Falls Church News-Press 5-4-2023

Falls Church City Councilman Phil Duncan underwent a double lung transplant Tuesday night at the Inova Hospital in Fairfax and his family reports that he “came through surgery very well.”

According to Falls Church Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, Duncan “came through surgery very well for a double lung transplant and is beginning a long recovery.”

A statement from the Duncan family states, “We are tremendously grateful to the superb staff of the Inova Heart and Vascular Institute transplant team and hospital staff. We are fully aware of how lucky we are to have received this gift so quickly when so many wait months and years for a match. And we are thankful to so many people for their good wishes.”

a Barnburner

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

In what is being hailed as among the more momentous political developments in the City of Falls Church in decades, a new citizen volunteer group of activists has been formed. Called Falls Church Forward, it is going public with its first public event this Sunday afternoon.

According to Falls Church Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, one among the five key founding

by Charlie Clark Falls Church News-Press

The heated debate between former colleagues both running for commonwealth’s attorney sharpened after last month’s release of firstquarter fundraising by incumbent

Parisa Deghani-Tafti and challenger Josh Katcher.

Katcher raised the most this year, $102,675, with $84,268 cash on hand, according to his campaign and March 31 reports summarized by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project. Those funds came from

individuals, including some relatives plus former School board member Abby Raphael, who gave $5,000.

Dehghani-Tafti during the quarter raised $66,613, and has $52,909 on hand for the June 20 Democratic primary. Her top donors were organizations and political action committees;

The Justice and Safety PAC ($8,000); the Demand Justice PAC ($5,000); and Justice for All ($5,000), plus donations above $1,000 by Carol Fontein, Herschel Kantor and Joshua Mailman, and Rep. Don Beyer. She

As Mother’s Day is right around the corner, this guide can help people decide how to celebrate their mothers, grandmothers and wives.

See Page 12

See Page 10

Mark Dreisonstok reviews the Falls Church Arts Gallery’s All Member Show, which features the work of members with last names starting from A-K

See Page 19

FESTER AND the whole gang were in top form for the Henderson Middle School’s energetic production of “The Addams Family” before sold out crowds last weekend in the Meridian High auditorium. (Photo: Carol Sly)

Falls Church

NEWS BRIEFS

Early Voting for June 20 Dem Primary Begins This Friday

This Friday, May 5, is the first day that early voting for the June 20 Democratic primary in Falls Church will commence. Voting can be in person at the Voter Registrar’s office at City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, or by mail upon receipt and deposit of a requested ballot at a secured box in front of City Hall.

There are two candidates each for State Senate 37th District and for Arlington-Falls Church Commonwealth Attorney. Chap Petersen and Saddam Salim are facing off for the State Sen. nod, and incumbent Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Deghani-Tafti faces a challenge from Josh Katcher.

2 on F.C. School Board Say They Won’t Seek Re-Election

Falls Church City Public School Board chair Laura Downs and School Board Member Dr. Susan Dimock issued a statement this week that neither will be seeking election to another four-year term this fall. Their statement reads as follows:

“With the final year of our four-year terms underway, we have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Falls Church City School Board. It has been an honor to serve our school system but we are ready for new challenges and are excited to find new ways to serve our schools and engage with the greater Falls Church City community.

“We found serving on the Board to be demanding at times but always fulfilling and enjoyed working with our School Board colleagues (past and present), the superintendent, teachers, staff, parents, and students. It is our hope that community members who love our schools as much as we do will step up and run for our positions. The deadline to collect signatures to get on the ballot is June 20. If you have questions about running for elected office or the role of a School Board member, you can reach us at ldowns@fccps.org and sdimock@ fccps.org.”

Warners Joins Bill to Protect Children Online

Virginia U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner joined 27 colleagues in introducing the Kids Online Safety Act, comprehensive bipartisan legislation to protect children online. The act provides young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency needed to protect against online harms. It requires social media platforms to, by default, enable a range of protections against addictive design and algo-

rithmic recommendations.

It also requires privacy protections, dedicated channels to report harm, and independent audits by experts and academic researchers to ensure that social media platforms are taking meaningful steps to address risks to kids.

“Experts are clear: Kids and teens are growing up in a toxic and unregulated social media landscape that promotes bullying, eating disorders, and mental health struggles,” said Sen. Warner. “The Kids Online Safety Act would give kids and parents the long-overdue ability to control some of the least transparent and most damaging aspects of social media, creating a safer and more humane online environment.”

F.C. Neighborhood Reacts to Sanitation Worker Injury

A sanitation worker contracted to work for the City of Falls Church had his leg crushed in a garbage truck accident last week on W. George Mason Road. With surgery, his leg has been saved and it is reported that among caring neighbors, over $1,000 and a gift basket has been raised to help his recovery.

On Friday morning, a Fairfax county sani tation supervisor will be present to receive the money and the gift basket, as will a large contingent of neighbors.

No. Va. Chamber Hosts Civics Event With Saslaw

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership have come together to advance policies that have continuously made Virginia one of the best states to do business. This partnership, called Advancing Civics, will host its first event next Wednesday, May 10, with State Senators Dick Saslaw and Emmett Hanger as speakers, mod erated by Julie Carey of Channel 4 News.

F.C. Participates in May Building Safety Month

Throughout the month of May, the City of Falls Church is participating in the 43rd Annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council to promote building safety.

This year’s campaign, “It Starts With You,” raises awareness about the role all citizens play in ensuring safety in the spaces in which they live, work, and learn. The campaign also makes the connection between building codes and our personal safety, as well as the important work done by building safety professionals in our communities.

I N G S S A V I N G S S A V I N G S M A Y M A Y M A Y

S A

Falls Church Forward Group Founded by Hardi, Litkenhous, Davis & 2 More

figures, “While publicly launching now, Falls Church Forward grew out of a backyard effort among neighbors during the summer of 2020 to continue civic dialogue during the pandemic” has over two years has been “coalescing around a shared goal of a more equitable, diverse and livable community.”

Joining Hardi, the small circle of co-founders includes former City Councilman and current Economic Development Authority board member Ross Litkenhous, locally-reared author Pete Davis, Planning Commissioner Andrea Caumont and Housing Commissioner Justine Underhill.

This Sunday’s event at the Community Center at 4 p.m. will feature a spokesman from AARP who will bring recommendations on “What Will Make for a Livable Community.” It will be co-hosted by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and the F.C. Human Services Advisory Council. According to

Hardi, it will be about “how communities can better help citizens 55+ age in place, from the standpoint of transportation, housing, human services and the non-surprising message of what makes a community ‘livable’ for seniors also makes it more livable for everyone.”

In an commentary published elsewhere in this edition of the News-Press , the four as coauthors write that Falls Church Forward identifies itself as “a big tent and our doors are open…committed to welcoming a broad cross section of members who have a stake in the future of Falls Church.” It adds, “Affordable and diverse housing, community businesses, people-first streets and spaces, climate resilience and a welcoming culture are the pillars of a vibrant city… Falls Church is known for its world class schools, little city charm, and high quality of life. Underpinning it all is our people. We envision a future that puts people first.”

Litkenhous, in a note to the News-Press sent Tuesday

night, said, “During my time on Council, I recognized that as citizens we need to examine policy decisions through a more holistic lens. Whether it be housing, economic development, sustainability or transportation, each of the challenges we grapple with individually impacts the collective, but if done right will feed a vicious cycle that benefits all of us for generations to come.”

Underhill, an award-winning journalist, in an interview at the News-Press office Tuesday, revealed that she will be a candidate for the Falls Church City Council this fall, though that is not a factor in her involvement with Falls Church Forward.

Caumont, who works with the Pew Research Center as her day job, is a member of the City’s Planning Commission.

Davis, who graduated from Falls Church’s Meridian High School (when it was called George Mason) and Harvard University, is known for his thoughtful book, “Dedicated: the Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing.” He

and his wife recently had their first child here.

Underhill is a lifelong resident of the region, a graduate of Georgetown University who moved to the City two years ago with the priorities of “an ideal place to have a family and be near the bike trail.” She was appointed to the Falls Church Housing Commission shortly after moving here.

On its website, Falls Church Forward lists five key areas of emphasis: 1. Housing for all, where neighbors of all ages, incomes and family sizes and live, learn, return and retire, 2. Community businesses, lively and legendary community businesses where neighbors eat, meet, celebrate, create and make memories, 3. People First

Places, connected by beautiful streets and plazas serving multiple modes of moving and gathering, 4. Climate Resilience inviting green spaces, shaded by mature trees and powered by sustainable energy and infrastructure, and 5. Welcoming Culture, a community that is cocreated by and for everybody, not just a privileged few.

The group is the first citywide citizen activist group in Falls Church formed since internal frictions caused a major downsizing of the Citizens for a Better City 15 years ago. The CBC still functions effectively, and it will be collaborating with Falls Church Forward, according to both Hardi and the CBC’s current chair, former F.C. Vice Mayor Hal Lippman.

is $1,000,000 per account. After the CD is opened, the minimum balance to obtain the advertised annual percentage yield "APY" is $1.00. Advertised APYs stated are accurate as of 3/20/2023 and these offers may change at any time. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Offer not available for non-personal accounts. Advertised APYs cannot be combined with any other offer. Rates are subject to change without notice and vary by state and county. A CD (Certificate of Deposit) is sometimes

Democratic Party Chairman Confirms Va. Voter Registrations ‘Nonpartisan’

drew 115 contributions of $100 or less this quarter (a thousand more since 2019), compared with Katcher’s 363 since he entered the race last November.

“We outraised our opponent, we have more individual donors, we have more small donors, and all of our contributions came from individuals,” said Katcher, who spent 11 years as a prosecutor in her office before resigning in disillusionment last August.

But Dehghani-Tafti told the News-Press “It is very concerning that over a third of my opponent’s identifiable funding comes from Republican donors, including those with contributions to Donald Trump, Glenn Youngkin, Jason Miyares, Amanda Chase, Josh Hawley, and the Republican National Committee. A candidate funded by the supporters of extremist Republicans cannot honestly call himself a `progressive,’ she said. Anyone drawing support from those Republicans “is clearly not interested in criminal justice reform, and my opponent’s decision to accept that money is an indication that he is not the reformer he claims to be.”

Criticisms of Dehghani-Tafti’s

acceptance of national money are familiar to her. “I have received money from progressive PACs that are working to make our legal system more fair and just,” she said. “Those PACs are funded in part by George Soros, who has dedicated his life and his fortune to progressive causes and expanding democracy. I’m proud to have their support.”

Katcher told the News-Press, “I have said that this will be a peoplepowered campaign. When I am out meeting people in the community, I want to engage in conversations about this race. I did not — nor do I — look up Arlingtonians’ political registration before having those conversations. I also did not — nor do I — look up donor history when Arlingtonians are graciously offering to host events or if they make contributions.”

Door-knocking in Falls Church, Katcher has repeated arguments that Dehghani-Tafti “is increasingly desperate to avoid talking about her office in free fall, her personal treatment of victims, and her inability to raise money from individuals in Arlington and Falls Church City. We’ve recently highlighted her transparency issues and her inclination to hide damaging data.”

The campaign for Commonwealth’s Attorney has raised questions of who votes in the June 20 Democratic primary—the first that will allow ranked voting for several candidates. Though Democratic organizations “remain neutral,” as party chairman Steve Baker confirmed to the News-Press, Virginia’s voter registrations are nonpartisan, and a primary is technically open to all.

