Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee
November 23 - 29, 2023 Fou n d e d 1991 • V ol. XXXIII No. 41
The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia
6 Teen Lives IN MEMORY OF CHARLIE CLARK In Danger After Accident On Shreve Rd. 5 Marshall Teens Among Those In Early Monday Crash by Brian Reach
Falls Church News-Press
Six Northern Virginia teenagers, ages 14 to 17, remained in critical condition as the News-Press went to press Tuesday night, after suffering life-threatening injuries from a single-vehicle accident early Monday morning, according to an update from Lt. John Crone of the Fairfax County Police Department. The accident occurred on Shreve Road adjacent Falls Church. A seventh teen, the 17-year old driver of the vehicle involved, was able to walk away from the crash. On Monday, McLean High School sent an email to parents informing them that one of their students and “others from a nearby school” were involved in a crash. Longfellow Middle School, located in the greater Falls Church area just south of McLean, also sent an email saying one student was involved. Marshall High School, located in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County about a mile north of where the accident occurred, sent out an email saying that five of their students were involved. None of the teens attend Falls Church City Public Schools, according to John Wesley Brett, Director of Communications for FCCPS. Shortly before 5 a.m. Monday, the Fairfax Police Department responded to a crash at the 2600 block of Pioneer Ln. on Shreve Rd., a residential intersection
Continued on Page 3
CHARLIE CLARK (left), days before he was stricken by a rare neurological disorder that quickly took his life Nov. 15, is shown here presenting a copy of his latest book, “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press” to News-Press founder, owner and editor Nicholas Benton at the News-Press Office. (Photo: Brian Reach)
Journalism Pro Charlie Clark, 70, Died Last Week by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Beloved journalist, columnist, story teller and book author Charles Stuart (“Charlie”) Clark died at his home in Arlington on Nov. 15 from a rare neurological disorder, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. He was 70. An Arlington native and lifelong journalist, Clark authored the weekly column in the NewsPress, “Our Man in Arlington,” for more than a decade and wrote numerous news stories and published interviews and books. Clark was first struck with
the fast-progressing degenerative condition barely two weeks after his latest book, a meticulously-researched history, “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press,” hit bookshelves. The illness caused a series of events to introduce it, including at the Mary Riley Styles Library in Falls Church, to be canceled. After a week in the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, he was diagnosed by a team of the Mayo Clinic, and spent his last days at home surrounded by his wife, Ellen, and children before his death.
Clark was described by U.S. Rep. Don Beyer as “a Northern Virginia institution for decades dedicated to the community he loved.” Arlington State Del. Patrick Hope said, “Arlington has lost is greatest historian of all time, an author, teacher and best story teller I’ve ever known.” His wife Ellen and daughters Elizabeth and Suzannah, collaborated on his life story following his passing last week. They wrote, “A proud native of Arlington County, Charlie was born on July 6, 1953 to Keith
Conrad Clark, an officer in the Central Intelligence Agency, and Cynthia Landry Clark, an accomplished editor and translator. “Charlie set deep roots in Arlington, forging lifelong friendships in the Rivercrest and Cherrydale neighborhoods. After a gap year spent abroad in Europe, Charlie attended the University of Oregon and later graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. “Known to many by the name
Continued on Page 4
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Monday Event Kicks Off Annual W. Broad Tree Lighting On Monday, November 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, an event hosted by the City of Falls Church marking the holiday lighting of trees lining West Broad from Washington to West Streets will be held at Founders Row, by the intersection of W. Broad and N. West Streets. The event will feature music, theater performances, free food options, Santa on the firetruck, and more. Parking at Founders Row will be free from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Little City Holiday Gift Card Program Renewed
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December Issues: Charitable Giving, Holiday Markets, Festive Menus, Church Services & More.... To Advertise In the Paper: Call: Sue Johnson sjohnson@fcnp.com • 703-587-1282
The City of Falls Church has announced that it is resuming the Little City Gift Card program with more federal American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to support the economic recovery of local businesses. The program begins this Saturday, November 25, which is Small Business Saturday. Gift cards can be purchased for use at nearly 70 local businesses. Last year, over $150,000 worth of gift cards were sold and spent locally.
Biden Marks Transgender Day of Remembrance The following is a statement delivered by President Joe Biden this week: “There is no place for hate in America and no one should be discriminated against simply for being themselves. Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance we are reminded that there is more to do to meet that promise, as we grieve the 26 transgender Americans whose lives were taken this year. While each one of these deaths is a tragedy – the true toll of those victimized is likely even higher, with the majority of those targeted being women of color. “It’s unacceptable and it’s why my Administration has taken action to strengthen the rights, and protect the safety of transgender and all LGBTQI+ Americans. My Administration ended the
ban on transgender Americans serving our country and I signed historic executive action to strengthen civil rights protections for all LGBTQI+ Americans. The Department of Homeland Security, with support from the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, have launched the LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership that works hand-in-hand with LGBTQI+ community organizations to provide critical safety resources. We must never be silent in the face of hate. As we mourn the loss of transgender Americans taken too soon this year, we must also recommit ourselves to never stop fighting until all Americans can live free from discrimination.
F.C. Chamber Has 30 Nonprofit Members Looking for Support The Falls Church Chamber counts over 30 nonprofits among its membership, an impressive number that serves the Little City, improving the quality of life for all. The Chamber has asked that folks remember them on this Giving Tuesday, this upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 28. Nonprofits are listed on the Chamber’s website.
Cauldron Brings Back ‘Madeline’s Christmas’ Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron brings back the holiday favorite, Madeline’s Christmas, starting December 1. Based on the classic children’s story by Ludwig Bemelmans, this musical adaptation is a Christmas confection suited for the entire family. It features a book and lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby and music by Shirley Mier. Helen Hayes Award winner, Associate Artistic Director, Matt Conner, is directing and Merissa Anne Driscoll is the music director. Madeline’s Christmas is sponsored by The Eden Center and J&J Painting. The production runs from December 1 through December 17.
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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 3
6 Area Teens in Critical Condition from Shreve Rd. Crash
Continued from Page 1
just inside the beltway, between Rt. 29 and Rt. 7. According to police, the driver, who was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle heading southbound on Shreve Rd., hitting a tree coming over the crest. No information has been released on blood alcohol content for the driver. A second serious traffic accident occurred later on Monday along Rt. 29 near Graham Road, involving two vehicles. While there were no injuries reported, a power line was downed that forced the closing of Rt. 29 to eastbound traffic well into midday Tuesday. In the Shreve Road accident the driver was wearing a seatbelt, and therefore was able to exit the vehicle without needing to be hospitalized. The six passengers in the vehicle were not wearing seatbelts. As a result, five were ejected from the vehicle, while the sixth had to be extricated from the vehicle. “That’s what likely led to some critical, significant, serious injuries,” said FCPD Lt. James
SPEED AND ALCOHOL PLAY large factor in early Monday a.m. crash that leaves 6 in critical condition at Fairfax Hospital. (FCNP Photo)
Curry while speaking to reporters at the scene on Monday. Officers worked to find those flung from the vehicle in the dark, and FCPD launched a helicopter
to scan the surrounding area to confirm that all were accounted for. Curry also said the seven teens involved were all friends
or relatives of one another, and lived in the surrounding neighborhood. The vehicle reportedly belonged to one of the passengers; the driver, Curry con-
tinued, is not believed to have a driver’s license. The driver was released to his parents after being arrested by police, with charges still pending.
