April 5 — 11, 2018
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The Spring edition of the NewsPress’s real estate special is here with a focus on affordable housing, rain barrels and potential new mortgage costs. SEE PAGES 13-20
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The Falls Church community is on high alert after a home burglary on Grove Ave. Tuesday night where the residents were home during the incident.
Broad-Washington Plan Due for Final F.C. Council OK Monday O� ��� H���
Concerns Arise Over Why Developer Wants Longer Time Frame
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Church city limits, the tax bill that City residents could be liable for would be that 5.5 cent increase, from $1.33 per $100 now to $1.385, and that is what the Council voted for in a preliminary step last week. Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields, when he presented his recommended budget last month, cautioned the Council then, “This proposed Budget assumes a worst-case scenario in terms of state funding for WMATA, and it
The Falls Church City Council is scheduled to vote on whether or not to grant a final approval for construction of a 2.68-acre mixed use project on the northeast corner of Broad and Washington Streets, the City’s premier central intersection, at its meeting this coming Monday night. As per the way things are normally done in the Little City, this has been a long time coming. The first submission of the plan came in August 2015. But if it’s seemed like a long time so far, it may be much longer than anyone has anticipated, if that’s the way to read the developer’s latest request. The Insight Development Group, acting as the Broad and Washington LLC, came to City Hall with their latest set of revisions on March 26, and in addition to 23 changes from its November submission, when it earned a preliminary OK from the Council, it is now asking that the special exception it is seeking will “expire in 60 months (five years) instead of 36 months (three years).” Virtually every member of the City Council, in its work session consideration of the matter last Monday night, zeroed in on this one change, and even though Scott Adams, the developer’s representative from McGuireWoods, was present, no explanation for the change was provided. It led most of the Council members to wonder why, and to speculate that perhaps the developer is not planning to actually get started on the project as soon as has been expected until now.
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SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9
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These days almost everyone has the (justified) sense that America is coming apart at the seams. But this isn’t a new story, or just about politics. Things have been falling apart on multiple fronts since the 1970s. SEE PAGE 22
M��� F���, D���� A�������� C����� �� F.C. Over the next few months, the Little City is set to welcome a bakery, a brewery and a cafe and winebar to its ever-increasing lineup of food, dining and drinking establishments. SEE FOOD NEWS, PAGE 25
A TINY EGG HUNTER drops her prize into her basket last Saturday morning at the City of Falls Church’s annual Easter egg hunt at Cherry Hill Park. Hundreds turned out over the weekend to chase down eggs, pose with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the park’s newly renovated playground. More photos on page 8. (P����: C�������� B����)
Will F.C. Citizens Have to Foot $1.1M WMATA Bill?
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
INDEX Editorial.................6 Letters...................6 News & Notes10–11 Comment ..12, 22-23 Business News ...24
Calendar .......26–27 Classified Ads .....28 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ..........29 Critter Corner......30
The unanimous vote recorded at the Falls Church City Council meeting last week — the one that gave a preliminary OK to a Fiscal Year 2019 budget with a 5.5 cent tax rate increase — could not have been more meaningless, Council members have commented to the News-Press. That’s because there is one as yet totally-indeterminate but king-sized facet to the proposed budget, as
presented by City Manager Wyatt Shields last month. It has to do with the demand of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for a major boost in funding to fix its many woes. The total it is demanding from Virginia is $154 million in new money, and Falls Church’s share of that would be $1.1 million, or at least 2.5 cents on its real estate tax rate (per $100 of assessed valuations). It is with that gigantic bite for WMATA’s Metrorail line, which does not even touch into the Falls
PAGE 2 | APRIL 5 - 11, 2018
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APRIL 5 - 11, 2018 | PAGE 3
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(TO18-04) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2019 AND ON PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY SEGREGATED BY LAW FOR LOCAL TAXATION IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA FOR TAX YEAR 2018 The City of Falls Church proposes to increase property tax levies. Assessment Increase. Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 1.25 percent
2.
Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment. The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above would be $1.298 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”
3.
Effective Rate Increase. The City of Falls Church proposes to adopt a tax rate of $1.385 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.087 per $100, or 6.70 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.
4.
Proposed Total Budget Increase. Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the City of Falls Church will exceed last year’s by 7.55 percent.
Public hearings on the increase will be held on April 9 and April 23, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as they may be heard, in the Community Center, Senior Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, Virginia. The hearings shall be open to the public. The City Council will permit persons desiring to be heard an opportunity to present oral testimony within such reasonable time limits as shall be determined by the City Council. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk's office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
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PAGE 4 | APRIL 5 - 11, 2018
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AT A LENGTHY WORK SESSION Monday, the Falls Church City Council mulled the FY2019 budget and got an update on the Broad-Washington project it will vote on this coming week. (Photo: News-Press)
Falls Church Might Be on The Hook for Big Metro Bill Continued from Page 1
is possible that state funding will alleviate the City expense. The General Assembly does not appear able to enact a dedicated state revenue source for WMATA, but it does appear likely that the state will raise some new funds and redirect some existing revenues that will allow the City share to be reduced.” So in the past couple weeks, lawmakers, including Gov. Ralph Northam and Falls Church’s delegation of Sen. Richard Saslaw and Del. Marcus Simon, have been working overtime in Richmond to find a way to alleviate this pressure on local jurisdictions by finding state funds to use for picking up the WMATA tab. It’s looking more and more like that will happen, but no one is willing to place a bet on it yet. Sen. Saslaw introduced a bill, SB 856, in which he said he “cobbled together” funds to pay for WMATA’s new demands by increasing the hotel and transient occupancy taxes and a higher grantor’s tax for Northern Virginia which, along with smaller sums of money coming from other parts of the state, would add up to the $154 million. A summary of Saslaw’s bill states that it “makes numerous changes to the administration of and revenues for mass transit in the Commonwealth, specifically as it relates to funding of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
and the disbursement of funds in the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund. The bill sets a floor on the average price of fuel used to calculate the regional motor sales tax as the price of gas on February 20, 2013, the same floor that is used to calculate the state fuels tax. The bill uses a variety of existing revenue sources to allocate revenues for mass transit and authorizes the issuance of $50 million in bonds only for a required federal match. The provisions of the bill are contingent upon Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the federal government adopting similar actions to raise revenues for WMATA. The bill incorporates SB 393 and is identical to HB 1539.” Del. Simon told the News-Press that this is a preferable approach to one which would reallocate funds from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, effectively robbing Peter to pay Paul, as an alternative proposed bill from Del. Tim Hugo (R-Clifton) provides. Simon said, “My hope is that more of Virginia’s $154 million contribution will come from statewide general fund resources. If that happens, and we are able to keep the gas tax floor in, hopefully the City of Falls Church won’t need to raise its real estate tax for that.” Simon added, “No one can say for sure what the outcome will be, but everything I’ve seen and heard publicly and in my discussions with the governor’s office indicates we will move toward the Saslaw model and away from the
Hugo model.” He also said that Gov. Northam plans to weigh in with his own ideas. “Although the final details are not yet available, I think it is safe to say that the governor’s version will probably more closely resemble the version that came out of the Senate under Dick Saslaw’s patronage than it will with the House’s Hugo bill.” So it will apparently come down to how much effort Gov. Northam is willing to put into an effort to help local jurisdictions with this, along with his Democratic colleagues in the legislature. The bottom line is that there is an even chance, at least, that the 2.5 cents that was placed in the “first reading” version of the FY19 budget for Falls Church will not be needed, at least not all of it. That could lower the proposed tax rate down from a 5.5 cent increase to 3 cents, which would be a fairly significant outcome given that it includes the equivalent of 6 cents to cover debt service on the bonds that voters approved for a new high school last fall and a newly renovated Mary Riley Styles Public Library the year before, and the renovation of City Hall that is currently underway. This is achieved by limiting the growth in the City’s operational budget to 1.7 percent and holding the School’s request to 2.8 percent, the lowest growth in many years. It is also offset by the robust commercial and mixed use growth in the City contributing to an overall 3.7 percent revenue increase. The City will host another public town hall on the budget, and other matters of interest to citizens, this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Community Center.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
APRIL 5 - 11, 2018 | PAGE 5
Extension Sought for F.C.’s Broad-Washington Project
Continued from Page 1
That would be a problem for the Creative Cauldron theater troupe, which has been counting on occupying 5,000 square feet of the project for a new, expanded theater, since its lease on its current location expires in June 2019. “This is the first I am hearing of this,” the Cauldron’s Laura Hull told the News-Press this week. She said the Cauldron board was aware that the project wouldn’t be immediately ready for them, but had no idea that an extension is now being sought that could put a major crimp into their plans. News-Press calls to Rick Hausler of the Insight Group were not returned yesterday. “This is almost a non-starter for me,” said Councilman Russ Litkenhous of the request. “Either they should do this project, or not.” “I don’t want to wait a decade for something to happen,” said Councilman Dan Sze, noting that
the Creative Cauldron lease is due to expire soon, and wondering if this “will leave them out in the cold.” Council member Letty Hardi said that the new Insight plan sounds “squishy,” and wondered why the developer could not come back after three years for an extension of the special exception then, if necessary. But City Manager Wyatt Shields told the News-Press by phone yesterday that in his conversations with the developer, “They’ve continued to tell me they plan to start right away,” and that the City position is still to want to hold the expiration date to three years. “That’s what’s in the City Code,” Shields said. He said the City Attorney Carol McCoskrie would have to opine if a change in the code would be required to extend the expiration date, but she hasn’t been asked to do that yet. Other concerns about the Broad and Washington project expressed
at the work session dealt with the lack of certainty about who would occupy the commercial and retail spaces in the project. No commitments exist as at this point. Sze suggested that a certificate of occupancy for the projects 295 rental units might be held back pending a satisfactory review of the retail and commercial mix in the project, an idea that Councilman David Snyder said “has a lot of merit.” What the Council will be asked to vote on this Monday will include 295 rental units — 32 studio efficiencies, 132 onebedrooms, 27 one bedroom with den, 74 two bedroom, 15 two bedroom with den, and no three bedroom units. There will be 15 units designated as “affordable,” or 5.1 percent of the total. There will be 25,500 square feet of retail and 99,200 of office space. The commercial-to-residential ratio will be 25.2 percent to 74.8 percent. Among recent modifications,
DEVELOPERS FOR THE PROPOSED project at the intersection of Broad and Washington streets in the City of Falls Church are seeking an extension for its special exception to five years from the originial three. (Rendering courtesy Insight Property Group) the office square footage has been increased by 7,000 square feet, the restaurant square footage reduced from 13,800 to 10,000, an additional stair access to the elevated plaza has been added along the north property line behind Argia’s, and an east pedestrian entrance to the plaza has been redesigned to “offer a more welcoming appearance.” In terms of energy conserva-
tion, there has been a commitment to LEED Gold, up from LEED Silver, and the median break for a left turn off N. Washington into the parking area behind Clare and Don’s and Argia’s has been included. Additional landscaping along Lawton Street has been included along with other changes to the plan.
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PAGE 6 | APRIL 5 – 11, 2018
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Vol. XXVIII, No. 7 April 5 – 11, 2018 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •
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E D I TO R I A L
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Don’t Pit Schools Vs. Affordability
It is important not to pit the City of Falls Church’s pressing need for considerably more affordable housing against the budget request of the schools. This is not an either-or, it is a both-and situation. Hopefully, something good is going to come out of Richmond in the next week that will relieve the pressure of the City’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget to cough up over a million dollars for WMATA, especially in an environment where WMATA services to the City have been diminished. This should make it a lot easier for the Council to end its dispute over some $300,000 that the Falls Church City Public Schools have requested above the two percent-growth mandate imposed on them by the City Council in December. This will enable the system to allow its teachers and staff the same three percent cost-of-living increase that all the City’s employees will enjoy out of this budget. It would also permit the Council to commit something more robust to its Affordable Housing Fund which now has a paltry sum of some $200,000, and to commit more resources to senior and low-income rent subsidies and tax relief. We totally agree, and have editorialized about this for all our 27 years, that the City of Falls Church must not allow itself to become a gated community of the rich. This is bad for everyone, especially including the young people living here. Having a diverse and colorful community composed of persons of all stripes and sizes adds to everyone’s appreciation of the contributions that everyone can make, despite incomes or other factors, to the general good. This is very necessary. But lip service to this objective and real action are two different things indeed. Even now there are those on the Council who would prefer to have developers pay for affordable housing by way of proffers for their requests for special exceptions, rather than allow the general community to pitch in with contributions from their real estate taxes, which makes an important moral point. Falls Church will not effectively resist the trend toward becoming a gated community of the rich without a considerable effort. It remains to be seen who will spearhead that effort in the official corridors of power here. In this context, it is also important to resist the temptation to view the school budget as some sort of subsidy for well-to-do families with children. The effective education of the young is the primary responsibility of any worthy community of human beings. In Falls Church, we have been in the business of saving humanity for a long time, to which we contribute by our ability to nurture and educate tomorrow’s leaders. School is not a form of day care, it is the indispensable resource that we are blessed to have the opportunity to provide and pass onto the next generation. It is a profound privilege provided by our free society to do this.
