Falls Church News-Press 6-2-2022

June 2 - 8, 2022

Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee

Fou n d e d 1991 • Vol. X X XII No. 16

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

Bigger Than Mosaic, Dig At West End Begins

This Year’s Parade A Success!

Mega Project Will Take 2+ Years to Build

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Mark your calendars now!

September 2024, just over two years from now, the Grand Opening of the biggest development, by far, in the City of Falls Church, will be held.

The massive West Falls mixed use project promises to be bigger and more prosperous than the recentlycompleted Merrifield-based Mosaic a couple miles down the road. Robin Bettarel, the young and dynamic executive in charge of the development for Hoffman and Associates, told the News-Press this week in an exclusive interview that although there’s a huge amount of building that is just now getting underway on the more than 40 acres involved at the west end of the Little City, the biggest challenge was met last month when the financing for the entire undertaking was secured.

She didn’t diminish the fact that construction cost and supply chain issues will continue to be challenges going forward, but there is tremendous optimism among all the developers – Hoffman and Associates having joined with EYA and Rushmark,

Continued on Page 3

THE 2022 MEMORIAL DAY PARADE BEYER AUTOMOTIVE FUN RUN was kicked off with the help of local FCPD officers. A vast variety of City groups, businesses and organizations made their way down Little Falls Street during the day. Look inside for the FCNP’s two-page photo spread with Parade highlights. (Photo: Gary Mester).

Beyer Facing Primary Challenger This Month

by Amanda Snead

Falls Church News-Press

Primary election day for the Democrats statewide and in Falls Church is Tuesday, June 21. But early voting is already underway, including for the Democratic nomination for the 8th Congressional District, the only one in the City of Falls

Church. Popular incumbent Rep. Don Beyer is expected to win handily against his lone primary opponent, Victoria Virasingh.

On the Republican side, the choice was made earlier last month at a district convention, and Karina Lipsman was nominated to appear on the November general election ballot. Lipsman

made headlines last month when she called for the resignation of the Biden administration’s chief public health official Anthony Fauci.

This Tuesday, May 31, was the deadline to register to vote for the primary election, and those who applied for permanent by-mail ballots and indicated the Democratic primary

should have already received their ballot.

Up until June 18, registered voters in Falls Church City can vote early in person at City Hall on weekdays from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. with additional hours on Saturday, June 11 and June 18 from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. June 18 is

Continued on Page 4

Inside This Week A Passing of the Torch at the Falls Church Farmers Market

Mustangs Squads Continue on in Regional, State Playoffs

See Page 11

See Sports, Page 9

Falls Church native Howard Herman retired last week after 52 years of working with the city government. Herman started the Little City’s beloved weekly Farmers Market in 1984.

As action resumes after the long holiday weekend, every Meridian High School athletics squad finds themselves either in the midst of postseason play, or already finished with their Spring 2022 campaign.

Index

Comment...................................... 5,7,8 Editorial................................................ 6 Letters.................................................. 6 Crime Report....................................... 8 Sports & School...................................9 News & Notes..............................14,15 Calendar......................................16,17 Business News.................................. 19 Critter Corner..................................... 22 FCCPS Page..................................... 23

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NEWS BRIEFS F.C. Citizens Urged by Mayor To Wear Orange This Friday, June 3

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Contact the Treasurer's Office treasurer@fallschurchva.gov 703-248-5046 (TTY 711)

Falls Church Mayor David Tarter signed a special proclamation Wednesday on gun violence that urges all citizens to wear orange this Friday, June 3, to identify with national efforts to stem gun violence.

In proclamations by Tarter and also one issued by the Falls Church City School Board this week the following statement were made: Proclamation signed by Mayor Tarter:

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America deserves to feel safe during everyday activities; and whereas, children deserve to feel safe at school so they can learn and grow; and whereas, once again people doing a normal activity, grocery shopping, were terrorized and killed by gunfire in Buffalo, New York; and whereas, once again, children were killed, injured, and traumatized by gunfire while attending school, this time in Uvalde, Texas; and whereas, sadly, mass shootings have become all too familiar in the United States.

Whereas, gun violence raises the likelihood of fatalities in instances of domestic abuse and suicide attempts; places children at increased risk of physical harm; disproportionately affects communities of color; and impacts every segment of American society; and whereas, protecting public safety is local government’s highest responsibility; and whereas, the City of Falls Church supports state and national efforts to strengthen gun safety laws.

Whereas, the City of Falls Church calls on the General Assembly and the Governor to prioritize the safety of all Virginians and preserve and enhance the authority of localities to implement gun safety laws in their own communities; and whereas, it is appropriate to set aside time to honor those whose lives are cut short each year by gun violence and the countless survivors whose lives are forever altered, as well as to reflect on actions individuals and government can take to stop gun violence.

Whereas, a national coalition of organizations has designated the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day; now therefore I, David Tarter, Mayor of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, do hereby proclaim June 3, 2022 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Falls Church and urge all to wear orange on June 3, 2022 to help raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims.

Proclamation adopted unanimously by the F.C. School Board.

As members of the Falls Church City School Board, we are horrified by the recent mass murders in Buffalo and Uvalde.

Innocent people were killed senselessly, children among them. We are most directly

involved in trying to prevent school shootings like Uvalde, but as elected representatives of the City of Falls Church, both incidents require an immediate response. The Falls Church City School Board commits to adding gun safety items to our legislative priorities and will look for opportunities to further action on this critical issue.

The epidemic of violence began some time ago, and was slowed only by an actual pandemic. No one can be surprised that mass gun murders have happened again, and yet again. These last two tragedies also made absolutely clear that even armed law enforcement and guards are of limited use in the face of dedicated attackers armed with military-grade weapons and armor.

We look to our state legislators to add the following protections in our Commonwealth in order to protect our schools, students, and staff: barring the purchase of high capacity magazines; maintaining red flag laws; implementing mandatory waiting periods; enforcing universal background checks; requiring safe storage of guns and ammunition; banning ownership of assault weapons; mandating new handguns sold in the state have child proofing; adopting regulations on gun parts; and allowing local jurisdictions to make their own gun laws.

We look to our national legislators to take parallel actions on the national level. The failure to take immediate steps would make those representatives complicit in endemic gun violence, emotional trauma, and mass executions.

Fairfax School Board’s Karl Frisch Named ‘Pride Hero’ The Capital Pride Alliance has announced the individuals, leaders, and activists it will recognize as part of Capital Pride Honors event that kicks off LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrations in the National Capital Region.

Among the honorees is Fairfax County School Board member Karl Frisch (Providence District) who will receive a “Heroes Award,” which “recognizes individuals who have furthered causes important to the LGBTQ+ community and brought about positive change in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the region.”

Frisch is the first openly LGBTQ+ local elected official in Fairfax County, and the only “out” school board member in Virginia.

“The progress our school board is making in the fight to protect and affirm LGBTQ+ students is long overdue. I am humbled by this recognition, but the real heroes are our LGBTQ+ students who show up at school each day with remarkable authenticity demanding respect for who they are, and our LGBTQ+ educators who serve as incredible role models at a time when their simple existence is under attack,” said Frisch.

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West End Groundbreaking Sets Clock for 2+ Year Project

Continued from Page 1

and in conjunction with Hitt – tasked with sewing together three adjacent sites, the 10 acres in the City of Falls Church, another seven acres leased to Virginia Tech and over 20 acres owned by WMATA at its West Falls Church Metrorail station for an seamless development of the 40 acres.

Last week, a flag and balloon-laden groundbreaking for the 10 acres in Falls Church was held after a lengthy lease signing process at the F.C. City Hall that wore out the wrists of all the parties involved. It kicked off this latest construction stage of a process that dated back a decade to when the City of F.C. acquired the land in a swap with Fairfax County that exchanged ownership of the City’s water system for the land and cash, a deal cut in November 2012 that was subsequently approved by a public referendum.

That deal followed years of contentious disputes between the City and Fairfax Water that arose when the county began competing directly with the City for water services in the county a few years earlier. Despite being challenged by the much bigger Fairfax County, the Little City

of F.C. came out of the negotiations with a veritable gold mine in hand that is now being put to development by some of the nation’s most reputable and experienced large-scale developers. Bettarel noted that the West Falls project, while comparable to the Mosaic in geographic size, is expected to do considerably better overall because of its superior location, being at the intersection of a Metrorail station, the I-66 Interstate highway and the I-495 Beltway nearby.

She added that it would also have more of an “outward focus” toward the City of Falls Church and environs and praised the involvement of the Falls Church citizenry in advancing the project by its engagement with the process from the beginning. The “community effort and impact” have played major roles in the project’s success so far, she noted. Bettarel told the News-Press that a dominant feature of F.C.’s 10 acres of the project will be its “wellness focus,” with up to 50 percent of a 150,000 square foot office building on Route 7 being occupied by a major health care provider. It will be equidistant between two existing major wellness institutions, the Inova and Virginia Hospital Center operations. Also, a 400-unit

residential building will begin construction in the earliest phase.

The earliest stages of construction will see “a lot of earth work going on” as the basis for parking at what will be two major buildings that will mark the opening stages of the construction. “A lot of dirt hauling trucks and bulldozers will be active” right away, she said. This will include work on clearing before the start of classes at the new, adjacent Meridian High School along what has been dubbed as Mustang Alley to be a route into the site. It’s the first project of this scale that Bettarel has been in charge of, and she said she’s very excited about it. Under her in major roles are Caroline Crawford, Andrea Dudney and Charles Battle.