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‘Our Man in Arlington’ Dies at Age 70 ‘20 Is Plenty’ Campaign Now Underway
Continued from Page 1
of his weekly column in the NewsPress, ‘Our Man in Arlington,’ Charlie was as well-versed in the goings on in his backyard as he was in the intricacies of the federal government across the Potomac. “He began his 50-year journalism career on The Sentry, the student newspaper of Yorktown High School. From the launch pad of Time-Life Books in Alexandria, VA, he went on to work as a reporter or editor for The Washington Post, Congressional Quarterly, National Journal, and elsewhere, retiring as a senior correspondent at Atlantic Media’s Government Executive Media Group in 2019. “Charlie kept his pen in hand throughout retirement, publishing several books of Arlington history as well as the first full biography of George Washington Parke Custis. His last book, “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press,” a history of the City of Falls Church’s local newspaper, was published by The History Press on October 22, 2023. “Casting a legacy of warmth and wit, Charlie is survived by his wife, Ellen McCallister Clark, daughters Elizabeth Clark McKenzie (James Evan McKenzie) and Susannah Clark Matt (Francis Xavier Matt IV), and beloved grandchildren Caroline Land McKenzie and James Patrick McKenzie, along with his siblings Thomas Conrad Clark and Martha Clark Franks. “A memorial will be announced at a later date. As Charlie was a board member of the Arlington Historical Society and an active civic volunteer, please consider honoring him
by donating to a local charity of your choice. In lieu of flowers, his family would like to celebrate his gift of community building.” In one of scores of warm comments written in memory of Clark online, a friend and fellow professional from his early days at Time-Life Books, Barbara Brownell Grogan, wrote a typical tribute echoed by so many others, “In our early days at Time-Life Books, Charlie was always a bright light. A talented journalist with a great wit and heart. He shared so much with so many.” “Charlie was a community weaver, one of those special people who knit communities together,” wrote Diane Kresh of the Arlington Library. “He was a great friend to the library. You could find researching in the Center for Local History. Earnest and thorough, Charlie was a consummate storyteller. “Charlie is gone but not forgotten. Thank you for being ‘Our Man in Arlington.’” Clark had a 50-year journalism career, beginning with the school paper at Yorktown High School in Arlington and he began his column in the News-Press in 2011. He rarely missed a week and thanks to his savvy nose for news always had plenty to write about. He wrote three local history books, “Arlington County Chronicles,” “Hidden History of Arlington County” and “Lost Arlington County,” all published by the History Press, before he published in 2021 the first full biography of George Washington Parke Custis that he called “the undersung child of Mt. Vernon,” for McFarland Books.
He began to attend the weekly Monday lunches hosted by the NewsPress designed to get a handle on the upcoming week’s events and news, and once he began to attend, he rarely missed. The News-Press’ Nicholas Benton wrote in the editorial in this week’s edition, “Charlie was a true journalism professional, applying all the best standards of the calling to his work, perfected over a lifetime of toil. But like most in this profession, he was also uniquely a person in the process, never far from a fullthroated laugh, an ability to catch an irony in a situation and a sustaining cheerfulness that was his particular gift. Journalists tend to be self-deprecating but tenacious lamplighters who are accustomed to subordinating ourselves to the truths about which we are writing, and to that end, seeking the highest standards of authenticity…There has been no one in my experience better suited to own the label, “journalist,” than Charlie Clark.” Writing about himself in the third person in “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press,” Clark recounted, “In 2010 Barton was replaced by Charlie Clark, the author of this volume. His ‘Our Man in Arlington’ column took a reporter’s neutral approach, quoting both sides on issues and providing more on-scene coverage. In addition to covering politics and policy, the new Arlington column featured history, famous Arlingtonian, neighborhood life and humor. Grateful for reader praise, Clark went on to publish books and emerged as a public speaker.”
City of Falls Church officials unveil a 20 mph sign to launch the “20 is Plenty” pedestrian safety and speed reduction campaign on November 16. An event to mark the start of the campaign was held in front of the Community Center. Speakers included City staff, police, and members of the F.C. City Council and Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation. (Photo: Courtesy City Of Falls Church)
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Is Tuberville a Tool Of Moscow? Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Who would have thought that a powerhouse college football coach would be a tool of the Kremlin? Now comes U.S. Senator, Tommy Tuberville, the head football coach for a decade at Auburn University, which along with the programs at Alabama, Florida, Georgia and a couple other schools has routinely turned out among the top college football programs in America. He’s in the headlines now for his ongoing, single-handed blockage of hundreds of U.S. military promotions. Indeed, as we all know by now, Tuberville is blocking well-earned, normally nonpartisan promotions of officers across all branches of our military ostensibly in protest of the Department of Defense’s policy about abortion. His is just another front in the Kremlin’s full-court press war on the Western Alliance that includes the terrorist Hamas outfit’s unprovoked war crimes against Israel, the trashing of Biden, Trump’s ongoing hate-fueled 2024 presidential campaign, all in the context of Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the first step in his mind of a military invasion of the NATO Alliance, overall. Decisions that have the effect of tying the hands of countermeasures against Putin are usually justified by the idea that in America we have commendable protections of free speech and diverse political views. This means it is imprudent to ascribe sinister motives to contrary beliefs and actions even when it appears there may be no other way to interpret them. But if our political leaders are not able to really call them as they see them, and the media is not that different when it comes to this (or, as in the case of Fox News and others, to take advantage of this situation to actively peddle a false narrative), then how can the American people know what to think or how to act? No wonder President Biden’s poll numbers are so low! Thanks to these factors, most Americans don’t even know how to measure his effectiveness. They don’t know
what to think except to buy into the pervasive narrative that he’s too old to seek reelection. Sadly, too many of even wellintentioned leaders in politics and the media insist on playing in this way with one hand tied behind their backs, and it puts us all in harm’s way. Based on what is now transpiring, it is clear that Trump is now the frontrunner to be reelected in 2024, and that prospect is downright scary. In addition to the normal stuff that goes along with political campaigns, we can expect that Moscow will use every tool in its arsenal, legal and otherwise, violent and otherwise, to get Trump reelected. They’ve had this entire interim period to upgrade their misinformation and dirty tricks resources to this end, including of the activation of moles and agents of influence. In fact, some D.C, pundits (like Fareed Zakaria of CNN) are saying that Putin is now settling for a military holding pattern in Ukraine awaiting Trump’s hoped-for reelection next year, that Putin is convinced that if elected Trump would immediately pull out all U.S. support for the war in Ukraine. So, you see, Sen. Tuberville’s behavior fits right into this pattern. Who knows how many football team players his coaching induced into lifelong, eventually fatal brain damage (although professionals at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Research Center are advancing finding ways to test for it among living persons). But Coach Tommy’s boorish behavior in the U.S. Senate may produce results that will result in far more young men getting their brains blown out on battlefields at the rate things are going. If America and democracy fail to prevail in the coming few years, then the blame can be laid at the Tubervilles of the world and their horribly arrogant postures against everything that resonates true justice, compassion, growth and empathy, all “snowflake” attributes in the minds of older, whiter, straighter males and their pathetically mentally and morally enslaved women, children and servants. It is a cruel system built on arrogance and fear that did not go away when the South lost the Civil War, but remained entrenched and angry, now finding a kinship with the worst tyrants on the planet and their genocidal action plans.
