Falls Church News-Press 5-7-2020 by Falls Church News-Press

May 7 — 13, 2020

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F.C. Council Plans Next Steps With Statewide Reopening Looming Fairfax Health Officials’ Predicted Infection Peak of May 25 Counters Economic Hopes

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields announced to the City Council during its online work session Monday night that a local business reopening group

has been formed to help the City craft and execute its response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s tentative plan to begin a measured Phase 1 reopening of some business activity in the state by the end of next week. This comes even as Covid-19

Summer School Decision Comes Friday as Graduation Prep Starts BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The decision on whether there will be any face-to-face summer school sessions for the Falls Church City Public Schools will be announced by Superintendent Peter Noonan tomorrow, which was discussed at the online meeting of the system’s School Board Tuesday night. Noonan said his decision will come following his weekly online meeting with the Fairfax County Public Health Department Friday morning. He said that at last week’s meeting, it was established that new cases of Covid-19 infections were still on the rise and expected to continue to an estimated apex on May 25. He said the system is in the process of transition planning to what may follow as the crisis hopefully begins to mitigate over the summer, and that it is proceed-

infections continue to rise in this region, with numbers not expected to peak until May 25, according to Fairfax County Health Department officials. Shields told the News-Press Tuesday that he assigned key members of the City staff to the

group with the purpose of being prepared to help businesses as they transition to the governor’s Phase 1 reopening. The team is composed of Economic Development Office chief Becky Witsman, fire official Henry Lane, emergency manager Joe Carter and building

official Doug Fraser. Shields indicated that he might add more from the private sector. Northam’s May 15 target for initial openings, however, remains subject to data about the progress

Continued on Page 4

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ing with newly-announced innovative plans for the graduation of the Class of 2020 at George Mason High School. The plan, developed with student contributors, actually kicked off this week with the surprise deployment of signs distributed to the homes of 183 graduating seniors announcing that a “GMHS Class of 2020 student lives here.” The Mason PTSA spearheaded the effort that also included scores of signs for businesses and citizens saying “We Stand With the GMHS Class of 2020.” The next step will see the distribution of caps and gowns to the graduating students that will be carried out tomorrow with driveby distribution outside at the high school and directions for each student to create a video at home showing students wearing their IT’S GRAD SEASON. Sure, it may feel a bit different than years past due to the coronavirus pancaps and gowns and turning tas- demic, but families of George Mason High School graduates still proudly displayed the signs either in their windows or their front lawns in honor of their newest graduate. (P��: FCCPS P��/

Continued on Page 5

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SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 8

SEE STORY, PAGE 15

The deadline has been moved to next Friday, May 15 for the City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA)’s Small Business Covid-19 Emergency Grant program in order to give business owners enough time to complete applications.

After seeing how people from around the country took matters into their own hands and made protective masks and face shields to help the shortage during the pandemic, career do0ityourself-er Jon Girard and his wife Jennifer sprang into action.

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Northern Virginia’s own “Rockin’ the Suburbs” podcast from Falls Church’s Patrick Foster and Ashburn resident Jim Lenahan will take their show to Jammin’ Java’s stage next Wednesday. SEE PRESS PASS, PAGE 14

INDEX Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 News & Notes............................10–11 Comment ............................... 7,12–13 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Business News ................................. 18 Critter Corner.................................... 18

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 2 | MAY 7 - 13, 2020

EXTENDED: Grant Application Closes Friday, May 15 at 11:30 p.m.!

The City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA) invites small businesses in the City to apply for a $2,000 grant to help meet urgent business needs. The deadline is now extended to May 15!

Find out if your business is eligible and how to apply:

www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant Paid for by the City of Falls Church EDA.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MAY 7 - 13, 2020 | PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 | MAY 7 – 13, 2020

Reopening

Continued from Page 1

of the pandemic and according to a report from F.C. Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan to the School Board Tuesday night, his latest briefing from Fairfax County Health Department officials indicated that “we are continuing to climb the curve” of new cases of infections by the Covid19 virus. Falls Church is covered by Fairfax County’s Health Department. Noonan said that the best estimate of health department officials now is that the pandemic will peak in this area around May 25, and it will take several months for it to tail off as long as basic preventative measures remain in effect. Shields briefed the City Council Monday on the governor’s plan outlined Monday afternoon that began with an extension of his Executive Order 53 for another week from May 8 to midnight May 14. He said a “basket of gateway criteria” inform the move to a Phase 1 reopening, in adherence with federal guidelines. The guidelines include 14 con-

LO CA L secutive days of a decline in new Covid-19 cases as a percentage of daily tests, as well as declining numbers of hospitalizations, intensive care admissions, ventilator uses and deaths. It also includes provision of adequate personal protective equipment, contact tracing and increased testing (there are now 6,000 tests given daily in the state, with a short-term goal of 10,000). While there are currently no dates set for Maryland and Washington, D.C. to follow suit, the plans are similar in those neighboring regions and Northam stressed that he reserves the right to change the reopening date based on data results. Plans to reopen certain businesses, including restaurants, barber shops, hair salons and book stores, however, will commence with major “social spacing” provisions and no more than 10 persons assembled in any one space at a time. Rather than a mandate, the quarantining at home policy will be rebranded as “Safer at Home,” especially for more vulnerable populations, and face coverings in public will be “recommended” and urged to be more prevalent than presently. These Phase 1 measures will

be in place for two to four weeks, depending on what the data shows are the results, with a Phase 2 commencing after that allowing for gatherings of up to 50 persons. Meanwhile, as Council member Letty Hardi pointed out Monday night, there was an uptick in Covid-19 cases in the City of Falls Church reported over the weekend, with 10 more reported cases, five hospitalizations and two deaths. “There is no doubt that the virus is in the City,” Shields responded, and the approach going forward that will be key is to focus on outbreaks in given areas, a more targeted approach following the data. F.C.’s Chief Financial Officer Kiran Bawa cautioned the Council that should reopening efforts result in a new resurgence of the virus, and fatality levels rise back, it could delay any economic recovery as “it will take longer to bring confidence levels back.” Forecasts are therefore mixed about the economy going forward as “there are no crystal balls.” Regionally, Bawa noted, there are similar responses to the sharp economic downturn currently being experienced, with delays in capital projects, hiring freezes and so far no reductions in government

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

labor forces and little tapping into reserves. There is a state spending freeze that, among other things, has put on hold $2 million that had been approved for Falls Church’s Affordable Housing Fund. But this is all just so far, as there has been a 4.8 percent drop in the Gross Domestic Product in the U.S. in the first quarter (the crisis hitting only the last month of the period) and a 22 to 40 percent drop expected in the second quarter Hardi also asked if the area’s popular swimming pools will be open by Memorial Day, and Shields assured her that such pools are among the most carefully monitored by public health agencies at all times, not just under these extraordinary circumstances. Shields said that while “we have hit the pause button” on all but essential City spending until October, when the situation will be reassessed, Council member Ross Litkenhous objected to the idea that the pause has included spending on neighborhood traffic calming and spot improvement efforts. “This is not discretionary spending, this is vital public safety needs,” Litkenhous argued. Plus it was noted that the City’s

Housing and Human Services Department has requested an additional $45,000 to meet emergency assistance needs that have arisen from citizens in recent weeks, along with $39,000 in federal assistance. With the deadline now extended another week to May 15 for applying, so far 40 applications have been received for the Economic Development Authority’s Emergency Mini-Grant Program for Small Businesses set up last week to provide $2,000 grants for qualified small businesses in existence for at least one year in the City with gross receipts from $50,000 to $500,000. A randomized drawing will determine those who will receive the grants once the deadline has passed. COVID UPDATE In the last week, starting from Wedensday, April 29 until Tuesday, May 5, when the most recent update was provided by the Virginia Department of Health, the City of Falls Church has seen 36 total cases (+10 from last week), eight hospitalizations (+4) and four deaths (+2). The state has 20,256 total cases and 713 deaths as of Tuesday.