Copies of flyers inviting voters to events supporting Katcher by regular Republican donors in Arlington and Falls Church were collected by former county board candidate Adam Theo. He backs Dehghani-Tafti but says he is not cooperating with her campaign. “I want Arlington to continue its work on criminal justice reform and police oversight,” he told the News-Press, and that, he says, is not Katcher’s agenda. Arlington Republican party chairman Matthew Hurtt said, “Under no circumstances” is his party “advising Republican voters to cast ballots in the Democratic primary, as it is in clear violation of the Plan of the Republican Party of Virginia governing Republican Party and member activity.” But he added that, “Crime has gone up under Dehghani-Tafti’s

tenure, and our community is less safe because of her reckless disregard for the rule of law.”

Asked about crossover voting, Kevin Appel, a longtime Arlington Democratic officer, said, “Voting in a Democratic nomination caucus requires the participant to `sign the pledge’ certifying that they consider themselves to be a Democrat before they can vote. I’ve been involved with many caucuses over the years where people showed up and refused to sign, but the Democratic Party of Virginia requires it, so they went away very angrily,” Appel said. “I’ve also seen known Republicans show up at the Democratic caucus, sign the pledge, and vote.”

Katcher’s campaign benefited from an attack on his opponent by Rose Kehoe, the mother of Washington-Liberty High School basketball player Braylon Meade, who was killed in a car wreck in Arlington last November by a speeding driver with a history of alcohol and THC abuse.

In a scathing April 11 letter to state Sen. Barbara Favola, who, along with Falls Church Del. Marcus Simon, has endorsed Dehghani-Tafti, the mother who faults the Commonwealth’s

Attorney for not charging the 17-yearold as an adult, which requires special circumstances. “We have no doubt that Ms. Dehghani-Tafti’s political rigidity on the issue of refusing to charge juveniles as adults is what governed this case,” Kehoe wrote, as reported by ARLnow.com. “This was a campaign slogan that worked to drive voters to the polls in 2019, but when applied in the real world of running her office, it stripped our voice away from us and denied a meaningful discussion on how to seek justice for Braylon.”

Though Dehghani-Tafti had sought three years of detention, the driver, two months shy of 18, was given one year of detention and two years probation last month by Judge Michael Chick. Deghani-Tafti said in a statement to ARLnow, “As a mother, I know the death of a child is life-shattering. Braylon’s death is a devastating loss for his family and friends, and I am heartbroken over it. I understand why Ms. Kehoe feels the way she does. And I don’t want to say anything that adds to their pain. There is simply no good outcome because the only good outcome would be for Braylon to be home.”

Guest Commentary: A Shared Vision for The Little City’s Future

by Ross

Think about your typical day in Falls Church. Do you walk to your favorite coffee shop? Do your kids enjoy exploring the Howard E. Herman Stream Valley trail? Did you run into a neighbor at Mr. Brown’s Park and hear about a great history event happening at the library? Did you see that a rental unit opened up in your building and share the news with a friend who has wanted to move here?

Every building and street, parking lot and tree, sidewalk and storefront has a profound impact on how we interact with each other. They together form an ecosystem that powers our Little City. When people live within walking distance of local shops, it means we can more easily support our community businesses. When we support community businesses, we diversify our tax base, which sustains Falls Church as an economically strong, independent

city that provides top notch services, schools, and public places. When we walk to those public places on safe, tree-lined streets, we bump into friends and neighbors, strengthening our bonds with each other.

Foundational to this ecosystem are housing options that enable all of us to live here.

Affordable and diverse housing, community businesses, people-first streets and spaces, climate resilience, and a welcoming culture — these are the pillars of a vibrant city. To deepen our commitment to them in the decades ahead, we need to think and act holistically, proactively, and intentionally about the design and development of our streets, green spaces, buildings, and culture. There is no standing still — regional trends (like population growth and housing costs), national trends (like remote work and inflation), and global trends (like climate change) present new challenges to our Little City each year. It is up to us to decide if we want to ignore those outside forc-

es — or harness them as opportunities to co-author the future of Falls Church.

This is why a group of neighbors and civic leaders have come together as Falls Church Forward — a coalition to support city policies, projects, and programs that bolster these five pillars of vibrancy, sustainability, and openness. We are working to build a Falls Church that:

Embraces a “housing for all” mentality — supporting a variety of housing options within the city so that neighbors of all ages, incomes, and family sizes can live, work, learn, return, and retire here.

Nurtures local community businesses by welcoming new neighbors and foot traffic so that Falls Church remains filled with lively and legendary shops and restaurants where neighbors eat, meet, celebrate, create and make memories.

Designs streets and public spaces to be for people, not just cars. Our city should be connected by beautiful, tree-lined streets serving multiple modes of moving

and gathering — and accessible to all ages and abilities.

Is filled with inviting green spaces, shaded by mature trees and powered by sustainable energy infrastructure. Has a welcoming culture, with a community co-created by and for everybody — not just a privileged few.

Falls Church is known for its world class schools, little city charm, and high quality of life. Underpinning it all is our people. We envision a future that puts people first — both residents and visitors alike. Citizen engagement and advocacy are part of the secret sauce that helps preserve this special city that we call home. In our history, we have moved forward as a city and preserved the best of our past when we have come together not only to say “no” to things we don’t like, but also to say “yes” to things we do. Falls Church Forward was formed in this spirit— to provide a platform to discuss, deliberate on, and support the city policies and projects that will brighten and sustain our

city now and in the decades ahead. We challenge ourselves to match our progressive values with real action that will benefit the generations to come.

The Falls Church Forward tent is big and our doors are open. We are committed to welcoming a broad cross section of members who have a stake in the future of Falls Church, including both current and future residents, businesses, and neighbors. We invite you to learn more by visiting FallsChurchForward.org, or joining us in person at the Community Center this Sunday, May 7th at 4 p.m., for the first public event that we are co-sponsoring. Falls Church Forward, in collaboration with the League of Women Voters and the city’s Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) will host a speaker from AARP, who will share their recommendations on what makes a “livable community.” In our view, what makes a “livable community” for seniors is also what makes a livable community for everyone — and that’s the Falls Church we are working to build together.

can seem trapped by circumstances— but living a spiritual sense of God-given liberty opens the way to overcome what binds us.

Litkenhous, Justine Underhill, Pete Davis, Andrea Caumont and Letty Hardi

N-P Endorsements:

Salim & Dehghani-Tafti

Early voting for the Democratic Primary this spring begins this Friday, May 5. There are two hotly contested races on the ballot for Falls Church voters. There is the primary race for the 47th State Senate District and that for the Arlington-Falls Church Commonwealth’s Attorney.

As a growing percentage of voters no longer wait for election day (June 20 this case) to cast their ballots, and given how seriously Falls Church residents take elections, with routinely the highest voter turnout rate in the state, we’re making our endorsements early this time. So, our endorsements are:

For State Senate District 37 – Saddam Salim (over “Chap” Petersen).

For Commonwealth Attorney – Parisa Dehghani-Tafti (over Josh Katcher).

The State Senate race pits newcomer Saddam Salim, immigrant son of a long-time City of Falls Church restaurant employee, against veteran legislator Sen. “Chap” Petersen, who has represented the area west of Falls Church in Richmond since 2002. Redistricting put Petersen into the City of Falls Church for the first time. The winner this year will be part of Virginia’s Democratic “Blue Wall” against the incredible assaults coming from the far-right nationally on issues such as abortion, gun rights, immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.

Petersen is not in sync with the progressive values of the Little City. Recognized as one of the more conservative Democrats in Richmond, he recently spoke against collective bargaining in defense of Virginia’s right to work law. He sided with those in his Fairfax City church who supported the illegal occupation of the Falls Church Episcopal. He voted for the regrettable 2004 HB751 “Affirmation of Marriage” bill, written by the viciously homophobic Bob Marshall, that preceded the Marshall-Newman amendment that codified anti-LGBTQ+ into Virginia’s constitution; and while pointing to a change in voting patterns, he’s never publicly recanted or mentioned LGBTQ+ issues, including on his website, and has alarmingly refused to make any personal statement of belief to our own reporters on the issue.

Recently, he failed to appear at the Falls Church Democrats’ biggest event of the year, their Spring Potluck at the Community Center. It was an inexcusable snub, and was reflected in the trouncing that he took in the straw poll there, earning only 8 of 86 votes, the rest going to Salim.

By contrast, Salim, a newcomer to elected politics, came with his parents from Bangladesh in 2000, and his father has worked for 20 years in the kitchen at the City of Falls Church’s renowned Indian cuisine restaurant, Haandi. A graduate of Falls Church High School and George Mason University, Salim’s platform reflects the progressive values of this area far better than Petersen.

In the Arlington-Falls Church Commonwealth Attorney race, the incumbent completing her first term, Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, is being met by a challenge from her former employee, Josh Katcher. Both claim to advocate for progressive criminal justice reform but Katcher is claiming that Parisa has not been up to the challenge. However, many of the criticisms of her reflect, frankly, a sexist tone that has much less to do with how well she’s actually doing her job and she has many prominent endorsements supporting her.

P�������

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.

L������ �� E �����

Reflect City Values in T-Zone Debate

Editor,

In your April 27, 2023, editorial titled “NIMBYs & F.C.’s T-Zones”, you apply the derogatory label “Not in My Backyard (NIMBY)” to the hundreds of citizens who have studied and sought to improve the City Council’s proposed changes to the 58 diverse parcels in transition zones within F.C.’s 2.2 square miles. While not reporting their recommendations or covering this issue with any thoroughness, you characterize these citizens as “a noisy opposition…to the plan to modify transitional zone statutes to permit a handful of less expensive housing options” and accuse residents of defining “developers and development as inherently bad.”

Citizens have spent countless hours digging into the planned changes and made comprehensive suggestions for improving them to City staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. Specifically, one group has publicly urged Council to approve building duplex, triplex, and quadplex residential homes by-right, townhouses with appropriate setbacks and Council approval, and affordable units at a rate of at least 20 percent in residential developments of 15 units or more, with possible special incentives for developers of smaller structures who will dedicate one or more units as affordable or workforce housing.

In addition to housing, citizens focused on the scale of development Council’s proposal would allow by-right or with limited City review on lots designated as transition zones precisely because they serve as buffers between commercial and residential uses. Residents also emphasized the proposal’s failure to address such longheld City climate-related values as the preservation of mature trees and management of serious stormwater issues.

The surprising unwillingness to further strengthen the proposed ordinance regarding scale, environment, and housing coupled with your editorial disparaging as NIMBYs those who

are advocating for a better statute suggest that developers are the dominant voice in this and other debates in Falls Church regarding land use and development. If those concerned about changes to T-Zones “have been speaking up so loudly,” it is because every elected and appointed official, the City manager and staff, developers, and this newspaper need to hear and respond constructively to all the values we collectively espouse and reflect those values in the final ordinance.

Edith Holmes Snyder

NIMBYs & F.C.’s T-Zones

Editor,

It’s about time to read something in the News-Press about T-Zone proposed changes that have been under consideration by the City for over a year. But we are still waiting for reporting that reflects reality. I am one of the city residents who live in the Broadway Condo facing nothing but a T-Zone property on Park Avenue that would be subject to the changes. And what change was proposed last year? It would include a building that could sit within 20 feet of all my windows and balcony. Being on the 2nd floor, I would see nothing but that building wall from all my windows…nothing else ever. Period.

