Falls Church News-Press 2-10-2022

Feb. 10 - 16, 2022

Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee

Fou n d e d 1991 • Vol. X XXI No. 52

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

School Masking Optional Monday

Singing “Newsies”

F.C. School Board Lets Deadline Stand As Is

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Coming this Monday, in accordance with the policy adopted by the Falls Church School Board last month, parents who wish for their children to opt out of mandatory masking in City of Falls Church public school classrooms may do so. The School Board had the opportunity to modify the policy at its meeting this Tuesday, and took no action to do so.

As a result, the latest hubbub in Richmond centered on a preliminary vote in the State Senate to follow the new Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s anti-mask mandate in state schools is, for City residents at least, a moot point. It is expected to become even more that way in the coming weeks.

A preliminary amendment vote Monday found 10 of the state’s 21 Democrats voted with the governor’s position, including a co-sponsor of the measure,

Continued on Page 3

A ROUSING RENDITION of a song from the Broadway play “Newsies” kicked off the second half of the special Meridian High School “Broadway and Desserts” fundraiser last weekend.(Photo: News-Press)

Meet City Council’s Newest Member: Caroline Lian

by Amanda Snead

Falls Church News-Press

Falls Church’s newest City Council member, voted in last November and now engaged in her first in-person meetings at City Hall, Caroline Lian has lived in the Falls

Church community since 2006, marrying into a family that has had roots here for even longer and starting her family.

Always an involved citizen, Lian decided to run for City Council in 2021 with her main focuses being public education, affordable hous-

ing, economic development, transparency and communication.

“We’ve come to really be part of the city, even more so now that we have kids,” she said about her local involvement over the years.

“We love the resources, not just the schools, but the ability to walk and

be part of a community that’s very close knit. I was a heavy volunteer in many circles between the PTAs and community service through church groups in the city. I also served on non-profits boards in the D.C. area

Continued on Page 4

Inside This Week “Leaving Bedrooms” Opens This Weekend

Where to Watch The Big Game This Sunday In Falls Church

See Review, Page 9

See Calendar, Pages 12 and 13

NOVA Nightsky is back with a brand new play by Artistic Director Ward Kay. “Leaving Bedrooms” is a story of the highs and lows of finding love in the modern world.

Super Bowl Sunday is quickly approaching and there are plenty of places all over the Little City to watch the game or grab food to take home for your celebration with friends and family.

Index

Editorial................................................ 6 Letters.................................................. 6 Comment..........................................7,8 Crime Report....................................... 8 News & Notes.............................. 10,11 Calendar......................................12,13 Comics............................................... 16 Classified Ads.................................... 17 Critter Corner..................................... 18 Business News.................................. 19

PAGE 2 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

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NEWS BRIEFS Beyer Votes to Improve USPS Mail Delivery Tuesday U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Falls Church voted to improve mail delivery and strengthen the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) with the Postal Service Reform Act, which passed on a bipartisan vote. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

The Postal Service Reform Act directs billions in funding to USPS, and would make reforms to increase performance transparency and create new sources of revenue, strengthening the financial footing of USPS. Northern Virginians have reported widespread delays and problems with mail delivery in recent years.

“The U.S. Postal Service provides a crucial service that Americans depend on for delivery of their prescriptions, paychecks, and much more, but that service has been severely stretched,” Beyer said. “The Postal Service Reform Act is strong bipartisan legislation that will help solve problems with mail delivery across the country and in our local community.

The pandemic worsened decades of underinvestment and onerous financial restrictions, putting an unsustainable strain on this key government agency, which Northern Virginians have felt keenly. The Postal Service Reform Act will ensure that Americans can rely on USPS for reliable, nationwide mail service for generations to come.”

Housing Instability Funds Now Available in F.C. The Commonwealth of Virginia was awarded $250 million in Covid-19 relief funds from the U.S. Treasury to support homeowners facing housing instability resulting from the pandemic. Now,Virginia Housing’s Virginia Mortgage Relief Program (VMRP) is using these funds to assist eligible Virginians to help prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

To be eligible for VMRP assistance, an individual must meet the following eligibility requirements: a homeowner with a primary residence in Virginia; the applicant experienced financial hardship due to the Covid19 pandemic; the applicant’s household must meet certain maximum income restrictions; the homeowner is seeking assistance with mortgage payments or other eligible housing-related costs; and delinquency must be as a result of missed payments due after January 21, 2020.

Housing obligations as listed below and not due prior to January 21, 2020 are eligible uses of VMRP proceeds: existing first mort-

gage lien loan payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI)), escrow shortages, and servicer corporate advances, subordinate mortgage lien payment (principal and interest) and/or installment payment of government bond second lien for down payment assistance (such as Virginia Housing second deeds of trust for down payment). attached or unattached manufactured or mobile home loan monthly payment (principal and interest). If home loan monthly payment and/or personal property tax are being paid on an unattached manufactured/mobile home, lot rent may also be paid.

However, applications for lot rent only are not eligible under VMRP, although they may be under the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP). homeowner’s association fees, condominium association fees or common charges, including for a lien extinguishment.

Eligible households must owe less than $30,000 and have no housing expense payments more than 20 months delinquent, whichever is reached first. It may take up to 90 days to process an application. If you think you may reach or exceed these caps within that 90-day period, it is recommended that you discuss available options with your servicer as soon as possible. Reaching either of these caps ($30,000 or 20 months) will make you ineligible for VMRP assistance.

To apply or learn more about VMRP, visit www.VirginiaMortgageRelief.com or call 833-687-8677 (833-OUR-VMRP), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

City Police Warn of Phone Scam in F.C. Area The City of Falls Church Police wants community members to be aware of a phone scam that is active in the area.

Officers have received reports from community members who stated that callers contact them claiming to be members of a police department or sheriff’s department. The law enforcement impersonator may refer to the community member by name, tell the community member the call is being recorded, and tell the community member they missed a court appearance or jury duty or state they need to send money or a warrant will be issued for their arrest or they may turn themselves in to jail.

Sometimes scams such as these will include spoofing a legitimate police agency phone number and using a real name of a law enforcement officer in an attempt to gain the trust of the victim. No government agency of any kind takes gift cards as payment.

Persons receiving such a similar call should disconnect without providing any information or taking any instructions from the caller.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 3

Masking in Schools to Become Optional Next Week

Continued from Page 1

that way in the coming weeks.

A preliminary amendment vote Monday found 10 of the state’s 21 Democrats voted with the governor’s position, including a co-sponsor of the measure, State Sen. Chap Petersen of Fairfax City.

Petersen, it turns out, is slated to become the City of Falls Church’s new representative in the Senate as the new redistricted boundaries begin to go into effect.

Many Democrats opposed Youngkin’s initiative on grounds that he violated state law countermanding an existing state law by issuing an executive order his first day in office. A lively debate on the issue was reportedly going on in the Democratic caucus meeting yesterday.

Otherwise, however, as State Del. Marcus Simon of Falls Church told the News-Press this week, the whole issue could amount to “a big Nothing Burger” as the pandemic recedes and along with it, mask mandates generally.

But of most relevance to Falls Church is not Petersen’s vote, as the City’s prospective new state

senator, on this issue per se, but its representation of the lawmaker’s political posture over time that is almost certain to rankle many Democratic activists in the City.

Come next year, when the senate seat will come for election next, City residents will need to decide if they accept Petersen’s brand of Democratic moderation, which he is famous for within the Democratic caucus in Richmond, or whether they will challenge him on the ballot.

Everyone for now is waiting for the conclusion of the short legislative session in Richmond in early March before deciding on how to approach the 2023 elections with new legislative boundaries.

Not only will Petersen move in on Falls Church, where veteran Sen. Dick Saslaw has held forth the last decade, but State Del. Marcus Simon, while he will continue to represent Falls Church, is also slated to move into parts of Greater Falls Church south of the City, thereby encroaching on the district currently represented by State Del. Kaye Kory.

Simon has told the News-Press he and Kory will work out how to

resolve the potential conflict amicably once the current legislative session is over to ensure they will not be competing with each other for the same constituents in the next election.

The biggest concerns currently are the new majority Republicans actions to block an initiative that would have repealed the language of the infamous Marshall Newman amendment banning same-sex unions (now overridden by federal law) in the state constitution.

They also blocked a move to automatically restore the voting rights of felons who have served out their sentences. It will be another three years now before there can be another effort to achieve this.

In a move to counter what they’ve charged is a divisive move

by Gov. Youngkin, a hotline to encourage parents to file complaints about what’s going on in their child’s classroom, the Fairfax County Democratic Committee this week opened a “hotline” where citizens can report instances of the governor “failing to keep is promise to fight for all Virginians.”

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PAGE 4 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Caroline Lian Begins Term as City Council Member Continued from Page 1

for public charter schools as well as doing advocacy.”

Local elections in Falls Church brought out large crowds with almost 70 percent of registered voters in the city turning out to the polls. Lian received the fourth most votes for City Council joining Mayor David Tarter, Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly and David Snyder in getting elected. She replaced the one Council member who did not seek re-election, Ross Litkenhous..

“What really motivated my desire to run for office and serve in the CIty Council role was this notion of serving. I feel as if one of our greatest assets in this town is our people.

We’re passionate about our city, we’re committed to improvement and we’re determined to see a longer term vision of this city become a reality,” said Lian.

Lian has worked in a variety of roles over the past 26 years, including investment banking and management consulting and has been working at Freddie Mac for the past six years, a job that has helped provide her with a deeper understanding of affordable housing, which became

one of her main platforms when running for office.