It’s not been lost on her, she said, the major role that women are playing as leaders in the effort. “Innovative development practices that put the community first preceded last week’s groundbreaking,” it was noted.

According to a Hoffman statement, “The transit-oriented neighborhood will be pedestrian friendly and offer bike paths in addition to being conveniently located near the West Falls Church Metrorail station as well as Leesburg Pike (Route 7) and Route 66, both are key con-

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UNDER CONTRACT

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and I congratulate all on reaching this important milestone,” said David Tarter, Mayor of Falls Church.

Building connectivity in the community is a core focus of the project.

The heart of West Falls will be The Commons, offering 4,000 square feet of outdoor community gathering space. This central gathering space will offer ample outdoor seating, flexible spaces with moveable furniture, fire pits and a fountain for children to play in, while also serving as a welcoming space for seasonal community events and programming. The residential component of the project features three buildings including apartments, condominium residences and senior living, offering over 800,000 square feet of residential space in total.

The 371,000 square-foot mixedincome apartment building includes 400 apartment residences. The 174,000 square-foot condominium building includes 126 condominium residences. West Falls will also feature a 260,000 square-foot, 215-unit, best-in-class senior living facility, operated by a nationally recognized senior living operator which will be developed by Trammell Crow

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nectors of the DMV region. Upon completion, the neighborhood will serve as a gateway to the City of Falls Church, which is known for its dynamic culture, strong educational system, vibrant local retail, commitment to sustainability and welcoming community.” The project will feature The Commons, an activated park at the center of the neighborhood that will provide almost an acre of open space for community use as well as public art and activation, apartments, condominiums, senior living, retail, hotel, a medical office, and cultural space. The expansive project will feature 1.2 million square feet of development across nearly 10 acres.

West Falls is the first component of a larger 40-acre community-focused development of the area between Leesburg Pike (Route 7) and the West Falls Church Metrorail Station that is intended to add to the vibrant neighborhood with an active and pedestrian-friendly area that fosters community, sustainability and innovation. “The West Falls project will create a vibrant, walkable destination for the community and region to enjoy, while generating the tax revenue to pay for the new Meridian High School next door.

It’s a win-win for our community

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PAGE 4 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Beyer Faces Primary Challenge as June 21 Election Approaches

Continued from Page 1

the last day to vote early in person. Election Day voting will take place June 21.

Beyer, a former Falls Church businessman who served as the head of the local Chamber of Commerce before entering statewide politics in the late 1980s and winning two elections as Virginia’s lieutenant governor, then losing a run for governor, has served as a member of the House of Representatives for the 8th District since 2014, winning the 2020 candidate primary with 45 percent of the votes. During his time as Congressman, Beyer has served on multiple committees, including serving as chair of the Joint Economic Committee.

He marched, as he has every year, with a delegation of prominent local Democrats in Monday’s Memorial Day Parade.

“The most important message here is that our government, our laws, our decisions are made by those who

show up,” Aaron Fritschner, a spokesman for Beyer, told the News-Press last week. “ T h a t ’s something Congressman Beyer tells everyone when encouraging them to vote. The legislative work he does in the House of Representatives has a great deal of effect on people’s lives and our system of government is dependent on them.”

Fritschner also shared that Beyer was very involved in writing the Build Back Better Act, which is currently stalled in the Senate but has remained in conversation with his colleagues on ways to continue moving forward.

Virasingh was born and raised in the 8th district. The daughter of two immigrants, both of her parents voted Democratic since they became citizens.

When asked why she decided to run for office this year, Virasignh said, “When I saw what had happened in the governor’s race last November, I saw seismic shifts in the electorate in our district. When I

looked at the voting patterns, a lot of working class immigrant communities who had voted for Biden then voted for Youngkin.

When I looked at turnout, I saw that it was largely concentrated in more suburban and whiter areas and I know how important it is for us to get out every single Democratic vote.

I know how important it is for us to engage the electorate and bring out younger and more diverse voters to the table.”

Virasingh called this a “pivotal time in our politics,” with women’s rights on the line and other issues being covered by the news on a national scale.

She acknowledged that having an election every year in the Commonwealth can be overwhelming but, she added, now is the time for action.

“Our district is very diverse, we’re one of the youngest districts in the Commonwealth.

We’ve got a huge opportunity here and I am asking voters who are unsure, who are tired to look around.

If you’re looking around and worried about your rights

Victoria Virasingh

Don Beyer

or worried about the state of democracy, your vote is your voice,” she said.

Last year, the turnout for the Democratic primary saw an 11 percent drop from the 2017 primary. While non-presidential election years tend to have a lower turnout, this is still a

significant drop to take note of.

Citizens who may be unsure of their registration status can look up their information on v o t e . e l e c t i o n s . v i rg i n i a . g o v / VoterInformation. More information on voting in Falls Church City is available at fallschurchva.gov.

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Commentary The GOP War on Civil Virtue Thomas L. Friedman NEW YORK TIMES

It’s hard to say which of the Republican responses to the latest mass shooting was most reprehensible.

The reliably awful Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas attracted considerable attention by insisting that the answer is to put armed guards in schools, never mind that Uvalde’s school system has its own police force and officers seem to have been on the scene soon after the shooter arrived.

And the Buffalo, New York, supermarket that was the location of a mass shooting just 10 days earlier also had an armed security guard, who was killed because his gun was no match for the shooter’s body armor.

But if you ask me, the worst and also most chilling response came from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Texas.

What we need to do, declared Patrick, is “harden these targets so no one can get in, ever, except maybe through one entrance.”

That restriction would have interesting consequences in the event of a fire.

But in any case, think about Patrick’s language: In a nation that’s supposedly at peace, we should treat schools as “targets” that need to be “hardened.”

What would that do to public education, which has for many generations been one of the defining experiences of growing up in America?

Don’t worry, says a writer for The Federalist: Families can keep their kids safe by resorting to home-schooling.

Actually, if you take the proposals by Cruz, Patrick and others literally, they amount to a call for turning the land of the free into a giant armed camp.

There are around 130,000 K-12 schools in America; there are close to 40,000 supermarkets; there are many other venues that might offer

prey for mass killers.

So protecting all these public spaces Republican-style would require creating a heavily armed, effectively military domestic defense force — heavily armed because it would face attackers with body armor and semi-automatic weapons — that would be at least as big as the Marine Corps.

Why would such a thing be necessary?

Mass shootings are very rare outside the United States.

Why are they so common here?

Not, according to the U.S. right, because we’re a nation where a disturbed 18-year-old can easily buy military-grade weapons and body armor.

No, says Patrick, it’s because “We’re a coarse society.”

I know it’s a hopeless effort to say this, but imagine the reaction if a prominent liberal politician were to declare that the reason the United States has a severe social problem that doesn’t exist elsewhere is that Americans are bad people. We’d never hear the end of it.

But when a Republican says it, it barely makes a ripple.

And I guess I should say for the record that I personally don’t believe that Americans, as individuals, are worse than anyone else.

If anything, what has always struck me when returning from trips abroad is that Americans are (or were) on average exceptionally nice and pleasant to interact with.

What distinguishes us is that it’s so easy for people who aren’t nice to arm themselves to the teeth.

Okay, I think everyone realizes that none of what Republicans are saying about how to respond to mass shootings will translate into actual policy proposals.

They’re barely even trying to make sense. Instead, they’re just making noise to

Continued on Page 7

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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 5

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

Our racial history commemorators have thoroughly marked the 1959 integration of Stratford Junior High School, a first for long-segregated Virginia.

But those four African American student pioneers stood on the shoulders of a select group of older peers, whose legal efforts have gone relatively unsung.

A remedy for that injustice came May 13, when activists for the John M. Langston and Halls Hill civic associations gathered with county officials at the Langston Community Center. With prayers, a poem and narratives, they acknowledged the “courage and fortitude” of 28 black students whose parents in the 1950s challenged the Arlington school board to desegregate (during statelevel “massive resistance”) via the court case Thompson v. Arlington.

Organized primarily by Halls Hill chronicler Wilma Jones — who succeeded in assembling 14 of the 28 alumni, or their survivors — the ceremony highlighted the 85th anniversary of the John M. Langston Civic Association (the county’s oldest). Attendees admired historic photos curated by Ernest Johnson and referenced neighborhood events such as the newly begun reconstruction of historic Fire Station No. 8 and a renewed Halls Hill mural behind McDonald’s.

Jones’s research assembled news clippings describing how a federal court ruling in 1956 had approved desegregation in Arlington, but our school board refused to enforce it.

Hence five of those plaintiffs, along

with 27 additional students, became the plaintiffs in Thompson.

School officials had the black applicants evaluated by a psychologist for the Virginia Mental Hygiene Department, who recommended rejecting 12 for psychological reasons or an inability to adjust. The start of the 1958 school year was delayed while attorneys clashed before Judge Albert Bryan, NAACP attorneys against school board attorney Frank Ball.

In the celebration’s dramatic statement, current school board member Reid Goldstein told the crowd he “apologized for the behavior” of the ‘50s board in treating black citizens “so badly.” Speaking for all current board members, Goldstein said, “We’re at a critical moment in society where it’s important we establish schools where all feel welcome.”

The 63-years-late celebration was planned with School Superintendent Francisco Duran and chief of staff Brian Stockton. Also in the audience of 100 were Julius Spain Sr., president of the NAACP’s Arlington branch, and county board members Matt de Ferranti and Takis Karantonis, who read a proclamation of support.

