April 25 – May 1, 2019
Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee
Fou n d e d 1991 • Vol. X XIX No. 10
Falls Church • Tysons Corner • Merrifield • McLean • North Arlington • Bailey’s Crossroads
Inside This Week June Primary Absentee Voting Begins Saturday In-person absentee voting begins this Saturday for the June 11 Democratic primary election in Falls Church and the area. See News Briefs, page 9
Uncertainty Lingers Over Sleepy Hollow Project A sidewalk construction project in Sleepy Hollow has seen sweeping revisions but uncertainty still lingers about whether the new infrastructure would address residents’ primary concerns.
$99 Million F.C. Budget Adopted With More $ for Senior Tax Relief Scrambling for Eggs
No Change in Tax Rate Despite Huge New Debt Burden
by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
men,” and then added as an aside, “My family is in love with a classical piano player who speaks seven languages,” a clear reference to Buttigieg. Beyer said he was “surprised” by former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s announcement last week that he will not seek the presidential nomination.
By a unanimous 7-0 vote Monday, the Falls Church City Council adopted a $99,291,876 Fiscal Year 2020 budget that will fund the City government and schools from this July 1 through June 2020 with no change in any of the City’s tax rates. Council members hailed the level of cooperation between the City government and the school system to meet the budget’s targets while absorbing the City’s largest ever increase in debt service to fund a new high school and major renovations of City Hall and public library. Nonetheless, there were fireworks at the meeting over an amendment to the draft budget ordinance proposed by Council member Ross Litkenhous and seconded by Councilman David Snyder to remove $63,000 from the budget targeted to provide a small increase in resources for elderly and disabled citizens and veterans who qualify for tax relief. Litkenhous and Snyder opposed adding money to the existing fund, opposing full tax relief instead of a tax deferral option that would eventually hold all seniors and others liable for the full amount of real estate taxes. Snyder, in a letter to the NewsPress following the meeting, said, “The question was: is relief best in the form of deferral or in the form of a complete exemption...There may be liquidity problems and so a deferral is provided but the past due taxes are eventually paid back.”
Continued on Page 5
Continued on Page 4
See page 11
Sexual Assault Charge At F.C. Massage Business A man and a woman were arrested last Friday for charges related to sexual assault and operating a massage without a permit at a massage business in the City of Falls Church. See News Briefs, page 9
Mustang Girls Edge Madison County
A Bull Run District rivalry added another chapter in its saga when George Mason High School’s girls soccer team staved off just enough from visiting Madison County High School to eke out a 2-1 victory. See Sports, page 20
THE HUNT WAS ON last Saturday morning when the City of Falls Church hosted its annual Easter egg hunt at Cherry Hill Park. In addition to the tasty treats, there was face painting, a magician and, most importantly, a long-eared special guest. See more photos, pages 16–17. (Photo: J. Michael Whalen)
Rep. Beyer Endorses Buttigieg; First Hinted at F.C. Chamber Talk by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Index
Editorial................ 6 Letters............6, 10 News & Notes.12–13 Comment...... 14–15 Sports................ 20 Business News.. 23
Calendar...... 26–27 Classified Ads.... 28 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword......... 29 Crime Report..... 30 Critter Corner..... 30
U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr., who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, officially announced yesterday his support for Democratic presidential hopeful Peter Buttigieg. Beyer first intimated his support for Buttigieg while speak-
ing to the monthly luncheon meeting of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at Mad Fox Brewing Company last week. The national fundraising chief for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Beyer offered thoughts about the unfolding 2020 presidential race by saying he feels “there should be a woman on the Democratic ticket” as opposed to “old entitled white
PAGE 2 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A brighter future for you and the environment. At Dominion Energy, we’ve increased the number of solar panels in Virginia from 5,250 to over 2 million since 2015. And we’re now the 4th largest solar producer in the nation. But we’re not stopping there. We’ll continue adding new renewable resources to our energy mix. Because when we make it a priority to protect our environment, we can all breathe easier.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 3
JD Sold More Homes Last Year in Falls Church Than Any Other Agent!
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FREE SHREDDING EVENT Haycock Elementary School 6616 Haycock Road Falls Church VA 22043 (Truck will be in Westmoreland St. Parking Lot)
Happy Spring Open Sunday 2-4pm
Please join me for free paper shredding and hard drive destruction! Document shredding: Up to four boxes of paper- No need to remove staples, paper clips, binder clips, spiral bound, hanging file folders, etc. Hard Drive Destruction: Hard drives should be removedfrom the tower or laptop for destruction. Coffee and donuts will be served.
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Just listed! Spectacular 3 bd/3.5 ba townhome in Church View. Many updates and steps to all Falls Church City has to offer! Mins to EFC Metro. Offered at $875,000
Gorgeous 3 bd/3.5 ba townhome overlooking Tripps Run. Stunning interior and updates. New windows and awardwinning FCC schools.
Under Contract 1308 Tracy Place, Falls Church City
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Zillow Review
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PAGE 4 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
F.C. Council Adopts New Budget, Adds Funds for Senior Tax Relief
Continued from Page 1
Council member Phil Duncan pointed out that the City’s existing tax relief program is already “the stingiest” in the region, adding that even with the modest increase as recommended by a special City Task Force that examined the issue in the last year, the City’s policy will run behind all other jurisdictions in the region. “Every other locality in the region is more generous than we are,” he said. City Manager Wyatt Shields noted that Litkenhous’ amendment would save what would translate into a $10 difference in average real estate bills Council member Letty Hardi added that the small increase in tax relief are “important to affirm generational diversity.” The words of Councilman Dan Sze were stronger, saying “I am mildly disappointed” by the argument in favor of cutting the
relief, saying “It is remarkable that those who have gotten so much from this community can’t see what will help some seniors. They call themselves progressive, but I don’t know where that applies.” Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly said she backed the added tax relief support as one who served on the task force to study the issue in the last year. She said she recalled her notes from last December’s budget guidance meeting when she wrote, “We spend first on people.” She added, “Having studied this, I learned that each story is different and we have to make sure we are looking out for everyone.” Mayor David Tarter said he supported the recommendation of the task force. The Fiscal Year 2020 budget adopted Monday includes an organic growth projection of 3.4 percent. The operating expendi-
tures for the schools and general government are proposed to increase by 2.5 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. For the schools, the increase is the smallest in decades, and was the result of slower than expected enrollment growth in the last year, and the School Board’s determination to hold the line on operating costs while the City undertakes a $120 million bond issuance for the construction of a new George Mason High School. The budget, on the City side, includes a merit increase of 3.25 percent for City employees, a 3 percent step increase and 0.5 percent cost of living (COLA) increase for sworn police officers and the restoration of a full-time Human Resources director position. It adds two full-time building inspectors, the upgrade of a fire safety inspector position from temporary to permanent status, the buyout of three vehicle leases
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
and an added police officer to increase the force to 33 uniformed personnel. It has $300,000 for pay-asyou-go capital funds for City facilities and infrastructure, $100,000 for transportation project development and $100,000 for spot improvements for paving and sidewalks and the aforementioned $390,000 for property tax relief for the elderly, disabled and veterans, an increase of $63,000 over the last year in accordance with the recommendations of the Senior Tax Relief Task Force. It covers debt service, added by 14 percent to $4.3 million annually, for a total of $152.2 million in major capital projects over the next five years, including $120 million for the new high school, $11.275 million for the City Hall renovation and expansion, $8.7 million for the Mary Riley Styles Public Library expansion and renovation, $4.7 million for the acquisition of the Fellows tract adjacent Thomas Jefferson Elementary and $7.5 million for miscellaneous projects. The budget adds $511,000 to its mandated contribution to the Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority (WMATA), increasing the total contribution from $1.1 to $1.6 million. Of this increase, $400,000 is coming from local funds and the rest from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. For the schools’ operating budget, with a $43,383,277 transfer from the City, it includes a 2.95 percent salary “step” increase for all employees, augmented by a 1 percent COLA increase. There will be no change in the average class sizes. With all these changes and additions, the real estate tax rate and all other tax rates remain unchanged. The current real estate rate is $1.355 per $100 of assessed valuation (it compares favorably to the $1.47 number for Fairfax County property owners when overlay tax district and service fees are added into its basic rate). Falls Church real estate taxpayers will see their bills go up, nonetheless, but entirely due to an average 2.7 percent increase in assessed values. With the average home in the City valued at $695,500, the average tax bill will rise by an average of $252 to $9,424.
