Falls Church News-Press 11-3-2022

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

With still a week to go, over 20 percent of registered voters in the City of Falls Church had as of yesterday already cast their ballots in this year’s critical midterm election, according to City voter registrar David Bjerke. And, all of the headaches associated with errors in the mailing of redistricted voter information experienced in Fairfax County have not, Bjerke said, impacted City voters.

So the City is going for yet another No. 1 ranking for highest voter turnout in Virginia, even as activists here are looking for ways to make a difference in three nearby races that will have crucial national significance, those in three Virginia congressional districts where first-time incumbent Democratic women are facing stiff challenges. Abigail Spanberger, Jennifer Wexton and Elaine Luria are all facing major challenges from

Inside This Week

2022 Arts & Entertainment Holiday Preview Issue

Bishop Robinson’s Triumphant Day at Falls Church

It was an event for the ages, as they say, “of Biblical proportions.”

Beyer’s Race Only Ballot Measure in Falls Church Continued on Page 3 COMING FULL CIRCLE Election Tuesday & 20% Already Voted November 3 - 9, 2022

The hero’s welcome afforded the openly-gay Bishop Gene Robinson upon his ascension to the pulpit at the historic Falls Church Episcopal

The Falls Church News-Press presents its 2022 Holiday Arts & Entertainment Preview Issue!

Take a look at upcoming holiday festivals/shows, and make your plans now! A s well as two local productions of the classic ballet ‘The Nutcracker.’

See PageS 13-20

Church in downtown Falls Church last weekend.

It brought with it a veritably cosmic significance, a magnificent closure to the almost 20 year struggle by the resilient faithful at The Falls Church Episcopal to hold onto their church and their faith when both

came under an historic assault by the enemies of all that Bishop Robinson stands for.

nation in opposition to Bishop Robinson’s election by the national Episcopal church as an openly gay minister, and to subsequently illegally lay claim to the church property for almost a decade. F alls C hur C h , V irginia • www FC np C om • F ree

Continued on Page 4 Index

F ounded 1991 • V ol . XXX ii n o . 38 Comment 5,8,22,23 Editorial 6 Crime Report........................................8 News Briefs..........................................9 Sports 12 Business News...................................21 News & Notes................................24,25 Calendar 26,27 Classifieds..........................................28 Critter Corner......................................30

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

Falls Church

NEWS BRIEFS

F.C. Council Writes in Support Of Schools’ Transgender Policy

In a statement released yesterday, the Falls Church City Council, in a letter signed by Mayor David Tarter and City Manager Wyatt Shields, has thrown its support behind the actions taken last week by the Falls Church City Public Schools to affirm support for the rights and respect for all transgender students.

The Council’s statement, shown here in full, reads as follows:

“The Falls Church City Council writes in support of the Joint Statement on Transgender Rights in FCCPS that was issued on September 20, 2022. The Council appreciates the Board’s leadership in ensuring that all students are treated with dignity and respect in our schools.

“We share the concerns expressed by many Virginians with the draft Model Policies put forth recently by the Virginia Department of Education. The Virginia Human Rights Act and court precedents make it clear that government agencies and public schools have a duty to respect the gender identity of transgender persons.

“The two elected bodies of the City are unified in seeking to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all residents of and visitors to the City of Falls Church. We look forward to continued partnership with the School Board toward this goal.”

New Haycock Road Crosswalk in Operation

The Haycock Road crosswalk utilized mostly by Meridian High and Henderson Middle students was officially relocated a half-block up the street to its new permanent location on the northside of Mustang Alley this Monday.

“The new crosswalk is permanently marked with striping and police will be at the crosswalk to assist walkers and bike riders and to direct traffic” a statement from the schools in their morning announcements stated. “Meridian and Henderson will have additional staff on Haycock Road to aid the students in their safe passage.”

Meridian Students Attend Alcanza College Fair at GMU

On October 19 Meridian students attended the Alcanza College Fair at George Mason University with the assistance of Sheri Mural, college and career specialist at Meridian, Valerie Hardy, the FCCPS Head of Secondary Schools and Lindsey Jacobs, Meridian school counselor, who functioned as chaperones.

About Alcanza as reported on the GMU website and reprinted in the FCCPS morning announcements this week, “Mason hosts Alcanza as part of an effort to inform the LatinX high school population in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area about their higher educational opportunities and to encourage them to pursue their education beyond high school.”

It adds, “The event was created to get students motivated and excited about their post-secondary plans. Over 200 colleges from all over the nation attend Alcanza with about 2,000 high school students from all over the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

“The students in attendance hear from a keynote speaker before having the opportunity to participate in the college fair. To end the day, lunch is provided to all students in attendance. The day is an opportunity for these students to understand the college process and begin to discover where they would like to spend their college years.”

Fall VPIS Meeting to Talk Tree Canopy Issues

The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) Fall Membership Meeting set for Sunday, Nov. 13, will focus on efforts to maintain and improve tree canopy within the City and the region, in light of recent canopy declines and to help address climate change.

Key speakers will include Jim McGlone, Urban Forester with the Virginia Department of Forestry, N. Virginia region, and a Senior Arborist from Casey Trees, a non-profit foundation working with the District of Columbia to plant thousands of trees each year.

Falls Church City arboristr Amy Crumpton will offer an overview of the Falls Church Neighborhood Tree Program (NTP), a partnership between the City and VPIS that has been making free street trees available to residents for over twenty years.

The meeting will be held on Sunday, November 13 at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 400 North Oak St. in FC.

Fairfax Board Votes 9-0 To Adopt ‘Resilient Fairfax’

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ chair Jeff McKay reported yesterday that the board adopted on a vote of 9-0 (with one abstention) Resilient Fairfax, a comprehensive approach led by the county’s Office of Energy and Environmental Coordination (OEEC) and involving 20 County agencies as well as stakeholders from local, state, and federal government, utilities, industry, non-profits, advocacy and environmental organizations, and the general public.

After more than 200 engagement opportunities, the county staff assembled a detailed report that identifies short, medium and longterm cost effective actions that will help to mitigate the impacts of weather extremes caused by climate change through an extensive datadriven audit of Fairfax County’s strengths and vulnerabilities, McKay reported.

Several of the programs involve adapting our buildings, roads, bridges, waterways, and parks. Others are designed for our residents to prepare their homes and property McKay said.

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first-time Republican challengers as control of the U.S. Congress hangs in the balance.

But City of Falls Church residents have already or will find only one race on the ballot, that of incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. seeking election to a fifth two-year term.

His opponents are Karina Lipsman, the Republican nominee, and Teddy Fikre, an independent, both running for the first time.

Lipsman did not respond to a News-Press request for comment, and has clashed in comments about a reporter for another regional newspaper for his continued reporting on a statement she made earlier in the campaign that she felt Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s top public health advisor, should be jailed for how he handled the Covid-19 pandemic. Otherwise, on her website she has almost no mention of the kind of divisive stances on election viability or abor-

tion that have dominated other Republican candidacies around the U.S.

In a statement to the NewsPress , Fikre said “my aim all along was to present a fundamental alternative to the status quo.” He said, “This year, unlike any other, presents a unique opportunity for Americans to reject ‘politics as usual’ and instead get behind an authentic independent…My dad told me a long time ago that people can either keep pointing at the ills of the world, and by extension perpetuate inequities, or they can be part of the solution by presenting ideas that can better society.”

“The message of my campaign which I believe is much needed in a time when tribal politics and pervasive antagonism amongst fellow citizens are threatening to induce the very same social strife that turned me into a political refugee at the age of 8 years old.”

toxic ‘us versus them’ politics and instead grab onto our common humanity. That is the calling card of my campaign.”

In his statement to the NewsPress , Beyer said, “This election will have major implications for the American economy, the fate of our democracy, and the health of our planet. For two years I have worked with the President and colleagues in Congress to deliver the kind of change that will help improve people’s lives which my constituents have called for.”

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Beyer added, “We have accomplished much, helping fuel one of the strongest economic recoveries in American history, fighting the Covid pandemic, bringing poverty to an all-time low, and passing the most meaningful legislation in decades on gun violence, infrastructure, scientific research and manufacturing. We enacted the biggest climate bill ever passed, and legislation to bring down the cost of Americans’ prescription drugs. And I have worked hard to secure federal dollars for our region and the assistance of federal agencies

ARLINGTON COUNTY board member Matt deFerranti (right), up for re-election next week, compared notes with Falls Church City Council members Phil Duncan (left) and Debra Hiscott earlier this week at Anthony’s Restaurant. (N���-P���� P����)

for my constituents.”

“I’ve talked to thousands of people over the last seven months and people have a deep desire to to turn away from this

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they would take us in the wrong direction on all of these important issues. But regardless of who one supports, I encourage every Virginian and every American to vote in the midterm election, and I send my thanks to everyone for doing their civic duty and participating in our democracy.” Community Shred Day Sponsored by 123Junk will be on site to collect household items 703-522-0500

Bishop Robinson Welcomed in Historic Visit to The Falls Church

Last weekend marked the final resolution to an arduous process by those in the congregation who remained loyal to the Episcopal denomination, becoming known as “continuing Episcopalians,” clinging to their cause by worshipping across the street at the Falls Church Presbyterian, even as the illegallyoccupying defectors set about aligning themselves with a virulently antigay Nigerian Anglican bishop,“You have been on my mind and in my heart the whole time,” the Rev. Robinson began his remarks to the congregation at the second of two services last Sunday morning. “I’ve been praying for you daily since 2006.” He preached a sermon in the church’s large new sanctuary and a second in the renovated smaller historic sanctuary that was overseen by George Washington prior to the American revolution and that served as a stable and hospital for Union troops during the Civil War. It was the perfect location for Bishop Robinson’s restorational service last weekend.

Of course, the church’s “continuing Episcopalian” congregation had

not waited around until the defectors were finally ordered off of the property in 2012, six years after their vote and illegal occupation. The courts (with the Virginia Supreme Court taking the decisive action that then the U.S. Supreme Court let stand) finally handed the land decisively to Virginia’s Episcopal Diocese.

The “continuing Episcopalians” actively continued their ministries, and once returned to their rightful property in 2013 have engaged in a robust and active ministry to the Falls Church community and beyond. Their numbers grew from what had been a faithful “remnant” that operated offsite from 2006 on, as among the leaders among them of the Falls Church community that did not waver in the face of those years of turmoil were the highly respected former Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent for 20 years, Dr. Warren Pace (19282020), former Falls Church Mayor Robin Gardner and many others. The continuing Episcopalians were also buoyed by the staunch editorial support of the Falls Church NewsPress and its owner, himself a gay seminarian, Nicholas Benton.

The whole time of this struggle the role of Bishop Robinson could not have been more present, even though he never visited the church until just this last weekend.

From almost the moment that the national Episcopalian denomination’s key leaders in the U.S. voted overwhelmingly to confirm Bishop Robinson’s call by his New Hampshire diocese to his role as a national church leader in 2003, the leading figures at the Falls Church Episcopal, led by the Rev. John Yates, set in motion the process that led to the congregational vote in December 2006 where a clear majority under his weekly care sided with him and voted to defect.

For as long as they occupied the historic church space after that, they never sought to reach out to their “continuing Episcopalian” brethren, nor even to allow them onto the property.

Since being ordered off the property, however, the congregation that voted to defect and to leave the U.S. Episcopal Church, aligning with a fiercely-anti gay Nigerian Anglican bishop, moved their weekly worship to a high school auditorium in North Arlington, while building

EPISCOPALIAN BISHOP Gene Robinson (right) spoke with the Nicholas Benton at The Falls Church Episcopal last weekend. Benton’s newspaper staunchly supported Bishop Robinson and the “continuing Episcopalians” at the Falls Church who eventually prevailed against those who voted in 2006 to defect and leave the denomination while illegally occupying the church property in opposition to the election

a new church facility a few hundred yards outside the City of Falls Church on Arlington Boulevard.

Bishop Robinson insisted while speaking here last weekend that he is also continuing to pray for the defectors, even while exclaiming to the continuing Episcopalians at the

Falls Church that “it is so amazing to be with you today…this parish knows resurrection.”

Speaking at a public forum Saturday morning in the historic

Continued on Page 21

a Lagged, Lagged, Lagged, Lagged World

in the real trade deficit (which made up for softer results elsewhere), probably reflecting the ripple effects from supply chain disruptions that have mostly faded away.