Memories of growing up as Arlington desegregated came from keynote speaker Deborah Brittain, a graduate of Drew Elementary, Hoffman-Boston secondary school, Wakefield High (’64) and Howard University. She recalled that the Langston civic association was created in the late 1930s, a time when FDR was president, Joe Louis had out-boxed a heavyweight white man, and the Scottsboro Boys were con-

victed in a racially explosive rape case.

The Arlington plaintiffs “were 10 – 15-year-old children living normal lives in Halls Hill and Green Valley,” recalled Brittain, a past president and board chair of the Association of Junior Leagues International. It was the parents who chose to go to court, but “we knew our behavior represented our family and communities.”

Those Arlington black neighborhoods — Halls Hill, Green Valley, Johnson City, Hatsville — made a “loving” community in which “we hardly ever locked our doors. But we had to travel all the way to the District to go to the movies.”

Today, Brittain said, “As communities get more diverse, the needs of citizens may differ.” The challenges are “not for the faint of heart.” *** After decades as an institution, the newly refurbished Jennie Dean Park athletic field near Shirlington was re-dedicated May 21 with music and a parade.

Just blocks along Four Mile from the long-spiffier Barcroft Park, this facility enjoyed by Green Valley African-Americans was named for the pioneer educator who rose from slavery in the 19th century and founded the Manassas Industrial School for Colored Youth. The $15 million, three-year upgrade came from the county, which in 1944 bought the land used during segregation for football, softball, baseball, tennis, picnics and dancing, according to newly posted historical plaques.

The shiny green diamonds are named for popular African-American coaches Ernest Johnson and Robert Winkler.

PAGE 6 | JUNE 2 - 8. 2022

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FCNP Endorses Beyer Once Again

It should come as no surprise to regular readers of this newspaper that it is once again officially endorsing Falls Church’s “favorite son,” U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer, Jr., in this month’s Democratic primary election. Early voting is already underway, and Election Day proper is June 21. Beyer’s lone challenger in this election is a woman seeking public office for the first time, Victoria Virasingh.

In a flier sent out by the Beyer campaign last week, a January 1, 1939 photo is included that shows Clara Beyer, the congressman’s grandmother, with Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet secretary in U.S. history, and a quote from the congressman stating, “My grandmother, Clara Beyer, worked tirelessly for those who had no voice. She worked when women were not welcome in the halls of power. But she was there, fighting for fair labor standards, child protection and Social Security. I spoke with my grandmother every day, the last 10 years of her life. She inspired my passion for fairness and equality — the foundations of our democracy. I am proud of her life of contribution, and I hear her voice guiding me every day.”

Beyer’s grandmother died at age 98 the same year that her grandson won his first elected office, as lieutenant governor of Virginia, a post to which he was reelected four years later. He lost a run for governor in 1998 to what was little more than a populist slogan.

He continued to work tirelessly for Democrats, including being one of the first to openly commit to the candidacy of President Barack Obama. When long-time U.S. Rep. Jim Moran chose not to seek another term, Beyer won handily a hotly contested primary and the office in 2015.

Beyer’s flier mailed this last week also includes a quote from Rep. Nancy Pelosi, which states, “There is no member of Congress who works harder than Don Beyer. Don has been essential to our work pushing forward critical progressive legislation. For you and for America, please keep Don Beyer in Congress.”

We could not more hardily agree with Rep. Pelosi. Don Beyer is far, far more than just one more Democratic vote in the narrowly divided U.S. Congress.

If the Democrats are going to hold into the House this November, against the odds, it will be in part because of what Beyer has done and continues to do, inspiring persons of all ages and stations in life to manifest the values that he so readily expresses in his work and in his life, going back to the days when he worked with his parent’s Volvo dealership in the City of Falls Church and was elected president of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce in the mid-1980s.

When he introduced Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Falls Church last week, he opened by saying how delighted he was to welcome her to “the actual geographic center of the universe, Falls Church.”

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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On The Uvalde, Texas Shooting

Editor, As the parent of two elementaryaged children, I continue to process the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas and how heartbreaking it is.

The fact that those children lost the ability to live their lives with the love of their family. That they lived their final moments in abject terror.

That the bullets so damaged their little bodies, that they could not be identified requiring grieving parents to submit to DNA tests.

We all say what has happened is unacceptable, but it is not unacceptable because mass shooting events continue to happen with nothing being done by elected leaders across the country. So, it is acceptable because we vote for leaders who allow it to be acceptable. And in fact, Texas moved to make its gun laws even more lax last September allowing someone to buy assault weapons without a permit.

Arguing for stricter gun laws is not “playing politics,” but instead finding a solution to an ongoing problem. There are no other instances where suggesting a solution is playing politics. And even if it is “playing politics,” I do not care when my children’ lives are at stake. Isn’t what elected officials do

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“politics?”

A lot of politicians will stand up and condemn the killing and make fiery speeches on the House and Senate floor, but it means nothing.

A speech will not stop a bullet from ripping through a child. Only taking action will. And that action may fail. It is possible despite the overwhelming support of the general public, gun reform that could help will not pass the House or Senate.

It is of no moment — they have to try and bring the issue out. Write a bill, rally support, put pressure on the hold-outs. Don’t just give up. Be creative, but do something.

Anything.

Our children are literally dying for them to take action. Gun advocates argue that we need to strengthen mental health laws.

Perhaps that is part of the solution, but what have they done to address this issue over the last decade if that is the solution?

They also argue that we should strengthen security at schools.

Besides the wisdom of our children going to a “prison” to learn, that is not necessarily the answer. Though details are still emerging, the school in Texas apparently had armed officers on site that exchanged gunfire with the gunman.

Maybe we just need less bad guys with guns.

Eric Crusius

Call 532-3267 or visit www.FCNP.com

Mail or drop off Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Editor’s Essay

CO MME NT

JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 7

Weapons of War Murder Innocents in Ukraine & Uvalde Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

One could say about this week the old adage, “It is always darkest just before dawn.” Cynics offer a revision that says, “It is always darkest just before it goes completely black.”

But as one who is, I confess, a hopeless but not a foolish optimist, I am willing to step up with an argument that this time, the old adage about an impending dawn may have merit.

God help us, I hope I’m right, because otherwise this week has been one of the most gut wrenching assaults on just ordinary human sen-

sibilities as one might want to experience. It’s due, of course, to the mass killings of mostly 10 year-olds at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

Atrocity has been piled upon atrocity in this case, as if it could get any worse than the coldblooded killings, themselves.

Finding out that many young victims could have survived by just routine police, much less human, action at the site has made the whole thing significantly worse.

Would that we never, ever become jaded in the face of such atrocities. One might say this is the most important aspect, worth praying for: “May I never become the kind of vacuous monster that neither perpetrates such an action, nor that becomes indifferent to it.”

The behavior of the usual cast of Republican politicians in this instance has been over the top for hypocrisy, lying and dissembling. If the likes of Sen. Cruz or any of the others gets away with their tiresome,

indefensible crap in this case, then another good prayer might be that they eventually get their just desserts.

One doesn’t wish bad things on anyone, except maybe for those who’ve committed to what is supposed to be public service, and who subsequently betray that trust in the manner so many of these Republicans have been exhibiting lately.

Sadly, confessing to knee buckling cowardice in the face of a deadly challenge is more authentic than all the nonsense talk we’ve been subjected to about actions being based on “wrong decisions.” Sheer cowardice is a much worse thing, to a sick male-chauvinist mind, than bad judgment.

So, what is worse, a blind devotion to Trump, or to a weapon of war in the hands of an angry 18-year-old?

Sadly, they may be manifestations of the same thing. They grow out of the same sentiment that has driven Putin to destroy the lives of millions of Ukranians on behalf of …. what? Of

Commentary

The GOP War on Civil Virtue Continued from Page 5

drown out rational discussion until the latest atrocity fades from the news cycle.

The truth is that conservatives consider mass shootings, and for that matter America’s astonishingly high overall rate of gun deaths, as an acceptable price for pursuing their ideology.

But what is that ideology?

I’d argue that while talk about America’s unique gun culture isn’t exactly wrong, it’s too narrow.

What we’re really looking at here is a broad assault on the very idea of civic duty — on the idea that people should follow certain rules, accept some restrictions on their behavior, to protect the lives of their fellow citizens.

In other words, we should think of vehement opposition to gun regulations as a phenomenon closely linked to vehement (and highly partisan) opposition to mask mandates and vaccination in the face of a deadly pandemic, vehement opposition to environmental rules like the ban on phosphates in detergent, and more.

Where does this hatred of the idea of civic duty come from?

No doubt some of it, like almost everything in U.S. politics, is related to race.

One thing it doesn’t reflect, however, is our national tradition.

When you hear talk of homeschooling, remember that the United States basically invented universal public education.

Environmental protection

used to be a nonpartisan issue: The Clean Air Act of 1970 passed the Senate without a single nay.

And Hollywood mythology aside, most towns in the Old West had stricter limits on the carrying of firearms than Gov. Greg Abbott’s Texas.

As I suggested, I don’t fully understand where this aversion to the basic rules of a civilized society is coming from.

What’s clear, however, is that the very people who shout most about “freedom” are doing their best to turn America into a “Hunger Games”-type dystopian nightmare, with checkpoints everywhere, loomed over by men with guns.

