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November 2 - 8, 2023 Founded 1991 • V o l . X X X III N o . 38
The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia
F.C. Council Election Up For Grabs On Tuesday
COSTUMED REVELERS ON BIKES
Polls Open 6 a.m to 7 p.m. At 3 Falls Church Precincts by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
A long and hard-fought City Council race in the City of Falls Church culminates next Tuesday, Nov. 7, when three seats on the seven–member Council will be filled by three of the four candidates with the most votes. Turnout among those voting early has been somewhat less than some have expected but not for any lack of important issues and campaigns being involved. There are four candidates but essentially two sides represented by the contenders. One side, with three candidates, is led by incumbent Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, seeking a third four-year term, and includes first time Council candidates Tim Stevens and Justine Underhill, all of whom were endorsed by the regional Sierra Club chapter. On the other side is Erin Flynn, a relative newcomer to the City who has been critical of recent actions by the Council, in particular to its 5-2 vote to modify zoning in the City’s transitional zones. It has developed into a faceoff between Hardi, who has spearheaded the past decades’ extraordinary achievements of a new $120 million high school, renovated City Hall and Library and substantial improvements in sidewalks and residential neighborhoods while lowering the real estate tax rate by 13 cents, and Flynn, who took the losing side on the zoning change issue.
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LAST SATURDAY, FALLS CHURCH FORWARD hosted its Kidical Mass Halloween Parade Ride. The public was invited to participate on bike, scooter, roller blades, other two-wheelers or in their walking shoes. (Photo: Gary Mester)
Virginia’s Election Tuesday a National Bellwether
by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Tuesday’s general election in Virginia has every single state delegate and senator on ballots around the state, given that is the case, the election here is considered a bellwether nationally on what issues matter most to voters going into the 2024 presidential election year. Here, there is no doubt that the issue of abortion and of the rights of women to determine what happens to their own bodies is being seen by Democrats as mattering most in almost every race. With Democrats holding a razor thin lead in the State Senate and just barely
down in the House, they are counting on the abortion issue and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s backwardness on the issue to tip the balance in their favor. State Del. Marcus Simon, who represents Falls Church in the Richmond legislature, faces only nominal opposition in his race, and he’s been helping other Democrats in the wider region with their efforts. He appeared with a large contingent of his fellow Democratic lawmakers and some challengers hopeful of winning seats at a rally at a home in Alexandria earlier this week that was keynoted by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete
Buttigieg. On the other side, the main news has been the influx of millions of dollars from Republicans nationwide to help out GOP candidates. Buttigieg told supporters that this Virginia election is being seen as a “canary in the coal mine” nationally, in terms of being an early tipoff of what can be expected to move voters in the coming year. He quipped that in Virginia Republicans are “trying to block, not build,” referring to ongoing efforts to take voters off the rolls. On that score, on Monday Vi rg i n i a ’s Democratic
Congressional delegation sent a follow-up letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the Youngkin Administration’s improper removal of nearly 3,400 eligible voters from the rolls. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (Both D-VA), and Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04).
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Erin Flynn NEWS BRIEFS for CITY COUNCIL
Independent l Capable l Committed
Vote fthoris Erinsday! Tue
New FCNP History Book Signing Events Postponed Due to illness, events scheduled in coming weeks featuring journalist Charlie Clark and his new book, “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press” (The History Press, 2023), have been postponed at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library and other locations. New dates will be set soon.
Oak Street Bridge Work Completed At Last
FlynnforFallsChurch.com Elect Erin on November 7! Paid for and authorized by Erin H. Flynn for City Council
Work on the Oak Street Bridge, located on S. Oak Street over Tripps Run between S. Lee Street and Timber Lane, is now completed . The scope of the work involved the replacement of steel beams and concrete deck. Ancillary benefits of the project are improving pedestrian accessibility and trail access point to Howard E. Herman Stream Valley Park. Oak Street Bridge is a simple span steel beam bridge with reinforced concrete deck and concrete abutments. In 2012, Dewberry inspectors found the bridge to be in poor condition with a bridge rating of 4 out of 10. There was severe corrosion in the steel beam webs. Timber blocking was installed at locations where steel beam webs were severely corroded. Concrete deck had spalling and numerous hairline cracks with some exposed rebar.
Biden Acts to Push Office Buildings to Residential Last week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to support the conversion of high-vacancy commercial buildings to residential use, including through new financing, technical assistance, and sale of federal properties. These announcements will create much-needed housing that is affordable, energy efficient, near transit and good jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nearly 30 percent of which comes from the building sector.
N. Va. Magazine Singles Out F.C. Eateries Among Best Falls Church area’s 2941 restaurant has been ranked highly by Northern Virginia Magazine’s food critics, whose ranking of the 50 best restau-
rants in the region for 2023 hit newsstands last week. Falls Church was also represented with Ellie Bird at No. 5 and the Vietnamese restaurant NUE coming in seventh. Both restaurants opened earlier this year in the city’s new Founders Row development on West and Broad streets.
Beyer to Honor Tanya Bradsher At Annual Women’s Conference U.S. Rep. Don Beyer this week announced that Tanya J. Bradsher will receive the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award during his Seventh Annual Women’s Conference Nov. 4. Bradsher was nominated by President Biden to serve as the Tenth Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 14, 2023, and sworn in on September 20, 2023. She is the first woman confirmed to serve as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the first woman of color to hold the post in either an acting or a confirmed capacity. Tanya Bradsher is a combat Veteran who served for 20 years in the United States Army, including service on the Korean peninsula and at the Pentagon on 9/11. A native of Arlington, she previously became Rep. Beyer’s second Chief of Staff, before departing in 2021 to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration, where she became Chief of Staff for Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “Tanya is a courageous and conscientious person whose 20-year military service, time in the U.S. House of Representatives as my Chief of Staff, and leadership in the Biden-Harris Administration are truly exceptional,” said Rep. Beyer. “As Secretary McDonough said when Tanya became the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tanya has dedicated her life to fighting for her country and her fellow veterans. Tanya’s service is an inspiration to us all, and I’m proud to recognize her outstanding contributions to our country and our community.” Rep. Beyer created the Clara Mortenson Beyer Women and Children First Award while Ambassador to Switzerland in 2011. It is named after his grandmother, who is credited with convincing the Roosevelt Administration to appoint Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet Secretary in the United States. Clara Beyer served as Secretary Perkins’ right hand, working on child labor issues. She was the first woman appointed as U.S. Representative to the International Labor Organization in Geneva.
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F.C. City Council Race Concludes With Election Day Tuesday
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Proponents of the change, including Hardi, prevailed in a final 5-2 vote by the Council who saw the change as an opportunity to respond to the regional housing shortage crisis with a move that will allow more affordable housing types in the City, while opponents in what was well over a year of forums and debates, argued against the potential of collateral issues like traffic and parking. Hardi’s side includes the two other candidates that she has chosen to align with in next week’s election as fellow Sierra Club endorsees, Planning Commission chair Srevens and Housing Commission activist Underhill. On this eve of the election, Hardi, Stevens and Underhill has been the beneficiary of a letter of support from veteran Falls Church City Councilman Phil Duncan, who declined to run for his spot this year due to his having received a massive lung transplant earlier this year. Duncan has made a spectacular
recovery and been active on the Council despite the transplant, and that includes chairing the Council’s Economic Development committee. While Hardi, Stevens and Underhill enjoyed the letter of endorsement from Duncan, published elsewhere in this edition, and also the endorsement of the News-Press (see Editorial, Page 6), Flynn secured a letter of support from Council member David Snyder, who was one of the two “no” votes on the zoning change. That letter is also published elsewhere in this edition. In another issue related to the campaigns, the City’s Citizens for a Better City (CBC) civic group announced what it considered the success of its “Integrity Pledge” efforts. After a local election two years ago saw a heavy influx of financial support from outside the City, the CBC’s Hal Lippman launched an effort to have all the candidates this time commit to an “Integrity Pledge” that all seven local candidates (four for City Council and three for
School Board) agreed to. Lippman announced this week following the final filing deadline for candidate fundraising disclosures this: “Using campaign fundraising information compiled and posted on October 31, 2023 by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project (www.VPAP.org), the CBC Candidate Integrity Pledge Monitoring Committee has concluded that all seven candidates running for the City Council (four) and School Board (three) have complied with the Pledge’s letter and intent. “CBC developed and all current candidates signed the Pledge, which was a response to the contentious 2021 campaign cycle where for the first time in our Little City’s history a troubling infusion of comparatively large sums of outside money came into some candidates’ campaigns. As of October 31, there has been no evidence whatsoever that this situation regarding outside funding has recurred. “Average campaign funds received to date for current City
AT A RECENT candidates’ debate, during a break (left to right) Vice Mayor Letty Hardi and fellow candidate Tim Stevens spoke with Council member Phil Duncan (right) (News-Press Photo) Council candidates amounts to $8,750; as compared to $8,223 for their counterparts in 2021. For the School Board candi-
Diverse backgrounds, united on climate
dates, average funds received to date are $1,278; as compared to $11,860 for their 2021 counterparts.”
