Falls Church News-Press 11-2-2017

November 2 – 8, 2017

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

FOUN D ED 1991 • VOL. X X V I I NO. 37

F���� C����� • T����� C����� • M��������� • M�L��� • N���� A�������� • B�����’� C���������

I����� T��� W��� C����� H��� P��� S�� F�� N�� P���������

The City of Falls Church is currently renovating the Cherry Hill Park playground and intends to re-open the site right in time for the winter holiday season this December. New features will serve older and younger children SEE PAGE 8

C������ �� 7 C������ F�� B��� S������

Frantic Final Weekend Before Nov. 7 Election Looms Statewide & in F.C. H�������� �� ��� L����� C���

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Former secretary of state and Democratic party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will be at the Barnes & Noble at Seven Corners shopping center tomorrow to sign copies of her memoir about the 2016 presidential election, titled, What Happened

was a sweet resolution.

“I’m very glad the school board made the right choice and they were finally able to come to a real compromise,” Nebal Maysaud, a 2013 Stuart alumnus, said. “People can embody ideas and the [motion] was specific in that this is an idea shared among Louis Mendez, Justice Thurgood Marshall and Barbara Rose Johns.”

Stephen Spitz, an advocate for the name change and the ear-

There’s one final, frenetic weekend to go before the most important election in the U.S. this year. All Virginians, including residents of the City of Falls Church, are being called to weigh in at ballot boxes next Tuesday for the first time since the presidential election of a year ago. Virginia and New Jersey are the only states in the U.S. with elections next week, and Virginia’s is the only one involving serious challenges – for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.

The whole nation will be watching to see how voter sentiment has been impacted in the year since the election of Donald Trump.

While that impact will be reflected mostly in the statewide races, there are races for state delegate seats all around the commonwealth, and the one indicator already established is that there have never been so many contested elections, due mostly to an upsurge in candidates qualifying to run as Democrats all over historically and predominantly Republican rural areas of the state.

This election also hits right in the lap of Falls Church, not just in terms of the statewide races, but for majorities on both its City Council and School Board, and perhaps as the most impactful item, a school bond referendum that will either pass or fail with a “Yes” or a “No” vote.

A final debate of F.C. School Board members was slated to after press time last night, and in an 11th hour development, F.C. Mayor David Tarter and School Board vicechair Phil Reitinger issued a joint statement urging a “Yes” vote on

Continued on Page 5

Continued on Page 4

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9

D���� B�����: T�� I������� �� P�������

When politics is used as a cure for spiritual and social loneliness, it’s harder to win people over with policy or philosophical arguments.

Everything is shaped on a deeper level, through the parables, fables and myths that our most fundamental groups use to define themselves.

SEE PAGE 14

M���� F������� L���� F����� S������� G��� George Mason Mustang football lost for the fourth consecutive week to powerhouse Clarke County High School, 42-7, bringing their record to 5-4.

SEE SPORTS, PAGE 17

INDEX

Editorial................... 6 Letters..................... 6 News & Notes 10–11 Comment ...........12-14 Calendar ......... 18–19

Sports .................17 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ..........21 Business News ...22 Critter Corner......22 Classified Ads .....23

School Referendum Endorsement Issued

By Tarter, Reitinger

A PLETHORA of Trick-or-Treaters blanketed Falls Church Tuesday night, with costumes ranging from playful to downright scary. Generous City residents deserve kudos, but the parents enduring late-night sugar highs are clearly the real heroes. (P����: N���-P����)

School Board Decides on ‘Justice High’ as J.E.B. Stuart’s New Name

BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The Fairfax County School Board concluded the two and a half year name change process of J.E.B Stuart High School on Oct. 26 when the board voted 7-4 in favor of renaming Stuart to Justice High School by no later than the start of the 2019-20 school year. The motion looks to get the ball rolling soon by prompting Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand to implement a name-change plan by Dec. 14.

Mason district representative Sandy Evans, who authored the motion, suggested the name “Justice” as a catch-all term that would honor the efforts of civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns, renowned attorney Justice Thurgood Marshall and local war hero Col. Louis G. Mendez, Jr., who received the second, third and fifth most votes, respectively, in a community poll conducted in September. For a small, but dedicated crowd that hung around during the nearly fivehour agenda item, the victory

PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Presenting Sponsorship:

Musical Stage Sponsorship:

Cruise-In Sponsorship: R

It’s FUN, It’s FREE, It’s FIRSTfriday!

Jefferson Street Artists

Participating Restaurants: Argia’s Italian Restaurant, Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Eden Center, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Mad Fox Brewing Company

Participating Businesses: Allstate, Art and Frame of Falls Church, BalletNova, Don Beyer Auto Group, Burke & Herbert Bank, Creative Cauldron, Eden Center, Falls Church Foot & Ankle Center, Falls Church News-Press, Quinn’s Auction Galleries

FREE Ice Cream by Lazy Sundae FREE Sweets by Cafe Kindred

Come experience FIRSTfriday of Falls Church with featured artists, live music, dining specials, retail discounts, and more!

Bring this coupon with you this Friday, November 3rd to receive special FIRSTfriday offers and discounts at our participating businesses and restaurants, including: Argia's Italian Restaurant* • Clare and Don's Beach Shack* • Art and Frame of Falls Church* • Creative Cauldron * dine-in only available throughout the month with coupon

Wine Tasting by Monroe Bay Winery

This Friday is FIRSTfriday of Falls Church

Friday, November 3rd

• Exhibit entitled “Familiar Faces”

by Larry Quick • Performance

by Tradin’ Eights

Alison Kutchma For

School Board Advocate For: ● ● ● ●

Financial accountability Leadership with integrity Construction project oversight Resource allocation for the best outcomes for all of our students

A Proven Voice for Falls Church City Schools!

Vote Tuesday, November 7th www.alisonkutchmaforschoolboard.com

Working to Put Every Student First Paid for by Friends of Alison Kutchma

facebook.com/FIRSTfridayFC twitter.com/FIRSTfridayFC

FIRSTfridayoffallschurch.com

VOTE

Ross Litkenhous Falls Church City Council

Smart Growth • Strong Schools Community First Expertise to Face Challenges Ahead Property Tax Expert Commercial Real Estate Advisor Economic Development Experience

Commitment to Our City’s Future Board of Zoning Appeals Member Daughters in Falls Church Public Schools Husband of Small Business Owner in Falls Church

WWW.ROSSLITKENHOUS.ORG Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Ross Likenhous

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 3

JD Sold More Homes Last Year in Falls Church Than Any Other Agent!

Per MRIS

Rental in FC!

JD CALLANDER Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide

#1 Agent, COMPANYWIDE

$1,590,000

$1,349,000

201 E. Jefferson Street, Falls Church

WONDERFUL 5BR/4.5 BA brick colonial home on 3 finished levels in Falls Church City! Gorgeous island kit w/ breakfast bar; lofted ceiling family rm w/ stone frpl and walkout to deck; sparkling hdwd floors; luxury owner’s suite!

6636 Gordon Avenue, Falls Church

FABULOUS 5BR/5.5 BA BRAND NEW HOME in desired location! Luxury gourmet kit; open floorplan; family room w/ coffered ceiling; huge LL rec room, media room, BR & full BA; Wonderful designs and custom touches throughout!

$2,900

2123 Reynolds Street

LOVELY 3BR/2BA home in Haycock, Longfellow & McLean school district!

New paint; updated kit; sparkling hdwd floors; moments to WFC Metro!

703.606.7901

JD@newNOVAhome.com www.newNOVAhome.com # 1 Listing Agent #1 Selling Agent #1 Total Volume #1 Total Transactions Weichert/Dolley Madison Office Weichert 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd McLean, VA 22101 703-760-8880

*OPEN* SUN 11/5 2-4 pm!

2522 Buckelew Drive, Falls Church

$699,000

GREAT OPPORTUNITY in this spacious 6BR/4 full bath home on 3 finished levels in McLean High School pyramid! Open floor plan with hardwood floors; fireplace; vaulted ceilings; huge addition with great room. Tons of space! Fullyfinished walk-out lower level; large treed, level back yard on over 1/4 acre!

3023 Cedarwood Lane, Falls Church

$949,000

SPACIOUS 4BR/4.5BA home with stunning addition and gorgeous yard located on over half acre! Updated gourmet kitchen with granite counters and breakfast bar; hardwood floors; 2 fireplaces; open lower level rec room; two main level owner’s suites! Sunny screened porch with skylights opens to large, treed backyard!

Call Me Today for a Free Analysis of Your Home’s Value!

Shannon Litton for School Board Falls Church City Public Schools Vote November 7th!

Pat Giannelli Associate Broker Re/Max West End

703-624-1728

For Rent!

PR IC

ER ED

UC

ED

forsalebypatrick@gmail.com

As a parent and an education professional, Shannon has the experience we need as we build the education system of the future in Falls Church. She will provide thoughtful and collaborative leadership, and focus on these priorities: ●

Meeting the needs of every child

●

Supporting teachers and staff

●

Addressing our infrastructure needs

●

Ensuring Falls Church remains a ‘Lifelong Community’

2300 Pimmit Dr #1016, Falls Church, VA Beautifully Maintained Condo in Idylwood Towers. Largest condo in the building, boasts 3 bed and 3 bath and a spacious balcony w/ sweeping views. Includes storage, parking, pool, gym, tennis, party rooms. Walk to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, short drive Tyson’s Corner & Mosaic District.

Less than 1 mile to two metros & I66.

FOR RENT $2150. Ask Pat about the Special Move-In Discount.

http://shannonforschoolboard17.weebly.com/

703-596-5303 Paid for by Friends of Shannon Litton

710 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046

Whether you're buying, selling, or just need friendly advice - Call Pat

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Electoral Campaigns Go Full Throttle in Final Push Before Tuesday

Continued from Page 1 the referendum.

“Personally, we support the referendum,” they wrote. “Falls Church is a special place, with a friendly, small-town feel. Our schools are among the best in the region and reflect our shared values,” they wrote. “Yet, we cannot rest on our laurels, nor stop the clock. We must adapt and continue to invest in our future. A modern, 21st century school facility will ensure that education remains at the forefront of our community.”

The complete statement is posted in the “Yes” site online.

The quick rundown of what next Tuesday’s ballot looks like is this: For Virginia governor, it is Democrat Ralph Northam versus Republican Ed Gillespie and Libertarian Clifford Hyra.

For Virginia lieutenant governor, it is Republican Jill Vogel versus Democrat Justin Fairfax.

For Virginia attorney general, it is Democrat incumbent Mark Herring versus Republican John Adams.

For Virginia house of delegates from the 53rd District it is Democrat incumbent Marcus Simon ver-

sus independent Mike Casey.

For Falls Church’s Commissioner of the Revenue, Sheriff and Treasurer, it is incumbents Tom Clinton, Steve Bittle and Jody Acosta, all running unopposed.

For Falls Church City Council, four seats are being contested by six candidates, including incumbent David Snyder, incumbent Dan Sze, incumbent Marybeth Connelly, Ross Litkenhous, Dan Maller and Spencer Parsons. All but Parsons have run active campaigns.

For Falls Church School Board, four seats are being contested by six candidates, including incumbent Lawrence Webb, Gregory Anderson, Alison Kutchma, Shawna Russell, Richard Crespin and Shannon Litton.

The School Bond referendum asks voters the following question: “Shall the City of Falls Church, Virginia, contract a debt and issue its general obligation bonds not to exceed one hundred twenty million dollars for the purpose of paying the costs incident to constructing, expanding, reconstructing, renovating, equipping and/or re-equipping, in whole or in part, a new or improved high school and part of a middle school in the City

DEMOCRATIC gubernatorial candidate, Ralph Northam (center, speaking), enters the home stretch of his campaign this week against Republican opponent, Ed Gillespie (Photo: News-Press) of Falls Church, and shall Ordinance No. 1976 of the City authorizing the issuance of such bonds be effective?” It is be followed by boxes for a “Yes” and a “No” vote.