Despite her busy schedule as a working mom, Lian decided now was the time to run for office and continue getting and staying involved with the community.

“The best time to serve is right now,” she decided. “Even though I’ve got two kids ages 13 and 11, even though I’ve got a full-time job.

Why wait until I’m 60? Let’s do this now when everything is firing on all cylinders and I’m the biggest consumer of city services that I ever have been.”

Lian started in her new role as a City Council member last month with Monday evenings alternating between meetings and work sessions. She expressed how much she looks forward to Monday evenings to work with her colleagues and hear from citizens.

She said that meetings focus on the “core functions” of the city and both short and long term goals and projects. This includes looking at budgets, ordinances and regulations among other things.

“Outside of those meetings, I think one of the most important things that council members can do

is be available to the constituents in the city,” said Lian, “to listen to their needs and their complaints, what’s good and where needed, explaining the current policies and programs to residents. Not everyone has the bandwidth to watch all of these Council meetings, which can sometimes last over three hours, back.”

Aside from attending Monday meetings and keeping a rapport with citizens, Council members wear many different hats, including staying involved with other boards and committees within the city and the state.

Lian serves as a liaison to the Chesapeake Water Authority, Falls Church Parks and Recreation and Aurora House as well as being a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Given her professional background, increasing and expanding affordable housing options in the city has become one of her priorities. This includes accessory dwelling units, places to rent and homes to buy. She stated that her vision for affordable housing in the city “reflects the ability for people of varied backgrounds at different points in life to be able to live here.”

While there are options for affordable renting, options for owning are limited. Creating more opportunities for people to own properties so something Lian would like to see more of in the future and open it to more people.

This means making more opportunities for people below a certain income and opening up the options for more people of varied ages and backgrounds.

“I don’t see the fact that we’re 2.1 square miles as a constraint,” said Lian about creating more affordable housing options, “that’s just a fact and we have to get creative with how we navigate around it. It shouldn’t excuse us from thinking creatively in how we supply affordable housing stock. We need to view it as a portfolio.”

While the city may be small, Lian loves how tight knit it is and all of the opportunities there are to improve things, even if you aren’t a Council member.

“The best resource for me was reaching out and having a conversation to find out more. I really encourage anybody who wants to know where the opportunities for helping out are just to start a conversation,”

said Lian. She also noted that she is more than happy to have these conversations with locals to help them find the best ways for them to get involved.

Another option for getting involved is to look into different boards and commissions within the city.

“The other option is to take a look at the City website and take a look at the boards and commissions,” said Lian. “Within those boards and commissions, you can see who the members are and you can access prior meeting archives as well as see what is on the agenda for the next meeting so you can get a sense of what is being discussed. You can take a poll from there to see what interests you most based on what is being discussed. I think it’s important that when you do serve, that you do it in a way that serves what you’re interested in. When you’re passionate about something, that’s when you’re going to be at your best.”

Those interested in finding out more about upcoming City Council meetings or boards and commissions meetings, can find them at fallschurchva.gov. Lian can be reached directly at clian@fallschurchva.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 5

Meridian Swim & Dive Team Celebrates Senior Night

by Leah Kirk

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL Swim & Dive Team celebrated Senior Night last Saturday night. (Photo: Leah Kirk)

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

Online commenters on Nextdoor are bemoaning our “McMansion pandemic,” described also in letters to the editor as “monsterfication” of Arlington’s suburban housing stock.

New luxury homes under construction are lambasted with such affectionate terms as “grotesque.... eyesore...ridiculous....horrendous.... ugly...horrid....cattle barn...eee-yuk.”

The rise of large-scale “garagemahals” has brought “rampant demolition of smaller, older, perfectly livable homes” that are replaced by $2 million — $3 million “megamansions,” laments preservationist Tom Dickinson, who has recruited more than 90 to his virtual organization Save Historic Arlington.

The county issues 300-400 demolition permits annually, notes Dickinson (who spent decades photographing older homes), only a small percentage of which “had issues that would justify demolition.

The environmental costs of building new are never calculated or factored into the approval process, nor are the impacts of loss of trees, vegetation, ground cover, and resulting water run-off/drainage problems.”

You’d have to be living under a rock not to notice that today’s low interest rates fueled a boom in homebuilding by builders working for profit. So in a two-fer, I asked Tripp DeFalco, founder of Arlingtonbased DeFalco Home Design who is both an architect and a builder, whether these new homes are really so ugly, and whether they’re the wave of the future.

“There are two drivers from a

design perspective,” he said. “The appraisal process, which is broken” and the incentives for builders to make the most of value of scarce land.

Personally, DeFalco sees “no reason to build a big house, and most of my current clients end up with smaller houses than a developer would build.” But appraisers “give no credit for something well-designed, for aesthetics, for higher efficiency,” more insulation, higher-grade systems, longevity of materials themselves. There’s no recognition for life-cycle costing, or expensive geo-thermal HVAC, he said. The final sale price is “based on other comparable property, what somebody else did in the neighborhood in past 12 months.”

A developer looks to maximize profit, which means pumping up the house size, sometimes for a “box,” DeFalco adds. After factoring in transaction fees, brokerage fees and carrying costs, he looks for the “outsale” numbers before the “go-no-go decision based on the land.”

No one builds more than one kitchen (the most expensive room, followed by bathrooms). “So if there’s going to be five bathrooms, why not inflate the bedrooms and living spaces, which are relatively cheap to build? Why buy a lot for $1 million and make $200,000, when you can make $300,000?”

Preservation is “not part of the conversation,” DeFalco acknowledges. “Let’s face it, as a developer, my job is developing a property and selling it, so who cares what happens after that?”

The derisive term “McMansion”

does not offend him. “I’ve received hundreds of calls from neighbors who didn’t like what I’m doing and are not shy.” But all is done in compliance with county zoning and byright development, he adds.

“It’s not necessarily the developers’ fault — ­ they’re responding to real economic pressure” and competition, DeFalco says. Today’s astonishing prices mean “I couldn’t afford to move into my own neighborhood.”

Arlington is “going through an evolution, and it may not all be pretty,” he says.

“As land becomes more valuable, it’s natural someone will replace [a structure] with a larger or higher-performing home.” With our good schools and transportation, everyone wants to be here. Arlington is a victim of its own success.”

The Meridian High School Swim & Dive Team celebrated Senior Night this past Saturday, February 5, 2022 with a Dual Meet against Manassas Park High School. Prior to the meet, the Mustangs and Cougars both celebrated their graduating seniors and their parents.

Among this year’s Seniors for the Mustangs are from the Boy’s Team: Jack Flanagan, Gaspar Green, Eddie Hughes, and Emil Morin. From the Girl’s Team: Natalie Burke, Emerson Mellon, Lauren Mellon, Annie Moore, and Emma Tice-Kepner.

These students have been an integral part of the team over the last four years and the team will truly miss their presence and determination next year.

Competition got underway after the ceremony where the Mustangs continued to dominate over the district rival Cougars, securing a in-conference win for Meridian. The Boys Team won 110-51 and the Girls Team won 112-35. The Mustangs travel to Colgan High School this Friday, February 11, for the Region 3B Swim Meet. The top 5 finishers in the Region will continue to the State Meet on February 17 (Dive) and February 19 (Swim) in Richmond. Spectators are allowed at the event and you are encouraged to come out and support your Mustang Swim and Dive Team.

Be sure to follow the team on Instagram @meridianswimanddive for updates and results of the Regional Meet.

*** Fun recent visit to the triple border between Arlington, Falls Church and Fairfax: the site of the Pope-Leighey house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, which was disassembled in 1964 and moved to Woodlawn Plantation, to make way for I-66.

Neighborhood stalwart Anita Cerio showed me the lot off Meridian St. at Locust St. where she visited Margaret Leighey, who, with husband Robert, was the second owner of the Usonian home built in 1940 for Washington Star editor Loren Pope.

Mrs. Leighey was Cerio’s Sunday school teacher: “A gentle soul, she would invite me over for homemade cookies, proudly showing off the ferns in her garden.”

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Today’s Relevance Of Hannah Arendt

“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated Communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists.” – Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism, 1951.

With Donald Trump in the White House in 2018, esteemed American philosopher Richard J. Bernstein published a short work, “Why Read Hannah Arendt Now,” that recapitulated the major themes of the remarkable 20th century Jewish thinker and Holocaust survivor Hannah Arendt (19061975) that she published in her epochal work, now considered an authoritative classic, “The Origins of Totalitarianism” (1961). It dealt with the issues of power, evil, direct democracy, authority and totalitarianism.

The straightforward title of the short work is reflected in the quote at the top of this piece, so essential to grasping the nature of the evil that continues to bedevil American culture today. Its root is in the practice of deception, the flummoxing of the public’s powers of discernment and reason, with persuasive doubletalk, fakery and wild distortions. As Bernstein writes in the introduction to this short work, “Arendt was remarkably perceptive about some of the deepest problems, perplexities and dangerous tendencies in modern political life…When Arendt spoke about ‘dark times’ she was not exclusively referring to the horrors of 20th century totalitarianism. She writes, ‘If it is the function of the public realm to throw light on the affairs of men by providing a space of appearances in which they can show in deed and word, for better or worse, who they are and what they can do, then darkness has come when this light if extinguished by ‘credibility gaps’ and ‘invisible government,’ by speech that does not disclose what is but sweeps it under the carpet, but exhortations, moral and otherwise, that, under the pretext of upholding old truths, degrade all truth in meaningless triviality.”