The basic story of U.S. economic policy right now is all about the Federal Reserve, which is trying to bring inflation down by raising interest rates, which should cool off the economy.

The Fed’s actions have, in fact, been successful in producing a major tightening of financial conditions. For the most part, Fed policy works through two channels: Tight money raises mortgage rates, which causes a housing slump, and it also leads to a strong dollar, which eventually makes U.S. goods less competitive on world markets. Both channels have been working, at least as far as financial markets are concerned.

So far, however, there hasn’t been much evidence of economic cooling. The most recent inflation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics came in hot. The gross domestic product report released Thursday was fairly strong, clearly refuting claims that we’re in a recession.

So doesn’t this say that the Fed needs to do more? Don’t the numbers speak for themselves?

Well, no. Numbers rarely do.

There’s a cacophony of voices among economists right now, which puts me in mind of a line from my old teacher Charles Kindleberger, from back in the days when economists obsessed about the balance of payments. (They no longer do, which is a whole other story.) He wrote that “the existence of a variety of balance-of-payments definitions makes it possible for an observer to always be grave, or optimistic, according to his temperament.” So it is now with Fed policy and the inflation outlook.

Start by considering GDP.

The headline number was indeed pretty strong — 2.6 percent growth at an annual rate, after two quarters of decline. But quarter-to-quarter fluctuations in growth are often driven by volatile items that tell you little about underlying trends. In this case, the quarter’s growth is more than explained by a drop

Some observers like to focus on “core GDP,” which excludes net exports, inventory changes and government purchases. Where the headline number shows an economy that slumped in the first half of this year and resumed growth in the third quarter, core GDP tells us a tale of an economy steadily slowing and currently more or less stalled.

But wait, there’s more. Stripping out the effects of the U.S. trade deficit is helpful as a way to dampen the statistical noise, but looking forward, we should expect the strong dollar to weigh on exports and become a major drag on the economy.

Why haven’t we seen this yet? Mainly because the effects of a strong dollar on trade, while they can be powerful, take a long time to materialize. In international macroeconomics, one of my home academic fields, the general view — shaped in large part by the effects of a rising dollar in the early 1980s, then a big fall after 1985 — has been that the negative impact of a strong dollar on the trade balance takes two years or more to fully manifest.

The negative effects of one of the two channels through which the Fed has been trying to affect the economy are still largely in the future.

I’m less clear about the other one, mortgage rates: Housing investment has already been falling, dragging down growth. And although it will surely continue to fall, I don’t know whether it will be a bigger drag looking forward.

What seems fairly clear, however, is that we have yet to see anything like the full effects of Fed tightening on the economy.

What about inflation? Here, too, there are good reasons to believe that there are long lags between policy changes and the reported numbers. Perhaps most important is the way the Bureau

Continued on Page 23

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

A surprising portion of our citizenry appears unfamiliar with the grim legacy the American Nazi Party left during its militant presence in Arlington,1958 —1983.

Its charismatic, nationally dreaded leader George Lincoln Rockwell was assassinated at the Dominion Hills Shopping Center on Aug. 25, 1967. The man convicted of that murder was an on-again-off-again follower, a Greek-American who went by the Hitlerian name of John Patler.

I was recently reminded that Patler gave a rare, jailhouse interview back in 1971. The scoopy journalist was 18-year-old Bob Oganovic, then a senior in the Washington-Lee (now Liberty) High School. Oganovic shared with me an archive of his meaty article on the Nazis published in the school literary magazine, the Penman.

The 50-minute Patler interview, April 5, 1971, was arranged by Sheriff J. Elwood Clements. The inmate was awaiting a Supreme Court appeal of his conviction for shooting Rockwell from the shopping center rooftop as the leader sat in his 1958 Chevrolet preparing to wash clothes at the laundromat. After a chase through the neighborhood by employees of Tom’s Barbershop, Patler was arrested at a bus stop on Washington Blvd. A discarded raincoat and cap were found

in a yard on N. Larrimore St., and an Arlington policeman waded into Four Mile Run to find a German pistol.

Commonwealth’s attorney William Hassan sought the death penalty, while Patler’s attorneys— among them former school board member Helen Lane—argued that at the time of the shooting he had been running errands near his home (2522 Lee Highway, now a Langston Blvd. dental office). On Dec. 15, 1967, before Circuit Court Judge Charles Russell, the jury found Patler guilty. He was sentenced to 20 years.

Oganovic wrote vivid background on how Patler’s mentor Rockwell became enamored of Hitler’s ideology of hatred for Jews and blacks, and his founding of the American Nazi Party. During seven years with him, Patler befriended another New Yorker and Nazi follower, Dan Burros, who would commit suicide when it was revealed that he was Jewish.

The W-L reporter described Patler as “five foot eight, with wavy black hair and penetrating brown eyes. His voice is soft…. He smiles frequently as he talks.” The cell shared with four or five other men had Patler’s cartoons and paintings on the wall, and books on peaceful change. Patler showed the high schooler the kitchen where he worked as a cook from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Patler drew pictures of his visitor.

“There were no questions I asked which he did not answer in a frank, informative manner,” Oganovic wrote. “He looks upon his time with the Nazi Party as a disease, the disease of racism, which infected

his mind.” The prisoner wanted to study art. “One hopes Patler will receive justice in the truest sense of the word.”

Patler lost his appeals, but was paroled after less than 10 years.

Having changed his name back to Patsalos, he is 84, reportedly a freelance cartoonist in New York City. When the Washington Post contacted him in August 2017, Patsalos refused interviews. But online the reporter found his pro-Trump musings.

Oganovic, a precocious writer, became a musician in Minneapolis, and an information technology staffer for the Office of Personnel Management.

***

The Sept. 20 appearance of author Nikole Hannah-Jones at Washington-Liberty High School prompted skeptical coverage in the conservative Daily Wire. The 45-minute talk by the force behind the New York Times best-selling 1619 Project—criticized for highlighting slavery as a primary cause of the American Revolution—cost $40,000. “The talk was a program of the Arlington Public Library, and the cost was so enormous it spurred tension between the library and the Friends of Arlington Library,” wrote reporter Luke Rosiak.

“We are fortunate to have a robust Friends of Arlington Public Library,” I was told by library Communications Manager Anneliesa Alprin. The nonprofit sells used books and “pays for Arlington Reads programs, which includes speakers’ fees. Fees range in amounts, and national award-winning authors are paid the going rate. No county funds are used.”

It’s

Paul Krugman

FCNP Endorses Beyer, DeFerranti

According to one of the many, many online reports about the nature of our universe arising from the successful deployment of the Webb Space Telescope last summer, our own tiny planet Earth is now being inundated by a massive “hurricane” of so-called “dark matter” passing over and through it. The problem is that no one has yet quite figured out what “dark matter” is, with its discovery coming only in the last decade or so, even as it constitutes over 90 percent of the universe.

No matter what, such is the context for this month’s highly-critical midterm elections that culminate next Tuesday, Nov. 8. They will determine how much of the stain that the Trump factor has subjected us all to will still be around, or even significantly enlarged. It will set the table for the 2024 presidential election, and the very future of democracy is on the line without a doubt.

Maybe we’ll discover some day that “dark matter” has somehow messed with us to contribute to how the votes are going this time. This newspaper remains optimistic, however, that “dark matter” is not a bad thing, for one thing, and that voters will turn out in force everywhere to reject, if nothing else, the Trump Supreme Court assault on every woman in America.

As we’ve reported this year, the critical races are not on the Falls Church ballot. But still, we are eager to express our total endorsement of our talented congressman, Donald S. Beyer, Jr,, for re-election. And for that matter, we’re good with Rep. Jerry Connolly in Fairfax and the three women seeking re-election as incumbent Democrats in the three tight Congressional races of national importance in Virginia – Abigail Spanberger to our south, Jennifer Wexton to our west and Elaine Luria down in Tidewater. We adamantly admonish all political activists to do what they can to help in those races key to the overall control of Congress nationally.

Beyer’s race here does not seem close, due to the remarkable gifts he has brought to his incumbency since being first elected in 2013.

In fact, the only race in this area that is seriously contested is the one involving Democratic incumbent Matt deFerranti seeking re-election to the one of five county board seats being contested in neighboring Arlington. We see DeFerranti as solid and reliable, and the best among three candidates in that race. While a housing affordability proponent, he has taken a realistic stance on the so-called “missing middle” housing debate now raging in the county.

DeFerranti favors introducing alternatives to single family homes in areas currently limited to them in Arlington, but not to the level of six-plexes or higher as advocated by some.

In a realistic assessment of what developers are likely to judge can be reasonably financed, and in deference to the major, if unfounded concerns of single-family homeowners, he has suggested capping multi-unit projects at the four-plex level.

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Proposal for Senior Building

Editor,

Last week’s front-page story about pending city approval of construction of a 15-story building including units for elders with physical and cognitive handicaps raises concerns that the project may be a fire trap. According to the report, “(o)f the 217 residential units planned, 140 are senior independent living units, 55 are senior assisted living and 22 are senior ‘memory care’ units. It is designed that as some residents age, they can be moved from one level of care to the next higher one.”

Having worked for many years as senior policy director for a national association representing assisted living and nursing home operators, I know that it is very difficult to

evacuate people with Alzheimer’s and mobility issues during emergencies. Among other things, developers need to explain to city and state officials how staff would safely move seniors down multiple flights of stairs if the elevators fail and how long it might take.

Part of my former job involved monitoring and helping to coordinate the nation’s two major fire safety codes for assisted living. The vulnerability of this population results in building and operational standards far more protective than for other types of residences.

Difficulty evacuating assisted living residents quickly during an emergency became painfully clear during a National Transportation Safety Board inquiry I covered in 2006. The hearing examined the causes of a bus fire that killed 23 seniors who were being evacuated from the path of Hurricane Rita the previous year.

Karl Pozer City of Falls Church

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1. Keep the news clean and fair.

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

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

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

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

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

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

Local Condominium Vacates 12 Units Due to Safety Concerns

BY JOSH TRUPO FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Representatives of an engineering firm hired by the residents’ board at the Madison Condominium at 600 Roosevelt Blvd. in Falls Church found a steel beam that was completely corroded.The engineers immediately called City Hall and City engineers condemned the building. The Falls Church Police Department and Office of Emergency Management then supervised an evacuation of some of the residents who are now in area hotels, a News-Press source close to the incident has reported.

According to News-Press sources, the F.C. Police confirmed that 12 units in the building needed to be vacated immediately.

Concerned residents of the Madison had voiced concerns for months that cracks and other evidence pointed to undue strain on possible load-bearing parts of the foundation and the carport out front.

This came after reports from owners that they had been informing management about the damage for months with little to no response. Last Thursday, October 27, the annual homeowners association (HOA) members meeting was held with

many owners wanting to discuss the cracks on the pillars out front and cracks in the walls of the basement.

Upon arrival at the meeting, representatives of Cardinal Management Group – including their lawyer – told reporters that residents were barred entry due to a rule in the HOA signed agreement. When asked about the situation, the lawyer said that management declined to comment.

Speaking to condo owners who are part of the HOA, claims were made that concerns with these cracks had been passed to management for months without any replies, and according to one owner discussion of the damage was only a brief section of the various discussions held during the meeting, with no specific timeline or plan for dealing with the issue. One owner said the meeting was a “Long contentious meeting, mostly about [the] new parking policy. Asked about pillar replacement, they would not give any info and said to ‘come to the meeting next month and we will answer.’l

However, the very next day there was caution tape put up around the pillars out front, and residents of 12 units were evacuated from their homes. Remaining owners are concerned about the partial evacua-

tion and would like to hear more from building management about the timeline and specific repairs required. They worry that they may become displaced as well.

A closer look at the damage revealed that there were cracks along the pillars holding up the carport out front. The basement had cracks covering an entire wall of the mail room, and one owner said that it had almost doubled in size over the last six months. That same wall was sunken

and not appropriately lined up with the wall it touched. Other damage in the basement was obscured by management, but an owner who saw it before the obscurement went up claimed there was significant damage to a load-bearing pillar.

After the events of the Surfside Condominium Collapse, renters and owners have due cause to be concerned. That said, with the partial evacuation it appears that Cardinal Management has taken note of the

issue and has begun taking steps to address the damage. Even so, owners are wondering why there was a wait until now to address the concerns that they had been reporting for months.