By Thomas L. Friedman © 2022 The New York Times

some bizarre combination of electrical impulses in his brain?

How is Putin different from a teenager standing with an assault rifle before a classroom full of helpless, innocent children, methodically gunning them down? In our country, justice ostensibly took the form of those hundreds of uniformed law enforcement officers paralyzed right outside of that classroom door in Uvalde.

If anything, I fear most that we’ll find out that some form of racist hatred helped guide the officers who did nothing in that incident, that it wasn’t just paralysis, but willful negligence that caused the horrible outcome.

Maybe Trump didn’t cause the Uvalde massacre, but the fact that we, as a people, allowed such a sociopath into the White House whose selfish and violent behavior served to place a stamp of approval on the ugliest of racist and sociopathic behaviors in our

population is a terrible judgment that has been inflicted on us.

Putin didn’t cause the Uvalde massacre, either. But it is well known that the Russians saw it in their strategic interest to back the gun lobby in the U.S., to help fund and to boost the NRA. Why? It’s because he seeks to break down the social order in the U.S., just as he for decades worked to shape a culture in the U.S. that produced the Trumpian nihilist personna in the general population.

The enemies of democracy, whomever they may be, have recognized that morality and values are the linchpins upon which democracy relies.

Convince a population that morality and values are impediments to an idealized individual’s quest for autonomy and a gamut of irrational thoughts and behaviors, and you have sewn the seeds of fascism.

West End Project Begins Continued from Page 3

Company. The first phase of development will also include 125,000 square feet of medical office space, providing a best-in-class healthcare use, also developed by Trammell Crow Company.

Retail will also be a key focus for the neighborhood with 123,000 square feet of ground-floor retail carefully curated with the community in mind. Offerings will include a 40,000 square-foot nationally recognized grocer and a mix of national and local concepts including personal care, fitness, shopping, dining and a daycare.

Centrally located within the neighborhood, West Falls will also feature a modern 146-key hotel, Home2 Suites, an extended-stay Hilton-brand offering spacious rooms in a dynamic setting.

West Falls will be built by a group of best-in-class general contractors that were tailor-selected for their areas of expertise and abilities to perform. Clark Construction will build the project’s site work, one garage structure, two TCC panels and the condominium. Coakley Williams will construct the hotel, and Bozzuto Construction has been selected as the contractor for the apartments and a second garage.

Hoffman and Associates secured

investments, closed on two large loans and executed a 99-year ground lease with the City of Falls Church for West Falls.

Through Hoffman and Associates’ multi-faceted approach, the developer has assembled debt and equity capital totaling nearly $400 million for the apartments, condominiums, retail, hotel, public space and parking, including over $260 million of construction debt, over $107 million in equity and other sources and over $24 million in public financing.

Mack Real Estate Credit Strategies provided $200 million of construction financing, and an affiliate of Rockwood Capital made an equity investment, capitalizing nearly half of the development. This includes 123,000 square feet of retail, as well as the 146key hotel, an apartment building, 964 garage parking spaces and The Commons.

EagleBank served as the lender for a construction loan of over $60 million and Grosvenor, through its Structured Development Finance business, provided financing for the condominium with ground floor retail.

Trammell Crow Company will be developing and sourcing financing for the medical office and senior living buildings that are a part of West Falls.

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PAGE 8 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

The news headlines today — a massacre of school children in Texas, war in Ukraine, fatal and nearly-fatal vehicle and pedestrian crashes here at home — plus all the political machinations that are, or are not, going on in Congress, make one want to crawl back into bed and pull up the covers. Today’s 24-hour media blitz makes it hard to get away from the cacophony and heartbreak, but that’s when one can turn to the arts for solace and re-set.

Fairfax County teems with talented residents, in visual arts, music, dance, theatre, poetry, photography, and more. Some of it is free, like the current photography exhibit by Connor Cummings, at the Mason District Governmental Center and the upcoming summer concerts in the parks. Others have an admissions fee, which simply is another way of being an arts patron. Providence Players is a current, and longstanding, example of community theatre that provides enjoyment for audiences and opportunities for playwrights, actors, and all the folks who, literally, work behind the scenes.

The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), founded in 1998, has emerged as one of the region’s leading community theatre companies, with 180 member artists serving more than 450 season ticket holders and 4500 theatre patrons each year. PPF’s home is at the James Lee Community Center on Annandale Road, an historic former elementary school that has been transformed into theatre space, indoor basketball and athletics, and many other community activities for all ages. The James Lee Center originally was located in the Providence magisterial district but, as a result of redistricting following the 2020 Census, now is in the Mason District. The Center didn’t move; the boundary lines did, and I am delighted to claim PPF as a Mason District resident company. Given their history of success, I see no reason to change their name!

The final play of the 2021-22 season, “Playing Juliet and Casting Othello,” opens on Friday, June

10, and uses the Bard as the backdrop to examine modern issues with a multi-racial cast. Log on to providenceplayers.org for more information about dates and ticket availability. The 2022-23 season is in development and is expected to begin in October.

Providence Players is a member of the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) and a member and grant recipient of ARTSFAIRFAX. It launched the Theatre Community Inclusion Project to increase participation among new audiences, particularly youth and underserved populations, by providing free tickets for qualified patrons, a special free teacher and student preview performance for each production, theatre workshops for youth, and scholarships for college-bound students who wish to pursue theatre as a degree or profession.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, PPF turned a parking lot in Falls Church into a performance space “under the stars.”

Although virtual venues can work, most actors want to perform “live” for audiences, and the owner of The Italian Café in Falls Church was willing to give it a try. Health protocols were observed, masks and social distancing required and a PPF team painted squares that allowed 54 people to be seated on the parking lot for each performance. Creativity is the soul of theatre and the show must go on!

“Playing Juliet and Casting Othello” will be performed indoors, not in a parking lot, but the same creativity that led to the outdoor venue will be in ample supply, just as it is for any Providence Players presentation. It’s amazing what a couple of hours in a darkened theatre, devices off, and live performers on the stage, can do to provide that reset, from the headlines that we all need.  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

C RI M E R E PO RT Week of May 23 — 29, 2022

Shoplifting, S Washington St, May 24, 2:03 AM, two unknown suspects took items of value from a business.

Suspect one described as a female, late thirties, average build, with black hair. The second suspect was a female, late thirties, average build, with black hair.

Larceny/Purse Snatching/Credit Card Fraud, Hillwood Ave, May 24, 6:30 PM, a victim lost possession of her purse while shopping. An unknown

suspect, described as a male wearing a white Under Armour baseball cap, white sweat pants and white shoes observed her lose the purse, stole it and fled the store. An attempt was made to use her credit cards at two different stores.

Shoplifting, W Broad St, May 25, 09:34 AM, unknown suspect took items of value from a business. The suspect is described as a tall male, approximately 30 years old, wearing a blue windbreaker bearing a NB (New Balance) logo on the left chest pocket and along both sleeves, khaki cargo

pants and a Mohawk haircut.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, May 27, 2 PM, two unknown suspects took an item of value without payment.

Suspects described as adult males, possibly 25 years of age, 5`07 in height, slim build, both wearing black hats, black pants, black shoes, one with a black t-shirt and the other with a white t-shirt.

Drunk in Public, Wilson Blvd, May 29, 10:03 AM, a black male, 41, of Woodbridge, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report The United States is the only nation with more civilian firearms than people. With an estimated 400+ million guns in circulation in the last decade, our population is increasingly dwarfed by the count of firearms. Every constitutional amendment is significant. However, I am quite confident the signers of that document would have reworded the Second Amendment if they foresaw the weaponry we have at our disposal today.

A dated interpretation of the Second Amendment should not supersede its logical intent and public safety. Gun violence is at an all-time high and political lip service continues ad nauseam.

Assault weapons do not belong in civilian hands, especially 18-yearolds. Background checks serve a critical screening purpose. There is a reason for the expression “red flag laws.” Most important in this national dialogue, we must elect leaders who are committed to governing as opposed to political expediency.

After months of negotiations, the Virginia House and Senate have reached a consensus on the remaining business of the 2022 session of the General Assembly. The ink is drying on the biennial budget bill that we will send to Governor Youngkin. The process this biennium took longer because of the political shift at the Capitol as well as an unprecedented level of revenue. The Senate’s seniority and experience were crucial elements in producing this spending plan.

Compromise was reached on tax relief for every Virginian. The standard deduction for individuals and joint filers was doubled for the tax year 2022. Tthe 2022 individual deduction will be $7,500 and joint filers will be at $16,000. Virginia’s earned income tax credit will be refundable to 15 percent of the federal EITC. I serve as the chair of the SFAC subcommittee on K — 12 and my goal is to appropriately fund public education. While our governor continues to look for ways to support his agenda and undermine the success we have in educating Virginia’s children, I have supported ways to build on the successes and mitigate any shortcomings.

To attract and retain the best personnel, more than $1.8 billion was added across the board and targeted compensation for state employees, state-supported local employees, and teachers. That compensation

includes a 5 percent salary increase both years of the biennium and a $1,000 bonus for state employees and teachers. Law enforcement, mental health staff, with other employee groups receiving “targeted compensation” increases as well.

We are investing heavily in higher education to make it an accessible and affordable pathway for Virginians working toward the future job market. This includes need-based financial aid, dedicated funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with additional funding to increase the recruitment and retention of Pelleligible students. More than $1.25 billion is earmarked for school construction, modernization payments and targeted construction assistance grants.