So I ask you: is that what you and your readers think of as providing a different option for affordable housing on Park Avenue? And are words like “designed to add…housing stock,” written to give the false impression that commercial buildings covering up to 70 percent of the lot are not being allowed under the T-Zone provisions?

Everyone I know would love to have affordable housing that is truly a transitional size next door and ‘in the back yard.’ But the problem is, that’s not the only thing that would be allowed by the T-Zone proposals so far.

Let’s get some “fair” reporting that really enlightens our neighbors about T-Zone proposals instead of blaming the messenger for highlighting the devil that’s in the detail.

Nancy Ingrisano

Trump Exposes Male Chauvinist Underbelly of His Movement

Nicholas F. Benton

It never ceases to amaze me how, for my entire post-graduate adult life, the fundamental axiom that my circle of colleagues and I identified as key and central to the issues of social justice so long ago, as if seemingly utterly novel at the time, has remained valid to this day.

It is essential to consider the Trump rape trial this week, including both the Trump lawyer’s manner of cross examination and defense and the bold and proud assertions of the victim. At the heart of the matter is a brutal, forcible rape by a man of a woman. Trump is a “male chauvinist pig” and everything associated with that identity applies not only to him but his movement as a whole. Rape and the anti-abortion frenzy now fueled by angry, self-righteous male supremacist zeal are products of the same thing, as are the attempts to demonize anything that challenges traditional gender roles.

Alas, long ago, my friends and I, stewing in the ferment of the late 1960s civil rights, anti-war and feminist social upheavals, on the front lines, as it were, in Berkeley, Calif., pinpointed this very issue as central to the entire matter of human inequality and oppression.

We launched the Gay Liberation Front, taking the name from the striving anti-imperialist Third World movements against tyranny and exploitation. Our movement had two main branches in the U.S., one in New York that led to the Stonewall Riots of 1969, and the other in San Francisco Bay Area where I was graduating from theological seminary.

Out of that “uprising” quickly evolved two primary currents. One chose to focus attention on equal rights, on laws and initiatives to end discrimination and to focus on initiatives to that end. The other, where I was, was centered on more fundamental things, on the root of discrimination and brutality toward women, children, exploited minorities and gays, in particular, which we called “male supremacy.”

The two factions remained split, and I must admit that as that tumultuous era moved deeper into the 1970s, the “gay rights” group crushed the “gay liberation” movement. The first was completely open to the ravages of a hedonist counteroffensive, if you will, to the overall movement.

Taking the clearest voice of that era to heart, of the late Rev. Martin Luther King’s admonition that our larger movement be defined “not by the color of our skin, but by the strength of our character,” we found ourselves assailed by a massive surge of what I have called “anarcho-hedonism,” of mindless and endless “sex, drugs and rock and roll.”

The “gay rights” crowd, including the well-known name that arose on my side of the country that I was well acquainted with, Harvey Milk, bought the whole hog into the temptations of the anarcho-hedonist counterrevolution.

A dear friend, Jim Rankin, now deceased, and I remained truer to our outgunned “strength of character” faction, not that we were total aesthetes. We collaborated in the creation of a newspaper-like entity called The Effeminist, which I sold, among other places, on the corner of Powell and Geary in San Francisco, sharing space with male hookers under the awning of the St. Francis Hotel, across from Union Square, a half block from the one-room place where I lived.

Rankin and I declared ourselves “gay men in the feminist revolution,” and that proved a very apt descriptor. It applies to me every bit as much today as it did then.

It is in the oppression of women by men that the seeds of every deadly form of cruelty of one human to another can be found. This week’s rape trial against Trump only proves it.

On the other side of this coin, this affirms that only by means of a mass mobilization of, and led by, women against the violation of their very bodies, can our society’s current slide into demagoguery hope to be averted.

We have never been in a better position to arouse such a massive ferment to overthrow injustice in all its forms in our society.

Many women are too kind to view themselves like this. But it is the task of us all to bring them around, anyway.

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

The 162-page lawsuit seeking to block the Missing Middle housing rezoning approved by the county in March gives hope to vocal opponents—many of whom continue to display “Save Our Neighborhood” yard signs.

But opinions appear cautious on prospects for undoing the plan to allow by-right building of multifamily structures in long-time singlefamily neighborhoods.

The organized critics at Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future and the Arlingtonians for Upzoning Transparency issued statements saying they were not involved in the suit filed March 21 by 10 homeowners under the label Neighbors for Neighborhoods. But “the allegations appear to identify serious issues,” wrote ASF, noting that the Virginia Supreme Court in March struck down Fairfax County’s narrower zoning reform due to its enactment via remote meetings during the pandemic.

The pro-Missing Middle NIMBYs of NOVA is “not worried about the outcome,” said its Arlington vice president Grace White. “Missing Middle is an important yet incremental change that was approved unanimously by the county board after years of study, public comment and deliberation. We invite opponents of Missing Middle to join us in spending their efforts advocating for solutions, rather than challenging the validity of a duly enacted law in court.”

The residents who filed the complaint in Arlington Circuit Court named county attorney Minh Char Corr, the county board and the Planning

Commission, asking that a judge block the land-use changes that take effect July 1. Reiterating the rhetoric of opponents of the policy change, the suit drafted by Fairfax attorney Gifford Hampshire cites seven ways plaintiffs believe the board’s “arbitrary and capricious” policymaking violates state law. Among them: a failure to advertise properly or conduct detailed studies of impact on the economy, tree canopy, storm drainage, traffic, schools and parking, while violating FOIA law requiring prompt release of documents.

The county’s plan “only increases density without promoting goals in the public interest,” said the plaintiffs. They cite the locations of their own properties that allegedly would be harmed.

Wells Harrell, a federal attorney and vice chair of the NAACP Arlington Branch Housing Committee who is familiar with judicial review of zoning, told me “the plaintiffs appear to be throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks. Many of the claims allege defects in the process. It seems like a stretch to suppose the commission and county board were so inept that they failed to follow basic, well-established steps in the lawmaking process. Other claims are more substantive,” alleging Arlington “acted unreasonably and without regard to certain factors under state law.” But even these claims “face tall hurdles,” he said. “It’s settled law in Virginia that zoning amendments are presumed valid and must be upheld as long as their reasonableness is ‘fairly debatable.’ The problem for plaintiffs is that, while they accuse the county board of failing to consider impacts, they disregard the volumes of infor-

mation on benefits of legalizing missing middle homes.”

But litigation attorney Steven Krieger sees promise. “As a threshold matter, if the court finds that the county committed the procedural errors cited in the lawsuit, the court should void the amendment,” he told me via email. “If the court finds no procedural errors, it will consider whether the county’s decision was ‘arbitrary’ or ‘capricious,’ a relatively difficult burden to meet because plaintiffs will have to show that the decision to amend the zoning ordinance did not adequately consider impacts or will not meet stated goals. However, since the county framed the amendment as a way to address diversity and housing affordability for the middle class, but lacks sufficient data to support the conclusions, the plaintiffs could prevail; though, it will be easier on the procedural claims.”

***

Six star athletes will be inducted Oct. 11 into the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame:

Noel Deskins (Yorktown ‘79) track & field record-holder at Yorktown and James Madison University; Eric Metcalf (Bishop O’Connell ‘85) NFL running and track & field record-holder at University of Texas; Tia Moore (Wakefield ‘99) All-Met and 1,000point basketball star, 1,500-point scorer and star at Christopher Newport University; Henry Crawford Palmer (Washington-Liberty ‘88) All-Met basketball star and member of Duke University 1991 NCAA champs; Walter Scott Palmer (W-L ‘86) basketball standout W-L, Dartmouth College and NBA; Jake Scott, posthumously, (W-L, then Bullis ‘66) AllSEC safety at Georgia, NFL safety/ punt returner with Washington and Miami, Super Bowl VII MVP.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Having Fun with ‘Xanadu’ at George C. Marshall High School

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan make a stately pleasure-dome decree,” read the opening lines of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “Kubla Khan.” The poem has inspired generations of poetry lovers and romantics, including the title of a 1980 musical film. The film in turn inspired the well-received 2007 Broadway musical, in which Clio, muse and daughter of Zeus, descends from Mt. Olympus. Disguising herself and changing her name to Kira, her mission is to inspire the failing artist Sonny Malone. She eventually falls in love with him, risking the anger of Zeus, the king of the gods.

George C. Marshall High School Statesmen Theatre Company in Falls Church is currently staging the Broadway version of the show…and a spectacular show it is. Elements from classical antiquity are blended with 1980s elements, including disco, leg warmers, and roller skates. The Marshall

student cast embraces the time period’s charm with skating cast members (coached by Sadie Brewer), manifold saturated colors worn by the “offspring of Zeus,” and 1980s clothing provided by nine costume designers—not unlike the Nine Muses of classical antiquity! Eighties

musical hits are performed well, including the title song

“Xanadu” by Sophia Welch, who gleefully essays the role of Clio/Kira. She and co-star Dale DeVinney (Sonny) also compellingly perform the duet

“Suddenly.” Another stand out number is a cover of original

“Xanadu” star Olivia Newton

John’s 1975 hit, “Have You Never Been Mellow?”, sung by an unusual assortment of characters: Kira, Zeus, Hera, Thetis, Aphrodite, Cyclops, Medusa, and a Centaur! While firmly ensconced in the early 1980s, the show also contains numerous fond references to American culture of the 1940s. (Indeed, the show’s plot is based in part on a 1947 Rita Hayworth film “Down to Earth.”) This George Marshall

production follows this retro aspect of “Xanadu” with vintage-style Broadway tap dancing by Daniel Petry and Kate Butterworth in “Whenever You’re Away from Me.” Conducted by Tiffany Powell, the live band’s transition from 1980s to 1940s musical styles is outstanding, with an unexpected scat singing interlude by Sophia Welch (Kira). In another 1940s-inspired moment, Kayla Awad, Laelia Kavalier, and again Sophia Welch sing as a trio in the style of the Andrews Sisters in “Dancin’.”

The show includes significant self-aware irony, having fun with its interpretation of the 1980s; the period is presented with elements of nostalgia, while also recognizing points of 1980s excess. At the same time, we feel that the musical also has cultural merit due to its incorporation of elements of classical mythology and culture, cast in modern form. References to ancient Greek literary traditions include the Greek chorus. The Muses even introduce themselves and their functions

in classical mythology at the beginning. These literary references, along with welcome quotes from Coleridge, are all welcome parts of a solid education.

Most of all, the production is wonderfully entertaining. Director Bernie DeLeo was inspired to stage the production after observing that the show is

both fabulous and hilarious. In this vein, he states that “rehearsals have been joyous and filled with laughs!” This joyousness makes the show a delight to attend. “Xanadu” runs from May 4-6, 2023, produced by the George C. Marshall High School Statesmen Theatre. For further information, please visit: www. statesmentheatre.org.

CHANNELING THE Andrews Sisters, from left to right: Laelia Kavalier, Sophia Welch and Kayla Awad. (P���� C�������: M��� D����������)

City of Falls Church

Voting Wards

Early Voting Begins Friday

Early Voting Polling Location

All Wards: City Hall (300 Park Ave.)

Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays: June 10 & 17, 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

June 20 Election Day Polling Locations

Ward 1: Oak Street Elementary (601 S. Oak St.)

Ward 2, 3: F.C. Community Ctr. (223 Little Falls St.)

There is no longer a polling location at Falls Green Apartments.

Visit: vote.elections.virginia.gov/voterinformation for more information

ENDORSES:

Voter registration Deadline May 30. Request mail-in ballot by June 9. “Same-day” registration through Election Day. Curbside for 65+ and voters with disabilities during voting hours. Follow signage instructions.