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Beyer Talks Trade, Metro, Amazon & More to F.C. Chamber Last Week
Continued from Page 1
It was notable that Beyer did not dwell on the release of the Mueller Report within the hour of his speech, following the path of Democrats, generally, to focus at forums and public events on the “bread and butter” issues that matter to constituents more than the buzz about the transgressions of the president. It also had to do with the fact that the 400-page report was released to the public literally moments before his Falls Church Chamber talk. Beyer said his work on the Ways and Means Committee is aimed at forging a $1.5 trillion bipartisan infrastructure investment plan, to advance the development of a U.S-Mexico-Canada new “NAFTA”-style trade pact and improve trade relations with China, to address skyrocketing drug prices, to fix some of the unintended consequences of the new tax code, to address “the existential crisis of our time,” —
climate change — using “marketbased solutions” and to address the nation’s bloating $22 trillion debt. He said he’s pushing for increasing funding for WMATA by $200 million utilizing the “Metro Momentum” initiative to build a second tunnel under the Key Bridge and extend the Silver Line beyond the periphery of the Dulles Airport. He noted the first successful vote in the House to address gun control, calling for universal background checks, something he said that 80 percent of even NRA members support. And he noted that two-thirds of gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, 47,000 last year, pointing to the need for increased support for the National Agenda for Suicide Prevention, including a new threedigit hotline that also accepts text messages and anti-depressant medications that act swiftly. He said he strongly supports the decision by Amazon to move to Northern Virginia, noting that
it means Virginia Tech will invest $1.5 billion in an expansion here, including at the school’s site adjacent Falls Church, becoming competitive with some of the biggest university programs in the U.S. such as MIT and CarnegieMellon. He said that there are more math and computer graduates in this area than anywhere in the U.S. but that many have been moving away for jobs he said should be available here. Addressing the affordable housing shortage, he pointed to the $4 million dedicated by the Virginia legislature and governor and the use of proffers from the Amazon deal to provide $15 million from Virginia that will be matched by Maryland and Washington, D.C. for a regional affordable housing trust fund. He called the “Green New Deal” initiative from new Democrats in Congress “an aspirational document” that addresses social justice and anti-poverty issues, but lacking concrete pro-
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 5
U.S. REP. DON BEYER JR. speaks to the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce luncheon crowd at Mad Fox Brewing Company last Thursday afternoon. (Photo: News-Press) posals such as increasing funding to DARPA to develop technologies to stem climate change. He said that a big challenge for Democrats in the 2020 election will be not only in the presidential race, but in consolidating the 67 new seats their party picked up in the 2018 elections. Of them, he said, 44 of them
were won in districts represented by moderate Republicans that will need aggressive efforts to defend successfully. Beyer is due to appear at a fundraising event in McLean this Saturday afternoon along with Illinois Congressmember Robin Kelly to support gun violence prevention efforts.
PAGE 6 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
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E D I TO R I A L
F.C.’s Brand New City Hall
Kudos to all those City Hall employees in Falls Church who braved with good spirits and commitment to public service what will become the storied year that they spent cramped into aged and often dysfunctional spaces at 400 N. Washington Street. Those were the temporary digs from which they’ve been liberated this week with their move back to the nearly-completed renovation and expansion of the City’s beloved and welcoming City Hall. Over last weekend, we can only imagine that it was like a slow-motion version of the storming of the Bastille and the escape of hundreds of gleeful prisoners. Now, the new City Hall has that “new car smell” for people walking down the wide main corridor and into the back offices where the business of government gets done. The new facility will accommodate security requirements for the Arlington Circuit Court that holds forth in the Council chambers. It will have secured means for transporting prisoners to their trial dates and, overall, the number of entrances to the building has been greatly reduced for security reasons. Also, the accessibility of the offices in the building to the disabled has been greatly enhanced. The Council chambers, themselves, are not quite completed. They will have a lot of electronic features that the old chambers could not accommodate that will make for better access by the public to what public officials are considering in their meetings there. We are eagerly waiting to see what they will include. We are also eager to see if the shift in the direction of the Council chambers, from facing one way to the other, is going to impact the “feng shui” (you know, the Chinese theory of harmonizing people with their environment) of the space and maybe of the City overall. If everybody starts going crazy in meetings there, the City may have to switch things back, but we doubt that will happen. Another major “to be determined” subject will have to do with the art on the walls of the Chamber and in the new main corridor in front of it. In the old Council chamber, the walls were filled with portraits of grumpylooking old white men with wigs. That’s right, the Founding Fathers. Talk of introducing diversity into the portrait selections never gained serious traction, but we expect something new to arise in this regard now. Such matters can engender considerable passions and we urge the powers that be at City Hall to undertake a process that invites the public to weigh in on the subject. Do people have valuable objects of art they wish to contribute, including, perhaps, some bronze busts or marble statues? They should be asked, and a knowledgeable task force should be formed to make choices subject, of course, to final approval by the City Council. But don’t rush it, please. We would like to the building transformed into a quasi-museum that will attract families and students from throughout the region.
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Nightmare Trying to Pay City Violation Online
Editor, Let me tell you a story about a bureaucratic nightmare. On a cold, gray day in February, my wife and I received a “Notice of Violation” in the mail for having run a red light. The amount due was $50. I paid the amount online and received an email confirmation that the payment was made.
A week later, I received an email saying my payment was “returned by your bank due to ‘No Account.’ “ Confused, I logged in to the vendor’s website to check the status and found that not only had my payment attempt failed, but my balance had increased from $50 to $85. I tried a lot of things to understand the fee and get it waived. I
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called the police department, the Treasurer’s office, and an exasperated customer service representative in Arizona who has never heard of Falls Church City. In short, I learned that you incur a steep fee if you make an accidental error when entering your bank information online, and you cannot get the fee waived. My total amount due ended up at $89 — almost twice the original payment. Now, I am a middle class worker who was able to pay this fee despite much gnashing of teeth. For someone who lives on a low income, this is truly a dispropor-
tionate penalty. Here is my idea for how the City of Falls Church can treat this malady. First, in the Notice of Violation form instructions, emphasize that returned online payments (not just returned print checks) will incur a $35 fee. Follow this with a scary, conspicuous warning that this fee will be incurred for honest errors in data entry. Second, switch to a payment vendor that is capable of handling the following basic tasks: clearly explaining the exact reason for
Letters Continued on Page 10
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
CO MME NT
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 7
G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� Falls Church’s Challenges Can Turn Into Opportunities B� D���� S�����
Earlier this week, the City Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget for the City, the Six Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the agreement for the largest grant funded transportation project ever undertaken by the City. All of this occurred in the larger context of the need to fund the $120 million new high school and the even larger context of rising costs in the region, political dysfunction at the federal level, increasing security and highway safety challenges, growing disruption from technology, a federal retreat from funding and regulatory responsibilities, and the local effects of extreme weather events. The annual budget process started with guidance from the City Council that was adhered to by both the City and Schools. It included: maintaining excellent services and schools, no tax rate increase, competitive employee compensation, vibrant business district, support for neighborhood traffic calming, funding the capped WMATA expense and using transportation grants to the fullest. This guidance was followed well by both the City and Schools. In short, despite what may be going on around us the City Council remains committed to assuring top flight services, including public safety, and making the City safer and more attractive for business.
The approved budget is $99.3 million with no tax or fee rate increases, recognizing however, that increased assessments will result in some increased payments for property owners. The budget fully funds
“The continued support of our citizens and especially our taxpayers is critical to our city’s ability to survive.” the Schools with compensation increases needed to retain and attract the top rate teachers that our Schools are known for. The City side of the budget added a police officer position and code enforcement officials and maintained all other services. The budget also allocates more money for transportation projects and improvements in our commercial areas. The CIP is our recognition that we must plan and implement for the future of the City through infrastructure investments. Recently completed projects include Mt. Daniel, police firearms training facility, the Miller House, park projects, stream day-
lighting and now occupancy of renovated City Hall. In front of us are, of course, the high school, the library and expanding and improving fields and parks. Also included in the CIP is funding of storm water and sanitary sewer infrastructure. The grant funded transportation project uses new regional revenues to reconstruct the Haycock Road/Route 7 area in cooperation with Fairfax County and in support of the commercial development intended to help fund the high school. This is a case where we will build the transportation infrastructure along with the development, not as an after-thought. The only budgetary point of contention was whether to grant further tax relief by way of total exemption or by deferral and recapture of the deferred taxes for later City reuse. Both sides made their points and the majority voted to set aside additional funds for total exemptions. As all of these developments indicate, funding and running a local government is as complicated as it is critical to the wellbeing of citizens today and in the future. In fact, most of the governmental services that citizens rely are provided locally. And the continued support of our citizens and especially our taxpayers is critical to our city’s ability to survive. The seven of us citizens voted on the budget our staffs worked hard to draft, as our best effort to respond to our citizens’ values and needs.
The budget did not respond to all desires, but it is a very good effort to balance all issues and to do so with a tax rate that remains competitive with other smaller jurisdictions, being lower than Manassas, Vienna and Herndon, for example. For the future, we will need to continue to operate regionally to assure we help make policy on transportation, environmental and safety issues and receive our fair share of regional funds. We will need to assure that the most basic of services — police, fire and emergency medical — are provided at the highest possible levels and that account for our City’s growth. And we will need to continue to work on maintaining a well-served City and assuring a diverse population, excellent schools, a competitive tax rate, vibrant commercial areas, and revenue beneficial new developments, all the while maintaining our financial health and improving sustainability and resilience. This year we did our best to balance all of that, as we have in the past. The future looks to be every bit as challenging but at the same time, with the support and participation of our citizens, we have the capacity to turn our challenges into opportunities for continued community well-being.
David Snyder is a member of the Falls Church City Council.
Q������� �� ��� W��� Are you pleased with the result of this year’s Falls Church City budget? • Yes • No
Last Week’s Question:
Should housing be the focus of concern for Falls Church this summer?