Looking at Health and Human Resources, we will increase reimbursement rates for Medicaid dental providers. Funds are earmarked for increases for the developmentally disabled, in-home services, and nursing facilities. Over $200 million (that includes ARPA funds) will be used to expand community-based mental health services and increase compensation for direct care staff at our state’s hospitals.

Addressing an aging infrastructure, there are funds for water quality improvement. We are reserving $165 million for much-needed Combined Sewer Overflow Projects as well as $90 million for other wastewater and sewer projects.

In this nearly 400-page tome are economic development strategies with funding for Virginia’s Business Ready Sites program. Capital outlay investments are included for the Port of Virginia. Based on recent experience, investments will be made to improve and stabilize unemployment insurance, the VEC, and keep the employer tax rate at a pre-pandemic level.

Gov. Youngkin also saw fit to veto a bill that Del. Simon and I carried for Falls Church City. The measure was intended to embrace the local talent residents can bring to city boards and commissions. There was nothing nefarious in this measure. By contrast, I applaud the dedicated men and women who volunteer their services for the betterment of our communities. Thank you.  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

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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 9

Several Mustangs Squads Still Alive in Regional, State Playoffs

by Ryan McCafferty Falls Church News-Press

As the calendar flips from May to June and action resumes after the long holiday weekend, every Meridian High School athletics squad finds themselves either in the midst of postseason play, or already finished with their Spring 2022 campaign. Two whose seasons were very busy this week were both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams, the former of which defeated James Monroe 5-2 on Tuesday the 24th in the Regional Semis before falling in the Finals against Maggie Walker, by a score of 0-5. The latter defeated Warren County 6-0 on Monday the 23rd in the Semis before also falling in the Finals, also to Maggie Walker, and also by a score of 0-5.

But both seasons are not over just yet, as they will compete in the State

Quarterfinals on Friday, June 3rd at Tabb High School in Yorktown.

Both teams also have singles players competing in the regional tournaments on Tuesday the 31st, as Emerson Mellon represents the girls in Fredericksburg and Ryan Vagoun represents the boys in Goochland.

Mellon and Emma Ward, as well as Vagoun and Nicholas Parente, will additionally compete in the doubles tournaments in the same respective venues on Wednesday, June 1st.

Elsewhere, the girls’ soccer team wrapped up their regular season with victories at Warren County on Monday the 23rd (10-0) and at home against William Monroe on Tuesday the 24th (3-0). They then defeated Culpeper 6-0 at home in their Regional Quarterfinal on Thursday, and dominated Monroe on the road in the rematch as they won 8-1 as they advanced to play

in the Regional Finals on Friday, June 2nd against an opponent to be determined.

Meanwhile the boys are also still fighting, as they completed their regular season by defeating Warren County 6-3 on the road on Monday the 23rd, but fell 0-2 the next day at William Monroe.

They annihilated Warren County 9-2 in their Regional Quarterfinal at home on Thursday and then shut out Brentsville 5-0 in the Semis on Tuesday the 31st, with two goals from Yasin Shams leading the way.

Their opponent for the Regional Final on Thursday is to be determined, but the game will be at home, and regardless of the outcome, they will advance to the State tournament, which would include likely at least one home game.

While the girls’ softball season came to a premature end, the

boys’ baseball squad is still firing on all cylinders. They completed their regular season with a 6-2 victory at home against Warren County on Monday the 23rd, then continued defending their home turf as they beat Skyline in a 1-0 nailbiter on Wednesday the 25th and then defeated Brentsville 5-1 on Tuesday the 31st. They fell behind 1-0 against Brentsville in the first inning, but rallied with timely RBIs from Jackson Pierce and Grant Greiner, and put it away in the sixth inning when Jack Flanagan and Thomas Downs were both walked with the bases loaded.

They advance to the Regional Finals on Thursday, June 2nd, and have automatically qualified for the State tournament, though it is uncertain whether or not Thursday’s game will be at home.

The lacrosse teams are also both

still in action, as the boys defeated Brentsville on the road on Monday the 23rd by a score of 7-5, then lost 10-21 as they traveled to Fauquier.

However, they were able to advance to the State tournament for the first time in program history, and will kick off by playing a to-be-determined opponent on the road on Friday, June 3rd.

The girls took home some hardware by winning their Regional tournament, crushing Culpeper (236) on Monday the 23rd and Kettle Run (21-3) on Wednesday, both at home. Their first State playoff game will be at Loudoun Valley on Friday, June 3rd.

Finally, the track and field teams will compete in various events at the State championship meet on Friday, June 3rd and Saturday, June 4th, which will be hosted at Liberty University in Lynchburg.

Falls Church Little League: Featured ‘Game of the Week’

by Erika Toman

FCKLL’s spring season is coming to a close this Saturday, June 4. We have had a tremendous baseball season with 581 boys and girls in the league from ages four to 13.

Closing day will be all day Saturday with championship games for A, AA, AAA and Majors all being held at Westgate

Elementary School. Immediately following the final championship game will be a Closing Ceremony and everyone is welcome — all players, families and community members. It will be a fun time to recognize all of the teams, distribute trophies, thank coaches, and celebrate our 12 year olds who are wrapping up their FCKLL baseball careers.

THE LITTLE LEAGUE during last week’s Memorial Day Parade. (Photos: Fred Keel)

Falls Church School News & Notes

Meridian Class of 22 Graduation Update Meridian students Class of 2022 are finishing up their exams, looking forward to their externships, Kings Dominion, field day and ultimately, graduation. For those with questions regarding graduation, contact Cecily Shea at sheac@fccps. org. Mark the following dates on your calendars: June 2: Fire Drill Breakfast, from 9:15 — 10:15 a.m; June 2 is also the day to pay off any library fines and to return borrowed computers.

June 6: Kings Dominion trip, from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.

June 7: All Seniors must attend, from 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., Field Day, cap and gown distribution, the pizza lunch, the graduation rehearsal and the parade through the schools.

June 8 is graduation, with the full rehearsal beginning at 2 p.m. and the ceremony itself starting at 4 p.m. The All Night Graduation Celebration will take place between 9 p.m. on June 8 and 5 a.m. on June 9.

FCCPS Retirement Celebration All are invited to recognize the following Falls Church City Public Schools employees who are retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year: Dan Coast: IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, Meridian HS; Tony Green: Health & Physical Education Teacher, Meridian HS; Doug Johnson: Bus Driver, Transportation Services; Heidi Lang: Gifted Teacher, Oak Street Elementary; Marc Robarge: Art

Teacher, Meridian HS; Carol Seaver: School Counselor, Oak Street Elementary; Kevin O’Dowd: Paraprofessional, Mt. Daniel Elementary; and Holly Shaffie: ESOL Teacher, Oak Street Elementary. The event will take place Monday, June 13, at Meridian High School’s Innovation Commons (3rd floor) at 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church. The reception begins at 4:15 p.m. and the program at 4:45 p.m.

ViSSTA Covid-19 Testing in FCCPS

LOCAL STUDENTS taking part in Bike to School day in May.

Those who have been exposed to Covid-19 are welcome to join Virginia School Screening Testing for Assurance (ViSSTA) for PCR screening testing. Individuals who are exposed and not up to date on

Covid vaccines may also participate in the “test to stay” program. Test to Stay allows those who are not up to date on vaccines and exposed to remain in school with daily repeat testing.

Please contact nurse Jenn Beck

(Photo: Sue Johnson)

(beckj@fccps.org) for support with “test to stay.” For questions regarding the registration process, contact John Brett at jwbrett@fccps.org. For more information, visit fccps.org/ page/vissta.

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PAGE 10 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Local Commentary: 11 Ideas for Greener Transporta�on

BY DAVE GUSTAFSON

With the average national gas price surging to another record high on Memorial Day and the effects of climate change accelerating around the world, it’s a great time to explore ways you can save money and reduce fossil fuel usage.

Here are 11 ideas for greener ways to get around: Rethink Your Commute: According to 2020 Census estimates, Falls Church residents’ average commutes are about 28 minutes, and 60 percent said they drive alone to work.

Just 14 percent took public transit, 3.5 percent walked, and 1.2 percent bicycle. More than 27 percent of residents say they work in the Little City, which is only about 2 square miles in size.

For a greener commute, try walking or biking, taking public transit, or carpooling one or more days a week. Test out greener commuting options and you might find one you like better than driving alone.

Biking often takes about the

same amount of time as driving or taking public transit, and you don’t have to make a separate trip to the gym when your commute becomes your workout.

Battery Boost: Battery technology advances have led to a bevy of new vehicles for personal transit. You can find electric scooters that let you stand or sit (or even balance on just one wheel).

Talk to local bike shops about e-bikes with a variety of range and price options that can help you fly up hills to make commuting or running errands a breeze. Capital BikeShare, which offers 10 locations to rent bikes in Falls Church, also offers e-bikes for an extra fee.

Get Active: Set an example: Don’t drive your kids to school in the Little City. Coordinate walking, biking, or carpools with nearby families, or have the kids take the bus. For family outings, little kids often love riding buses and trains.

Now that Falls Church has more grocery stores (and more on the way), use a folding cart and insulated freezer bags when

walking to grab groceries.

Step It Up: A 2020 study by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that “higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk from all causes.”

Walking 12,000 steps a day showed a 65 percent lower risk when compared to walking 4,000 steps. When driving, consider parking a few blocks from your destination to notch more steps.

