12-28-2017 by Falls Church News-Press

December 28, 2017 – January 3, 2018

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I�� T�� W�� B�� O�� P�� F�� D�� P�� A petition signed by representatives of each business in the impacted 100 block of W. Broad Street has been making the rounds, protesting the plans for a plaza in the space between the Hunan and Hot N’ Juicy Crawfish restaurants. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9

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City of Falls Church Treasurer Jody Acosta has reported that since the signing of the federal tax reform legislation last week, her office has been inundated with citizens seeking to pre-pay their real estate and personal property taxes. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9

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To travel the liberal byways of social media over recent weeks was to learn that Donald Trump was on the precipice of axing Robert Mueller and was likely to use the days just before Christmas, when we were distracted by eggnog and mistletoe, to lower the blade. Christmas has come. Christmas has gone. Mueller has not. SEE PAGE 15

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Even with a broken leg, Falls Church volunteer superhero Barb Cram hasn’t faltered in her annual Watch Night preparations and was able to discover some surprise good from an unexpectedly bad accident along the way. SEE PAGE 4

INDEX Editorial.................6 Letters...................6 Comment ....... 15–17 News & Notes18–19 Calendar .......20–21

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

Cool, Clear Forecast for F.C.’s New Year’s Eve ‘Watch Night’ Vast Array of Activities Set for Downtown This Sunday Night

BY MATT DELNAEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Boosted security measures, more attractions for children and a double-dose of anniversaries will make up the 20th annual Watch Night New Year’s Eve celebration in the City of Falls Church this Sunday night. The yearly event is slated to take place throughout downtown Falls Church with other satellite locations stationed nearby the main stage. As per usual, all attractions at Watch Night are free to attendees. In its 20th year, Watch Night has developed a far-reaching reputation. According to Falls Church Arts outreach director Shaun van Steyn, one of 100 volunteers who

helps set up the event, the popularity has been a huge plus for Watch Night’s brand and the City of Falls Church itself but has also prompted added security concerns. That’s why this year there will be extra security measures taken to protect the expectedly enlarged turnout from any unforeseen aggressors. Inspired by the recent terror attacks that have used cars as weapons against crowds, weighted barriers will line the perimeter of the public thoroughfare. Along with that, security cameras placed around the area will also be monitoring the night’s events. Another added feature that benefits both Watch Night’s security and its aesthetic appeal is the addition of more lights to this year’s

THE DROPPING OF THE STAR, shown here during Falls Church’s 2014 Watch Night festivities, will be the highlight of this Sunday’s celebration. (P��: A�� F��) setting downtown. In year’s past the lights that were hung from trees on the main drag of West Broad St. only occupied the tree’s branches. This year, the lights have been

artfully wrapped around the trunk of each tree to illuminate the surrounding area better. There is also

Continued on Page 4

Donald S. Beyer Sr., Patriarch Of Storied Family, Dies at 93 BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Donald S. Beyer, Sr., the patriarch of the storied Beyer family dynasty in Falls Church, died last Saturday two weeks before his 94th birthday, according to reports from his two sons, U.S. Congressman Donald S. Beyer Jr. and chief of the family business, Beyer Automotive, Michael Beyer, and daughter Weetie Hill. “The patriarch of a dynasty has departed this temporal life,” came the announcement from the family this week. “Donald S. Beyer, Sr. joined his previously departed wife, Nancy, and daughter, Kathy,

in eternal glory on December 23, 2017. On January 6, we will celebrate his incredible life. It would have been his 94th birthday.” Don was born in 1924 to Clara and Otto Beyer. He grew up on Spring Hill farm in McLean and was dubbed “Donald the Good” in comparison to his two wild brothers. He earned many nicknames over the years due to his colorful personality. Don graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1946, served in the Korean war and went on to make the military his first career. In 1948 Don married Nancy and together they bore six children, Congressman Beyer, Kathy

Beyer, Sherry S. Beyer, Weetie Hill, Dr. Sandy MacArthur, and Mike S. Beyer. Their spouses include Don Jr.’s Megan, Weetie’s Wayne and Mike’s June. He leaves 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and his companion of the last seven years, Betty Knight. In 1973 Don Beyer Sr. created Don Beyer Motors. He and his sons grew that one dealership in the City of Falls Church City into nine dealerships that employ over 350 people. His legacy continues as his children and many of his grandchildren work and live in the City of Falls Church. The Beyers have been part of this community for 44 years. The

DONALD S. BEYER, SR. family statement said, “Don Sr. will be dearly missed and yet, greatly celebrated for the man he was: a man of integrity, humor, warmth, generosity and wisdom. Rest in peace ‘Big Guy’!”

Continued on Page 5

PAGE 2 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

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PAGE 4 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

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Down But Not Out, Cram Still Center of City’s ‘Watch Night’ by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

Selfless deeds pump vigor through Barb Cram’s service-orientated veins, which work doubletime during the generous season of the holidays. But one fateful injury sidelined Cram (at least, physically) and raised concerns over her capacity to help bring about the 20th annual Watch Night event on New Year’s Eve in the City of Falls Church. Luckily for local residents, Cram never faltered in her preparations and was able to discover some surprise good from an unexpectedly bad accident along the way. It was an early November day at the Falls Church Arts gallery when Cram took a fall that sent shockwaves through the City. A short trip to the bathroom to collect herself was necessary after Cram took a prescribed medicine that can sometimes cause her to experience cold sweats. Once Cram decided she had rested long enough, she stood up — only to blackout. When she awoke she would realize that her medicine was still affecting her, enough to cause a bad slip and three broken bones in her leg. “My foot was caught between the wall and the barrier of the commode, so it caught my leg and

my leg didn’t go with my body when it fell — which was probably good,” Cram said. “I didn’t think that had happened, I just thought I had sprained my ankle or something. I didn’t feel that bad actually, so I was surprised it was three broken bones.” Despite showing as much grit as she does gallantry, Cram can’t will herself to heal faster and become mobile again. So she’s been confined to bed rest while her bones fuse back together, which remains an ongoing process, and has prevented residents from seeing her leading up to Watch Night. Though the public was given a little reprieve when a cardboard cut-out with Cram’s mugshot attached to it has made the rounds at City events throughout the past two months. And bedridden be damned, Cram has stayed active in Watch Night’s planning. She spends hours out of her day making calls, completing paperwork and listening in on meetings to ensure the setup is running smoothly. Along with that, she’s discussing preparations for satellite concert sites at Falls Church Presbyterian Church and Falls Church Episcopal Church and arranging for bands to fill up the main stage’s setlist, ordering banners and tracking the deliv-

ery of the large LOVE letters that sit at the corner of Broad and Washington St. And with fireworks out of the question, Cram has worked to bring in spotlights to shoot into the sky so the familyfriendly event can attract regional attention from passersby. Now two decades in existence and with an experienced crew of volunteers returning to lend a hand, organizing for Watch Night is about as seamless as it’s ever been. It’s a positive for Cram, who can take a little extra time out of her day to do exercises to keep her muscles active. Furthermore, it’s a positive for volunteers to expand their roles and familiarize themselves with broader aspects of the event due to Cram’s physical absence. “People come over [to my house], they’ll pick up what they need and we’ll go over what they’re doing and how we want it to be done,” Cram added. “People like to own the job that they’re doing and having a sense of what the purpose [and scope] is...We’ve got very loyal volunteers, and it’s helped build more loyal volunteers for their venue or event.” The latter point — that her absence has opened the door for more new volunteers — is a blessing in disguise from an otherwise rough injury and perceivably dif-

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BOARD MEMBERS of Falls Church Arts take a photo with a cardboard cut-out version of Barb Cram. In early November, Cram suffered a broken leg and has been immobile throughout a busy holiday season that includes planning for the annual Watch Night event in downtown Falls Church. (Photo: Shaun van Steyn) ficult situation. Cram’s dedication to assisting her neighbors can sometimes negate the need for new help since she and her stable of volunteers are already so efficient at putting Watch Night together. With no fear that there may be too many cooks in the kitchen, new volunteers have joined the planning process and are doing exactly what’s needed of them — and planting the service seed for a new generation in the process. “In a lot of ways when doing the service yourself, you really need to get other people involved because that’s when people continue to serve. If I ever became totally incapacitated, I would expect people to pick up where

I left off, but if they don’t have the chance beforehand, you’re not going to be so fortunate,” Cram continued. “There’s always a silver lining to every cloud.” As Watch Night sits just a few days out, locals shouldn’t expect a surprise appearance from Cram. While she can, technically, leave the house with the aid of a walker, it can be a bit too strenuous for her arms to support her for extended periods of time. Besides, Cram also jokes that the popularity of her cardboard cutout is already surpassing her own stellar 30-plus year reputation in the City. So whether Cram does come by Watch Night or not, the show must — and will — go on.

Falls Church Ready to Ring in 2018 at ‘Watch Night’ Sunday Continued from Page 1

the addition of searchlights that will be shone into the night sky, hopefully drawing more attention to event while compensating for the loss of fireworks. “Without fireworks, the lowering of the Watch Night Star became drab,” van Steyn told the News-Press, citing more stringent constraints from the City government preventing the addition of fireworks. “So this year, there’s going to be a lot more lights.” The added lights will also be a plus for the growing number of families that attend Watch Night and have made the event a family destination from Baltimore to Richmond. In response to the demographic shift, a rockwall, an inflatable obstacle course and moon bounce and a free-standing bungee jumping apparatus have all been included in this year’s

festivities. While most of the attention on this year’s Watch Night is directed toward the event’s 20th anniversary, there is also the lesser-known 10-year anniversary of the Watch Night Star, which drops at midnight to count the crowd down at the main stage. The star was originally placed every holiday season atop the City’s legendary water tower once located not far from the State Theatre in the center of town. It had disappeared until it was fished out of a storage unit with remnants of the old tower. One final unique element of this year’s event has been the physical absence of Falls Church Arts president and principal driver behind Watch Night, Barb Cram. Cram still orchestrated the event while recovering from a broken leg she suffered in November, but her presence will be missed when the star drops this Sunday.