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Virginia Elections Tuesday Likened to ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’
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“Earlier this month, the Virginia Department of Elections (the Department) first announced that it had improperly removed about 270 voters whose rights were restored after felony convictions,” the letter read. “News reports from late last week indicated that the Department had actually improperly removed 3,400 qualified voters. This is over 10 times more voters than initially announced, and the information comes less than two weeks before Election Day and more than a month after the start of early voting. The Department has indicated those affected voters’ records have been sent – and updated – to the local registrars who have then notified these voters via mail; however, it is not clear that these voters will receive the information they are reinstated in a timely manner. Further, the Department noted that 100 of the voters who were wrongly removed have yet to be reinstated and may not be notified
of their reinstatement with sufficient time to cast a ballot in next month’s election.” This follows a previous letter sent on October 6th demanding the DOJ investigate whether these actions violate the Voting Rights Act or other federal laws. “We reiterate our request that DOJ take immediate action to investigate how these removals happened and what is being done to ensure that those whose names were illegally removed from the voting rolls are informed in a timely and effective manner so that they are able to cast a vote in the November 7, 2023, Virginia election,” the letter states. Buttigieg, whose career as a potential future presidential candidate is still very alive but not being talked about this election cycle, also contrasted state Democrats to their opponents by contending that Democrats are passionate about building bridges while their opponents are fixated on banning books, said in sum that the races “are about politics, but also about values.”
U.S. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION Pete Buttigieg delivered rousing remarks to a gathering of Democratic supporters in Northern Virginia this week. (News-Press Photo)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Is There a Solution to the Rise of Hate in America? Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
For the record, in the wake of the escalating violence now in the Middle East. I associate myself with the superb column in this week’s Washington Post by Dana Milbank, entitled, “What a Lonely Time to Be a Jew in America.” He writes, “This is a frightening time to be a progressive Jew in America.” While “Jews as a group are among the most progressive in the United States,” Milbank quotes his rabbi, “People are filled with anguish. It’s become very, very lonely to be a progressive, Enlightenmentbelieving Jew.” Milbank writes in this context that “the far left needs to be confronted about its morally empty attempts to draw an equivalence between the premeditated murders committed by Hamas terrorists and the military action of Israel as it tries to incapacitate the terrorists.” On the one hand, while “the demands for an unconditional cease-fire by Israel would leave the terrorists capable of repeating their attacks,” on the other, American Jews “can’t tolerate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.” He calls for a “political and economic Marshall Plan for the Palestinian people” which is contrary to “attacking the Jewish state’s very existence” and setting off “an orgy of violence that and harassment directed at American Jews.” I dare say if some kind of a resolution that affirms mutual concord and a two-state solution can be found, it would be a marked departure from the dominant history of western civilization since 1914, when prominent European leaders, all descendants of England’s Queen Victoria, chose vengeance and retribution as their preferred paths, and before the dust settled at the end of World War 2, over 200 million innocents were dead. Referencing Milbank’s column, I thought of noting that I, myself, am not Jewish, but that is highly irrelevant. I am gay, and fashion myself to be a child of the Enlightenment as were our nation’s Founding Fathers and their
revolutionary guiding principle that “all men (and women) are created equal.” As racial and ethnic hatreds grow, they will extend to all of us who are not willing to cowtow to the various brands of New Dark Age thinking that is hostile to rational thought and science, to expanding the opportunities for freedom and self-determination to wider and wider circles of humans and that do not insist that straight white males have a divine right to dictate what women can and cannot do with their bodies. What is being thrust upon us in these dark times is truly preEnlightenment fierce butchery in the name of religion dating from an era before it was determined that the earth is round, no matter in whose name atrocities are espoused. Hamas, of course is among the major perpetrators of this antiintellectual counterrevolution, and it must be said that it is clearly obvious that it is a puppet not so much of Iran, but of Russia and its Hitlerian designs on Europe. The October 7 Hamas pogrom that killed 1,400 Jews in Israel was timed to disrupt the best efforts in the U.S. and the West to maintain the capacity to defeat the Russian military invasion of Ukraine and to defend the main of Europe in the process. We are now seeing the effect of this as key pro-Russian assets in the U.S. Congress are insisting that the U.S. cannot afford to fund military efforts in Ukraine on top of helping Israel, even as President Biden rightly insists we must, It comes as no surprise to this writer that the so-called “far left” in the U.S. is once again siding with the enemies of democracy in the U.S. as they threaten to abandon support for Biden in siding with Hamas, its invasion and ongoing atrocities against the Jewish people. Like the lead-up to World War I, humanity’s enemies are now situated on both, or all, sides set to ignite the flames of a wider, horrible conflagration. They include Russia, Iran and Hamas on one side, and the bellicose Netanyahu government in Israel on the other. In 2023, have we come any closer to averting yet another such unspeakably monstrous war? So far, not, I fear. But we must keep trying.
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Guest Commentary: A Prescription for Good Health: Selecting the Right Medicare by Dr. Lily Pham, Regional Vice President of Health Service
As a physician, the last thing I want is for a patient to make decisions about their health and well-being based on the cost of care and medication rather than their actual care needs. Right now is a critical time for the over 1.6 million individuals in Virginia who rely on Medicare for their health insurance. Evaluating your own health care needs can help you select a plan that will cover you when you need it the most and fit within your budget. While it’s impossible to foresee all health issues that may require treatment, there are several things to consider during the Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period (AEP), happening Oct. 15 through Dec. 7: • Future Health Risks: In addition to making sure your plan covers your current health needs, speak to your doctor about health risks that may require additional treatment. For instance, if you have prediabetes, consider the potential for future diabetes management.
• Prescription Drug Benefits: Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans, unlike Original Medicare. If you prefer Original Medicare, you can opt for a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan through a private insurer. Prepare a list of your current medications to compare costs while choosing plans. • Doctors and Hospitals: If you have a favorite doctor, ensure they accept your plan to avoid any additional expenses for out-of-network providers. Also understand if the plan requires referrals for specialized care. • Other Benefits: Consider additional benefits that can positively impact your health and well-being. Medicare Advantage plans may include dental, vision and hearing coverage; fitness programs; and even transportation to doctor visits. • Costs: Different plans have different costs, so understand the full picture when comparing plans in your area. Look at monthly premiums, deductibles and co-pays for hospital stays and doctor visits. Also, pay attention to annual maximum out-of-pocket costs – if
you reach the limit, you will pay nothing for covered services the rest of the year. • Quality: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reviews and rates all Medicare Advantage plans before the enrollment period each year to help consumers make informed decisions. Plans are rated on a scale of one to five, with one indicating poor performance and five indicating excellence. Your health insurance carrier is a partner that helps you get the care you need. If you are eligible for Medicare, take time to research your options and ensure you select the plan that best meets your personal health and financial needs. The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov can help compare plans and benefits and get an estimated cost for each plan. For more information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-6334227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048). Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.
