Falls Church News-Press 5-20-2021 by Falls Church News-Press

May 20 – 26, 2021

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Planners Say Commons Rd. Top Priority For West End

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Connecting F.C, Fairfax & Metro Parcels a Must BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

At 42 acres, it may be only half the size of the original Disneyland, but there’s no reason why it couldn’t rival that magic 66-year-old Southern California destination as the one the happiest places on Earth. We’re talking here about the potential full buildout of an integrated three properties that include the City of Falls Church’s planned dense 10-acre mixed use site at the City’s west end, to come on top of the nowdemolished old George Mason High School site, the City-owned Virginia Tech site and the third property being the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) site, home of the West Falls Church Metro rail station. There have been numerous presenters at meetings the last couple weeks, including a special virtual briefing to the approving Smart Growth Coalition, to a virtual public town hall, and presentations to virtual

Continued on Page 5

AFTER THE COLONIAL PIPELINE was hacked by two weeks ago, it prevented new fuel deliveries throughout most of the southeastern U.S. Chaotic images came from this episode, including this one at the ExxonMobil station along West Broad Street, where droves of cars waited in line to �ill their tanks. By 3 p.m. that day, the station had depleted its supply. (P��: N��-P��)

Progressive Majority Leads to Multiple Results in Richmond

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

This last Richmond legislative session was a milestone as it was the first unencumbered by any majorities of dinosaur politicians seeking to reinforce antiquated anti-women,

pro-gun and related values through legislation, including an ability to kill all the bills they didn’t like. Solid Democratic majorities in both the House of Delegates and Senate, as well as in the Governor’s Mansion, spelled a whole new environment in Richmond earlier this year.

Behold, new laws passed and signed by Gov. Ralph Northam, most set to go into effect on July 1, are reflective of this new reality, and those nationally who think the defeat of Trump will lead to a backlash reaction in the 2022 midterms need to take heed. No such backlash

occurred in Virginia. On the contrary, even more solid advancement in progressive causes have occurred, and should continue. Falls Church’s State Delegate Marcus Simon came virtually before

Continued on Page 4

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Integrating the experiences of African Americans into the history curriculum has been an ongoing mission for Falls Church City Public Schools. That effort takes a major step forward by adding a high school class dedicated to African American studies in the fall.

Sylvia was born without the use of her back leg. She was found in a forest in Puerto Rico before making her way to Falls Church, when the pup’s rescuer contacted Homeward Trails, an animal shelter and adoption center in Fairfax County that caters to dogs just like Sylvia.

“Working: A Musical” is currently streaming online at set times from George C. Marshall High School. The spring musical production is based on a 2012 update of the 1970’s play, allowing for examination of some of our internet-enabled working conditions of today.

INDEX

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Schools’ Focus on Equity Prompts More African-American History in Class BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Integrating the experiences of African Americans into the history curriculum has been an ongoing mission for Falls Church City Public Schools, but that effort will take a major step forward by introducing a high school class dedicated to African American studies next school year. The new class is a product of years’ worth of work in terms of making education in the City of Falls Church more equitable. “When African-American history is incorporated as a part of U.S. history, it puts all of their contributions into context,” William Bates, FCCPS’ chief academic officer, said. “Their inventions and influence on law and policy have typically been little snippets here and there.” This model was highlighted at a virtual panel discussion titled “Mainstreaming African American History in the Schools,” which featured a list of movers and shakers in both the school system and local history in Falls Church — Ron

LOCAL BLACK HISTORY will also be a part of the revised curriculum the school plans to roll out in the fall, along with a new African American Studies course. (P��: N��-P�� Anzalone, chair of the Falls Church Historical Commission; Edwin Henderson, founder of the

Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and an interim member of F.C.’s school board; and Dr. Peter

Noonan, Superintendent of Falls Church schools. Mary Ellen Henderson Middle

School Principal Valerie Hardy and Bates were also part of the panel. According to Noonan, broadening the scope of the history classes was in response to instances of hateful speech from students that the school system became aware of a few years back. It prompted an equity audit by Dr. Julian Williams, the former vice president for compliance, diversity and ethics at George Mason University, who gave a top-to-bottom look at how the school could improve at the social, financial and leadership levels. The removal of the annual Colonial Day for its representation of historical events was part of that review. As was a study of Mexican milkweed and its relationship to monarch butterflies due to elements of cultural appropriation. Dr. Jennifer Santiago was also elevated as the director of equity and excellence for Falls Church schools by the end of this process.

Continued on Page 19

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Anthony, Faye, Ted and Penny, along with their families and their staff, want to say THANK YOU to all of the people who kept them in business during the pandemic. Without them we would not be here celebrating our 49th anniversary this Friday, on May 21st. The restaurant never closed and so many people placed orders for carry out, made donations to our GoFundMe page and supported us every way they could. Special thanks go to Larry and Nancy Harrison who set up the GoFundMe page on behalf of Anthony's Restaurant - we are truly grateful to them for having done that. We want to offer our thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones during this difficult time. Best wishes for everyone for a better and more hopeful future.

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PAGE 4 | MAY 20 – 26, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

New Laws Includes Restricting Police Use of Facial ID Technology

Continued from Page 1

the monthly midday meeting of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce this week for his annual legislative update to the business group, and was armed with the power-point presentation that helped him make sure he didn’t forget anything important about the session, which indeed lived up to expectations. (There have been similar Democratic Party majorities in Richmond before, but only in the days when Virginia Democrats were of the Byrd Machine variety and often more conservative than today’s Republicans. So this year marked the first time ever that a majority of progressive-minded lawmakers reigned.) At the top of the list and reported in the news this week is the new Virginia law to tighten restrictions on the use by police of facial recognition technology. It was that new law, first introduced by Del. Lashrecse D. Aird (D-Petersburg), which prompted the National Capital Region Facial Recognition Investigative Leads System (NCRFRILS) to announce this week it is ending its controversial program which had created a

database of 1.4 million mugshots taken by police in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) region. The state’s minimum wage law was modified to mandate an increase from $7.50 per hour to $9.50 (with most lawmakers seeing $15 as a near-term target). The automatic right to vote for all adult Virginians, including those found guilty of felonies and having served their time, was enacted, bypassing the need of a sympathetic governor to one-by-one enfranchise such persons to vote (as Gov. Terry McAuliffe so honorably did a few years ago). Henceforth, as of July 1, it’s automatic. In another step toward the better enfranchisement of all citizens in the state, a new law was passed eliminating all May elections, moving them all to November. This was a huge issue of controversy in Falls Church a decade ago, when the shift from May to November local elections was engineered over a lot of protests. The new state law this year makes it clear that May elections disenfranchise voters, and the City of Falls Church was ahead of its time in making that shift 10 years ago. The first moves were made in

Richmond this year to repeal the state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage instituted in 2006 as the controversial Marshall-Newman Amendment enshrining that ban. In the meantime, State Del. Bob Marshall of Manassas, deemed one of the most conservative members of the legislature and motivator of the constitutional ban, was finally bumped from this job not by a nearequally conservative Democrat, but by a proud transgender progressive, Del. Danica Roem, who won an upset when she took on Marshall, but has been a solid favorite for the job ever since. Other big steps by this year’s legislature and governor involved the banning of the death penalty, something that advocates for that cause like legislators such as Del. Ken Plum have been faithfully holding the banner for decades. Possession of up to an ounce of marijuana by adults 21 and up will also be legal in Virginia for the first time as of July 1, including an allowance for up to four marijuana plants to be cultivated at home. Details on means for the sale of marijuana still need to be worked out, Simon said, as a board similar to the one oversee-

ing the state’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms distributions will need to be set up. New tenant protections will also become law, with landlords of four or more units required to give tenants 14 days after receiving an eviction notice to exit a premises (up from five days now), and prohibited from interrupting essential services to the tenant in the meantime. The Virginia Dream Act was instituted to provide tuition assistance and more to children of immigrant families, and the sweeping Virginia Human Rights Act, intro-

duced by Del. Mark Sickles, was passed extending important rights to LGBTQ citizens and establishing an LGBTQ Advisory Board to the governor. A styrofoam ban was enacted that will not go into effect until July 2023, and a rebate program for electric vehicle purchases was enacted. Corroborating witnesses are no longer required for no-fault divorces, and there are many more new citizen-friendly laws, as well. Del. Simon rattled through them all so quickly it was hard to keep up Tuesday.