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MAY 7 – 13, 2020 | PAGE 5

Caps and Gowns Distributed Friday With Video Project Airing June 10

Continued from Page 1

sels or tossing caps in the air. With a concerted effort to reach every graduating student for this project, the videos will be compiled by a professional local videography company and aired online on the evening of June 10 at 7 p.m. for everyone to see. The next day, the graduated students will drive by the high school again to drop off their caps and gowns and other items, like the school’s laptops, band and athletic equipment and books, and pick up their physical diplomas. Then, in the late summer or at some point early in the fall, there will be face-to-face recognition, which may occur during halftime at a football game if possible, to cap the ceremony. There will be a yearbook for the high school, and there is also being planned a virtual “moving up” ceremony for 8th grade graduates of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. Noonan also laid out to the

School Board a detailed plan for the cleaning out of all classrooms by June 7 in advance of a deep clean during the summer. The decision on summer programs run by the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks will be made by June 1, Noonan reported. Concerning the fall semester, Noonan said the decision will not be made before June at the earliest, in conjunction with the State Department of Education. He said there are at least six different scenarios for how the school year may begin, including sticking with the currentlyscheduled August 24 start date. There are options for faceto-face, partial face-to-face and online, totally online and staggered schedules with options for classes beginning by mid-September or as late as Nov. 1. He quipped that there is a lot of frustration associated with constantly including the phrase, “it depends,” in all of the deliberations. “It’s like going down a rabbit hole of ‘what if’s,” he said.

Among other things, the discussion of fall sports has included games without fans and temperature checks for all participants. Noonan added that no one over age 65 is being allowed in school buildings and even though as much as half the staff contingents of bus drivers and cafeteria workers are over 65, nonetheless some have already been notified that they will not be allowed to work. Board member Phil Reitinger expressed concern for the morale of the system’s teachers under the current conditions, given that earlier-approved salary increases are now off the table and distance learning is causing new challenges. He also expressed concern for the high school seniors in the fall if a return to normal conditions is not possible, especially given the heightened stress at that time for those looking for colleges to apply for. He also raised the question of how education may change long-term as a result of the cur-

TAKING A MOMENT to show off their “Falls Church Better Together” t-shirts are members of the Falls Church School Board during their meeting Tuesday night. Donning those threads has become a trend for City officials, with city manager Wyatt Shields doing the same while speaking with the City Council Monday night. (Photo: News-Press) rent challenges, something he identified as opportunity arising out of necessity. Noonan spoke of the idea of staggering student schedules for example, taking into account that some students are thriving

under the current conditions and others are struggling. It was noted in passing, as well, that many Mason students were keenly aware that last weekend was supposed to be their annual spring prom.

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E D I TO R I A L

Be a Masker & Buy Locally

We and many others are seriously concerned that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam suggested earlier this week that he is considering beginning to reopen the economy in just over a week, notwithstanding a lot of limitations. The concern centers around the data presented by the Fairfax Department of Health, which covers Falls Church, that the number of new Covid-19 cases in this area is currently still on the rise. The prospect of throwing away all the efforts of the last two months to a resurgence is simply unacceptable. According to the Fairfax health experts, the apex of the rise in cases here is expected to come around May 25 before either leveling off or gradually beginning to decline over a few months’ period. The federal criteria for even starting to reopen certain activities is a 14 days period of continuing decline in new cases. But nationwide, the death toll on Tuesday topped 70,000 and despite moves to reopen in 43 other states by the end of this week, it is continuing to rise. The world faces not a passive deadly enemy in this virus, but among the most aggressive, ready to surge at any opportunity. If this was a war against a visible adversary, the thought of withdrawing while the enemy still has us under a relentless siege would be unthinkable. But this is our situation, except with an invisible enemy in our midst. Yes, it is very present in the City of Falls Church right now. Anyone who may be tempted to gloat that they do not fall into any of the high risk groups needs to be aware that no group, identified by age or underlying conditions, is immune, and anyone, even with no symptoms, can be a carrier of the pestilence who may transmit it to others more vulnerable. It may be the case that our society can divide itself between those who identify their capacity for empathy and wisdom by the wearing of a mask in public places, and those who identify their selfish arrogance and ignorance by defiantly refusing to don a mask under any circumstances. We urge our fellow citizens to identify themselves with the former group in the spirit of the famous Falls Church social generosity. Be a masker! In the same spirit, we urge citizens to make a special effort to patronize those local businesses who are braving this trying time by remaining open for “grab and go” commerce. It may be a lifesaver for many of these businesses to win the support of citizens for meals or gifts (Mothers’ Day is coming) bought in this manner, and it is not just a case of revenues but of the morale that can be boosted in a very important way by this practice. As we come through this, we will find the warm feelings of love and camaraderie to be a major lasting effect for this community.

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Restrictions on Tennis Courts Should Also be Lifted May 15 Editor, Last Friday, when it was finally nice out after all the rain, I went to the Cherry Street tennis courts, as I’d been doing periodically during the shutdown to get exercise in a responsible, socially distanced manner, and found them chained. We were seven weeks into the shutdown and they had been open as of the previous weekend, so something strange was

going on. I emailed Mayor David Tarter, who answered an hour later — ain’t it grand living in a small, responsive town? It seems that tennis players weren’t a problem, but that some busybody had complained about a group of teenagers congregating on the courts (the horror!). Here I was thinking that my Little City was more enlightened and sensible than

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the authoritarians in Arlington and Alexandria, but no, city officials here were just late to act. Especially as we head into gorgeous spring weather, it’s unreasonable not to open tennis courts (and golf courses, and parks), which allow for full enjoyment while social-distancing. Tennis isn’t a sport like basketball that requires physical contact. As for the teens, just shoo them away. As Governor Northam calls for Virginia to begin reopening May 15, I call on the Recreation & Parks Department to take progressive anticipatory action by returning the Falls Church tennis courts to healthy open

status. I promise I won’t approach the net at the same time as my opponent. Ilya Shapiro Falls Church

[ TALK TO US ] Send us a letter and let us know what you think. Email: letters@fcnp.com Mail: Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Avenue #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

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MAY 7 – 13, 2020 | PAGE 7

Applying the Lessons of Prevention Require Comprehension B� T�� M��

Human beings are inclined to more appreciate something — peace, security, or good health — in the absence thereof. When people’s comfortable assumptions about these things are shattered, they may change their behavior to do what they should have been doing all along. They may also seek to lay blame because it is a simple thing to do, when rarely is the cause of their affliction one element or one person. Human behavior is also inclined to understand less those essential factors that prevented bad things from happening — things like community cohesion that prevents crime, or vaccines that prevent pandemics. These building blocks are almost always underfunded or paid inadequate attention. For 25 years I had the opportunity to work with dedicated leaders across the country to prevent crime, drugs, and violence in our communities. I took away nine lessons that apply just as well to our current pandemic crisis. It takes a comprehensive approach: fixing one part of the system may overload another part. We used to say, “We’ve arrested all the drug dealers, now what?” Every solution for one element of the system — testing, contact tracing, ventilators, for example — must be done with other elements in mind.