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E ditorial
E D I TO R I A L
Following Hardi’s Lead For Election Choices
When the early voting for this Fall’s election cycle, including for the Falls Church City Council, began in August, the News-Press announced its endorsements in this space, and now on the eve of the Nov. 7 General Election Day we take another stab at that. Through the two-month intense campaign season, we have come away with no changes to our original endorsements, which after all, were made with no small amount of thought and consideration. Our endorsements over the years have been non-partisan, with an equal or almost equal number of candidates from either party winning our recommendations to our readers of the best choices. Two years ago, with four of the seven City Council seats open, we endorsed two Republicans and two Democrats, all of whom wound up being elected and all of whom now serve constructively on our Council. This election is the same, from our point of view. We suggest to our readers that they go with the candidates, three in this go-around, with the best qualifications and stated sentiments and commitments to our community. This year, it is important to make good choices in light of the fact that two key members of the Council are not running. Mayor David Tarter and Councilmen Phil Duncan, both long-serving citizens committed to the best future for our Little City and its citizens, opted out of bids for re-election this fall. Only vice mayor Letty Hardi, arguably the single most qualified member on the Council, has a history of service there, putting in two exemplary terms to date. Given Hardi’s profoundly qualified service for eight years so far, when she suggests who would best work with her for the next four years, it represents a very compelling recommendation. She has put her fellow candidates Tim Stevens and Justine Underhill on her list of endorsements, and that has a lot to do with why we have chosen to follow on that same course. So, we endorse incumbent Vice Mayor Hardi, Planning Commission chair Tim Stevens and Housing Commission member Justine Underhill. The only among the four candidates on the ballot who does not get our endorsement is first time candidate and recent transplant to Falls Church Erin Flynn, whose campaign has become more negative in the last weeks. In her letter to voters utilizing space provided to her by Beyer Automotive in our paper this week, she contends that her three opponents’ pooling resources for joint mailers and to purchase newspaper ads doesn’t “benefit City residents on local issues.” But rather than “a mix of perspectives and experiences,” in our view candidates should try to find common ground on key issues, and the three we’ve endorsed, following Vice Mayor Hardi’s lead, have done that that and will work to ensure the City’s future of top quality education, measured development that lowers the tax rate for homeowners, and commitment to quality of life issues like transportation, sidewalks and safety, will prevail.
Platform 1. Keep the news clean and fair. 2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial content. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors. 6. Give ‘value received’ for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
L etters to E ditor Campaign for School Board Editor, My name is Mike Donovan, and I am campaigning as a writein candidate for Falls Church City School Board. This late entry into the race came about after hearing how unhappy teachers and staff are with the lack of transparency and accurate information from the current school board. The 2023 school board race had an unopposed slate of candidates which, in my opinion, will lead to complacency. As a writein candidate I am here to give voters more choice. In this time of increasing competition for a declining number of people willing to work in public education, I am concerned about maintaining a stable workforce. I commit to bringing a voice to the school board that represents the values of our community, our schools, our students, and our staff. This promise includes committing the school board to act in good faith with school staff, understanding that many live and work here, in order to continue the tradition of excellence for Falls Church students and families. Mike Donovan
Candidate Choices from Duncan Editor, First, thanks to the News-Press for its extensive coverage of the City Council and School Board campaigns. Our City is lucky to have a newspaper where candidates for local office can reach citizens with advertisements and biographical statements. Second, thanks to all the folks who are seeking public office. It’s hard work, going door-to-door to visit with all the voters. I’m sorry not to be on the campaign trail myself this time. Tuesday marked 26 weeks since my lungs transplant surgery in May. So, I’ve made it halfway through the year that my doctors say it will take for me to feel strong enough to wage a campaign. But I have been able to continue participating in Council meetings, and I’ve attended all the candidate forums. This has underscored my belief, formed during 11-plus years
as a member of Council, that our citizenry is best served when a variety of generational perspectives are represented on our Council. In my view, the best blend of experience, energy, values and vision is offered by Council candidates Tim Stevens, Letty Hardi and Justine Underhill. Tim is an active senior who has developed a deep understanding of Falls Church through decades of volunteer community service with environmental groups, civic organizations, and in recent years as chair of the Planning Commission, where he presides with an open mind and collaborative spirit. My candidate choice in the 40-something cohort is Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, whose weekly blog is the gold standard in communicating with constituents. Letty brings to her civic work a background in business analytics and management; the no-nonsense grit that comes from raising three boys; and keen interest in a wide range of issues. In the 30-something cohort, Justine Underhill impressively articulates a vision for the Falls Church of the future that we all want — a closeknit, welcoming community, with more housing options to meet the needs and budgets of old and young. I’ve seen Justine in action as a member of the City’s Housing Commission, and as a leader in the Falls Church Forward civic organization, and I’m confident she would pour her heart and soul into working on Council to ensure Falls Church is a City for all ages and abilities, with first-rate schools and senior services. My preferred candidates for Council are all about possibilities for our great City. Tim, Letty and Justine will pursue progress with a spirit of hopeful and planful positivism. Phil Duncan
Why I Support Erin Flynn Editor, Erin shares our community’s values, including insistence on excellent City services, environmental protection, transportation, development and assuring an inclusive community. She will be a tough advocate and negotiator on behalf of the City just as
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Remembering Audrey Luthman: F.C.'s Guardian of People Big and Small by Brian Reach
Falls Church News-Press
Audrey Luthman passed away last week at the age of 83 surrounded by family. Luthman was a staple of the community, having served as crossing guard for Oak Street Elementary School, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and Meridian High School until 2021, when she retired after an impressive 50 years protecting The Little City’s children journeying to and from school. “Audrey was an institution here in the City. She devoted her career to the safety and well-being of our children,” said Mayor David Tarter of Luthman. “I can’t think of a higher calling. She will be sorely missed.” "Audrey was an FCC treasure and a true gift to our community." said Monica Stassen, who has lived in F.C. since 2012 with her husband Andy Crawford, and who has two children in FCCPS schools, aged 13 and 16. Stassen says Luthman would often share oral F.C. history about her father's milk deliveries, and days when Broad St. was "not so broad." She continued that "her eyes would light up when she recognized a parent she had known as a child." Luthman ensured the safety of generations of students from 1971 to 2021, and was often visited at crossings by former students with their children — and eventually grandchildren — to celebrate her life’s work. Luthman was remembered by F.C. Police Chief Mary Gavin for
her “salt of the earth” nature, finding little ways to make a big difference, and bravery stepping into busy traffic to ensure students’ safe passage. “She was a rare force of nature, standing all of 4’10”, with a gigantic presence,” Gavin said, adding that Luthman rarely missed a day of work and was unfazed by impatient drivers. “She would often chuckle and get a kick out of the angry drivers that would pass her by and, as she put it, give her ‘the one-finger wave.’” Audrey's quiet heroics were a testament to her unwavering commitment to her community. “I’ll never forget the afternoon Audrey was standing at her post at the Haycock Rd. mid-block crossing, when she heard a bank robbery go out over the radio. She made a great witness and crime fighter that day who happened to help the FCPD catch a serial bank robber,” remembered Gavin, adding that “She will be forever missed, but never forgotten, as she is a part of the social fabric of this community.” The people of Falls Church found several opportunities to recognize Luthman’s decades of service to the community. In 2011 she was recognized at the Falls Church City Employee Service Awards Luncheon for 40 years of service, then again by Del. Marcus Simon in 2017 after 45 years on the job. In 2013, Audrey Luthman was honored as the Grand Marshal for the City of Falls Church's 32nd Annual Memorial Day Parade, alongside another dedicated crossing guard, Janet Haines, who served for
L etters to E ditor
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an attorney for the U.S. Justice Department. Finally, she shares the immigrant experience as well as her work in our community with VPIS. In all my years on Council, I have never seen anyone more qualified for the job of City Council. Dave Snyder
Praise for Past and Present Editorials Editor, I am a Maryland resident, but when I am in Northern Virginia I pick up the latest issue of the Falls Church News-Press. This week’s issue, October 26-Nov.
1 issue, the editorial, “Universal Four Freedoms,” is one of the best editorials I have ever had the privilege of reading. The first absolutely great editorial Mr. Benton wrote was “The God of Our Founders” in the August 5-11, 2021 issue. I have kept that editorial and I am keeping the one in this week’s paper. These are two of the finest editorials I have ever read in all of my years, and I am no longer a spring chicken. Freeman Earnest
Speed Limits in Falls Church Editor, After moving to Falls Church almost 2 years ago, we
AUDREY LUTHMAN (second from r.) being honored for longtime service along with Janet Haines (second from l.) in 2013 alongside F.C. Police Chief Mary Gavin (far r.). (Courtesy Photo) 52 years before retiring in 2019. Due to Haines having several additional years of service at the time, Luthman was affectionately referred to as the “Rookie Crossing Guard.” “My Grandmother’s biggest role, aside from her career, was no doubt her role as ‘Mema.’ Not only to her grandchildren, but also the children she saw every day.” recalled Luthman’s eldest granddaughter, Ashleigh Luthman-Hackett, who said Luthman was the “nucleus” of her family, happiest when her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were all together, and proud of her famous “Mema’s Spaghetti,” which she said
was loved by all. “She was selfmade, self-taught, had a real true grit and a twinkle in her eye,” LuthmanHackett continued, adding that she loved camping, building furniture, softball and music. "She taught me to never let anyone but myself take control of my destiny." Luthman-Hackett, reflecting on her grandmother’s legacy, said that Luthman’s dedication to others, the essence of her care, extended to all creatures. “I recall a story she told me as a kid. She found some other kids hurting lightning bugs, and went and stood up for the bugs, no matter what [the kids] thought. With all of
totally agree with the letter in the October 26th News-Press regarding the speed limits in Falls Church. We live on West Broad facing the Street and the cars and trucks are constantly going way over the limit. Besides that, there have been a lot of cars revving up their engines which are very loud and annoying. Perhaps some law can be changed regarding those loud engines. Actually, speed bumps sound like a perfect solution. Many more cars travel on West Broad since we moved here. While I am complaining there is something else that annoys us. Plastic bags have been banned, but they can still be purchased for 5 cents. We see them especially blowing around on the streets and side of the road. This does not make sense. Why do they still have them in the stores? Can someone please explain.