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It’s Time to Improve Virginia’s Equal Pay Laws Editor, On Tuesday, April 10 the American Association of University Women will recognize Equal Pay Day, the symbolic day when women’s earnings finally catch up to what white men earned in 2017. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the median earnings for women working full time, yearround is only 80 percent of what men working full time, year-round make. And, the situation is even
worse for most women of color. On average, African American women make just 63 percent, Native American women make 57 percent, and Latina women make only 54 percent of what white men make. The wage gap between men and women isn’t just a number; it’s an economic issue for many families. A 2016 Center for American Progress study found that the mother is the sole or primary wage earner in 42 percent of households
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with children under the age of 18. Pay equity is the key to families making ends meet and a critical component to strengthening their health, opportunities, and futures. The pay gap is not caused solely by differences in career and lifestyle choices made by men and women. AAUW’s 2012 report controlled for many factors such as college major, occupation, industry, region, workplace flexibility, parenthood and hours worked and found that one year after graduating from college, women still earned seven percent less than their male counterparts. In Virginia, women face a pay gap of 20 cents, earning 80 percent of what a white man earns. Virginia ranks 23 out of all the states and the
District of Columbia. This translates into less money for feeding families, health care, paying off student loans, and saving for retirement. Passing a federal law like the Paycheck Fairness Act would help protect everyone in all states. But until that happens, each state will continue operating under antiquated regulations and piecemeal state and local laws to combat unequal pay. As we wait for Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, Virginia AAUW members will continue to urge the state legislature to make improvements to equal pay laws so that fair pay is an accessible reality for everyone. Kristan McMahon President, AAUW Falls Church Area
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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APRIL 5 – 11, 2018 | PAGE 7
Making Budgets are About Striking a Balance B� L���� H����
Budding cherries, blossoming daffodils, and sniffly noses. It can only mean one thing. Spring. And budgets. As we start a new season, I’d like to share my thoughts on the budget, observations on your role, and how I approach this big responsibility on City Council. We’re just over the halfway point of the annual budget process. You may have seen that we’re advertising a 5.5 cents real estate tax increase, largely to fund the hefty capital plan and our uncertain share of Metro expenses. Five and a half cents, coupled with the increased property assessment you already received, translates to $634 more for the median homeowner. We all understand that will be significant impact. In any other year, we would have a good news story. There are actually three pennies of savings from leaner operating budgets and stronger revenue growth. In other words, we would be looking at a 8.5 cents increase. The City and neighboring localities are working hard to bring down the Metro impact, pending final Richmond action. With flat student enrollment, healthy revenues, and a desire to tighten budgets to pay for a new high school – that should be the perfect storm for favorable operating budgets. (I caution against optimism for future years. Flat enrollment is unusual, the impact of the federal tax law change is
unknown, we’ll still have Metro costs, we’ll be paying for our largest debt services ever, and a potential recession mean future budgets will be even tougher.) So in an “easy” year, my hope is that we’ll find a way to bridge the gap between what the School
“It is my responsibility to ask questions to understand the policy behind budget choices and not rubber-stamp spending.” Board requested and Council’s guidance, invest in broader needs across the City like affordable housing and senior tax relief, and come in well below 5.5 cents by our final vote. What can you do? Two years into Council, I hope you’ll consider my recommendations on how you can play a meaningful role in budgets and beyond: 1) If you care about the finances and future of the City, pay attention to more than budgets. There are many other important decisions, ones that are probably even more consequential than one annual budget,
that happen the rest of the year. I hope we can rely on the collective expertise and experiences of our citizenry to pay attention, not just when it’s budget time or in your backyard. 2) Ask questions and show up. Show up at the polls, show up at PTA meetings, show up at civic gatherings (town hall this Sunday at 2 p.m.!) If you can’t attend, read offline and make your voices heard via email. Our community is what partly insulates us dayto-day from the dysfunction at the national level, but we have to invest ourselves. Without fail, we hear from the perennial budget watchers: the “fund the schools at all costs” supporters and the “taxes are way too high” hawks. I know there are more diverse thoughts out there. Falls Church simply isn’t so black and white. I believe I approach budget season with an open mind and a genuine desire to learn, ask tough questions, and take care of the entire City’s needs, rooted in our community values, for this fiscal year and beyond. It’s the Superintendent’s and School Board’s job to advocate for their needs, and despite the headlines and soundbites that pit us against each other, I believe they are simply trying to do the best for the schools. It is my job to do the best for the entire City — which means it is my responsibility to ask questions to understand the policy behind budget choices and not rubber-stamp spending. As we cast our votes and make the usual
declarations of conflict of interest, I have no legal conflicts. My biggest conflict of interest is my own children. Combined, they have nearly 30 school years ahead in FCCPS, so budget decisions directly impact my family. As any parent does, I want the best for my children. I want them be healthy and grow up to be kind and responsible humans. I want their teachers to be wellpaid and their class sizes to be small. I also want a safe neighborhood, where they cross the street without fear of speeding cars. I want them to play in clean parks and green spaces. I want them to learn in racially and socioeconomically diverse classrooms and to grow up in neighborhoods with all sizes and types of homes. I want them to experience new foods at restaurants, make lifelong memories celebrating Memorial Day and be able to visit their grandparents who can still afford to live in town. Striking a balance across these hopes in one lifetime and in one budget — as a parent and certainly as a Councilmember — is not easy. I realize much of our community is fortunate enough to even have these choices, and we are better off than many, many others. With that in mind, I hope we all engage with sincerity and positive intent — knowing that we are all trying to do our best for this generation and for our obligation to the next. Letty Hardi is a member of the Falls Church City Council.
Q������� �� ��� W��� Should the F.C. City Council grant a five-year extension for the development of the BroadWashington project? • Yes
• No
Last Week’s Question:
Is Falls Church’s ranking as the fastest growing county (city) in the U.S. a good thing?
• Not sure
Log on to www.FCNP.com to cast your vote FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientific polls.
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Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published. All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.
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PAGE 8 | APRIL 5 - 11, 2018
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Easter Fun Abounds in F.C.’s Annual Egg Hunt
THE EASTER SPIRIT was alive and well Saturday morning at Cherry Hill Park, as youngsters from all across the City gathered to chase down some of the Easter Bunny’s prized trinkets. After the hunt, families took pictures with the Bunny himself while the kids broke off to either play on the City’s new playground or track down straggling eggs. (P�����: C�������� B����)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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NEWS BRIEFS F.C. Schools Ranked No. 1 in Virginia 24/7 Wall St., a financial news and commentary website, has ranked Falls Church City Public Schools the best school system in Virginia in a survey entitled, “Best School Districts in Each State,” released yesterday. To determine the best school district in every state, 24/7 Wall St. said it “developed an index based on various measures of child poverty, per-pupil expenditure, graduation rate, teachers per student, the percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree, preschool enrollment and AP (or IB) enrollment.” It reported that the Falls Church system dedicates $17,902 per student, has a total of 2,465 students, a high school graduation rate of 100 percent and 80.2 percent of adults possess BA degrees.
House Burglary While Residents Home Falls Church Police reported a home burglary Tuesday night where the residents were home during the incident. Police responded to a call of a burglary in the 300 block of Grove Ave. at about 9:20 p.m. on April 3 after residents heard a noise in their house. After inspection, the occupants discovered a backpack, wallet and briefcase were missing from the home. The residents reported they had left a door unlocked at the time. The suspect or suspects were not seen by the residents. After a search of the area, City of F.C. police, assisted by Fairfax County Police, recovered the backpack and briefcase a few blocks away on Grove Ave. After the incident, police have issued a reminder to residents to keep doors on vehicles, homes, garages and sheds locked. The investigation continues and police ask anyone with information to contact them at 703-248-5053.
‘Safe Virginia’ Task Force to Address Gun Violence Virginia House Democrats announced the formation Tuesday of a “Safe Virginia” task force to address gun violence in communities across the commonwealth. Del. Charniele Herring of Alexandria said the initiative is a direct response to House Republicans’ Select Committee on School Safety, which the GOP members said would not take up gun issues. The Democrats have sent a letter to House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, inviting Republican delegates to join the group. Del. Kathleen Murphy of Fairfax, who will co-chair Safe Virginia with Del. Eileen Filler-Corn of Fairfax, said they commended Cox and Republicans for creating the select committee, which will hold its first meeting April 26. But Murphy said she believes it is important to do more and discuss questions regarding guns. (Capital News Service).
APRIL 5 - 11, 2018 | PAGE 9
COMMUNITY NIGHT Springtime Is Here— Getting your home ready! D OW N S I Z I N G A N D R E A L E S TAT E S E M I NA R
Thursday, April 12, 6:00 - 7:00
pm
If you are interested in downsizing or putting your home on the market, this is the PERFECT program for you! Come hear how to get started in the process that can sometimes stops us in our tracks. Topics include: • How do I get started cleaning out a house of 30 years? • Stress free decluttering • Getting your house ready for sale • How much is my home worth? Appraisals • The downsizing and selling process Light refreshments will be served. Presented by Bethany Ellis of Long and Foster Real Estate and Lisa Brewer of TAD relocation.
Stay for our Caregiver Support Group, 7:00 - 8:00
pm.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to Kelly Halteh at 703-531-0781 or email khalteh@cri-va.org.
703-531-0781 | chesterbrookres.org | 2030 Westmoreland Street | Falls Church, VA 22043 A nonprofit, nondenominational community sponsored by Chesterbrook Residences, Inc. Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.
Emergency System Test in F.C., 19 Other Jurisdictions Set for Today Today, April 5, between 10 and 11 a.m., 20 jurisdictions, including the City of Falls Church, will simultaneously issue a test message to the public through the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system. WEA is a public safety alerting system allowing government officials to target emergency information to a specific geographic area using an individual’s cell phone or other mobile device. WEA allows the messaging to be more targeted and efficient which is critical during an emergency. Individuals in the participating jurisdictions will receive the following message: “A test of the Fairfax County Emergency Alert System. No action required.” The alert triggers a loud noise while displaying the text message on cell phones and mobile devices. Individuals do not sign up to receive a WEA alert.
Opioid Abuse Prevention Workshops Set Clinicians from the Fairfax Falls Church Community Services Board, the Fairfax County Health Department, law enforcement, people living in recovery and family advocates are involved in community events for opioid abuse prevention this month. Scheduled events include Opioids: A Fairfax City Community Conversation about the nationwide epidemic and preventative measures on April 19, 7 – 9 p.m., at Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax; A Community Conversation about the Opioid Crisis for students in 7-12 grades and their parents, April 28, 1 – 5 p.m. Epiphany Episcopal Church, 3301 Hidden Meadow Drive, Herndon; Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout, a free, convenient, confidential and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout on April 28, when medications can be dropped at any of the eight Fairfax County District Police Stations between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Revive! training opportunities, where individuals are trained on what to do and not do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards and attendees receive a free Revive! kit, which includes all the supplies needed to administer naloxone. Attendees also receive a safety plan to help individuals prevent overdose if they relapse, April 10, Fairfax, Merrifield Center, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., April 15, Chantilly, A New Beginning, 3 – 4 p.m., and April 25, Alexandria, Gartlan Center, 1 – 2 p.m.
12 days to Tax Day! Time is running out Are you prepared? We can still help!
Certified Public Accountants (703) 241-8807
125 Rowell Ct, Falls Church
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News-Press
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Community News & Notes
KICKING OFF the “Diplomacy at Risk!” TV series on the local FCCTV channel is U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Bahrain and Algeria, Ronald Neumann (right) seen here shaking hands with City of Falls Church Mayor David Tarter. The show, which is slated to premiere on Monday, April 16, will feature a host of experts on the country’s current issues. (Photo: Courtesy Carol Loftur-Thun)
Presbyterian Church to Premiere ‘Already Here’ Falls Church Presbyterian Church (FCPS) invites the public to attend the premiere of “Already Here,” a sacred choral piece which will be performed during the FCPC’s 10:45 a.m. worship service on April 15. Internationally recognized composer and conductor Dominick DiOrio, who will be present at the premiere, made his Carnegie Hall debut as a conductor at age 28. His works have appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the Kimmel Center, as well as numerous international venues. DiOrio is an associate professor of music at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. “Already Here” sets to music
the original poem “Kingdom,” by local poet and FCPC Chancel Choir member Myra Binns Bridgforth. FCPC’s Director of Music, Dr. Lisa A. Billingham, will be conducting. Joining her will be Dr. Lisa Bloy on organ and Dr. Meg Owens on oboe. This commission is made possible by FCPC’s Heiden Music Endowment Fund, celebrating its 30th year of supporting music at the church. For more information, call 703-532-6518.
9 Candidates Announced for Governing Board McLean Community Center (MCC) has certified nine Dranesville Small District 1A residents, four adults and five
THE DUO Jen and Scott Smith of Naked Blue performed a mix of folk and pop music Saturday evening at Art and Frame of Falls Church with the exhibit SpaceCake in the background of local artist, writer and multimedia editor Dawn Reed. (Photo: Courtesy Tom Gittins)
teens, to run for seats on the MCC 2018–2019 Governing Board. The board sets policy and provides general oversight for all facilities and programs of the Center, including the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A are eligible to vote during the election. Voting for Governing Board members will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the McLean Day 2018 festival at Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean). Residents also may vote by absentee ballot from Monday, April 9, – Wednesday, May 16. Three adult positions and two youth positions are open this year. The adult candidates who receive the three-highest
vote counts will serve three-year terms. Youth candidates, one from the McLean High School boundary area and one from the Langley High School boundary area, will serve one-year terms. Youth candidates do not have to attend these schools to serve on the board. These are the adult and youth candidates running for the MCC’s Governing Board: Adults candidates — Maria Foderaro-Guertin, Carole Herrick, Terri Markwart and Raj Mehra. Langley High School boundary area student candidates — Brian Kim and Megan Markwart McLean High School boundary area student candidates — Serena Aurora, Lauren Herzberg and Kimya Shirazi.