• Not sure
Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote
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Email: letters@fcnp.com | Mail: Letters to the Editor, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church 22046 | Fax: 703.340.0347
Fiesta
PAGE 8 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Longtime F.C. Resident Holly Fellows Dies at 72
Longtime City of Falls Church resident Holly D. Fellows, wife of 53 years of John, mother of Jody and Emily, grandmother of Juliette, Eve, Ryleigh and Logan, passed away of heart failure on April 11 at INOVA Alexandria Hospital. She was 72 years old. Holly and John moved to Falls Church in 1975 and saw Jody and Emily graduate from George Mason High School. Holly had some of her most memorable and joyful work experiences as a nurse’s aide and bus aide at Mount Daniel Elementary School. She loved her family’s experiences in the city, her subsequently the CIA. Finally, participation in the Girl Scouts and John graduated college, landed employment with the intelligence the many friends she met. Holly was born Dec. 16, 1946 community to at last give Holly in New York City to Madeline and a bit of a break and 13 years then William Prince. She was the eldest slipped by. At last it was family of four children along with sisters, planning time with Jody arriving Billie and Cheryl, and brother, in 1978 and Emily in 1985. Randall. PRIVATE LESSONS•DEGREED TEACHERSHolly settled into the next 44 INSTRUMENTS•ALL AGES watching her children grow, Holly ALL and John met STYLES•ALL while years mature and raise families of their attending 416 PortSOUTH Jefferson High ST., WASHINGTON School in Port FALLS Jefferson, New own. CHURCH Although Holly suffered from York. They became high school 703-533-7393 sweethearts and were married in rheumatoid arthritis for more than • SALES 1965. AwareLESSONS of several goals they 40 years and was in significant • REPAIRS pain, which in the last few years intended toRENTALS accomplish, including her husband’s tour in the Navy of her life saw her using a walker around, as and completing his college degree, and travel chair to get PRIVATE LESSONS•DEGREED TE Holly put on her working shoes the lyrics go, she was never fully and after tours with the Suffolk dressed without a smile. A memorial service will take County Police Department on Long Island, she followed John to place this Saturday, April 26 from a tour in Washington and quickly 2 – 4 p.m. at Everly Funeral Home, secured tours with the FBI and 6161 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 9
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NEWS BRIEFS June 11 Primary Absentee Voting Begins Saturday In-person absentee voting begins this Saturday for the June 11 Democratic primary election in Falls Church and area, and those seeking to vote need to come to the newly-opened office of the F.C. Voters Registrar in the newly-reopened and renovated Falls Church City Hall. Two contested races are on the ballot, including for State Senate with incumbent Sen. Richard Saslaw running against challengers Yasmin Taeb and Karen Torrent, and for Commonwealth Attorney for Arlington and Falls Church, where incumbent Theo Stamos is pitted against challenger Parisa Dehghani-Tafti. The Stamos campaign this week announced the endorsements of all three Falls Church constitutional officers, Treasurer Jody Acosta, Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton and Sheriff Steve Bittle. On the other side, State Del. Marcus Simon and former State Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple will be guests at a Falls Church fundraiser for Tafti Monday night.
Frisch Wins Fairfax School Board Nomination Karl Frisch of Merrifield, in a special vote of Providence District Democrats Tuesday night, won that party organization’s nod to be its Fairfax School Board candidate this November by besting Jung Byun, and will face Republican Andrew Bayer in the fall. Frisch, seeking public office for the first time, won with the help of endorsements from Fairfax County Board chair Sharon Bulova, Dranesville District supervisor John Foust, and state senate and delegate representatives Adam Ebbin, Mark Levine, Mark Sickles and David Bulova, as well as the LGBT Victory Fund in Washington, D.C. and the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Pride Employees. Frisch, who’s been active Karl Frisch. in politics since campaigning for Howard Dean in 2003, has (Photo: News-Press) worked with the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, the Media Matters for America and his own consumer advocacy firm, Allied Progress. If successful in November, Frisch will become the first openly-LGBTQ elected official in Fairfax County history.
Meeting Location Changes Announced as New City Hall Opens With the opening of the newly-renovated Falls Church City Hall at its 300 Park Avenue address Tuesday, even as work continues on the Council/court chambers and other things, two meetings have been relocated this week from the temporary digs at 400 N. Washington to the new City Hall, including the Council’s Economic Development Committee Thursday morning and the Mayor’s Agenda Meeting with the City Staff that was set for yesterday. The location of Campus Coordinating Committee meeting this Friday at 7:30 a.m. will remain at the School Board offices at 800 W. Broad. According to City Manager Wyatt Shields, that meeting will include the first public discussion of possible modifications to the project arising out of unofficial (to date) concerns by some staff in adjacent Fairfax County that the plans may not be in full compliance with the terms of the transfer of the 36 acres to the City as part of the county’s acquisition of the Falls Church Water System. That subject will also be presented next Monday night at the next town hall on the West End Development Project at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.
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Sexual Assault Charge at F.C. Massage Parlor A man and a woman were arrested last Friday for charges related to sexual assault and operating a massage without a permit at a massage business in the City of Falls Church. City of Falls Church Police report Dongfang Chen, 60, of Falls Church was arrested for sexual battery and massage permit violations after a victim reported inappropriate touching during a massage on Apr. 19 at Rainbow Massage located at the “Flower Building” at 800 W. Broad St. Falls Church’s Zao Wen Xie, 55, was also arrested for allowing an unlicensed massage. According to police, Falls Church City Code Sec. 8-74 states a massage establishment must have a permit to operate in the City of Falls Church. All massage therapists must be certified by both the Virginia Board of Nursing and have a massage therapist permit from the City of Falls Church. Customers have the right to view all appropriate permits and licenses upon request. Police believe there may be additional victims and ask anyone with information to contact them at 703-248-5053.
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DIRECT DIAMONDS 4.8 X 5.45 FALLS CHURCH NEWS #1.indd 1
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PAGE 10 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
News-Press
TO LETTERS THE EDITOR Continued from Page 4
why a payment was returned (saying ‘due to No Account’ is practically useless); and waiving fees from their system when their client — namely, the City of Falls Church — asks for it to be removed due to simple user error. That might just prevent the nightmare from happening again. Richard Rabil, Jr. Falls Church
life of the pregnant woman, provided that every possible measure is taken to preserve the life of the unborn fetus.” Abortion services that preserve the life of the unborn fetus? Does Marcus Simon know what abortion entails? Jeff Walyus Arlington
Sen. Saslaw is In Touch With Confused About Del. My Views Simon’s Comments Editor, On Abortion Earlier this month, I watched
Editor, I was a bit confused by Del. Marcus Simon’s Richmond Report. In this sentence fragment, he referenced “An amendment restoring language authorizing expenditures for abortion services that are necessary to preserve the
the League of Women Voters Senate forum to hear from the three candidates. It was surprising and disturbing to hear from another candidate that Senator Dick Saslaw’s views are misaligned with voters in the district. I am a young person and a relative newcomer to Virginia. Since moving
LE TTE RS to this district a year and a half ago, I have been active in the local Democratic Party and have volunteered on behalf of progressive causes. I am exactly the type of person with whom Senator Saslaw is supposedly “misaligned.” And I am strongly supporting him for reelection. For as long as I’ve lived in the district, I’ve felt well-represented by Senator Saslaw. I like the way he’s always been able to get things done for us. As long as he’s represented me, he’s been a champion for women’s rights, and for high-quality public education, good jobs, and keeping our community safe from gun violence. Senator Saslaw fought to give teachers a raise and to get 400,000 Virginians healthcare. For more than a year, he has been knocking on doors (including mine) and showing up at community events to meet people and listen to their concerns. And he’s just a decent man, always willing to help with a problem or hear a constituent out. I can assure anyone interested that Senator Saslaw is in touch with my views and those of my neighbors. Andrew M. Dolan Arlington
COMING SOON MAY 3 rd
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 11
Sleepy Hollow Project Reduces Seizure, Residents Still Uneasy BY MATT DELANEY
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Almost a year to the day of last April’s cantankerous meeting between Fairfax County government officials and the Sleepy Hollow community over the construction of sidewalks, the project has seen sweeping revisions, though uncertainty still lingers about whether the new infrastructure would address residents’ primary concerns. A packed house at the Mason District governmental center for last year’s meeting saw nearly 100 neighborhood residents turn out to voice their opposition to the Sleepy Hollow Walkway Project that aimed to complete a disjointed sidewalk by claiming a significant amount of private property. Originally, 25 properties required permanent land rights and 53 required temporary land rights to make an eight-foot wide sidewalk, with space to accommodate the future addition of a northbound bike lane. One hundred-and-eleven large trees as well as 165 small trees and bushes were to be removed. Three retaining walls were also going to be built along with some concrete refuge islands at crosswalks to facilitate traffic calming measures. Following a series of modifications based on feedback from the April 2018 meeting and small group meetings the county hosted throughout February and March, Fairfax County Department of Transportation project manager Mark Van Zandt unveiled the updated blueprint for Sleepy Hollow Road, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare and the subject of the redesign. Properties that require perma-
nent land rights now total 16, with the largest example being 302 square feet to construct a curb on Bay Tree Lane. The number of large trees being cut down dropped to 28, with small trees and bushes being felled reduced to 72. Only one shortened retaining wall will be built. Van Zandt highlighted how the sidewalk width has been reduced from eight feet to six feet with a two foot grass buffer and is even narrower in some spots. Furthermore, the sidewalk has moved from residents’ yards and into the streetside parking lane when possible. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross told the News-Press that this is part of an effort to retrofit neighborhoods that didn’t take into account modern trends when first constructed. She also clarified that the $6 million cost of the project was already designated years earlier out of $110 million in joint funding between federal, state and county sources, so no new money is required for its completion. “Now when we build communities [and] neighborhoods, sidewalks are pretty much required. Much of Mason District didn’t have those requirements, so we’re trying to make up for that,” Gross said. During the Q&A portion of the meeting on Monday some residents expressed that they felt the sidewalks weren’t necessary, and the county won’t tackle the road’s main problems of speed and congestion. Some attendees suggested a residential speed limit with an increased fine, similar to the onemile stretch of East Broad Street on the City of Falls Church’s border with Seven Corners that also occupies a state road in
THE CROWD at Mason District’s governmental center looks on during the Q&A portion of the meeting Monday night. The project presentation was fairly quick, but an impassioned Q&A session kept Fairfax County staffers and residents around late into the night. (P����: N���-P����)
Route 7. FCDOT director Tom Biesiadny explained to the NewsPress that the City’s independent status allows it greater flexibility to alter its roadways as opposed to the more uniform approach VDOT applies to counties. Biesiadny elaborated that if a residential speed limit was to be installed, a speed study would typically be done — and that’s what residents want. However, Biesiadny added that VDOT’s suggested speed limit takes the speed that 85 percent of vehicles travel as the standard, which he couldn’t confirm would give residents their desired result. Ralph Buehler, an associate professor in urban affairs and planning at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria center, informed the News-Press that the traffic calming measures the project intends to use do mitigate speed concerns. For instance, the curb extensions and raised median “refuge islands” at crosswalks the project plans to build are
empirically effective ways at convincing drivers to slow down while keeping pedestrians safe and aware of traffic. Gross added separately that digital monitors — again, such as the one on E. Broad St. — could factor into controlling speed, as well as continuing enforcement of speed by police, who she says have been responsive despite the lack of areas to pull over drivers safely. James Hickey, a Sleepy Hollow Road resident, doesn’t feel assessing speed is the priority for police in the area though. He often sees them nabbing drivers using the bike lane at the intersection of Sleepy Hollow Road and Columbia Pike to cheat their way into the right turn lane more than anything else. Hickey also believes the congestion during rush hour, caused by a deluge of activity outside of the Congressional School and nearby Sleepy Hollow Elementary that can prolong his commute anywhere from 15 – 45 minutes,
needs a workaround. Residents at the meeting wondered how the emergency and garbage disposal services would acclimate to the infrastructure changes, too, given the road only has one north and southbound lane. Gross acknowledged the nature of the road as a hybrid residential and commuter route for the past 50 years is unlikely to change. Buehler, independently, noted the road’s duality makes its congestion a hard circle to square, but if traffic calming measures are properly spaced out it could reduce both speed and volume on the road, ideally avoiding the general concern that drivers will simply re-accelerate in between crosswalks while potentially persuading other commuters to find alternative routes. The Sleepy Hollow Walkway Porject’s design plans will be completed by Winter 2020, with land acquisition starting later that spring. The entire project intends to be finished by November 2021.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Community News & Notes
RESIDENT WORLD CHAMPION WEIGHTLIFTER Rick Bucinell won his ninth Masters National Championship (age group 55-59) earlier this month in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bucinell also earned the men’s gold medal in the 109 kg+ weight class and men’s best lifter out of 26 other competitors in his age group. By competition’s end, he was ranked the fourth best lifter out of over 400 competitors. (Photo: Courtesy Rick Bucinell)
‘ON AIR’ Debuts at Creative Cauldron The Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church) opens its latest production, “ON AIR” on Thursday, May2 and will run through Sunday, May 26. Amidst the torrent that was the 1920s, Frank and Flora Conrad were on the edge of discovering mass broadcasting. These two unsung radio pioneers broke through the static and established the first radio station in America in their unassuming garage in East Pittsburgh. “ON AIR” follows their untold love story, and how radio became a constant companion, messenger and soundtrack of
American life over the past century. Showtimes are as follows — Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices are as follows — Adults $32; seniors and military $28 and students and groups $20. Purchase Tickets at CreativeCauldron.org or by calling 703-436-9948.