The essential evil in what Trumpism and totalitarianism in its 2022 form lies in its commitment to deceive, to precede the shutting down of a responsible free discourse with a flurry of extreme lies that leave the public shaking its head. The question, How can someone believe that?, is followed by a subtle or not so subtle abdication of any serious commitment to reality, itself, especially when it is accompanied by coercion in one or another form.

So we have the Republican Party now officially calling the January 6 insurrection “legitimate political discourse.” Fear and cowardice, combined with any shallow justification for adopting to falsehoods, has produced this.

It has never been more important for truth and honest discourse to be elevated in the public consciousness today, for scientific thought to be brought to the forefront and nihilistic or self-indulgent rants to be resisted and fought against. The evil we face is a conscious and deliberate one, it seeks to cripple the mind and spirit of the common soul in order that its pathways to wanton destruction be cleared.

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5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

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

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

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Investments for Pedestrian and Bikes Needed Editor, In her January 27 Guest Commentary, Vice Mayor Hardi wrote that Falls Church City needs “safer and accessible streets, protected bike lanes, and traffic calming.”

We couldn’t agree more. However, improvements will come at a glacial pace unless our hardworking City Staff get more help.

Our City is uniquely positioned to be one of the most bicycle and pedestrian friendly places in the U.S., thanks to its size, density, amenities, and excellent public transportation access. Imagine a “Little City” where children of all ages can safely ride their bikes to school, where families prefer to walk or ride when running errands, and where we welcome new residents and visitors with fewer fears of parking or traffic issues.

There is a lot of enthusiasm for this future, “at the top” with Council and at the “grassroots” level with new organizations like Bike Falls Church (bikefallschurch.org).

Unfortunately, our City Staff lack the resources to deliver this vision.

Understaffing has caused multi-year delays for pedestrian safety projects, including safer crossings for the newly widened W&OD Dual Trails and new HAWK signals that would allow safe crossings of Broad Street at Oak, Berry and Fairfax Streets.

Meanwhile, utility poles block sidewalks on many streets, the Bicycle Master Plan’s vision of a safe, direct bicycle route to the Secondary Schools and West Falls development has stalled, and residents wait for years for traffic calming on their streets. Our Staff are working hard to tread water; playing

Got Beef?

Send us a letter and let us know what you think.

The deadline for Letters to the Editor is 5 p.m. Monday each week of publication Letters should be 350 words or less.

Email letters@fcnp.com Fax 703-342-0347 Mail or drop off Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

catchup on old projects and reacting to today’s loudest residents and developers.

The City should invest now in its Staff and guide them with a professionally developed, integrated plan for transportation in 2030 for both main and neighborhood streets. This detailed plan should lay out how we most cost-effectively and quickly build complete streets that help people of all ages and abilities safely get around our City, not just those who can drive. Let’s act now to build on the incredible foundation we have, to make our City even safer, healthier, friendlier, and more prosperous.

Andrew Olesen Jess Hegenbart Falls Church

Thank You to Our Teachers Editor, I hope our new governor has a contingency plan for Virginia if there is an exodus of teachers from our state. I doubt we will know, since he apparently refuses to be transparent over the theatening teacher email hotline. Whether he supports public, private, or charter schools… we should be focusing our resources on retaining teachers. Yet, our tax dollars are funding an email operation that I’m sure has them feeling stressed. I would prefer my tax dollars to help our teachers financially and professionally. Where is the email tip line for teachers to write in about feeling threatened by parents or students, Governor? I am grateful for our teachers and administrators in FCCPS. Thank you for all you do and please know there are parents out here that care about you!

Lindsay Potts Falls Church

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FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 7

Falls Church City Businesses Continue to Move Forward

By Elise Bengtson

It’s a new year, and business is moving forward. We have been forced to adapt, innovate and grow as of late, learning a great deal about ourselves and our businesses. We can be thankful for resilience and a strong community that supports the business community, which together makes Falls Church the best Little City. This is how we are moving forward, set on a course for a great year in business.

Businesses have learned that they can thrive virtually, even the chamber.

Employers have observed new skills and strengths in their employees and witnessed creativity at work in the midst of the pandemic. Companies rely more heavily than ever on highly networked teams and technology has made this transition possible. Body Dynamics and Mind Over Mat Pilates made the shift and are growing their clientele.

Businesses are meeting more customer orders than initially realized.

E-commerce has been in place, and the pandemic pushed it to the next level – actually 10 years of growth in 18 months. In fact, the retail, transportation, and warehousing sectors have grown in large part due to the ability to reach customers online. But it’s not all ‘big box’. Try ordering a gift from your local shop to perk up a friend or send your daughter a Preservation Biscuit crepe to her dorm — I did. Who knew

that was possible! Check the website of your favorite local store or ask about placing special orders on local products to support their growth.

“We come together as one community, to celebrate the businesses and nonprofits.”

Digital and analytic solutions have also accelerated to support growth and outsourcing which is increasing capacity building. A recent McKinsey and Company survey found that work from home respondents believed their productivity increased 29 percent. Businesses can also keep great employees on staff when they move across the county with these advancements, and I know at least three chamber members who are keeping valued staff this way.

New businesses have started up at record levels and work at home opportunities popped up everywhere. Aspiring entrepreneurs reassessed their work-life balance and are taking charge of their future by pursuing their dreams. Parents who faced working from home while teaching their children and finding childcare became skilled in juggling and managing various fronts are venturing into home-based businesses. This is an exciting time for them. They are invited to join the chamber, an organization of

business peers ready to support, promote, and keep them engaged in the community. The chamber is here for you too!

Small businesses have found new ways to work on employees’ well-being.

Some have instituted random ‘days off’ or “circuit Breaker” holidays to boost morale and mental health. I’m aware of a chamber member who has done something similar, and it’s no surprise that the retention rate is high. And kudos to Diener and Associates for taking staff to the chamber Family Fun Night for mini golf. Perhaps this says that the business that plays together, also stays together.

Restaurants are diversifying and curbside pickup has grown exponentially.

One fine dining restaurant hesitantly turned to take-out service to survive and discovered that it would rival the prior indoor business success. Many have taken the opportunity to create new recipes and test new menus. This is growth, but they remain short-staffed.

Here we need to grow our patience, be generous with tips, and recommend them to students looking for job opportunities. Think about the owners of Ellie Bird which is coming to Founders Row. Restauranteurs Yuan and Carey Tang got their start working at Applebee’s and Red Lobster in Falls Church. We need to continue to support our fabulous restaurants.

The Falls Church Chamber has been at the side of business throughout the

The New Russia-China Axis for Tyranny Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The official “Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development” issued by Russia and China together came out of Putin’s meeting with Xi at the opening of the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing last week. The New Axis.

The 5,000 word agreement between the world’s two most powerful authoritarian powers was ominous by its very nature. No matter how merely ceremonial it might have appeared, it marked what is now a dead serious situation.

With Russia on the brink of an all-out military invasion into Western Europe for the first time since World War II, confronting

the West, whether or not Ukraine is technically a member of NATO or not, with a direct assault against territories of the West, Russia has set its stage with a critical endorsement from its new ally, the world’s looming tyrannical power, signed and sealed with this joint statement.

One might be tempted to brush off this ceremonial statement, given as it is to all the pronouncements for global peace and development routine for such things, were it not, in the bigger picture, representative of the new global shape of reality.

Get used to it, West! We are now beset by this monolith of antidemocratic global superpowers, as much as their joint statement praised the concept of democracy and their commitment to it.

It is one thing to give lip service to democracy from a couple of global tyrannies, it is another to recognize the seriousness of their claims to represent it.

When these are the forces

touting peace and development, appealing to the United Nations framework for progress in a whole number of areas, is makes it hard for the West, if it deigns to even acknowledge the lip service being extended in such a joint statement, to accept that is being proposed without being able to exhibit clearly what is wrong with it.

Who is not for global peace and cooperation in so many of the areas outlined in this joint RussianChinese statement? Maybe they’re not so bad, after all. They want development, they want demilitarization and disarmament. What’s so bad?

The Washington Post, in its editorial this week, “The Dictator’s Agreement: Mr. Xi and Mr. Putin Pledge Loyalty to Each Other And to Authoritarian Rule,” condemns the “blueprint for combined confrontation with the United States,” but reading the actual statement, that isn’t exactly what it’s threaten-

pandemic, and we are steadfast in looking forward to a great year of business for all. Like so many, we’ve had to be creative, master virtual events (the beach networking mixer was fun) and find new ways to rally around our retailers and restaurants, while staying in business.

We have a wonderful, diverse board of directors who represent various types of businesses and report on the business climate. Chamber membership lends visibility, credibility, and the support of peers. The networking opportunities, online and in-person, continue to foster collaboration on marketing and business strategy, and the development of partnerships to increase sales. We may have faced historic challenges but look at the ways that businesses have innovated and grown and come together. Business is moving forward.

Moving forward, our next step is to celebrate. Please join us for Bourbon, Brews and BBQ on March 24 at the State Theatre and recognize the top businesses and nonprofits. We will come together as one community, to celebrate the business community and nonprofits — for one doesn’t not exist without the other to have this high quality of life in the Little City. Let’s show our support and celebrate together!

Elise Bengtson is the Executive Director of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She can be emailed at elise@ fallschurchchamber.org.

ing, not in so many words, at least.

Maybe Russia and China should have a right to stand together against the U.S. if they feel the U.S. is encroaching too much.