Invest resources where they make the greatest difference: In preventing crime we knew that working with at-risk youth prevented the greatest expenditure of public resources later. Likewise, it only makes sense now to prevent infection among the most vulnerable – the old,

“If we Americans want to save ourselves in this pandemic and remain the shining light for the world, we have to do better. ” health care workers, minorities. Get community-buy-in: Americans are notoriously independent and want to own their own solutions. It takes the “appointed” elected leaders and the “anointed” in communities to attain success. Communities mobilize when they believe “The only one that can save us, is us.” Could doesn’t mean should: We don’t believe that we should “blame” crime victims, yet often the behavior of the victim, such as confronting a street enemy, inebriation, is intricately con-

nected to their injury. When the exercise of freedom of speech deliberately risks one’s own health and that of others, the results will not be surprising. The victim becomes an offender if they infect someone else. Talk about the problem: You cannot solve a crime or pandemic problem unless leadership engages and dissects it, even if the causes are sometimes difficult to hear. Confidence begins with the source’s credibility. Specificity is the soul of credibility, and brings more realistic solutions. Keep talking about the problem until people see it as a wider solution. Be humble: It is good to “steal” when it is others’ best practices. Other countries who have done better in handling crime — and this pandemic. Why is it so bad to say we are smart enough to learn from others? Why can’t we say we have now learned more and so we are changing our strategy? Why can’t we feature people who made a mistake that got others infected and realize the hurt they caused? Maybe it’s time for American Exceptionalism to become Exceptionally Realistic Americanism. Call to our better angels to take action: It is sad when we turn away as our neighbor is becoming a victim of crime, or when we are pretty sure, being infected, even if by their own action. We know that we are all stronger together,

and that the belief that we are our brother’s keeper is not just morality but also a strategy. While we huddle inside our doors to stay safe, our concern for what is happening in our community returns enduring rewards. Make the call to action clear and simple: The famous “Take a Bite Out of Crime” campaign focused on simple actions people could take that add up to big changes. “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk” was the byline of a campaign that saved tens of thousands of lives. Human creativity will fashion a slogan for this challenge, too. Stop the blame game and act as one: We see individuals, communities, and cities that play the blame game when they feel inadequate to deal with a public policy challenge. That only creates a downward spiral of conditions. Most leaders and institutions at every level were unprepared to deal with this pandemic. Let’s learn from the past, not recreate it. We can be there for the other even if we cannot be with the other. If we Americans want to save ourselves in this pandemic and remain the shining light for the world, we have to do better. We can start with learning the lessons of prevention. Terry Modglin has a professional background in crime prevention

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NEWS BRIEFS Deadline Extended to May 15 for Small Business Grants The deadline has been extended to Friday, May 15 for the City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority (EDA)’s Small Business Covid-19 Emergency Grant program. Over 50 applications have been received to date, and City and EDA officials now want to ensure that business owners will have ample time to complete applications. The EDA created the program to acknowledge the negative financial impact of COVID-19 on many City businesses. Eligible businesses may apply for one grant of $2,000 from the EDA to use for salary, benefits, rent and other business operating expenses. The application is available at www.choosefallschurch.org/EDAGrant. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 15 at 11:30 p.m. and completed in full, including a completed W-9 form. Awardees will be chosen at random after eligibility is confirmed. The grant application is a public document and the names of the businesses awarded funds may be made public once funds are disbursed. The application asks basic questions about the business like how long it has been operating in the City, if the gross receipts are between $50,000 and $500,000, if the business has experienced a decrease in gross income by at least 50 percent. Additional questions ask the applicant to describe why the grant is needed, how it will be used, and what other City assistance could be needed.

‘F.C. Better Together’ T Shirts Raise $30,000+ The project cooked up last month by Falls Church city residents Adena Williams and Suzanne Hladky to sell classy “Falls Church Better Together” t-shirts and use the proceeds for local community help groups has resulted in over 1,700 shirts being sold so far and more than $30,000 being raised, it was reported at the F.C. School Board meeting Tuesday night. Boosting the campaign, City Manager Wyatt Shields sported his t-shirt at Monday’s online City Council meeting and Superintendent Peter Noonan and numerous members of the F.C. School Board wore theirs at Tuesday’s online School Board meeting. The monies raised are being provided to the City’s Health and Human Services department, the F.C. Education Foundation’s Family Assistance Fund, the Food for Others food bank and even to provide meals for the Falls Church Police Department. Shirts are still available in all adult and youth sizes, and can be ordered at www.bonfire.com/falls-church-better-together-t-shirts-1.

GMHS Class of 2020 Signage Up All Over F.C. Volunteers of the George Mason High School PTSA surprised 185 soon-to-be-graduating seniors at the high school with a sudden, early morning energetic and concerted effort Monday to socially-distance plant bright red signs on their lawns or by door fronts announcing that a “Proud 2020 Mason Graduate Lives Here.” Another sign, announcing “We Stand With You GMHS Class of 2020” was also circulated to local businesses and citizen homes. It’s part of multiple efforts to cheerily mitigate the impact of the current anti-pandemic measures on the impending graduation celebrations. They’re added to the more pinkish “Grab & Go” signs that the City of Falls Church’s Economic Development Office provided to over a dozen local restaurants to encourage commerce in the Little City last week.

Fairfax Co. Farmers Markets Begin Re-Opening Saturday Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross announced that the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is preparing for a gradual re-opening of some Farmers Markets, beginning May 9. During this phased approach, social distancing and safety guidelines that comply with Governor Northam’s orders will be observed. All other park amenities, such as visitors’ centers and restrooms, will remain closed. Information about which Farmer’s Markets will open can be found on the FCPA website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.

Correction From Last Week’s Edition On page 6 in the “Letter to the Editor” section of the News-Press, an error in the editing process caused a new letter submission to be combined with a copy of an old one. The News-Press apologizes for this mistake and any confusion it caused to readers.

MAY 7 - 13, 2020 | PAGE 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

THE VAN STEYN FAMILY made sure to have some fun outside despite all the restrictions stemming from the virus. The youngest member of the family, Cam, seemed happy to be soaking up some Vitamin D. (Photo: Courtesy Shaun Van Steyn)

A CORONAVIRUS CANCELLATION didn’t stop the Paolettas from celebrating the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The crew managed to dress just like they were at the track even as they continued their quarantine together. The Paolettas watched 1973’s Secretariat be crowned the winner in the virtual Derby between prominent racers throughout history. (Photo: Courtesy Patricia Paoletta)

Scouts Howl in Support Of F.C. City Schools

Each year, FCHS Athletic Boosters provide two $1,500 college scholarships (for one female and one male student/athlete). The scholarships are named after a former assistant director of student activities, teacher and coach at Falls Church High. Students are selected based on sportsmanship, commitment, dedication, sacrifice and loyalty. The application can be found online at fallschurchsports.org (under the “Files and Links” tab at the top) and is due no later than Friday, May 8 at 11:59 p.m. Any applications mailed to Falls Church High School will

Cub Scout Pack 657 will be howling — literally — at 8 p.m. tonight during the full moon. The purpose of the howling is to show support for Falls Church City Public Schools and remind the rest of the scouts that, despite the current need to distance, everyone is still a part of the pack. In order to do their best howling, scouts are asked to stand either on their front porch, in their backyard or by an open window, look up toward the moon and howl so all their neighbors can

hear them. The goal is for the scouts to howl for at least a minute, but even longer if they can manage it. For the scouts that need help learning how to howl, they can check out Pack parent Caroline Sucher’s video at facebook.com/caroline.sucher/videos/10218476202710459.