“[Cram] still knows everything that’s going on,” member of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society’s board of directors, Keith Thurston, said. “We’ve brought on some new arms and legs to help carry out what she usually does but otherwise the preparations are unchanged.” Watch Night’s main stage events officially begin at 8 p.m. with performances from the Alpha Dog Blues Band (8 – 8:45 p.m.), the Eastern All-Star Jazz Quintet (9 – 10:15 p.m.) and Sudden M Pac (10:30 p.m. – midnight). At the neighboring Falls Church Episcopal Church, the Stewart Sisters (8 – 9 p.m.) and the Andrew Acosta Band (9 – 10:30 p.m.) will be performing while the church will also be the launch site for Historic Tours of the City. At Falls Church Presbyterian Church, face painters, balloon sculptors and caricaturists will be available

from 7 – 9 p.m. while a puppet show will start at 7:30 and then the Northern Lights Big Band Orchestra (8:30 – 10:30 p.m.) will follow after. Other events as a part of Watch Night are a presentation by the Victorian Society of Falls Church at the Cherry Hill Farmhouse about life in 1907 in Falls Church, free studio time at Clay Café

Studios from 6 – 11:30 p.m., free popcorn at Karl’s Kafe and free hot chocolate located at The Kensington all night. West Broad St. will be blocked off starting at 5 p.m. this Sunday. Most guests can travel to the various spots in the event using shuttles, which will also be making trips to East Falls Church Metro station throughout the night.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 5

Beyer Family Patriarch, Donald S. Beyer, Sr., Dies Continued from Page 1

Last May, the patriarch attended a reunion in Oxford, Maryland, that included 39 members of his family, all related to him by blood or marriage. In a eulogy submitted to the News-Press, Congressman Beyer contributed the following: “America lost one of her greatest characters: Don ‘Buck’ Beyer, Army colonel, automobile dealer, race car driver, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and role model to the whole damned world. “Born to two New Deal leaders and intellectuals, Don was pulled to speed and the smell of gasoline from childhood. He fixed his mother’s broken down Ford on the side of Old Dominion Drive at the age of six. At 12, he built his first car from parts at the junkyard near the family’s Spring Hill Farm in McLean. After Sidwell Friends, The George School, and Western High School, Buck managed West Point graduation and commission despite many undocumented days away racing in the nascent NASCAR. “Malaria sent him home from Korea, and a malaria relapse hospitalized him on the night of his

wedding to Nancy McDonald (he sure looked green at the ceremony). Six months in Walter Reed, with surreptitious weekends off racing, then four years in Trieste, Italy, where Don discovered the military police had all the hot cars. Provost Marshall of Cadets at West Point, Fort Gordon, Provost Marshall in Eniwetok (while testing atomic bombs), Fort Leavenworth, and years around the Pentagon, Buck retired upon getting orders to lead the US Army military police in Vietnam. “His first owned home was in the Washington Palisades, one bathroom for eight, but a three-car garage, where Don could be found any evening or weekend, repairing the cars of the neighborhood. He was a fitness nut before it was cool, and installed parallel bars in the backyard, and a 20-foot climbing rope. Ascending the rope and a dozen pull-ups were required for permission for a driver’s license. He had wrestled at West Point, and until 90, never lost an armwrestling contest. His hands were the size of Frisbees. “The Colonel joined a local retail auto business, quickly becoming general manager at a Chrysler-

Beyer during the Korean War. (Photo courtesy: Beyer Family)

Plymouth store on Benning Road, where he devoted great time and attention to the local community. “In 1973, he established Don Beyer Volvo (intended original name, Pirate Motors, “where your wallet walks the plank,” vetoed by his wife). Someday he hoped to sell one car a day. Forty-four years later, his little family business will sell more than 5,000 cars this year. Don’s business values were uncompromising: integrity, excellence, humor, community, all wrapped in a deep commitment to customer intimacy.

Holiday Savings

“In the early years, he knew every customer by name (and car), and usually asked if theirs was the car that had fallen off the lift that day. He was a master mechanic, with a savant instinct for what was wrong with an automobile. He perfected Management By Walking Around, and always knew not only what was happening in the dealership, but also in the lives of his co-workers. “Don Beyer’s 51-year marriage to Nancy was the beauty thing, inseparable and devoted. Buck teased her relentlessly, hitting a high mark when he swore that 98 percent of the prisoners in Leavenworth were Roman Catholics. Nancy taught her children to believe none of his statistics. “After his ‘retirement’ from the auto business, the Colonel owned a succession of motor homes, each larger than the one before, which his kids took delight in calling ‘campers’ (to his immense annoyance). “With Nancy as co-pilot, they spent many years traversing North America, from the forests of Northern California to Prince Edward Island to Key West. No one else, like no one, was allowed to drive the various beasts. Buck always towed a Jeep dinghy, per-

haps because it had the easiest driveshaft for him to crawl under and disconnect. “Nancy died in September 1999, too young. Eleven years later, Don discovered Betty Knight, and until his death they spent every loving moment together. His special daughter, Kathy, died in 2015. “Buck had an aphorism for every occasion, from ‘Heat lost equals heat gained,’ to ‘your first loss is always your best loss,’ to ‘if you can’t make money off your friends and relatives, who can you make money off?’ “Kind, generous, uncomplaining, never mean, and always funny, Don Beyer will be remembered with joy, gratitude, and love by his five living children (Don Jr., Sherry, Weetie, Sandy, and Mike), their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great grandkids. No one will ever again play the world’s tiniest violin so well.” June Beyer wrote of Don Sr. on her Facebook page, “He was an amazing man who lived a long life of family fun. We give thanks for the countless celebrations shared. This is what life does best, moments and memories of family and friends.”

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PAGE 6 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018

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E D I TO R I A L

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Stand With Us For Truth

If one could claim any silver lining to the travesty of the past year’s Trump presidency, perhaps it could be the way it has reminded so many of us not to take the many benefits and responsibilities of our democracy for granted. Such basic things as free and fair elections, respect for facts and the truth, and for a free and independent press are gaining value by leaps and bounds in the public perception. So are such old fashioned things like, “Your word is your bond,” when it comes to keeping promises and having confidence in government. Two things which have taken a horrible nosedive in the public perception this year have been the integrity and morality of the individual politician in favor of a slavish adherence to party, especially among those on the right, and in a class entirely by itself, the integrity and moral suasion of most high-profile leaders of the so-called evangelical religious right. Just as Fox News and many right wing radio commentators tossed any residual pretenses of fairness and objectivity overboard in 2017, so these religious frauds defaulted on any claim to being healing pastoral influences amid their flocks in favor of some of the most crass exhibitions of soul-sold defenses of moral and sexual excesses by the president and other right-wing leaders. If hell is a place, you won’t have any problem figuring out where to send your holiday greeting cards to these for, well, perhaps eternity (though we favor repentance and redemption, instead). Between the president and his shrinking movement there is a common thread that is increasingly disgusting. It lies in the area of the suspension of basic trust between human beings that is grounded in the respect one person holds for another that impels speaking the truth instead of a deception or lie. Disregard for the truth, in favor of whatever advances a personal or political agenda, is an assault on those on the receiving end of such dissembling and lying. If you lie to me, you are not only degrading your own integrity, you are assaulting and insulting me, seeking to diminish my capacity to make valid decisions based on truth. This disregard for the truth is the most fundamental assault that this administration and its party has been inflicting on the population. It began during the campaign and continued on Inauguration Day when the new Trump White House broadcast its lying posture for the entire world to see by compelling a pathetic spokesman to insist that the Inaugural ceremony and parade were witnessed by millions of non-existent people. A free and independent, fact-based press is the most important component of a democracy, especially when it is under attack. Going into the New Year, we invite our supporters to sign onto the “Friends of the Falls Church News-Press” and weigh in on our behalf and on behalf of a free press everywhere. We’ve just created a Facebook page and invite you to “like” it.

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Simonds is the Rightful Winner in District 94

Editor, Shelly Simonds is the rightful winner of the House of Delegates District 94 (Newport News) race. If one party, in this case the Republicans are allowed to dispute ballots after the recount process Virginian elections will be stuck in recount land forever. Thereby, making Virginian elections an endless loop. In case you haven’t been following the HD94 election, at

the conclusion of election day, November th, Simonds’s opponent was in the lead by 10 points. Since the difference was less than 1 percent, Virginia election rules specify an automatic recount. Therefore on Tuesday, December 20th, each ballot was reviewed by a pair of volunteer observers — one Democrat and one Republican. Based on the rules outlined during the recount day they looked at the ballots and

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decided if each was admissible or not. The pairs were responsible for making each decision and they made them that day. The result of the recount was that Shelly Simonds became the Delegate-Elect by one vote. End of story. The House GOP Caucus and the House Democratic Caucus recognized Delegate-Elect Simonds. Nevertheless, her opponent picked one ballot to dispute — claiming that it was a ballot for him. The next day when a court was supposed to procedurally certify the recounts, the three judges instead decided to overturn the dually conduct-

ed recount process and allow one ballot to be counted for Simonds’ opponent. The next steps get murky and begin a path to nowhere. At what point is an election called? Proper recount procedure was followed. That the result did not end up with two winners is expected and necessary for democratic elections. Allowing dispute over one ballot after the recount procedure was completed is un-democratic and a threat to the Virginia election process. Shelly Simonds is the Delegate-Elect for District 94. Jane Materna Falls Church