Status Update on Monday, May 17 City of Falls Church Vaccine Data Date

Doses Administered

At Least One Dose

Fully Vaccinated

Monday, May 17

14,169

8,226

6,364

Monday, May 10

13,281

8,054

5,621

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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MAY 20 – 26, 2021 | PAGE 5

Thoroughfare Pegged As 1st Stage Of West End Development’s Timeline

Continued from Page 1

meetings of the Falls Church City Council this Monday, and one slated for the F.C. Planning Commission last night that laid out the parameters of what it is hoped will become a formal revision to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan as early as July. This Monday night, it was Barbara Byron, director of the Department of Planning and Development of Fairfax County, who spearheaded the presentation to the F.C. City Council with the parameters of the project being delineated as a County Transit Station Area ranging from the Falls Church City’s West End Gateway project through the Virginia Tech site and on to the WMATA property ending at the West Falls Church Metro station. The draft document was the result of 22 meetings over two and half years of deliberations of a county task force appointed by Dranesville District Supervisor

John Foust and four cooperative meetings with Falls Church officials. The two most important takeaways from this week’s presentations were: 1. The resolve by the site developers to maintain a seamless continuity of the .8-mile boulevard, termed the Commons Road, that will run through the three parcels beginning at Leesburg Pike and running north-northwest through to the West Falls Church Metro station (“It is critical that that road goes all the way through,” Byron said), and 2. The intent of the site developers to continue planning for a full integration of the five-acre portion currently under lease to Virginia Tech, despite the recent decision by Virginia Tech not to continue with its original plan to fully build out that site. The property owner in question, in fact, is the City of Falls Church, and the clock is ticking on current lease. No matter what else happens on the Virginia Tech property, it was

noted, the Commons Road connection “needs to be in the first stage of development.” This means that, as hoped, the three parcels will be fully integrated over time, if not developed at the same pace, with all cooperating bodies expecting to reap great benefits. Right now, since the opening of the Metro’s Silver Line, the use of the West Falls Church station at issue here has dropped off precipitously. WMATA is not looking to accept the current situation, but by linking up with the two other sites to create the station and its immediate environs as an attractive destination to bring more riders there. City Council comments Monday hailed the spirit of cooperation between Fairfax County and the City of Falls Church. “This plan demonstrates the high value placed on cooperation,” said Councilman David Snyder. Councilman Phil Duncan said he is happy to see “unified planning for these parcels,” Vice Mayor

FAIRFAX COUNTY’S director of planning, Barbara Byron, talks about the necessity of building central avenue through the three parts of the West End site. (S��: N��-P��) Marybeth Connelly hailed the four small parks slated for the WMATA parcel. Mayor David Tarter said, “This shows how much better our projects will be when we work together. He asked whether the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route slated to run up Leesburg Pike from Skyline to Points West could divert off on the Commons road to make a stop at the Metro station. The county planning report on this topic said, “Coordination at the staff level among the City of Falls Church, Falls Church City Public Schools, Fairfax County, Virginia Tech, WMATA and the

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development teams for the city and county projects have been on-going throughout the planning processes for these sites. This coordination has focused on elements such as transportation, urban design and creating a welcoming connection to the West Falls Church Metro station.” While the City’s West Falls Gateway project expects to have a floor-to-area (FAR) ratio of about 3.0, that density in the current plan is diminished to under 1.0 at the WMATA end of the combined properties with the emphasis there on open space, including parks and a

Continued on Page 22

PAGE 6 | MAY 20 – 26, 2021 

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$ From a WellPlanned Future

On top of all else going on these days, some more underlying achievements by the City of Falls Church’s City Hall team are laying the groundwork for some blindingly impressive new prospects. At the heart of it all is a deft combination of savvy and good will which has drawn in some of the City’s historic adversaries of past years. At the top of the list is the cooperation going between the City and Fairfax County over the optimum development of (What shall we call it?, not Disneyland, that’s taken. No, best to name it may be the person whose critical vote is needed to pass it all! We’ll have to see), you know, those 42 contiguous acres encompassing the City’s 10 acre dense mixed use project, the Virginia Tech site, and the Metro property around the West Falls Church Metro rail station. That cooperation, incentivized by the amazing revenue potentials to all parties, is new. Barely a decade ago, Falls Church and Fairfax County were locked in a nasty staredown in a manner consistent with the full duration of their co-existence. The issue over the control of the water system serving huge regions in the county outside the City of Falls Church was among the most contentious imaginable, but somehow wiser heads prevailed and the matter was resolved by a deal to trade ownership of the whole system to the county in exchange for some very prime real estate to be transferred to the city. It’s that real estate, upon which the City’s new high school now sits and the 10-acre mammoth development is bracing to boom (in the good sense), which is integral to the current cooperation. Not only are the developers of the site the best in the business, but as the City benefits from some very sage advice, it is playing ball at a very high level, including the latest step, plans unfolding now for the authorization of a new governmental entity, a “Community Development Authority,” to enable those planning to build out the 10-acres with some upfront bond financing for key infrastructure elements of the site. The F.C. City Council has been meeting behind closed doors (as in, alternative video conferencing platforms) the last couple of weeks to work with consultants to hammer out the best deal for the City in a way that also supports the needs of its private sector development team. Gone, thankfully, are the days when resentful citizens influenced City policy way too much, not out of any rational considerations, but out of endless allegiance to their own pet gripes. Even some most inclined still to fall into such behaviors are biting their tongues for now, and so a lot is actually getting done. Check out the new high school, the renovated City Hall and the newly renovated library that’s poised to reopen soon. Where’s the money coming from for all this? It’s coming from a well-planned future, actually.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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To My Neighbor: Why Did You Steal My ‘Open F.C. Schools’ Sign? Editor, This letter is addressed to the person who stole the “Open Schools Now!” sign from my yard and the yards of several of my neighbors between 7 p.m. on May 8 and 7 a.m. on May 9. Dear Neighbor, Why did you steal my yard sign? Why did you walk five feet into my yard and take my property? Why did you take my “Open Schools” sign and not my “Thank You FCCPS Teachers and Staff” sign? Why did you take several of my neighbors’ signs on the same night, and more since? Did you assume that because I have an “Open Schools” sign that you and I are members of opposing political parties? Did you presume to know how I voted in the recent presidential election? Did you presume to know my position on social justice issues? Did you wonder whether my desire to open schools could be based on scientific evidence and my deep concern about our childrens’ lost learning? Did you believe that I am insincere when posting my “Thank You Teachers” sign? Did you believe the toxic, divisive, and inaccurate portrayal of people with “Open Schools” signs as anti-teacher? Did you assume that I don’t value the health and well-being of our teach-

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.

Benton’s Column Saga Should Ask Different Questions

Editor, Nicholas Benton has spent five weeks using the News-Press to paint some “Beautiful Mind” level conspiracy theories, while that time might be better spent asking some serious questions: Why was an unarmed veteran murdered by a police officer? Does Ashli Babbit’s death not even warrant an investigation? Considering how dangerous the January 6th protesters were, why did the Capitol Police take down the protective barriers, open the doors, and wave the protesters in? Who gave the orders to them — possibly some Vladmir Putin puppet? There are many more unanswered questions from that day, and Blue Anon might be better served by asking them. Jeff Walyus Arlington

[ LETTERS ]

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ers and school staff? Did you judge me as a bad person for wanting our kids’ schools to open? Did you knock on my door to talk with me about my sign, as reasonable fellow citizens? How did you think I would explain your actions to my children, as they witnessed my speech to support their interests silenced by a midnight act of cowardice? Did you think I wouldn’t put it back up? Julie Lockwood Falls Church

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

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MAY 13 – 19, 2021 | PAGE 7

F.C. City Is De�iling My Property With Its ‘Improvements’ B� T�� W��

Eleventh Street takes a break between Tuckahoe and Underwood Streets in the City of Falls Church, and the stub-end portion west of Tuckahoe serves as a driveway for both myself and my neighbor. My family has occupied our property, south of 11th St., for over 100 years. Around 80 years ago the City decided to abandon that portion of 11th St. as a right of way — it would never become a through street — and gave back the southern half of it, between Tuckahoe and Underwood, to my family. We’ve paid taxes on this narrow strip of land, one short block long, ever since. Around 50 years ago the City decided to put in a paved pathway, about three feet wide, connecting the western end of our driveway with Underwood, and it’s become a frequently used passage for neighborhood walkers. I have maintained my strip of land along the pathway, with a lawn and azalea plantings that border the path. The remaining abandoned portion of 11th St. north of the pathway belongs to the City, but the City showed no interest in its maintenance — until very recently. It was left to become overgrown with weeds and trash trees until my thenneighbor on the other side (whose house faces Underwood) and I decided to do something about it, more than 40 years

ago. We cleared the brush and put in plantings. I planted a row of Japanese cut-leaf maples (the kind with red leaves) along the north edge of the path. My neighbor put in hostas and a variety of shrubs, many of which did not last. I put in several yucca plants. Periodically, I

