Another 3 Classy New Restaurants
A WELCOMING THANKSGIVING
Three sensational new upscale restaurants have opened their doors in the City of Falls Church in recent weeks, and their impact on the City promises to be game changing.
These and other new eateries, retailers and entertainment venues moving toward opening in the coming months come as new apartments and condominium projects in the Little City are beginning to fill up, promising a vibrant, walkable urban environment at the Little City’s West Broad Street corridor spanning its West End, Founders Row complex and Broad and Washington historic downtown nodes.
Seoul Prime, a lavish and stately Korean steak house in the Founders Row 1 complex is now open and owner Wanbok Lee has designed the new space to accommodate private parties, large and small, as well as the general public in a classy stateof-the-art Korean beef barbecue protein heavy venue that features at-your-table preparation and cooking.
It is Lee’s second Northern Virginia restaurant, following on his successful Korean barbecue in Centreville, the Honest Grill. Open 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays, it is featuring brunch at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and stays open to 11 p.m. on Saturday at 9 p.m. Sunday. Korean-American
By a vote of 5-2, the Falls Church City Council Monday night approved a first reading of a new ordinance that would facilitate the ability of City homeowners to build “accessory dwellings” on their property.
The draft ordinance will now undergo a full range of presentations and vettings before
City advisory boards and commissions, the public and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce before coming back for a final approval next April.
The five yes votes came from Mayor Letty Hardi, Vice Mayor Deborah Shantz-Hiscott, Marybeth Connelly (attending remotely), Justine Underhill and newly sworn-in member Laura Downs. No votes came from
David Snyder and Erin Flynn.
The prospective new ordinance would bring Falls Church into line with similar measures already in effect by its neighbors in Arlington and Fairfax County. In Arlington, almost 20 times the size of Falls Church, since the approval of a similar new law, a mere 73 such units have been constructed. City officials here believe that
with needed approvals, two or three such units a year can be expected to be built here. But still, the issue drove an extensive public response at Monday’s City Council meeting reminiscent of the fight over changes to the City’s transitional zones policy that took two and a half years before
Photo)
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
Meridian Basketball Ready To Tip Off Another Strong Season
by Ryan McCafferty
Winter sports season is right around the corner for the Meridian Mustangs, which most notably means that the school’s basketball teams will be taking to the court in only a few short weeks. Last year both the boys and the girls had highly successful seasons, with the girls going 22-6 en route to a trip to State Finals while the boys won the Northwestern District title and were 22-4 overall. With two highquality coaches in Jim Smith and Chris Carrico leading the way, there’s no reason to believe this year won’t see the same opportunities for success.
The boys return most of their team from last year, although they did unfortunately lose their leading scorer in Daylen Martino, who transferred, as well as starting center Grant Greiner, who graduated. They’ll run back an experienced core of six regular rotational pieces from a season ago in Jarrett Jardine, Isaac Rosenberger, Will Davis, John Lyman, John Alverson, and Billy Asel – all either seniors or juniors – while Smith expects
newcomers Marquis Myles, Mason Pye, and Jake Barnes to emerge as contributors as well. The Mustangs kick off their season with an exceptionally busy schedule, playing five games in nine days with all coming against formidable opponents. The first of those will be played on November 30th against State powerhouse Spotswood.
The girls will feature a bit more roster turnover, with Maureen Tremblay and Marin Baroody gone as starters from a season ago and six new faces moving up from the JV ranks to join a returning core highlighted by experienced starters in Ellie Friesen, Nora Stufft, and Charlotte Lieu. Carrico’s group has been a consistent threat at the State level for several years, winning the State Championship in 2021 and making the Finals three times in the past four seasons, and it doesn’t seem to matter how many players they lose – there’s always a next one up. Their season will open at home against Briar Woods on December 3rd, and they’ll play three more games later on that week.
MERIDIAN BOYS BASKETBALL opened their season with a scrimage vs Marshall last Friday. (News-Press Photo)
- DECEMBER 4,
3 New Upscale Restaurants Open in F.C. Amid Growth Boom
fusion is the general term for the offerings and Danny Kim is the executive chef.
It is fitting that Soeul Prime opens out to the plaza at Founders Row 1 where across the way, the lights from two other of the wider region’s most acclaimed restaurants, Elly Bird and Nu, are only steps away. And right next door, coming next spring, will be the Paragon Theater complex, which in anticipation of opening, has been signed on as a new member of the F.C. Chamber of Commerce.
Zevian, beneath the Kensington Assisted Living at 700 W. Broad, has opened, filling the long-vacant restaurant space there right next to what has become one of the most heavily trafficked events in town, the monthly new show openings at the gallery of the Falls Church Arts.
Zevian is the creation of Adem Kaplan, also owner of the popular Sfizi Italian a block away, and the new restaurant is, like Kaplan, Turkish and the swank new interior is a welcoming environment for patrons who can access the place from early morning to late at night. It opens with a breakfast menu at 7 a.m., brings on a lunch menu at 10:30 a.m. and remains open throughout the day to welcome a dinner crowd in the evening to 10 p.m. The location was near capacity with diners during the Arts gallery reception last weekend.
Two kinds of fish, lamb chops, grilled octopus, and ravioli typify the menu for Zevian, which translates to “generous,” Kaplan told the News-Press.
Dolan Uyghur is now open on S. Maple at the site of the former Pizzeria Orso, and the menu features the same fare that has proven popular at a
Connecticut Avenue location in D.C. and more recently in Chantilly.
The cuisine at Hamid Kerim’s eagerly anticipated restaurant is a blend of Central Asian and more traditionally Chinese preparations with lots of lentils, noodles, fried rice, chicken and lamb prepared as soups, stews and kabobs.
Pilaf with lamb shank, churchura, baked baba ganoush, kebabs and lamb chops are features on the menu.
The unique Uyghur cuisine grows out of the 10 million Uyghur people living in northwest China who have been the subject of incredible persecution by the Chinese government.
Another recent restaurant opening in Falls Church has been the Casa Mariachi at 133 E. Annandale, featuring Tex-Mex and Latin flavors with an extensive menu of fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, wings, appetizers and soups.