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 7

Air & Water Quality, Metro Lead Year-End Debates B� D�� S��

Although most media coverage focused on federal and international issues, December was a critically important month for regional developments in air and water quality and Metro – two topics that directly affect everyone living and working in greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Washington has seen steady improvement in air and water quality because of federal, state, and local government and private sector actions. Our air is cleaner than the air in many international cities, including European capitals. And over the past few years, we have had very few – and in some years no – code-red days when temperatures were over 90 degrees, a distinct improvement from the past. As your representative on the Metropolitan Air Quality Committee (MWAQC), I have worked with regional colleagues to achieve these results. Reflecting this progress, at the December MWAQC meeting we formally asked the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate us in full attainment of the 2008 ozone standard and noted that our region is nearing the ability to meet even more ambitious goals. We also committed to maintain this compliance, along with contingency plans should we fail to meet our targets. In December, MWAQC also submitted comments strongly opposing EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan, in recognition that

much of our air pollution and its related negative health effects originate in fossilfuel burning power plants to our west. We wrote: “Federal emissions control programs contribute up to a third of the GHG [Green House Gas] emission reductions projected

“Our air is cleaner than the air in many international cities, including European capitals.” for the region, and are therefore critical to meeting our goals… Increased emissions caused by burning fossil fuels result in greater amounts of GHG emissions, but also increased emissions of pollutants such as ozone and fine particle precursors…These pollutants have negative impacts on public health and welfare…” Funding Metro Long-term funding for Metro continued to be widely discussed at year end with new proposals, but with no consensus. Much of the debate focused not on funding, but on forcing major governance changes, specifically creating a small control board to oversee Metro through a transition period. At the state level, Virginia Governor

Terry McAuliffe proposed that a portion of the taxes flowing to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority be designated for Metro and a floor on the existing regional gas tax for the rail-and-bus transit system be established to offset the reduction in gas prices. At the federal level, Congresswoman Barbara Comstock proposed some additional funding for Metro, but tied these monies to dramatic governance and other changes. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Marion Bowser continued to support a regional sales tax, while Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called for D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and the federal government each to contribute $125 million until fiscal 2022 to close the $2 billion gap in Metro’s capital budget. My own view is that the funding issue is our number one concern. Governance is important, but without adequate funding no board of any size can really solve Metro’s problems. In fact, the reverse order of priority, I believe, is being used to indefinitely delay, or worse yet, prevent confronting the funding issue with the inevitable demise of Metro as this strategy’s objective. To solve Metro’s funding issues, the federal and state governments need to provide much more to reflect the benefits these jurisdictions derive from the system. As an example, according to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), the Commonwealth alone receives $600 million plus annually in taxes from Metro-generated economic activity, yet currently pays only

$150 million for it. Until those benefiting contribute what they should, I am not willing to commit Falls Church to increased subsidies, amounting to more than an additional 1 cent on our tax rate next year. For this reason, I voted against a Council of Governments resolution committing existing funders, including Falls Church, to contribute more if long-term funding is not addressed in 2018. I believe a regional sales tax with a rate adjusted to reflect the differences in value obtained from Maryland, Virginia, and DC may be the best way to go, but only after the free-riding federal and state governments pony up their fair shares. Such a tax would remove the Metro funding burden on local government budgets that is, in our case, competing with critical local government obligations such as education and public safety. On Metro governance, I also oppose efforts to water down or eliminate the Falls Church vote if we still have funding obligations. For this reason, I have not supported the creation of a control board that would remove our vote unless that board also takes on all funding obligations. I believe that any proposal to take over governance should also assume the funding requirements. On these issues, I would appreciate the views of our citizens and look forward to hearing from you. David Snyder is a member of the Falls Church City Council.

Q�� W�� How long will your 2018 New Year’s resolutions last? • Less than a week

• More than a week

• More than a month

• More than 6 months

• The whole year

• What resolutions?

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

Last Week’s Question:

Should the F.C. City Council limit density of commercial development on the school campus site?

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

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

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

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

PAGE 8 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018

SENIOR LIVING

S�� N�� L��

Remember TV Dinners? BY MATLIDA CHARLES

KING FEATURES SYNDICATE

A show of hands, please: Do you remember when TV dinners first came out? Maybe you were a child then, or maybe you were the cook in the house. One way or the other, those frozen dinners took America by storm. The first TV dinner came out in the 1950s – a Thanksgiving dinner with slices of turkey, sweet potatoes, dressing and peas. It took 25 minutes to heat in the oven. Families gathered around the television and ate on TV tray tables. While the cook in the family was happy about the convenience, all was not rosy. Those early dinners cost 98 cents. Doesn’t sound like much until you calculate that in current dollars: Today that same frozen dinner would cost $8.98 or more. There were no choices when it came to the vegetable. If you liked the meat selection and the

mashed potatoes common in the dinners, maybe you didn’t like the peas/corn/carrots combo. A few years later the aluminum trays were changed to accommodate a small dessert ... as long as you liked hot peach slices. And remember having to carefully cut the foil top to expose certain parts of the meal while keeping the rest sealed? Nutrition content wasn’t required on the packaging, so there’s no telling how much sodium was in the meals. The men of the family weren’t thrilled by the small amount of food – and no seconds! It was like eating airplane food, they said, and they were right, because that’s where TV dinners got their start. The TV dinner and its successors had such an impact on our way of life that an original aluminum tray even made it to the Smithsonian. But to this day, the image on

SE NI O R LI V I NG the box still doesn’t look like the contents once you open it. *** Long gone are the days when our 15-year-old coffee pot died and we could confidently run to the store and buy another just like it. Things are different now. That coffee pot (or any other older appliance) might not be manufactured anymore, or at least not in any recognizable format. The brand names we used to trust either don’t exist or have been bought and sold so many times that they’re the same in name only. Today we have to hunt for simple machines that aren’t programmable to do a dozen functions that we don’t want. Where we used to get stainless steel, now we get plastic, which we have to research for BPA, a carcinogen. The life expectancy of small appliances has been cut to a mere few years. Large appliances are no different. Generally, your central air conditioners will last approximately 15 years, freezers 11 years, refrigerators 13 years and a washing machine 10 years. It used to be that you could add at

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM you’re about to spend money on a major appliance, a subscription to Consumer Reports might be worthwhile. If you’re in the market for a small appliance, you’re better off considering it a disposable that you’ll need to replace in a few short years.

least 10 years to those numbers. Nowadays before you buy, there are questions you need to ask yourself, often having to do with size and function rather than expectation of value and how long it will last. Do you really need a 12-cup coffee maker now, or will a small 4-cup model be enough? Do you need an oversize washing machine, or will a smaller one be enough for the laundry you do now? When it’s clear that it’s time to buy, do your research. If

 Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 9

F� � � � C � � � � �

NEWS BRIEFS Merchant Opposition Erupts to Downtown Plaza A petition signed by representatives of every one of the businesses in the impacted 100 block of W. Broad Street was forwarded to the News-Press Wednesday, protesting the plans for a plaza in the space between the Hunan and Hot N’ Juicy Crawfish restaurants. Citing the elimination of 12 parking spots in the parking-tight area if the plans go through, the petition opposes the project proposed by the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and to be paid for with $500,000 in EDA funds. “It is our contention that keeping the existing public parking spaces available to patrons is vastly more important to our businesses than an expansion of the park/plaza,” the petition reads. “The clear and simple petition with 100 percent of all business owners on this corner proves there is no support for this project.” It adds that nine of 10 businesses across Maple Street have also signed the petition, along with Ireland’s Four Provinces restaurant directly across the street. “We live and breathe in this part of the City every day, and strongly agree that parking losses would hurt our businesses,” the petition reads. No single organization is identified with the circulation of the petition, but signers included representatives of businesses that include Brown’s Hardware, the Little City Creamery, Dominion Camera, Cue Recording, F.C. Ballet, Apna Bazaar, New to You, the Unity Club, Hot N’ Juicy restaurants, Hunan Restaurant, Dogwood Tavern, the CVS, Orpheus Music, Floris Beauty Salon, Allstate Insurance, Action Music, Naudus Decorating, CD Cellar, Town and Country Properties, High Fi Heaven, Command Performance, Global Phone Corp., Polu Kai Services, Clay Cafe Studios, Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, Pho 88, Manekineko Restaurant, Lucky Thai Restaurant, Father and Son Barber Shop, Paisano’s, Curves, The Local Market, Juliet’s Legacy at the Falls Church Antiques, and the Ireland’s Four Provinces.

F.C. Treasurer Reports Flood of Early Tax Filings City of Falls Church Treasurer Jody Acosta has reported that since the signing of the federal tax reform legislation last week, her office has been inundated with citizens seeking to pre-pay their real estate and personal property taxes prior to Jan. 1, when the new law will limit the deductions on real estate taxes to $10,000 per year. She said lines have been outside her office from before its 8 a.m. opening this week and that over $1 million has been collected so far. Acosta’s office announced in a statement published in the News-Press last week that such prepayments would be accepted until her office at City Hall closes for the last time in 2017 this Friday at 5 p.m. The statement noted that the real estate tax bills due by next June 5 can be paid at any time, and taxpayers have already been notified of the amount of that bill. Some citizens are also prepaying their personal property and estimated Fourth Quarter 2017 State Income Tax.

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No Injuries in Merrifield Apartment Fire An apartment resident in Merrifield knocked a lit candle onto a futon, causing a fire in their third floor dwelling on Christmas night. On Monday, December 25 at approximately 8:19 p.m., units were dispatched for a reported garden apartment fire in the 2900 block of Charing Cross Road in the Merrifield section of Fairfax County. Units arrived on scene to find smoke visible from the front of a three-story, garden apartment. Crews quickly located the fire and initiated an aggressive attack to extinguish it. There was one occupant home at the time of the fire. The occupant attempted to extinguish the fire prior to evacuating the apartment and then calling 911. Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started in one of the rooms. The occupant was assessed by paramedics and transported to an area hospital for a checkup. There were no other reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $25,000.