New Dominion Chorale Ends 28th Season with a Bang New Dominion Chorale will conclude its 28th season with a concert titled “Gershwin and Friends.” The concert will take place on
FALLS CHURCH ROTARY CLUB’S Middle School Essay contest winners (left to right), Serenna Semonsen, Laura Zhang and Peyton Walcott, are flanked by Rotary Club President Stephanie Arnold (far left) and Youth Service Chair Rex Hayes following their award presentations of certificates and award checks at the Rotary Club’s meeting on April 4. (Photo: Courtesy Joseph Scheibeler) Sunday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 East Campus Dr., on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia). The program, conducted by Artistic Director Thomas Beveridge, will consist of music by George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Franz Lehar, Cole Porter and Victor Herbert, performed in special arrangements by Beveridge. Featured solo artists will be pianist Thomas Pandolfi, mezzosoprano Sara Sheffield and baritone Matthew Irish. Pandolfi will perform Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and will provide the piano accompaniment for the rest of the program. Pandolfi has performed
throughout the United States, Europe and China to great acclaim and has established himself as one of America’s finest keyboard artists, recognized not only for his thorough command of the standard classical repertoire, but also as a “crossover” artist, especially in the performance of the music of George Gershwin. Mezzo-soprano Sara Sheffield is well known throughout the United States in her capacity as vocal soloist for the famed United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own.” She has also performed with many choral groups and opera companies, including The Choral Arts Society of Washington and the choral societies of Charlottesville, Harrisburg and Ashville, in addition to New Dominion Chorale.
She and Matthew Irish have appeared several times with the Richmond Pops Band and Fairfax Choral Society. New Dominion Chorale has distinguished itself throughout its 28 years amid the crowded world of choral music in the Washington, D.C. area. It operates as a “singers’ cooperative” without paid management and is one of the area’s largest choral societies, with 175 singing members.
Father & Son Writing Team Win Screenplay Award The local father and son first time writing team of Michael Volpe and Andrew M. Volpe won the NOVA Jury Award for Best Screenplay at the Northern Virginia International Film &
Send Us Your News & Notes!
The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!
Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046
CELEB Julio I award But se
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 13
CULMORE CLINIC christens its new location with a ribbon-cutting back on April 9, with almost 100 people gathered outside of the First Christian Church of Falls Church to celebrate the clinic’s move to its new home and inevitable expansion due to the space’s capacity. (P����: C������� C������ CL����)
Music Festival (www.novafilmfest.com) for “The Free Agent Fan,” a true story about the quest of a lifelong baseball fan to find a new favorite MLB team to support. When the senior Volpe’s favorite baseball team suddenly traded his favorite player, he declared himself a “Free Agent Fan” and went shopping for a new team. He visited with the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Durham Bulls and other teams. His story was featured in People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, the New York Times, USA TODAY and on NPR, the “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” the “CBS Morning News,” BBC, CNN and Fox News. The script depicts how Volpe was considered the “voice of baseball fans” by some quarters in the baseball world and a “publicity hog” by others. In 2017, Filmmaker Andrew M. Volpe produced an entertaining 20-minute home video, also called “The Free Agent Fan,” about his father’s baseball odyssey which can be viewed at crookedfoxesproductions.com, Volpe’s production company website. The video contains a narration of how the “Free Agent Fan” phenomena occurred, interspersed with videos of major media interviews, print articles and original animation by the younger Volpe. His video has won a handful of film festival awards, including Best Documentary and Audience Choice.
Besides his company, Andrew also works as a video producer and editor for a Virginia-based developer and marketer of expertly produced video and audio courses provided by professors and experts. He is a graduate of Bishop O’Connell High School (2005) and Virginia Commonwealth University (2009) and grew up in Falls Church. Michael Volpe retired from the Federal government in 2014 and resides in Falls Church.
BalletNova Performs at Kenmore Middle Elizabeth AuClair, a former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, will restage Martha Graham’s “Steps in the Street” on Conservatory Division students at BalletNova Center for Dance, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based out of Bailey’s Crossroads. “Steps in the Street” will be performed May 3 – 5 during BalletNova’s spring show, “La Fille Mal Gardée & Other Works” at Kenmore Middle School (202 S Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). Guest choreographer Matthew Powell will create the new production of La Fille Mal Gardée. Martha Graham created 181 works over a career that spanned seven decades. She changed the landscape of dance in America and across the globe with her groundbreaking choreographic style and dance pieces whose social, political, sexual and psy-
chological themes resonate today. The BalletNova Center for Dance, founded in 1981, is dedicated to educating and mentoring dancers in a positive, nurturing environment and preserving the traditions of classical ballet through quality dance productions and education. The studio offers classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz and hip hop for children, teens and adult dancers. For more information, call Constance Walsh at 703-778-3008, or email CWalsh@BalletNova. org.
YOU DESERVE TO LIVE SAFE FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT.
Dara Gallery Hosts Iraqi-American Exhibit The Dara Global Arts Gallery (7501 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) will be showing its exhibit “Artwork Melange” that will open on Saturday, April 27 and run through Monday, May 13. The show will feature eleven visual artists of different international backgrounds, including Raymond Ghattas, an opera singer who has performed with the Lebanese Symphony Orchestra, but will mainly possess a strong focus on Iraqi-American women’s painting. The Tysons Reporter covered the initial opening of the Dara Global Arts pop-up in February, detailing the business’s origins and describing several of the artists who will be featured at the upcoming exhibit. The article can be found on tysonsreporter.com
Sexual harassment by a landlord or anyone related to your housing violates the Fair Housing Act. If you receive unwelcome sexual advances or are threatened with eviction because you refuse to provide sexual favors, you may file a fair housing complaint. To file a complaint, go to or call
hud.gov/fairhousing
1-800-669-9777
If you fear for your safety, call 911.
FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT. USE IT. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in cooperation with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.
