Falls Church News-Press 2-17-2022

Feb. 17 - 23, 2022

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

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Football Stadium Authority Advances

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With Backing from Saslaw, Measure Opposed by Simon

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

While some Falls Churcharea lawmakers are among those initiating the formation of a Virginia Football Stadium Authority to woo the newly-renamed Washington Commanders National Football League franchise with $1 billion in taxpayer-funded incentives including a fancy new stadium in the region, others including State Del. Marcus Simon have led an as-yet futile effort to oppose it.

Simon offered a floor amendment Tuesday to condition the impending measure on the release of a report on the Commanders by attorney Beth Wilkenson, composed of 2,100 documents requested by the U.S. House describing “a toxic work environment that included bullying, intimidation and sexual harrasment that went on for many years.”

Continued on Page 3

AT THEIR LAST REGULAR SEASON home game, the Meridian High School girls basketball players posed for a team photo following a win against Skyline last Friday. The Mustangs won 72-25, and are currently 18-1 overall. They will head to the post season following their last regular season game at William Monroe this Friday. (P����:C���� S��)

Local Churches Welcome LGBTQ+ Individuals

BY AMANDA SNEAD

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Given its small size of 2.1 square miles, it’s no wonder that the Little City of Falls Church has fostered such a close knit community. While the “issue” of being “queer” (a

generic reference to homosexual that is meant in a non-derogatory sense) has persisted in various churches for decades, local churches in the City have made it a mission to be more inclusive and open to people, regardless of who they are.

There are a number of prominent

signs in front of churches in the Little City that display rainbow flags and emphasize “all are welcome.”

One case is Diane Maloney. She has been on the staff at Falls Church Presbyterian for almost four years where she serves as the Director of Spiritual Growth and Community

Engagement.

“One of the things that drew me to Falls Church Presbyterian was how open and affirming they were,” said Maloney. “As a queer person myself, it is very hard to find jobs in

Continued on Page 4

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From small projects like picking out new hardware to fully remodeling a room or designing and building a new home, check out the Home Improvement Guide for advice on any project you’re considering.

For the first time in the school’s history, Meridian High School’s cheer team was invited to compete at the Universal Cheer Association’s Game Day Nationals in Orlando.

SEE HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE, PAGES 11-15

SEE SPORTS, PAGE 9

INDEX

Comment ..................................... 5,7,8 Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Crime Report ...................................... 8 Home Improvement Guide .........11-15 News & Notes.............................16,17 Calendar .....................................18,19 Classified Ads ................................... 20 Critter Corner.................................... 22 Business News ................................. 23

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS Va. House OK’s Change To F.C. Eligibility Requirements The Virginia House of Delegates this week unanimously OK’d a proposed Falls Church charter change submitted by Del. Marcus Simon at the request of the F.C. City Council. The change permits residents of the City to be eligible to serve on City boards and commissions regardless of voting or citizenship status.

Del. Simon, in his News-Press column this week, said the measure is the result of the Council “looking for ways to be more inclusive and engage more city residents.”

Former F.C. Resident Christopher Turner Dies at Age 48

Faces of Falls Church

Former Falls Church resident and 1991 graduate of Meridian (then George Mason) High School Christopher Thomas Turner, 48, died suddenly at his home in Denver, Colorado, Monday, his younger brother Andrew Turner reported this week.

Turner visited Falls Church last fall when he attended the funeral of his mother, Frances Sours Turner, who died in November 2020 and whose funeral was delayed by the pandemic. His father, Robert G. Turner, died in 2012. Chris Turner is survived by his daughter, Hayley of Colorado.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Former FCNP Columnist Speaks Out On Olympic Figure Skating Scandal Johnny Weir, two-time Olympiad and three time U.S. figure skating champion, spoke out sharply on NBC yesterday as a television commentator against the “pass” given to 15-year-old Russian Olympic champion, Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Weir is a former exclusive columnist for the News-Press.

“With all of this news I just, I feel so uncomfortable as a skater and as a skating fan even having to commentate on her performance simply because she should not be able to compete in this competition,” he said yesterday, adding, “If you can’t play fair, then you can’t play, is my opinion on this. It’s heartbreaking for many in the skating world because she is a tremendous talent. But if you don’t play by the rules, then you should not be in this competition.”

OLIVIA JEFFERS OPENED KARMA YOGA on West Broad St. in April of 2019, and in less than a year faced the shutdown of the pandemic. Through being resourceful and offering online lessons on a flexible payment plan she managed to keep the studio open. “Our goal is to keep yoga affordable and accessible.” (Photo: J. Michael Whalen)

Roem Named Executive Director Of Dem Candidate Recruitment Group Emerge Virginia, Virginia’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, announced today that State Del.

Danica Roem will serve as the organization’s next executive director. In this role, Roem will oversee the strategy and operations of Emerge Virginia: recruiting for and running Emerge Virginia’s candidate training program, supporting alumni running for office.

Roem, who represents a newly-districted area west of Fairfax County, will continue to serve in the state legislature and told the News-Press yesterday that she intends to run for re-election in 2023.

“I’m grateful to serve as Emerge Virginia’s next executive director and lead our efforts to recruit, train and elect Democratic women in Virginia,” said Roem in a statement. “As an Emerge alumna, I’ve seen firsthand how Emerge serves to empower communities across Virginia.

Emerge has been essential at flipping seats held by decades-long Republican incumbents, providing a powerful sisterhood for us to lean on and grow with, and inspiring Democratic women to run. As more Democratic women step up, Emerge will help guide them every step of the way as we transform what elected offices look like in our commonwealth. I’m excited to lead this incredible organization and can’t wait to see what’s possible with even more powerful Democratic women leading the way.”

Before taking this role, Roem was closely involved with Emerge as an alum attending the 2017 Boot Camp and using what she learned to run and win in her first campaign.

Following her 2017 election, Roem became the first out-and-seated transgender state legislator in American history, unseating 13-term incumbent Bob Marshall. Her win was critical to flipping the House of Delegates from red to blue in 2019 for the first time in two decades.

‘Woody Plants for Home Garden’ Seminar Saturday Morning Saturday, Feb. 26, a seminar on ‘Great Woody Plants for the Home Garden’ will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon, appropriate for those age 16 and older. Green Spring horticulturalist Brenda Skarphol will highlight beautiful flowering shrubs that grow well in Virginia home gardens. Also the culture and care of these will be discussed. Green Spring Gardens is located at 4603 Green Spring Road in Alexandria, Virginia. More information is available by calling 703-642-5173, The program takes place outdoors and costs $18 per person.

Help Wanted Freelance writers wanted! Sports, local news, features, etc. Good terms, lots of freedom. Talent preferred. Apply only with resume and cover letter to ngatz@fcnp.com.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 3

Simon Opposes Virginia Football Stadium Authority

Continued from Page 1

It failed, as area state senators Dick Saslaw, who currently represents Falls Church, and Chap Petersen, who with redistricting is now the de facto senator from Falls Church, are among the most strident supporters of the stadium authority plan and, in particular, singled out Del. Simon’s amendment for defeat.

Saslaw reportedly will announce his retirement some time after this legislative session in Richmond, and Petersen, whose political base is in Fairfax City, is likely to face a primary challenge here next year. In recent years, Petersen was retained by the Commanders’ owner Dan Snyder to lobby for keeping the team’s original name, the Redskins, over objections of its racist overtone.

In opposing the stadium authority move, Del. Simon said in his News-Press column this week (printed elsewhere in this edition), “If we’re going to offer $1 billion in incentives to anyone let alone a sports team with a bad reputation, we should know who we are getting into business with…The bottom line is that the Washington Commanders

don’t need our money. If they truly want to come to Virginia, then they will do so…We could certainly form a partnership that is actually beneficial to the Commonwealth without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill. But the current language is far from beneficial in the way that its supporters would argue.”

This week the General Assembly reached the halfway point in its 2022 session with what is called “crossover,” when bills that passed in one of the two legislative bodies cross over to the other body for approval, revision of rejection.

Over 300 bills that advanced on one side were sent to the other in this way.

With the government in Richmond having effectively shifted from Democratic to Republican control as of the last election, there has been more of a tug of war than usual as Republicans have set about to repeal, roll back or water down laws passed by the Democrats the past couple years. Issues have ranged from guns to women’s reproductive rights to criminal justice reform, the imposition of mandates in schools and environmental protections.

DEL. MARCUS SIMON (center) was in Falls Church Saturday to help U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (right) to secure enough signatures to put his name on the ballot for re-election in June. They were joined by local activist Matthew Savage (left). (C������� P����) Del. Simon told the NewsPress he didn’t think there was anything going on in Richmond in this session that was the cause for a serious rift between the two parties, even if there are significant disagreements.

Yesterday afternoon, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law SB739, which “empowers parents by creating a parental opt-out

Camp Guide Coming March 3rd Contact: Sue Johnson sjohnson@fcnp.com • 703-587-1282

from local school mask mandates and ensuring five-day a week inperson instruction, set to go into effect immediately.”

However, the City of Falls Church Public Schools OK’d an opt-out measure that went into effect last Monday. So far, 154, or 6.1 percent of students have formally opted out, according to F.C. Public Schools Communications

Director John Brett.

Otherwise, however, Del. Simon says that Gov. Youngkin has not been as successful as he would like in getting his agenda passed into law in Richmond. “His agenda is in tatters,” Simon said.

“He has not been able to achieve his goals for supporting charter schools and his grocery tax initiative has been watered down.”

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Churches Make Effort to Affirm Queer People Continued from Page 1

churches and hard to find places that will accept and welcome you with open arms as your whole self.”

Falls Church Presbyterian joined the Covenant Network of Presbyterians in the mid-90s.

Essentially a sub-ministry that churches can join that “seeks an equity still not fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society” by “engaging,” “educating” and “equipping.”

Maloney grew up attending church and youth groups and found herself called to ministry in her teen years.

“When I realized I was queer a year or two later I felt like I couldn’t have both things so I spent a lot of time battling that and trying to decide if I just live my life in the closet as a minister since I feel like that’s where God is calling me. Or, do I live as who I feel like I am and disregard this thing I feel I’m being called to,” she said about her teen and young adult experience. “I did my undergrad degree and then went to seminary and was still undecided.

In seminary, I had this shift within me of understanding the entirety of

scripture and who God is. God is love and where there is love, God is present. That shifted some of the things in my head and made me feel like I could live my life like that.

Once I finished seminary I started to look for a church that was open and affirming where I could be my whole self and that’s how I found Falls Church Presbyterian.”

Working with many teens in the church, Maloney works to make sure everyone feels loved and accepted. It includes a mural (pictured along with this article) that features the quote “You belong here.”

“For me, as a person who works with youth and has invested a lot of my life into teenagers, I wanted that to be a message that they heard as they came up the stairs. You belong here no matter what,” said Maloney.

While Falls Church Presbytrian has been affirming for many years, things are not as simple in the United Methodist Church. While Falls Church’s Dulin and Christ Crossman Methodist churches both make an effort to be as inclusive as possible, there are some roadblocks in place.

The United Methodist Church has a General Conference every four years but was delayed due to Covid-

19. The conference features a discussion of issues such as queer affirmation and same sex marriages in the church. The General Conference is the “only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination,” according to UMC.org.

According to J.P. Hong, lead Pastor at Christ Crossman, “We’ve been working towards a peaceful dissolution so that there will be a more centrist, progressive denomination and then those who are more traditional will be pulling away and forming their own more traditional denomination. In the midst of that, our congregation of Falls Church definitely aligns within the more progressive and liberal view on what inclusion should entail and ought to look like.”

Hong was placed at Christ Crossman almost four years ago, working to bring more inclusion to the church.