The Weekly Diplomatic Reach

by Brian Reach

News-PressEndorses Salim for State Senate

The News-Press endorsed Saddam Salim in the race to represent Falls Church in the new Virginia Senate District 37, citing Salim’s Falls Church upbringing, progressive values, and stark contrast to opponent “incumbent” Chap Petersen, one of the most conservative Democrats in the Commonwealth.

News-Press Endorses Dehghani-Tafti for Commonwealth’s Attorney

The News-Press also endorsed Parisa Dehghani-Tafti in her re-election bid for Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Falls Church and Arlington County over challenger Josh Katcher.

With the candidates much closer in stated positions, issues of style and mannerism have been left to distinguish the two, which has been awkward.

Border Security Concerns as Title 42 Expiration Approaches

Title 42, which the Trump administration weaponized during the pandemic to prevent asylum entry into the country, is expiring with the emergency declaration this month. There is a humanitarian crisis already at the border ahead of the expiration, with capacities already at their limits at processing facilities.

It is expected the rate of entry could double with the expiration. The Biden administration is sending more troops, infuriating all sides for being both too many and not enough. This writer predicts this to evolve into a major talking point heading into next year’s midterms.

Glenn Youngkin Is Not Running for President, Was Just Basking In The Speculation

Did anybody really think this was going anywhere? Did this writer miss something where Virginia was in ruins, then suddenly saved, by the current Governor’s arrival last year? Why is the Governor always out of state doing these appearances… do people actually find him interesting?

Did Our New Superintendent Teach… Babies?

After the Wyoming import resigned without reason in March, Gov. Youngkin has imported a new Superintendent of Public Instruction with an interesting accolade on the DOE website.

Lisa Coons, the Commonwealth’s 27th in the role since 1882, and third since 2022, “most recently served as chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, where she led all birth to grade-12 academic

programming.” Virginia ranks #13 in pre-K12 education among other states. Wyoming ranks #25. Tennessee ranks #34.

In pushing conspiracies about CRT and trans kids, though…

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is Dead”Virginia DEI Chief

Yes, the Youngkin Administration’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer, Martin Brown, during a speech at Virginia Military Institute, said his job was a liberal sham that they’ve killed. “It’s dead. It was mandated by the General Assembly, but [Youngkin] has a different philosophy…”

Salim Launches Comprehensive Website

Examining Opponent’s Voting History

Now that the News-Press has officially endorsed him, this writer can now clearly state that Saddam Salim represents the inclusive, honest, and progressive culture of Northern Virginia in a way that Chap Petersen has failed to do over the last 22 years.

Having grown up in Fairfax, this writer grew up frequently embarrassed to have their home town associated with Petersen’s cynical, bigoted, arrogant brand of politics. Falls Church is the dark-blue anchor for progressivism in Virginia.

Salim has launched a website that does a fine job of showing the kind of representation readers would find in Petersen, and this writer encourages you to check it out at bit.ly/chapcrap

But Are You A Republican?

Sen. Chap Petersen made news over the weekend by endorsing Democratic Primary challenger Ed Nuttal over incumbent Steve Descano.

Nuttal is, as far as we can tell, a Republican running as a Democrat, with a history of donating and voting in Republican Primaries as recently as 2019.

Descano and Nuttal had a heated, gross, juicy debate two Fridays ago, and it’s worth a read: bit.ly/NutDebate.

Montana Bans Transgender Lawmaker

From House Floor

Zephyr had urged her Republican counterparts to vote against transphobic legislation (they did not), saying they would have “blood on your hands” if they promoted the hate-inspired legislation. The House Republicans decided that was breaking the rules of decorum, and censured and barred her from the floor.

A Montana court denied Zephyr’s motion to have her legislative privileges reinstated on Wednesday.

Mother’s Day in F.C.: How to Celebrate Mothers, Grandmothers & Wives

BY KYLEE TOLAND FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

As Mother’s Day is right around the corner, families may be wondering how they can celebrate their mother, grandmother or wife. Here are some ways that local families can show their love and appreciation to the important women in their lives.

Mother’s Day Ideas for Children:

1. Make Pottery at Clay Cafe Studio

One way to make a mother smile is by giving her something that came from the heart (and hands). Taking Mom to a pottery store, such as Clay Cafe Studios, gives a child a chance to make a heart-warming piece of art, while also engaging in a relaxing, bonding experience.

2. Take a Class at Karma Yoga

Children can be full of energy, so why not get that energy out with Mom? Taking a class at Karma Yoga can bring peace of mind to both a mother and child, as well as providing a physical activity both parties can easily participate in. Karma Yoga is also offering a Mothers Day Yoga & Art Class taught by yoga teacher and artist Bill Abel.

3. Plan a Picnic at Various Local Parks

The City of Falls Church offers 14 parks for residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors, as well as set up a

nice picnic for Mom on her special day. Cherry Hill Park, Tinner Hill Park and more can be the perfect place to sit outside, indulge in some food and spend some time with Mom.

4. DIY Pizza-Making/Ice Cream Sundae/Etc…

For those who may want to celebrate Mother’s Day in the comfort of their house, children can put their cooking skills to the test by making DIY — do it yourself — pizzas, ice cream sundaes and more sweet or savory treats. Ingredients can be picked up at local shops such as Borek-G, Thompson Italian and The Happy Tart.

5. Help Plant a Garden

A popular pastime on Mother’s Day is gardening and also a great way a child can participate in a memory that can last a lifetime. Helping Mom spruce up a garden can put a smile on her face, while also teaching a child responsibility and carefulness. A child can also choose what flowers they would like to plant at local flower shop Galleria Florist.

Family Ideas for Grandchildren:

1. Enjoy Tea at Cherry Hill Farmhouse

An annual event hosted by the historic Cherry Hill Farmhouse, the Friend’s Mother’s Day Tea is a great, peaceful way families can celebrate the matriarch of their group while also learning about what a mother’s role was

in the mid-19th century. This special event will consist of tea sandwiches, assorted sweets and of course, a bottomless cup of tea.

2. Take a Tour of Historic Sites

With the Little City having various historical features and the nation’s capital being under 30 minutes away, visiting monuments and museums can peak the interest of Grandma. The City of Falls Church offers the Tinner Hill arch, the Henderson House and the historic trails, while D.C. has the Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African American History.

3. Make a Scrapbook of Family Memories

Grandmothers always seem to like talking about happy and fun memories from years past, so why not give her a scrapbook or memory book for her to look at? Finding past photos and even taking new ones to place in a scrapbook will allow Grandma to always have a physical reminder of the love that is shared between a family. One can take their camera to process the film taken at Dominion Camera, who also restores older photos.

4. Host a Spa Day at Home

Take the enjoyment of a spa day to Grandma’s house! Pamper her with a manicure, pedicure or both and maybe a relaxing back massage. To get

even more creative, DIY face masks can add an extra element of silliness and fun for Grandma and the whole family.

Mother’s Day Ideas for Couples:

1. Take a Trip to the Theater.

Sometimes, going to see a show can be a great escape from the outside world. Luckily, the City of Falls Church and surrounding areas have upcoming productions just in time for Mother’s Day. Taking one’s wife to Creative Cauldron for “Audrey: The New Musical” or to the Kennedy Center for “Monty Python’s ‘Spamalot’” can be a visual treat for a couple.

2. Enjoy a Brunch Outing

For those who may want to treat their significant other with a tasty surprise, going out to brunch is the perfect mix of a savory and sweet bite to eat. Local restaurants

such as Northside Social, 2941 Restaurant and more have Mother’s Day menus and are available upon reservation.

3. Grab a Drink at Breweries, Wineries and Restaurants

After a stressful week at work or home, a weekend out to grab a drink or two can give someone the relaxation they need, as well as provide private time for a couple. Settle Down Easy Brewing, Audacious Aleworks Brewery & Taproom and Harvey’s are just a few of the many places to grab a beverage and enjoy your loved one.

4. Take a Shopping Trip

As May brings in warmer weather, a shopping trip may be in cards for one’s significant other. Plan a shopping trip at the various shops and boutiques in the Little City and treat your loved one with their material wants and needs. Take a look at local shops such as Stylish Patina for a unique shopping experience.

Falls Church School News & Notes

Help Oak Street Get to Worlds

A team of Oak Street Elementary 3rd and 4th graders has advanced to the World Finals of Odyssey of the Mind, an academic problem-solving and creativity competition, for the first time in almost twenty years. They will represent FCCPS in East Lansing, Michigan, at Michigan State University from May 24-27, 2023. Please help their team offset the $3000 competition registration cost and get them to Worlds with their GoFundMe page: www. gofundme.com/f/oak-street-team-toodyssey-of-the-mind-worlds?

OSE Students Compete In WordMasters

In the second WordMasters Challenge of the year, a team representing Oak Street Elementary School achieved the Highest Honors

in the recent WordMasters Challenge — a national vocabulary competition involving nearly 125,000 students annually. The third-grade team scored an impressive 163 points out of a possible 200 in the second of three meets this year, placing seventh in the nation.

Competing in the tough Gold Division of the WordMasters Challenge, fifth grader Clara Teply earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 45 fifth graders achieved this result. Other Oak Street Elementary School students who achieved outstanding results in the meet include fourthgrader Mia Brooks and fifth-grader Charlie McIntosh.

MHS Virtual Global STEM Expo on May 5

The MHS World Smarts Team will present at the World Smarts Virtual Global STEM Expo on

Friday, May 5, 2023, from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (EDT). The expo will feature 13 US-Ghana student teams presenting their projects live to a panel of STEM and global education industry leaders. During the event, five teams will be recognized for demonstrating excellence in STEM Innovation, STEM Application, Cross-Cultural Collaboration, Best Live Pitch, and an All-Star Award. They successfully participated in the World Smarts STEM Challenge, a virtual exchange program funded by the National Science Foundation. During the challenge, they collaborated with students in Ghana on a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project to address climate change challenges affecting their school and local communities.

MHS and Ghana created a prototype to reduce plastic waste by transforming plastic waste material into recycled 3D plastic filament.

The 3D plastic filament will be used in 3D printers to develop classroom materials. The MHS team raised funds to provide their Ghana partner with a 3D printer and materials.

Register For FCEF Silent Auction

The FCEF Gala & Auction event is on Friday, May 19, but the silent auction opens a week

earlier. Register at https://fcedf. auctions.networkforgood.com for a bidder number, browse the items up for bid, mark favorites, and get ready to bid. If one can’t attend the gala event on May 19, one can still bid and win items in the auction. Here is some of the items for bidding: tickets to the James Taylor concert at Wolf Trap, interior design sessions and a custom ukulele.

DANIELLE KUCK AND HANA SALDATE are recipients of TriM’s Recognition of Excellence program. Tri-M is a national honor society for musicians. (Photo: Mary Jo West)

A Penny for Your Thoughts News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

The Board of Supervisors’ markup of the FY 2024 budget was swift and uncomplicated, or so it may have seemed to the casual observer. The final adjustments came after months of community discussions, public hearings, and untold numbers of emails to every county Supervisor that pleaded “reduce my taxes, increase employee compensation, fund the schools, remove invasive vines in our parks, and more funding for affordable housing.” The list goes on, and demonstrates the challenge in balancing available revenues and resources to meet the needs and demands of the public. In 1995, KPMG, a contractor hired by Fairfax County to examine increasing demands on the county budget, said that the answer was “reduce the expectations of your constituents.”