Voters have already and will continue to cast absentee ballots by mail or at the Registrar’s office at City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, through Monday, and come Tuesday, Nov. 7, three polling places in the City will be open from 6 a.m.

– 7 p.m. The locations are Thomas Jefferson School, 601 S. Oak, the

Oakwood Apartments, 501 Roosevelt in the Main Building conference room, and the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St. The News-Press endorsements for the election are contained in its editorial on Page 6 of this edition.

The school bond referendum has received overwhelming support from the City’s leaders, including Tarter and Reitinger mentioned above, incumbent School Board chair Lawrence Webb, all

the City’s parent-teacher (and student) associations, the F.C. Chamber of Commerce, and former Superintendent Dr. Robert Schiller.

State Del. Simon has said he’s hoping a high voter turnout in the City and Northern Virginia will help “pad” the lead for the Democrats’ statewide ticket, which is facing a very close outcome. Recent days’ strongly negative turn in the advertising for the gubernatorial race, in particular, has heightened concern.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

‘Justice’ is Served to Stuart Residents, Now Focus Shifts to Clarifying Costs Continued from Page 1

liest public supporter of renaming the school after Marshall, was also “elated” with the result. Though he won’t let the name alone serve as a victory.

Spitz intends to prod the county about ensuring each figure gets their due in the new school. His early ideas include giving each figure a physical space within the school, incorporating their historical significance into the school’s curriculum and hosting a ceremony where Mendez’s children and Cecilia Suyat, Marshall’s widow, would speak to help commemorate the renaming.

However, the final decision wasn’t handed down without dissent. Original supporters of keeping the name “Stuart,” prior to the board’s July 27 decision to enact the name change, shifted their advocacy around Mendez as the school’s new moniker. To Joe Pisciotta, the board’s decision to go with “Justice” as the new name was a “mockery,” and was another moment where he believed the board ignored their own process.

Pisciotta wasn’t alone in his thinking.

“It’s simple. Follow the basics of politics and if a majority of the community wanted that name, you pick that name. They’re overcomplicating it,” Haseeb Khan, a junior at Stuart, said. “People voted for ‘Justice Thurgood Marshall High School,’ they didn’t vote for ‘Justice’ only...they’re making that up themselves.”

The split in the audience’s opinion was mirrored in the board’s discussion. One-by-one, the individual motions featuring Johns, Marshall, Mendez and a different iteration of Stuart as the new name were voted down in tight margins, with Mendez being the closest by failing to pass in a 6-6 tie.

Springfield district representative Elizabeth Schultz has been a vocal critic of the board’s procedure throughout. While some of her problems with the board aren’t exclusive to this name change process, such as the lack of transparency in the board’s work and tendency to slow dialogue after a majority is achieved, she feels her

colleagues enforced their will over the community in this vote.

“I don’t accept the premise that this was a compromise,” Schultz said, who supported Mendez as the new name. “There was a very clear and distinct process set forward...[but] the advertised process should’ve been ‘We’re going to feign community engagement and, in the end, we’ll decide what’s best.’ If [the board] had said that upfront, there would’ve been a real, true public outcry that we have no intention of honoring or respecting anything we’re telling the public that we’re going to do.”

Evans took issue with the claims that insinuate she and her fellow board members didn’t respect the community’s input throughout the process, particularly in this fall’s name vote or in the May 2016 survey on whether or not the name should’ve been changed at all.

She recalled spending an extensive amount of time reading through the 2016 survey comments and found most objections to the change were cost-related, not arguments for Stuart. Evans

also felt the survey’s hit-or-miss response rate clouded the community consensus. For this fall’s vote, the olive branch of keeping “Stuart,” the most-voted for name at the September vote, backfired while the umbrella term “Justice” was a fitting way to represent all the historical figures brought forward by the community.

“By the time we got to the vote on the name, we realized that rather than being a way to unify people [Stuart] was just another way they were divided,” Evans said, who noted that “Justice” was on the ballot and wasn’t a creation of the board. “With that, I felt that by combining the three names you get by far the most votes and honor all three people, so we did listen to the community by coming up with this name.”

Last Thursday’s atmosphere still possessed the distasteful elements of the lengthy process.

One attendee jeered brazenly and enthusiastically when a speaker recollected their personal grievances with white supremacy. And when another speaker announced he was reading a letter on behalf of a student who feared for their safety for speaking against the name change, a chorus of chuckles was audible.

One area where the community may be able to rally around

NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017 | PAGE 5

is the cost of the name change.

Originally projected between $600,000 – $900,000, murmurings that the estimates could be inflated began to permeate following the meeting. Unlike some community members, Evans and Schultz refused to criticize the work of their staff that compiled the estimates, although Evans did cite a few areas where the estimate may be eligible for trimming. That included painting over the “J.E.B” on the football field instead of installing new turf and potentially acquiring band uniform replacements through cheaper avenues.

As the board and Brabrand scrub the numbers prior to Dec. 14, there’s a chance a hard cost estimate may be significantly lower than expected.

If Evans’ inklings are right – that most people were opposed to the change due to financial reasons – news of a reduced cost could help pacify any residual concerns.

But that’s down the line. In the short term, the community looks to rekindle some feelings of normalcy after a bitter and, at times, confounding process.

For the sake of their neighbors, and most importantly, the students themselves, it’s the only way forward following this exhausting saga.

PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017



One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers, Serving N. Virginia

(Published Weekly by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXVII, No. 37 November 2 – 8, 2017 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N������� F. B����� O���� � E�����-I�-C���� �������������.���

J��� F������ M������� ������

�������������.���

M��� D������ N��� E�����

�������������.���

N��� G��� A���������� S������� A������������ ����������.���

H���� W������ C����������

�������������.���

C������ C����, T�� W������ C��������� T�� W���� C��� E����� J���� I����� C���������� M������

�������������.���

T� C������ ��� N���-P���� �����: 703-532-3267 ���: 703-342-0347 �����: ���������.��� ������� ����������� ��������.��� ���������� ��� �������������.��� ������� �� ��� ������ ������������.��� ������������� ������������ � �������� �������������.���

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2017 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E D I TO R I A L

E��������

Nov. 7 Election Endorsements

Next Tuesday, Nov. 7, there is a Virginia-wide general election, one of only two statewide elections in the U.S. this year. It is the first one since the controversial presidential election of a year ago when Hillary Clinton won Virginia but Donald Trump won the national Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by three million. The entire nation will be watching this one.

Statewide, there has been a heated race for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, and also for all the state delegate seats. In the City of Falls Church, there have been contested races for the City Council and School Board, and for and against the passage of a school bond referendum to replace the now outdated and undersized 65-yearold George Mason High School. From top to bottom, and mindful of the consequences of last November’s presidential election result, and with the entire nation looking for a signal, we strongly urge everyone who can to vote next Tuesday, or by absentee ballot before if appropriate. It is doubly important this time.

Below are our endorsements. Your newspaper of record in Falls Church, the Falls Church News-Press, is basing our endorsements on having covered virtually every City Council and School Board meeting, and every special meeting pertaining to the City, its schools and way of life. We’ve shared our findings with our readers every week. Our endorsements are not based on hearsay or prejudice, but are informed and are in the interest of good government and the well being of our readers and their families. Aside from our government officials, no one has been more thorough in examining and evaluating these matters than your local paper.

In statewide races, we endorse Ralph Northam for governor, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor and Mark Herring for attorney general. We endorse Marcus Simon as our state delegate representing Falls Church.

In local Falls Church races, we endorse a “Yes” vote on the school bond referendum. We endorse incumbents Marybeth Connelly, David Snyder and Dan Sze and first-time candidate Ross Litkenhous for City Council. We endorse incumbent Lawrence Webb and candidates Gregory Anderson, Shawna Russell and Richard Crespin for the School Board.

For us, aside from personal character and qualifications, the key issue involved in our endorsements has been the overwhelmingly compelling need for the passage of the school bond referendum and the contribution it will make to maintaining the world-class school system here. This is a good in itself, but it also provides a vital “value added” factor to local real estate values and an accompanying development plan calls for freeing 10 acres of the school campus site for dense commercial development that will significantly offset the cost to citizens of the new school. Were the referendum to lose, citizens would actually pay more in taxes for patchwork on the old school while losing the edge that having an outstanding school system represents.

L������

Be Informed on F.C.’s School Bond Referendum Editor, This addresses your biased and myopic editorial from Oct. 19. I support growth, development etc. but, seek well-designed plans that consider equally all citizens’ interests without harming those who have limited time, schedules, incomes and resources. The referendum lacks effective planning, organizing, and leading that ensure successful projects. Personal agendas have priority over effective and

established practices of business, economic and comprehensive programs. For 60+ years the school’s supporters have deployed sketchy material for their “blank check” approach mostly defending their spending tactics to anyone who questions the increases with, “You must not like children!” Do others districts’ parents love their children less by maintaining reasonable school budget approaches? Why deny your children the extensive

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

P������� 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy.

3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment.

4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe.

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in.

7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

ADVERTISE IN THE

The News-Press is delivered to every household and many businesses in the City of Falls Church (22046), and to many homes and businesses (but not all) in the adjacent 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 and 22205 zip codes. Its total circulation of 15,000 per issue is greater than any other newspaper in the distribution area, including dailies. For complete advertising information, call us or check out our web site.

Call 532-3267 x2274 or visit www.FCNP.com

All original and some syndicated content is accessible via the Falls Church News-Press online site, www.FCNP.com.

FCNP.com also includes photos, stories, ads and more not appearing in the print edition.

For information on online advertising, please contact Nick Gatz at 703-532-3267 or ngatz@fcnp.com.

ONLINE

activities, opportunities and diversity available in other programs?

For cost comparisons see the Oct. 19 letter for new school projects and read the history of this city’s actions concerning education, civil rights, cost-per-student and cost analysis of past projects.

Young parents will endure the substantial burdens as they will be paying this bill well into their golden years. There will always be hidden costs, resource shortages and questionable agendas. Be “aware that we are unaware!” Taxes will substantially increase yearly with this bond’s approval! It is your vote. Please be informed or “take a leap of faith.”

John Boeddeker Falls Church

Thanks to Those Who Helped Catch Dog On the Loose Editor, Last month, I was walking my daughter’s dog down W. Broad when she pulled me down and got out of her harness. I was so lucky that a couple came to my rescue.

The woman ran to find the dog, the man helped me and both walked me back to my condo with the dog.

I didn’t get their names but I hope they read this and know how much their kindness and help meant to me.

Paula Clary Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� Straight, White, Wealthy, Able-Bodied, Christian Male B� T�� R������� J��� O����

Dear reader, if you are LGBT, or a person of color, or economically poor, or female, or living with a disability, or Muslim or Jewish, or don’t identify with any faith tradition, thank you for reading, but please know that this plea is not directed at you. Instead, I have a question for those who, like me, are straight, white, wealthy, male, able-bodied, and Christian.

(And by the way, by “wealthy,” I don’t mean Bill-Gates-wealthy or famous-actorwealthy. I mean relatively wealthy, which is most of us.)

My plea stems from a racism reconciliation workshop I recently attended at Dulin United Methodist Church, and is indebted to a panel discussion at Temple Micah in Washington, D.C. The discussion had to do with “what is the role of the religious voice in the pubic square?”

However you define “the public square” – and with the advent of television and the internet, the definition is changing – the public square is the place or places where people show up and speak up. The public square is where people have a voice, and a say.

One of the takeaways from the Temple Micah discussion is that the public square is noisy. And part of the reason the public square is so noisy is that there are so many more people in it. So many people are aggrieved, and airing their grievances.