Moreover, as announced at the monthly meeting of the Falls Church City Council’s Economic Development Committee at City Hall yesterday, the light dining Little Beast restaurant has signed a lease to go into the Broad and Washington project that features the Whole Foods market and Creative Cauldron entertainment venue. The apartments above that complex are reportedly now 45 percent sold.
Coming very soon are the Paris Baguette in the Tower Square Center, the Grill Marx Steakhouse that now has its required building permits on S. Washington and extensive interior improvements at the Bowlero bowling alley are near completion.
While other jurisdictions in the D.C. region face high levels of vacancies in commercial and office spaces, in Falls Church the vacancy rate is at 6.1 percent here, and at 2 percent for retail.
STEAKS COOKED at your table, with multiple accompaniments, is a highlight of Falls Church’s new Seoul Prime restaurant in the Founders Row 1 complex at West Broad St., directly across the plaza from regionally-acclaimed restaurants Ellie Bird and Nu. (NewsPress Photo)
A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center. Voted best shopping center in the DMV!
being approved. This one, City officials anticipate, won’t take that long, although already a considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the effort, including two well-attended public information forums that were held recently.
In the City staff’s report, presented by Planning Department chief Paul Stoddard and senior planner Jack Trainor, the staff recommendation was for approval of the proposed ordinance. “The staff developed the draft code amendments after considering national best practices, input from public meetings and City boards and commissions, input from four open house meetings and analysis of proposed state code impacts,” Stoddard said.
He added, “Regulations on accessory dwellings have been adjusted in some localities across the country as a tool for increasing housing availability and assisting property owners with housing costs while having limited impacts on community character or sense of place. Common uses for accessory dwellings include housing
for extended family members or family members that need to live nearby, and providing a source of supplemental income for home owners.”
The staff report was supplemented by a written report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) which stated that “accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a needed housing option for people of all ages.
“As small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence, accessory dwelling units play a major role in serving a national housing need,” the AARP piece states. “This transitional home type is reemerging as an affordable and feasible housing option that meets the needs of older adults and young families alike. A 2021 AARP survey of adults 18 and up found those who would consider creating an ADU in order of their stated importance: provide a home for a loved one in need of care, provide housing for relatives or friends, have a space for guests, create a place for a caregiver to stay, increase the value of their home, feel safer by having someone nearby and
earn extra income from renting to a tenant.
In the Falls Church case, a lot of the heartburn so far has been due to minutiae, concerns for the exact footage of setbacks and tree canopies required, for example, ostensibly to be sensitive of the impact of such accessory dwellings on neighbors, and on concerns for the structures’ uses as short-term rentals, or “AirBandB” type uses.
While some opponents argued the benefit would only go to the wealthiest of the homeowners, Trainor noted that 56 percent of City single family homes would qualify to add such a unit under the proposed ordinance out of the approximately 2,500 homes in the City.
Of the 15 citizens who signed up to comment during the public comments period at the opening of the meeting this Monday, 11 came to speak on this one issue, although there were citizens on both sides, either pro, con, or with major concerns.
Among those who spoke against or with major concerns were former mayor Nader Baroukh, former vice mayor Marty Meserve, and recent
Council candidate John Murphy. Proponents included former Economic Development Authority member Mike Novatny, who has created a company, Backyard
Builders, to build such units in Arlington, Robert Kravinsky, Fred Thompson, Alex Mericola, Eric Bossen, Sam Butler, Pirouz Khanmalek and Rishi Nangia.
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Vol. XXXIV, No. 42
November 28 - December 4, 2024
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Good Newspapers, the FCNP & Democracy
What constitutes a good newspaper? Is it as a mere chronicler of facts and events, in a non-partisan, explanatory way? Or must it essentially be something more? We say more. We assert this as the decimation of the news industry continues apace, including with its characterization as the “enemy of the people” by the next U.S. administration, to the severe detriment of democracy.
For the last 700 years, there has been an indisputable connection between the proliferation of the printed word and the moral, cultural and social advancement of our species, from Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press on.
Gutenberg’s invention in the mid-1400s, and his publication of the Gutenberg Bible, spurred what became the Renaissance, followed by the Reformation and the Enlightenment from which arose the American revolution, the Constitution and the modern notion of democracy. The access to and free exposition of ideas made possible through the proliferation of the printed word has been key to the human advancements in culture, science and governance achieved in every one of these seminal periods since Gutenberg’s invention.
Importantly, in the case of the young American republic, it was through newspapers, starting with Franklin’s recognition and utilization of their importance and then in the publication and proliferation of the Federalist Papers, that came the ratification of the Constitution by the 13 original colonies. By the publication and circulation of the Federalist Papers, the public was able not only to absorb, but to engage in civil discourse over the merits of the Constitution, and thereby to support and defend the formation of the United States of America.
To be valid, newspapers must stand staunchly for the kind of discourse that produced our American republic. They cannot stand aloof, or lamely non-commital, on such issues as those which define the value of the free press, itself: Not especially when powerful forces are unleashed to effectively undermine it, such as in the case of what we expect the incoming U.S. president will surely do.
The Falls Church News-Press since its founding 34 years ago has functioned as a powerful, persuasive voice in the City of Falls Church that has cohered with the best, most reasonable arguments for the betterment of this community. As such, it has contributed in no small way to what has evolved as the highly-admirable prosperity the Little City has come to enjoy, with its AAA bond rating atop state-of-the-art schools, in terms both of quality of education and facilities, and thriving public and private sectors, alike. It has been influential with reasonable and convincing narratives over 34 years that have convinced a highly educated and activist public to support these good developments over time.
Let us elicit a better appreciation of what the last 700 years has produced for us all and as that has been applied for the last almost three dozen years to our rich and fruitful little city-state of Falls Church, Virginia.
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Letters to Editor
Saddened By Passing Of Bob Young
Editor,
Like the rest of the Falls Church community, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Young. Not only was he a force for good within the City, but he especially had a hand in the development and success of the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF).