Dust off Your Bike: If you have a bike, a variety of racks, crates, cargo platforms, and saddle bags can make it easy to haul groceries or clothes to work. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. WABA. org lists regional bike maps and other bike safety and convenience resources. Find other bike-minded neighbors on BikeFallsChurch.org.

Maintenance for More Mileage: Keeping your motor vehicle’s tire pressure at the proper PSI can improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of

Energy. Regular engine tuneups and using the manufacturer’s recommended oil can also boost fuel economy. Also, make sure your gas cap tightens properly, and replace it if it’s damaged. Fuel can evaporate if a cap’s seal is damaged.

Avoid Idling: Every year, about 3 billion gallons of fuel is wasted by passenger vehicles idling — sitting parked while the engine runs. Besides, it’s not necessary to run air conditioning when temperatures are in the 60s or 70s. When it’s warmer, find a shady parking spot if you need to sit in your vehicle.

Driven to Save: Aggressive driving isn’t just dangerous. It’s wasteful. Speeding and rapid acceleration and braking can cut gas mileage 15 to 40 percent, according to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The faster you drive over 50 mph, the worse your fuel economy will be. If your vehicle shows you real-time information about your gas mileage, you can train yourself to improve your miles per gallon by both accelerating and braking more gently

and letting off the gas earlier when you see a possible reason to brake ahead. Removing unnecessary cargo weight can improve mileage a bit, too.

Plan and Combine Trips: Engines are most efficient when they’re warmed up. Plan out your errands and try to accomplish them in the fewest number of trips. By combining driving errands, your warmed-up vehicle will operate more efficiently. If you have more than one vehicle, use the most efficient one most often.

Ease Into EVs: Switching to an electric vehicle can be a big change. Talk to neighbors who have made the switch to learn their lessons about transitioning. Plugshare.com lets you find local chargers or plan longer trips to help alleviate “range anxiety.”

Eking out Efficiency: Google Maps often defaults to the most fuel-efficient driving route. That might mean driving a minute or two more, but you can save fuel by avoiding congested areas and elevation changes.

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LO CA L

JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 11

A Passing of the Torch at the Falls Church Farmers Market

BY CATHERINE NORTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church native Howard Herman retired last week after 52 years of working with the city government.

Herman began his career in the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department and started the Little City’s beloved Farmers Market in 1984.

Discussing his work, Herman said, “The farmer’s market holds a special place in my heart,” going on to elaborate that Falls Church has a “small town-ish” feel. “When you go to a park, you’re there with your neighbors.” Which, as someone who has eaten pastries on the playground at Cherry Hill Park, I can confirm is true.

The Falls Church Farmers Market was chosen as America’s Favorite Farmers Market in the medium-sized category in 2010.

Herman said, “It was quite an honor and a wonderful day at the market,” when commenting on the local tradition.

Herman explained what the market looked like in the past, “In 1984, the opening season of the market, there were less than 10 vendors at the market and on most days there were only a couple hundred customers. Today there are close to 50 vendors at the market with another 40 on the waiting list.”

He was involved in the renovation of the Community Center and the installation of astroturf at Meridian High School, both of which supported many events

this past year. To summarize the decades spent doing work in the city, Herman said, “I’m proud of the fact that the Recreation and Parks Department makes the city a better place to live.”

Herman’s title as Farmer’s Market Manager will go to Jennifer Brady, who enthusiastically embodied the essence of the neighborhood pastime, assuring the residents, lifers, and newcomers alike, by saying, “I’m excited to get to know the Falls Church community.”

Brady has managed farmer’s markets in Loudoun County and believes her past experience has prepared her for managing the Falls Church Farmers Market.

The year-long span of the local event doesn’t frighten Brady, who said she was “pre-

pared to stand out in the rain, cold, or snow.”

There are several overlapping vendors between Falls Church City and Louden County who Brady has also met before.

As the new manager, Brady will be in charge of publicity and outreach and supporting market vendors, as well as assisting with the usual tasks that keep the market going.

The new Farmer’s Market Manager called the favorite Falls Church pastime, “Very diverse, community-oriented, and robust,” adding that she is proud to take on a “thriving” neighborhood market that’s “growing and advocating.”

When asked about what he thinks Brady will bring as the new manager, Herman said,

“Jennifer brings a passion to the market that is contagious, she understands the important role markets play in building community, [and] she realizes the value of supporting local farmers and locally grown produce.”

Continuing on, Herman praised Brady’s social media skills “that will allow her to better promote and publicize the market.”

Laughing, Brady claimed, in line with Herman’s assessment, that she “[Has] been trying to eat her way through Falls Church,” a sentiment I encouraged after so many years of good eats.

Going back to his descriptions of Falls Church, Herman claimed, “The market is a fixture in the City and has a bright future,” going on to cite the market as a “vital hub” for the Little

HOWARD HERMAN (top left) pictured at the Farmers Market information booth. Jennifer Brady (top right) will carry on the torch as the next Manager of the Farmers Market, seen here wearing one of the specially printed Market shirts. In the middle is a sample of the fresh, locally grown produce that visitors can find every Saturday.

Below are two examples of the variety of vendors that can be seen weekly, including Borek-G (bottom left), a local favorite. (Photos: Courtesy Jennifer Brady.)

PAGE 12 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

ME MO R I A L DAY PA R A D E

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Little City Comes Out in Celebration of Memorial Day

FALLS CHURCH CITY CELEBRATED MEMORIAL DAY with a local-enterprise-filled festival that provided hot, savory food, ice cold treats, and kids’ entertainment (such as trolley rides and a bouncy castle) for everyone who stopped by. The parade, which went down Little Falls St, featured traditional Bolivian dancers, members of Mary Riley Styles Public Library, local first responders and law enforcement, a group of F.C. students representing the school safety patrol, a variety of Girl and Boy Scout Troops, members of the F.C. Kiwanis Little League and the City’s very own News-Press. The Veterans Ceremony included a message from City Mayor David Tarter as well as words from keynote speaker Captain Shaw Cohe, US Navy (RET). (Photos: Gary Mester, News-Press.)

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ME MO R I A L DAY PA R A D E

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Congratulations to the 2022 Memorial Day Parade Winners

CHET DE LONG (top right), long-time fixture of Mary Riley Styles Public Library and dedicated volunteer, presided over the parade as its Grand Marshall. David Crance, of VFW Post 9274, helped lead the Little League teams during the procession. Following the festivities, the City officially announced the winners of the 2022 Memorial Day Parade in the following categories: Best Marching Professional Band: Batala Washington; Best Marching, Walking Group/Unit: Centro Cultural Bolivia; Best Youth Group: Operation EarthWatch; Best Float: NOVA Parks; Best Classic or Antique Car or Truck: Fairfax VA Chapter, Harley Owners Group; Best Emergency/Fire Vehicle: Arlington County Fire Department Station #6; and Best Military Group: McKinley Technology High School JROTC. (Photos: Gary Mester, News-Press.)

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Thursday Farmers Market Set at Mosaic Locally grown produce, grassfed meats and pastured eggs, dairy products, sweet and savory baked goods, pastries, kombucha, coldpressed juices, coffee, ice cream, prepared foods, handmade dog treats and more can now be found on Thursdays from 3 — 8 p.m. at 8190 Strawberry Ln, Falls Church. The FRESHFARM Market that takes place on Sundays in the shopping district of the Mosaic neighborhood can be found year-round at 2910 District Ave, Fairfax, VA. In keeping with Covid-19 health precautions, mask wearing and social distancing is encouraged for both vendors and visitors. Unvaccinated customers are required to wear a mask.

Well-mannered dogs are welcome.

Visit mosaicdistrict.com for more information.

St. Lucy Food Drive at St. James this Saturday The St. Lucy Project Food and Hygiene Drive will take place this coming Saturday, June 4, between 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. in parking lot B of the St. James Catholic Church, located at 905 Park Ave, Falls Church. This is a drive-thru donation event; participants simply need to pull up, pop their trunk, and volunteers will handle the rest.

Suggested food donations are rice (1 — 2 lb bags), canned meat and tuna, canned fruit and raisins, pasta, shelf stable milk, jam and jelly, canned veggies, pasta sauce and cereal. Suggested hygiene items are standard size containers of shampoo, dish soap, bars of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes (single packs), laundry detergent and razors.

The church asks that when donating, participants separate their bags/ boxes of food and hygiene items beforehand. Visit stjamescatholic.org for more information.

FCPA Celebrates National Trails Day June 4 National Trails Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June, creating an opportunity for community members to improve their physical health, mood, and make new friends at any of the 108

outdoor trails in Fairfax County.

Walking on trails has many physical and mental health benefits, such as building stronger muscles and bones, improving balance, improving heart health, and decreasing the risk of certain respiratory issues.

Mental health benefits include: improved mood, reduced stress, lower risk of depression and anxiety, and improved sensory perception. This year, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is celebrating Trails Day in several ways: hikes at numerous locations; events at several sites; and a new topic page filled with information about the trail system in Fairfax County. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/topics/trails-day for more information. The FCPA Wellness team is working to emphasize the additional benefits walking on trails can have for a person’s social health; walking in nature is a great tool to help build healthier relationships with a partner, friend, family member or neighbor.