The budget includes a cent-anda-half reduction in the real estate tax, from $1.11 to $1.095 per $100 assessed valuation. When the County Executive’s budget was presented in February, it seemed that a three-cent reduction might be do-able but that same budget proposed only a two percent increase in employee compensation, far below the 5.44 percent Market Rate Adjustment for the region. Wages, post-pandemic, are lagging, especially for public safety. As a result of the Board’s adjustments, the minimum starting salary for police officers will increase by 15 percent, and pay increases for incumbent police officers will range from 10.44 to 15.44 percent. As chairman of the Board’s Personnel and

Reorganization Committee, I appreciated the additional work to increase employee compensation. I supported a larger tax rate reduction originally, but I think that an appropriate balance has been struck to address both tax relief and compensation.

Other adjustments to the budget include $350,000 for the Home Repair Program for Low and Moderate Income elderly and/ or disabled homeowners, which would allow these residents to stay safely in their homes, $200,000 for ArtsFairfax operating support, and funding for Park Authority forestry operations and bamboo removal. The FY 2023 Third Quarter Review is part of the mark-up process. The Third Quarter balance of $10,677,308 was adjusted by $8 million for Affordable Housing Initiatives, $1.7 million for Girls’ Softball Equity Action recommendations, $300,000 to supplement the Fairfax County Public Library collections, and a $60,000 contribution to the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, which is based in Mason District. With adjustments, the Third Quarter Balance is zero, and the FY 2024 budget also is balanced.

A caution for future budgets is the potential demand for localities to make up for reduced or cancelled programs funded by state and federal governments. Nutrition and health care are basic needs that received additional federal funding during the pandemic. Those needs don’t go away, even if the funding does. In

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

Week of April 24 - 30, 2023

Fraud, W Broad St, April 26, 12:15 PM, an incident of fraud was reported.

Larceny from Building, E Broad St, April 26, between 3 and 4:10 PM, unknown suspect(s) took items of value from a secured locker.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, April 28, 2:40 PM, unknown suspect took items of value and left without paying. Suspect described as an elderly male wearing a green jacket and black face mask.

Robbery, W Broad St, April 28, 8:11 PM, unknown suspect exited a black Cadillac sedan and using a sledgehammer broke the glass window

Virginia, the primary source of revenue for localities is the real estate tax; other revenue sources permitted by the Commonwealth are either limited or severely restricted. Local governments have neither the resources nor, in some states, the authority, to make up for the lack of federal and state support.

A few items for your Spring calendar: Culmore Community Day will be held this Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the Woodrow Wilson Library parking lot, 6101 Knollwood Drive in Falls Church. Also on Saturday, the longawaited ribbon-cutting for the Boyd and Charlotte Hogge Park will happen at 12:30 p.m. The new park is located at 3139 Glen Carlyn Road in Falls Church.

The Mason District Governmental Center Open House is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The police department will present bicycle safety, the K-9 unit, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit; the Fire Department will have equipment on display. Indoor activities will include police and county programs, and the Art in the Mason District Governmental Center Program. The art on display is “Images of Green Spring,” a photography exhibit by PJ Gross, who has a background in design and art history.

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

The General Assembly met in mid-April for the reconvened session, where we debated and voted on the Governor’s amendments and vetoes. Overall, the meeting in Richmond went as expected. Now that our work from the reconvened session has concluded, the only outstanding item is the budget. As a reminder, the two proposed budgets from the House of Delegates and Senate are starkly different.

of a jewelry store which was closed but occupied by several employees. Four additional suspects then exited the Cadillac and entered through the broken window. Once inside, one of the suspects and an employee exchanged gunshots. There were no injuries and no items taken. Investigation continues.

Shoplifting, S Washington St, April 29, 12:29 AM, two males, possibly 16-19 years old, picked up four bottles of wine and exited the store without paying.

Driving Under the Influence, Timber Ln, April 30, 1:32 AM, a male, 36, of the City of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Destruction of Property and Driving Under the Influence.

The stalemate between both sides boils down to the debate over taxes. In the biennial budget last year, we passed $4 billion in tax cuts. This year, Governor Youngkin and House Republicans are pushing for an additional $1 billion. He wants both the individual and corporate tax rates lowered to provide relief and make Virginia “more competitive” for business. Senate Democrats are opposed to both ideas for a few reasons. First, we do not need to lower our corporate tax rate. Virginia is an attractive location for large and small employers irrespective of the corporate tax rate. When Amazon announced they had chosen Virginia as the location for their second headquarters, the deciding factor was not our tax rate, but rather our worldclass education system. Both our public schools, where employees would send their kids, as well as our higher education institutions that produce talented and skilled workers made Amazon turn down millions of dollars of incentives from competing states. Secondly, we can provide financial relief to people without permanently lowering our income tax rate. Last year, we issued tax rebates that went directly into the hands of hardworking families. Offering a onetime style relief would be a much better alternative than reducing our revenue for the coming years.

Senate Democrats are holding the line for more investment in social services across the board, but at the top of that list is public education. As previously mentioned, education is one of the most important investments we can make in the Commonwealth. A world-class education system attracts business investment, and our high-quality universities and colleges develop talent that is essential to companies looking to expand their operations. However, higher education is becoming less affordable every

year. Several of our public institutions have already announced tuition increases for the next academic year. It’s worth noting that the Commonwealth used to fund our public universities at a much higher rate. Now with reduced funding, universities are forced to pass costs onto students and their families. This budget surplus is the perfect opportunity to lighten the load and make a four-year degree more accessible for those who choose that path.

Aside from higher education, Senate Democrats are also advocating for greater investment in K-12. As chair of the Senate Finance K-12 Education subcommittee, I know there are plenty of ways to use this budget to re-invest in our schools, students, and teachers. Since the pandemic, we have been working to close the gap on learning loss. Our proposed budget included resources for students, so they can catch up and reach their full potential. Our proposal also includes an additional raise for teachers and higher education employees. This is on top of the raise passed in last year’s budget. Our teachers deserve to be compensated above the national average, not below. Furthermore, we recognize the need to address crumbling school infrastructure.

While there is very little we have been able to find common ground on, we are continuing to negotiate. To be clear, this budget is simply to allocate our existing surplus. Virginia will continue to operate under the current 2022-2024 biennial budget that was passed last year. While it is our full intention and expectation to find a compromise and allocate this surplus responsibly, it would not be unprecedented to proceed without a new budget. In 2001, we were stuck in a similar situation. Unable to come to an agreement over Governor Gilmore’s plans for the car tax, we ended up not passing a budget for that year. While it is not ideal to leave money on the table, giving into demand for the full $1 billion tax cut package would be too harmful to our revenue stream going forward. I have faith that as we continue our discussions, we will be able to find a middle ground that provides financial relief for individuals and much-needed investments in public education.

Senator Dick Saslaw’s Richmond Report

Community News & Notes

Welcoming Refugees Apartment Furnishing

A team of 18 volunteers prepared an apartment for a family from Afghanistan on Tuesday, April 25. Now a team of seven Support Team members, Kevin Hurst, Amy & Tim Cannon, Tate Gould, Rachel Sunden, Liz Weatherly, and Mary Wilcox, will work with the family over the next 18 months to support their transition to life in the U.S. Six volunteers from Insight Property Group, whose Falls Green community is the launch partner of our Welcoming Landlord Network, joined them for the move.

Local Girl Scout Ambassador Presented AED Package

Sarina Winters, Girl Scout Ambassador from Troop 3054, presented a Philips HeartStart FRx AED Complete Value Package with American Heart Association training and certification included for 10 people to the Falls Church City Homeless Shelter to the Homeless Shelter Executive Director, Julene Jarnot, as a result of her Gold Award which she recently completed. Her research revealed the majority of cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital and the chance of survival is drastically increased if someone is able to begin chest compressions and use an AED machine before EMS arrives.

Livable Communities with League of Women’s Voters

The public is invited to a program on AARP’s Livable Communities Initiative, which will take place on Sunday, May 7, at 4 p.m. in the Senior Center Room at the Falls Church Community Center. The program will include a presentation by guest speaker Jane King, who helped develop the Livable Communities Initiative for AARP. In particular, the program will address: (1) how to get people where they want to go, whether or not they own a car; (2) how to design public spaces that foster interactions and relationships; (3) how to provide a variety of housing options; and (4) how to build places where people can live, work, shop and access healthcare This program is co-sponsored by the Falls Church League of Women Voters, Falls Church Forward, and the Falls Church Human Services Advisory Council.

Local Nonprofit Supports Children With Cancer

Local nonprofit HopeCam will have their annual 5K on May 7, 2023, in Reston. In addition, their founder, Len Forkas, is currently climbing Mt. Everest to raise $1M to support children with cancer. Throughout his climb, he is honoring

25 newly diagnosed Hopecam kids. Join Hopecam in helping pediatric cancer patients on Saturday, May 7 for the 5K and Walk at 1890 Preston White Drive, starting at 8:00 a.m.

Three MHS Alums Present at STEM Conference

Congratulations to Megan Tremblay, Lauren Lobaton, and Natalia Pereddo on their presentation, showcase, and peer-review article acceptance at the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association Conference. These former Meridian High School students presented at the 2023 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 12-15, 2023. Their presentation focused on activities completed last year for the Pallets and Planters Project. This project promoted the up-cycling of wood products to provide alternative options for wasted wood materials such as pallets.

Henderson’s “Addams Family” Opens to a Sold Out Crowd

Congratulations to the cast and crew of the “Addams Family “ musical for putting on a hilarious musical production in front

of a sold-out crowd. The audience was thoroughly entertained for the whole play. During closing night, the cast showed gratitude to the leadership of director Lisa Gross and production coordinator Casey Maco, Set Designer Maddy Miller, Vocal Director Lauren Carpel, and costume designer Jen Oeschger. They also thanked the lighting and sound operators and several high schoolers who volunteered their time to help make the production a success.

May 6th from 1-4 p.m., rain or shine. Indulge in a fun afternoon experiencing the wide array of delicious food and beverage offerings at Tysons Corner Center with food sampling, cooking demos, chef appearances, Barrel & Bushel Beer Garden, VIP Tent, live music & entertainment, giveaways, and more.

Falls Church Garden Club

Presents Plant Sale

1st Taste of Tysons

Corner Center to Take Place Soon

Tysons Corner Center invites locals to its 1st Annual Taste of Tysons Corner Center on Saturday,

On Saturday, May 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Falls Church Garden Club will host its plant sale at the Falls Church Community Center. Learn everything about gardening, plants, pots, tools, gifts and

decor.

OVER 60 VOLUNTEERS assembled at Christ Crossman Church on Sunday, April 30th, successfully packing 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Christ Crossman partnered with Rise Against Hunger to assemble the meals that were packed and shipped to those struggling with hunger. (Photo: Monti Board)

A NEW TREE RISES on West Broad Street! At the site of the Read Building, 402 W. Broad, a colorful and creative 12 foot tree was installed this week. (Photo: News-Press Photo )

DANNA LIPMAN ( lower right) celebrated her 40th birthday with her father Hal Lippman and others at Anthony’s Restaurant. (Photo: Gary Mester)

THIS WEEK IN THE LITTLE CITY

lenger Josh Katcher for ArlingtonFalls Church Commonwealth's Attorney. Early in-person voting continues Monday through Friday until the election on June 20. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Building Safety Month

May is Building Safety Month, and for the first week features "Building Safety Starts at Home." Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace dead or expired batteries, and ensure all are at minimum installed outside of any sleeping areas, inside every bedroom, and on every floor. Review your emergency escape plan. Clear gutters and check outlets for loose connections or aging power strips. All day.