F.C. Man Wearing 'Trust Me' Shirt Arrested for Stealing a Car Two Falls Church men, one wearing a a t-shirt with the words "Trust Me," were arrested early Saturday morning after police say they stole a car that was warming up. Police say on Dec. 23 around 6:30 a.m., the victim was warming up the car in the 7500 block of Parkwood Ct. in Alexandria. The victim left the vehicle unlocked and when they returned, it was gone. Officers located the car and conducted a traffic stop where they arrested 23-year-old Wilmer Lara Garcia and 24-year-old Orlen Nunez and charged with auto theft. One of the suspects, Garcia, was shown wearing a shirt with the words "Trust Me" on the front.”

Voted #1 Again

Wilmer Lara Garcia. (Fairfax Co. Police photo)

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PAGE 10 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

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Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA A public hearing regarding the resolution referenced below is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. (TR18-01) RESOLUTION TO INITIATE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: 301 FELLOWS COURT; 306 PARKER AVENUE; 304 PARKER AVENUE; 302 PARKER AVENUE; 502 S. OAK STREET; 302 FELLOWS COURT; AND 304 FELLOWS COURT (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS 52-206-090, 52-206-091, 52-206-092, 52-206-093, 52-206-094, 52206-095, 52-206-096) (TOGETHER FORMERLY KNOWN AS 604 S. OAK STREET.) These properties are also known as Lots 1-7, Oak Park Subdivision, Section Three, in the City of Falls Church, Virginia, as created and shown in the Arlington County Land

Records, Instrument 20170100003424. All public hearings will be held in the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s oﬃce at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. 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

FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING and WORK SESSION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be an organizational City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 2nd beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Falls Church Community Center, Senior Center, 223 Little Falls St. to elect the Mayor and Vice Mayor and adopt Rules of Procedure The meeting will be followed by a work session. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s oﬃce at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. 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

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PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the school board central office, 800 West Broad Street, Suite 203, Falls Church, VA 22046, to consider the following: An application by Broad and Washington, LLC for a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment (TR17-17) to change the existing map designation from “Business” and “Transitional” to “Mixed-Use” for the entire site; an Official Zoning Map Amendment (TO17-09) to change the existing zoning designation of one parcel at 131 East Broad Street from T-1, Transitional to B-2, Central Business District; and Special Exceptions (TR17-18) to allow residential uses within a mixed use development project and to increase the building height with a bonus of fifteen (15) feet to a maximum height of ninety (90) feet for a mixed-use development project approximately 2.68 acres of land located at 100 North Washington Street, and 127 and 131 East Broad Street with Real Property Code Numbers 53-104-051, 53-104-036, and 53-104-050. The proposed mixed-use project includes a 295-unit rental apartment building above 26,300 square feet of ground floor retail, and a six (6) story, 66,700 square feet of office building above ground floor retail. Application materials are available on the City’s webpage at the following link: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1648/BroadWashington-Project Materials can also be viewed at the Development Services office, City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, Room 300W, Falls Church, VA. 22046, M-F 8:30 am to 5 pm. 703-248-5040. (Note: location subject to change due to City Hall renovations)

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA A public hearing regarding the ordinance referenced below is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. (TO17-13) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 26, “MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC,” ARTICLE III “CITY VEHICLE LICENSE,” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO ADD A NEW SEC. 26-74 IMPOSING A LICENSE TAX ON VEHICLES THAT DO NOT DISPLAY CURRENT VIRGINIA LICENSE PLATES This ordinance would amend the City Code to impose a license tax in the amount of $100 on vehicles with situs in the City that do not display current Virginia license plates and are not otherwise exempt from the requirements of displaying such license plates eﬀective March 1, 2018. All public hearings will be held in the Falls Church Community Center, Senior Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s oﬃce at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. 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

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We are pledged to the letter andspirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 3678530. Toll free call (888) 5513247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 11

Thank You to Our Watch Night Sponsors LEAD SPONSORS:

SPONSORS: THE VILLAGE PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY

Host Supporters:

Venue Sponsors:

A&A AUTO REPAIR BURKE AND HERBERT BANK FOXES MUSIC OSHINSKY FAMILY PARTNERSHIP FALLS CITY THREADS, MARY ANN & ANDREW PAINTER FAMILY MEDICINE OF FALLS CHURCH, DR. GORDON THEISZ VIGET

DRS. LOVE AND MILLER FALLS CHURCH NEWS PRESS THE FALLS CHURCH EPISCOPAL THE FALLS CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SISLER’S STONE TORI McKINNEY, ROCK STAR REALTOR VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION

Contributors: CLAY CAFÉ STUDIOS, CUE STUDIOS, DR. WILLIAM DOUGHERTY III, DDS

Friends of Watch Night: GARY LAPORTA, ROSEMARY ZISKIND, AND ANONYMOUS DONORS

www.watchnightfallschurch.com

Watch Night Guide - Page 1

PAGE 12 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WATCH NIGHT 2017 VENUE LISTING MAIN STAGE 8 PM – MIDNIGHT 100 Block of West Broad St.(Rt 7) in front of CVS - Shuttle Stop #4 Masters of Ceremonies – Gary LaPorta – Jeffrey Garafalo BANDS: ALPHA DOG BLUES BAND – 8 pm – 8:45 pm EASTERN ALL STAR JAZZ QUINTET 9 pm – 10:15 pm SUDDEN M PAC BAND 10:30 to midnight

West Broad Street – 100 Block 7 PM-11:30 PM (street closed @ 5 pm for event) - Shuttle Stops #4, #7, #10 Welcome Tent – THE KENSINGTON FALLS CHURCH – LEAD SPONSOR – Free Hot Chocolate LOVE artwork 16 ‘ x 6’ for photos @ George Mason Square Falls Church Arts Tent – Chalk Walk – “If I had one wish for 2017 it would be ____” ROCK CLIMBING WALL 32’ 4 STATION BUNGEE JUMP – 5 & UP WILD ONE OBSTACLE COURSE

GRAND FUNALLEY 7 PM – 11:30 PM Between 100 Block of W. Broad and 100 Block of Park Avenue – Shuttle Stops #2, #4 For FunAlley FIRE RESCUE OBSTACLE COURSE TIGER BELLY MOONBOUNCE Metro Entertainment – KARAOKE FCVolunteer Fire Department – FIRE TRUCK FREE POPCORN other refreshments available at Karl’s Kafe (charge) NYE Accessories Vendor (charge)

Watch Night Guide - Page 2

www.watchnightfallschurch.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 13

HISTORIC CHERRY HILL FARMHOUSE Presentation by The Victorian Society at Falls Church - Shuttle Bus Stop #3 Life in 1907 before US entered World War l. See authentic presentation and conversations and decor of the period

CLAY CAFÉ STUDIOS 6 PM – 11:30 PM (Free Studio time, charge for supplies) – Shuttle Bus Stop #4

THE HISTORIC FALLS CHURCH MUSIC 8 pm – 10:30 PM – Shuttle Bus Stop #6 STEWART SISTERS 8-9 PM ANDREW ACOSTA & FRIENDS 9 PM – 10:30 PM Tours 6pm to 8 pm of The Historic Falls Church, S. Washington Street Shuttle Stop #6

THE FALLS CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7 – 11 PM 225 East Broad St. – Shuttle Stop #8 and #9 PUPPET SHOWS by Puppeteer Sandy Fuelner at THE VICTORIAN PARLOR 7:30 – 9 PM COWBOY HAY 7 – 8:30 PM NORTHERN LIGHTS BIG BAND ORCHESTRA 8:30 – 10:30 PM– Swing Dancing Caricaturist 7 – 9 PM Professional Face Painter 7 – 9 PM Balloon Sculptor 7 – 9 PM Free refreshments — restrooms available

www.watchnightfallschurch.com

Watch Night Guide - Page 3

PAGE 14 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WATCH NIGHT LOCATOR 2017 (Venue, Shuttle, and Restaurant Keys) Venue to Venue to EFC Metro-Watch Night Shuttle Bus # SHUTTLE STOP #1 - EFC Metro - begins at 7 pm #2 - Park Avenue across from Grand FunAlley, beside Kaiser Parking Lot #3 - NEW - Cherry Hill Farmhouse 300 Block of Park Avenue #4 - Clay Cafe Main Stage 100 W. Broad venue #5 - W. Annandale Road (to serve parking in this area) #6 - N Washington at The Historic Falls Church #7 - E. Broad # 8 - N. Fairfax - handicapped entrance to Falls Church Presbyterian # 9 - FCPC Fellowship Hall on opposite side entering from E. Broad #10 - E. Broad just past Applebees's, Amusements - 100 block #11 - 132 N. Washington St. Clare & Don's Beach Shack/ State Theater

o tt es tro W e . 7 M /W Rt FC 6 E W s. 6 E/W Rt 95 4

EAST FALLS CHURCH METRO

Indicated by NUMBERS on MAP

Shuttle Route

Shuttle returns to the East Falls Church Metro Station Shuttle Stop #1 begins the route above again. J

Restaurant Key

A. Main Stage 7 pm to Midnight Shuttle Stop #4 Front of 134 W. Broad St.

W. An na nd al

F. Welcome Tent,

LOVE Letters Sculpture, Falls Church Arts Tent, Amusements

eA ve .

Q R

St . gt on

• Falls Church Presbyterian • FC Episcopal (south side of Broad Street) • Kaiser Permanente (3rd Floor Only) • City Hall and Community Center

S. Wa sh in

G. The Historic Falls Church Shuttle Stop#6 Tours 6 pm until 8 pm Music 8 pm to 10:30 pm 115 East Fairfax St.

FREE PARKING

. Rd

Shuttle Stops #6, #7, #10 West CornerofWashington&BroadSt.

D V

Koi Koi Sushi 450 W. Broad St.

Mad Fox Brewing Company 444 W. Broad St.

LIBERTY BBQ 370 W Broad St.

M. Paisano's 244 W. Broad St. N.

Maneki Neko 238 W. Broad St..

Pho 88 232 W. Broad St.

P. 230 W Broad St

X 7 10

xS t.