“When I entered, it was very clear that this congregation was healing from some of that tension of the past year where their Lead Pastor was of a different theological viewpoint than the majority of the congregation,” said Hong. “One of the first things that happened when I entered was a need and desire to bring clarity to

AS YOU HEAD UPSTAIRS at Falls Church Presbyterian, you are greeted by a colorful mural with the saying “You Belong Here.”

(Photo Courtesy of Diane Maloney)

what our position was. We had a series of town hall gatherings where people had an opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions. We as a congregation voted to recognize that we were a congregation that when we say we are fully inclusive, that included persons of different genders and sexual identities.”

Reverend Dave Kirkland, Pastor at Dulin Church, expressed similar concerns as Hong as they await decisions to be made by the General Conference.

“I tend not to label people,” said Kirkland. “We like to think that everyone is welcome. We’re in a bit of a predicament in the United Methodist Church as we’re going through a possible denominational split over same sex marriage. It’s handicapped us a little bit but everyone knows that Dulin is a very progressive and open church. We have no issues with gays and lesbians.”

In next week’s edition of the News-Press: Count the historic Falls Church Episcopal on that list, too.

“Girls of Madison Street” — A Triumphant New Production

by Alex Russell

Special to the News-Press

“Girls of Madison Street,” a Bold New Works original play, had its captivating, sure-footed premiere this past Saturday at Creative Cauldron.

Written and directed by Iyona Blake, “Girls of Madison Street” is a two-act production that examines the private and interpersonal struggles of four very different sisters following the passing of their mother, Hazel.

Hazel’s daughters — Nadine, career-centered and strong-willed; Ingrid, a pious and dedicated mother; Kimberly, an empathetic and intelligent professor; and Leah, a spirited and caring adopted sibling — argue, keep secrets, share laughs and stories, and ultimately prove that some bonds are strong enough to weather those particular trials that at the time may seem endless and insurmountable.

Kicking off right after the funeral service, a period of acclimation, turmoil, and self-discovery ensues for each sister, taking them on a bumpy journey laden with doubt, guilt, fear, lies, and eventually gratitude, grace, and renewed faith in themselves and one another.

A large portion of the dialogue

had a very strong, musical cadence — probably due in large part to Blake’s background in musical theater. Beyond what was said, the unsaid things — expressed through quick, yet specific hand motions, head tilts, turns — added humanity and naturalism to every scene.

The core location — a cozy, warmly-lit, lived-in kitchen — was occupied with light wooden cabinets, a yellow kitchen towel, yellow curtains, and a white tablecloth; a series of uplifting, soft-colored items that would at intervals visually connect with specific pieces of an actor’s wardrobe, creating an alluring, rhythmic synergy between written character and visual expression.

The blocking in many key junctions was especially well-crafted, making sure to utilize the characters’ differences in height, gait, and clothing style to continually communicate information to the viewer.

How one character stood in relation to another, or how one character would move from one spot to the next, was a welcome and exciting level of story-telling nuance.

The sparse but well-placed use of sound effects and music ensured a streamlined, briskly-paced production; the lighting set up did not

employ any fancy tricks or maneuvers but was instead graceful, inventive, and complimented the action with pitch-perfect attention to the emotional content of each scene.

The play, above all else, engages with the idea of family bond vs. personal identity, giving each sister her own emotional arc — underscored by change, growth, and self-knowledge over the course of two acts, often pivoting on painful or difficult memories or events.

Utilizing some brief instances of soliloquy, as well as a beautiful, book-end rendition of “Amazing Grace” sung by the four sisters, Blake uncovered the music in dayto-day human living as seen through the lens of the lives of the Mullins sisters.

Each of their mannerisms, clothing and hairstyles, and manners of speaking reflected four different, complex, strong-willed personalities.

In the end, though, it was the vocal work of the four leading actresses that stuck with me the most.

By the end of the play, I could distinctly hear each sister’s tone, control, and emotional resonance as they sang their parts, with everything coalescing into a powerful, layered, glowing rendition of the classic hym-

“GIRLS OF MADISON STREET,” written and directed by Iyona Blake, is brought to life through a collection of fantastic performances. Portraying the four Mullins sisters, left to right, are Andrea Gerald, Cameron Dashiell, Ayana Ogunsunlade, and Corisa Myers. This Creative Cauldron production, which opened February 10, will run through March 6, 2022. (Photo:

William Gallagher)

nal.

“Girls of Madison Street,” while having its share of genuine laughs, reveals, and heartfelt, intimate moments, is above all a genuine product brought to life by artists and craftspeople whose passion for

and understanding of the material guarantees not only a pleasurable, memorable theatrical experience, but a meaningful study of the self and a heightened awareness of the bonds and connections that exist among siblings and best friends.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Decoupling Cars and People

by Robert Puentes Special to the News-Press

The City of Falls Church grew impressively in recent years. Consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, almost all that growth is concentrated along the major commercial corridors of Broad and Washington Streets. It’s resulted in significant economic returns, promoted business growth, and breathed life and vitality into a slumping city.

Despite this success, new development proposals are met at their start with concerns that they will inevitably cause traffic levels to increase. This ironclad certainty is intuitive to many: more people means more cars which, in turn, means more driving on city streets.

The thing is, it isn’t true. Since 2007, traffic on Broad Street, Washington Street, West Street, and Hillwood Avenue declined in absolute numbers.

We know this because the VDOT helpfully collects data from sensors on streets in each jurisdiction in the Commonwealth. The agency then estimates annual average daily traffic (AADT) for each roadway segment. This data is useful for evaluating pavement performance and for future planning.

It also allows us to compare traffic from year to year to understand trends in traffic volume. I collected all the data for the City of Falls Church since 2007 (I excluded 2020 given the Covid-related drops in travel) since that was about the time when mixed-use development started to take off. The Byron and the Spectrum were both built in 2007, the Broadway in 2004.

The VDOT data covers 61 roadway segments in the city, including the entire lengths of major streets like Broad, Washington, Hillwood, and Roosevelt. It also includes the entirety of important streets like West, Lincoln, Oak, Columbia, Cherry, Annandale, along with both Little and Great Falls.

The data is revealing. The state estimates that traffic volume dropped by a remarkable 9.3 percent from 2007 to 2019. That’s based on the combined volumes on all the streets VDOT measured and means we are seeing more than 50,000 fewer vehicles each day. Nearly 96 percent of this drop took place on the four busiest roads.

Where did all the cars go? While the data alone does not provide a precise reason for the drops, there are several plausible explanations.

For one, the city is no longer as attractive as a “cut through” as it

was in the past. With major employment centers surrounding the city, Falls Church’s streets were designed primarily to move vehicles, and for decades they did it well. Now with all the mixed-use development bringing impediments to speeding traffic, drivers are looking elsewhere.

It is also evident that public and private investments in bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure are paying off. When other travel options are made available, people use them. When activities are clustered together, people can “chain” their trips together more efficiently, resulting in less traffic. When concentrated in dense patterns, those trips are likely to be accomplished without a car.

The data also shows that, while overall traffic levels dropped significantly, several neighborhood streets did see increases like Lincoln, Marshall, and Oak. It is important to keep in mind that these increases are tiny compared to the huge drops on the major roads, but these are clearly the places where traffic calming and pedestrian-oriented investments should be prioritized.

In addition, we need to continue to reform our outdated parking requirements. Developers know their projects can be successful and avoid spillover onto surrounding streets, without all the parking the city requires them to build. At an average cost of approximately $50,000 per underground space, the over-requirement of parking leads to economic inefficiencies and a reduction in community benefits that could otherwise result from a project, such as better environmental sustainability, more affordable housing, or greater commercial commitments.

The way we forecast future traffic also needs a makeover. Traditional models always assume vehicle volumes increase over time, and therefore assign failing grades for city streets and warn of traffic calamities.

However, the VDOT data for Falls Church shows this is not always the case. The population growth over the last dozen years has not brought the traffic nightmares as predicted and, in fact, the opposite is true.

The bottom line is, from a traffic perspective, Falls Church’s plan to accommodate mixed-use development along its major commercial corridors is working and the increase in the city’s population in recent years has not brought the expected increase in automobile traffic. We need to question the assumption that more people means more cars because it diverts time, money, and resources away from the things we say we want.

CO MME NT

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 5

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

Occupational hazard of serving on our county board: You must thicken your skin to endure brickbats from critics.

Only some of whom are well informed, logical or civil.

I asked four of the most sophisticated and persistent “kibitzers” to boil down their critiques delivered over years during public comment time.

Bernie Berne, a historian, activist and retired doctor: “County Board members almost always vote to approve the county manager’s recommendations, regardless of any objections that speakers might express at board meetings.

Members may ask staff to respond to objections, but never give speakers an opportunity to correct any erroneous statements staff may make. The board might approve only minor tweaks. Except where required by law, board members prohibit the public from speaking on consent agenda items unless they receive multiple requests to speak. They often approve the manager’s recommendations without hearing concerns that the public might have.”

Audrey Clement, a political scientist and board candidate who served on the Transportation Commission: “The board has pushed harmful policies resulting in overcrowded schools, gentrification, loss of green space, and a 10-year average annual effective tax rate increase twice the inflation rate. I oppose tax gouging Arlington residents to pay for boon-

doggles like the $150 million loan the county made in December 2021 to Jair Lynch to purchase Barcroft Apartments on the Pike without a public hearing. I also oppose the board’s push for so-called `missing middle’ housing, a euphemism for up-zoning that will inflate land values, resulting in higher housing prices, overcrowded schools, more traffic congestion, loss of tree canopy, increased runoff and more air pollution.”

John Antonelli, a program analyst and activist on hiatus since the streetcar debate: “Like their predecessors, they can’t say the words fiscal restraint. With oneparty control and at-large elections, and no one going to lose an election over tax increases, they don’t need to. More than their predecessors, current members are beholden to the development community where larger, newer, and more dense make millions for developers who fill members’ campaign coffers but make life harder and more expensive for residents who have to pay for new schools and infrastructure while finding it difficult to park the car for a grocery trip.”

Suzanne Smith Sundburg, an activist who speaks at Civic Federation meetings and sends the board policy missives: “It’s poorquality oversight and a lacking in serious leadership. Board members seem to think their jobs are similar to marketing reps or a cheerleading squad rather a serious elected body whose primary job is to oversee county operations, ensure the efficient and effective use of public funds, and put the public’s best

interests ahead of special interests.

Are they worth what we pay them?

Yes, board members work many hours. But hours worked mean little if the work product is shoddy. Soon, staff will recommend the board award 1.3 million square feet of `bonus’ density to Amazon without a clear-cut dollar valuation of the applicant’s community benefits.

Arlingtonians deserve better than rubber-stamping staff decisions.”

Asked to respond, Board Chair Katie Cristol said, “Criticism is part of our job, and we try to look past the sometimes-aggressive tone to focus on the substance of the issues. But we also take seriously our responsibility to foster mutual respect and democratic participation within the community. We know comments directed at board members set expectations for how we treat one another in the public sphere – and when discourse becomes uncivil, it negatively impacts civic participation.” *** Nine years after Arlington made negative national news with its “million-dollar bus stop,” Columbia Pike is set to receive the first of 23 fancy transit stations.

County transportation officials told a Feb. 11 Columbia Pike Partnership symposium that the first eight of the new shelters— including benches, public art and kiosks offering real-time scheduling updates—are being fabricated

by Future Systems Inc. for installation in late spring or summer.

The overall cost of the eight will be $1.1 million, which works out to about $137,500 a copy.

