May 10 – 16, 2018
FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE
FOU N D E D 1991 • VOL. XXVIII NO. 12
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I����� T��� W��� F.C. S������ F������� A���� B����� The Falls Church School Board unanimously adopted its $51 million budget for the coming Fiscal Year 2019 Tuesday night, a less than one percent increase overall compared to the current budget year. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9
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F.C. Leaders Thrilled by High Quality Of 6 Proposals for West F.C. Project Swift Moves Coming To ‘Down Select’ to Final 3 Contenders
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
New rankings from U.S. News & World Report place George Mason High School as the second best in the Commonwealth of Virginia, behind only the magnet Thomas Jefferson High School. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9
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Rather than trying to eliminate Obamacare in one fell swoop, Republicans are trying to undermine it with multiple acts of sabotage. SEE PAGE 14
M���� B��� T�� R���, I������ �� 10-0-1 After two months of the season, George Mason High School’s boys soccer team is undefeated and goalkeeper Ethan Morse has yet to surrender a goal in Bull Run District competition. SEE SPORTS, PAGE 16
INDEX Editorial.................6 Letters...................6 News & Notes10–11 Comment ........ 12-14 Business News ...15
Calendar .......18–19 Classified Ads .....20 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ..........21 Critter Corner......22
FALLS CHURCH’S U.S. Representative Donald S. Beyer Jr., (second from left) chatted with Falls Church City Democratic Committee chair Peg Willingham (left), former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran and event hosts David and Kathy Padilla (right) in Falls Church Sunday. (P����: N���-P����)
Beyer Playing Major Role in Dems’ Election Year Push
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
A lesser-known fact about Falls Church’s U.S. congressman, Donald S. Beyer Jr., is his national role in this critical midterm election year as the financial director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Beyer, who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, is spending a considerable amount of time criss-crossing the nation to meet with and evaluate the
potentials of Democratic congressional candidates in a year when the chances of Democrats reclaiming the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, and possibly also the U.S. Senate, are running high. Beyer’s predecessor in Congress, former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, brought this aspect of Beyer’s service to light in a Falls Church event Sunday, where a high level of enthusiasm by a large turnout in a private home matched the rousing enthusiasm that Democrats generated in nearby larger county-
wide events in Fairfax’s Tysons Corner and Arlington’s Ballston districts in the last two weeks. On the Republican side, the news has centered on the GOP’s endangered congressman Barbara Comstock’s strong expression of support this week for President Trump’s decision to ditch the Iran Nuclear accord — in sharp contrast to Beyer and his Virginia Democratic colleagues Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Rep. Gerry Connolly — and the GOP’s 11th
Continued on Page 5
If City of Falls Church leaders danced a jig, either individually or collectively, in the last week, it was done out of sight of the press. But they’ve not withheld expressions of extreme delight at the roster of six official bid submissions made last week by top-tier development firms seeking a shot at building out the 10 acres of City-owned land designated for dense economic development at the City’s west end. Local developer and Economic Development Authority board member Robert Young told the News-Press, “Six is a very good response, and they are all high quality, very credible and highly qualified. This is very, very encouraging.” Having done an initial review of the bid contents, consultant Jennifer Boss told the F.C. City Council at its work session Monday that they should celebrate. “These are great respondents of the highest quality and there are some great ideas there,” she said. Following an initial discussion of the proposals, the Council also mulled a change to the zoning at the site that would permit up to 15 stories, although some balked at any height limits at all. On the bids, the City has not hesitated to move quickly on taking the process to the next level. A high-powered evaluation committee has been assembled by City Manager Wyatt Shields to move with dispatch to review and evaluate the bids, looking to “down select” from six to three by the end
Continued on Page 4
PAGE 2 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
VILLAGE PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY
A Thank You Note
From Peter Noonan, FCCPS Superintendent of Schools Dear City of Falls Church Residents, On May 15th I will celebrate my one-year anniversary as your school Superintendent...a good time to reflect on our collective accomplishments and plan for the future. This year Falls Church City Public Schools’ motto has been “Better Together.” Over the course of the year, together, on behalf of our students, we have done amazing work. We are building schools! We are on track to complete the Mount Daniel Elementary School project. After the successful bond referendum for a new George Mason High School, work is underway to get that project started. One of my key beliefs is that when we say ALL we mean ALL. In FCCPS we believe that ALL kids will learn at high levels regardless of their needs, abilities, and life challenges.The budget that was recently approved by City Council and School Board supports this core belief. I appreciate the work of the School Board and City Council and their support of our collective work. Looking ahead, I am committed to working diligently on behalf of Falls Church students and families in cooperation and collaboration with our school leaders and teachers. That constellation of people has the most significant impact on the lives of our kids. Together, as a team and through the lens of research-based best practices and strong collaboration, we will take our school system to the next level. We aspire to be the premier PK-12 International Baccalaureate school division in the country, and it takes strong teamwork to make that happen. We are #teamFCCPS! Thank you for an incredible first year. I am grateful for your kind welcome and the support you have shown me. I look forward to many years of service to our Little City!
51st Annual Attic Treasures Sale Falls Church Community Center Saturday, May 19th, 9am-2pm • Bicycles • household goods & small furniture • books (no magazines please) • kitchenware • antiques • collectibles & art, picture frames • musical instruments, recordings, stereos & CD players • record albums/vinyls
• plants, gardening items, outdoor ornaments • DVDs • toys, including electronic and handheld devices • jewelry • hardware & tools • baked goods • craft table for kids
We are accepting Donations. Contact Michael at 703-371-2369 or prareedog@gmail.com. All proceeds support the Neighborhood Tree Program and Concerts in the Park ~ www.VPIS.org Unsold items will be sold at Unique Thrift Stores to benefit Special Olympics
Sincerely, Peter Peter Noonan, EdD Superintendent of Schools @peternoonan @FCCPS #TeamFCCPS PS. This quarter page ad was purchased by me and not by FCCPS :)
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Reservations are required email info@fallschurchchamber.org or register online at www.FallsChurchChamber.org. Tickets are $27 for Chamber members, $32 for non members. An additional $5 will be charged for walk-ins.
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Chamber members and friends are invited to join us for FREE food, drink, networking and raffle prizes.
Learn More at www.FallsChurchChamber.org
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
MAY 10 - 16, 2018 | PAGE 3
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PAGE 4 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
Leaders Delighted by Initial Bids On West F.C. Development Project
Continued from Page 1
Rail station site adjacent the Falls Church land, but that it plans to push ahead on this plan immediately. The disappointing unwillingness of WMATA to work in tandem with the Falls Church project notwithstanding, Falls Church retains a significant edge in terms of timing, if it can proceed apace in the coming period. Secondly, as Mayor Tarter pointed out at Monday night’s work session, should Amazon select Northern Virginia (presumably Arlington) as the location for its monster second headquarters, the implications for the entire region would be huge, and could modify, to the good, the potentials at the Falls Church site. Tarter suggested a certain open-endedness to the development process here to take that contingency into account. In his comments to the NewsPress, Young credited the work of the City’s consultants, Alvarez and Marsal, for the strong initial
response to Falls Church’s West End project. The six initial bidders for these include: 1. Comstock WFC, LLC (with a team of Davis, Carter, Scott, Ltd, the James G. Davis Construction Corporation, LandDesign, Inc. and Gorove/ Slade Associates), 2. EYA, LLC (with the team of PN Hoffman, Regency Centers, Torti Gallas and Partners, Walter L. Phillips, Inc., MuniCap, Inc. and Baskin, Jackson and Lasso PC), 3. Fivesquares Development (with the team of EDENS, Cunningham Quill Architects, LLC, Wiles Mensch Corp., Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and the Clark Construction group), 4. Mason Greens LLC (Republic Family of Companies with the team of Perkins Eastman, James G. Davis Construction Corporation, Stanmore Associates, McGuire Woods Consulting, Lee and Associates, Walter L. Phillips, Inc., Toll Brothers, Nova Ventures, Inc., Wells and Associates and Capstone Development), 5. Rushmark WFC, LLC (with the team of Hitt Contracting, Gensler Architecture, Design and Planning, P.C., Dewberry
3
1-
$1 ,0 S A 50 T U ,0 RD 0 0
of this month, pending a vote by the Council. Meanwhile, work is well underway to develop a request for significantly more detailed bid proposals from the three finalists, with the plan to select the final winning bidder by October, again requiring a Council vote. The evaluation committee will have its first meeting later this week and the six preliminary bids, minus proprietary components, will be posted to the City’s website for all to see by next Tuesday, May 15. (It was announced earlier to be later this week, but that has been adjusted). The evaluation committee is composed of F.C. Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan, School Board rep Erin Gill, Planning Commission rep Russ Wodiska, Economic Development Authority rep Young, City consultant Bob Wulff, City Planning Director
Jim Snyder, a City Council member to be named, and Shields. Working with the group in advisory capacities will be the City’s project manager Lee Goldstein, City Attorney Carol McCoskie and the Alvarez and Marsal consulting team of Ted Risher, Jennifer Boss and Jay Brown. They will sign non-disclosure agreements so they can view the proprietary components of the bids, and study them assiduously until they come together on May 29, the day after Memorial Day, to seek a consensus among them on who the three finalists should be. As an added incentive, the City has found itself in the last weeks confronted with two new competitive elements. First, it was learned that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has not only submitted plans for the commercial and residential development of its 20 acres at the West Falls Church Metro
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Wednesday, May 23 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
RENOVATED AND EXPANDED
OP
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Engineers, Inc., Gorove/Slade Associates, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Inc and Walsh, Colucci, Lebeley and Walsh, P.C.), and 6. SCD Acquisitions Mid Atlantic LLC (Skanska USA Commercial Development, Inc., with Antunovich Associates). Much of the discussion at the Council work session Monday dealt with the relationship between the evaluation committee and the Council itself. Rather than just being asked to sign off on the evaluation committee’s recommendations, the Council needs to be more fully engaged, Council member Ross Litkenhous insisted. “If I am going to be asked to cast a vote on a decision that will define the City’s next 50 years, if I am going to vote my conscience I will need to be educated, informed and fully ready to vote,” he said. Mayor David Tarter concurred, saying, “There are going to have to be more Council meetings on this,” and Councilman David Snyder agreed. “There is going to have to be a level of trust between the Council and the evaluation committee,” Shields said. “I think this process will work pretty well.”