Three Steps for Pedestrian Safety
Fran McMahon
her being, Mema wanted everyone to feel loved and accepted. She always had room in her heart to keep making room. That is what I and I hope all will take forward from her.” Indeed, for the City of Falls Church, Audrey Luthman will forever be remembered as a dedicated public servant, guardian of the little people, and shining example of how a lifetime of service, even in the smallest ways, can make a profound difference in the lives of others. May Luthman’s memory serve as a timeless reminder of the positive impact one person can have on the world, one school crossing at a time.
Editor, I read in the News Press recently that the city of Falls Church is looking at the possibility of lowering the speed limit from 25 to 20 in some areas to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. I would like to suggest three things that could have a bigger impact. First, replace the pedestrian walk sign at Broad and N. Lee Streets that has been MIA. Second, abolish right turn on red in the city. Finally, find a way to enforce stopping for individuals in cross walks and then enforce it. All these things would make me feel safer (and be safer) than a 20 mph speed limit. Jim Gilroy
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 9
5th Annual Cut-A-Thon Raises Money and Awareness for a Good Cause by Kylee Toland
Falls Church News-Press
For 25 hours on November 4 and 5, the employees at Neighborhood Barbershop will chop hair until they drop. Coming back for its fifth year, the barber shop’s annual 25 Hour Chop-’til-We-Drop Cut-A-Thon, an all-night hair cutting marathon that raises money for an Alexandria homeless shelter. The Cut-A-Thon begins approximately at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4 and goes until 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 5. Dustin Foley, the barber shop’s owner, said the reason the marathon is 25 hours instead of 24 is because of the end of Daylight Saving Time on the fifth. “It’s been really successful every year, and so we just keep doing it,” Foley said about the Cut-A-Thon. “It’s kind of fun and causes a lot of hilarious moments.” The money raised by the Cut-A-Thon goes toward New Hope Housing, an organization
that offers temporary housing and shelter, while also working to get people into permanent housing. Foley said the barber shop is hoping to raise around $12,000 at this year’s marathon. New Hope has stayed as the same organization the marathon has raised money for since the Cut-A-Thon’s first event five years ago. “Their needs never really diminished because unfortunately, the housing problem hasn’t improved much,” Foley said. “Hopefully one day it won’t be and we can move on to something different.” A personal tie with the barber shop and the shelter is that some of Neighborhood’s barbers will cut and shave peoples’ hair on the weekends at New Hope, a “baton” Foley said was passed onto him by a fellow employee. “[The barbershop] wants to get people in a situation where they feel good about themselves, or be able to feel a bit more confident going into job interviews and such,” Foley said.
The Cut-A-Thon normally stays busy with cutting and shaving participants’ hair throughout the 25 hours, with Foley saying that local businesses contribute to the event such as bringing food in the middle of the night and holding raffles or giveaways associated with the marathon. “There’s just been an outpouring of support for a bunch of years,” Foley said. For those who may not need a cut or shave, Foley said people can still show their support by coming in and donating cash money, new or used bath towels or new boxer shorts in any size. “A lot of people will hear about it on the news and then swing by at some point,” Foley said. “A lot of people were like ‘I don’t need a haircut, but I just want to help out.’” “Staying awake and alert” is one of the biggest challenges with hosting the Cut-A-Thon Foley said, but with more and more people coming in either to participate or keep the barber shop company, a “rhythm” is found to keep the barbers awake.
NEIGHBORHOOD BARBERSHOP’S 5th Annual Cut-A-Thon allows participants a haircut or shave, and a way to give back to the community. (News-Press Photo) “Everybody seems to love the novelty of getting a haircut or a beard trim in the middle of the night,” Foley said. “It’s such an odd thing for most people to be able to roll into a barber shop at three or four in the morning to get a haircut.” For people who are unaware
of the Cut-A-Thon or are deciding if they want to participate in it, Foley said it’s an opportunity to spend “a couple of bucks” on themselves and for people in need. “These folks are our neighbors or our friends, and they can use a hand,” Foley said.
Election Day is this Tuesday with new options on the ballot. For true change vote
Dave Crance (L) Together let's give Liberty a chance.
A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center. Voted best shopping center in the DMV!
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Meridian Field Hockey Begins Playoff Run, Football Earns Big Win by Ryan McCafferty
The fall sports season is coming to a close at Meridian High School, with the golf and cheer squads having now concluded their campaigns while all others with the lone exception of football have begun their respective postseasons. Most notably, field hockey – which completed
its regular season undefeated at 16-0 – snagged wins over Culpeper County on Thursday and then Maggie Walker on Monday, both at home and both by a final score of 1-0 in order to advance to the Regional Finals this coming Thursday. Meanwhile the football team celebrated Senior Night this past Friday as the boys took on Warren
County, and they won 28-7 to improve their record to 4-5. They’ll play their regular season finale this Friday at Fauquier, and then hopefully compete in a playoff game the following week. Regardless, it’s been an impressive season of growth for the Mustangs, who only won once in 2022 and have improved throughout the year. Both the boys’ and the girls’
cross country teams competed in the District Championship at Sherando High School last Wednesday, and came away with some very impressive results. The boys placed second overall in the district while the girls were third, with Molly Moore placing fourth individually to lead the girls and Tucker Albaugh coming in seventh for the boys. Both teams will
now travel to Pole Green Park this week for the Region 3B Tournament, with a bid in State Finals up for grabs. Volleyball did not play this week, as they prepare for their regional playoff run that will begin with a matchup at Fauquier. The girls have been hot as of late and look to carry their momentum into the postseason.
THE MUSTANGS defeated Warren County, 28-7 at home on Friday night, improving their record to 4-5. They play their final game Friday at Fauquier. (Photo: Gary Mester)
Fa l l s C h u r c h School News & Notes MHS Band Students Ready to Work As part of the MUSIC Days fundraiser through December 3, Meridian High School musicians will be out in the community working to earn money for their once-in-a-lifetime trip to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April. All proceeds from these jobs goes directly to
help pay for their spring trip to the Big Apple where they will play on stage at Carnegie Hall and in a band exchange program with an arts high school in Brooklyn, NY. Let the capable, hardworking NYC-bound musicians help with odd jobs this fall. For more information or to place a job request, visit: forms. gle/JqoAvJXJzwHDF8Ww5 or email musicdaysgmhs@gmail. com.
Nominations Open for Employee Awards The nomination calendar and process are changing in 2023, but the awards remain the same. The initial nomination packet requirements are shorter to reduce the burden on nominators. Following initial nominations, school employees will select their building or depart-
MT DANIEL’S MUSIC teacher Ms. Guimaraes and her first and second-grade music students performed at the Falls Church City Halloween Carnival at Cherry Hill Park over the weekend. (Photo: Gary Mester)
ment nominee for each award. Those selected as building/ department nominees will be announced in November, and a more robust nomination packet will be assembled by the school community. The division-wide selection process will follow. The winner of each award will be announced in January 2024. Contact awards@fccps.org with questions.
FCCPS School Board Chairs Host Office Hours FCCPS School Board Chair Laura Downs and Vice-Chair Tate Gould will hold “office hours” at Plaka Grill (1216 W Broad) on Wednesday, November 8, from 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. Parents, students, teachers, staff, and community members may drop by (no registration required) to ask questions and offer feedback in a casual environment. As this will not be a private setting, community members who prefer to have a private exchange with the School Board can locate members’ email addresses at: fccps.org/page/school-board.
FCCPS Hosts Continuum Conference Last
week
FCCPS
host-
ed the inaugural IB Continuum Conference, which brought together IB teachers, coordinators, and administrators from 15 districts and two private schools, representing six states and Washington, D.C. This was the first conference to invite IB continuum school divisions and IB partnership schools to come together to build community, collaborate, and strengthen all IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP, CP) across the K-12 continuum. The conference was planned and presented by a divisionwide FCCPS team and included many FCCPS staff presenters whose vision came to life with great success.