Xanadu

Marshall High School Statesmen Theatre presents: "Xanadu."

Based on the cult classic movie of the same title, a Greek muse inspires love, laughter and the world's first roller disco in a 1980s glitter explosion. George C. Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY MAY 5

Early Voting Begins: F.C. Democratic Primary

Early voting begins for the Democratic Primary. F.C. voters choose between Chap Petersen and Saddam Salim in the race to represent the newly drawn VA 37th Senate District, and incumbent Parisa Dehghani-Tafti and chal-

Mosaic Cinco de Mayo Festival

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mosaic at their annual block party presented by Urbano. Enjoy a funfilled celebration of Mexican culture filled with food, dance and live music featuring 123 Andrés, a mariachi band, Quimbao Latin Band, and DJ tunes throughout the day.

Indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine, including a taco and fajita bar and sip on refreshing drinks like beer, tequila and margaritas. Urbano Mosaic (2958 District Ave., Fairfax, VA), 4:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

A 90s J.A.M.

What we gonna do now is go back, way back…to the 90’s that is!

J.A.M. the Revue, the metropolitan area’s exciting song and dance revue, is back with A90’sJ.A.M.!, a crowd-thrilling dance spectacular paying tribute to some of music's greatest legends and featuring your favorite hits from the 90s! Tickets at a90sjam.eventbrite.com.

BalletNOVA Center for Dance (3443 Carlin Springs Rd., Falls Church), 8:00 p.m.

Cirque de la Symphonic

A breathtaking and lively high-flying display. This group continues to wow NSO audiences with jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strong-

men, and more, bringing the music of the Nat. Symphony to life in unique and delightful ways. Kennedy Center Concert Hall (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.

David Cook: Race for Hope Benefit Concert

David Cook performs with Todd Wright & Shane Hines. Supporting the National Brain Tumor Society. Jammin' Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA), 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY MAY 6

Arlington Civitans Open Air Flea Market

The Civitan Open Air Flea Market, one of Northern Virginia’s largest and oldest public flea markets, is located in the I-66 garage adjacent Washington-Lee H.S. and the Arlington Planetarium. There you’ll find over 150 vendors — selling a variety of goods ranging from books, clothes, furniture, garden tools, household goods, jewelry, shoes, toys, records, and so much more — spread out over 5 levels of a 20,000 sq ft parking garage. All proceeds support causes espoused by the Arlington Civitan. The Civitan Open Air Flea Market (4001 15th St. N, I-66 Garage, Arlington, VA), 7:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

F.C. Farmers Market & Elementary Bake Sale

An open-air market featuring vendors selling a variety of fresh produce and meat, baked and prepared goods, and other wares. This week be sure to support the bake sale raising money to send Oak Street Elementary's team to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Lansing, MI! City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Around the World Embassy Tours

Embassies from multiple nonEuropean Union (EU) countries host open houses to visitors and residents to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants will travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion and music of different countries. Free and public event; no registration or tickets required. Participating Embassies (visit bit.ly/FCNP0523et for a full list, DC), 10:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.

Mosaic Spring "Makers Market" Pop-Up

Browse creative makers at URBNmarket’s pop-up market. With a weather forecast perfect for outdoor shopping, don't miss this opportunity to buy gifts for Mother’s or Father’s Day, graduation and teacher’s gifts, or something for yourself! Mosaic District (2905 District Ave., Fairfax, VA), 11:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Quentin Walston Trio

Quentin Walston Trio performs.. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Taste of Tysons Corner

Experience Tysons Corner Center's wide array of food and beverage offerings with food sampling, cooking demos, chef appearances, a beer garden, live music and entertainment, a photo booth, giveaways, and more! Open to the public and free to attend. Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, VA), 1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Gardening With Our "Deer" Friends

This talk will discuss the problems deer cause to landscapes and suggest ways to mitigate damage and plant in a way that discourages deer from choosing your yard as their lunch. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m

AAPINH Heritage Month Celebration

GMU Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration. Free admission, unticketed. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 3:00 p.m.

SUNDAY MAY 7 Virginia 2023

Psychic Fair

Whether curious or serious, this free indoor event features 44 vendors who, besides readings being done at tables, will have related art, crafts, books, oils, crystals, sages, herbs, jewelry, gemstones, candles,

soaps, and more. Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge (8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA), 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Jurassic Encounter Walk-Thru Experience

The Dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction and set to invade Northern Virginia! This walk-thru dinosaur exhibit returns with an up close and personal roar you can feel! Running through May 14, the Jurassic Encounter is a walkthrough experience featuring more than 50 static and moving, life-like dinosaurs that both entertain and educate. Enjoy digging for dinosaur bones, the Dino Village, shopping, food trucks, free photo opportunities, games, bouncy houses and more. Bull Run Special Events Center (7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA), 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.

Free Calligraphy Demo

Drop by and meet calligraphist Jenny Paxton, who will be demonstrating her work and offering a free personalized calligraphy item for those in attendance. A beautiful mode of conveying thoughts, noting identity, and preserving an ancient tradition. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.

L'Chaim

From the stages of the lower east side to the bright lights of Broadway, "L’Chaim" is a musical journey that pays tribute to the Jewish legacy in musical theater by exploring and celebrating the unique role of Jewish composers and lyricists. Rooted in history, heritage and tradition, four Jewish performers bring to life the most iconic songs from the stage of past and present and the historical stories that go with them. The Alden Theatre (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 2:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.

Unnecessary Farce

Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go! Set in an economy motel, an embezzling small-town mayor is to meet with his female accountant. In the room next door, two inept undercover cops aim to catch the mayor on camera doing the guilty deeds. When the camera catches a bit of unrehearsed hanky-panky and a kilt-wearing, bagpipe-wielding, hit-man stumbles into the fray, comic pandemonium ensues! Program and tickets at viennava.gov/theatre. Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA), 2:00 p.m.

HELP SEND OAK STREET E.S. students to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at their F.C. Farmer's Market bake sale or on GoFundMe at bit.ly/FCNP0523om (Courtesy Photo)

EVENTS, MUSIC, ART & THEATRE

Falls Church Forward: Livable Cities

How can we make Falls Church more livable and accessible for people of all ages? Join Falls Church Forward, in collaboration with the League of Women Voters and the city’s Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), for food and a talk with Jane King from AARP's Livable Communities program to recommend how to make a “livable community.” in The Little City. Falls Church Forward, an organization committed to welcoming current and future residents, businesses, and neighbors interested in the future of Falls Church, believes that what makes a “livable community” for seniors makes a livable community for everyone. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Bldg., Falls Church), 4:00 p.m.

If Music Be the Food of Love

To celebrate its 35th season, the Peabody Renaissance Ensemble joins forces with Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and the Baltimore Baroque Band to present music and scenes from Shakespeare and excerpts from Purcell’s Tempest. Tickets at capitolearlymusic.org. St. Columba's Episcopal Church (4201 Albermarle St. NW, Washington, DC), 4:00 p.m.

Mary Poppins

A special performance of Mary Poppins by Mini-Musicals on the Move. Reunite with the practically perfect nanny, Bert the chimney sweep, the Banks family, and all the wonderful songs we love. Enjoy this interactive, live production complete with sing-alongs! Free and open to the public; donations of dried and canned goods gladly accepted. Christ Crossman UMC (384 N. Washington St., Falls Church), 4:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.

MONDAY MAY 8

Noche de Estrellas 2023 Benefit

This benefit celebrates GALA Theatre’s artistic vision and commitment to youth education programs and honors the achievement of leaders in the arts, philanthropy, and community. Funds raised will

strengthen GALA’s Paso Nuevo youth education program, which provides a creative space where youth can explore their identity and develop artistic and academic skills that help them succeed in life. Featuring a dinner reception, silent and live auctions, and performances. Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 6:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting with Budget Hearing

At this month's City Council meeting, the Council will hold a second reading and public hearing on the proposed budget ordinance, tax rates, and Capital Improvements Program. City Council is anticipated to adopt the ordinances at this meeting. The public is welcome to address City Council on any topic during the public comment period. Those interested in commenting may sign up at fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Watch the meeting live or recorded at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings and FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

TUESDAY

MAY 9

Health Series: Eat Well, Be Well

Start your summer off with a good meal plan! Review the foundation of a healthy diet that promotes strong immune function, discuss scalable meal planning, and get tips and tricks to maximize efficiency while minimizing waste and time. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

Housing Commission Meeting

Housing Commission meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Aurora House Citizens' Advisory Cmte. Mtg.

Aurora House Girls Group

Home Citizens' Advisory Committee meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Laurel Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

FCCPS School Board Mtg.

Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) School Board meeting. Attend in-person or join virtually at meet.google.com/ rre-tjxu-ote. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

MAY 10

Appointments Cmte. Mtg.

The City Council Appointments Committee will meet to interview candidates for boards and commissions and conduct exit interviews. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 8:30 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.

Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Cmte. Mtg.

Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee (SWMPAC) meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Teen Art Club: Paper Quilling

A place for teens in grades 6-12 to create and explore. This month create designs with small strips of paper using a technique called quilling. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Mtg. Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks meeting. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Bldg., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Citizens' Advisory Transportation Cmte. Mtg. Citizens' Advisory Committee on Transportation meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.

Architectural Advisory Board Mtg. Architectural Advisory Board meeting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.

THE JURASSIC ENCOUNTER walk-thru experience entertains and educates with over fifty static and moving, lifelike dinosaurs. At Bull Run this weekend. (Courtesy Photo)

Bunt from Birthday Boy Seals Hammerheads Extra Inning Win Baseball, Softball Hit Slumps as Home Stretch Approaches

contributors with one hit each. The Smurfs put up a fight from the mound with Fay striking out eight batters. Cole Beck struck out four and James Owen struck out two. In the field, Simon Coho was a star at shortstop while James Owen continued his excellent play behind the plate.

Majors Division Season Standings as of April 30

by Erika Toman

The Hammerheads pulled away in the eighth inning and took home the 5-3 win against the Smurfs. The extra-frame victory was set up by an excellent bunt from outfielder Parker Gershman, on his twelfth birthday no less, helping seal the win for the Hammerheads.

For the Hammerheads, a strong night of pitching with 15 total strikeouts contributed to the win. Starting pitcher Jack Rainbolt went two innings, striking out three, giving up three runs for a solid outing. Relivers Evan Toman and Luca

Pipia turned in strong outings, with Toman going two and two-thirds giving up one hit and logging three strikeouts, while Pipia went three and a third, striking out a whopping nine batters and only giving up one hit. Offensively, the Hammerheads had hits by Gershman, Pipia, Toman, and Lucas Testa. Defensively, the team was led by Ben Bolin with two amazing catches in right field.

The Smurfs have hot bats this season with the entire roster of 12 recording hits already. This game featured six total hits with James Owen and Simon Coho leading the team, each racking up two hits.

Drew Fay and Sam Crean were also

Hammerheads (sponsored by Chandler’s Heating and Plumbing)

6-5

Red Robbers

(sponsored by The Mount Rushmores) 8-3

Cherry Bombs

(sponsored by Anthony Wilder) 8-3

Greyhounds

(sponsored by Davis Laine, LLC)

6-5

Smurfs

(sponsored by Don Beyer Volvo) 4-7

Ranch Falls Church

(sponsored by NDI Custom Homes)

1-10

by Ryan McCafferty

The calendar has turned to May, meaning that spring sports season is winding to a close, with less than a month until playoffs begin. How did Meridian’s athletic programs fare this past week?

