities in leadership positions, we were able to pass an aggressive and sweeping agenda to bring Virginia into the 21st century. First order of business was to improve Democracy in Virginia. We went from being ranked 49th to 12th according to the 2020 Cost of Voting Index. I’m thankful that a record number of Virginians were able to conveniently and safely participate in the 2020 elections with more options than ever to cast their ballots. You were able to vote early by mail, in person, at a drop box, or cruise in and out of a very uncrowded election day polling place this year. We also passed flexible voter ID laws and made Election Day a state holiday. We went from tied for last

with a minimum wage of $7.25 to a gradual increase up to $15.00 an hour a few years down the road. We passed the Equal Rights Amendment. I’m thankful we passed a historic transportation funding bill to ensure that our state-wide transportation needs are met. We’ve finally identified and dedicated the revenue sources necessary to address our often worst in the nation congestion. Our communities are now safer because of gun violence prevention legislation designed to keep guns out of the hands of those that shouldn’t have them. Localities can prohibit the carrying of firearms in public places and government buildings. We’re working to improve Virginia’s reputation by reinstating the one handgun purchase per month law. Through legislation and the biennial budget, we addressed utility shutoffs and evictions related to the ongoing pandemic. The utility shutoff moratorium has been extended to 60 days after the declared state of emergency ends and includes language to create a repayment plan for customers who are behind. A universal eviction moratorium was established to the end of the year. Starting January 1st, we outlined an eviction policy that relies on the creation of payment plans and applications to the Rent and Mortgage Relief Program prior to any evictions related action taking place. During the Special Session, we passed substantive criminal justice reform to make our communities safer for all of us. Banning no knock warrants, increasing oversight of law enforcement agencies through civilian review boards, creating mental health response teams, requiring deescalation and racial bias training, limiting the law enforcement agencies ability to purchase military grade equipment, and making it a hate crime to make false 911 calls motivated by race or other bias are just a few highlights. It is my privilege to serve you in the House of Delegates and I am thankful every day that I have the opportunity to make our community the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Biden’s Win & the Gunner’s Dream

This is no time for grumpy pessimists. The historic U.S. presidential election of this month deserves nothing less than dancing in the streets. And more dancing in the streets. If the euphoric glee of those hours when Biden was declared the winner last weekend has already worn off, and been replaced with dull ungrounded fears about what if Trump refuses to leave or such, then a reset of emotional guide rails may be in order. We should all now be merrily mobilized to help seize control of the Senate by securing electoral victories in the two runoffs coming up in Georgia. Seriously compromised Senate Republicans deserve no less. What has just happened has been FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS one of the more consequential achievements for the good in our modern history, and its importance cannot be overstated. The American people rose up like a great tidal wave to sweep away the most serious threat to their core values that has ever been so firmly ensconced in the corridors of such great power and prepared to rip asunder those values with the greatest resources at their disposal over four years of a full enfranchisement as the most powerful force in the world. As bellicose and deeply displeasing as this pink and twisted blowhard has been, he held fabulous power over 70 million citizens despite the franchise of their free powers to vote him out. He was in the driver’s seat to translate their delusional votes into the final chapter of humanity’s greatest ever experiment in democracy. Truly, we were on the brink, and there was no one out there to save us. No one, that is, save for the individual consciences, resolve and powers of discernment of 76 million citizens who stood up against his poisonous hate and rage to say. No! Who saved us? Was it God? I guess given how widely that word can be applied to all the circumstances of our human experience, perhaps so, but those who claim the word as their franchise, hypocrites like Franklin Graham, were on the other side of this fray. If God was with them, God lost and whatever we credit with winning had to do it with the added burden of defeating that, too. So I think we can say that the things which contributed most to winning this epochal veritable cosmic battle were not wealth, greed, deceit, deception, dishonesty, cruelty or their synonyms, all recognizable traits of Trump, but their collective opposites: honesty, virtue, generosity, caring, love, and their allies. It’s really what it boils down to. Cynics won’t accept this, nor their agents on the losing side of this. So, don’t be one of those. This is not exaggeration. The world doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. On the occasion of celebrating Biden’s victory last weekend I came upon an old favorite song. Not “Happy Days Are Here Again,” but one with a more ponderous tone, meaning and emotional consequence. I distrust coincidences, mostly, so coming across the lyrics and passion of Pink Floyd songwriter Roger Waters in his 1982 composition, “The Gunner’s Dream,” has meant a lot to me in the past week. In it, a World War II fighter plane’s gunner, fighting Nazis then like we did in this month’s election, is downed in a field and dreams of a simple world free of the tyranny he was fighting against. This ideal world is described thusly: “...A place to stay, enough to eat, somewhere old heroes shuffle safely down the street. Where you can speak out about your doubts and fears, and what’s more, no one disappears. “You never hear their standard issue kicking in your door. You can relax on both sides of the tracks and maniacs don’t blow holes in bandsmen by remote control. And everyone has recourse to the law. “And no one kills the children anymore. And no one kills the children anymore.” The song continues, “Night after night, going round and round my brain. His dream is driving me insane. In the corner of some foreign field the gunner sits tonight. What’s done is done. We cannot just write off his final scene. Take heed of the dream.” Amen.