“For at least 50 years the City had no interest in this small strip of land. Now, suddenly, and without warning, it has decided to ‘improve’ it by aggressively relandscaping it.” stored firewood on the portion closest to the driveway. The City’s sole interest in the pathway over the years was manifested only once, when it received complaints from walkers that the asphalt paving the pathway was buckling from tree roots and crumbling. The City repaved the path. Just once. My driveway ends where originally the City had planted wooden posts. Although

the posts rotted away with the years, a white mulberry tree sprang up next to the post adjacent the pathway. Nonetheless, on several occasions attempts were made to drive cars from Underwood up the pathway, on one occasion damaging my parked car. So I piled the largest stones I had, as well as several chunks of concrete, at the corners of the entrance to the pathway from the drive. Despite that, I later found small pieces from a car next to a knocked-over pile of rocks. Recently I went out to get some of that firewood and was stunned by the change to the strip of City land. The maple trees were still there, but everything else – all the plantings – were gone. In their place, a bed of wood chips. Then I looked at my strip of property, on the other side of the pathway. The azaleas were still there (albeit a couple were severely trimmed), but the wild rose bush was gone — and so was my lawn, covered with wood chips. Then, a few days later, I found a card on my porch, left by Jeremy Edwards, “Green Space Manager,” F.C. Department of Public Works. On its back was a handwritten message asking me to move my car for a day so “work on the trail” could be done. I called him and found that the “work” was to remove the white mulberry tree that stood at the eastern entrance to the pathway, and a “honeysuckle bush” which had served nicely as a divider

between the drive and my neighbor’s yard, and offered summertime shade to my car. These were, I was told, “invasive” plants. I guess my wild rose and the yuccas were, too. Edwards also admitted to cutting down the wisteria I’d trained to climb the mulberry tree. Edwards professed surprise — but verified — that I owned the strip of land south of the pathway, which he had been treating as City property. I asked him why no one from the City had consulted me or any of my neighbors about this work. I was contacted only to move my car (which I did). He had no direct response to my question. Subsequently, I was asked once again to move my car so that the stumps could be removed. They were — along with my piles of rock and concrete, replaced with several small boulders. They make parking there a bit trickier, but are not unattractive. For at least 50 years the City had no interest in this small strip of land. Now, suddenly, and without warning, it has decided to “improve” it by aggressively re-landscaping it. Thus far that has consisted of reducing things to a barren wasteland, covered with wood chips and some large rocks. I am stunned by the arrogance of Mr. Edwards and the City. Ted White is a longtime resident of the City of Falls Church

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14% Not Sure

44% 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.

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NEWS BRIEFS Newsweek: F.C. Schools Tops in Virginia Newsweek magazine has ranked the top school districts for each state in the U.S. published this week, and for 2021 the data placed the Falls Church City Public Schools as No. 1 in all of Virginia. The rankings developed from U.S. Department of Education statistics, and for the Falls Church schools and their 2,620 students, it noted the 14:1 student to teacher ratio and 97 percent graduation rate as among the key factors.

N.Va. Realtors Site Boom in New Listings “Buyers are competing intensely for new listings,” says Derrick Swaak, partner and managing broker with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean and 2021 president of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR). “The fierce residential real estate market in Northern Virginia has continued to roar into May, as April dollar sales volume was up over 50 percent versus the same month last year,” says Swaak. Realtors® in the NVAR region closed sales totaling more than $1.7 billion, representing more than 2,400 homes sold in April. “This represents a 43 percent increase in the number of homes sold, with an average sales price increase of 8 percent compared to last year,” Swaak says. While March weather may typically come in like a lion and out like a lamb, the same did not hold true for the region’s real estate market. “In April there was a 9.9 percent monthover-month increase in the number of ‘All Pendings,’ which represents new contracts plus contracts carried over from March,” says NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin. “The number of listings also grew in April compared to March, with a 33.2 percent jump,” McLaughlin says. The increase in new listings has not closed the gap on buyer demand. “There is a misperception surrounding the lack of inventory, that fewer people are putting their homes on the market this spring,” says Swaak. “In reality, the number of new listings in April was up 76 percent compared to the same month last year. Instead, the lack of inventory is due to the brisk pace of sales,” Swaak explains. “We are still seeing great demand for all types of residential housing, but particularly for single-family homes, both inside and

outside the beltway,” Swaak says. The average sales price to list price ratio was 102 percent in April, meaning that on average homes were selling above asking prices. And all-cash buyers are not uncommon, representing more than double the number of transactions in April compared to the same month last year. “Buyers are competing intensely for new listings, particularly for moderately priced single-family homes,” Swaak says. “It is not usual for new listings to attract a handful of offers within the first few days, many with waived contingencies and other perks such a free post-closing rent back for the seller,” Swaak says.

F.C. Median Incomes 2nd Highest in Virginia The City of Falls Church has the second highest in per capita income and purchasing power, according to the Smart Asset data site. It is ranked second among Virginia jurisdictions behind only Loudoun County ($142,299) with a median income at $127,610. The number is set against a cost-of-living number of $71,493 (Loudoun is $74,969). The City’s overall index of 87.84 places it ahead of Fairfax County, Arlington, Fairfax City, Stafford, Prince William and Alexandria, in that order.

Beyer Speaks Out On Mideast Violence U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, whose 8th District of Virginia includes the City of Falls Church, issued the following statement today on the ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine: “The loss of life and injuries suffered by Israelis and Palestinians are a heartbreaking tragedy. All parties must de-escalate, negotiate a ceasefire as soon as possible, and end this cycle of violence. The United States should use every available lever to make this happen. “As Secretary Blinken said, ‘Palestinians and Israelis deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, and prosperity.’ We must condemn the rocket attacks on the State of Israel, which of course provoked defensive and retaliatory strikes from the Israeli Defense Forces. Hamas has fired over 1,800 rockets from Gaza at Israel, showing reckless disregard for Palestinian as well as Israeli lives. This must stop.” Beyer previously served as a U.S. Ambassador abroad during the Obama Administration.

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

All Night Grad is Less Than 2 Weeks Away The All-Night Grad Celebration is on Wednesday, June 2, from 7 – 11 p.m. — just under two weeks away — for all the graduating seniors. The party is outdoors this year on the patio at the State Theatre (220 N. Washington St. Falls Church) and Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington, Falls Church). ANGC will provide a safe, fun event with games, refreshments, live entertainment and prizes. Senior parents should make sure they sign up their senior student for the celebration. All Falls

Church City Public School parents are asked to consider donating or volunteering to make this night a success for the Class of 2021. Links to register, donate and volunteer are available on Mason’s All Night Grad website — georgemasonhighptsa.org/all-night-gradinformation.html.

No Contact Food Drive at F.C. Episcopal on Saturday The Falls Church Episcopal (115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church) is holding a contactless food drive on Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. – noon. Donors should use the

church’s E. Broad Street entrance to make their drop offs. For more information, contact John Wunderlich at jwunderlich@ thefallschurch.org.

Mason Senior & Figure Skater Receives Honors The United States Figure Skating Association recognized Jillian Kendrick as a 2021 Graduating Seniors Award recipient, Gold Distinction. Kendrick began figure skating at the age of 5, and has been active in the sport through high school. Her skating experience has given

her the opportunity to compete at various levels. After taking some time off to play ice hockey, she passed her “Moves in the Field” test — Senior Level as a high school freshman. Kendrick is a member of the Washington Figure Skating Club. She volunteers as a mentor with NOVA Cool Cats Special Hockey, and she also teaches ice skating to beginner figure skaters and hockey players. Kendrick will graduate with the George Mason High School Class of 2021, and has plans to continue her studies at Indiana University – Bloomington in the fall.