But there’s really only one paragraph amidst all the fancy rhetoric and commitments to peace, democracy and prosperity where the true evil of this devil’s alliance issues forth unmistakably: It comes quite toward the end, where it is asserted that “the sides (China and Russia) support the internationalization of Internet governance, advocate equal right to its governance, believe that any attempts to limit their sovereign right to regulate national segments of the Internet and ensure their security are unacceptable…”

There it is! “Any attempts to limit their sovereign right to regulate national segments of the Internet and ensure their security are unacceptable:” arbitrary state censorship written in stone in this international agreement.

There is no attempt to condition this ”sovereign right” with matters such as “the truth,” for example.

There is no claim to a recourse that says such sovereign rights are tempered by anything other that their political will.

This, of course, makes a complete sham of any attempt of this document to represent the will of any people at all. It is the true expose of this collective tyranny, against any fancy words to obfuscate them.

And for democracies in the West, it serves as a reminder that it constitutes the essential matter by which what separates tyranny from democracy must be asserted: the matter of free speech delimited only by a robust discourse on truth, itself.

Truth and freedom are the essential elements of what separates freedom and democracy from tyranny and terror. The new Russia-China pact clearly represents the latter.

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PAGE 8 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

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Every year, County Supervisors from across Virginia gather in Richmond for VACo /VML Legislative Day. The Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) and the Virginia Municipal League (VML) sponsor the day-long event; last week, more than 500 local elected officials joined in the advocacy day, calling on state senators and delegates to support, or oppose, legislation making its way through the General Assembly process. Given the pace of the legislative process at this point in the session, a bill can be killed in committee before the advocates get a chance to speak. Nonetheless, explaining the effect of a bill on a locality often proves eye-opening to General Assembly members.

A case in point is the teacher compensation increase in the introduced state budget. As proposed, the Commonwealth would raise teacher salaries by five percent in each year of the biennium. The proposal also requires school divisions (i.e., local taxpayers) to provide at least an average 2.5 percent increase (a local match) in order to access the state share. This is standard practice when the state announces teacher salary increases. What is not understood, even

by General Assembly members, is that a salary increase with the local match costs localities millions more dollars from local funds. When the Commonwealth raised teacher salaries last year, the Fairfax County match was in excess of $100 million; the state’s share was only $22 million.

Budget amendments by Senator Adam Ebbin and Delegate Vivian Watts would remove the match requirement.

In Virginia, land use decisions are prime responsibilities of the locality, but there are bills introduced every year that would remove local authority. One such bill would amend the standards for credentialing of a “certified recovery residence.” Certainly, providing extended treatment for substance addiction is a good thing, but the bill also provides that such residences shall constitute residential occupancy by a single family for zoning purposes, regardless of the number of persons residing in the certified recovery residence. That provision would limit severely the ability of counties to address the associated land use impacts of an unlimited number of residents

in a proposed facility, and VACo is working to remove it from the bill.

A surprise bill would mandate that any rooftop or ground-mounted solar installations that serve just the energy needs of the property to which they are located (residential roof-top, e.g.) shall be a separate class of property and entirely exempt from local real estate taxes. Local governments already can determine what kinds of real estate tax exemptions are granted, and that flexibility should continue.

A lot of discussion for localities is the proposal to eliminate the grocery tax. The introduced state budget provides for the elimination of the 1.5 percent state portion of the tax on groceries. Currently, food and essential hygiene products are taxed at 2.5 percent; the other one percent is the local option sales tax. From the state’s 1.5 percent portion, one percent is distributed to localities for school funding needs, and 0.5 percent is deposited to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. Elimination of the tax would reduce allocations by nearly $600 million across the Commonwealth, and the introduced bills do not provide for revenue replacement. In Fairfax County alone, the grocery tax accounts for about $150 million in annual revenue, or more than five cents on the real estate tax. The average weekly grocery tax reduction for a family would be about the same as a Starbucks latte, with or without foam and syrup! Most local governments have not taken a position on elimination of the grocery tax, only that localities must be made whole for the lost revenue.

One bill that appears dead is Delegate Vivian Watts’ bill to address the noise from vehicles, an issue that has been plaguing portions of Fairfax County, especially in the Skyline area, since the General Assembly removed loud mufflers from being ticketable offenses. Delegate Watts worked on a remedy for the “mistake” made by the General Assembly last year but, at last report, the bill was laid on the table and not reported out by the House subcommittee.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

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Driving Under the Influence, W Broad St, Feb 5, 2:48 AM, a male, 39, of Hyattsville, MD, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

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FEBRUARY 10-16, 2022 | PAGE 9

“Leaving Bedrooms” Shows Highs and Lows of Love

BY AMANDA SNEAD

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Theater is back in full swing in the Little City with both Creative Cauldron and NOVA Nightsky Theater premiering new plays this weekend.

NOVA Nightsky Theater is new to the city, with its first play, “Picnic,” taking place last year.

However, co-founders Jaclyn Robertson and Ward Kay have managed to bring yet another exceptional play to the stage.

Their newest play, “Leaving Bedrooms” was written by Kay. Set in five different bedrooms, this story takes viewers through the highs and lows of romance, from breakups to dating apps and finding the person you were meant to be with all along.

The cast of characters is small but mighty with just four actors stepping onto the stage.

This seems to be a trend across many local theater groups as shows come back for the first time since the pandemic began.

(Although the Playbill notes that the play takes place specifically in a “non-Covid present”).

Brandon Benitez first takes

the stage as his character Marcus in a scene set immediately after a breakup with his longtime girlfriend. His friend Eric, played by Michael Angeloni, appears in an attempt to help reconcile Marcus with Jen but ultimately they both see that the breakup was for the best and Eric begins to question his own relationship with his fiance.

Benitez’s acting draws the viewer in from the second he steps on stage. As Valentine’s Day approaches and we see signs of love all around us, this scene reminds us that it isn’t all sunshine and roses and things work out the way that they’re supposed to.

We next see Marcus trying out dating apps for the first time ever with the help of Liz, Eric’s ex-fiance, played by Whitney Perez. If you’ve never used a dating app before, consider yourself lucky, but as someone who has been on Tinder, Bumble and Hinge with a variety of different interactions, I think the play did a great job of explaining dating online in the modern world even for those who have never downloaded a dating app before.

The next scene shows Marcus with a Tinder hookup named Heather, played by Lindsey June, where an interesting conversation around sex work and the adult entertainment industry comes into play, While this wasn’t something I expected when coming into the performance, I found it incredibly interesting to see play out as these topics still remain quite taboo even in 2022.

In the interest of revealing as little as possible, the play ended in a quite satisfying way that shows us sometimes the thing we want the most has been right in front of us the entire time.

Overall, I think this was a wonderful second performance for NOVA Nightsky and I’m so thankful I got to see it before it debuts this Friday!

Having each scene set in a different bedroom allows for a sense of intimacy with the characters that the audience might not have in a different setting.

Set in the present day, we can also see the highs and lows of modern dating with the popularization of hookup and dating apps. I also appreciated the

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added layer of including a conversation on sex work.

This play is running for a short time so make sure to grab your tickets and see this original play while you can!

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday the 11th, Saturday the 12th, Friday the

18th and Saturday the 19th.

This play includes strong language and sexual situations so it is intended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at novanightskytheater.com/box-office. NOVA Nightsky Theater is located at 1057 W. Broad St.

New Photography Exhibit Takes Viewers “Near and Far”

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church Arts Gallery is exhibiting a collection of art photography which is not just unique and attention-grabbing in terms of striking images but also in implementing visually a thought-provoking theme.

Entitled “Near and Far,” the exhibition has photographs which are of images close up and far-away—a theme realized at times in the same photograph, at times in two photographs depicting different spatial perspectives yet exhibited in close proximity to each other.

Constance Phelps, former design editor at National Geographic Magazine, juried the show, noting: “This exhibit explores the heights and depths and macro world of photography. Photographers show a broad range of talent and sensitivity to their subjects. Some have taken the ‘Near and Far’ theme literally by using the method of putting the foreground as close to the lens as you can. Controlling the depth of field is a fine art displayed in many of the photographs in this inspiring exhibit.”

Some locations are from far-

away, including a close-up image of a room in far-off Bulgaria and a river panorama of the “golden Arno, as it shoots away/ Straight through the heart of Florence,” as Elizabeth Barrett Browning writes and Breanna Cuchara captures in her photograph “The Florence Bridge.”

The District of Columbia is presented from unusual vantage points, such as an overhead view of the sweeping winding staircase in Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library (David Horowitz, “Grand Descent”). A great favorite of this gallery visitor was James Hengst’s “Behind the Curtin,” a view of the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden with a large painted human mouth on an art poster as well as two onlookers “peeking,” as it were, from behind a curtain of autumncolored foliage.

An especially poignant work from the Washington Mall is Breanna Cuchara’s “Covid Memorial at the Washington Monument.” Planted white flags are shown closeup with the Washington Monument looming in the distance, a reminder of far and near aspects as we are wise to be socially distant yet have become, in a sense, closer and nearer due to the

common experience of the pandemic.

Also relatively near to readers of Falls Church News-Press is Rock Creek Park Cemetery. Photographer Pamela Huffman has visited the location a none-too-distant drive away to give us “Copper & Stone,” a close-up of glass on a Gothic-arched window reflecting trees and graves some distance behind. From the same photographer we have new growth and “old peeling wood” up close with the “Symphony of the Sky” (such is the picture’s title) above and far beyond.

Nature plays a key role in other photographs in the “Near and Far” exhibit as well. “At once far off and near,” as William Wordsworth phrases it in verse, are two “Trees in the Snow” by Bob Friedman. A close-up barren tree in the foreground is shadowed afar in the background by another tree also devoid of leaves against a snowy landscape.

