Falls Church News-Press 5-13-2021

May 13 – 19, 2021

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. XXXI NO. 13

T�� C��� �� F���� C�����’� I����������, L������ O���� N�������� �� R�����, S������ N. V�������

New Noise Ordinance in F.C. in Search of Balance

Council Agrees on 65 Decibel Limit for Weekends

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields called the City Council’s adoption of modifications to the City’s noise ordinance made this Monday “more than many other communities do” to provide for outdoor entertainment.

As the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent bans on indoor dining and other activities have cut deeply into local restaurant and entertainment venue incomes the last 15 months, attempts by some key City businesses to move their activities outdoors and to attract additional customers with live music has created a major dust-up in the Little City.

In particular, citizens in their residences adjacent such locations have complained loudly about the impact of the noise on their homes.

F.C. Police have been repeatedly called with complaints and the City

Council has taken months to craft a legal compromise that respects the residents as well as acknowledges the burden on local businesses to stay open through the tough times.

Shields was referring to the latter point, noting that many jurisdictions simply respect the demands for peace and quiet by residents and shut down any activity that interrupts that with music or other noises.

Falls Church has taken a different tack, led by Council member Ross Litkenhous and others, to craft a more nuanced noise ordinance that would allow for outdoor music to continue as an option the City values.

The first step was to acquire a noise decibel meter, and when it was finally set up, for members of the Council and City staff to attend a demonstration with the meter at

Continued on Page 5

F.C. CITY BUSINESS OWNERS and City Council members attended a noise demonstration in Cherry Hill Park last week. The soothing tones of Jethro Tull were played at various volumes and distances to give both parties an idea of what the decibel levels looked like under the City’s new noise ordinance. (P����: N���-P����)

F.C. School Board Unanimously Adopts FY22 Budget, Bringing Raises for Teachers

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church City Public Schools School Board unanimously approved a $53.6 million operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2022 commencing July 1 at its meeting Tuesday night.

The budget is balanced, provides

a wage increase for school employees, and provides additional supports for students. For the third year in a row, the financial plan falls within Falls Church City Council’s budget guidance presented last December.

The budget adoption, which was fully expected, came as the board learned that the (George Mason now,

but Meridian as of July 1) high school’s prom is set for a week from Saturday, on May 22, as an outdoor event and the high school’s Class of 2021 graduation is set to occur outdoors on the high school athletic fields on June 2. The school system’s morning bulletin Wednesday announced that Gov. Ralph Northam

has been invited to deliver the commencement address, but it is an invitation that has yet to be responded to.

The F.C. School Board’s initially-agreed upon request for funding from the City, submitted in February, was embedded into City Manager Wyatt Shields’ recommended budget in March and adopted in full by the

Council on April 26. The Council included the requested amount despite moving to lower the real estate tax rate by 3.5 cents to $1.32 per $100 assessed valuation.

“Rebounding from the impact of Covid‐19, the focus of the FY 2022 Budget is employee compensation, allowing FCCPS to attract, hire, and retain an exceptional, diverse staff to

Continued on Page 4

I����� T��� W��� M������ C����� S���� I� N����� P��� O� M������ S�����

Providence Players of Fairfax has taken on the creative challenge of continuing theater productions with streaming short productions online and now live with “The Parking Lot,” debuting under the stars on Thursday evening at the Italian Café in Falls Church.

SEE STORY, PAGE 3

M������� F������� T��� CL���� C�-D������� T���� �� C���� S�����

The Mustangs football team had one of their winningest seasons in recent history during the Covid-altered “fall” season this spring, ending the shortened season with a 4-2 record and being declared co-champions of the Northwestern District as well.

SEE STORY, PAGE 19

R��������� S��������: B����-G T������ M��’� C�����’

For a family from Turkey who loves Falls Church, one good sale deserves another. Based on their success at the F.C. Farmers Market, the Kaygusuz family has extended their reach from Park to Maple Avenue by opening their gourmet shop, Borek-G, or “Turkish Mom’s Cookin.’”

SEE STORY, PAGE 14

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 Crime Report .................................... 12 News & Notes.............................10-11 Business News ................................. 15 Calendar .....................................16-17 Classified Ads ................................... 20 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 21 Critter Corner.................................... 22

PAGE 2 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 3

Real Couples Act Out Marital Drama in Providence Players’ ‘The Parking Lot’

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

BETH GILES-WHITEHEAD and her real (and stage) husband, David Whitehead, act out a scene in “The Parking Lot,” by Providence Players of Fairfax. (P����: C������� C��� G�����/P��������� P������) The play, written by Adam Szymkowicz and set during the coronavirus pandemic, is billed as “a comedy about married life”

for a married couple. In lieu of navigating the ups and downs of marriage in private or in marital counseling, the couple makes use

of a parking lot as their setting to discuss whether or not they should consider a divorce. To add to the fun, the performances will

IN THE HEART OF

FALLS CHURCH CITY! FREE Document

$

H 93 O U 9 SE ,0 M 00 AY 15 ,2 –4

While many theaters have been obliged to shut their doors during the pandemic, Providence Players of Fairfax has taken on the creative challenge of continuing theater productions with streaming short productions online and now live with “The Parking Lot,” debuting under the stars on Thursday evening at the Italian Café in Falls Church.

In the production, art imitates life as the socially distanced performance will be performed outdoors in a parking lot involving a married couple’s interaction in a parking lot at which audience members must bring their own chairs. In a similar instance of verisimilitude, the production features a married couple, Jayne L. Victor and Michael Donahue, directing a married couple — actor David P. Whitehead and actress Beth Gilles-Whitehead.

Both performers have acted in notable Providence Players productions before: David in “The Front Page”and Beth in “Auntie Mame.”

be fully interactive experiences, with audience participation helping influence the play with occasional votes.

Providence Players’ new offering will be presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. on the two weekends of May 13 – 15 as well as May 20 – 22.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with live music beginning at 7 p.m.

There will be a full lineup of musical guests beginning with Michael Clem of the band Eddie from Ohio on opening night and then a myriad of diverse performers associated with the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and the organizers of its annual music festival.

These other musical guests include Anthony “Swampdog” Clark, Flo Anito, Eric Scotti, Calista Garcia, and Carla Harvey.

The productions will end at approximately 9:10 p.m. each night. This will be Providence Players’ second parking lot production at the Italian Café. In the case of inclement weather, rain dates will be announced. Please check the Providence Players website for updates.

O PE N

SHREDDING

110 GRACE LANE | FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 WWW.110-GRACE.COM

2,500+ Sq Ft 2-Car Detached Garage

3 Bedrooms Falls Church M East Metro

EVENT

Saturday, May 22 · 9 am - 12 pm Clear your clutter and protect your personal information.

2½ Bathrooms Falls Church City Schools

Team members will be available to assist with any heavy boxes.

Free and open to the public! Professional shredding by PROSHRED®.

Hosted by Chesterbrook Residences.

C A L L 7 0 3 -7 2 2 - 0 7 2 5 F O R A P R I VAT E S H O W I N G

Will Gaskins

Andy Biggers

703-533-1500 OFFICE will@thegaskinsteam.com

703-533-1500 OFFICE andy@thegaskinsteam.com

703-963-4216

202-431-2515

CALL 703-722-0725 FOR A PRIVATE SHOWING

703-531-0781

A Caring Assisted Living Retirement Community

chesterbrookres.org 2030 Westmoreland Street Falls Church, VA

THEGASKINSTEAM.COM

Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

Overall, FY22 Budget Represents 3% Increase Over Current Year’s Funding

Continued from Page 1

meet the needs of all students,” Superintendent Peter Noonan said in a statement following the budget adoption. “This budget also provides for investments to address impacts to students from Covid‐19 and required support for our new high school.”

The budget includes a step increase for eligible employees and a one-and-a-half percent (1.5 percent) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all staff members.

Other expenditures include a projected increase in health insurance and investments to address Covid impacts on FCCPS. These include the addition of a school counselor to meet new ratios proposed by the Governor, an additional social worker to assist with our families’ emotional well-being coming out of the Covid pandemic, and a PreK-12 English/ Language Arts coordinator to support teachers and students.

The budget also includes three additional custodial staff for our newly opened high school.

“We want to thank the Falls Church City Council for working closely with us and for honoring the budget we’ve put forward.

It means a lot,” School Board Chair Shannon Litton said. “We are glad to offer increased compensation for our teachers, who we all see as core to everything we do.”

The approved FY22 budget is an overall three percent increase from the current FY21 funding. It includes a City transfer increase of $1.1 million.

State funding is increasing by 18.25 percent or $470,000, with nearly all coming from a substantial jump in sales tax revenue. Federal revenue, primarily for special education, will increase by $32,000 from the current year. The FCCPS Enrollment projection for the next school year is 2,605 students or just over 100 more from September 30, 2020.

Details of the School Board Approved FY 2022 Budget include the following: • Step increase for eligible employees averaging 2.5 percent • Cost of Living increase of 1.5 percent • Employer share of projected health insurance premium increases by 2.4 percent • City retirement, primarily for FCCPS support positions, has a rate decrease of 0.75 percent offset by alignments to the city retirement salary base • English/Language Arts PreK-12 Coordinator • Social Worker to increase the support for students’ emotional well-being • School Counselor to meet the reduced ratios required by the state • Funding to continue to replace FCCPS’ 1:1 student laptops every four years at the middle and high school levels • Custodial support for the new high school • Budget reductions from the

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

current plan ensure funding of a few of the system’s highest priorities. They include: • Adjusting the salary base for current employees reflecting turnover from the FY 2021 school year and projecting for turnover in FY 2022 ($475,111) • Savings from other employee benefits, which is from the discontinued transitional retirement program ($92,676)

• Reducing paraprofessional for first grade by 0.5 based on enrollment which results in a first-grade teacher moving to 2nd grade ($28,616) • Reducing the staffing reserve, used to address enrollment variances ($62,491) • Adjusting the budget for contracted instructional services with other jurisdictions based on historical usage ($100,000)

Status Update on Monday, May 10 City of Falls Church Vaccine Data Date

Doses Administered

Monday, May 10

13,281

At Least One Dose

Fully Vaccinated

8,054

5,621

(55.1% of population)

(38.5% of population)

Monday, May 3

12,289

7,639

4,969

End of April 26

11,339

data not captured

4,419

End of March

6,185

data not captured

2,151

End of February

3,237

data not captured

1,144

End of January

1,077

data not captured

95

(52.3% of population)

(34% of population)

www.FallsChurchChamber.org/events/calendar/ The Annual Richmond Report

Virtual Chamber Orientation

Tuesday, May 18—12:00-1:15 pm

Join the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Merrifield Business Association to hear Delegate Marcus discuss important issues and decisions from the Virginia Legislature that impact our local business community.