Absentee ballots will be available beginning April 9. A resident may request an absentee ballot package by phone at 703744-9348, email at elections@ mcleancenter.org or may pick one up at three of MCC’s sites: Administrative Offices (6631 Old Dominion Dr., McLean); Class Program/Registration Office (6645 Old Dominion Dr., McLean) or The Old Firehouse Teen Center (1440 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean). Completed absentee voting affidavits and ballots must be received at one of the three sites by 5 p.m. on May 16.
Karaoke at the American Legion Hall American Legion Hall Post 130 (400 N. Oak St., Falls Church) will be hosting “Karaoke with
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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
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Babs,” on Saturday, April 14 from 8 p.m. – midnight. This event is free and open to the public. Interested attendees of all ages are encouraged to bring a few of their favorite songs in mind so the organizers can queue up a playlist and provide all singers a chance to stretch their vocal chords during the event. For more information, contact the American Legion Post at 703533-1945.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 28 On Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., the City of Falls Church Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Residents are encouraged to bring their pills for disposal to the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) during this event. Note that the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Last October, Americans turned in over 912,305 pounds of unwanted medicines through over 5,321 collection sites nationwide, a new record for this bi-annual event. In Virginia alone, 25,823 pounds of unwanted medicines were collected at 167 sites statewide. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses
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due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 28 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website: deadiversion. usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.
Vietnam Veterans Meeting Scheduled for April 19 Chapter 227, Vietnam Veterans of America Inc., invites all veterans, friends and the general public to attend the April 19 chapter meeting at Amphora Restaurant (377 Maple Avenue West, Vienna) at 7:30 p.m. BJ Elliott Prior will discuss her stewardess service on the commercial flights (aka Freedom Bird) that transported troops to and from Vietnam and the Vietnam veterans that she got to know. Her story provides another unknown facet of every war. Admission is free. For information, call Len Ignatowski at 703-255-0353 or visit the web page at vva227.org.
DMV Services Come to Falls Church Next Week The City of Falls Church Commissioner of the Revenue is announcing several opportunities for DMV services in The Little City in April. The full-service DMV 2 Go bus will be in front of City Hall (330 Park Ave.) on Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The accessible mobile office provides all DMV transac-
COMMEMORATING HOLY WEEK, which runs from Palm Sunday all the way up until Easter, was Falls Church’s St. James Catholic Church. Throughout the latter part of the week, St. James put on a Living Stations of the Cross exhibit, where hundreds of parishoners showed up to witness Jesus Christ’s �inal days and eventual cruci�ixion. (P����: C������� C������� D������ �� A��������) tions including: Applying for and renewing driver’s licenses; applying for hunting and fishing licenses; obtaining E-Z pass transponders; obtaining ID cards (including photos) and Virginia’s veterans ID cards; obtaining copies of driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals, and transcripts; obtaining certified copies of Virginia vital records including birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates. Ordering disabled parking placards or plates; taking road and knowledge tests and updating an address after a move for DMV and voter registration. The limited DMV Connect service conducts all DMV transactions listed above, except vital records and testing.
Voted #1 Again Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry Federal Employees: We work with your benefits
703.532.3300
www.DoughertyDDS.com 200 Little Falls Street, Suite 506, Falls Church, VA 22046 We are located across the street from city hall
DMV Connect will be at the American Legion (400 N. Oak St.) on Monday, April 9, Wednesday, April 11 and Thursday, April 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Customers should be prepared with the required documents to complete transactions. All 2018 dates for both DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect are available on the City’s website at fallschurchva.gov.
University Women’s Book Sale Occurs Next Weekend Interested attendees are encouraged to visit the the American Association of University Women’s book sale from April 13-14 in the Little City.
Sale is Friday, April 13 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Falls Church Community Center, (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church) just off Route 7. Thousands of books are avaialable for browsing and buying. A wide selection of hardback, paperbacks, fiction and non-fiction of all kindsare also available for purchase. Most books priced at $3 or less. The book sale benefits scholarship/grant programs for women, including local Falls Church high school girls. For more information about the book sale, visit fallschurcharea-va.aauw.net/booksale or call (703) 941-5643, molliejewell2@ gmail.com.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A Penny for Your Thoughts
Senator Dick Saslaw’s
News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross
Now that spring appears to be here for good, activities in Mason District are ramping up quickly. As noted in last week’s column, the groundbreaking for the new Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter, at 5914 Seminary Road, will be celebrated at 2 p.m. The shelter is expected to open for clients in the latter half of Calendar Year 2019. Earlier in the week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the state agency that maintains and controls most roads in Fairfax County, hosted a public information meeting to present information about a project to rehabilitate the one-way bridge linking the eastbound Route 50/Arlington Boulevard service road (crossing Route 7) to eastbound Wilson Boulevard in the Seven Corners area. Advertisement for construction of the bridge is planned for this fall, with construction anticipated to begin in March of 2019. The project should be completed in November of 2019. Traffic will be maintained during construction, but periods of delay are expected as lanes are closed to accommodate construction crews and vehicles. Log on to www.virginiadot.org/projects/ northernvirginia/wilson_over_50.asp for more information. Culmore Multicultural Day is this Saturday, April 7, which runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Bailey’s Elementary School, 6101 Knollwood Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads. Live music, folkloric dancers, children’s activities, and booths staffed by nonprofits and county agencies will be featured at this annual FREE event. Come and meet your neighbors, and enjoy a taste of the many cultures that make up the fabric of our diverse community. Parking restrictions on nearby streets will be lifted during the
Richmond Report
festival hours. There are two weeks left in the free tax help program provided to residents by volunteers of AARP Tax-Aide. Help is provided at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 – 8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., on a first come, first served basis. All returns are filed electronically. Last day for tax help is Tuesday, April 17. Mason District mourns the loss of Connie Lawn, who died Monday morning at her home in Lake Barcroft after battling Parkinson’s disease for many years. Connie was the longest serving member of the White House press corps, which she had covered since 1968. I first met Connie when our children were third grade classmates at Belvedere Elementary School. At the time, I didn’t realize that Connie was a reporter; we were just working mothers trying to balance parenting and careers. A few years ago, Connie wrote a book, “You Wake Me Each Morning,” which documents her lifetime of broadcasts from hot spots around the world. I remember how delighted she was to have finished her book, even as Parkinson’s was beginning to rob her of stamina. Connie was delicate in stature, but she had a heart as big as all outdoors, and an intellectual curiosity to match. Connie is survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Sneiderman, and sons David and Daniel Rappoport, and their families.
S:11.5”
Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
S:10.5”
Photo: Grant Delin
If you always store your firearm safely, no curious kids will put their fingers on it. And no gun will accidentally fire. Which means no screams of pain will be heard. And no 911 calls will be made. And no scars will be left. So please, always remember to keep your firearm stored safely. Visit ncpc.org to determine the best firearms safety solution for you.
NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL
200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500
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Since adjourning, my colleagues have used this column space to highlight some of the work of the General Assembly. I want to talk about the missed opportunity of not having a budget. The regular session adjourned with the two Republican-led chambers (both the House and Senate) at an impasse over the biennial budget. The irony in this situation is that it resembles in reverse what occurred in 2014, when the Senate supported expanding Medicaid and the House opposed expansion. Since then the Republicans have maintained a slim majority in the Senate. But the House of Delegates came within two seats of flipping to a Democratic majority with the Blue Wave of 2017. That legislative body got the “memo.” House leaders joined with Democrats to pass an amended financial plan that included expanding Medicaid by drawing down federal monies. When polled earlier this year, 83 percent of Virginians resolutely embraced bringing access to healthcare to our most vulnerable citizens. These citizens include children, disabled adults, pregnant women, the elderly, and working poor. We have one of the highest thresholds (138 percent of the poverty level) to qualify for Medicaid. That translates to a working family earning as little as $17,000 annually — hard to imagine. But that’s what a minimum wage takehome pay can be for many unskilled workers. During the 2018 legislative session, all bills to raise the minimum wage met a swift demise at the hand of the same Republican legislators that think businesses will shut their doors if they paid employees a sustainable living wage. Believe me, something is wrong with that picture. In addition to reclaiming the tax money paid by Virginians to the federal government, expanding Medicaid is just the moral thing to do. We are leaving some $2.5 billion a year in federal money on the table. We all know that money is not being escrowed waiting for us to capitalize on it. Another noteworthy benefit resulting from this effort will be the creation of some 30,000 new jobs in the Commonwealth. The stalemate has far reaching effects on many other aspects of the proposed financial plan for the Commonwealth. Adding $2.5 billion dollars to the budget will go a long way for public safety, K-12,
higher education and infrastructure. We just cobbled together critical funding for Metro to keep operating. My bill, SB 856, keeps the trains and buses running in the region. Look at the economic growth the Silver Line has brought to Tysons Corner. I am quite sure even my colleagues from the rural communities will acknowledge what an economic driver Metro is for the Commonwealth. We have a shortage of teachers in this state. Using the Commonwealth’s limited resources, we are only able to offer educators a 2 percent raise. Is there a theme here about suppressing potential earnings? We are losing people to other states with higher compensation for their highly educated, experienced teachers. This does not make sense to me and resonates as another unwise policy to keep Virginians from attaining economic prosperity. Our teachers are entrusted with the children who will become the next generation of professionals and community leaders. We owe it to the students and their mentors to attract and retain the best and brightest. Higher education provides the pipeline for a skilled workforce. On a regular basis I hear from students about the costs to obtain a degree. NVCC is a leader, offering numerous credential programs and opportunities for job certifications. In a tight economy, higher education has been cut for nearly a decade, leaving it with little recourse than to raise tuition and accept more out of state students to help balance university budgets. Students are forced to make the tough choice of incurring significant debt, foregoing purchasing books and ultimately not being able to finish their program of study. These should not be options for Virginians trying to get ahead. The Governor has announced April 11 as the beginning of the Special Session. As a budget conferee, I intend to fight for all Virginians, our children’s future, and the economic development that enables the high quality of life we enjoy. Access to healthcare and using Virginia’s federal taxpayer dollars can make a big difference in containing the collateral damage that is inevitable from leaving those funds behind. Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@senate.virginia.gov.