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PAGE 14 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
A Penny for Your Thoughts
News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross
Creating walkable, bikeable, and accessible neighborhoods fosters smart growth, reducing the need to get into a car for every small trip or errand. Connecting residents and neighborhoods to shopping, schools, recreation, transit, and other amenities strengthens the social fabric of our communities. Best of all, it is ageless. Youngsters and senior citizens alike can access a walkway or trail, no license or ID needed. Installation of a sidewalk along Columbia Pike made it easier for nearby residents to walk to the Harris Teeter at Barcroft Plaza for quick groceries, or to Glory Days for dinner and a stroll back home to work off the calories. Similarly, mothers with strollers don’t have to walk on the shoulder of Little River Turnpike to get to the Home Depot or the Salvation Army thrift store. They can use the walkway. Filling the gaps in our walkway infrastructure is an ongoing process, and can be especially challenging when retrofitting sidewalks into the built environment, such as along Sleepy Hollow Road. Some sections of the road have sidewalks, and others don’t. Some are on the east side, some on the west. Safe pedestrian crossings have been identified by the community and the project designers as paramount, and there still is work ahead to connect neighborhoods safely on both sides. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) had developed a comprehensive approach to developing bicycle and pedestrian friendly communities that relies on five “E’s” — engineering (designing and constructing roads for cyclists and pedestrians); education (teaching or training cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, and other road users); enforcement (ensuring that all road users follow traffic laws and rules of the road); encouragement (providing incentives beyond physical infrastructure); and evaluation
(confirming that the intended outcomes have been produced). The first E is easy; federal and state requirements govern. It’s the second, “education,” that involves you, me, and everyone else, and affects daily behaviors. Accessible neighborhoods work best when all road users know, and respect, all other road users. That includes pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks, cyclists using bells and other signals to let pedestrians know they are approaching, motorists following the speed limit, stopping when school buses have red flashers activated, and passing other vehicles only on the left, never in the bike or parking lanes! Some school systems teach walking skills to youngsters in physical education classes, and a Florida locality includes a course about how to share the road with cyclists in their teen-age driver training. Safety messages about sharing the road often appear as hard-to-miss ads on the sides of transit buses. Bike rodeos are popular among youth; kids love to navigate simple obstacle courses laid out on a vacant parking lot, especially if there are prizes for the best times. The third E, enforcement, can be used when the second E fails, but it’s so much better when your trip is not marred by interrupting lights and sirens. Perhaps that’s the encouragement denoted by the fourth E. Assuming all the E’s are working well, the fifth E easily is confirmed, and the neighborhoods are connected. It’s not that simple; the FHWA cautions that ensuring safety of all travel, motorized or not, depends on the efforts of all of us. That’s something to keep in mind whenever walking, cycling, or driving in our Mason District neighborhoods.
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YOU THINK SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG. THE ANSWER IS NOT STARING YOU IN THE FACE. Avoiding eye contact is one early sign of autism. Learn the others today at autismspeaks.org/signs. Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.
© 2013 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The child depicted has been diagnosed with an
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Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
No Questions, No Lies
The release of the Mueller Report was like turning over one of those rocks that you almost wish you hadn’t. Crawling, creeping, wiggling, slinking, purely gross aspects of Mom Nature’s underbelly are exposed to the sunlight, and they don’t like it any better than you do. A difference is that media reports and eyewitness accounts already retailed well ahead of time most of what the report exposed. It turns out that almost all the accounts, the independent investigations by the media and Congress, turned out to be spot-on. Yes, it is every bit as bad, and unsavory, as we’d been led to believe. Some aspects stand out. First, there is no repudiation of any aspect of the Steele Dossier, that special report by a FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS British spy hired to research what the Russians had been up to respecting their support for Trump. The report detailed Putin’s courtship of Jill Stein, the presidential candidate of the Green Party, in particular, and, of course, the scandalous accounts of Trump being “compromised” in a Moscow hotel room with Russian hookers. The two-year Mueller investigation found no grounds for denying or discrediting any of that. Another important revelation had to do with Trump press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ admission to the Mueller investigators that she had knowingly lied to the press on more than one occasion. They were not “slips of the tongue” or “in the heat of the moment” as this liar contended when confronted with the accounts. One was read from a prepared statement at the White House press briefing room podium. She is a liar, and her public unwillingness to admit it makes her a liar twice over. Her response to the revelation has been to go a record 43 days without holding a White House press briefing. “Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies,” is an idiom attributed to an 18th century Irish playwright, but Sanders can borrow it for her own sad story. Lies have become so commonplace in this White House that the public is downright immune anymore, and that is a matter for great concern. Lying is the essential enemy of democracy and a free press. If leaders lie and get away with it, then the freedom of the public is fundamentally compromised. Cynics argue that it happens all the time, so don’t get exercised about it. But it is the very essence of the role of a free press and core democratic institutions to stand against lies, to stand against untruths, first of all, but conscious lies most emphatically. I was a White House correspondent back in 1989 when, according to his memoir, “Call the Briefing! Reagan and Bush, Sam and Helen: A Decade With Presidents and the Press,” then White House press secretary Marlin Fitzwater confessed to the only conscious lie, he said, he ever uttered from the podium. I can believe that, because he was known by all the press corps for his candor and easy-going interaction with the media, a sharp contrast to his predecessor, the much more combative Larry Speakes. Fitzwater recounted how serious the accusation of a press secretary telling a “lie” was. “Every statement,” he said, “Must pass the media honesty test,” he wrote, and he was accused of lying only once in six years. Well, the accusation came from me. Fitzwater described me in his book as “middle-aged, mild-mannered, slightly tweedy” and working for an offbeat organization. Fitzwater recounted that when I quoted from a Wall Street Journal account of an administration action in Panama, and asked, “Were you aware that these were lies,” he wrote, “There it was, the ‘lie’ word. My nerves froze.” Notwithstanding a lot of details around the Panamanian operation being discussed in that briefing not germane to this, Fitzwater’s tortured recounting of the accusation that a lie was involved underscores the relevant point. Lying was considered by everybody the worst thing a press secretary could do, something that would destroy the credibility of that person and of the White House the minute it became known. This incident took place only 30 years ago, after Reagan’s eight years and with a Republican in the White House.
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 15
Nicholas F. Benton
Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.
Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark
Civic activist Jeanne Broyhill remains a good sport a half-century after the famous prank. As the daughter of Arlington Congressman Joel T. Broyhill (a Republican who served from 1953-74), she recently confided in me that she’d had advance warning that boys from Yorktown High and nearby schools were planning to splash paint on the rock in front of her Old Dominion Drive residence, “The House by the Side of the Road.” “Rather than fight them, I probably thought it was a good idea to go along and name the color I wanted,” she said of the pranksters whose identities remain unverified. There were other dirty deeds in the Arlington of my youth in the 1960s. It’s time to review them from an adult perspective. To cleanse the soul, and confess. During my days at James Madison Elementary School, I recall learning that some pranks are more dangerous than amusing. The classmate who pulled the chair out from under a girl just as she sat down found himself weeping in shame. Same for those who actually decorated teacher’s chair with classic thumbtacks. Yet as we matured, some pranks became even less responsible. There were kids who hid in the woods alongside the road
going to Chain Bridge and hurled logs at cars. Some hot-rod guys liked to perform “lawn jobs.” That meant driving onto front lawns of neighbors and laying tracks to destroy the grass. The prank of lighting a bag filled with dog poop on someone’s porch and ringing the doorbell became a cliché. But the hope of crouching giggling across the street and watching the victim try to stomp it out struck me as unworkable. What did work in our neighborhood was calling multiple taxis to the same house across the street. During junior high late-night “raids” of girls’ slumber parties, we tossed Salvo soap tablets over the fence into the swimming pool of our friend Terri. The family of classmate Diane owned a tiny French car called a Simca. So tiny, it took only three of us to hoist it and carry it midway onto her lawn. At the lunch counter of the old Williamsburg Pharmacy (now a CVS), older kids taught me how to unscrew the top of a salt shaker and leave it loose so the next user would spill gobs on his food. Similarly, I learned to unscrew the top of the sugar canister, stretch a paper napkin over the opening, and screw the top back so it prevented release of the sweet stuff. Kids were mean. I remember
older boys asking me to play hide-and-seek, and after I hid inside a kitchen cabinet, I realized after a few long minutes that they had left without searching. In high school, I impersonated a female voice and phoned a friend to tell him a coveted girl had a crush on him. After his hopes rose and were dashed, he cold-shouldered me for years. All recall the classic prank of toilet-papering homes of foes and friends alike. One night when my own home was targeted, my allies in a car spotted the culprits marching toward the house carrying dozens of rolls. My pal Peter hid in the front bushes with a garden hose, and, as soon as the enemy arrived on that chilly night, he soaked them. Peter, I’ve never forgotten it. *** The ever-in-motion George Mason University (Arlington campus) is making ready to tear down its “Original Building” at Virginia Square. Longtime Arlingtonians recall that it housed Kann’s Department Store from 1951 until it was shuttered in 1975. In 1979, Mason’s fledgling law school took over. Today’s university planners are planning a tribute exhibit on Kann’s — which was famous for the live caged monkeys it displayed near the shoe department. If anyone has photos (longsought unsuccessfully), please get in touch.