Creative Cauldron’s Youth Troupe Performs at Cherry Hill Creative Cauldron will showcase its newest production, “Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Original Movie Musical in the Park” at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) on Saturday, May 22 at 7:45 p.m. The Brothers Grimm has come to life as a movie musical, complete with professional special effects and a score. Filmed outdoors and socially distanced, and crafted along with the cast of nine students and two professionals, this is a musi-

DAR AL-HIJRAH ISLAMIC CENTER held a picnic at Bluemont Park over the weekend to celebrate Eid, the holiday that signals the end of Ramadan. Hundreds of the mosque’s congregants turned out to take in some good eats while younger parishioners got to enjoy some inflatable rides. (Photos: Facebook.com/hijrahva)

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

tion via Zoom. Talk to the artist (viewers can bring their own wine and cheese). A recommended wine pairing for the post concert reception is an Argentinian Malbec which can be purchased at any local wine store. The link to this Zoom event was emailed to the church’s Concerts in the Community email list on May 19. Those who wish to be added to this list should send a request to LPCCommunications1724@gmail. com.

For Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage month, Karma Yoga is hosting a free community event at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) on Sunday, May 23 from 9 a.m. – noon featuring three one-hour long sessions on yoga, tai chi and qigong, and meditation. Each session starts with a 15 minute intro to history and culture, a 15 minute Q&A session and is followed by 30 minutes of practice. Event is open to the public, though registration is recommended at karma.yoga/community.

Dance Company, which he founded in 2003. The multi-genre dance company has won national acclaim and was lauded by DC critics as one of the top three local dance companies in 2012. Singh has earned two master’s degrees in subjects that are highly relevant to his new position: a master’s degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland. MCC Board Chair Suzanne LeMenestrel said of Singh, “On behalf of the Governing Board, we are thrilled that Daniel will be leading the MCC. His expertise in the arts, technology and recreation and his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will serve our community exceptionally well. We are looking forward to working with Daniel as the MCC welcomes community members back to the center.” Singh is working with community members, board members and staff to launch several new programs in the next 180 days. He will be working closely with Le Menestrel to conduct in-depth McLean listening sessions to surface community needs, interests and ideas.

McLean Governing Board Selects New Director

Watercolorist Featured for McLean Art Society Meeting

The McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board appointed Daniel Phoenix Singh as the center’s new executive director. Singh is replacing George Sachs, who retired on Friday, May 7, after 11 years of service. MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave in McLean. In his previous position as Division Chief of Tourism and Cultural Arts for Baltimore County, Singh led countywide initiatives in coordination with the Tourism Commission and the Arts and Sciences Commission. Singh is also Artistic and Executive Director of Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh

David Daniels, a watercolor artist known for his botanical illustrations, will be the featured presenter at the Friday, May 21 meeting of the McLean Art Society. The General Meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with the art demonstration to follow from 11 a.m. – noon. Daniels teaches under the aegis of the Smithsonian and develops very colorful exacting works. This program is available to interested guests. It will be presented on Zoom. To be connected, contact M.A.S. President Ray Goodrow at raymgoodrow@aol. com

Karma Yoga Holds Free Event for Asian Heritage Month

ST. JAMES third grade Girl Scout troop 50058 recently met with Falls Church police of�icers Parker and Norloff along with K-9 of�icer Fitz at the Scout House as they worked on one of their badges. The scouts asked many questions of the of�icers and enjoyed watching Fitz demonstrate his skills as a K-9 police of�icer. (P��: C�� K�� E��) cal adventure that celebrates the Learning Theater Program and the triumph of creativity during Covid19. Theater-goers are encouraged to enjoy the adventures of Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel, as well as some lesser known tales with an original twist. Interested attendees can get a sneak peek by going to youtu.be/ BOrTRxS_wMU. Patrons need to bring their own seating. Parking is by the Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church) and the screen will be set up in front of the tennis courts.

All tickets for this event are $20, and go toward supporting the Cauldron’s youth theater programs like the Learning Theater.

Virtual Holy Happy Hour At Lewinsville Church Holy Happy Hour, hosted by Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, will be on Wednesday, May 26 at 6 pm. The event will include a pre-concert talk with the artist and post-concert reception. The entire event will be held on Zoom. This concert will feature LeeLee Hunter on classical guitar. Currently

in doctoral studies at the University of Arizona, Hunter holds degrees from the Peabody Conservatory. Hunter has participated in several international competitions and in masterclasses with distinguished artists. Hunter will perform music of South American composers. Schedule for this event: 6 p.m. — Pre-concert talk on Zoom, hosted by John Nothaft, Director of Music Ministries. LeeLee will talk about the pieces she will play for this short preconcert call. 6:15 p.m. — Concert via Zoom. 6:45 p.m. – Post-concert recep-

In-person adoption events AND welcoming NEW volunteers!! We never closed during the pandemic and saved over 2700 homeless animals. But we’ve (and the dogs & cats) missed SEEING you!! We are excited to have our in-store adoption events happening again, as well as special events throughout the community. www.lostdogrescue.org

Adopt with us... Volunteer and Foster with us... Donate today and save more lives with us!

MAY 20 – 26, 2021 | PAGE 11

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

The cicadas are coming? Some Mason District neighborhoods report lots of cicada sightings; in others, like mine, two or three critters is all we’ve seen so far. Entomologists (bug scientists) tell us to be patient, that Brood X will emerge en masse during the next couple of weeks, before tuning up for their cacophonous concert. During previous Brood X appearances, I’ve found that the intersection of Columbia Pike and Lincolnia Road is especially loud, as the several ivy-covered trees there provide protection for the red-eyed male chorus. Cicadas demonstrate nature’s mystery and marvel. The life cycle of a cicada is well-documented, but still difficult to fathom, as we often try to anthropomorphize the mysteries of nature in an effort to understand a rationale behind it. The fact that millions, or billions, of three-inch bugs will be flying around us for a month or so drives wonder, or fear, in many. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, which does not experience the cicada phenomenon, I was somewhat repelled by my first experience with Brood X in 1970. The noise was deafening, and stepping on carcasses seemed unavoidable. The 1987 Brood X was more interesting, still noisy, but now seen through my children’s eyes. By the 2004 invasion, I was fascinated, taking a flashlight out to the patio at night to watch the brownish creatures exit their holes and molt. They are ghostly white for only a brief time as their wings strengthen and change color; soon only the brown exoskeletons are left clinging to a wall, a step, a tree. This year, I have my flashlight handy, fingers crossed, in the hope that I can once again observe nature’s marvel. I am not holding out for the 2038 Brood X! If my math is correct, Brood X also appeared in 1919, the year that the 19th Amendment, “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,” was passed by the U.S. Congress and sent to the states for ratification. After a lifetime of advocacy, women, finally, were

able to vote in 1920. It would be several decades more before electoral barriers were removed for most women of color. The story of women’s suffrage, and the struggle for the right to vote, is the focus of the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial that celebrated its opening on Sunday. The memorial, beautifully designed by Falls Church architect Robert Beach, is located on the grounds of Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road (Route 123), in Lorton, and is open to the public during park hours. Admission is free. The memorial commemorates the five million women, from across the country, who fought for 72 years, beginning with the Seneca Falls (N.Y.) Convention in 1848, for the right to vote. The women suffragists picketed the White House (a section of the actual White House fence is on display at the memorial), imploring President Woodrow Wilson to support a Constitutional Amendment, only to be arrested at his order and imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse. The brutal treatment they endured became the “turning point” in the fight to secure the vote. The 19th Amendment was ratified on August 20, 1920. Ironically, Virginia, where the women were imprisoned and where the monument stands, didn’t ratify the 19th Amendment until 1952! Unlike the Brood X cicadas, whose expressions are heard only at 17-year intervals, Virginia conducts elections every year, giving all voters an opportunity to have their voices heard. The Democratic primary election for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and some delegate’s seats is Tuesday, June 8 with early voting available now. The best way to celebrate the 19th Amendment is to vote, and then go visit the Turning Point Memorial. The cicadas may be gone by then!  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Destruction of Property, N Washington St, May 16, sometime overnight unknown suspect(s) smashed the windows of two vehicles and items of value were taken.