That is not a bad thing. That is a good thing – a very good thing. As one of the panelists, Riv-Ellen Prell, a professor at the University of Minnesota pointed out, our

“What I mean is this: I think the Colin Kaepernicks of the world...Those people represent not just their individual causes, but their very presence in the public square reminds us of something bigger going on.”

country is wrestling with an important question: “who – by law and social custom – is entitled to speak, and have a say, and make a difference?”

Here’s the thing: in this country, for too many years, those of us who are straight, white, wealthy, male, able-bodied, and Christian had a monopoly on that public square.

We were the ones – pretty much the only ones – who were entitled to speak, have a say, and make a difference.

But over the years, there’s been a broadening going on, as our country wrestled with the questions of “who is entitled to show up, speak, have a say, make a difference?”

Over the years, the public square has expanded as more people and voices were added: people of various faiths and of no faith tradition. Workers. The poor. Women.

People of color. People who are LGBT. Those insights from Temple Micah help me make sense of the controversies over NFL players kneeling during the national anthem, bakery-owners refusing to make wedding cakes for gay couples, and the removal of Confederate monuments.

Because when I see how visceral those controversies are – how deeply emotional and intense they are – it tells me that something more is going on than just the physical actions of someone taking a knee, baking a cake, or removing a piece of granite or bronze.

And I think the “something more going on” is that the people behind the controversies are more than individuals: they represent, and remind us of, something larger going on.

What I mean is this: I think the Colin Kaepernicks of this world – and the David Mullins and Charlie Craigs of this world (the gay couple suing the Colorado bakery), and the anti-Confederate monument people – those people represent not just their individual causes, but their very presence in the public square reminds us of something

bigger going on.

And that’s the end of the straight, white, wealthy, male, able-bodied, Christian monopoly.

Which brings me to the question I want to ask of you, my fellow monopolizers: Would you join me in just being quiet and listening for a while?

We need to listen. Really listen – not just nod and wait for our turn to speak again.

We need to stand with people long enough to hear them – really hear them.

That’s a new role for most of us. And it’s a much more difficult role than the one we’re used to playing, which is hogging the microphone, spotlight, and power.

But again, the problem is not more people and voices in the public square, the problem is that people are talking AT each other instead of WITH each other.

When people don’t feel they are being heard, they talk louder. And I don’t know about you, but when people talk louder, I either talk louder myself, or plug my ears and retreat.

So – in the best spirit of American egalitarianism and democracy – instead of fighting against free enterprise of speech and power, we straight, white, wealthy, male, able-bodied, Christians need to listen to – and then, when asked – help amplify voices other than our own.

The Reverend John Ohmer is the Rector at the Falls Church Episcopal

Q������� �� ��� W��� Do you think the voter turnout next week will be higher, lower or no different than usual?

• Higher • Lower

Last Week’s Question:

Have you made up your mind yet on who’ll you vote for on Nov. 7?

• No different

Log on to www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

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

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

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

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

PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

Thank you, Veterans, for your selfless dedication and service

Share in the Bounty of the Season at e Kensington Falls Church Harvest Open House & Speaker Presentation Saturday, November 11, 2017 • 1pm-3pm 700 West Broad Street Family & Friends Welcome • Tours • Refreshments

RSVP to 703-992-9868 or conciergefs@kensingtonsl.com.

When you RSVP, send us a question you’d like answered during our Speakers’ Q&A.

E

very day, we have the distinct privilege of being surrounded by extraordinary individuals. ey are tellers of stories, keepers of traditions, makers of memories and founders of legacies. ey are our residents—our family. We are better for knowing them, and we’d all love to share some time together with you.

7 0 3 . 9 9 2 . 9 8 6 8 | 7 0 0 We s t B ro a d S t re e t , F a l l s C h u rc h , VA 2 2 0 4 6 w w w. T h e K e n s i n g t o n F a l l s C h u rc h . c o m

HARVEST OPEN HOUSE SPEAKER PRESENTATION • 1:30-2:30pm “Balancing Your Parents’ Needs with Your Own: Advice for the Sandwich Generation”

by Steven Simmons, MD, Doctalker Family Medicine & Colleen Duewel, MPH, ElderTree Visit www.TheKensingtonFallsChurch.com for details

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Cherry Hill Playground Gets Xmas Makeover

BY PATRICIA LESLIE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The Christmas season is coming early this year as new playground equipment for the boys and girls of Falls Church will be unveiled at Cherry Hill Park in December.

A new swing set and monkey bars are just what the children ordered on their wish lists when they drew pictures and talked and used stickers to show adults in the city’s recreation and parks department what they wanted on the playground.

And their wishes will come true.

The department visited city schools to talk with students said Danny Schlitt, the director of recreation and parks for Falls Church.

Plus, city officials spent hours discussing park needs with parents and others to produce the best new additions for Falls Church’s “crown jewel” of parks built for the community, Schlitt said.

“We wanted to find out what equipment would be the most fun,” he said in a telephone interview. “The biggest ask was for an extra swing set and monkey bars and equipment for older children,” Schlitt said. And something with a “little more wow” factor.

Rather than sleek contemporary designs which could accommodate fewer children, residents wanted equipment where more children could play.

There’s even a “mama and child” swing, Schlitt said.

Charley O’Hara has been a member of the city’s Recreation and Park Advisory Board since 1990 and is its “chair” once again He said the new equipment is “a beautiful addition” to Cherry Hill Park.

“It’s been a long process with lots of community involvement.

We were looking to maximize play and open space, to accommodate the most needs and desires of multiple age groups.” Recreation and parks “did a great job” obtaining opinions from all age groups, O’Hara said.

Due to age, illness and proximity to old equipment and the

exposure of tree roots once the soil is shifted, Schlitt said the city’s arborist and greens manager recommended the removal of some park trees.

Two years ago the city began working “to make Cherry Hill our main ADA [Americans for Disabilities Act] compliant park which was real important to the community,” Schlitt said, but Falls Church had been planning renovations long before 2015.

In 2003 the City Council approved the Park Master Plan which details improvements for Cherry Hill which come in bits and pieces. (Falls Church has 14 parks plus the school parks.)

The new equipment is not the end of renovation for Cherry Hill; far from it. Schlitt said Cherry Hill has no timeline for completion of its total makeover, but the new additions should be ready for Santa to come down the sliding board in the next six to eight weeks.

The new equipment and installation will cost between $300,000 and $325,000, Schlitt estimated, which is coming from the city’s Capital Improvement Program.

“The staff has kept up with the boring stuff, paperwork, red tape, boards and committees while the community has built the park.

And Public Works helped us.”

Cherry Hill Park “is kind of unique in all of its uses,” Schlitt said. “It’s lots more than just a playground. It’s the home of special events, summer programs, day to day enjoyment, concerts. We use the park a lot and want to maintain its integrity.”

Cherry’s Hill’s website says the purpose of the project is “to replace outdated equipment while also making it [the park] accessible.”

Ribbon-cutting is set for sometime in December, just in the St. Nick-olas of time before Santa begins his world tour. Cherry Hill Park occupies 10.2 acres at 312 Park Avenue beside City Hall and across the street from the Mary Riley Styles Public Library. The builder is Cunningham Recreation, Charlotte, N.C. with offices in Maryland and Illinois.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

F� � � � C � � � � �

NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017 | PAGE 9

NEWS BRIEFS Hillary Clinton in Seven Corners Friday A book signing event at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Seven Corners shopping center (6260 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church) adjacent the City of Falls Church will feature former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary R. Clinton starting at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Clinton’s memoir of the 2016 presidential election, What Happened, will be on sale for those who wish her to sign a copy

Healthcare Exchange Open Enrollment Began Nov. 1 November 1 was the first day of open enrollment for the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Those with a 2017 Marketplace plan are urged to visit www.healthcare.gov to update information and renew coverage for 2018. Local officials have noted that plans and prices change every year, that update information is needed, that even if no information has changed, a “better deal” is always a possibility warranting a review, and that the deadline to take action is Dec. 15.

Fairfax Discovery Trail Program Awarded The Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2016 Discovery Trail Map-Presidential Election has been honored by the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS). The special election-year version of the popular map program won a VRPS award for Best Promotional Effort-Traditional in a population area greater than 100,000. Officials from the Park Authority accepted the award from VRPS at the organization’s annual meeting in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Discovery Trail maps are targeted at children and families and are designed to increase visitation to and awareness of the county’s nature centers, historic sites and lakefront parks. Since 2016 was a presidential election year, last year’s Discovery Trail Map had a presidential theme. Educational messages on the map connected former U.S. Presidents or some aspect of their administration to each of the 12 featured Park Authority sites. Stickers could be collected at each of the 12 sites to place on the maps, and once children collected eight different stickers, they could receive a prize pack that included tickets to such park amusements as mini golf, pools, and boat, train and carousel rides.

RE-ELECT SHERIFF BITTLE

Affordable Home Ownership Help Offered The Homeownership and Relocation Services Division of the Department of Housing and Community Development brings affordable home buying opportunities to Fairfax County’s eligible first-time homebuyers. The division’s eight staff members provide homebuyer counseling; host home buying education classes, as well as programs that offer affordably priced homes, mortgage and down payment and closing cost assistance. Their first-time homebuyers program offers affordably priced townhomes and condominiums – both new and resale – to first-time homebuyers..

Fairfax Chief Defends Arrest of F.C. Man Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. defended his officers involved in an arrest Saturday morning at the annual Annandale Parade, according to a statement from the department. In that account, the man was standing in the street at Gallows Road and Columbia Pike blocking the start of the parade, cursing, and allegedly causing a disturbance. The preliminary investigation showed that Fairfax officers asked him to move out of the street and to stop using obscene language due to other parade spectators around him.

The man refused to comply with the commands and other officers assisted with placing him under arrest. Due to his refusal to comply with police orders, to include showing his hands, he was taken to the ground to maintain control and ensure the safety of not only the officers, but also others in the area. Wilfred Michael Stark III, 49 of Falls Church, was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. After the arrest, the Chief was notified and immediately ordered the incident be reviewed by the Internal Affairs Bureau, according to the department’s statement.

Correction: Schiller Statement In reporting on Former Interim F.C. School Superintendent’s statement favoring a “Yes” vote on the School Bond Referendum last week, it was mistakenly asserted that Schiller did not comment on his option for a low-cost hybrid solution. In fact, he wrote, “Unfortunately, the $65 million option is not feasible and will not yield the acreage for substantive economic development.” The News-Press apologizes for the error.

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th AUTHORIZED BY RE-ELECT SHERIFF BITTLE CAMPAIGN DEMOCRAT FOR SHERIFF Paid for by Re-Elect Sheriff Bittle Campaign

PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017

LO CA L

News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes League Urges Residents to Prepare for Nov. 7 Vote.

As election day approaches on Nov. 7, the League of Women Voters of Falls Church urges city voters to plan how and when they will vote and to take advantage of several resources to learn more about the candidates and issues that will be on their ballots.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. on election day, In addition, persons can complete an absentee ballot in person at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections at City Hall (300 Park Ave., Suite 101 East, Falls Church). The office will be open for absentee voting in person on weekdays through Friday Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and from 9 – 5 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 4. All

voters must present a valid photo ID when they vote.

The League of Women Voters provides a comprehensive website, vote411.org, with detailed information on polling places, candidates and issues on the ballot. The League’s printed voters’ guide appeared in the Falls Church News-Press on Oct. 26 and will also be available at polling places on election day. In addition, a school board candidate forum sponsored by the League and the Village Preservation and Improvement Society can be viewed on the FCCTV channel on local cable systems at 6 p.m. on Saturday November 4.

(The FCCTV channel is Channel 11 on the Cox system, Channel 2 on RCN and Channel 35 on Verizon).