PAGE 16 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Masses Converge for Easter Egg Hunt at Cherry Hill
AN IDYLLIC SATURDAY MORNING made for a lively Easter Egg Hunt as families flocked to Cherry Hill Park to scoop up some holiday sweets. After the hunt was over, children got to watch and participate in a Lorenzo the Great! magic show, get their face-painted while working on coloring sheets and even take pictures with the star of the show — the Easter Bunny. (Photos: J. Michael Whalen)
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 17
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THE BOYS WHO HIKED BACK in town are (from left to right): Campbell Lloyd, Josh LaPointe, Andrew LaPointe, Matt LaPointe and Jarrett Jardine. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)
50 Mile Hike? No Problem for Local Scouts by Patricia Leslie
Falls Church News-Press
Hiking 50 miles in less than 20 hours may seem superhuman, but for members of Falls Church Boy Scout Troop 821, it was a matter of mind over miles. That’s what Campbell Lloyd, Jarrett Jardine and Justin Murri did last month, accompanied by fellow scouts who marched almost half the distance. The venture is part of the annual Alonzo Stagg “50/20” hike, named after the legendary football coach and College Football and Basketball Hall of Famer, who supposedly required his players to hike “50/20” every season, said Jarrett’s father, Jeff Jardine. The local route took the boys along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, through Maryland and Virginia, Ballston and back to St. Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, where it all started with several hundred scouts from the Chain Bridge District. The Falls Church troop participates every year “to help the boys learn about themselves and build character through the process of learning to do something hard,” according to Jeff Jardine, who acknowledged anyone who hikes 20, 25 or 50 miles, “has to overcome some adversity and learn to push through it.” Last week, the News-Press sat down with five of the scouts, and two dads, to hear about the hike which 18 from their troop started at 5 a.m., most planning to hike at least part of the way. For the LaPointe brothers, Andrew (17, McLean High School), Josh (14, Longfellow Middle School) and Matthew (11, Haycock Elementary School) their day began at 4 a.m. when “our fantastic mother got up and
made us breakfast [burritos],” Matthew said. The brothers hiked 20 miles. “Overall, it was not a bad experience,” Andrew chimed in. “It was actually Matthew’s first hike with the scouts so that was pretty tough, but it was good, right, Matthew? You liked it? “ Matthew paused for a beat until Andrew broke the silence with, “That’s a yes.” The boys realized the value of preparation and training. “We were supposed to train but we did not make it out to the practice hikes like we should have,” Andrew continued. “We definitely have learned a lot from our lack of preparation.” Jarrett (11, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School) completed 50 miles and four of the six practice hikes. “If you put your mind to it, you can do it,” he said. For a practice hike, “I did 25 and it started to get kinda hard at 25, and I knew I could do at least 25 so I thought, ‘Maybe I can do a little bit more,’ and then I kinda just kept going.” Another 50-miler, Campbell (15, McLean HS) finished all six of the practice hikes. Jarrett and Josh mentioned the monotony of the long walk but group talk and singing helped to relieve boredom, such as the hymns Jarrett sang. Andrew said he embarrassed everyone with his not-so-good voice along the trail, but he did so to distract everyone from the mental toll the hike was taking. “It’s so much longer than you think. It’s kind of mind-boggling. You think, ‘Oh, I’ll just do a day of hiking,’ but you go like 20 miles and you think, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to do this again.’ And another 5 miles, you’re just wiped,” Campbell said. “The crazy thing is even after you stop
hiking, it still keeps hurting, even when you are sitting down. That’s the worst part. You can’t stop it from hurting. There’s no escape.” Around mile 20, Jarrett got some wicked blisters, which made him stop every couple of miles after halfway in. There was no age limit for broken skin, with Jeff Jardine getting blisters while hiking the trail with his son. Encouragement from others was a major factor in the group’s success. Jarrett benefited from two cousins who showed up at miles 25 and 40 to urge him on. Around mile 40 Campbell started to feel like he was going to pass out but then his sister came and she convinced him to keep going. She walked with Campbell the last 10 miles. Campbell was aided by four Advil he got at one of the rest stations which dotted the trail. Some ate and some didn’t from the stocked rest stations. To reduce possible cramping and upset stomach like Jarrett had last year, he and Josh mostly avoided food on the hike. Not so for Andrew, who consumed three hot dogs, a pile of trail mix, a cold grilled cheese sandwich and Snicker bars. What about next year? Are they going next year? Silence at the table. Too early to discuss! At the end of the hike, they were all glad they did it. The dads, Jeff Jardine and Matt LaPointe, father of the LaPointes, sat in listening to the group, praising the boys for finishing the hike, and “learning ‘how I operate and how I can fight through challenges and make it to the end.’” according to Jeff Jardine. The Falls Church Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is the charter sponsor of Troop 821.
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 19
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Narrow 2-1 Win Over Madison Co. Keeps Mustangs Honest by Matt Delaney
Falls Church News-Press
A Bull Run District rivalry added another chapter in its saga Tuesday night when George Mason High School’s girls soccer team staved off just enough from visiting Madison County High School to eke out a 2-1 victory. The Mustangs (6-2-1) experienced an unfamiliar chill down their spine just three minutes into the contest — they lost their primary playmaker in senior midfielder Maura Mann to an ankle injury, and then lost the lead on a breakaway from Madison County’s left wing moments later. Mason would rally back by scoring its tying and then its go-ahead goal within a short span after the Mountaineers took the lead to re-establish its homeostasis. The game waded into long, scoreless possessions from there, with Mason head coach Leah Partridge looking for some more eagerness to find the net in her group. “We need to get hungry for the goal,” Partridge said. “We have a tendency to pass in front of the
NO MAURA MANN, Mason’s critical senior midfielder, is forcing the Mustangs to adapt their offensive game in order to create more activity around the net. (Photo: Carol Sly) goal, so we’re working on finishing the ball in front of the net.” That breakaway from Madison County lit a fire under Mason. Moments later, while carrying a ball into the final third of the field, a Mountaineer defender fouled a Mustang and set up a free kick. Junior forward Emma Rollins did the honor and converted her opportunity with a sharp shot that flew by Madison County’s goalkeeper to tie the game.
The Mountaineers were able to get decent penetration again and put a shot on junior goalkeeper Josie Shaw before they recuperated for a counter attack. Just 19 minutes into the game Mason sent the final goal into the net when senior midfielder Maddie Lacroix connected with junior midfielder Fiona Howard on a short sprint. Howard was able to outrace Madison County’s back line and sink her shot to give the Mustangs
their permanent advantage. A few thrilling spurts dotted the game’s action from that point on. Freshman defender Anna Williamson, who’s been adjusting to the varsity game all season after injuries forced her into the starting line up, lost a step on a Mountaineer forward in a one-onone. As the Madison County player barrelled unbothered toward the penalty box, Shaw made her move
and timed up the Mountaineer’s attempt at evading her perfectly to stem the breakaway opportunity. Mason had its own one-onone chance when junior forward Gabriela Stevens danced her way through Madison County’s defenders with two minutes to go in the first half. But Stevens’ shot was too direct and was easily absorbed by the Mountaineer goalkeeper, keeping the score steady at 2-1. The second half was largely a possession-heavy affair for the Mustangs. Mason controlled the midfield and did a better job limiting Madison County’s scoring chances, but couldn’t muster any real scoring threats either. It prompted a Mason assistant coach to yell out that the team was too stagnant offensively. Partridge added on to that point by saying the offense needs stop ball-watching and move to open spots when attacking. The Mustangs will be on the road all week, as they travel to face Clarke County High School on Friday and Rappahannock County High School next Tuesday.
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APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 23
B������� N��� � N���� F.C. Chamber’s Family Fun Night Set for May 7 The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Family Fun Night on Tuesday, May 7, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Jefferson District Park. The family friendly community event will include a picnic dinner by Famille, dessert from Kiln & Kustard, a moonbounce courtesy of Family Medicine in Falls Church, face painting thanks to Lemon Lane Children’s Consignment, a fire truck from the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department, a hole in one contest from John Marshall Bank and miniature golf from Jefferson Falls. For more information or to register, visit www.FallsChurchChamber.org.
Don't miss the Falls Church Home and Garden Tour this Sunday, April 28, from 1:00-5:00 pm. THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM, GOLD, AND SILVER SPONSORS!
Direct Jewelry is Closing After 25 Years Direct Jewelry Outlet is going out of business. Located in Falls Church and owned and operated by Alain Planche, Direct Jewelry Outlet has provided fine quality jewelry and gemstones to the D.C. Metro area since 1994. Planche will retire while his son Julien, recently graduated with a degree in gemology, will forge his career as an appraiser. On Friday, April 26, Direct Jewelry Outlet will announce discounts to the general public of up to 70 percent off. Direct Jewelry Outlet is located at 101 E. Broad Street in Falls Church, on the corner of the site recently approved for redevelopment by Falls Church City Council.
Happy Hour for Moms Tonight United Wellness and Sports Rehab and the Athlete Development Center, both Falls Church based businesses, are co-hosting a Happy Moms Happy Hour on Thursday, April 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. at CoCreate Studios on the second floor of Wells Fargo Bank at 3140 Washington Boulevard. Free parking is available in the second row closest to the fire station on a first come first served basis. Women, at all stages of motherhood, are invited to attend this event that will include snacks, wine, and shopping for clothes, essential oils, natural supplements, organic wines, and beauty products. The $5 entry fee includes a free raffle ticket for prizes from participating vendors. For more information about United Wellness and the Athlete Development Center, which is also hosting workshops on aromatherapy and baby massage with essential oils, visit www.unitedwellnesscenter.com and www.adcfc.com.
Body Dynamics Hosting Hip, Knee Replacement Workshop
Visit www.fcedf.org to buy tickets and learn more
Spring breathes new life. Keep yours healthy by visiting us!
Body Dynamics, Inc. is hosting the workshop, Right Time for a Cure: Hip and Knee Replacement for Patients 55 and Younger, featuring Dr. Stuart Melvin from Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The workshop will address the changing landscape in hip/knee replacements, treatment options, and a discussion about recovery and expectations after replacement for the 55 and younger active population. The free event will take place at 410 S. Maple Avenue. For more information, visit www.bodydynamicsinc.com.
Homestretch Benefit Breakfast Set for Next Thursday The 2019 Homestretch Benefit Breakfast will be held Thursday, May 2 from 7:15 – 9 a.m. at the Fairview Park Marriott. The event is free and will include breakfast and information, including testimonials, about Homestretch’s programs to help homeless families become independent. Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Ken Bradford at kbradford@homestretchva.org. For more information, visit www.homestretchva.org.
SpringFest Fairfax Celebrates Earth & Arbor Day This Saturday SpringFest Fairfax will take place Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sully Historic Site. The event, a celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, will include outdoor learning activities, nature exhibits, farm animals, reptile shows, tree care clinics, food trucks, obstacle course, giveaways, live entertainment, touch-a-Truck and more. The Sully Historic Site is located at 3650 Historic Sully Way, in Chantilly. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov. Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.