PAGE 6 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23. 2022

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No Pro Football In Virginia

Longtime readers of the News-Press are familiar with the paper’s ongoing aversion to tackle football, ever since incontrovertible evidence of the mass presence of permanent brain damage, known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), in players of the game became known. There is no cure, and there is no way to even properly diagnose the condition except by an examination of brain cells, making it something that can occur only posthumously. News of this condition has been reported very unevenly, with entities such as the National Football League accused of playing it down and even covering it up. A major Hollywood film on the subject produced in 2015, called “Concussion” and starring Will Smith, was a box office flop due to a combination of such pressures and an aversion of too much of the public to face up to this. This week, on the eve of the Superbowl, one cable TV movie channel aired it one time very late at night. At some point in the future, this issue will begin to truly resonate, and everyone who’s played it down to that point will have a lot of explaining to do.

But nothing currently is slowing down the growing, pervasive influence of football in our culture. Worse, even, than the Donald Trump phenomenon, the fixation on football in the U.S. is rendering far too many of our best and brightest permanently brain damaged. Like antivaxxers, they insist on their own and others’ “right” to hurt, if not kill, themselves and others. A very similar phenomenon.

Football is bad for other reasons, too, as if any were needed. It is steeped in the damaging, “us-versus-them” brutal world view grounded in a win-or-lose paradigm, which denies by its very nature things such as “win-win,” or mutually beneficial, outcomes. No wonder purveyors of war profiteering favor instilling this paradigm in the nation’s youth, bundling it up with images of “what it means to be a real man,” and so forth. Better to have them run off and get themselves killed on some remote battlefield instilled with this fever! Moreover, the football field is set up like a battlefield, which contributes, too, with mostly female cheerleaders rooting on the action from the sidelines. By contrast, imagine if a concert or play could not be resolved without submitting to such a win-lose paradigm. A lot of the kind of Trumpian anti-truth mentality that continues to gain steam is the direct result of this kind of cultural assault.

So, these are the reasons, and more, this newspaper will stand against any move to use Virginia taxpayer dollars to lure a professional football team to this state. Yes, we are more than willing to take a stand against popular opinion on this subject and crusade as we have against the uncommon brutality that constitutes professional football and its mesmerizing hold on the public. Richmond legislators need to vote “No” on any measure to advance this social menace.

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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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Concerns Over Masking Conversations

Editor, I am concerned about the tone of the conversation surrounding masks in our public schools. I’m a lifelong resident of Falls Church, and attended the public school system for 13 happy years. In all my years in the city, I’ve found the people to be generally reasonable, kind, and charitable. Because of this, I am especially disheartened to see several unsuccessful former school board candidates attempting to rile up our community, suggesting that the school board and superintendent are somehow trying to discriminate against children who opt out of wearing a mask. Such an argument is disingenuous. As someone who’s watched nearly every school board meeting for the last 6 years (I didn’t just start paying attention last year), I can confidently say that our school board has consistently acted in the best interests of students, and the mask debate is no different. The entire process has been remarkably civil and transparent, and both sides of the debate truly do believe that they are acting in the best interests of students and teachers. I tip my metaphorical cap to each member of the school board for their sincere efforts to help our schools reopen safely.

Their work has not gone unnoticed by those of us who care. There’s no political agenda to punish kids, whether masked or unmasked. One would have to wilfully misinterpret virtually the entire discussion in order to arrive at such a conclusion.

Falls Church isn’t Capitol Hill. We don’t have backbiting politics here.

Not everything needs to be a fight.

Even when we disagree, we’re able to find common ground and remain a united community. Thus, I beg the vocal minority in our community to stop attempting to politicize our schools. We’re all rowing in the same direction. Everyone wants the pandemic to be over, and for masks to come off. The process to achieve that has been laid out. Rather than complain about it, just do it!

Brian F. Connelly Falls Church

Correction A letter to the editor published in the Feb. 3 edition, entitled, “In Response to Adrienne Varner’s Letter to the Editor” was incorrectly attributed to Mark Robarge. It was submitted by Dave Gustafson. We apologize for the error.

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G u e s t C o m m e n ta ry

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 7

Girl Scout Cookies are Stepping Stones for World Change

By Jess Iverson

Can selling cookies help girls make the world a better place? As a new Troop Leader in the Nation’s Capital Girl Scout Council, I already understand how it can. Cookie business season is one of the most anticipated times of the year. The Cookie Program is the world’s largest girl-lead entrepreneurial program with teaching skills including goal setting, money management, people skills, decision-making, and business ethics.

In addition, the girls earn individual rewards, and vote on how they want to use their earnings. Last year, our Troop earned enough for a trip to horse stables for rides (the Cookie Season mascot in 2021 also happened to be Hope the Horse) and donated a portion of the proceeds to a local animal shelter where they received a virtual tour (due to Covid precautions) of the facility and animals.

When cookie season ends, the life lessons don’t stop; Girl Scout cookies are mere stepping stones for girls who will change the world. Juliette Gordon Low, nicknamed “Daisy,” founded the Girl Scouts with the vision of “a movement where all girls could come together and embrace their unique strengths and passions.” As a result, the Girl Scout mission is to build “girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”

Over the years, the Girl Scouts have become a global sisterhood in which

girls are empowered to become leaders, activists, adventurers, innovators, philanthropists or anything that they aspire to be. Adult volunteers in specific roles

“When cookie season ends, the life lessons don’t stop.”

to support the troop are critical to that empowerment, as is the programming addressing issues ranging from environmental conservation to entrepreneurship.

When my “Daisy” level scouts began in kindergarten, the troop engaged in learning the importance of each line in the Girl Scout Law and Promise as they earned petal-shaped badges that form a flower on their royal blue uniforms. A virtual format last year expanded our fieldtrip and expert guest options. The Troop learned about sea turtles from a conservation foundation in Florida, police work from a female detective who they could relate to as a role model, and recycling from the County’s Solid Waste Management Program. We even had a visit from our Girl Scout Council’s CEO, Lidia Soto-Harmon.

The best part of Girl Scouting, however, was getting to explore the great outdoors at local Girl Scout-owned camps; nothing beats hiking, roasting marshmallows, singing campfire songs and enjoying nature. One of the highlights for

The Horrors Of War Again Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Ah, war.

Vladimir Putin is threatening with over 150,000 forward deployed troops and armament, an invasion of Ukraine with full backing from Fox News. For anyone not paying attention, this has to sound like a terrible joke. But no, Tucker Carlson and his ilk truly are now siding with Moscow in the growing tensions and threat of war.

Can you imagine if Trump had been successful in stealing the 2020 election and were back in the White House now how this current scenario would be playing out?

The U.S. administration would be cheering on Putin to walk in and take over Ukraine, at the least.

With Trump in the White House here, Putin would be free to

stick it to NATO and roll his tanks into Ukraine for what would most certainly would have been a horrible massacre of tens of thousands of innocents.

Of course, it could still happen.

But the likelihood is a fraction of what it would have been with a different U.S. president right now.

What is mostly overlooked at the prospect of a Russian invasion of Ukraine now is its most obvious consequence, its human toll.

Americans now have very little experience with war. With the end of Vietnam came an end to the U.S. draft, a deft move by the U.S. war industry proponents to remove the general public from any intimate, sensuous involvement with the horrible business of war that has worked for the last 50 years.

Those who die in wars in the subsequent period have been amazingly detached from the American public consciousness. In this intervening period, all American

our Troop was at Camp Potomac Woods where we hiked to and climbed into a hollowed-out Sycamore nicknamed the “Pooh Tree” due to its resemblance to the tree in the beloved childhood classic story.

Now in the troop’s second Daisy scout year, the troop’s business profits are funding more stepping stones: various S.T.E.A.M. focused activities including coding, space exploration, designing, and engineering. While we are only halfway through the scouting year, the Troop has been busy with educational visits to a fire station/ambulance to learn about safety and a Girl Scout camp to practice slingshot and compassing skills. The Troop bonds through fun activities — an outdoor gymnastics class, a winter light show at a local botanical garden, and ice-skating lessons as a reward for participating in the Fall Product Program in which the girls sell chocolates, nuts and magazines.

The Troop has learned the importance of philanthropy by collecting and donating five boxes of food items and $250 worth of gift cards to a local non-profit serving people who have low incomes or are experiencing homelessness. In addition, the girls have been donating their spare change over the past few months to the Troop’s SHARE piggy bank, which financially assists fellow Girl Scouts and volunteers with membership, uniforms, training, camps and other resources.

While the experiences detailed above

war participants have gone voluntarily, so to speak, and without any domestic outrage against any war, even the longest in American history that only most recently ended in Afghanistan, the cost of wars on domestic populations, for example, has been by and large overlooked completely.

In Iraq, for example, the loss of life due to the unprovoked U.S. invasion in 2004 was well over half a million civilians, according to Oxfam, a British-based confederation of over 21 non-profit organizations, but with this almost completely covered up here, who cares?

How ironic there was more outrage in the U.S. for the long-overdue decision by the Biden administration to finally end that horrible war than to continue it indefinitely even further. The media narrative in the U.S. continues to be that the U.S. end of that war, involving an airlift of over 120,000 persons

are specific to my Troop, there are endless Girl Scout activities happening on a macro level which benefit both the girls and the community. The pinnacle of our Troop’s second Daisy year will happen this month as the girls participate at the quintessential cookie booths for the first time ever. Please consider buying Girl Scout cookies to support our young entrepreneurs. Not only will you get delicious cookies, you’ll be providing stepping stones for Girl Scouts committed to “making the world a better place”. Since its inception in 1912, the Girl Scout Organization has become synonymous with decadent cookies – the ever-popular Thin Mints, coconutty Samoas, and peanut buttery Tagalongs, to name a few.

Cookie season officially runs from January through April every year but varies depending on each local council’s timeline; there are over 100 councils in the United States and 92 countries overseas that have Girl Scout Programs. Use the digital Cookie Finder (https://www. gscnc.org/en/cookies/find-cookies.html) online or app!

Girl Scouts are ranked in one of six categories based on grade level – from Daisies (K-1) through Ambassadors (1112). To learn more about Girl Scouts of the USA or see how your family can join, go to https://mygs.girlscouts.org/ Jess Iverson is a local Girl Scout Troop Leader.

from Kabul, was chaotic and illadvised.

Yet, it was the most amazing operation of its kind on record, It was going almost flawlessly until one, and only one, terrorist attack killed 100 people or more, and that unleashed the massive assault of criticisms that continues.

Obviously, this unfair characterization of the pullout was encouraged by the massive war profiteer industry in the U.S. But now, America is having to take a look at what another major war initiative may look like, albeit remaining emotioally detached with assurances that no U.S. lives will be placed in harm’s way if the Russian invasion of Ukraine actually occurs.

No American lives, but tens of thousands of human lives of innocent Urkraines.

This prospective Russian invasion has to be viewed with sheer horror, and if it is not, then the

emotional life of American citizens will be exposed as horrendously damaged.

The Russian general population will most certainly be outraged far more than we in the U.S. despite the fact the invasion will be the responsibility of its own murderous tyrant.

But such moments are exemplary of the of the incredibly insensitive factors that go into decisions to go to the mass slaughters we call wars. Some wars, of course, are required to suppress pure evil, such as the U.S. civil war and the need to stop Hitler in World War II. Americans have been remarkably courageous in their efforts to defeat the genocidal evils of slavery and racial discrimination.

But there is nothing in the threats of war currently that reflect that in the slightest.

Yet the bloody horrors of war stand at our doorstep nonetheless.

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PAGE 8 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Fairfax County is one of more than 3,000 counties in the United States and, every winter, county commissioners and supervisors (the titles differ but the governance role, essentially, is the same) gather in Washington, D.C. for the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference. The focus is on federal legislation of interest to local governments, but existing federal policies, or appeals for new or amended policies, consume a lot of NACo’s steering committee work.

Steering committees can be very large, with dozens of local officials from diverse backgrounds and counties in attendance. For me, the trip to the legislative conference is simple: a 20-minute drive across the 14th Street Bridge. For my colleagues from Latah County (Idaho), Tillamook County (Oregon), and Maui County (Hawaii), the trip is longer and more expensive. Serving on NACo’s Environment, Energy and Land Use (EELU) Steering Committee provides a window into other counties’ unique perspectives, finding both similarities and differences in governance, geography, and political atmosphere. All were in abundance at last Saturday’s EELU meeting at the venerable Washington Hilton Hotel.

A visitor in the meeting room would have heard that New Mexico is a very dry state, with serious concerns about nuclear waste and cleanup of the Los Alamos site.

Hawaii is a wet state, and most issues there are waterfocused, befitting an island jurisdiction. Colorado has a lot of acid mining drainage, a legacy of its 19th century economy; North Carolina is plagued with toxic chemicals, known as PFAS, in drinking water. California and Oregon suffered devastating wildfires during the last several years; Michigan is seeking more federal assistance to replace ancient lead water pipes. Virginia is a wet state facing both rising sea levels and land subsidence along its coastline; Mississippi is losing significant wetlands along its Gulf Coast, and is dependent on the Corps of Engineers for assistance.

Following an excellent presentation by Dr. Richard Spinrad, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrator (NOAA), who discussed many of the

new technological tools available to predict and/or prevent loss from nature’s fury, the committee launched into robust discussions about proposed resolutions for the NACo platform. A Colorado commissioner was upset about her state’s Democratic governor declaring a one-day boycott of meat products, so she wanted to depoliticize the “anti-agriculture” narrative that ties climate change to cattle ranching. Curiously, the move to depoliticize the issue actually had the effective of furthering politicization. After a long discussion and a call for the question, which met and exceeded the required twothirds vote to close debate, the Colorado resolution was defeated by a margin of 56 to 44 percent. A resolution to protect “rural, disadvantaged frontier communities” from water and wetlands regulations, offered by Rocky Mountain officials, met a similar fate.

A California resolution to provide an alternative to the voluntary “America the Beautiful” Initiative was amended to shorten the resolution and address the land use authority of local governments. The amended resolution was supported overwhelmingly by the EELU members, but the sponsor did not appear to be with the amended language. A final resolution about wildfires, also submitted by a group of Rocky Mountain officials, was adopted with only one “nay” vote. That resolution sought longterm federal funding of Shared Stewardship agreements and highlighted the need to address unwanted fires that threaten critical watersheds and vulnerable communities.

Counties connect with their federal representatives in numerous ways, but the annual legislative conference provides an opportunity for local elected officials to discuss issues important to local governments, even though we may not see eye-to-eye. Broadening one’s understanding of another’s issues can lead to better governance and, perhaps, less division.  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

C RI M E R E PO RT Week of Feb. 7 - 13, 2022 Driving Under the Influence, W Westmoreland Rd, Feb 7, 2:55 AM, a male, 38, of Hyattsville, MD, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal.

Fraud, Hillwood Ave, Feb 7, 7:25 PM, an incident of fraud was reported.

Larceny from Building, S Washington St, Feb 7, 5:30 PM, unknown suspect described as

assault occurred.

Larc eny- Shoplif ting, S Washington St, Feb 13, 5:18 PM, a female, 50, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for shoplifting.

a male, 6 feet tall, wearing a black baseball cap, gray sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and black shoes entered through an unsecured back door and took items of value from a back office.

Larceny from Building, W Broad St, Feb 7, between 1 and 9:49 PM, unknown suspect took items of value belonging to an employee of the establishment.

Simple Assault, Van Buren St, Feb 11, 12:39 PM, a simple

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Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report The 2022 General Assembly session reached the halfway point known as crossover earlier this week. While many of you were celebrating Valentine’s Day on Monday, the Virginia House of Delegates spent nearly 12 hours on the floor, reviewing over 300 bills and resolutions. Tuesday was the deadline for the House to finish its review of all the House bills and the Senate to finish theirs.

In a recent Washington Post article summarizing the session so far, Republican Speaker of the House, Todd Gilbert and I were both quoted as saying the session really starts in earnest now that we are past crossover. Most of what’s happened so far has been political theater, with Republicans in the House of Delegates pushing to repeal, rollback and waterdown legislation championed by Democrats during the two years we controlled both houses and the governor’s mansion. Meanwhile in the State Senate, similar bills have already been killed, a fate which now awaits their House cognates.

No subject was left untouched — bills to decrease voter access, increase access to guns, interfere with women’s reproductive health, roll back criminal justice reform, impose mandates on our schools, and water-down Virginia’s commitment to environmental protection.

Working with my Democratic colleagues, I’ve done my best to shed light on the worst bills that have come through. Unfortunately, with our current numbers in the House, we can’t defeat all the bad bills, but we can certainly cause a few roadblocks so it’s not completely smooth sailing.

With the partisan messaging bills now through their chamber of origin and headed for certain defeat down the hall, we’ll be able focus on the state budget and other mustpass legislation which will require bipartisan compromise to advance.

One such issue involves the House and Senate bills (HB 1353 & SB 727) to establish a Virginia Football Stadium Authority made up of nine members appointed by the Governor.

The Authority would have the power to hire contractors, acquire property, and issue bonds with the intent to build a brand-new stadium for the Washington Commanders Football team. To sweeten the potential deal, the Authority can offer financial incentives up to $1

billion.

No matter which football team you root for, this is a lot of money to offer a team owner embroiled in scandal who also just purchased the most expensive home in the Washington, DC metro area.

Both versions of this legislation are moving through the General Assembly despite my opposition.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t try to change a few minds along the way.

When the House version reached the floor earlier this week, I introduced a floor amendment stating that even if the bill was enacted, it wouldn’t become effective until the National Football League released the results of attorney Beth Wilkinson’s report from last year.

Known as the Wilkinson Report, the findings contain 2,100 documents requested by the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform. The documents describe a toxic work environment that included bullying, intimidation, and sexual harassment that went on for many years.

If we’re going offer a $1 billion in incentives to anyone we should know who we are getting into business with.

The bottom line is that the Washington Commanders don’t need our money. If they truly want to come to Virginia, then they will do so. We could certainly form a partnership that is actually beneficial to the Commonwealth without forcing taxpayers to foot the bill.

But the current bill language is far from beneficial in the way that its supporters would argue.

On a lighter note, my bill to update the Charter of the City of the Falls Church passed the House unanimously. Looking for ways to be more inclusive and engage more city residents, the City Council asked that I carry the bill to update the eligibility requirements for local boards and commissions. Upon final passage, residents regardless of their voting status will be able to participate.

Two of my other bills that passed unanimously are products of the Virginia Code Commission, on which I’m proud to serve. Known as “Code clean-up bills,” the bills seek to remove obsolete sections of the Code of Virginia.  Delegate Simon represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed at DelMSimon@house.virginia.gov

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SPO RTS

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 9

Meridian Cheer Season Finishes Strong at UCA Nationals

BY RUBY JONES

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

For the first time in school history, the Meridian High Cheer team was able to compete at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Game Day Nationals in Orlando, Florida. On February 10-13, the team spent the weekend competing with other schools from across the nation as they represented their school at a cheer competition of this high level.

The trip was a fantastic success and an amazing experience for the team.

Out of the 78 teams in their division from all across the nation, MHS came in 12th place.

In the Meridian High School cheer program, cheerleaders push each other to be the best they can be.

They strive to be positive representatives of their school, to encourage school spirit, and to be hard-working athletes. When asked about the impact the MHS cheer program has had, senior Emma Ward summarized how all of them feel: “Being on the Meridian Cheer team for the past five years has provided me with so many friendships, life lessons, and skills that I will carry with me forever.” With the help of our wonderful coaches, Allison Cray, Elizabeth Watkins, and Axelle Amos, the team

works hard each practice to learn new skills, perfect routines, cheer on fellow athletes, and stay motivated, no matter what obstacles they face. Competing at UCA Game Day Nationals was a fitting end to a season full of growth and achievement.

At the UCA Game Day Competition, the team was able to show off what they do on the sidelines while cheering on the football team. They performed a dance to band music, a situational chant in which they reacted to either an offensive or defensive cue, a crowdleading cheer, and finished off the routine with Meridian’s fight song, all with a smile on their faces.

“Qualifying for nationals was something I could never have imagined when I first joined 5 years ago,” says senior Elle Elrich. “Having the opportunity to attend was not only an amazing experience but also a great way to represent Meridian and Falls Church City.”

They prepared for this competition both mentally and physically for the last six months. From the very beginning of the season in August, they always made sure to keep their eyes on the prize, talking only about when they made it to nationals— not if. When the regional qualifier was

THE MERIDIAN CHEER TEAM Competed this past weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL and placed 12th out of 78 teams in their division. (P���� C������� �� R���� D����) moved up a month it left them just a couple of weeks to polish their routine for the competition that would determine their fate. They worked as hard as they could before they attended the regional competition in Richmond, where they took third place, qualifying the team to go to Orlando.

In the months following region-

als, they worked hard to raise money to fund the trip. They set up a GoFundMe, sold spirit gear and Little Caeser’s pizzas, held two cheer clinics for elementary schoolers, hosted a fundraiser at Audacious Aleworks and went canvassing door-to-door in many of the neighborhoods in the community.

They couldn’t be more proud of

their team, and the memories they made this season will last a lifetime.

The team would like to thank everyone who contributed to helping the team get to nationals. They could never have made it to where they are without the support they have received from the community And of course a big thanks to their parents and coaches, who made it all possible.

Wills Fleming (Freshman), Ben McCracken (Junior), and Carson Ruoff (Junior) with a time of 1:41.45, shaving 5.5 seconds off their seed time. The 200 Free Relay, comprised of Ben McCracken, Wesley Sturgill (Junior), Wills Fleming, and Carson Ruoff came out on top with a first-place finish with a time of 1:30.42. The 400 Free Relay, comprised of Wesley Sturgill, Jonathan Katen (Freshman), Eddie Hughes (Senior), and Matthew Janicki had a strong third place finish with a time of 3:35.18, dropping four seconds off their seed time.

The Girls Team also continued to impress with their third-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay, comprised of Anna Dickson (Junior), Mya Taheri (Freshman), Lydia Sturgill (Freshman), and Lexi Ries (Sophomore) with their time of 2:01.37. The 200 Free Relay, comprised of Elysha York (Junior), Emerson Mellon (Senior), Alexis Niemi (Junior) and, Lauren Mellon (Senior) placed sixth, but still qualified for the State Meet for their time from a previous meet. The 400 Free Relay team, comprised of Lexi Ries, Lydia Sturgill, Elysha York, and Anna Dickson placed 3rd with

a time of 3:56.97. Lydia Sturgill’s time in the 500 Free of 5:38.02 set a school record, which was previously set by 2021 Graduate, Ellen Chadwick in 2018.

Meridian had an excellent showing of Individuals throughout the competition as well. Top five in each Individual Event will continue on to the State Meet this weekend.

200 Free — Wesley Sturgill (2nd), Matthew Janicki (4th), Anna Dickson (4th), Alex Perez (Junior – 11th), Lauren Mellon (12th), and Alexis Niemi (13th).

200 IM – Wills Fleming (4th), Gaspar Green (10th), Jack Flanagan (11th), Mya Taheri (11th), Katherine Steyn (Freshman – 14th), and Clementine Kim (Freshman – 16th).

50 Free – Carson Ruoff (1st), Lexi Ries (4th), Alexis Niemi (10th), Jonathan Katen (12th), Eddie Hughes(13th), and Emerson Mellon (15th). Ben McCracken will also compete in the 50 Free with a Regular Season qualifying time.

Diving – Jan Afsah-Mohallatee (2nd), Connor Tweddle (2nd), Julia Hall (3rd), Markus Kummer (3rd), and Helen Jordan (4th).

100 Fly – Ben McCracken (2nd), Carson Ruoff (4th), Lydia

Sturgill (5th), Emil Morin (Senior9th), Ally Campbell (Freshman – 13th).

100 Free – Lexi Ries (5th), Eddie Hughes (7th), Elysha York (9th), Lauren Mellon (10th), Alex Perez (14th), and Wesley Crawford (Freshman – 19th). Carson Ruoff will also compete in the 100 Free with a Regular Season qualifying time.

500 Free – Ben McCracken (2nd), Lydia Sturgill (3rd), Alexa Wagner (5th).

100 Back – Wesley Sturgill (3rd), Matthew Janicki (5th), Anna Dickson (9th), Elysha York (10th).

Anna Dickson will also compete in the 100 Back with a Regular Season qualifying time.

100 Breast – Wills Fleming (4th), Mya Taheri (7th), Jack Flanagan (12th), Katherine Steyn (13th), Danielle Kuck (Junior – 15th), and Oliver Csaszi (Freshman – 15th).

Congrats to all the athletes who participated in Regionals – it’s been a great season!

The 2022 VHSL State Meet will be available for viewing on the VHSL Network. Follow the team on Instagram @meridianswimanddive.

Mustangs Swim and Dive Team Takes on Regionals

BY LEAH KIRK

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

The Meridian Swim & Dive Team is heading to States! Last week, the Mustangs competed in the Region 3B Meet, where nine teams competed to secure their slots for the State Championships this Thursday and Saturday in Richmond. The Mustangs will be sending 22 students to the State Competition this week.

The Mustang Dive Team dove into the competition pool on Friday February 4th with the 3B and 6B Region Combined Meet. There the five Divers took on divers from Maggie Walker Governor’s School and Brentsville High School in Region 3B, but also competed alongside the Region 6B Divers as they competed for Region 6B State Championships. The 11-Dive meet was an all day affair but proved to be a success as all five divers qualified for the State Meet on February 17th. From the Boys Team, Connor Tweddle (Freshman) placed 2nd with a score of 228.4 and Markus Kummer (Freshman) placed 3rd with a score of 191.45. From the Girls Team, Jane Afsah-Mohallatee

(Freshman) placed 2nd with a score of 304.70, Julia Hall (Sophomore) placed 3rd with a score of 226.2, and Helen Jordan (Junior) placed 4th with a score of 201.90. Jane Afsah-Mohallatee’s score secured a new school record, surpassing Senior Natalie Burke’s previous record of 286.05 in last season’s State Meet.

The Mustang Swim Team started off with a bang as both Boys and Girls Teams continued to shine throughout the competition. Overall, Meridian placed both teams in the top three. Boys placed 2nd and were Region Runner-ups and the Girls were 3rd place. The team had successes in both Individual and Relay events, and will send even more qualifiers to States through their times in other meets during the Regular Season. After last season, which was restricted to only the Top 5 placers in the Region due to Covid Mitigation practices, the ability to qualify during the season allowed the Mustangs to send a much larger delegation than last year.

The Boys Team lead the way with a second-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay, comprised of Matthew Janicki (Sophomore),

PAGE 10 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

School News & Notes MHS Cheer Team Heading to Nationals The Meridian competitive cheer team and coaching staff will be heading to Orlando to compete in the UCA Nationals.

They qualified for this tournament for the first time in school history this past Fall by achieving a top score in a specific tournament. MHS wishes congratulations to the coaching staff and team on their accomplishments this season, and wish them the best of luck at the UCA tournament this weekend.

Student Recognized for Technical Skills Each year, U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12 who are women, genderqueer, or non-binary are eligible to receive recognition for their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Meridian High School’s Victoria Lam has been recognized for her technological aspirations and skills by the National Council of Women in Technology. This year Victoria was one of the 40 winners and 360 honorable mentions selected from more than 3,500 outstanding, talented young applicants.

At Meridian High School, Victoria is a leader in Mr. Snyder’s IB computer science class, the CyberPatriot team, the Girls Who Code club and the robotics FRC team.

Student Wins Art Silver Key Award Isabel Cassilly, a Senior at Meridian HS and an IB Visual Arts student, has won a Scholastic Art Silver Key Award for her ceramic artwork, “Salt House.” The Fairfax County Art Region of the Scholastic Art Awards recognized 339 student artists in grades 7 — 12, with

586 awards for outstanding artworks. Artworks were submitted and judged in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital art, design, architecture, jewelry, fashion, film and animation, mixed media and portfolios. 191 Gold Key awards, 188 Silver Key awards, and 207 Honorable Mention awards were earned, and five works were nominated for the best-in-show American Visions Award.

The Gold Key and Silver Key artworks will be displayed at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Community Cultural Center in Annandale from Friday, February 11, to Thursday, March 24, with an award ceremony on Wednesday, February 23.

MHS wishes congratulations to Isabel. The Scholastic Art Awards program, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, is the largest, longest-running recognition program of its kind in the United States. Established in 1923, the awards have recognized teens who have become some of our nation’s most celebrated artists, including Richard Avedon, Robert Indiana, Phillip Pearlstein, and Andy Warhol.

Girls Basketball Recognizes Seniors Friday, in front of a large crowd at home, the Girls Basketball team recognized its ten seniors and longtime manager.

The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead against Skyline and, at halftime, were cruising, 39 — 14. MHS’s deep bench and strong play at both ends of the court led to a 72 — 25 win. The team’s record is now 18-1. The girls traveled to play their last regular-season game Monday night at William Monroe.

District Chorus Festival Wows Audiences From the Aux Gym to the Henderson Cafeteria to the Learning Stairs to the Auditorium and more, spirited singing

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL and Henderson Middle School hosted the annual District Chorus Festival. Ten FCCPS students auditioned into the choir alongside nearly 300 other students from 21 other schools. (Photo: Fccps) filled the entire FCCPS Secondary campus for three days, culminating in 3three outstanding concerts offered to full audiences Saturday afternoon. Since this was Meridian/Henderson’s first time to host the annual District Chorus Festival of nearly 300 auditioned singers from 21 schools, many hands were on board working toward success, hospitality, experiential enrichment, and choral excellence.

The new campus was repeatedly admired and hospitality appreciated by students, choir directors, respected clinicians/directors, and audiences alike. Congratulations to the 10 FCCPS students who auditioned into the choirs: Will Albaugh, Caroline Bean, Nate Berol, Ailene Neal, Eudora Neal, Emma Hart, Matthew Bloss-Baum, Eliana Pizzirusso, Ava Rissetto, and JP Tysse.

MHS Swim & Dive Team Heads to States The Meridian Swim & Dive Team is heading to States! Last week, the Mustangs competed in the Region 3B Meet, where nine teams competed to secure their slots for the State Championships this Thursday and Saturday in Richmond. The Mustangs will be sending 22 students to the State Competition this week.

Anna Hennesy 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 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.

Meridian HS Legacy Grove Bricks Installed Remember those engraved bricks from the old high school?

They were saved and installed, along with new ones in the Meridian High School Legacy Grove. Wondering if there’s a brick with your name? Check

the Legacy Kiosk online or in the school for the Legacy Grove Directory at mustangs.touchpros.com/SearchByLocation. aspx?tabid=4302.

Search by name/keyword and check out a map of the area to figure out where to find your brick. There are 1,443 engraved bricks and space for new ones to be added.

Bricks ordered by June 15, 2022, will be installed this summer.

Virginia Financial Aid Event This Weekend Virginia students of all ages are invited to receive FREE help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NEW Virginia Alternative State Aid application (VASA; for Virginians who are not eligible to file a FAFSA).

Date and time: Saturday, February 19th, 2022 from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Location: Dewey Gottwald Center — 2301 W. Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220

MHS Senior Recognition Pages Due This year, for the first time, Senior Recognition pages are absolutely free for ¼ pages. The goal is to include everyone. Are you looking for more of a presence? Pay for an upgrade to a half or full page. Prices are halfpage $175, and full-page $300.

The final deadline for the Senior Recognition pages has been extended to today, February 17.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Top 10 Improvements a Homeowner Can Make to Add Value to Their House

by Alex Russell

heirlooms, of course.”

From relatively small undertakings like reorganization and decluttering, to largescale projects like refurbishing a kitchen or installing a new addition, there is a wide variety of ways homeowners can use to increase the value of their home.

The following, compiled with the help of professionals in the fields of architecture and real estate, examines the top 10 things that can help improve a property’s value.

All 10 ideas are categorized in order of highest-to-lowest prevalence and effectiveness, according to Lindsey Peake, of Peake Management.

2. Home staging

1. Decluttering and organization In discussing popular and beneficial changes owners tend to make to their homes, Jeff DuBro, of DuBro Builders & Architects, underscores the merits of functionality and personalization. The central belief of his company’s work lies in the mantra that “bigger is absolutely not the recipe for a better home.”

Peake also believes in the “less is more approach,” recommending that “non-essential items” get packed up or donated as soon as possible. She strongly suggests getting rid of things that “have not been used” in about a year’s time, “not including family

Staging a home is something the owner can do shortly before a potential buyer stops by to take a look at the property. Home staging often incorporates redecorating, the rearranging of furniture, as well as adjusting the overall aesthetic of the interior space.

Peake considers “having the home staged” as an “important investment that will pay off at the closing table,” saying that it is something “all sellers should seriously consider.”

ing to see how great a house looks with clean windows.”

4. Creating an inviting front of the house

A positive and inviting front of the house can set a good attitude for potential buyers. Some of the primary methods include removing dead or thorny plants along the front path and near the front door, as well as the placement of a neat welcome mat.

In addition, Peake suggests homeowners “repaint the front door.” Typically, “a red

5. Interior cleanliness and aroma Decluttering, reorganization and so forth are manageable tasks that often lead to overall sprucing-up, like dusting or vacuuming. A home’s general scent is typically contingent on small things like this, and more importantly, as Peake explains, aromas “leave lasting impressions” on buyers.

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3. Increasing curb appeal Curb appeal relates to the exterior of a home, such as the state of the yard or even how clean the windows appear to be at first glance. The view of the property from the curb is often where first impressions are made upon the buyers.

Since both the outside physical characteristics of a home and the quality of the yardwork come into play, Peake recommends keeping the edges trimmed and neat, as well as the application of “fresh mulch,” which is “inexpensive and makes things look sharp.”

She adds, “I always suggest to sellers to hire a window cleaning service…it’s amaz-

paint color works best…not quite candy apple red,” but a “more muted and toned down” shade of red.

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FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 13

Color Choices, Cabinet Handles and Lighting Are All Huge Factors

Continued from Page 11

A gray is also a good choice. It is neutral enough to fit with many different styles but creates more visual interest than white. For something more light and airy, opt for a lighter color that is closer to white. For a more dramatic look, a darker charcoal color could be used to create a more elegant space.

If neither of those options appeal to you, why not mix it up and try something totally new? Two-tone cabinets create lots of visual interest in the room and create something unexpected. Try a lighter color on the upper cabinets and a darker color below to create an illusion of higher ceilings. Grays could be a great option for this!

Even if you aren’t changing anything up, regular maintenance of your cabinets is important as well!

Make sure to stay away from harsh products such as scouring pads or steel wool as they can easily damage your cabinets. Instead, opt for something soft like a microfiber cleaning towel to achieve the best result. You also don’t need to invest in any fancy products. Some simple dish soap

and water with a bit of elbow grease is sure to leave them sparkling and clean.

Lighting can help bring a room together. Kitchens should feature two different types of lighting— ambient and task. Ambient lighting is the main source of light in a room. It is meant to be powerful enough to light an entire room. Recessed lighting is typical for ambient lighting in a kitchen as they have a more timeless look and can go with many different styles. Alternatively, some people will opt for track lights as they can be repositioned more easily to illuminate a specific area.

The second type of lighting is task, a type of lighting used to illuminate specific areas, such as where you are cooking or eating. Pendant lights are often used for this purpose along with recessed lighting in order to keep the area from looking too cluttered. As for prep space, undercabinet lighting is another great option as it will light the countertops without creating shadows. These are also relatively easy to install and will greatly improve the look of the room and make prepping easier!

Another great place to start a

kitchen update is the appliances. If you’ve ever found yourself sitting around waiting for one dish to be done so you can cook the next, a double oven might be a great investment. For the entertainer of the family, this will allow for multiple dishes to be baked with ease for your next big event.

If you need a new range, there are lots of things to consider. For one, are you completely renovating or using the space you already have? If you’re just looking to replace what you currently have, space will be the biggest concern. Without a complete renovation, you’ll have to find something the same size as your current range.

However, if you’re doing a complete renovation, the possibilities are endless. Hidden range hoods are a huge trend in kitchens right now.

They can be integrated into cabinets or hidden with tile or stone. This helps to give all of the benefits of a range without the bulky appearance.

A pot filler is also something good to invest in if you’re the chef of the family. A pot filler faucet is a swing out faucet on a jointed arm and mounted over the stove. This allows for pots to be easily filled

without having to carry a heavy pot back and forth.

Trying to decide on a new sink?

A farmhouse sink is a great option!

Not only are they stylish, but modern farmhouse sinks are also wider and deeper than a standard kitchen sink. These sinks will make both cooking and cleaning much easier than before.

Another great feature to add, particularly in these pandemic times, are touchless items. Touchless light switches, soap dispensers, garbage bins and more are all great additions to create a more germ-free home.

Motion-activated innovations are becoming more prominent and many can be found at your local hardware or appliance store.

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PAGE 14 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

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10 Top Improvement Suggestions

Continued from Page 12

“The top 3” scents in her experience tend to be “citrus, pine” and “vanilla.”

Peake warns homeowners not to “overdo it,” as a particularly strong smell, however pleasing it may be, “can turn off” potential buyers. In essence, “keep it pleasant but not overpowering.”

6. Flooring repair and carpeting replacement

Whether the cause is termites or flooding, replacing badly-damaged hardwood flooring is not only an important safety concern but can also provide an older living space with a shiny new stage of sorts; a room’s general aesthetic can greatly improve once new flooring is put in place.

The same applies to carpeting; replacing old, worn rugs or carpeting can liven up the space and create a new feeling for that specific area of the house.

7. Kitchen & bathroom remodeling Lisa DuBois, of the Chrissy & Lisa Team at RE/MAX West End, explains that Covid had a major impact on the real estate market and highlights how “throughout the pandemic, people spent a lot of time in their homes and identified changes and improvements they wanted to make.”

DuBro agrees. “In the age of Covid, so many people view their homes, more than ever, as a refuge. Where the lines between family life and work life have become more blurred than ever, we have seen a renewed, keen interest” in terms of homeowners investing in “quality design and craftsmanship…thinking more than ever about” just how they live, day-to-day.

Accordingly, two of the most basic and integral spaces in a home, the kitchen and bathroom, are possible remodeling projects that “offer the highest rate of return” for the owner. And as mentioned earlier, going all out is not always the most viable solution; carefully planned, detail-oriented tweaks can make a sizeable difference. Even without a “complete rehab,” DuBois notes that “a cosmetic refresh with a coat of paint on the cabinets” or the installation of “granite or quartz countertops” can produce strong, positive results.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

8. Energy efficiency

A relatively new yet growing theme in the housing market is the focus on being energy efficient. Improving a home’s insulation and the installation of solar panels are some of the ways owners can up make their home more energy efficient and save money in the long run. For example, once installation is complete, new solar panels may qualify for federal and state tax credits.

9. Personality of design DuBro stresses that buying and owning a home is a major investment. “Our homes are the place where we connect…to our families, to our friends, to ourselves, and to the dance that is our unique lives. At their best, our homes enrich our lives and provide us the stage to live well.”

DuBro strongly believes that “homes create their value through meaning” and that a well-produced and personalized overall design, whether it involves how the yard looks and is maintained, or whether it has to do with the interior space and how objects within that space are arranged and utilized, is absolutely key to how a property affects one’s daily life.

The more thought that is put into a home’s design and refurbishment, the more an owner will get out of that space and the higher that property’s market value will be.

10. Integrating a new addition DuBro’s 20 years of professional experience in architectural design has directed the focus of his work on “the value of thoughtful design,” while at the same time “translating that design into a well-crafted and carefully-executed home.”

In terms of renovation work, he explains that his “most common commission” is the integration of “a moderately-sized addition” to the original structure. “The primary goal with this type of work is to activate all parts of our clients’ properties efficiently, functionally and gracefully.”

An addition not only helps increase a property’s value (due to the increase in square footage), but it also provides more room for day-to-day activities and can perhaps serve as an extra source of income (by renting out the unused space).

SMALL CHANGES can lead to big improvements. (photos: Jeff Dubro)

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FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 15

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Community News & Notes Food Drive Taking Place Next Saturday The Falls Church Episcopal is hosting a Food Drive on Saturday, February 26, from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m., benefitting the Falls Church Community Service Council. It will take place in the Upper Parking Lot (166 E. Broad St). A complete list of the food needs as well as further details on how to donate can be found on the Church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheFallsChurch.

Mortgage Relief Program To Assist VA Homeowners 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 pandemic-induced hardship.

Virginia Housing’s Virginia Mortgage Relief Program, or VMRP, is using these funds to assist eligible state residents in order to help prevent and/or ease mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and displacement of homeowners. To check eligibility or to apply and to understand qualified expenses, please visit www.VirginiaMortgageRelief. com for more information.

Creative Cauldron Fundraiser Sponsored by Tinner Hill The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation welcomes all to a special Black History Month fundraiser presentation of a new Creative Cauldron two-act play entitled “Girls of Madison Street” on Sunday, February 27 at 7p.m.

The play, written and directed by award-winning actress, writer, and producer Iyona Blake, is a heartfelt yet humorous story that confronts the issues affecting women today, ranging from mental health and substance abuse awareness, grief, the highs and lows of marriage, and the complex, oftentimes dysfunctional, yet rewarding bond of sisterhood.

Blake tenderly examines the hardships and joys of African American women in today’s world, bolstered by strong per-

formances and a tightly-produced, engrossing story. Creative Cauldron is located at 410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA, 22046. 7 — 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at creativecauldron.org/girls-of-madison-street. html. For more information about this Tinner Hill Fundraiser, visit tinnerhill.org/events/.

Quinn’s Auction for 2018 Buick Lacrosse Quinn’s Auction Galleries is proud to present the 2018 Buick Lacrosse Auction. The online bidding will take place on Tuesday, February 22, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Preview by appointment only.

Interested parties are welcome to email hannah.jones@quinnsauction.com with questions or concerns. Removal will be Monday, February 28, 10:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Visit http://www.quinnsauction.com/ to participate in the auction and for more information. Accepted payment methods include: bankers check, cashiers check, cash, or money order.

Email lori.taylor@quinnsauction. com with any payment questions.

Quinn’s Auction Galleries is located at 360 S. Washington St., Falls Church, VA.

Watercolor Instruction At Falls Church Arts All are invited to learn watercolor painting at the Falls Church Arts Gallery. Individualized instruction is suitable for students of all levels, from beginner to expert. Classes are limited to six vaccinated persons and will be taught indoors at the Arts Gallery.

Covid-19 safety protocols will be observed. The Falls Church Arts Gallery is located at 700 B W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA. Instruction runs from 3 p.m. — 5 p.m. Admission is $195. For more information and to sign up, visit fallschurcharts.org/watercolorpainting-january-march-2022/ or call 703-679-7881.

Warning: Phone Scammers Impersonating Police Officers The City of Falls Church Police wants community mem-

FCNP’S NICK BENTON (center) celebrated his 39th (x2) birthday at the Italian Cafe along Lee Highway this week. Attendees included F.C. Mayor Dave Tarter and Vice Mayor Letty Hardi (she was there earlier in the evening but had to miss out on the group photo). (Photo: News-Press.) bers to be aware of an active phone scam in the area. Officers have received reports from community members stating 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, tell the community member they missed a court appearance or jury duty, 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 victim’s trust.

No government agency of any kind takes gift cards as payment.

If you receive a similar call, disconnect without providing any information or taking any instructions from the caller. If you fall victim to these scammers with financial loss, you are encouraged to file a report by calling

the City of Falls Church Police’s Non-Emergency line at 703-2415053 (TTY 711).

F.C. Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Networking Mixer Join the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce for a Mardi Gras celebration at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company, located at 2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church, VA, this coming Tuesday, February 22, from 5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m. The event will feature Mardi Gras fare, live music, and a cash bar.

This mixer is hosted by Rock Star Realty. Those interested are asked to register online; admission is free. Visit fallschurchchamber.org for more information and to sign up. Chamber networking events are hosted by a different Chamber member on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

Crepe Pop-Up at Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. Brewery Preservation Biscuit Company presents its crepes debut this Sunday, February 20, 11:30 a.m.

— 1:30 p.m. at Settle Down Easy Brewing Company (2822 Fallfax Dr., Falls Church, VA). Dig into a sweet crepe, like Strawberries and Nutella or a savory one like the Huevos Rancheros crepe. Pair them with a beermosa or any other beer of your choice for a flavorful combination. $1 of each crepe sold will go to the 28th Annual Tinner Hill Music Festival. Visit www.preservationbiscuit.com/ for more information.

Free Leaf Mulch Available This Coming April As a result of leaf collection, free leaf mulch will be available to Falls Church residents in April.

The City will promote the exact date as soon as it’s set.

Residents can load mulch into their own vehicles. No tools or assistance is provided. No commercial visitors.

Parkinson’s Foundation Virtual Communication Club Sponsored by the Kensington, The Parkinson’s Communication

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Club takes place every Monday through Zoom in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Club is led by Susan I. Wranik, a Board Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, the Communication Club establishes a wellness and prevention program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners with a focus on communication skills maintenance.

As opposed to therapy, the Club is an exercise group designed to improve volume; the approach helps people speak loudly and clearly in order to make themselves heard. The Club’s seminars utilize the group setting and highlight the benefits of teamwork and mutual encouragement.

The Parkinson’s Foundation Communication Club encourages participants to make their voice heard. Vocal exercises and socialization is the best medicine for living successfully with Parkinson’s. Exercise your voice as well as your body. This group is appropriate for anyone desiring to improve volume or verbal expression. The Kensington is an assisted living and memory care residence open to Northern Virginia in the heart of The Little City. The Club takes place online every Monday, 3 — 4 p.m. Email Keyla Peters at kpeters@kensintonsl.com for more information.

Visit the events tab at fallschurchchamber.org/ for more information.

Speed Dating Event for N. VA Singles in Washington, D.C. MyCheekyDate’s events offer a fresh alternative to speed dating and matchmaking; they create an atmosphere that is simultaneously casual and comfortable.

Attendees will be able to meet a partner to attend concerts, music festivals, bar crawls or fitness

classes; someone who shares your passions and interests — from sports to yoga — all in a personable setting. MyCheekyDates offers uncompromising value with unparalleled service.

For those interested in reading about Blind-Date Matchmaking with packages ranging from $349 — $695, visit mycheekydate. com/matchmaking. The Speed Dating Event will take place on February 24 at Bar and Lounge 54 (1207 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036), beginning at 7 p.m.

Geared towards adults ages 24 — 38. Visit mycheekydate.com for more information.

McLean Art Society Meeting Set for Next Friday, Feb. 25 Ann Wallace, an established local artist who paints with pastels, will be the featured presenter at the Friday, February 25 meeting of the McLean Art Society.

The meeting will be held online over Zoom and will run from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

The art demonstration will begin at 11a.m. All are invited to join. Those interested in participating in the Zoom presentation must contact McLean Art Society President Anna Katalkina at annakatalkina@aol.com. For more information, visit mcleanartsociety.org/.

Lab Rescue Fundraising Event at Brewskis Barkhaus Lab Rescue LRCP, a nonprofit volunteer organization that rescues, fosters, and finds forever homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned Labrador Retrievers in the states of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, and Labrador Retrievers of Northern Virginia, invite all to Brewskis Barkhaus for Yappy Hour.

F.C. AREA GIRL SCOUTS made a variety of cookie sale signs, adorned with heart drawings, �lower stickers, and plenty of color just in time for cookie season — which of�icially began the month of January and runs through April of every year. There are over 100 Girl Scout Programs in the U.S. and 92 other countries, making up an international sisterhood that supports its scouting activities and educational efforts through fundraisers like this one. Girl Scouts teaches young girls decision making, money management, business ethics, and many other important life skills. To learn more and to support your local troop, visit mygs.girlscouts.org/.

(P����: C������� J��� I������, L���� G��� S���� T���� L�����.)

Geared towards supporting local dog rescues, this event will take place on Sunday, February 20, from 12 — 3 p.m. Barkhaus is located at 529 East Howell Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.

All-day passes purchased during the duration of the event will go towards Lab Rescue LRCP as a donation. For more information about Lab Rescue LRCP, visit lab-rescue.org/.

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Tysons Library Quarterly Book & Media Sale, March 2 — 5 The Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library Quarterly Book Sale will run on Wednesday, March 2, from 5 — 8 p.m. (including an opportunity for members to shop first), Thursday, March 3, from 10 a.m.

— 4 p.m., Friday, March 4, from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m., and Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. — 1 p.m/ (including a special bag sale, $10

for a full grocery bag of books or half-price for less). The book sale features a large selection of books and media for all ages and interests. Proceeds will benefit the library. Volunteers are welcome; book and media donations are always appreciated. TysonsPimmit Regional Library is located at 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-338-3307 for additional information or email tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com.

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FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 DADA 2.0 Art Exhibit at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (Recurring Event Until Feb. 26). The DADA 2.0 art exhibit showcases art by local creators that expresses the bizarreness of modern life through the lens of Dada, connecting the absurdist, post-WWI art movement to current social and political confusion in the age of Covid-19. Gallery capacity limited to 15 people at a time; face masks required. Free to the public. Located at the Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center. For information, visit DelRayArtisans.org /exhibits.

(2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301).

Thursday, 12 — 6 p.m., Friday, 12 — 9 p.m., Saturday, 12 — 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 — 6 p.m.

Walk-in Tech Clinic. A tech tutor will be available every Thursday from morning at the Thomas Jefferson Library Study Room to help out with visitors with their tech issues. Geared towards adults. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 10 — 11 a.m.

Falls Church Fiber Artists. Join Mary Riley Styles Public Library for a weekly knitting and crochet group. Share what you're creating and get advice from other knitters. All are welcome.

Geared towards adults ages 18 and up. (120 N. Virginia Ave. Falls Church). 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Winter Storytime. 20 minute storytime at Mary Riley Styles Library for kids ages 2 — 4 with a caregiver. Masks are required for all attendees; social distancing will be enforced. If you or your child are feeling sick or experiencing 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.

Registration required; register online at mrspl.librarycalendar. com. (120 N Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m. and 11:15 — 11:45 a.m.

Baby Storytime. Join the TysonsPimmit Library for songs, rhymes, stories and activities for you and your baby. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together in your lap.

Space limited to 15 children with one caregiver each. No registration, customers will be allowed in on a first come, first served basis. Check in at the Children's Information desk for tickets.

This class is best for babies 0 — 18 months and their caregivers. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Woodrow Wilson Toddler Storytime. Ready to socialize your toddler in a fun and inviting environment? This program is for ages 18 months — 2 years old with an adult. Attendees will read stories, move their feet and have fun. They will also learn Spanish and/or Sign Language words in tandem with the theme of each program. Masks are required for all people ages 2 and up. Limited to the first 15 people total. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church).

11:30 a.m. — 12 p.m.

In-person English Practice.

Interested participants are invited to join the Thomas Jefferson Library for a small conversation group geared for people learning English and looking to practice their speaking skills. For adults.

(1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 12 — 1 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.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 In-person

English

Practice.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FCNP Featured Event

National Margarita Day February 22nd

Interested participants are invited to join the Thomas Jefferson Library for a small conversation group geared for English learners looking to practice their speaking skills. For adults. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

Kindness Cards. Join the TysonsPimmit Library to celebrate Valentine’s Day all month long and create kindness cards for a special someone! Registration is required; 11 seats currently available. Register online at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 4 – 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Family Storytime. Ages 0 — 5.

Share the joy of playful learning together at Tysons-Pimmit Library. Children and their caregivers participate in music, movement and song in this program that promotes bonding and highlights the natural rhythms in language. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Paws to Read With Lucy. Read aloud to Lucy, a trained therapy dog, at Thomas Jefferson Library.

Bring your own book or choose a book from the library. Walk-ins welcome. Ages 6 — 12. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 2 — 3 p.m.

Movie Night: Black Panther (2018). Those interested are invited to join Woodrow Wilson Library for a showing of Marvel’s Black Panther (2018). This movie is rated PG-13. No food or drink will be allowed during the movie to ensure safety. Per county standards all library visitors ages 2 and up must wear a mask while in county buildings. Registration required; 15 seats are currently available. Register online at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty. gov. (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church). 3 — 6 p.m.

DMV Farmers/Flea Market at

NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY, which falls on the 22nd of February every year, stands today as one of the most popular Food Holidays celebrated in the United States. Typically made using a mix of tequila, triple sec (an orange-flavoured liqueur), and various fruit juices (usually lemon or lime), the margarita has a somewhat ambiguous history but is a celebratory mainstay in Mexican-American culture. This February 22nd, stop by the recently-opened Cuates Grill, located at 502 W Broad St #5, for a flavorful commemoration of this unique and popular holiday. (Photo: Courtesy Cuates Grill). the Festival Grounds at RFK Campus. All are welcome to join the Open-Air Farmers Market at the Robert F Kennedy Campus Festival Grounds for fresh produce and a variety of interesting finds. (401 Oklahoma Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002). 7:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Green Eggs and Ham Take and Make. Visitors are invited to Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to pick up a take-home kit and play a word game with Green Eggs and Ham. For all ages. All day event. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).

Great Books Discussion Series.

Join the Mary Riley Styles Library online for a discussion of “The Body of the Condemned (from Discipline and Punish)” by Michael Foucault. This program is held virtually over Zoom; email mwebster@fallschurchva.gov for an invite and more information.

Geared towards adults ages 18 and up. Discussion groups con-

centrating on traditional and modern classics meet at 7 p.m.

— 8:45 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

Baby Lapsit Storytime. Books, songs and bounces for TysonsPimmit Library’s littlest friends.

Babies will be in their caregiver’s lap while the grownups actively participate. Birth to 18 months.

(7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11 a.m.

Spanish Conversation Group.

Geared towards intermediateto-advanced level students who are looking for an opportunity to practice their Spanish with a native speaker. Conversation groups meet Tuesday mornings in the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library conference room.

Registration required; currently 3 seats available. Register online at librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty. gov. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Pre-K Time. Join Thomas Jefferson

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Library for stories, songs, and activities to get ready for kindergarten. Ages 3 — 5. Space is limited to ticketed attendees for in-person events. Tickets are free and first-come, first-serve at the information desk 30 minutes before each program. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

10:30 — 11 a.m.

Needlecraft Circles. For those interested in hands-on crafts, the Thomas Jefferson Library will be hosting needlecraft lessons each Wednesday. Geared towards adult participants; supplies provided. (1545 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 – 2 p.m.

Pajama Storytime. Come in your pajamas and bring your teddy bear for a bedtime story at Tysons-Pimmit Library. Ages 0 to 6 and their families. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 7 — 7:30 p.m.

Char McCargo Bah: An Introduction to African American Genealogy. Join Char McCargo Bah, CEO/Owner of FindingThingsforU, LLC., a genealogist and lecturer, for a discussion on the many records that one can find in the church and cemetery for a better appreciation of the records one’s ancestors leave behind in their house of worship. Upper Level Conference Room of the Mary Riley Styles Library; suitable for teens and adults ages 18 and up. (120 N. Virginia Ave. Falls Church). 7 — 8 p.m.

LIVEMUSIC

The 19th Street Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $15. 8 p.m. 703237-0300.

Nella. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $27. 8 p.m. 703-2551900.

Karl Stoll & Danger Zone. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

Reed Waddle. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

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

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Mars Rodeo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Great Northern (Grateful Dead Tribute). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Something Country.

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

703-241-9504.

Dean Ford & the Beautiful Ones: A Tribute to Prince. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $18. 9 p.m. 703237-0300.

Dan ‘N’ Friends. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-2378333.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Amy Helm. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $22. 8 p.m.

703-255-1900.

The Miró Quartet: Chamber Music at The Barns. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $44. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 19

and Dave Edmunds). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Linwood Taylor Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m.

703-241-9504.

CA L E NDA R

Honky Tonk Cassanovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m.

703-241-9504.

Shartel & Hume. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

An Evening with the Billy Price Band. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25. 7 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Dan & Chuck. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703532-9283.

Wolf Blues Jam. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Me & The Boys (A Tribute to NRBQ) and Pile O’ Rocks (A Tribute to Rockpile, Nick Lowe,

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Tom Saputo & Friends. JV’s

THE SYMBOLIC DADA 2.0 EXHIBIT, at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, features artwork created using a variety of media, such as paint, collage, sculpture, and mixed media. The marblelike piece above by Susan T. Ok, entitled "Señor Iguana," exemplifies the sort of Dadainspired, highly-expressive, irreverent, boundary-pushing work that visitors will see at the exhibition. (Photo: Del Ray Artisans, flickr.com/photos/delrayartisans) Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

Mavis Staples (of the Stape Singers). Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $48. 8 p.m. 703255-1900.

Howard Jones Acoustic Trio with Rachael Sage. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $49.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Open Mic Night with Andy & Josh. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AHI. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 7:30 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Mac McAnally at the Birchmere. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $45. 7:30 p.m.

703-549-7500.

Smylin Jack Trio.

JV ’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m.

703-241-9504.

THEATER&ARTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Girls of Madison Street. A tightknit family of African American sisters confronts 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 Winning-singer and playwright 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 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 18 Leaving Bedrooms. Leaving Bedrooms is a journey of romantic recovery in four scenes.

Each scene takes place in a different bedroom. This production takes 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Gianandrea Noseda Conducts Haydn & Farrenc. National Symphony Orchestra principal musicians take the spotlight at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall for a presentation of Sinfonia Concertante, written

by Austrian composer Joseph Haydn. Then, Noseda conducts the energetic Third Symphony

by Louise Farrenc. Though often overlooked, Farrenc flourished at the center of 19th century Parisian music. She was admired in her lifetime as a teacher, scholar, pianist, and brilliant composer. The performance will take place Saturday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org/nso/home/2021-2022/ noseda-haydn/. (2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566.)