Bob was one of the founders of FCEF in 2004. He was an avid supporter of enhancing education in the City, even though he lived in McLean at the time. His support continued throughout the 20 years of FCEF’s existence. Although his name appeared as a sponsor for many of our fundraising events, Bob made an even larger contribution through his anonymous, continuing, and generous support of our Family Assistance Fund, which helps our most economicallydisadvanaged families in Falls Church with financial assistance.
Bob wanted to make sure that every child in Falls Church City Public Schools could come to school ready to learn and was always willing to ensure that FCEF could do so.
We will miss Bob’s leadership, his generosity, and his presence at so many City events. He loved the City of Falls Church and we are so grateful that he found a home in our community, which he helped in so many ways. Our condolences go out to his family, his friends, and all who knew him. Our City is better because he chose to work and then live here.
Falls Church Education Foundation Board of Directors
Former Vice Mayor Remembers Bob Young
Editor,
I wanted you to know how struck by and appreciative of your coverage of Bob’s passing I am. It was exceptional and poignant and played an important part in helping me through this difficult day. Here, once again, as many times in the past, you and the News Press have touched my and others in the community’s lives in the best traditions of journalism and the free press so many cherish.
Hal Lipppman
Former Vice Mayor, FC
A Vivid! Latest Art Exhibition at Falls Church Art Gallery
by Mark Dreisonstok
The current exhibition at Falls Church Arts is aptly called Vivid!, a term forty-seven artists in a multiplicity of media understood in different ways as they entered their submissions. Fifty-five of these works are now on vivid display.
As we tour a handful of the artworks of this exhibition, we begin with Tara Barr’s oil on canvas “Record Player.” Seeing a classic record player (hi-fi or phonograph) causes many to reflect on the listening habits of one’s past. Yet this particular painting is meant to bring back memories of family history, according to the artist, and many viewers will have fond recollections of the family enjoying music on this classic invention which has provided home entertainment for more than a century. In this painting, the record player, painted real -
istically, floats in the middle of the canvas with green Art Decolike fan patterns behind it in muted psychedelic colors.
In the acrylic work on canvas “Summer into Fall” by Lauren Kavanagh-Brow, we gain a peek into nature’s harmony and contrasts. This painting depicts, as the title implies, a mixture of summer and autumn both present at once, all intertwined around an old fence which suggests it has stories to tell. In the upper left corner, we see hints of clouds which brighten as they approach the tree-line, with this leading into two swaths of field just above the foreground. A crow sits upon the left-most fence post as if viewing the viewer of the painting right back and beneath it the fence comes alive with the red glow of autumn’s majestic and suggestive colors.
“Five Day Lilies” by Jean Lauzon is a fascinating mélange
of flower images over a patchwork of color fields. The acrylic on canvas features bright and vivid colors which adeptly illustrate the natural glory of the orange lilies in the background and the speckled Canada lily closer to the viewer in the foreground. Flowers popping out of a stained glass-like background soften the somewhat Cubist look of the painting. There is a balance of five strips of colors and five flowers in this highly engaging painting.
Cynthia Buehler’s “Paradise” depicts in an oil painting a brightly-lit colorful orange flower reminiscent of a bird flying through nature—the Bird of Paradise. The vibrant colors are complemented by a background in cooler blue and green tones which attract the viewer’s eye. This field of vision is likely how this “bird” captured the heart of painter Buehler with the flower’s extravagant colors as she
rusticated in Spain’s countryside. Likewise, the same artist’s oil on canvas entitled “Whipped Candy” has a poetic title card description which sums up this work beautifully: “The shores of the South Carolina skies swirled brightly at sunset. I enjoyed the whipped candy colors of the sky.”
As we have seen, so much of the show has vivid nature as its model! Even behind Daisy Hill’s unusual title “if it’s stupid and it works it isn’t stupid,” her lively if slightly abstract oil still-life of abundant color presents inviting autumnal flowers. This work also reminds us that abstract art abounds in this exhibition, including “Blue Lake,” a painting of bold colors which, according to artist Olga Tislina, “tells a fantasy story reminiscent of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake.’” “I love how much you can express through abstract art!” the painter enthuses.
Abstract art also won the Juror’s Choice award in Mary Kane’s “Midnight Moon.” The artist explains that “as she applied the spray and dripping blue acrylic, the paint began to look like a forest at night.” Juror Barbara Januszkiewicz admires the painter’s “refreshing use of materials, particularly her striking painting on plexiglass. This piece exemplifies a vivid imagination and the courage to take creative risks. By pushing beyond traditional methods, Mary invites us to step outside our comfort zones and explore new possibilities.”
Viewers can explore new possibilities in artworks both abstract and more traditional in visiting the exciting new exhibition at Falls Church Art Gallery. Vivid! runs through January 5, 2025. Further information on the exhibition, its location, and hours can be gleaned here: fallschurcharts.org
SHOTS FROM THE opening reception Saturday night of the newest show VIVID at Falls Church Arts, a multiplicity media show that features 47 artists. (Photo: News-Press)
FIVE DAY LILIES By Jean Lauzon.
(Photo: Falls Church Arts)
RECORD PLAYER BY Tara Barr.
(Photo: Falls Church Arts)
PARADISE BY CYNTHIA Buehler.
(Photo: Falls Church Arts)
The ‘Defragmentation’ Challenge to Regroup
Nicholas F. Benton
Stepping back for a bigger picture of this historic month, it bears noting that in the domain of solutions to the grave crisis that has been caused by the U.S. presidential election, there are two pathways that need equal attention. The first is a short term one, the other a longer term remedy.
The first is obvious and immediate, to summon every resource available to block the worst outcomes that the election may trigger on a host of levels. These require, among other things, the instantaneous mobilization of forces identified in this week’s Financial Times under the headline, “Now NATO Might Cope With Less U.S. Help.” As for the longer term, there is a novel but important word contained in that essay that I spotted, and that word is “defragment.”
“Defragment” is currently used as a technical reference to operations with a computer. But it is used in the article in a quote attributed to the Italian defense minister referring to ways of adjusting current military practices to achieve a stronger European support for NATO.