Boys’ soccer picked up a pair of wins on back-to-back days, beating Brentsville 5-0 at home on Tuesday and then defeating Annandale 4-1 on the road on Wednesday. The girls only played one game, visiting Brentsville on Tuesday where they lost 1-4, and both teams will now prepare for showdowns against William Monroe this Tuesday. The boys are now 7-3 on the season while the girls fell to 5-2-1 . Baseball also only played once this past week, losing 2-7 at home to Brentsville on Tuesday and dropping to 10-3 on the season. They’ll look to rebound as they visit William Monroe this Tuesday, the first of two road matchups this week as they’ll also travel to Warren County on Friday. Softball, meanwhile, took a pair of losses at home to Brentsville and at Fauquier on Tuesday and

In Memoram: Mary Louise Francis Bolchoz Tallant

Mary Louise Francis Bolchoz Tallant, known to many as “Mary Lou” passed away at home surrounded by her family, Wednesday April 19, 2023.

Mary Lou, the oldest of six children, was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1934 to Eugene Richard and Louise Heaton Bolchoz. She attended Sacred Heart Grammar school and Bishop England High School. Mary Lou married her husband, Arnold Tallant, an active duty naval petty officer, and for the first 15 years of their marriage they moved to military bases across the U.S. Eventually they settled down with their six children in Arlington and later Falls Church VA where they resided for 48 years.

Mary Lou is survived by five of her six children, son Thomas (spouse Lauri) Tallant of Front Royal VA, daughters Joy Tallant (spouse Jonathon) Busch of Springfield VA, Catherine Tallant of Falls Church, VA, Rebecca Tallant (spouse Patrick) Mani

of Virginia Beach, VA, and Judith Tallant (spouse Stephen) Baggett of Leesburg, VA. In addition she is survived by eleven grandchildren Jessica (spouse Kelvin) Houghton, Eric Busch (spouse Adriana Vizuete), Tate (spouse Julie) Motts, Elizabeth Busch, Andrew Busch, Ashlynne Sisk (spouse Michael Rico), Abbigale Sisk, Mary (spouse Jacob) Mosh, Olivia Mani, Slater Bag gett and Evan Baggett, as well as eight great grandchildren Chloe Busch, Martin Houghton, Caroline Houghton, Nico Busch, Julia Hope Motts, Trace Motts, Adilynne Sisk, Autumn Rico and one great, great grandchild Saint Busch.

Mary Lou is also survived by her two sisters, Peggy Bolchoz (spouse William L.)

Morrison of Charleston, S.C. and Collie Bolchoz (spouse Hugh) Yarborough of Monks Corner, S.C., as well as many cousins, including Kay Man -

ning and Caroline Bebout, whom she spoke with everyday.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, retired Naval Lt. Commander and CACI executive, Arnold Tallant (2008), and her beloved first child, daughter Marilyn Tallant (spouse Leon) Motts who passed away January 23, 2023, as well as her parents, Eugene and Louise Bolchoz, and her 3 brothers Eugene Richard (spouse Jay) Bolchoz Jr., Abney C. (spouse Carolyn) Bolchoz, and Timothy J. (spouse Janet) Bolchoz.

Mary Lou was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a Christian, with tremendous faith, and prayed daily for her family members, friends, as well as for politicians, leaders, governments, and nations. She was compassionate and tolerant, and routinely supported national and

Wednesday, respectively, ending their five-game winning streak as they now sit at 7-4-1. As with the baseball team, they’ll travel to William Monroe on Tuesday. Lacrosse saw some mixed results, as both the boys and girls went 1-1 this past week. The boys held serve against James Monroe at home on Monday, winning 13-7, but then fell 3-19 at Briar Woods on Wednesday. They’ll face Fauquier in a neutral site game at Liberty-Bealeton this Monday as they look to improve upon their 6-4 record, while the girls will host that same opponent. They played a pair of very close games this past week, losing 13-14 at Riverside on Wednesday and then flipping the script the next night as they beat Langley 14-13 at home. Their record is now 6-3.

Girls’ tennis also split this past week’s matchups, beating Brentsville on the road on Tuesday to the tune of 7-2 before losing 3-6 at Marshall on Wednesday, bringing them to a record of 4-7 as their road trip continues at Skyline this Monday. The boys’ results once again could not be reported.

international charities that provided food and medical care to children in the poorest regions. During her entire life she always seemed to be surrounded by children, from her siblings, to her own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary Lou was a talented singer, with a beautiful soprano voice. At the early age of 10 years old, she auditioned and won a recurring singing role on the popular radio show, “The Stars of Tomorrow.” She sang weekly for the next two years, and this experience ignited a lifelong passion for singing and performing. She was a member of the St. Anthony’s church choir, and also a member of a local vocal group that sang at various community events, including a special performance at the Washington Kennedy center. She was a talented painter, and hand paint- ed fine china. Mary Lou was a gifted author and wrote

several short stories and poems. She loved flowers and was an avid gardener who at one time had over 100 rose bushes. She was an active member of the St. James prayer group, and Northern VA Writers Club. Mary Lou was friendly, cheerful, and kind and always made time to listen and support those in need. Her family and friends grieve the significant loss of this very important, beautiful woman.

Finding Themes, Technique, and Humor at the All Members Show

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

More than one hundred fifty-five artists are being presented in an All Member Show at the Falls Church Arts Gallery from April 22 to June 25. There is no one unifying theme, so it is left to the visitor to find an interesting thread while touring through the exhibition. We noted in particular the preponderance of works with the theme of the beach and ocean; perhaps this is so as we now find ourselves on the cusp of summer. These include Al Krachman’s “Kauai Wavecatcher” (digital photography of a surfing scene on the Hawaiian Islands), a watercolor of a lighthouse and beach by Jinling Elliott in far-away “Vashon Island, Washington,” and the watercolor “Breaking Free from Tradition,” this last painting described by its artist Noreen Brunini as “including a surreal vignette within the hour glass of a child finding fun and freedom at the beach.”

One beach painting in acrylic presages the summer season with two girls (perhaps sisters) in summer dresses looking out at the sea and the wispy clouds across the sky in the top half of the painting. In the foreground, sanddune fences lean leftwards, giving this picture a windy atmosphere with the girls’ hair tossed rightwards by the wind. With this breezy atmosphere, the viewer can anticipate in great excitement the upcoming summer season. Surprisingly, however, the artist Roxanne Kaylor calls this painting “Winter Beach,” and notes “this scene was captured in late December in Virginia Beach.”

Leaving seascapes and beach scenes behind, an unusual acrylic painting caught our eye in Dave Curtis’ “Vincent Van Escargot’s Slimy Night,” depicting a clever reimagining of the classic work “The Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh with a slimy twist. Rotating swirls indicate stars akin to the original work but, lo and behold! Below a massive snail fills the space once occupied by the small town in Van Gogh’s original. What was once a mountain is now the pinnacle of the snail trail. Wriggly and slimy or unique and new, the choice is left to the viewer. While Mr. Curtis offers a humorous take on Van Gogh’s famous masterwork, he at the same time pays tribute to the original Impressionist piece with a similar blue-and-yellow color palette as well as thoughtful details such as the matching number of stars. Differing starkly in theme from the original, here we note the snail’s body is shaped like a brain.

With a similar touch of swirls as the Van Gogh-like

RAJENDRA KC’S “St. James Church, Falls Church” is one of many pieces featured at the Falls Church Arts Gallery’s All Member Show

R������� KC)

starry painting above, a radically different color palette can be seen in Samantha Labe Fiddy’s “Color Me Glad.” Here a swirl of colorful drops (or drips?) akin to raindrops form a spiral leading the viewer’s eye downwards towards a monarch butterfly at left which sits upon an alizarin crimson flower. Visible brushstrokes can be witnessed throughout the canvas, hinting at the multitudinous colors in nature. Sunlight appears to glisten in the yellows of the painting, perhaps signifying hope and happiness.

Moving past intriguing collages such as Nick Gatz’ mixed-media work presenting popular culture of “The 90’s” and Dennis D’Bayan’s acrylic on watercolor paper of “The Last Days” (referencing the Passion of Christ), we alight on Deborah Conn’s watercolor portrait of a woman in “The Way She Sees It.” The artist told Falls Church News-Press of her painting: “I love to paint hands, and the expression on her face was terrific—a no-nonsense, kind of challenging look. I also enjoy a challenge, and the reflections and her hair were both a little of that.”

For those looking for local scenes, the City of Falls Church is represented in the timeless watercolors of “St. James Church, Falls Church” by Rajendra KC and “Cherry Hill” by Brian Aburano. Moving towards Arlington and Washington, D.C., photographer Daniel Horowitz captures in photography a crescent moon intersecting the U.S. Air Force Memorial in an image he likens by title to “Jacob’s Ladder.”

ROXANNE KAYLOR’S “Winter Beach.” (P����: R������ K�����)

Whether one comes for an appreciation of technique or new vistas on nature and life, the All Members Show has something for everyone. We note in closing that the current All Member Show only covers submissions from members with last names starting from A-K! Submissions from artists with last names from L-Z will be on view from May 27 to June 25, and we look forward to seeing more intriguing works of art in various media at that time.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on April 10, 2023. Public hearings are scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2023 and Monday, May 8, 2023, with second reading and final Council action scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard.

(TO23-03) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024: GENERAL FUND; SCHOOL OPERATING FUND; SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND; SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND; CABLE ACCESS FUND; SEWER FUND; STORMWATER FUND; AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS; AND ADOPTING THE FY2024-FY2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The FY2024 proposed budget and Capital Improvements Program (CIP) includes:

• $118,362,643 for the General Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $6,770,979 for the Sewer Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $1,845,000 for the Stormwater Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $247,938 for the Cable Access Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $120,000 for the Affordable Housing Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $61,442,261 for the School Operating Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $2,310,700 for the School Community Service Fund revenues and expenditures.

• $1,382,794 for the School Food Service Fund revenues and expenditures.

• The proposed FY2024 appropriation for the CIP includes $8,151,251 for the General Government and Schools, $23,898,716 for the Special Transportation Fund, $11,527,084 for the Sewer Fund, and $4,400,000 for the Stormwater Fund for a total of $47,977,051.

The CIP is funded with $31,866,166 in grants, $1,827,550 of General Fund revenues, $860,000 of General Fund Capital Reserves, $2,234,584 of Sewer Fund revenues and fund balance, and $9,292,500 of debt proceeds; $1,896,251 is unfunded.

• The proposed FY2024-FY2029 CIP includes $24,935,501 for the General Government and Schools, $92,763,818 for the Special Transportation Fund, $23,828,340 for the Sewer Fund, and $11,850,000 for the Stormwater Fund for a total of $153,377,659 to be funded with $81,162,935 of grants, $11,071,550 of General Fund revenues, $11,467,223 of General Fund Capital Reserves, $9,480,366 of Sewer Fund revenues and fund balance, and $26,315,084 of debt proceeds; $13,880,501 is unfunded.

(TO23-04) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2024 AND ON PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY SEGREGATED BY LAW FOR LOCAL TAXATION IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA FOR TAX YEAR 2023

The proposed real estate tax rate for the tax year beginning July 1, 2023 is:

• $1.23 upon each $100.00 of assessed value of real estate in the City of Falls Church, which is a $0 (0%) change in the current tax rate.