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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 5
BEST WORLD, My World My Culture and Dream Lotus on display at Falls Church Arts. (Photos: Falls Church Arts)
“Intersection” Falls Church Art Exhibit Explores Identity and Culture by Mark Dreisonstok
“I am out with lanterns, looking for myself,” wrote the poet Emily Dickinson in a letter to a friend. “You are, to be sure, mistaken in thinking that you have an ego; but if, in the meantime, you identify it with your body, your name, and your property, you thereby at least make ready a place fo.r it, in case by any chance an ego should come,” said Friedrich Schlegel in his novel “Lucinde” The search for identity, and how elusive it can be (as we see from quotes by these nineteenth-century writers) is not new but timeless and universal. Such is the theme of “Intersection: Identity and Culture,” the current intriguing exhibition of artworks in various media at Falls Church Arts. Taking the theme quite literally, plein air artist Steve Mabley has painted an intersection of streets in “Bestworld,” an oil painting on a linen panel named after the neighborhood international supermarket on Mount Pleasant Street, NW, Washington, D.C., where Mr. Mabley lives. The painting depicts a blue sky of soft clouds which hang gaily above a storefront with a red-orange roof, faded green awning, and, most notably, the name “Bestworld” standing out in red upon a yellow backdrop.
Nameless strangers walk cheerfully through the crosswalks and on the sidewalk to the right. In “identity and culture” style, the artist informs us: “Mount Pleasant is a tight-knit and diverse neighborhood, and I embrace this place as ‘home,’ including this funky market where I pick up produce every few days. Mt. Pleasant Street and Bestworld are my identity.” Artist Maria Kinnane takes us much farther away to “My World, My Culture” of Hungary. She displays her Hungarian heritage in an oil painting of great warmth. Inviting landscape paintings of a home and an outdoor mountain vista adorn the wall on the top right of the painting, and just below we view an armchair whose back is decorated with a woven disc, a tribute to a Hungarian affinity for woven textile arts. Below is a beautiful, almost life-like doll in Hungarian national costume; in a touch of humor, a large, fluffy cat rests in front of all! An element of surprise is present, a blue bag of goodies—presumably Hungarian treats—with a puffy yellow bow rests on the seat of the armchair. Rebecca Perez’s black-and-white woodblock print “Doña” spotlights an item of clothing surrounded by nature, paying tribute to Latin American heritage. The artist states
in her artwork description card that this work also expresses her personal identity, “a response to a longing for home and how I fit in my family’s maternal line. The woodblock print features a bata (Spanish, [“housedress” in English]), which is traditionally worn by Latinas while doing housework.” Moving to the complex identities of an adoptee, “I Can’t Look at the Sky Without Thinking of You” is a fascinating work in mixed media by Pamela Huffman. The artist tells us that, as an adopted child, she always wondered about her birth mother. She was able to piece together the story of her heritage when the adoption agency revealed to her that she was raised by an Italian family in India even though she is ethnically mostly Scottish. Her artwork, true to the theme of her piecing her life story together, is a patchwork of her history in photos and text. The collage method of this last artwork reminds us there are so many ways to piece together identity and culture, and the reader is invited to experience these artworks and many more (some quite abstract, others classical like Xixi Luo’s elegant “Dream Lotus” in water and ink on paper) at Falls Church Arts through January 7.
PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023
Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper. Vol. XXXIII, No. 41 November 23 - 29, 2023 • 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 •
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E ditorial
E D I TO R I A L
In Memoriam Charlie Clark
We at the News-Press remain in acute mourning over the loss of our cherished colleague and dear friend, Charlie Clark, who died on Nov. 15 last week after a short but brutally aggressive brain illness. He was 70. It was only a few weeks before he was struck that Charlie’s latest book, the definitive and meticulously researched “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press,” came off the presses and arrived in this world. At the end of a long and storied career in Washington, D.C. journalism, a particular challenge in itself (see his obituary, elsewhere this edition), Clark made himself available to the News-Press, picking up where his predecessor in the job, Richard Barton, left off to pen a weekly “Our Man in Arlington” column almost every week for more than a decade, adding in special news stories on important events in Arlington, not the least of which was the ongoing fight over zoning to accommodate the housing shortages’ “missing middle.” Charlie was a true journalism professional, applying all the best standards of the calling to his work, perfected over a lifetime of toil. But like most in this profession, he was also uniquely a person in the process, never far from a full-throated laugh, an ability to catch an irony in a situation and a sustaining cheerfulness that was his particular gift. Journalists are not the dark, sinister carriers of evil the way Trump has tried to portray us. We tend rather to be often self-deprecating but tenacious lamplighters who are accustomed to subordinating ourselves to the truths about which we are writing, and to that end, seeking the highest standards of authenticity. There is a reason journalists themselves are responsible for calling their premiere social event of the season, the annual White House Correspondents Dinner, a “nerd prom.” I don’t like the phrase, even if only because it is too self-effacing, in my view, given the indispensable role that journalism plays in the fight to preserve democracy. But it does reflect humility in the face of the awesome responsibility of telling the truth in ways that the general public can handle, which is our collective special calling. There has been no one in my experience better suited to own the label, “journalist,” than Charlie Clark. When he decided to do what turned out to be his last book, “Life and Times of the Falls Church News-Press,” he went all in, examining every single issue of the paper since its inception in 1991 and interviewing scores of people in and around the paper. It was an awesome effort, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. What he produced is more than a history of one local newspaper or one small community. It is a primer suitable for educating countless future generations on what a local newspaper is all about. Bravo on a truly exemplary life and work, Mr. Clark! Through your accomplishments, you remain with us.
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 etter to E ditor
Need for Objectivity To the Editor:
It is critically important that newspapers report accurately, thoroughly, and without prejudice. It was therefore disappointing to find the coverage of our local City Council election to be more opinion than fact. The article in the November 9 issue focused on celebrating the two winning candidates endorsed by the newspaper, including a photo
and glowing comments, and barely mentioned the third winning candidate, Erin Flynn, who was within fewer than 100 votes of the leading vote getter. In fact, the only mention of her was a snide and confusing comment about a possible gathering place. We hope that future coverage will be balanced and present all views. Ellen Gross, Marty Meserve, Sally Phillips, Ellen Salsbury, and Jane Scully
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 7
A Penny for Your Thoughts
News of Greater Falls Church a delightful conversation, made more so by the discovery that we both attended the University of Oregon. We lived in Eugene several years apart (I was born and raised there; he lived there only a couple of years during college), but Charlie still exhibited a fondness for his time in the Willamette Valley. We both marveled about how two Oregon Ducks ended up writing local columns for the Falls Church News Press for so many years. I learned that Charlie was quite ill only very recently, and never got to send him a note before he died last week. I would have thanked him for years of introducing so many readers, and me, to Arlington history, and for being such a positive presence in the lives of Northern Virginians for decades. As we gather for Thanksgiving on Thursday, we can give thanks that talented people like Charlie Clark gave extra effort to understand and enhance our wonderfully diverse community.