OSE Parenting Book Club Returns
The OSE parenting book club is back for a second year. The book they will be reading this month is called, “The Family Firm: A Data-Driven Guide to Better Decision Making in the Early School Years” by Emily Oster. They will meet on Wednesday, November 15, from 6:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. to discuss. There is both an in-person and virtual option to participate. Please complete this form at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F AIpQLScM2RCDBnOpdqF0D JKnz7KAd0_9wWcztMVuB4 9Ln3mkDApi4Q/viewform by November 10 to plan to attend the book club.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 11
Little City Was Crawling With Creative Halloween Costumes
ALL ABOUT TOWN style and panache accompanied creative ones more dedicated to bringing smiles than tricks to doorsteps on Halloween! A great time was had by all. (Photos: Gary Mester, Steven Mory)
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. THURSDAY
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 2
NOVEMBER 3
Millennium Stage: Son Aguamiel
Simone Leigh
Son Aguamiel performs a free concert on the Millennium Stage. No tickets required; space is first come, first served. Son Aguamiel is a folk music group made up of passionate musicians who focus primarily in the Mexican “son.” They pride themselves on offering a complete audible landscape of the different Mexican regions by performing with traditional instruments and styles. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 6:00 p.m.
Addressing a wide swath of historical periods, geographies, and traditions, Leigh's art references vernacular and hand-made processes from across the African diaspora, as well as forms traditionally associated with African art and architecture. Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens (Independence Ave. and 7th St. SW, Washington, DC), 10:00 a.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein A monster of a hit musical based on the Mel Brooks comedic film masterpiece. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the legend of Frankenstein is the story of the bright young grandson who travels to Transylvania to complete his grandfather’s experiment. For mature audiences! On stage through November 11. Tickets at thelittletheatre.com. The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA), 8:00 p.m.
Ukulele Baby Lap Time
November 12. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Sig Theatre Presents: Ragtime Stories of three families intertwine against the backdrop of a towering slate of historical figures. Together they weave a stunning tapestry that reveals both the promise and prejudice of the American experience. Tickets at sigtheatre.org. Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4 Falls Church Farmers Market
House of Delegates, and uncontested races for F.C. school board and clerk of court. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Little City Concerts: Balance Campaign Founded by composer Stephen Gorbos in summer 2023, Little City Concerts seeks to present musical performances of depth and distinction in F.C.. Each event is connected with a social justice theme, and a portion of ticket sales are donated to a related charity. Tickets at littlecityconcerts.org. The Falls Church Episcopal (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.
Civil War Memorabilia Show and Sale
Join Ms. Ingrid Christina for a short lapsit with a story, songs on the ukulele, and rhymes. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 10:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Civil War books, relics, and memorabilia show and sale. $5 admission. Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge (8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA), 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Alchemy of Metal
Last Day For Early Voting
Rumble on the Row
By re-using metals in art, the artist gives them a second life. For this exhibit, artists were invited to create artworks that incorporate metal. On display through
The final day for early voting for the November 7 election, which includes a contested city council and commonwealth's attorney race, all seats in the Virginia Senate and
Rumble Boxing hosts a series of pop up workouts to get to know the community and introduce themselves to the area. 45-minute class, 10 rounds, half boxing and half strength. Free registration at bit.ly/FCNP1123rr. Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Jazzercise on the Plaza Free class by Jazzercise F.C.. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123jz. Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Shipgarten Dog O'Ween Celebrate a late Halloween! Bring your dog and celebrate with some fall festivities. Shipgarten (6579 Colshire Dr., Tysons, VA), 1:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
When You Wish Upon a Star SILKROAD ENSEMBLE presents the world premiere of American Railroad, this Sunday at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. (Photo: Adam Gurczak)
Celebrate 100 years of Disney through the lens of jazz as per-
formed by the house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Music director of the five-piece band, pianist Sean Mason, will bring these famous songs to life along with two wonderful singers and storytellers. A great way to introduce children to jazz, and for grownups to proudly enjoy Disney tunes. The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 7:00 p.m.
National Chamber Ensemble Diva's Night Out. Prepare to be enchanted as renowned soprano Sharon Christman graces the stage to perform a captivating selection of songs by musical giants such as Franz Schubert, Leonard Bernstein, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Richard Strauss. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123nc. Marymount University Ballston Center Auditorium (1000 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA), 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 5 Easy Bead Jewelry In this Shannyn Snyder Workshops event, learn to make a bracelet, necklace, and several earrings using easy beading, stringing, and bending techniques. Register free at mrspl. org. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
La Banda Morisca Part of the Fuego Flamenco Festival, through November 19. Surrender to the mesmerizing melodies of La Banda Morisca, and their music, which emanates from the rich tapestry of old AlAndaluz, a region deeply influenced by Islamic traditions and interwoven connections with the Middle East. With seamless artistry, La Banda Morisca draws upon these ancient ties, bringing cultures and captivating hearts along the way. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123ga. Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 2:00 p.m.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 13
EVENTS, LIVE MUSIC, & ART The Adventures of Pinnocchio
An inventive adaptation of the classic Collodi tale with Spanish language elements. The tale begins with Pinocchio as a real boy in the throes of a nightmare where he is being chased by a giant shark. His cries awaken the other puppets that are sleeping on the shelf in Gepetto’s workshop. He is afraid that he is still a puppet, but they assure him that he is indeed a real boy and help him remember all of the adventures that he went through to become one. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 7 Election Day 2023 F.C. voters choose state senator and delegate, commonwealth's attorney, city council, school board, and clerk of court. Voting locations in Falls Church (Ward 1 at Oak Street Elementary, Wards 2-3 at F.C. Community Center), 6:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Electoral Board Meeting
Silkroad Ensemble with Electoral Board meets. City Hall (300 ParkAve., DogwoodA-B, Falls Rhiannon Giddens Silkroad Ensemble presents the world premiere of American Railroad, an initiative that maps American music through the various immigrant communities involved in building the late-1800s Transcontinental Railroad. Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens joins the ensemble for this performance, which is told through the stories and sounds of African American, Chinese, Irish, Japanese, and Native American communities. Traditional instruments — such as the guzheng, pipa, erhu, and qinqin — cross paths with fiddles, bones, tambo, and banjo to remind audiences of America’s intricately interwoven history. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123sr. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 7:00 p.m.
Black Flamingo Musical Drag Cabaret Every first Sunday, enjoy an electrifying musical event with the DMV's best in live singing Drag. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123bf. Clare and Don's Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
MONDAY
NOVEMBER 6 Evening Art Critique Group Meets first Monday of each month. Free and open to all levels. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
Church), 7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Economic Dev. Authority Meeting Economic Development Authority meets. Viget Offices (105 W. Broad St., 5th Floor, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8
Solid Waste Mgt. Plan Adv. Cmte. Meeting Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Electoral Board Meeting Electoral Board meets. City Hall (300 ParkAve., DogwoodA-B, Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
School Board Office Hours Parents, students, teachers, and community members may drop by (no appointments required) to ask questions and offer feedback in a casual environment. This is not a private setting. Those seeking a private exchange should contact school board members via email to set up a meeting. Plaka Grill (1216 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, a monster of a hit musical based on the Mel Brooks comedic masterpiece, on stage at Little Theatre of Alexandria through November 11. (Courtesy Photo)
Adv. Board of Rec. and Parks Meeting Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks meets. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Bldg., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Citizens Transp. Adv. Cmte. Meeting Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.
Architectural Advisory Board Meeting Architectural Advisory Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.
Appointments Committee Meeting Appointments Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 8:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Community News & Notes
FALLS CHURCH FORWARD and Bike Falls Church partnered with 5 restaurants to provide small bites on a biking tour of the city. Participants tasted some new dishes and enjoyed some biking paths around Falls Church. This trip took them from the West End to Eden Center and back to downtown. (Photo: Justine Underhill)
Patient First Offers Free Candy X-Rays This Halloween
Dominion Hills Fall Craft Show Celebrates 20 Years
Patient First will offer free digital X-ray imaging of Halloween candy. This free digital X-ray image is fun for the trick-or-treaters, allowing them to look at the peanuts and other treats inside of their candy. Bags of candy may be brought into any Patient First Neighborhood Medical Center until November 3 between the hours of 6 p.m. —- 8 p.m.
The Dominion Hills Fall Craft Show celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Dominion Hills Area Recreation Center at 6000 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,, between 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. Twelve fine art and craft vendors will offer holiday shoppers the best in local art including jewelry, pottery, glass, abstract and landscape paintings, polymer clay, artisan chocolates, wood working, handknits, bookmaking, bath and body products, coiled baskets and much more. Visit facebook.com/ dominionhillsfallcraftshow/ for more details and artist information.