Dominion Hills Craft Show This Saturday The 14th Annual Dominion Hills Fall Craft Show will present 12 local and regional artisans featuring: paintings, jewelry, fine woodturning, chocolate, pottery, quilts, glassware, notecards and soap and body products.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Interested attendees are encouraged to browse original, handcrafted works for unique and reasonably priced gifts for the holidays – or for yourself.

The list of featured artists: Elisabeth Hudgins – Mixed Media Paintings; Liz Hutcheson – Greeting and Note Cards, Prints; Bryan Jernigan – Acrylics & Pastels; Julie Jernigan – Jules’ Jewels; Suzanne

NO NEED TO CHECK YOUR EYES, what you’re currently looking at is comedey legend Bill Murray visiting local recording studio, Cue Recording right off the Little City’s Park Avenue. Murray was at Cue with Paul Schaffer to record tracks for his “to be announced” project. Last week Murray was spotted perusing the CD collection at CD Cellar and is seen eating Broad Street Grill takeout above; he’s practically a local! (Photo: Aubrey Gemignani)

Kelley – Georges Botanique Aromatiques; Nancy Myers – Modern/Traditional Fabric Arts; Moon O’Connor – Decorative and Functional Pottery; Terri Powell – ArtSci designs; Ben Rasmussen – Potomac Chocolate; Steven Summerville – Virginia’s Dream Pottery; Anjali Sunderam – Sovereign Treasures HandPainted Glass and Gary Trusty – Fine Woodturned Pieces.

The show will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Dominion Hills Community House at (6000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington) and has free admission. On Facebook at facebook.com/dominionhillsfallcraftshow. For more information, contact Julie Jernigan at 703533-0957 or jules@julesjewelsjewelry.com

‘Arts Night Out’ Slated for Nov. 16 in McLean The New Dominion Women’s Club (NDWC) will host “Arts Night Out,” an evening of art and appetizers along with a silent auction on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 7 – 10 p.m. at McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) Chain Bridge location (1446 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean). The evening offers a special curated tour of MPA’s latest exhibition, “Nature as a Prototype.” The works on display examine the role of nature and biology as a source of inspiration for art and design. The artists included in this exhibition are Adam Nelson, Yoko K. and Grethe Wittrock.

Now celebrating its 50th year, The New Dominion Women’s

A FORUM AT FALLS CHURCH’S Dulin United Methodist Church last Sunday focused on racial reconciliation issues and initiatives that included participation by local clergy and civil rights leaders that included in the front row (left to right) the Rev. James Page of the Galloway United Methodist Church, Nikki Henderson of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, the Rev. John Ohmer of the Falls Church Episcopal Church, and the Rev. Laura Martin of the Rock Springs United Church of Christ in North Arlington. A major interfaith event is being organized for June in Cherry Hill Park to continue countering the influence of events like the white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville on Aug. 12 (Photo: News-Press)

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017 | PAGE 11

Experience • Leadership • Vision TAKING PART in AT&T’s “It Can Wait” program, which teaches teen drivers the importance of not using their phones while on the road, are the students of Langley High School. The two students above are using a Virtual Reality simulator to experience the ill effects of distracted driving. (P����: P�� ������) Club is a member of the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs as well as the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. NDWC is a 501(c)3 civic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community through volunteer service and financial contributions while providing an opportunity for fellowship among women.

In support of its mission, the club plans several community fundraisers, service projects and activities throughout the year.

NDWC members select a minimum of four local non-profit organizations to support annually. Funds raised through club initiatives are awarded directly to those beneficiary organizations, which in 201617 totaled more than $20,000. Founded in 1968, the New Dominion Women’s Club was named Outstanding Non-profit Organization of the Year in 2004 and Volunteers of the Year in 2013 by the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce.

Interested attendees can join NDWC club members and friends for an artsy night out with wine, bites and bidding on the silent auction. All proceeds from this benefit will be donated to local charities.

Ticket price is $25. For more information and to purchase tickets visit ndwc.org.

Cub and Boy Scouts Begin to Make Rounds for Food Donations On Saturday Nov. 4, Falls Churcharea Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will walk through neighborhoods to distribute plastic bags for food donations as part of the annual Scouting for Food drive to benefit local food pantries. Scouts will return the following Saturday morning, Nov. 11, to collect the bags with food donations that residents set outside their front doors before 9 a.m. that day. Scouts will not enter buildings to distribute bags, but residents of apartments and condominium buildings can deliver food donations to the parking lot of Falls Church Presbyterian Church (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church) between 9 – 10a.m. on Nov. 11.

Re-elect Lawrence Webb • Falls Church City School Board Priorities • Support the Bond Referendum to build a New George Mason High School.

• Work to minimize capital cost to the best of our ablity will still providing a 21st century school building • Committed to first class teachers and supporting our first class educators in our first in Virginia K-12 International Baccalaureate program.

• Committed to open and transparent budgeting process • Serve as a resource for clear communication between the schools and community • Continue to collaborate with the City Council on fiscal matters as they relate to schools and budgeting

McLean Art Society to Sponsor Starvin Artists Sale The McLean Art Society is sponsoring a “Starvin Artists Sale” on Nov. 3 – 5 in which no original painting is more than $99 + tax. There will be a reception Friday evening from 5 – 8 p.m. at the site, Idylwood Presbyterian Church (7617 Idylwood Rd., Falls Church) The sale will continue on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For additional information, call Lori at 703532-5357.

November 7th • Paid for by Lawrence Webb

ct e l E Re-

DAVID F.

Learn About Pets and the Afterlife in Engaging Seminar Learn how some pets have the ability to send signals to the living, and may wait for their humans in the hereafter. Rob Gutro, Author of Pets and the Afterlife, shares scientific studies that prove our pets have emotions and personalities. He will identify the signs they give their humans and the science behind why living pets can sense entities. Books will be available for purchase. The event will be held Saturday Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).

Last Stand Quartet Set to Perform Next Sunday at St. Patrick’s Violinist Alexandra Osborne, violist Mahoko Eguchi, cellist Rachel Young and pianist Efi Hachmey will be performing an afternoon of fine chamber music by prominent string players of the National Symphony Orchestra and an internationally renowned pianist on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church (3241 Bush Dr., Falls Church). Admission is free, though a $20 donation is suggested.

A wine and cheese reception follows the concert. For more information, contact Mariko Hiller at marikohiller@gmail.com or at 703-200-7489.

FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL Dear Citizens, Thank you for the time, questions, and aspirations you shared with me at your doors, in debates and gatherings, and through the media, before and during this election season.

I support a “Yes” vote on the George Mason High School referendum and commercial development proposal as the better course over the long run. Nonetheless, if re-elected I will work to implement the voters’ decision on the referendum, whatever it is, in a timely, inclusive and prudent way, as we did for the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.

I also commit to continuing to support and maintain critical public services. In doing so, I will carefully review all budget requests to assure we provide the best schools and public services at the least possible expense. And, I will continue to work for strong net-revenue-producing economic development projects.

Finally, I commit to working locally and regionally to help bring a fair share of our tax dollars back from Richmond, fix Metro and improve travel choices, and address natural and man-made threats.

Warm regards, Dave Snyder th

PLEASE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7

PAID FOR BY SNYDER FOR FALLS CHURCH

PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

CO MME NT

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, and Virginia voters are preparing to elect candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General. Also on the Fairfax County ballot are state delegate races and a school bond referendum.

Registered voters may vote at their regular polling place on Tuesday, from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. You also may vote absentee in-person at satellite polling places, including the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, today and tomorrow from 3:30 – 7 p.m., or all day Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. You must present a photo ID to obtain a ballot and vote.

Dr. Ralph Northam, current Lt. Governor and candidate for Governor, has spent his entire adult life focused on serving his neighborhood, his community, his state, and his nation. As a physician, soldier, and legislator, Ralph Northam has proven to be a resourceful and effective leader, able to work across party lines to get things done for the Commonwealth and its citizens. Dr. Northam often says that, as a doctor or a soldier, people didn’t ask him his political affiliation; they just needed his help. His steady, thoughtful, and sometimes frank, approach to issues will serve us well in the coming term. He deserves my vote, and I hope yours, too.

Justin Fairfax, candidate for Lt. Governor, isn’t afraid to talk about growing up poor, and how his single mother worked multiple jobs to raise her four children, all of whom defied the odds and earned college degrees. After graduating from Columbia Law School, Justin became an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where he co-directed a task force to stop human trafficking, and worked to make the criminal justice system work for everyone, to ensure equal justice

for all. Justin’s youth (he’s not yet 40), is a plus, as is his sense of fairness and equity. I look forward to casting my vote for this outstanding Mason District resident (yes, he’s local).

Mark Herring has been one of the most outstanding and courageous Attorneys General in the nation.

Mark forged strong ties with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to better protect Virginia’s residents. He has been an effective leader in fighting the heroin and opioid crisis, safeguarding the environment, implementing new technologies to shield our children, defending women’s rights, and protecting consumers from fraudulent schemes. I’ve known Mark since his days on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and I continue to be impressed with his service on behalf of the Commonwealth. Let’s re-elect Mark Herring.

State delegates representing Mason District, or parts of it, on the ballot include Kaye Kory (38th District), Vivian Watts (39th), Alfonso Lopez (49th), and Marcus Simon (53rd). We need experienced representatives at the General Assembly in Richmond, and these public servants understand the unique needs of Northern Virginia.

At the bottom of your ballot is the $315 million Fairfax County school bond referendum. The bond includes funding to plan for renovations to Falls Church High School, which sorely needs updating and modernizing. Voting FOR the school bond is a good investment for our children, our schools, and our community, now and in the future.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

86 million Americans

Maybe even you,

have prediabetes. person-ABOUT-TOFACT-CHECK-THIS-FACT.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report The national spotlight has once again been turned on the Commonwealth. We are one of two states in the nation that will be electing a new governor, lt. governor and attorney general.

Despite all the media coverage, millions of dollars in direct mail, and a plethora of polls that have allegedly surveyed thousands of voters, many Virginians are still not aware that we have an offyear election next week. Nearly 80 percent of eligible Virginians voted in the presidential election in 2016. The Board of Elections is forecasting about a 50 percent turnout of eligible voters that will determine Virginia’s future leadership.

We have a lot to be proud of as Virginians. We are turning the corner on the fallout of Sequestration with an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent.

There are growing opportunities for workers of all ages with the right skills – from cybersecurity to health care and many more fields. Academia, including high schools, community colleges, and universities are creating pathways for credentials and degrees. However, there are key issues Virginians should be paying attention to before they vote next week.

People remain concerned about the opportunity our children have for a world-class education. Classroom teachers deserve to be paid in a manner that incentivizes them to step up to the challenge of instilling the skills necessary for success. It is clearly arguable that the state is not fulfilling its fair share in support of public education, from K-12 through higher education.

Without appropriate investments to deliver a high caliber education that fosters employable skills, success eludes us.

Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring are the clear choices when it comes to their support of public education.

Fresh from the latest massacre perpetrated on American soil by an American, the call for prayers for the victims and families have been sounded and Congress has gone silent on the subject. The NRA took a week off before they have filled the airwaves in support of the Republican ticket. Northam has treated the wounded in combat zones.

Former prosecutor Fairfax and Attorney General Herring have

worked hard to keep Virginians safe. They all bring the personal experience to have the conversation on what is public safety as well as gun ownership.

Adding hours to one’s commute due to gridlock is a waste of precious time that could be spent with family and friends. I served with Northam and Herring who supported this bipartisan effort.

Fairfax’s opponent voted against the Transportation Act of 2013, which has funded and delivered 28 projects in our region. Prior to HB2313, it had been more than 25 years since we addressed funding for transportation. You don’t have to look far for a better example than the current state of Metro when identifying neglect.