C � � � � � F� � � � C � � � � �

CRIME REPORT Week of May 10 – 16, 2021

Motor Vehicle Theft, Patterson St, an unsecured vehicle was taken between 8:30 PM May 10 and 5:20 AM, May 11. Larceny from Building, Hillier St, between 8 PM, May 10 and 9 AM, May 11, an orange Marin Rift Zone 3 mountain bike was taken from an unsecured garage. Larceny from Building, N Washington St, May 11, victims

reported that items of value were taken from an employee breakroom between May 5 and 6. Larceny from Building, Hillier St, between 8 PM, May 12 and 4:12 PM, May 13, a black Gekko Gecko mountain bike was taken. Driving Under the Influence, E Broad/S Roosevelt St, May 13, 11:58 PM, a 25 year old White male from Woodbridge, VA, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Larceny

from

Vehicle/

WWW.FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report There have been quite few updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the Governor’s Executive Orders related to the pandemic in the past week. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of those details. Last Week, the Virginia Department of Health announced that vaccine providers in Virginia may begin vaccinating those aged 12-15. This announcement follows the federal approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for use in adolescents yesterday. You can read the full release on Virginia Department of Health’s website. I have heard from some folks who have had trouble with appointments they scheduled in anticipation of this announcement. The good news is that the Tysons Community Vaccination Center began accepting adolescent appointments and walk-ins on May 14. The Inova-Stonebridge Vaccination Center is also vaccinating this age group effective immediately. Parents or guardians can schedule appointments through the Fairfax County Health Department and Inova MyChart, respectively. Several local grocery stores and pharmacies will be following suit. Fairfax County also posted a blog post with this information. Vaccinating children in the 1215 age group is a critical step towards achieving herd immunity and will help to keep our schools healthy places to learn. A joint letter from Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand went out to the FCPS community, encouraging families to take advantage of the numerous vaccine opportunities available. The County is also working with FCPS to hold immunization clinics in select Title 1 schools in coming weeks. As I get more information on this, I’ll be sure to share it. Some additional updates on the vaccination progress in Virginia and updated public health guidelines are below. Vaccination Progress As of May 19, 7,615,246 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Virginia with an average of over 45,000 doses administered daily. Nearly 3.5 mil-

lion Virginians are fully vaccinated (40.6% of the population) and 4,397,890 Virginians have received at least one dose of the vaccine. You can find available vaccination appointments on the CDC’s Vaccine Finder website (www.vaccines.gov), which also allows you to choose locations based on which vaccine you prefer. Updated CDC Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals The CDC has provided updated guidance for people who have been fully vaccinated. They also recently announced that if you’re fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask – indoors or outdoors, in most settings. Please keep in mind that immunocompromised individuals should consult their healthcare providers regarding these guidelines. Key mask wearing updates as of May 14: Exceptions include public transit, health care facilities, and congregate settings. Anyone who is not yet vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings. Employees who work in certain business sectors — including restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and entertainment — must continue to wear masks unless fully vaccinated, consistent with CDC guidelines. Masks continue to be required in K-12 settings, given low rates of vaccination among children. Businesses retain the ability to require masks in their establishments if they choose to, and individuals continue to be permitted to wear masks if they choose to. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. Updated Public Health Guidelines With the release of the CDC’s updated guidelines, Governor Northam has amended Virginia’s public health guidelines outlined in Executive Order 72 accordingly. Updated guidelines for specific business sectors can be found on the Governor’s website. Virginia will ease all distancing and capacity restrictions on Friday, May 28, two weeks earlier than planned.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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

When the word, “cult,” gets bandied about, including by increasing numbers nowadays who recognize that the pro-Trump current in the GOP is now effectively one, there remains a great lack of information and appreciation for what “cults” actually are, and why putting that label on the Trump movement is apropos. The core question concerns how cults function to induce mind control among their true believers. The rise of cults in the U.S. came after the Korean War, arising from the effectiveness of mind control techniques, a.k.a. “brainwashing,” by the Communist Chinese and their Soviet KGB counterFALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS parts, as revealed by U.S. prisoners of that war who were their victims. All covert superpower intelligence agencies were keenly interested in the phenomenon, and “The Manchurian Candidate,” the 1959 novel by Richard Condon that was turned into the 1962 film classic (starring Angela Lansbury and Frank Sinatra) was a cautionary tale at the time with a solid grounding in facts and methods on the subject. Condon was not the expert, but he certainly had them advising him on this work. Considerable attention is paid in the first chapters of the book to the scientific and experimental bases of “conditioning,” a euphemism that today is better known as brainwashing. In the modern era, its roots are traced to the Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936), famous for his work on conditioning the reflexes of dogs. A Pavlovian disciple, Andrew Salter (1914-1996) was subsequently known as the founder of “conditioned reflex therapy.” His theories and experiments involving hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis, including the efficacy of post-hypnotic suggestion, were published in his 1949 book. “The Manchurian Candidate,” Condon’s book and the subsequent movie, functions like a primer on the subject, referencing the work of Pavlov, Salter, Krasnogorski, Meigant, Petrova, Bechtervov, Forlov and Rowland. “Conditioning, called brainwashing by the news agencies, is the production of reactions in the human organism through the use of associative reflexes,” a Condon character said. The purpose was “to construct behavior which would at all times strive to put the operator’s exact intentions into execution.” It works on the unconscious mind. More recent books on the subject include the 1991 “The Search for the Manchurian Candidate” by John Marks, the 1957 “Battle for the Mind, Physiology of Conversion and Brainwashing: How Evangelists, Psychologists, Politicians and Medicine Men Can Change Your Beliefs and Behavior” by William Sargant. and the works of contemporary cult expert Steven Hassan. Marks’ error is that he blames the U.S. CIA for the cultivation of the phenomenon. But the root of the problem in U.S. society are the nation’s deadliest, most fiercely anti-democratic rivals. A Soviet character in Condon’s book is described as seeing in the brainwashing methods “possibilities that would hasten revolutionary causes by 50 years.” Nonetheless, some in the U.S. covert intelligence have coddled it for its power to manipulate domestic fringe group adversaries of the U.S. mainstream. Trump is likely “conditioned,” himself with perhaps some post-hypnotic suggestive triggers that Putin executes once in a while. “Paranoiacs have always provided us with the great leaders of the world and always will,” Condon’s Communist Chinese character says in his novel. “Paranoiacs display an innate ability to falsify hampering conditions of the past to prevent unwanted distortion of the future, with that relentless, protective cunning that places the whole world into a position as their enemies.” Sounds like Trump. The feeling state most susceptible for brainwashing is “total resentment.” Unlike hatred that “presupposes a duel between the hater and the hated, the reaction of the resenter is directed against destiny...involving thoughts permeated with an indefinable bitterness...inhabiting a human with the capacity for affection so poorly developed that his understanding for the motives of others very nearly does not exist.” Sounds like Trump and his ardent followers. Cults were born of this. It was recognized that there needed to be a strong environment of reinforcement for brainwashed individuals to ensure the reliability of their altered states. Cults, offering the desired context for “belonging,” guarding against the influence of outsiders and direction under the watchful eye of an authoritarian leader, were caused to mushroom. (To be continued).  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

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Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

Jimmy Carter, our nation’s most productive ex-president, has left his mark on our sainted parish. In March 2020, George Mason University’s Arlington campus renamed its 40-year-old School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution to honor Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. One pandemic year later, the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution’s programs, long inspired by the citizen peace diplomacy championed by the Atlanta-based Carter Center, are being run by a world citizen. Dean Alpaslan Ozerdem, Turkish-born and British-educated, in an interview outdoors on the school’s Virginia Square plaza, told me how fortunate he feels to have landed at Mason. The peace school is the nation’s oldest, among the best known and largest of its kind (300-400 undergrad and postgraduate students, more than 2,000 alumni), he noted. Many of its graduates end up at other academic peace study programs (Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for example, is directed by Mason school alumna Jayne Docherty). Though the Carter Center “has no organic connection” to Mason’s programs, the Carters are “generous in lending their names” to enhance the Arlington school. The peace models pursued by its faculty “vary according to each country’s history and central reality,” said Ozerdem, who spent 20

years as an academic. “But the issue is whether it is working for all, with access to justice for all groups regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, and class.” Recently, the George Floyd murder trial “produced much anxiety” among his colleagues, who were uncertain the outcome would seem fair. The Mason faculty are active in the Arlington community. Since last July, the school has partnered with volunteers in the Restorative Arlington initiative to explore alternative crime reduction strategies in the legal system, schools and the community. It was coordinated by county manager Mark Schwartz and Mason professor Susan Hirsch. In the fall of 2017, Mason professor Juliette Shedd helped Arlington Public Schools navigate controversy over removing Robert E. Lee’s name from what is now Washington-Liberty High School. Its role was “to gather information and identify possible criteria for the review of the existing Naming Criteria Policy,” Shedd told me. That included a survey of 2,700 high school students, faculty and community members, and small focus groups with about “100 students involved amongst the three high schools.” The American university system, Ozerdem said, though similar to Britain’s in assumptions, is “more rigorous.” U.S. doctorates require five or six years of research rather than three to four, and exams must be passed before one writes a dissertation. The dean is proud that the mul-