Completing our review tour of “Near and Far” are “Relaxing in Ginter Garden” by Jane Podesta and “Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Party Founding” by Christy Gavitt.

The first is a tranquil close-up view of a water lily pond at Ginter Botanical Garden outside of Richmond, Virginia. The second is of the North

SYMPHONY OF THE SKY by Pamela Huffman

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Korean capital city Pyongyang and presents a large Communist Party spectacle from which the photographer’s colorful depiction was taken, we presume, at a healthy distance!

“From me far off, with others all too near,” writes Shakespeare in the “Sonnets,” and this reviewer emerged from the exhibition with thoughts of how not only objects but also other

human beings can be near yet far and distant. Pamela Huffman, events coordinator at the gallery, reminds us that though the photographic images are of nature, cities, and objects, we would do well to pay close attention to the people in the photographs, as they sometimes help tell the story of the images as well as add visual perspective.

PAGE 10 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Finding Covid Tests in the City of Falls Church Order Free At-Home Tests through CovidTests.gov. Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free test-at-home Rapid Test kits from USPS.com, through a program managed by the Federal government. Orders have started to ship.

Community Testing Centers.

Make an appointment for a PCR test (if showing symptoms) at the Fairfax Government Center. This program is managed by the Virginia Department of Health. Appointments typically become available 24 hours in advance. If you do not see openings, check back frequently as appointments are added regularly. Schedule an appointment online at https://vase. vdh.virginia.gov/vdhapps/f?p=testre g:testingappointments.

Fairfax Libraries. Fairfax County libraries get occasional shipments of test-at-home Rapid Test kits and are available while supplies last. City of Falls Church residents are eligible.

You can call ahead to check availability; the closest branch to the City is the Tysons-Pimmit library.

Your Doctor. Check with your primary care provider or doctor.

Urgent Care Centers. Places such as urgent care centers, community health centers, and communitybased clinics across the state evaluate patients who may have Covid-19 and do testing. Most clinics are set up to swab patients for testing on-site and many offer drive-up and walkup testing options.

No Insurance and Trying to Find Testing and Care for Covid-19? If you do not have a primary doctor, and you are concerned that you have symptoms of Covid-19, you can contact HealthWorks (703-443-2000) or Neighborhood Health (703-5355568) to be evaluated and schedule a testing appointment. New patients are accepted with or without insurance and on a sliding scale fee if low-income and uninsured. Priority is given to patients with symptoms consistent with Covid-19.

HealthWorks provides Covid-19 testing free for uninsured patients who meet eligibility for the sliding scale fee and do not already have another primary doctor. Patients should call 703-443-2000 to get a telehealth evaluation by a medical

provider prior to scheduling a test.

Neighborhood Health provides COVID-19 testing free for uninsured patients who meet eligibility for the sliding scale fee. Patients should call 703-535-5568 to get a telehealth evaluation by a medical provider prior to scheduling a test.

Inova Cares Clinics for Families provides primary care services for patients with Medicaid or lowincome uninsured patients up to 400% Federal Poverty Guideline and offers limited Covid-19 testing.

The Fairfax Health District has many low-cost health care resources for individuals who lack health insurance. See Coronavirus (Covid19): Health Care Options for the Uninsured You can also call the city’s Coordinated Services Planning service at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.) to talk with someone about your needs and receive advice on services available to you.

Summer Camp Registration Begins Next Week Did you know that Summer Camps registration is right around the corner? From sports camps to dancing to Minecraft camps— there is something for every kid.

Registration starts February 14 for City of Falls Church Residents and February 22 for Non-City Residents.

The Recreation and Parks Department is committed to offering safe, high quality, and enjoyable in-person camp programming this summer. The health and safety of all camp participants, staff, and their families remains our paramount goal. The structure and operations of all 2022 summer camps have been adjusted in an effort to achieve and maintain the highest levels of health and safety while offering the most enjoyable camp experience possible. These revised structures and operations ensure compliance with all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Among the health and safety practices adopted for the summer camp programs are enrollment maximums which ensure the maintenance of social distancing, the wearing of masks/face coverings by all campers and staff when indoors, and thorough cleaning of all camp spaces

LOCALS GATHERED AT EDEN CENTER to celebrate the Year of the Tiger with lion dances, a flag ceremony and more events over the past two weeks. (Photo: Gary Mester). and equipment. Changes to these practices and policies may occur to ensure both the highest level of safety for all participants and compliance with all mandated guidelines and requirements.

A full list of camps being offered this year and more information on registration can be found online at fallschurchva.gov/Camps as well as the application for Counselors in Training (CITs) for those ages 13 and above.

Preservation Biscuit Crepe Pop-Up Next Sunday You read that right, Preservation Biscuit Company is debuting crepes!

Join them on Saturday, February 20, from 11:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. (or until they sell out) at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company. Dig into a sweet crepe (strawberries & Nutella) or a savory crepe (huevos rancheros) or both. Pair them with a beermosa or any other beer of your choice. $1 of each crepe sold will go to the 28th Annual Tinner Hill Music Festival.

Nominate the Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal The Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce

the return of the annual City of Falls Church Memorial Day event. This is the 40th year of the community tradition that will include a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran’s Council, a 3K Fun Run, civic, merchant, crafter and food vendors, live music, kids entertainment and a parade.

Do you know someone who has made significant, exceptional, outstanding, distinguished, or unique contributions to the City of Falls Church? Nominate them to lead the 40th Annual Memorial Day Parade, and they will be escorted in a special parade vehicle and profiled by the Falls Church News-Press.

Email nominations to sawilliams@fallschurchva.gov by March 7, 2022. Include the nominee’s name and describe why that person deserves the honor of Grand Marshal.

Past honorees include Lindy Hockenberry (2021), Rob Donovan (2019), Midge Wang (2018), Barb Cram (2017), Kathy Halayko (2016) Kathy and Barry Buschow (2015), Sergeant Steve Rau (2014), Janet Haines and Audrey Luthman (2013), Harry Shovlin (2012), Howard Herman (2011), Edna Frady (2010) and Jessie Thackrey (2009). Previous Grand Marshals are not eligible to

serve again.

“Equality for All” Art Exhibit Open Now The Workhouse Arts Center is thrilled to be the permanent home of Sunny Mullarkey’s tribute to the Women’s Suffrage Movement, “Equality for All.” This monumental mural was commissioned by the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. The WSCC hired South Carolina-based artist Sunny Mullarkey to create artwork honoring women’s long battle for the ballot and the generations of activists who led the way toward equality.

The mural depicts suffrage leaders Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Church Terrell, Alice Paul, and Ida B. Wells amid silhouettes of marching suffragists. The portraits of these trailblazing women are surrounded by 36 yellow roses, a symbol of the victory of the movement. At the center of the piece stands a mythological woman, inspired by historic suffrage artwork, holding a banner with the words “Equality for All.” “Once the site of a prison where suffragists were jailed for

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

their peaceful protests, today the Workhouse Arts Center is a vibrant complex of galleries and museums celebrating art, honoring history, and building community. We are thrilled to bring the Equality for All mural to our space as a visual tribute to the women who sacrificed and persevered throughout the suffrage movement,” said Elena Romanova, Chief Development Officer at the Workhouse Arts Center.

“Equality for All” is on display in the lobby of W-16.

Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton, VA.

Become a Docent for the Cherry Hill Farmhouse The historic house and farm at 312 Park Avenue is a treasure -literally! It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City needs volunteers ages 16 and older who are outgoing and love history to serve as docents. Registration for the trainings is required (email cjannicelli@fallschurchva.gov): Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to Noon: Farmhouse Docent Training: Trained docents provide guided tours of the farmhouse Saturday

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mornings from 10 a.m. to noon from April through October.

Saturday, March 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Barn Docent Training: Docents help with the children’s corn grinding program, which is always a hit! Volunteer hours are Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to Noon from April through October.

content to record how City of Falls Church residents have been experiencing COVID-19 and the recent Black Lives Matter social equity movement.

Have questions about the project? Email the Falls Church History Room staff at history@fallschurchva.gov.

Public Hearing on Metro’s Proposed Budget

Volunteers Needed for the Public Utilities Commission

Participate in one of three public hearings in-person or virtually.

The public hearings will be streamed online at wmata.com/budget and on Metro’s YouTube page.

The Virginia public hearing will be held in at the Arlington County Government Center on Monday, February 7 at 6 p.m. For those who want to participate virtually, please email speak@wmata.com to register.

Registration is encouraged, though not required, for in-person participants, as well.

The City Council is seeking members for the new Public Utilities Commission. The Commission will provide advice and guidance to the Council and City Manager about the management and operation of the City’s stormwater and sanitary sewer systems.

The application and instructions are on the City’s website at fallschurchva.gov/129/Apply.

Covid-19 & Black Lives Matter History Projects The Falls Church History Room in the Mary Riley Styles Public Library is collecting photos, stories, short video clips, and other digital

Galentine’s Paint Night at Monkee’s This Friday Be My Galentine! Bring your BFF and join the owners of Monkee’s of Fairfax for an evening of shopping with exclusive discounts on their boutique women’s clothing & accessories! Then, receive expert instruction from Rebecca Hayes,

FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 11

artist and owner of The Purple Hayes Gallery, to create your own “It’s WINE o’clock” canvas sign!

Customize the colors of your painting to suit your home décor (or wine preference – Red, White, or Rose) and rest assured that Rebecca will help you cheat on the calligraphy!