F.C. High Sports Scholarship Deadline Set for Friday The Falls Church High School Athletic Boosters 2020 John Morris scholarship application is now online.

not be reviewed. No late applications will be accepted. Only completed and on-time applications will be reviewed by the Boosters’ Scholarship Committee. For more information or questions about the application or process, contact Bonnie Gagermeier at bgagermeier@gmail.com.

1st Stage Begins Hosting Virtual Community Convos 1st Stage Theater (1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons) announced a new series of virtual Community Conversations, introducing those who are interested to the creative

minds behind the theatre and taking a deep dive into the artistic talents of the theatre practitioners. All conversations will take place at 2 p.m. eastern time through Zoom. Conversations will be recorded and posted to social media for anyone who can’t make it to the conversation live. Interested viewers can register online for each Community Conversation at 1ststagetysons. org. The schedule for the upcoming slate of community conversations is as follows: May 9: Meet the Staff —

Send Us Your News & Notes!

The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046

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LO CA L June 13: Cultural Tysons — Viewers will hear how arts and cultural organizations in Tysons are progressing through the Covid-19 crisis, and what new programming they have coming up as well.

Catholic Diocese Moves Career Classes Online

U.S. SENATOR TIM KAINE visited the Arlington Food Assistance Center on Monday, where he met with staff, toured the center and volunteered to distribute food. The center has seen increasing demand amid the coronavirus pandemic and currently distributes groceries to over 2,400 families each week in Arlington. (Courtesy Photo) Meet the artistic and managerial staff who work together to bring together all of 1st Stage’s performances and content. May 16: Artistic Directors in Conversation — Get to know 1st Stage’s artistic directors, past and present, and learn more about their history and creative process.

May 23: Performers in Quarantine — Actors from upcoming Season 13 show “The Nance” share with viewers some of their experiences being a performer during the Covid-19 shutdown. May 30: How 1st Stage Develops New Work — The cre-

ative forces behind some of the shows that have premiered at 1st Stage will talk about their work, their process and their experience. June 6: The Life of a Solo Artist — Favorite solo artists from The Logan Festival discuss their experiences creating and performing one-person productions.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington has moved all its Education and Workforce Development classes to distance learning, consistent with social distancing guidance, in an effort to continue serving clients with the safety of students, staff and volunteers at the forefront. The organization, which offered 56 classes at its Manassas office and five parish locations last year, provides adult education on topics ranging from English as a second language to computer literacy and GED classes. Last year, Catholic Charities trained 1,484 students. Sixty-nine percent of those students attended more than one class. The organization had developed plans to begin incorporating distance learning in the fall but needed to do so immediately due to social distancing guidelines meant to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Clients are now participating in their courses virtually from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Training and classes offered include: Employment counseling and training; job development and placement; interview and resume skills; GED classes; contextual-

MAY 7 – 13, 2020 | PAGE 11

ized English instruction; citizenship preparation and financial literacy. Other courses include ESOL for Childcare (includes Red Cross Pediatric CPR certification and other industry recognized training), industry-specific English instruction (curriculum developed for employers to be offered to employees) and critical workplace training such as computer skills which receive workforce credit from Northern Virginia Community College. Additional industry-specific training and certifications include digital literacy, American Red Cross adult and pediatric First Aid and CPR/AED. Fees for courses range between $50-$125, and financial assistance is available based on need. For more information on classes, visit ccda.net/need-help/ education,-job-prep,-and-training. To donate computers, headsets, iPads or tablets, contact Jackeline Chavez at Jackeline.Chavez@ ccda.net or 703-420-8249.

Virtual College Signings for Falls Church High Athletes Falls Church High School will be celebrating its senior athletes this spring who have committed to play sports in college with “Virtual College Signings.” Any current FCHS senior student athlete who is playing a college sport next year, or someone close to them, is advised to contact Jeanne Kelly jkelly@fcps.edu so the school can make sure to recognize their accomplishment with a virtual ceremony.

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

“It’s not about a date, but about the data.” That was the advice that Dr. Reuben Varghese, Public Health Director for Arlington County, provided to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Board of Directors during an electronic meeting last month. The issue, of course, was Covid-19 and its effect on the region’s economy. On Monday, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam repeated that mantra when he announced the extension of his Executive Order to May 14 for a possible phased re-opening of business and retail services in the Commonwealth. The governor also noted that he would seek to reopen the Commonwealth as one entity, rather than doing it piecemeal, jurisdiction by jurisdiction. Depending on the size of the jurisdiction, the amount of data may be different, but the facts should be the same: does an honest analysis of the statistics indicate that re-opening can be supported safely? Even with phased re-openings, the same best practices being used now must continue – frequent handwashing, cough protocol, stay home when ill, social distancing, and yes, face masks. A question I get asked most frequently is “why can’t Fairfax County require masks like they do in Maryland?” The answer rests on the differing legal structures that underpin the Old Dominion and the Old Line State. In a nutshell, Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, wherein all authorities are reserved to the state unless expressly permitted to localities via legislation enacted by the General Assembly. In Maryland, a home rule state, localities retain authorities inherent to them unless expressly prohibited by state legislative action. That’s why Montgomery County can mandate certain practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but Fairfax County cannot. Since Governor Northam only recommended the wearing of face masks, the county cannot be more restrictive. Attempts by Virginia counties to ease the Dillon Rule, which harkens to an 1865 Iowa court ruling, via General Assembly action have failed repeatedly. There is good news, however, in a couple of areas. The “Purple Can Club” for glass recycling is returning

to the Mason District Governmental Center and other Fairfax County locations. The popular program was suspended in early April due to lack of support staff to manage the weekly placement and emptying of the big purple dumpsters. The program has re-started, and will accept glass bottles and jars. Please remember to social distance, though. The purple dumpster site is for gathering glass, not people! Covid-19 cases have been reported by the Health Department, aggregated by three-digit ZIP Codes, but that is about to change. The Virginia Health Department (VDH) plans to release Covid-19 data by five-digit ZIP Code for the entire Commonwealth, but the information also must be allocated by jurisdiction boundaries. Some ZIP Codes cross city/county lines; Mason District is a good example, which shares a few ZIP Codes with the City of Alexandria and Arlington County. Case data needs to be accurate, and protect patient information according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), so a little extra time may be necessary to meet the legal requirements of state and federal law. A little extra time also was necessary for marking up the county’s FY 2021 budget. As I reported earlier, public hearings about the budget were delayed two weeks, while the proposed budget was revised and rewritten. The Board of Supervisors heard testimony, by telephone and video, from more than 100 people last week; moved the mark-up session to this past Tuesday, and will vote to approve the budget next Tuesday, nearly two weeks later than usual. The mark-up package was approved by a vote of 9 to 1, and I anticipate that final approval will be the same. Kudos to Board Chairman Jeff McKay, who also chairs the budget committee, for his masterful leadership in navigating the budget process in a most unusual and unique time.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