R EA L E STATE
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Affordable Housing Provides City An Opportunity to Live Its Values
BY MATT DELANEY
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act that rooted out discriminatory practices by landlords on the basis of race, sex, religion, disability, family status or national origin. Blatant prejudice along those lines are now taboo, but the City of Falls Church has co-opted a de facto discrimination by way of its high housing costs that are generally more within reach of affluent and whiter populations. It’s causing an progressive citizenry, including some in the City government, to investigate viable solutions to affordability as well
as their commitment to their own beliefs. To be clear, the act of discrimination implies a level of insidious intent. That’s not the case for current City residents, but it’s undeniable they’re living in a municipality that was designed to carry out a discriminatory purpose. According to “Falls Church – A Virginia Village Revisited” by Bradley E. Gernand and Nan Netherton, the City’s push for independence in 1949 centered around 1). a better education as well as 2). limiting the amount of black students. When the restrictive covenants that prevented minorities from purchasing certain properties were declared unconsti-
tutional the year before, the City residents went out of their way ensure black neighbors couldn’t attend City schools by paying their tuitions for Fairfax County schools outside of Falls Church. City schools integrated in 1961, but by then they’d already gained a reputation for strong education and attracted wealthier parents within its borders, creating the current financial barrier of entry. “Being such a progressive community, we say, ‘We don’t want Trump’s wall, that just seems crazy,’” City Councilwoman Letty Hardi told the News-Press. “But I want people to look ourselves in the mirror and think about the community we’re building and if
CITY HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES employees Dana Lewis (right) and Nancy Vincent present their intended goals for the Affordable Housing Policy Workgroup to F.C.’s City Council on Tuesday night. (P����: N���-P����) we are essentially building a wall around Falls Church that once you’ve made it in, you’re not letting in anyone else.” Falls Church’s Housing and Human Services (HHS) division lists the City’s median sales value for homes at just over $700,000. As the sale values increased, so did a demand to rent, which is why HHS director Nancy Vincent
noted that rents have increased by 96 percent since 2000. Rents have risen faster than incomes, so the City has experienced an uppercrusting of sorts that has catered to high earners throughout the 21st century. There haven’t been a plethora
Continued on Page 14
INSIDE: Make Way for Rain Barrels in F.C. ���� 15 | New Reforms Could Raise Mortgages ���� 17 | F.C. Home Sales #s ����� 20–21
Whether you are buying or selling a home, contact your Industry Leader at Advon today to discuss your real estate needs. 7 0 3 - 6 6 3 - 7 1 7 1 | I N F O @ A DVO N R E . CO M COMING SOON
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R EA L E STATE
PAGE 14 | SPRING 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
F.C. Wants Diversity, But Lacks Tangible Proof of Belief Continued from Page 13
of housing options for people who hover around the City’s average median income (AMI) of roughly $107,000. The Fields, an apartment complex behind the Taco Bell that receives a tax subsidy from the City to remain affordable for its 96 units, is the only top-tobottom affordable housing structure in the City and its tax credits will expire in the 2026. Aside from The Fields, other apartment complexes such as Northgate, Pearson Square, West Broad Residences and The Lincoln at Tinner Hill currently offer Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) — with the first two complexes filling ADUs using a lottery system while the other two keep their own list and prioritize residences to families, seniors or persons with disabilities. In total, there are 54 rental ADUs and 21 homeownership ADUs in Falls Church with $292,000 allocated for affordable housing in the City’s nearly $94 million FY 2019 budget. That’s why affordable housing has become a chief focus of the HHS staff. On Tuesday night, an Affordable Housing Policy Workgroup – consisting of two developers, nonprofit representatives as well as a senior renting in the City among many others – had their first of four meetings aimed at drafting a final document by June that’s ready for adoption, according to Housing Program Analyst Dana Lewis. As of now, the workgroup has six items in its purview: Preservation of The Fields as affordable housing, add to the City’s commitment to ADUs, Virginia Village redevelopment and preservation of units, create tax incentives to promote affordable housing along with a housing grants program and first time homebuyers program. These items were presented to a work session of the F.C. City Council this Monday night. Economically (and legally) speaking, there’s nothing malevolent about the construction of the City. Supply and demand determine pricing, and nationally renowned schools with a friendly community to boot will draw widespread attention and create a high price of admission. It’s not unlike any other luxury item — there’s a reason streets have more Fords than Ferraris on them. But as Falls Church’s wealth became more garish and its demographics remained relatively uniform, City residents have noticed their own cognitive dissonance, especially in regards to the progressive ideal
of diversity, which is a major component of the City’s “vision statement.” “You can’t have diversity unless you have diverse housing options,” said Joshua Shokoor, a data and communications analyst for the nonprofit Falls Church Housing Corporation. “I don’t see how the City is able to accomplish any of their 2040 goals without including more diverse housing options.” Shokoor’s concerns were echoed in a letter to the NewsPress a few weeks ago by Tony Scardino that observed the City’s dwindling middle class and lack of diversity in the citizenry. More housing options could satisfy this desire, yet the City also seems at odds with this motivation. A long-term solution to affordable housing has always been including another complex such as The Fields, but that goal runs up against the main opponent to such structures: the “Not in my Backyard” (NIMBY) mentality. NIMBYism stonewalled the last affordable housing structure that was proposed, the Weldon, that included a lot of help from federal funding, in a 4-3 vote on City Council in 2010 out of the fear that its presence would sink property values of nearby homes. That fear isn’t the incontrovertible truth it’s made out to seem. City resident Dr. Derek Hyra, an associate professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs, believes NIMBY concerns are overblown. According to Hyra, an affordable housing structure could have citizens ranging from 30 percent to 120 percent AMI interspersed to avoid a high concentration of low-income residents, countering any expected drag on property values. The secondary fear that City residents would have to shoulder any affordable structure through a tax raise is not clear-cut either. Per Hyra, most affordable housing initiatives are a public-private effort. If the City could attract investment through tax credits for developers or another kind of deal for nonprofits, a structure could be completed without a burdensome obligation for taxpayers and minimal fretting over tanking property values. Hyra also suggested two approaches that Hardi and Shokoor mentioned independently – making more space for the affordable housing in the City’s operating budget or the long-term capital budget and raising the threshold of ADUs from six percent to 10 percent in new developments. Although to accomplish
CURRENTLY the only top-to-bottom affordable housing structure in the City is The Fields, located off Ellison St. A second structure aimed at accommodating the workforce who’re employed at the schools, restaurants and City buildings is seen as the ideal next step to Falls Church’s affordable housing conundrum while committing to more Affordable Dwelling Units is pegged as the shortterm solution. Both measures are expected to foster a more diverse community. (Photo: News-Press) the former, the City may need to cut costs in other areas to accommodate the request. Furthermore, Hardi believes that the City needs to be more focused on singular goals when accepting developer contributions for the public pot. Instead of having new developers pay toward multiple public services at once, the City could identify particular services of need – such as affordable housing – for a period of time to direct resources to them. According to Shokoor, the City hasn’t produced new ownership opportunities since 2009 and is leaving an influx of renters cost burdened with no equity to show for it. Shokoor thinks a partnership with neighboring municipalities near a shared Metro station to do just that could be a win-win for the City and its cohort. Lastly, Hyra floated the idea of a bond referendum, similar to the $258 million measure that Portland, Oregon residents just passed last fall, though he also understands that residents may want to deal with the most recent school bond referendum before considering another one. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not there is
any interest in kickstarting an affordable housing initiative and whether it will actually benefit the community as a whole. Hardi, Hyra and Shokoor all believe there is definite interest among City residents, as well as the all-important political will do something about it, but getting residents to sign-on remains a work in progress. Though Hardi did note that Falls Church’s trend toward serving predominantly well-heeled school-age parents is not sustainable for the City’s future health and should be addressed sooner rather than later. As for the benefit to community, that remains to be seen. Urban scholars currently don’t have evidence to support the notion that low and high income populations living in close proximity generate a social gain for either. Despite that, Hyra’s confident that the “workforce housing” – the preferred term to describe the teachers, City employees and food service workers that any potential affordable structures could target – wouldn’t require the cultural “leap of faith” that it would take to connect high earners with those that live near the poverty line. Part of it, as well, is under-
standing that with diversity comes difference, which in turn can breed discord. Even though its touted as a moral good, it doesn’t often manifest in an idealized way. Adjusting those expectations – and having the wherewithal to ride out the initial acclimation period – could provide a beneficial end result. “If you want to have diversity, and bring together people of different ethnicities, races or sexual orientation, you’re likely going to get some conflict,” Hyra said. “On the flip side, you’re also going to get innovation. You’re going to get ideas that bubble up in diverse environments that probably wouldn’t in segregated, homogeneous communities. When you bring together different peoples, you get energy, vibrancy, art and culture, but there’s also going to be conflict.” If the City and its residents want to remain true to their word about wholesale progressive values, it may want to atone for history of discrimination and push their chips into the middle of the table like few other liberal strongholds have on the topic of diversity. Affordable housing reforms provide an opportunity to do so.
R EA L E STATE
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 15
Rain Barrels Help Residents Save Money & the Chesapeake Bay BY PATRICIA LESLIE
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Just in time for Earth Day on April 22 comes a new city program designed for residents to cut utility bills and save water. Falls Church residents can act now to improve water quality and stormwater management, all with a tool that is the focus of a new program, “RainSmart,” developed by the partnership of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and the City of Falls Church. The program offers residents grants of $100 for two rain barrels (or $50 for one) and up to $1,500, or half the costs, for the design and installation of rain gardens and other conservation projects which have stormwater benefits. May 4 is the deadline to apply for rain gardens’ grants, according to Jeff Peterson, a longtime VPIS board member who spearheaded the project for the organization. “Stormwater management increasingly is an issue for the city and for residents,” Peterson said. “We continue hearing from people in town who have an issue with stormwater.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says stormwater is harmful because it carries materi-
als and chemicals washed into storm drains from streets, gutters, neighborhoods, parking lots and construction sites. According to the EPA, this type of pollution is significant because stormwater is untreated and flows directly to a lake, river, or the ocean carrying pollutants like pesticides, bacteria and chemicals through city streets and straight to waters like the Chesapeake Bay. Food wrappers, cigarette butts, sewage overflow, bacteria from pet waste, used motor oil, paint and construction debris can all be found in stormwater, the agency says. Fairfax County says that because rain water is untreated, it is naturally softer than municipal water and is even better for washing cars, besides nurturing indoor and outdoor plants. Residents can use the grants to buy rain barrels at local retailers or online, or build their own barrels and learn how to install and maintain them at workshops hosted by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. Water stored in rain barrels won’t flow into streams and dump in the Chesapeake, but will flow into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies, according to VPIS. Also, by decreasing the volume of storm runoff, rain barrels help moderate
stream erosion and pollution. The Petersons have two rain barrels which stop water from flowing downhill into their neighbor’s basement, and they use the collected water to nourish their vegetable and flower garden. They said they are very happy with the rain barrels they’ve had for several years, finding them especially useful in the summer when it gets really dry. “They are a good way to keep gardens healthy and they help save money,” Peterson said. Jason Widstrom, a stormwater management engineer for Falls Church, said a mandate from the Commonwealth of Virginia requires Falls Church to help decrease pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. Rain barrels are one means to do it. “We are obligated to the state because stormwater treatment to the Chesapeake Bay is impaired,” Widstrom said. Nutrients in the water lead to algae growth which can carry toxins that kill fish, causing illnesses among humans including skin rashes and stomach disorders. Widstrom sees the grants as a way to incentivize homeowners to help work with the city and reduce pollution, and he hopes one neighborhood’s rain barrel will lead to more. Rain barrel funding will be
JEFF PETERSON is �lanked by his two rain barrels outside of his Falls Church home. (P����: P������� L�����) considered on a continuing basis. $10,000 is the amount Falls Church budgeted for the program this year with hopes that more will be budgeted for next year, Widstrom added. Peterson said the society’s very successful relationship with the city on the neighborhood tree program led to the latest collaboration. “We [VPIS] felt like we could help the city by working with people around town to take steps” to improve stormwater management. Falls Church let Arlington do the groundwork and research for the project, Peterson said. Arlington has distributed 4,000 barrels to collect water. Information, grant applications
and approved garden contractors may be found at the VPIS website under “environment.” Only city residents are eligible. Around town residents can find several city rain gardens including one down the street from the Petersons at Buxton Road and Tyson Drive. For the Earth, it’s better to go natural. “Every little bit we can do helps,” Widstrom said.
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Read more about rain barrel pricing and advance reservations and for upcoming workshops at www.fcnp.com.
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PAGE 16 | SPRING 2018
R EA L E STATE A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
M e e t Fa l l s C h u rc h’ s Re a l E s t a t e E x p e r t s Genevieve Concannon, Advon Real Estate, LLC.
Genevieve Concannon founded Advon Real Estate, a boutique brokerage in Falls Church City, with an emphasis on residential re-sale in Northern Virginia because she saw a need for focus. Real Estate agents can not be everything to everyone across all markets, and she also understands what it means to live in an area where the residential housing stock is older. With a hand selected, elite team of agents who understand new construction, sales and marketing and especially urban in-fill and new urbanism, Genevieve found the key to what Northern Virginia real estate needs. Genevieve brings over a decade of real estate experience in residential construction and multi-million dollar sales to her clients. As a highly sought after manager and top-producing agent in boutique firms throughout Northern Virginia, Genevieve has managed and cultivated complex real estate relationships within the DC Metro area. She held a portfolio of upwards of $79m in volume while recruiting, training and mentoring top real estate professionals. She and her husband live in Falls Church and love every minute! The Advon Real Estate group wants to be your strategic partner to help you see the whole picture and to advantageously position you for success in your real estate transaction. To learn more about how the Advon Industry Leaders will do more to help you buy and sell your home in Northern Virginia, reach out today to discuss your unique situation.
Genevieve Concannon, Advon Real Estate, LLC 929 W. Broad St. #202 Falls Church City, VA 22046 • 703-663-7171 • AdvonRE.com
Bethany Ellis, Long and Foster Bethany Ellis is a full time and professional Residential Real Estate Agent serving the Northern Virginia area and more specifically Falls Church, Falls Church City, McLean, Arlington, Herndon, Reston and Great Falls. Bethany loves her job because she works with people and so many personalities. Did you know there are typically 10 people in a transaction that Bethany has to work with and manage on her client’s behalf? She is excited to be able to help her clients smoothly transition through the buying or selling of a very precious commodity, their home! Bethany is tech savvy with a personal touch. Using modern tech tools and the many advantages that the Internet has to offer, Bethany is a local marketing expert. She will also be present with you every step of the way. Bethany’s goal is to help guide you through the buying and selling process with expertise and experience while ensuring you are at ease. Bethany has sold over $115 Million Dollars of Northern Virginia Real Estate and she can help you too! If you have Real Estate questions, Bethany has the answers. Call, email or text Bethany today for a free, confidential meeting. Bethany is always happy to help you buy, sell or invest in real estate.
Bethany Ellis, Long and Foster 1355 Beverly Rd., #109 McLean, VA 22101 • 703-307-7003 • www.buyandsellwithBethany.com
M������ K���, M�E������� A��������� Falls Church City is my family’s home, and I have had the privilege of being a REALTOR here since 1970. My husband Art and I raised our children here and I’m delighted that my daughter Karin Kaye Morrison joined us in the business. I remain as passionate about serving the needs of my clients today as I was the day I started. And that’s because it’s not just about selling homes — it’s about selling the unmatched quality of life we have in Falls Church and being a committed member of the community. I served on the Falls Church City Historic Commission and the BIE, I was a founding member of the Friends of Cherry Hill, and am president of Historic Falls Church. For years I served on the Mt. Daniel Library Committee putting on Book Fairs featuring famous children’s book authors. I love Falls Church, and the fact that I have had the opportunity to serve many of my clients, and their children, multiple times is the strongest testimony that I have the knowledge and the marketing and negotiating skills to assure your smooth home buying or selling experience. It has been my privilege to have sold more real estate in The City than anyone. There is no substitute for experience and passion.
Merelyn Kaye, McEnearney Associates 1320 Old Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 350, McLean, VA 22101 • 703-362-1112 • merelynkaye.com
T��� M�K�����, K����� W������� Tori and her family moved to Falls Church City 20 years ago. In 1998 as a new member of Falls Church City, Tori believed a sense of community would require active participation, and she has lead by example for the past two decades. She actively supports: Falls Church City Schools, Falls Church Education Foundation, Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, FIRSTFriday/Art-a-Lot, Tinner Hill Blues Festival, Falls Church Arts, and Taste of Falls Church. Tori serves as Vice-Chair on the Housing Commission, is a member of FCCPS Business in Education, and serves on the Board of Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Tori has often been recognized for her community involvement. She
was named Pillar of the Community by the Falls Church Chamber, named one of the Top Producing Real Estate Agents by Washingtonian Magazine, for five consecutive years, has been voted Best Real Estate Agent, and for 2017 has been voted Best Real Estate Group in the Falls Church News Press ‘Best of Falls Church’. As a tireless Falls Church advocate, Tori has helped countless families buy and sell homes over the past 14 years. Tori puts her heart and soul into the Falls Church community, and she gets so much more in return. When you’re ready to buy or sell your home, call Tori, your Falls Church expert for ROCK STAR Service.