E. Clay Café Studios open 6:30 to 11:30 pm - Shuttle Stop #4 101 N. Maple Ave.

St .

s Wa

rfa

M N O P

Dogwood Tavern 132 W. Broad St.

Hunan Café 126 W. Broad St.

HOT & JUICY CRAWFISH 116 W Broad St.

LIL CITY CREAMERY 114 W Broad St.

Ireland’s Four Provinces 105 West Broad St.

Argia’s 124 North Washington St.

Fa i

ro a

. St

6 G

E. B

ro a

dS t.

W .B

D. Unity Club 10 pm to 1 am - Shuttle Stops #2, #4 116 W. Broad St.

Pa rk Av e.

on gt

hin

C. Grand FunAlley 7 pm to 11:30 pm - Shuttle Stop #2 Between W. Broad and Park Ave. at pkg lot

H. Falls Church Presbyterian Shuttle Stop # 8 (handicapped entrance) Shuttle Stop#9 Fellowship Hall Northern Lights Orchestra, Amusements for Children 7 to 9 pm, refreshments, rest rooms.

lls Lit

tle

B. Amusements, Welcome Tent 7 pm-11:30/ Main Stage till Midnight Shuttle Stops #6, #7, #10

CH 3

S. Ma ple Ave .

Venue Key

H 8

7 Rt. 29 South to

W. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack 130 North Washington St. X.

CH. Historic Cherry Hill

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill 127 East Broad St.

Farmhouse

Victorian Society at Fall Church Shuttle Bus Stop #3 312 Park Avenue

Yellow - Shuttle Bus Route See numbers on map Brown letters A to H Venues Orange letters J to X Restaurants Watch Night Guide - Page 4

Rt. 7 East to Seven Corners Bailey’s Crossroads, Alexandria Annandale Road to Rt 50 E/W Annandale/Gallows Road

Ch e R o rr y S u t e tre 5 0 et to E/W

www.watchnightfallschurch.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NATI O NA L

Pope Francis the Anti-Trump

This writer’s carefully thought out choice for the foremost antiTrump power at work in the world today is Pope Francis, who is slightly ahead of the still burgeoning new American feminist movement. Certainly, Francis feels the weight on his shoulders more profoundly than before Trump was elected. His homily at the Midnight Mass in the Vatican broadcast in the wee hours of Christmas morning this week was overflowing with counter-references against the core of what Trump, or the oligarchic Trump-Putin Axis, stands for. The world was so graced and enhanced by the occasion when Pope Francis and President Obama met for the first time in September 2015 at the FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS White House. Obama welcomed not just the Pope as a person, but the Pope’s “call to put ‘the least of these’ at the center of our concerns.” That is, our measure as a society “is not determined by wealth or power or station or celebrity, but by how well we hew to Scripture’s call to lift up the poor and the marginalized, to stand up for justice and against inequality, and to ensure that every human being is able to live in dignity because we are all made in the image of God.” Pope Francis’ Christmas homily this week harkened back to those sentiments, transcending the most recent two and a portion years, when the Trump thuggery prevailed in the Republican primaries and, despite a minority of votes in the election 13 months ago and through 11 months of presidential rule in the U.S. How our skies darkened almost the day after that Obama-Francis meeting, and now they’ve hastily worsened in a devil’s revelry of degeneracy, selfishness, greed, hate, duplicity and gross mendacity from then on. The Pope used his Christmas words this week to hold up “the Light of the world,” in a child who was carried by his parents, forced to set out from their home with “their steps weighed down by the uncertainties and dangers that attend those who have to leave their home behind.” To make his point even clearer, he said: “We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day. We see the tracks of millions of persons who do not choose to go away but, driven from their land, leave behind their dear ones...this departure that can only have one name: survival. Surviving the Herods of today who, to impose their power and increase their wealth, see no problem in shedding innocent blood.” Francis called us “to make space for a new social imagination, and not to be afraid of experiencing new forms of relationship in which none have to feel that there is not room for them on this earth. Christmas is a time for turning the power of fear into the power of charity, into power for a new imagination of charity.” “In the Child of Bethlehem, God comes to meet us and make us active sharers in the life around us.” “He offers himself to us, so that we can take him into our arms, lift him and embrace him. So that in him we will not be afraid to take into our arms, raise up and embrace the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned...” “In this Child, God invites us to be messengers of hope. He invites us to become the sentinels for all those bowed down by the despair born of encountering so many closed doors.” “Shake us from our indifference and open our eyes to those who are suffering,” Francis petitioned. “May your tenderness awaken our sensitivity and recognize our call to see you in all those who arrive in our cities, in our histories, in our lives. May your revolutionary tenderness persuade us to feel our call to be agents of the hope and tenderness of our people.” With a record 65.3 million refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people in the world, as the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees reported this week, Pope Francis’ words could not be more poignant. And sadly, in no greater contrast to the hateful posture of the U.S.’s current president and those whose prejudices he’s exploited for his rule.

Nicholas F. Benton

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

DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 15

The Dangers of Trump Delirium To travel the liberal byways of social media over recent weeks was to learn that Donald Trump was on the precipice of axing Robert Mueller and was likely to use the days just before Christmas, when we were distracted by eggnog and mistletoe, to lower the blade. Christmas has come. Christmas has gone. Mueller has not. To listen to Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders, the tax overhaul that Trump just signed into law is no mere plutocratic folly. It’s “Armageddon” (Pelosi’s actual word). Their opposition is righteous, but how will millions of voters who notice smaller withholdings from their paychecks and more money in their pockets square that seemingly good fortune with such prophecies of doom on a biblical scale? NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE Some of these Americans may decide that the prophets aren’t to be trusted — and that the president isn’t quite the pestilence they make him out to be. I’m not minimizing Trump’s capriciousness or cupidity. He could yet fire Mueller, the special counsel. Some conservatives’ intensifying attacks on the counsel and the FBI are clearly grist for that. And the tax bill is indeed a messy, fiscally reckless means for Republican lawmakers to please their donors and crow that they are getting big things done. But the end of the world? Come on. That’s not par-for-the-course hyperbole. It’s peculiar-to-Trump hyperventilation, an understandable response to such an indecent president but quite possibly a tactical mistake. It could weaken the odds of hobbling him next fall, in the midterm elections, and of putting him far behind us in November 2020. And that’s where I, for one, want him: in the rearview mirror, growing tinier and tinier as we zoom, pedal to the metal, toward a saner, more dignified horizon. But I worry. When Trump’s opponents react to so much of what he says and does with such unfettered outrage, that howl becomes background noise, and it is harder to make sure that his unequivocally foul maneuvers stand out from his debatably foolish ones. When we constantly conjure the direst scenarios, we risk looking like ignorable hysterics — and bolstering his grandiose claims of martyrdom — if events unfold in a less damnable fashion. Fury isn’t strategy, and there’s no need to extrapolate beyond the facts already in our possession. Take the inquiries into the Trump campaign’s dealings with Russia. They could screech to a halt tomorrow

Frank Bruni

and we’d be left with more than enough evidence of corrupt business dealings, conflicts of interest, shady back channels, awful judgment and outright lies among Trump’s intimates to present voters with a powerful case against his fitness for office. But by obsessing over clear “collusion” and insisting on visible puppet strings by which Vladimir Putin controlled Trump, we have set the bar dangerously high. Mueller’s ultimate findings could be plenty ugly and still be deemed underwhelming. Our overreach is everywhere. Some of those social-media threads forecasting Mueller’s preChristmas firing went further, envisioning street protests that would prompt a brutal response from government forces just itching for the chance. I spotted the phrase “martial law.” Much of the tax-overhaul pushback, which painted the whole of the legislation as an abomination, didn’t acknowledge that Democrats themselves had long favored corporate-rate reductions. Nor did the ferocious back-and-forth over Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital make clear that many politicians before him had proposed the same step. That doesn’t make it prudent, but it does challenge the portrayal of his decision as some ploy beyond the pale. The issue here is credibility and not giving the president ammunition to discredit opponents as overwrought, ahistoric partisans in a state of indiscriminate freak-out. When we answer melodrama with melodrama, we’re playing his game, by his rules, and he wins. Better to patrol our language and pick our issues, so that crucial areas of focus — the demoralization of our diplomatic corps, the stacking of the judiciary, the transformation of the presidency into a marketing scheme — aren’t lost in the welter and the whirl. “I can’t be the car alarm that always goes off,” John McCain reportedly said to a friend this year, explaining his own strategy for tempering Trump. “If I am, I’m not effective.” There’s wisdom in that. All signs right now point to enormous gains for Democrats in the midterms; I’d be very surprised, based on the country’s present mood, if they didn’t take control of the House. But establishing that check on Trump is much too important to be jeopardized in the slightest. And our Trump-induced delirium indeed jeopardizes it, pumping up his impassioned adversaries at the risk of confusing and alienating dispassionate Americans in the middle. They needn’t be convinced that he’s all Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. But a singularly miserable jockey? That’s an easy sell. And it’s probably a surer way to eject him from the derby.

PAGE 16 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

#BeUnderstood

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

I’ve knocked on thousands of doors in Mason District during campaigns, and am amazed, and disappointed, when people tell me their vote “doesn’t really matter.” Voting always matters, and the November election results in Virginia are textbook examples of why that’s true. At least three delegate races were decided by less than a hundred vote difference and, in the most heart-stopping case, a 10-vote margin ended in a tie between the incumbent Republican delegate and his Democratic challenger. Under Virginia’s arcane rules, the winner is decided by lot. So, instead of a clear majority of voters deciding, the winner will be determined by chance. In this case, control of the Virginia House of Delegates also will be decided by that chance drawing, since the significant pick up of 15 seats by Democrats on November 7 means that the political split is 51-49, unless the film canister with Democrat Shelly Simond’s name is drawn, which will force House leadership to be shared, 50/50. That’s a big deal, and a tribute to those citizens who did vote. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, your vote does matter. While individual candidates may be winners or losers, it’s the community and the nation that suffers most when voters don’t care enough to cast a ballot. If you’re making New Year’s resolutions, educating yourself about issues and pledging to vote should be at the top of your list. Here are some other resolutions (a bit preachy perhaps) for your consideration. Most are based on complaints my office receives all year long: traffic and speeding in residential neighborhoods. Come to a complete stop at STOP signs. Complete stop means forward motion of the vehicle ceases, and the tires stop. Hesitating at a STOP sign, or rolling through at low speed, is a violation.