Please pick up lunch from one of our fantastic member restaurants and enjoy lunch with us virtually!

Friday, May 21—11:00 am-12:00 pm For current, new and prospective members:



Learn more about the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce

 

Make the most of Chamber benefits



Network with other Chamber members

Find out how to add Events/Hot Deals and edit the Member Page

Register by scanning the QR code, or registering through the event page on our website. The Zoom link will be included in event registration email.

Luncheon

LiveLocalFC Partner Sponsors

@FallsChurchCham

Orientation

@FCChamberofCommerce Gold Sponsors

Live Local Falls Church!

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors Body Dynamics John Marshall Bank John N. Rodock Baker, Donelson

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 5

New Ordinance Spurred By Live Music, But Also Affects Industrial Sounds

Continued from Page 1

Cherry Hill Park last week. It was led

by F.C. Police Captain Steve Rau, and it was thought that a level of 70 would work for the City’s industrial zones, and 65 for commercial zones (that often abut residential areas).

“Our posture is to work with the business community to develop a solution that would work for all,” Shields said. “Clearly, there have been complaints from numerous residents that no noise at all is their preference.”

But the official staff recommendation to the Council this Monday was for a uniform decibel level of 65 up to 10 p.m. on weekends, and after a heated discussion Monday, that was adopted by a 6-1 vote (Litkenhous, arguing for a level of 75 but willing to accept 70, voting ‘No.’) Litkenhous said the low 65 limit is “incongruent with a dense, vibrant, urban walkable community.” He said it would “set up for controversy” current outdoor music venues operated by Clare and Don’s restaurant and The State Theater.

He also suggested the time limit

CAPTAIN STEVE RAU from the Falls Church City police answers questions about how the noise levels will be assessed during the demonstration last week. (P����: N���-P����) be set at 10:30 rather than 10 p.m.

But Council member Letty Hardi said that 10 works because it was what everyone has become used to during the past pandemic year.

Councilman David Snyder said the adopted version “is a reasonable balance, as good as we hope we can get,” though Councilman Phil Duncan said he didn’t think that 65 was enough. “It doesn’t take into account the impact of leaves on trees and other variants,” he said.

Everyone agreed that the noise issue was not something that law enforcement ought to be burdened with, but that it should be handled as a zoning matter.

Mayor David Tarter said that the new ordinance at least will deal with the “reasonable person” standard (“noise that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensibilities”) for measuring violations, which has been determined to be unconstitutional but is still what is

in force as the standard in most jurisdictions.

“Getting rid of that in our noise ordinance is a first step,” Tarter said.

He said that while he supports the 65 decibel limit, “I think we need to be more agile in the enforcement, to tailor our response to specific conditions.”

The ordinance would apply to more than music, including loud leaf blowers and industrial equipment.

Tarter said he wants to see out-

2021�KIA FORTE LXS

89

$

/MO.

24�MONTHS�|�10,000�MILES STOCK�#8945C,�MSRP:�$20,590,�$3,850�DUE�AT�SIGNING,�VA�RESIDENTS�ONLY,�OTHER�STATES�MAY�BE� HIGHER.�ON�APPROVED�CREDIT,�NOT�ALL�BUYERS�WILL�QUALIFY.�NO�SECURITY�DEPOSIT�REQUIRED.� EXP:�06/07/21.

door music thrive in the Little City, and that the vote at 65 was “only a first step.”

In other Council developments at its virtual meeting this week: • Claire Weatherly, the regional winner of the Virginia Municipal League’s “If I Were Mayor” message contest, shared her essay with the Council, and Robert Bullington, communications director for the VML, spoke about the program.

• After a Council briefing Monday, as of press time Wednesday, the City still is in the dark about how much federal American Recovery Act money it can expect, though City officials say that will come next week. However, City officials are delighted to learn that “use rules” for the money allow funds to be used for storm water relief and that it will have up to four years to spend the money.

• The Council was briefed but did not act on the request by the developers of the 10-acre west end project to establish a West Falls Community Development Authority that would permit it to raise funds from business at the site to bond for infrastructure projects at the site.

PAGE 6 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021 

One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers

(Published by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXXI, No. 13 May 13 – 19, 2021 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N������� F. B����� O���� � E�����-I�-C���� �������������.���

N��� G��� A���������� S������� A������������ ����������.���

M��� D������ N��� E�����

�������������.���

M������ M���� A������� � O��������� �����������.���

C������ C����, T�� W������ C��������� T�� W���� C��� E����� J���� I����� C���������� M������ �������������.���

T� C������ ��� N���-P���� �����: 703-532-3267 ���: 703-342-0347 �����: ���������.��� ������� ����������� ��������.��� ���������� ��� �������������.��� ������� �� ��� ������ ������������.��� ������������� ������������ � �������� �������������.���

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2021 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E��������

E D I TO R I A L

To Noise & Small Businesses

There are two prominent stories in this week’s edition that can be paired for maximum effect. One is about a study showing the City of Falls Church is the third best place in Virginia for small business. The other is this edition’s lead story about the F.C. City Council’s revisions to the City’s noise ordinance. In the latter case, the issue stewed before the Council for weeks as it struggled to find a balance that would both redress the concerns of City residents who have been complaining about noise coming from live music at outdoor venues in town and the needs of those establishments to stay in business amid the travails of the pandemic.

To one constituency, the music is too loud at almost any level above an unaccompanied song by a quasi-whispering Joni Mitchell or Donovan.

To the other, such muted sounds can’t hold an audience such that their last resort to stay solvent in tough times is evaporated. It is a tribute to the City Council that it put as much time and energy into finding a balance to appease both groups as it has.

The new noise standards adopted by the Council by a 6-1 vote Monday are, however, probably not going to make anyone happy. Short of a move to hand out free earplugs to everyone in the community, there is hardly anything that the Council can do to assuage the disgruntled voices on both sides of the issue.

But the bigger point is that they’ve tried, tried a lot to respect the interests not only of the residents, but of the small businesses in question as well. While the small businesses have their champion on this issue in Councilman Ross Litkenhous, it was hard for his colleagues not to take his strident stand on increasing the noise limit to 75 decibels as measures on the City’s new noise meter seriously. His colleagues were not willing to push it above 65, which is less than an infrequent squeak from a noiseless Italian greyhound, but with the caveat, as expressed by Mayor David Tarter, that flexibility be the rule, with the door open to revisiting the matter at any time going forward.

So apparently it’s not going away. Tarter’s expressed interest in having a lively outdoor music scene in Falls Church means for grumpy residents they’re going to have to continue complaining. At least for Tarter, Litkenhous and actually everyone on the current Council, attending as best as is reasonable to the interests of the small businesses in the Little City is where prime values are placed.

This is definitely unique. While some look at what’s been happening in Falls Church since 2002 and see only large scale mixed use projects gaining their footholds here, the usual lip service to small business has also been met with some unpopular decisions that have helped shore up that critical ingredient to what makes a community fun and liveable, overall.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

L������

Editor, In endorsing Gov. Terry McAuliffe in his bid to be the 72nd Governor of Virginia, the FCNP editorial board said, “thanks to him,” Virginia protected women’s rights.

This seems to be degrading to the women who have actually been leading on issues like reproductive healthcare and the Equal Rights Amendment. Two of those women are in the race for Governor against McAuliffe.

To be clear, McAuliffe has undoubtedly been a great Governor, and, should he be the nominee, I will enthusiastically support him in the fall. But this is a year of choice — a choice not simply of who to lead us, but where we wish to be led.

At age 17, I’m excited for the opportunity to cast my first-ever vote in this year’s Democratic primary. At the top of my ballot for the Gubernatorial race, I’ll be checking in the box to vote for Sen. Jennifer McClellan. I’m voting for Jennifer McClellan because she’s the proven, progressive leader we need to lead the Democratic Party to victory and the Commonwealth of Virginia to greatness.

Having spent 15 years in the state legislature, McClellan has more experience than all the other

1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy.

3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment.

4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe.

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

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

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

The Rage Around Northern Virginia

Editor, I had an epiphany Saturday night while picking up carry-out in Falls Church. Recently, Fairfax’s Health Department began providing Covid-19 vaccines to walk-ins at Tyson’s Corner Center.

I mentioned the opportunity to the restaurant owner who said that their entire staff had been vaccinated.

This parallels what I am hearing in my office where only five patients (out of about 120) that I saw in the last week and a half had not been vaccinated.

It seems that in Northern Virginia vaccination is the thing to do. We are protecting others and ourselves from illness and death due to Covid19. It means that this summer will be much more fun than 2020.

Let’s keep doing the right things to reach that goal.

Please tell your family and neighbors about the walk-in vaccination clinic at Tyson’s (former Lord and Taylor storefront) or help them register for an appointment.

For more info, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov and click on Covid19 vaccine.

Gordon Theisz Falls Church

[ LETTERS ]

Got Beef?

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

P�������

four primary candidates com-

McClellan, Not bined, and her record of success is unmatched as a legislator and as a McAuliffe, Is Va.’s leader in the Democratic Party.

Matthew Savage Falls Church Best Choice For Vaccinations Are All Governor

The deadline for Letters to the Editor is 5 p.m.

Monday each week of publication Letters should be 350 words or less.

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

ADVERTISE IN THE

Call 532-3267 or visit www.FCNP.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

G � � � � C � � � � � �� ��

CO MME NT

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 7

Don’t Pave Justice High’s Paradise To Put Up A Parking Lot B� K������� B����

Fairfax County, to its credit, has launched sweeping initiatives to address climate change (Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan, CECAP), the need for more inclusive and equitable policies and services (One Fairfax), and designs that answer the growing call — made real by the global pandemic — for more walkable, live-able communities.

So why is the county willing to quietly turn over two of the last remaining acres of parkland in one of the least green, most highneed areas of Fairfax County, for a non-parkrelated parking lot?

It appears Fairfax County Public Schools developed a building expansion plan for Justice High School that depends on ‘borrowing’ parkland located across Peace Valley Lane for spillover parking. Neither FCPS nor the Fairfax County Park Authority bothered to inform the surrounding communities. Only after months of pressure from a small group of park advocates did FCPS finally schedule a community meeting to present their proposal and answer questions.

At that virtual meeting on May 6, more than 100 people overwhelmingly registered their opposition to the loss of parkland for school parking. Community members offered many creative alternatives, including reducing the need for onsite parking through bike racks, ridesharing, community-sponsored electric scooters and parking at a nearby church.