CRIME REPORT Week of April 27 - May 3, 2020 Larceny From Vehicle, 100 blk Hillwood Ave, April 27th between 10:30 AM and 11:45 AM, unknown suspect(s) took an item of value from an unsecured vehicle. Phone Threats, 100 blk Birch St, April 27th 4:00 PM, an unknown suspect made threats over the phone. Larceny From Vehicle, 200 blk E Fairfax St, between March 13th and April 12th, unknown suspect(s) removed an automotive part from a parked vehicle. Drunk in Public, 200 blk S Washington St, April 29th, 3:18 PM, a female, 60, no fixed address, was

arrested for appearing drunk in public. Unlawful Entry (Vehicle), 1100 blk Offutt Dr, April 30th, 7:27 AM,, a male, 34, of Woodbridge, VA, was issued a citation for unlawful entry of a vehicle. Auto Theft, 100 blk Gresham Pl, between April 29th, 10:30 PM and April 30th, 12:00 PM, unknown suspect(s) took an unattended vehicle. Assault, 200 blk E Fairfax St, April 30th, 11:11 PM, a male, 46 of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for domestic assault. Obstruction Of Justice, 900 blk E Broad St, May 1st, 12:10 AM, a female, 26, of Stafford, VA, was arrested for forgery of a public document, obstruction of justice, identify theft, providing false identification to law enforcement,

and driving with a revoked license. Credit Card Fraud, 400 blk S Maple Ave, May 1st, 2:15 AM, unknown suspect(s) fraudulentlyused credit card information to make unauthorized purchases. Trespassing, 100 blk E Fairfax St, May 1st, 3:51 PM, a male, 62, no fixed address, was arrested for trespassing. Drug/Narcotic Violation, 200 blk Gundry Dr, May 1st, 10:35 PM, Sagar a male, 23, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for possession of Marijuana. Driving Under the Influence, 500 blk S Washington St, May 2nd, 8:57 AM, a male, 18, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for driving under the influence. Auto Theft, 1200 blk Lincoln Ave, Between May 1st, 5:50 PM and May 2nd, 1:30 AM, unknown suspect(s) took a parked vehicle. Larceny, 400 blk W Broad St, Between April 30th and May 3rd, unknown suspect(s) took a bicycle from a parking garage.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report 2020 has been a historic year for progressive leadership in times of crisis. There is little more that I can add to the around the clock coverage of the pandemic that continues to affect the Commonwealth and nation. Governor Northam has laid out the plan for a three phase re-opening of Virginia businesses. For current information and resources, I encourage you to visit my website at www.dicksaslaw.com. Northern Virginia is feeling the impact of Coronavirus both in the physical cost of those sickened and lives lost, as well as economic costs. The full financial impacts of COVID-19 are not known at this time. We do know that in the past month, nearly a half million individual unemployment claims were filed in the Commonwealth. Virginia’s unemployment insurance system is funded entirely by federal dollars. The Commonwealth usually does not fare well under the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s funding formula, particularly in a period of sustained economic growth similar to the one we’ve seen over the past decade-plus. However, Virginia is still processing eligible claims incorporating all the resources at our disposal. When we adjourned the Regular Session and left Richmond in early March, annual revenue collections were up 6.6% -- well ahead of the forecast. In direct contrast, April revenues are beginning to reveal the effects of COVID-19 on payroll withholding and retail sales tax collections (Virginia’s two largest sources of income). The Governor anticipates a revenue decline of approximately $1 billion in just the final quarter of Virginia’s current fiscal year. The loss revenue also impact the new fiscal year starting July 1st. On April 22, we returned to Richmond for the annual Reconvene Session to address the Governor’s amendments to legislation adopted during the Regular Session. Our final order of business was acting to authorize the Governor to suspend more than $2.9 billion in spending that was approved by the legislature – a prudent fiscal move in times of great uncertainty. The April revenue report along the next several months’ will be critical information when the General Assembly goes into a special session to amend its original proposed biennial spending plan. As of this writing, it is impossible to know the magnitude of the spending reductions that will

eventually be required in order to achieve the mandated balanced budget. While making the most of historically low ridership and traffic-free highways, Metro plans to combine the schedules of its two biggest capital projects in Virginia: rebuilding platforms and connecting new “Phase II” Silver Line stations to Metro’s existing network. Under the expanded plan, all stations west of Ballston will close from Memorial Day weekend through the fall. Several new shuttle bus lines will replace the rail service. In other areas of the budget, you may recall that earlier this year we proposed significant compensation investments for our teachers, state troopers, state employees, statesupported local employees, adjunct faculty. Now, this intended plan is in limbo as we determine how much revenue can be appropriated during the biennium. These amendments equal nearly $450 million. Virginia has lagged behind in meeting the growing needs for the most vulnerable, including the elderly and disabled. Our waiver lists are long and often are trimmed to their core in tough times. With that in mind, the hard stop on major “catch up appropriations” is real. On a positive note, all cost-sharing and preapprovals for Medicaid recipients are temporarily suspended. Prescriptions are allowed for 90-day supplies and technical reasons will not be allowed as a disenrollment tool. Additionally, telemedicine has been expanded. To address the crisis in nursing facilities, an additional $20/day is being provided for Medicaid residents. Investments the General Assembly approved in Commerce and Trade are also on hold until we get to the bottom line when the fiscal year ends on June 30. In my opinion, Governor Northam has identified sensible criteria to re-open Virginia in three phases starting May 15. Several task forces are in place to help address the issues and recommend what it will take to get us back to the prosperity of the past. I don’t think there is a magic bullet nor will it be easy. Together we are in the crisis and together we will come out of it. Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay strong.  Senator Saslaw represents the 35th District in the Virginia State Senate. He may be emailed at district35@senate.virginia.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Andrew Cuomo’s Moral Leadership

As the regrettable President Trump continues his push on states to reopen their economies even as the number of deaths from the Covid-19 virus climbs, the leader who has arisen as the most sane and moral in this pandemic crisis is raising some fundamental and critical questions about the consequences of opening too soon. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has emerged with his nationally-televised daily updates on the crisis to capture the respect and admiration of a vast section of Americans for demonstrating qualities of leadership that are totally and completely lacking in Trump. Even as the pandemic wears on, Cuomo is only getting stronger in his leadership and it is producing concrete FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS results. He is not normally a showman and hardly considered charismatic, but there has been a compelling quality to his relentless commitment to facts, data and scientific method demonstrated around midday daily that has been like a “balm in Gilead” countering the incredibly stress-inducing, Lysol-laced cascade of lies and ego-centered fixations of America’s sociopathic president. Cuomo has literally carried the nation, and not just New York, with him up the death-strewn hill of accelerated casualties that were devastating New York City just a few weeks past, onto a plateau and now starting down the other side as numbers of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been declining. At the peak, in New York alone, there were almost 1,000 deaths daily, and the most recent number is down to the 230 range, not out of the woods, but trending much better. His passionate appeals have been unrelenting to engage citizens in social distancing, masks and the other measures of personal responsibility, to mobilize his state and even the federal government to supply enough equipment and hospital beds to meet the projected numbers when they were rising so fast, to consolidate resources, to step up testing, to devise new modes of reacting to hotspots, to shut down the vast New York subway system for a nightly deep clean and now to develop a novel analysis of where new infections are actually coming from. He’s acted in a way that were the White House to have acted in a similar manner, the whole nation might have begun on a downward trending trajectory long before now. But while New York, just weeks ago considered the worst case scenario for the spread of the virus, is now on a distinct downward trend, the rest of the nation is continuing to face growing numbers of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Now, Trump is touting policies of too-early easings that are guaranteed to accelerate the spread of the pandemic and send the death toll through the roof. It will be a double challenge for Cuomo to hold onto his declining numbers under these circumstances. Now, Trump is acknowledging the explosion of deaths likely to arise from his policies and saying Americans must accept them as if they were casualties suffered by warriors in a war. This is the latest and worst yet insufferable move by this president lacking, as with a classic sociopath, any capacity for empathy. Cuomo has taken up this issue by asking the moral question of this tragic time, “How much is a human life worth?” He, in his disposition toward the crisis all along, has said, plainly, “It is priceless.” Unlike Trump’s callous acceptance of the avoidable deaths of hundreds of thousands of the people he swore to protect, Cuomo has taken the opposite approach, insisting that any policy to modulate reopening steps has to have in place a means to measure any upticks in the infection rate, and that once such is detected, then a “circuit breaker” has to be triggered to step back. How many live and how many die will be determined by this, he said, and for him, one death is too many. The contrast between the declining rate of new Covid-19 cases in New York and ongoing rise in cases in the U.S. as a whole owes to one thing and one thing only: quality of leadership. As Cuomo has said, his appeals and initiatives have worked only because people have been willing to respond to them.