At signalized intersections, stop your vehicle AT the stop bar (painted white line on the pavement). The light may run a longer cycle when sensors cannot detect a vehicle whose tires do not reach the stop bar, or roll past it. Red light runners are a scourge in our region. A yellow signal means the light is about to change to red, and you should prepare to stop, not speed up, or try to slide through the red. People can get killed that way. Most neighborhood streets have a 25 MPH speed limit. People just like you live there, so be neighborly, and drive like you would want others to drive past your house. Park on the correct side of the street – that means right wheels (passenger side) to the curb. Parking the “wrong” way on the street can get you a ticket. It’s the law! Why? When you park the “wrong” way, you are travelling the “wrong” way in a travel lane, which can lead to head-on collisions for unsuspecting drivers headed the “right” way. Move out of the way for emergency vehicles, especially fire apparatus. They are big vehicles and need more space to traverse busy roadways with lights and siren. Move to the right, if possible, and stop until the emergency vehicles pass. You might not make it through the next traffic signal, but imagine if your house was on fire, or you were in the ambulance. You’d want folks to get out of the way, wouldn’t you? A little thoughtfulness can go a long way to making it truly a Happy New Year!!

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

Congressman Beyer’s News Commentary

New Tax Law Won’t Help Working Americans BY DONALD S. BEYER

The tax bill just passed by Congress has little in common with the rosy descriptions Republican leaders have made about it. Putting more money into the pockets of working people would be great, but that’s not what they wrote this bill to do. I have grown a business, made payroll every two weeks for more than 40 years, and invested many millions of dollars in new plant and equipment. I still voted no, because I am just wise enough to realize that without our people, our employees,

we have nothing. I would be enthusiastic about a tax bill that actually put more money into their pockets, instead of mine. We have 381 hardworking women and men on our payroll this morning. Not a single one will benefit from the doubling of the estate tax exclusion. But every one will be affected by medical insurance premium rates which this bill will drive up. Everyone will be at risk when their so-called minimal tax cuts expire in just a few years — mine,

by the way, are permanent. And our children and grandchildren will suffer ever more greatly as we continue to balloon the federal debt. This tax bill may be the greatest transfer of wealth from working Americans to the idle rich in U.S. history. This is a very sad moment for the country I love.

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 Rep. Donald Beyer can be reached through his website at www.beyer.house.gov, on Twitter @RepDonBeyer or his office at (202) 225-4376.

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Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

It was an anxiety-ridden, but fruitful year in Arlington. My selected highlights for 2017: In January, the Donald Trump Inauguration across the river drew smaller crowds than the one the next day for the pink-hatted women’s march. The entrance to the East Falls Church Metro was so jammed – the trains passing through already full – you couldn’t pull over to drop anyone off. In February, a month after President Trump unveiled the first of several attempts to legally crack down on undocumented immigrants and refugees, county manager Mark Schwartz issued a statement detailing the limits of Arlington’s cooperation with the Homeland Security Department. The new polices had a powerful effect on Arlington due to its large and multilingual immigrant population. Churches and nonprofits stepped in to help, though the issue remains uncomfortable due to compassion fatigue and fear of terrorism. In March, county preservationists, board members and community activists dedicated a marker on the old segregation wall’s remnants in the historically black neighborhood of Halls Hill. Also, the county gave up on developing the 118-year-old Reeves farmhouse in Bluemont Park, which it had purchased in 2001. The planned sale disappointed some neighbors who wanted an outdoor education center. In April, Arlington embarked

CRIME REPORT Trespass, 112 N West St (7-11), Dec 18, 5:59 PM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Trespass. Vandalism, 260 W Broad St. (Pursuing Vintage), Dec 20, 10 AM, a mailbox was vandalized. Larceny from Building, 300 Park Ave (City Hall), Dec 20, items of value stolen from an unsecured locker located outside of the court room.

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on an 18-month commemoration of the centennial of the U.S. entry into World War I. The task force faces a tough call on whether to update the segregated monument to the fallen in Clarendon. In April, Natalie Hughes, owner of the Bookhouse used book shop, closed it after four decades. That came after the shuttering of other familiar businesses (the Ballston Mazda dealer, Hard Times Café and Iota music club in Clarendon, among others. Casual Adventure got another reprieve). In May, Erik Gutshall defeated three others to win the all-butdeterminative Democratic primary for county board – his second try. He went on to win in November. In June, the Yorktown girls soccer team won the Virginia state championship. In July, the county Board authorized a contract to replace and modernize the Lubber Run Community Center, built in 1956 at off North George Mason Drive. In August, neo-Nazis descended on Dominion Hills Shopping center for a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the killing of American Nazi Party founder George Lincoln Rockwell. Neighbors responded movingly that evening with a Facebookdriven flash mob counter-rally. In September, the county board — in a first – tightened regulations on wild exotic pets. In October, the board expanded the freedom for homeowners to erect accessory dwelling units. That’s one solution to disappearing affordable housing, though not

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h

Week of Dec. 18 – 24, 2017

(B) Create a diversion.

DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 17

Tampering with Auto, 100 blk Haycock Rd, Dec 21, a secured vehicle was broken into but no items appeared to be taken. Vandalism to Vehicle, 1231 W Broad St (Don Beyer Volvo), between 8 PM, Dec 21 and 7AM, Dec 22, a vehicle’s front passenger window was broken by an unknown suspect.

Larceny from Building, 200 blk W George Mason Rd, sometime between Nov 23 and Dec 22, tools were taken from an unsecured shed. Hit and Run, 100 blk N Virginia Ave, between 9:30 and 10:30 AM, Dec 22, a parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Using information provided by a witness, officers located the offending party and information was exchanged. Hit and Run, 400 blk Hillwood Ave, between 11 PM Dec 22 and 10 AM, Dec 23, a parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Hit and Run, 201 S Washington St (7-11 Parking Lot), Dec 23, 6:21 PM, an occupied, parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Investigation continues. Hit and Run, 1104 W Broad St (Staples parking lot), Dec 24, an employ-

popular with all in upscale residential areas. In November, Arlington Democratic activists made national news helping elect Ralph Northam governor and converting slews of assembly seats (Arlington delegates Patrick Hope and Rip Sullivan were unopposed). Also, after years of debate, the board approved a contract for the controversial but now less-expensive version of the Long Bridge Park aquatic center. In December, new dynamic rush-hour tolling began on I-66, the shifting price tag for solo-drive trips a shock to some. But there were few signs of feared rerouted traffic clogging parallel arteries. Finally, a 150 supporters gathered Dec. 13 for a farewell to Jay Fisette after his 20 years on the county board. “Arlington didn’t need to be gayer,” joked our mutual friend Bob Witeck, so he made it “greener and greater.” Onward to 2018! *** Washington-Lee High School took some hits this year from critics who charged that its namesake Robert E. Lee is a symbol of racism. This fall I heard Peg, a W-L graduate now a resident of Culpepper Garden retirement community, recall the Christmas of 1953 — the year before the Supreme Court’s ruling against school segregation. Her W-L choir performed Handel’s “Messiah” with African American counterparts at the old Hoffman-Boston High School. At the time, that touching act was illegal. ee reported that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle between 3 and 9 PM on Dec 15. OTHER ARRESTS Dec 19, 4:57 PM, a female, 23, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Felony Grand Larceny. Dec 20, 10:53 AM, a male, 39, of Silver Spring, was placed under arrest for being a Fugitive from Justice. Mr. Guerrero Vasquez was wanted in Prince Georges Co., MD, for Forging a Public Document. Dec 21, 12:01 AM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding Capias for failure to appear in Court on Dec 20. Underlying charge was Trespass. Dec 21, 11 PM, a male, 60, of Alexandria, VA, was arrested on a Capias from Fairfax County. Underlying charge was Failure to Pay Child Support. Dec 23, 11 PM, a male, 36, of Falls Church, was arrested in Fairfax County on a Falls Church Capias. Underlying charge was Reckless Driving.

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Casting Call for Personable Cats & Dogs in F.C. Area In honor of the New Year and dog lovers across the U.S., best-selling author Jeff Lazarus of Dogtology is hosting a casting call for all dog and cat lovers to have a chance for their furry friends to be featured on nationally syndicated TV, Pet Pals TV, which can be seen in more than 6 million homes in the U.S. Three pet parents will get to have their furry friend featured on an episode of Pet Pals TV, a nationally-syndicated television program to highlight how your furry friends make your lives special. All submissions will be shared on the Social Media Pages of Pet Pals TV and Dogtology and must be photos of the pets

only. To enter for a chance to be on Pet Pals TV, submit a photo and/ or video and explain why your dog is the head of the household by visiting the website dogtology. com Please note that the more outlandish and quirky the behavior of the pet, the more likely it is your pet will be selected for the show. Your pet could have the chance to be make a TV appearance and featured on Pet Pals TV and/or a Social Media Star having their photo shared on the following social media pages: facebook. com/Dogtology/ and facebook. com/PetPalsTV. “Dogtology” is term coined by Lazarus to describe devout dog lovers. For example, those who have bailed on a date because

they didn’t want to leave their dog home alone or whose smartphones have more photos of their dog than of the people in their family. The book takes a satirical but also serious look at how “Dogtology” has become a bonea-fide belief system on par with the world’s most prevalent philosophies and religions.