Tori McKinney, ROCK STAR Realty, Keller Williams Realty 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201 • 703-867-8674 • torirocksrealestate.com
Louise Molton, RE/MAX West End For the past twenty years my family and I have been fortunate to live and work in Falls Church City and I believe my extensive local knowledge and passion for the community is what sets me apart in this industry. Two years ago marked a milestone in my real estate career as I opened RE/MAX West End in downtown Falls Church City, with the mission to provide the highest level of client service and expertise to our community. My team and I support our clients at every turn, from first time home buyers to experienced investors, from downsizing to relocating. I know that every situation is unique but the one constant is my commitment to excellence and exceeding your expectations! If you are thinking of buying or selling, or just want some real estate advice, please call me today at 703-244-1992 for a no obligation, confidential meeting.
Louise Molton, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX West End 710 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046 • 703-244-1992 • www.louisemolton.com
Colin Storm, Keller Williams A Falls Church REALTOR® and resident, Colin has specialized in residential real estate throughout Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. since 2007. With many years of experience as a Graphic Designer and in a leadership role in 4 and 5 Star hotel environments, Colin brought a firm grasp on high level proactive client care, and an understanding of design and aesthetics. Skills that have proved indispensable in preparing homes for sale, preparing marketing plans to generate the best results possible for home sellers, helping buyers see the full potential of opportunities, and in working hand in hand with his clients along the way. EcoBroker® certified, Colin is also passionate about the “Green Home” & energy efficiency movement. In a time when many homes continue to sell in the first or second weekend it can be tempting to sit back and allow the market to do most of the work. It is Colin’s belief that, even in this environment, a carefully prepared home, a carefully crafted marketing plan, and a hands on marketing launch can still make a notable difference to a home seller’s bottom line. It is also Colin’s belief that there should be an action plan in place up front for when a home sale takes a little longer than expected. Of course marketing is only one piece of the real estate puzzle. Every set of needs and circumstances when buying or selling a home are different. Colin adapts plans and approaches accordingly, and works with his clients to find solutions that work within their time frames, budgets, and other needs. He and his family call the City of Falls Church home, and can often be found as a swarm of bikes or scooters along the W&OD trail.
Colin Storm, Keller Williams Realty Falls Church 105 W. Broad Street, Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22046 •703-638-9144 (c) 703-533-5300 (o) fallschurchliving.com
K�� T������, TTR S������’� I������������ R����� A Falls Church real estate specialist and Host of the Video Series, Home Trends With Ken, Ken was named by the Washingtonian (2017) as a Top Producing Agent. By preparing a custom marketing plan for each listing, Ken’s listings have been featured in the FCNP, as well as The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, Curbed DC, and DC Magazine. Ken’s custom marketing strategies have resulted in his listings selling for Top Dollar and setting sales records in the Falls Church area. Prior to becoming a top producing Realtor®, Ken was a successful litigation attorney in Washington, DC, and draws frequently from that experience in his real estate career, saying: “The skills to be a successful Realtor® are the same skills it takes to be a successful lawyer. I focus on making my clients’ interests my sole priority and zealously strive to achieve the best results for each client.” For more information about the Ken Trotter Advantage, reach out to him directly and check out his website (listed below). To watch his Video Series, Home Trends with Ken, please like his facebook business page (@KenTrotterRealtor) or subscribe to his YouTube channel (Ken Trotter).
Ken Trotter, J.D., Realtor, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 703-863-0650 (c) 745-1212 (o); KenTrotterHomes.com
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
R EA L E STATE
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 17
Congressional Reforms to Federal Mortgage Providers Would Affect Interest Rates, Loans BY MATT DELANEY
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Homeowners and prospective homebuyers may come up against a new obstacle when paying or taking on a mortgage for their desired property if Congressional reforms to government-sponsored enterprises are made official in the near future. According to new research by Zillow, Congress is considering changes to the lending procedures used by government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in order to reduce the risk to taxpayers if there was another housing market crisis. Continuing with Zillow’s analysis, the purpose of the two GSEs are to keep interest rates on long-term fixedrate mortgages low, and as a result, making housing more affordable for the masses. If Congress were to pass some comprehensive changes, Americans could be facing shorter loan durations or higher interest rates, or both, depending on what kind of housing market they’re currently residing in. “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to play a key role in the
secondary mortgage market by guaranteeing loans for investors to purchase, which is crucial in providing capital for mortgage lending,” Adam DeSanctis, an economic issues media manager for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), told the News-Press. “As for proposed changes in Congress to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, NAR believes that any change must involve some government presence to ensure a continual flow of capital at all times and in all markets. However, any proposal that raises the costs of getting a mortgage ultimately places financial strain on many would-be homebuyers and would have a negative impact on the housing market.” Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are seen as a necessary arbiter when it comes to providing lower and middle income populations with an opportunity to purchase a home. However, the two GSE’s responsibility in the last housing crisis, which was a major factor in the Great Recession, and the now decade-long conservatorship by the federal government have turned Congressional opinion around. Per Investopedia.com, before the
housing crisis Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac enjoyed a monopoly on the secondary mortgage market — a very large and liquid market where home loans and servicing rights are bought and sold between lenders and investors. When home prices fell and mortgages began to default en masse, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) declared that the two GSEs would eventually be insolvent, causing the firms to take on another $200 billion in debt in an effort to stabilize the economy. From then on, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under their current state of conservatorship. James C. Miller III, a former Office and Management Budget director under President Ronald Reagan, wrote in the Washington Times last fall that the GSEs support $5 trillion in home loans that are funded primarily through credit and lack sufficient cash or capital to reinforce the firms if another wave of defaults were to occur. Miller makes an appealing case that both of the firms should undergo some serious reforms, the least being an investigation into how
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CITY HOMES on the market, such as this one pictured here, may have trouble �inding buyers if federal loan providers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are reformed in Congress. (P����: N���-P����) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could provide safer, yet stricter lending practices that wouldn’t over extend the U.S.’s credit institutions. But as it stands now, it appears homeowners and future homebuy-
ers will either have to bear the brunt of higher interest rates and shorter loan durations if the reforms were to pass, or run the risk of feeding into — worst case scenario — a second housing crisis if they don’t.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
R EA L E STATE
YOUR HOME HERE Reach out today to find out more about Colin’s full marketing plan for your Falls Church, Arlington, or McLean home. Ads here in the News Press are just the tip of the iceberg.
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 19
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R EA L E STATE
PAGE 20 | SPRING 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church Area Housing Market — 4th Quarter 2017 Report Zip Code
Area
Average Price
Number of Homes Sold
Average Days on Market
22046
Falls Church City
$756,102
55
50
22041
Bailey’s Crossroads
$420,506
91
49
22042
Sleepy Hollow
$519,132
92
45
22043
Pimmit Hills
$633,839
59
42
22044
Lake Barcroft
$532,650
39
42
Home Sales Vs. 1 Year Ago
Home Prices Vs. 1 Year Ago
Change in # of Homes Sold: 4Q ‘17 vs 4Q ‘16
Change in Average Home Price: 4Q ‘17 vs 4Q ‘16
-6.78%
Change in Falls Church City (22046)
+13.96%
Change in Falls Church City (22046)
+24.66%
Change in Bailey’s X-roads (22041)
+10.56%
Change in Bailey’s X-roads (22041)
-3.16%
Change in Sleepy Hollow (22042)
+10.40%
Change in Sleepy Hollow (22042)
-29.76%
Change in Pimmit Hills (22043)
-6.11%
Change in Pimmit Hills (22043)
+14.71%
Change in Lake Barcroft (22044)
+14.08%
Change in Lake Barcroft (22044)
Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Copyright © 2018 Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc.
R EA L E STATE
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
SPRING 2018 | PAGE 21
Real Estate
Top Falls Church Home Sales
January-March
#2 $1,574,900
#1 $1,600,500
#4 $1,415,500 #3 $1,465,000 Top 5 F.C. Home Sales January 1 – March 31, 2018 Address #1 6605 Quinten St. #2 6517 Elmhirst Dr. #3 6522 32nd St. #4 1304 Tracy Pl. #5 401 Meadow Ln.
BR
6 6 6 5 5
FB
5 5 5 4 4
HB 1 1 1 1 1
List Price
$1,650,000 $1,574,900 $1,498,999 $1,399,950 $1,425,000
Sale Price
$1,600,500 $1,574,900 $1,465,000 $1,415,500 $1,415,000
Zip
22043 22043 22046 22046 22042
Date Sold 1/31/18 2/23/18 1/4/18 1/9/18 3/29/18
Source: MRIS, Inc.; Photos: MRIS, Falls Church News-Press
#5 $1,415,000
PAGE 22 | APRIL 5 – 11, 2018
NATI O NA L
The New American Revolution, Part 1
There is a new revolutionary ferment arising in the nation that is more robust and determined than other electoral surges of recent decades, and the best news is how it is grounded in the same sentiments, centered on the concept of “equality,” that gave rise to the radical Enlightenment the century before to build up and lift the American revolution and the establishment of a constitutional democracy in the U.S. The first surge was the extraordinary outpouring of anger and protest that exploded in the first days of the Trump administration with millions of women and their allies literally taking to the streets to signal what would come from the predictable obscenities and assaults on decency and civil liberties of the new regime. FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS That led directly to stunning electoral results overthrowing cornerstones of Trump’s legitimacy in Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With the mass murder at a high school in Florida on this Valentine’s Day came the next escalation, a surge by the emerging next generation constituting the three million who will turn 18, and old enough to vote, this year, and the next, and the next, etc.. They’re joining the women’s surge as a new youth movement far more dedicated and resolute than their morally-compromised parents’ generation. They called out another expression of a developing national mass strike, huge protests that were held all across the U.S. crying out against the consummately decadent symbol of the current “ancien regime,” the wanton control of the American political process by a pro-gun lobby that insists powerful and deadly weapons of war be available to everyone over age 18, the willingness of sleazy politicians to be bought and owned by it, and the unbelievable carnage this is causing among our citizens, including our women and children. Now these students are backing a burgeoning strike wave of teachers against the underfunding of education. The stupidity and crass immorality of those currently in power are helping to fuel this new revolution, centered in the profound dishonesty, deceit and debasement that defines Trump himself. He has dragged through his stinking, immoral political and personal offal almost every elected official in the Republican Party, soiling them with a putrid stain and odor that will not wash off before the next election. (Of course, the deeper consequences of this vile corruption are in the process of coming to light in the investigation of this administration’s collusion with the brutal dictator of Russia to corrupt the free elections in the U.S., and since then sew helter-skelter chaos internally in the U.S. and in its global economic relations.) In his monumental tome on the pre-American revolution ‘ce siecle eclaire’ (enlightened century), Princeton University’s Britishborn historian, Jonathan I. Israel, in his “Democratic Enlightenment: Philosophy, Revolution and Human Rights, 1750-1790,” quotes that revolutionary era’s Paul-Henri D’Holbach saying, “Would it not become possible one day to teach the common man to think in terms of uprightness, reason and justice? If error and ignorance have forged the chains of peoples, if prejudice perpetuates them, science, reason and truth will one day be able to break them.” That is one among countless statements that sum up the mood and resolve of what fueled the Enlightenment century’s overthrow of religious superstition and political despotism with its arbitrary control over mankind. As Israel asserts, “The Enlightenment was the most important and profound intellectual, social and cultural transformation of the Western world.” Its “particular emphasis on reason was a belief that applying reason tempered by experiment and experience, not anything based on blind authority, would being vast social benefits.” Central was the quest for truth, and not lies or deceptions, such that “freedom from arbitrary power, freedom of speech, freedom of trade, freedom to realize one’s own talents, freedom of aesthetic response, freedom, in a word, of moral man to make his own way in the world” were all critical tenets, including a focus on a free press. These same values are today animating the new American revolution, challenging the same sort of institutional, arbitrary religious and political authority, and their underlying patriarchal social model that relegates women, children and subject peoples to subordinate status. It’s cause for great hope. Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.