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MAY 7 – 13, 2020 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

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

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

Half a century later the emotions still sting. May 4, 1970, with “tin soldiers and Nixon’s coming,” per Neil Young’s lyric, four young anti-Vietnam war protesters were shot and killed by National Guardsmen at Kent State University. Many friends at Yorktown High School were outraged enough to join the angry thousands who hit the streets. They crossed the Potomac for a coming of age that boomers never forgot. The subsequent nationwide Kent State protests came just a week after the original Earth Day demonstrations. (Several years ago, Earth Day founder Dennis Hayes told me he never made it to the big Washington march because he was on planes between New York and Seattle.) For us teens, such happenings brought run-ins with school authorities. On that first Earth Day, Yorktown student government president Steve Dryden and pals “skipped school and rode our bikes to the mall for the big demo,” he recalls. “I remember Alan Holt, student council adviser, standing in the parking lot pleading with us not to do it.” Anger over Kent State came just six months after 500,000 gathered in D.C. for the biggest Vietnam moratorium march (for which I was a marshal). A year later came the more violent “May Day” 1971 protests designed to shut down the Washington “war

machine.” Brian Hazeltine remembers that after Kent State, Yorktown student activist Jimmy Massey “came to school with black armbands and flyers to encourage a student protest at the school board. For handing these out, we got hauled into the office, where discussions ensued in regards to our demands.” (Massey was unsuccessfully prosecuted by the county.) “We did get a sense of power from making the administration sweat,” Hazeltine said. “We got an assembly to air our concerns about school and the war.” Downtown protesting after President Nixon invaded Cambodia, classmate Hugh Hegyi was “trying to meet up with our friends. I don’t think I ever found the main protest,” he recalls. “All I remember is washing off in the middle of the Reflecting Pool. About a dozen mounted Park Police charged some protestors” who may have been throwing rocks. The youth protests were divisive, draft resistance scorned. My conservative football teammates insisted we had to defeat overseas communism. Sarah Anders, who still has her poster from the April 24, 1971, anti-war march, said she doesn’t “remember any of the speakers. The guy I was seeing was tripping. He was not having a good time, and none of us could get over how stupid it was to trip in an enormous crowd.” Jean Lichty’s memories revive the 1971 May Day riots. She was

scheduled to intern at Common Cause on K St. “I caught the bus on Lee Highway. As the bus approached Key Bridge, I saw a National Guardsman lining the bridge and ramp as if it were a military zone,” she said. “But once debarked, I was not able to walk a block before encountering protesters blocking traffic at an intersection, chanting `Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh.’ I walked with them in solidarity to the next intersection, but within minutes, chaos ensued as police threw canisters of tear gas at us. I arrived at Common Cause disheveled and upset.” *** Telephone scammers, always unwelcome, are active during the corona crisis. I’ve received three calls purporting to come from Dominion Energy. As I explained to an interviewer for WUSA9-TV, one was a baritone male warning me my power would be cut off in 30 minutes if I didn’t settle my “past due” payment. A second was a female rushing me to punch a key to learn more about “discount” emergency subsidies for which I’m allegedly eligible. Both implausible, as Dominion confirmed. Back in the legit world, the crisis has prompted affluent Arlingtonians to step up food donations. Though we’re fortunate not to be facing the overwhelmed food banks reported elsewhere, the Arlington Food Assistance Center has seen a 30 percent hike in referrals for needy families. Government and nonprofit organizations have formed a Coalition for a Hunger-Free Arlington.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR In response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic affecting the globe and policies enacted to avoid social gatherings, the News-Press will publish a list of virtual events weekly in lieu of its regular listings. If you have a virtual event you’d like to see listed, please email calendar@fcnp.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday weekly.

CITYEVENTS SATURDAY, MAY 9 Falls Church Farmers Market To Go. The Falls Church Farmers Market has converted to a preorder, to-go event. All orders must be placed in advance of Saturday’s market which will be open from 8 a.m. – noon for pre-order pickup only in front of City Hall (300 Park Ave.). A list of participating

vendors and information on preordering can be found at fallschurchva.gov/547/Farmers-MarketTo-Go.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 7 Virtual New Yorker Discussion Group. If any residents enjoy The New Yorker but wish they had someone to chat about it with, they are encouraged to join in for the monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share their thoughts on what they’ve read in a variety of articles. Articles that will be discussed with the group are will be determined during the early portion once all members of the group are on the call. This discussion will be held online via Zoom. Visit fallschurchva.gov/2040/Library-at-Home for more information. 2 – 3 p.m.

Guuanteein g Succcs ff

30 Yees!

FRIDAY, MAY 8 Outdoor Container Gardening: Basics and Beyond. Interested viewers can learn how to grow edible and ornamental plants in containers on your porch, deck, balcony or patio. This workshop will explore soil, containers, maintenance and selection of suitable plants. Online class offered by Extension Master Gardeners. Free. Register at mgnv.org to receive a link to participate. 10 – 11:30 a.m

TUESDAY, MAY 12 Great Books Discussion. A “Great Books” discussion concentrating on literary classics (both traditional and modern) meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday most months. This month’s book is “Guests of the Nation” by Frank O’Connor. The discussion will be held online via Zoon. Open to all

and no registration required. Visit fallschurchva.gov/2040/Libraryat-Home for more information. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

DAILY Creative Cauldron Online Classes. The City of Falls Church theater company Creative Cauldron is now offering a variety of interactive classes and activities for children taught by the theater’s artists. Kids will be moving, creating and socializing during the activities. Those who are interested can enroll online at creativecauldron. org/workshops.htm or email the theater at info@creativecauldron. org to get started. There are classes for adults as well. Virtual Tour of The Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. The Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-

by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at the Smithsonian’s satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display. Visit naturalhistory. si.edu/visit/virtual-tour.

Lunch Doodles with children’s author Mo Willems. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Participants should grab some paper and pencils, pens or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. Daily at 1 p.m. Visit kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems to watch. Home Safari Facebook Live. The Cincinnati Zoo is offering a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday where zoo staffers will highlight one of the animals and include an activity that viewers can do from home. Daily at 3 p.m. To join the live stream, visit www. facebook.com/cincinnatizoo.

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THE FINISHED PRODUCT of Jon and Jennifer Girard’s face shields. The pair has now produced 1,400 face shields and have distributed them to The Kensington senior living facility here in the City of Falls Church as well as the Virginia State Police, the Fairfax Health District and Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. (Photo: Courtesy Jon Girard)

F.C. Couple Pivots to 3-D Printing Face Shields During Coronavirus Outbreak by Brian Indre

Falls Church News-Press

Falls Church resident Jon Girard began 3D printing protective face shields as the news spread about the lack of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers during the Covid-19 outbreak. Along with his wife, Jennifer, and two neighbors, who also have 3D printers, the foursome have banded together and are producing up to one hundred face shields a day. During normal times, Jon is an independent contractor who does video production and photography, but is currently out of work due to Covid-19. He considers himself part of the

maker culture (or DIY), and likes to work with his hands, which explains the 3D printer. Before Covid-19, he would use the printer to make gifts for people and design little knick-knacks such as plates and hooks. He even printed parts for drones, although that slowed with the caveat of not being able to fly one legally this close to Washington, D.C. After seeing how people from around the country took matters into their own hands and made protective masks and face shields to help the shortage during the pandemic, he sprang into action. “Having a 3D printer and being stuck at home, I wanted to see what we could do to help,” said Jon.