Fixing that system (which takes cars off the road and gets people to work and back) will require bold leadership. It takes courage to be a leader with a vision to serve Virginians with workable solutions. Northam, Fairfax and Herring will do the right thing.

The attempts to “repeal and replace” affordable health care for hundreds of thousands of Virginians, impacts even those of us with health insurance. Our local hospital systems provide millions in emergency care annually — the most expensive treatment available. For years we have tried to expand Medicaid in the Commonwealth for some 400,000 people. This has been rejected at the cost of nearly $1 billion annually. What successful business would leave so much money on the table with total disregard for the cost of healthcare for its employees, who are tax paying Virginians? Let me be perfectly clear, I’d much rather find the solution to this issue with Northam, Fairfax and Herring than the other ticket.

We’ve had several weeks of the most distorted and convoluted outreach coming at us around the clock. Some of the accusations are simply outrageous, not to mention insulting to our intelligence. I ask you to sift through the muck and cast your vote for civil, thoughtful leadership for Virginians. Please join me in voting for Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, and Mark Herring. Let’s keep moving in a positive direction.  Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@senate.virginia.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SHELTER PET & GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED PIANIST Amazing stories start in shelters and rescues. Adopt today to start yours.

KEYBOARD CAT 8M+ YouTube Views

YOUR SON HAS

STUMPED YOU WITH A

CALCULUS QUESTION Do you:

CO MME NT

is posted.

Our Man in Arlington numbers “It’s a no-contact

By Charlie Clark

Can jailtime change a person for the better?

I recently toured the Arlington County Detention Facility, accompanied by a committed manager of inmate programs and a self-made inspirational instructor.

College professor Sly Young told me his tale of how the few hours a week he spends in the jail educating the incarcerated has helped turn his own life around — the changing for the better works two ways.

Arlington’s modern 11-story jail on Courthouse Road takes a progressive approach to providing security, discipline and services.

While not pleasant for arrestees, the set-up aims at rewarding those who behave and commit to a relevant program.

The inmates – who stay as long as three months – are carefully classified, said my guide Kristen Cane, a former sheriff’s deputy who now runs the jail’s programs.

“We don’t house DUI people with people who killed someone,” she said.

In this “campus,” video cameras trained on all rooms are monitored non-stop, and Cane tells me she never fears for her safety. The plain cells with a utilitarian toilet and two bunks contain nothing movable.

The common areas for wellbehaved inmates offer TVs, a commissary for snacks and pay phones (free for attorney calls) — a list of bail bondsman’s phone

(B) Create a diversion.

(C) Hire a tutor. For yourself.

CRIME REPORT Drug/Narcotic Violation, 400 blk W Broad St, Oct 23, 11:08 AM, a male, 24, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana Larceny-Theft from Building, 200 blk Gibson St, Oct 23, an item of value was taken from a residence.

When it comes to being a parent, there are no perfect answers — just being there is enough. So don’t worry, you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

There are thousands of teens in foster care who will love you just the same.

888.200.4005 AdoptUSKids.org

facility,” Cane says, meaning visitors, including attorneys, cannot as much as shake the inmates’ hands.

She is proud of the positive offerings: county staffers who provide English language training, special education, chaplain and library services. Some 150 volunteers add such services as addiction treatment and tutoring.

That’s where Young comes in. The near-high-school-dropout-turned-corporate consultant was brought in four years ago to employ his personal testimonial teaching style. “We need an instructor who motivates inmates, or they won’t come” to sessions, Cane said.

Young, 48, who lives in Nauck, speaks mellifluously about his transformation from a flunking schoolboy to graduate of American and George Washington universities with an MBA. His years as corporate financial consultant, however, left him feeling derooted from largely minority high-risk youth. He wanted to give back.

So he leapt at the chance to teach Arlington inmates life skills and critical thinking in addition to his business classes at Northern Virginia Community College and Marymount University. Young created his own materials using the Socratic method for his nonprofit Saving Our Communities at Risk Through Educational Services (Socrates). So far he has worked with some 300 inmates, 100 earning a certificate. He has self-published 14 books.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h Week of Oct. 23 — 29, 2017

(A) Weep softly.

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 13

Larceny-Theft From Building, 223 Little Falls St (Community Center), a camera and several lenses belonging to a class instructor were stolen between Oct 9 and 16. The camera bag was located in the lost and found bin, but the equipment has not been recovered.

Investigation continues.

Drunk in Public, 116-B W Broad St (Unity Club), Oct 24, 4:25 PM, a male, 51, of Annandale, VA, was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Panhandling, 400 blk Roosevelt

Blvd, Oct 24, 4:34 PM, a female, 22, of Frederick, MD, who had previously been warned not to panhandle, was issued a summons for Panhandling.

Drug/Narcotic Violation, 800 blk W Broad St, Oct 25, 8:00 AM, a male, 24, of Columbia, MD, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Hit and Run, 200 blk Grove Ave, Oct 19, a parked car was struck by a rental vehicle used to deliver packages for Amazon. Limited information was given by the driver. Investigation continues.

Unlicensed Dog Prohibited, 100 blk S Spring St, Oct 25, 1:15 PM, a male, 43, of the City of Falls Church, was issued a summons for having an Unlicensed Dog. Drunk in Public, 300 Park Ave (City Hall), Oct 26, 11:40 AM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was arrested for being Drunk in Public

“I credit the men in Unit 9A for helping to give my life a renewed significance and meaningful purpose,” Young wrote in his Huffington Post blog. “The connections I made in the jail are based on my willingness to be vulnerable, my proven ability to resolve life challenges, and the authenticity of my stories.”

During his early jail rounds, he spotted an old junior high classmate among the inmates and “realized that those people are no different from people I already know.”

Young, however, suffers from depression. There was a day in 2014 when he was on the verge of suicide. “I’d made the [final] call to my brother,” he said. But he now credits the invite from Arlington’s jail for being “the wind beneath my nonprofit’s wings.”

What really changed his life, Young said, is when the inmates made clear “that I meant something to them.” ** The Washington Redskins have deep roots in Arlington. Back in August 1938, just after the championship team’s move down from Boston, the team practiced at the old Ballston stadium (at today’s N. Glebe Rd. and Randolph St.).

The players’ drills on grass in front of a hot dog stand were captured by a Life magazine photographer and on movie film for Universal Newsreel.

Eric Dobson of Preservation Arlington steered me to the online footage copyrighted by Gerry Images and Reston-based CriticalPast.com.

Larceny-Theft from Building, 300 blk Van Buren St, a package was stolen from a porch on Oct 15.

Fraud/False Pretenses/Swindle, 500 blk Roosevelt Blvd, Oct 26, an incident of fraud was reported.

Drug/Narcotic Violation, 100 blk Little Falls St, Oct 27, 10:42 AM, a male, 24, of Falls Church, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana.

Fraud/False Pretenses/Swindle, 200 blk Lawton St, Oct 27, an incident of fraud was reported.

Drunk in Public, 706 W Broad St (Hilton Garden Inn), Oct 27, 7:27 PM, a female, 52, of Portland, ME, was arrested for being Drunk in Public Hit and Run, 1230 W Broad St (Giant Parking Lot), Oct 28, between 2:45 and 3:15 PM, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene.

Drunk in Public, 220 N Washington St (State Theater), Oct 29, 12:34 AM, a female, 28, of Kensington, MD, and a male, 36, of Centreville, VA,were arrested for being Drunk in Public.

PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

NATI O NA L

Russian Propaganda, Pt. 2

The highly unsettling hearings of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees this week featuring representatives of major U.S. Internet social media platforms are demonstrating something of the extent of Russian penetration into the U.S. political process both in last year’s presidential election and since, up to right now.

Among the more shocking revelations are those indicating that a single Russian operation creating fake accounts generated political ads that were seen by over 123 million Americans, with overall numbers swelling to over 150 million in testimony given yesterday. The sheer size of the swarm of fake and malicious accounts traced back to Russia is simply mind boggling.

Sen. Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate committee, showed an example FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS of a seemingly innocuous Facebook ad luring viewers to access some simple Bible passages and subsequently over time asking the follower to choose between Jesus and the devil, with the devil being a depiction of Hillary Clinton with horns.

There is no question that these operations are highly sophisticated, not only from technical aspects of being so effective faking all these accounts and operations, but from the psychological aspect, in terms of manipulating unsuspecting people into following down the path that the Russians want to take them. In the past, these operations were called “enemy propaganda” and very aggressive efforts were taken by the U.S. counterintelligence operations to counter them.

But in recent decades there has been a marked decline in the ability of democratic governments to identify and caution the public about disinformation from their enemies. No seems to be listening any more to the likes of linguist-philosopher Noam Chomsky, the U.C. Berkeley’s George Lakoff or others who’ve been, among other things, lonely watchdogs cautioning against the thought and language patterns that can be developed for purposes of the deception the unsuspecting.

The intellectual ineptitude of the leadership of the U.S.’s intelligence world, beginning with the likes of the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover, is a source of this, manipulated by far wiser and sinister minds to adopt one-dimensional visions of freedom versus tyranny, for example.

This and related flawed epistemologies have been played forward to inform, in one case, the sadly deficient thinking behind the White House chief of staff Gen. John Kelly’s views of American history, including the Civil War, demonstrated this week, not to mention the thoroughly-dumbed down mental process informing our current president.

The wiser among the global elites who are engaged in games of manipulation and control of mass populations have always known since the rise of capitalism and the modern nation state that their most important work is in the domain of language and other forms of thought control; political propaganda primarily, but spilling over into innocuous but no less serious forms of cultural and material product suasion.

The introduction of the philosophy of so-called “postmodernism” in the post-World War II and Cold War era launched a major full-court press aimed at undercutting the anti-elitist and universalist values introduced in the U.S. general population during the FDR era.

It was funneled into the popular culture mixed in with a strong dose of intimidation and fear of the McCarthy witchhunt period after the war, It insinuated its way into the language forms and thoughts of the public to counter the legacy of the FDR “New Dealers” in the civil rights, antiwar and feminist/gay rights currents that peaked in the late 1960s.

Stripped of its distractions, the essence of “postmodernism” is a rejection of the empathetic and human-centered connectedness of culture in favor of the notion that “love” is a hoax and only the dynamics of anger-driven power and pleasure account for real things. It is an institutionalized cynicism that debases the role of human interactions and, among other things, led to the elevation of sex for its own sake (as in pornography) over love and compassion in the early 1970s. That was unleashed as a major cultural offensive against feminism in those days by way of the cruel objectification of women and children that led to an epidemic of the kind of abuse that women are now starting to call out and resist.

(To be continued).

Nicholas F. Benton

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

When Politics Becomes Your Idol I didn’t get to Richard Linklater’s brilliant 2014 movie, “Boyhood,” until this past weekend. That was the movie, filmed over 12 years with the same actors, about a boy growing up in Texas. But I did have the advantage of seeing it in the Trump era. It’s a sadder movie now. Different themes leap out at you, which were not as prominent in the reviews written three years ago.

What you see is good people desperately trying to connect in an America where bonds are attenuated — without stable families, tight communities, stable careers, ethnic roots or an enveloping moral culture. There’s just a whirl of changing stepfathers, changing NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE homes, changing phone distractions, changing pop-culture references, financial stress and chronic drinking, which make it harder to sink down roots into something, or to even have a spiritual narrative that gives meaning to life.

You can see why, in the disrupted landscape depicted in the film, people would form the sort of partisan attachments that are common today. Today, partisanship for many people is not about which party has the better policies, as it was, say, in the days of Eisenhower and Kennedy. It’s not even about which party has the better philosophy, as it was in the Reagan era. These days, partisanship is often totalistic. People often use partisan identity to fill the void left when their other attachments wither away — religious, ethnic, communal and familial.