So, permit me to go yet another step and use it here as a general social mandate, as a mid- to longer-term remedy for our current crisis.
At the most fundamental level, politics in America has evolved into a contest pitting the richest tiny percentage of the population fighting for its advantage against all the rest of us. It is about that, not about left versus right, or Democrats versus Republicans.
Among the tools this tiny richest class uses to level the playing field despite their incredible disadvantage in numbers, given that numbers as votes count in a democracy, is fragmentation of their opposition. We’ve become so accustomed to the framework in which they achieve this that we’re now effectively blind to the basics of what our elections are really about.
The real new political development globally of the last 50 years has been the renewed and strengthened alliance between the world’s autocratic and totalitarian leaders and predominantly western uber-wealthy fi-
nanciers, oil barons and technocrats.
This was the important substance of the bonds developed between Putin of Russia and Trump of the U.S. dating all the way back to the 1980s. It involved the full-scale mobilization of the Russian disinformation and disruption mechanisms aimed at the U.S. elections starting in 2016 that led to Trump’s veritable coup then. It extended to this year’s election where it may be credited with being among the most important factors contributing to Trump’s reelection where online disinformation may have surpassed traditional media sources as the primary influencers in the election.
As important as traditional disinformation media sources like Fox News may have been, and the more subtle but critically influential political slants from the financier elitecontrolled mainstream news media from the big three networks to the New York Times and Washington Post, it was the online factor, not the least being Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter and its transformation into “X,” that were most decisive.
But if you notice, the relentless theme emanating out of all these sources is dominated by one idea: division, the induction of social-political fragmentation.
That’s the playbook, as old as the hills, as they say, for how a tiny minority can defeat an overwhelming majority. It is by dividing them.
Divide and conquer!
For the more sophisticated experts in intelligence and counterintelligence, in covert means of shaping the environment in which divisions are identified and exacerbated, the tools of psychology and epistemology are fundamental. The enemies of humanity and democracy have been working at this for eons, and in the modern world, the dominant influencer has been the philosophical, cultural and related trends subsumed under the category known generally as “postmodernism.”
This world view lionizes fragmentation as a good thing for the world. Pro-U.S. intelligence operators have been suckered into buying in on grounds that even extreme diversity is inherently pro-democratic.
True, a healthy appreciation of differences among us is always a positive force. But pushing it to extremes opens the door to what we are now challenged to overcome if democracy is to survive. Asserting our commonality, we must now move to defragment.
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross
Former Fairfax County Supervisor
When I flew to Wisconsin last week for a college football game (my beloved Oregon Ducks faced the Wisconsin Badgers in the new Big Ten conference, and won!), I fully expected to have multiple conversations about politics and the results of the presidential election. After all, Wisconsin was a battleground state, where candidates held multiple rallies and the campaigns spent millions of dollars on television and social media ads to convince the few undecided voters left. If Wisconsin was a battleground state, it sure didn’t look like a battlefield. I saw only two pickup trucks with Trump stickers, and a few Harris or “Freedom” yard signs in Madison. Even the Hovde (Eric Hovde, who is reputed to spend most of his time in California, lost his race against Senator Tammy Baldwin) sign near my daughter’s house that I saw on an earlier trip had disappeared.
The Washington metro area is a
political bubble, the white-hot center of global politics, not surprising for a national capital. Elected officials and high-level government employees reside in nearly every local jurisdiction, so political discussions are not uncommon. During my Wisconsin trip, politics clearly were in the rearview mirror. Conversations with residents and visitors centered on football, the weather, land use development (some farm fields are growing houses instead of crops) and the curious red and white striped game-day overalls worn by many Wisconsin students. The local television news reports focused on crime, traffic, and the number of arrests made for underage drinking at the game (fewer than 30 in an 80,000seat stadium).
On one hand, it was refreshing not to have the specter of the next presidential administration agenda and nominations hovering over every conversation. Perhaps it was campaign exhaustion or shock, not dis-
City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT
Week of Novemeber 18 — 24, 2024
Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Nov 10, 7:35 p.m., two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying. The first suspect is described as a black male in his 50s, wearing a green sweatshirt, brown pants, and a black jacket. The second suspect is described as a black male in his 50s, wearing a grey shirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket. (Delayed report)
Driving After Forfeiture of License, N Virginia Ave/Park Ave, Nov 18, 6:47 p.m., a male, 32, of Woodbridge, was arrested for Driving After Forfeiture of License.
Larceny from Building, Haycock Rd, between 8:00 p.m. on November 8 and 10:30 a.m.on November 19, an unknown suspect bent the padlock hasp of the victim’s apartment complex storage unit and stole an orange Nishiki Pueblo bicycle.
Theft of Motor Vehicle/Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle /Fraud – Credit Card, W Broad St, Nov 20, 7:52 a.m., victim reported their vehicle, a gray 2022 Honda Civic, was stolen. The vehicle owner stated they gave their son permission to use the vehicle, who then gave a friend permission to sleep in the vehicle overnight. The son also provided the friend a debit card for specific purchases only. When
the son returned in the morning, both the friend and vehicle were gone, and there was an unauthorized charge on the son’s debit card.
Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Park Ave, Nov 20, 9:52 a.m., a male, 31, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.
Fraud – Wire Fraud, W Broad St, Nov 20, 1:36 p.m., victim received a text message from “Bank of America” asking if they made a purchase of $10,000. Victim replied to the text, then received a phone call from an individual stating they were with “Bank of America’s Fraud Department.” The victim provided their personal information, and the “employee” initiated a wire transfer from the victim’s account to a separate account. The victim attempted to stop the transfer but was unsuccessful.
Public Intoxication, Wilson Blvd, Nov 21, 3:36 p.m., an female, 42, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Shoplifting, Hillwood Ave, Nov 21, 6:33 p.m., two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying. The first suspect is described as a black male with a black beard wearing a black du-rag, grey Nike Tech jacket, blue jeans, and grey and
interest, that restrained discussion. On the other hand, as president-elect Trump completes his bizarre list of cabinet nominees and begins to implement his 2025 agenda, voters across America must not be silent about attacks on the precious democracy that has sustained this nation for nearly 250 years. There should be outrage from East to West, North to South, as voters, supporters or not, realize just what Trump and his cronies have planned, starting on January 20. Trump’s inaugural speech in 2017 was dark and dystopian; his 2025 lecture promises to be another train wreck. Will he go off script and ramble on like one of his rallies, and sway with the music for another 39 minutes? It will be one for historians to analyze for years. Thanksgiving is celebrated in America this week, so I’d like to end on a positive note. The sun still rises in the morning, family and friends still gather together, and economists note that both turkey and gasoline prices are lower this year than last. Leaves are falling and holiday decorations are going up. It’s a bit early, but a quote from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” may be appropriate. As Tiny Tim said, “God bless us, everyone!”
white tennis shoes. The second suspect is described as a black female, wearing a pink beanie, black puffer jacket, blue jeans, and black winter boots.
Public Intoxication/Possession of Open Container While Operating Motor Vehicle, W Broad St, Nov 21, 8:50 p.m., a male, 27, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Public Intoxication and Possession of Open Container While Operating Motor Vehicle.
Public Intoxication, Wilson Blvd, Nov 23, 12:31 a.m., a male, 34, of Washington, DC, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Destruction of Property, W Broad St, Nov 23, 8:08 p.m., victim reported that while driving for Uber, they picked up a passenger but ultimately refused the trip due to the passenger’s behavior. The passenger then purposely struck the side of the victim’s vehicle with a shopping cart.
Simple Assault, Hillwood Ave, Nov 24, 8:32 PM, victim reported they were punched by an unknown suspect during an argument.
Larceny from Building, Birch St, between 12:00 a.m. on 10:20 p.m. on November 24, an unknown suspect tampered with the lock of the victim’s apartment complex storage unit and stole a blue bicycle.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
THIS WEEK AROUND F.C.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28
Better Said Than Done
Join Better Said Than Done for A Family Affair: Stories about family stuff, with Emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Bonnie Gardner, David Hollingsworth, Jenn Kamara, Kory May, Sarah Snyder, Zette St. Charles, and Zach Wilks! In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA. 6:00 p.m. Show Starts / Doors open at 5:30pm. A full dinner and bar menu is available.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29
Hot Chocolate & Cookie Bar
Skin Lab Med Spa is hosting a complimentary Hot Chocolate & Cookie Bar on Black Friday. Stop by for some sweets and check our amazing Black Friday deals. Skin Lab Med Spa 1140 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA 22046
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30
Vivid!
Falls Church Arts
Vivid!, an all media exhibit, heralds in the holiday season from November 23 to January 5 at Falls Church Arts. For this exhibit, participating artists were invited to submit their boldest, brightest pieces. The event is free and is open to the public. Barbara Januszkiewicz, juror for the show, is a Washington, D.C.-based American multimedia artist, creative activist, and teacher known for her stained neo-Color field abstract expressionism paintings. Vivid! will be on view at the Falls Church Arts gallery at 700-B West Broad St. (Route 7), Falls Church. Admission is free and the gallery is open Tuesdays –Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays – Sundays from
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are optional and guests are asked to postpone their visit if they are not well. Artworks can also be viewed online at https://www. fallschurcharts.org. All pieces can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.
SUNDAY
DECEMBER 1
METROPOLITAN
PHILHARMONIC
Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic at The Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, DC. Haydn, Mass in time of War with NOVA Community Chorus; Beethoven Symphony No. 2; Weiss: Six Past Midnight, the Forest Wakes – Concerto for Bassoon and Strings, Arnold Irchai, Bassoon, 3 p.m. Pre-concert discussion with Dr. Stephen Bertino at 2:15 p.m. Admission $20, 18 and under free. Information: 703-799-8229 and http://www.wmpamusic.org
MONDAY
DECEMBER 2
City Council School Board Dinner
The City Council and School Board will enjoy dinner together in the lobby of City Hall before meeting in work session at 7:00 p.m. City Council Work Sessions are held the first and third Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues; the public is not generally invited to speak. Watch the meeting at www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings or FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV.
TUESDAY
DECEMBER 3
Winter Wonderland in The Little City
Get ready for a magical eve -
ning during the City of Fall Church’s Winter Wonderland at Founders Row, filled with festive lights, holiday music, and seasonal treats. Activities Include: Special Remarks –City of Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi. Ride on the Polar Express Train, get Photos with Santa, and Balloon Animals. Live Musical Performance by Meridian High School Choir Group & Creative Cauldron. Hot Chocolate and Cookies sponsored by Tori McKinney, Rockstar Realty Group. Kids Craft Stations with CommuniKids & Acton Academy. Onsite vendors: Rumble Boxing | 4Ever Young | Paragon Theaters. Food Truck Malia’s Kitchen. A magical winter surprise, Giveaways, and so much more! 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Market Square at Founders Row, 109 Founders Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046
Economic Development Authority Meeting
Regularly held monthly EDA meeting. Start time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Dogwood Room, City Hall (adjacent main entry). 300 Park Ave, Falls Church VA 22046
IN The Little City, a
evening during the City of Fall Church’s Winter Wonderland at Founders Row, filled with festive lights, holiday
and seasonal treats. Ride on the Polar Express Train, get
Santa, and Balloon Animals. Live Musical Performance by Meridian High School Choir Group & Creative Cauldron. A magical winter surprise, Giveaways, and so much more! Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Founders Row – Market Square, 109 Founders Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046
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WINTER WONDERLAND
magical
music,
Photos with
(Photo: News-Press)
News-Press News & Notes
SHOWING THANKS FOR FCCPS, ROCK STAR realty group delivers their 5th Donut Day of Fall 2024 to
Rob Denza – ROCK STAR realty group Director of Sales, Realtor. (Photo: Courtesy)
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7TH , Falls Church City Public Schools musicians of all ages will be taking the stage and spreading holiday cheer at the Holiday Gift and Craft Show at the Falls Church Community Center. Soloists from Mary Ellen Henderson and both elementary schools will show off their musical talents between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the stage in the gym and upstairs in the lobby. Enjoy a variety of holiday music played on the piano, ukulele, and guitar inside the main gym with the vendors and crafters as well as upstairs in the lobby next to the Children’s Holiday Shoppe and Kid’s Corner. The Meridian High School Chorus will also join the holiday cheer at 2 p.m. singing classic holiday carols into the afternoon. An ensemble from the High School Band will play holiday classics Sunday December 8th in the afternoon. The Holiday Gift and Craft Show runs from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday December 7th and Sunday December 8th from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center with over 40 vendors and crafters, kid’s holiday shopping at the Children’s Holiday Shoppe (Saturday only!), and the kid’s corner with crafts and holiday treats for kids both days. 223 Little Falls St, Falls Church.
Gala F.C. ‘Winter Wonderland’ Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m.
The holiday season in the City of Falls Church will be officially ushered in with a new tradition for the City, the official turning on the lights on City trees lining W. Broad Street (though they are already on) Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 5:30 p.m. in the
Gary Mester)
plaza at the Founders Row 1 complex, W. Broad and N. West St. A food truck, a visit from Santa on a City fire truck and a range of special things will be featured. A large public contingent is expected.
Also, City Manager Wyatt Shields has reported that the annual Watch Night in downtown Falls Church on New Year’s Eve is set to happen on a
Tuesday night this year.
‘Shop Local’ Theme Revived As ‘Black Friday’ Looms
It’s supposed to be an excellent shopping season for retailers — the National Retail Federation is projecting record spending across November and December: up to $989 billion, which would be a 3.5 percent increase over last year, Biznow reports. That’s led by a record 183.4 million people expected to buy something between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday.
For the strongly-emerging City of Falls Church economy, the challenge is for residents to see the benefit for their own quality of life and lower taxes to buy locally, according to the local Chamber of Commerce.
The retail federation expects 131.7 million people will shop on Black Friday, 65 percent of them in stores. There are plenty of stores, or restaurants with gift certificates in Falls Church, and the ride is a short one for anyone living here to get to them.
Beyer Opposes Trump Tariff Threat to Canada, Mexico
U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Falls Church and Northern Virginia, who serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, yesterday issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico:
“President-elect Trump just announced that his first act after being sworn into office will be to raise prices for the American people. Despite his campaign promises and statements to the contrary, Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on imported goods are taxes that American consumers will have to pay, on everything from fresh produce to automobiles that are assembled in the U.S. that have Canadian or Mexican components.”
“No one wins a trade war. If imposed, these tariffs will lead to retaliation by both Canada and Mexico, two of our biggest trade partners, which would throw our deeply integrated economies into chaos and potentially lead us into a recession.”
Continued on Page 14
PAUL STODDARD, a fixture in the Falls Church Planning Department since working as a graduate student in 2012, will be leaving Falls Church for Alexandria next week. (Photo:News-Press)
Meridian High School on November 21st. In Photo: Tori McKinney – ROCK STAR realty group CEO, Realtor,
(Photo:
SPOTTED BREAKFASTING at Original Pancake House this week were former four-term Falls Church Mayor Dave Tarter (left) and former State Del. Bob Hull (right). Tarter runs real estate educational programs at the George Mason University’s Arlington campus and Hull is with the Northern Virginia Community College system. (Photo:News-Press)
RAISING A TOAST to honor the memory of Bob Young, the Falls Church developer and consummate community leader who was a regular at the Monday information sharing lunches hosted by the Falls Church News-Press were the following who showed up for this week’s lunch at The Falls: (left to right) fellow developer of mixed use properties in Falls Church Ed Novak, the NewsPress ’ Nicholas Benton, Ken and Nancy Feltman, Sheriff Metin Kaye, Planning Commissioner Phil Duncan, F.C. Treasurer Jody Acosta, the News-Press ’ Nick Gatz and CBC Chair and former F.C. Vice Mayor Hal Lippman. Young’s two offspring are hosting an event in his honor next week. (Photo:News-Press)
Falls Church Business News & Notes
Event for Employers Recruiting Talent
Are you planning to hire employees? The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, in partnership with George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College, and Marymount University are hosting the Tap into the Future Employer Summit. Attendees will gain insight on how to build their company brand on college campuses, tap into top-tier talent, learn about upcoming recruiting events, and learn about opportunities to fund internships through the Virginia Talent Opportunity Partnership. The event will be on Friday, December 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Center in Arlington.
Bricks & Minifigs Opens
Christian Luik opened last weekend in The Shops at West Falls Church. As an authorized Lego reseller, he offers new and retired Lego sets and will buy bricks and sets for cash or store credit to then resell. He designed space for builders and birthday parties, and features a 28-foot-long racetrack for new creations.
Child Care Center Proposed in West
Falls Church
The Gardner School has proposed building a childcare center at 6637 South Street next to Annandale Road in Falls Church. The site plan for a single-story building is under review by Fairfax County’s Land Development Services. The Gardner School currently operates four childcare/preschool programs in Northern Virginia in addition to 34 others across nine states.
Walking Tour Highlighted
Falls Church is home to many 19th and early 20th-century homes in the City and Arlington Magazine shared a downloadable map of 19 sites and structures. The suggested walking tour includes Birch House, and the Falls Church Presbyterian Church. Most are found along East Broad Street between Roosvelt Street and North Washington Street.
BAE Systems lands $202M in Navy ship repair contracts
Falls Church-based BAE Systems Inc.’s Norfolk Ship Repair unit received two U.S. Navy contracts worth a combined $202 million for maintenance, modernization and repair of two vessels. Shipyard employees and their subcontractors expect to start working on the guided missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) and the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in February and March 2025, respectively.
Northrop Grumman Receives Contract
Northrop Grumman (Falls Church area) received a $318.7 million U.S. Navy contract to continue providing technical engineering and integration support services for the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile and underwater launcher systems of guided missile submarines.