The band (the part that is 3D printed) to hold the shield in place came from a Swedish design that is approved through the National Institutes of Health. “We chose this design because it is the quickest to print with the material we have around and can be put together without having to outsource any straps or other parts,” the Girard’s explained. Jon started by printing a bunch of the bands, and thought that maybe after 30 or 40 that he’d probably be done. Little did he know that demand would not subside and he said making the face shields has now become his full time job. “I just didn’t expect the high demand of people reaching out,

it’s been overwhelming, and it’s become my current full time job,” he said. Jennifer took charge of the logistics and communications part of the operation, as well as maintaining the active spreadsheet of all the order requests that is shared with the other two guys involved in the process. At the beginning, she reached out to a couple of hospitals that had donation lines set up for needed supplies, but they didn’t seem interested. Next she contacted The Kensington, which expressed interest in their product. From that point they knew they could print a lot more than just what The Kensington needed, so she then tried reaching out to the local online community. After posting to Nextdoor in early April, as well as the local Northern Virginia thread on Facebook, the requests for face shields came pouring in. “We are still getting requests on the same Nextdoor thread,” she said, nearly three weeks from the first posting. It was through Nextdoor that they met Matt Coffron and Nick Wright, the other two people involved in their production process. Between the three households, they have five 3D printers to keep up with demand. The shield itself is a transparency sheet that you can find at any local office supply store like Office Depot, the Girards explain. They have also ordered them from Amazon, before the sheets were sold out. The only other supplies needed is the 3D printing filament (thermoplastic feedstock; comes in spools), a three-hole punch to attach the band to the transparency sheet and a pair of scissors to cut and shape the opposite corners of the sheet. Jennifer explains how she keeps on top of things while still working her day job from home. “In the morning, before I begin work, I’ll gather up the shield bands,” that her husband printed, “and assemble them,” she said. “We have set aside an area in our house that we keep as clean and as sanitary as possible, we wear gloves, we’re not a laboratory,” but they are being as cautious as they can, she explained. The printers can be a little finicky, so there is down time when Jon will have to perform maintenance or troubleshoot a problem. “3D printers are not quite as smooth running as perhaps an Inkjet

MAY 7 – 13, 2020 | PAGE 15

or Laser printer. They require attention, so you can’t set it and forget it,” said Jennifer. On a good day, when the printers are working well, Coffron (who is 3D printing just the bands) will drop off what he’s done to the Girards so the shield part can be attached. “Coffron and I handle the bulk orders, while Wright handles smaller one-off orders,” which involve slightly different printed models or larger face shields, “for those that may have specific needs,” Jon said. Wright also sets up his own pickups and drop offs for what he makes. They have now donated directly to some hospitals, the Virginia state police, the Fairfax Health District, individual healthcare workers, pharmacy workers and even a grocery store worker. Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg has put in a request for 500 face shields — their biggest order so far. For smaller orders, Jennifer said that they will gladly schedule a delivery, but most people are willing to come to their house to pick them up. For those orders, she uses a plastic bag or whatever she has available around the house and writes the name on it. “I hang their bag on my fence in my front yard, then wave from a socially appropriate distance, to make sure that they get their bag,” she said. So far, 1,400 shields have been produced, and they plan to keep it going as long as there is demand and they can afford to do so. They mention that some neighbors have made donations (monetary, or even 3D printer filament) but they certainly are not asking for it. “On the one hand it has been great that he has more time to dedicate to these, but on the other hand we’re spending a lot more money on supplies that we certainly wouldn’t normally be doing,” said Jennifer. “The one thing that we are waiting to see is our electric bill, because the printers have pretty much been running nonstop,” she jokes. And while they deal with some minor challenges, they said that it has been nice to be able to help meet the needs in some small way during these troubled times. “People have been so grateful, when they come by, or they will text us feedback or pictures afterward. It’s been very rewarding to see our product in use by nurses who work in a Covid unit at a hospital,” the Girards said.

PAGE 16 | MAY 7 - 13, 2020 AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your

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Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on April 27, 2020. Public hearings are scheduled for Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 26, 2020, with second reading and final Council action scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TO20-05) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021: GENERAL FUND; SCHOOL OPERATING FUND; SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND; SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND; CABLE ACCESS FUND; SEWER FUND; AND STORMWATER FUND

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CLASSI F I E DS property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for the tax year beginning January 1, 2020 is: $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 Section 58.1-3500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia except such personal property as is exempted; and except that pursuant to Section 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. Public hearings will be held electronically at www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. Unless the Governor’s state of emergency is lifted, public comments will be accepted only electronically at cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov, until the end of the public hearing, or by voicemail at (703) 248-5014 until 3 p.m. on the day of the public hearing. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE Variance application V1615-20 by Lauren and Andrew Colangelo, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-1102(c), to allow front yard setback of 25 feet instead of 32.2 feet, for the purpose of constructing a new single family dwelling on premises known as 610 Park Avenue, RPC #51129-035 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential. Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for May 14, 2020, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. Board of Zoning Appeals members will

attend through electronic means via skype and members of the public may view the meeting at https://meet.lync.com/fallschurch-fallschurchva/arouzi/RQHJ46DR The public may access the hearing through the same electronic means, and public comment may be sent to zoning@fallschurchva. gov The BZA will accept electronic comments through the above means up until the end of the hearing on each particular matter, and such comments will be read to the members of the BZA at the hearing. Information on the above application is available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

PUBLIC NOTICE 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) Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals (alternate) City Employee Review Board Historic Architectural Review Board Historical Commission Housing Commission Library Board of Trustees Regional Boards/Commissions Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council The City Council is also seeking a resident with construction management experience to serve on the Library Construction Oversight Committee.

$1.355 upon each $100.00 of assessed value of real estate in the City of Falls Church. The proposed tax rate for tangible personal

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(TO20-07) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2021 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 2020 The proposed real estate tax rate for the tax year beginning July 1, 2020 is:

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Crossword By David Levinson Wilk

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT ACROSS 1. Rap’s Snoop ____ 5. Salon offering 9. What a spin doctor might be called on to take care of 14. Fallopian tube traveler 15. The Jonas Brothers, e.g. 16. Out in front 17. “The Lover” actress whose birthday, perhaps coincidentally, is 3/20 19. “Betta Getta ____” (car slogan) 20. They block for the QB, informally 21. “Battlestar Galactica” commander 23. Mach 1 flier 24. Nobel laureate Gabriel ____ M·rquez 28. “If u ask me ...” 31. “Mad Men” actress whose birthday, perhaps coincidentally, is 1/5 34. Jacob’s biblical twin 37. Purchase for Wile E. Coyote 38. Mother ____ 39. It’s “well regulated” in the Constitution 41. Ray gun ray 42. Tripping 43. “____ be my pleasure!” 44. Rae who created “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” 45. “Lassie” actress whose birthday, perhaps coincidentally, is 6/25 48. Follower of Marx? 49. 2008 Jessica Alba thriller