Fill Out the Solid Waste Survey The City of Falls Church invites City residents to provide feedback on managing municipal solid waste (MSW), which includes the collection of household and commercial trash, recyclable materials, and organic waste for composting. Feedback will inform the City’s 20-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at gbb-inc. questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey? tt=wGnWwE%2B7RcsECHrPeI W9eQ%3D%3D, which is available in English and Spanish. The survey closes on November 3, 2023.
Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Wins P3 Award On Oct. 26, the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project was selected for the 2023 P3 Award as the year’s Best Road, Bridge, or Tunnel Project. Considered the most prestigious award in the public/private infrastructure industry, the P3 Award recognizes the productive partnership among the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP, a con-
SPOOKY COSTUMED LIFE Drawing event was held at the Levy- Żmudzki Gallery lead by studiosat307 artist Jenny Kanzler (to the right of skeleton), a graduate of Meridian High School. She was taught by retired FCCPS teacher John Ballou (to the left in red shirt) in middle and high school. (Photo: Tom Gittins)
sortium of private developers Cintra, Meridiam, and APG), the developer and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway facility, and design/build contractor FAM Construction (a joint venture of Ferrovial Construction and Allan Myers VA).
Arlington Civitans to Host Flea Market and Food Drive On Saturday, November 4 at 7 a.m. — 1 p.m., Arlington Civitans will be hosting a FOOD DRIVE to benefit AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center) at 4001 15th Street North, Arlington. Please bring non-perishable canned products, such as canned tuna/chicken/ soups/vegetable/tomatoes/peanut butter/cereal. Sugar, flour, cooking oil and coffee are welcomed. Items which are opened, in glass, expired or prepared meals are not accepted.
Shepherd’s Center Seeks Additional Volunteer Drivers Shepherd’s Center of McLeanArlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC), an all-volunteer organization, is seeking additional volunteers to support its mission of providing free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and
pharmacies. There were 2,362 rides in 2022 and 2,758 rides have been provided thus far this year. Of the rides provided this year, 57 percent were medically related, 17 percent grocery, and 21 percent for physical therapy. Volunteers are free to choose when and how often they drive. They can choose rides that are oneway or round trip. The best part is not only do drivers help those in need, they also get to meet wonderful folks, often with very interesting backgrounds and stories to tell. For detailed information or to apply, please visit the Center’s website https://scmafc.org/volunteer or call (703) 506-2199 and leave a message.
Assistance League of NoVa in Volunteering Expo Assistance League of Northern Virginia was thrilled to participate in the Venture into Volunteering Expo sponsored jointly by The Beacon Newspapers and Fairfax County at Springfield Town Center. Member volunteers described to visitors and showed samples of its Philanthropic Programs, including a weekend food bag, a Hugs Pillow package, a Baby Bundle, a hygiene kit, new
outfits, and sneakers, all of which the nonprofit provides to elementary students at eight Title 1 schools in Fairfax, Prince William Counties and Alexandria City. The Assistance League was able to spread the word to a new group of people about the important work it does and recruited several potential new members. The nonprofit also sold White House ornaments and collected some sneakers. Selling White House ornaments and recycling sneakers are just some of the ways the Assistance League raises money to support its programs.
Temple Rodef Shalom to Host Two Upcoming Events On Sunday, November 12, Sunday November 19 from 8:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., as well as on Sunday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., Shop Judy’s Place, a pop-up holiday store for kids in the community to do their holiday shopping, will be held at Temple Rodef Shalom (2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church). On Sunday, November 19 and Sunday, December 3 from 8:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., Temple Rodef Shalom’s Chanukah Bazaar will be held at 2100 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 15
A Penny for Your Thoughts
News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross
Another mass shooting, this time in Maine, resulting in 18 dead and 13 more injured. Innocent people murdered, while enjoying a night of bowling and socializing with family and friends in their small town. Thousands more were locked down in their own homes, while authorities conducted a manhunt across southern Maine. Like so many of these horrors, the perpetrator killed himself, ending days of shock and dread, but avoiding justice for the victims and the community. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We have a huge problem in this country, one that has been growing across the decades and results in headlines and tragic outcomes. Firearms of all types are easy to obtain. Long wait times for accessing appointments for emotional and mental health counseling are common. One’s ability to be resilient to significant, or even small, life changes is tested. A resilient person can bounce back, and most do. It’s those who can’t that need focus, assistance, and resources – health providers, law enforcement and the legal system, the faith community, work colleagues, family, and friends. All can have a role
in supporting those in crisis to get help. Thoughts and prayers after someone shoots up a bar, a bowling alley, or a school may provide momentary solace, but will not solve the problem. Existing gun laws, and new common sense gun laws, which will require legislation at every level of government, must be implemented and enforced. Mental health counselors are leaving the profession because they are exhausted by the demands of the job and the lack of insurance company support for counseling services. We need more, not fewer, trained professionals, to reduce the workload, and repair a broken health insurance system. Social media and 24-hour news cycles bombard our devices with information that often doesn’t inform us; it just raises the boiling point and provides a platform for snarky anonymous attacks and more disinformation. Resolving the challenges is not easy; that’s already been proven. Action is necessary, and both Congress and state legislatures need to act. The new Virginia General Assembly members will take their seats in January, and constituents must
demand action – common sense firearms laws, more investment in mental health services, and health insurance reform. No more Maines, no more Sandy Hooks, no more Virginia Techs, no more! Early in-person voting continues this week at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, and the Thomas Jefferson Branch Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church. Any registered voter in Fairfax County may cast an early ballot at these satellite locations: weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 4, from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Early in-person voting ends on November 4; if you have not voted by then, you may vote at your regular precinct polling place on Election Day, November 7, 2023, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Local elected officials make more decisions that affect your everyday life than at any other level of government. VOTE! Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h
C RIME RE PORT Week of October 23 - 29, 2023 Larceny from Vehicle, Whittier Cir, between 6 PM on October 18th and 12 PM on October 19th, an unknown suspect took items of value from the trunk of an unsecured vehicle. The suspect is described as male, wearing all black clothing and a mask covering his face. (Delayed report) Hit and Run, W Broad St, Oct 25, 9:32 AM, a hit and run occurred. The striking vehicle is described as a gray Toyota Camry. Larceny from Building/Credit Card Fraud, Mustang Alley, Oct 25, between 1 PM and 3:30 PM, an unknown suspect took a wallet and fraudulently purchased items of value. Fraud – Obtain Money by False Pretenses, S Maple Ave, Oct 26, 11:54 AM, an unknown suspect(s) con-
tacted the victim pretending to be a known party, and instructed the victim to purchase and send gift cards. Larceny – Theft of Vehicle Parts, Ellison St, between 9:30 PM on October 26th and 2:45 PM on October 27th, unknown suspect(s) stole both license plates off a vehicle. Trespassing, Wilson Blvd, Oct 27, 11:51 PM, a male, 44, of no fixed address was arrested for trespassing. Public Intoxication, Wilson Blvd, Oct 28, 3:07 AM, a male, 37, of no fixed address, was arrested for public intoxication. Carjacking, Ellison St, Oct 28, 10 PM, two unknown suspects approached the victim and took the victim’s keys and blue Ford SUV. The unknown suspects are both described as males wearing dark colored sweatshirts. Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Oct 29, 4 PM, an unknown suspect took items of value without paying. The suspect is described as a male in his mid-forties.