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Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
ER AFT
Shoplifting, W. Broad St., November 13, 1:15 p.m., an unknown suspect took items of value without paying. The suspect is described as a black male in his early 50s, with a light beard with white facial hair, wearing a large black jacket, dark blue pants, white shoes, and a black beanie. Shoplifting, W. Broad St., November 16, 8:21 a.m. an unknown suspect took items of value without paying. The suspect is described as a black male wearing long gray winter coat and dark blue beanie, carrying a trash bag.
Identity Theft, W. Broad St., between 12:00 p.m. on November 16 and 5:00 p.m. on November 18, an unknown suspect hacked the victim’s computer via public WiFi and stole the victim’s social security number and various accounts information.
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Larceny from Building, W. Broad St., between 12:00 p.m. on November 15 and 5:49 p.m. on November 16, an unknown suspect stole two commercial space heaters from a stairwell. Trespassing, Wilson Blvd., November 18, 9:58 a.m., an Asian male, 52, of Annandale, VA, was arrested for trespassing.
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win the seat in a closely divided Congress. General Assembly members may not raise money during the session, which will run from January 10 to March 9, 2024, so they must use the next couple of months to rebuild war chests for the primary campaign. Will their focus be on preparing for the session, or on raising money? Something, like representation of their constituents, may suffer; not what the voters anticipated just last week. Charlie Clark and I shared our opinions on the pages of the Falls Church News Press for many years, and I always enjoyed reading his “Our Man in Arlington” column about the jurisdiction neighboring Mason District and Fairfax County. I envied Charlie’s ability to bring history alive via interviews with so many Arlingtonians. He always seemed to connect the past and the present, even in small everyday things. Several years ago, Charlie and I got together for lunch at Seven Corners. Charlie had written several books, and I wanted to learn more about that process, how to engage a publisher, and what pitfalls to avoid. It was
R
Campaigning is fun; governance is hard. Maybe that’s why several elected officials, who won election to the Virginia General Assembly on November 7, already have announced their intention to run for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District seat in 2024. Call me traditional, but when you run for office, you are making a commitment to serve for the full term of office, or so I thought. To announce for another seat within days of winning an election smacks of ego, hubris or, perhaps, pursuit of a higher salary (General Assembly members earn about $18,000 a year plus a per diem for days in session; Members of Congress earn $174,000 a year). What do you tell the voters who just elected you? “Oops, I didn’t mean it.” “The grass is greener over there.” “Constituents are not a priority; my ego (or pocketbook) is.” Any campaign for public office is expensive these days, and congressional campaigns are especially expensive. The “purple” tint of the 10th Congressional District makes it a swing district, so both political parties will spend millions to
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Community News & Notes
THE CONGRESSIONAL school held its annual Thanksgiving food drive on November 17. Led by 7th graders, students delivered 40 boxes of donated food to F.C.’s Culmore Family Resource Center. (Photo: Congressional School)
DIGNITARIES AT THE Veterans Treatment Docket graduation on November 16 included (l to r) Del. Marcus Simon, Judge Susan Earman, and keynote speaker Col. Ed Reinfurt. (Photo: Chris Earman)
Falls Church Affordable Healthcare Nonprofit Adds Vision Suite
show features headliner saxophonist Lil’ Maceo, an awardwinning indie jazz saxophonist whose performance style has been praised as “masterful class.” Additional “It’s A Jazzy Christmas” performers include trumpeter Isaac Byrd Jr., violinist Eric Taylor, percussionist MZ Drummer, vocalists Tyron Senior, Rhoda Nkojo and J Chosen, creative dancer April Flood and lyricist Simoni. Visit aldentheatre.org to purchase tickets or for more information.
Thanks to a communitywide effort, Culmore Clinic has launched a Vision Suite on site, and will welcome their first patients starting November 16. At their Open House last month, they made it official with a ribbon cutting. Volunteer Ophthalmologist Dr. George Patterson did the honors. “A Vision Suite is something that free and charitable clinics like ours only dream of,” Lynette Sappe-Watkins, Culmore Clinic’s Executive Director, said during her speech at the Open House. This dream, which is now a reality, all started when three generous area eye doctors approached Culmore Clinic with an idea. Ophthalmologists Dr. George Patterson, MD and Dr. Sarah Merrill, MD together with optometrist Dr. Bill Baer, OD reached out to Culmore Clinic, inquiring about volunteer opportunities. At the time Culmore Clinic did not have the equipment to provide eye care. The doctors responded by providing Culmore Clinic a “wish list” of equipment and
materials, and said if Culmore Clinic could collect this equipment, they could provide vision care. This would be the first time in the nonprofit’s 16 year history that vision services would be offered on site. As is so often the case with the Culmore Clinic community, when they asked for help, the community came running. So with the power of a few phone calls and emails, the vision care community came together to collect all the equipment and items needed from the list.
strength of women’s lineage, evoking memories of matriarchs through its depiction of the bata, eloquent in its simplicity. The woodblock print embodies softness, force, and endurance. Each indentation and detail illustrates the intricate dynamics of women’s roles, revealing a blend of visible and invisible labor in the process; and just as the image transfers from the block to the paper, so is the wisdom transferred from one generation to another. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
“Doña” Named Juror’s Choice at Falls Church Arts’ Intersection: Identity and Culture Show
Alden Offers a happy holiday show, “It’s A Jazzy Christmas,” on December 9
Rebecca Perez’s woodblock print “Doña” has received the Falls Church Arts’ Juror’s Choice Award. The prize is sponsored by Art & Frame of Falls Church (307 Annandale Road, Falls Church). The piece was chosen by juror Fabiola R. Delgado, who commented “The Juror’s Award is presented to “Doña’’ by Rebecca Perez, for the heartfelt portrayal of familial bonds, cultural heritage, and the comfort found within the home. This artwork symbolically captures the
The Alden at the McLean Community Center (MCC) will present a holiday entertainment show, “It’s A Jazzy Christmas,” for a single performance at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9. “It’s a Jazzy Christmas” is nonstop entertainment with a house band and a parade of notable DMV jazz artists. Tickets are $30 for the general public, $25 for students and seniors, and $20 for MCC district residents. Hosted by NBC4 News reporter Mark Segraves, the
Opt Outside at Virginia’s State Parks for your Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
Virginia State Parks is hosting their annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities and opt to spend time outdoors instead. The campaign will run from November 24-26 at all Virginia State Park locations. Park guests of all ages can indulge in self-guided and rangerled activities to create wonderful and lasting Thanksgiving memories. Guests are encouraged to hike, bike or star watch and experience the beauty of nature while enjoy-
ing a wonderful experience at one of Virginia’s forty-two state parks. For a complete list of Virginia State Parks Opt Outside activities, visit the programs and events section of the state parks website at bit.ly/FCNP1123vp. In addition to the outdoor campaign, there will be a gift certificate sale on the day after Thanksgiving. Gift certificates will be 20 percent off and only available to purchase online at vasp.fun/giftcard between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on November 24. Gift certificates can be used on camping, cabins, picnic shelters, meeting space and purchases in the park.
Holiday Favorites That Define The Season With The National Chamber Ensemble
On December 16, the National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) celebrates holiday cheer with renowned violinist Dylana Jenson, for an evening of classical and popular favorites the entire family will enjoy, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA). Other artists for the evening include pianist Natasha Dukan, Dietrich Paredes (violin), Uri Wassertzug (viola), and Vasily Popov (cello).