There is hope that at the November HOA meeting a clear plan and timeline will be presented to residents. They have made clear that it is their desire to hear from building management that the issue is being taken seriously and that no lives are put at risk.

THE MADISON, located at 600 Roosevelt Boulevard in Falls Church, has had concerned residents voice their worries for months about cracks and strain on the building. (P����: J��� T����)

A Penny for Your Thoughts News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

In the first 10 months of 2022, 18 pedestrian deaths have been recorded on Fairfax County roadways. The most recent pedestrian death was last week on Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads, where a woman was struck by one vehicle, and then, according to the police investigation, was struck by a second vehicle in the dark. The pedestrian was crossing at night, outside of the marked crosswalk, when hit. Originally classified as a hit-and-run, police discovered that the first driver, who did not stop immediately, did pull into a nearby parking lot to call 911.

Last Wednesday’s crash was eerily similar to the October 3rd death of an elderly female pedestrian in Annandale, who was struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Annandale Road outside of a marked crosswalk at night. That driver is still being sought. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, in a WTOP podcast, noted that, of the 18 deaths, 12 people were 40 years or older; 11 were female; 10 pedestrians were outside of the marked crosswalk, and 11 pedestrians, not the driver, were determined to be at fault. That is cold comfort, of course, but highlights the fact that pedestrian/driver safety is a joint responsibility.

For drivers: slow down, pay attention to your driving, use your headlights (I’ve lost count of the number of vehicles recently on the road without headlights, in the dark!), and stay off your devices. Also, please check to see if BOTH headlights are working. When I was growing up, we shouted “padiddle” when a “oneeyed” car was spotted. From personal observation, there are lots of “padiddles” on our streets now; please check your headlights (and taillights), and get them fixed before winter weather sets in.

For pedestrians: pay attention to where and how you are walking; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.

Wear something reflective or light-colored when out at night, and always cross AT the marked crosswalk. It may take some extra steps, but also may save your life. Stay off your devices: last week, a young woman used the crosswalk near my office, but appeared to be texting on her device as she walked, oblivious to turning vehicles, four lanes of traffic and school buses. That’s not multitasking; that’s dangerous!

Parking lots can be even more dangerous, since there are few marked pathways, and pedestrians and drivers alike jockey for parking spaces and walking routes. Here again is where staying off your device is advisable. Pay attention to vehicles pulling in and out of spaces; the driver may not be able to see you walking past that big SUV in the next space. Recognize that you are walking in a vehicle travel lane and use extra care. As Chief Davis noted in the podcast, “pedestrians won’t prevail in an interaction with a motor vehicle.”

The Fairfax County Police Department also conducts a periodic one-day traffic enforcement campaign countywide and, last week, a pre-planned countywide blitz resulted in 280 citations issued. The main violations were speeding, unsafe lane changes, and drivers on their phones, similar to the results of previous enforcement actions. Whether driver or pedestrian, let’s all “Take A Moment,” slow down, pay attention, and save lives.

In-person early voting for Fairfax County voters continues at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, and the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church, through Saturday, November 5, 2022. Weekday voting hours are 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your regular polling place will be open on Election Day, November 8, from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

City of Falls Church

CRIME REPORT

Week of October 24- 30, 2022

Larceny from Building, Founders Ave, between 2:02 PM, October 23 and 7 PM, October 25, unknown suspect entered an unsecured area and stole a black 2022 Jamis Divide bicycle.

Assault, S Washington St, October 26, 5:44 PM, a male, 42, of Burke, VA, was arrested for assault.

Graffiti, S Maple Ave, between October 21 and 27, unknown suspect(s) graffitied several areas of an apartment complex.

Larceny, Founders Ave, October 27, between 7:30 AM and 3:15 PM, unknown suspect(s) stole a gray Jamis Trail X bike which

had been secured to a metal bike rack.

Stolen Vehicle, Meadow Ln, October 27, 1:46 PM, unknown suspect(s), driving a white van, stole a black with silver trim, tandem axle trailer from a driveway.

Drunk in Public, Hillwood Ave, October 29, 12:27 AM, a white male, 22, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

Larceny of Vehicle Parts, Rollins St, between 7 PM, October 27 and 10 AM, October 29, unknown suspect(s) removed the catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius.

Words matter. Based on the visual and oral bombardment of current political ads, this line will go down as the understatement of the 2022 campaign season. Once again, the nation has been shocked by an act of violence – this time the brutal assault of Paul Pelosi, husband of Speaker Pelosi. ICYMI –The Speaker has been verbally under assault by the hard right pushing all levers to return to power. Whatever happened to civil debate in a democratic society? Where have the takeaways from the violence of January 6 been applied?

Public service used to be considered a patriotic duty. Elected officials may have disagreed on issues but would enjoy each other’s company after hours. Vitriolic rhetoric has fueled political violence. It dehumanizes the men and women serving and puts their families and staff at risk. No doubt the belligerent dialogue and unfounded mistrust in the American electoral process are fueling the brutal actions we are witnessing. In the long run, it will also clear the field of the best-intentioned candidates willing to serve the nation. This latest attack is a wake-up call and should be followed by a HARD STOP.

In a few days the ballots will be counted that will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate and U.S. House. The makeup of Virginia’s Congressional Delegation is also at stake. It has been a very contentious path to the ballot box with conflicting messages. Under Governor Youngkin’s watch the State Board of Elections has sent out tens of thousands of voter registrations with incorrect information. Ironically, Attorney General Morales established an “elections integrity unit” to mitigate any electoral mishaps.

Across the nation there are candidates on the ballot that continue to embrace the “big lie.” Over the past several months, Governor Youngkin has spent his time traveling the country in support of election deniers and candidates endorsed by the twice-impeached president who remains embroiled in legal problems.

Combine these unsubstantiated allegations of election integrity, with the Supreme Court decision to nullify Roe v. Wade and the stage is set for continued division in the U.S. Looking ahead to the General Assembly, bills are being drafted that interfere with a woman’s right to bodily autonomy; academic censoring and the roll back of environmental protections. Further attempts to deny access to our funda -

mental democratic right , voting will be on tap as well.

Last week, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released academic findings reflective of yet another severe consequence of the pandemic. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that unstructured learning during the height of the pandemic would likely have an impact on academic success. Governor Youngkin chose to point the finger at a previous administration and disparage the herculean efforts of teachers in 2020 and 2021. This approach is flat out wrong and unproductive.

For the record, most states performed below pre-pandemic proficiency. For both 4th grade and 8th grade math, Virginia was not significantly different from the nation. Those FACTS also stand for reading proficiency at the same grade level.

During my tenure in elected office I have served under 12 other Governors. Never has a sitting Governor repeatedly clawed back to his predecessor to distance himself from problems in the Commonwealth. In his move to elevate his national profile, the Governor is working hard to unwind Virginia’s progress forward as if the past IS the future.

Virginia’s children deserve the opportunity to move forward, and most parents want the focus to be on their children having a good education and the potential for success in their adult lives. Banning books and spending inordinate energy on bathroom bills is not the key to improving student achievement. Clearly there is a lack of consensus on how we address learning loss.

Seasoned teachers have left the profession in droves taking with them expertise and insight learned over years in the classroom. Setting up teacher snitch lines sent shock waves through the profession and was an impetus to the mass exodus we have seen. I believe teachers will need to be incentivized and supported to meet the challenges ahead.

“Back to normal” should not be the standard of the future. I invite the Governor to embrace his responsibility and focus on what is important to Virginians. I plan to spend the upcoming legislative session working to get our priorities straight. At the same time, we will need to be judicious with state funds because the federal supplemental Covid funds will be disappearing from our revenue stream. It’s time to end the culture wars and bring the Commonwealth together with a vision that puts Virginia on the correct trajectory.

 Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@senate.virginia.gov.

Senator Dick Saslaw’s Richmond Report

DESPITE THE RAIN, Falls Church residents were out trick-or-treating for Halloween on Monday night. (News-Press Photos)

George Mason Men’s Basketball Tips Off Their 2022-2023 Season Monday Night

by Nick Gatz Falls

The George Mason University Patriots open their 2022-23 men’s basketball campaign on the road at 15th-ranked Auburn Monday night, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. Head coach Kim English is in his second season as the Patriots’ head coach. The game can be seen on Sec+/Espn+ at 8 p.m.

English brings back a team of veteran leadership with a mix of highly recruited freshmen. In what many are calling the most anticipated season in a decade, the Patriots will look to start off the season with a huge resume, building win. They hope this contest will aid in their goal of reaching the postseason.

In speaking with young energetic head coach Kim English, he told the News-Press that this year’s team has several goals. Among them is playing hard nose, defense, and they will rebound and shoot a lot of 3’s. It should make for an exciting brand of basketball. The Patriots broke the school record for 3’s made last year under first year Coach English.

English stressed the importance of having a deep roster. The Patriots were able to go on the road to open the season last year and knock off a ranked Maryland team. However down the stretch they couldn’t maintain their early success due to a limited roster. With a full roster and a year under his belt, the always uber

-competitive ex-NBA player English went out and added that much needed depth to complete his roster.

In this year’s A10 Media Preseason poll The Patriots were selected to finish fifth out of 15 teams in the highly competitive Atlantic 10 conference. Over the years the A10 has put many teams into the NCAA tournament, some advancing as far as the Elite 8 and even the Final 4. The A10 produces highly quality basketball right here in Northern Virginia.

Mason returns several key starters that will provide senior leadership while also bringing in a slew of highly ranked freshmen and transfers to round out the roster. Among those returning are 6’ 9” Senior Josh Odruo. Odruo was picked to the preseason All-A10 first team. This is only the second time Mason has had a player picked to the preseason first team.

Returning is DeVon Cooper, a 6’ 4” guard, who averaged 11.6 points and 2.1 assists per contest. DeVon shot 40.9 percent from 3-point range, his percentage ranked 22nd in the nation. Also returning is Davonte ‘Ticket’ Gaines who averaged 10.2 points and a team-best 8.1 rebounds per contest last season.

The News-Press was able to sit down with Ticket Gaines on Tuesday Morning after practice. Ticket is a hard nosed blue collar player and he concurred with our assessment

that he will be tasked with providing senior leadership this year. Ticket prides himself on his tough defense. He can guard multiple positions and often is tasked with guarding the other team’s best player. Ticket also wanted to stress to us that he has been working on his shooting and the coaches have been urging him to shoot more. He ranked 2nd on the team last year with a (.402) 3 pt. shooting percentage.

The freshmen newcomers are four-star recruit 6′ 5″ freshmen shooting guard Justyn Fernandez who brings athleticism and a game that will excite crowds. Among other newcomers are 3-star local Gonzaga High School product Devin Dinkins a 5’ 10 point guard, Peter Odruo, a 6’7 forward brother of senior Josh Odruo and 3-star Elvis Nnaji, a 6’7 forward from Hopkins, Minn.

The Patriots also added 3 Graduate transfers in Victor Bailey Jr. a 6’ 4” Guard who last played at Tennessee, Ginika Ojiako a 6’ 10” forward from Virginia Tech and Saquan Singleton a 6’ 6” guard from New Mexico. Rounding out the roster are 6’ 2” Junior Guard Ronald Polite III, 6’10 Sophomore Forward Blake Jones, 6’1 Sophomore Guard Chase Tucker and 6’8 Junior Forward Malik Henry.

For the Patriots, full schedule and how to purchase tickets visit gomason.com.

DuBois’ Late Game Winner Sends Mustangs to Regional Finals

by Ryan McCafferty

The Meridian girls’ field hockey unit welcomed visiting Monticello on a breezy Tuesday night to face off in the Regional Semifinals, with a trip to Fredericksburg on the line. It quickly figured to be a low-scoring, defensive affair as neither team scored in the first period or even saw very many prime opportunities, and the shutout continued well into the sec-

ond frame. The Mustangs finally broke the tie with about three minutes remaining in the half on a Hanna Hall tip-in off a Cassie DuBois shot that was able to find the back of the net, and they took the 1-0 lead into the break. But Monticello tied it up late in the third, and the two teams appeared headed for some extra time to settle it as nobody could break the tie throughout the majority of the fourth quarter. But with 87

seconds left, DuBois found herself open and was able to convert the scoring chance, and Meridian’s defense did the rest of the job to close out the 2-1 victory. The Mustangs will face off against James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg on Thursday as they attempt to take the regional crown. Regardless of the result, they will compete in the state playoffs set to begin next week.