Virginia Dream FC Advances to Super Soccer League Final
Virginia Dream FC has advanced to the Virginia Super Soccer League Final. The Dream earned a 2-0 victory against Doradus in Monday night’s semifinal game behind a goal by Nico Likula in the 15th minute and a goal by Angel Chavez in the 64th minute. This puts the team into the Finals of the VSSL a record 4th consecutive time. The finals will be held on December 5 at 9pm at a location TBD. Please go to https://www.instagram.com/virginiadreamfc/ for the most up to date information.
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.
NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on December 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items:
-Variance application V1653-24 by Kimberly Sanchez, applicant, on behalf of Betty and Stephan Finley, owners, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a rear yard setback of 28.4 feet instead of the 40 feet minimum to construct a screened in porch at premises known as 617 Laura Drive, RPC #52-604-011 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.
-Variance application V1656-24 by Harjote Randhawa (applicant) and Little City Homes, LLC, and Randhawa Homes LLC (owners), for a variance to Section 48-263(3)(a) to allow a front yard setback of 15 feet instead of the 25 feet minimum along Walnut Street to construct an upperstory addition at premises known as 1200 Lincoln Ave, RPC #51-214-026 and 303 Walnut Street, RPC #51-214-027, 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 December 12, 2024. 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.
AUCTIONS
City Of Danville Tax Delinquent Real Estate Auction. 22 Properties Available. Online & In-person Auction Dec 3rd 12:00 PM at Danville City Council Chambers. 427 Patton Street, Danville, VA 24541. DudleyResources.com for info.
ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net
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the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A FILING BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY OF ITS INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN
CASE NO. PUR-2024-00184
On October 15, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) the Company’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”) pursuant to § 56-599 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”).
An IRP, as defined by Code § 56-597, is “a document developed by an electric utility that provides a forecast of its load obligations and a plan to meet those obligations by supply side and demand side resources over the ensuing 15 years to promote reasonable prices, reliable service, energy independence, and environmental responsibility.” Pursuant to Code § 56-599 A, Dominion files its IRP in each year immediately preceding the year the utility is subject to a biennial review of rates for generation and distribution services filing. Pursuant to Code § 56-599 E, the Commission determines whether an IRP is reasonable and in the public interest.
As indicated in its IRP, Dominion is a member of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”), a regional transmission organization in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The Company states that the IRP was prepared for its service territories in Virginia and North Carolina, which are both within the PJM region. Dominion states that it serves approximately 2.7 million electric customers in Virginia and North Carolina, and that the Company’s combined service territory in these two states covers approximately 30,000 square miles.
According to the Company, the IRP presents multiple potential portfolios (“Portfolios”) that Dominion could use to meet customers’ capacity and energy needs over the next 15 years. Dominion forecasts a 5.5% annual increase in demand over the next decade, and for demand to double by 2039 in the Company’s delivery zone within PJM, the Dominion Energy Zone (“DOM Zone”). Dominion asserts that the Company’s IRP “highlights the need to address significant demand growth through resource adequacy across all functions of the utility, the balance between clean energy priorities and the paramount requirement of service reliability, and maintaining rates that continue to be affordable for [the Company’s] customers…” Dominion also recognizes that the IRP is a “snapshot in time” and not a request to approve any specific resource or Portfolio.
Dominion states in its filing that two dynamics within PJM since the last IRP filing have underscored the need for additional power generation and electric transmission resources within the Company’s delivery zone. First, the Company states the most recent PJM capacity auction in July 2024 yielded the highest capacity price ever for the DOM Zone. The DOM Zone, according to the Company, has the highest forecasted load growth of any area within PJM. Dominion represents that the capacity price within the DOM Zone was 65% higher than the capacity price for PJM generally, and more than 15 times the prior year’s clearing capacity price for the rest of PJM in this most recent capacity auction.
Second, PJM adopted an approach called effective load carrying capability (“ELCC”) in January 2024, which measures how much capacity may be provided by different generation resources at different times. Compared to PJM’s prior approach, Dominion states that the ELCC methodology results in significant discounting of the capacity value of resources that cannot produce electricity upon demand (such as solar or wind) and higher capacity values of resources that can run on demand (including nuclear or gas units). According to Dominion, “[t]his shift further supports the proposition that serving [the Company’s] customers reliably requires a balanced and effective mix of resources, and not over-reliance on any single generation technology or category.”
Dominion states that the Company conducted a Stakeholder Process, pursuant to Code § 56-599 D, in preparation for filing its IRP. Dominion represents that the Stakeholder Process consisted of: (i) a kickoff meeting providing stakeholders an overview of the IRP; (ii) small group meetings between stakeholders and facilitators; (iii) topic-specific workshops for more in-depth conversations; and (iv) summary pre-filing meetings to review collective input and recommendations that were integrated into the IRP, and post-filing meetings for an overview of final information.
On October 11, 2024, the Commission ordered the Company to provide the following additional information by way of a supplemental filing by November 15, 2024:
1. Additional modeling that presents, as a sensitivity for comparison purposes to the Company’s modeling presented in its 2024 IRP, the following: (i) its least cost plan, and (ii) at least one VCEA-compliant plan, both with projected data center load growth removed;
2. Additional modeling to include updated capacity price forecasts that incorporate the impacts of the PJM base residual capacity auction held in July 2024 for the entire 15-year planning period;
3. After obtaining and incorporating updated capacity price forecasts, present as sensitivities for comparison purposes, the following: (i) its least cost plan (which includes data center load); (ii) at least one VCEA-compliant plan (which includes data center load); (iii) its least cost plan without data center load; and (iv) at least one VCEA-compliant plan without data center load; and
4. For each planned transmission project, an indication of whether the need for the transmission project is primarily being driven by data center load growth.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s IRP. On April 14, 2025, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before April 8, 2025, 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 April 14, 2025, the Commission will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.
On April 15, 2025, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a hearing will be convened to receive testimony and evidence from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s 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 Company’s IRP may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Nicole M. Allaband, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or nallaband@ mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons may also download unofficial copies of the IRP and other documents from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.
On or before April 8, 2025, any interested person may submit comments on the IRP electronically by following the instructions 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 comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00184.