The proposed tax rate for tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for the tax year beginning January 1, 2023 are:

• $5.00 upon each $100.00 of assessed value on tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for local taxation within the City, including the property separately classified by § 58.13500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia;

• $4.80 upon each $100 of assessed value for vehicles classified under § 58.1-3506.A.48.a

through 58.1-3506.A.48.d shall be levied at a rate of $4.80 upon each $100 of assessed value (increased from $4.30 current rate, an increase of $0.50 cents or 12%);

• and pursuant to § 58.1-2606 of the Code of Virginia, a portion of assessed value of tangible personal property of public service corporations shall be taxed at the real estate rate.

(TO23-05) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT AND RECODIFY CHAPTER 42, “UTILITIES” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO REVISE SEWER RATES AND FEES AS OF JULY 1, 2023

Under the legal authority granted by VA §15.22119, Sewer rates and fees are proposed as follows:

• an increase to the sewer commodity rate from $10.17 per thousand gallons of water billed (billing unit) to $10.48 is proposed, effective July 1, 2023, which would constitute an increase of 3% per billing unit.

• an increase to sewer availability charges from $7,680 to $8,860 for single-family dwellings and detached and semi-detached duplexes or townhouses; from $6,140 to $7,088 for apartment or condominium buildings; from $1,920 to $2,215 for motel, hotel units; and from $320 to $443 for each drainage fixture unit for commercial, industrial, and other uses.

(TO23-06) ORDINANCE TO SET THE STORMWATER UTILITY BILLING UNIT

RATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 42, ARTICLE VII OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA AS OF JULY 1, 2023

Under the legal authority granted by VA § 15.22114, an increase to the City stormwater utility unit billing rate from $19.28 per 200 square feet of impervious surface (billing unit) to $20.05 per billing unit annually is proposed, effective July 1, 2023, which would constitute an increase of 4% per billing unit.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on May 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following item:

Variance application V1639-23 by Mitch Gershman, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-263(3)a. to allow a second-story addition above a non-conforming side-yard setback of 8.1 feet instead of the required 10 feet maximum at premises known as 305 Rollins Street, RPC #52-309-099 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential.

Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on May 11, 2023. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA

Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The ordinance referenced below were given first reading on April 24, 2023. Public hearing, second reading, and final Council consideration are scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters

may be heard.

(TO23-09) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT, AND RECODIFY CHAPTER 15, “FEES,”

ARTICLE III, “DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS” AND ARTICLE IV, “DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH TO UPDATE AND REVISE CERTAIN FEES EFFECTIVE

JULY 1, 2023

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

Legal Notice

Truist Bank, located at 5203 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310, is in possession of assets owned by the decedent, Daniel Mountain, who at the time of his death was domiciled outside of Virginia. In accordance with Va. Code Ann. §64.2-609(A), Truist Bank hereby gives public notice of its intention to deliver the decedent’s assets to the Administrator of decedent’s estate, Chris Mountain, who has qualified as Administrator in accordance with the law of the decedent’s domicile. Delivery is to be made after the lapse of thirty (30) days from the completion of due publication of this notice, pursuant to the Code, once a week for four successive weeks. Inquiries, including any notice of the appointment of a personal representative for decedent in Virginia or legal notice of any lien or encumbrance upon decedent’s assets, should be directed to Truist Bank at the address above.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Public Notice

An enforcement action has been proposed for Murphy Brothers Inc for violations of State Water Control Board statutes and regulations and applicable permit at the Yellow Cab of Falls Church facility located in Falls Church, Virginia. The proposed Consent Order is available from the DEQ contact or at www.deq.virginia.gov/ permits-regulations/public-notices. The DEQ contact will accept written comments from May 9, 2023 to June 8, 2023. DEQ contact: Katherine Mann; email – katherine.mann@ deq.virginia.gov; or mail - DEQ Northern Regional Office, 13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193.

Public Notice

Falls Church City School Board

FY24 Budget Public Hearing

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Falls Church City Council Chambers

300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046

Written comments may be submitted to the School Board at schoolboard@fccps.org

Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

Architectural Advisory Board (alternate)

Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church

Board of Equalization

City Employee Review Board

Environmental Sustainability Council

Historical Commission Human Services Advisory Council

Deck Specialists!

Shine at Home

Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Regional Boards/Commissions

Fairfax Area Commission on Aging

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia Long Term Care Coordinating Council Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission Virginia Career Works Northern Region Ad Hoc Committee Sold Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee: This Committee will advise the City Council in the development of the City’s 20-year Solid Waste Management Plan.

ABC NOTICE

Takumi J Llc. Trading as Takumi, 310 Washington St. S B, Falls Church VA 22046. 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. 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

FOR SALE

Stunning First floor unit on Quiet side of building in highly sought after Renaissance condo building. Ideal for someone that wants to avoid elevators, or wants convenience of walking pets directly outside of your first-floor balcony. 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit has higher ceilings then upper floors. Building is located within mins of Tysons Corner mall, just off 495/66**Indoor/Outdoor pool and many other amazing amenities in the building**Call Munir Dellawar with Samson Properties at 703-622-9197.

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

EVENTS

BIG ANTIQUES & Vintage Show/Sale, May 19-20, 70th Fishersville Antiques Expo, Expoland, Fishersville, VA (I-64, Exit 91), 200+ dealers, four buildings & outside, Friday 9-5pm & Saturday 9-4pm. www.heritagepromotions. net 434-846-7452.

Live Fish for stocking ponds. Many varieties available. Free to low delivery to your pond. Call Zetts Fish Farm for information 304-8214496, 304-995-9202, Cell 304-820-6986.

Continued

Falls Church

Business News & Notes

Restaurants Open in Founders Row

Our Journey Brands, previously known as Happy Endings Hospitality, is a growing restaurant group with six successful concepts in the Northern Virginia area. Three of these restaurants have now opened in Founders Row: Chasin’ Tails, seafood that celebrates; Nue, modern Vietnamese and Roll Play, Viet street food. Carey and Yuan Tang, who earned a Michelin star with Rooster and Owl, have opened Ellie Bird. The Tangs grew up in Falls Church and their daughter, Ellie, inspired the new concept, a contemporary, casual restaurant.

Envision Route 7 – BRT Open House May 16

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) is hosting a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Community Open House on Tuesday, May 16, 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library. There will be refreshments at 6:30 and a presentation at 7:00 in the lower-level conference room. NVTC leads the planning process for Envision Route 7 which is designed to connect the Alexandria Mark Center to Tysons via Bailey’s Crossroads, Seven Corners and Falls Church along the Route 7 corridor. BRT is a bus-based transit system that gives fast and efficient service that may include dedicated lanes, busways, traffic signal priority, and enhanced stations. Project team staff will be available to answer questions and get feedback on the draft concepts to improve transit service in Falls Church.

Class on Independent Contractor Agreements

The Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia (WBC) is facilitating an online class, Top 5 Clauses for Your Independent Contractor Agreement, on Thursday, May 11, 1:00 – 2:00 pm. The session will explain the difference between being deemed an employee versus an independent contractor and go over the factors that regulators and the IRS take into consideration when determining whether to classify a person working for a business as an employee or an independent contractor, and more. The speaker is Bonnie Sanchez, Esq., The Law office of Bonnie M. Sanchez. The session fee is $25 and the link will be shared upon registration at https://wbcnova.centerdynamics.com/workshop.aspx?ekey=10430016

GDIT Spotlight for Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Virginia Business is giving the spotlight to Amy Gilliland, President of General Dynamics Information Technology, in recognition of her work to destigmatize and promote mental health care. Following an employee’s suicide, she launched a company campaign, “How are you, really,” to raise awareness of mental wellness and better support one another. Thousands of employees hold security clearances and nearly 30 percent are veterans, both of which have experienced stigma around pursuit of mental health services and the impact upon their clearances. Gilliland believes that it’s the responsibility of an employer to raise awareness of mental wellness and strives for a healthy and resilient team. Her dedication to this effort has led to an increase of those seeking counseling.

State Department Clears Possible Sale of BAE-Made Rocket

The State Department approved a possible $31.2 million sale of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II laser-guided munitions to the U.K. government. BAE Systems will execute the contract. The U.K. government ordered 768 of single-variant, all-up round units of APKWS-II and supporting equipment. The contract also covers logistics, engineering and technical support. Five government representatives and five officials from BAE systems will visit the U.K. over a five-year period to ensure delivery and equipment familiarity. The potential sale is expected to benefit the British Royal Air Force, including its interoperability with U.S. and other military allies.

 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.

In Memoram: Michael Farbman

Michael Farbman, age 79, retired USAID Senior Foreign Service Officer, died peacefully April 16, 2023, at home in Falls Church, VA. He is survived by his wife, Susan, three daughters and their families, including five grandchildren, and his sister, Bette Silverman. A memorial gathering will be planned for autumn. Condolences may be made at https://novacremate. com/ .

Mike was in every way an enthusiast – of food, people, travel, exercise, humor, music, and his work. He was devoted to addressing inequality around the world, traveling to at least 74 countries and residing in ten. He tasted every dish he could, the hotter the better. He sang every word of Georgian songs and doo-wop music. He ran so many 10k races his collection of free t-shirts will long outlive him. He treasured his large extended family, and the many close friendships he formed

around the world.

Mike was born in Newark, NJ and received his Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University. For seven years, he was Lecturer in Applied Economics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, also serving on sabbatical as a consultant to the ILO’s World Employment Program in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 1977, Mike joined USAID’s then-Technical Assistance Bureau as an economist, responsible for developing a portfolio of employment and enterprise development projects.

Mike’s work as head of the PISCES project is credited as the “genesis” of USAID’s microfinance assistance. In 1994, he converted to USAID’s Foreign Service, serving as Mission Director in 5 countries, and as USAID Chair and Professor of Economics at ICAF. In 2008, he received the Administrator’s Outstanding Career Achievement Award.

CLASSIFIEDS

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation.

Call Today! 1-844-945-1631 SERVICES

DIVORCE-Uncontested, $475+$86 court cost. WILLS-$295.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days.

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

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 888-608-4974

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify.

Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855-970-1995

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors are here to help take the guesswork out of senior care for you and your family. Call for your FREE, no-obligation consultation: 1-844-494-0682

C ritter C orner

line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-591-9950

Mike was an active volunteer with the International Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF), and received its Judith May Volunteer Award in 2021. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to IWMF (https://tinyurl.com/ iwmfgive ).

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 3678530. Toll free call (888) 5513247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753. fcnp.com

CICI (pronounced Ce-Ce) loves talking and taking walks. We adopted her last year from Toby’s Rescue and she is originally from Puerto Rico.

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

Where To Find The News-Press

• 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, 417 W. Broad St. #103

• The Original Pancake House, 7395 Lee Hwy.

• The UPS St.ore, 1069 W. Broad St.

• Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd.

• Towne Place Suites – Marriot, 205 Hillwood Ave.

• Unity Club, 116-B W. Broad St.

• UPS Store Seven Corners, 6312 Seven Corners Ctr.

• US Post Office, 2045 Wilson Blvd.

• Verso Founders Row, 105 Founders Row

• Westlee Condominium 2200 N WeSt.moreland

• Wendy’s – Bus St.op, 7391 Lee Hwy.

• West Falls Church Metro (Box) 7040 Haycock Rd.

• Woodrow Wilson Community Library, 6101 Knollwood Dr.

• Yayla Bistro, 2201 N. West Moreland St.