This year’s National Trails Day, rec center staff will be holding group walks near the following rec centers: South Run at 8 a.m., meeting at the trailhead of the Lake Mercer/Burke Lake trail near the South Run Rec Center Field House; Providence at 10 a.m., meeting at Mason District Park by the old snack bar; Audrey Moore at noon, meeting at Audrey Moore Rec Center to explore the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail; Lee District and Mount Vernon at 10 a.m., meeting outside Lee District Rec Center to explore Chessie’s Big Backyard trail; Oak Marr at 3:30 p.m., meeting outside the Hunter House parking lot at Nottoway Park; Spring Hill at 9 a.m., meeting at Spring Hill Rec Center; and Cub Run at 9 a.m., meeting at Cub Run Rec Center to explore the Cub Run Stream Valley trail. For more information about Trails Day programs sponsored by the American Hiking Society across the region, as well as the nation, visit americanhiking.org/ national-trails-day.

Black + White Art Show (Runs to June 26) Falls Church Arts Gallery’s current exhibition, entitled “Black + White,” which opened Saturday, May 14, will run through Sunday, June 26 and features forty-four

MERIDIAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATED in a walk out last week, protesting gun violence and gross negligence on the part of public officials and the lack of action taken towards reducing gun violence in the country. Many students held posters and signs with striking messages, while student organizers spoke about the recent shooting in Uvalde, Texas, as well as the steps that should be taken to prevent future tragedy. There have been 213 mass shooting incidents in the United States this year alone. (Photo: News-Press). emerging and established area artists.

The show’s pieces — done in a variety of media and styles, including digital collage, oil and acrylic paint, pen and ink, photography, mixed media, and sculpture — predominantly consist of black, white, and gray color schemes, with an occasional use of color. A Juror’s Choice Award of $100 was awarded to Rosa Vera’s “The Jigsaw Players.”

A People’s Choice award of $50 will be announced at the end of the show based on votes from gallery visitors.

The F.C. Arts Gallery is located at 700-B West Broad St, Falls Church and is open Tuesdays — Fridays from 11 a.m. — 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Admission is free. An online version of the exhibit can be found at fallschurcharts.org/ black-white.

F.C. Arts focuses on the visual arts, bringing about opportunities to exhibit, learn about, share, and experience art in the community. Since its inception in 2003, educating the community about the arts has been the core mission of the organiza-

tion. Classes are offered throughout the year and cater to a wide range of ages and skill levels. For more information on Falls Church Arts, their exhibitions, and classes, visit fallschurcharts.org.

Schedule of Upcoming Book Discussions at MRSPL Mary Riley Styles Public Library has released its schedule of upcoming book discussions through the month of Oct., featuring a variety of nonfiction and fiction books: “Orwell’s Roses” (nonfiction) by Rebecca Solnit will be discussed on Wednesday, June 8; “Tortilla Flat” (fiction) by John Steinbeck will be featured on Wednesday, July 13; “Deacon King Kong’’ (fiction) by James McBride will be discussed on Wednesday, Aug. 3; “Jayber Crow” (fiction) by Wendel Berry is set for Wednesday, Sept. 14; and “The Reading List” (fiction) by Sara Nisha Adams is set for Wednesday, Oct. 12.

All discussions begin at 7 p.m. in the library’s Upper Level Conference Room. Mary Riley Styles Public

Library is located at 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church. With questions or for more information, call 703248-5030 or visit fallschurchva.gov/ library. For details on future discussions and other events and to register for a book discussion, visit mrspl. librarycalendar.com.

28th Annual Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation Music Festival returns to Falls Church with headliners Marcia Ball and New Orleans’ Grammy winners Rebirth Brass Band. Rounding out the lineup are Dale and the ZDubs, a D.C. Rock n’ Reggae band; Carly Harvey’s Kiss & Ride featuring D.C.’s Queen of the Blues Batalá Washington, the Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble making its second appearance; the award-winning Meridian High School Jazz Band; Mr. Jon & Friends; and DJ Stylus, “The Vibe Conductor,” who will host the Post-festival Dance Party.

In addition to Blues and Rock performances, the Festival will include

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

include historic exhibits, a food village with a wide variety of local restaurants serving BBQ, kid-friendly, and vegetarian options; a kids’ village with face painting, a puppy petting zoo, musical crafts, and more; a beer garden hosted by the RockStar Realty Group; a relaxation village with yoga, massages, and other activities; and an artist village featuring local painters, photographers, and jewelers.

The Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival is a major charity event in the Falls Church area, celebrating and honoring the African American legacy. The 28th Annual Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival will take place Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.n.

— 8 p.m. For more information, visit tinnerhill.org.

Celebrate Juneteenth at Frying Pan Farm Park Families are invited to celebrate African American stories, food, traditions, music and more at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, June 18, from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m. Juneteenth activities will include special guest storyteller Diane Macklin, musician John G. Lewis, crafts, and food trucks. The event is free and open to the public, but organizers do ask that those planning to attend register by Saturday, June 11 at fairfaxcounty. gov/parks/frying-pan-park.

Juneteenth is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865 event that finally released the remaining enslaved people in the United States, roughly two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This Juneteenth celebration is supported by the Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park. Frying Pan Park is located at 2709 W. Ox Road, Herndon. Virginia. For more information, call 703-437-9101.

Assistance League Asks for Toiletry Donations Over the past few months, coun-

selors at several of the elementary schools that Assistance League of Northern Virginia serves have requested toiletries for their students.

So far, the charity has been able to provide them with basics such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste. However, the Assistance League needs further help to ensure that it reaches the growing number of students who lack these essential hygiene products.

The increasing financial strains that families now face have forced parents to make difficult decisions about how to spend their limited resources; in some households, children have to share a toothbrush with other family members, while other students, including some in fourth and fifth grade, have never owned a toothbrush and need instruction on how to use them. The Assistance League encourages those who can to help ensure that more children in the community have the basic necessities that most of us take for granted. Visit rightgift.com/nonprofits/assistance-league-northern-virginia to donate items to the ongoing toiletries campaign as well as any of the organization’s other campaigns.

Visit assistanceleague.org/northernvirginia for more information about the Assistance League and its work.

Social Justice Committee’s Next Meeting June 26 Due to Juneteenth and Father’s Day (June 19), the next meeting of the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity has been postponed to the 4th Sunday of the month, June 26. According to Phil Christensen, chair of the Committee, the schedule should return to the normal routine of every third Sunday by July. The Committee meets online from 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.

For more information, email socialjusticefc@gmail.com or visit tinnerhill.org/social-justice-committee. The Social Justice Committee

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of Falls Church and Vicinity is a network of community members, civic organizations and faith groups working to create a local culture united in diversity. It is an initiative of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation.

Eden Center Now Home to Historical Marker Falls Church now has a new state historical highway marker on Wilson Boulevard near the entrance to Eden Center. Last month, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School students Oliver and Griffin Hardi entered Eden Center in a contest seeking Asian-American historic sites in the state. Their efforts to recognize Eden Center for its role as a cultural and community gathering place was made into a lasting, official marker.

The unveiling of the marker made for a perfect commemorative ceremony in honor of Asian American/ Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as a great way to further highlight local community involvement and enterprise.

Local Archaeology Revealed in CART Newsletter Those interested in local archeology are invited to check out the latest issue of the County Archaeological Research Team’s (CART) Newsletter at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/publications. From cemetery surveys and outreach events to research on historic artifacts from the team’s collections, readers will find all the latest information and resources in the official CART Newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, visit the online publications website and select Cultural Resources Archaeology. The CART Newsletter is a free, monthly e-newsletter containing news, updates and highlights of the work carried out by CART throughout Fairfax County. CART is the research and outreach arm of the Fairfax County Archaeology and Collections Branch (ACB). For more information, con-

A NEW HISTORIC MARKER is now up near Eden Center, an idea submitted by two Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School students. The marker helped commemorate Asian American and Paci�ic Islander Heritage Month which took place this past May. (P����: G��� M�����.) tact the ACB at fcpa-archaeology@ fairfaxcounty.gov.

“Innovations in Flight” Returns to Smithsonian The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. UdvarHazy Center will host its annual “Innovations in Flight Outdoor Aviation Display” later this month on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m.

— 3 p.m. Visitors will be able to view over 50 vintage, modern and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. Aircraft scheduled to appear include U.S. Air Force C-47 “Miss Virginia,” Pan Am DC-3

“Clipper Tabitha May” and Rockwell Commander 690D “Citizen of the World,” which flew pole-to-pole in 2020. Free passes are required to view the outdoor display and can be reserved on the museum’s website at airandspace.si.edu/visit/events/ innovations-flight. Visitors will also be able to speak with pilots and explore the aircrafts’ cockpits and cabins. In addition to the outdoor aircraft display, museum educators will lead visitors in plane spotting aircraft landings at Washington Dulles International Airport and teach them how to spot and identify aircraft from anywhere. To learn more about the museum and “Innovations in Flight,” visit the museum’s website.

German Gourmet WANTS YOU! Now Hiring FT/PT Multiple Positions Service, Sandwich & Food Prep, Cleaner Email Resume to GermanGourmet@yahoo.com OR complete application in store: 5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 703-379-8080 www.germangourmet.com

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FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR

FCNP Featured Event

LGBTQ+ Pride Month The Month of June

THE 3-DAY QUARTERLY BOOK SALE at Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library offers books, CD's and DVD's for a wide variety of interests. More information below. (Photo: courtesy Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library.)