This Week’s Area Falls Church High Schools’ Sports Roundup

by Ryan McCafferty and Nick Porr

Meridian High School

The Mustangs’ football team was on a bye this past week. They will play their regular season finale this Friday, against

William Monroe at home.

Meridian Girls Volleyball concluded its regular season this past week, splitting a pair of home games as they beat

William Monroe 3-1 on Tuesday but then lost 2-3 to Skyline on Thursday. Their playoffs will begin this Tuesday as they travel to Warren County, the top

seeded team in the region.

After dropping the first set 25-10, the Meridian Boys Volleyball team rallied to win the next two sets 25-18 and 15-8 to advance to the semifinal against Mt. Vernon this Friday.

Both the boys and the girls’ Cross Country teams won their district championships this

week (for the first time since 2010!) with eleven members of the squads earning All-District accolades. They will play in the regional championship tournament on Wednesday.

For the first time in twenty years, Meridian’s competitive Cheer team has advanced to the state tournament! They will

travel to Richmond to compete on Saturday on VCU’s campus.

Falls Church High School

Football (3-6) meanwhile is flying high, having won their second game in their last three

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MERIDIAN VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY will play in the regional finals. (Photo: Ryan McCafferty)

GEORGE MASON MENS BASKETBALL coach Kim English. (Courtesy: Mason Athletics)

GEORGE MASON SENIOR forward Davonte ‘Ticket’ Gaines. (Courtesy: Mason Athletics)

Church News-Press

SCHOOLS

Local High School Sports Teams Wrap Up Their Regular Seasons

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tries. This week brought a dominant 52-7 win over the struggling Lewis Lancers (1-8). They are currently out of the playoff race and play their final regular season game at home against Mt. Vernon (3-6) Friday night.

Volleyball’s solid regular season (10-7) culminated in playoff disappointment with a pair of losses this past week. In the first round of the district tournament, Falls Church was bounced by Justice 3-0. Despite getting swept the match was extremely close, losing the three sets by a total of just 7 points.

Haley Heironimous continued to tear through the cross country competition, placing first in the District Tournament at Burke Lake Thursday. As a team, the girls finished 5th. Boys Cross Country took third place behind an eighth place finish from Peter Kratz and a ninth place time from Max Gagermeier

Music Students Ready to Work/Perform

Have a yard full of leaves that need raking? Or kids that need babysitting? Or a child interested in music lessons? Or a performance that you need someone to play for? Or some other fall project that needs tackling? If so, consider participating in M.U.S.I.C Days — the MHS instrumental music’s annual fundraiser that allows people to hire students for their fall jobs which are then donated to defray the costs of their music performance trip to Nashville. Residents can engage music students for jobs like yard work, babysitting, dog walking, animal sitting, spreading mulch, car washing, musical performance, holiday decorating, gift wrapping, etc.

Money raised during M.U.S.I.C. (Many Useful Students In our Community) Days will be donated to help students pay for travel to perform in Nashville, Tennessee, in March. Students will be

The Region Tournament ended similarly, as 2-15 South County upset the Jaguars in the first round of the Region Tournament. Regardless of tournament struggles, the Jaguars finished with an winning record in region games for the first time since 2018-2019.

Justice High School

After eight long losses, varsity football (1-8) has their first win of the season. Friday night they beat the Annandale Atoms (3-7) 38-21 on the road. They have a chance to tack on one more win at beatable John R. Lewis (1-8) Friday.

Field Hockey faced Woodson themselves this past week, falling in the quarterfinals of the Regional tournament 6-0. The loss brings an end to a strong season anchored by a 5-2 record in regional play.

Volleyball began their District

playoff run Tuesday beating the Justice Wolves across three close sets. The next night Hayfield would put them on the other end of a 3-0 blank, knocking them out in the Semifinals. They will open the Regional Tournament at home against Woodson Tuesday night. If they win they will face Alexandria City next Monday.

Cross Country competed at Districts Championships where the Girls team finished third and the Boys finished seventh.

Marshall High School

Football (2-7) dominated winless Wakefield 63-0 on the road last friday. They will finish up their season Friday at home against Herndon (6-3).

Volleyball (18-9) begins their Region Tournament with a quarterfinal match against James Madison(16-8) Tuesday night. Should they advance they will face the winner of Tuesday’s

game between Chantilly (10-6) and Washington-Liberty (8-13).

Senior Haley Spoden ran an outstanding 18:18 to finish fourth in the Liberty District Championship. Sadly as a team

Marshall struggled, finishing sixth out of seven. The Boys team meanwhile dominated, winning by 50 points. Four of the top six runners were Statesmen, led by race winner Seth Oliver.

recording at RCA Studios, performing at Vanderbilt University, and experiencing musical opportunities in Nashville.

The fundraiser runs from October 29th through December 3rd. To request a student for a job, email: musicdaysgmhs@gmail.com

FCCPS Choral Boosters Selling Poinsettias

The FCCPS Choral Boosters will once again be selling poinsettias to support their singers and spread holiday cheer. Poinsettias should be ordered by Nov. 7 at https://fccpschoralboosters.org/poinsettia-sales/. Red, white, pink or marble colors are available in three different sizes. Pick up is at the winter choral concerts on December 14th, December 15th or at a designated booth on December 14th from 4:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m. at Meridian High School.

MD Students Perform at Halloween Carnival

First and Second-grade music students at Mt. Daniel performed at the Falls Church City Halloween Carnival at Cherry Hill Park over the weekend. The young singers entertained the audience with songs by artists like Dolly Parton, Imagine Dragons, and Carrie Underwood.

MEHMS PTA Brings Back Movie Night

The students have voted, and “Despicable Me” (PG) is the clear winner for the movie night at the Mary Ellen Henderson cafeteria on Friday, November 11th. $5 Admission. Pizza, concessions, and additional raffle tickets will be sold at the event. Once in, the doors are closed until 8:30 p.m. Tickets purchased online will come with two free raffle tickets and can be bought up until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, November 10th. Admission tickets can also be purchased at the door and will come with one free raffle ticket. Tickets

can be purchased here: https:// mehmspta.membershiptoolkit.com/ store/product/MN-TICKET

MHS International Club Hosts Diwali

and Welcoming Falls Church co-hosted a Diwali celebration — symbolizing the victory of light over darkness — at Cherry Hill Park on Monday, Oct 24. Children made lanterns, rangoli decorations, and colored mandalas while feasting delicious Indian treats from Haandi and several Falls Church City families.

Local Productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ Kick Off the Holiday Season

BY KYLEE TOLAND FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

When it comes to holiday shows and performances, one of the most popular productions is the classic ballet production “The Nutcracker.” Based on the 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet can be a tradition for many as the holiday season approaches; with people enjoying the story, dance numbers and beautiful costumes.

In Falls Church and surrounding areas, “The Nutcracker” is being performed at local dance and ballet studios for their upcoming holiday season. Although the story of the ballet mostly remains the same with each production, these studios add their own “uniqueness” to the beloved tale.

BalletNova Center for Dance, a Falls Church ballet studio, hosts an annual holiday performance of “The Nutcracker,” featuring both a petite and young adult version of the ballet. The production will be held at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington on November 26th

and 27th. Matthew Powell has been the artistic director at BalletNova for four years, and said the studio became involved with their own production of “The Nutcracker” 17 years ago, with Powell “premiering” his new production of the ballet last year.

“It’s not only entertaining for the audience,” Powell said, “but it’s good community building for the students as well because it gives them the chance to cheer each other on as they tackle these roles.”

As for how Powell’s new production of the holiday classic compares to others, he said BalletNova’s production is a “complete, unique story about a young girl named Clara who goes on a magical journey,” rather than just focusing on the dance aspect of the story.

Powell stated he wanted to feature Clara’s story more heavily due to his background in both classical ballet and theater.

For this year’s show, Powell said he is most excited about

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TINY TIM’S

Seventh Annual Falls Church Tree Fest

A festive fundraiser for our community service organizations, sponsored by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS).

Friday, December 2nd, 5 pm to 9 pm & Saturday, December 3rd, 1 pm to 9 pm*

*Bidding stops at 8:30 p.m. Tree pick-up: Sunday, December 4th, 11 am to 1 pm

Ireland’s Four Provinces

105 West Broad Street, Falls Church

We invite any Greater Falls Church area non-pro t interested in taking part in this fundraising event to contact: lisavarouxis58@gmail.com for more details.

Nutcracker” at Kenmore Middle School on November 26th and 27th. Artistic director Matthew Powell, pictured above with his two “Clara’s” Amelia Waldman and Alexa Salas, has been premiering his new production of the classic ballet story since last year and said it’s good “community building “ for the students to perform in the show. (P����: K���� T�����)

Ken Ludwig’s and Jack Ludwig’s

written by Ken Ludwig and Jack Ludwig produced by Hilary Adams assistant produced by Rick Portner and Julias Ware II directed by Madeleine Smith LTA rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Get ready

Home for the Holidays: Upcoming Events to Celebrate the Season

BY KYLEE TOLAND FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Holiday Events Roundup

Festivals/Markets:

Falls Church Holiday Tree Fest

The Falls Church Holiday Tree Fest will be held at Ireland’s Four Provinces and is scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, with distribution of the trees on December 4th, 2022. Each charity will decorate its own tree and should provide any literature they would like displayed on their table.

Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.). Nearly 40 crafters and merchants show their wares selling unique handmade items, baked goods, and more during the first weekend in December. With the help of volunteers, kids can pick out gifts ($6 and less) for their friends and family. Volunteers can also wrap the gifts for free! Hosted by the Friends of Cherry Hill Farmhouse. Hosted on December 3rd and 4th. For more information, visit https:// www.fallschurchva.gov/643/Holiday-Giftand-Craft-Show

NVHG Thanksgiving Art & Craft Show

The Northern Virginia Handcrafters

THE LONGEST-RUNNING water ski Christmas show is back for the 2022 holiday season. Waterskiing Santa takes place on Christmas Eve at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront (P����: W������� S���� 2021 ��� L��� �� ��� W���� A������� W����������)

Markets, Ballets, Concerts and More for All Ages to Enjoy

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Old Town Alexandria Christmas Fair and Holiday Craft Show

Start holiday shopping and find the perfect gift for your loved ones at Old Town Alexandria Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show at John Carlyle Square on December 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Over 110 artisans, crafters, independent consultants and other local small businesses are looking forward to showcasing their products, just in time for the holidays. For more informa -

tion, visit https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-alexandria-christmas-fair-and-holiday-craft-show/

2022 Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

The Winter Village is open nightly November 18th — January 1st from 5:00 p.m — 10:00 p.m. Ice Skating is open nightly November 18th — January 1st from 5:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. Weekends and holidays are the most popular times. Located at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Avenue,

Alexandria). For more information, visit https://www. novaparks.com/events/icelights

19th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont, Washington D.C.