Nicholas F. Benton
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
What’s the Matter with Trumpland? These days almost everyone has the (justified) sense that America is coming apart at the seams. But this isn’t a new story, or just about politics. Things have been falling apart on multiple fronts since the 1970s: Political polarization has marched side by side with economic polarization, as income inequality has soared. And both political and economic polarization have a strong geographic dimension. On the economic side, some parts of America, mainly big coastal cities, have been getting much richer, but other parts have been left behind. On the political side, the thriving regions by and large voted for Hillary Clinton, while the lagging regions voted for Donald Trump. I’m not saying that everything is great in coastal cities: Many people remain economically stranded even within metropolitan areas that look successful in the NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE aggregate. And soaring housing costs, thanks in large part to NIMBYism, are a real and growing problem. Still, regional economic divergence is real and correlates closely, though not perfectly, with political divergence. But what’s behind this divergence? What’s the matter with Trumpland? Regional disparities aren’t a new phenomenon in America. Indeed, before World War II the world’s richest, most productive nation was also a nation with millions of dirt-poor farmers, many of whom didn’t even have electricity or indoor plumbing. But until the 1970s those disparities were rapidly narrowing. Take, for example, the case of Mississippi, America’s poorest state. In the 1930s, per-capita income in Mississippi was only 30 percent as high as per-capita income in Massachusetts. By the late 1970s, however, that figure was almost 70 percent — and most people probably expected this process of convergence to continue. But the process went into reverse instead: These days, Mississippi is back down to only about 55 percent of Massachusetts income. To put this in international perspective, Mississippi now is about as poor relative to the coastal states as Sicily is relative to northern Italy. Mississippi isn’t an isolated case. As a new paper by Austin, Glaeser and Summers documents, regional convergence in per-capita incomes has stopped dead. And the relative economic decline of lagging regions has been accompanied by growing social problems: a rising share of prime-aged men not working, rising mortality, high levels of opioid consumption. An aside: One implication of these developments is that William Julius Wilson was right. Wilson
Paul Krugman
famously argued that the social ills of the nonwhite inner-city poor had their origin not in some mysterious flaws of African-American culture but in economic factors — specifically, the disappearance of good blue-collar jobs. Sure enough, when rural whites faced a similar loss of economic opportunity, they experienced a similar social unraveling. So what is the matter with Trumpland? For the most part I’m in agreement with Berkeley’s Enrico Moretti, whose 2012 book, “The New Geography of Jobs,” is must reading for anyone trying to understand the state of America. Moretti argues that structural changes in the economy have favored industries that employ highly educated workers — and that these industries do best in locations where there are already a lot of these workers. As a result, these regions are experiencing a virtuous circle of growth: Their knowledge-intensive industries prosper, drawing in even more educated workers, which reinforces their advantage. And at the same time, regions that started with a poorly educated workforce are in a downward spiral, both because they’re stuck with the wrong industries and because they’re experiencing what amounts to a brain drain. While these structural factors are surely the main story, however, I think we have to acknowledge the role of self-destructive politics. That new Austin et al. paper makes the case for a national policy of aiding lagging regions. But we already have programs that would aid these regions — but which they won’t accept. Many of the states that have refused to expand Medicaid, even though the federal government would foot the great bulk of the bill — and would create jobs in the process — are also among America’s poorest. Or consider how some states, like Kansas and Oklahoma — both of which were relatively affluent in the 1970s, but have now fallen far behind — have gone in for radical tax cuts, and ended up savaging their education systems. External forces have put them in a hole, but they’re digging it deeper. And when it comes to national politics, let’s face it: Trumpland is in effect voting for its own impoverishment. New Deal programs and public investment played a significant role in the great postwar convergence; conservative efforts to downsize government will hurt people all across America, but it will disproportionately hurt the very regions that put the GOP in power. The truth is that doing something about America’s growing regional divide would be hard even with smart policies. The divide will only get worse under the policies we’re actually likely to get.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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Arlington schools have embarked on another perennial “can’t please all the people all the time” endeavor. This winter, central education officials launched an Elementary School Planning Initiative that suggests a coming conversion of a neighborhood school (yet unnamed) to an option or theme school. My neighbors in the Tuckahoe jurisdiction erupted. An anonymous flyer was produced. Crash meetings were convened to share worries. So I sought clarification from Lisa Stengle, the system’s executive director of planning and evaluation. The upshot: A resourcestrapped Arlington as a whole will be rethinking some elementary school habits, but specifics aren’t known but to God. The context: All schools are crowded, projections on coming populations are iffy and the system must anticipate the 2019 opening of Alice Fleet Elementary on the Jefferson Middle School site, reopening of Nauck’s Drew Elementary as a neighborhood school and a Walter Reed Elementary re-opening in Westover in 2021. Reacting to controversy during the 2016 adjustments to some high school boundaries, Stengle said, “We want to do this a little differently.” She cited the boundary policy’s six factors: efficiency, proximity, stability, alignment, demographics and contiguity. Opportunities for “creativity are lost if we take things off the
table and only look at a portion,” she added. Which means reexamining all elementary schools at once. The engagement process began with neighborhood meetings, surveys and a just-completed “walk zone review” to re-gauge children’s safety, county geography and possible expansions of zones to allow more walkers. “We hear that proximity is a key focus,” Stengle said. But the most difficult jobs for Arlington to fill now are bus drivers, she said. “If we reduce the number of buses to neighborhood schools, that’s more money for teachers and classrooms.” Irked, the Tuckahoe parents did their homework. Some produced an anonymous flyer imploring folks to “Help Save Tuckahoe as Our Neighborhood School.” It warned of increased traffic, continued overcrowding and falling home values. It argued that the East Falls Church neighborhood was divided enough after I-66 was built in the 1970s (with more development coming around Metro). Unreliable projections, the flyer said, would produce underenrolled options schools surrounded by overcrowded neighborhood schools. The PTA weighed in with a formal letter warning against inaccurate data, adding that years of uncertainty would jeopardize Tuckahoe’s Discovery School Yard and outdoor learning program. “We have not taken an official position,” PTA president Shalla Ross told me. “We want to make sure the process is fair, open and
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Week of Mar. 26 – Apr. 1, 2018 Drug Violations/Shoplifting, 134 W Broad St (CVS), Mar 26, 2:17 PM, responding to a larceny in progress, officers located and arrested a male, 18, of Falls Church, VA, and a male, 20, of Fairfax, VA. Both were issued summonses for Marijuana Possession. The 18-year-old suspect was issued an additional summons for shoplifting. Driving Under the Influence, Pennsylvania Ave/Park Ave, Mar 27, 5:44 PM, a male, 63, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence/2nd Offense and Refusal of Breath Test. Hit and Run, 1208 W Broad St (Massage Envy), Mar 28, between 9:45 and 11:30 AM, a parked vehicle was
struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Attempted Robbery, 300 blk S Maple Ave, Mar 28, 8:50 PM, unknown suspect approached victim from behind, tapped on the shoulder, and demanded money. Upon learning victim had no money, suspect ran toward the center of the City. Suspect described as black male in his 50`s, approximately 6’02”, slim build, wearing a red hat, white shirt and navy blue jeans. Possibly homeless. No weapon was displayed or implied. No inuries. Investigation continues. Hit and Run, 150 S Washington St, between 7:30 AM, Mar 28 and 9 AM, Mar 29, a parked vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Graffiti, 900 blk W Broad St, Mar 30, 12:18 AM, witness observed graffiti
APRIL 5 – 11, 2018 | PAGE 23 transparent. But it is premature to flag a neighborhood school to become an option school in 2021. Having that out there for two years is concerning. We want to make sure Tuckahoe has enough seats for kids” who live nearby. School staff plan to draft a proposal by April 12. Then in June the school board would vote on whether any neighborhood school should convert to an option school like existing ones at Arlington Traditional, Science Focus and the Key Spanish immersion program. The board wouldn’t announce that theme school until November. In tackling this three-D jigsaw puzzle from the central office, Stengle said she views it as “an opportunity” to rethink some history and definitions of neighborhood to focus on the future. “Change is hard,” she said. “But if everyone is doing it at the same time,” more will “feel like they own all the growth.” *** A baseball season’s greeting to the Arlington Historical Society. Just over a year ago, it mounted on its website a swell collection of Arlington Little League images from the 1950s. The action shots of teams playing at the early edition of Barcroft Park came courtesy of Hank Gordon, who grew up to be an Army man who served in Vietnam and an engineer. He kept his collection of baseball exploits — programs, clippings and team standings. His career begun on the peewee diamond continued at Gunston Junior High, Wakefield High School and Virginia Tech. My favorite photo: Players shouting the post-game cheer for their opponents. being painted on 926 and 928 W Broad St buildings. Three suspects described as Hispanic males in their 20’s were involved; with one waiting inside a vehicle. Two offenders were wearing hoodies. Vehicle described as a grey Toyota 4Runner with a Virginia plate and a broken passenger side tail light cover. Investigation continues. Hit and Run, 6773 Wilson Blvd (Parking Lot), Mar 30, 2:36 PM, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Hit and Run, 6700 Wilson Blvd (Parking Lot), Apr 1, 2:15 PM, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Drunk in Public, 1000 blk Railroad Ave, Apr 1, 5 PM, a male, 22, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Drunk in Public and Unlawful Entry. OTHER ARRESTS Mar 26, 9:13 PM, a male, 29, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Assault and Battery stemming from an incident at The Lincoln at Tinner Hill on Mar 21.
LO CA L
PAGE 24 | APRIL 5 - 11, 2018
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Lemon Lane, currently located at 926 W. Broad Street, will be moving to 246 W. Broad Street, the former location of The Local Market, later this spring. Lemon Lane is an upscale children’s consignment shop owned and operated by Erin Messner. For more information, visit www.lemonlaneconsignment.com.
NoVa Chamber President, CEO Jim Corcoran Leaving The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced that Jim Corcoran, president and CEO, will be leaving the Chamber effective during the second quarter of this year. Corcoran joined the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and led the organization through its rebranding and name change to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in 2015. During the transition period, Stacy Stathopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Forehand, senior vice president, will co-manage day-to-day operations. For more information, visit www.novachamber.org.
F.C. Chamber Networking Breakfast Set for April 12 The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting an informal networking breakfast on Thursday, April 12 from 8 – 9 a.m. at the Original Pancake House, 7395 Lee Highway, Falls Church. This is an excellent opportunity to meet Chamber staff and local business leaders in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. There is no fee but attendees are expected to pay their own checks. For more information, visit www.FallsChurchChamber.org.
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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Liberty, Taco Bamba, Moby Dick Earn RAMMY Nominations
FO O D &D I NI NG
later this Fall. Joining Taco Bamba in the Fast Bites nominee lineup is another Falls Church eatery, Moby Dick House of Kabob, which has been churning out kabobs, falafel and more in the Little City since 2012. The Favorite Fist Bites winner will be decided by the voting public with ballots available online at www.nbcwashington. com/RAMMYS and polls open through 5 p.m. on Monday, April 30. The 2018 RAMMY winners will be announced at an awards gala on Sunday, June 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C.
The City of Falls Church will once again be well represented at this year’s Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington annual awards ceremony, known as the RAMMYs, taking place this June. Securing a nomination for one of the top awards of the year is Falls Church newcomer Liberty Tavern Restaurant Group, the team behind the nascent Liberty Barbecue on West Broad Street and the soon-to-open and eagerly anticipated Northside Social on Park Ave. The Arlington-based group, led by Stephen and Mark Fedorchak and Brian Normiles, is in the running for the coveted Restaurateur of the Year award. And for the third consecutive year, Taco Bamba, with a location in Pimmit Hills, has earned a nomination in the Favorite Fast Bites of the Year category. The taqueria from Victor Albisu debuted in Falls Church back in 2013 and has since opened up additional locations in Vienna and Springfield along with a D.C. location opening Friday and plans for a George Mason University location
Northside Social, Audacious Aleworks Plan April Openings In addition to the planned opening of Northside Social at the corner of Maple and Park avenues later this month, the City of Falls Church Economic Development Office reports another eagerly anticipated opening imminent. Audacious Aleworks, an upcoming “nanobrewery” (think microbrewery, only smaller), hopes to open on E. Fairfax
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AUDACIOUS ALEWORKS, the new “nanobrewery” from Mike Frizell and Brian Reinoehl, hopes to open this month in the Southgate Shoppes, F.C.’s Economic Development Of�ice reports. (P����: A�������� A�������/F�������) St. in the Southgate Shoppes center this April. The small-batch brewery from Northern Virginia residents Mike Frizell and Brian Reinoehl will occupy 2,600 square feet in the center known as the Lily Building. Joining Audacious Aleworks in the Falls Church shopping center, a representative from Bakeshop tells the News-Press the popular Arlington bakery is looking at a mid-May or June opening for its second location. Bakeshop’s menu includes a lineup for baked goods including cupcakes, cookies, cakes, cream pies, macarons, pies,
vegan items and more. Audacious Aleworks (est. opening April) 110 East Fairfax Street | Falls Church facebook.com/AudaciousAleworks Bakeshop (est. opening May-June) 102 East Fairfax Street | Falls Church Bakeshopva.com Northside Social (est. opening April) 205 Park Avenue | Falls Church northsidesocialarlington.com — Jody Fellows
CA L E NDA R
PAGE 26 | APRIL 5 – 11, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Wireless Emergency Alert Test Your mobile phone will buzz loudly on today between 10 and 11 a.m. as the National Capital Region tests the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system. Twenty jurisdictions, including coverage for the City of Falls Church, will simultaneously issue a test message through the WEA system. WEA is a public safety system allowing people who use cellphones and other enabled mobile devices to receive geographically-targeted, text-like messages about threats to safety in their area. WEA triggers a loud noise and a text message on cellphones and enabled mobile devices. This special WEA tone and vibration will both be repeated twice. Individuals with cellphones or other enabled mobile devices in the City of Falls Church will receive the following message: “A test of the Emergency
Alert System. No action required.” City of Falls Church (22046). 10 – 11 a.m. 703-248-5003. Teen Volunteer Orientation. Required for new volunteers interested in earning service hours at the library this spring for either classroom or club requirements. For teens in grades 7-12, registration and volunteer application required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 6 – 6:30 p.m. 703-2485034.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Farmer’s Market. The awardwinning market returns every Saturday to the City Hall parking lot, filled with fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers and plants, honey, chocolates, gifts, music and much more. Note: January – March, the Farmers Market operates on its abridged winter hours, running from from 9am - noon. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 a.m. – noon.