Senator Dick Saslaw’s
Richmond Report In less than a week, voters will make their way to the polls to cast their ballots to elect the 140 members of the General Assembly, setting the course of Virginia for years to come. Many people have already made their voices heard. Since September, voters across the Commonwealth have been taking advantage of absentee and early in-person voting. In fact, this is the first full General Assembly election with both a 45-day period of early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. With more than 500,000 ballots already cast, I’d say those policies are paying off. We have made it easier than ever for people to vote, and this year voters are especially motivated to make their voices heard. With so much on the line, it is important now more than ever to get out and vote. For those who plan to vote on November 7, I ask you to imagine what Virginia would look like with a Republican majority in both the Senate and House of Delegates. At the top of their priority list is restricting reproductive rights. Although they claim to be content with a 15-week ban, we know behind closed doors that is not their intention. The moment they have a majority in both chambers, they will implement a ban similar to that of Florida and Texas. Virginia is the last safe-haven for reproductive care in the South. Republicans are determined to intervene in a woman’s private medical decisions. Next on their list is cutting gun violence prevention. Just this past year, Republicans rejected a bill to raise the minimum age to buy an assault weapon from 18 to 21. Instead, they proposed legislation to remove red flag laws that Democrats had signed into law a few years prior. Republicans have even set their sights on making significant changes to our voting laws. They introduced legislation to limit early voting and absentee ballots, which are now policies that they are embracing to help get them elected next Tuesday. If you recall the budget from
this past year, the Republican proposal included significant tax breaks, from the top down. They prioritized tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals, leaving middle-class families to bear the burden. Their preferred method of budgeting is to heavily cut taxes, meaning fewer dollars for our public schools and social services like mental health reforms. Republicans have even turned classrooms into a battleground of ideology. Instead of focusing on student success, they have prioritized banning books from libraries. For the last two years, we have seen the extreme policies that the Republicans bring to the table. The only reason Virginia has not become overrun by those policies is because of our Democratic majority in the Senate. Our Senate “brick wall” has held strong against all of their attempts to take us back in time. Without our majority, there would be nothing stopping Republicans from implementing their out of touch agenda. This is what’s at stake. Even though I will not be in the General Assembly next year, I can tell you firsthand that Democrats have a strong plan to move Virginia forward and protect us from the extreme ideas of today’s Republican Party. We have a plan to safeguard reproductive rights, letting women and their doctors be the decision makers. Democrats want to invest in our public schools, students, teachers, and staff, ensuring fair compensation and quality standards of learning. We want to make classrooms a welcoming place for everyone, not a polarized environment. We have a plan to address gun violence prevention, mental healthcare, and so much more. This election is about moving Virginia forward, not backwards. On November 7th, I ask you to vote for Democrats up and down the ballot to keep Virginia on track for a better future. Polls will open at 6:00 a.m. and stay open until 7:00 p.m. Every vote counts, so make a plan to go vote and make your voice heard.
PAGE 16 | NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023
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Mike Johnson Elected House Speaker Last Wednesday, Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected speaker of the house, with only Republican votes. An evangelical conservative, Johnson is extremely anti-LGBTQ+, having introduced legislation similar to “Don’t Say Gay” bills passed in Florida and other states. Johnson’s bill, the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022,” would have prohibited federal funds for schools with any “sexually-oriented” programming — which was defined to include “any topic involving sexual orientation, gender identity, gender dysphoria, or related subjects.” Johnson was first elected to the Louisiana House in 2015, serving just under two years before a runoff election sent him to Congress in 2017. His involvement in Louisiana politics, however, started far earlier. In 1997, a 25-year old Johnson advocated aggressively for covenant marriages. Covenant marriages, a legally distinct marriage that makes it extremely hard to get a divorce, are legal only in three states: Louisiana, which passed covenant marriage in 1997, followed by Arizona in 1998 and Arkansas in 2001. In those states, covenant marriages make up about 0.5% of marriages. In 2003, Johnson defended Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban before the state’s Supreme Court. In 2004, in an op-ed for the Shreveport Times, Johnson wrote the following in support of a gay marriage ban: “Homosexual relationships are inherently unnatural and, the studies clearly show, are ultimately harmful and costly for everyone. Society cannot give its stamp of approval to such a dangerous lifestyle. If we change marriage for this tiny, modern minority, we will have to do it for every deviant group. Polygamists, polyamorists, pedophiles, and others will be next in line to claim equal protection. They already are. There will be no legal basis to deny a bisexual the right to marry a partner of each sex, or a person to marry his pet.”
In another 2004 Shreveport Times op-ed, Johnson responded to Superbowl ads including queer folks by writing: “Experts project that homosexual marriage is the dark harbinger of chaos and sexual anarchy that could doom even the strongest republic.” In 2005, in another Shreveport Times op-ed, Johnson wrote the following in opposition to LGBTQ+ employment protections: “All of us should acknowledge the real emotion and strife of the homosexual lifestyle… but our government can never provide its stamp of approval or special legal sanction for behavior patterns that are proven to be destructive to individuals, to families and to society at large. “Your race, creed and sex are what you are, while homosexuality and cross-dressing are things you do. This is a free country, but we don’t give special protections for every person’s bizarre choices. Where would it end? This is one Pandora’s box we shouldn’t open.” In another 2005 Shreveport Times op-ed, Johnson invoked abortion and Hitler while writing in opposition to Terri Shiavo being taken off life support. In a persistent state for seven years after a heart attack in 1998 — a battle between Shiavo’s husband and parents over taking her off life support ensued, before her feeding tube was ultimately removed. Johnson wrote: “The prevailing judicial philosophy is no different than Hitler’s. Because the life of an unborn child (or a disabled Terri Shiavo [sic], or the elderly and infirm) may be difficult or inconvenient or even costly to society now means it can be terminated… This disregard for life has been fostered by the courts. During business hours today, 4,500 innocent American children will be killed. It is a holocaust that has been repeated every day for 32 years, since 1973’s Roe v. Wade.” In 2020 Johnson authored an amicus brief seeking to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. He also promoted conspiracy theories about voting machines, calling the election in Georgia “rigged.” Johnson’s wife, Kelly Johnson, operates Onward Christian Counseling Services, which at least
in part is conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is widely condemned by medical organizations. The American Psychological Association encourages legislation outlawing the practice, and has a dedicated page showing that conversion therapy isn’t therapy, doesn’t work, and causes harm: bit.ly/FCNP1123ct. On their website, OCCS says they oppose abortion “from conception through natural death,” and that “We believe and the Bible teaches that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.” Tell Your Friends in FranconiaSpringfield A Republican judge recently disqualified a Democrat-endorsed school board candidate from the ballot in Fairfax County, despite appearing on the ballot and thousands already having voted, because she wrote her street number wrong on a single page. Votes selecting her pre-printed name on the ballot will not count — therefore, Fairfax Democrats encourage voters in Franconia District to select “Write In,” then rewrite her name exactly as it appears: Marcia C. St. John-Cunning. This is Your (Urgent) Weekly Reminder Voter turnout is low in Falls Church, even for an off-year election. Roe v. Wade has been overturned, and Virginia is only remaining southern state that hasn’t implemented abortion restrictions in response. Queer people, and trans youth in particular, are under attack. “Gender Refugees” are fleeing conservative states for healthcare access. Nearly 3,400 Virginia voters (not 270, as claimed by the Youngkin administration) have been illegally removed from voter rolls — all of whom had voting rights restored by former Gov. Northam. This is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Please vote early by 5:00 p.m. Saturday, or at your polling location this Tuesday.