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Beyer Optimistic in F.C. Talk About 3 Positive Developments
Continued from Page 1
District committee’s formal opposition to the expansion of Medicaid in Virginia, a highly contentious issue being fought out now in Richmond. (On the Medicaid expansion issue, a wide representation of often-pro Republican Chambers of Commerce have weighed in this week, including the powerful Northern Virginia Chamber, supporting the expansion, which would extend Medicaid coverage to 400,000 Virginians not now covered). Comstock, representing the 10th District to the west, is the most-targeted congressman in Virginia for defeat by the Democrats along with at least one other district, currently held by Rep. David Brat in central Virginia’s 7th District. Despite her ringing endorsement of Trump’s action this week, Comstock was excluded from a long list of congressmen who
were quoted in support of the president’s decision in an official White House press release yesterday. Comstock’s district is a gerrymandered long and narrow district running from small portions of McLean bordering right at the Falls Church City limits westward deep into Loudoun County. Despite recent GOP-controlled gerrymandering, however, the demographics of the district have lost their deep red, pro-GOP luster in the days since retired U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf had a lock on it (way back in the day, until 1991, the 10th district and Wolf, covered the City of Falls Church), though a tenacious Comstock has been able to hold onto it through some stiff challenges in recent years. Her party dodged a bullet this Tuesday when Don Blankenship, an openly race-baiting, xenophobic candidate promising to “outTrump Trump” in West Virginia was soundly defeated, even as levels of Democratic turnouts
BE Y ERK IA .COM
in primaries in four states overwhelmed those for Republicans. For Comstock, this year could be different for her, as six energetic potential Democratic challengers are currently vying for their party’s nomination, to be determined in a primary next month. So far, the edge there is going to State Sen. Jennifer Wexton of Loudoun, who was endorsed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam last month. Beyer, who’s currently touting the best-selling book by Harvard professor Steven Pinker, “Enlightenment Now, The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress” (called “my new favorite book of all time” by Bill Gates), called Trump “America’s first anti-Enlightenment president” at the Falls Church event Sunday, adding, “One antiEnlightenment president will not overcome 250 years of democratic progress.” He cited three areas that are cause for optimism despite the
Trump presidency (he said he found comedian Michelle Wolf’s controversial roast of Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner recently “the funniest 20 minutes ever”). He pointed to 1. the explosion of civic activism that continues to build, 2. the muscular role of the press’ “speaking truth to power,” naming the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Falls Church News-Press, and 3. the Democratic election wins all across the U.S. in the last year. Based on his pivotal role with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Beyer said that across the U.S., there are 108 “good” Democratic candidates now running aggressively for seats that the GOP currently
MAY 10 - 16, 2018 | PAGE 5
holds, and that more Republicans have announced their retirement from Congress this year than in any year since 1930. He stressed the importance of the Democrats “needing a good candidate” for the 2020 presidential race. In all the Democrats’ bids to “flip” districts, the races will be close, he cautioned. Beyer, the Falls Church native son who was once president of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce as a local businessman before being elected Virginia’s lieutenant governor in 1989, and Sen. Tim Kaine are slated to be guest speakers at the annual Falls Church Democratic Committee potluck at the Falls Church Community Center on June 10.
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PAGE 6 | MAY 10 – 16, 2018
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E D I TO R I A L
E��������
No Height Limit Should Be Imposed
There’s really no doubt about it. The roster of development teams that has stepped up to compete for the West Falls Church economic development project is like a team that, metaphorically speaking, could take LeBron to a Game 7. But of course they’re not going to be working together that way, but instead to compete among themselves for a spot in the winner’s circle come next October. How good are they going to be? The public will get a first glimpse of that when the bids are posted to the City of Falls Church website next Tuesday. These are initial conceptual bids, but they have to be good enough, and detailed just barely enough, to successfully compete through the first phase of the selection process, when 11 senior City officials and their professional consultants finish a month-long process of pouring over the pages — presumably with all members of the City Council doing likewise — to rank them and vote to proceed with at least three of the six. The purpose of that “down select” process is to relieve the bottom three of the kind of serious investment of time and capital it would take them to provide a second set of bids, these far more specific and detailed, that will be sought once the three finalists are chosen in less than a month. With their selection will come the next ask by the City’s team for specifics, in terms of everything from financing, phasing, architecture, proposed density, balance of residential, commercial and retail and more. A review of those will result in the final selection. We would strongly urge a diligent public to keep up with this process every step of the way, including remaining mindful of the context of the construction of an all-new high school next door, and the competition that now part of the mix coming from WMATA’s sudden intention to develop its own West Falls Church Metro station property with a new-found haste next door. The City’s consultants, Alvarez and Marsal, have indicated that criteria in the selection process include qualifications and experience, financial capability, project approach and financial approach. Let your favorite City leaders know what you think! A public town hall will be held on Sunday afternoon, May 20. This Monday, the City Council will decide an initial important step, having the benefit of an early look at the first six bids. That will concern the permissible height limit, if any, of buildings at the site. The City staff’s recommendation is for a 15-story limit, above the about 115 feet (about 11 stories) currently permitted in the zoning code. But we don’t understand why there should be any height limit at all on that site. Wouldn’t it be better, if the purpose is to maximize revenue yield, to let the bidders propose what they think would work best?
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Misleading Headline Pits Council vs. School Board
Editor, Your headline in the April 26 issue declaring, “F.C. Schools Win 3% COLA in Final Council 7-0 Vote for FY2019 Budget” is both misleading and divisive. It’s misleading because the City Council did not vote on teacher COLAs. It agreed to transfer the full request of the School Board. It is up to the School Board to decide how to allocate those funds. If the City Council had decided to transfer
less than 2.8 percent, the School Board could still have figured out how to give the teachers a 3 percent COLA. It is divisive because it perpetuates the false narrative that come budget time, there are winners and losers, rather than the truth, which is that all City Council members and School Board members are on the same side. All members want what is best for the future of our city and for our students.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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Why must you repeatedly pit the City Council against the School Board? City Council members who question the size of the School Board’s request or who seek to better understand how funds are spent are not “antischools” and should not be portrayed or perceived as such. All of our public servants deserve better. Beth Hahn Falls Church
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CO MME NT
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
MAY 10 – 16, 2018 | PAGE 7
G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� Resisting, Persisting & Creating Art in the Little City B� L���� C������ H���
We just closed our world premiere musical “Witch” and I am feeling very grateful….grateful to have had the opportunity to tackle such an important and timely subject, and grateful to have had so many incredible professional artists (composers, writers, musicians, actors and designers) working on this artistic project. With help from all of our believers and supporters (including grants from the Little City CATCH Foundation) our amazing creative team, Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith, have been on a five-year journey creating original musicals for our ”Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” project. “Witch” was the fourth installment, and the boldest to date. If you had the opportunity to see “Witch,” you know it tackled the painful subject of the demonization of women across the centuries. It featured stories of ‘“Witch”es’— everyone from local Maryland legend, Moll Dyer, Rebecca Nurse of Salem, Joan of Arc, the iconic Margaret Hamilton and modern day “Witch”es of Gambaga—an African colony where women accused of “Witch”craft are banished this very day. Told with humor and pathos and beautifully crafted musical numbers, their stories were sung by a cast with Broadway veterans, a Helen Hayes Award winner, and some talented young performers from our educa-
tional theater program. What made “Witch” so resonant was that our writers set the piece during the 2017 Women’s March. A women’s protest group doing performance art during the march revealed each “Witch” segment. The idea drew inspiration from a real protest
“For centuries, the dominant culture has persecuted anyone who dares to be different.” organization launched in the ‘60s called W.I.T.C.H. that has recently been revived by a chapter based in Portland, Oregon. While researching this group for production notes, I came across their online manifesto: “For centuries, the dominant culture has persecuted anyone who dares to be different. The Gentle Healers. The Midwives. The Queers. The Loners. The Wise Elders. The Pagans. The Foreigners. The Wild Women. Those who seek to oppress and suppress us have always called us ‘“Witch”es’ to silence us. Now, we step out of the shadows, embracing this word and all it stands for.” It goes on to say: “A ‘Witch’ is a fearsome creature, inspiring
terror and awe, channeling a primal, visceral energy in the name of peace, progress, justice and harmony. A ‘Witch’ is a conduit for transformation. A ‘Witch’ taps into the power within and harnesses the power without in service of a better world.” I really like that last part! In our production, we learn that the personal lives of our Women’s March protestors sometimes mirror the experiences of our iconic “Witch”es. A single mother who has been the victim of workplace sexual violence tells the story of Margaret Hamilton, a single mother and actress who finally gets her big break in the “Wizard of Oz.” Thinking she would be cast as the Good “Witch,” she soon learns that the men in power in Hollywood have a different idea and that they hold all the cards. For the rest of her life she is powerless to change her image, much like so many other women who have held stardom in Hollywood. And now, with the #MeToo movement we learn just how much abuse women have endured in Hollywood Land. As our actress sings: “What a World, What a World, What a World.” When our oldest actress finally accepts her status as the wise older “crone” in a symbolic ceremony, she sings beautiful and moving lyrics: “I no longer fear the crone. I will sit upon her throne. I will teach what I have learned. I will honor those who burned. Tell the stories of the past. Make
each woman’s story last. Stand up tall and don’t retreat. Or the past we’ll all repeat.” As a 63-year-old woman, I have lived through a lot of phases of the women’s movement. I joined N.O.W. at 19 and lobbied the Ohio State legislature for what I thought was a no brainer piece of legislation… the Equal Rights Amendment. We encountered a lot of pleasant but patronizing legislators (almost exclusively men) on that lobbying trip, and we also encountered our greatest foe — another group of women, supporters of Phyliss Schlafly, who had come bearing loaves of freshly baked bread. It was an encounter that I would never forget. Our production of “Witch” gently exposed that fissure that still exists among women today, but it also illuminated a brilliant ray of hope through the voices of the young women. They challenged us to not feed into sexual stereotypes, to move on from being victims and to resist and persist. While we are hoping that all of our “Bold New Works” will be produced by other theaters going forward, it is my greatest hope that the painful subject matter of “Witch” will make this one quickly obsolete. Time to get the broom out. There’s some sweeping to do! Laura Connors Hull is the founder and producing director of Creative Cauldron.