This is an adults-only event and space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Monkee’s will be providing wine & refreshments (included in ticket price), and The Purple Hayes Gallery will supply painting instruction and all supplies needed to create your acrylic canvas sign. Please note that aprons will be provided but acrylic paint can adhere to and stain clothing. Be mindful of your clothing selection.

To purchase tickets or find out more information, visit https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/galentines-shop-sip-paint-night-tickets-253249775897.

MSRL Foundation Fundraiser Continutes The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Foundation is currently selling tote nags and t-shirts in children and adult sizes to raise money for the Library Foundation.

The mission of the foundation is to enhance library materials, services, programs and equipment and increase our endowment, to provide a future guaranteed stream of income for the library.

Youth t-shirts are $17 and available in five colors. Adult t-shirts are $22 and available in five colors.

Tote bags are $22 and available in one color.

Items can be purchased online through Bonfire and will be delivered directly to your home!

Visit bonfire.com/store/maryriley-styles-public-library-foundation/ to see the designs and place your order.

Black History Month Essay Contest Underway To celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Washington Wizards have launched an essay contest for students.

Submit a 250-word essay about a community leader who has had a positive impact in your life. One high school and one middle school student will be selcted.

The deadline to submit your essay is March 17. For more information on the contest please visit nba.com/wizards/blackhistory.

APPETIZER PLATTER

(including) Hummus, Cacik, Htipiti, Dolma and Homemade Bread

MAIN COURSE (choose from)

MIXED GRILL PLATTER (serves two) Grilled Marinated Chicken, Filet Mignon, Adana, Kofte, with Bulgur & Rice VEGGIE PLATTER (serves two)

Turkish Ratatouille (Turlu), Spinach Pie, Falafel with Hummus

SEAFOOD PLATTER (serves two) Grilled Marinated Swordfish, Bronzino, Salmon, Shrimp (6), with Sauteed Vegetables DESSERT (choose one)

SUTLAC

Turkish rice pudding topped with currants, pistachios and cinnamon powder

CHOCOLATE TEMPTATION

Chocolate cake, chocolate & hazelnut creams, hazelnut crunch and chocolate glaze

COPPA THREE CHOCOLATES

Delicious combination of silky dark, milk, & white chocolate creams, w/layer of hazelnut crunch

COPPA PISTACHIO

Custard gelato swirled with chocolate and pistachio gelato, topped with praline pistachios

Priced at $65 for two, excluding tax & gratuity Try Our Special Wine Pairing: four 3 oz servings $32 per person

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FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Winter Storytime. 20 minutes of storytime at Mary Riley Styles Library for kids ages 2 — 4 with accompanying caregiver. Masks are required for all attendees and social distancing will be enforced. If you or your child are feeling sick or are having any respiratory symptoms, please cancel and stay home. Please be prompt; if you are more than five minutes late, your space may be given to someone on the waitlist. For online registration, visit mrspl.librarycalendar. com. (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m. and 11:15 — 11:45 a.m.

“Near and Far” Photography Exhibit. Thirty-six photographers will be featured in “Near and Far,” a photography show at the Falls Church Arts gallery from Feb. 5 — Mar. 20. The show celebrates 61 images from photographers who have interpreted the world around them by capturing minute details of macro photography and scenic vistas around the globe and beyond our solar system. All artwork is for sale to the public.

Admission is free. The gallery is open Wednesdays — Saturdays from 11 a.m. — 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Masking and social distancing are both mandatory. (700 B. W. Broad St., Falls Church). 11 a.m.

— 6 p.m.

3D Printing with FCPL. Join Tysons-Pimmit Library for a short, monthly program on the specifics of 3D printing on FCPL's Jellybox printers. Participants will go over finding objects well suited for the style and size of their printers, creating their own simple objects, and an inside look at how 3D printing is done for the public. Are you trying to create, resize, or modify a file to

print? Stop by and help make your next print more successful.

To follow along, bring a charged laptop with a mouse. Tablets and phones are not very useful for this activity. For teens and adults ages 16+ only. If you have questions about the appropriate age for a program or its content, please call the branch at 703-790-8088 (option 4). (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).

4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

Thursday Evening Book Group.

For February, the book group will be discussing “Milkman” by Anna Burns. This program is held virtually on Zoom. Please register if you would like to attend and be sure to include your email address in the registration so a Zoom invite can be sent to you a day before the program. Register online at mrspl. librarycalendar.com/. (Virtual, via Zoom). 7 — 8 p.m.

Solace Outpost Trivia Night.Join Solace Outpost for live trivia every Tuesday and Thursday, presented by Pour House Trivia.

Come drink, eat and win. First place teams win a $30 gift card.

Second place teams win a $20 gift card. (444 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7 — 9 p.m.

District Trivia. Trivia is back at Clare & Don’s every Thursday night. Bring your friends and show off your trivia chops. (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church).

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Blood Drive. Come help support the life-saving mission of Inova Blood Donor Services.

Sign up for an appointment online at https://bit.ly/LDS0212 or come between 8 a.m. — 2 p.m. Donors must be 17+ to donate without parental consent. Donors who are 16 years old may donate with parental consent. For more information, call 1-800-BLOODSAVES or send

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FCNP Featured Event

Super Bowl Sunday February 13th

a message to donateblood@ inova.org. (2034 Great Falls St., Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Farmers Market. Every Saturday, every week, visitors will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, and so much more! Please review and abide by the Covid19 guidelines. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Kids in the Kitchen: Making Healthy Snacks. Come join the Junior League of Northern Virginia at Tysons-Pimmit Library for a fun nutrition lesson and a healthy snack. This interactive experience engages kids to form healthy eating habits and learn basic cooking skills. Snack ingredients are provided (may include nuts). Come ready to learn and have fun. This event is for ages 3 — 8 with one parent.

Those with questions about the appropriate age for a program or its content are welcome to call the branch at 703-790-8088 (option 4). Due to space limitations, there will only be room for one adult with each registered child. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 11 — 11:30 a.m.

Family Movie: "Sonic the Hedgehog" (2020). Enjoy family day at Woodrow Wilson Library’s showing of "Sonic the Hedgehog" (2020). This movie is rated PG. This is an all-ages program. No food or drink will be allowed during the movie to ensure public safety. Per county standards, all library visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask while in county buildings. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 3 — 6 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Nonfiction Book Discussion Group. For February, the nonfiction book group will be discussing “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” by John Carreyrou. This program will be held virtually over Zoom. Please

THIS SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, as the Los Angeles Rams prepare to square off against the Cincinnati Bangals. There are a number of spots right here in the Little City that will be perfect gathering places to celebrate the 56th Super Bowl. Solace Outpost, a restaurant and brewey on W. Broad St., offers a variety of beers as well as ample seating space both inside and in the patio space. Clare and Don's is offering snack packs for the big game which includes a variety of finger foods for four for $70. Glory Days is also offering deals on wings and more to take and enjoy at home. (Photo:News-Press). register if you would like to attend and be sure to include your email address so a Zoom invite can be sent to you a day before the program. Register online at mrspl. librarycalendar.com. (Virtual, via Zoom). 7 — 8 p.m.

City Council Meeting. The City Council meets in-person in City Hall’s Council Chambers.

In-person capacity may be limited due to Covid-19 safety measures and all attendees must wear a mask and stay socially distant at all times. The meeting can be viewed live online (fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings) or on FCCTV. Public comments can be made in-person or via MS Teams on any topic; sign-up online by noon on the day of the meeting by visiting fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment. (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 — 11 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Trivia Tuesday at Audacious Aleworks.

Join Audacious Aleworks every Tuesday for trivia at 7 p.m. The winning team of 1 — 6 receives a $25 gift card to

the brewery as well as entry into online quarterly championships for $2,500. (110 E Fairfax St., Falls Church). 7 — 9 p.m.

Trivia Night at the Casual Pint.

Do you know that the capital of Virginia is Falls Church? Do you know that Elvis was a member of the Beatles? If you do, you should come to the Casual Pint at 7:00 pm this Tuesday. As always, trivia is outside in a covered breezeway and is contact free.

Download TrivNow on your phone to play along. (6410 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7 — 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Early Release Wednesday: Perler Bead Party. Get creative with Mary Riley Styles Library after school.

Perler beads will be provided, just bring your imagination. Registration is required. Register online at mrspl. librarycalendar.com. (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 3:30 — 4:30 p.m.

MRSPL Teen Advisory Board.

Activities will include reviewing new books for the collection, decorating

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

the library's teen space, suggesting library programming, and more.

Participants must be members of the teen volunteer program. For volunteers in Grades 7 — 12, the Teen Advisory Board meets monthly during the school year. Teens who participate in TAB earn volunteer hours. Registration required.

To apply to be a volunteer visit fallschurchva.gov/teenvolunteers.

(120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church).

6:30 — 7:30 p.m.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Jehovah’s Favorite Choir. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $10. 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300.

International Guitar Night with Luca Stricagnoli, Jim Kimo West, Thu Le and Lulo Reinhardt. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $32+.

8 p.m. 703-255-1900.

MINK. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 — $25. 8 p.m.

703-255-1566.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Broke Superstars Live. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.

Shartel and Hume Band. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N Washington St., Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-532-9283.

Drew and Ellie Holcomb. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m.

703-549-7500.

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FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 13

1964 the Tribute. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40+. 8 p.m. 703255-1900.

New Legacy Blues. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

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

Torrey B. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m.

703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Snake Farmers. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Burlesque-A-Pades.

The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $29.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Born Cross Eyed. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10.