Free Composting Workshop. Learn to make rich organic compost from yard trimmings and leaves. The free program will include a composting demonstration, making compost tea, proper food waste composting and vermicomposting (composting with worms). Participants will receive a free portable yard waste compost bin. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 2 – 4 p.m. To register, e-mail Sandy Tarpinian at shoptarp@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Town Hall: FY2019 Budget, High School Campus Project, West Falls Church Project The City Manager, Wyatt Shields, and other officials will make a presentation and answer questions on the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 budget, provide updates on the high school campus project and its current planning phase and discuss the West Falls Church Economic Development project. Community Center (223 Little
Falls St., Falls Church). 2 – 4 p.m. 703-248-5034.
MONDAY, APRIL 9 Preschool Storytime. Stories and fun for ages 0-5. Drop-in. All storytimes are followed by playtime with the Early Literacy Center toys. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 – 11 a.m. 703-248-5034. Playtime with the Early Literacy Center. Explore educational and manipulative items (aka toys) to teach early literacy through play. birth to 5 years old. Drop-in. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 703-248-5034.
TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Great Books Discussion. This month’s book is “Theft in a Pastry Shop,” by Italo Calvino. Open to all. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 9 p.m. 703-248-5034.
THEATER&ARTS FRIDAY, APRIL 6
“Translations.” It is 1833, and change is coming to rural County Donegal: While a hodgepodge group gather at an Irish-language hedge school to study classics of Greek and Latin literature, British army engineers arrive to map the country, draw new borders, and translate local place names into the King’s English. Languages and histories collide, kindling romance and inciting violence. A modern classic from an Irish master, directed by Studio’s Belfast-born Associate Artistic Director, “Translations” reminds us how personal the political can be. Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C.). $20. 8 p.m. studiotheatre.org.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY SATURDAY, APRIL 7 2 “The Front Page.” The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room. Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands.
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Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or triggerhappy policemen discover him. Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana. James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church). $20. 7:30 p.m. providenceplayers.org.
“410[Gone].” The Chinese Goddess of Mercy and the Monkey King think they control the Land of the Dead until their newest arrival, a Chinese-American boy, defies the system that they currently have set in place. Can an arcade dance game be the only thing that stands between the boy and his transmigration? Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig’s dark and dazzling play about the afterlife explores identity, love and what it takes to forge a new path. Atlas Performing Arts Center(1333 H St., Washington, D.C.). $30. 8 p.m. rorschachtheathre.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 8 ”John.” In the midst of the holiday bustle, young Brooklyn couple Elias and Jenny escape on a much needed getaway to a cozy bedand-breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. However, under the watchful eye of the cheery, if slightly off, innkeeper, a ghost seems to haunt their crumbling relationship. With her trademark rough-edged humanity, observant humor and lyrical beauty, The Flick playwright Annie Baker blends the hyper-real with flickers of the supernatural in a quietly suspenseful and transfixing work. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 2 p.m. sigtheatre.org.
LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Lowball. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-5329283. Ronnie Milsap. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $59.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.
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APRIL 5 – 11, 2018 | PAGE 27
Liz Longley with The Harmaleighs. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20 – $22. 8 p.m. 703255-1566. Slam Allen Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504. Brad Pugh. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.
FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Hayley Fahey Band. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. Happy Hour: Steve Houk & Jess Robinson. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-241-9504. Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlative (encore performance takes place the following night at the same time). The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $59.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. We <3 U Chris Baker: A Charity Show feat. The Duskwhales + MILO In The Doldrums + Dr. Robinson’s Fiasco + FuzzQueen + Birds for Eyes + Kid Brother. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 8 p.m. 703255-1566. Shartel & Hume. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9:15 p.m. 703-241-9504. The Legwarmers – D.C.’s Biggest ‘80s Retro Dance Party (encore performance takes place the following night at the same time). The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $18. 9:30 p.m. 703-237-0300. One Night Stand. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 11 a.m. 703-237-8333.
SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Turnbull Studio Presents: Karaoke For A Cause. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 2 p.m. 703-255-1566. Snake Farmers. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.
ANTIGONE RISING will be at Jammin’ Java in Vienna next Wednesday. (Photo: AntigoneRising.com)
Tradin’ Eights. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. A Bandhouse Gigs Tribute to Leon Russell featuring performances by John Carroll, Patty Reese, Tommy Lepson, Black Betty and more. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $25 – $29. 8 p.m. 703255-1900. Boardwalk Karaoke. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-532-9283. Chapter 11. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. Cecilia Grace Duo. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.
SUNDAY, APRIL 8 Bentwood Rockers. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd.,
Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-2419504.
Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Celllist Cameron Crozman: Debut Artist at The Barns. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $35. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.
Wolf Blues Jam Weekly Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
The Rockits. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.
TUESDAY, APRIL 10
Ramon. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-5329283. Sam Bush with Danny Burns. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $29.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. Gayle Weaver Harrod Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504.
MONDAY, APRIL 9 Current Swell + The Fuss. Jammin’
Matt Kelly and Swang Bang. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-2419504. An Evening With Martin Taylor. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20 – $30. 7:30 p.m. 703255-1566.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 Antigone Rising. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $17 – $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Bob Hume & Martha Capone. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Arlington). 8:30 p.m. 703522-8340.
Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046 Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.
PAGE 28 | APRIL 5 - 11, 2018
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Public Notice ABC LICENSE
OMS LLC, Trading as: Skyline Stop, 5601 Seminary Road, Falls Church, Fairfax, Virginia 22041-3530. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Omar Soliman, 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.
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA BOARD OF ZONING APPEARS PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on April 12, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the Community Center, Teen Center, located at 223 Little Falls Street, for consideration of the following item:
New Business Variance application V1600-18 by Roy Wingrove, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow (1) a front yard setback of 22.67 feet instead of 30 feet, and (2) a rear yard setback of 20 feet instead of 22.15 feet for the purpose of constructing a 2-story addition on premises known as 107 Jackson Street, RPC #52-501-040 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential. Information on the above applications is available for review at: Zoning Office 400 N. Washington, Suite 101 Falls Church, VA. 703-248-5015 (option 1) zoning@fallschurchva.gov This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading by City Council on November 13, 2017; second reading and public hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. (TO17-09) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, BY REZONING A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 0.90 ACRES OF LAND AT 131 EAST BROAD STREET (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBER 53-104-050) FROM T-1, TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT TO B-2, CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. The resolutions referenced below were heard by City Council on November 13, 2017; and public hearings are scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TR17-17) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY 2.68 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 100 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET, AND 127 AND 131 EAST BROAD STREET (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS 53-104-051, 53-104-036 AND 53-104-050) FROM “BUSINESS” AND “TRANSITIONAL” TO “MIXED USE” ON THE CITY’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP, ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND
WASHINGTON, LLC. (TR17-18) RESOLUTION TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND TO INCREASE THE BUILDING HEIGHT WITH A BONUS OF FIFTEEN (15) FEET TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF NINETY (90) FEET FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON APPROXIMATELY 2.68 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 100 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET, AND 127 AND 131 EAST BROAD STREET (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS 53-104-051, 53-104036, AND 53-104-050), ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. All public hearings will be held in the Falls Church Community Center, Senior Center, 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).
CELESTE HEATH CITY CLERK VOLUNTEER PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month. Architectural Advisory Board Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Board of Building Code and Fire Prevention Code Appeals Environmental Sustainability Council Historical Commission Human Services Advisory Board Library Board of Trustees Regional Boards/Commissions: Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Northern Virginia Community College Board AMISHA SHROFF, D.D.S. will be closing her dental practice Super Smile Center in Falls Church, Virginia effective March 31, 2018.At the written request of a patient or an authorized representative, Copies of patient records will be sent, within a reasonable time, to any other like-regulated provider of the patient’s choice or to the patient
pursuant to Virginia Code § 32.1-127.1:03.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on March 26, 2018. Public hearings are scheduled for Monday, April 9 and Monday, April 23, 2018, with second reading and final Council action scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TO18-02) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019: GENERAL FUND; SCHOOL OPERATING FUND; SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND; AND SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND; CABLE ACCESS FUND; SEWER FUND; AND STORMWATER FUND (TO18-03) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE FY2019-FY2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 (TO18-04) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2019 AND ON PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY SEGREGATED BY LAW FOR LOCAL TAXATION IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA FOR TAX YEAR 2018 The proposed real estate tax rate for the tax year beginning July 1, 2018 is: $1.385 upon each $100.00 of assessed value of real estate in the City of Falls Church. The proposed tax rate for tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for the tax year beginning January 1, 2018 is: $5.00 upon each $100.00 of assessed value on tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for local taxation within the City, including the property separately classified by Section 58.1-3500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia except such personal property as is exempted; and except that pursuant to Section 58.1-2606 of the Code of Virginia, a portion of assessed value of tangible personal property of public service corporations shall be taxed at the real estate rate. All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP No. 0503-18-RLCS: RED LIGHT CAMERA SYSTEM The City of Falls Church has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of a Red Light Camera System. The due date for the receipt of sealed proposals is May 3, 2018 by 2:00 PM. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 400 N. Washington St., 3rd Floor (Dogwood Room), Falls Church, VA 22046. A copy of the RFP which details all specifications and requirements, including new proposal submittal location information, may be downloaded from the City of Falls Church’s procurement website: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/Bids. In addition, a copy of the RFP Notice may be accessed via eVA, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s electronic procurement portal for registered suppliers: https://eva.virginia.gov. For more information and/or questions regarding this RFP please contact the City’s Purchasing Agent at (703) 248-5007; jwise@fallschurchva.gov. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5007 (TTY 711). We are pledged to the letter andspirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Crossword
ACROSS
By David Levinson Wilk 1
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Across
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1. ____ card 6. Fearless 10. Vodka brand whose bottles are, aptly, blue 14. "Whatever ... see if I care!" 15. Together, in Toulouse 16. Self-defense, e.g. 17. Clear the slate 18. Examined by the doctor 19. Clock radio toggle 20. Chopping, kicking, bowing to a sensei, etc.? 23. Abbr. on a baby announcement 24. "At Last" singer James and others 27. Radio shows hosted by Earl Scruggs and Steve Martin? 34. Brand that tweeted "Retweet if you floss everyday. It's so important!" 35. Google result 36. Letters often appearing in front of Queen Elizabeth II's name 37. 2013 Oscar winner Jared 38. Tops 40. Woodwind whose name is from the French for "high" and "wood" 41. Young Darth Vader's nickname 42. 2016 Olympics city 43. Bad thing to be caught in 44. Projects for adobe-loving architects? 49. Switched to, as on a thermostat 50. Singer-songwriter with the 2014 #1 album "1000 Forms of Fear" 51. Economist's concern ... or what you're doing by solving 20-, 27- and 44-Across 58. Group named for its members Anni-Frid, Benny, Bjorn and Agnetha 61. Sean Connery, e.g.
STRANGE BREW
1. ____ card
APRIL 5 – 11, 2018 | PAGE 29
62. Kind of column, in architecture 63. Gloom's partner 64. Radiohead head Yorke 65. City known as the "Venice of Japan" because of its many canals and rivers 66. "Enough already!" 67. Word often sung in the first moments of a new year 68. Hombre's title
31. Buckeye State sch. 32. Order between "ready" and "fire" 33. Gets rid of 38. Million Man March and Million Mom March, for two 39. One in a cage 40. It's a wrap in Kurosawa films 43. Slow movements 45. How some kids spend the summer 46. Mason ____ 47. "Am I the crazy one?" 48. Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer 52. In need of a massage 53. SpongeBob, e.g. 54. 1998 Literature Nobelist Saramago 55. "Chestnuts roasting __ open fire ..." 56. In 2007, Johannesburg's Apartheid Museum put up an exhibition commemorating the 30th anniversary of his death 57. Plastic surgeon's concern
DOWN
1. Was in the lineup, but didn't play the field 2. On 1/1/2014, Latvia became the 18th country to adopt it 3. Key with five sharps: Abbr. 4. ____ facto 5. 1958 film that featured a gelatinous mass and Steve McQueen in his first starring role 6. #41, in relation to #43 7. ____ Day vitamins 8. "Ray Donovan" star Schreiber 9. Kept from 10. City-state involved in the Peloponnesian War 11. Airline which, in 1924, made its first intercontinental flight from Amsterdam to Batavia 12. "Fer sure!" 13. Thanksgiving staple 21. Withdraw 22. Like Advil or Benadryl: Abbr. 25. Place where rubbish goes 26. Having a lot of alcohol 27. Pakistan's ____ Pass 28. Where some fights are fought 29. ____ American 30. In 2014, Sir Mix-a-Lot admitted she inspired his 1992 hit "Baby Got Back"
JOHN DEERING
6. Fearless
Sudoku Level:
10. Vodka brand whose bottles are, aptly, blue
58. Lead-ins to many YouTube videos 59. Droid 60. "You're blind, ump! Blind!"
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Last Thursday’s Solution
M U S I A L
I D U N N O
G O R D O N
F L O W E R E D
R I D I C U L E
A L O R A N G E
A W V I I R S E I O B N C A C R S Y U A T R E P S
D I V A
A N A G
M O L A S L A S E S E O I S S F A C L A L Y S A B C O K Y
F Y O N D L O E R
H A N D S O M E
L E C H E
K O L R A O N E P I S
S E C T
E E T E R S O R N O A N A D A S T D I S H O R C A M E A D L A N G L A N D E I D B I G A A A M E S G R A N T N S F O R E A M I S N E D
By The Mepham Group 4
14. "Whatever ... see if I care!" 15. Together, in Toulouse 16. Self-defense, e.g. 17. Clear the slate 18. Examined by the doctor 19. Clock radio toggle 1
20. Chopping, kicking, bowing to a sensei, etc.? 23. Abbr. on a baby announcement 24. "At Last" singer James and others 27. Radio shows hosted by Earl Scruggs and Steve Martin?