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PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on November 16, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following item: a. Variance application V1644-23 by Jeff and Susan Henrikson, applicant and owners, for a variance to Section 48-263(3)a to allow a side yard of 7 feet 11 inches instead of the 10 feet minimum to construct a new addition at premises known as 916 Park Avenue, RPC #51-203-008 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@ fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on November 16, 2023. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov. 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 each subsequent month. Architectural Advisory Board Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation City Employee Review Board Environmental Sustainability Council Historic Architectural Review Board Historical Commission Regional Boards/Commissions Advisory Social Services Board Continuum of Care Board Fairfax Area Commission on Aging Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission Virginia Career Works Northern Region Ad Hoc Committee Sold Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee: This Committee will advise the City Council in the development of the City’s 20-year Solid Waste Management Plan.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA October 23, 2023 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and City Council action is scheduled for Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO23-13) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2062 REGARDING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, SCHOOL OPERATING FUND, AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS The proposed amendment to the FY2024 budget to appropriate a portion of the FY2023 surplus, carryforward of prior year unspent ARPA appropriations, and certain
grants and donations. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the following matter on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. AN APPEAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO REVERSE THE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY BOARD’S DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION TO RAZE A PROTECTED STRUCTURE AT 1011 FOWLER STREET All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@ fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation,
NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 17
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ABC NOTICE Peking Pavilion, 2912 North Sycamore St., Arlington, 22207. The Above establishment is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application - Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Consumed On and Off Premises license. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days quired newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or 800-552-3200
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NOTICE: On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., the City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and meeting on proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. These are minor amendments that are intended to: (a) clarify meaning where ambiguity has been identiState Code, and (c) remove general errors. Public comments can be submitted ahead of time to jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov or delivered in-person at the time of the public hearing. The Planning Commission will consider the following item and recommendation to City Council: (TO23-14) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 48 “ZONING” OF THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH AS FOLLOWS: ARTICLE 1, “IN GENERAL,” SEC. 48-2, “DEFINITIONS;” ARTICLE II, “ADMINISTRATION,” DIVISION 3, “AMENDMENTS,” SEC. 48-86, “PROCEDURE,” AND DIVISION 4, “OFFICIAL DESIGNS,” SEC. 48-112, “PROCEDURE;” ARTICLE III, “BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS,” SEC. 48-172, “POWERS;” ARTICLE IV, “DISTRICTS,” DIVISION 13, “O-D, OFFICIAL DESIGN DISTRICT,” SEC. 48-585, “INTENT,” AND SEC. 48586, “PRINCIPAL USES PERMITTED BY RIGHT;” ARTICLE V, “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 6, “HEIGHT, LOT AND YARD REGULATIONS,” SEC. 48-1101, “GENERAL REQUIREMENTS,” AND SEC. 48-1102, “ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS;” AND DIVISION 8, “LANDSCAPING,” SEC. 48-1184, “DESIGN CRITERIA” TO: CHANGE ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS AND VARIANCE CRITERIA IN CONFORMANCE WITH STATE CODE; REMOVE REFERENCE TO T-1 PRINCIPAL USES WITHIN THE OFFICIAL DESIGN DISTRICT; CHANGE FRONT YARD SETBACK DEFINITION SYNTAX FOR CLARITY; REMOVE OUTDATED REFERENCES TO STREET SIDE YARD AND INTERIOR SIDE YARD; AND ADDRESS CODIFICATION ERRORS The public hearing meeting agenda and materials will be available on the following page prior to the meeting date: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/PC. This location is fully accessible to persons
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FOR SALE Six (6) cemetery spaces at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA . 2 2 0 4 2 - 1 7 2 5 , l o c a t e d i n d e s i r a b l e Block II, Lot 38, Spaces 3 & 4, and Lot 39, Spaces 1, 2, 3 & 4. The cemetery list price is about $12,000 each space and our price is $5,995 each space. Please contact cfsmith@cfaith.com
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PAGE 18 | NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023
In Memoriam: Angie Slonim
Angie Slonim, a resident of Falls Church City for 25 years, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2023 at age 100. Angie grew up on a farm in Anderson, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five children, the “baby sister” throughout her life. She moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1943 where she met Tod Slonim, an Army Air Corp Officer. Despite significantly different backgrounds (she a Southern Baptist and he an Orthodox Jew), they fell in love and built a wonderful life and family together. In the late 1960s, the family moved from Washington DC to Ankara, Turkey where Tod worked for USAID. The family then moved to Orlando, Florida for many years, until Tod and Angie
moved to Falls Church City, to be near son Michael and family. They were members of Temple Rodef Shalom. Angie was “home”. Her smile, her guidance, her sense of humor (and her cooking!) created a place for her family and friends to gather and feel her unconditional love. She read the newspaper cover to cover every day, she practiced tai chi and yoga. She was honored to serve in Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign as a precinct captain in Orlando, Florida. Angie’s two sons, Michael and Mark, cared for her at her home in Falls Church City. Mark moved from Maui to live with her and provide her daily care. Angie’s daughter, Nancy Forbes, pre-deceased her in 2019. Angie
Vaughan, Gwendolyn Bennett “Wendy”, 47 of Falls Church, VA formerly of Ashland, VA passed away on Sunday, October 29th. Wendy is the beloved daughter of the late Gwendolyn Corker Bennett. Wendy is survived by her son, Hayes Vaughan, the light of her life; his father and lifelong friend Matt Vaughan; Bill Rooney, part-
ner in life and adventure; her father Ken Bennett and brother Ken Nonken, and Polly, her beloved Frenchie. She will also be deeply missed by her dear Aunt Hilda (Kelly), as well as many loving cousins and wonderful friends. Wendy is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, and a definite RAM FAN! She dedicated her life to the service of others, starting her career with the Alexandria Community Services Board in 1997 as a therapist and presently serving as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Residential Director. This has been more than a place of work, a truly supportive family caring for each other and the community. Wendy loved watching her son play sports and play with Polly. She enjoyed her time with family and truly treasured all her relationships, especially with “the girls”. Thank you for all the love and support provided by so many
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In Memoriam: Gwendolyn ‘Wendy’ Bennett Vaughan
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during this battle to kick cancer’s butt. It will never be forgotten… and neither will Wendy Vaughan! A celebration of life will be held at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad Street Falls Church, Virginia on November 9th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to support Hayes’s college fund at: www.virginia529. com/gifting (code: ZTQR08W)
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In Memoriam: Audrey Luthman Audrey Marie Luthman of Arlington, VA, passed away on October 26, 2023, at 83. She was born in Washington, DC, on December 6, 1939, to Charles Edward Schafer and Pauline Elizabeth Schafer. After her parents’ death, she was raised by her brother James. She lived in DC and Virginia until graduating from George Mason High School in 1957. Audrey married John Patrick Luthman on September 22, 1962. They have celebrated 61 years together. During their years, they lived in Alexandria before arriving in Arlington. Audrey joined the (Falls Church) Police Force in 1971. Due to a shortage, she became a ‘temporary’ crossing guard in 1971, and it stuck. Then Audrey enjoyed her job so much that she almost forgot to retire, but she finally did in 2021 after serving for 50 years. She and her best friend Janet Haines, also a crossing guard of 52 years, were honored for their dedication and given the title of Grand Marshals of the 2013 Falls Church Memorial Parade, which was eight years before she retired! The highlight of her job was the children. Audrey is survived by her loving husband John, sons Joseph Patrick Luthman and James Allen Luthman, nieces Jean Schafer and Marge Bradley, nephew John “Buddy” Schafer, a cousin Marlene Bettis, grandchildren Ash-
leigh Luthman-Hackett, Zoe Luthman, Noelle Luthman, Ryder Luthman, Quinn Luthman-Smith, Kari Luthman, and great-grandchildren Jocelyn, Levi, Toren, Theo, and Esmae, and other loving family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Doris Elizabeth Schafer and James Albert “Peck” Schafer, Joseph Edward Schafer, and her daughter Ann Marie Luthman (June 18, 1969 - January 9, 2019). The date of the memorial service will be announced later by son James To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory, please visit our Tree Store at: tree-tc.tributestore.com/memorial-tree?oId=29755515.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church Business News & Notes
NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2023 | PAGE 19
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Best In-State Hospitals Newsweek has ranked America’s Best In-State Hospitals for the first time. The University of Virginia Medical Center landed the best hospital in Virginia and a number of hospitals in Northern Virginia made the top 10. These include, in order of ranking, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, Inova Alexandria Hospital, and Inova Mount Vernon Hospital.
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VPIS Tree Fest The Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) is hosting the 8th Annual Falls Church Tree Fest on the patio of Ireland’s Four Provinces Restaurant December 1st and 2nd. This event is a fundraiser and opportunity to raise awareness for nonprofits in the greater Falls Church area. Companies and individuals are also welcome to submit a tree for the charity of their choice. The funds are raised via a silent auction of their tree and the donations raised. To reserve space, email lisavarouxis58@ gmail.com with “Tree Fest” in the subject line and provide the name, email address and phone number of the primary contact.
Local Restaurants in Top 10 Northern Virginia Magazine ran an article of the critic’s top 10 restaurants this year and several in Falls Church made the list. These include Ellie Bird at #5 in the Modern American category, NUE at #7 as Modern Vietnamese, and Trio Grille as #10 in the Modern American category. Read more about the atmosphere, service and food in these three restaurants. In a separate article, Northern Virginia Magazine cited Celebrity Delly among six spots for the best cheesesteak sandwiches. Celebrity Delly offers 10 versions, a few of which are available in the smaller “torpedo” size
Warden to Chair Great Washington Partnership
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2023 Holiday Arts & Entertainment
Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, will become chair of the Greater Washington Partnership in January. She will be the first woman and CEO of a global company to lead the nonprofit alliance. The Greater Washington Partnership, centered in the DC region, promotes economic growth from Baltimore to Richmond.
Lost Dogs & Cats Rescue Foundation Feature Northern Virginia Magazine published a feature article on Lost Dogs and Cats Rescue. The foundation operates a rescue care center equipped to house up to 100 dogs and 25-30 cats. It currently cares for about 250 animals with fostering and temporary homes. Readers will learn more about Executive Director Dawn Wallace and co-founder Pam McAlwee who contribute a share of the proceeds from five Lost Dog Cafes and her Stray Cat Bar & Grill. Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
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Coming November 16th Contact Sue today Sue Johnson: sjohnson@fcnp.com 703-587-1282
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