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
The concert also features outstanding young pianists, string players, and winners of the 2023 National Chamber Ensemble Young Artist Competition, who will perform side by side with members of NCE in the “Concerto alla Rustica” by Antonio Vivaldi. The evening concludes with a Carols Sing-Along led by the talented singing siblings Lisa Jansen (former member of the pop group Up With People) and Robert Jansen. The festive conclusion guarantees to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Congressional School Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a Success
Congressional School in Falls Church held its annual Thanksgiving food drive led by 7th grade students. On Friday, November 17, the students traveled to the Culmore Family Resource Center to deliver 40 boxes of food donated by Congressional School families just in time for Thanksgiving. This is the 16th annual food drive Congressional School has organized in support of the Culmore Family Resource Center.
Creative Cauldron Hosts Telethon To Fundraise for New Location
Creative Cauldron is bringing back their live fundraiser telethon on December 4 at 6:00 p.m.. Hosted by Matt Conner & Laura Connors Hull, the evening will feature a mix of live performances from musicians and actors, as they challenge their audience at home to call in or go online and donate towards their end of year New Home New Horizon fundraising campaign. This year’s telethon is dubbed a “Chair-A-Thon,” as funds raised will support new
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patron chairs at their new location in the Broad & Washington mixed-use development, where they expect to open for shows beginning in late fall for their 2024-2025 season. Interested participants may secure free in-person tickets, RSVP for the livestream, or contribute to the campaign at creativecauldron.org/telethon.
Falls Church Arts “Music To My Eyes” Exhibit Submission Deadline December 10
Falls Church Arts invites artists to submit works inspired by music for their “Music to My Eyes” exhibit, to be displayed January 13 to February 25, 2024. Works must be original artwork by the exhibitor, and only works that have not been previously displayed in a FCA show may be submitted. Accepted art should be ready to hang or display, suitably framed with wire and screw eyes, with mounting and/or display stand, or with edges finished; no sawtooth hangers accepted. All work must be for sale; FCA will remit to artists the net sales amount (artist-stipulated retail price, less 20 percent donation to FCA) within 30 days of the show closing. Artists retain copyright on their own images. Applications may include up to three images with a required accompanying brief statement of concept or process that is original, unique to the artist, and done without the aid of large language models or artificial intelligence. Interested artists may apply between now and December 10 at bit.ly/FCNP1123me.
November City Council Meeting “A Watershed Day for Climate Action in F.C.”
At the November 13 city council meeting, members voted to adopt a Community Energy Action plan focused on actions that can
A RIBBON CUTTING last month celebrated the launch of a new Vision Suite at the Culmore Clinic, a Falls Church Affordable Healthcare Nonprofit. The Vision Suite welcomed its first patients on November 16. (Photo: Chris Ferenzi Photography) start to have meaningful effects by 2030. At the same meeting, the council unanimously passed a resolution to elevate its 2050 goal for community greenhouse-gas emissions from an 80 percent reduction (vs. 2005 levels) to net-zero (100 percent reduction). This is more in line with the Commonwealth, neighboring jurisdictions, and the global scientific consensus on what is needed. City council also approved using $170k (3.33 percent) of last year’s available budget surplus for efforts that can help reduce the citywide greenhouse footprint, including a pilot program for supporting energy audits of commercial businesses and properties, engineering assessments for rooftop solar on government and FCCPS buildings, a fleet management software upgrade, energy audits and technical support
for HVAC controls, and a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement planning consultant. The full City of Falls Church Community Action Plan 2023 has been made publicly available for download or view online at bit.ly/ FCNP1123ca.
Six Veterans Graduate From Fairfax Veterans Treatment Docket
In 2014 Chief Judge Penney Azcarate started the Fairfax Veterans Treatment Docket to divert justice-involved veterans from the criminal justice system. Veterans face unique circumstances, and this treatment docket provides intensive treatment and supervision to address those needs and reduce recidivism. The Veterans are afforded the necessary tools to adjust their lives. It involves a multi-agency structure
to meet those needs of the veterans. On November 16th 2023, six veterans graduated from the docket. Colonel Ed Reinfurt was the keynote speaker and Delegate Marcus Simon was one of the dignitaries in attendance supporting the graduates. Judge Susan F. Earman is one of the presiding Fairfax Judges.
League of Women Voters To Host Five Year F.C. Outlook Presentation
The Falls Church League of Women Voters will host a presentation by Paul Stoddard, Director of Planning for the City of Falls Church, on the five-year outlook for our city. The presentation will be held on Thursday, November 30, from 7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the F.C. Community Center (223 Little Falls Rd., Falls Church), in the Senior Center. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center. Voted best shopping center in the DMV!
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THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
MONDAY
Thanksgiving Holday Closures
Thanksgiving Holiday Closures
Falls Church Farmers Market
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village
NOVEMBER 23 NOVEMBER 24 NOVEMBER 25 NOVEMBER 27 The city government, library, Senior Center, and FCPS and FCCPS schools are closed for Thanksgiving, reopening Monday. (City Buildings, Falls Church), all day.
The city government, library, Senior Center, and FCPS and FCCPS schools are closed for Thanksgiving, reopening Monday. (City Buildings, Falls Church), all day.
Alexandria Turkey Trot
Tree Lighting & Santa Parade
Walkers and runners trek a Thanksgiving morning course. Register at alexandriaturkeytrot.com. Del Ray (1005 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA), 9:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
Shear Madness
Help solve the scissor-stabbing murder of a famed concert pianist in this unique interactive experience. Tickets at kennedy-center.org. Kennedy Center Theater Lab (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.
Welcome the arrival of the holiday season with a merry and bright tree lighting. Bring your family and friends to experience Santa as he spreads holiday cheer and makes his way through Mosaic on a firetruck and greets onlookers. Visitors can also meet and greet Santa in the Target lobby after the tree lighting. Live entertainment throughout. Parade at 6:30 p.m. Tree lighting at 7:15 p.m. Strawberry Park (Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA), 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.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.
A Very Victorian Christmas
1860s reenactors welcome friends and soldiers for holiday cheer during the Civil War. Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.
A Chanticleer Christmas
A Chanticleer Christmas showcases an inspired and far-ranging repertoire full of new a cappella arrangements of well-known tunes. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123ch. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 26 Beaver Boogie Run
Join the Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) for their first annual Beaver Boogie 5k Fun Run/ Walk. Lake Accotink Park (7500 Accotink Park Rd., Springfield, VA), 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Winter Walk of Lights
Immerse yourself in a magical garden wonderland filled with dazzling lights. Timed entries every 30 minutes. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP11123ww. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, VA), 5:30 p.m.