Last week my colleague Thomas Edsall quoted a political scientist, Alex Theodoridis, who noted this phenomenon: “Partisanship for many Americans today takes the form of a visceral, even subconscious, attachment to a party group. Our party becomes a part of our self-concept in deep and meaningful ways.”

When politics is used as a cure for spiritual and social loneliness, it’s harder to win people over with policy or philosophical arguments. Everything is shaped on a deeper level, through the parables, fables and myths that our most fundamental groups use to define themselves.

For years, the meritocratic establishments in both parties told an implicit myth. The heroes of this myth were educated, morally enlightened global citizens who went to competitive colleges, got invited to things like the Clinton Global Initiative, and who have the brainpower to run society and who might just be a little better than other people, by virtue of their

David Brooks

achievements.

President Donald Trump tells the opposite myth — about how those meritocrats are actually clueless idiots and full of drivel, and how virtue, wisdom and toughness is found in the regular people whom those folks look down upon.

Trump’s supporters follow him because he gets his facts wrong, but he gets his myths right. He tells the morality tale that works for them.

It should be said that people on the left and on the right who try to use politics to find their moral meaning are turning politics into an idol. Idolatry is what happens when people give ultimate allegiance to something that should be serving only an intermediate purpose, whether it is money, technology, alcohol, success or politics.

As Andy Crouch points out in his book “Playing God,” idolatry is seductive because in the first phase it seems to work. The first sip of that martini tastes great.

At first a new smartphone seems to give you power and control. The status you get from a new burst of success seems really sensational. But then idols fail.

What seemed to offer you more control begins to control you.

As Crouch puts it: “All idols begin by offering great things for a very small price. All idols then fail, more and more consistently, to deliver on their original promises, while ratcheting up their demands.

In the end they fail completely, even as they make categorical demands. In the memorable phrase of the psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover, idols ask for more and more, while giving less and less, until eventually they demand everything and give nothing.”

Politics these days makes categorical demands on people. It demands that they remain in a state of febrile excitement caused by this or that scandal or hatred of the moment. But it doesn’t actually transform life or even fill the hole left by the lack of other attachments.

If politics is going to get better, we need better myths, unifying ones that are built on social equality.

But we also need to put politics in its place. The excessive dependence on politics has to be displaced by the expulsive power of more important dependencies, whether family, friendship, neighborhood, community, faith or basic life creed.

To be a moderate is to be at war with idolatry. It’s to believe that we become free as we multiply and balance our attachments. It’s to believe that our politics probably can’t be fixed by political means. It needs repair of the deeper communal bonds that politics rest on, and which political conflict cannot heal.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 15

Falls Church trusts McEnearney Associates McEnearney.com

there when it counts

OPEN SUN 11/5, 2-4 PM

Falls Church $365,000

Falls Church $629,000

2-bedroom, 2.5-bath end townhouse. Living room with fireplace opens to private patio. Each bedroom with bath. Pool, tennis courts, access to county park. 3397 Lakeside View Dr 22041 Anne Martone 703.717.6344 McEnearney.com

Charm and sunlight fill this Tudor cottage. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, main level family room. Hardwood floors throughout. 3113 Worthington Cir 22044 Robin Cale 703.598.SOLD BarbaraAndRobin.com

Falls Church $599,000

Falls Church $535,000

Stunning mid-century 3-bedroom home has been beautifully renovated, including kitchen and baths.

Exposed beams, wood ceilings. Minutes to Mosaic District and Metro. 3002 Pine Spring Rd 22042 Mitchell Schneider 703.851.4416 SarconeSchneider.com

Sun-filled end-unit in High Pointe offers 3 levels, new hardwoods, carpeting on bedroom and entry levels, kitchen opens to family room with fireplace. 8067 Nicosh Circle Ln #56 22042 Lynn Hoover 703.517.3570 LynnHoover.com

AFAC Live Trivia Every Thursday Night

Canned Tomatoes | Canned Soup | Canned Fruit Peanut Butter | Cooking Oil | Low Sugar Cereal

Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980.

703.525.1900 | 4720 Lee Highway | Arlington, VA 22207

LO CA L

PAGE 16 | NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Earn more with Quality!

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Looking for CDL A or B drivers to deliver new trucks all over the US and Canada.

Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR. Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com

or call 574-642-2023

MAKE YOUR PET A STAR! Snap a pic of your critter and email it to:

CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM or mail it to Critter Corner c/o Falls Church News-Press 200 Little Falls St. #508 Falls Church, Va 22046

Critter

Corner

ANOTHER ONE. George Mason’s girls cross country team added to their dominance in the Bull Run District by winning the district title last Wednesday when six of their runners placed in the top 15. The boys weren’t too far behind as they landed four runners in the top 15 to earn third place in the district. (P����: C���� S��)

F� � � � C � � � � �

S����� N��� � N���� Local High Schools to Debut Two New Plays this Month Two plays will be featured at high school theaters in the coming weeks.

From Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) comes the Shakespeare classic “Julius Caesar” but set in the relatable backdrop of a high school setting. Marshall’s production takes place at an allgirls boarding school with gender flipped main characters: Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, and others are played by girls and the companion roles, Portia, Calphurnia, and others are played by boys.

“Julius Caesar” be opening at Marshall today at 7:30 p.m., and additional performances on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 4 and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 5. Tickets are $5 for students, teachers and seniors and $10 for adults. Cash or check only for purchases at the door J.E.B. Stuart (Justice) High School (3301 Peace Valley Lane, Falls Church) will be presenting “The Government Inspector,” in a few weeks. “The Government Inspector,” is at its heart a comedy about corruption, politics, and mistaken identities. A charismatic

“bad boy,” Ivan Hlestekov, comes to a small town and is mistakenly identified as a high official sent from the Tsar to investigate the officials of the town. The play opens Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. and continues Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., as well as a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for general admission. Cash or check only for purchases at the door.

International Night at Jefferson Set for Dec. 1 The Falls Church Elementary Parent-Teacher Association’s fifth annual International Night will be held on Friday, Dec. 1 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Elementary (601 S oak St., Falls Church). This event gives students a chance to learn about the rich cultural diversity and global experiences found in the Falls Church City Public Schools’ community. The event features performances and a “tasting table” with foods from around the world.

There are also chances to “visit” different countries. Volunteers are needed to share their country and culture, or perform an art, skill or hobby that fits the theme. A parent volunteer is needed to coordinate the performances.

Additional Bus Added to PreExisting Route To ease crowding from an increase in the number of bus riders due to the colder weather, and additional students at the Pearson and/or Lincoln buildings along the regular route, an additional bus is being routed through that area in the mornings. Students and parents should coordinate accordingly for the additional riders and added bus to the route in order to faciliate the adjustment as much as possible.

Annual Holiday Pie Sale Slated to Start Soon The Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) is hosting its annual holiday pie sale to benefit FCEF programs including the “No Holidays for Hunger” fund that helps provide meals to Falls Church City Public School families in need. Pies are from “Mom’s Apple Pie Company” and ordering is open through Friday, Nov. 10. Customers can pick up their pies Nov. 20 at the George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) cafeteria from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact FCEF executive director Debbie Hiscott at Dhiscott@fcedf. org.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SPO RTS

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 17

Another Mustang Loss Makes Home Finale Pivotal

BY ALEX MOORE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

George Mason High School’s football team was outmuscled Friday on the road in Berryville, losing 42-7 in a Bull Run District matchup against the formidable Clarke County High School.

The Mustangs’ record fell to 5-4 with the loss (1-4 in the Bull Run Region). The Eagles advanced to 9-1 (3-1 in the Bull Run Region).

At first, this high school game appeared as though it would be a close affair.

Although Clarke County scored 14 points in the first quarter, George Mason’s offense moved the ball well early in the game.

Then the second quarter happened.

Worn down by a physically imposing team in the trenches, the Mustangs appeared to snap, allowing the Eagles to score on four of five offensive plays during a nineminute stretch of game time that would run through the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Mustangs head coach Adam Amerine credited the back-breaking sequence to Clarke County’s

physicality.

“They’re a big, strong football team that traditionally places a ton of emphasis on lifting and being able to outmuscle opponents,” he said. “We were just unable to match their strength up front and lost control with some poor defensive plays.”

From this point on, the Mustangs’ defense would rally, not allowing another point for the rest of the game.

But the offense would never find the spark it needed to mount a comeback.

Senior running back Finn Roou, who leads George Mason in carries for the season, would only muster 66 yards on 27 attempts, and the team wouldn’t score until junior running back West Hagler found the end zone on a twoyard run late in the fourth quarter. Senior kicker Peter Scardino would convert the extra point.

After the game, Amerine’s confidence in his players remained steady, despite the tough loss.

“I’m very happy with where we stand,” he admitted when asked how he felt about his team’s season. “I believe we really have gotten better this year with the development and technique of our

PLAYING BOTH WAYS are senior quarterback Thomas Creed (left) and senior running back Finn Roou, who pull double-duty as linebackers for the defense. (P����: C������� T���� R���) players, and their effort each week has been outstanding.”

Amerine does have a point. No matter what, the Mustangs will finish the season better than last

year, when they started 2-0 but lost their final eight games. They have also impressed when playing in Falls Church, with a 3-1 home record.

Mason will have a chance to end the season with a home win and a positive record against Madison County High School for senior night this Friday.

Mason Finishes the Job vs. Clarke County, Heads Toward the Region

BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Riding the high that came with some history-making to end the regular season, George Mason High School’s volleyball team took care of business in their opening round of the Bull Run District tournament on Monday by defeating Clarke County 3-1.

With each set being a nail-biter, Mason had to throw some water on Clarke County’s hot streaks to keep their Berryville rivals at bay. And what started with the Mustangs down 1-0 after the first set eventually saw the team recover and win three consecutive sets much to their opponents’ chagrin.

“We definitely started slow and seemed a little sluggish throughout, but we’re really proud of how they pulled it out,” head coach Hillary Trebels said. “Some people really brought some energy.”

The theme of the night was no lead could be considered safe, and that started in the first set. Both the Mustangs and the Eagles were trading points with Mason down 11-10, but Clarke County notched seven of the next 11 points to get ahead 18-14. Keeping with the theme, the Mustangs racked up

APPLYING THE BLOCK are senior middle hitters Merriweather Gordon (left) and Laura Whitaker in Mason’s 3-1 win over Clarke County on Monday. (P����: C���� S��) five straight scores themselves to nudge ahead 19-18 and resumed alternating blows. Mason was knocking on the door of a win at 24-22, but three straight errors followed by a Clarke County block and ace gave the visitors a 27-25 opening set win.

A near win put the Mustangs in a chippy mood to start the second set, and it showed when they accrued a 7-2, then 15-8 advantage. But again, the Eagles

came storming back and were right on Mason’s heels when they trimmed the lead to one at 21-20. The Mustangs kept their cool though, as senior middle hitter Merriweather Gordon spiked a shot before junior outside hitter McKenzie Brady tacked on two more points to go with senior middle hitter Kait Daniels’ block to win the set 25-23.

By winning the third set Mason would be sitting pretty enter-

ing the fourth, and ideally final, frame. Fortunately for them, this was the one match that broke from the night’s theme. Tied at 10-10 early on, the Mustangs began to widen the gap with key plays by younger players such as freshman Roza Gal as well as strongly executed rallies that either scored points outright or put the Eagles in untenable situations. The result was a 25-15 win and a 2-1 edge over Clarke County.

Things returned to normal in the fourth set where the two teams seesawed back and forth with the lead. Mason was up 8-5 right before an Eagle run turned the tables as Clarke County went ahead 10-9. The Mustangs regrouped and compiled a 19-14 advantage, but again, Clarke County sprang to life and tied Mason at 19. It wasn’t until Brady got her chance to serve that the Mustangs regained control, as her bullets put Mason ahead 22-19 before senior middle hitter Laura Whitaker’s back-to-back aces capped off a 25-21 win.