Adult English Classes Open for Sign Up Jan. 3 The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia will host spring classes for beginning-level adult English language learners in Alexandria, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton and Springfield. Adults can sign-up from Jan. 3 – Jan. 18. These classes provide

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR once again, where Christmas decorations like Frosty pictured above are put back in storage until the next holiday season. Be sure that when you are disposing of your tree, wrapping paper, boxes or defunct decorations you do so in as ecological a manner as possible. (Photo: News-Press)

adult learners with the fundamentals of English to improve their communication skills, engage in the community and advance in their careers. In addition to beginning English classes, the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia offers English writing classes and Family Learning Programs for adults with children in their lives who are also looking to sharpen their English language skills. The cost for classes is $75 which includes books and testing fees. In-person registration is required, and students can go to any registration session to sign up for all classes. Registration times and locations are available at lcnv.org, or call 703-237-0866 for more information.

Volunteers Needed for Joe Cascio Basketball Tourney The sign up sheet for the Annual Joe Cascio Boys and Girls Holiday Basketball Tournament taking place at Falls Church High School (7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church) from Dec. 27 – 29 is now available. Interested volunteers can find the sign up link by clicking on the “Boosters” tab on Falls Church High School sport’s homepage, fallschurchsports.org. There are multiple opportunities to help with the event. At this current time, the boosters need people to staff the hospitality room throughout the day (which means making sure everything is stocked and the room is clean – you don’t have to physically

DOUBLING UP on his opponent during a match against local George C. Marshall High School is Mason’s Bryan Villegas (left). The Mustangs hosted a duals tournament on Saturday that featured bouts with out-of-conference high schools such as Marshall, J.E.B Stuart (Justice), Fairfax, Manassas Park, Yorktown, Robert E. Lee and Heritage. (Photo: Carol Sly)

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

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

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be in the room the entire shift) and donations of food, drinks and supplies. The boosters also need help running the concession stand.

Volunteer Orientation for RSVP Northern Virginia RSVP Northern Virginia will hold a volunteer orientation at James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church) on Friday, Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. The one -hour event is free and open to anyone aged 55 year or older. RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) is the region’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and older and provides individualized support to seniors seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance while serving, optional mileage and meal reimbursement and are invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. RSVP offers a wide array of opportunities for volunteers in the Falls Church area including providing rides, support and meals to older neighbors, assisting local veterans in need and helping prepare communities for disasters. The James Lee Community Center is centrally located in Falls Church at 2855 Annandale Road, less than a mile from downtown Falls Church. The orientation will be held in classroom 111 of the community center. To sign up for the Jan. 12 orientation, email RSVP Volunteer Specialist Carly Hubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call the RSVP Hotline at 703403-5360. To learn more about RSVP, please visitrsvpnova.org. RSVP Northern Virginia is a volunteer program of Volunteer

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Fairfax, Volunteer Arlington and Volunteer Alexandria.

DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 19

Holiday Gift Card Craft Workshop at Cherry Hill The City of Falls Church will be teaching a workshop on how handcraft holiday cards and calendars into gift boxes and tags at Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) on Saturday, Jan. 6. $6 per person. Call 703248-5171 to reserve your spot or for more information.

Notice for Current and Former Federal Employees To current and former Federal employees and spouses in Arlington and Falls Church: Congress has targeted/is targeting benefits you have earned, or are earning to decrease, or potentially eliminate them. Current and retired federal employees constitute the only group Congress has targeted. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) has worked since 1921 to improve and protect earned benefits. (Dues are less than 10 cents a day). At NARFE.org and VANARFE.org (Virginia NARFE) you’ll learn about the work and benefits they provide federal employees. Learn about NARFE’s local and electronic chapters. Chapter 7 of NARFE is in Arlington; its monthly meeting is on the second Wednesday of each month (Jan. 10) at the Walter Reed Community and Senior Center (2909 16th St. S, Arlington). The monthly meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. following a social period that begins at noon.

‘Passport to the World’ Festival Opens Jan. 6. On Jan. 6, Creative Cauldron (410 S Maple Ave., Falls Church) kicks off its popular “Passport to the World” Festival, a unique

SWORN IN by Arlington Couty clerk of circuit courts Paul Ferguson (left) to resume their duties is City of Falls Church Sheriff Stephen Bittle (second from left) Treasurer Jody Acosta (second from right) and Commissioner of Revenue Tom Clinton. (P��: N��-P��) concert series that celebrates the music and dance of cultures around the world featuring traditional music and dance bands along with fusion bands and contemporary artists who draw inspiration from world music. On opening night Jan. 6, Creative Cauldron will feature Veronneau, blending bossa nova, jazz, samba and swing. The festival continues through Feb. 2 and features performances by Quiet Life Motel, Randy Barrett’s Big Howdy, Jo Go Project, Ernesto Bravo & Juan Cayrampoma, Words and Music, Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio, Bitter Dose Combo, Rochelle Rice Trio, The Bumper Jackson Duo and The Dave Kline Band. Tickets range from $22-$110. For information and tickets, visit creativecaul-

dron.org/passport-to-the-world. html

Irish Dance Academy Comes to Falls Church in 2018 The McGrath Academy of Irish Dance looks to bring its winning heritage to Falls Church as the academy is expecting to open up a studio within City limits in January 2018. Recently, dancers from the McGrath Academy of Irish Dance won two first place awards – girls under age 9 and boys under age 12 – at the Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America (IDTANA) Southern Region Oireachtas that were held in Orlando in early December. The southern region, of which McGrath is a member,

includes Alabama, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Mexico. McGrath had the highest recall rate of all participating clubs with 78 percent of dancers allowed to participate in the final round of dancing. McGrath Academy of Irish Dance, based in Manassas, was founded in January 2004. Classes are also offered throughout Virginia in Ashburn, Fairfax Station, Purceville and soon to be Falls Church. For more information, visit mcgrathirishdance.com or contact the academy at 703-772-1236 or adcrg@mcgrathirishdance.com

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FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 Teen Winter Break Camp. An indoor camp intended to keep middle and high school-aged students from being too sedentary during their school’s winter break. Camp will include a variety of active, recreational events such as intramural sports as well as offbeat competitive games. This is a two day camp that starts on Wednesday and runs through Thursday at the same times and at the same location. Recommended for ages 10-14. To register: use Activity Code 720528-A. Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center (3501 S 2nd St., Arlington). 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 703-228-7783. Tiny Tot. Tiny Tot programs provide an opportunity for parents to interact one-on-one with their child while discovering the wonders of nature. Each fun and educational program will engage your

child with hands-on learning, and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, finger plays and mini-hikes. Tiny Tot programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. Each program has a theme, but themes are not published ahead of time so that we have flexibility in exploring and incorporating all of the aspects of the park and its wildlife into our programs. The theme for each program is repeated during the month, so please register for only one program at each nature center per month. Adults must remain during the entire program. Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park (3608 North Military Rd., Arlington). $5. 10 – 10:45 a.m. 703-228-3403.

and volunteers. Beginners and advanced learners are welcome. All classes are free; no registration required. Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 S 18th St., Arlington). 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit arlingtonva.libcal. com/event/3431722.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29

Holiday Farmers Market. Residents can attend the regular award-winning market – with the produce, meat, dairy, chocolates, flowers, and bakedgoods that frequent the market throughout the year – as well

English Conversation Class. A comfortable place for non-native speakers to practice their English language skills and techniques, led by experienced library staff

Toy Palooza. Local children and their parents/guardians are invited to play with the library’s toys. Recommended for ages 0-5, but all ages are welcome. Event takes place in the library’s large meeting room. Aurora Hills Branch Library (735 S 18th St.,Arlington). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, visit arlingtonva.libcal. com/event/3531188.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30

as holiday specific items such as wreaths, gifts and more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. – noon. 703-248-5027 (TTY 711). For more information, visit the Farmers Market’s website at fallschurchva.gov/fm.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Watch Night. Spanning a four block area that begins on the 100 block of West Broad St. which is closed to traffic that evening. Live music, interactive amusements and activities, inflatables for all ages, nine live bands and more musicians, caricaturist, balloon artist, puppet shows and more. Scores of volunteers contribute time and talent to organize and help the businesses, churches, and organizations. Free Shuttle Bus every 30 minutes from East Falls Church Metro Station to all venues, running from 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. Downtown Falls Church (100 block of West Broad St.). 7 p.m. – midnight. For more information, visit watchnightfallschurch.com.

THEATER&ARTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 “Les Misérables.” Cameron Mackintosh presents the all-new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning “Les Misérables,” direct from an acclaimed twoand-a-half-year return to Broadway. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. The National Theatre (1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.). $65. 8 p.m. thenationaldc.org.

THURSDAY, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY DECEMBER 230 “Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains).” He’s a thought-provoking standup comic, a TV personality, and an all-around good father and man… but he used to be a drug dealer, a convict, and a dan-

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gerous-ass mothafucka. “Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains)” tells the hilarious and harrowing story of how one Black man went from six years in a state prison to a sixfigure job in corporate America to a new life as an activist and satirist. Performed by Felonious and a cast of Chicago’s sharpest comedians, the performance will combine sketch, stand-up and music to remind us that true freedom comes only from within. Woolly Mammoth (641 D St. NW, Washington, D.C.) $51. 3 p.m. woollymammoth.net.

“My Name is Asher Lev.” Adapted from the celebrated novel by Chaim Potok, a humorous and compelling journey of a young Jewish painter torn between his Hassidic upbringing and his desperate need to fulfill his artistic promise unfolds. As art and faith collide, Asher must choose between his cultural roots and his vast artistic promise. This stirring adaptation of a modern classic presents a heartbreaking and triumphant vision of what it means to be an artist. 1st Stage Theatre (1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons). $33. 8 p.m. 1ststagetysons.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 ”Crazy for You.” Beloved songs meet sensational dance in the ultimate feel-good musical comedy for the holiday season. A musical-loving banker sent to foreclose on a small-town theatre decides to revive it instead with the magic of the Follies, some slapstick comedy and a whole lot of charm. Flush with mistaken identities, a classic love story and 1930s glamour, The Gershwins’ and Ken Ludwig’s “Crazy for You” radiates with playful humor and highenergy show-stopping numbers. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 5 p.m. sigtheatre.org.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 Piff the Magic Dragon. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. The Roots. The Fillmore (8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD).