Jeffrey Siegel: Festive French Fare
ENJOY A FEAST OF magnifique French music with Jeffrey Siegel, this Sunday at GMU Center for the Arts. (Courtesy Photo)
Enjoy a feast of magnifique French music with Jeffrey Siegel as he showcases Debussy, Ravel, SaintSaëns, and Poulenc, delving into the lives of the four composers responsible for crafting the French musical aesthetic of the 20th century. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123kc. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy ice skating, open nightly December 1 to January 1, or check out The Winter Village walk-through light display. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP1123wl. Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA), 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Lighting of the Trees
Get into the festive spirit with a winter wonderland at Modera Founders Row. Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting
The City Council meets the second and fourth Monday each month, except August and December when one meeting is held. The public may sign up to address the council at fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. View live or on-demand at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings or on FCCTV. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 28 Gov't Operations Committee Meeting
Government Operations Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 12:00 p.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Chamber Networking Mixer
Learn about the VFW Post 9274 and the Auxiliary that supports it at a mixer. Refreshments provided. VFW Post 9272 (7118 Shreve Rd., Falls Church), 5:30 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Grace, Grit, & Lipstick
Discover wit and wisdom for the modern female farmer and her farm-curious friends at a book event for Grace, Grit & Lipstick, which
encourages readers to dig in on their own agricultural dreams, and to embrace the possibilities that come when you take a risk. Busboys and Poets (4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Retiring Council Members Happy Hour
Celebrate and share stories with Mayor David Tarter and council member Phil Duncan as they wind down years of dedicated service on City Council. Free and open to all. Refreshments available for purchase. The Falls (370 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.
School Board Work Session
FCCPS School Board Chair Laura Downs and Vice-Chair Tate Gould hold "office hours," where community members may drop by to ask questions and offer feedback in a casual environment. Those who prefer a private exchange should contact the school board via email. FCCPS Central Office (150 S. Washington St., Suite 400, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29 Emma Grey: The Last Love Note
MRSPL co-hosts author Emma Grey with Bards Alley Bookshop for the launch of her adult debut, The Last Love Note. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Gala Film Fest: Altar
Part of the Gala Film Fest, November 29 through December 3. Altar is a documentary following the ups and downs of Sebastian, a psychologist and singer who, after being fired from his job, discovers a natural talent for imitating Mexican singer Luis Miguel. Tormented by his psychologist vocation, aspirations of being a singer-songwriter, and demands and pressures from his manager, the frontiers of his identity become blurred and what seemed to be a dream come true starts to transform into a reality that is difficult to bear, turning his life upside-down. Tickets at galatheatre. org. Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 7:00 p.m.
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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 11
F.C. Copperheads Best 17 Other Teams to Win Baseball Tournament by Erika Toman
The Falls Church Copperheads 12U team bested 17 other teams to win the Ripken Experience Curtain Call baseball tournament over the first weekend of November. The local non-profit baseball organization, which consists entirely of players from the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League, played inspired baseball across their fall campaign against some of the best teams from the broader mid-Atlantic region, showcasing resilience and a positive mindset to win several games in come-from-behind fashion. The team went 5-0 propelled by solid pitching, hitting and baserunning. The team batted an impressive .460 average, notching 57 hits, 51 RBIs, 68 runs, and generated 65 stolen bases. Outfielder Hayes Vaughan was selected as tournament MVP after hitting a team-leading four extra base hits resulting in six RBIs across the tournament.
Against Wellwood 12U (MD), pitcher Kellan McCormack threw a no-hitter, striking out seven on a nasty mix of off-speed pitches. Harrison Carmody stole a team high four bases, with all 11 players stealing at least one base. Vaughan was selected as player of the game with two RBIs in the 17-1 victory. Against the Maryland Keys 12U (MD), Evan Toman, Asher Sequeira, and James Owen notched multiple hits with Sequiera going two for two enroute to earning player of the game honors. Pitcher Harrison Carmody earned the win, striking out three and issuing only one hit in three innings of work, showing remarkable resilience. Bronson Rogers led the team with four stolen bases, with Tig Fatzinger and Luca Pipia contributing three steals in the 14-5 victory. The Elkridge Canes 12U (MD) gave up 12 hits to the Copperheads. Kellan McCormack went three-forthree, earning player of the game
honors, as the Copperheads won 12-4, despite being down 3-2 in the bottom of the third inning. The fifth inning saw the Copperheads generate eight hits with one excellent bunt, and draw two walks to break the game open. Pitcher Bronson Rogers got the win, going two innings, striking out five, and issuing no walks. In the semi-finals, playing against the very solid Stars Baseball Academy 12U (NY), the Copperheads had 13 total hits on the way to a 13-10 victory. James Owen went two for two with two doubles and three RBIs to earn player of the game honors. Luca Pipia threw two innings, striking out two and issuing only one run. Pitcher Bronson Rogers and closer Asher Sequiera combined to preserve the win. Landon Tucker contributed an RBI and drew two critical walks which both resulted in runs due to excellent baserunning. In the finals, the Copperheads
Fa l l s C h u r c h School News & Notes
Meridian High School Solar Rooftop Ribbon Cutting December 5 FCCPS invites the community to join a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the rooftop solar array project at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), at 3:30 p.m. December 5 in the 5th floor stairwell. RSVP at bit.ly/FCNP1123sa.
United States Navy Band Visits Mount Daniel
Mount Daniel students had a musical treat last week with a performance by Country Current, the United States Navy Band’s premier country music ensemble, with instruments including the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Students enjoyed clapping and singing along with the band; some even got to join in the performance!
Meridian Jazz Band Dazzles Virginia School Board Assn. Meeting
Last week’s Virginia School
Board Association meeting in Williamsburg featured the Meridian Jazz Band, directed by Mary Jo West, which had the honor of being selected to play the closing session.
Meridian High School Sustainability in Action Fall Festival
Meridian’s Sustainability in Action program hosted its first-ever Fall Festival on November 13 to celebrate the season while giving back to the community. The festival featured stations hosted by multiple clubs: music from Meridian’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, recycled plastic art with the Art Club, a seasonal depression educational station from the Meridian Minds Matter Club, bee hotels, daffodil planting and harvesting from the Environmental Club. Students attending the festival were able to participate in activities while learning about different student initiatives. As the festival’s main event, the outdoor gardens’ harvest produced freshly picked beets, radishes, squash, spinach, potatoes, and dill. Along with the club’s hydroponics harvest, the gardens had 19.25 lbs of fresh vegetables donated to the local food bank, Food for Others.
Henderson Students Sustainable Design and Engineering In Dr. Wu-Rorrer’s Sustainable Design and Engineering class, 8th graders designed CO2 dragster racers. The goal of the unit is to allow students to apply concepts from physics with actual world application. Furthermore, the students learn new skills and techniques involved in project construction. The unit comprises four main areas: theory of physics involved with dragster, design of the vehicle, construction of the vehicle, and racing of the vehicle. Students worked with a partner for the unit. Concepts from math and physics were employed during the dragster unit. They included measurement, multiplication and division, use of formulas, graphing, and estimation. This activity allowed students to use academic concepts in a “real world” situation. The design process is a significant component of the CO2 dragster unit, and helped students understand the relationship between friction, drag, and weight.
THE F.C. COPPERHEADS defeated 17 other teams, winning the Ripken Experience Curtain Call tournament. (Photo: Erika Toman) quickly wore down the Caln A’s 12U (PA) with 16 total hits. Pitcher Evan Toman threw four and twothirds innings, striking out four and giving up only four hits to earn the win and player of the game award. All 11 players contributed at least
one hit, with Fatzinger, Sequiera, Pipia, Vaughan, and Carmody contributing multiple base hits in a true team-wide performance. The Copperheads wrapped up their fall season with a 21-7-2 record and will resume play starting next March.