The annual tree lighting ceremony in the hotel’s Courtyard begins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29th. Filled with tiny white lights and a shimmering Christmas tree, the courtyard becomes a glittering crystal garden - the perfect venue for holiday celebrations. Families can take the chill off next to heaters as

they listen to the award-winning Georgetown Visitation Madrigals perform holiday classics. For more information, visit https://washington.org/ event/fairmonts-19th-annualtree-lighting

Santa’s Suite at Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown

Sleigh bells will be ringing at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning December 3rd through December 18th. When Santa is checking into his D.C. residence, he brings comfort

and joy to all who believe in the magic of the holiday season. All naughty and nice children who stop by Santa’s suite with their parents will enjoy gingerbread displays. For more information, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/santas-suiteat-fairmont-washington-dcgeorgetown

FONA’s Winter Festival

Shop from local vendors, buy Christmas trees and holiday greenery, and enjoy free holiday-themed family activities. While there, enjoy the National

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CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the stage at MGM National Harbor on December 15th — 18th. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for audiences (Photo: Charisse McDaniel)

THE OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA CHRISTMAS FAIR AND HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW allows people to find the “perfect” gift for their loved ones by featuring 110 artisans, crafters and more. It will be hosted on December 10th from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. (Photo: ByJacquiPhoto)

STERLING PLAYMAKER’S “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” runs for two consecutive weekends on November 11th and 20th (Photo: Alan Price)

K EEGAN THEATRE’S “AN IRISH CAROL” takes a fun spin on the classic story “A Christmas Carol” on December 15th — 31st. (Photo: Cameron Whitman)

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Arboretum’s winter splendor and explore gardens and collections like the Gotelli Conifer Collection, Camellia Collection, and National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Located at U.S. National Arboretum — New York Avenue Parking Lot (3501 New York Avenue Northeast Washington, DC). For more information, visit https://www.fona.org/events/winterfestival/

Jingle on the Lake

Reston Museum joins Lake Anne Plaza for Jingle on the Lake. Hosted on December 3rd from 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. For more information, visit https://www.restonmuseum.org/ event-details/jingle-on-the-lake

Enchant at Nationals Park

The World’s Largest Christmas Light Spectacular is back at Nationals Park from Friday, November 25th to Sunday, January 1st. Enchant features an immersive and interactive light maze created from over 4 million sparkling lights with one of the

biggest and most magical 100-foottall holiday trees as its centerpiece. A truly unique ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday shopping marketplace with crafts, gifts, culinary treats provides a memorable experience for all. For more information, visit https:// enchantchristmas.com/washingtondc-nationals-park/

Cherry Hill Farmhouse’s

“A Very Victorian Christmas”

Start your Christmas Season with a visit to Cherry Hill Farmhouse to see how Christmas was celebrated during the 1860s. Costumed re-enactors welcome friends and neighbors who gather for some holiday cheer amid the conflict. Period decorations, music, and holiday stories are part of the festivities. November 26th from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://cherryhillfallschurch.org/event/3273/

Water Skiing Santa

The longest-running water ski Christmas show is back for the 2022 holiday season. Waterskiing Santa normally takes place along the historic Old Town Alexandria

Native Veterans Celebration

Waterfront (once a vibrant commercial port) from the Founders to Point Lumley Park. For more information, visit http://www.waterskiingsanta. com/

Shows

Ford’s Theatre

“A Christmas Carol”

Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic. Running from November 18th— December 31st. For more information, visit https://www.fords.org/performances/current-and-upcoming/a-christmas-carol-2022/

Keegan Theatre’s “An Irish Carol”

An original work by Keegan favorite Matthew J. Keenan, “An Irish Carol” is an homage to Dickens’ classic – told as only the Irish can. This comic and touching play, set in a modern Dublin pub, follows one evening in the life of David,

a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. December 15th — 31st. For more information, visit https:// keegantheatre.com/portfolio/anirish-carol-2022/

Creative Cauldron’s Christmas Cabaret Series

Creative Cauldron tops off their holiday celebration every year with this special Holiday Cabaret Series. Enjoy some of Creative Cauldron’s favorite performers, as well as some talented newcomers. They’ll perform in an intimate cabaret setting with special table seating options that include wine, beer or one’s favorite beverage. Dates are to be determined. For more information, visit https:// www.creativecauldron.org/holidaycabarets.html

Providence Player’s “Cabaret Takes a Holiday”

Come join the Providence Player’s as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café. Showing on

December 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th. For more information, visit https://www. providenceplayers.org/about-us/production-history/2022-2023-season/ cabaret-takes-a-holiday/

Synetic Theater’s “Snow Maiden”

In a frozen silver forest high in the mountains, a lonely boy builds a girl from snow. When she mysteriously comes to life, mischief, laughter, and enchantment abound. Told through dazzling movement, dance, and acrobatics, Synetic’s magical take on beloved folktale Snegurochka is a story of hope, friendship, and the power of dreams. December 1st through the 23rd. For more information, visit https://synetictheater.org/ event_pages/snow-maiden/

Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol”

LTA rings in the holiday season with a new take on the classic tale by Charles Dickens. Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but Ebenezer Scrooge won’t give Bob Cratchit the day off. Written by Broadway’s award-winning Ken

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This Veterans Day, join us to honor the exceptional service of Native Americans in the US military in a formal dedication of the National Native American Veterans Memorial. The weekend celebration includes hands-on activities, films, performances, and more.

Veterans Procession and Dedication

Friday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m.

Weekend Celebration

Saturday and Sunday

Nov. 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

AmericanIndian.si.edu/nnavm

Photo by Matailong Du for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

Traditional holiday fare with some exciting surprises! ASO welcomes soprano Helena Colindres. Music from Tchaikovsky’s and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, holiday favorites, a sing-along and more! Welcoming back BalletNova for Saturday’s performance.

Adult: $20-$89 Student: $15 Youth: $5

Mark Your Calendars With These Fun, Holiday-Themed Festivals & Shows

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Ludwig and his son, Jack, get ready for a wild Christmas ride. Showing from December 3rd — 17th. For more information, visit https://thelittletheatre.com/performances/

Kennedy Center’s “A Candlelight Christmas”

Under the direction of Artistic Director Eugene Rogers, “A Candlelight Christmas!” is a 75-minute holiday music experience featuring spirited brass, a festive chorus, and thrilling special guests. TWC’s “A Candlelight Christmas!” is among the DC region’s most treasured traditions. Showing from December 17th — 18th. For more information, visit https://www.kennedy-center.org/ whats-on/explore-by-genre/vocalchoral-music/2022-2023/candlelight-christmas2022/

The Barter Players: “Frosty”

A young orphan named Billy discovers magic in a stolen hat, and when he places the hat on a snowman’s head, that snowman comes to

life! Can Frosty help Billy find his real family in time for Christmas?

Showing at the Alden Theatre in Mclean on December 19th. For more information, visit https://mcleancenter.org/events/the-barter-playersfrosty/

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the stage in this awe-inspiring and eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family. Showing at MGM National Harbor from December 15th — 18th. For more information, visit https://mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com/en/ entertainment/cirque-dreams-holidays.html

National Theatre’s “A Magical Cirque Christmas”

The world’s greatest entertainers unite for a spellbinding and incredible holiday produc -

tion. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Showing from December 16th — 18th. For more information, visit https:// www.broadwayatthenational. com/show/a-magical-cirquechristmas/

Capital City Symphony: Annual Holiday Concert and Sing Along

Come celebrate the holiday season with Capital City Symphony and Potomac Fever. Potomac Fever is a close-knit harmony a cappella group made up of members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Grab family, friends, and neighbors for a fun-filled concert and sing along featuring favorite holiday classics. Showing at Atlas Performing Center of the Arts on December 18th. For more information, visit https://

www.atlasarts.org/events/capital-city-symphony-annual-holiday-concert-and-sing-along/

Washington National Cathedral’s “Joy of Christmas”

Trumpets, drums, and voices herald the coming of the Christmas season. As the cold of winter sets in, music of the holidays past and present will warm spirits. Performed from December 10th — December 11th. For more information, visit https://cathedral.org/event/joy-ofchristmas-2/2022-12-10/

Sterling Playmakers “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas”

The Sterling Playmakers announces the opening of their holiday mystery fun production of “If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” by Pat Cook. The show runs two consecutive weekends opening November 11th and closing November 20th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.. Performances will be

held in the theater at Seneca Ridge Middle School, 98 Seneca Ridge Drive, Sterling.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays”

Traditional holiday fare with some exciting surprises. ASO welcomes soprano Helena Colindres. Music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, holiday favorites, a sing-along and more. December 17th — 18th. For more information, visit https://alexsym.org/performances/

Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)

Join GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C. for their annual Three Kings Day Celebration. This festive end to the holiday season features the timeless story of the Magi, performances by local musicians and dance troupes, a street parade, and free gifts for children. January 8th. For more information, visit https:// www.galatheatre.org/press-media

Productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ To Put Locals in the Holiday Spirit

Continued from Page 14

the influx of an audience for the production. BalletNova’s “The Nutcracker” also incorporates “special effects, beautiful scenery and amazing costumes.”

For more information on BalletNova Center for Dance’s production of “The Nutcracker,” visit https://balletnova.org/

The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet’s version of “The Nutcracker” will be presented on December 10th and 11th at Meridian High School. The Mclean-based ballet school is owned by Linda Kintz and her husband Mark Mejia, with co-artistic director Kintz stating the “Nutcracker” is an annual tradition since opening 37 years ago.

The school’s production of the ballet features “professional” boy dancers that Kintz said the studio brings in to dance with the older female dancers. She emphasized the Kintz-Mejia’s Academy of Ballet’s performance is not like a “kiddie show,” but rather appeals to all ages, including adults.

“The Nutcracker” at the age of three and

onward as both a dance student and professional dancer, she said the story is personal to her and wanted to keep the tradition going of having it performed during the holiday season when first opening the school.

Kintz added that what makes their rendition “unique” is her and her husband’s background as professional dancers and prize winners in international ballet competitions in Moscow, Russia and Varna, Bulgaria.

“I think the production is a reflection of our past as dancers and our Russian influence in the Russian system,” Kintz said.

For more information on The KintzMejia Academy of Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” visit https://www.kintzmejiaballet.org/. Linda Kintz and Mark Mejia also own The Falls Church School of Ballet, which will be hosting their production of the ballet called “The Nutcracker Suite” at the studios of The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet on December 4th. For more information on The Falls Church School of Ballet’s production,

THE KINTZ-MEJIA ACADEMY OF BALLET’S version of “The Nutcracker” will be held at Meridian High School on December 10th and 11th. Co-artistic director Linda Kintz has been performing in productions of the classic ballet story since the age of three and wanted to carry on the holiday tradition when opening her and her husband’s dance school 37 years ago. (P����: R���� D�������)

Bishop Robinson: Being at The Falls Church an ‘Unbelievable Blessing’

Continued from Page 4

church, he said that finally being asked to come to Falls Church after all that had happened “was not an accident, because this is the space where you were told you could not come.”

Moreover, the invitation to come to the Falls Church was extended by the congregation’s recently-called senior rector, the Rev. Burl Salmon, himself an openly gay man whose spouse Bob Henkel joined him in his move to the church when the congregation voted to call him in the summer of 2021.

Bishop Robinson recalled how he was elected 20 years ago as an openly-gay bishop and remarked that the fact he was at the Falls Church this week “was an unbelievable blessing.”

He noted that “the world has changed a lot since 2006,” and he wonders, he said, about the defectors and “what they think now about what they did in 2006.”

He told his own story of survival in the face of heated opposition in the last 20 years. He relayed “five things that I have learned,” using the 1982 book by John Fortunato, “Embracing the Exile: Healing Journeys of Gay Christians,” as his spiritual guide, the book “that saved my life,” he said. Wrestling with the challenges in that book caused him to “come out as gay” four years later in 1986.

One key theme was a dialogue with God in which it is posited, “How can love be wrong…I made you whole in my image, I have empowered you with my love…You must love them (your enemies) anyway.”.

Consigned to a bullet proof vest as he pressed ahead with his ministry, he was encouraged by police assigned with protecting him and said privately to him how proud they were of him. He determined his call was not about him, but about his ministry, and that his challenge to witness his faith was “to be a good

Falls Church Business News & Notes

bishop.”

He found spiritual direction, he said, allowing God’s love to pour over him “like warm butter” to replenish his reservoir of faith.

He said it was vital to stay sympathetic to his detractors, who “believe what they were taught.” It is important to stay humble, and not believe all the PR that is out there.” Then, he said, it is important to affirm that, no matter how things go, “I’m going to heaven, no matter what.”

Finally, he said it is key to appreciate that all are children of God, and we are called not to believe, but to do the will of God. “There is no love without justice,” he said, quoting from Dr. Martin Luther King’s admonition written from the Birmingham Jail that “tolerance in the face of evil is complicity.”

He said “when you pull someone out of the river, you must do more than just rescue that person, you must go up the river to find out who is throwing people in.”

He said his case was “never about sexuality,” but about a bigger picture rooted in the notion that “God loves you more than you can imagine” and calls his people to do justice.

He called on the Falls Church Episcopal congregation to “fight Governor Youngkin’s attempt to disembowel the protections currently afforded trangender persons” and to fight against the profound errors of so-called Christian Nationalism.”

“Christians have to address,” he said, “How to be Christ-like” and to “do the work of the people” in the realm of politics, which is about the work of the people, and knowing that at the end of the day, love wins.”

“Jesus does not need more admirers,” he concluded, “but followers.” In the fishing boat, his followers did not just sit there and wait for the fish to jump into the boat. We are called to fight for justice, and not collaborate with injustice.”