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GETTING DOWN to some tunes from Star Wars and Spongebob were these Thomas Jefferson Elementary students in a concert performed by George Mason High School music students. Some line dancing also made an appearance to get TJ students involved. (P����: FCCPS P����/C���� S��)
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S����� N��� � N���� F.C. City Programs Recognized By VA School Boards The Virginia Schools Boards Association (VSBA) has included three Falls Church City Public Schools programs in its 23rd annual VSBA Showcases for Success online directory. The website highlights successful K-12 programs in Virginia’s public schools with the 2019 focus on Career, College and Life Ready program offerings. FCCPS programs included in the VBSA’s Showcase for Success include: • FCCPS Business and Community Partnership Program – Teachers identify opportunities to work with community members on a wide variety of curriculum-related topics. • Window on Careers: Career Fair and Career Chats – At Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, some 100 presenters set up displays about their education and career. At George Mason High School, the Mustang Career Chats are personalized small group conversations also organized by Career Cluster. • Hydroponics and Aquaponics – At Mason and Henderson, lunches include lettuce grown in the schools’ hydroponic units. To see the FCCPS programs
showcased, visit vsba.org/showcases/detail/category/falls_ church_city.
Marshall High Student Wins Nat’l Merit Scholarship Seventeen Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2019 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 1,000 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations and business organizations. One local winner of the corporate-sponsored scholarships, with her probable career field in parentheses, is Grace Grossman of Marshall High School (medicine), National Merit Senator Charles S. Robb Scholarship. Corporate sponsors provide merit scholarship awards for National Merit finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the companies serve, or who have college majors or career interests the sponsors want to encourage. Corporate-sponsored merit scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and range from $500 to $10,000 per year.
Others provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use the awards at regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities of their choice.
Mason’s Robotics Team Makes World Championship Five Northern Virginia high school robotics teams are facing top competitors from around the world at the FIRST Championship presented by Qualcomm in Detroit, Mich. that runs from April 24 – 27. The teams won spots at the international tournament during the FIRST Chesapeake Championship over the weekend at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena. The best high school robotics teams from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia faced off at the district event at GMU. From Falls Church, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1418 – Vae Victis – George Mason High School qualified for the Detroit championship. Working with volunteer mentors from their communities, the teams had just six weeks to design, build and test their industrial sized robots. To learn more, visit firstchesapeake.org.
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 25
Mothers of North Arlington (MONA) is pleased to announce its 3rd annual Private School Fair at Congressional School! With 40+ local private schools represented, its never been easier to discover the private school options for your child in the DC Metro area. Free admission. RSVP at the link below.
WHEN: Tuesday April 30, 2019 7:00-9:00 pm
WHERE: Congressional School 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd. Falls Church, VA 22046
www.congressionalschool.org/MONAfair
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PAGE 26 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 25 High School Book Club. April Book: “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi. Book Club for teens in grades 9th-12th. Limited copies of the book are available to borrow from the Youth Services Desk. Registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. 703-248-5034.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Farmers Market. The award-winning, year-round market is filled with fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and much more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 8 a.m. – noon. 703-248-5034. Habitat Restoration & City Nature
Challenge: Isaac Crossman Park. Volunteer to help remove invasive plants and install native plants (10 a.m. – noon) or participate in the City Nature Challenge, cataloging plants, birds, insects and more (noon - 2 p.m.). Tools, gloves, water and snacks will be provided. No need to register unless your group is 5 or more people. This is appropriate for children, but direct parental supervision is required. For the Nature Challenge, attendees can observe and catalogue as many species of plants, birds, insects, fungi, lichens and more as possible. Isaac Crossman Park (535 N. Van Buren St., Falls Church). 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 570-238-5178.
noon – 2 p.m.
Meeting of the Social Justice Committee Working Group. Will meet at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church Library — main entrance faces back parking lot. (225 E. Broad St., Falls Church)
Community Forum on Hate and Bigotry. Residents can join members of the Fairfax community for full panel and discussion about how an interfaith community can react and proactively plan for acts
Arbor Day Celebration & Neighborhood Tree Planting. Interested residents can join their neighbors to plant new street trees throughout the City of Falls Church. The Arbor Day Celebration will take place immediately before planting begins. Mary Riley Styles Library (236 Irving St., Falls Church). 1 – 3 p.m. 703-248-5034.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Falls Church Home & Garden Tour. The Home & Garden Tour highlights locations within the “Little City.” 1 – 5 p.m. fcedf.org.
of hate and bigotry and explore the role of faith communities in getting at the deeper sources of the animosity that lead to such heinous incidents. Register at actionnetwork.org/events/community-interfaith-forum-on-hateand-bigotry?source=direct_link&. Temple Rodef Shalom (2100 N. Westmoreland St., Falls Church) 4 – 6 p.m.
MONDAY, APRIL 29 Town Hall: West Falls Church Project and High School Project. City and school officials will make a presentation and answer questions on the West Falls Church Economic Development project and George Mason High School project. This event will be recorded by FCCTV and posted on the City’s website. Senior Center @ Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).
THEATER&ARTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 26 “Grand Hotel.” It is 1928 and Berlin is at the center of a razzledazzle world between two wars. At the bustling Grand Hotel a series of eclectic guests and staff including a fading ballerina, a destitute baron, a wannabe-starlet typist, and an ailing bookkeeper collide in a non-stop musical toast to the high life. Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer reunites the team behind “A Little Night Music” for this musical. Signature Theatre (420 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $87. 8 p.m. sigtheatre.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 “Ghost-Writer.” In this haunting love story, novelist Franklin Woolsey dies mid-sentence — but his secretary, Myra, continues to take dictation. Attacked by the skeptical press and Woolsey’s jealous widow, Myra sets out to prove she’s more than just an artful forger. Is she trying to steal Woolsey’s legacy now that she cannot have his love, or might
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she truly possess a gift the world can’t understand? Writer’s Center (4508 Walsh St., Chevy Chase, Md.) $20 – $35. 2 p.m. quotidiantheatre.org.
“Native Son.” Suffocating in ratinfested poverty on the South Side of Chicago in the 1930s, 20-yearold Bigger Thomas struggles to find a place for himself in a world whose prejudice has shut him out. After taking a job in a wealthy white man’s house, Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that violently and irrevocably seal his fate. Adapted with theatrical ingenuity by Chicago’s own Nambi E. Kelley, this play captures the power of Richard Wright’s novel for a whole new generation. Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street NE, Washington, D.C.) $20 – $65. 8 p.m. mosaictheatre.org.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28 “Clothes for a Summer Hotel.” A haunting poetic memory play about the tortured final days of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. The play begins outside the North Carolina asylum where Zelda Fitzgerald is receiving treatment for her mental disorder. Visiting her is her husband Scott, now reduced to hack writing in Hollywood and trying desperately to control his drinking. The meeting is deeply disturbing, and Scott realizes that Zelda will never recover. The action shifts to a series of flashbacks which illuminate the causes of their sad plight. District of Columbia Arts Center (2438 18th St., Washington D,C,) $35. 7:30 p.m. m.bpt.me.
LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, APRIL 25
CA L E NDA R
Vienna). $18 – $25. 8 p.m. 703255-1566.
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 27
John McCutcheon. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $25. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900. Dave Chappell. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26 The Woodford Reserve. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. Happy Hour: David Kitchen and Cathy B. Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-241-9504. Lost Dog Street Band with Matt Heckler + The Tillers. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566. Wu Han, Gloria Chien and Gilles Vonsattel — Piano — Vienna to Paris, Chamber Music at the Barns. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $40. 7:30 p.m. 703-2551900. Flatbed Ford. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington St. A, Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-8589186. Pile of Rocks. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. Dave Lange. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
JOE GRUSCHECKY (LEFT) will be at Jammin’ Java on Saturday. (Photo: JoeGrushecky.com) 532-9283. NOMAD. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington St. A, Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-858-9186. Pittsburgh’s Own Joe Grushecky and The House Rockers. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $18 – $20. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566. Tusk — The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $24. 9 p.m. 703-2370300.
(6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-241-9504.
(2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m. 703-525-8646.
The Music School at Jammin Java’s “Main Stage Open Mic Showcase”. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 1 p.m. 703-255-1566.
MONDAY, APRIL 29
Josh Allen Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m. 703-2419504. Open Mic with Sean Tracey. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington St. A, Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186.
Chris Cassaday. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283.
Justin Roberts & the Not Ready For Naptime Players (encore performance at 12:30 p.m. at same price). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $15. 10:30 a.m. 703-255-1566.
Brent Peterson. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.
The Bullets. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Justin Shapiro. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.
Tony Lucca & Dan Rodriguez: The Storytellers Series 2019. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E,
Big Tow. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
Memphis Gold All Star Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Dixieland Direct. JV’s Restaurant
Frend, Skydiver. Galaxy Hut
David B. Cole Tribute to Santana and Jimi Hendrix. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Jane Siberry. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $30. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Free Acoustic Open Mic, Hosted by Ryan Burke. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30 Wesley Stace: A Tribute to John Wesley Harding feat. Robert Lloyd. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Majestic: Weekly LGBTQ Night & Drag Show. Diva Lounge (6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 571-234-2045.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 Brendan James with Benny Bassett. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046
Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.
PAGE 28 | APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2019
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Festivals FESTIVAL Join us for an exciting weekend at Frisco Native American Museum’s Native Journeys: Music & Dance Festival, April 27 & 28, 2019. Info: 252-995-4440 or https:// nativeamericanmuseum.org/events/nativejourneys-festival-music-dance.