8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Mothers Little Helpers: Stones Tribute Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

DOGWOOD TAVERN, at 132 W. Broad St., is another great restaurant with old-fashioned, Americana�lavored decor, menu items centering on burgers, wings, as well as brunch options and a number of draft beers and wines. Dogwood Tavern will be hosting the Super Bowl all day and will offer a special Super Sunday carryout only menu item. (P����: N���-P����) Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

THEATER&ARTS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Swell. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m.

703-237-8333.

Tom Saputo & Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Country Tribute Show with Lots of Guests. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 3:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Enjambre Live. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $27 — $30. 7 p.m. 703237-0300.

All You Need is Love 9: Jammin’ Java’s Songwriters Circle. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $16. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Girls of Madison Street. A tightknit family of African American sisters confront hidden truths as they come together for their mother's funeral. Conflicts emerge, tensions flare, but they soon learn that the bonds of sisterhood know no bounds. A "Bold New Works for Intimate Stages" premiere from Helen Hayes Award Winner Iyona Blake at Creative Cauldron.

Please note: All patrons must wear masks. Social distancing between parties and proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within 24 hours of the performance is required. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased

Josh Allen Band Live. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd.,

Dominion Christian School Presents Almost, Maine and Winter Nights. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7 p.m.

703-255-1566.

AVAILABLE IN VA, MD, NC AND WV.

CALL TO ORDER NOW!

online at creativecauldron.org/ girls-of-madison-street.html.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. (410 S. Maple St., Falls Church). 703-436-9948.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Leaving Bedrooms. Leaving Bedrooms is a journey of romantic recovery in four scenes. Each scene takes place in a different bedroom.

Shows take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 11, Saturday, February 12, Friday, February 18 and Saturday, February 19.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at novanightskytheater. com. (1057 W Broad St., Falls Church). 310-597-1372.

GLORYDAYSGRILL.COM

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

School News & Notes Global Partnership with Students in Togo Meridian Environmental Science students had another virtual visit with students in Tsévié, Togo (a small country in W. Africa) yesterday.

Meridian teachers connected with the school in Togo through Games for Africa STEM Learning Centers, a non-profit that works to partner K12 schools in the U.S and Africa to broaden youth’s cross-cultural competencies and STEM skills.

This year, under the leadership of FCCPS teachers: Carey Pollack, Darius Coulibaly, and Ray Wu-Rorrer, as well as Tsévié teacher Richard Dute Yaw, the two schools are collaborating on parallel projects focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Yesterday they shared “Day in the Life” videos with their peers across the globe.

MHS Swim and Dive Team Competes The Meridian Mustangs have five divers competing at the Region 3B Meet for the first time.

Divers traveled to Colgan HS to compete against 30 other divers from both Region 3B and 6B for the combined Meet. The top 5 finishers in the Region will continue to State Championships on February 17 in Richmond.

Swim Senior Night has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Manassas Park.

Senior Night activities will start at 4:45 pm, with the Meet beginning at 5:30 pm at the Manassas Park Community Pool.

All are encouraged to come out and cheer on our team at their last Regular Season Meet before Regionals on February 11.

Anna Hennessey Scholarship The Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) is honored to steward the newly created “Anna Hennessey Scholarship for Service Learning” in recognition of the life of service of George Mason High School Class of

2015 alum Anna Hennessey, who passed away November 11, 2021.

The post-secondary scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Meridian High School who demonstrates community involvement in or out of school to include civic participation, church involvement, volunteerism, a love of servicelearning, and a commitment to continue that service-learning beyond high school.

The students will be nominated by high school staff and chosen by the Meridian High School Scholarship Committee in collaboration with a representative of the Hennessey Family.

Donations to support the “Anna Hennessey Scholarship for Service Learning” may be made online at www.fcedf.org/ donate or sent to FCEF, 150 S. Washington St., Suite 400, Falls Church, VA 22046. Questions may be sent to Debbie Hiscott, FCEF Executive Director, at dhiscott@fcedf.org.

Music Students Travel to Meet Mickey Meridian Music finally met the mouse, Mickey Mouse! This Disney performance has been three years in the making. After two years of cancellations, the almost 100 instrumental music students and chaperones left Reagan airport early in the morning on Saturday.

The five-day trip included two band performances, including sightreading the film scores to the animated Disney films of “Tangled” and “Frozen,” four Disney theme parks, and onsite hotel accommodations. The filmed Disney performances premiered at the Pyramid Concert this past Tuesday, February 8th, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.

The groups arrived home early Wednesday morning, thrilled to have enjoyed these life-changing experiences of music-making at the Walt Disney parks.

Celebrating Basketball and Cheer Seniors After recognizing the eight

A RECORD NUMBER of band students from Meridian were selected for District Honor Band. High school students selected are pictured here along with Ms. Mary Jo West. (Photo: Fccps) seniors on the basketball team and two cheerleaders, the Mustangs jumped out to a 13-4 lead against the Manassas Park Cougars on Friday night at home.

Halftime saw the score at 21-18, with loud cheers from the packed stands. Man Park took the lead for the first time midway through Q3. With a minute to go, the Mustangs trailed by 2 points, and the MHS strategy turned to fouling to regain possession. Though well played and hard fought till the end, Meridian lost 46-51.

Musicians Selected for District Bands FCCPS wishes congratulations to the District Honor Band Musicians who performed with Fairfax County and Alexandria musicians in a culminating concert on Saturday at Hayfield High School in Alexandria. The audition consisted of major and chromatic scales, complicated etudes, and sightreading. These hard-working students excelled in both rigor and artistry.

Meridian musicians include Case Dimock, trombone; Megan Mann, french horn, David Ting, clarinet; Megan Carpenter, clarinet; Renee Coppock, tuba; Jack Taylor, french horn; Jeremy Katen, clarinet, Nate Hill, bass clarinet; Wesley Crawford, percussion; Carlos Ortiz, trumpet; Nathan Pritchard, oboe; Will Hahn, clarinet.

Henderson musicians include Max Sadler, French horn; Seth Hahn, trumpet; Misato Kasumi, alto saxophone; Anna Golden-

berg, clarinet.

Celebrating School Counseling Week FCCPS school counselors play an important role in our schools. FCCPS appreciates their dedication to helping all students achieve school success and plan for their futures. Please join them in celebrating the amazing work of School Counselors this week.

For Mount Daniel, Jed Jackson and Ilana Reyes.

For Oak Street, Carol Seaver and Laurie Prather.

For Secondary Schools, Matt Sowers, Director of Secondary Counseling and Sia Knight, Assistant Director of Secondary Counseling.

For Henderson Middle School, Tara Filmyer, Heidi Gilmore, Gina Graig and Christie Kayal.

For Meridian High School, Valerie Chesley, Dana Quirine, Brad McAdam and Zach Fisher.

Deadline for Senior Recognition Pages This year, for the first time ever, Senior Recognition pages are absolutely free for ¼ pages.

The goal is to include everyone.

Looking for more of a presence?

Pay for an upgrade to a half or full page.

Prices are half-page $175, and full-page $300. The final deadline for the Senior Recognition pages has been extended to February 17, 2022, but you can turn it in now if you’re ready.

OSE Yearbook Deadline This Monday Time is running out to preorder your copy of the 2022 Oak Street Elementary Yearbook. Order by February 14, 2022 to ensure your student has a copy. Get your copy for $20.

Coach Jim Smith Makes it 500 Wins Meridian Mustang Boys Varsity coach Jim Smith celebrated his 500th win as a High School Basketball coach last night with Meridian’s 59-28 victory over Brentsville District. Jim is only the third boys coach in the history of Northern Virginia public schools to have reached this accomplishment.

Cardio with a Musical Twist Thanks to a Falls Church Education Foundation grant, Mount Daniel students got a musical workout this week in PE class.

PE teacher Ms. Julie Huber and Music teacher Ms. Kay Reid applied for the DrumFIT grant to enhance their offerings for their students. This high-energy cardio drumming program combines the mental health benefits of drumming with the overall health benefits of physical fitness for a fullbody workout.. The lively music had all the students practicing their coordination skills and spatial awareness while tapping to the rhythm of the beat.

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FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 15

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER PPA, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 CASE NO. PUR-2021-00248

•Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has filed a Petition with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider PPA, for recovery of projected and actual costs associated with certain power purchase agreements for the energy, capacity, ancillary services, and renewable energy credits owned by third parties.

•Dominion requests approval for recovery in Rider PPA of a total revenue requirement of ($5,472,000), which represents a net credit to customers. According to Dominion, this amount would decrease the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.07.

•A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on June 14, 2022, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony.

•An evidentiary hearing will be held on June 15, 2022, at 10 a.m., either in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

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

On December 15, 2021, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed a petition (“Petition”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 5 d of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) for approval of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider PPA, to recover projected and actual costs associated with certain power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) for the energy, capacity, ancillary services, and renewable energy credits (“RECs”) owned by third parties. Specifically, the Company seeks cost recovery related to: (i) the PPAs approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2020-00134 (“CE 1 PPAs”), and (ii) the PPAs currently pending approval in Case No. PUR-2021-00146 that will enter commercial operations during the rate year in this proceeding (“CE 2 PPAs”). In total, Dominion has incorporated costs associated with six CE-1 PPAs and 15 CE-2 PPAs that are scheduled to be operational by August 31, 2023.

Dominion asserts that Rider PPA is one of the rate mechanisms included in the overarching framework approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2020-00134 for the recovery of non bypassable costs and benefits related to the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standards (“RPS”) program (“RPS Program”) in Code § 56-585.5. The Company also states that Rider PPA will recover the PPA costs and the associated benefits that support the procurement targets in Code § 56-585.5 D and E, which include utility-scale solar or wind, utility-scale energy storage, and distributed solar PPAs. In its Petition, Dominion notes that the costs and benefits of these PPAs will be recovered through Rider PPA from all retail customers, regardless of electric supplier, with limited exceptions.