Justice Park, created in 1961, is the only local park of its size and type in the Bailey’s/ Seven Corners area. It serves a densely populated area with the highest socioeconomic needs in Fairfax County, and among the lowest amount of parkland per capita.

Opportunities to acquire more parkland are

“Instead, at a time when the County has committed to reducing greenhouse emissions, including reliance on cars, FCPS wishes to turn two acres of grass and mature shade trees into more asphalt.” practically non-existent. Many Justice High School area families live in high-rise and apartment buildings with no yards of their own, which are urban environments.

Half of the 17-acre Justice Park is covered by a hilly, urban forest with a tributary of Tripp’s Run that drains directly into Lake Barcroft. The wooded area is beautiful yet cut off from the popular recreation area of the park by invasive plants. Few park users

know of it. Meanwhile, the stream is badly degraded from years of runoff from impervious surfaces including a large existing parking lot at the school.

Justice Park has all the essential ingredients to become exactly the type of walkable, livable local park called for by environmental and smart growth advocates. Instead, at a time when the County has committed to reducing greenhouse emissions, including reliance on cars, FCPS wishes to turn two acres of grass and mature shade trees into more asphalt. Among the losses: The only open-play area in the vicinity that is large and flat enough to accommodate pick-up soccer, kite flying, playing catch or frisbee.

Public city parks were founded in the late 1800s by progressive reformers who “argued that open space and fresh air were essential to childhood in a democratic society. They also regarded green spaces as necessary quiet refuges for adults bombarded with the noise and clamor of city life.” [Neil Gale, PhD, in Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal]. That’s just as true now, if not more so. Why rob the future beneficiaries of that large open green space?

How is it possible for FCPS and FCPA to justify this change? Before making changes to a county park, the Park Authority must undergo a Master Plan Amendment that provides multiple opportunities for public input.

Three years ago, the nearby Ravenwood Park community asked permission to plant community gardens within the park but were denied on the grounds that a Master Plan

amendment would be required. Similarly, a master plan amendment was required before lights could be added to the softball diamond.

Yet now FCPA has been willing to let FCPS pave up to 25 percent of the non-wooded recreation side of the park for a non-park use without a master plan amendment.

Up to now, neither the FCPS nor the Park Authority has complied with repeated requests for full transparency about the process they have been following. Very puzzling, considering that the parkland, the school property, and the street between them are all owned by Fairfax County, not VDOT or a private developer.

The three-story school building addition for classrooms, labs and a cafeteria expansion is very much needed, as Justice High School is at capacity. Knowing the land constraints, FCPS could have planned a multi-story parking facility on school property. While it would cost more in the short run, it clearly would save money over the long term and offer optimal flexibility for future expansions.

We should not have to choose between quality schools and quality parks for children who deserve both. Need we remind FCPS and FCPA that the former J.E.B. Stuart Raiders are now Justice Wolves, and wolves need room to range on both sides of Peace Valley Lane. All we ask for is a less pavingintensive parking solution outside of Justice Park.

Kathleen Brown is a Justice High parent and a member of the school’s PTSA

Q������� �� ��� W��� Do you support the new noise ordinance adopted by the F.C. Council?

• Yes

• No

Last Week’s Question: Are you in favor of the modified Memorial Day celebration?

• Not sure

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS]

15% Not Sure

43% Yes 42% No

FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientific polls.

The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published.

All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.

LO CA L

PAGE 8 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

F� � � � C � � � � �

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS Falls Church Ranked #3 For Small Business in Va.

30

In celebration of OUR 30th year in business The Falls Church News-Press is pleased to announce OUR 30th Anniversary Party!

Please mark your calendar for this "everyone is going to be there"

event!

Thursday, July 29, 2021 Ireland's Four Provinces "4 P's" 105 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046

6pm to 8pm

Tickets will be on sale soon but save the date! You won't want to miss it!

The SmartAsset website has ranked the City of Falls Church third in Virginia as a “best place for small business,” it was announced this week. Falls Church ranked third in state behind Goochland and Rappahannock and ahead of Fairfax County. To evaluate the relevant data, the organization considered three factors: the proportion of people in a county with small business income, how much business income those people reported and the amount of tax a potential resident must pay on their income. To determine how attractive a region is for small business owners, the number of tax returns that report small business income compared to the total tax-filing population of the region was compared. Next, the total amount of small business income to the overall amount of income reported in each region was compared.

F.C. Episcopal Announces Call of New Rector

Paul Rosbolt, senior warden of the historic Falls Church Episcopal Church, issued a statement Tuesday announcing that the church’s Vestry, with the recommendation of its Search Committee, has issued a call to the Rev. Walter Burley Strattmann “Burl” Salmon to be the next rector of the church. He reported that Rev. Salmon has accepted the call, and will begin at the church on July 1.

Rev. Salmon will become the first full-time rector at the church since the departure of the Rev. John Ohmer after seven years of service in the fall of 2019. Ohmer had led the congregation as it regained control of the historic church property after six years of illegal occupation by defectors who left the Episcopal Church in 2005 in protest, among other things, of the national church’s election of an openlygay bishop in 2003.

Rev. Salmon, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, received his Master of Divinity degree from Yale. By virtue of accepting this new call, he will end his service as Associate Minister for Pastoral Care, Christian Education and Outreach at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea church in

Palm Beach, Florida. He comes to Falls Church with his husband, Bob Henkel.

Va. GOP Gubernatorial Pick Wins Swift Trump Blessing

Glenn Youngkin prevailed as the Virginia GOP’s gubernatorial nominee for the November 2021 election last weekend, it was finally announced Tuesday. He joins nominee for attorney general Jason Miyares and nominee for lieutenant governor Winsome Sears on the GOP ticket, which was chosen at an unassembled convention. Youngkin received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump almost as soon as his election was announced.

All three GOP candidates have gone on record denying the results of the November 2021 presidential election that President Joe Biden won by over seven million votes.

The Democratic nominees for the three statewide offices will be chosen at an open primary on June 8.

F.C. Council Recognizes New Student Representatives

The Falls Church City Council Monday officially recognized the slate of local high school students recruited and vetted by the Citizens for a Better City as its seventh year crop that have volunteered to serve on City boards, commissions and civic organizations.

The new students recognized include Grayson Kusic and Mike Galvin (Architectural Advisory Board), Katherine Litton and Olivia Games (Human Services Advisory Council), Terah Nguyen and Tobias Senderowitsch (Environmental Sustainability Council), Megan Carpenter (Electoral Board), Miles Pierre and Alex Lacroix (Economic Development Authority), Katherine Hart (Historical Commission).

To serve on civic organizations are Kiana Collins and Helen Jordan (Tinner Hill Social Justice Committee), Luke Gradle and Joseph Ziayee (F.C. Chamber of Commerce) and Nicholas Teply (Friends of Cherry Hill Farm).

The students were due to be sworn in at a virtual event yesterday.

www.solaceoutpost.com FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

571-378-1469 MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 9

Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday • 11:00 am - 2:30 pm Monday - Sunday • 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Welcomes the Falls Church News-Press as the SPOT OF THE WEEK

NEXT THURSDAY, MAY 20TH PANJSHIR RESTAURANT

MUSLIM CONGREGANTS prostrate during their “night of power” service in one of the final days of Ramadan. In this position, they say to themselves “Subhana rabbiyal A’la,” or “Glorious is my Lord the Most High.” (Photo: News-Press)

In-Person Ramadan Services Offers Spiritual Renewal to F.C. Muslims by

Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

The final nights of Ramadan were celebrated by the Muslim community worldwide, with the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Seven Corners welcoming back congregants with a stronger attachment to the faith than seen before.

“When you do faith as a community, you really are lifting each other up. And it’s intended since we as humans are social beings,” said Saif Rahman, Dar Al-Hijrah’s director of public and government affairs. “So even being able to practice as a community again is something that’s phenomenal.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. For 30 days, Muslims abstain from food and water during daylight hours, outside of the morning meal (suhoor) and evening meal (iftar). There’s also an effort to cut down on foul language and even sex during the month so adherents can cleanse themselves of sinful behavior and create a closer connection with God. That makes sense considering that in Arabic, the language found in the Quran, “Ramadan” roughly translates to “burning off” or to purifying oneself, according to Rahman.

“It’s a time when fasting is an individual obligation,” Rahman said. “If you

go home and you eat, no one’s going to see you, right? But it’s your relationship with God and your consciousness of God that is preventing you from doing so.”

The return to the mosque is all the more appreciated after a year of distance.

Rahman said in-person services didn’t resume until August of last year — well after Ramadan had passed in the late spring.

But that didn’t mean Dar Al-Hijrah receded from their community. While still in the early days of the pandemic, the mosque set up a food bank to serve its neighbors of all faiths, with local Latinos in the Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads area being frequent attendees.

And during Ramadan, nightly drivethru meals have been given out to those who are still uncomfortable about gathering in-person. What’s interesting, Rahman noted, was that prior to the pandemic the drive-thru had almost entirely Muslim participants. Since then, it’s been about a 80-20 split between Muslims and nonMuslims.

Those who are comfortable in visiting Dar Al-Hijrah will find a different layout for services. Thursday’s prayer was the “night of power,” per Rahman, where every good deed is magnified in its importance.

Continued on Page 19

WWW.PANJSHIRRESTAURANT.COM 114 EAST FAIRFAX STREET, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 703-536-4566

TO ANSWER QUESTIONS OR PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PAPER!

THIS WEEK MAY 13TH WILL BE AT: ORSO

LO CA L

PAGE 10 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

SPOTTED coming out of the ground near you are the beloved Brood X cicadas. Every 17 years, they emerge from their soil in the Washington, D.C. region (and elsewhere) to find new admirers, such as Gwen Young pictured here. (Photo: Courtesy Jennifer Fox Young )

Food Drops Offs Return To St. James on May 15 On May 15, Saint James Catholic Church (905 Park Ave., Falls Church) will be holding a No Contact Food Drop Off from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Food needs include non-perishables such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed or bagged cereal, rice and pasta, pasta sauce, cooking oil, bread, non-refrigerat-

ed juice, peanut butter, and canned fish, such as tuna or salmon.

Drivers will line up in their cars, pop their trunk and then volunteers will grab their plastic bags (cloth bags will not be accepted) out of their trunk.

The No Contact Friday Food Drop Offs initiative is an effort by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington to increase food donations by offering no contact drive-thru drop offs throughout

the region.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Charities’ pantries, parish and partner pantries have experienced dramatic increases in the amount of food needed as the economic toll continues to stress families especially hard.