tidisciplinary school within Mason, like the university, attracts as many as 30 percent of its students from diverse backgrounds. It has placed graduates at the U.S. Institute for Peace (just across the river on Constitution Avenue, which makes for easy guest speakers). More than 200 alums are working for the U.S. Foreign Service, with dozens of others at the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. Peacemaking studies, negotiations and efforts at post-conflict rebuilding do not, Ozerdem assured me, prevent his graduates from working with the military. “On the contrary, some have a military background. And though we might have a different take on military-civilian relations, we need to know how to work with different groups.” *** To control flooding, Arlington County announced it is purchasing a home in my neighborhood that has suffered historic water damage. The abandoned 1954 white rambler at 6415 24th St. N., assessed at $683,800, is among four locations the county flagged after the July 8, 2019 flood. It will be demolished for drainage improvements. My friend Dave lived there in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. “After many small floods (2-4 inches in the basement) it flooded again on July 18, 1965, while my brothers and I were inside,” he recalled. “Eight feet of water filled the house within 20 minutes as the storm sewer backed up and the metal sewer tops blew off and the water quickly filled 24th St. Firetrucks had to pump the water out.”

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Marshall High’s ‘Working’ Taps Into the Dignity & Difficulties of a Job by Mark Dreisonstok

Falls Church News-Press

“Working: A Musical” is currently streaming online at set times from George C. Marshall High School. The spring musical production is based on a 2012 update of the 1970s play, allowing for examination of some of our internet-enabled working conditions of today. Many varieties of work are represented using different settings in and about offices, worksites, the city — all making the play seem less like a Zoom production and more like a stage or film telecast, also allowing for excellent use of a very talented cast of mostly student performers. The show features vignettes of workers and the work they do, presented one after the other. Dolores the Waitress (wonderfully acted and sung by Grace Kellermann), views waitressing not as drudgery but with excitement at providing service, “like it’s theatrical, like I’m on stage!” Kellerman sings with exuberance in what is perhaps the most Broadway-like song of the production, “It’s an Art” (penned by Academy- and Grammy-award winning Stephen Schwartz). There is Tom the Fireman (played by Pete Bergen, not a student but an improv teaching artist who often adds his talents to Falls Church school productions) who takes pride in saving lives and may remind us that in our current coronavirus situation, work often entails risks, even as we serve others. There is Rose the Teacher (Ivanna Stefanova), who takes a similar satisfaction in profession, but also Terry the Flight Attendant (AJ HernandezSortore) who must deal with rude customers — one of the negative sides of working life in the service industry. White collar professions are represented as well. Rex the Hedge Fund Manager (Benjamin Campagnuolo), claims to have “the sexiest job there is.” He makes a credible defense of free market capitalism, praising its virtues while acknowledging its faults, and then making the troubling statement that an important part of his job is “outsmarting the regulators.” A poignant moment comes with the statement early in the

show by Mike the Ironworker (movingly depicted in voice and song by Josh Gurdak), who laments that construction workers lack prestige even though they do what few others can — stand atop an unfinished building at 1000 feet. Laborers can then look over to an office building, pride swelling up with the knowledge, “I built that!” What else keeps one going to work? Perhaps the ability to dream — or daydream, as Frank the Interstate Trucker (an earnest Soohwan Kim) is motivated by images of his Radio Dream Girl (Catie Cryan) — just as most of us are kept aloft by the hopes of relationships, family, and financial success which work brings. “I’d heard of ‘Working’ for years but didn’t really know it,” said Bernie DeLeo, Marshall’s theater teacher as well as the play’s director (and a Falls Church native to boot). “I did know that it was a series of songs and monologues about various American workers, and I thought it could work very well in a distanced format if we could film it against a green screen then edit it into a film later.” This reviewer would add that it is an excellent choice because it reminds us of the workers today who have spent their efforts, and often risked their lives, to keep us supplied with the necessities and comforts of daily life. We who have been at home for extended months can also realize how much we miss our own working and contributing to the larger community, industry, and purpose — that workers (both ourselves and others) keep America “singing,” in the image of Walt Whitman which is alluded to at the beginning of the show. This context moves “Working” beyond the radio reportage of Studs Terkel (on whose work the musical is based) to convey a greater sense of the human spirit. “Working” has been called a “working-class Chorus Line” but, given the focus on episodic vignettes focusing on life and work in the city, it has much in common with works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. However, unlike most Brecht and Weill works, there is not a grand moral statement; rather, it is more akin in spirit to

the Whitman poem, “I Hear America Singing,” which similarly praises mechanics, carpenters, masons, and other workers who have made America move forward. The stylish, well-acted production comes to us in a socially distanced format. Unlike some streamed shows, which start whenever one logs in, this show streams only at fixed times, just as with a traditional stage performance. DeLeo reminds News-Press readers, “curtain time is 8 p.m. on the dot! I’m advising people to log on 10 minutes early just in case technology decides to be a pest.” The performance runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes. The audience should be advised there are some racy moments, such as the inclusion of a prostitute among the characters, as well as some adultthemed language in the dialogue. The remaining shows are on May 21 and 22. For tickets and more information about this excellent production, those interested should visit statesmentheatre.org.

GRACE KELLERMAN (top photo) belts out her song as Dolores the Waitress, while Catie Cryan does her part to be the Radio Dream Girl for Frank the Interstate Trucker (played by Soohwan Kim — not pictured). (Photos: Courtesy Statesmen Theatre)

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B�� N�� N�� Chesterbrook Residences Hosting Free Document Shredding Event Chesterbrook Residences is hosting a free community document shredding event on Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. – noon with professional shredding provided by ProShred Security. Chesterbrook Residences is an affordable assisted living community located at 2030 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church. It was founded by three faith communities, Lewinsville Presbyterian, Temple Rodef Shalom, and Immanuel Presbyterian, with a common goal to build a nonprofit home for older persons of all financial means. For more information, visit www.chesterbrookres.org.

F.C. Chamber Will Host Live at The State Theatre The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will host Live at The State Theatre, its first fully in-person networking mixer since the Covid-19 pandemic, on Thursday, May 27 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but space is limited so reservations are strongly encouraged. Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided and adult beverages will be available for purchase. Masks are required for those who have not been vaccinated. More information including a link to register is available on the calendar at www.FallsChurchChamber.org.

Local Businesses Invited To Support Mason’s All Night Grad Local businesses are being invited to support the George Mason High School All Night Graduation Celebration to help keep teens safe on what is usually a dangerous night for high school graduates. This year’s version of the event will be held June 2 from 7 – 11 p.m. outside The State Theatre and Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. It will include entertainment, games, prizes, and refreshments. Sponsorships range from $250 to $1,000, with increasing levels of outreach to thousands of Falls Church citizens via the Morning Announcements, recognition with Business in Education publications, PTA newsletters, the high school PTSA social media campaign, graduation programming materials and signage during the event. Funds raised will help defray costs for students in financial need. Businesses are also invited to donate gift certificates and items to be used as prizes. For more information, visit www.georgemasonhighptsa.org.

Sponsors Being Sought for The Tinner Hill Music Festival Sponsors are being sought for the Tinner Hill Music Festival scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21. The event celebrates and honors the African American musical legacy with a wide-range of musicians and genres including Blues, Funk, Reggae, and more. Corporate sponsorship levels range from $1,500 to $10,000 and include a variety of high profile benefits, based on sponsorship level, such as T-shirt recognition, VIP status, tickets, specific location sponsorships, and signage. For more information, visit www.tinnerhill.org/donate-to-festival and click on Sponsor Experience Package.

Local Owner Jeff Bulman Founds JBulman Designs Jeff Bulman, owner of the Original Pancake House with locations in Falls Church, Bethesda, and Rockville, has founded a new business, JBulman Designs. The new artisan jewelry line is composed of one of a kind, handmade necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings, primarily made or set in Sterling Silver but with some copper and gold options. The Falls Church original Pancake House location is 7395 Lee Highway. For more information about the new business or to view and purchase jewelry, visit www. jbulmandesigns.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.

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FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 20 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 Panjshir Restaurant (114 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church) from 6 – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 22 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. History Hikes: In Search of Civil War Arlington. During the American Civil War, Arlington County’s western border was the site of many important Union camps and outposts. The group will learn about the historic features of the area, as well as how to identify Civil War earthworks. Families. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703228-4747. Bluemont Park (601 N.Manchester St., Arlington). 2 – 4 p.m. 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 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 23 Escape Trail: The Banshee of Barcroft. A mysterious creature is roaming the forests of Barcroft. Young adventurers ages 11 or

older and in groups of 2 – 7 are encouraged to help locate a missing researcher and prove the existence of the Banshee of Barcroft. Groups will have one hour to find all evidence of the Banshee. At the close, a reporter will interview the group for all the harrowing details – if participants solve the mystery in time. Register all participants (family, friends, other enthusiasts); kids ages 11 – 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Only 7 spaces available per session, so those interested should register early. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

VIRTUALEVENTS

tice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group. This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@ fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting (online). City Council meetings are held the second and fourth 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 and the public is 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.

MONDAY, MAY 24

TUESDAY, MAY 25

ESOL Conversation Group (online). Interested participants can prac-

Tuesday Morning Book Discussion (online). The Tuesday Morning

www.FallsChurchChamber.org/events/calendar/

Networking Mixer

Join us in The State Theatre parking lot to mix and mingle in person…yes, in person! Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be on us and alcohol will be available for purchase. Then, stay afterwards for dinner and a show featuring Ken Wenzel & Cross Kentucky! This will be our first fully in-person event in 14 months! Make sure you don't miss it! Masks are required for those who are not vaccinated. Please follow proper social distancing.

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Book Discussion is a general book discussion held roughly every six weeks from September through June, usually on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Focuses on a variety of fiction and nonfiction titles selected in advance (over the summer) by the group. This meeting’s book is “Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez. This discussion will be held online. For more info, email Catherine Wilson at cwilson@fallschurchva. gov. Open to all and no registration required. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Falls Church Writers Group (online). A group for aspiring writers. Participants meet to discuss and offer constructive criticism for each other’s work. Contact Peter Sullivan at psullivan@fallschurchva.gov to get the invitation to the group. 7 p.m. Great Books Discussion (online). A “Great Books” discussion concentrating on literary classics (both traditional and modern) meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday most months. This month’s book is “The Matter of Segri” by Ursula Le Guin. This discussion will be held online. For more information, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS THURSDAY, MAY 20 “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 21 “Working.”

The

Statesmen

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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 20 Michael La Bella. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186. Kevin Bull Jr. — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Mars Rodeo Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703241-9504. Jameson Green. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300.

LINWOOD TAYLOR will be at JV’s Restaurant on Sunday. (Courtesy photo) (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-8589186. The High and Wides — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Ana Popovic. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $35. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

Caligula Blushed — A Tribute to Morrissey & The Smiths. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300.

FRIDAY, MAY 21

SATURDAY, MAY 22

Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk — Socially-Distanced Sound Art at Wolf Trap. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). Open during all venue hours. 703-255-1900.

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

Shartel & Hume Duo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4:30 p.m. 703-241-9504. SWELL. Falls Church Distillers

Jillian Matundan. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186. 5x5 Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4

p.m. 703-241-9504. Old Dominion Trio. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186. Back to the ‘90s. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300. Sub-Radio — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

SUNDAY, MAY 23 Skinny Wallace Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-2419504. Groovequest. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 3:30 p.m. 703-2419504. Open Jam with Tim Harmon.

Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186. Sam C. Jones (Full Band) — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 6 p.m. 703-255-1566. Danger Bird: A Tribute to Neil Young. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300. Linwood Taylor Band & Sol Roots. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:45 p.m. 703-241-9504.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 David Thong. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300. Cup O’ Jokes (Indoors + Distanced). Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

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 20 – 26, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Mustangs Girls Lax Wins 4th Straight; Baseball Earns Winning Record by Mike Abler

Falls Church News-Press

George Mason High School’s girls lacrosse team won their fourth straight game after laying down the wood against Fauquier Prep School in 23-0 victory on May 14. After a lopsided 24-8 season opening loss to Paul VI Catholic High School, the Mustangs have only given up four goals since then while outscoring opponents 86-4 during their streak. Mason set the tone immediately against the Falcons, scoring 2 goals within the game’s first minute. Things would only get more chaotic for Fauquier from there, as the Mustangs went into halftime with a 16-0 lead. They added the final seven tallies following halftime to bring the game to its winning margin. This is the Mustangs’ first year competing at the Class 3 level, so head coach Courtney Gibbons was proud of her team’s performance, “We have some tough games ahead, but we should be able to handle business,” Gibbons said. Junior Bella Paradiso, who scored five goals in the win, believes

that the team is “Working hard and meshing together really well now.” The Mustangs maintained constant offensive pressure on the Falcons, who themselves struggled to generate any real threats on Mason’s cage. The girls will host Culpeper County High School on Monday.

Baseball The Varsity Baseball team won 8-4 against Central High School on the road and followed that up with a home win over William Monroe High School to improve to 3-2 on the season. It’s a welcome change from the team’s 0-2 start. The Mustangs will welcome Sidwell Friends High School tonight for their next contest.

Girls’ Soccer The Girls’ Soccer team blew out Manassas Park on the road with a 10-0 victory on Monday. It ended a 3 game losing streak after their season-opening win against Manassas Park as well. Their next game is on Friday against Skyline High School on the road.

JUNIOR BELLA PARADISO was responsible for five of the Mustangs’ 23 goals in its win over Fauquier High School on May 14. (Photo: Carol Sly)

Boys’ Soccer The Boys’ Soccer team shutout Manassas Park High School by the score of 6-0, which continued their 3-game winning streak at home. Their first game ended in a tie against Colgan on the road.

Softball Mason’s Softball team also ended a losing streak that lasted 5 games by beating Manassas Park

7-4. Much like the Girls’ Soccer team, their only wins of the season thus far have been against Manassas Park. Their next game will be against Skyline on the road this Friday as they look to turn their season around.

Girls Tennis Wednesday afternoon, the Mustangs faced off against Central on the road to continue their season. Results weren’t available by press

time, but Mason is 9-0 this season and will look to remain undefeated.

Boys Lacrosse The Boy’s Lacrosse team hasn’t fared as well as their female counterparts, losing their game to Fauquier High 24-11. The Mustangs remain winless so far this season, but look to end their losing streak tonight against John Paul the Great Catholic High School.

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It’s all been done in the name of bringing equity to the fore, which is a change in how education is conventionally delivered. “When school divisions discuss equity, it’s sort of antithetical to how schools have been developed historically,” Noonan said. He elaborated on that by saying that schools typically try to stratify kids — by achievement, for example. He said Falls Church schools are “not in that business.” “We’re going to unapologetically give more to students who receive less historically, so they can reach the best of their abilities,” Noonan continued. Equity in terms of lesson plans has emphasized on fleshing out, as Bates mentioned, the “snippets” of African American history. Henderson said it’s important that “black students need to know their history doesn’t begin with this tragedy of slavery.” It begins in Africa, he continued, and the richness of that continent. Later on, the lessons should zero-in on those parts of American history that African Americans played an integral part in, according to Anzalone. From the Buffalo Soldiers who fought in the Civil War, to the Tuskegee Airmen and the Red Ball Express, with the former fighting in WWII and the latter being the supply backbone of the Allied invasion of Europe. “It’s not like Black history hasn’t existed, or doesn’t matter, it just hasn’t mattered as much. And then it’s relegated to one month,” Henderson said. Part of this effort is exposing children to African Americans in their course material in schoolage classes. Henderson pointed to an introductory yoga book, and another called “Angela’s Airplane,” which features the story of a Black girl who commandeers a passenger jet. For his part, Noonan added that having Hardy and Bates, who are both Black, in such prestigious positions also exposes kids to African Americans in ways that they may not often be depicted. “It’s to show African Americans are part of the fabric of society,” Henderson said.

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F.C. SCHOOLS superintendent Peter Noonan talks about the school system’s equity checklist it runs through when revising curricula each summer. (S��: N��-P��) “That’s why I pushed so hard for Mary Ellen Henderson to be the name of the middle school because I wanted students to see African Americans in a light that they usually wouldn’t.” All of the educators on the panel pointed to the students for being leaders on this front. Noonan said students have taken charge in social justice initiatives around town — whether it be with protests, such as the one in response to the George Floyd killing last June, or clubs that have sprouted up at the middle and high school. To Noonan, it’s the school system’s job to provide students the opportunity to pursue these interests. It goes back to empathy for him, and

how everyone should be empathetic in their desire for students to have their voices and feelings heard. Bates said that young people aren’t shying away from being empathetic and caring, but also not concealing their outrage and emotion for certain instances either. He noted that whether it’s issues of gun control or social justice generally, young people have been at the center, even those as young as 15 or 16 years old. “It’s about getting out of their way and letting them lead,” Hardy said. “There are so many examples of our students showing us a path forward as adults.”

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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, May 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

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, May 27th, 2020 at 7:00pm, the Historic Architectural Review Board will hold a virtual meeting pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. [412 N CHERRY ST] The request is to enclose the existing porch, remove a balcony, replace a deck, and to create a side addition to the house. Public comment will be accepted via email at cgahres@fallschurchva.gov <mailto:cgahres@fallschurchva.gov> until 8:00 p.m. on May 26th. The link to access

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CLASSI F I E DS the virtual meeting will be available at www. fallschurchva.gov/HARB <http://www.fallschurchva.gov/HARB> .

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD PUBLIC HEARING On Thursday, May 27th, 2020 at 7:00pm, the Historic Architectural Review Board will hold a virtual meeting pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. [215 E JEFFERSON ST] The request is to create a rear shed dormer addition as well as replace three existing attic windows. Public comment will be accepted via email at cgahres@fallschurchva.gov <mailto:cgahres@fallschurchva.gov> until 8:00 p.m. on May 26th. The link to access the virtual meeting will be available at www. fallschurchva.gov/HARB <http://www.fallschurchva.gov/HARB> .

AUCTIONS 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

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

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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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PUZZLE NO. 83

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 81

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

11. Asked urgently 16. Female sib 20. Did farm work 21. Part of CD 22. Repeated sound 23. Look to be 24. Become ready to pick 26. Nectar gatherer 27. Silver follower 28. Center of rotation 29. Slangy affirmative

mes

again e e detail n se shelter

ing tool g bird

31. Inhabit 34. Give as a gift 35. Stop 37. Blower 38. Soda ____ 39. Garden of Genesis 40. Take a bus 41. Stubborn beast 44. Gun a motor 45. Additionally 46. Sunbather’s color 47. ____ out (barely make)

MAY 20 - 26, 2021 | PAGE 21

STRANGE BREW

JOHN DEERING

ACROSS 1. Expression of regret 5. Heidi’s mountain 8. Splendor 12. Harness piece 13. Gooey stuff 14. Object of adoration 15. Boring 17. Slangy no 18. Get a bead on 19. Divided equally 21. Office tables 24. Uproar 25. Applies frosting to

26. Secret place 30. Not he 31. Ran easily 32. Lumberjack’s tool 33. Mixed 35. Operatic melody 36. Fair 37. Not salty, as water 38. Football shirt 41. Disfigure 42. Rewrite text 43. Hair coloring 48. Decorate again 49. Wiggly creature 50. Saturate

51. Recognized 52. Christmas ____ 53. Sound pitch

DOWN 1. Sculpture, e.g. 2. Orchid necklace 3. Breeze 4. Slinks 5. Part of a molecule 6. Felon’s flight 7. Acted as chairperson 8. Fiesta decor 9. Garlic feature 10. Sulk

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 83

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ By Ryan A. Berenz 1. Nicknamed “Hefty Lefty,” this quarterback tallied four completions for 28 yards for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants in 2007. Who is he? 2. Who holds the NBA record for technical fouls in a career? 3. Name the novelist who wrote “Beartown” and “Us Against You,” which both take place in a small, hockey-obsessed community in Sweden. 4. The Tim Hortons Brier is the Canadian men’s championship in what sport? 5. In 1930, Chicago Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett caught a baseball dropped 800 feet from what? 6. What Yale football player and coach became known as the “Father of American Football” for creating many of the sport’s rules? 7. Baseball historian and author Peter Nash (aka Prime Minister Pete Nice) was a member of what early 1990s rap music group?

Last Week’s Answers

Last Weeks answers!

PAGE 22 | MAY 20 – 26, 2021

LO CA L

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 13 • May 16, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 14 • May 19,, 2011

Community Center Expansion Will Go To a Referendum

Annual Revenues May Equal Near 2 Cents on Real Estate Tax Rate

The fate of plans for a $3.5 million renovation and expansion of the Falls Church Community Center will be put to the voters in a public referendum, the City Council decided Monday Night. The Council also voted to move ahead with the land purchase and developments for a new fire house.

In both a symbolic and actual push to spur new tax revenues for the City of Falls Church’s diminished income pool, the F.C. City Council rushed the proposed Hilton Garden Inn project onto the agenda for its work session Monday night, inviting the Planning Commission to sit in as well.

West End Site Continued from Page 5

transit plaza in front of the Metro station. The Commons Road, which

LETTERS

begins at Leesburg Pike and continues north, running parallel with Haycock Road, splits on the WMATA property, one fork being a left turn going to the Metro station and its parking garage there, and the other continuing on with a right turn back to Haycock Road.

The Fairfax task force’s vote to adopt and advance its current plan was approved by a 5-3-1 vote. The current plan is to have that aired before the Fairfax Planning Commission on June 16 and to come for a hearing before the county Board of Supervisors on July 13.

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The deadline for Letters to the Editor and Guest Commentaries is 5 p.m. Monday each week of publication. Letters to the Editor should be 350 words or less. All letters printed in the News-Press become property of the Falls Church News Press and may be edited for clarity and length.

THIS IS MELEE! She moved to Falls Church in the middle of the pandemic, and can’t wait until everyone is vaccinated so she and her owners can meet more of their neighbors! Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

Email letters@fcnp.com Mail or drop off Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls Street #508, Falls Church, VA 22046 Include full name, address and telephone number with each submission.

FORMER PRESIDENT of the Falls Church Garden Club, Mary Chaves has segued into the role of Vice President of the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society. A resident of Falls Church since 1979, when asked if she had anything to say to the readers of the News-Press she simply replied, ``Come join us.” (P��: J. M�� W��/JM��W��. ��)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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MAY 20 – 26, 2021 | PAGE 23

F.C. Kiwanis Little League Concludes Spring Season Despite Covid Hurdles to Overcome BY PATRICIA LESLIE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church locals who want to go out to witness a regular season baseball finale need not look any further than the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League. Well, it’s actually many finales — 24 spread across 10 fields featuring 550 area boys and girls — so those interested will have their pick of games to watch. A single-elimination tournament for the four older divisions will begin on June 2 and end June 12 with “Championship Saturday,” when participants will receive awards and trophies, and graduating Little Leaguers will be recognized before they start high school where many will continue ball. Some will become umpires. The League president, Kirsten Fatzinger, and the League’s communications chief, Erika Toman, spoke by phone and chatted online with the News-Press about their pride and joy. The spring season has been

the largest in several years: “Kids and parents are happy to be playing ball!” the two said. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For many players, this is the first activity they’ve been able to participate in for more than a year.” When it comes to Covid-19, the League follows local, state, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Players and volunteers answer questions online before every event where mandates of social distancing and masks (“whenever possible”) are in place. To maintain separation outside dugouts, players have designated seating areas while they wait to bat, and spectators spread out on the bleachers. Each of the 49 teams has a “Covid coach” to help everybody stay in line. The league will adhere to “official guidance as we determine what, if any, protocols will be necessary” for the fall season, since there will be no summer ball.

All children who register for Little League (scholarships are available) play ball. Assessments are made at the beginning of the season for placement, and the League has a Challenger Division for children with physical and intellectual limitations. The Washington Nationals outfit the teams and in “normal times,” the Nats provide tickets for every player to a major league game. They even sponsor player visits and coaching clinics at Nats Park. In Falls Church, the season requires more than 200 coaches, schedulers, equipment and uniform managers, umpires, fundraisers and many more volunteers to get the ball rolling and keep it going. As a volunteer, Toman said “My favorite thing is watching the kids grow and evolve throughout the season.” While coaches stand back and listen, players take turns leading “the post-game huddle. The players recognize the good things players do during the game,”

POST GAME hat tips have replaced usual high-�ive line in Falls Church Kiwanis Little Leage to keep everyone Covid-safe throughout the season. (P��: C�� E�� T��) which, Toman said, may not “always be the great plays [which they recognize] but those players who are injured and still come to practice and come to the games.”

The Kiwanis league is the oldest Little League in Virginia, founded in 1948. For game schedules and more information, go to fckll.org.

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!

PAGE 24 | MAY 20 – 26, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Falls Church News-Press 5-20-2021

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