THE MERIDIAN Jazz Band dazzled the Virginia School Board Association meeting in Williamsburg, VA last weekend. (FCCPS Photo)
FIFTH graders create brass rubbings. (Photo: Mary Kate Hughes)
U.S. NAVAL Band performs at Mt. Daniels. (Photo: Nicole Guimaraes)
MERIDIAN’S SUSTAINABILITY in Action program hosted its first ever Fall Festival at the high school on November 13. (FCCPS Photo)
PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The City Council will hold a public hearing on the following matter on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. NOTE: This item was rescheduled from 11/14/23 at the request of the applicant. 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, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-2485014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was given first reading at the October 23, 2023 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (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
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C L AS S I F I E DS
FOR CLARITY; REMOVE OUTDATED REFERENCES TO STREET SIDE YARD AND INTERIOR SIDE YARD; AND ADDRESS CODIFICATION ERRORS The proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance is intended to: (a) clarify meaning where ambiguity has been identified in the course of administering the ordinance, (b) reflect recent changes to Virginia State Code, and (c) remove general errors. 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, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/ councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE: On Wednesday, December 6, 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 identified in the course of administering the ordinance, (b) reflect recent changes to Virginia State 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
with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)
FOR SALE Six (6) cemetery spaces at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. 22042-1725, located in desirable 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
LOST PASSPORT Lost passport belonging to Theresia Muna. Lost in Fairfax-Falls church Area,on May 2023. If found please contact Theresia Muna at +12404233339.
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NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 13
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL OF NEW BROADBAND CAPACITY PROJECTS PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1:9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA AND FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER RBB, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00184
· Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has applied for approval of new broadband capacity projects and for revision of its rate adjustment clause Rider RBB, which recovers the costs of providing broadband capacity related to rural broadband projects. · Dominion requests approval of a revenue requirement of approximately $17.535 million for Rider RBB for the rate year commencing May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. According to Dominion, this amount would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $0.25. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. · An evidentiary hearing will also be held on February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of Dominion, any respondents, and Commission Staff. · Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On October 10, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed a petition (“Petition”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to Code § 56-585.1:9 and Code § 56-585.1 A 6. The Company seeks approval to install middle-mile broadband capacity in unserved areas in: (i) Albemarle, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, Nelson, and Powhatan Counties (“Thomas Jefferson Planning District Project”); (ii) Augusta, Clarke, Fauquier, and Rockingham Counties (“Northern Shenandoah Valley Project”); (iii) Brunswick, Halifax, and Mecklenburg Counties (“Southside Planning District Project”); and (iv) Sussex, Culpeper, Hanover, Loudoun, and Middlesex Counties (“Other New Projects”) (collectively, “Proposed New Projects”). The Company also seeks approval to revise rate adjustment clause Rider RBB, for the rate year commencing May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025 (“Rate Year”). Further, in its Petition Dominion provided updates for previously approved Rider RBB projects (“Previously Approved Projects”). Thomas Jefferson Planning District Project Dominion, Firefly Fiber Broadband (“Firefly”), and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (“REC”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in each county in the proposed Thomas Jefferson Planning District Project, Firefly will: (i) lease middle-mile dark fiber from Dominion; (ii) serve as the internet service provider (“ISP”) for Dominion and REC customers; and (iii) be responsible for building the last-mile fiber for Dominion and REC customers. The Company plans to complete construction of the approximately 508-mile project over the two years following Commission approval. The total estimated capital cost for the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Project is approximately $69.7 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $55 million in this proceeding, which represents the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Northern Shenandoah Valley Project Dominion and All Points Broadband (“All Points”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in each county in the proposed Northern Shenandoah Valley Project, All Points will: (i) lease middle-mile dark fiber from Dominion; (ii) serve as the ISP for Dominion customers; and (iii) be responsible for building the last-mile fiber for Dominion customers. Additionally, All Points will serve as the ISP and be responsible for building the last-mile fiber in Augusta and Rockingham County for Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative members. The Company asserts it has started the design phase for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Project’s approximately 543 miles and plans to complete construction over the two years following Commission approval. The total estimated capital cost for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Project is approximately $74.1 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $56.3 million in this proceeding, which represents the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Southside Planning District Project Dominion and EMPOWER Broadband, Inc. (“EMPOWER”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in each county in the proposed Southside Planning District Project, EMPOWER will: (i) lease middle-mile dark fiber from Dominion; (ii) serve as the ISP for both Dominion customers and Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (“MEC”) members; and (iii) be responsible for building the last-mile fiber for Dominion customers and MEC members. The Company asserts it has started both the design and construction phases for the Southside Planning District Project’s approximately 393 miles and plans to complete construction over the next couple of years following Commission approval. The total estimated capital cost for the Southside Planning District Project is approximately $44.9 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $36.0 million in this proceeding for the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Other New Projects Dominion states it will partner with All Points whereby, in Culpeper, Hanover, Loudoun, and Middlesex Counties, All Points will: (i) lease middle-mile dark fiber from Dominion; (ii) serve as the ISP; and (iii) be responsible for building the last-mile fiber. For the Other New Projects in Sussex County, Dominion and PGEC Enterprises, LLC d/b/a RURALBAND (“RURALBAND”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in Sussex County, RURALBAND will: (i) lease middle-mile dark fiber from the Company; (ii) serve as the ISP for both Dominion customers and Prince George Electric Cooperative (“PGEC”) members; and (iii) be responsible for building the last-mile fiber for Dominion customers and PGEC members. Dominion asserts that as of the date its Petition was filed, approximately 13 percent of the estimated 466 miles for the Other New Projects are in some phase of the construction process, with the current construction activities located in Loudoun and Culpeper Counties. The Company states that it is finalizing design-related steps for the remaining miles so those projects can also be released to the construction process. Based on the progress to date and the remaining mileage, the Company states it expects that the majority of the counties will be complete by the end of 2025, barring any unforeseen delays. The total estimated capital cost for the Other New Projects is approximately $63 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $49.5 million in this proceeding for the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Proposed New Projects In total, the estimated capital costs for the Proposed New Projects are approximately $251.9 million, with rural broadband incremental costs of approximately $196.9 million. Rider RBB The Company seeks approval of two requests related to Rider RBB: (i) to update Rider RBB for the recovery of costs associated with Previously Approved Projects, and (ii) to recover through Rider RBB the costs of the Proposed New Projects. The Company states that it will use the lease revenues it receives from the ISPs to offset the costs of the previously approved rural broadband projects and the Proposed New Projects. For the Rate Year, Dominion is requesting recovery of a total revenue requirement of approximately $17.535 million. According to the Company, the implementation of the proposed Rider RBB on May 1, 2024, will increase a residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, by $0.25. The Company states that it has calculated the Rider RBB rates in accordance with the same methodology used for those rates approved by the Commission with respect to the most recent revision to Rider RBB, Case No. PUR-2022-00062, with one exception related to a change in the demand billing determinant for Rate Schedules GS-2 and GS-2T. Dominion indicates that in this proceeding it is utilizing an updated lead/lag study based primarily on calendar year 2021 data, with a revenue lag based on 2022 data, in certain cash working capital calculations in its filing. The Company requests that any issues related to the updated lead/lag study be litigated in the pending Rider GV proceeding, Case No. PUR-2023-00094. Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Petition and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Petition and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. A hearing for the receipt of testimony from public witnesses on the Company’s Petition shall be convened telephonically at 10 a.m. on February 21, 2024. On or before February 14, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting. Beginning at 10 a.m. on February 21, 2024, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above. On February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff. To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and required electronic service on parties to this proceeding. An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Jontille D. Ray, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or jray@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the public version of the Petition and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On or before February 14, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00184. On or before December 21, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00184. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. On or before January 24, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00184. Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice. The public version of the Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
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PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
The LGBTQ+ Reach
by Brian Reach
Falls Church News-Press
Moms for... What? On Monday, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that a pastor who serves as the coordinator of faith-based outreach for Philadelphia’s Moms for Liberty chapter, pastor Phillip Fisher Jr., is a registered sex offender, convicted in 2012 of aggravated sexual abuse of a 14-yearold boy in Chicago. Fisher pleaded guilty to 12 counts filed against him. Let’s Talk About Moms for Liberty Moms for Liberty, the conservative group created in 2021 to oppose Covid-19 mask and vaccine mandates in schools, has been slowly showing its true colors, but this week has really taken the cake. The group’s website is intentionally vague, talking about “key issues impacting our families” without listing them, promoting government accountability and opposing “government overrreach and intimidation tactics.” In particular, they promote engaging “liberty-minded leaders” to run for office. Moms for Liberty is organized as a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization. Unlike a 501(c)3 (charity) or a 501(c)6 (membership organization), c4’s are civic organizations, or organizations promoting social welfare – usually an HOA or local employee association. Parents and elected officials are encouraged to sign a pledge on their website that reads: “I pledge to honor the fundamental rights of parents including, but not limited to the right to direct the education, medical care, and moral upbringing of their children. I pledge to advance policies that strengthen parental involvement and decision-making, increase transparency, defend against government overreach, and secure parental rights at all levels of government.” The group also operates Moms for Liberty PAC (Political Action Committee), which directly supports right-wing candidates. On the PAC’s website, the first thing you read is “Parents have the natural right to direct the upbringing of their children.” The site is similary vague, but repeatedly references transparency, parental rights, and liberty. A “Moms for Liberty Foundation” website exists with a mission “to Enrich, Educate & Empower Parents, Policy Makers & the Public on issues impacting the future of America.” The website says the foundation is affiliated with Moms for Liberty, but does not claim any IRS nonprofit status. It also says that Moms for Liberty has hundreds of chapters “in all 42 states.” The foundation has a pretty empty website (the blog has zero posts), and seems to be there only to promote conservative book publishers, specifically titles like “Elephants Are Not Birds,” and “Little Lives Matter.” The foundation works to place these books in schools. A Brief History Lesson In 1852, the Compulsory Education Act was passed, requiring all children between 8 and
14 years old to attend at least three months of school each year. 55 percent of children aged 5-14 were enrolled in schools in 1830, but by 1870 78 percent were. The 1944 Education Act expanded this, guaranteeing a free education to all children through the age of 15. Per Census data, just 14 percent of Americans 25 and older had completed High School in 1910. By 1970 this number was 55 percent, and today over 90 percent of adults have high school degrees. Today, all 50 states have compulsory education laws, though attendance and age ranges vary (for instance the range is 7-17 in Alabama, but 6-18 in California). It is illegal in the United States not to ensure your child is educated to minimum standards, whether at a free public school, accredited private school, or approved home-school curriculum. What Does Moms for Liberty Stand For? Well, a few things may tip you off on their website, but let me complete the picture. As the pandemic evolved into an endemic, and vaccines were widespread enough that partial herd immunity allowed most of us to shed masks, the group began to evolve as well. First, they railed against “Critical Race Theory” (CRT), which they incorrectly claim rejects the civil rights movement and promotes that “everything in America is racist.” A “Combatting Critical Race Theory in Your Community” guide has since been taken down from the group’s main website, though their chapter websites continue to bash CRT with a variety of “anti-woke” sources of disinformation. The group’s current focus is aggressively opposing anything related to DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. This largely manifests as anti-LGBTQ+ and, in particular, anti-Trans activism. The group continues to spread disinformation about CRT, DE&I, and LGBTQ+ issues. They incite conservatives into hostile takeovers of school board meetings and a general demonization of faculty members, politicians, or members of the community that aren’t fully on board with their agenda. Anybody that isn’t on their side is “indoctrinating” students (though that word simply means “teach”) The group is a large force behind antiLGBTQ+ activism in schools as well, encouraging parents to protest any book that speaks directly to students with queer identities, demand “transparency” (which really means passing mandates requiring faculty to “out” students to their parents), and force Trans students out of sports programs. Moms for Liberty PAC has backed hundreds of school board members across the country. In the election earlier this month, 70 percent were rejected by voters. The Bottom Line If Moms for Liberty actually cared about the wellbeing of children, wouldn’t they run extensive background checks on anybody doing work with the organization?
NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2023 | PAGE 15
Falls Church Business News & Notes Little City Gift Cards Return
The City of Falls Church has announced that it is resuming the Little City Gift Card program with more ARPA funds to support the economic recovery of local businesses. The program begins on November 25, Small Business Saturday, when gift cards can be purchased for use at nearly 70 local businesses. Last year, over $150,000 worth of gift cards were sold and spent locally. More information is available at fallschurchva.gov/2168/The-Little-City-Gift-Card and cards may be purchased at app.yiftee.com/gift-card/falls-church-va. Businesses may participate by registering on Saturday, November 25 using the toolkit: fallschurchva.gov/2169/Business-Toolkit-TheLittle-City-Gift-Ca.
Cyber Threat Webinar Tuesday, November 28, 12:30 – 1:30 pm - The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a free, online session on cyber threats. An overview of current trends and threats will be addressed as well as how to identify threats to keep small businesses protected. Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert, leads the session and the Zoom link will be shared upon registration. clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=900430044
VFW Hosts Chamber Mixer VFW Post 9274 is hosting the Chamber Networking Mixer on Tuesday, November 28 at 5:30 pm. The Post will recognize Mayor Tarter, present the Teacher of the Year Award to Jessica Albright of Lemon Road Elementary, and the Patriots Pen to Lia Scully of St. James Catholic School. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the leadership and learn more about supporting veterans.
West Falls Update Hitt Contracting has announced the relocation of its headquarters to the West Falls site in 2027. This project is part of a larger three-part development located close to the west Falls Church Metro station. Hitt and Rushmark are building Converge, which will include a construction tech-related research lab operated by Virginia Tech’s engineering school. Hoffman & Associates and Experience Senior Living (ESL) has announced that the senior living community within the West Falls mixed-use community will be known as The Reserve at Falls Church with a projected opening in the fourth quarter of 2026. The property will span 15 stories with over 200 units consisting of independent living, assisted living, and memory care and numerous amenities including a sky bar, restaurants maker space for artists, a saltwater pool and fitness center.
Cars on Amazon Amazon has announced that it will begin allowing shoppers to purchase vehicles online in 2024. The first auto company to participate is Hyundai. Shoppers may search for available cars online and elect to pick it up or have it delivered to their local dealership. 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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