All food will be distributed through the organization’s St. Lucy Food Project.

St. Lucy’s provides food to the community through three Catholic Charities pantries – Loaves and Fishes in Front Royal, Christ House in Alexandria and the Leesburg Regional Office in Leesburg – as well as some 60 parish, interfaith, community and

government pantries within the diocese.

Final Chance to Purchase Brood X Cicada Shirts The first run of the Cicada t-shirts to benefit the Falls Church Education Foundation’s Family Assistance Fund netted over $4,000. They will ship by May 21st.

Now is interested buyers’ second and final chance to get a Big Bugs in the Little City shirt to commemorate the 17 year cycle of Brood X cicadas coming.

Those who want a shirt should order by Friday, May 14 and should expect delivery around

Monday, June 7.

To order the shirt, visit customink.com/fundraising/big-bugsin-the-little-city-brood-x-cicada2021-fundraiser.

F.C. Resident Nominated for National Artist Award Falls Church resident Priya Parrotta Natarajan, an author and Director of Music for Earth International, has been nominated among a select group of ‘exceptional artists and art professionals across the country’ to compete for the 2022 US Artist’s Award.

The nominations are drawn from the following disciplines: Architecture & Design,

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, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Craft, Dance, Film, Media, Music, Theater & Performance, Traditional Arts, Visual Art, and Writing. Nominators remain anonymous in perpetuity.

Natarajan may be contacted at parrottapriya@gmail.com.

Bedtime Story Event Held

By F.C.-McLean Preschool Families can leave bedtime story reading to a firefighter if they register for “Read Me A Story,” a free, virtual literacy event taking place on Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m.. The event is organized to benefit Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center, a local nonprofit preschool.

Early registrants will be eligible for a drawing of a variety of hardcover children’s books, including “Fire! Fuego! Brave Bomberos,” the dual language English/Spanish book that McLean Volunteer Fire Fighter and Assistant Chief Kevin Long will read during the program.

Interested attendees can register at GiveButter.com/ ReadMeAStory to receive the link to the private, one-time showing. No purchases or donations are needed, but attendees must pre-register to receive the link a couple days before the program.

The literacy event will include tips from a preschool teacher on making reading fun; guest appearances from local supporters; and preschoolers showing their favorite books. Bookseller One More Page Books will donate a portion of sales of those recommended books to the preschool.

Throughout the program, viewers will be able to donate to support Falls Church-McLean Children’s Center.

For more than 50 years, the Children’s Center has provided an affordable, full-time, year-round program for the young children from low- and moderate-income families to have a place to be

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 11

while their parents worked while providing an opportunity to build the critical skills they need to be ready for kindergarten.

Local sponsors include: Virginia Del. Marcus Simon, New Edition Consulting, Inc.; Powell Radomsky, PLLC; Drs. Love & Miller and Lewinsville Presbyterian Church.

Glencarlyn Library Holds Spring Garden Plant Sale Native and locally propagated plants — including herbs, vegetables, annuals and ornamentals — from Hill House Nursery and the Library Garden will be available for sale on Sunday, May 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Glencarlyn Library Garden (300 South Kensington St., Arlington). The event will be held rain or shine.

Honey, compost tea, handmade pots, and t-shirts will be available for sale, too.

Organizers will be giving away free tree saplings and Extension Master Gardeners will be on site to help answer questions about gardening and plant selection.

All proceeds will support care of the Glencarlyn Library Garden.

Attendees must wear a face mask and practice social distancing during the event.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information call Alyssa Ford Morel at 703-9079318, or Elaine Mills at 703244-7309, or email glencarlynlibrarygarden@gmail.com.

Meetings About Cell Tower At New High School May 19 The Falls Church City School Board has received a proposal from Milestone Towers and Verizon Wireless to install a cell tower on the Falls Church schools’ secondary campus.

Before any decisions will be made, the next step is to hold two

THE SPRING CHORAL CONCERT returned to George Mason High School on Tuesday night. The combined choirs opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” then the Concert Choir sang 4 pieces (�irst photo), there was a protocol required 15-minute intermission, the Chamber Singers sang 4 pieces (next 3 photos), and the two group re-combined to conclude the program with “I Sing Because I’m Happy.” (P����: C������� C���� S��) virtual Town Hall meetings on the same night — one for the nearby residential community and one for the school community.

The same material will be shared at both meetings.

• Town Hall for the surrounding residential community On Wednesday, May 19 from 6 – 7 p.m • Town Hall for the FCCPS Secondary School Community on May 19 as well from 7 – 8 p.m.

To learn more about the project, why it is requested, what it will look like, how it works, and

Seeking friendly and motivated individuals to add their skills to our staff for Full-Time Retail Deli/Grocery Customer Service Call Cliff to set an interview time. Email resume to info@germangourmet.com, or fax to 703-379-6117

German Gourmet 5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 703-379-8080 www.germangourmet.com

safety, visit the project website, meridianhswireless.com.

Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance from the website links for each meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. meridianhswireless.com/town-hall.

Mason Trombonist Selected for Internat’l Honors Series George Mason High School senior trombonist Alec Autor was

selected for the 2021 High School Honors Performance Series.

In July 2022, he will join musicians from across the globe for performances at the Sydney Opera House.

Autor began studying trombone in fourth grade at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

He played in the high school’s Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band for four years, participated in middle school and high school District X Bands, and performed in the “Chicago” and “Chorus Line” orchestras.

CO MME NT

PAGE 12 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

The Commonwealth of Virginia, which has elections every year, is the ideal place for political enthusiasts to hone their predictive skills and whet their appetites for electoral combat, win or lose. The primaries, for both parties, will result in a few winners to compete in the November general elections, but more losers, as both parties had multiple candidates seeking their party’s nomination for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General. Additionally, several delegate seats have challengers for nomination.

This year’s Democratic candidates may be the most diverse that Virginia voters have faced to date. Five gubernational candidates — former Governor Terry McAuliffe, Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, State Senator Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Lee Carter, former Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy; six lieutenant governor candidates — Norfolk City Councilmember Andria McClellan, Delegates Haya Ayala, Mark Levine, Sam Rasoul, former Fairfax NAACP president Sean Perryman, and NFL players’ agent Xavier Warren (Elizabeth Guzman withdrew from the race, but her name remains on the ballot); and two attorney general candidates – incumbent Mark Herring and Delegate Jay Jones. In Mason District, the 38th and 49th delegate districts will have primaries, as Delegate Kaye Kory and Democratic activist Holly Hazard face off, and Delegate Alfonso Lopez is challenged by preschool teacher Karishma Mehta.

Terry McAuliffe was an outstanding and successful governor, but Virginia law prevents governors from running for a second consecutive term. Anyone who knows Terry is aware that he loved the job, has enormous energy, and guided the Commonwealth to new heights as a business-favorable jurisdiction. As we move from Covid-19 to recovery, Terry McAuliffe has the proven executive skills to lead the Commonwealth, from the coastal plain to deep southwest Virginia, back to stability and continued progress. He deserves another term as governor.

Norfolk City Councilmember Andria McClellan has 30 years of leadership experience in the private sector, non-profit arena, and local government, and will be the strongest voice for counties, cities, and towns. That experience is crucial, as many policymakers at the state capital

simply do not understand, or seem to care about, the many challenges that local governments, and their constituents, face when providing needed local services. As colleagues on the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) to the Chesapeake Executive Council, I have observed, first-hand, Andria’s “roll up your sleeves and find a solution” approach to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and our local waterways. She will bring that same clear-headed approach to the next administration, along with her advocacy for high-speed Internet access for all Virginians.

Attorney General Mark Herring is running for his third term as Virginia’s top lawyer. Mark also brings local government experience to statewide office; I first met him when he was a Loudoun County Supervisor, and served with me on the Potomac Watershed Roundtable. I was one of the first local elected officials to endorse him when he ran for AG in 2013, and I continue to support his platform of justice, equality, and opportunity for all Virginians. I hope you will support him, too.

Holly Hazard is running for the delegate seat currently held by Kaye Kory. Intra-party primaries are rare in Northern Virginia, but Holly would bring needed new energy and leadership to the 38th Delegate District, which stretches from Seven Corners to Annandale.

Delegate Alfonso Lopez, whose 49th District includes Glen Forest, Skyline, Plaza, Crossroads, Willston, and a portion of the Baileys precincts, created the Virginia Latino Caucus and serves as Majority Whip in the House of Delegates. His re-election will help continue Northern Virginia’s leadership in Richmond.

The Democratic primary election is Tuesday, June 8, at your usual polling place; absentee voting is underway now. Absentee in-person voting will be conducted at the Mason District Governmental Center and other satellite locations from Saturday, May 29, through Saturday, June 5, from 2 – 7 p.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays. All early voting locations will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

CRIME REPORT Week of May 3 – 9, 2021

Drunkenness, Roosevelt Blvd, May 6, 01:32 AM, a 26 year old white female of Alexandria, VA, was arrested for being Drunk in Public.

Drug/Narcotic Violation, Ellison St, May 7, 12:26 PM, a 22 year old African American male of no fixed address, was arrested for possession of a schedule 1 narcotic..

www.FCNP.com

more at FCNP.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

From the Front Row: Delegate Kaye Kory’s

Richmond Report Our new Democratic majority in the House of Delegates has been very effective at implementing the progressive agenda that Virginia Democrats support.

In office barely a year and a half, we have made great strides in dismantling many pieces of the Republican legislative platform which left many Virginians disadvantaged before the Covid-19 emergency, and seriously in health and economic distress after the ravages of the pandemic.

A brief summary of the Democratic majority’s work demonstrates the lasting impact we have had on our Commonwealth: • Expanded voting rights — for example, Election Day is now a state holiday, no-excuse absentee voting is now the law, and mail-in ballots postmarked on Election Day are counted.

• We are the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

• Restored reproductive rights — unnecessary restrictions on women’s reproductive health are abolished.

• Strengthened our workforce — access to collective bargaining for public employees, a multi-year path to raising the minimum wage to $15/hour; Covid-19 presumption for first responders.

• Enacted safeguards for our most vulnerable communities — expanded hate crime definition and reporting requirements, mandated cultural competency training, repealed racially discriminatory language in the Acts of the Assembly, including school segregation, housing discrimination, public transportation, medical care and public

documents; reined-in predatory lending; outlawed discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity, in housing, employment and education.

• Protected our environment — established the Environmental Justice Council, enacted a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 and enabled localities to establish Green Banks.

• Moved forward with criminal justice reform — created a statewide crisis response team to work alongside with first responders handling criminal emergencies, strengthened citizen review boards, banned neck restraints, prohibited no-knock search warrants, removed the penalty for simple marijuana possession.

• Passed common sense gun violence prevention laws — implemented universal background checks; requires reporting of lost or stolen firearms, prevents children’s access to loaded firearms, granted local authority for firearm regulation, mandated strong protective orders.

• Covid-19 relief — prohibited price gouging in declared emergencies, created rent payment plan opportunities, established utility bill caps for households at 150 percent of poverty, enabled advancements in telehealth, invested in broadband expansion.

But we must maintain the Democratic majority, or all our progress will be lost. Let’s vote for success in the upcoming primary.

We know what our Commonwealth needs. We know how to win. Let’s keep on winning!

Read more local, state & national

Follow Us Online

news online twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Jan. 6 Capitol Sacking: Putin’s Role (Part 5)

Trump as a bonafide Russian agent of influence is difficult to comprehend because he did, after all, fill the office of the U.S. presidency for four years with all of its seemingly patriotic trappings. But at no point did he, or does he now, operate without self-conscious knowledge of his role vis-a-vis Putin and the Russians.

Now, millions of pro-Trump citizens in the U.S. continue to buy his KGB-inspired “big lie” that the November 2020 election was stolen from him. This is fueled by key GOP leaders who know better but have bought the lie because they perceive it will help them to do well in upcoming GOP primaries. What’s worse, perpetuating the “big lie” despite knowing it is a treacherous falsehood, or doing so because it, witFALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS tingly or unwittingly, advances the cause of Putin to destabilize and soften the U.S. internally?

Having successfully engineered the left-to-right paradigm shift on the U.S. political fringes in the 1970s, and adding in a newly-activated Christian right (never political before this) to create the “Reagan Revolution” of 1980, the Soviet KGB has been on a roll in the U.S. fringes since that period, resulting in the Trump campaign and the Jan. 6, 2021 violent sacking of the nation’s Capitol.

A central element for this was an assault on truth. The proliferation of cults almost always involved the same “m.o.” utilizing a personality or a belief system to which practical truth and reality were subordinated. By separating out large groups of people, including many ordinary folks not otherwise prone to such things, to submit to textbook mind-altering environments that resulted in pledges of fealty to obviously corrupt and lying individual leaders and bizarre belief systems was rampant.

So, following the KGB paradigm shift launched out of the Nixon detente in the early 1970s came a decade when the anti-war and civil rights movements were corrupted into a sea of cults that had one thing in common: truth was replaced with fantastical beliefs in the minds of true believers.

The Trump movement today is predicated on this same core fallacy, that it is a matter of personal choice or preference what truth is or is not.

Foucault and postmodern thought provided faux-legitimate philosophical grounding for the rise of this institutional insanity. The KGB engineered it on the U.S. countercultural fringes and it was matched on the fringe right by operation of exactly the same formula among fundamentalist religious groups.

Amid this, the pro-labor “Old Left” veritably melted away during the 1970s. With “Operation Mop Up” being one factor, it was replaced with the mushrooming of truth-denying cults, organized around “religious” con artists in the midst of a rabid “sex, drugs and rock and roll” hedonistic frenzy.

Countless among the youths, especially in urban ghettos, animated by the civil rights and anti-war movements a decade earlier died of drug overdoses, went mad with LSD overdoses, got locked up on drug charges, or saw their gay liberation or feminist aspirations plowed under by Foucaultinspired postmodern anarcho-hedonism and truth-denying.

The crushing McGovern defeat and “Mop Up” at one end of that era was bookended on the other by the assassination of gay activist Harvey Milk and the extermination of the KGB-run cult in Jonestown within two weeks of each other.

As remnants of “Old Left,” civil rights or liberal-thinking fringe institutions were obliterated, sadly, U.S. covert domestic agencies stupidly overlooked and even tacitly approved of much of this on fallacious grounds that it weakened perceived enemies to the establishment. So, observers were often confused over whether operations were orchestrated by the KGB, CIA, Stasi, Maoist or other covert agencies.

In the wake of the destruction on the fringe left grew new right cults, impotent environmentally-centered cults, persons left over who hadn’t died or gone nuts in the radical counterculture, and the religious right. All antitruth, they fed into the Reagan momentum. Under Reagan, what qualified as a “coup” was engineered.

Reagan’s first big move upon being elected was to break the air traffic controllers strike, breaking the back of the labor movement that it’s never fully recovered from. Trumpism grew out of this.

(To be continued).

CO MME NT

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

The soaring Air Force Memorial (its top 402 feet above sea level) has been comfortingly easy to visit since it opened in 2006. The entrance just off the start of Columbia Pike offers quick generous parking for a spectacular view of the D.C. skyline.

But that is going to change.

Under the Army Corps of Engineers Southern Expansion project, the Air Force’s stainless steel spires, by 2026-27, will become part of 70 acres being enveloped by an Arlington National Cemetery long pressured to create more grave space.

That means visitors will be confined to tourist hours 8 a.m..– 5 p.m. and will be required to go through airport-style security screening. The current easy parking for cars and tour buses will be replaced by a new visitors center, with most parking relocated to the main cemetery lot a hike (or a tram ride) away.

Though military organizations support the cemetery’s goal of adding 60,000 burial sites, at least one group is miffed. The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. recently presented complaints to the Arlington Park and Recreation Commission and the National Capital Planning Commission.

The volunteer guild escorts troops of 56-58 tourists on motorcoaches to area monuments, and a favorite is the “beautiful Air Force Memorial, to which many of the guides take groups in the early morning or evening,” I’m

told by member Ella Schiralli.

“Generally, guides spend 15-20 minutes at a memorial that’s open and accessible” to seniors and student groups, including many military vets. Because the rest of the day’s activities often includes timed entry at museums, “we generally use the outdoor memorials when everything else is closed.”

The removal of motorcoach parking at the entrance to the Air Force Memorial will present mobility issues,” she said.

“It will ultimately limit the number of people visiting the memorial,” added guild colleague Maribeth Oakes. Walking from the main cemetery entrance to the Air Force Memorial is a round trip of three miles and the trams, which cost $15 for adults, can fill up before the group of 58 could board. The guild would like a southern expansion with shortterm parking for motorcoaches.

Asked for comment, an Arlington National Cemetery spokeswoman said the project is “seamlessly expanding Arlington National Cemetery and creating a culturally rich and thoughtfully designed corridor encompassing the surrounding memorials.”

Future events held outside daytime hours will involve special invitations, Barbara Lewandrowski said. The new security checks are required because of increased threat levels in the capital area.

“Tour buses have always had space at ANC, as there are dedicated lanes in our secure parking garage, which allows patrons to easily access our security screening,” she added. “Additionally, the

proposed 9/11 Visitors Education Center, adjacent to the cemetery and close to the Air Force Memorial, is scheduled to have bus parking. We will be working with the tram’s contracting officer to add the Air Force Memorial to its route.”

The Arlington-based Air Force Association, which supports expanding the cemetery, did not respond to inquiries.

Arlington County leaders were disappointed at not getting any land exchange from the cemetery expansion.

But the community is gaining road realignment and widening of Columbia Pike from South Oak St. to Washington Blvd. This January, the county board voted unanimously to approve a multiagency agreement for the expansion.

Its execution is now out of county hands. *** Arlington environmental consultant Peter Harnik just published a four-year labor of love. “From Rails to Trails: The Making of America’s Active Transportation Network,” is available from the University of Nebraska Press.

It can be found online at nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496222060/ for $19.95.

The paperback “might provide you with some surprises regarding railroads, bicycling, and the politics of transportation and land use that you never knew,” writes the director of the Center for City Park Excellence. Our own W&OD Trail, Harnik told me, “played an outsized role in the history and evolution of the whole national movement.”

LO CA L

PAGE 14 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OLIVES GALORE are found at Borek-Go Turkish Mom’s Cookin’, with Dilek Kaygusuz (left photo; right), the head chef and “Turkish Mom” herself, gesturing to all the options as her son Huseyin smiles along. The store is also known for its baklavas and stuffed pastries, or boreks, while the dark and strong Turkish tea was said to be more flavorful than most black coffees you’d find around. (Photos: Patricia Leslie)

Turkish Cookin’ Takes Borek-G from F.C. Farmers Market to Storefront

by Patricia Leslie

Falls Church News-Press

For a family from Turkey who lives and loves in Falls Church, one good sale deserves another.

Based on their success at the Falls Church Farmers Market, the Kaygusuz family has extended their reach from Park to Maple Avenue to open up their gourmet shop and bakery, Borek-G, or “Turkish Mom’s Cookin.’”

The confidence instilled by their Saturday Farmers Market customers have helped drive the family to set new goals. but giving up their booth at the Farmers Market has never been a consideration since that would be like abandoning family.

“We may come from Ankara, our first home,” Huseyin Kaygusuz, the son, said at their new digs, “but thanks to the people here, we feel like Falls Church is our original home now.”

His mother, Dilek (“Susan”) Kaygusuz, the head chef added: “So many people here are like our family.”

Mother and son described the trials they’ve experienced opening up their new shop, the opportunities the town has presented and the admiration they have for

the city and its residents.

“We opened for breakfast [last year] and then the pandemic came,” Dilek sighed. “We had to close, but found out we could keep going with our grocery. We survived” and they have plans a’plenty to grow bigger and better.

“We always have pastries,” Dilek said (“what she’s known for,” her son piped in), “and we appreciate the Falls Church citizens so much, always supporting us.”

The market sells flatbreads, many imported goods (most from Turkey), cookies, meats, seafoods, and olives — lots of olives, from green olives, black olives and spicy black olives to dried natural black olives.

“We eat olives morning, noon, and in the middle of the night!”

Huseyin exclaimed. “They are good for you,” and he paused before slyly adding, “especially the Turkish olives!” to his mother’s hearty laugh.

Pastries and luscious desserts line cooling racks in cases while nearby refrigerators hum with hummus ($4), salads and several different kinds of cheeses.

“Cheese!” Huseyin declared: “the most important section of the

whole store!” Practically no one leaves the shop without some, and he reels off nationalities of some cheese shoppers: American, Middle Eastern. Hispanic, and, you guessed it, Turkish.

Other Dilek specialities are pistachio baklava ($6 for many pieces) and walnut baklava ($5), which thrill taste buds with their flaky crusts and delicious piquancies (and, since they are small, leave little guilt when it comes to counting calories).

Customer favorites include the “boreks,” pastries stuffed with beef ($5), potato ($5) or spinach and (feta) cheese ($5) which explain the name of the market: “Borek-G,” the “G” being Turkish for “baker of” boreks.