Mason’s been closing out their games – and the season – strong since some early September hiccups.

Though they still have some misconceptions to shake off if they really want to make noise.

“We had a coaches meeting for the Bull Run District [on Sunday] and people kinda joked and said we’ll be up on them 10-3 and then they’ll come back, so finishing is a priority,” Trebels continued.

The Mustangs have a chance to buck that reputation starting with a home 2A regional tournament game this Saturday against a tobe-announced opponent.

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 18 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Teen Volunteer Orientation.

Required for new volunteers interested in earning service hours at the library this fall. This is an opportunity for teens in grades 7-12 to meet class requirements.

Registration and volunteer application are required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 6 – 6:30 p.m. 703248-5034.

Thursday Evening Book Group.

The Thursday Evening Book Discussion Group meets on the 1st Thursday evening of each month in the library’s conference room. This Thursday’s book is The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Family’s Century of Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal. Light refreshments are served. All are welcome. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. 703-248-5035.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 DMV 2 Go Bus. The full-service DMV2Go bus will be in Falls Church this Friday. The accessible mobile office provides all DMV transactions including: Applying for and renewing driver’s licenses; obtaining ID cards (including photos) and Virginia’s veterans ID cards; taking road and knowledge tests; obtaining copies of driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals and transcripts; ordering disabled parking placards or plates and updating an address after a move for DMV and voter registration. Customers should be prepared with the required documents to complete transactions. No appointments are necessary. City Hall (300 Park Ave, Falls Church). 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information visit fallschurchva.gov/1359/DMV-2Go-DMV-Connect November Moon Night Hike. If you’ve ever been curious about which animals come out at night

within local parks, then you’re encouraged to experience the trails under the moon, learn a new constellation and meet nocturnal critters on this night hike.

Families ages 6 and up. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Meet at Fort C.F. Smith (2411 24th St., N Arlington). $5.

7 – 8 p.m. For more information, call 703-228-3403.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Preschool Storytime. Stories and fun for ages 0-5. Drop-in. All storytimes are followed by playtime with the Early Literacy Center toys.

Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 - 11 a.m. 703-248-5034.

Playtime with the Early Literacy Center. Explore educational and manipulative items (aka toys) to teach early literacy through play.

Ages birth to 5 years. No registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls

Church). 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 703248-5034.

ESL Conversation Group. A general conversation group (for adults) learning English as their second language. Meets every Monday (except holidays) at regularly scheduled time. No registration required; all are welcome and class is open for drop-ins.

Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m. 703-248-5034.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Play Bingo at the Library.

Interested attendees can enjoy a night of kid-friendly bingo with friends and family when they come out for this event.

For children rising grades K-5th.

Registration opens October 25 at the Youth Services desk by phone or in person. Registration will not be accepted by e-mail. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m. 703-2485034.

THEATER&ARTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 “An Act of God.” Written by 13-time Emmy Award winner David Javerbaum (“The Daily Show”), this exceptionally witty comedy delivers a new meaning to the phrase divine intervention.

God is back. And he’s got a lot to say. Inhabiting the body of beloved DC actor Tom Story (Round House Theatre’s “Angels in America,” MetroStage’s “Fully Committed”), and flanked by his ever-faithful archangels, the Supreme Being gifts his mortals with an entirely new set of Ten Commandments in a sinfully funny whirlwind of comedy heaven. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 8 p.m. sigtheatre.org.

THURSDAY, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY NOVEMBER24 “Alcina.” What happens when the enchantress becomes the enchanted? Welcome to the island of illusions. Peer beyond the palms to discover the beautiful Alcina, a sorceress skilled in the art of seduction. Her passion burns red hot – until she tires of her conquests and turns them into wild beasts or stone.

“Expanded Hours!”

Dr. Mindy Nasuti

Now Open 9-5 Every Weekday & Until 8 on Tuesday and Wednesday Family 4 Pack $50 with code 4PK

703-533-7555 • www.fmifc.com 124A East Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046 Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine • Accepting Most Major Insurances

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

When dashing knight Ruggiero succumbs to this femme fatale‘s dangerous charms, his fiancée Bradamante takes on a daring disguise to free her betrothed and break the curse. But is Alcina finally falling for the man of her dreams? In this cruel paradise, can anyone tell what’s real? The Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW., Washington, D.C.). $80. 7 p.m. kennedy-center.org.

“Are You Now, or Have You Ever Been...” A fictional account of the demons and dilemmas faced by Langston Hughes while attempting to write a poem on the eve of his appearance before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. Performed against the backdrop of searing blues and the ever-present poetic hues of Langston. MetroStage (1201 N Royal St., Alexandria) $40. 8 p.m. metrostage.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Scott Miller “Ladies Auxiliary” Record Release Show with Steve Schillinger of Braddock Station Garrison. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $18.

8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Delbert McClinton with Daryl Davis. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

The Red Not Chili Peppers with Brain Stew – a tribute to Green Day. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $15. 9 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Shartel and Hume Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9:15 p.m. 703-2419504.

LIVEMUSIC

Temptations ‘70s vs. ‘80s Dance Party with DJ Skruggz and The Angel and The Wavos. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $5. 8 p.m. 703-2370300.

Brian Franke. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

12 a.m. 703-237-8333.

An Evening With Bonnie Bishop.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $18. 7:30 p.m. 703255-1566.

An Intimate Evening with MARIZA & special friends “RAIZES (ROOTS)” – Up Close & Personal – USA Tour 2017. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m.

703-549-7500.

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 19

Birchmere and BRE present: Straight No Chaser – The Speakeasy Tour. DAR Constitution Hall (17th & D St. NW, Washington, D.C.) 800-745-3000

“Assassins.” While “Assassins” entreats audiences to a tuneful carnival filled with portrayals of history’s most notorious presidential assassins and would-be killers, it also tests the limits of free speech and questions “The American Dream” itself. With no seat more than 20 feet from the game with the highest stakes in the land, NextStop’s production promises a profound, Presidential theatrical experience you won’t soon forget. NextStop Theatre (269 Sunset Dr., Herndon). $40. 2 p.m. 1ststagetysons.org.

THURSDAY, THURSDAY,FEBRUARY NOVEMBER2 2

CA L E NDA R

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Snake Farmers. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Pat McGee Band with Keaton Simons & Jason Adamo. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Face The Fish: One Enchanted Evening. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $14 – $25. 8 p.m.

703-255-1566.

BONNIE BISHOP will be at playing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna on Thursday (Photo: Billboard)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 The Exaggerations.

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

Attaca Quartet: Chamber Music at The Barns. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40. 3 p.m. 703255-1900.

Callaghan + Jesse Terry. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $20. 3 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Jon Spears. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Jameson Green Live and in Concert. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Oleta Adams. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

Andrew Burleson Live and in Concert. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

Sunday Funday feat. Wild Adriatic “The Fall of The Wild” Tour. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 8 p.m.

703-255-1566.

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

Karaoke. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6

N Washington St., Falls Church). $25 – $80. 8 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Open Mic Night with Crazy After Midnight. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

The Bachelor Boys. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Humming House “Companion” Record Release Tour + Becca Mancari. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $20.

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

Wolf Blues Jam Weekly Show.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

El DeBarge Live and in Concert.

The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $62.50.

7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

JD Souther Live and in Concert at the Barns. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40 – $45. 8 p.m.

703-255-1900.

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn.

The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $62.50.

7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Front Line Assembly and Cubanate. The State Theatre (220

Open Mic Night with Vernon Santymer. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Arlington) 8 p.m.

703-522-8340.

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046 Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

PAGE 20 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Voted #1 Again Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry Federal Employees: We work with your benefits

703.532.3300

www.DoughertyDDS.com 200 Little Falls Street, Suite 506, Falls Church, VA 22046 We are located across the street from city hall

Advertise Your Business In:

SENIOR LIVING Last week of every month.

Delivered to the Most Affluent Audience in Northern Virginia.

Falls Church • Tysons • Merrifield • McLean North Arlington • Bailey’s Crossroads CALL FOR RATES AND INFORMATION: www.fcnp.com

703-532-3267 ads@fcnp.com

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

2

3

4

5

6

17

9

10

18

23

34

38

29

25

30 36

39

27

37

40 42

41 45

44

43

46

47

49 54

26

31

35

48

13

22

24

33

12

19 21

28

11

16

20

58

8

15

14

32

7

50

55

59

62 65

56 60

51

57

61

63

64

66

67

© 2017 David Levinson Wilk

Across

52

53

1. Half a school yr.

4. Landmark tech product of 1981 9. 2008 Pixar robot 14. When a plane is due in, for short 15. Jason's wife in mythology 16. Be of use 17. TV slogan famously voiced by James Earl Jones 19. Country music's LeAnn 20. Dangles a carrot in front of 21. Beer can feature 23. Otherwise 24. Bullfighters wave them 25. Byways: Abbr.

28. Wife of John Jr. 31. "Stop procrastinating!"

32. Mo. when Earth Day is celebrated 35. Persians, e.g.

36. Visit a bloodmobile, e.g.

38. Oatmeal topping 40. Engage in an extreme winter sport 41. Golden Arches buy 42. Word with exit or express 43. Laser ____ 44. Oral grimaces 45. Like some tour buses 48. Collected works 49. Send over the moon 50. Worker protection org.

54. "Deliciously Different" sloganeer 56. Hundreds 58. Bat one's eyelashes, say 60. Person unrepresented by the

STRANGE BREW

1. Half a school yr.

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 21

words featured in this puzzle's circled letters 62. Counting rhyme start 63. 1970 Led Zeppelin hit "Whole ____ Love" 64. Jeff Lynne's band, for short 65. More than willing 66. Discombobulated 67. "... or ____ gather"

Satchel 34. Conservatives, politically 37. "Twist, Lick, Dunk" cookie 39. Texting format, for short 40. One getting framed 42. Turndown to the suggestion "We should ..."

46. Bribery of a sort 47. Bear of children's lit 49. Stage direction 51. Total messes 52. "Is anybody listening ...?"

53. "Me, too" 55. Cleveland's lake 56. Cell suffix 57. March Madness org.

58. Something that's charged 59. Michele of "Glee" 61. Sulu and Uhura on "Star Trek": Abbr.

DOWN

1. Number of giorni in a week 2. Waters who sang "Am I Blue?"

3. Hurts badly 4. "You're looking at your guy!"

5. "Porgy and ____" 6. Year in Elizabeth I's reign 7. Foreign correspondents?

8. Shade provider 9. Targets of salicylic acid 10. New Balance competitor 11. Traditional Easter entree 12. "Bald-faced" thing 13. Golfer Ernie 18. What many writers write on 22. Locket, often 24. Gear teeth 26. Chicago Bears coaching legend Mike 27. Old New Yorker cartoonist William 29. Diva's solo 30. What your blood may do when you're frightened 31. Part of a modern police database 32. Diane with a camera 33. Negro Leagues legend

JOHN DEERING

4. Landmark tech product of 1981

S T U B

1

2

3

O N A I R

I O N A

T R D I S A

Sudoku Level:

9. 2008 Pixar robot

Last Thursday’s Solution W I L M A

K E N N Y G

S I C R T G A K I E S O R T H

R O S F R I N K S L O I T E D R R O O O N E A V I S N E A T Y S N O

S D I

A S T R E M O U A K E I N E S

R E D A C T

R E N E

E R I E

W M D I P U T

A N O T C H

A S N I T A C M O N

Z I S S O U

O R S D O K I N G

U M N T O E N D M T I I T N R I

R O A N

T R E E

H O M E S

O N E P M

By The Mepham Group 4

14. When a plane is due in, for short 15. Jason's wife in mythology 16. Be of use 17. TV slogan famously voiced by James Earl Jones 19. Country music's LeAnn 20. Dangles a carrot in front of

1

21. Beer can feature 23. Otherwise 24. Bullfighters wave them 25. Byways: Abbr.

LOOSE PARTS

DAVE BLAZEK

28. Wife of John Jr. 31. "Stop procrastinating!"

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

1

© 2017 N.F. Benton

11/5/17

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 www.sudoku.org.uk.