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Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

As home prices rise in our whitehot real estate market — and 1950s ramblers are bulldozed by luxury builders — housing activists have intensified worries over the “missing middle” of choices for the middle class. On Oct. 28. county staff assigned to the “Housing Arlington” initiative rolled out phase one of a promised study of the potential for “upzoning.” That multi-pronged policy approach to encouraging smaller and more temperately priced duplexes and garden apartments (on pricey land) has hit resistance from one group of free-market advocates. So far, the response from officials and affordable housing boosters is: more study. And boy, are those studies complicated. At the community engagement rollout attended virtually by 180 (overshadowed somewhat by the pandemic and a landmark election), staff made clear that housing challenges loop in broader issues: race and equity, affordable (subsidized) housing, neighborhood investments, school populations, stormwater management and tree canopy protections. The study will answer four key questions: Who benefits? Who is burdened? Who is left out? How do we know? “We can’t stop regional growth,” the presenters said, “but we can shift gears to manage its impact.” An online poll taken during the rollout showed 74 percent saying Arlington should take steps to address neighborhood change, and

15 percent saying no, with 11 percent undecided. Part of the problem, said a response from the nonprofit Alliance for Housing Solutions, goes back to the 1930s zoning regime, which bans duplexes and rowhouses in single-family residential areas. As a result, only 6 percent of Arlington’s 116,000 homes are duplexes (side-by-side or stacked) or town houses (fee simple, or legally independent), and another 24 percent are of limited family-size (townhouses with garden-style condos, or small apartments). What might be “middle class” houses are permitted only in selected areas. And a whopping 73.2 percent of Arlington’s residential land is zoned for the most expensive housing: detached single-family homes, the alliance notes. Those pricier houses form 23.9 percent of the county’s housing stock, while 46.9 percent is mid- or-high rise multifamily housing. In sum, only 29.2 percent of current housing stock meets “missing middle” criteria — the bulk of which is in declining stock of older low-rise garden-style apartments. Reform “would be incremental,” the alliance recommends, “and with the right incentives and guidelines, it can be done tastefully to maintain and improve the overall sense of place in the neighborhoods we love.” Opposing up-zoning are the Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future. Spokesman Peter Rousselot told me he has been sharing criticisms with civic associations. Implementing what advocates call

“gentle density” will “add cars and on-street parking; cover lots fully and bring much taller buildings. It will add runoff, flooding and kill trees,” the group argued. The county’s 8.6 percent rental vacancy rate proves there is “no dire housing shortage.” Allowing more density will do nothing to stop existing middle garden units from being razed, and homeowners on fixed incomes will struggle with resulting tax bills, the group said. Rousselot said the study, scheduled to reach phase three (recommending changes in zoning) around 2022, is “precooked.” It doesn’t project the impact on schools, parks, traffic, tree canopy, services or taxes. “Given the resources it is sinking into the study, he said, “county government must be planning a lot of up-zoning, but because Housing Arlington currently is unwilling to say exactly where, the study lacks the specificity that might otherwise galvanize residents.” *** Successful census: The county board on Oct. 23 gave the staff, volunteers and the community deserved praise for completing our share of the national 2020 headcount. “Arlington is thrilled to report that as of October 15, an estimated 99.98 percent of Arlington households had been counted,” read the statement. But only a week earlier, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that the same 99.98 response rate was achieved nationwide — during a pandemic and a series of hurricanes. Even so, having seen all the signage and booster posters encouraging participation, you have to admire our local spirit.

PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH

CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Falls Church Farmers Market. The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go. Tiny Tot. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with young children while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage children with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes. Adults must remain during the entire program. Ages 1 – 3. To register, call 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 10 – 10:30 a.m. 703228-6535. Beavers. Participants will learn about the furry critters that are nature’s experts on local waterways. Ages: 3 – 5 years. Preschool programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, so register for only one session at each nature center per month. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 11:30 a.m. – noon.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 “Nature Storytime: Who Is The Beast?” Interested attendees can come and listen to one of the park’s naturalists read the story, “Who Is The Beast?” For ages 2 – 10. Registration required for chil-

dren only, but caretakers must attend. To register, contact 703228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 11 – 11:30 a.m.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Middle School Book Club (online). This meeting’s book is “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor. Book club for grades 6-8. This discussion will be held online via Zoom. For more information, email Laura Miller at lmiller@ fallschurchva.gov. 4 – 5 p.m. Jane Austen Book Discussion (online). A monthly discussion covering the works of literary icon Jane Austen. This month’s book is “Lady Susan” by Jane Austen. This program will be held online via Zoom. For more information, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Spend Yourself Virtual 5K Run/3K Walk to Feed the Hungry. The Spend Yourself race is a family friendly virtual event focused on raising money for Columbia Baptist Church’s hunger relief programs including the Spend Yourself Food Pantry in Bailey’s Crossroads. Participants can do the virtual run at their own time and their own convenience after the race officially starts at 8 a.m. Learn more and Register at RunSignup.com/Race/VA/ FallsChurch/SpendYourself5k.

TAB BENOIT will be performing at The Birchmere tonight. (Photo: Jean Frnk Photography) Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues and the public is invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. The virtual meeting will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23

City Council Meeting (online). City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow

“ON AIR.” This is an updated version of the hit 2019 musical, recreated for the Covid-19 era as an audio broadcast. “ON AIR” tells the story of the beginnings of mass broadcast in America, taking place in the Pittsburgh garage of Frank and Flora Conrad. Set amongst a

presidential election and the fight for women’s suffrage, this performance is a “tuneful, engaging tour through little known history” (Washington Post) and airs Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. on YouTube. Tickets free with registration. Learn more at creativecauldron.org/on-airbroadcast.html.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Leesburg Pike Bluegrass Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-2370300. Tab Benoit. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria). 7:30 p.m. $39.50. 703-549-7500.

Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-2419504. The Sam C. Jones Band. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186. Form of Expression. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300. Smooth AF. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $8 – $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Mynx Classic Rock Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Bachelor Boys Band Presents Battle of The Decades — 80’s vs 90’s Hits. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $8 – $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

SuperFunk 5. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186.

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

Pictrola. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-237-0300.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20

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

Shartel & Hume Acoustic. JV’s

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 | PAGE 15

N�� B�� All FCCPS Classes Virtual on Thanksgiving Week Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan announced classes will be all-virtual during the two instructional days of Thanksgiving week. Noonan released the following statement Monday in the school system’s daily newsletter Tuesday morning and explained in detail at the School Board work session Tuesday night: “As we have stated all along, we have and will continue to review data and make decisions based on what we see with respect to health, operational, and instructional metrics. Today’s data we received from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Fairfax County Health District (FCHD) is not moving in a good direction. While we remain in the moderate category overall, we are continuing to see a rise in the NOVA region data and our home community of Falls Church City. As a consequence of remaining in the moderate range, we plan to continue bringing our elementary students to Mount Daniel Elementary School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School as planned tomorrow and for the remainder of this week. Our strong mitigation plan and small numbers have supported our reopening efforts in the face of rising metrics. We have had students in schools learning for over a month, with no pauses, exposures, or outbreaks. However, because next week is a short week and we see trends in the data that we don’t like, we will move to online-only for next week for all of our students. Again, we anticipate this will be for next week only and will continue to monitor the data. Students were only scheduled for one day of inperson learning next week due to the Thanksgiving break. This is a temporary pause.”

‘Use of Force’ Committee Circulates Citywide The City of Falls Church’s Use of Force Review (UFR) Committee has launched a survey to learn more about public perception of and experiences with the City’s Police Department and Sheriff’s office.