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The public hearing will be held in the Falls Church Community Center, Senior Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at 703-248-5014 or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings
CELESTE HEATH CITY CLERK
Public Notice
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA PUBLIC NOTICE PLANNING COMMISSION
ABC LICENSE ABAY MARKET & RESTAURANT., Trading as: ALFAS LLC, 3811A South George Mason Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 220413763. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Tsige Mengesha, President/Owner. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard: (TR19-08) RESOLUTION TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION ENTITLEMENT FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITH A BUILDING HEIGHT UP TO FIFTEEN (15) STORIES ON APPROXIMATELY 10.38 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 7124 LEESBURG PIKE (PORTION OF REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBER 51-221- 001), ON APPLICATION BY FALLS CHURCH GATEWAY PARTNERS The application may be viewed at the Community Planning and Economic Development Services office at 300 Park Ave., Suite 103 East (703-248-5080) and on the City’s web site. http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1599/WFCEconomic-Development-Project
On Monday, May 6, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., the Planning Commission will hold a public meeting in the Mary Ellen Henderson Cafetorium, located at 7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 to consider and make recommendations to the City Council on the following items: (TR19-14) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONVEYANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 10.38 ACRES OF LAND BY THE FALLS CHURCH CITY SCHOOL BOARD TO THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH BEING A PORTION OF RPC 51-221-001 LOCATED AT 7124 LEESBURG PIKE AND (TR19-15) RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONVEYANCE OF PARCELS A AND B APPROXIMATELY 9.97 ACRES BY THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO THE FALLS CHURCH CITY SCHOOL BOARD BEING RPCS 51-221-002 AND 51-221-003 LOCATED AT 7124 LEESBURG PIKE
This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)
Auction ATTENTION AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide or in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net
Indoor Yard Sale
OAKTON - SOCIAL JUSTICE YARD SALE Saturday May 4, 7am to 1pm UU Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, VA 22124. In-doors, Rain or Shine. Proceeds to support 3 local organizations. Questions: UUCFyardsale@gmail. com; Info:uucf.org/yard-sale
Education/Career Training AIRLINES ARE HIRING– Get FAA ap-
proved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance SCHEV certified 877-204- 4130 We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
OAKTON, VA - JUSTICIA SOCIAL VENTA de GARAJE Sabado May 4, 7am-1pm-UU Congregacion de Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton,VA 22124 en las puertas, lluvia o haga sol; INGRESOS PARA APOYAR TRES ORGANIZACIONES LOCALES; Info:https://uucf.org/yard-sale
KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen Levy
Scalliwag smiles as he does on is way, Hello Falls Church, good to see you today!
On Monday, May 13, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., the City Council will hold a public meeting in the Community Center, Senior Center, located at 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, VA to consider the same items (TR19-14 and TR19-15) described above. (Note: Meeting locations are subject to change due to City Hall renovations.) Information on the proposed exchange agreement can be viewed at City Hall at 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA, Monday through Friday (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You may contact the Planning Division at plan@fallschurchva.gov with any questions or concerns.
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A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Crossword
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1. Draftsman’s tool 8. Ogles offensively 15. Regatta rower 16. “The House of the Spirits” novelist Isabel 17. 1988 Billy Ocean song (remember ... he’s from the British West Indies) 19. Meet, as expectations 20. Indian wedding garb 21. Triumph 22. Study of the heavens: Abbr. 23. Some dinero 24. Three-ingredient sandwich 25. Rewards card accumulation: Abbr. 26. Moo goo ____ pan 28. B-ball 30. Event in which teams may drink rounds during rounds 34. Words before chagrin or surprise 35. 2011 Adele song (remember ... she’s British) 37. Supercelebrity 39. Tots 40. “Peace out!” 42. Fairy tale “lump” 43. Fine and dandy, in old slang 46. Hip-hop record exec Gotti 47. 501s 51. Chips and popcorn, in adspeak 52. Spotted à la Tweety Bird 53. Kristoff’s reindeer in “Frozen” 54. ‘80s-’90s rock band with a repetitive name 56. 1986 Jeffrey Archer novel
Across
STRANGE BREW
1. Draftsman's tool
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 29
(remember ... he’s British) 59. Some hotel Bibles 60. Unknown quantity 61. “1984” superstate that includes America 62. Nissan models discontinued in 2015
DOWN
1. Women’s shoe feature 2. Crystalline rock 3. Story lines of Indiana Jones films 4. Cause of a gut feeling? 5. Oodles 6. Move, in real-estate lingo 7. Suffix with ranch 8. Newswomen Logan and Spencer 9. Ecuadorean province named for its gold production 10. Like some seasonal toymakers 11. Divinity school subj. 12. Winter wear 13. Sominex alternative 14. Itty-bitty 18. “____ the Force, Luke” 23. Arouse, as curiosity 26. It’s not allowed in many classrooms 27. “Take ____” (1994 Madonna hit that was #1 for seven weeks) 29. R&B great Redding 30. Pint-size 31. Suffix with press 32. Some 24-hr. breakfast places 33. Billy of “Titanic”
JOHN DEERING
Sudoku
35. Major 1973 decision 36. Swell locale? 37. “Do we have approval?” 38. Made from clay 41. Hall-of-Famer Walter who was a Dodger manager for 23 years 43. Going from gig to gig 44. Bigwig 45. Wields 48. “____ don’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford”: Cindy Crawford 49. Vice ____ 50. Masculine Italian suffix with bamb51. Title for un hombre 54. “How’s ____?” 55. “Where the heart is” 57. Drink that’s often iced 58. Cable network that set a record when it ran a marathon of 600 episodes of “The Simpsons” Last Thursday’s Solution P A S S E
U S A I N
B R A C
R O T H
B L O O D D R I V E
D T I E M N E
R B I S
A P E U X S E A D Z S E Z X E P I E T R T
S H A Q
S I T U
A L M A
F J Y S O I T H A N I T S S M P L L O O V D E
Y S E R T M A Z N E R W A D
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P R A I R I E
D I R T
T R S I R P I A L P E E P O P P P E Z L I T Z A C A Y Y
F S L E O N E U M N O
P A C T
L E O N I
T R Y O N
By The Mepham Group
Level 1 2 3 4
8. Ogles offensively 15. Regatta rower 16. "The House of the Spirits" novelist Isabel 17. 1988 Billy Ocean song (remember ... he's from the British West Indies) 19. Meet, as expectations 20. Indian wedding garb 21. Triumph 22. Study of the heavens: Abbr.
1
23. Some dinero 24. Three-ingredient sandwich 25. Rewards card accumulation: Abbr. 26. Moo goo ____ pan 28. B-ball
NICK KNACK
© 2019 N.F. Benton
Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle
1
4/28/19
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2019 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
LO CA L
PAGE 30 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
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BACK IN THE DAY
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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City’s First Ever Cystic Fibrosis Walk is May 15
Schools Get Full Funding as F.C. Council Adopts Budget
For the first time ever, Falls Church will host a “Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis (CF)” on Saturday, May 15, 1999, and the community is invited to participate. The CF Walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Cherry Hill Park, wind through the city and end back at the park where there will be a barbecue, games for children and an IrishAmerican band performance.
By the final vote taken on the City of Falls Church Fiscal Year 2010 budget Monday night the Falls Church City Council was in full agreement, and voted unanimously to adopt the $66.6 million package that includes the full request for funds from the Falls Church School Board. The budget total is 5.7 percent less than the current fiscal year.
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CRIME REPORT Week of April 15 – 21, 2019 Larceny from Building, 1230 W Broad St (Giant), Apr 15, between 2:46 and 4 PM, an unattended purse was stolen from a shopping cart. Investigation continues. Larceny from Building, 200 blk N Cherry St, between 4 PM, Apr 12 and 2 PM, Apr 15, unknown suspect(s) stole a 2018 Bianci Lucca bicycle from an unlocked shed. Shoplifting, 1230 W Broad St (Giant), Apr 16, 2:53 PM, a female, of no fixed address, was arrested for shoplifting. Sexual Offense, 800 W Broad St, #101 (Rainbow Massage Center), Apr 17, between 10:30 and 11:30 AM, a female was inappropriately touched during a
massage. A female, 60, of Falls Church was arrested for Sexual Battery and Massage Permit Violations. A male, 55, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for Allowing an Unlicensed Massage. Investigation continues. Drug/Narcotic Violation, 100 blk E Broad St, Apr 18, 12:42 AM, following a traffic stop, a male, 42, of Arlington, VA, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana. Hit and Run, 6795 Wilson Blvd (Eden Center), Apr 18, between 11:30 AM and noon, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Trespass, 6775 Wilson Blvd (Eden Center), Apr 18, 2:16, a male, 53, of no fixed address, was
arrested for Trespass. Driving Under the Influence, 600 blk E Broad St, Apr 19, 12:40 AM, a male, 22, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Smoking Violations, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #16, Apr 20, 11:11 PM, a female, 44, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant.
TWO WEEKS IN A ROW, the Critter Corner has featured a rescued pup with Robi, who was rescued from Korea, continuing that trend. He now lives with the Franchini family in Falls Church’s Cherrywood neighborhood. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
Smoking Violations, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #15 (H2O Café), Apr 20, 11:12 PM, a male, 43, of Woodbridge, VA, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant Hit and Run, 6751 Wilson Blvd (Good Fortune Super Market), Apr 21, between 9:30 and 10:30 AM, a parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Investigation continues. Smoking Violations, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #16, Apr 21, 11:59 PM, a male, 42, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant.
Jimmie & Mindy Married February 14, 2016
Jimmie was fired from her job as a teacher because of who she loves.
In 31 states in this country, it’s legal to discriminate against LGBT Americans. That means you can be fired from your job, evicted from your home, or even denied medical services because of who you are or who you love. Everyone has the right to marry. Not everyone has basic rights.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019 | PAGE 31
To order online, visit FCNP.com/frontpages1 or call 703-532-3267
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
PAGE 32 | APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2019
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5,061 sq ft
FCC Schools
4 bedrooms
2 full & 1 half bath
4 bedrooms
4 full & 1 half bath
NEW PRICE
Join us Sunday, April 28
9529 Stevebrook Rd., Fairfax
R C ST R Realty™ platinum Sponsor
Open Sun 2-4
®
REALTOR
Cul-de-sac
Bonus room
4 bedrooms
2 full & 1 half bath
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Group
ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service
TM
Tickets available at www.fcedf.org
703-867-8674
Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
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