© 2017 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Critter Corner

BACK IN THE DAY

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

20 s Yearo Ag

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

20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press

Falls Church News-Press Vol. VII, No. 34 • November 6, 1997

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

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVII, No. 35 • November 1, 2007

10 Year s Ago

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

GOP Wins Statewide; Hull, Bittle Hold Onto Posts in Falls Church

Dems Poised to Take 3 GOP State Senate Seats in Fairfax

The Republican statewide ticket swept to victory Tuesday in Virginia, keeping with polls that showed it steadily pulling ahead during October following what had been a deadlocked race through most of the year.

In local contested elections, Delegate Bob Hull was re-elected to represent the 38th District that includes Falls Church, and Falls Church Sheriff Steve Bittle handily defeated two opponents to win re-election.

Trusting the stunning pro-Democratic shift in Fairfax County voting patterns the last two years will remain in effect next Tuesday, Virginia’s Democratic leadership is optimistic about the transfer of three county GOP-held state senate seats to their camp. That would spearhead their party’s drive to wrest control of the state senate from Republicans overall, something most pundits consider likely.

Fa l l s C h u r c h

Business News & Notes NOVA ScriptsCentral to Assemble Care Packages for Troops and Veterans NOVA ScriptsCentral is working with volunteers from Middleburg Management to put together a total of 500 care packages for troops stationed overseas and for homeless veterans in Northern Virginia. They are seeking donations of food items such as protein bars, jerky, single serve instant coffee, and dry and canned dog food, personal care products such as toothpaste, wet wipes, odor eaters, multi-vitamins and sunscreen, entertainment items such as cards, puzzle books, envelopes with writing paper, and reading materials, clothing items such as socks, t-shirts, scarves, and sweatpants. Donations may be dropped off at the NovaScripts Central office by Nov. 8, at 6400 Arlington Blvd, Suite 120, or to arrange for pick please email info@novascriptscentral.org. For more information, visit novascriptscentral.org.

THE BELLE of the Bark Ball from earlier this year is Gabby.

While she was a stunner that night, sources close to the NewsPress informed us that Gabby double-dipped on her attire and used this as her Halloween costume. Chic and cheap, what a gal!

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

Quinn’s Auction Galleries to Sponsor New Creative Cauldron Production Quinn’s Auction Galleries are sponsoring Creative Cauldron’s “A Little Princess Sara Crewe” from November 3 – 19 at ArtSpace Falls Church. The Learning Theater Production is based on the children’s novel

by Frances Hodgson Burnett and book by Ellen Selby with music by Matt Conner and lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith. ArtSpace Falls Church is located at 410 S. Maple Avenue. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to creativecauldron.org.

Beer 101: Brewery Tour & Tastings at Mad Fox Brewing Company Mad Fox Brewing Company is hosting two Beer 101: Brewery Tour & Tastings on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Attendees will learn about craft beers from Bill Madden and Matt Ryan and enjoy a beer sampler selected by the brewers, discussion, and a bar snack. Space is still available for the $15 4 p.m. class. The 2 p.m. class is sold out. Mad Fox Brewing Company is located at 444 W. Broad Street in Falls Church. For more information, visit madfoxbrewing.com.

Dine Out Day at The Locker Room Sports Bar & Grill Nov. 8 The Locker Room Sports Bar & Grill is hosting a Dine Out Day for The American Legion Post 130 on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The Locker Room will donate 15 percent of gross sales from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. American Legion Post 130 is an integral part of the Falls Church community which hosts events for a variety of nonprofit organizations. The Locker Room is located at 502 W. Broad Street in Falls Church. For more information, visit thelockerroomfc.com/.

Cryotherapy Treatments Offered at Solano Spine & Sport Chiropractic Solano Spine & Sport Chiropractic is offering 3 minute, -240 degree whole body Cryotherapy treatments on Saturday, Nov. 18 available between 8 a.m. – noon. The touted benefits of Cryotherapy include the reduction of pain and inflammation, boosted energy levels and metabolism, muscle soreness relief, and skin tightening and smoothing. For more information or to make an appointment, email solanospinesport@gmail. com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH

TM

John Gaul, SINCE 1925. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t look his best. Now, he and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CLEANING SERVICES

House Cleaning Service Available 7 days a week Weekly - By Weekly - Monthly or by Time Move Out - Move In • 14 years Experience Good References • Senior Discount For Further Information: Call Susy • Cell (703) 901-0596

NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017 | PAGE 23

Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, doors, windows, rotted wood, siding, gutters, lighting + more FREE estimates, insured Call Doug (703)556-4276

www.novahandyman.com

OTHER SERVICES

JOSEPH HOME IMPROVEMENT

Drywall • Paint Exterior / Interior, Bath & Kitchen Remodeling, Basements, Ceramic Tile, Deck, Fences. Patios, Electric, Plumbing, Clean Garage, All Kinds of Hauling.

Joseph www.josephhomeimprovements.com Joselozada27@yahoo.com Licensed & Cell 703-507-5005 Insured Work Tel 703-507-8300

R

The Law Firm Of Janine S. Benton

A Cleaning Service since 1985

Insured, Bonded and Licensed Independently owned Commercial & Residential

Couselors & Attorneys At Law

703-892-8648

Janine S. Benton, Esq

Get 10% off labor with this ad [must be presented at first consultation]

classads@fcnp.com

www.acleaningserviceinc.com

jb@jbentonlaw.com We Assist: government contractors small & large businesses

fcnp.com

Tel: 703.217.2632

fcnp.com

Fax: 703.832.3236 400 Maple Ave., So., Suite 210, Falls Church, Virginia 22046

C L AS S I F I E DS For Sale HOUSE FOR SALE 5729 Norton Road Alexandria VA 22303 $472,740.

Phone: 202-742-7290 Senate Realty Corporation 909 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 FAIR HOUSING & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REALTOR

Services HOUSE KEEPING SERVICE Dust-Sweep-VacuumDisinfect-Mop-LinensTrash Removal Great References 20 Years Experience Falls Church Resident Call Rosane Cell 703-462-4316

Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on November 16, 2017 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items: NEW BUSINESS Appeal application A1595-17 by Hilary Duke and Steven Valley, appellants, appealing the Zoning Administrator’s determination that the wall check survey received by Falls Church City for the construction of a house and garage at 309 Sycamore Street, dated July 26, 2017, is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 48 of the Falls Church City Code for placement of the house and garage, on premises known as 309 Sycamore Street, RPC #51215-103 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential, said property owned by Little City Homes LLC. Information on the above applications is

available for review at: Zoning Office 300 Park Avenue, Suite 300W Falls Church, VA. 703-248-5015 (option 1) zoning@fallschurchva.gov This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)

VOLUNTEERS PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

Architectural Advisory Board (alternate) Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation Economic Development Authority Historic Architectural Review Board Historical Commission Housing Commission Library Board of Trustees Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Towing Advisory Board (Towing Representative) Regional Boards/Commissions: Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council

FAMILY COURT of the STATE of NY, County of Nassau In the Matter of

Proceeding under Article 6, of the Family Court Act. Docket Nos: V- 8196-16, LORENSO DEJESUS ROMERO-MUNGUIA, Petitioner,vs. MARGARITA RIVAS DEARGUETA, Respondent. In the name of the People of the State of New York. To the above-named Respondent: MARGARITA RIVAS DEARGUETA, who is found at Falls Church, VA. A motion having been filed with this Court requesting findings by the Court with regards to the following minor: JOSSELIN ESTEFANY ROMERO- RIVAS, DOB 09/05/05. You are here-by summoned to appear before the Nassau County Family Court, Referee Robert LoPresti, located at 1200 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY 11590

#BeUnderstood

on December 14, 2017, 3:00pm,to answer the petition and be dealt with in accordance with the Fam.Ct.Act. On your failure to appear as herein directed, a Warrant may be issued for your arrest, or an order may be issued on your default. Dated: 10/06/17, Rosalie Fitzgerald, Clerk of Court. To the Above-Named Respondent: The fore-going summons are served upon you by publication pursuant to CPLR 308, and order of the Nassau County Family Court. .

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

Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

SOME PARENTS WANT THEIR KIDS TO TRY HARDER. SOME KIDS ARE TRYING AS HARD AS THEY CAN. Learning and attention issues can look different to parents and kids.

That’s why there’s Understood, a free online resource with answers, advice and tools to help your child thrive. Go from misunderstanding to understood.org.

Brought to you by 15 nonprofit partners

fcnp.com

PAGE 24 | NOVEMBER 2 – 8, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SOLD

Open Sunday 2-4pm

Open Sunday 2-4pm

Open Sunday 2-4pm

405 Hillwood Ave | Falls Church City

Pristine 4 BD/2.5 BA town home in Whittier Park.

Many updates and shows beautifully. 2 car garage and walk to all that Falls Church City has to offer. Offered at $839,000

8216 Holland Rd | Alexandria

Beautiful colonial on over 1 acre of land featuring 5 BD/3.5 BA, large dome shaped addition perfect for family room or dance studio! 2-car garage. Walk to the Potomac River from this fantastic location. Offered at $824,900

525 N Fayette St # 401 | Alexandria

Stunning 2 BD/2 BA corner unit Condo in The Henry primely positioned in Old Town Alexandria , two blocks from Metro. Completely updated ( over 100K in upgrades) and truly exceptional with 2 parking spaces and additional storage.Offered at $679,000

1740 Sundance Dr. | Reston

Lovely townhouse in quiet community featuring 2 bedrooms and 3.5 baths on 3 finished levels! Move-in ready with updated kitchen, two master suites, and a large family room in the lower level. Great location with 2 reserved parking spaces! Offered at $385,000

Stop by our Falls Church City office

Louise Molton

(conveniently located next to the Hilton),

Phone: 703 244-1992 louise@moltonrealestate.com

and let us know how we can help you with your real estate needs.

710 W Broad St, Falls Church VA 22046 ~ 703-596-5303 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

®

REALTOR

R C ST R R ealty

Open Sunday 2-4 in Falls Church ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

TM

Call ROCK STAR Realty when buying or selling your home ~ 703-867-8674

FOR SALE

UNDER CONTRACT

3753 Tennis Court, Falls Church

6802 Chestnut Ave, Falls Church Lake Barcroft - Pristine, refreshing, and recreational!

This spacious home offers over 5,000 sq ft. With a huge Charming 5 BR/3.5 BA renovated home with all new kitchen & bathrooms, finished lower level, and a Rec Room, Media Room, and a large one level deck, fenced yard. $569,000 this is the perfect spot for entertaining!! $1,225,000

Join Us ~ Election Night Party

Shows like a new home! 3 fully finished levels, new hardwoods and new neutral carpeting on bedroom level. Snazzy, sun-filled end unit in High Pointe offers handsome granite and stainless steel kitchen overlooking relaxing family room with gas fireplace! Bedroom/guest room/au paire on entry level with full bath! 2 master suites and garage 8067 NICOSH CIRCLE LN #56, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22042

All are invited: Candidates, Friends, Family th

Tuesday, Nov 7 ~ 6-9pm Stop by as polls are tallied for a beer & a bite

Mad Fox Brewing Company 444 W Broad St | Falls Church City

703-867-8674

Proud Sponsor of ®

REALTOR

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Lifetime Top Producer

Housing Commission, Vice Chair

Tori@ToriRocksRealEstate.com ToriRocksRealEstate.com 2012–2017

© 2017 Tori McKinney, LLC