CA L E NDA R

$35. 8 p.m. (301) 960-9999

DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 21

Dave Chappell Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504. Field Shaman. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333. Flosstradamus with Phantoms (DJ Set). 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington D.C.) $30. 10 p.m. 202-265-0930.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29 Pieces of a Dream. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. John Kadlecik Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $20– $15. 8:30 p.m. 703-237-0300. Kentucky Avenue with Eli Lev. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $20. 8 p.m. 703255-1566. Can’t Feel My Face: 2010s Dance Party with DJs Will Eastman & Ozker. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington D.C.) $12. 9 p.m. 202265-0930. 2nd Sole Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. Cockpit. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Memphis Gold. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504. 21st Annual Hank Williams Tribute featuring Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Robbie Fulks, Robin & Linda Williams, Patrick McAvinue, Mark Schatz. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $29.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. Melodime’s Annual New Years Party featuring The Roosevelts and The Currys Live and InConcert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $45 – $65. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

WALE will be at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD on New Year’s day. (Photo: Billboard.com)

Spoon featuring White Reaper (encore showing on New Year’s Eve the following night at the same time). 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, Washington D.C.) $45. 8 p.m. 202-265-0930.

Dirty Dozens Brass Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $27. 8 p.m. 703237-0300. Adwela and the Uprising Reggae Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. Rajas of Rhythm. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

Party featuring The Brevet + Wylder Live and In Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $45 – $65. 8 p.m. 703255-1566.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

New Years Eve with The Seldom Scene, The Eastman String Band and The Plate Scrapers. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 8 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Jammin Java’s Mid-Atlantic Band Battle #18 – Preliminary Round Night 1 (Winners announced that night). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Wicked Jezebel. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Open Mic Night with Crazy After Midnight. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

DCLA & D&T Presents New Year’s Eve Showdown in Silver Spring. The Filmore (8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD). $35 8 p.m. (301) 960-9999

MONDAY, JANUARY 1

Lady D’s Special New Year’s Eve Blues Brunch Live and In Concert. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703241-9504.

Wale. The Filmore (8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD). $35. 8 p.m. (301) 960-9999

Melodime’s Annual New Years

Wolf Blues Jam Weekly Show.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 An Evening With Levin Brothers. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-2551566. Open Mic Night with Bob Hume and Martha Capone and the Band. JV’s Restaurant (666 Arlington Blvd., Arlington) 8 p.m. 703-522-8340.

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

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Critter Corner

BACK IN THE DAY

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20 s Yearo Ag

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20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press

Falls Church News-Press Vol. VII, No. 42 • January 1, 1998

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

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVII, No. 43 • December 27, 2007

10 Year s Ago

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

A Year of Big Gains, Setbacks for Economic Push

With Larger Hotel, F.C. City Center Will Fly With Council

For the City of Falls Church in 1997, the year’s most significant development was the concerted push by the City’s leadership for serious economic revitalization and development, together, with the achievements and resistances associated with it. It was a year of notable success and failures on this front, made all the more poignant by the uncommon seriousness and energy that was finally put – after years of discussion – to the effort.

A light bulb went off in the head of Atlantic Realty’s Adam Shulman last week that has apparently provided a workable solution to key nagging concerns about the developer’s Falls Church City Center proposal. According to the News-Press sources, the lastest configuration of the ambitious project adds more real estate on the east side of S. Maple St. that is currently under contract to the developer, and lowers the height of the main residential structure.

Fa l l s C h u r c h

Business News & Notes Invention Drawings Displayed at Air and Space Museum Local resident and business person Curt Westergard had 60 of his invention sketchbooks books displayed as part of the Smithsonian’s Ingenuity Day Nov. 30. The freehand drawings and notes documented the design evolution of a new aerial platform for docking delivery drones. He was interviewed on NASA TV for the STEM in 30 show. Curt demonstrated how the act of drawing stimulates the invention process. . He was joined by the outreach and educational director of the US Patent and Trademark Office, Elizabeth Dougherty. The Stem in 30 show, hosted by Beth Wilson and Marty Kelsey, was simulcast on Facebook.

Falls Church Welcomes Cyclebar With Ribbon Cutting A ribbon cutting and grand opening were held for Cyclebar in its new location at 301 W. Broad Street. Mayor David Tarter, Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly, Council Member Letty Hardi, Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton, and Council-elect Member Ross Litkenhaus and Falls Church Chamber representatives Commissioner Office’s Gary LaPorta, New Editions Consulting’s Shelia Newman, Skylite Communications’ Stephanie Oppenheimer, and Chamber staff Sally Cole and Cathy Soltys joined Cyclebar instructor Don Brazelton and owners Maurice Freeman and Mark Van Kirk for the official event. For more information, visitfallschurch.cyclebar.com.

Dancing Mind Offers Special Classes Involving Buddhist Teachings and Yoga Dancing Mind is offering two special classes in the coming week. This Thursday, Dec. 28, they will host a workshop on Buddhist Teachings – Mindfulness & Meditation Practices from 7:30 – 8:15 p.m. The event will include information to help avoic anziety, stress, and frustration and a guided meditation. Then on Saturday, Dec. 20, the studio is hosting a special New Year’s class, Glow with the Flow, from 4:30 – 5:45 p.m. The yoga workout will involve energetic music, blacklight and glow sticks to help prepare for the coming year. Dancing Mind is located at 929 W. Broad Street, Suite 101, Falls Church. For more information visit www.dancingmind.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

I SHOULD PROBABLY GET A RIDE HOME. BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

STANDING TALL is the feather-haired fella himself, Roosevelt, of the Alarcon family. Though he’s great at responding to commands, it helps when his favorite treat is in your hand. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

14 17

19 21

22 28

30 32

31 33

41 44

42 48

53 60

Across

1. Grin from ear to ear 5. 2011 Leonardo DiCaprio film with the tagline "The Most Powerful Man in the World" 11. Fraternity letters 14. Folk singer Guthrie 15. Groups appearing in striking photos? 16. Funny Gasteyer 17. Misses 19. Opposing vote 20. Like the "Iliad" or the "Odyssey" 21. Prohibits 22. Something posted by PewDiePie, say 27. Plays the siren 30. Pesto ingredients 31. Mine, in Montreal 32. Fortuneteller's card 33. With 36-Across, 1981 Grover Washington Jr./Bill Withers hit whose title is aptly sung before the words seen in 17-, 22-, 50- and 58-Across 36. See 33-Across 41. "See if I care!" 43. Grandma, familiarly 44. Hairstyles that usually involves clips or pins 48. Nearing midnight 50. It might include spurs, chaps and a ten-gallon hat 52. Princess captured by Jabba the Hutt 53. Unhelpful 57. QB's try: Abbr. 58. "Mind your own business!" 62. Actor Cage, informally

STRANGE BREW

1. Grin from ear to ear

63. 64. 65. 66. 67.

DECEMBER 28, 2017 – JANUARY 3, 2018 | PAGE 23 40. ____ Juan, Puerto Rico 42. Nittany Lions of the Big Ten: Abbr. 44. Students with the motto "Fiat Lux," informally 45. Beautifully worded 46. On/off ____ 47. Org. for which Mike Tyson twice held the heavyweight title 48. Gush 49. Dryer screen buildup 51. Sweetums 54. Crafts the U.S. government has never recognized 55. Nitwit 56. Website used by a lot of artisans 58. ____ fly 59. Name on Chinese restaurant menus 60. Winner of the first three Fiesta Bowls, for short 61. "So's ____ old man!"

Liquid ____ Jules et Jim, par exemple Brown or Auburn, e.g.: Abbr. Soup or salad Cable sports award

DOWN

1. Evan or Birch of Indiana politics 2. Suffix with stink 3. Reunion attendee, briefly 4. House that drains finances, slangily 5. Dr. J's actual first name 6. Pass 7. Performed 8. "There but for the grace of God ____" 9. Suffix with meth- or prop10. Online news aggregation inits. 11. Paradise 12. How butterflies might be caught 13. Final approvals 18. Small cavern, in poetry 21. Recycling receptacle 23. Words before "tree" or "creek" 24. What to expect when you're expecting 25. Sufficient, for Shakespeare 26. Presidential "no" 27. ____ Mahal 28. Bird on Australia's coat of arms 29. Hip-hop's ____ Def 32. Players often pick it up 34. Baseball exec Epstein 35. Nephew of Donald Duck 37. Directly paired 38. Like on Twitter, informally 39. French "a"

JOHN DEERING

5. 2011 Leonardo DiCaprio film with the tagline "The Most Powerful Man in the World"

O N E A L

A D A I R E P U

S T A R S

C I G A R C A L A M I S P E E

Sudoku Level:

11. Fraternity letters

Last Thursday’s Solution B A D P R

S E N T O R D A E S H E L L E E A N N O N

I M A F A N O R Y I S P Y

M O S A I C

P R O F

E A R L

I N T O W I E O F S R O L E F N O O D E I R E G R E E W E G E T A N E T O N R O U D E N T A

I T H E L P

M A R R I A G L E A S T S A M F I E T W H

U P M E A P K E I N O D S K H E N R I

O N S E T

By The Mepham Group 4

14. Folk singer Guthrie 15. Groups appearing in striking photos? 16. Funny Gasteyer 17. Misses 19. Opposing vote 20. Like the "Iliad" or the "Odyssey" 21. Prohibits

22. Something posted by PewDiePie, say 27. Plays the siren 30. Pesto ingredients

LOOSE PARTS

DAVE BLAZEK

31. Mine, in Montreal 32. Fortuneteller's card

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

12/31/17

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

PAGE 24 | DECEMBER 28, 2017 - JANUARY 3, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Happy New Year!

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