Bolay Falls Church Grand Opening Giveaway

Join Bolay as they celebrate Bolay Falls Church Virginia’s Grand Opening on November 3rd. They are welcoming the new restaurant to the area by awarding “Bolay for a Year” to the first 100 guests. The first 100 guests in line on Grand Opening Day receive one Bolay Regular Bol once a month over the course of 12 months through the BolayGo App. Prizes are redeemable at participating Bolay locations. Unless otherwise noted, arrive at the restaurant between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Bolay’s doors open at 11:00 a.m. sharp The first 100 guests who comply with the Official Rules and are eligible will receive the Prize after the doors open.

Two Named as Top Local Restaurants

Northern Virginia Magazine has named the top 10 restaurants and Falls Church has two on the list. 2941 came in at the number 2 spot, and Thompson Italian was number 8. Critics judged the restaurants on the basis of food, service and ambiance.

The Arc Announces Awards

The Arc of Northern Virginia observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens. As part of the observation, The Arc has named Securis and KPMG as recipients of the Commitment to Employment of Persons with Disabilities Awards, for going above and beyond to provide meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities. The awards will be presented at the Inspire & Empower: A 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration on Saturday, November 5. For more information about the gala event, visit http://thearcofnova.or/events/gala for details.

Seven Corners Study Presents Recommendations

Fairfax County’s transportation department will present final recommendations next week for improvements at the Seven Corners intersection. The Seven Corners ring road project was allocated $4.2 million in funding in the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s latest six-year plan. That amount is partially funding of the $94.8 million full request from Fairfax County. This project will happen in phases and involve specific portions of the Ring Road, Route 7, and Route 50. The virtual meetings to discuss the Seven Corners phased improvements will be held Wednesday, November 9 at 12 noon, where the public may join online or by phone at 571-429-5982 with passcode 982 008 654#; and on Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 pm by joining online or by phone at 571-429-5982 with passcode 309 316 22#

KBBQ

Washingtonian Magazine cited a new Korean barbecue restaurant in Falls Church called Puzukan Tan—meaning “butcher shop” and “charcoal”—as different from others for using special grills that utilize both gas and charcoal for a smokier flavor. It recommended the “butcher’s omakase” to sample the best of the menu.

Annual Capital Region Transportation Forum

The Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Greater Washington Partnership are hosting the Annual Capital Region Transportation Forum. This will be held Wednesday, November 9, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes Street, Arlington. Maryland Secretary of Transportation James Ports, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard Miller, District Department of Transportation Director Everett Lott, and WMATA GM/CEO Randy Clarke among others, will examine the region’s transportation needs and the investments and innovations on the horizon that will support the region’s continued growth and prosperity. The in-person event is free to attend and you may register here: https://greaterwashingtonpartnership-9066980.hs-sites.com/capital-region-transportation-forum-2022

 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@ fallschcurchchamber.org.

The Pelosis and a Haunted America

was so relieved when, at dawn, church bells rang and drove them off.

But now the bad spirits are lurking all around us. They will not be driven off.

Transit president, was suckerpunched in the face in Chelsea by someone walking by in the bike lane.

is Nancy?” When police arrived, the man said he was “waiting for Nancy.”

said nothing all day about the Pelosi family.

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I loved putting up twinkling bats and watching midnight monsterchiller-horror movies.

Not this year.

The world is too scary. Politics is too creepy. Horror is too real.

When I was a child, on Oct. 31, my older brother would put on a vinyl LP of Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” that he had carefully cleaned. The eerie music was used by Walt Disney in the segment of his animated masterpiece “Fantasia” about the surreal celebration of evil during the night of the witches’ Sabbath.

Chernabog, the lord of evil and death, wrapped in a dark cape, stands atop a jagged peak, summoning ghosts, witches and vampires to swirl out of the mountain and pay homage. I

America seems haunted by random violence and casual cruelty every day. In New York, subway riders get pushed onto the tracks and innocent bystanders are shot. Officials across the country are facing kidnapping plots, armed visits to their homes, assaults and death threats. No place seems safe, from parks to schools to the supposedly impregnable, guarded Capitol and homes of the wealthy and well known.

In some states, women — and girls — seeking abortions are treated as criminals. In Uvalde, Texas, terrified children frantically calling the police are slaughtered by a teenage psychopath with an AR-15-style rifle as 376 police officers linger in and around the elementary school waiting for … what?

On Friday, The New York Post broke the news that someone I know, Sarah Feinberg, a former Obama official and former New York City

Now comes news of a maniac breaking into a house in the middle of the night, bludgeoning an 82-yearold man in the head with a hammer while demanding to know where his famous wife was. Perfect Halloween movie fare. Except it actually happened.

One of the most macabre stories to come out of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and democracy, ginned up by Donald Trump, was when the mob roamed the halls, pounding the speaker’s door with bloodcurdling taunts of “Where’s Nancy?”

Speaker Pelosi was not there, thank God. She was huddling with other top officials in a secure bunker, placing call after call for help that was slow to arrive.

Luckily, she was safe, in D.C. with her security detail, when a man broke into her Pacific Heights home in San Francisco early Friday morning. He smashed the patio glass door and attacked her husband, who struggled with the attacker for control of a hammer. In a tingly echo of Jan. 6, the man shouted at Paul Pelosi, “Where is Nancy? Where

The Rising Tide of Global Sadness

Taylor Swift was quite the romantic when she burst on the scene in 2006. She sang about the ecstasies of young love and the heartbreak of it. But her mood has hardened as her star has risen. Her excellent new album, “Midnights,” plays upon a string of negative emotions — anxiety, restlessness, exhaustion and occasionally anger.

“I don’t dress for women,” she sings at one point, “I don’t dress for men/ Lately I’ve been dressing for revenge.”

It turns out Swift is part of a larger trend. Researchers Charlotte Brand, Alberto Acerbi and Alex Mesoudi analyzed more than 150,000 pop songs released between 1965 and 2015. Over that time, the appearance of the word “love” in top-100 hits roughly halved. Meanwhile, the number of times such songs contained negative emotion words, like “hate” rose sharply.

Pop music isn’t the only thing that has gotten a lot harsher. David Rozado, Ruth Hughes and Jamin

Halberstadt analyzed 23 million headlines published between 2000 and 2019 by 47 news outlets popular in the United States. The headlines, too, grew significantly more negative, with a greater proportion of headlines denoting anger, fear, disgust and sadness. Headlines in left-leaning media got a lot more negative, but headlines in rightleaning publications got even more negative than that.

The negativity in the culture reflects the negativity in real life. The General Social Survey asks people to rate their happiness levels. Between 1990 and 2018, the share of Americans who put themselves in the lowest happiness category increased by more than 50 percent. And that was before the pandemic.

The really bad news is abroad. Each year, Gallup surveys roughly 150,000 people in more than 140 countries about their emotional lives. Experiences of negative emotions — related to stress, sadness, anger, worry and physical pain — hit a record high last year.

Gallup asks people in this survey to rate their lives on a scale from zero to 10, with zero meaning you’re living your worst possible

life and 10 meaning you’re living your best. Sixteen years ago, 1.6 percent of people worldwide rated their life as a zero. As of last year, the share of people reporting the worst possible lives has more than quadrupled. The unhappiest people are even unhappier. In 2006, the bottom fifth of the population gave themselves an average score of 2.5. Fifteen years later, that average score in the bottom quintile had dropped to 1.2.

In an interview, Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup, said that in 2021, 21 percent of the people in India gave themselves a zero rating. He said negative emotions are rising in India and China, Brazil and Mexico and many other nations. A lot of people are pretty miserable at work. In the most recent survey, Gallup found that 20 percent of all people are thriving at work, 62 percent are indifferent on the job and 18 percent are miserable.

Part of the problem is the declining community. The polls imply that almost 2 billion people are so unhappy where they live that they would not recommend their community to a friend. This is especially true in China and India.

Part of the problem is hunger. In 2014, 22.6 percent of the world faced

Paul Pelosi, a genial investor who likes to star in amateur musicals and who has been married to Nancy for 59 years, called 911, the Times reported, bringing police to his home and potentially saving his life. He was hit several times on his hands and head with the hammer and was taken to the hospital for surgery for a skull fracture and is expected to recover.

The police said the intruder was David DePape, a 42-year-old from Berkeley, California. CNN reported that DePape’s relatives confirmed that a Facebook account spewing Trumpian conspiracies on topics ranging from climate change to Covid was his. In his posts, he cast doubt on the validity of the 2020 election — sharing pillow pusher and Trump lickspittle Mike Lindell’s absurd videos. And he defended the Trump rioters who stormed the Capitol.

With his usual level of class, Donald Trump put out a message of sympathy to the family of Jerry Lee Lewis, “the Killer” of rock ’n’ roll, who died Friday at age 87, but

moderate or severe food insecurity. By 2020, 30.4 percent of the world did.

Part of the problem is an increase in physical misery. In 2006, 30 percent of people who rated their lives the worst said they experienced daily pain. Last year, 45 percent of those people said they live with daily pain. Before the pandemic, the experience of living with pain increased across all age groups.

A lot of those numbers surprised me. Places like China and India have gotten much richer. But development does not necessarily lead to gains in well-being, in part because development is often accompanied by widening inequality. This is one of the core points Clifton makes in his book “Blind Spot: The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It.” We conventionally use gross domestic product and other material measures to evaluate how nations are doing. But these are often deeply flawed measures of how actual people are experiencing their lives.

Misery influences politics. James Carville famously said, “It’s the economy, stupid.” But that’s too narrow. Often it’s human flourishing, stupid, including community cohesion, a sense of being respected, social connection. George Ward of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has argued that subjec-

On Twitter, Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois urged GOP candidates and elected officials to speak out against the “horrific” attack. He probably didn’t have in mind the sort of speaking out that Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia did. Youngkin made a joke of the assassination attempt: “There’s no room for violence anywhere, but we’re going to send her back to be with him in California.”

Democrats had a nice run, on climate change and gun legislation, and enjoyed some backlash to the Dark Prince of the Supreme Court, Samuel Alito. Now Republicans seem set to win back the House, and maybe the Senate, with a range of incompetent and hypocritical candidates.

“I cannot believe anybody would vote for these people,” Pelosi told the Times’ Carl Hulse on a fundraising swing. But a feral mood has taken hold. If you think Washington is monstrous now, just wait.

By Maureen dowd © 2022 The New York Times

tive measures of well-being are more predictive of some election outcomes than economic measures. Measures of well-being dropped in Tunisia and Egypt before the Arab uprisings. Well-being dropped in Britain before the Brexit vote. Counties in the United States that saw the largest gain in voting Republican for president between the 2012 election and Donald Trump’s election in 2016 were also the counties where people rated their lives the worst.

If misery levels keep rising, what can we expect in the future? Well, rising levels of populism for one. And second, greater civil unrest across the board. Clifton noted that according to the Global Peace Index, civic discontent — riots, strikes, anti-government demonstrations — increased by 244 percent from 2011 to 2019.

We live in a world of widening emotional inequality. The top 20 percent of the world is experiencing the highest level of happiness and well-being since Gallup began measuring these things. The bottom 20 percent is experiencing the worst. It’s a fundamentally unjust and unstable situation. The emotional health of the world is shattering.

By David Brooks © 2022

York Times

Putin Claims Gay Love Leading to World War

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“Gay Liberation” was certainly a big deal in many ways for me, for us, back in the day, in the late 1960s and early 1970s when the famous “Stonewall Riots” happened in the Greenwich Village of New York City in the context of raucous civil rights and women’s liberation activism of that time, too.

But who seriously thought then that we were laying the groundwork for World War 3? Who thought that loving would lead to war?

It is indeed fascinating that the movement I’ve most aligned with for all these years has now been tagged the No. 1 threat to cause the next world war by no less than Vladimir Putin. It is now his single most important excuse for putting humanity on a path to a potential, and very real, next World War.

That’s what Putin has claimed repeatedly in his recent months’ rhetorical diatribes justifying his military invasion and ongoing pulverization of Ukraine. To some seasoned diplomats and wise observers, the invasion of Ukraine last February will someday be remembered by any still living as the first big blow, akin to the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Serbia in 1914, that set the process in motion for a global conflagration over the next few years. (I’m told that Netflix’s new German remake of the 1930 movie version of the World War I epic “All Quiet on the Western Front” is really good.)

Or, as Andrew Tobias quipped this week in his thoughts on this eve of the biggest election in our lifetimes, “The loss of democracy seems very abstract – until, let’s say, you have to fight World War 2 to preserve it. Easier just to vote.”