The survey is available at www. fallschurchva.gov/CFCsurvey and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020. This survey will not be statistically significant; rather, it will provide anecdotes to help the UFR Committee inform their work and eventually provide recommendations to the City Council. Once evaluated, this survey’s results will be available on the UFR Committee’s website, www.fallschurchva.gov/UFRC. The UFR Committee was formed by City Council in June 2020 as part of taking the Reimagining Policing Pledge from the Obama Foundation and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. The pledge calls on localities to review use of force policies, engage the community, report the findings to the community and seek feedback, and reform the use of force policies. The committee is comprised of seven members from the community, five City employees — including representatives from the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office — and one Public Schools employee. According to the National Institute of Justice, the use of force by law enforcement officers becomes necessary and is permitted under specific circumstances, such as in self-defense or in defense of another individual or group. According to a UFC statement, “There is no single, universally agreed-upon definition of use of force. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has described use of force as the ‘amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject.’”

F.C. Ed Foundation Auction, Party Box ‘Gala’ Ends Friday Instead of a party on the dance floor, the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) is bringing the party online to supporter homes. A $100 donation to the FCEF will register a household for an online auction and receive a special Roaring Twenties-themed “Party in a Box” delivery with many surprises to make the evening lively and fun, as well as a gift card for dinner. “Party in a Box” registrations must be completed tonight by 9:00 p.m. to ensure delivery the Friday ‘Gala’ night. The auction is live online through Friday, Nov.

20, with over 160 items, including camp, school perks, fitness, portraits, art, and more items. It’s free and can be accessed at fcedf.org.

Snyder Participates in Vaccine Trial Falls Church City Council member David Snyder, who has served on the Council since 1994, announced this week that he participated in a trial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. In a comment to the News-Press, Snyder stated, “Wanting to strike back against this pandemic, I was able to participate in the Moderna vaccine trial. The procedures and medical personnel are first rate and the experience rewarding. I hope now that we can move to full scale production and distribution. Operation Warp Speed has not created a shortcut for the safety and effectiveness phases but has speeded production and distribution once the vaccine is approved. When this occurs, I will be the strongest possible advocate for widespread vaccination so that lives can be saved, our economy strengthened and we can all again live life to the fullest.”

KW United – Falls Church Holding Annual Coat Drive KW United – Falls Church is holding its annual Winter Coat Drive until December 7. New and gently used coats can be dropped off in the lobby at 105 W. Broad Street Suite #200 (upstairs over Ireland’s Four Provinces). Donation pick-ups are available by contacting Alison Miller via call or text at 703-298-9495, or by email at alisonmiller@kw.com. Coats will be donated to the Willston Multicultural Center in Seven Corners. The Willston Center is a Fairfax County facility that provides a variety of services to children and families living in the neighborhood. For more information, visit KW United’s Facebook page.

Conte’s Bike Shop Moves to Falls Plaza Conte’s Bike Shop has moved to Falls Plaza at 1118 W. Broad Street in Falls Church. The new

THE NEW FACADE for the Mary Riley Styles Public Library is taking shape following roughly nine months of renovations so far. (P��: N��-P��) location is larger than its previous location on Leesburg Pike and features a purpose-built bike fitting studio designed to offer advanced, tech-forward fitting and performance testing services. The bicycle seller, which carries top brands like Cannondale, BMC, Specialized, and Pinarello, is open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit https://www.contebikes.com.

Kensington Falls Church Hosting Virtual Concert The Kensington Falls Church is hosting Thanksgiving Eve Virtual Concert on Wednesday, November 25 from 6 to 7 pm. The free event features a pre-recorded concert from the Kensington’s Activities Coordinator, Erin Clark, who will perform her favorite opera and theatre pieces. For more information, visit www.thekensingtonfallschurch.com.

Falls Church Distillers Hosting Pop-up Raw Bar Falls Church Distillers will host a pop-up raw bar with Arielle Oyster Company on Saturday, November 21 from 5 to 9 pm. The raw bar, which features wild organic salty seaside oysters, from

Virginia’s Eastern Shore, is on-site the first and third Saturday of each month. Falls Church Distillers is located at 442 S Washington Street in Falls Church. For more information about this and other events, visit www.fcdistillers.com.

Dominion Energy Offering Incentives for Businesses Dominion Energy is offering incentives to commercial customers for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure and data collection through its Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot program. Smart charging equipment enables charging stations to communicate with the charging network and provide charging utilization data to both site hosts and Dominion. Smart charging equipment also has the functionality to provide future grid services. The pilot program offers rebates to help cover the costs of “make-ready” infrastructure and the purchase and installation of approved charging equipment. Rebates will be available on a first come, first serve basis, while funding lasts. For more information, visit www.dominionenergy.com.  Business News in this section

is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@ fallschurchchamber.org.

PAGE 16 | NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2020

CLASSI F I E DS

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First Watch Restaurants, Inc., Trading as: First Watch #446, 5880 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, 22041. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer On Premises; Mixed Beverage On Premises. Jay Wolszczak, Secretary, Chief Legal Officer, Authorized Signatory First Watch Restaurants, Inc., the Operating Member of First Watch #446. 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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LIVESTOCK/FARM BCIA CULPEPER SENIOR BULL SALE, Saturday, December 12, Noon, Culpeper Agricultural Enterprise, Culpeper, VA. Selling 65 Angus, Gelbvieh Balancer, Simmental and SimAngus bulls. Catalog 540-231-9159. Sale information available at www.bcia.apsc.vt.edu. Sale available online at https://www.liveauctions.tv/

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NOTICE: The meeting for which this agenda has been posted will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. All participating members of Planning Commission will be present at this meeting through electronic means; and all members of the public are welcome to view the meeting at www.fallschurchva.gov/PC and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). On December 2, 2020, at 7:30 p.m., the City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a virtual public meeting. Public comments will be accepted electronically only until the end of the public hearing. Please submit comments to plan@fallschurchva. gov. The Planning Commission will consider the following items and recommendations to City Council: (TR20-33) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY HALF AN ACRE OF LAND KNOWN AS THE CITY LOT LOCATED ON PARK PLACE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBER 53-104-015) FROM “BUSINESS” TO “MIXED USE” ON THE CITY’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP, ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. (TR20-34) RESOLUTION (1) TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND (2) TO INCREASE THE BUILDING HEIGHT WITH A BONUS OF SIXTEEN (16) FEET TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF NINETY ONE (91) FEET FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON APPROXIMATELY 3.16 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 100 NORTH

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The Planning Commission will also consider the following item for recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals scheduled for December 17, 2020. VARIANCE APPLICATION V1618-20 BY FCGP DEVELOPMENT LLC, APPLICANT, FOR VARIANCES TO SEC. 48-933 TO ALLOW (1) THE STACKING OF PARKING SPACES AND (2) PLACEMENT OF COLUMNS LESS THAN THREE (3) FEET FROM THE DRIVE AISLE WITHIN A PARKING GARAGE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A PARKING GARAGE AND RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM ON PREMISES KNOWN AS 7124 LEESBURG PIKE, RPC #52-221-006 OF THE FALLS CHURCH REAL PROPERTY RECORDS, ZONED B-2, CENTRAL BUSINESS. Meeting agenda and materials will be available on the following page prior to the public meeting: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. The application materials for the Broad and Washington development proposal is available on the project webpage: http:// www.fallschurchva.gov/broadwashington This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)

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KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen Levy 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 hereb y 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.

My room to clean, Such a mess! A messy scene, I must confess!

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

28 35

36 40

41 46

49 52 55

23 25

Across

1. Hoped-for result of swiping right on Tinder 5. Atlanta train system 10. Sudden pain 14. Purple smoothie flavorer 15. Length of many a TV drama: Abbr. 16. On 17. What the best man holds for the groom 18. Lesser-played part of a 45 19. Alternative to Levi’s 20. Auto visibility aids with intermittent settings 23. Plays a sophomoric prank on, informally 24. “Star Trek” extras, for short 25. BBC sci-fi series, informally 28. Oscar-nominated actress for the 1993 movie “Shadowlands” 34. Suffix with cash 35. Cannon of “Heaven Can Wait” 37. ____ diet 38. SpongeBob or Scooby-Doo 40. More peculiar 42. Alphabet quartet 43. Toiletries holder 45. Big name in ice cream 47. Org. 48. Two-time Emmy winner for “30 Rock” 50. Some woodwinds 52. Green: Prefix 53. Sch. with a Phoenix campus 54. Day-to-day triumphs one should remember to celebrate ...

STRANGE BREW

1. Hoped-for result of swiping right on Tinder 5. Atlanta train system

NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2020 | PAGE 17

or what you can find in five boxes in this puzzle’s grid 62. Like racehorses’ feet 63. Eagle’s home 64. Elapse 65. VCR button 66. Crib parts 67. “Trainspotting” actor McGregor 68. Droops 69. Forecast around 32 degrees 70. Painter Magritte

Down 1. “The Voyage of the Beagle” writer 2. Amino ____ 3. They may be fake 4. Pizza slice, often 5. Man first mentioned in Exodus 2 6. Shade darker than azure 7. Comedian Foxx 8. What Wi-Fi can connect you to 9. Capricious 10. Yarn 11. It starts a bit before Christmas 12. “There _____ the neighborhood” 13. Short albums, for short 21. 2001 Apple debut 22. Standardized H.S. exam 25. NFL Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1988 26. Keep lubed, say 27. Composed, as an email 28. Stay-at-home ____ 29. Put the kibosh on 30. Flirtatious gestures

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

31. Beginning, informally 32. Accustom 33. Answers a party invitation 36. It may have you in an awkward position 39. “The Voice” airer 41. Dickens’s “The Mystery of ____ Drood” 44. Brother of Cain 46. Mediocre 49. Hanks’ “Apollo 13” role 51. Turkey ____ 53. “This is only ____” 54. ____ butter (moisturizer) 55. Using blades on blades 56. Says further 57. “Dies ____” (Latin hymn) 58. Mention in a footnote 59. “____ you one!” 60. Israel’s Abba 61. End of a song at a New Year’s Eve party 62. Many promgoers: Abbr. Last Thursday’s Solution K U N I S I R A T E M I S O C A R M I S F I M A N T I S A G U A S M I S C H I A C E Y M T O M I S T A K A D H O C R E A R M L A Y S A L A L S O

J A N E T

A V A N T

D A I D D A

O N B A T E F O I T E G E T O V I I S L G E E O T R

S T P V A B E T E T E A F S T A S O N E H E A M E A D M I I N

L E O N I

A L E N E

B E M A D

L A Y E R

D F L A T

A F A R

I N G S H A A L L

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

10. Sudden pain 14. Purple smoothie flavorer 15. Length of many a TV drama: Abbr. 16. On 17. What the best man holds for the groom 18. Lesser-played part of a 45 19. Alternative to Levi's 20. Auto visibility aids with intermittent settings 23. Plays a sophomoric prank on, informally

24. "Star Trek" extras, for short 25. BBC sci-fi series, informally 28. Oscar-nominated actress for the 1993 movie "Shadowlands" Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

1 NICK KNACK

11/15/20

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. © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

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PAGE 18 | NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 35 • November 16, 1995 City Manager, Mayor Answer TV News Charges of Personal Misconduct & Professional Mismanagement “I want to begin by thanking every employee and citizen for their expression of support during the recent Channel 7 and Fairfax Journal attacks on City employees, my family and me. I’ve been in public service since 1977 and I have always been ready.”

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 38 • November 18, 2010 4-Year Court Struggle Over Water Ends With Final Setback for F.C. “We’d already assumed the worst,” Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields told the News-Press in an exclusive interview Tuesday. The worst, indeed, occurred Monday with the announcement that the Virginia Supreme Court declined to reconsider.

D.C. Theater Fixture, F.C. Resident Tom Prewi� Dies William Thompson (Tom) Prewitt, 63, died unexpectedly at his home in Alexandria on Wednesday, Nov. 11. A longtime area theater director, he dedicated his life to championing the performing arts and empowering those who shared his passion for the stage. Tom lived in Falls Church City with his wife and son from 1995 to 2015, volunteering as a coach for many youth basketball and little league baseball teams. He was an avid amateur chef, filmgoer, and stargazer whose unquenchable thirst for reading was reflected in the numerous late fees he accumulated at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee., he was class president at White Station High School before heading north to attend Harvard University, where he graduated with honors in 1979. An educator at heart, he went on to teach English and theater at prep schools in Memphis and Simsbury, Conn., and later at NYU, Manhattanville College, University of Maryland, and George Mason University. He also engaged with numerous community nonprofits to connect younger

generations with the arts. For 25 years Tom was a fixture in the DC theater scene, directing 11 shows at the Woolly Mammoth Theater Company; receiving Helen Hayes nominations (Outstanding Resident Production and Outstanding New Play) for Ian Cohen’s “Lenny and Lou;” and winning the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play for Karen Zacarias’ “Sins of Sor Juana.” Since 2013, Tom served as Executive and Artistic Director at Avant Bard Theatre in Arlington, where his bold creative vision brought to life both classical texts (his production of “King John” was set in a Cold War-era nuclear fallout bunker) and new projects such as “Visible Language,” a musical at Gallaudet University sung in English and American Sign Language. Among colleagues he was known as a sensitive, kind soul who led with an open mind, listened with an open ear, and loved to laugh. Tom is survived by his wife (Eun-Joo Chang); son (Alex Prewitt), father (James A. Prewitt III, of Memphis, TN); siblings Andy, Merrin and Ben; and numerous nieces, nephews and

KONA (left) and Jackson (right) are really taking their social distancing seriously, especially after news of Covid-19 cases spiking all over the country. Kona is 13, after all, and you just can’t be too carful, even with your housemates! Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

TOM PREWITT cousins. He will be dearly missed by countless family, friends and others whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Avant Bard Theatre (www.wscavantbard.org/ donate) or to your favorite local arts organization. A virtual memorial service will be held in the near future. For details please email tom.prewitt.memorial@gmail. com.

Share Curiosity. Read Together. www.read.gov

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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NOVEMBER 19 – 25, 2020 | PAGE 19

Thanksgiving Dine-In & Takeout Options Around Falls Church by Patricia Leslie

Falls Church News-Press

Many won’t be going to Grandma’s house this year for this non-traditional traditional Thanksgiving, but for those staying at home and missing the good fare and family time, there’s no need to give up the one day when we can gorge ourselves and express thanks for the bounty we have. Falls Church restaurants have plentiful and varied menus to deliver or serve you at the curb with wine to suggest for your repast. Outdoor seating is available at most local restaurants and a few are open on Thanksgiving Day. Managers and owners emphasize their “clean Covid” policies in force to protect customers and employees. Order online or by phone.

Thompson Italian The feature for Thanksgiving at Thompson Italian (124 N. Washington St., Falls Church) is its “Everything But the Turkey Box” to feed from four to six ($185). The dinner (available Saturday through Wednesday for pickup) comes with housemade potato rolls, garlic mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, Italian sausage or kale and mushroom dressing, roasted Brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, and apple crumb or pumpkin pie. Side dishes are available to be purchased separately and Thompson’s also has trays of autumn squash salad, roasted and pickled market pears, spicy pork meatballs, pork loin and more. Desserts include a cranberry tart, apple cinnamon bread pudding and pumpkin tiramisu. Several gluten-free selections are on the menu. Order online at thompsonitalian.com before Nov. 25 with pickup between 4 – 8 p.m. Nov. 22 – 25. For more information, call 703-269-0893.

Northside Social Falls Church Northside Social Falls Church, (205 Park Ave., Falls Church), is open Thanksgiving Day, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Pre-orders for its pumpkin, pecan, apple or chocolate chip expresso cookie dough pies ($31 or $32) must be placed by 5 p.m. on Nov. 22. Pies will be sold individually as long as supplies last. The restaurant offers chicken and

vegetable pot pies ($37 - $42) and quiches of roasted squash and goat cheese or ham, gruyere, and spinach (both $32). Hors d’oeuvres include deviled eggs with bacon ($28/dozen) and a house-smoked salmon platter ($65 for 25). For football fans who watch the games while the cooks work, Northside Social has a mimosa kit ($20), a brunch basket ($35) and wings to keep the fanatics at bay before they explode when they finally sit down at the table (if they make it that far from the couch). For more information, visit www.northsidesocialva.com or call 703-992-8650.

Bawadi Mediterranean Grill Bawadi Mediterranean Grill at Seven Corners (6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), will be open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a buffet ($18.99, adults; $10.99, children) and all the trimmings, including rice with turkey or lamb. chicken kabobs, spinach, cranberry sauce, rolls, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, okra, bread crumbs and more. The restaurant has many lamb and seafood dishes for those who eschew poultry. Bawadi sells turkeys from 12 to 16 pounds for $99, traditional sides ($10), and pies ($10), which must be pre-ordered before Thanksgiving and can be picked up on Thanksgiving Day as late as 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.bawadidc.com or call 703-845-1600.