Beginning in 2025, at least 75 percent of all RECs Dominion uses to meet its RPS Program requirements must come from RPS eligible resources located in Virginia. Dominion asserts that, consistent with Code § 56-585.5 C, it intends to bank the RECs associated with the CE-1 PPAs and CE-2 PPAs from 2021 through 2024 in order to use them in 2025 once the RPS Program requirements related to Virginia situated resources begins. The Company notes the Commission has initiated Case No. PUR-2021-00156 to address the methodology and implementation of an appropriate REC proxy value, which will be incorporated as a credit to Rider PPA for RECs that are retired for RPS Program compliance.

In this proceeding, Dominion asks the Commission to approve Rider PPA for the rate year beginning September 1, 2022, and ending August 31, 2023 (“Rate Year”). The Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of ($5,472,000) for recovery in Rider PPA for the Rate Year, which represents a net credit to customers.

For purposes of calculating the revenue requirement in this case, Dominion utilized a rate of return on common equity (“ROE”) of 9.35%. This ROE was approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2021-00058.

The Company proposes to use Factor 1 based on the Average and Excess methodology to allocate Rider PPA capacity costs, and to use Factor 3 to allocate Rider PPA energy and REC costs to the Virginia jurisdiction.

The Company proposes to use these same factors to allocate the costs to the Virginia jurisdiction customer classes.

If the proposed Rider PPA is approved for the Rate Year, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider PPA on September 1, 2022, would decrease the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt¬ hours of electricity per month by $0.07.

Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Petition and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Petition and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents.

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

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means.

Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On June 14, 2022, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 10, 2022, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

On June 15, 2022, at 10 a.m., either in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means, a hearing will be convened to receive testimony and evidence from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

Electronic copies of the public version of the Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com.

On or before June 14, 2022, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00248.

On or before March 28, 2022, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR 2021-00248.

On or before April 26, 2022, each respondent may file electronically with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00248.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

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

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Copyright © 2022, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Buck 5. Supportive 8. Nibble 12. Kojak’s lack 13. Captain’s record 14. Strong cord 15. Wheel shaft 16. Piercing tool 17. Had creditors 18. Utter unhappiness 20. Generation 22. Brief message 24. Finished 28. Colony insect 31. Shy 33. Wood cutter 34. Plural pronoun

35. Alter 36. Vegetable drawer 37. Chunk of eternity 38. Strained 39. Pig’s place 40. Glide 42. Deep-____ pie 44. Classifieds 46. Purl, e.g.

50. On the crest 53. Perform 55. Long stick 56. Queue 57. Gloom 58. Diamond shape 59. Nasty look

60. Lawn material 61. Bookie’s concern DOWN 1. Farce 2. Cab 3. Feels unwell 4. Envy’s color 5. School recess 6. Scrap 7. Eye rudely 8. Creak 9. Here’s partner 10. Chimpanzee, e.g.

11. Elope 19. Turned

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PUZZLE NO. 122

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 120

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

22. Model 23. Play practice 24. Hither and ____ 26. Mowed 28. Linger 29. Picks 31. Neither’s mate 32. Ruled 34. Mama’s fellow 35. Guy

ter spool child r’s yes tter ther

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

37. Occupies 38. United Kingdom region 39. Air pollution 40. Get sleepy 41. Hang fire 43. Large scarf 45. Corn spike 46. Cain’s mother 47. Dawn moisture

STRANGE BREW

Copyright © 2022, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Molecule part 5. To’s opposite 8. Wound covering 12. Baby’s father 13. Small boy 14. Record 15. Discontinues 16. Not deserved 18. Tease 20. Hazel and Alice 21. Ranch 24. Evergreen shrubs 25. Removers of weeds 26. Swindle 27. Duet number 30. Pale

31. “The Flying ____” 32. Gather crops 33. Gosh!

34. Cooking vessel 35. Worth 36. Out of range 38. Midriffs 39. Undress 41. Ache 42. Tag incorrectly 44. Urgent want 48. Verbal 49. United 50. Roofline detail 51. Hair products 52. TV promos

53. Attracted DOWN 1. Summer cooler 2. Light brown 3. Different 4. Command 5. Liquid 6. Go on and on 7. Verse form 8. Drinking aid 9. Flour holders 10. Imitated 11. River bottoms 17. Pulpit word 19. Used to be 21. Rug style

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 122

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz 1. Name the 1977 Australian Open tennis champion from the U.S. who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in 1994?

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3. The NHL’s William M. Jennings Trophy is awarded annually to players at what position?

4. What current NFL stadium hosted a NASCAR race on July 21, 1956?

5. What prize, named for an English politician and cricket patron, is awarded in Australia’s first-class domestic cricket competition?

6. How many times did Jake LaMotta defeat boxing rival Sugar Ray Robinson in their six fights from 1942-51?

7. The plastic horns famously used by spectators at the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa are known as what?

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4. Apolo Ohno • 5. Herschel Walker • 6. Kristi Yamaguchi.

7. Great Britain, with nine. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

Variance application V1630-22 by Priya Krishnan, applicant and owner, for a variance to Sections 48-238(3)a. to allow a rear setback of 19 feet instead of 40 feet for the purpose of constructing a new signal family dwelling on premises known as 608 Laura Drive, RPC #52-605-005 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.

ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

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

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Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for February 17, 2022, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard.

All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@ fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on January 13, 2022. Virtual meeting link, agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA

FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 17

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit 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) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

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PAGE 18 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 47 • February 6, 1997

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 47 • February 9, 2012

Dignan Resigns, Gets $140,000 in Settlement; Shaw is Named Interim

N. Va. Dem Lawmakers Mobilize to Assail GOP Extremism in Richmond

In a series of terse and decisive steps at a speciality-called Falls Church School Board meeting Tuesday night, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Dr. Patricia Dignan as Superintendent of Schools and to name Mary Ellen Shaw as her internim replacement.

Northern Virginia’s Democratic state legislative leaders are playing a major role in calling out discriminatory and dangerous laws that have passed both chambers in General Assembly. State Sen. Dick Saslaw and State Del. Mark Sickles were slated to lead a press conference in Richmond today

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KATIE is an almost 14-year old rare red Schipperke. A Belgian breed, Schipperkes are almost always black but a double recessive gene may produce white, cream, chocolate or a red like Katie, who is 12 pounds. Katie goes on a daily one-hour walk in East Falls Church, even when it snows.

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

RAISED IN FALLS CHURCH, Sarah has been working at the Scramble on E. Fairfax Street since November of 2021.

Originally a nursing student until the pandemic put a halt to her plans, she remains optimistic that she will get back to it soon. When asked if she had any parting words she replied, “No matter how hard life hits you, keep going!” (P����: J. M������ W�����)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h Business News & Notes

FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 19

Movie Theater Signs on to Founders Row Mill Creek, Founders Row developer, reported to the Falls Church City Council’s Economic Development Committee that a letter of intent has been signed for a movie theater. The company has not yet been named and the plan is for eight screens.

Social Media Strategy 101 for Business The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting MtoM Consulting, a boutique marketing firm based in the DMV at the monthly luncheon on Tuesday, February 15.

The focus is on social media strategy and best practices for businesses of any size.

They will be highlighting important marketing “do’s and don’ts” to help make the most out of your content strategy. Register on the chamber website: www.fallschurchchamber.org.

Falls Church Businesses Named Best Places to Work Virginia Business magazine has published the 12th annual list of 100 “Best Places to Work in Virginia” and two are in Falls Church. SpinSys, a technology company was ranked #5 in the midsize category (15-99 U.S. employees) and Analytic Services Inc. (ANSER), a nonprofit, was ranked number 19 in the large company category (250 or more U.S. employees). This is based on surveys conducted with the companies and their employees covering core values: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communication; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training and benefits; pay; and overall engagement.

Kaiser Cuts Employees Hundreds under ABM Industry Group LLC are being laid off as a result of losing a large contract with Kaiser Permanente. In Virginia, ABM filed three layoff notices January 19 and Falls Church is one on of the areas impacted. Since some employees are under a union contract, ABM is working to place them in other jobs where possible.

2021 Winter Guide

You Still Have Time To Reserve Space!

February 17th Issue

Ohle Named President and CEO of IEDC Falls Church resident Nathan Ohle is the new president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) which is headquartered in Washington, DC. He is recognized internationally as an expert in economic development and a leader of public, private and nonprofit organizations. He previously served as CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP). He noted plans to continue to drive equitable economic opportunity in communities of all sizes.

IRS Small Business Event The IRS presents the 2022 Annual Hearing All Voices Small Business event on Thursday, February 10, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Hear directly from IRS Executives on topics to help small businesses succeed and discuss how the IRS can better serve small businesses. Register: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/webinars-for-small-businesses. Presentations from IRS will include: How to Avoid Common Tax Problems and Tax Scams, The Examination Process and Payment Options, Employment Taxes; Employee vs. Independent Contractor.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschcurchchamber.org.

Make Your Pet a Star!

Critter

Corner

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM

Many of our readers are looking for ways to enhance their homes especially after recently spending so much time in them!

Does your company offer products and services that they should know about?

Let them know by placing an ad in the Home Improvement Guide at discounted rates!

Contact Sue: sjohnson@fcnp.com or 703-587-1282

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 20 | FEBRUARY 10 - 16, 2022

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