LOOSE PARTS
DAVE BLAZEK
34. Brand that tweeted "Retweet if you floss everyday. It's so important!" 35. Google result
Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle
NICK KNACK
1
© 2018 N.F. Benton
4/8/18
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.
© 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
LO CA L
PAGE 30 | APRIL 5 – 11, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
BACK IN THE DAY
dog. lazy ick qu The fox sly p e d j u m the over dog. lazy is the Now for all time cows good co me to aid to the the ir of t u r e . pas
20 s Yearo Ag
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20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press Falls Church News-Press Vol. VIII, No. 5 • April 16, 1998
Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVIII, No. 6 • April 10, 2008
Critter Corner It is now the time fo r all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up
10 Year s Ago
It is now the time fo r all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up
Council Gets Earful from Public Supporting School Board Budget
F.C. Area Insulated from Worst Recession Woes, Expert Says
It was Standing Room Only at the City Council chambers in the Falls Church City Hall Monday night, arguably the biggest turnout of the decade, for the first public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 1999 budget that the City Council now has less than two weeks to finalize. The majority of the three dozen citizens who took to the microphone to give the Council a piece of their mind were in favor of the full school board budget request.
In an exclusive interview with the NewsPress Monday, foremost authority on economic trends in Northern Virginia drew a stark contrast between the state of economic affairs inside the Beltway, including Falls Church, compared to regions outside it. Dr. Stephen S. Fuller, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason’s School for Public Policy, said that the greater Falls Church area of Fairfax County is the strongest in the county.
Former F.C. Resident Pat Parnell Dies at 93 Poet and teacher Patricia “Pat” Jones Parnell, 93, formerly a longtime Falls Church City resident, died Thursday, March 22 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire following complications from heart surgery. She was born April 12, 1924 in Richmond, Virginia to Ruth Ardis (Seybolt) Jones and Dr. Basil Bradbury Jones. Known in New Hampshire poetry circles as “the Queen of the Hoot,” Pat was an active member in the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program and was also a member of the Poetry Society of New Hampshire, the Stratham Library Writers Group and the former Seacoast Writers Group. She was the author of two books of poetry, and her work has appeared in several anthologies. She and her husband, Bill, raised four sons in Falls Church during the 1960s and ‘70s: William Basil, Ed, Larry and Howard. Pat and Bill were high school teachers for 20 years in the Fairfax County School System, where she taught English and he taught history and civics. They were also founding members of the Citizens for a Better City, active in the Falls Church Democratic Committee, and took on many causes, such as supporting housing desegregation efforts in the city and helping to raise money to build the Community Center for the city’s youth. They were communicants in the Saint James Parish. After retiring to the New Hampshire’s Seacoast region in 1982, Pat went on to become Professor Emerita at Chester College of New England, (formally White Pines College), where she taught for many years. A graduate of Swarthmore College, Pat obtained a master’s degree in American history from Radcliffe
College (now Harvard) in 1948. She and Bill became communicants of St. Michael Church in Exeter, NH, where both also served as home communion ministers for shut-ins. While living in Stratham, she joined her sister Ruth in purchasing the King George Journal in King George County, Va., in 1983 and served as co-owner and contributing editor for many years. She and Bill were also active in the New Hampshire Democratic Committee and enjoyed traveling and organizing trips through the Elderhostel program. After retiring from the college, Pat embraced her passion for writing full-time, and published two books: “Snake Woman and Other Explorations, Finding the Female in Divinity,” 2001, and “Talking with Birches, Poems of Family in Everyday Life,” 2004. She became a fixture in the New Hampshire Seacoast writing scene, authoring numerous poems and often reading at poetry hoots and open-mic events, while mentoring and encouraging many other writers to do the same. She was actively writing poetry and editing the work of others right up to the time of her passing. Pat is survived by four sons and their wives, William B. and Bernadette of Jupiter, Fl.; Edward J. and Ellen of Richmond, Va.; Lawrence J. and Janice of Lansdowne, Va.; and Howard D. and Mary of Falls Church, Va. She is also survived by three nieces, Sarah Ailey, wife of Jack, of Chicago, Ill.; Beverly Klunk, wife of Brian, of Stockton, Calif.; and Jessica Herrink of King George, Va. There are 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a nephew and his wife, Sean and Cindy Parnell of Easthampton, Mass.; a
PAT JONES PARNELL niece, Betsy Parnell of Holyoke, Mass.; and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Pat was predeceased by Bill in his 87th year; and by her sister, Ruth, also 87. In memory of Pat, the family has shared her poem Ritual, about her relationship with Bill: Every morning he wakes me, gives me my first pill of the day, placing it carefully in my open palm. I pick it up, right thumb and forefinger, place it in my mouth. He hands me a cup and I drink. We both know. Every gift given in love is Eucharist. Calling hours will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH, 03833. A Mass is scheduled for noon Friday at St. Michael Church, Exeter, with a light luncheon for the congregation after the service. Interment will be in Old Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Va., at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, St. Michael’s Church, 9 Lincoln St., Exeter, NH 03833. To sign an online guest book, visit www. brewittfuneralhome.com.
THE SIBLINGS, all six years old, of brother Courage (middle) with sisters Busy (left) and Shyness pose for a family portrait.
Connie Lawn Dies at 73
Long-term independent reporter Connie Lawn died April 2, 2018 at her Lake Barcroft home in Falls Church, VA. She was 73. Her death from a rare form of Parkinson disease was confirmed by her husband, Dr. Charles Sneiderman. Connie said she had a full and exciting life, but she was proudest of her family, including her husband, her sons David and Daniel Rappaport, and their families. Connie was longest-serving member of the White House Press corps at 50 years. She came to Washington in l967, after graduating from Simmons College in Boston and studying at Harvard and L’Institut Science Politique in Paris. After brief stints as a staffer on Capitol Hill and as a reporter for all-news radio WAVA in Washington, Connie signed up as a volunteer supporter for Senator Eugene McCarthy in New Hampshire. She soon saw journalism as more important than politics and morphed into a freelance reporter. She moved to the Bobby Kennedy campaign and was one of the few “girls on the bus” or the Kennedy press plane, until the bitter end. She had one of the last interviews with him, and stood near him when he was assassinated in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Connie broadcast nonstop for several days and nights until he died. 1968 was one of the most intense and tragic years in modern American history. In addition to the Kennedy shooting, Connie covered the riots following the earlier death of Martin Luther King. Jr. She also went to Chicago where she was beaten up during the Democratic Convention. In August, she went to Prague, to cover the Russian invasion. On the campaign trail, Connie picked up a number of clients
in this country and around the world. Some stayed with her for over 20 years. Her international radio clients included networks in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, South Africa, and other countries. She created a news bureau, calling it Audio Video News. In 1982 she was briefly kidnapped in Lebanon, while covering the expulsion of the PLO. Other major stories followed over the years, including Vietnam protests, the shooting of Ronald Reagan, the Watergate scandal, the Nixon resignation, and all the drama and tragedy of recent years. The stories just keep coming. Many of them are recounted in her book, “You Wake Me Each Morning – The Final Chapter.” A documentary on Connie’s life and career is in production. Connie had an especially close relationship with New Zealand which gave her major honors. A champion race horse was named after her. Connie (not the horse!) was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Zealand National Press Club in 2006. It has now been donated to the U.S. National Press Club in Washington, D.C. In 2012 she was awarded an Honorary New Zealand Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth. The honor was bestowed on her in Washington by Mike Moore, then Ambassador to the US and a former prime minister of NZ. The mayor of her hometown, Long Branch, NJ designated a Connie Lawn Day and she was given a key to the city in 2016. Connie’s life will be celebrated in the near future; details will be announced at lakebarcroft.org. Her family would most appreciate contributions in her memory to Capital Caring Hospice or to Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.
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APRIL 5 – 11, 2018 | PAGE 31
AS SPRING BEGINS to rear its head, classes throughout Falls Church City Public Schools are shifting their focus to biology classes, covering everything from animal plant and bug life that can be found out in the environment. Jessie Thackrey Preschool students (left) in the Frog Room are beginning a unit on insects where they are using Play-Doh to make caterpillars and butterflies and understand the different parts of each insects. Once the weather warms up and the usual April showers subside for a day, the class is hoping to take a trip outside to see some real insects. Meanwhile, second grade students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School are grabbing their magnifying glasses to observe the anatomy of seeds to understand native plants. (Photos: FCCPS Photos/ Left – Sara Baygents; Right – Corrie Wright)
Fa l l s C h u r c h
School News & Notes Drivers Needed for Mason’s Mulch Sale Delivery The George Mason High School Athletic Boosters sold a record 3,700 bags of mulch this year, 500 more than last year. The mulch sale is a large source of funds for the boosters. However, in order to accrue those funds students and parent volunteers must complete their delivery routes in a six hour time period this Saturday, April 7. The need for drivers to transport mulch and athletes throughout Falls Church City is imperative at this point in time. If any volunteers have a car at their disposal and a couple of hours to spare on Saturday, visit Mason’s page at signupgenius.com to enlist your efforts.
Hippo Tiger Giraffe Games Just a Month Away On Saturday, May 5 at 5:15 p.m., the most prominent spirit event of the year for the elementary schools will take place on the George Mason High School turf field — the annual Hippo Tiger Giraffe (HTG) Games. Interested attendees are encouraged to save the date to watch their favorite teachers battle it out in fun relays and challenges. Last year the HTG Games
raised over $15,000, which funded teacher grants, special events, school equipment and supplies. Class baskets, a silent auction of K-5th-grade group art projects, concessions, and spirit wear sales are all part of the evening. Games begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets go on sale online for $10 on April 15. Tickets available at the door for $15. Volunteers are needed. If interested in volunteering, e-mail htggames2018@gmail.com.
13th Annual Jaguar 5K Run/ Walk Slated for April 28 Falls Church High School (FCHS) students, parents and nearby residents are encouraged to register and attend the 13th Annual Jaguar 5K Run/Walk and Kids one mile Fun Run that will take place on Saturday, April 28. Registration information can be found on fallschurchsports.org and then clicking the “Files and Links” tab and then on “www. jaguar5k.com.” For more information, contact FCHS Boosters at fchsboosternews@gmail.com
Concessions Volunteers Needed at Falls Church High Falls Church High School is looking to have more parents and/ or guardians help out with conces-
sions during spring sports events. If interested, the concession schedule is available at fallschurchsports.org by clicking on “Boosters” and then on “CLICK to View Volunteer Opportunities VolunteerSpot” or you can contact the Falls Church High School Boosters by e-mailing fchsboosternews.org.
Support Staff of the Year Nominees Announced Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) recognized eight nominees for the Support Staff Employee of the Year Award. Colleagues, parents and community members nominated these outstanding employees in appreciation of the exceptional service to the school community. The nominees were surprised by the FCCPS Prize Patrol in their schools and offices. The nominees are: Charmaine Barr — Bus Driver, FCCPS Transportation Department; Sue Beltson — School Health Aide, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School; Devita Godette-Eason — Benefits Specialist, Human Resources; Cecilia Guerra — Assistant to the Director of Special Education & Student Services; Evelyne Horovitz — Paraprofessional, Thomas
Jefferson Elementary School; Alane O’Neill — Technology Paraprofessional, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School; Nora Pishner — Paraprofessional, Mt. Daniel Elementary School and Alejandrina Sanchez-Martinez — Custodian, George Mason High School Next up, a panel of judges will select and announce the winner in late April. Recognition of all nominees will be at the FCCPS Celebration of Excellence sometime in May. FCCPS students, staff and administration congratulate their deserving nominations.
F.C. High All Night Grad Tickets Now on Sale Falls Church High School will be selling tickets for its All Night Grad Party during lunch outside the cafeteria every Friday in March, April and May. Payment can be accepted by cash or checks. Make checks payable to “FCHS ANGP.” For those under 18, be sure to bring a signed permission slip when purchasing a ticket. For more information, contact Sheeba Bruning at smb3026@gmail.com. Prices are as follows: Early Bird Price: $35 (04/01/18 through 05/15/18), Regular Price: $40 (05/16/18 through 06/06/18) and At The Door Price: $45.
Mason Robotics Qualifies for World Championship Finals On March 29-31, the George Mason High School Robotics team competed at the Chesapeake
District Championship, held at the University of Maryland. Mason Robotics was in 12 qualification matches with a random selection of alliance partners resulting in a record of 4-7-1. The team accumulated some of the highest stats of the competition for climbing and ‘autonomous’ points. The team has qualified to compete in the World Championship finals for the third year in a row as the 24th team out of the Chesapeake District. A special congratulations go to the team’s programming captain, Erik Boesen, selected as one of the four Chesapeake District’s FIRST Dean’s List Award Finalists. The award recognizes student leaders who have led their teams and communities to increased awareness of FIRST and its mission while achieving personal technical expertise.
Henderson Spaghetti Dinner On Tap for This Friday The first ever Mary Ellen Henderson Parent-Teacher Association Spaghetti Dinner will be held on April 6 at 6 p.m. in the Henderson (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) Cafetorium. The evening is free and open to all Henderson students and their families. Fifth-grade families are invited to join in as a chance to introduce rising 6th graders to the middle school. Volunteers are needed to help cook and serve. For more information, contact Steve Mostow at smostow@yahoo.com.
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