In numerous motivational speeches to his nation in the last month, Putin has cited the “degeneracy” of the West, identifying the issues of “queer” culture and gender fluidity, etc., as the most exemplary issue for him justifying his offensive in Ukraine, such offensive identified by him as a proxy (for the time being) of a more general culture war with the West in general.

No wonder Putin resonates so well with the right wing insurgents who are continuing their efforts to make an anti-democratic revolution in the U.S. They, and with the help of a Trump-led Supreme Court now in their favor, are resolved to make Putin’s hoped-for eventual conquest of the U.S. go much smoother by outlawing a lot of the things that contributed in the last 50 years to gains for civil and human rights in the U.S.

Let’s be clear, had Trump been reinstated in the White House in 2021, Putin’s military would already be halfway across Europe by now.

So now, the Europeans remain nervous that this may well yet happen. It is reported this week that Norwegians are beefing up their defenses on the 163mile shared border with Russia.

Putin is not trying to disavow anyone of his vicious character and sociopathic lack of regard for the impact his murderous invasion is having on innocent human lives, whether the victims are those in invaded Ukraine, or even among those among his own citizens. It makes no difference to him, as when in World War 2, Stalin punished a million of his own men for desertion and killed another 160,000.

So it is indeed true that the realization of the totality of what true democracy stands for includes all in the bright and colorful array of our homo sapien species. All the names and initials for nuances of our “tribe” total up to one thing: everybody. Some argue we should all just call ourselves “queer,” but others in the movement for human rights do not apply a pejorative term to identify their cause. As it was for me in 1969, I prefer “gay.”

But when it comes to passionate speech making, Putin is surely no match for the new president of the three-millionmember Human Rights Campaign. Kelley Robinson brought the Convention Center holding over 3,000 down at HRC’s National Dinner last weekend in Washington, D.C. with a strident and articulate message for equality that left noted barn burner herself, Vice President Kamala Harris, feeling challenged to match.

of Labor Statistics measures the cost of housing, which largely reflects the average amount paid by renters, which is then used to estimate an “imputed” cost for homeowners — in effect, what they would be paying if they were renting their dwellings.

This procedure makes sense for evaluating the cost of living, but it can be problematic as a way of judging the current state of the economy. Why? Because most renters have leases, so the amount they pay lags far behind the rates paid by new renters. A recent study by the BLS found that this lag averages about a year.

What this means is that the official measure of shelter inflation, which is a large part of overall inflation and an even larger part of various measures of underlying inflation, reflects conditions in the housing market in late 2021, not conditions today. Back then, as it happens, rents were rising at a double-digit rate — in large part,

some research suggests, because of the rise of remote work, which led people to want more space.

But all of this appears to be behind us. A recent analysis by Goldman Sachs estimated that market rents are currently rising at an annual rate of only 3 percent, about the rate before the pandemic, and many analysts expect rents to slow even further or perhaps even begin to fall. This slowdown will eventually show up in official measures of inflation — but not until sometime next year.

Is “true” inflation really coming down? Like many economic observers, I was waiting with some trepidation for Friday morning’s release of the Employment Cost Index, widely viewed as a better measure of wage growth than the simple average wage. Would it contradict other data suggesting slowing wages? Well, it didn’t.

Wages are still rising too fast to be consistent with the Fed’s inflation target, but if the economy is really set to weaken, wage growth will probably weaken too. Fur-

thermore, you can argue that past wage growth, like surging rents, partly reflected a one-time adjustment to pandemic-related shocks, which will go away over time.

So, does the Fed need to do more? Or has it already done too much? It’s a judgment call. There is, I’d argue, a strong case to be made that there’s considerable future disinflation already in the pipeline. But is it enough to justify a Fed pause after its next interest rate hike (which is clearly going to happen)?

Well, as Kindleberger would have said, there are enough measures out there to let you be either optimistic or pessimistic about inflation, according to your temperament.

Over the past year, optimists like me were wrong, while pessimists were right. But past results are no guarantee of future performance.

By PAUL KRUGMAN © 2022 The New York Times

News-Press Community News

Falls Church Restaurants

Crawl to Benefit Four Courts

Falls Church restaurants will host a crawl to benefit employees of Ireland’s Four Courts in Arlington, where a driver crashed in August, causing injuries and damage.

The Crawl for the Courts will be held Saturday, November 5 from 3:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. Attendees can purchase a $100-per-person voucher to enjoy a bite and drink specials at six participating Falls Church restaurants. All proceeds will be given to Ireland’s Four Courts.

The crawl is being organized by Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Ireland’s Four Provinces to support Ireland’s Four Courts staff. Participating restaurants include Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Liberty Barbecue, Northside Social Falls Church, Dogwood Tavern and Harvey’s.

Save the Date: Veterans Commemoration

On Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, the City of Falls Church will honor four George Mason High School alumni who died while serving in the military during the Vietnam War years. There will be a commemoration at 11 a.m. at the community center to honor Captain David Rockwell Crocker, Jr., Class of 1961; Sergeant Charles Richard McNulty, Class of 1965; Captain Neal Emil Monette, Class of 1958; and Lieutenant JG David Gerald Smith, Class of 1955.

Young Performers Present

“The

Spongebob Musical”

Young performers from Alexandria and Fairfax County schools are eager to present their latest fall production, “The SpongeBob Musical,” in November.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre will present its fall production, with opening night on November 11th. Performances will be held at

7:00 p.m. on November 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th as well as

3:00 p.m. on November 13th and 20th at Bryant High School, Popkins Lane, Alexandria. VA.

The children’s theatre is performing its adaptation of the Broadway musical, based on the popular children’s cartoon created by Stephen Hillenburg on Nickelodeon. The musical follows the adventures of the underwater yellow sponge Spongebob along with characters like Patrick, Squidward, Plankton and more. The production directed by Chinara Hill features songs, humor and fun for all ages.

Tickets are available in advance and at the door. For more information and tickets, visit www.mvcct.org.

Falls Church Homeless Shelter Seeks Volunteers

The local shelter will be operating this hypothermia season from December 1st — March 31st. The shelter is offering opportunities for adults to volunteer in any of a number of ways to staff the shelter. The roles are as follows: Volunteer Staff, Backup Volunteer Staff, Grocery Giver, Supply Provider and Bag Lunch Provider. Questions may be directed to the Falls Church Homeless Shelter at contact@fcshelter.org.

MHS Teacher Presents at Global Symposium

Mary Jo West, Meridian HS teacher presented on cross-cultural collaboration at the 1st International Global Symposium in Sejong, South Korea on October 21st and 22nd. The conference featured two days of immersive cross-border learning and networking, collaborating on novel approaches to learning, and school visits to Sejong Int’l Global High School. Teachers were from Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Turkey and South Korea.

Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Returns

Creative Cauldron’s twenty-year

anniversary and 2022-23 Season, its first producing entirely original works, continue with the Learning Theater original musical: “The Princess and the Goblin.” Created and directed by Laura Connors Hull, Lenny Mendez and Will Stevenson, with music by Matt Conner and lyrics by Stephen Gregory Smith, Creative Cauldron’s “The Princess and the Goblin” is a humor-fueled musical adventure specifically for young audiences but a delight for any age.

Told by the Learning Theater Ensemble, a troupe of student actors, and anchored by adult professional actors, this modern fairytale is sure to entertain. “The Princess and the Goblin” runs November 4th — 20th. Press Night is Saturday, November 5, 7:30 pm.

Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater Ensemble program is unique in all of the DMV because it gives budding young actors an opportunity to learn their craft over an extended show run of fifteen performances. The original scripts are always crafted to support the unique talents of the participants, and the show includes professional actors who serve as mentors throughout the run. Directors give notes after every performance and the talents of the cast continue to blossom.

Halloween Candy Buy Back Coming Soon

Stop by Oasis Pediatric Dental Care between November 1st through the 8th to donate some Halloween treats for military troops and first responders.

Trade in Halloween treats for a $5 gift card to Sweet Frog frozen yogurt. Stop by the Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics during their business hours to drop off the treats.

‘Capricious’ Named People’s Choice at ‘Scapes Show

Sara Bardin’s painting

“Capricious” has received the $50 Falls Church Arts’ People’s Choice Award. The prize is sponsored by DuBro Architects +

HARVEY’S HOSTED their “Blues, Boos, and Brews event on Thursday, October 27th. The event had a large attendance of people in costumes, and 10 percent of all sales made that day went to the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. (Photo: Josh Trupo)

“CAPRICIOUS” by Sara Bardin has received the $50 Falls Church Arts’ People’s Choice Award at ‘Scapes exhibit. The painting is available at Falls Church Arts for $3,000 and was created with acrylic on canvas. (Photo Courtesy: Sara Bardin)

Builders, 429 S. Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046.

Bardin’s piece, available at Falls Church Arts for $3,000, is a 36” x 48” work created with acrylic on canvas. Bardin says about her piece, “The use of color affects us all differently. I paint to relieve myself of stress and find that bold reds, yellows, and blues calm me as they are brushed across the canvas inducing a state of mindfulness. My intent is to have the same colors evoke an emotional reaction from the viewer, that leaves them inspired, energized, and empowered.”

The piece was chosen by the visitors to Falls Church Arts as the People’s Choice award winner. The theme for this exhibit is ‘Scapes: landscapes, memoryscapes, seascapes, dreamscapes. The show runs through November 13.

Local Scout Presents Middle School Teacher With Podium

Local Boy Scout Emmanuel Pinedo Rasdall this week delivered a new conductor’s podium to Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School that he and other scouts hand-built in recent weeks. Rasdall presented the podium in a ceremony on Wednesday to Jonathan Mills, a music teacher at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.

Rasdall, 15, led construction of the podium as part of work he is doing to earn his Eagle Scout Award, the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank. To

earn the award, each candidate must earn 22 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagoguerelated service project. Only about 6 percent of all eligible boy scouts earn the distinction, according to a national scouting publication.

A sophomore at Meridian High School, Rasdall played trumpet in Mills’ middle-school music class and band and now plays at the high school level.

“Mr. Mills taught me a lot, so I wanted to give back to him,” he said. Until now, Mills has either borrowed a conductor’s podium from the high school or cobbled together shelves to create his own podium, Rasdall said. “I wanted to get him something that … looks more professional.”

Approximately 14 scouts constructed the podium this summer and fall under the direction of Rasdall and adult supervisors affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 1996 of Falls Church City. The project involved roughly 20 hours of work sessions to complete, with multiple students per session, and significant preparation time. All told, it cost about $700, Rasdall said, noting that he raised money for the project from family and friends and also drew on his own savings.

Secure Houses of Worship in National Capital Region

It really does take a village!

FB-ISAO will bring together faith-leaders, members of secu -

rity and safety teams, local law enforcement partners, team members from the Active Assailant Security Branch at CISA, Protective Security Advisors and team members from participating Fusion Centers, to participate in Hostile Event Preparedness Workshops in the National Capital Region. Learn more about the FB-ISAO Hostile Event Preparedness Workshops. The workshop will take place on 17 November 2022 from 9:00am to 3:30pm ET in Chevy Chase Maryland. The workshops are FREE – to register, please complete this form.

The free training is offered by the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization. Mayya Saab, serves as Executive Director. Mayya also serves on the DHS Faith-Based Security Advisory Council.

Zoning Updates to Transition Zones Proposed in F.C.

The City of Falls Church is considering zoning changes that would allow more housing options in the areas between commercial corridors and single-family homes.

Transition zones, which represent less than 3 percent of the city’s land, could undergo zoning updates to allow smaller residential developments.

According to the city’s website, T-1 zoning is mostly on N. Washington Street and Park Avenue with existing uses such

as Columbia Baptist Church, Christ-Crossman Methodist Church, Sunrise of Falls Church and single-family houses converted to commercial use and townhouses. T-2 zones include the Kaiser Permanente facility and a small office building on N. Washington Street and Park Avenue near Maple Avenue.

The consideration results from City Council requesting zoning tools to allow development of smaller projects on sites too small for larger developments. The proposed changes in transition zones would include allowing townhouses and

multifamily housing options, allowing more neighborhoodserving retail, and allowing larger builders to encourage reinvestment.

The next step in the process is the Falls Church Planning Commission holding a public listening session at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA. A Planning Commission work session is tentatively planned for Dec. 7 and public hearing on Dec. 21. City Council consideration would be at an undetermined time in the first quarter of 2023.