On the restaurant menu, the best-selling meal is the “Doner on Pita” ($8.99), a beef and lamb dish mixed with a delicious yogurt dill sauce and salad of lettuce, tomatoes and onions. Another popular choice is the eggplant moussaka with rice ($7.99).

Also, the grocery has a “very, very vegetarian” section, Huseyin noted.

Beverages include Turkish tea ($1) and coffee ($2) which may be too strong for some but I like coffee black and strong. Huseyin

fixed me a cup which he sweetened with a little bit of sugar and served in a beautiful Turkish cup and saucer, the visual which always improves whatever it’s housing. (Like I tell my children, “image is everything”!)

I must admit, the coffee was much better than the usual boring black stuff I drink non-stop.

Not only do the Kaygusuzes sell at the Farmers Market, but they also buy food from other vendors which Dilek uses for her own dishes.

The family came to the U.S. in the early 2000s from Ankara where Dilek used to teach young homemakers how to clean and cook, said her son. In the U.S., the family sold her delicacies at area markets until 2014 when a space at the Falls Church market opened up after a Turkish vendor vacated.

But, back to the present.

The family plans to grill and host live musical events at the back of the Maple market where Dilek grows vegetables and flowers now. And they plan to expand the menu.

The website has been a bit of a technological headache, and the complete menu is not listed, Huseyin said, especially for customers looking for a meal for one

or two. He doesn’t want to mislead anyone into thinking BorekG’s is a full-service restaurant now, but, in the future? They are heading there.

Adding to their expansion plans are blueprints for composting and recycling, and they want to start clean-up days in Falls Church which they’ve discussed with neighbors.

“We want to give back,” Huseyin said.

Which they do by selling homemade greetings cards, labels, and jewelry created by local artists, including safety-pin earrings (ouch! “I don’t ask questions,” Dilek smiled. The restaurateurs give the proceeds to the craftspeople.)

Huseyin said customers come by their markets, wave and send greetings: “Hi, Turkish mom!

Thank you for the food!” And the mother and son duo reply: “Thank you, Falls Church, for welcoming us!”

Borek-G, Turkish Mom’s Cookin’ Gourmet Market and Bakery, is found at 315 South Maple Ave., Falls Church.

Phone is 571-230-6821. Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. Online at borekg.com, with curbside and home delivery.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F� � � � C � � � � �

LO CA L

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 15

B������� N��� � N���� The Kensington Falls Church Offering Virtual Discussion The Kensington Falls Church is offering a virtual discussion on How to Have Enjoyable Conversations with Your Loved One Experiencing Dementia on Friday, May 14 from noon – 12:45 pm. This event is part of a three week series that explores the Positive Approach to Care with the Kensington’s Director of Memory Care and PAC Certified Trainer, Tonya Embly. The Kensington Falls Church utilizes PAC training and education throughout its building as a practical and compassionate approach to care. For more information visit www.TheKensingtonFallsChurch.com.

Hire a Professional Organizer Today

(703) 347-7537 www.lavenderorganizes.com info@lavenderorganizes.com

Bikenetic, Team Bikenetic CX and MTB Racing Hosting Bike Ride Challenge Bikenetic, Team Bikenetic CX, and MTB Racing are hosting We Should Go for a Bike Ride Challenge starting Saturday, May 15 and running through Sunday, July 18.

The non-competitive virtual fundraiser, held in memory of the late Pete Beers, will benefit three local nonprofits: Phoenix Bikes, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts. Those who register by May 31 will receive a t-shirt, an individual PledgeReg page for further fundraising, and link to a very special RideWithGPS Route Library. For more information, visit Bikenetic’s Facebook Page or stop by the full service bicycle shop at 201 W. Jefferson Street in Falls Church.

Mrs. B’s Fancy Manners Camp June 14-Sept. 3 In-Person Summer Camp • Single day or full week options • Limited space available & small camp size

Virginia Delegate Marcus Simon Will Speak Tuesday, May 18 Virginia Delegate Marcus Simon will speak to members of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Merrifield Business Association on Tuesday, May 18 at noon. The Zoom event will include an overview of the Commonwealth’s legislative agenda over the past year, the opportunity to pose questions, and a chance to network with business leaders from Falls Church and Merrifield. The event is free for members of either organization, although donations are appreciated, and $5 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit the calendar at either FallsChurchChamber.org or GreaterMerrifield.org.

202-448-2930

www.TeawithMrsB.com/events

Your employment and business lawyer

The Toy Nest Hosts Free, In-Person Pediatric Sleep Seminar

Employers - Build Your Company

with strong agreements and smart policies.

The Toy Nest is hosting a free in person Pediatric Sleep Seminar on Tuesday, May 18 from noon – 1 p.m. Pediatric sleep consultant Stephanie, founder of Apres the Bump, will speak about infant sleep, share her Seven Most Important Sleep Tips, and answer questions. She works with newborns and to children, and believes it’s never too early or too late to learn good sleep skills. Supervised kids of all ages are welcome to join at no charge. The Toy Nest, located at 98 N. Washington Street in Falls Church, is the Washington-area’s first toy library, rethinking the way families use and buy toys. Families can visit to play, borrow, party, and buy and sell toys. For more information, visit thetoynest.com and apresthebump.com.

Employees - Protect Your Career

with guidance on critical employment decisions.

Free Consultation

volinemploymentlaw.com info@volinemploymentlaw.com (703) 988-1460 Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and DC

WellNest Professional Cleaning Expands Its Scope Over Past Year Falls Church-based WellNest Professional Cleaning has expanded its scope over the past year and is now focusing on commercial properties as well as residential. The company’s founder, Phil Harper, has quickly become an expert and Congressional resource on the impact of Covid-19 on the janitorial industry, pandemic cleaning, Covid facility maintenance, budget pressures felt by building owners and property managers, and supporting building operators in managing tenants’ concerns. Since its founding in 2016 WellNest has served 2,000 clients and performed more than 21,000 cleanings over more than 100 million square feet. As a result, the company has grown from two employees in 2016 to 40 as of May of 2021. For more information about WellNest Professional Cleaning, visit gowellnest.com.  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.

Follow Us Online

twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 16 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 13 News-Press “Spot of the Week.”

Interested readers and supporters of the Falls Church NewsPress can join the staff at a restaurant in or around the City of Falls Church to celebrate the paper’s weekly publication.

Learn how to become a member of the News-Press, get a chance to purchase one of the paper’s books, “The Front Page: The First Five Years: 1991 – 1996” or just get to know members of the staff better. This week the News-Press will be at Pizzeria Orso (400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church) from 6 – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 Falls Church Farmers Market.

The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where

attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go. Spring 2021 Habitat Restoration Event. Interested residents can join the City of Falls Church Habitat Restoration Team in restoring the local ecosystem in city parks. The group will be removing damaging invasive plants as well as planting natives that benefit the area’s local birds, butterflies and other pollinators. Participants will work in small groups, — while masked and socially distanced. The Habitat Restoration Team is limiting each event to 25 people, so they are asking attendees to preregister using the sign-up genius form. That can be found by going to fallschurchva.gov, clicking on the “Calendar” tab, finding this

restoration event under the “Events” section and then clicking on it. Once you’re on this item’s events page, there is a link on the right side of the page.

Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 10 a.m. – noon.

For more information, contact Jeremy Edwards at jedwards@ fallschurchva.gov.

ArlinGnomes Scavenger Hunt.

Interested park goers can participate in a self-guided ArlinGnomes scavenger hunt, starting on April 24 and going until May 24, at Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park. Here’s how to play: Find all ten gnomes along the trail; scan the QR code next to each gnome to earn a letter and learn fun facts about the element of nature each gnome protects; at the end of your journey put all of the letters together to form a password and then enter the password to become a Guardian of ArlinGnome. If

We are OPEN and ready to safely serve your dental needs!

Currently accepting new patients

any participants don’t have a phone, pamphlets will be located at the entrance of the park as a low-tech way to participate.

Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington).

SUNDAY, MAY 16 Birding in the Field for Beginners.

Interested participants can join an Arlington Parks naturalist as the group goes into the field to learn how to identify birds using sight and sound while observing them in their natural habitat. The participants will also learn how to use the app called Merlin, which takes uploaded photos and instantly identifies birds. Registration required for children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). Noon – 1:30 p.m.

VIRTUALEVENTS

MONDAY, MAY 17 City Council Work Session (online).

City Council work sessions are held the first and third Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues; the public is not generally invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 18 Community Conversation: Mainstreaming African American History in the Schools (online).

Interested residents can come lis-

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NEWS-PRESS Get your news early!

• Get the Front Page Early • Get the Lead Stories • See the Whole Paper Online.

Visit our website for More perks!

Since 1991, the News-Press has been on a mission to provide independent and honest journalism to the Falls Church community. We recognize and appreciate the support the City, its businesses and residents have shown us for the past 29 years.

Never before has the fight to ensure a free press been more important.

Visit FCNP.com/members to become a member of the News-Press today

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ten and participate in a conversation about recent efforts locally and nationwide to include more local African-American history in school curricula. What would this curriculum look like and how would it be implemented?

Panelists will discuss this and related topics including efforts to change school names to reflect a commitment to social justice.

The panel will consist of Ronald Anzalone, retired Director of the Office of Preservation Initiatives at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and Chair of the Falls Church Historical Commission; Edwin B. Henderson, II, Founder of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Falls Church Historical Commission; and Dr. Peter Noonan, Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools.

Email Pete Sullivan at psullivan@ fallschurchva.gov for the Zoom invitation. 7 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS THURSDAY, MAY 13 “The Parking Lot.” Witness the story of a married couple coming to terms with their possible divorce in a place no one would imagine — a parking lot. In the spirit of last year’s productions of “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star,” Providence Players is once again creating a theatrical event outdoors. The theater troupe has partnered with The Italian Café and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation to bring together a wonderful mix of musical talent and theater performance with access to food and drinks in a festive setting. Italian Cafe (7161 Lee Highway, Falls Church). 7 p.m. providenceplayers.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 14 “Songs for a New World.” The Mustang Theatre at George Mason High School will put on a live and virtual performance of “Songs for a New World.” This play takes audiences from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a high-rise suite in New York City. Some of the characters spotlighted include a young

CA L E NDA R

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 17

man in the Bronx who wants to become a basketball player as well as a neglected Mrs. Claus during the holiday season. The performances for the show will be held on May 14 & 15 at 7:30 p.m. This show is free of charge.