Q������� �� ��� W��� What should the height limit be for the West Falls Church development project? • 10 stories
• 15 stories
• No limit
• Not sure
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PAGE 8 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
Local Fitness Trainer Thomas Abbey Dies from Illness at 36 BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Thomas Abbey, a popular young physical trainer in Falls Church for well over a decade, died early Tuesday, May 1, following a lengthy illness, his wife reported online. Abbey was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the fall of 2016. He began working in Falls Church at Vantage Fitness and then he and Kavon Atabaki of F.C. founded Functional Fitness, a physical training facility in downtown F.C. Abbey leaves his wife, Alyssa Abbey, and two children, Caleb and Brendan. Age 36, Abbey was born in Arcade, New York, and graduated from the University of Buffalo where he was a standout in track and field and competed in the U.S. Olympic trials in skeleton in 2009. In an autobiographical post on the Functional Fitness website, Abbey spoke of his youth, motivation and accomplishments: “The importance of fitness and athlet-
ics were instilled in me at a very young age. Growing up amongst my older brother and his friends, I was shown no mercy during any endeavor. On a daily basis, I was forced to either keep up with them, or get left in their dust. Therefore, the fitter and faster I was, the less apt I was to be left behind. I truly believe that it was this start that allowed me to progress to the level I did in athletics. I was a four year Division 1 scholarship athlete and team captain at the University at Buffalo, in the sport of track and field. I then parlayed that talent into a three year stint with the US Skeleton Team, which culminated in an appearance at Olympic Trials in 2009. “In 2007, I decided to turn my love of fitness into a lifelong career. It originated around a focus of athletic performance but quickly grew to include all facets of fitness. I work with everyone from pro athletes, to weekend warriors, to total couch potatoes and I truly love every second of it.” There are no plans for a memo-
THOMAS ABBEY rial service, according to his wife. She wrote on the web, “We will not be holding any services for Tom per his wishes…Tom loved to live life to the fullest and he would be happy to see his friends and family honor him in the same way. Celebrate his life by doing something you absolutely love and enjoy.”
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Fa l l s C h u r c h
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MAY 10 - 16, 2018 | PAGE 9
NEWS BRIEFS Falls Church | $1,550,000
F.C. Schools’ Formal Budget Adopted
One-of-a-kind custom craftsman. 6,300-SF of living space on 2 levels. 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, main and upper level master suites. Exquisite attention to detail. Backyard oasis, Koi pond.
The Falls Church School Board unanimously adopted its budget for the coming Fiscal Year 2019 (the 2018-2019 school year) Tuesday night. The $51 million dollar plan represents a less than one percent increase overall compared to the current budget year. But because of decreases in state funding, it requires a 2.8 percent increase in the local transfer — the lowest requested increase in the last five years. “This budget reflects the priorities in our Triennial Plan and reflects our current collective needs,” Superintendent Peter Noonan said at Tuesday’s meeting. “Our stated mission is to be the premier International Baccalaureate (IB) school division in the country, and this budget provides support for all FCCPS students while maintaining small class sizes.” The FY2019 Budget includes funding for:additional support for special education, additional support for the IB’s Primary Years Program, repurposing of staff to support English as a Second Language students, and a three percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all the staff. “This budget shows significant fiscal restraint as it includes only one third of the requests from FCCPS principals and staff,” Noonan said. “I want to commend our budget team for the hard scrub of our current budget to find nearly $700,000 in efficiencies that will fund the remaining Triennial Plan priorities.” Adopted budget motions and documents have been posted on the school division’s budget website.
Judy Radvanyi McVey 703.405.9456 TheMatchMaster.com
Falls Church | $1,525,000 Shows like a model! Every detail is meticulously addressed in this gorgeous luxury home. Features 4 finished levels, 6 bedrooms, 5 ½ baths. This will impress! Less than a mile to the Metro! Kaaren Lofgren 703.862.9194 KaarenLofgren.com
Mason High Ranked 2nd Best in Virginia Next to Fairfax County’s magnet Thomas Jefferson High for Science and Technology, the City of Falls Church’s George Mason High School is ranked No. 2 in the Commonwealth of Virginia, according to U.S. News and World Report. The school’s description states its “emphasis on its goal for students to ‘excel in mind, body and character,’” adding, “The school’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and the agencies and international organizations in the area draws in a culturally diverse student body. Students at George Mason High School can earn a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma. The school also offers an International Baccalaureate program and electives such as Mandarin Chinese and personal finance.” It is one of 11 schools in the state, where 103 were ranked in an overall poll of excellence, with a gold medal. Other area schools ranking high in the compilation of exhaustive data include Langley (No. 3), McLean (No. 5), Oakton (No. 6), Woodson (No. 7), Marshall (No. 8), West Springfield (No. 9) and Washington-Lee (No. 10).
Falls Church | $1,500,000 This stunning craftsman home has it all...high ceilings, lots of natural light, 5 upper level bedrooms all with en-suite baths, main level office, fully finished lower level and a backyard with pool and spa. Easy access to commuter routes and Metro! Lauren Bishop 202.361.5079 LaurenBishopHomes.com
Falls Church City | $1,495,000
3P Bus Line Will Be Reinstated in F.C. According to discussions at the Falls Church City Council work session Monday night, the Metro Bus Line 3P that was discontinued in 2016 in its run through the center of the City of Falls Church to the East Falls Church Metro station will be restored. The funding for the restoration will come from the recently-constituted tolls extracted from commuters using I-66 during rush hours. The abrupt termination of the 3P route was protested by a half dozen City residents who’d relied on the service at a June 2016 meeting of the F.C. City Council where leaders of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) were present. Meanwhile, it was announced by WMATA this week that service at a number of regional Metro Rail stations would be terminated for numbers of months, beginning with six stations south of Reagan National Airport, and to include the East and West Falls Church stations in the 2020-2021 time frame.
F.C. Schools to Expand Recess Periods With two parents speaking out at Tuesday night’s Falls Church School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan confirmed he’d already made the decision to extend the unstructured, open-play recess periods at Mt. Daniel and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools next fall. The move is “important for the cognitive and energy levels” of students, Noonan said. He said extending the policy to the middle and high schools is currently being contemplated.
DMV 2 Go Returns to City Hall Friday The full-service DMV 2 Go Bus will return to the City of Falls Church this week, offering a wide array of transactions including applying for and renewing driver’s, hunting and fishing licenses, obtaining E-Z pass transponders, ID cards, driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals, transcripts, disabled parking placards, plates and more. The bus will be in front of City Hall at 330 Park Ave. from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. this Friday, May 11.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
News-Press
Community News & Notes
FIRSTfriday of Falls Church event at Art and Frame of Falls Church with City Mayor David Tarter, City resident and artist Lynn Nguyen by her exhibit entitled Abstract Flow Art and showing throughout the month of May, along with Girl Scout Troop 1109 from St. James Catholic School in attendance fundraising to support Smile Train, an organization that provides life changing cleft palate surgery to impoverished children around the globe. (Photo: Courtesy Tom Gittins)
Escape Room Arlington Opens in June 1 Richmond based Ravenchase Adventures has announced the opening date of its latest escape room venture: Escape Room Arlington. On Friday, June 1, Escape Room Arlington will become the Arlington area’s first escape room, joining the Richmond and Herndon locations in the Ravenchase family. Doors will open at 11 a.m. at its new location (2301 Columbia Pike Suite C, Arlington). Potential players are encouraged to book beforehand at EscapeRoomArlington. com and to check the Escape Room Arlington Facebook page for special grand opening offers. Escape Room Arlington has created 4 unique escape room experiences that will challenge
players’ minds until the very end. Artifacts, clues, cryptic symbols and unexpected interactive materials used in each room guide players through their adventures. Only the wiliest, most coordinated teams will escape to the other side. Escape Room Arlington will launch with two of the four planned themed rooms for the space. These opening rooms are “Mind Trap” and “Glitch.” They will be followed by “What’s in the Attic?” which launches later in June and “Black Valve Laboratory” launching in the summer.
F.C.’s Lopez Officially Ties The Knot Falls Church City resident, Mary Louise Lopez, would like
SARAH GOMEZ-LANE, a first grader at Pine Spring Elementary School in Falls Church was surprised on May 3 with a school assembly put on by Google announcing her selction as one of 53 state/territory winners in the Doodle4Google competition. Gomez-Lane’s “Dino Doodle” was inspired by her favorite dinosaurs and her dream of being a paleontologist. She had a lucky break on the last day for submitting contest entries, when schools were closed due to heavy winds and power outages at home kept her from being distracted by television. (Photo: Courtesy Maria Lane)
to announce the marriage of her son James Lopez McMahon to Efrem McCurdy Lee, son of the late Sarah Lee of North Carolina. The couple was married on Sept. 1, 2017, but recently exchanged vows with close family and friends in attendance at the Falls Church Hilton Garden Inn. The wedding was officiated by Reverend Michelle Nickens of the Washington Plaza Baptist Church in Reston, VA. James and Efrem plan an escape to California for their honeymoon.
National Senior Health & Fitness Day on May 30 RSVP Northern Virginia, The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics and The Fairfax County Park Authority are teaming up to
celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 30 at the Providence RECenter (7525 Marc Dr., Falls Church). All seniors 55-years-young or greater will enjoy free admission to the park courtesy of the RECenter. RSVP volunteer specialist Carly Hubicki will be on hand from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. conducting mini-orientations and will be sharing information on the health benefits of senior volunteering. RSVP, which is a program of Volunteer Fairfax, Volunteer Arlington and Volunteer Alexandria, has more than 200 opportunities to choose from. The celebration will also kick off registration for the 2018 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO). The NVSO,
in its 36th year, will start competition Saturday, Sept. 15, but registration begins at the park on May 30. RSVP will again be the official volunteer partner for the games and will be seeking more than 100 volunteers to support this event. Providence RECenter will offer a free exercise class for seniors and a demonstration of the newest NVSO event, a game developed right here in Fairfax County, Beach Ball Wallyball. Beach Ball Wallyball is a senior friendly sport that was created in Fairfax County. The one-hour event is free and open to the public. RSVP is the region’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and older and provides individualized support to seniors
Send Us Your News & Notes!
The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!
Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046
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MAY 10 - 16, 2018 | PAGE 11
Twelve students graduated from the Islamic Relief USA-supported Sewing Academy at Dar-Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church on Thursday, May 3. The graduates put in 100 hours of training and learned to use both consumer and commercial-grade sewing machines. As a symbol of the graduates’ accomplishments, the students wore dresses that they made themselves. (P����: C������� D��-A� H����� I������ C�����)
seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. RSVP volunteers help seniors age in place, they assist local veterans in need, and they help prepare communities for disasters. RSVP also recruits volunteers for various community events, including for the NVSO. RSVP volunteers are provided flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance while serving, optional mileage and meal reimbursement and are invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. For more information on this event, please email RSVP Volunteer Specialist Carly Hubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call RSVP at 703403-5360. To learn more about RSVP, visit rsvpnova.org.
Grace Christian Gala Nets Over $100K in Auction On Sunday, April 29 Grace Christian Academy (GCA) hosted its second annual gala, Go All In For Grace, at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner. The event, which featured a sit-down dinner as well as silent and live auctions, raised nearly $120,000 for the school which provides a superior education to a diverse student body. The event’s co-chairs, Bruce
and Kathi Eberle, celebrated the evening’s success, the proceeds from which will help support GCA’s tuition assistance program. “The motto of this school, which Kathi and I enthusiastically support, is Christ, College, Community. It has a tremendous track record of providing a highperformance education to students who would not otherwise have such an opportunity,” said Bruce Eberle, Chairman, Eberle Communications Group, one of the evening’s corporate sponsors. Other sponsors include: Jerry and Kay Fischer, D&D Unlimited, Alliance-Bernstein, Glen and Teresa Thomas, MDI Imaging, Fran Martin, Ed and Karen Keller, Carl and Roberta Berquist, Paul and Tammy Cali, Julie and Walter Crain, Direct Mail Processors, Thrivent Financial-Dulles Group, Margaret and Carlyle Gregory, The Jean Foster Family, Dave and Chris Metzger, Chris and Leslie Vojta, William Griffiths, Kingdom Workers, and Church Mutual Insurance.
New Museum Dedicated to George C. Marshall Marshall High School honored the school’s namesake, General George C. Marshall, with a commemoration of the Marshall Museum in honor of his life and legacy. The event
included a ribbon cutting, museum tours and keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham (U.S. Army), the first female Quartermaster General of the United States.The museum features an extensive view of Marshall’s life, from his upbringing in Uniontown, Pennsylvania to his many accomplishments and military service. Marshall served as the first five-star general in American military history, was Chief of Staff under Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman and served as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under Truman. International Baccalaureate math teacher Leslie Barnhart and history teachers Danielle Koehler and Rebecca Crawford led the planning of this event along with students from the Social Studies Honor Society.
‘Charlotte’s Web’ Debuts At Creative Cauldron Creative Cauldron (410 S Maple Ave., Falls Church) presents “Charlotte’s Web,” May 24 – June 17. A beguiling, new musical version of E.B. White’s classic story about Wilbur, the little pig who becomes famous with the help of his clever spider friend Charlotte. Performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
TRUNK SHOW
THURS. MAY 10 • 4PM - 8PM The Maui Jim Representative Will Be On Hand To Show The Newest In Sunglasses And Frames
The New Ophthalmic Collection features frames made from the best materials—acetate, specialty metals and thin injected nylon. Eye Exams By Independent Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Peter Ellis
701 W. Broad St. (Rte 7) Falls Church VA
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A Penny for Your Thoughts
From the Front Row: Kaye Kory’s
News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross
Richmond Report
a notice of violation may be sent and, ultimately, a county contractor will be hired to mow the offending grass, with the cost charged to the homeowner. For lots larger than one-half acre, a warning letter will be sent, but no notice of violation can be issued. Detention ponds, rights-of-way, park lands, and conservation and scenic easements are exempt from the provisions of Chapter 119. In calendar year 2017, DCC received 1251 grass complaints (growing season generally is April through October). The vast majority (1082) qualified as under a half-acre and, of those, only 41 cuts were required (4 percent). For many code compliance complaints, the property owners are unaware of the potential violation and, once the problem was brought to their attention, they quickly complied, and the case was closed. Yard work can get ahead of a homeowner very quickly. You plan to mow on the weekend, then it rains and you can’t mow, or the mower needs service, or a new blade – all are valid reasons to exercise a little patience. When the yard gets to be a jungle, though, and harbors who-knows-what, it might be time to file a complaint with Code Compliance. You may call 703-324-1300 daytime, or register a complaint online at DCCCodeComplianceE-mail@fairfaxcounty.gov. You will need to supply the specific street address for the complaint. Grass complaint collections totaled $6907.27 last year. Happy Spring!
Yellow pollen and oak tree “catkins” are abundant this season, stirring up allergies, and clogging streets and driveways with western-looking “tumbleweeds.” Messy, but a nod to the rejuvenations of spring. A stroll or drive down nearly any Mason District street reveals colorful azaleas, rhododendrons, masses of tulips, and the reappearance of decorative grasses in the landscape. The pale lemony green of early spring is ripening into dense dark green, as our leafy tree canopy reappears after a winter’s slumber. Arborists report that this is the perfect time to plant new trees that can replace the many lost to March’s gale force winds. Proper planting now will bring decades of enjoyment to come. Although spring seemed to arrive very late this year, it didn’t take long for grass (and weeds) to grow, more quickly than many had hoped. Most grass isn’t tall enough (12 inches) yet to elicit what the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) calls “grass complaints.” Yes, grass height in the county is regulated by Chapter 119 — Grass or Lawn Area, of the Code of the County of Fairfax, Virginia, and generally, grass height may not exceed 12 inches. The Code applies to occupied residential lots, as well as any vacant developed lot, that is less than onehalf acre (21,780 square feet). The Virginia General Assembly’s enabling legislation restricts the county’s authority for grass to less than half an acre. The Code applies similarly to undeveloped residential property and commercial/industrial property. When a complaint is received for investigation, DCC staff will contact the property owner about the complaint and request that the grass be cut. If there is no action,
Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov. S:11.5”
S:10.5”
Photo: Grant Delin
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I begin this column with a quote from the inspirational leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “The time is always right to do the right thing.” This is never more true than it is today. Advocacy is not a single effort, but a consistent effort over time. Let your opinion make a difference — be heard on all the pressing issues that will be addressed in our final budget bill. When the biennium budget is passed, our Commonwealth’s priorities will be clear — but we aren’t there yet. We can make Medicaid Expansion happen. We can offer healthcare to the 400,000 uninsured working Virginians. We can use the savings from implementing Medicaid Expansion to improve education at all levels, raise teachers’ salaries and offer more mental health services across the state. We members of the House of Delegates have passed a budget that includes Medicaid Expansion two times! The Senate has yet to pass a budget that includes Expansion and increases spending for education and mental health. Senator Emmet Hanger and Senator Frank Wagner have both stated their support for Medicaid Expansion publicly. They need your support, contact them today. Thank you to all who attended the town hall that I co-hosted with Senator Dick Saslaw. The Sleepy Hollow Elementary School cafeteria was packed with 38th District folks who had many questions. Of course, the proposed Medicaid Expansion in the House budget was a major issue, as was the budget process the General Assembly follows to agree upon a budget. Redistricting and gerrymandering were also discussed, with both Senator Saslaw and I agreeing that we need an independent commission to draw district lines. Too many other questions to list here, but one important topic is that the size of the Democratic caucus this year (49) made a big difference in our proceedings and decisions — the most important action issue before the General Assembly is directly attributable to the “Blue Wave”: Medicaid expansion. Without all the new Democratic Delegates you voted
into office, the House would not have even discussed Medicaid expansion this year, let alone voted it into our budget. Thank you, voters. Transportation funding and decisions are always front and center, and the recent town hall was no exception Many constituents have asked me about the proposed Fairfax County ordinance amendment governing Short Term Rentals (STRs), often referred to as Airbnb regulations. I applaud our Board of Supervisors for taking up this controversial issue. But I must remind everyone that the General Assembly passed SB1578 in 2017, giving localities the power to regulate STRs as they saw fit. We did not and will not dictate the parameters or processes contained in a proposed STR ordinance amendment. This is a local decision to be made by local government only. Many have also wished to discuss the controversial ACP and MVP pipeline projects. These complex and hotly debated projects are raising many governmental responsibility and accountability questions as well as serious environmental issues. I stand firmly with the grassroots organizations calling for the stream by stream analysis of all water crossings which the state is empowered to conduct under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia State Water Board must protect our water quality – we cannot depend upon the Army Corps of Engineers to provide that protection for us. Our water quality is our responsibility. Our Commonwealth needs to step up to the plate. The Department of Environmental Quality has posted a number of important proposed new regulations on its website. Public comment period is open now – please send in your comments. Remember Woody Guthrie’s lyrics, “This land is your land, this land is my land...”. Delegate Kory represents the 38th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She may be emailed at DelKKory@house. virginia.gov.
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Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark
The national became local in Arlington last week. The Trump administration’s bid to streamline agencies bumped up against the human factor on May 3 in the Social Security Administration’s quiet plan to close its Arlington field office. That provoked a demo. I watched as 60-70 mostly union protesters chanted “Not no, but hell no!” in response to the plan to shutter, by June 21, the decades-old Rosslyn office at 1401 Wilson Blvd. “The administration wants to continue to close community offices and push people online,” American Federation of Government Employees National President J. David Cox told me. “But everybody’s not online. Many people on disability are making decisions and elections — at what age to draw Social Security, which, once you make an election, is for life. They can’t get all the information from a computer. They need human interaction.” SSA spokeswoman Nicole Tiggemann said her agency will consolidate its Arlington office and refer clients to Alexandria, Fairfax, or D.C. offices due “to an expiring lease.” The landlord was not interested in renewing, she said, and the General Services Administration, which manages federal buildings, has been unable to find replacement space. “Most Social Security services do not require a visit to an office,” she said, referring to the push from Democratic and Republican administrations to encourage ben-
efits administration online. But the Trump team’s explanations were challenged by Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who on May 1 wrote to the SSA Inspector General seeking an investigation of whether the SSA’s decision to close the office complied with requirements for public notice. “Closure of this office will cause my constituents to suffer from the lack of in-person services, especially to a Metro accessible office,” Beyer wrote. Neither Beyer nor the rally-goers buy the SSA’s explanation that it couldn’t reach a deal with Monday Properties, which isn’t talking. “The building is scheduled for redevelopment, but it’s not imminent, and space in close proximity is readily available,” County Board Member Christian Dorsey told me. “We can’t afford to lose this critical outreach component.” Though it pained him to say it, “Arlington office space right now is not expensive, and there are plenty of opportunities” to find a “space that makes sense,” he told the assembled, pledging to reverse the decision. Arlington’s overall office vacancy rate has been hovering stubbornly around 20 percent, with Rosslyn’s at a higher 24.7 percent, the county confirmed to me. “I was shocked, then confused, then angry” about the closing, said Social Security recipient Julian Blair. The Arlington office already is “is understaffed, there are long lines, and people have to go back 2-3 times.” (I’ve been in that office, a decade ago as a representative payee for a disabled friend, and
C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h
CRIME REPORT
(A) Weep softly. (B) Create a diversion. (C) Hire a tutor. For yourself.
Week of Apr. 30 - May 6, 2018 Hit and Run, 1300 blk S Washington St, Apr 30, victim reported that on Apr 27 between 6 and 8:30 PM, her vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene. Hit and Run, 6607 Wilson Blvd (BJ’s parking lot), Apr 30, between 4 and 4:18 PM, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene.
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Smoking Violation, 6757 Wilson Blvd #15 (H2O Café), Apr 30, 8:11 PM, a male, 49, of Vienna, VA, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant. Threats Over the Phone, 100 blk E Annandale Rd, May 1, 11:34 AM, an incident of threats over the phone was reported.
MAY 10 – 16, 2018 | PAGE 13 yes, long waits). Speakers from groups like Social Security Works and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare stressed that 10,000 Americans every day are turning 65. Cutting access to field offices is tantamount to cutting a benefit recipients have paid for, they said. Witold Skwierczynski, president of the AFGE’s Social Security Administration Field Operations, said, “The real reason is to save money and shift to the Internet.” But while many people can use online services successfully, “we found error after error in which the public are screwing themselves out of disability benefits.” This is a national and generational clash — unfolding in Arlington. *** The seats were filled Saturday morning at St. George’s Episcopal Church for the farewell service for the woman Sen. Tim Kaine called “the patron saint of Democrats in Virginia.” Lucy Denney, the six-decade Arlingtonian who ran local and congressional electoral campaigns in the ‘60s-‘80s, died May 1 at 87 following a cancer struggle. She was one of many senior “Democrats in exile” who moved across the border to Goodwin House-Bailey’s Crossroads. In his eulogy, son Charlie noted that many today forget the Republicans actually controlled the county board in the late 1970s. He teared up as he recalled his mother in the stands at his Washington-Lee High School soccer game. She was talking to a rival soccer mom, Republican Dorothy Grotos. a Toyota Corolla passing through the intersection. Struck vehicle did not stop. Larceny from Vehicle, 800 blk Villa Ridge Rd, May 4, between 5:30 and 8 PM a bicycle was taken from a vehicle’s bike rack.
Hit and Run, 111 Park Ave (parking lot), May 2, 1:55 PM, witness observed a blue minivan knock a parked motorcycle to the ground and then leave the area.
Hit and Run, S Maple Ave/ W Annandale Rd, May 5, 8:45 AM, black VW Jetta struck by unknown gold SUV which failed to stop. Investigation continues.
Drug Violation, 6763 Wilson Blvd (Eden Center parking lot), May 3, 1:08 AM, a male, 34, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana.
Drunk in Public, 400 blk W Broad St, May 5, 10:51 AM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was arrested for being Drunk in Public.
Drug Violation, 400 blk S Maple Ave, May 3, 10:16 PM, a male, 41, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana. Littering, Tinner Hill/S Washington St, May 4, 8:18 AM, a male, 45, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Littering. Hit and Run, W Broad St/N Maple Ave, May 4, 8:41 PM, a Chevy Suburban struck
Smoking Violations, 6757 Wilson Blvd #15 (H2O Café), May 6, 12:08 AM, a male, 43, of Silver Spring, MD, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant. OTHER May 4, 12:25 AM, a female, 20, of Ashburn, VA, was arrested by Fairfax County PD, on a City of Falls Church Capias for Failure to Appear. Underlying charges were Giving False Report to Police Officer and Obstruction of Justice.
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NATI O NA L
‘Fearless and Fair’ Print Newspapers
While the Mueller team, New York and congressional investigators continue their arduous pursuit of money laundering, blackmail and other ties between Trump and the Russians, on another level there is the in-your-face evidence. Few are willing to look at things like Trump’s move to end the Iran nuclear deal and continued assaults on cornerstone institutions of American democracy, like the press, as conclusive evidence in and of themselves. Perhaps that’s because so many Republicans, evangelicals, alt-right loonies and like-minded sycophants are willing to go along with all this, thus providing the cover of being mere policy differences among folks who disagree. FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS But some of these Trump moves, and the Iran debacle can be counted among them, are so brazenly contrary to U.S. national interests that it is almost too easy to conclude that this is the work of a treasonous Russian agent. The U.S. is being systematically weakened, with respect to the alliances that have kept the west cohesive, and the American public’s respect for its core democratic protections. But the mood of perpetual paranoia and anger that Trump cultivates every day is allowing terrible things to happen to the foundations of our republic. Trump’s threat this week to cancel the media passes for reporters covering the White House is only the latest abomination. It was heartening to see the president of the White House Correspondents Association rebound from her shameful apology for the humorist at the WHCA’s annual dinner last week with a sharp statement yesterday. Margaret Talev’s words read in full: “Some may excuse the president’s inflammatory rhetoric about the media, but just because the president does not like news coverage does not make it fake. A free press must be able to report on the good, the bad, the momentous and the mundane, without fear or favor. And a president preventing a free and independent press from covering the workings of our republic would be an unconscionable assault on the First Amendment.” I am personally heartened to see the phrase, “fear or favor,” included. In my Falls Church News-Press’ seven-point platform that I’ve had published on our editorial page in every edition for the last 27 years, the fourth point reads, “Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe.” My other favorite among the seven is, “Make the paper show a profit if you can, but above all, keep it clean, fearless and fair.” (To be honest, I lifted the seven points after they’d long been abandoned by my own hometown paper, the first I’d ever been paid to work for as a teenager. Those brilliant seven points were what we all at the paper once cut our teeth on.) Legitimate news organizations are called on more than ever, in this era of “fake news” being sanctioned and practiced by the White House, to be “fearless” in the exercise of their indispensable First Amendment function in our democracy. The key point is the subordination of profit to being “clean, fearless and fair,” and that is the key point in properly evaluating the desperate plight of newspapers in American culture today. The Denver Post is the latest example, because its editorial staff has gone public in a brave appeal to fend off the cannibalistic appetites of its New York hedge fund owners to gut it beyond its viability as a newspaper. But as much as those like Washington Post columnist David Von Drehle in his column this week, “After the Newspapers Are Gone,” suggest that the only hope for papers are “as philanthropic projects for billionaires,” there remains a desperate need for print newspapers as a way to keep an entire populace in touch with what’s going on, more than what any fractured segment may want to know. A solution is to rip newspapers from the horny grip of greedy, amoral cruds, as in the case of Montreal’s La Presse, that is converting to non-profit status. For local news, citizens in localities must act like vigilantes in defense of their democratic institutions and a free press, boot out the cruds, and lead public mobilizations to fund and operate print newspapers as a vital public service.
Nicholas F. Benton
Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Gnawing Away at Healthcare At the beginning of 2017, Republicans promised to release the kraken on Obamacare — to destroy the program with one devastating blow. But a funny thing happened: Voters realized that repealing the Affordable Care Act would mean taking health insurance away from tens of millions of Americans. They didn’t like that prospect — and enough Republicans balked at the backlash that Obamacare repeal fizzled. But Republicans still hate the idea of helping Americans get health care. So instead of releasing the kraken, they’ve brought on the termites. Rather than trying to eliminate Obamacare in one fell swoop, they’re trying to undermine it with multiple acts of sabotage — while hoping voters won’t realize who’s responsible for rising premiums and falling coverage. Which is why it’s important to place the blame where it belongs. The first thing you NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE need to understand is that Obamacare has been a highly successful program. When the legislation was passed, Republicans insisted it would fail to cut the number of uninsured and would blow a huge hole in the federal budget. In fact, it led to major gains in coverage, reducing the uninsured rate to its lowest level in history, at relatively low cost. It’s true that the coverage expansion was somewhat less than originally predicted, although the shortfall was much less than you may have heard. It’s also true that after initially offering surprisingly cheap policies on the Obamacare exchanges, insurers found that the people signing up were sicker, on average, than they expected, leading to higher premiums. But as of last year, the markets appeared to have stabilized, with insurers generally profitable. Nobody would claim that Obamacare is perfect; many Americans remain uninsured, and too many of those with coverage face troublingly high out-ofpocket expenses. Still, health reform delivered most of what its advocates promised and caused none of the disasters its opponents predicted. Yet Republicans still want to destroy it. One reason is that much of the coverage expansion was paid for with taxes on high incomes, so repeal would be a way to cut taxes on the wealthy. More broadly, conservatives hate Obamacare precisely because it works. It shows that government actually can help tens of millions of Americans lead better, more secure lives, and in so doing it threatens their low-tax, smallgovernment ideology. But outright repeal failed, so now it’s time for sabotage, which is taking place on two main fronts.
Paul Krugman
One of these fronts involves the expansion of Medicaid, which probably accounted for more than half the gains in coverage under Obamacare. Now a number of Republican-controlled states are trying to make Medicaid harder to get, notably by imposing work requirements on recipients. What is the point of these work requirements? The ostensible justification — cracking down on ablebodied Medicaid recipients who should be working but aren’t — is nonsense: There are very few people meeting that description. The real goal is simply to make getting health care harder, by imposing onerous reporting and paperwork requirements and punishing people who lose their jobs for reasons beyond their control. The other front involves trying to reduce the number of people signing up for private coverage. Last year the Trump administration drastically reduced outreach — the effort to let Americans know when and how to get health insurance. The administration is also promoting various dodges that would in effect let insurance companies go back to discriminating against people in poor health. And when Congress passed a huge tax cut for corporations and the wealthy, it also eliminated the individual mandate, the requirement that people sign up for insurance even if they’re currently healthy. Preliminary evidence suggests that these efforts at sabotage have already partially reversed the coverage gains achieved under Obama, especially among lower-income Americans. (Curiously, all the coverage losses seem to have happened among self-identified Republicans.) But the worst is yet to come. You see, GOP sabotage disproportionately discourages young and healthy people from signing up, which, as one commentator put it, “drives up the cost for other folks within that market.” Who said that? Tom Price, President Donald Trump’s first secretary of health and human services. Sure enough, insurers are already proposing major premium hikes — and they are specifically attributing those hikes to GOP actions that are driving healthy Americans out of the market, leaving a sicker, more expensive pool behind. So here’s what’s going to happen: Soon, many Americans will suffer sticker shock from their insurance policies; federal subsidies will protect most of them, but by no means everyone. They’ll also hear news about declining insurance coverage. And Republicans will say, “See, Obamacare is failing.” But the problem isn’t with Obamacare, it’s with the politicians who unleashed this termite infestation — who are doing all they can to take away your health coverage. And they need to be held accountable.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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B������� N��� � N���� Golf Tourney to Benefit The Fisher House Set for May 19 Divot Charities’ 15th annual golf tournament will take place Saturday, May 19 at Bull Run Golf Course. A silent and live auction will take place at Ireland’s Four Provinces starting at 7 p.m. Funds raised will benefit The Fisher House. For more information, visit divotcharities.com.
Grace Christian Academy Raises Almost $120K at Gala On Sunday, April 29, Grace Christian Academy hosted its second annual gala, Go All In For Grace, at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner. The event, which featured a sit-down dinner as well as silent and live auctions and a keynote address by former Washington Redskins offensive lineman Joe Jacoby, raised nearly $120,000 for the school which provides a superior education to a diverse student body. For more information, visit gracechristianacademy.org.
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F.C.’s Callander Named One of Weichert’s Top Producers in April Local Realtor J.D. Callander has been recognized for industry success in April. A top producer, Callander led Weichert Realtors sales region for resale revenue units and resale dollar volume for the month. The region is comprised of offices throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Orange, Prince William and Warren counties. For more information about Callander’s real estate practice, visit www.newnovahome.com.
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Literacy Council of NoVa Offering Expanded Options The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is now offering expanded class options for beginning-level adult English language learners in Falls Church as well as in Alexandria, Annandale, Herndon, Lorton and Chantilly. These classes provide adult learners with the fundamentals of English to improve their communication skills, engage in the community and advance in their careers. New to LCNV’s summer class lineup is the inclusion of a free, open conversation class at the Meadows of Chantilly and a Workplace English and Hospitality Class (featuring Guest Service Gold credential opportunities) in Falls Church. Book and assessment fees are $50 unless otherwise noted. In-person sign-up is required. Registration times and dates are available at www.lcnv.org or call 703-237-0866 for more information.
‘Night of Science’ at NOVA’s Annandale Campus Set for Monday Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus is hosting a “Night of Science” on Monday, May 14 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Hosted by the math, science, and engineering divisions, this event is an opportunity for parents and children interested in science courses and careers. NVCC will open the labs and use the campus as an outdoor lab with demonstrations of the high tech anatomy table and microscopes while professors from math, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and engineering will have experimental stations for you and your kids to enjoy skeletons, flying objects, chemical reactions, math tricks, and much more. The event is free but registration is required by May 12. For more information, visit www.nvcc.edu. 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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PAGE 16 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Mustangs’ Unbeaten Streak Shows No Sign of Stopping by Matt Delaney
Falls Church News-Press
Another “W” was added to the win column last week as George Mason High School’s boys soccer team dispatched Strasburg High School on May 4, 9-0. After nearly two months of the season, Mason (10-0-1) is still mystifying to watch in comparison to last year. By this point in 2017, the Mustangs had conceded three goals in Bull Run Competition. Senior goalkeeper Ethan Morse hasn’t surrendered a tally to district competition yet in 2018. Similarly, last season Mason defeated opponents by decisive five or three-goal margin; this season it’s a rarity if Mason doesn’t end games early with eight-goal leads. The 180 in performance on both sides of the ball is something Mason head coach Frank Spinello attributes to the challenge of the tournament in Tennessee to start the season. “The Smoky Mountain Cup definitely helped us get off to a good start and gave us a lot of confidence. We played against top-ranked teams from different states and competed well enough
to win the tournament. It also helped us quickly get acclimated with each other and learn about each other,” Spinello said. “We realized at that point that as long as we play together and trust each other that we can do big things. The team bonding at the Cup on our downtime may have been the biggest reason we have meshed so well on and off the field.” That synergy was on display against the Rams last Friday. Sophomore midfielder Zorhan Boston sent a shot into the twine less than three minutes after the opening whistle. In the fifth minute, freshman midfielder Declan Quill added the Mustangs’ second goal while Boston knocked in the team’s third by the 19th minute. Junior midfielder Nick Wells scored less than a minute later while senior midfielder Carlos Mercado rocketed a shot from the top of the box to bring Mason to 5-0 by the 28th minute. The relative ease the Mustangs played with carried them through the end of the first half and into the second. Sophomore midfielder Maddox Kong was tripped in the box and set up senior defender Liam Fribley’s penalty kick right before
SENIOR GOALKEEPER Ethan Morse has been a stud for the Mustangs in net all season and has yet to surrender a goal to Bull Run District competition this year. Though he’d openly admit Mason’s strong back line has helped his performance immensely. (Photo: Carol Sly) halftime. As rain began to come down after the intermission, Quill knocked in his second and Boston completed his hat trick soon after that to decide the game. Freshman forward Smith Kraft snuck in a final goal before the game was called off at the 60 minute mark.
Still, Spinello saw some loose ends that needed tightening to feel confident going forward. “We never want to get complacent or lazy. I noticed some defensive breakdowns in the past couple of games and luckily they did not cost us goals, so we have been tightening that up
during practices,” Spinello added. “Everyone needs to be on top of their game whether it is a practice or a game and it feeds on itself.” Mason faced Central High School last night, but results weren’t available by press time. They’ll travel to play Madison County High School tomorrow.
Mason Girls Salvage Slow Start Against Strasburg, But Not Madison by Matt Delaney
Falls Church News-Press
Slow starts finally caught up with George Mason High School’s girls soccer team. While it was able to overcome sluggish open against Strasburg High School, it couldn’t make it up in a 5-2 loss to Madison County a few days later. It hasn’t been a glaring weakness in the Mustangs’ (7-3) game, but it has been noticeable. Prior to this week’s batch of matches, Mason was down 0-3 to Clarke County High School on April 27 in the first half before scoring three straight goals in the second to end in a tie. Against Rappahannock County on May 1, the Mustangs scored only one goal in the first half compared to seven in the second. Whatever’s causing Mason to plod through the first 40 minutes of action, its existence needs to be remedied with the same second half urgency the team regularly displays. “We started both games slow and even with some sense of entitlement. The Strasburg game wasn’t that much of a problem but Madison County came on hard and our girls clearly didn’t expect that,” Mason head coach George Bitadze said. “We played much
SENIOR MIDFIELDER Victoria Rund has been a standout for Mason’s offense, but the team as a whole is struggling to put their skills on display earlier in contests. (Photo: Carol Sly) better and won the second halves of both games. It was enough against Strasburg but not against Madison County. In the latter, we allowed too many goals in the first half and couldn’t manage to recover in the second.” Sizing up Strasburg on May 4, the Mustangs weren’t optimally
aggressive on the field but also weren’t punished for it. Senior midfielder Victoria Rund scored in the first three minutes of the half and junior midfielder Maura Mann launched a pass from sophomore forward Emma Rollins to give Mason a 2-1 advantage by halftime. As the second half
got underway, the Mustangs held defensively and later added to their margin when freshman Emilia Cipriano’s shot connected in the 62nd minute. Mann assisted senior midfielder Jessie Beddow’s goal toward the game’s to accumulate the final 4-1 tally. Monday night’s game against
Madison County was a different story. The Mountaineers racked up five goals in the first half — the most allowed by Mason against any Bull Run District opponent in at least the last decade. Madison County nearly blanked the Mustangs in the first half until Mann slipped one past the Mountaineers’ goalie with 20 seconds remaining. Beddow assisted senior midfielder Sophie Matton two minutes into the second half, but Mason could never get it going from there. The defeat was a referendum on Mustangs’ early game intensity, with lingering injuries problems keeping the team from fielding their full assortment of players. “We have a lot of injuries so it’s hard to talk about executing our desired plan,” Bitadze continued. “At times I just have to put my players in positions they are not used to yet playing. And there is not much of a help coming off the bench.” The Mustangs looked to get back on track with game against Central High School last night, but results were not available by press time. They’ll get a chance to avenge their loss to Madison County at home tomorrow night.
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THOMAS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY teachers emerged victorious from the Hippo-Tiger-Giraffe games and claimed the highly coveted golden pencil, much to the chagrin of last year’s champions, Mount Daniel Elementary’s teachers. (P����: FCCPS P����/L���� M�N�����)
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S����� N��� � N���� Jefferson’s Epstein Wins Beginning Teacher Award Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) recognized Thomas Jefferson Elementary fourth grade teacher, Larkin Epstein, the recipient of the Apple Federal Credit Union Education Foundation Beginning Teacher Award. Teachers in their second or third year of teaching are eligible to apply for the award. Applicants reflected on challenges and successes in the classroom. Epstein is finishing her second year of teaching. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Marymount University. In her application, Epstein wrote about the importance of getting to know all of her students. She wrote, “Building relationships is the most important aspect of teaching.” She makes sure to have at least one non-academic related conversation with each student every day, so that students know “you are their ally, not just their teacher.” She also wrote about the importance of being a lifelong learner. “No matter how planned you may be for a lesson, often it can go not as planned, so you must adjust at any point...As a teacher, you are also a learner.”
Epstein believes in the importance of collaboration with colleagues and families. She wrote, “I have learned that teaching is about teamwork.” Epstein will be recognized at the FCCPS Celebration of Excellence on Thursday, May 10 at 4:15 p.m. in Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church).
Mason Boys Lax Celebrates Senior Night George Mason High School’s boys lacrosse team celebrated its senior night during its May 3 home game against Woodgrove High School. Despite a hard fight, the Mustangs fell 9-8 in overtime to the visiting Wolverines. Though the near-victory had a silver lining that in three previous years against Woodgrove, Mason was outscored 49-5, so last week’s result was marked improvement for the program. Many of the senior athletes started playing for Mason in 8th grade and have carried on through their senior year. At the end of last week, they were cheered and applauded during their Senior Night celebration. The seniors that were honored include Finn Roou, Christian Ross, Reed
Bond, Craig Hagigh, John Gilligan, Ethan Rosenberger, Will Gaskins, Mitch McKeon, Henry Casillas, Jack Bandy, Daniel Ross, Cyril Contessa and Elliott Levri.
F.C. Schools’ Simons Wins Nurse of the Year Award At the Fairfax County Annual Nurse’s Day Luncheon on May 4, the award for Nurse of the Year went to Aimee Simons for her excellence, including all her work with the Falls Church City Public Schools. Jessie Thackrey Preschool director, Rachel Hamberger attended the event and was a part of the loud and long standing ovation for Simons’ speech.
Mr. & Ms. Mason Announced, Despite No Competition Due to scheduling difficulties, this year’s Mr. & Ms. Mason was not decided through the muchbeloved student performances but in interviews and questions to the nominees, and a vote by the faculty and student judges. The winners are Laura Whitaker and Sam Updike. They have earned bragging rights and the privilege of riding in the Memorial Day Parade.
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PAGE 18 | MAY 10 – 16, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 10 Middle School Book Club. May Book: “A Bone from a Dry Sea” by Peter Dickinson. Book discussion group for teens in Grade 6-8. Copies of the book are available at the Youth Services Desk. Registration required for the school year, spaces are limited. Call or visit the Youth Services Desk for more details. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m. 703-248-5034.
FRIDAY, MAY 11 DMV 2 Go Bus. The full-service DMV2Go bus will be in front of City Hall (330 Park Ave.) on Friday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The accessible mobile office provides all DMV transactions including: Applying for and renewing driver’s licenses; purchasing EZ Passes; obtaining ID cards (includ-
ing photos) and Virginia’s veterans ID cards; taking road and knowledge tests; obtaining copies of driving records, vehicle titles, license plates, decals and transcripts; ordering disabled parking placards or plates and updating an address after a move for DMV and voter registration. Customers should be prepared with the required documents to complete transactions. No appointments are necessary. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 – 4 a.m. 703248-5450.
SUNDAY, MAY 13 Mother’s Day Tea. Interested residents can treat their mothers to a special Mother’s Day tea at the Historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse. A costumed docent will serve as the host while guests dine on sandwiches, assorted sweets, scones and tea. Cost is $33 per person. Reservations are required. Register with the Recreation and Parks Department by calling 703248-5027 (TTY 711). Reference
Activity Code 230151-A. Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 2 – 4 p.m. For more information, call 703-248-5171.
MONDAY, MAY 14 Preschool Storytime. Stories and fun for children ages 0-5. No registration required; drop-in. All storytimes at the library 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. 703-2485034. Playtime with the Early Literacy Center. Explore educational and manipulative items (aka toys) to teach early literacy through play. Ages birth to 5 years. No registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 703248-5034. Employee of the Year Celebration. Senior Administrative Assistant Elizabeth “Ibby” Acosta has
been named the 2017 City of Falls Church Employee of the Year. The citizen-led Employee Review Board selected Acosta for her exemplary work as project manager for the City’s transition between document and record storage providers. Acosta has worked for the City for six years, and her current assigned duties as a Senior Administrative Assistant within the Finance Division are to work on payroll and accounts payable issues. She was nominated by the Finance Department. The award will be presented to Acosta that evening at the City Council meeting in City Hall. Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. ESL Conversation Group. A general conversation group (for adults) learning English as their second language. Meets every Monday at regularly scheduled time. No registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m. 703-248-5034.
THEATER&ARTS FRIDAY, MAY 11
“1984.” 1984 is set in a state of perpetual war in Oceania and Eurasia where Stalin-like purges from society are a daily reality— unless you conform to the accepted modes of speech, behavior and allegiance. The protagonist, Winston Smith, must survive in a fascist society controlled by a legion of henchmen and their intimidating leader, “Big Brother.” Discover Orwell’s twisted world of double-speak, where your thoughts are not your own. This brazen play is a forewarning metaphor for the P.C. culture of today, the draconian societies of Hitler, Stalin, and Mao, and whatever lies ahead in our near future? Be careful what you say or even think — because Big Brother is watching! Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St.. NE, Washington, D.C.). $35. 8 p.m. scenatheatre. org.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY SATURDAY, MAY 12 2 “Girlfriend.” “Girlfriend” is a vibrant and tender coming of age musical duet from when flannel was the height of fashion and mix
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tapes were the language of love. It’s 1993 in small-town Nebraska during the summer between high school and whatever comes next. College-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first-time love, full of excitement, confusion and passion, is captured by the power-pop precision and frayed guitar emotion of Matthew Sweet’s alternative rock album “Girlfriend.” Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 8 p.m. sigtheatre.org.
Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-2419504.
“Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies.” This irreverent examination of growing up Black in America features two unlikely allies — Marquis and Tru. Suspecting that Marquis has lost his “blackness,” Tru pens a manual entitled “Being Black for Dummies,” which sends the two on a whirlwind journey through a world of cheerleaders, 2Pac, Nietzsche, Apollo and Dionysus. This searing satire is back to challenge notions, break boundaries and leave you questioning your own perceptions of race. Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE, Washington, D.C.). $45. 8 p.m. mosaictheatre.org.
Happy Hour: Shartel & Hume Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-241-9504.
SUNDAY, MAY 13
The Accidentals. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. 19th Street Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
FRIDAY, MAY 11
Wilbur’s Redemption. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-532-9283. Ari Jacobson. Cafe Kindred & Townshend Bar (450 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 571-327-2215. Illuminate Spring Tour 2018: Tomorrows Bad Seeds with Sun-Dried Vibes + Roots of a Rebellion. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566. Beat Hotel. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9:15 p.m. 703-241-9504.
LIVEMUSIC
Jumpin’ Jupiter. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Andrew O’Day. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-532-9283. Randall Rivers Elvis Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd.,
MAY 10 – 16, 2018 | PAGE 19
Bradley Rhodes. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.
“Vietgone.” In this high-octane comedy, Nguyen recreates (and kinda makes up) his parents’ reluctant courtship: Fresh from Saigon, they meet in an Arkansas refugee relocation camp in 1975. With pop culture, a live band, and plenty of funk-rock-punk-n-roll, “Vietgone” follows these new Americans through a bewildering land. A story full of lust and heartache, cowboys and motorcycles from a screenwriter for Marvel Studios. Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.) $40. 2:30 p.m. studiotheatre.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 10
CA L E NDA R
Justin Shapiro. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.
SATURDAY, MAY 12 B2R High School Record Release Show feat. Recon + The Outliers + The Drop Off + The Unexpected. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10. 1 p.m. 703-2551566.
Eli Pafumi. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-5329283. The Brevet + von Grey. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $20. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.
19TH STREET BAND will be at JV’s Restaurant in Falls Church tonight. (Photo:19thStreetBand.com)
Liz Springer Built 4 Comfort & The Crimestoppers. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. The Legwarmers – D.C.’s Biggest 80s Retro Dance Party. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $18. 9:30 p.m. 703237-0300.
An Evening with Dave Nachmanoff (With Special Guests). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $17 – $23. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Oz & The Revue Motown. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-2419504.
Mike Pinto + Of Good Nature. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 10 p.m. 703255-1566.
A Note to Self, Ryan Zimmerman. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m. 703-5258646.
Clayton Painter. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.
MONDAY, MAY 14
SUNDAY, MAY 13
The Bachelor Boys. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Dixieland Direct. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Wolf Blues Jam. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
Josh Allen Band Live. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.
Michael Rider, Zoe Ravenwood Live and In Concert. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m. 703-525-8646.
TUESDAY, MAY 15 “None Escape the LAW” Tour Feat. Kash’d Out + Tunnel Vision + Seranation. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12 – $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Mark Wenner with The Blues Warriors. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16 Cody Joe Hodges. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. Choralis Rocks. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-241-9504. Elvana: The World’s Finest Elvis Fronted Tribute to Nirvana with Amish in Chains Live and In Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.
Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046 Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.
PAGE 20 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
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Public Notice ABC LICENSE HASHTAGDMV LLC., Trading as: HASHTAG LOUNGE, 654 South Pickett Street, Alexandria Virginia 22304-4620. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Solomon Kahssay, Manager. 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.
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ABC LICENSE SETTLE DOWN EASY BREWING COMPANY LLC, Trading as: SETTLE DOWN EASY BREWING COMPANY, 2822 Fairfax Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.2804. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Brewery and Keg (500-10,000 barrels) license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. James Boykin, Manager. 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.
ABC LICENSE YAQI FOOD SERVICES MF, LLC, Trading as: Little Dipper, 2985 District Avenue, Suite 185 Fairfax, Virginia 22031-1541. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a BEER AND WINE ON PREMISES, MIXED BEVERAGE ON PREMISES license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Haisha Zhou, Officer. 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.
front yard setback of 22 feet instead of 30 feet, and (2) a rear yard setback of 20 feet instead of 22.15 feet, and a variance to Section 48-1102(b)(2)(c) to allow a height of 28.5 feet instead of 25 feet for the purpose of constructing a 2.5 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. New Business Special Use Permit application U1579-16 by Sellaperumage Ruth Shaw, applicant and owner, for an extension to a Special Use Permit, granted on April 14, 2016 to continue to operate an existing home daycare without expiration, on premises known as 1004 N. Roosevelt, RPC #53-212-011 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B (Medium 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)
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ABC LICENSE LAZY SUNDAE INC., Trading as: LAZY MIKES DELICATESSEN, 7049 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia 22046.2007. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Rebecca Tax, Vice President. 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 APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on May 17, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the Community Center, Teen Center, located at 223 Little Falls Street, for consideration of the following item: Old Business Variance application V1600-18 by Roy Wingrove, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow (1) a
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.
Offices in: Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Wytheville, Virginia
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Crossword
ACROSS
By David Levinson Wilk 1
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© 2017 David Levinson Wilk
Across
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1. Arouse, as someone's wrath 6. Composer with 20 children 10. Cuba, por ejemplo 14. Longtime ABC exec Arledge 15. Canyon effect 16. Tried to steal second, maybe 17. Like ____ from the blue 18. Partner of scratch 19. Give a hard time 20. Primary season highlight, affected by 48-Across 23. Lungful 24. Something stubbed 25. TV show that's been nominated for over 200 Emmys, affected by 48-Across 34. Winter of "Modern Family" 35. "The Bluebird Carries the Sky ____ Back": Thoreau 36. Lean-____ (simple shelters) 37. Have an objection 38. Slimming surgeries, in brief 39. Film directors Hartley and Ashby 40. Dude, Jamaica-style 41. Medicinal amounts 42. Roo's mom in "Winnie-thePooh" 43. Oliver Stone film, affected by 48-Across 46. Big name in jeans 47. Winter weather, in Edinburgh 48. 1991 Huey Lewis and the News hit ... and a hint to solving 20-, 25and 43-Across 55. The only number that has the same amount of letters as its actual value
STRANGE BREW
1. Arouse, as someone's wrath
MAY 10 – 16, 2018 | PAGE 21 33. The New Yorker piece 38. Keats' "Bright Star," e.g. 39. Isn't out of the running 41. L'homme upstairs? 42. Many New York City Marathon winners 44. Rock classic written by Van Morrison 45. Mex. neighbor 48. Skips, as class 49. Bread unit 50. Book after Chronicles 51. Places to hibernate 52. Chaplin of "Game of Thrones" 53. Spanish bloom 54. Celebration 55. Dad, mom, bro and sis 56. Gender-neutral pronoun
57. Exude, as charm 58. "There's ____ in My Bucket" (children's song) 59. 2016 #1 album by Rihanna 60. Bring home the bacon 61. They're verboten 62. ____ Verde National Park 63. Degs. for creative types 64. Word after running or jump
DOWN
1. Nest eggs for the golden yrs. 2. Celebrity chef Matsuhisa 3. Shut (up) 4. Pump standard 5. Result of a deadlocked jury 6. John Updike's "____: A Book" 7. Rights org. of which Helen Keller was a co-founder 8. Burn a little 9. "You like?" 10. Its national anthem is "Hatikvah" 11. What good comics do 12. Taylor who said "I do" eight times 13. Woodworking tool 21. Encouraging word 22. Parts of an ellipsis 25. Start of many a pizzeria name 26. Studio behind "Amadeus" and "Platoon" 27. Fool 28. Some urban pollution 29. How some solve crosswords 30. Quickie Halloween costume 31. "Read ____ weep!" 32. Europe's longest river
JOHN DEERING
6. Composer with 20 children
Sudoku Level:
10. Cuba, por ejemplo
S X S W
1
2
3
L O C I
T A C T
E S A I
I K N O W
N I E C E
Last Thursday’s Solution A Y A N X O O U R G H O N C O R A R S A I A R B O N V A P O M E N C A N U K I C A E A R T L I S
S O R E A T
S N A R L
A I L P R O P E S
H Y I P F O O I N S S T S H P E B L E I A N B Y A
Y O S T P E N M A N
E G I L K O P R E E A L L H I N R A
H A R V E Y M I L K
U R B A N
B R I N E
O N I T
I T S O
A D A M
H E R O
A D E S
By The Mepham Group 4
14. Longtime ABC exec Arledge 15. Canyon effect 16. Tried to steal second, maybe 17. Like ____ from the blue 18. Partner of scratch 19. Give a hard time
1
20. Primary season highlight, affected by 48-Across 23. Lungful 24. Something stubbed 25. TV show that's been nominated for over 200 Emmys, affected by 48-Across LOOSE PARTS 34. Winter of "Modern Family" 35. "The Bluebird Carries the Sky ____ Back": Thoreau NICK KNACK
1
© 2018 N.F. Benton
DAVE BLAZEK
Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle
5/13/18
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.
PAGE 22 | MAY 10 – 16, 2018
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
BACK IN THE DAY
20 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VIII, No. 10 • May 21, 1998
6th Annual Food Drive Kicks Off at Memorial Day Parade on Monday More than 10,000 visitors are expected to descend upon Falls Church Monday for the City’s biggest single event of the year — the 17th Annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festivities. Walter Mess, Falls Church’s revered member of the Northern Virginia Recreational Park Authority, is the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade, which begins at 2 p.m. and comes down Park Avenue to the reviewing stand at the intersection of Park and Little Falls St.
Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVIII, No. 11 • May 15, 2008
C������ C����� 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
‘Spins’ Vary on F.C. Election, Hockenberry Loss Lamented Depending on who one talks to, interpretations differ widely on the significance of last week’s municipAl election in the City of Falls Church. Some characterize the defeat by a 57 percent to 43 percent margin of an anti-development referendum as a “vote of confidence” for the current course of economic development in the City. Others point to the fact that the margin was only 300 votes, and show that disdain for the current course will affect the next City Council election in two years.
IN MEMORY of Keegan, who died in mid-April. He always enjoyed his sunny spot on S. Virginia Ave. and strolling past all the shops up and down Broad Street. His walk was never complete without an attempt to walk in the automatic doors into Harris Teeter. Keegan spent his short time spreading love to his neighbors and sniffing every patch of Falls Church he walked by. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
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IF YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT.
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MAY 10 - 16, 2018 | PAGE 23
Cappies Rave Over McLean’s ‘9 to 5’ Production by Anna Krelovich
Special to the News-Press
Bathrobe-clad employees groggily walk onstage to the sound of incessant buzzing, slamming their alarms off and getting ready for work; as they brush their teeth and comb their hair they complain about another dull day, but McLean High School’s production of “9 to 5” is anything but. Based on the groundbreaking hit 1980 movie of the same name, “9 to 5: The Musical” features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, star of the 1980 film, and a book by Patricia Resnick. The musical debuted in Los Angeles in 2008, opening on Broadway in April the next year. Despite receiving 15 Drama Desk Award nominations and 4 Tony Award nominations, the show closed less than a year after opening in September of 2009. “9 to 5” follows three female coworkers, Violet, Doralee, and Judy, as they are pushed to their breaking point with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss, Mr. Hart. Performing only slightly illegal actions, the trio seize control of the office and give it a dream makeover, increas-
ing productivity and empowering women everywhere. Haley Rose portrayed Violet Newstead, the fed up single working mom routinely passed up for a promotion in the boys’ club office. She was determinedly strongwilled and ambitious armed with sarcastically witty quips, specifically in her showstopping tap number “One of the Boys.” Southern bombshell Doralee Rhodes was played by Erica Bass, whose Texas twang perfectly filled Dolly Parton’s cowgirl boots. Bass’ gregarious presence drew all attention to her, while her feisty fortitude proved she was no-nonsense. Country songs like “Backwoods Barbie” and “Cowgirl’s Revenge” showcased vulnerability and astounding vocal ability, all while maintaining her southern drawl. New-girl to the office Judy Bernly was portrayed by powerhouse Abby Covington. Having never worked in an office before, Covington is initially insecure and helpless, but as she bonds with Violet and Doralee she finds a new strength and power, becoming a force to be reckoned with. She finally seizes control of her life after standing up to her ex-husband Dick
STUDENT ACTRESSES (from left to right) Jordan Prather, Kristen Waagner, Ruby Larimer and Sophie Camus play out a scene in the musical, “9 to 5.” (Photo: Courtesy Margaret Waagner) (Eli Wassertzug) in the incredible power ballad “Get Out and Stay Out.” Rose, Bass, and Covington worked perfectly together, crafting a strong relationship between their three characters, and their voices blended beautifully in songs like “Change It.” Franklin Hart Jr., the boss of the office and routine sexual predator was portrayed by the hilarious Benji Harris. Harris was arrogant and selfabsorbed, preying on his secretary Doralee. His ridiculous, over-the-top comedy elevated his pompous attitude to new heights, specifically in the hysterical, if
a little creepy, “Here for You,” complete with hip-swiveling and tongue-waggling. Despite Mr. Hart’s conceited haughtiness, loyally devoted to him is Roz, played by Abby Comey. Her unrequited love drives her to extreme lengths to win Mr. Hart’s affection, and her astoundingly incredible voice shined in the side-splitting “Heart to Hart.” The stage was simply set with a yellow striped wall and set of double doors, but grand moving desks brought places like the elevator, Mr. Hart’s office, and the women’s desks to life. Projections on either side of the stage added
new depth to each setting, from a bright cityscape while in the office to falling rose petals during romantic ballads. Late 70’s typewriters populated the stage, and small details like the shift from drab to colorful folders allowed the props to shine. The audience leaves ruminating that if they don’t like something about their life, they need to “Change It,” but with talented actors, astonishing vocalists and an inspiring message of female empowerment, McLean High School’s production of “9 to 5” may have inspired change all on its own.
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*Prices are per person based on double occupancy plus up to $299 taxes & fees. Cruise pricing based on lowest cabin category after 2for1 savings; upgrades available. Single supplement and seasonal surcharges may apply. Add-on airfare available. Free Beverage Package or Internet requires purchase of Ocean View Cabin or Balcony Cabin (and applies to 1st and 2nd guests occupying a cabin, for the cruise portion of the tour only). Free Beverage Package or Internet requires additional service charges and is subject to NCL terms & conditions and are subject to change. For full Set Sail terms and conditions ask your Travel Consultant. Offers apply to new bookings only, made by 7/31/18. Other terms and conditions may apply. Ask your Travel Consultant for details.
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Not a member? If you’re 50 or over, request a FREE quote and more information today! * Savings amounts are averages based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new policyholders between 1/1/16 and 12/31/16 and provided data regarding their savings and prior carrier. Your savings may vary. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Auto program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. 1/18 CW
PAGE 24 | MAY 10 - 16, 2018
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
DONBEYERVOLVO.COM • 703-237-5000 • 1231 WEST BROAD STREET
Summer OF
TEST DRIVE THE ALL-NEW
Savings
2018 XC60
R C ST R R ealty™ Group
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1511 N Buchanan St, Arlington $ $1,499,900 4 bedrooms
407 LIttle Falls St, Falls Church City $ $1,849,900
4,251 sq ft 4.5 bathrooms
4,489 sq ft
5 bedrooms
4 full, 2 half baths
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UNDER CONTRACT Super price and location for this cute Cape Cod in sought after Greenway Downs!! Upper-level master bedroom with private master bath, gas fireplace in living room, separate dining room, hardwood floors and spacious deck overlooking the large backyard. Located minutes from shopping, schools, parks and Metro. Priced at $499,900!
Falls Church City
1007 Kennedy St, Falls Church City $ $849,900 4 bedrooms/3 baths
2,888 sq ft
Mins to EFC Metro
2,692 sq ft
FC City Schools
4 bedrooms
2.5 bathrooms
703-867-8674
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