WELCOMING FALLS CHURCH and Meridian High School International Club co-hosted a Diwali event at Cherry Hill Park on Monday, October 24th. Also in attendance was councilwomen Debbie Hiscott and Letti Hardi with Mayor David Tarter. (Photo Courtesy: Christine Buchholz)

LOCAL BOY SCOUT Emmanuel Pinedo Rasdall led the construction of a conductor’s podium to a music teacher at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. (Photo Courtesy: Polly Myers)

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER Mary Jo West presented on a cross-cultural collaboration at the 1st International Global Symposium in Sejong, South Korea on October 21st and 22nd. The conference featured two days of immersive cross-boarder learning. ( photo Courtesy: Mary Jo West)

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

BOLAY RIBBON CUTTING

Members of City Council, the EDA and Chamber of Commerce will join Bolay at Birch and Broad for the Ribbon

Cutting and grand opening. The public is invited to join the celebration. 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR

The Falls Church Children’s Business Fair will host young entrepreneurs at Cherry Hill Park. The event is free and

open to the public. All children need to apply in order to have a booth. 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact bjauregui@ actonfallschurch.org.

CRAWL FOR THE COURTS

The local Falls Church restaurant community is coming together to host a Crawl for the Courts to benefit the employees of Ireland’s Four Courts. To participate, one will need to buy a voucher at one participating restaurant on the day of the event. The cost is $100 per person and 100 percent of proceeds will be presented to Ireland’s Four Courts. 3:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

"JEWISH MUSICAL TREASURES" CONCERT

The 2022-23 National Chamber Ensemble's 16th Season "A Season of Cultural Expressions" opening night marks the 84th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a tragic event in history, with a concert entitled "Jewish Musical Treasures." The Ensemble will perform music of beloved composers whose contributions con-

tinue to symbolize Cultural Expressions which have become part of the American mainstream. Performed at Gunston Arts Center (2700 S Lang St., Arlington). 7:30 p.m.

U.S. ARMY'S "HEROES & VOICES" CONCERT

Please join The U.S Army for “Heroes and Voices: Always at our Nation’s Side,” a musical, theatrical experience celebrating the heroic Soldiers throughout the ages. Located at Conmy Hall (101 Jackson Avenue, Arlington). Showing at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

CITY OF FALLS CHURCH BAND FALL CONCERT

Join the City of Falls Church Band for a live musical performance. The concert will be performed at 7:00 p.m. at the Falls Church Episcopal Church in Falls Church. Featured guests will include a retired NSO flutist, a retired Air Force Band Conductor, with a

“Chaminade’s Concertino” and “Hymn to the Fallen.”

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

ELECTION DAY

General elections for Member, House of Representatives, 8th District. Polls are open at one’s assigned polling place from 6:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.

KENSINGTON FALLS CHURCH JOB FAIR

The Kensington Falls Church is hosting an in-person job fair for all positions and departments. Interviews with the Leadership Team will also be conducted on site. 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Please email Takisha White: twhite@kensingtonsl.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

WINE & WONDERMENT

2941 Restaurant is hosting their Wine & Wonderment event. Appetizers, beverages, and a private auction will be held. All proceedshelp families enjoy holiday meals and gifts. 2941 Fairview Park Drive,

LIVE MUSIC

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

LOS NOCHEROS

The State Theatre (220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA) 8:30 p.m. (703)

237-0300

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

DAVID ANDREW SMITH

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad Street, Falls Church).

9:30 a.m. (703) 237-8333

STEPHEN KELLOG

Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Road, Vienna). 8:00 p.m. (703)

255-1800

PHILLIP PHILLIPS

Birchmere Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria). 7:30 p.m. (703) 549-7500)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

TYLER GOLDSTEIN

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad Street, Falls Church).

9:30 p.m. (703) 237-8333

DEEP STATE

Clare & Don's Beach Shack (130 N Washington St., Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. (703) 532-9283

LOOSE ENDS

Birchmere Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria).

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA

Birchmere Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria). 7:30 p.m. (703)

THEATER & ARTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

4

The Princess & The Goblin

When the always curious Princess Irene discovers a secret stair to the top turret of the castle, it leads to a wonderful revelation that she has a fairy grandmother. Adapted for the stage with music, humor and wit that has become the signature of Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater productions, this show has appeal for every age. Showing at Creative Cauldron from November 4th — 20th. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Il trovatore (The Troubadour)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Into the Woods

Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook char-

acters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score, “Into the Woods” is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables. Showing at Signature Theatre from November 8th — January 29th, 2023. 7:30 p.m

TYLER GOLDSTEIN is a musician, producer and music educator. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Tyler was introduced to the sounds of rock, blues and funk at an early age. By the time he was nine years old, he was already playing guitar and writing music in a band. He will be performing at Dogwood Tavern on Saturday, November 5th at 9:30 p.m. (Photo: Tyler Goldstein)

Jealousy. Sorcery. Vengeance. Forbidden love. Verdi’s melodrama set in 16th century Spain has it all for the “perfect” opera night out, with one rousing aria and chorus after another. Manrico, a troubadour, and Count di Luna are bitter rivals in love and war, but they share a secret origin that irrevocably links them. Manrico’s mother, Azucena, carries a secret of her own. When her tragic past returns to haunt her, Azucena’s allegiance will be put to the test. Showing at the Kennedy Center from October 22nd — November 7th. 7:00 p.m.

THE PRINCESS & THE GOBLIN tells the story about Princessderful revelation that she has a fairy grandmother. It will be performed at Creative Cauldron from November 4th through the 20th at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (Photo: Ellen Selby)

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Proposed Flood

Hazard

Determinations for City of Falls Church, Virginia, Independent City

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations within the Independent City of Falls Church, Virginia. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/or FIS report for the Independent City of Falls Church, Virginia. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www. floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/ bfe_main.asp or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The following was given first reading at the October 24, 2022 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, November 14, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO22-16) ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE SALARIES FOR THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

The proposed ordinance would increase the salary for the Mayor from $9,800 to $11,500 annually and the salary for City Council members from $9,200 to $11,000. The effective date of the proposed salary changes is 2024, the year after the next City Council election. State law regulates permissible salary levels for certain local elected officials, together with the procedures for amending the same, and the proposed ordinance reflects both considerations. The City Council last adjusted salaries for the Mayor and Council members in 2007.

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 NOTICE

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items:

Variance application V1634-22 by Nisha and Pradeep Sensharma, applicants and owners, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)a. to allow a rear setback of 28.12 feet instead of 40 feet for the purpose of constructing a screened porch on an existing deck at premises known as 621 Laura Drive, RPC #52-604-009 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned

R-1A, Low Density Residential.

Variance application V1635-22 by Maribel and Edwin Najera, applicants and owners, for a variance to Section 48-263(3)a. to allow side setbacks of 8.3 feet instead of 10 feet for the purpose of constructing a 2nd story addition at premises known as 113 West Cameron Road, RPC #52-402-055 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential.

Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on November 17, 2022. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA

Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

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

Architectural Advisory Board Arts & Humanities

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STRONG AS STEEL WITH THE

LOOK

The campaigns of Falls Church businessman Don Beyer and his Republican counterpart Jim Gilmore are zeroing in on opposite sides of what has clearly become the pivotal issue of this year’s gruelling campaign for Governor of Virginia.

With most polls showing the Presidential and Virginia’s U.S. Senate races neck-and-neck, well within margins of error, voter turnout will be the key to who wins next Tuesday.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER GT, UNDER § 56-585.1 A 6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2022-00140

•Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Company”) has filed a Petition to update the rate adjustment clause, designated Rider GT.

•Through its Petition, the Company seeks to recover projected and actual costs related to electric distribution grid transformation projects that the Commission has approved as part of the Company’s plan for electric grid distribution grid transformation projects.

•The total revenue requirement requested for recovery in this Petition beginning June 1, 2023, is $15,502,000.

•The Company states that the implementation of the proposed Rider GT on June 1, 2023, will incrementally decrease the typical residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours (“kWh”) per month, by $0.86 compared to the current Rider GT.

•A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on March 21, 2023, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony.

•An evidentiary hearing will be held on March 22, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

•Further information about this case is available on the Commission website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On August 16, 2022, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a petition (“Petition”) to update the rate adjustment clause (“RAC”), designated Rider GT, pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), the Commission’s Rules Governing Utility Rate Case Applications and Annual Informational Filings of Investor-Owned Electric Utilities (“Rate Case Rules”), and the directive contained in Ordering Paragraph (3) of the Final Order issued by the Commission on May 13, 2022, in Case No. PUR-2021-00083 (the “2021 RAC Order”). Through its Petition, the Company seeks to recover projected and actual costs related to certain electric distribution grid transformation projects that the Commission has approved as part of the Company’s plan for electric distribution grid transformation projects (“GT Plan”). Pursuant to Code § 56-585.1 A 7, the Commission must issue a final order regarding the Petition within nine months of filing.

The Petition explains that in Case Nos. PUR-2018-00100 and PUR-2019-00154, the Commission approved Dominion’s investments related to eleven GT Plan projects in years 2019, 2020, and 2021 (“Phase I”). In the 2021 RAC Order, the Commission authorized the Company to recover projected and actual costs for ten of the Phase I projects through Rider GT. The projects include: (1) mainfeeder hardening, (2) targeted corridor improvement, (3) voltage island mitigation, (4) hosting capacity analysis, (5) the Locks Campus Microgrid, (6) physical security, (7) the Smart Charging Infrastructure Pilot Program, (8) telecommunications, (9) cyber security, and (10) customer education. The Petition states further that the Commission approved additional electric distribution grid transformation projects for the years 2022 and 2023 (“Phase II”) in Case No. PUR-2021-00127. However, the Company states that it is not requesting to recover costs associated with Phase II projects through Rider GT at this time. The Company states that the Commission approved Phase I projects up to the maximum amount of investment previously deemed reasonable and prudent by the Commission (“cost caps”). The Company further represents that, should costs exceed such cost caps, the Commission directed that those costs would be incurred at the Company’s risk; and it would be the Company’s burden to demonstrate reasonableness and prudence for any such incremental investment. The Petition states that in the 2021 RAC Order, the Commission approved incremental costs over the cost caps related to two projects - the Locks Campus Microgrid and physical security - finding that the Company had proven that the projects remain reasonable and prudent with the addition of the incremental costs in excess of the cost caps. The Company states that it interprets this portion of the 2021 RAC Order as establishing new cost caps for those two projects. Dominion reports that seven of the ten Phase I projects authorized by the Commission for cost recovery in the 2021 RAC Order are progressing in line with the overall budgetary plan within the cost caps.

The Company asserts that these costs are reasonable, prudent, and consistent with the Commission’s prior determinations. The Company reports that three of the ten projects - targeted corridor improvement, hosting capacity analysis, and physical security - have projected costs that exceed the cost caps. The Company asserts that these three projects are still reasonable to pursue, and requests the Commission find the incremental costs of these projects are reasonable and prudent.

In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider GT for the rate year beginning June 1, 2023, and ending May 31, 2024 (“2023 Rate Year”). The Company’s RAC revenue requirement includes the Projected Cost Recovery Factor. The Company states that the Projected Cost Recovery Factor results in the operating income necessary for recovery of projected financing costs based on the expected investment balances as of June 1, 2023, as well as recovery of operations and maintenance costs and plant depreciation expense. The Company is requesting a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of approximately $15,502,000.

If the proposed Rider GT for the 2023 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. The Company states that the implementation of the proposed Rider GT on June 1, 2023, will incrementally decrease the typical residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, by $0.86 compared to the current Rider GT. The Company proposes that the costs associated with Rider GT be allocated consistent with the methodology approved by the Commission in the 2021 RAC Order. The Company represents that it has calculated the proposed Rider GT rates in accordance with the same methodology used for those rates previously approved by the Commission. 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 that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On March 21, 2023, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses, with no public witness present in the Commission’s courtroom. On or before March 15, 2023, 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

On March 22, 2023, 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 Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff on the Company’s Petition.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. Any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371 9838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

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

On or before March 15, 2023, any interested person may file comments on the Petition by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file 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-2022-00140.

On or before January 3, 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 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. 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, 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-2022-00140.

On or before January 24, 2023, 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 Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s 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-2022-00140.

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 public version of the Company’s Petition and other documents filed in this case, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY