Falls Church News-Press 5-25-2023

F.C. ‘Bucks National Trend’ as Survey Shows Citizens Happy

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

A comprehensive opinion survey commissioned by the F.C. City Council has found the City of Falls Church is appreciated by its residents in virtually every aspect of its life.

The president of a Newport Beach, Calif., firm that has done similar surveys for hundreds of communities across the U.S., presented the summary results of over 1,400 pages of data it compiled in its study of attitudes among Falls Church’s 14,300 residents in the last year. Adam Probolsky, president of the company that bears his name, made his findings known to the City Council as a highlight of Monday’s Council meeting.

Approval levels were extraordinarily high in many important categories of community amenities and services, he showed, based on 20 minute phone or online interviews in English, Spanish or Vietnamese with 400 City residents dis -

Kaine Visits Eden Center, Meets With Concerned Viet Citizens

tributed evenly, in terms of location, over the City’s 2.1 square miles.

In fact, Probolsky said he found that in many ways, Falls Church is “bucking the national trend” by enjoying such high levels of support from its citizens, he told the Council. In recent years, he noted, citizen dissatisfaction with government has been at historically very high levels, something he said was true all across the U.S. It was uncommon to find a community with a level of satisfaction among its residents as high as in Falls Church, he said.

Probolsky’s firm does scientifically valid surveys in jurisdictions of all sizes, some much bigger and some smaller than Falls Church, all across the country.

Although, even as the project manager for this survey and report, Probolsky had not been physically in the City himself, before coming Monday to present to the City Council and some City staff at City

Continued on Page 3

by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine was greeted by a new level of Vietnamese-American community activism in the Viet Place Collective (VPC) at Eden Center, a Little City gem and Vietnamese cultural hub, in a tour and luncheon roundtable with regional leaders of the Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities last Friday in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month.

“The Eden Center is one of my favorite places in Northern Virginia” said the junior senator (and former Mayor of Richmond, Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Virginia) on social media. As a U.S. Senator, Kaine has been a frequent visitor to the Eden Center over the years.

Kaine toured businesses and met with owners and patrons before leading a lunch roundtable at Banh Cuon Saigon with AANHPI community leaders.

“Thank you to Sen. Kaine for visiting our restaurant again, as well as giving your

utmost support for many small businesses across Virginia.” said Suong Nguyen, longtime owner of Banh Cuon Saigon, a delicious dining establishment tucked in the Saigon West indoor mall section of the center.

Kaine was joined by Falls Church Vice Mayor Letti Hardi. “It was great to welcome Senator Kaine back to Falls Church, especially to the Eden Center during AANHPI month.” Hardi told the News-Press

Hardi, who grew up going to Eden Center, said they had a lot to talk about, especially with Sen. Kaine’s previous role as Mayor of Richmond. “We connected over our love of local government and wonky transportation concepts like induced demand, good food, and travels in Honduras,” she said.

Hardi also appreciated the substance of the Senator’s input on topics discussed during the roundtable. “Sen. Kaine took the time to really listen and hear what was important from each of us, then turned them into tangible ways to support us at the federal level.”

THREE DOZEN students who volunteered from Meridian High School showed up at the F.C. City Council meeting

night to be presented to

as vetted by the Citizens for a Better City. They were subsequently sworn in as student participants in City boards, commissions and selected civic groups.

Falls Church NEWS BRIEFS

CBC Vets, Forwards 3 Dozen Students to Council to Serve

Falls Church’s Citizens for a Better City (CBC) accepted applications, vetted and recommended over three dozen high school student applicants to serve as non-voting members of the City’s boards, commissions and selected civil groups. The CBC swore in the students on Monday night (see photo, Page 1).

Student representatives to City Boards and Commissions:

Wendy Abstone – Environmental Sustainability Council, Lilja Anderson – Environmental Sustainability Council, Millie Beaudry – Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation, Serena Binkowski – Environmental Sustainability Council, Ally Campbell – Environmental Sustainability Council, Joseph Cobucci –Housing Commission, Mikayla Edmunds –Housing Commission, Rachel Grooms, Arts & Humanities Council, Oliver Hardi – Architectural Advisory Board, Katherine Holt – Environmental Sustainability Council, Clementine Kim –Environmental Sustainability Council, Hayden Kusic – Environmental Sustainability Council, Elliot Lam – Economic Development Authority, Liam Ross – Economic Development Authority, Lydia Sturgill – Urban Forestry Commission, Jack Taylor – Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation, Tommy Wotka – Historical Commission, Alissa Zargoski – Environmental Sustainability Council.

Student representatives to civic organizations:

Alesandro Azimipour – Chamber of Commerce, Abigail Berg – Falls Church Democrats, Emily Borum – League of Women Voters, Ashwin Colby – Falls Church Democrats, Mason DuVal – Bike Falls Church, Maya Dycaico – Welcoming Falls Church, Lorien Jackson – Village Preservation and Improvement Society, Grady Jinks – Bike Falls Church, Paige Kessman – Bike Falls Church, Joe Kritenbrink –Village Preservation and Improvement Society, Arian Lehrer – Welcoming Falls Church, Rion Miller – League of Women Voters, Molly Moore – Friends of Cherry Hill, Charles Taylor – Bike Falls Church, Isabella Villano – Creative Cauldron, Joy Wilson – Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation.

DOJ Official Confirms Hate Crimes on a Stiff Rise

“Sadly, crimes fomented by hate and bias are on the rise in this country. Data from the FBI show that hate crime incidents rose almost 12 percent in 2021, the most recent year for which we have federal data. We desperately need a better understanding of where hate originates and what leads to its violent expression,” U.S. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said in

a speech Monday.

“With funding from NIJ (National Institute of Justice), researchers gathered almost three decades worth of hate crimes data and analyzed it to help identify the pathways to the commission of these crimes. They found a wide diversity of motives, but certain patterns emerge that can give us important clues to prevention. ” Gupta said.

Amazon Advances in Region With New Buildings, Demolitions

The first official look at the mostly completed first phase of Amazon’s HQ2 in Pentagon City was shared with reporters this week.

In a statement included in a media kit, when Amazon “chose Arlington as the site of our second headquarters, we made a commitment to become part of the fabric of the neighborhood and among the most trusted business and community partners in the region. Our more than $2.5 billion investment in HQ2 and the surrounding area will result in 25,000 new Amazon jobs by 2030 and support thousands of indirect jobs across the entire region.”

Meanwhile, Amazon is in the process of razing three office buildings in Loudoun County. It plans to demolish at least 11 office buildings in Northern Virginia and replace them with data centers as part of its expansion in the area.

Fairfax Connector to Begin Service Along I-66 Corridor

Fairfax Connector bus rapid transit service’s plans along the I-66 corridor in anticipation of two major parking facilities finishing construction later this year.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has proposed adding or revising almost 30 routes in Tysons, Vienna, Springfield, Chantilly and Centreville.

$2 Million to Chickahominy Tribe in Virginia

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this week awarded $2 million to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe in Providence Forge, Virginia. The tribe will use the funds to rehabilitate the plumbing and electrical systems for 20 homes and acquire 10 homeownership modular units for low and moderate-income Tribal families.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to sharing resources with Tribal communities so they can meet their own unique needs,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “The funding announced today will help make Tribal communities safer, healthier and help families thrive.”

Opinion Survey Finds Citizens Are Happy With Falls Church

Continued from Page 1

Hall, he told the News-Press in an interview Tuesday that he found Falls Church “a very pretty place,” underscoring the fact that the survey found citizens “feel their community is both a comfortable and comforting place.”

“There is satisfaction here across the board, and a lot of it has to do with superior knowledge of what’s going on,” he said. The survey report included data showing that most people get their information about goings on in the City from the NewsPress, which is also a source of a lot of what gets passed around and classified as “word of mouth” sources. Those two sources each came in at double the level of government information sources (website, social media, etc.). 56.3 percent of those surveyed cited the News-Press as their “top source for news and information about Falls Church” along with 51 percent who cited friends, neighbors or “word of mouth.” By contrast, between 21.5 percent and 28.8 percent cited the City’s website, social media or digital Focus newsletter as their primary sources, with another 21 percent citing local TV

news, 10 percent radio and 6 percent broadcast online meetings.

Overall, Probolsky said, Falls Church “is doing just fine.”

The level of perceived “walkability” of the City stands out in evaluations of the survey results. The current City Council has been focused on that issue in recent years, making “wayfinding” signage, crosswalks, bump outs at intersections and other relatively minor, cost effective, but meaningful changes.

Overall, the key findings of the report were that 89 to 90 percent of surveyed citizens find the overall quality of life and services provided as “good,” and the respondents “satisfied.”

72 percent rate the City as “good” on its performance in building a strong community, 63 percent rate it as “good” on delivering services to its residents in a fair and equitable way, 81 percent rate it as “good” or “fair” on its efforts to solicit public input and engage residents in policy and program issues, and the report notes that “when asked to identify the three most serious challenges facing the City, residents identified the amount of taxes, congestion and street conditions.”

Managing growth and development issues is the most important issue facing the City, followed closely by housing affordability, traffic and taxes.

But as far as rating the “overall quality of life,” a whopping 97

percent said it is “good” or “fair,” with only 2.3 percent as “poor.”

Of those who said it is “good,” 53.4 percent said “excellent,” and 46.6 percent said “good.”

The results do not vary significantly, either, based on the

age, gender, ethnicity, household income, education level or location of those surveyed.

Nor do they by years of residency, home type, children in home, and children in public school.

ONE PAGE OF THE Probolsky survey of Falls Church residents showed where most get their news about the Little City. (Courtesy Graphic of Probolsky Research)

F.C. Vice Mayor, Viet Place Collective Focus on Future During Kaine Visit

Continued from Page 1

The Senator’s visit comes during a time when development talks have spurred the new activism out of concern for the destination’s future.

(Editor’s Note: Representatives of thisactivism,andoftheEdenCenter’s ownership, were present in force at this week’s City Council meeting to commentonnewchangesinthecity’s “East End Small Area Plan” which, cityofficialsinsist,putsabigemphasis on retaining the current culture and characterofthearea.Aspokesmanfor the center’s family ownership based in Florida echoed the same sentiment. ButVPCsaidtheywereconcernedfor the future over which current electeds andownershipmaynothavecontrol.)

After the Vietnam War, waves of refugees fled the country, with many settling in nearby Clarendon. Called “Little Saigon,” Vietnamese businesses made up the majority of Clarendon commerce for about 15 years, until Metro expansion pushed them west seeking lower rents.

The displaced businesses largely found a new home in what is now the Eden Center. Since the addition of the indoor Saigon West section

in 1996, it has remained the largest Vietnamese commercial or Asianthemed retail location on the Eastern seaboard, boasting over 125 stores, all with a refreshing authenticity for an area accustomed to corporate chains.

Also at the table was organizer Kyle Witzigman, representing Viet Place Collective (VPC), the aforementioned grassroots organization that has played a pivotal role in facilitating community participation as the F.C. City Council prepares to adopt its East End Small Area Plan.

“It’s great to have Sen. Kaine come look at the opportunities and challenges business owners here face,” said Witzigman, who said that getting local officials on the ground at Eden Center was an early effort of VPC, and that a visit from the federal level is an encouraging sign of progress. “Meeting on the ground is a central part to understanding what is at stake.”

“Viet Place Collective mobilized in Eden Center to ensure that the community currently present gets to be a voice in the City’s development discussions.” said Witzigman, noting that it is 125 small business owners, their employees, and patrons that make Eden Center a cultural hub and interna-

tional destination.

Without the culture that brings the center to life, observers noted, the location would likely resemble those scattered along Leesburg Pike just to F.C.s south, with more than a few shuttered doors, temporary clearance warehouses, and an expanse of ironically empty parking lots watching jam-packed commuters on highways surrounding them.

Eden Center, in contrast, is always busy, with nary an available parking spot, despite being on an impossibly awkward side of the most frustrating intersection in the region.

Despite being the soul of the location for over 30 years, Eden Center business owners are just as vulnerable to displacement here as they were in Clarendon, which is where Witzigman says VPC comes in. “We want to ensure the businesses and people most affected by the changes are centered in the discussion.”

Kaine said, “Talking to the Vice Mayor [Hardi], I think she is really savvy about ‘OK, if you’re gonna do this Small Area Plan on the eastern part of Falls Church that is such a heartbeat… you need to figure out the strategies that make it long-term and

robust.’”

He continued by echoing the importance of stakeholders being, in this case literally, invited to the table to get things done right. “I think that Kyle [Witzigman], Letty and others are helping people realize ‘OK, we really need to include the peoplehere.’”

Also in attendance at the roundtable were State Del. Kathy Tran, who as a child fled Vietnam with her family, Herndon Town Council

member Naila Alam, Organizing Team Lead for Hamkae Center Mitch Chan, City of Fairfax Council member So P. Lim, Chair of Democratic Asian Americans of Virginia Praveen Mayyan, Chairwoman of KoreanAmerican Women’s Association of the USA Silvia Patton, Principal at Rahman Consulting Anika Rahman, and Director of Asian American Pacific Islander Civic Engagement (ACE) Collaborative Mitchell Yangson.

WFAX Radio Fully Shifted From Christian Talk to Latino Pop

To tunes from Mariachi trumpets, the WFAX AM/FM radio station, a Little City presence since 1948, has completed the transition announced a year ago, switching from Christian talk to regional Mexican/Spanish programming.

Pedro Biaggi, D.C. president for Costa Media Boston, gave the NewsPress an upbeat forecast for the station branded as “La Pantera” (The Panther) now sending music (such as the electronic genre “Reggaeton”) and talk signals from the studio at Tower Square on Hillwood Ave. “There’s a huge Latino community in Falls Church and around the area in Virginia, a solid audience that provides a great deal of opportunity for growth,” said the Puerto Rico-born, newly hired veteran of 40 years in the radio industry.

The company run by his boss, Jose Villafañe, bought the station (1220 AM/100.7 FM) for $800,000 from the local Newcomb Broadcasting Corp. and made the midnight conversion to Spanishlanguage broadcasting last July 1.

“They’re doing a good job,” said former owner and longtime Falls

Church notable Doris Newcomb. “I occasionally tune in, though I don’t speak Spanish. They’re fine broadcasters just serving the area in a different way.”

Newcomb, though retired (and honored in 2021 as a grand marshal in the Memorial Day parade), continues as landlord at the Tower Square shopping strip. She helped provide a recap of WFAX’s history.

The first Christian station in the D.C. area was founded by her parents 75 years ago in a selfbuilt studio above a gas station at Seven Corners. Lamar Newcomb was a field engineer for the Federal Communications Commission, and wife Genevieve was a classically trained pianist and church soloist.

“They didn’t start with Christian music but with classical, then middle of the road music,” Doris recalls.

Labeled “Pleasuradio,” the old fare included popular standards (instrumentals, Mantovani). The talk portions were religious, with a call-in show. “They built a tile dance floor underneath the studio and the kids came in to dance,” she said.

But the early years were a financial struggle, as the Newcombs survived on “peas and Spam.” With suc-

cess, they received studio visits from the likes of French singer Maurice Chevalier and singer-actor Nelson Eddy. In 1956 they could afford to move to Tower Square (which the family purchased in 1979). Wattage was upgraded from 1,000 to today’s 5,000. Program Director Roy Martin, who would serve the station for 50 years, and Operations Director R.C. Woolfenden took WFAX from the era of 78 rpm records to reel-to-reel tapes to tape cartridges that in the 1960s eased the call-up of advertisements and public service announcements.

In 1969, John Bisset, a student doing school P.A. announcements at Arlington’s Washington-Lee (now Liberty) High, got his first career break working part-time at the Falls Church station. As he recently told the News-Press, he got interested while witnessing what was a regular remote WFAX broadcast from a sewing shop at Seven Corners. He began as a summer-relief announcer, though first the teenager had to pass an FCC licensing test. “I owe my career to Roy Martin,” said Bisset, who went on to become WFAX’s chief engineer and is still in the industry doing radio product sales for

Telos Alliance.

Beginning in 1998, News-Press owner-editor Nick Benton joined Chamber of Commerce chief Robert “Hap” Day and accountant Mike Diener in WFAX city affairs broadcasts. That same year, the station won the Milestone Award from the National Religious Broadcasters for 50 years on the air and the only D.C. station still in the hands of its original owners. In 2013, the News-Press reported WFAX’s hiring of Sandra Swann as marketing director.

To remain a player in the nation’s sixth-largest radio market, WFAX—available worldwide via website WFAX.com—has broadened its fare, broadcasting, for example, the World Cup Soccer match in Spanish and coordinating with community affairs in the District of Columbia. “I’m community-driven,” said Biaggi, who also deejays at Bethesda, Md., station La Nueva. “The station participates in any event we’re asked to by the community.”

by Charlie Clark

COSTA MEDIA D.C. President Pedro Biaggi. (Photo: Charlie Clark)

SEN. KAINE and F.C. Vice Mayor Hardi at Banh Cuon Saigon at Eden Center on Friday. A VPC sign from recent “pop-up” events in the background reads “I heard they’re tearing down Eden Center. Is that true? No, but...” in Vietnamese. (Photo: Brian Reach)

Will It Be That Trump Is Only the Beginning?

Is Trump just the beginning?

Is the worst four years in U.S. history since the Civil War, that period when Trump was actually president, only a foretaste of what is to come? Are people going to look back 100 years from now and wonder why this educated, well-off population of Americans allowed themselves to be walked into a living hell, something akin to the worst the world suffered under Hitler?

My dad was packing parachutes at the Alameda Naval Air Station when I was born four months shy of D-Day in 1944. Technically, I am a member of the so-called “Silent Generation,” coming along just before the onset of the infamous Baby Boomers who bedevil us to this day.

I admit I never fit in with the Boomer generation, but then maybe that had more to do with being gay than being born just prior to the end of World War II. We Bentons of the California Coast were an odd stew of blue collar roots and smart, and in no sense elite. It’s true my older brother (by two years) went on to become the famous Dr. Stephen A. Benton, PhD., MIT grad and protege of Dr. Land, is credited with discovering white-light holography (the kind that is on your credit card). Steve got away from our nuclear family as soon as he could because dad was both jealous and violent, and he took that out mostly on Steve.

So, my brother became a famous and important scientist as a result of being made a refugee from a violent male chauvinist home.

As for my younger brother, Chris, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam mostly on boats in the delta that serviced the famous “swift boats.” He is a retired fireman, now merrily tilting toward octogenarianism.

Sadly, at the end of 2002, months after we three Benton Boys suffered the loss of both

our parents, Steve was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He survived just about another year, dying to the mournful refrains of hundreds of adoring students that he’s taught or tutored at MIT’s world famous Media Lab, which he co-founded. I got to meet a number of them way too smart for me, but gentle at funeral services for my dear brother.

Steve’s wife, Jeannie, has gone on not only to see to the publication of my brother’s important scientific papers but to continue her own very important research on “adult neurogenesis in crayfish” as the “first-generation progenitors of the nervous systems of mammals, at Wellesley College.

I’ve been sad to discover how little of their work I was at all aware of.

But our dad, born in 1910, was quite a piece of work. When his dad deserted his family, he got his older sister to lie about his age and he was enlisted in the Navy at age 15. Only in the last year of his life (2002) did he mention to me in passing how he’d been “pursued” by older sailors in those days, but that, plus his own broken home, sadly helped shape who he became.

He and my mom were childhood sweethearts playing in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. After they separated, it was another two decades before totally by chance they met in Santa Monica.

My dad was a quasi-hippie biker who rode at the head of funeral processions. Stopped at a random light, who would walk across the intersection in front of him but my future mom. Reunion and romance, but hardly smooth sailing.

But with that war, Hitler was defeated and Western Civilization got another chance. The immediate post-war years were idyllic by all accounts, not just mine. My greatest crisis was being stuck at the bottom of steps from a pier leading to a landing where a heavy box of live bait had been off-loaded, and I was supposed to carry it up. The most terrible sense of dread and helplessness overwhelmed me.

But it was also when, at age 7, I published my first newspaper, The Benton Star. It was many years later that I learned the famous newspaperman, William Allen White, died the same week I was born.

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

Uncle Arlington wants you! To help clean up refuse, apparently. I do my best as a citizen stroller to pick up the food and beer containers I see strewn anonymously in parks and along sidewalks near the East Falls Church Metro. But the ongoing, more systematic challenge — which in some cases calls for disposal equipment and mud boots — might be better projects for the Boy Scouts or inmates in need of community service.

One self-starting volunteer from my neighborhood — as true an Arlingtonian as they come — has adopted a public site as her own cleanup project. Hers has more to do with organics.

Since 1991, Connie Witul Scruggs has lived in a handsome, blossom-surrounded brick home built in 1935 — at one point on 24,000 square feet of woodsy land — on the 6800 block of Washington Blvd., directly across from the sound walls of I-66 at the Falls Church border. When she and her late husband Bill — who for years was Arlington’s chief traffic engineer before he retired in 1992 — first toured the vacant home, he researched the traffic accidents along that interstate entranceway.

Today, Scruggs worries about safety and civilization if no one tidies up the median strips along the highway sound walls. Beginning in spring 2021, she began collecting litter. She noted

that the overgrown shrubbery behind the guardrails — including striplings planted by the Virginia Department of Transportation using wooden stakes, tubes and wiring were strangling trees; the site was neglected.

For years there was confusion about whether this “no man’s land” was the responsibility of Arlington or VDOT.

(My reporting with the county and Richmond officials suggests it’s VDOT’s). “No one claims it, so it’s mine,” she jokes. So this spring, Scruggs went further. She began pruning the trees and carting away refuse in VDOT “Adopt-a-Highway” orange bags and in her own green cart. “It’s the best exercise I’ve gotten,” said the octogenarian who sometimes worked eight-hour days. “I can’t begin to tell you how many people have stopped me on the street to say, ‘Good job,’ some of whom don’t even live around here. It’s very rewarding,” even though she’s contracted four cases of poison ivy.

But even more important, now with the brush cleared, she can better see the vehicles coming from her left on the one-way highway entrance. Her “ownership” of the public territory inspired her to landscape a designed garden of daylilies, daffodils, daisies and obedient plants and other perennials from her yard.

Scruggs is a WashingtonLee (now Liberty) High School grad (class of ’57). She previously worked for the Chamber

of Commerce and for nowretired Arlington treasurer Frank O’Leary, with whom she helped introduce residential parking permits. As a retiree, she is renowned in the neighborhood for her annual children’s Easter egg hunt, as well as her collection of hubcaps hanging on her back fence.

The county has given minimum help, Scruggs says, having raised questions at the lunches she and retired county employees attend at Little Falls Presbyterian with county manager Mark Schwartz. She did use some free mulch and a pile of chopped trees the county left near the guardrails. The only thing Scruggs spends money on are replacement blades for her “Sawzall” cutting tool. “You don’t need permission” for such a project, she says. “Anyone can clean up Arlington.” ***

The Arlington Temple United Methodist Church, long ago nicknamed “St. Exxon” or “Our Lady of Exxon” for its location in Rosslyn above a service station, has moved temporarily.

As of April 1, its congregation has reassembled at an old stone church that for decades housed the Community United Methodist Church in ClarendonCourthouse at 1701 N. Bryan St.

Since the 1960s the church has co-located at the triple intersection of N. Nash St., Key Blvd. and Ft. Myer Dr., met above what today is a Sunoco station, an oasis amid Rosslyn’s glass towers. The entire block is under reconstruction, and the temple will return, staff say.

Kylee Toland News Reporter ktoland@fcnp.com

Brian Reach News Reporter Breach@fcnp.com

Charlie Clark Columnist

Ted White Copy Editor

Julio Idrobo Circulation Manager delivery@fcnp.com To

City Council Survey Cites News-Press Role

The headline on the front page of this edition is big news, indeed. Nothing is forever, and things can change quickly, but the comprehensive results from the opinion survey commissioned by the F.C. City Council are in, and they find that folks living in The Little City are, well, on balance happy.

The 1,400 pages of data compiled in the Probolsky Research firm’s scientifically-valid survey of 400 City of Falls Church residents that were released to the City Council and public earlier this week establish conclusively that, no matter whatever else, folks who live here are satisfied, comfortable and happy to be here. This of course does not take into account the parameters that delimit who is living here, and who isn’t, and the survey shows that citizens are aware that housing affordability is among the two biggest challenges the city faces.

It needs to be pointed out that they are aware of this problem because they’ve seen the information and concerns expressed about it. They’re aware that it is not just a local, or regional, but a national problem and that efforts are being undertaken far and wide to address it. They’ve learned that in this area, it has been racially-driven zoning which has contributed the most to problems that now exist and that responsible lawmakers are trying against stiff opposition to fairly redress.

So, how do they know this? Well, as the Probolsky survey shows, in the case of Falls Church, a lot of it has to do with the fact the city has enjoyed the benefits of a weekly general interest newspaper for the last 33 years, the mighty Falls Church News-Press that so far has survived against the stiffest of headwinds that have wreaked havoc among newspapers everywhere and continue to do so.

Emily Jenkins, current board chair of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, reported to us this week on remarks made by Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota at the Anti-Monopoly Summit in D.C. last week, where she issued a clarion call to reverse the current trend which, if it continues, will see another fully 33 percent of newspapers of all stripes being wiped out by 2025. She insisted that it is good newspapers that are the “glue” that binds communities together, creating shared interest in everything going on, and as such are essential “to our very democracy.”

The demise of newspapers, she went on, “is endangering our civic discussions” and argues that monopolies like Google are devouring news stolen from news organizations without paying for it. She is currently the sponsor of S.673, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2022, which is a first attempt to redress this critical situation.

We at the mighty News-Press appreciate that data about where folks get their news is included by Probolsky in its survey report. We hope important policy makers will act accordingly to help assure we survive.

Platform

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 content

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 a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

Letters to E ditor

Councilman Duncan Gives Health Update

Editor, Greetings to all. Wednesday, May 23 marked three weeks since I received transplanted lungs. I’m learning what it means when they say that healing from thoracic surgery has its peaks and valleys, and to a significant degree sets its own schedule, no matter the efforts applied by me and my terrific medical team at Inova Fairfax.

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement of my spouse Leslie, kids Meredyth and Tyler, extended family and friends in Falls Church and around the country.

The pendulum continues to swing on how I feel — day-to-day and even hour-to-hour. The docs are still experimenting with dosages of various meds, looking for a balance that will prevent lung infection/rejection while not doing unmanageable violence on my digestive system. It’s a rocky road.

I’ve been buoyed up by all the e-notes, cards and voicemails sent to me by so many. Les has been reading them to me. Responding individually from a 24/7 acute health care environment has been a challenge, so this post will have to serve as my first broad re-connection effort.

The hoped-for next step on my recovery journey would be transferring from acute post-op care at Inova’s Heart and Vascular Institute to their facility where physical rehabilitation would begin, and be my Job No. 1.

On Monday night the nurses and other hospital staff helped me participate by phone in my Falls Church City Council meeting; I was mostly “mute on,” but did cast several votes, and made it to adjournment at 11:00 p.m. It was great to be back virtually with my Council colleagues, City staff, and the large crowd of citizens in attendance.

This morning I managed two escorted laps around the hospital ward — using a rolling walker, but on my own lung power. Just a few hundred feet, but something I could not possibly have done prior to the surgery to replace my failing old fibrotic lungs.

Every step I thought about the soul, unknown to me, whose donated lungs have enabled me to see this day. Truly miraculous.

Phil Duncan F.C. City Council

Got Beef?

A Penny for Your Thoughts News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Tuesday, June 20, is the official 2023 Democratic Primary Election Day in Fairfax County, but early voting is underway, giving registered voters ample opportunity to cast their ballots. Since 2023 is an election year for all Virginia General Assembly seats, Board of Supervisor and School Board positions, Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney, Soil and Water Conservation District Directors and once every eight years, Clerk of the Court, the candidates are diverse and November’s General Election ballot promises to be lengthy. The June 20 primary ballot will be shorter, but Mason District voters will make decisions in at least six positions.

There are three countywide races on the Democratic primary ballot: Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay has a last-minute challenge by Lisa Downing, a retired CIA employee. McKay represented Lee District for 12 years before running for chairman in 2019, where he took the lead in navigating the county through the Covid-19 pandemic as well as piloting Fairfax County through some challenging budget decisions. His continuing leadership will ensure that Fairfax County remains a stellar community with opportunities for all.

First-term Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano is being challenged by local defense attorney Ed Nuttall. Controversies surrounding how certain cases are handled, and the loss of attorney staff in the office, appear to be the issues in this race. Descano handily won the general election in 2019; Nuttall has never been on the ballot.

Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, the first female to serve as Sheriff in the county’s history, is seeking her third term in office. She garnered the largest number of votes of anyone running in the 2019 general election. The sheriff is responsible for courtroom security, managing the Adult Detention Center, and a variety of other public safety issues not under the purview of the Fairfax County Police Department. The challenger is Kelvin Garcia, a former District of Columbia police officer.

Two state Senate races are on the primary

The Weekly Diplomatic Reach

by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press

ballot: District 35 and District 37. Both districts were redrawn, and renumbered, when the Virginia Supreme Court redrew the maps after the state-appointed community committee could not reach consensus. The new maps in both Senate districts might be a challenge to all candidates and their campaigns. In District 35, State Senator Dave Marsden, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, is being challenged by newcomer, and new mother, Heidi Drauschak. Marsden’s seniority in the General Assembly is a plus for Fairfax County, which is losing several longtime elected officials to well-earned retirement. In District 37, which now includes several Mason District precincts, State Senator Chap Petersen is facing a challenge from Saddam Salim, who originally is from Bangladesh and is the vice president of the Fairfax Young Democrats.

In Mason District, there is no incumbent for the first time in 28 years, as I announced in December that I would not seek re-election to an eighth term. Four men are vying to win the Democratic primary; I met with each candidate late last year, gave them advice when asked, and told them that I would not endorse any candidate, but let the voters decide. Jeremy Allen is a new resident in the Bren Mar section of Mason District, a young father, and is a congressional aide for constituent services. Andres Jimenez, a Seven Corners resident, is an at-large member of the Fairfax County Planning Commission, and heads an environmental foundation. Steve Lee, a Korean-American businessman in Annandale, is a member of the county’s Economic Advisory Commission. Reid Voss, who grew up in Bailey’s Crossroads and now lives in Lake Barcroft, is a realtor and owns a small business. All are eager, and campaigning hard, to progress to the general election in November.

Fairfax County voters can log on to www. fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/upcoming for more information about early voting.

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

May 15 - 21, 2023

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, May 15 between 8:48 and 9 AM, two suspects entered a business and removed items of value without paying. Suspects described as: 1) a male with black hair, a medium black beard, wearing a white shirt, dark colored sweat pants and black and white sneakers 2) a male, wearing a blue and red Trader Joe`s shirt, dark colored sweat pants, and black and white sneakers.

Fraud, S Virginia Ave, May 18, 4:26 PM, an incident of fraud was reported.

Assault, Wilson Blvd, May 20, 11:41 AM, a store manager was assaulted, and suffered minor injuries, when he attempted to prevent an unknown suspect from shoplifting.

Driving Under the Influence, Hillwood Ave, May 21, 3:05 AM, a male, 36, of Waldorf, MD, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

City Council Declares June 2023

Pride Month in The Little City

On Monday, F.C. City Council declared June 2023 Pride Month, and this writer was honored to accept the proclamation on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, in my roles as President and Executive Director of NOVA Pride, and Executive Director of LGBT Falls Church.

Over the ten and change years that this writer has lobbied for these proclamations across the region, most have been variations of, largely, the initial proclamations I helped draft.

This year feels different, with 500 bills (so far) introduced across the country targeting LGBTQ+ folks, and in particular trans children. More than half have passed. Virginia was one Senate vote away from undoing decades of hard-fought progress.

To City Council: thank you for your relevant, specific, timely words that identify the real ongoing danger we face in the current political climate, and for the genuine sentiments of support that make it clear that we belong here. Words matter. You nailed it.

2nd Florida Man Runs For President

On Wednesday, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has spent the last year launching a war against “wokeness,” which his counsel has clarified as a “belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them,” launched a Presidential campaign... on Twitter.

Last year DeSantis signed into Florida law the “Stop Woke Act,” which bans businesses and schools from teaching anything that may make one “feel guilt, anguish, or any form of psychological distress.”

Read that quote a few times over. A federal judge has struck down much of it, and was quoted as calling it “positively dystopian.”

DeSantis has also signed into law a sweeping slate of homophobic and transphobic legislation, mandating teachers to “out” students to parents, outlawing calling them by their preferred pronouns, and forcing them to use bathrooms that make them less safe. This included the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that makes it illegal to mention the existence of non-heterosexual identities to anybody under 18. Drag shows, which are a blanket term for any performance by a professional female impersonator, are now illegal if there is any chance of a minor seeing them, so the location options are quite limited.

Drag shows span from storytime for children at the local library (we had

one here at MRSPL), to PG-themed banter during drag bingo (we have this every month at Clare and Don’s), to racier themed shows at nightclubs.

We already have rules about what people can and cannot do that cover all of this. Nobody is forcing kids to go to drag shows. Parents are allowed to bring their kids to R-rated movies, let them get tattoos, piercings, plastic surgery, swear, and in some states marry their cousins. Why do we need a law banning Mrs. Doubtfire?

Disney hasn’t been a fan of these things, and DeSantis has retaliated in a Trump-like disregard for all things legal or decent in society, including massive tax district changes that could cost the company.

In response last week, Disney, which will be here long after the cockroaches, canceled a $1 billion development in the state, or $50 per Floridian... and with 75,000 employees and $75 billion in annual economic impact on the state, Disney has a lot more leverage left.

Florida Attack On Literacy Escalates

We also learned Wednesday that, due to a single complaint, the poem delivered by Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb, at the Biden Inauguration is now banned from elementary schools in Florida.

At 22 years old, the poet laureate was the youngest ever to deliver an inaugural poem, joining the ranks of Robert Frost and Maya Angelou. Gorman said she was “gutted” on social media, while noting that “The majority of these censored works are by queer and non-white voices.”

The complaint, which incorrectly attributes the poem to Oprah Winfrey, says Gorman’s work: “is not educational and have indirectly hate massages,” [sic] and “cause confusion and indoctrinate stud.” [sic]. The same parent complained about two books about Cuba, The ABCs of Black History, and Love to Langston. All but one are now removed from Florida elementary schools as inappropriate

Gorman deserves the final word:

“If we’re to live up to our own time then victory won’t lie in the blade but in all the bridges we’ve made.

That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb if only we dare it, because being American is more than a pride we inherit it’s the past we step into and how we repair it.”

-Amanda Gorman

View the entire inaugural delivery of the poem at bit.ly/FCNP0523AG.

Community News & Notes

Do Not Bag Recyclables

Effective July 6

Recyclables are no longer accepted in plastic bags for curbside pickup. Recyclables must be clean, dry and loose when placing materials into the curbside recycling cart.

Effective on July 6, American Disposal will not collect curbside recycling if plastic bags are present and return trips will not be made. Residents must go through their recyclables to remove plastic bags and will have to hold their recyclables until the following collection. For any questions, please contact recycling@fallschurchva. gov.

Library Board Stats Show Increase in Library Users

The Library Board of Trustees discussed updated statistics on book sales, circulation numbers and the collection volume at their May meeting. Highlights from the data include over 12,000 visits to the library in the past month and 270 new library card registrations. Looking at the data from the past year shows that this adds up to nearly 2,000 new registrations overall.

For those interested in reviewing the in-depth numbers, the whole spreadsheet is available

with the meeting materials on the City Webcast page. Check out the June Library Board meeting to see how the statistics change from month to month.

Tysons Corner & Workhouse Arts Host New Collaboration

Tysons Corner Center announced a new art collaboration with the Workhouse Arts Center, a nonprofit organization that offers visual and performing arts education and events and a variety of community engagement opportunities. Tysons Corner Center will host artists’ works from the Workhouse Arts Center at a public art installation to be displayed through early June.

Resident artists from the Workhouse, Marni Maree, Britt Conley, Joan Hutten and Dean McIntyre, were all chosen to display selected pieces on Tysons’ Art Wall. The exhibit features a wide range of visual works by artists of diverse backgrounds. These artists were specially selected to showcase diversity in watercolor, infrared photography, ink and fiber art.

On the upper level of Macy’s (next to LOFT), Fernando Osorio created a live original mural painting called “Pathways.” Fernando’s educational background in art and

design influences his style in modern art by capturing the “realms of spirituality.”

Book/Media Sale at TysonsPimmit Regional Library

The Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library is holding a huge book/ media sale on June 1 — 4 at 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. each day, with 15,000 items for sale. DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games and more will be available.

Arlington Civitans Open Air Flea Market Coming June

The Civitan Open Air Flea Market, one of Northern Virginia’s largest and oldest public flea markets, is located in the I-66 garage in North Arlington adjacent to Washington-Lee high school and the Arlington Planetarium at 15th and North Quincy Streets, in Arlington, Virginia. It began on May 6 and will be held until November 4 every first Saturday from 7:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Over 150 vendors selling a variety of goods ranging from books, clothes, furniture, garden tools, household goods, jewelry, shoes, toys, records and more are in attendance. Spread out over five levels of a 20,000

sale of the rental spaces to vendors and the money made from the sale of refreshments, goes to support the causes espoused by the Arlington Civitan. More details are at https://arlingtonfleamarket.com/

Memorial Day Parade and Festival Schedule

The Recreation and Parks Department is gearing up for their 41st Annual City of Falls Church Memorial Day event. This community tradition will include a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veterans Council, a 3K Fun Run, civic, merchant, crafter, food vendors, live music, kids entertainment and a parade.

On Monday, May 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. the Beyer Auto Group 3K Fun Run will begin at Great Falls Street at Little Falls Street Rollerblades.

The festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Children’s rides and amusements will be present, as well as vendor booths with food and crafts for sale.

From 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.,

there will be music on the main stage, with the Coozies performing at 9:15 a.m. and the City of Falls Church Concert Band performing at

From 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m., tours of the Cherry Hill Farmhouse will be provided. At 11:00 a.m., the Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial outside the Community Center. The keynote speaker will be State Senator Chap Petersen.

Finally, at 2:00 p.m., the parade will be led by Grand Marshal Rebecca Tax.

Viva! Vienna! to Celebrate Community Spirit

The Rotary Club of Vienna sponsors the ViVa! Vienna! event on May 27 — 29, which celebrates the unity and strength of the Vienna community and honors Memorial Day. This event, a time of family fun and pleasure, serves as a major fundraising opportunity for the Rotary Club so that it may, in turn, provide support for charitable, educational and community groups the following year.

Vienna’s historic Freeman House, Old Vienna Railroad Station, the Caboose, W & OD Trail and Church Streets at Dominion and Mill all provide the primary setting for the ViVa! Vienna! festival.

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL student Nora Stufft interviewed Revolutionary War historian Dr. Robert A. Selig on the importance of the Revolutionary War Washington Rochambeau Route, and highlighted the Route through Virginia. Stufft’s interview was produced by Falls Church public access TV and took place in the virtual studio of Falls Church Community TV at MHS. (Photo: Robert Loftur-Thun)

THE MERIDIAN MUSTANG football team went to the DC Central Kitchen and made over 2,000 meals to be sent out to public schools in DC. (Photo: Jack Bandy)

Memorial Day Parade Program 2023

Monday, May 29, 2023 Falls Church, Virginia

Inside This Program:

Page 10 Veterans Ceremony Information

Page 13 Parade Grand Marshal

Page 14 Local Father and Son Share Service Stories

Page 15 Local Bolivian Dance Troupe

Page 16 F.C. Resident Celebrates 100 Years

Page 18 Memorial Day Schedule & Parade Lineup

Page 19 Letter from the Mayor

Page 20 Parade & Festival Map

Page 21 Memorial Day Vendor List

Page 22 Parade King & Queen

Memorial Day Ceremony 2023

Monday, May 29th at 11:00am City of Falls Church Veterans Memorial 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22046

Master of Ceremonies

Harry Shovlin, American Legion Post 130

Posting of Colors

Color Guard from American Legion Post 130

Posting of MIA Flag

Richard Anton, American Legion Post 130

National Anthem

City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the direction of Robert Little Vocals by Sgt. Major Robert Petillo (Retired), US Army Band

Invocation

David Crance, VFW Post 9274, Chaplin

Welcoming

David Tarter, City of Falls Church Mayor

Remembrance of the POW/MIAs

Bob Smith, Vice Chair Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Remarks

Jerome Gibbon Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Presentations & Announcements

Harry Shovlin, Vice Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Keynote Address

State Senator Chap Peterson

Presentation of Wreath in Memory of Departed Veterans

Sue Martin Stewart, Falls Church Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Escorted by Richard L. Anton, American Legion Post 130 and Howard Chatham, LCDR, USN (Retired)

Reading of Names

Harry Shovlin, American Legion Post 130

Prayer for the Departed Veterans

David Crance, VFW Post 9274, Chaplin

Taps

Master Gunnery Sgt. John Abbracciamento, Retired U.S. Marine Corps Band Retiring of Colors

Color Guard from the American Legion Post 130

God Bless America

City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the direction of Robert Little Vocals by Sgt. Major Robert Petillo (Retired), US Army Band

This program was prepared by representatives of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council including American Legion Post 130, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Martin Leppert Sipes Post 9274, Catholic War Veterans Paul and Jacques Martin Post 1652, Republic of Vietnam Association, Korean Vietnam Veterans Association, Falls Church Daughters of the American Revolution, Northern Virginia WWII Veterans, the Veterans Memorial Committee, and dedicated volunteers under the coordination of the City of Falls Church Recreation and Park Department. 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) 248-5027 (TTY 711). Memorial Day Ceremony

Monday, May 29th at 11:00am

Tysons Dental Corner

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The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2022Benton Communications Inc. The

is printed on recycled paper.

Local Business Owner Rebecca Tax Is This Year’s Grand Marshal

BY KYLEE TOLAND & PHEBE FAHMY FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The owner of two prominent Little City businesses is this year’s Grand Marshal for the upcoming 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29.

Selected by The City of Falls Church’s Recreation and Parks Advisory Board for her “extensive community involvement” with various local organizations, Rebecca Tax will preside over the City’s annual festivities. Tax currently owns North Washington Street’s Clare and Don’s Beach Shack with her brother Dave, as well as Lazy Mike’s Deli, located just outside the City and near Meridian High School.

“Those who frequent Lazy Mike’s or Clare and Don’s during the lunch rush find their impact on building a sense of community quickly becomes evident with the crowds and conversations at both establishments that happen daily,” read the nomination letter by The City of Falls Church’s

Recreation and Parks Advisory Board.

A Falls Church resident for 16 years, Tax and her brother had previously owned businesses in Arlington for 10 years, including an ice cream parlor named Lazy Sunday. After losing their lease, Tax said Falls Church was a “perfect location” as a new home for Lazy Sunday.

“It wasn’t anything I had ever planned on,” Tax said when talking about her beginnings as a business owner. “This sense of community here in Falls Church is really nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

As for her “extensive community involvement,” Tax uses both Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Lazy Mike’s Deli to host fundraiser dinners to help local organizations, make special ice cream flavors for school celebrations and donate food for school functions.

Aside from being a business owner, Tax personally has been involved in various local organizations, including Falls Church City Public Schools

and the Falls Church Homeless Shelter. Every Tuesday, Tax runs a food distribution center in Fairfax called Food Justice, where groceries and household items are provided to “about 100 families a week.” Tax also provides fresh produce for Columbia Baptist Church’s food pantry, located nearby Clare and Don’s.

“There’s unfortunately a great need in our community and surrounding areas [for food],” Tax said. “I have the ability to buy food wholesale, and I wanted to be able to share that with others who need it.”

When finding out she would be this year’s Grand Marshal, Tax said she initially felt a little “embarrassed” due to being put in the spotlight, but also “super proud.” She said her friend Gwenda Wilson had been nominating Tax for this title for years.

For her parade float, Tax said she was “at a loss” in what her theme should be. After bouncing off a few ideas, Tax said she began to think about what Memorial Day is and “what it

means.” To honor the holiday, Tax will be memorializing a friend’s son who was killed in Afghanistan, as well as another friend’s son who was killed in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.

As for what her words of

advice would be for those who may look up to her or are future Grand Marshals, Tax quoted the Golden Rule: “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

“We like to be supportive of the community’s needs, and that generosity has come back multifold,” Tax said.

THIS YEAR’S GRAND MARSHAL Rebecca Tax owns two restaurants with her brother David Tax in F.C., as well as given back to the community with various fundraisers. (Photo: Phebe Fahmy)

Re�lecting on Memorial Day: Local Father and Son Share Service Stories

For a local father-son duo, Memorial Day has a special and generational meaning.

John and Victor Wyand both served in the Army and are active members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization.

John graduated from Berlin Brothersvalley High School in Berlin, Pennsylvania and served in the Vietnam War January 1969 –January 1970. Out of high school, he worked for the Army Map Service until he was drafted and sent overseas, working as a heavy vehicle operator.

“[In Vietnam], I drove dump trucks and anything that had a motor in it for a year,” John said.

Victor, John’s son, is a Falls Church native who graduated from George C. Marshall High School. He was on active duty in the Army February 2011 — May 2014, then transitioned to the Virginia National Guard, serving until May 2020. In active duty, he was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky and completed a nine-month tour in eastern

Afghanistan.

Victor considered joining the Army after high school but decided against it, working in automotives as a mechanical apprentice. When he was 25, he enlisted and left for basic training.

“I decided that if I was going to [serve], that was the time to do it,” Victor said. “I just wanted to serve and protect and do my part.”

Reflecting on their time in the Army, John and Victor both cited the camaraderie between soldiers as something they are proud of and will always remember.

“We met a lot of great people who stepped up and did what they had to do and looked out for each other,” John said. “There are some folks that I will remember forever.”

Victor believes his time in the military helped shape his worldview.

“It’s just the perspective of what I have, and the freedom that I’m able to enjoy and the vast variety of all the people that I’ve gotten the chance to serve with,” he said.

John and Victor said being in the military brought them closer together and was beneficial to their

relationship as father and son. Their shared experiences helped them bond and understand each other.

“We consoled each other afterwards, because we both went through the same thing, essentially,” John said. “I think we’re a lot closer.”

As two people who served, both believe Memorial Day is an opportunity to thank those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and signed the “blank check” to their country.

“It’s not just the guys and gals that didn’t come back,” Victor said. “It’s also people that didn’t come back the same anymore. Some people lose a significant part of themselves, not just physically, and you kind of have to memorialize that.”

“Some people, we don’t lose them in the war,” Victor continued. “We lose them after the fact because they lose the fight at home.”

Both will walk in the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade with the VFW, either handing out flags or riding in a vehicle representing the organization. Afterwards, the VFW will hold a cookout and other festivities, inviting the community to participate with them. They will

teach local scout troops how to fold the American flag and lead them through a flag retirement ceremony.

Being a part of the VFW allows the Wyands to continue serving their community. The organization helps maintain the same camaraderie that both loved in their service, and provides help to veterans who need

it. They work to ensure younger veterans have a community to be a part of, even if they did not deploy.

“The whole selfless service doesn’t stop after you get out,” Victor said. “And with organizations like the VFW, it becomes the shirt-off-your-back selfless service to your fellow veterans.”

JOHN (LEFT) and VICTOR (RIGHT) WYAND both served in the Army at different points in their lives. (P����: J��� W����)

Parade Dance Troupe Keeps Local Bolivian Culture Alive

Atop a nondescript parking ramp among doctors’ offices in Fairfax, people of all ages gather to keep Bolivian culture and tradition alive through music and dance.

Alma Boliviana, a dance troupe that will be among those performing at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade, has over 100 members that meet twice a week to learn and rehearse traditional Bolivian dances and perform at festivals, parades and showcases around the region.

Daniela Senzano, a leader with the group, has been dancing for 18 years. It is her way of staying connected to her homeland.

“This is our way of connecting and making sure our culture gets passed down to the next generation,” Senzano said.

Senzano leads the ‘tobas’ dance, one of the three types of dances Alma Boliviana performs. The tobas dance, which the group will perform at the Memorial Day Parade, is performed at festivals across Bolivia and originated with city folk who learned it from the Tobas people of the Bolivian Amazon.

“It’s very jungle-like,” Senzano said of the tobas dance and corresponding music. “You can hear the jaguar roaring in the music; it’s very fierce.”

Each dance, tobas, tinkus and caporales, has a distinctive ‘traje,’ or costume, that the dancers wear. For tobas, the traje is a two piece with a large feather headdress.

“We bring all the outfits in from Bolivia,” Senzano said. “They take a couple months to come in.”

As the leader for the tobas dance, Senzano teaches steps to her dancers and signals when to change steps, aided by a whistle.

Misla Pohren, another dancer in the group, has been dancing for 12 years. She came to the United States from Bolivia as a teen and said dancing brings back childhood memories from her home country. Pohren met her husband, Jeff Pohren, through Bolivian dance.

“He’s from Iowa,” she said of her husband. “But sometimes we joke that he’s more

Bolivian than I am because he knows all the dances and the language.”

Their two young children were among the many kids at the rooftop rehearsal.

“This is a very family-oriented group,” Misla said. “I want my kids to know about their mom’s home culture.”

The communal ties were evident with aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and extended family all in attendance together at the rehearsal. Elder members of the group were selling traditional Bolivian food for the dancers to enjoy during breaks, which is one of the ways the group brings in money.

Alexandra Vadaurre, another dancer, said dancing is a way to express Bolivian culture.

“There are a lot of people here that would have never danced back in Bolivia, but it’s a way to connect to our home.”

Alma Boliviana, which is in its 32nd year, is part of a larger organization that represents Bolivian cultural groups in the Washington, D.C. area. The Pro-Bolivia Committee, founded in 1988, has 19 affiliated dance groups.

Lucio Villazon, the president of ProBolivia, said he sees performance at local events as an important part of the committee’s mission. He also affirmed the importance of keeping traditions alive.

“It’s our way to spread the culture and socialize between people,” Villazon said.

Alma Boliviana performs at ten parades throughout the area and even participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 2011. They have participated in the Falls Church Memorial Day parade for fifteen years.

“We love performing at the parades because we can see how much people are enjoying it,” Senzano said. “Sometimes the little kids like to dance with us and we love it.”

Jeff Pohren said dancing has a cathartic effect for him.

“Everything goes away,” Pohren said.

His wife and dance partner, Misla, echoed his sentiment.

“It’s that rush you get from performing.”

by Catherine Kane Falls Church News-Press

SENZANO leading the ‘tobas’ dance.

(Photo: Catherine Kane)

SHAYLA CRUZ leads the ‘caporales’ dance. (Photo: Catherine Kane)

Falls Church Resident Celebrates 100 Years of Service & Activism

BY PATRICIA LESLIE

soon join a select group.

on June 19, she will become one of an estimated 90,000 people in the United States of 337,000,000 who are centenarians.

Her family of three children, their spouses and grandchildren in Falls Church, as well as from several states and Canada, will join Allan to celebrate her milestone at her home at Goodwin House.

The age-old question, “what’s the secret to your longevity?” is a refrain Allan often hears, and after a pause, she answers politely: “whole milk.” She doesn’t drink it now, though.

Her curiosity about the world, her love of travel, family and volunteerism are important elements of her long life.

She’s a former Falls Church School Board member who was active in the Village Preservation and Improvement Society and she’s a 50-year member of the League of Women Voters. During World War II, she was one of 10,000 “code girls,” the title of a 2017 bestselling book about the women who deciphered Japanese codes for the U.S. and helped win the war.

Born in New York state, Allan’s college credentials, which included a speciality in math, made her attractive to the U.S. Army Signal Corps, which hired her in 1944 to come to work in Washington.

In a 2007 email to a researcher, she described conditions where she started working for the government, beginning with

an all-night train ride from New York to

She wore “a dark blue suit with white lace at the neck, matched by a little lace hat and snowy white gloves....” Upon arrival at Union Station, she and other recruits were greeted by a member of the Women’s Army Corps who ushered them into the open back of a small Army truck for transport to an unknown destination in the Virginia countryside. “It was a terribly hot July day,” she wrote.

While the truck driver stopped to make deliveries along the way, “we wilted in the sun.” Finally, upon arrival at Arlington Hall, they unloaded, filled out forms and had their photographs taken for a “sad badge” she wore for six years.

Allan said her job was “exacting under sometimes stressful conditions, but it was also an exciting time” working in “low barracks-like non-air conditioned buildings on three shifts,” a trifle different from today’s working environments.

In 1950, she broke from code-breaking and cashed in her retirement to travel to Europe for six months, but her talents and experiences were too valuable for the U.S. government to give up. The Central Intelligence Agency came calling, wanting her to work as a covert editor and researcher in Japan.

While waiting for security clearance, Allan served a stint as a hostess at the old Raleigh Hotel in D.C.

Continued on Page 17

BETTY ALLAN will be celebrating her 100th birthday on June 19. (P����: B�� B������)

Activism, Exercise & Laughter Have Kept Local 100 Year Old Young

In Japan, “I kept track of Soviet Union personnel through reports and newspapers,” she said in an interview with the Falls Church News-Press . One of the persons she covered was a Soviet defector, Yuri Rastvorov, whom Allan accompanied to Okinawa. Later, he went to work for the U.S. government.

Defectors were not all she met in Japan. There was also an Army intelligence officer, Dick Allan. The couple hit it off, becoming engaged and traveling for months around the world, enduring a breakup, then reconciliation, then marriage in 1955 and a move to Falls Church the next year to a home which is still in the family.

“We thought Falls Church was an attractive place, and I wanted a contemporary house with lots of windows which the agent called a ‘left-handed house’ since it wasn’t the usual standard Colonial,” Allan said.

Dick Allan died in 2015, a

few days before the couple’s 60th wedding anniversary. “I still miss him,” his widow said.

Moving to a happier subject, the cheerful and charming Allan says all she wants for her birthday are chocolates. “They keep me in chocolate,” she smiled as her son-in-law, Bob Burnett, sitting in on the interview, rushed over to her bureau and whipped open a drawer.

There in neat order lay delicacies from Belgium, Spain and other places, gifts from her family’s worldwide travels, an interest they inherited from Allan and her husband. (The Allans racked up 55 trips with ElderHostel, now Road Scholar.)

Allan exercises daily (having won a gold medal for line dancing in the Senior Olympics!), has never smoked but used to drink wine and, to laughter, “maybe some other things.”

“I loved a good martini and when the kids came home from school, they might be poking themselves. They were good kids in school, but I would fix myself a martini until my daughter (Susan) told me one day she could smell gin on me” and Allan stopped her mid-

afternoon drinking.

The countless hours she has spent volunteering have kept her interested in what goes on around her, including cofounding the “Green Team,” an environmentally-friendly group devoted to recycling and working against climate change at Goodwin House, where the Allans moved in 2004.

A longtime activist in many other groups, Allan still volunteers for the Democratic Party, calling voters who may need rides to the polls.

On her tray in her apartment sat the day’s Washington Post which Burnett says she reads every day, keeping up with news from other sources, too. Her hearing and sight are acute, and she follows ballerinas and actors she used to see in person on stage. Burnett pulls up their performances on his phone for Allan to see and enjoy again.

Until around age 85, she ushered for Arena Stage. She laughed, reflecting on her memories there.

“That is, until they realized

Memorial Day Specials:

Nitro Rollators: $225

they were ushering me!”

The best advice Allan has for anyone is to get involved.

“I mean, life would be pretty dull, if you didn’t,” Allan said.

With her positive attitude and good nature, no one will be surprised if she joins the

semi-supercentenarians (ages 105-109) and later, the supercentenarians (ages 110 and up).

It’s time to take Allan’s advice and hit the road, go eat chocolate, drink milk and maybe, have a martini or two. And, yes, call voters.

BETTY ALLAN with her husband Dick and her three children in 1965. (P����: P������� L�����)

City Hall and Community Center Grounds (300 Park Avenue)

Festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fun Run 9 a.m.

(Starting line on Great Falls Street at Little Falls Street) Registration not required.

Music by The Coozies

Memorial Day Ceremony 11 a.m.

Hosted by the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Falls Church Concert Band

12:30 p.m.

Parade Starts 2 p.m.

(Park Avenue between West Street and Little Falls Street)

Falls Church City Sheriff’s Department

City of Falls Church Police Department

American Legion Veterans Post 130

Grand Marshall Rebecca Tax

Falls Church City Council

Falls Church City Public Schools

Meridian High School King and Queen

Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Martin Leppert Sipes VFW Post 9274

Charlie Co. 3rd Battalion, Virginia Army National Guard

City of Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department

City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department

Falls Church News-Press

Centro Cultural Bolivia

Mary Riley Styles Public Library Foundation

Nokesville 4-H Equestrian Club

Operation Earthwatch

The Washington Scottish Pipe Band Girl Scout SU 50-14

Memorial Day Parade Lineup Your Official 2023 City of Falls Church Memorial Day Schedule

Falls Church Kiwanis Little League

Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society

Harley Owners Group, Fairfax, Virginia Chapter

Dave and Melanie Elliott’s 1947 Dodge

Shelley the South Jersey Shore Mermaid

Fraternidad Embajadores del Folklore

Boy Scout Troop 1996

McKinley Technology High JROTC Drill Team

Cub Scout Pack 681 (Saint James)

Shaun Van Steyn

Concerned Citizens Against Gun Violence

1964 Cadillac DeVille Convertible (Sam and Karen Jackson)

Falun Dafa of Washington, DC

Alma Boliviana

Falls Church City Democratic Committee

Marcus Simon for Delegate

John F. Nicoll Pipe Band KENA Shriners

NOVA Parks

Cheer DC

Maha Yoga

Girl Scout SU 50-12

Bikenetic Full Service Bicycle Shop

Falls Church Forward and Bike Falls Church

Morenada Embajadores del Folkore

Functional Fitness VA

Cub Scout Pack 1127

Parisa Dehghani-Tafti for Justice

Temple Rodef Shalom Gun Violence Prevention Group

Cub Scout Pack 657

Save Soil

Classic 1985 El Camino

The Kensington Falls Church

Tinkus Tiataco USA

City of Falls Church Public Works Department

Arlington County Fire Department: Fire Station 6

Parade starts at 2 p.m. at the intersection of N. West St. and Park Ave. and runs through the intersection of Park Ave. and Little Falls St.

Letter From City of Falls Church Mayor

Welcome to the City of Falls Church’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Festivities! We are pleased that you’ve chosen to spend this special day in The Little City.

As we gather on Memorial Day, it is important to remember the purpose of this holiday. Today we celebrate the military service members who have given their lives for their country. We pay tribute to these American heroes and their families and friends whose lives are forever changed, and we celebrate their legacy by honoring their commitment and sacrifices for our freedoms.

I hope you’ll join me for the Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. outside of the Community Center to celebrate our veterans and recognize those who continue to serve in the armed forces. State Senator Chap Petersen will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

At 2:00 p.m., join us for the annual Memorial Day parade along Park Avenue. Grand Marshal Rebecca Tax was selected based on her extensive community involvement with Falls Church City Public Schools, Falls Church Homeless Shelter, fundraising for local organizations, and all-around community support.

I encourage you to make this day an annual reminder of the good we can do in our communities and the world in honor of those who gave their lives in service.

P. David Tarter, Mayor City of Falls Church, Virginia

MHS King and Queen Reflect on High School Careers While Preparing for Parade

by Kylee Toland Falls Church News-Press

As the City of Falls Church’s Memorial Day Parade and Festival nears, an important tradition will live on through Meridian High School seniors Ailene Neal and Alexander Werner.

This year’s MHS Prom King and Queen, Neal and Werner, will be honored in the Memorial Day parade. Although the both of them said they weren’t surprised to be nominated (as they both nominated each other) they were “more than a little” surprised to hear that people were voting for them.

“It was somewhat of a shock, as I didn’t think that we had gotten enough notice to be the one of four pairs that had been nominated,” Werner said. “As we were walking up to get the crowns and sashes, I was more or less thinking ‘This is a joke… surely.’”

As graduating seniors of Meridian, both Neal and Werner said there have been various memorable moments of their high school careers. Werner reflected on the fundraiser he organized this year for Extra Life — a fundraising program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals — for a

class project.

“It didn’t end up being all that big of an event.” Werner said. “But it was the culmination of a lot of hard work from the very start of freshman year.”

Neal said the memorable moments that come to her have been the “small things” she didn’t expect to remember. One of the most “striking” memories Neal shared was the day before the Covid shutdown, where Neal said she spent her last two classes “talking about whether or not school was going to close.”

“Little did I know I wouldn’t be back in the building until the same time next year,” Neal said.

Other moments the two seniors said they valued were working on big projects and assignments for their classes, attending various school functions such as Homecoming and Winter Formal, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

“The lessons I’ve taken from school have mainly been academic and will be helpful in college,” Neal said. “One of the more important lessons was that I learned the importance of focusing on areas I have a genuine interest in rather than just trying to check off diploma requirements, which helped to keep me motivated.”

“Probably the biggest lesson I’ve learned is if I keep at things, buckle down and work, stay determined and level-headed, I’ll pull through anything, and maybe even with some success,” Werner said.

Although both Neal and Werner said there’s not much advice they could give to their freshman year’s selves due to not wanting to change the paths they experienced, they reconsidered as reflecting seniors not procrastinating on assignments, joining more school organizations and being more confident.

“I was excited for high school going in as a freshman, but the last four years have really been me doing and exploring more each year as my academic and otherwise responsibilities were increasing,” Werner said.

Being featured in this year’s Memorial Day parade is exciting for Neal, although she said she was “a little nervous” but is “honored by the distinction.” Werner said he is most excited about “being a part of the action,” especially being near The Washington Scottish Pipe Band.

“It’s that excitement to be part of things that best sums up how I feel about being part of the parade,” Werner said. “I get to be featured as

toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He also hopes to train and become a certified EMT to work

“It’s a great feeling to be able to look back and see how I’ve gone from not doing much of anything in ninth grade to representing the senior

SENIORS Ailene Neal and Alexander Werner will be featured in this year’s Memorial Day Parade. (Photo: Ailene Neal)

HOMEMADE GREEK FOOD, PASTRIES, LIVE GREEK MUSIC, GREEK DANCING, & ENTERTAINMENT

Drs.

Drs. Love and Miller provide a family practice with special emphasis on healthy and beautiful smiles for adults and children. We have created a warm, caring environment that allows our patients to feel comfortable and safe. We take time to listen to our patients so that we can truly understand their individual needs and goals for their dental health.

Both doctors graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and have been practicing together in Falls Church for over 25 years. We are proud to have served the community in ways beyond dental care.

We continued maintain allowing

THIS WEEK IN THE LITTLE CITY

THURSDAY MAY 25

Red Is Beautiful

Color is powerful, expressive, and lies at the foundation of Robert Houles’s artistic practice.

Through June 2. The National Museum of the American Indian (Fourth St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC), all day.

Performing Arts Movie

Whether a documentary, Broadway show, or monumental concert, this movie series brings everbody closer to the arts. McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 1:00 p.m. — 2:20 p.m.

Molly & Mark Settle Down Easy Brewing (2822 Fallfax Dr., ), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Historic Architecture Review Board

Historic Architecture Review Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Historical Commission Historical Commission meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

FRIDAY

MAY 26

Budget and Finance Committee

City Council Budget and Finance Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.

Shartel & Hume

Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St.), 6:00 p.m.

Baba Commandant and Mandingo Band

This contemporary group is steeped in the Mandingue musical traditions of their ancestral legacy. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 6:00 p.m.

Groove Mandate

Solace Outpost (444 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 8:00 p.m.

James Stevens

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St.), 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY MAY 27

ViVa Vienna

Annual Rotary Club of Vienna event celebrating the unity and strength of Vienna and honoring Memorial Day. This family-fun event serves as a major fundraiser for the club. Vienna Town Green (131 Church St NE., Vienna, VA) 10:00 a.m. — 10:00 p.m.

F.C. Farmers Market

Every Saturday featuring vendors selling a variety of fresh, baked, and prepared goods. City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

The Little Mermaid: Black is Beautiful Art Market

Expect everything “under the sea” you could imagine at a “Little Mermaid” themed art event, featuring Black women artists and merch vendors, live painting, DJs, and seafood. Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC), 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Author Talk: Judy Goodman Ikels

Author Judy Goodman Ikels talks about her book Death in Wartime China: A Daughter’s Discovery

Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m.

Artist Talk: Adam Henry

Join a conversation with Arlington artist Adam Henry about Make Your Mark, the large-scale abstract sculpture Mark designed and built for MoCA. Museum of Contemporary Art (3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA), 2:00 p.m.

FCA Opening Reception: All Member Arts Show (L-Z)

Reception for FCA member showcase of artsits with last names beginning with L-Z. On display through June 25. Falls Church

Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

MAY 28

African American Soldiers in the Vietnam War

A History Alive! event. Learn about the experiences of Black Americans who, after World War

II, began to enlist and disproportionately die, as the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movements took place. National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC), 11:00 a.m. — 1:20 p.m.

The Voice of Triumph

Tells the real-life story of Nujeen Mustafa and her sister from war-torn Aleppo, and how their harrowing journey across 3,500 miles eventually ends up in Germany. National Presbyterian (4101 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC), 5:00 p.m.

Blast Off!

The U.S. Marine Band kicks off the summer with a program of favorites including selections from The Music Man, a medley of Armed Forces’ service songs, and more. Fireworks will follow the concert. Wolf Trap’s Filene Center (1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA), 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY

MAY 29

Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day Observation

Honoring America’s fallen service members. Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then an observance program at the ampitheater. Arlington National Cemetery (1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA), 11:00 a.m.

F.C. 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival

Day-long event filled live music, amusement and pony rides, arts and crafts, food, civic and business booths, and so much more! City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY

MAY 30

Open Mic with Vernon & Guests

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church), 8:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

MAY 31

James Madison H.S. Jazz Band

Enjoy a fabulous evening of jazz in a club atmosphere! Tickets at jmhsband.org. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA), 7:00 p.m.

VETERANS SALUTE while participating in last year’s Memorial Day Parade and Festival in The Little City. (Photo: Gary Mester)

Hammerheads Win FCKLL Title With Come-From-Behind Win Playoff Season in Full Swing at Meridian, Big Week Ahead

by Erika Toman

The Majors regular season championship game epitomized the best of Little League. It was an epic battle between the Hammerheads and the Cherry Bombs.

The Cherry Bombs struck in the top of the first when a passed ball and throwing error allowed two runs to score. The Hammerheads answered when Bronson Rogers hit into a fielder’s choice, driving in Luca Pipia. Jack Strople of the Cherry

second, scoring Chris Zoza Conkey putting the Cherry Bombs up 3-1. The Hammerheads answered in the bottom of the third when Luca Pipia doubled, scoring Garrett Mills from second base. Cherry Bomber Jack Mullin made an amazing leaping catch, robbing Evan Toman of a double. After a bunt single by James LeNard moved runners into scoring position, a passed ball put the Cherry Bombs up 4-2 in the top of the fifth.

In the sixth, Cherry Bomber Mikey Baltrym delivered a laser sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Jack Mullin

Falls Church School News & Notes

New OSE Club Has Successful Start

Let Me Run — Falls Church City, a running group that began this spring for fourth and fifth-grade boys at Oak Street, had a successful inaugural season under the leadership of coaches James Thompson, David Newton, Peter Balazy and Joe Larson. The group of over 25 participants met every Wednesday and Friday morning for seven weeks, and their hard work and dedication paid off at the National Police Week 5K in Arlington, VA. Four out of the top five finishers in the Male under 19 age group were from this group, showcasing the great potential of these young runners. Let Me Run — Falls Church City will hold alumni and interest runs throughout the summer and return for a sophomore season — including third-sixth grade — in the fall. For more details, visit letmerun.org.

Instrumental Groups Deliver Stellar Concert

On Wednesday night in the Meridian auditorium, five instrumental groups performed a fantastic program, “Musical Stories from Across the World,” in front of a packed house. The contemporary music bands opened the concert with Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and performed three more pieces with audience members joining them upfront for a rock show vibe. The jazz ensemble’s four-number set delighted all with strong solos by a half dozen seniors. Garbage cans hit the stage for the percussion ensemble’s vibrant, choreographed “Stinkin’ Garbage,” while the symphonic band performed three pieces, opening with a lively, percussion-heavy “Arabian Dances” and “Halcyon Hearts.” The wind ensemble closed the concert on five very strong pieces, including the challenging “Danzon No. 2,” a 12-minute piece featuring Mexican dance music.

to tag and score on a close play at the plate. Will Wood beat out a tight play at first to start the Hammerheads’ sixth inning rally. Bronson Rogers reached first after being hit by a pitch. Landon Tucker then delivered a triple into deep right field. Casey Waldron reached first on an infield hit, scoring Tucker, then quickly advanced to third. Waldron scored on a heady play at the plate when a blocked ball created a slight opening allowing him to secure the win.

For the Hammerheads, Luca Pipia started, striking out seven with no walks and giving up three hits. Reliever Jack Rainbolt struck out five and gave up three hits. For the Cherry Bombs, starter Jack Mullin struck out four and gave up one hit. Reliever Anthony Verdi added three strikeouts, giving up two hits, as did reliever Kovas Plummer.

Congrats to the Hammerheads for winning the Majors Division. In the AAA division, Avalanche won with a win over Team Kuczkowski. The team won AA. Coach Bill Walton’s team won the single A level. Playoffs start May 24 and resume after the Memorial Day break.

LPF Drive to Give Sports Equipment

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) will host a sports equipment drive on May 20 — 26. Please drop off gently used sports equipment to the Meridian High School main office, the Oak Street Elementary main office and the FCC Community Center (second floor).

Region Playoffs Continue at MHS This Week

Come support the Mustangs as they try to qualify for the State Tournament. Just a reminder that tickets are online only. No cash, Meridian student-athlete list, or Mustang Athletic Boosters’ passes are accepted at the gate.

On Thursday, May 25, all elementary and middle school students wearing their “youth” soccer, softball, baseball or lacrosse jerseys will get free admission to all of MHS

by Ryan McCafferty

The postseason has either already begun or is set to begin this week for all spring sports programs at Meridian High School. All are still alive, and most of them play at least one game at home in the coming days. Here’s where they all stand.

Baseball capped off its regular season by beating Skyline 11-7 on the road last Tuesday, and then holding serve at home, with a 11-8 win over William Monroe on Thursday. They wrap up the regular season with a 15-5 record heading into the playoffs, which start for them this Thursday as they host Culpeper County. Softball, meanwhile, finished 11-7-1 on the year with a 3-4 loss at Skyline on Tuesday, and then a 5-4 win against William Monroe on Thursday in their final home game. They’ll open up their postseason, hosting Caroline on Thursday.

On the soccer field, the boys closed out their regular season by

dominating Skyline to the tune of 17-0 last Tuesday, and sit at 12-3-1 entering the playoffs, in which they’ll host Brentsville on Wednesday night. The girls will play one day later as they welcome Goochland to town, after they improved to 10-3-2 with a 9-0 win over Skyline in Tuesday’s Senior Night doubleheader.

Both lacrosse teams have already begun postseason play and both advanced to the regional semifinals with wins this past week. The girls wrapped up their 11-3 regular season with a 21-1 win at James Monroe last Monday, and then beat Liberty-Bealeton 25-1 in their playoff opener on Wednesday. Then the boys, whose regular season finished with a 9-5 record, beat Culpeper County, 12-2, at home on Thursday night.

That leaves tennis, where the girls carried momentum into their playoff opener against Caroline, winning 6-0 on Thursday. That will be their only home postseason match, though they look to upset Maggie Walker this Tuesday to keep their run alive.

home events on this day. The region quarter final will have girls soccer vs. Goochland at 5:45 pm; softball vs. Caroline at 6:00 pm; baseball vs. Culpeper at 6:00 pm.

Music Program

Celebrates Seniors

During last Wednesday night’s concert, Meridian Band Director Ms. MaryJo West recognized and celebrated 15 seniors in the instrumen-

tal music program: Marshall Davies, Sophia Dylhoff, Daniel Fried, Aidan Gillapsy, Sarah Hubbard, Danielle Kuck, Argyle Lindsay, Charlie Lyons, Miles Pierre, Hana Saldate, Alexander Steinbach, Wesley Sturgill, Kaethan Virmani, Brandon Werbel and Claire Zywicki. Band awards acknowledging students’ years of community service and performances were given, and the program’s highest honors and Band Booster scholarships were given to six students.

LET ME RUN, a running group that began this spring at Oak Street, had a successful inaugural season under the leadership of coaches James Thompson, David Newton, Peter Balazy, and Joe Larson. (Photo: Team Photos)

THE HAMMERHEADS posing with their Major Division win. (Photo: Erika Toman)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE PURSUANT TO § 56.585.1 A 4 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2023-00065

•Dominion Energy Virginia (“DEV”) has applied for a revision of its rate adjustment clause, Rider T1, by which it recovers certain transmission and demand response program costs.

•DEV’s request represents an increase of $124,774,775 annually, which would increase a residential customer’s monthly bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $2.67.

•The Hearing Examiner assigned to this case will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on June 21, 2023, to receive public witness testimony.

•The Hearing Examiner will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on June 22, 2023.

•Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On May 1, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 4 (“Subsection A 4”) of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval of a revised increment/decrement rate adjustment clause designated as Rider T1. Pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 7 of the Code, “the Commission’s final order regarding any petition filed pursuant to [Subsection A 4] . . . shall be entered not more than three months . . . after the date of filing of such petition.”

Subsection A 4 deems to be prudent, among other things, the “costs for transmission services provided to the utility by the regional transmission entity of which the utility is a member” and “costs charged to the utility that are associated with demand response programs approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [(“FERC”)] and administered by the regional transmission entity of which the utility is a member.”

The Company has been a member of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”), a regional transmission entity that has been approved by FERC as a regional transmission organization, since 2005. Dominion, as an integrated electric utility member of PJM, obtains transmission service from PJM and pays PJM charges for such service at the rates contained in PJM’s Open Access Transmission Tariff approved by FERC. The Company states that it also pays PJM charges for costs associated with demand response programs approved by FERC and administered by PJM.

In this proceeding, Dominion seeks approval of a revenue requirement for the rate year September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024 (“Rate Year”). This revenue requirement, if approved, would be recovered through a combination of base rates and a revised increment/decrement Rider T1. Rider T1 is designed to recover the increment/decrement between the revenues produced from the Subsection A 4 component of base rates and the new revenue requirement developed from the Company’s Subsection A 4 costs for the Rate Year. The total proposed revenue requirement to be recovered over the Rate Year is $878,758,118, comprising an increment Rider T1 of $368,484,898, and forecast collections of $510,273,220 through the transmission component of base rates. This total revenue requirement represents an increase of $124,774,775, compared to the revenues projected to be produced during the Rate Year by the combination of the base rate component of Subsection A 4 (the Company’s former Rider T) and the Rider T1 rates currently in effect. Implementation of the proposed Rider T1 on September 1, 2023 would increase the total monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month by $2.67. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents and may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On June 21, 2023, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 14, 2023, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

On June 22, 2023 at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Staff.

An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: David J. DePippo, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, RS-5, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or david.j.depippo@dominionenergy.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case Information.

On or before June 16, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00065.

On or before June 9, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00065.

On or before June 9, 2023, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00065.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

VIRGINIA

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 7:30 PM, the City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a public hearing during their regularly scheduled meeting, in the City Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church Virginia 22046, on the following:

(TR23-15) RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE

EAST END SMALL AREA PLAN AS A GUIDING DOCUMENT IN DECISION MAKING FOR PLANNING, ZONING, AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, CITY REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES

Interested persons may appear and present their views on the proposed legislation. The plan is available on the City’s website at: www. fallschurchva.gov/EastEndSAP.

The materials for the above item will be available on the city’s webpage prior to the public hearing: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC.

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).

ABC NOTICE

3plus1 Llc trading as Afghan Kabob Restaurant, 6357 Rolling RD, BLDG, Springfield 22152 . The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)

Authority for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer

Application - Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises License. Massouda Kohistani, Managing Member 3plus1 Llc. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

HELP WANTED

Part time bookkeeper / administrative aide to run accounting software. Would like someone with accounting experience. Will train on software.

Also general secretarial, light typing, data entry

Will help coordinate shipments to domestic and overseas customers.

General computer skills, word processing, willingness to learn.

Flexible hours 3-5 hours a day, salary based on qualifications. Email nick@tranzglobal.com

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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CLASSIFIEDS

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 hereb y 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) 3678530. Toll free call (888) 5513247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY’S REQUEST TO REVISE ITS FUEL FACTOR CASE NO. PUR-2023-00067

• Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has filed an application pursuant to Code § 56-249.6 to revise its fuel factor effective July 1, 2023.

• In this case, Dominion’s total fuel factor consists of a current period factor (“Current Period Factor”) rate of 2.8587 cents per kilowatt-hour (“¢/kWh”), and a prior period factor (“Prior Period Factor”) rate of 1.4716 ¢/kWh, which together result in a total fuel factor rate of 4.3303 ¢/kWh.

• Dominion seeks implementation of only the Current Period Factor rate at this time, and recommends suspending implementation of the Prior Period Factor rate pending the Commission’s consideration of a future petition by Dominion to finance certain deferred fuel costs through fuel cost bonds, which Dominion intends to file on July 3, 2023.

• Implementation of the Current Period Factor beginning July 1, 2023, results in a 0.679 ¢/kWh decrease to the fuel factor rate, which, for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (“kWh”) per month, represents a decrease of $6.79 per month.

• A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on September 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. for the receipt of public witness testimony.

• An evidentiary hearing will be held on September 6, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff.

• Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On May 1, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Company” or “Dominion”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) its application (“Application”) pursuant to Code § 56-249.6 to revise its fuel factor effective July 1, 2023.

Dominion’s total fuel factor consists of a current period factor (“Current Period Factor”) and a prior period factor (“Prior Period Factor”). For the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 fuel year (“Rate Year”), the Company projects jurisdictional fuel expenses, including purchased power expenses, of approximately $2.292 billion, which results in a Current Period Factor rate of 2.8587 cents per kilowatt-hour (“¢/kWh”). Dominion also has a projected June 30, 2023 fuel deferral balance of approximately $1.275 billion, and the Company proposes a Prior Period Factor rate of 1.4716 ¢/kWh. Together, these components result in a total fuel factor (“Total Fuel Factor”) rate of 4.3303 ¢/kWh for the Rate Year.

According to Dominion, the projected fuel deferral balance continues to be substantial due to significant commodity price increases during the prior period and implementation of a mitigation plan approved by the Commission in Case No. PUR-2022-00064. The Company states that recent legislation has authorized the ability to finance certain deferred fuel costs through fuel cost bonds (“Fuel Securitization”). Dominion asserts that approval of Fuel Securitization could mitigate the near-term impact customers would otherwise bear due to the sizeable projected fuel deferral balance and, therefore, the Company intends to file for approval of Fuel Securitization once the legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2023.

Given that the Prior Period Factor recovers the fuel deferral balance that, according to the Company, will be the subject of its future Fuel Securitization petition, Dominion recommends an alternative to implementing the Total Fuel Factor rate of 4.3303 ¢/ kWh on an interim basis beginning on July 1, 2023. Specifically, Dominion supports implementation of only the Current Period Factor rate of 2.8587 ¢/kWh on an interim basis beginning on July 1, 2023, and recommends suspending implementation of the Prior Period Factor rate of 1.4716 ¢/kWh pending the Commission’s consideration of the Company’s Fuel Securitization petition. If the Company’s Fuel Securitization petition is approved, Dominion asserts the Prior Period Factor would not be implemented – instead, beginning in early 2024 customers would start to pay the fuel securitization bond, which the Company currently estimates will be approximately $2.50 per month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatthours (“kWh”) per month over the first year, based on a ten-year securitization. If the Commission denies the Company’s Fuel Securitization petition, then the Prior Period Factor rate of 1.4716 ¢/kWh would be implemented following disapproval.

If the Company were to implement the Total Fuel Factor rate of 4.3303 ¢/kWh rather than just the Current Period Factor rate, it would increase the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by $7.92 per month over the Rate Year. In contrast,

according to the Company, implementation of only the Current Period Factor rate of 2.8587 ¢/kWh on an interim basis would result in a 0.679 ¢/kWh decrease to the fuel factor rate. For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, this represents a decrease of $6.79 per month beginning July 1, 2023. However, as noted above, if the Company’s Fuel Securitization petition is approved, in addition to the Current Period Factor rate decrease of $6.79 per month, beginning in early 2024 customers would be charged for the fuel securitization bond.

For purposes of judicial economy, the Company proposes that the current proceeding and the Fuel Securitization proceeding, which the Company anticipates filing with the Commission on or about July 3, 2023, be consolidated.

Dominion is also seeking approval in this proceeding of an accounting change as it relates to the funding of base rates and the fuel factor for customers taking service under the approved marketbased rate (“MBR”) schedules, Rate Schedule MBR, and the SCR Rate Schedule (collectively, the “MBR Customers”). Specifically, the Company is proposing to alter the order in which revenues collected from MBR Customers is attributed to base rates and fuel. As proposed, revenue from MBR Customers would first fund all approved generation riders and cost-of-service base rates, with the remaining revenues being allocated to fuel. Dominion believes this change would result in a lower fuel factor in the nearterm and more stable, less volatile fuel factor rates over the long-term.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.

The hearing on this matter will occur subsequent to July 1, 2023 – the beginning of the Company’s 2023-2024 Rate Year. Consequently, the Commission has directed the Company to place its proposed Current Period Factor rate of 2.8587 ¢/kWh into effect on an interim basis for usage on and after July 1, 2023.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On September 5, 2023, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned to this case will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before August 29, 2023, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting

Beginning at 10 a.m. on September 5, 2023, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.

On September 6, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On or before August 29, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00067.

On or before June 30, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-2080 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00067.

On or before August 9, 2023, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, except as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing 2023-2024 Fuel Factor Proceeding, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-202300067.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing 2023-2024 Fuel Factor Proceeding, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the public version of the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order Establishing 20232024 Fuel Factor Proceeding, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

by Nathaniel Drenner

Some writers cultivate a lack of belonging. Only by being on the outside, the thinking goes, can one produce truly clear-eyed, groundbreaking work. But what happens to an outsider without an anchor, an artist without a vision? Are we ever truly free from our obligations to each other, or to ourselves? Jonathan Harper’s “You Don’t Belong Here” ponders such thoughts while exploring a character who is lost in more ways than one.

The novel follows Morris, an aimless writer who finds himself stranded in small-town America after a week at an artists’ colony. He unexpectedly encounters a man from his past, setting off a series of tragicomic events involving a power outage, a lost wallet, questionable locals, and far too much alcohol. Every time Morris thinks he will be able to return home to Washington, D.C., a new obstacle appears. He doesn’t belong in this place, but it will not let him go.

“He grabbed his clothes by the handful and crammed them into his duffel bag, gathered up the loose trash and beer cans, speed washed the dishes, all while thinking about the heaviness of Yasmin’s scowl. Let there be enough time. He offered a little prayer. Please don’t let me miss my flight.”

In his personal life Morris is a man who wanders through relationships with both men and women, but rural America, as a whole, is no friend to those identifying as LGBTQ+. He is stuck in a town full of contradictions. On the surface it is welcoming. Underneath it is uncertain at best, threatening at worst. Morris finds charity and peril at a local pub. The sheriff maintains his own definition of order, at a cost. A site dubbed the Oasis by the local gay community does not live up to its name. Morris cannot rest anywhere too long—he needs to trust but can only trust so far.

Harper is a stylist, imbuing scenes with tension and eloquence. Rich in detail, the writing is particularly strong at evoking a sense of place. Though the town is never named, its character materializes in the descriptions of specific locales and the people who inhabit them. Reading this novel is a deep sensory experience. It is a pleasure to inhabit.

“The streets were clogged with a parade of cars, in which ghost-faced children stared out the back windows, waving at no one in particular.

The B&Bs had gone silent and dark and were shuttered as if abandoned. Even the trees were patchy with bright oranges and reds, a reminder that the promiscuity of summer had finally ended.”

This town is where Henry, Morris’s friend, has landed. Henry is a complicated figure, immature and distasteful on a number of levels but intriguing and sympathetic on others. Having faced both overt and implicit abuse in this place, he does not belong there either but has nowhere else to go. He is a mirror and a warning for Morris: the man Morris could become if he stays put, the man Morris could have been had he chosen a different path in life. Even though the two spend far more time apart than together, their relationship forms the core of the novel. It is a relationship based on thrill, restlessness, sex, and estrangement.

Morris’s own flaws are more subtle than Henry’s, but no less present. He lacks dedication to himself, his work, and his partner Yasmin back in D.C. Even his novel, ostensibly the reason for the trip, is rarely mentioned. Morris is aware of this all-too-real deficit. While he may not have become like Henry, forlorn and destitute, he has not become much else, either. Sometimes we want to tell him to push past his anxieties and challenge his comfort zone; other times we wish he would listen more to his internal brakes. These

contradictions make for a fascinating character worthy of exploration.

“He wanted to tell Henry about his life, to wallow in that painful nostalgia for those nights when they had loitered in cafes for endless hours, talking about anything and everything. He wanted to feel sentimental and for it to hurt, if not emotionally scar, one of them or both. ‘I’ve missed you,’ he said aloud. ‘Even if you were an asshole.”

Harper gives us fully realized, well-drawn characters, especially in the duo at the heart of the story. This novel is filled with humanity, beautifully written on every page. With strong pacing and development, it succeeds in depicting lost souls who need to be set free in order to find a way home.

WE ARE BUTTERSCOTCH

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

Falls Church Business News & Notes

Capital Caring Health Expansion

Falls Church-based Capital Caring Health (CCH) has completed the affiliation agreement with Temple Terrace, Florida’s Chapters Health System. This has been reputed to be the largest nonprofit providing hospice and palliative care services in the country. They will maintain their own brands working with a total 4,000 employees and 3,000 volunteers to tap more resources and expand care. They expect to serve as many as 100,000 people annually with inpatient and in-home care for heart failure and end-stage lung disease, children’s hospice services and veteran care and others. This also gives both nonprofits leverage to bring supplier and insurer costs down, as well as sharing costs associated with running the new joint medical records system.

Local Businesses in the News

Several businesses in Falls Church have caught the attention of local magazines this month. Arlington Magazine highlighted Scramble and Tea with Mrs. B as two of the ten party venues recommended for kids. The magazine also included Chasin’ Tails as one of the “9 Spots for Spectacular Seafood.” Washingtonian Magazine named Ellie Bird as one of 14 new restaurants that excite them.

Employer Nominations Sought For Virginia Intern Day

To commemorate Virginia Intern Day, the Commonwealth seeks to recognize the “Top Virginia Employers for Interns” via a social media event. All employers offering internships, regardless of size and sector, are encouraged to submit a nomination form. The nomination form should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Nominations are due by June 15. Visit https://virginiatop.org/VirginiaInternDay.

Best Places to Work

Virginia Business Magazine is accepting applications for the Best Places to Work in Virginia. The winners will be featured in the magazine and honored at the annual awards ceremony. The deadline to apply is August 18 at BestPlacestoWorkVA.com.

Black Business Accelerator Program

For those who sell in Amazon’s store, you may be eligible for the Black Business Accelerator Program. Created to support Black entrepreneurs, the program offers financial support, mentorship, business advice and promotional support. Eligible sellers will have access to free imaging services, cash grant opportunities, advertising toward start-up costs. You can learn more about this opportunity at their website. For more information, visit https://sell.amazon.com/programs/black-business-accelerator.

Northrop Contract with Poland’s Air Defense Program

Northrop Grumman has fulfilled an order for components for Poland’s Air Defense Program in the first completed foreign military sale of Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). The Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) relays are part of an upgrade to its WISLA medium range air defense program. Northrop Grumman is conducting tests and training to ensure the Polish military develops basic operational capability of the systems this year.

 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.

Where To Find

• 24 Hour Fitness, 1000 E. Broad St.

• 450 W. Broad St. Lobby Building

• 7 Eleven (Box), 3019 Annandale Rd.

• 7 Eleven (Box), 201 S Washington St.

• Amazing Smiles, 444 W. Broad St. – D

• Arlington Hospital Center (Box), 1701 N. George Mason Dr.

• Anthony’s Restaurant, 3000 Annandale Rd.

• Arlington Hospital Center ER (inside), 1702 N. George Mason Dr.

• Bakeshop. E Fairfax St.

• Borek G Turkish Mom’s Cooking. 315 S Maple Ave.

• Bowl America, 140 S. Maple Ave.

• Box at Federal Credit Union, 1226 W. Broad St.

• Broad Falls Apartments, 809 W. Broad St.

• Brown’s Hardware, 100 W. Broad St.

• Burke & Herbert Bank, 225 W. St. Broad St.

• Bus Stop (Box), Lee Hwy. and Hollywood Rd.

• Café Kindred, 450 N. Washington St.

• Celebrity Deli – Graham Park Plaza, 7263A Arlington Blvd.

• Central Library. 1015 North Quincy Street.

• Cinthia’s Bakery, 5860 Columbia Pike.

• City Hall. 300 Park Ave.

• Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St.

• Crumbl Cookies, 1106A W. Broad St.

• Cuates Grill 502 W. Broad #5t.

• CVS, 1150 W. Broad St.

• CVS (Box), 134 W. Broad St.

• CVS (Box), 6404 N Williamsburg Blvd.

• Dogwood Tavern, 132 W. Broad St.

• Dominion Hospital, 2960 Sleepy Hollow Rd.

• Dominion Wine and Beer, 107 Rowell Ct.

• Don Beyer Volvo, 1231 W. Broad St.

• East Falls Church Metro (Box), 2001 N. Sycamore St.

• El Tio Restaurant, 7630 Lee Hwy.

• Elevation Burger, 442 S. Washington St.

• Eaves Fairfax Towers, 2251 Pimmit Dr.

• Exxon Gas Station, 400 W. Broad St.

• Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B W. Broad St.

• Falls Church City Public Schools, 800 W. Broad St.

• Falls Church City Public Utilities, Gordon Rd.

• Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St.

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave. Suite #310

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave.

Lobby

• Five Guys, 913 W. Broad St.

• Flippin’ Pizza, 800 W. Broad St.

• Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax

• Foxcraft Design Group, 110 Great Falls St.

• Giant Food, 1230 W. Broad St.

• Giant Food, Loehmann’s Plaza

• Goodwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St.

• Happy Tart. 410 S. Maple Ave.

• Harris Teeter, 301 W. Broad St.

• Harvey’s, 513 W. Broad St.

• Hillwood Cleaners, 165 Hillwood Ave.

• Hilton Garden Inn, 706 W. Broad St.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium, 2300 Pimmit Dr.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium, 2311 Pimmit Dr.

• Ireland’s Four Provinces, 105 W. Broad St.

• Islamic Center, Leesburg Pike and Rio Dr. Bus Stop

• Java Loco Coffee & Tea.

• Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, 1136 W. Broad St.

• Lazy Mikes Deli, 7049 Leesburg Pike

• Ledo Pizza, 7510 Leesburg Pike

• Liberty Barbecue, 370 W. Broad St.

• Lil City Creamery, 114 W. Broad St.

• Lincoln. At Tinner Hill Apartments, 455 S. Maple Ave.

• Long Foster Realtors, 6299 Castle Rd.

• Lost Dog & Cat Rescue, 6801 Wilson Blvd

• Madison Apartments, 600 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

• Mark’s Pub, 2190 Pimmit Dr.

• Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, 7130

Leesburg Pike

• Mary Riley St.yles Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.

• Medical Building, 405 N. Washington St.

• Medical Building, 407 N. Washington St.

• Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley

• Merrill House Apartments, 210 E. Fairfax St.

• Metro Diner, 4711 Lee Hwy.

• Moby Dick House of Kabob, 444 W. Broad St.

• Modera Founders Row. 110 Founders Ave.

• Mom’s Organic Market, 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax

• Multicultural Center. 701 W. Broad St.

• Munson Hill Apartments, 6729 Leesburg Pike

• N Virginia Av & W. Broad St. (Box), 105 N. Virginia Ave.

• N. Washington & E. Columbia St., 106 E. Columbia St.

• Northern Virginia Immigration Law, 180 S. Washington St.

• Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates, 107 N. Virginia Ave

• Northgate Apartments (lobby), 450 N. Washington St.

• Northside Social, 205 Park Ave.

• Falls Green Apartments, 501 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

• Park Towers Condos, 200 N. Maple Ave.

• Peach Tree Towers, 2042 Peach Orchard Dr.

• Pearson Square Apartments, 410 S. Maple Ave.

• Pete’s Barber Shop, 5847 Washington Blvd.

• Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7700 Leesburg Pike

• Pizzeria Orso (Tax Analyst building), 400 S. Maple Ave.

• PNC Bank, 402 W. Broad St.

• Point of View, 701 W. Broad St.

• Post. Office, 800 W. Broad St.

• Preservation Biscuit 102 E. Fairfax St.

• Professional Building, 313 Park Ave.

• Quick Copy, 417 W. Broad St.

• Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, 230 W. Broad St.

• Read Apartments, 402 W. Broad St.

• Rembrandt Assisted Living, 6669 Gouthier Rd.

• Roosevelt Towers, 500 N Roosevelt Blvd.

• S. Washington & W. Broad St. (Box) 101 W. Broad St.

• Safeway, 5101 Wilson Blvd.

• Safeway, 2500 N Harrison St.

• Safeway – Route 29, 7397 Lee Hwy.

• Sfizi Café, 800 W. Broad St.

• Silver Diner, 3200 Wilson Blvd.

• Sislers Stone, 7139 Lee Hwy.

• Smokey’s Garage, 1105 W. Broad St.

• Solace Outpost 444 W. Broad St.

• Sonic Car Wash, 1050 W. Broad St.

• The Spectrum, 444 W. Broad St.

• The Spectrum Cleaners, 444 W. Broad St.

• Starbucks, 244 W. Broad St.

• Sunrise of Falls Church, 330 N. Washington St.

• Super A Market, 2800 Graham Rd.

• Taco Rock, 116 W. Broad St.

• Target, 500 S Washington St.

• Target – Skyline Mall (Box), 5107 Leesburg Pike

• Tasty Dumpling, 112 W. Broad St.

• The Broadway Apt (in mailroom), 500 W. Broad St.

• The Byron Apartments, 513 W. Broad St.

• The Falls Church Episcopal, 115 E Fairfax St.,

• The Kensington Falls Church, 700 W. Broad St.

• The Neighborhood Barbershop,

Paid for and authorized by Chap Petersen for State Senate