STRANGE BREW

50. Knee injury site, often 53. “____ knew only darkness and stillness”: Helen Keller 56. Joel on the radio 58. Rode the ump, say 60. “Journal of a Solitude” author whose birthday, perhaps coincidentally, is 5/3 64. Pastrami order request 65. Sign by a fire escape 66. Tape or patch 67. Tasted, biblically 68. Disavow 69. Carpet measurement

DOWN 1. Karate schools 2. Most toilet seats 3. Put the pedal to the metal 4. FBI guys 5. School fund-raising grp. 6. Go wrong 7. Wrestler Flair 8. Wool variety 9. Cabo’s peninsula 10. *cough* 11. Ones confined but not charged 12. Bit of butter 13. Abbr. on a food label 18. Uber alternative? 22. Routine 25. It’s a real lifesaver 26. Words before fever or risk 27. Persian, e.g. 29. Flat-topped hills 30. 2005 biography subtitled “The Making of a Terrorist”

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

MAY 7 - 13, 2020 | PAGE 17

31. Electricity, slangily 32. Actress Aniston, to friends 33. Ring of Saturn? 34. Word derived from the Japanese for “picture writing” 35. Congestion site 36. Co-creator of the “Watchmen” comic books 40. Up to, briefly 41. “Am ____ only one?” 43. 1950s White House nickname 46. Broke (in) 47. Singer McEntire 50. Modify 51. Body double? 52. “Wonder Woman” star Carter 54. Singer with the 2012 hit “Let Me Love You” 55. Alphabet quartet 57. “The Joy of Cooking” co-author Rombauer 58. Feathery neckwear 59. Toronto’s prov. 61. Firefighter’s tool Last Thursday’s Solution A G A T H A

G O P H E R

M S S O G O T B I R E O R

H O P E S O

A D I P

S T A R T A R G E J O K U M E T P R O H E Y O C O A K R

T O N O B W O P D E S S U I M G A L A

E S P Y

A N A L

C O R E

O L I V E

L E S

S H T E E S S

D E E M

C K S L I I A T G W I T H A B Y S I T I C A O A T T H A T A O C T E R I E H E V L E C T E L A L I G I D O N O E S T A T

U N I S L O

S E D A T E

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

5/10/20

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

PAGE 18 | MAY 7 – 13, 2020

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BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 7 • May 4, 1995

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 11 • May 13, 2010

Will Electrical Power Dispute Be Decided By Ballot Referendum?

‘Pay to Play’ & Other Protesters Jam Fairfax School Board Budget Hearing

The raging dispute between the City of Falls Church and Virginia Power over the future of the City’s electrical supply includes whether or not the citizens of Falls Church should make the final decision by ballot referendum. Spokesmen for Virginia Power, which is fighting to block efforts by the City to municipalize the electrical power service here, insist that state law requires such a move be put to the voters.

The myriad pressures on the Fairfax County School Board were on a colorcoded display Tuesday night, when a range of pressure groups organized around the board’s public hearing on the school system’s proposed 2011 budget. There were parents and coaches protesting the board’s proposed “pay to play” new fee structure... seeking to participate in school sports, but they were hardly the majority present.

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B�� N�� N�� BioPrep Offering Virtual Webinar For Small Business Community Vanessa Eddy of BioPrep Solutions will present a virtual webinar hosted by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce for the small business community on Thursday, May 7 at noon. Eddy is a biological threat expert who understands pandemics, biological threats and small business operations. She will provide resources and advice to help businesses respond and recover from Covid-19 and other public health threats. There is no cost to attend but registration is required and attendees are encouraged to order lunch for pick-up or delivery from local restaurants. For more information or to register, visit www.FallsChurchChamber.org and go to the Events Calendar.

City Declares Every Saturday In May Small Business Saturday Falls Church City has proclaimed every Saturday in the month of May as Small Business Saturday to encourage residents to patronize the local small business community by ordering take-out and delivery from local restaurants and retailers, purchasing gift cards from personal service providers. This proclamation was made on the heels of the City EDA’s announcement of small business grants, the application deadline of which has been extended to May 15. For more information on Small Business Saturday 2.0 or the EDA grants, visit www.choosefallschurch.org.

Local Businesses Selling Special Mother’s Day Gift Bundles Three small independently owned and operated Falls Church businesses have partnered to offer a special Mother’s Day Gift Bundle. The $65 Bundle will include Falls Church Distillers Sangria, a Happy Tart macaron gift box, and a Galleria Florist hand tied floral arrangement. Those who want to place an order can go to www.fcdistillers.com

Nash Hair Salon Reopening May 15 Nash Hair Design has announced that it will reopen on Friday, May 15 for scheduled appointments. In order to do so safely, they have implemented new safety procedures including elevated cleaning protocols, check-in and social distancing practices, mask requirements for staff and clients, and client companions will be asked to wait outside. Nash Hair Design is located at 100 E. Broad Street in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.nashhairdesign.com. To make an appointment, call (703) 533-9191.

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack Offering Themed Carry Out Clare & Don’s Beach Shack is offering themed carry-out and delivery nights. While it remains closed on other evenings, pre-order meals are available on Taco Tuesdays, Freaky Fri-Yay and Shrimpy Saturdays. Each themed night includes a variety of menu items from which customers can choose along with themed cocktails and other beverages. Pre-ordering is required as quantities can be limited. Those who are interested can visit Clare & Don’s Facebook Page for the themed menus and to place an order.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

WHO’S A GOOD BOY? OZZY’S A GOOD BOY! This pup enjoys walks with various members of the Way family, a tasty stick and a vigorous round of fetch. He’s done a bit of growing in his first year. If you see him out and about, wish him a happy birthday! Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

MAY 7 - 13, 2020 | PAGE 19

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Advertorial: Paid for by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

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PAGE 20 | MAY 7 - 13, 2020

Virtual Sanctuary Choir

Pastor Dave Kirkland

Our digital doors are open for an inspirational hour of worship, connection and prayer.

10 a.m. Sunday Join us on Facebook or the Dulin Website Easter Bunny Brandon Mock, Director of Music Ministries

@dulinfallschurch

Childern’s Time

Dulin Church Welcomes You To Our Online Worship.

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5/4/20 9:14 AM

Please consider making a donation to the Columbia Food Pantry The Spend Yourself® Food Pantry provides food to hungry people in our community.

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Call ROCK STAR Realty Group when buying or selling your home: 703-867-8674

At this time here is a list of needed items:

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Boxed Crackers Canned Meat Canned Fruit (packed in juice) Cereal Meal Soup (Progresso, Healthy Choice, Chunky, or store brand equivalent) Oatmeal Pasta Sauce Pasta White Rice (preferably 1-3 pound bags)

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7231 Arthur Dr, Falls Church • $899,900

Visit the Columbia Baptist website (columbiabaptist.org) or their Facebook page (Spend Yourself - Columbia Baptist Church) for a link to their Amazon and Target wish list and for info about the food pantry drive and drop events.

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FOR SALE!

6329 Nicholson St, Falls Church • $1,299,900

4 Bed

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FOR SALE!

For those in need, anyone is welcome to come each Saturday, between 9:30 am and noon. Clients generally receive 3 bags of non-perishable food, plus one or two bags of bread and whatever other fresh items we have that day. If you have a charity (or know of one) you would like featured here please contact Karin at kkaye@mcenearney.com

507 Jackson Street, Falls Church City • $1,074,900 5 Bed 3 Baths

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

703-867-8674

Falls Church News-Press 5-7-2020

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

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