Those who wish to attend inperson need to fill out the form at docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLScBQd5geg7NDnuJX _6P8Hj4TTnZO2RrD8CiS84P4fs zKXNRjg/viewform. Those who want to watch the stream online can visit gm.fccps.org, then click on the “Menu” tab on the top right of the screen and go to the “Events” page. You will find the theater stream item there.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 “Working.” The Statesmen Theatre Department at Marshall High School will put on a virtual performance of “Working,” a musical about the triumphs, failures, joys and concerns of the everyday American workers over a 24-hour period. Some of the workers covered include teachers, masons, truckers, firefighters and housewives. The two act play will run May 14 & 15 and May 21 & 22 at 8 p.m.

The stream will be live, so those who sign on to the stream after the start time will miss parts of the production. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit statesmentheatre.org.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, MAY 13 Dylan Dellisanti & Friends.

Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Carly Harvey with Kiss & Ride — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

19th Street Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300.

Sol Roots Band. JV’s Restaurant

19TH STREET BAND will be at The State Theatre on Thursday. (Courtesy photo) (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186.

FRIDAY, MAY 14

Broke Superstars.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

Brook Yoder Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

The Wharf Rats. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Smooth AF & Doug — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Honky Tonk Cassanovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 Jillian Matundan. Falls Church

Old Dominion Trio. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Pile O’Rocks. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

SUNDAY, MAY 16 Adrian & Cramer. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Michelle Swan. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m.

703-858-9186.

Shenandoah Run. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20.

6 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Sol Roots. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300.

The Hemicats Blues Band, traveling up from Richmond. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

Josh Allen Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Kentucky Avenue (Indoors + Distanced). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $30. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

David Thong and Friends — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, 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.

SPO RTS

PAGE 18 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Colson Board Reflects on High Note Ending to Mason Career & Next Steps

by Mike Abler

Falls Church News-Press

A few weeks ago, George Mason High School senior Colson Board finished 11th in the Class 3 state 5000 meter run with a time of 16:43, earning him an All-State Medal for his efforts.

His performance was the fastest time for a Mustang at States, and it was also the highest finish for a Mustang since 2012.

“I feel super fortunate to be able to make it,” Board said.

Colson was able to break his record and the school record as well, which was an inspiring end to his season.

“Just a few months ago, I was recovering from a sports hernia. I wasn’t sure if I would have a season. Fortunately, I was running again a month after the surgery.” he said. “Crossing that finish line was the best part of going to states. It suddenly hit me of what I’d just accomplished and it felt great.”

For Board, it was the crowning achievement of his career.

Back when he was a freshman in

2017, he said he had dreamt of this moment.

“I ran a 17:51 5K when I was a freshman,” Board explained, adding that, “I’ve wondered since then if I’d break that. But I always wondered if I’d break the school record. I’m delighted that I was able to accomplish both,” he concluded.

Board will be attending Penn State in the fall where he plans to continue running.

When it comes to the future though, Board has other commitments in mind.

“I’m majoring in Music because my times weren’t fast enough for their Varsity team and music is a huge commitment itself,” he said.

For Board, running isn’t just a sport, it also helped him deal with the current Pandemic at hand.

He said that while some people lost their motivation to exercise, it helped him gain motivation.

Best of all, running gave him something to focus on and helped him sustain a routine during a time where many were stripped

of their ambitions.

Board concluded that training “Gave me a deeper appreciation of the sport and gave me something to stay engaged in.”

Despite not making the Nittany Lions’ varsity squad, Board will still run six days a week, with two to three of those days being workouts or long runs to help him stick with his routine.

Board is still holding out hope he’ll eventually make the varsity squad. Largely because his times were “Super close to recruiting standards.” Regardless, Board is content with where he is and plans to do his best on the Club team by trying to break his 1600 and 800-meter times.

“After all that I had gone through, from my surgery [and] Covid-19, I feel great about my performance and where my running career is heading.” I wouldn’t change a thing,” Board said.

As this chapter on his life closes, another chapter is beginning to open up. A chapter that Colson Board cannot wait to begin.

Faces of Falls Church

A LIFELONG RESIDENT of Falls Church and very much involved with the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, Babs’ family moved into the Culmore Apartments in 1947. When asked about her take on the city while witnessing so many changes through the years, the one thing she was certain of was, ‘if you live in Falls Church, you need a dog.” (Photo: J. Michael Whalen/ JMichaelWhalen.com)

Celebrate Your Graduates Middle School, High School and College

In the June 3rd issue of the Falls Church News-Press

graduation tions on your “Congratula ur next yo r fo es sh and best wi adventure!” d Dad!

an Love Mom

“So happy to share in the excitement of your gradua tion day, an d so very proud of you, too!”

Congratulat

ions from yo

ur Sister!

Congrulate your Graduating Seniors With A Messag Email us at ads@fcnp.com e 1x3 Grad Message With a Photo • $50.00 or call 703-532-3267x1 1x1.5 Grad Message Only 1x1.5

• $25.00

10% Will Go To The Falls Church Education Foundation

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 19

Ramadan Ended Last Night Worldwide

BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

Continued from Page 9

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

15% & 10 % OFF

SENIORS & MILITARY!

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND!

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

LIFETIME WARRANTY

Promo Code: 285

2

ER GUA

% OFF

OFF

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1

D

1

’S

TT

NATIO

5

R

E

N

TH

+

GU

“The saying of the Prophet Mohammed is that one of these nights is a night where God has chosen to forgive all of his servants that are praying to Him,” Rahman said. “We call it the ‘night of power,’ as I mentioned, because it is a night where an act of worship is equal to 1,000 months of worship.”

As you might expect, the occasion motivated a largerthan-average turnout throughout the mosque’s campus.

Men filled the main chamber and some of the mosque’s side rooms while also taking over the parking lot, all in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines. Women, who normally worship in separate areas during the holy month to avoid any shared distractions with the men, had their own designated area in Dar Al-Hijrah’s courtyard.

Pre-Covid, the nightly services are jam-packed. The main chamber where the imam is reading scripture, for instance, would be shoulder-to-shoulder with parishioners. On the night the News-Press went, a prayer rug’s length separated congregants, while the imam’s sermon was streaming to other parts of the mosque and to viewers at home.

And for those still hankering to return, Dar Al-Hijrah divvied up its service times so they can maintain distancing. For the night of power, that meant one service running from 9:40 until 10:30, and another going from 10:55 until about 11:45.

Ramadan concluded on Wednesday night with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or Eid (pronounced “eed”) for short.

Dar Al-Hijrah is also doing its part to give area residents access to the coronavirus vaccine. During the initial phases of the vaccine rollout, houses of worship were pegged as key sources to help reduce the hesitancy anyone might have about getting their shot.

Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

1

CALL US TODAY FOR

1-877-614-6667

A FREE ESTIMATE

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2 The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

AN ORGANIZED HOME IS A HAPPY HOME Add space to your kitchen and time to your busy schedule with ShelfGenie’s custom pull-out shelves installed in your existing cabinets

50% OFF INSTALLATION* *Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Shelves.

EXP 6/30/21

THE IMAM reads aloud from the Quran, with the service being streamed to other groups around Dar Al-Hijrah’s campus as well as to viewers at home. (P����: N���-P����) Rahman said that just last Sunday, the mosque hosted a walk-up vaccine clinic where about 200 people came to receive their doses. Though he did add that the mosque didn’t use all of the doses it was given.

In his words, “Just like any community, we have those people who are skeptical, we have those people who are not com-

fortable.”

Still, Dar Al-Hijrah has an expansive social services footprint throughout Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads.

Rahman said that its dental clinic is one of the most-used assets it provides to the community, and the mosque is also one of the interfaith board members on the Culmore Clinic

Schedule Your FREE Design Consultation: ®

(866) 982-2260

Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 10am - 4pm EST

TRANSFORM YOUR BATH OR SHOWER

IN AS LITTLE AS ONE DAY

CALL NOW FOR

$500 OR

Off

NO PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST UNTIL 2022 Offer Expires 6.30.2021

*Includes product and labor; bathtub, shower or walk-in tub and wall surround. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. This offer expires June 30, 2021. Each dealership is independently owned and operated. **Third party financing is available for those customers who qualify. See your dealer for details. ©2021 BCI Acrylic Inc.

Military & Senior Discounts Available

844-945-1631

PAGE 20 | MAY 13 - 19, 2021 HELP WANTED

Lifeguards and Pool Managers needed. No experience necessary, free lifeguard training for ages 16 and up. Hiring immediately.

Please call 703-321-7040 for more information.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on May 10, 2021. Public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO21-09) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCES 2009, 2012, 2016, 2018, AND 2023 REGARDING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, STORMWATER FUND, AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND, THE SCHOOL ACTIVITY FUND, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FUNDS Public hearings will be held electronically.

To speak on a public hearing item, complete a speaker form at www.fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment before noon on the day of the Council meeting. Following submission of the form, you will receive emailed instructions to join the virtual Council meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE Final day of registration is Monday May 17 for the June 8th Democratic Party Primary Election. Sample Ballots can be found online: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/vote All citizens, including those who are currently 17 years old, who will turn 18 years old by the November 2, 2021 General Election are eligible to register and vote.

Online Voter Registration and early/absentee ballot by mail applications: http://www. vote.virginia.gov/ Deadline for applications submitted online via the Virginia Department of Election website is 11:59 pm on May 17, 2021. Only applicants with a DMV ID like a driver’s license can submit an application electronically and these applications may also be untimely if missing material information. Please note: those applications filled out online that are

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CLASSI F I E DS required to be printed and delivered to the registrar should be treated as regular mailed in applications and need to be postmarked

by May 17, 2021, to meet the deadline. The 5:00 p.m. deadline on May 17, 2021, applies if any of these are submitted in-person at the registrar’s office.

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-636-0738

The deadline for mailed in applications remains that they be postmarked by May 17, 2021.

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-833-688-1378

Early/Absentee Voting for the City of Falls Church In-Person early voting began in April at our office at City Hall, 300 Park Ave, and will continue through Saturday, June 5, 2021.

During that time, residents wishing to vote early can do so 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Saturdays preceding the election, May 29th and June 5th.

Vote By Mail: The deadline for an absentee ballot by mail is Friday, May 28th but we don’t recommend that you wait that long.

Election Day Reminders for the City of Falls Church Residents are reminded that on Election Day, street parking is available on both sides of Little Falls Street by the Community Center and on Oak, Seaton, Fellows, Parker, Timber, and Jackson near Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Additional details, including a voter ward map, can be found online at www.fallschurchva.gov/ Vote. Contact the Registrar’s office at 703248-5085 (TTY 711) or vote@fallschurchva. gov for more information.