Panjshir Restaurant Panjshir Restaurant (114 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church), which serves authentic Afghan cuisine, is a place for vegetarians and others who may shun the bird. Panjshir has a combo vegetarian dish for $18 with choice of three entrees ranging from sautéed pumpkin or eggplant with homemade yogurt, tomato sauce, and spinach rice to carrots, prunes, walnuts, and chickpeas with tomato sauce and white basmati rice to turnips cooked in onions, ginger, and brown sugar with rice (each, priced separately at $13). The restaurant has entrees of lamb dishes, dumplings filled with scallions or ground beef ($18) and many varieties of kabobs ($14 to $24). Or, try “mushroom palow” with chicken chunks sautéed in sour cream with mushrooms seasoned with special Afghan spices

THE CRANBERRY TART is one of the dessert offerings that can be purchased at Thompson Italian for Thanksgiving with the family or in a personal bubble. (Photo: Erika LaChance/Thompson Italian) ($18). For more information, visit panjshirrestaurant.com or call 703-536-4566.

Liberty Barbecue Liberty Barbecue (370 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be open from 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Pre-orders for a “Thanksgiving Bundle” serving from 10 to 12 are available for $210. The bundle comes with an average 14-pound turkey and stuffing, red “skin-on” mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato purée, turkey gravy and cranberry relish which may be ordered separately. (Order before 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve or buy onsite as long as supplies last.) Liberty has a solo dinner, too, of a platter for $22 which comes with a half pound of turkey (your choice of dark or white meat), potatoes, green beans, turkey gravy, and cranberry relish. Liberty also has whole smoked hams, briskets, turkeys, wings, and half or full racks of ribs. To finish off, choose from pumpkin, pecan, and apple pie (from $31) and a quart of vanilla ice cream ($12). For more information, visit libertyfallschurch.com or call 703-237-8227.

Ireland’s Four Provinces Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be open Thanksgiving Day from noon – 6 p.m. and lists a “dine-in”

classic to eat at the restaurant or take home a feast. The “dine-in” special ($34.99, adults; $15.99, children under age 12, and free for children under age three) starts with a soup or salad, followed by turkey, turkey gravy, housemade stuffing and mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, glazed yams, and homemade cranberry sauce. Dessert is a choice of apple or pumpkin pie a la mode or housemade bread pudding with vanilla bean sauce. Ireland’s “take home” variety is $23.99 per serving and includes an eight ounce turkey breast, housemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole and a piece of pumpkin pie. And for additional enjoyment, Ireland’s is hosting its first ever “Thanksgiving Blanket Contest” on its heated outdoor patio. Take along your favorite Thanksgiving (or fall) blanket for a picture session with you and whomever all curled up, and compete for two prizes! (Which turkeys are the judges?) Hurry since the contest ends Thanksgiving Eve when the turkeys go home to roost. For more information visit 4psva.com or call 703-534-8999.

And the “Leftovers”... Hurry up to place orders at Open Road, 571-395-4400, and Trio Grill, 703-992-9200, both at 8100 Lee Highway, since the deadline to pre-order is Thursday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. (Pickup on Nov.

25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) The duo have a special takeout menu where $80 will buy two dinners or spend $155 and serve four to six. Meals come with rolls, cranberry relish, green bean amandine, garlic mashed potatoes, sage stuffing, “Brussels and blue,” a pumpkin or pecan pie and a choice of ham, turkey breast or beef tenderloin. More sides are available including a maple Old Fashioned for $30 (yes, $30 for a drink. We double-checked). Items sold separately. Visit openroadgrill.com and triomerrifield.com for more information. For some in your bunch who may resist traditional Thanksgiving fare, Falls Church has plenty of options. Try Sweet Rice Thai (1113 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 703-241-8582/ sweetricethai.net, or, across the street, Haandi Indian Cuisine (1222 W. Broad St., Falls Church) 703-533-3501/haandi.com, which are both open on Thanksgiving. For those craving still more, how about a pumpkin pie milkshake recipe from Giant? Purée until smooth one small slice of pumpkin pie, one cup of skim milk and ¼ cup vanilla ice cream, adding more milk if necessary. This dessert treat will add a few more calories to the holiday’s intake, but who’s counting calories when everyone is counting the number of days to the end of this terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad year? (Thank you, author Judith Viorst.)

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PAGE 20 | NOVEMBER 19 - 25, 2020

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