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PAGE 20 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

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For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

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FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 21

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A FILING BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR COST ALLOCATION METHODOLOGIES FOR RPS PROGRAM RELATED COSTS AND BENEFITS AND FOR PROXY VALUE CALCULATION METHODOLOGIES CASE NO. PUR-2021-00156 During its 2020 Session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted Chapters 1193 (HB 1526) and 1194 (SB 851) of the 2020 Virginia Acts of Assembly. These duplicate Acts of Assembly, known as the Virginia Clean Economy Act (“VCEA”), became effective on July 1, 2020. The VCEA establishes a mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard (“RPS”) program (“RPS Program”) for Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) in Code § 56 585.5. To comply with the RPS Program, Dominion must procure and retire renewable energy certificates (“RECs”) originating from qualifying sources.

Subdivision D 4 of Code § 56-585.5 also requires Dominion to submit annually to the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a plan and petition for approval for the development of new solar and onshore wind generation capacity (“RPS Plan”).

In Case PUR 2020 00134, Dominion submitted its first RPS Plan to the Commission (“2020 RPS Plan”). On April 30, 2021, the Commission issued its Final Order in the 2020 RPS Plan (“2020 RPS Final Order”). As part of its 2020 RPS Final Order, the Commission adopted a general rate adjustment clause framework for the recovery of RPS related costs, as proposed by Commission Staff (“Staff”) and refined by Dominion, under which the Company will recover costs of resources approved under the VCEA. The Commission also directed that jurisdictional and class allocation methodologies be addressed in either Dominion’s next annual RPS proceeding or in a separate proceeding initiated by the Commission.

As was further discussed in the 2020 RPS Plan case, approval of Staff’s proposed cost recovery framework would necessitate the development of a proxy value for the avoided capacity costs that would be realized if Dominion does not bid a particular Company owned RPS Program resource into the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”), capacity market, but instead uses the resource to reduce its future capacity obligations. The Commission did not adopt a proxy value for these avoided capacity costs in its 2020 RPS Final Order.

On November 9, 2020, Dominion filed with the Commission a petition for approval of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RPS, pursuant to Code § 56-585.1 A 5 d (“Rider RPS Petition”). Through its Rider RPS Petition, Dominion sought to recover costs related to compliance with the mandatory RPS Program established in the VCEA. On July 1, 2021, the Commission issued its Final Order in that proceeding (“Rider RPS Final Order”). As noted in the Rider RPS Final Order, approval of Staff’s proposed rate design framework in the 2020 RPS Plan proceeding requires a proxy value for RECs to be transferred from renewable energy projects to Rider RPS. The Hearing Examiner found, and we agreed, that the determination of the appropriate REC proxy value should be decided in a future proceeding to allow for a more robust record to be developed.

On August 11, 2021, the Commission issued an Order Establishing Proceeding (“Order”) in the current case, which opened a docket to consider issues related to cost allocation of Dominion’s resources approved under the VCEA and the appropriate proxy values for avoided capacity costs and RECs. In its Order, the Commission directed Dominion to make a filing (“Filing”) that addressed these issues, presented alternative cost allocation methodologies for the Commission’s consideration, and provided responses to certain questions set forth in the Order.

On December 22, 2021, Dominion submitted its Filing with the Commission. As part of its Filing, the Company presents five alternative cost allocation methodologies for the Commission’s consideration: (i) Using an allocation factor based on the average and excess methodology (“Factor 1”) to allocate demand-related costs and benefits (capacity) and using an energy-only allocation factor (“Factor 3”) to allocate energy-related costs and benefits (energy, RECs), consistent with the classification of such costs and benefits in the Company’s cost of service (“Cost of Service Classification”); (ii) Using Factor 1 to allocate all costs and benefits (capacity, energy, RECs); (iii) Using Factor 3 to allocate all costs and benefits (capacity, energy, RECs); (iv) Using a modified Factor 1 based on the load during the PJM five coincident peak hours, instead of the single coincident peak, to allocate all costs and benefits; and (v) Using the summer winter peak and average method to allocate all costs and benefits.

Dominion recommends approval of the Cost of Service Classification methodology for the allocation of system costs to the jurisdictional level and for the allocation of jurisdictional costs to the class level.

Moreover, the Company proposes to use the Cost of Service Classification methodology for all VCEA resources, regardless of the type of resource or whether the resource is Company owned or contracted for under a power purchase agreement.

In its Filing, Dominion also provided its proposed methodology for calculating the proxy value of avoided capacity costs associated with resources that are not bid into the PJM capacity market. Dominion proposes to use the clearing price from the base residual auction for the appropriate delivery year multiplied by the capacity amount produced by the generating unit to calculate the proxy value for the avoided capacity costs associated with that specific unit. The Company states the capacity amount produced by the generating unit would be measured by the effective load carrying capability class rating values and any other PJM adjustments. The Company proposes that the specific generating unit would only be credited with the avoided capacity cost proxy value if the unit was known prior to the time the Company’s fixed resource requirement plan is due for that delivery year.

The Company also included in its Filing its proposed methodology for calculating proxy values for RECs to be transferred from renewable energy projects to Rider RPS. The Company seeks to establish REC proxy values by looking at the REC prices quoted on broker sheets over a prior twelve-month period. Specifically, the Company recommends using the average weekly prices for the current reporting year and the two subsequent reporting years, to the extent available, from the REC prices quoted in the broker sheets. The Company asserts the weekly prices used should be from the highest value REC market for which a Virginia RPS-eligible resource would qualify. Dominion proposes to use Pennsylvania Tier 1 REC market prices as the highest value REC market in the near term for which a Virginia RPS-eligible solar or wind resource would qualify. The Company proposes to use Maryland Tier II REC market prices as the highest value REC market in the near term for which Virginia RPS-eligible large hydroelectric resources would qualify.

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

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 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 Filing. On August 8, 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 August 4, 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 August 9, 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 Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

Electronic copies of the Filing 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 August 8, 2022, any interested person may submit comments on the Filing 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-2021-00156.

On or before April 1, 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-2021-00156.

On or before June 7, 2022, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on 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-2021-00156.

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 Filing 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

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C������ C�����

25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 48 • February 16, 2012

Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 48 • February 13, 1997 Former Superintendent Issues Harsh Statement Following Resignation

F.C. Council Votes to Launch Effort at Determining Future of Water System

Former Falls Church Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Patricia Dignan released to the News-Press for publication last night a strongly worded statement charging her differences with the Board included in the assertion that “some members” of the Falls Church School Board “watch out only for friends.”

Following on a lengthy closed door session last week, the Falls Church City Council added a late item to its agenda this Monday night to sell its much besieged water system.

Council voted unanimously to authorize City Manager to issue a “Request for Expressions of Interest” to the public.

I� M�������: D�. J���� “J����” J����� F����

Dr. James Joseph Fargo, DDS, aka Jimmy, 73, passed away January 26, 2022 in Germantown, WI from complications of cancer.

Jim was with family and friends when he died at his brother John’s home.

Jim was born August 30, 1948 in Milwaukee, WI to Mary C (Frkovich) and Joseph J. Fargo.

He graduated from Washington High School in Milwaukee, class of 1966.

Jim joined the US Army and was a Vietnam Combat Veteran, serving in the US Army Corp of Engineers 18th Brigade; 20th Combat Engineering Battalion; and the 815th Construction Battalion as a surveyor in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968.

After returning to Virginia, he married Antoinette M. Yeash on November 22, 1969 at her home in Brownsville, PA. They resided in Arlington, VA, where Jim attended American University and worked for the Virginia Electric Power Company. Jim

entered Georgetown University and graduated as a Dentist, class of 1981.

His dental practice was in Falls Church, VA, for over 30 years until his retirement.

Jim was an avid golfer and organic gardener, writing many articles on gardening.

He was one of seven children. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Joseph J. Fargo, sister Michalene M. Kilbusy, brother Frederick L. Fargo, and former wife Antoinette M. Fargo. He is survived by his sister Patricia M. Goff of Roswell, NM; brother John A. and Susan Fargo of Longmont, CO; brother Gregory A. Fargo of Thousand Oaks, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim had no children. He moved to Wisconsin four years ago.

Jim will be greatly missed by two special friends, Jennie Jonasey and Kerin Knudsen of Falls Church, VA, along with many colleagues and our entire family. No services are planned per his wishes.

Your Paper Without the Paper See the News-Press Online Just Like you See it in Print With our

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www.fcnp.com

ZORA just turned 10 months old and has loved the snow this winter. She enjoys the natural trails around Falls Church, playing with her puppy pals, and treats!

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FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022 | PAGE 23

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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

The Bath or Shower You’ve Always Wanted

IN AS LITTLE AS 1 DAY

Virginia Tech Partners with Washington Gas Washington Gas and Virginia Tech are partnering together to enhance STEM education in Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., area. The collaboration, made possible by a $430,000 gift from Washington Gas, emphasizes engineering and the future of the energy industry and builds on the success of Virginia Tech’s Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Programs in Northern Virginia. Virginia Tech in Falls Church was the first university outside of California to adopt the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab program. Jim Egenrieder is the founding director of the Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab facility which houses an engineering lab, maker space and innovative learning space to foster creativity, collaboration, and other critical skills. Since 2016, over 1,000 students and their teachers have visited the lab. Virginia Tech has also developed new STEM initiatives and youth leadership programs supporting Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and Fairfax County schools.

Chamber Hosts Businesses and Community Awards

500* OFF

$

OR

No Payments & No Interest for 18 Months** Military & Senior Discounts Available

OFFER EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2022

The Falls Church Chamber is returning to The State Theatre to host the Annual Business and Community Awards on March 24. This event is a celebration of businesses and the community that supports it, enhancing the high quality of life in the Little City. The community is encouraged to submit nominations in the following categories: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Company Culture Excellence Award and Pillar of the Community Award. The criteria and nomination form are found at www.fallschurchchamber.org with a deadline of 5:00 pm on March 1. Tickets and sponsorships are available on the website.

CALL NOW!

(844) 945-1631 *Includes product and labor; bathtub, shower or walk-in tub and wall surround. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. This offer expires Mar 31, 2022. Each dealership is independently owned and operated. **Third party financing is available for those customers who qualify. See your dealer for details. ©2022 BCI Acrylic Inc.

Local Breweries Hailed Settle Down Easy Brewing Company and Audacious Aleworks Brewery & Taproom received coverage from the recent issue of Northern Virginia Magazine. The breweries received accolades for being dog-friendly, as well as offering a number of notable brews and food offerings.

Army Partners with Local Small Business The U.S. Army has announced over $5M in new funding contracts with three small businesses with innovative solutions in wind measurement systems that factor in aviation weapon systems. XeroWind LLC in Falls Church is receiving up to $1.7M under the Direct to Phase II award for the Twi Dimensional Path-Integrated Laser Wind Measurement System. The funding come through the Army Applied Small Business Innovation Research Program. Charles San Filippo, a test and evaluation advisor for the Army stated, “We are excited to see small businesses advancing target engagement capabilities in the complex, dynamic environment of tactical Army aviation.”

Prepare for power outages with a Generac home standby generator REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

844-947-1479

PAE Merger with Affiliate of Amentum

FREE

PAE, headquartered in Falls Church, has announced the completion of its acquisition by an affiliate of Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC for approximately $1.9 billion in cash. PAE has tackled the world’s toughest challenges to produce operational support solutions with a global workforce on all seven continents and almost sixty countries for more than 66 years.

Limited Time Offer - Call for Details

 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

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

Prepare for Power Outages & Save Money REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

ACT NOW TO RECEIVE A $300 SPECIAL OFFER!*

(833) 688-1378

*Offer value when purchased at retail.

Solar panels sold separately.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2022

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All Utilities Included

1 Bathroom

Walk to Shops, Dining & More!

CALL 703-867-TORI

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2111 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

© 2022 Tori McKinney, LLC