The Ward 2 Polling Place we expect to be at Falls Green Apartments in their Club House.

David B. Bjerke, MPP, CERA, VREO Director of Elections & General Registrar of Voters, City of Falls Church Office of Voter Registration & Elections 300 Park Ave., Room 206C , Falls Church, VA 22046 Office: 703-248-5085; Fax: 703-248-5204 vote@fallschurchva.gov; http://www.fallschurchva.gov/vote

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-614-6667 ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your business statewide and in other states.

Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

RECRUITMENT HIRING? We can help you fill your open positions! Promote job listings statewide!

Affordable Print and Digital Advertising Solutions reaching job seekers. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

Home Improvement Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, windows, doors, rotted wood, siding, lighting +

R

FREE estimates, Licensed & Insured

Call Doug (703)556-4276 www.fallschurchhandyman.com

Accounting

Robert Beatson II www.gagnonsgutterworks.com

www.beatsonlaw.com

Lawn Services Cleaning Services House Cleaning Service Avaliable 7 days a week Weekly - Bi Weekly - Monthly or One time Jobs Move out - Move in 28 years Experience • Good references • Free Estimates

For Information Call Susy

703-901-0596

DIVORCE-Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. WILLS $195.00. No court appearance.

Estimated completion time twenty-one days.

Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-4900126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company- 844-509-1697 or visit www.Life55plus.info/vapress

AUCTIONS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

fcnp.com

Vinyl Replacement Windows Starting at $235* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap Call 804739-8207 for MORE details! Ronnie Jenkins II Siding, Roofing, Gutters and More!

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

844-947-1479

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Offer valid February 15 - June 6, 2021

Special Financing Available Subject to Credit Approval

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

Attorney/Accountant, Former IRS Attorney All Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars 703-798-3590 or 301-340-2951 RBeatsonatty@netscape.net

SERVICES

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

Other Services

Ad Network

CHARLES JENKINS TREE SERVICE

Good deal- Spring Special Mulching

703-512-9166 Licensed and Insured

classads@fcnp.com

PUZZLE NO. 81

10. Young boy 11. Luxurious resort 16. Competent 20. Applied 22. Pull suddenly 24. Troops 25. Daytime TV show 26. Courageous person 27. Understood 28. Bossa ____ 29. Is in debt 31. Bee’s follower 32. Meat mixture 35. Sharp

er y player

ty helmed

ate ey’s

again te e detail n se shelter

ing tool g bird

39. Apostle count 41. Hauled 43. Egyptian snake 45. Comet part 46. ____ in a lifetime 48. Fingertip feature 49. Scheme 50. Slippery swimmers 51. Bathing-suit top 52. Crop 53. “____ to Joy” 55. Besides

MAY 13 - 19, 2021 | PAGE 21

STRANGE BREW

JOHN DEERING

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Scored on the serve 5. Gun, as an engine 8. Kitties 12. Speaking part 13. Respect 14. Trade 15. Flamenco dancer’s instrument 17. TV’s Alan ____ 18. Overpriced 19. Eternal spirit 21. Hog’s home 23. Break 27. Snarl 30. Sprain result

33. Shad ____ 34. This moment 35. Work dough 36. Blemish 37. Eden inhabitant 38. Just manages to earn 39. Memo error 40. Debris 42. Hem’s partner 44. Atop 47. Intelligence 51. Punch 54. Wherever 56. Took a taxi 57. Decorate a cake 58. Glass container

59. Copied 60. Permit 61. Shade providers DOWN 1. Circle portions 2. Cloak 3. Otherwise 4. Hate 5. Made a getaway 6. Mas that go baa 7. Presidential refusal 8. Biblical song 9. Nocturnal bird

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 81

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

PUZZLE NO. 820

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz

PUZ

1. Name the rookie pitcher who won his first four starts -- including a no-hitter on NO. MayPUZZLE 5, 1962 --83 for the Los Angeles Angels.

11. Asked urgently

31. Inhabit

Give as a gift 2. Evonne Goolagong, a seven-time women’s singles Grand Slam 34. tennis tourna16. Female sib 35.

Stop ment winner from 1971-80, hailed from what country?

20. Did farm work 21. Part of CD

37. Blower

38. Soda ____ 3. What Austrian driver posthumously won the 197022.Formula RepeatedOne championship sound after perishing in a crash during practice at the Italian Grand Prix? 39. Garden of

Genesis 23. Look to be 40. Take a bus 24. Become 4. Opening in 1900, The Hawthorns stadium has beenready home to what English Preto pick 41. Stubborn mier League football club?

26. Nectar beast gatherer 44. Gun a motor 27. Silver of Connecticut Huskies 5. What Tanzanian basketball star played for the University 45. Additionally follower and was picked No. 2 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 200946.

NBA Draft?

Sunbather’s 28. Center of color rotation 6. Gino Cappelletti, American Football League MVP29.inSlangy 1964, had his 47. No. ____20 outjersey (barely make) affirmative retired by what NFL team?

7. Who founded a company thatCopyright began manufacturing ice-resurfacing machines for © 2021, Penny Press skating rinks in Paramount, California, in 1949?

26. Secret place 51. Recognized ACROSS 1. Expression of 30. Not he 52. Christmas ____ regret 31. Ran easily 53. Sound pitch Last Week’s Answers 5. Heidi’s 32. Lumberjack’s mountain tool Answers ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 83 8. Splendor Mixed 1. Louis33.Oosthuizen • 2. DOWN 300Sculpture, • 3. The CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

1.

12. Harness 35. Operatic 5. Frank Ryan • 6. e.g.The Miami Marlins • 7. Pearl Jam piece 4. Brazil •melody 2.

Orchid Syndicate, Inc. (c) 2021 King Features 13. Gooey stuff 36. Fair necklace 14. Object of 37. Not salty, as 3. Breeze adoration water 4. Slinks 15. Boring 38. Football shirt 5. Part of a 17. Slangy no 41. Disfigure molecule 18. Get a bead on 42. Rewrite text 6. Felon’s flight 19. Divided 43. Hair coloring 7. Acted as equally 48. Decorate chairperson 21. Office tables again 8. Fiesta decor 24. Uproar 49. Wiggly 9. Garlic creature feature 25. Applies CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS 50. Saturate USE AMERICAN SPELLING frosting to 10. Sulk

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.

You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

PUZZLE NO. 822

LEVEL: ADVANCED

mes

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

LEVEL: ADVANCED

ct

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 820

See next week’s news paper for the answers!

HOW TO P

Fill in the grid so every column an the numbers 1 th

Each 3x3 box is You already have Remember: you 1 through 9 in th

PUZ

PAGE 22 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

LO CA L

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C������ C�����

25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 12 • May 9, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 13 • May 12,, 2011

Tarbert Loses, Independents Break CBC Grip With 2 Council, 1 School Board Win

Broad Array of Options To Face Council Scrutiny

For the first time since 1988, candidates who were not backed by Citizens for a Better City (CBC) organization won an election in Falls Church this Tuesday.

In a surprise result, incumbent Mayor Jeff Tarbert was sent down to defeat in a bid for re-election.

Coming on the heels of some harsh criticism by developers reported in last week’s NewsPress, the Economic Development office of the City of Falls Church unveiled a comprehensive new set of financial incentives for commercial development at the F.C. City Council meeting Monday night.

SMALL DONATIONS

MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

BIll Laing, Mason Athletic Hall of Fame Co-Founder, Dies George Mason High School Class of ‘63 alumni William “Bill” Laing passed of Parkinson’s disease on Thursday May 6, 2021 in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Bill organized several class reunions and contributed to the George Mason Alumni newsletter.

The News-Press acknowledged Bill and Scott Sager in October of 2006 as cofounders of the George Mason High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1999, the Falls Church City School Board honored him with an Exemplary Service Award.

He is survived by his wife Betty, and three children James, Deborah, and Sandra.

THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND HER WORLD, THE MORE POSSIBILITIES YOU SEE. For Julia’s family, early screening for autism made a lifetime of difference.

Find out more at ScreenForAutism.org

SupportDisasterRelief.org

© 2019 Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.

AS WE CLEAR OUT our backlog of Critters waiting to join the Corner, we feature...a snow cat in the backyard? This is Mocha, 15 year old cat living in Juno’s home in Patterson street. She spends most of her day time in the backyard but this snow day puzzled her so much, making her wondering and meowing all day — why did the world turn all white?

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 23

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | MAY 13 – 19, 2021

LEASE THE

2021 volvo XC90

T5 MOMENTUM 7 PASSENGER

549 /MO.

$

FOR 36 MONTHS 10,000 MILES

Stock #13471B MSRP $54,140 with $1,899 due at signing plus, tax, title, acquisition and dealer processing fee of $799. On approved credit only.

Pricing assumes all available incentives including loyalty. No Security Deposit required. Expires 6/7/21.

For Sale in Vienna!

Impeccably maintained and expanded 5 bed, 3 bath split level available in Tanglewood! This wonderful home will become your oasis in a quiet, wooded neighborhood off of Vale Rd in Vienna. The open concept and light filled main floor features a living, dining and kitchen area with large picture windows overlooking the private back patio and beautifully landscaped yard. The mudroom and access to the front entry 2-car garage are also on the main level. The upper floor is half a story up and contains 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms including the expanded primary suite.

Watch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the sitting area in the primary bedroom or enjoy a relaxing soak in the jetted soaking tub in the en suite bath. The lower floor is half a story down from the main floor and has the family room, 5th bedroom, 3rd bathroom, laundry room, and storage room. The laundry room has an exterior door (with a doggie door!) to the large fenced in side yard. This home has plenty of space for storage and the 5th bedroom would be an ideal home office. Listed for $890,000.

Beyer Volvo Cars of Falls Church

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

FOR SALE!

TM

Open Sun 2- 4

12635 Chapel Rd, Clifton $1,050,000

Close to the city, but away from it all

Welcome to Fletcher House! This charming home which can be found on the National Historic Registry, built circa 1900, was beautifully restored, updated, and extended with a significant addition in 2006 to include all of today’s modern luxuries, while still retaining its turn of the century charm. Nestled on a quiet street just steps from downtown, this 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on a .26 acre lot and is bursting with character!

FOR SALE!

JUST SOLD!

$859,900 5730 15th St N, Arlington

7741 Trevino Ln, Falls Church Gourmet Kitchen

3 Bedrooms

Renovated Kitchen

3 Beds

1.5 Bathrooms

Walk to Shops & Dining!

3.5 Bathrooms

Minutes from Mosaic

CALL 703-867-TORI

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

© 2021 Tori McKinney, LLC