On or before January 17, 2025, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent must also be sent to counsel for the Company, at the address listed above. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s 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 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 Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-202400184.
On or before February 28, 2025, 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, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 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-2024-00184.
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 Commission’s Rules of Practice.
The Commission’s Rules of Practice, Dominion’s IRP, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information
ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
VIRGINIA
In Memoriam: Julie M. Donahue
Julie Zummo Donahue, beloved wife of David Donahue for nearly 59 years, passed away peacefully at Neshaminy Manor on November 23, 2024.
Julie was the mother of Marybeth (Michael) Connelly, Karen (Justin) Psaila, Megan (David) Ulmer, Timothy (Katherine) Donahue; and grandmother of Brian, Andrew, Julie Connelly; Jessica, Sarah, Madalyn Psaila; Lauren, Jacob, Bridget Ulmer; Colleen, Maura, Kevin Donahue.
Julie’s beautiful smile was a window to her kind heart and generous spirit. She lived a life of service to her family and community. Her love for her family was exceeded only by her love for her God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Julie was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Anthony and Julia (Coscia) Zummo. She was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Doyle; brothers-in-law, John Doyle, Carl Hartman, Joseph Donahue, Jr. and nephew, Eric Hartman. She is survived by sisters: Elizabeth Hartman and Rosemary Zummo, sister-in-law Dolores Donahue and many nieces and nephews.
Julie graduated from Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She was a leader in the Childbirth Education Association, in the vanguard of women advocating for better labor and delivery services. She successfully encouraged many hospitals to allow fathers to attend the birth of their children. She taught natural childbirth classes and supported nursing mothers.
When she and David moved to Doylestown in 1976, they joined Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. Julie volunteered in many roles, and was hired as the Director of Social Services. She helped establish the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Returning Catholics program, Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket programs, Christmas Giving Tree, and the parish newspaper, “The Good News”.
She was a Eucharistic Minister and provided Holy Communion to parishioners who were confined to their homes or to Doylestown Hospital. She was also an elected member of the Parish Council.
Julie was an early participant in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program, a member of the parish Liturgy Committee and Choir, Ladies of Mt. Carmel, and both a member and photographer of the State Street Players.
Julie was a talented amateur photographer. She and David shared a successful second career as realtors with Coldwell Banker Hearthside.
The family is grateful to the staff of Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home for the care and compassion provided to Julie during her stay there. Friends will be received on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown, Pennsylvania from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m.
A private interment will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel St. Vincent DePaul Society.
BENNY IS A 2.5 year old Boston Terrier mix who, while being very friendly and affectionate, lets everybody around know that it’s his house their walking by (Courtesy Photo)
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News-Press News & Notes
Experts Warn How Trump May Cut Federal Spending
President-elect Trump wants to use a little-known tool called presidential impoundment to deliver on his promise of big cuts in government spending, National Public Radio is reporting. Impoundment is when the president holds back money that Congress has approved for a specific purpose. On Friday, he announced his pick for the person to wield that power: Russ Vought, a key architect of Project 2025. He has been tapped to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Trump and his allies argue that a president has — or should have — the right not to spend those funds. This has raised alarms across D.C. that Trump may try to overstep his power, NPR’s Franco Ordoñez says. A 1974 law called the Impoundment Control Act could stand in the way of his plans as it requires a presi-
dent to spend money as Congress directs. During his first term in office, Congress objected when Trump impounded foreign aid for Ukraine. Things could be different this time around with a Republicancontrolled Congress.
Stoddard Hailed With F.C. Council Resolution
The City of Falls Church’s soon departing Planning Department
Chief Paul Stoddard appeared at Monday’s F.C. City Council meeting and was hailed by the Council with the unanimous passage of a resolution spelling out his achievements while with the City.
The resolution stated: “It is the Falls Church City Council’s pleasure to recognize the achievements of Paul Stoddard during his twelve years of service to the City of Falls Church.
He joined the City as an intern with the City Planning Department in 2012, ultimately rising to the position of Planning Director in 2018.
“During his tenure, Mr. Stoddard
played a leading role as staff, residents, and the City Council worked together to adopt new Small Area Plans, update the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and manage the entitlement process for major new developments, including West Falls, Broad and Washington, Founders Row, and Founders Row II.
“Under Mr. Stoddard’s leadership, the Planning Department was pivotal in efforts to enact the City Council’s vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and walkable City. He led the way on initiatives designed to provide exciting infill redevelopment in the Downtown Entertainment area, create affordable housing, provide improved W&OD trail access and crossings, and implement innovative transportation plans to make the City safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“The City Council appreciates Mr. Stoddard’s thoughtful and collaborative work with the community. His responsive, intelligent, patient, and empathetic responses in community forums and other collaborations with
the public have earned respect from residents who often compliment his work as a public servant.
“Mr. Stoddard served as a mentor and guide for planners as they entered the profession and through his words and actions, he has helped build the next generation of leaders.
“As he leaves his employment with the City, the City Council wishes Mr. Stoddard the best in his future endeavors and thanks him for the lasting impact his thoughtful work will have on the City of Falls Church.”
Meridian High’s Dimock Joins All-Virginia Jazz Ensemble
Casey Dimock of Falls Church’s Meridian High School this month earned a spot in the prestigious All-Virginia State Jazz Ensemble, an elite group comprising the top 20 jazz musicians in Virginia, chosen through a rigorous audition process.
Under the direction of Vincent Gardner, Director of Jazz at
Lincoln Center, Dimock joined fellow outstanding musicians for a performance November 20 as part of the Virginia Music Educators Association state conference.
Park Avenue Due for Repaving Next Month
The blocks of Park Avenue in the City of Falls Church in front of City Hall will be repaved next month, City Manager Wyatt Shields reported to the City Council Monday night.
It was hoped, Shields said, that the noticeably degraded road might last until the City implements its federal “Great Streets” program for the street that will run from N. Virginia to N. Washington. But that may take longer than the public can expect the roadbed to wait for sorely needed improvements.
Also, Shields noted the extensive work on Wallace Street connecting S. Maple and S. Washington, including the addition of sidewalks, will be completed in the next week.