LOCAL EVENTS THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Walk-in Tech Clinic. A tech tutor is available at Thomas Jefferson Library to help visitors with issues and questions. 703-573-1060. (7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). 10 — 11 a.m.

F.C. Fiber Artists. A weekly group for those who knit & crochet. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church). Call 703-248-5030 for more info. 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Black + White Exhibition (Ends June 26). Featuring art done in black and white, this Falls Church Arts exhibit includes paintings, drawings, collages, and sculpture. F.C. Arts Gallery (700-B W. Broad St, Falls Church).

Open Tuesday — Friday from 11 a.m. — 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.

New Yorker Discussion Group.

Monthly discussion group for readers of the New Yorker. Presented by Mary Riley Styles Public Library. Email Pete Sullivan (psullivan@fallschurchva.gov) for a Zoom invite. 2 — 3 p.m.

Cuddle with Kittens. Drop by Mary Riley Styles Public Library for end-ofschool-year stress relief. Students in grades 6 — 12 will be able to cuddle

with kittens from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. (120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church) 3 — 5 p.m.

Solace Outpost Trivia Night. Trivia every Tuesday and Thursday. First and second place teams win gift cards.

571-378-1469. (444 W. Broad St, Falls Church). 7 — 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Tysons Library Quarterly Book Sale.

3-day book sale featuring a variety of books, CD’s and DVD’s. Last day: Sunday, June 5. For more info, email tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com or call 703-338-3307. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Origami Flower Making. Thomas Jefferson Library will host an origami class for adults. (7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church.) 1 — 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 F.C. Farmers Market. Every week, the Market features local produce, meat, dairy, flowers, honey, and more.

Covid guidelines observed. (300 Park Ave, Falls Church). 8 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Cherry Hill Open House Tours. Cherry Hill historic house and farm offers free, docent-led tours every Saturday

morning through Oct. (312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA.) 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Quinn’s Auction Galleries: Fine and Decorative Arts. This online-only auction will feature Asian, American, European, and Modern art as well as decorative arts such as bronzes, antique pewter pieces, porcelain and fine jewelry. Absentee bids and phone bids placed with the gallery will be accepted. Visit quinnsauction.hibid.com for more information and to bid. 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

GIVE Tutoring. Free tutoring for children in kindergarten — 6th provided

by GIVE, a high school student-run non-profit organization. Thomas Jefferson Library (7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). 12 — 2 p.m.

Plant Swap and Hands on Harvests Garden Talk. All are welcome to bring their houseplant cuttings, seeds and transplants to the Plant Swap at Mary Riley Styles Public Library. There will also be a presentation on local food insecurity from Stacey Evers of Hands on Harvests. (120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church.) RSVP for this event at mrspl. librarycalendar.com. 12:30 — 2 p.m.

Family Movie Night. Woodrow Wilson Library will host a screening of “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge on the Run” (2020), rated PG. Covered drinks welcome; no food allowed. Register at librarycalendar. fairfaxcounty.gov. (6101 Knollwood Dr, Falls Church.) 3 — 6 p.m.

PRIDE MONTH IS CELEBRATED in June as a tribute to those who risked their lives in the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Commemorated with parades, festivals and concerts, Pride Month offers many fun and meaningful opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate their identities. Pride Month is credited to bisexual activist Brenda Howard, “The Mother of Pride,” who organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade in 1970. The now-famous rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker at the behest of the first openly-gay public servant in the U.S., Harvey Milk. The City of Falls Church remains committed to maintaining an inclusive community open to all. This past month, the F.C. Council officially proclaimed the month of June as Pride Month in the City. The City's own Falls Church News-Press fully supports the LGBTQ+ community, editorially advancing a pro-equality, public education perspective.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 NOVA Central Farm Markets. This year-round market features meat, produce, dairy, baked goods, and more. Visit nova.centralfarmmarkets.com for more info. (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.) 9 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Gun Violence Awareness Event.

Join Clare & Don's for food and ways to reduce gun violence in the community. (130 N Washington St, Falls Church.) 5 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 6 F.C. Arts Cafe & Critique Group.

A monthly discussion & critique

group hosted by F.C. Arts. Open to all, with or without work to share. For more info, email Pamela Huffman (info@fallschurcharts. org) or visit fallschurcharts.org.

Visitors must be fully vaccinated from Covid. (700-B West Broad St, Falls Church, VA.) 12 — 2 p.m.

City Council Work Session. Open to the public; Council Members will discuss upcoming legislation and policy; the public is not generally invited to speak. Video will be available after the meeting online at fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings and on FCCTV. City Council Chambers (300 Park Ave, Falls Church). 7:30 — 11 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Sam C. Jones. Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. (2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-573-2011.

Bobby Thompson Trio & Jimi Hendrix Tribute. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St, Falls Church).

7:30 p.m. 703-237-0300.

Kati Jazz Quartet. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Girl Named Tom. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m.

Live Music Fridays. Solace Outpost (444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046). 8 p.m. 571-378-1469.

Tyler Goldstein. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St, Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

CA L E NDA R SUNDAY, JUNE 5 DC Rockers Tribute Show. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $5.

12 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Oz Noy feat. Dennis Chambers & Jimmy Haslip. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $35. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Jose Feliciano. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $69.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Half Pint Harry. Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. (2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-573-2011.

Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes.

Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna). $39.50. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900.

Jehovah's Favorite Choir. Liberty BBQ (370 W Broad, Falls Church).

6:15 p.m. 703-237-8227.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Tim O’Brien & Jan Fabricius. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $30.

7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

Black Violin. Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA). $30. 8 p.m. 703255-1900.

All-Star Purple Party: Prince Tribute.

The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $39.50. 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Music. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.

Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

All You Need is Beatles. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

The Emo Band. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 10 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Ben Rector: The Joy of Music. Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA). $32. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900.

THEATER & ARTS THURSDAY, JUNE 2 Inside Signature with Zach Livingston. L.A. based actor Zach Livingston makes his D.C. and Signature Theatre debut as Luke, the unlikely psychic in "The Upstairs Department." Come learn about his career, his martial arts black belts and whether he’s had any paranormal experiences of his own. This free presentation of Inside Signature will take place at the Shen Rehearsal Room at 1 p.m., no reservation required.

All audience members must show proof of vaccination (or negative Covid-19 test) along with a photo ID and wear a mask for all indoor events. For more information on Signature Theatre’s healthy and safety precautions, visit sigtheatre. org/plan-your-visit/safety. This event will be available to stream live and replay after on Signature’s YouTube channel @sigtheatre.

Signature Theater is located at 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 The Upstairs Department.

Playwright Chelsea Marcantel’s

story will take the audience on an unexpected, heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of familial love, the limits of cynicism, and the inherent wonder of the unexplainable. “The Upstairs Department” centers on Luke who, after a serious illness, wakes up with the power to communicate with the dead. The 90-minute play will follow him and his skeptic sister on a journey to the Lily Dale Spiritualist Community to test out his paranormal talent. Eventually, the two end up summoning more than just voices from the afterlife.

Showings will run through Sunday, June 12, with performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Presented

by Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA). Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Shear Madness. Set in present-day Georgetown, “Shear Madness,” the second longest-running play in U.S. history, is designed to engage the

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8

audience in the role of armchair detective in this quirky, exciting mystery. Taking place within the Shear Madness hairstyling salon after the scissor-stabbing murder of a famous concert pianist, the show combines fast-paced improvisational humor with audience participation to make for a thrilling, hilarious night out. With a slightly different experience each night, the interactive, hilarious whodunit will run through Sunday, Oct. 2.

Presented by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. Covid-19 guidelines will be observed; for more information on the Kennedy Center’s Covid Safety Plan, visit kennedy-center.org/visit/covid-safety. For more information, complete showtimes, and tickets, visit kennedy-center.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 A Monster Calls. Based on the novel by Patrick Ness and adapted

by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, “A Monster Calls” tells the story of a thirteen-year-old boy named Conor and the night he met a monster knocking at his window.

Throughout the play, Conor must learn to tell his own story and face his deepest fears. Recommended for ages 10 and up. “A Monster Calls” will end Sunday, June 12. For complete showtimes and tickets, visit kennedy-center.org.

AFTER GRADUATING COLLEGE IN 2016, New Yorker Tyler Goldstein taught music for four years before embarking on a music career, playing shows solo and with various bands. He will be showcasing his blend of rock, blues and funk this coming Friday at Dogwood Tavern starting at 9:30 p.m. (Photo: tylergoldsteinmusic.com)

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE PURSUANT TO § 56.585.1 A 4 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2022-00065 •Dominion Energy Virginia (“DEV”) has applied for a revision of its rate adjustment clause, Rider T1, by which it recovers certain transmission and demand response program costs.

•DEV’s request represents a decrease of $161,091,025 annually, which would decrease a residential customer’s bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $3.69.

•The Hearing Examiner assigned to this case will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on June 27, 2022, to receive public witness testimony.

•The Hearing Examiner will hold an evidentiary hearing in this case on June 28, 2022.

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

On May 5, 2022, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 4 (“Subsection A 4”) of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval of a revised increment/decrement rate adjustment clause designated as Rider T1.

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

The Company has been a member of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”) regional transmission entity that has been approved by FERC as a regional transmission organization since 2005. Dominion, as an integrated electric utility member, of PJM, obtains transmission service from PJM and pays PJM charges for such service at the rates contained in PJM’s Open Access Transmission Tariff approved by FERC. The Company states that it also pays PJM charges for costs associated with demand response programs approved by FERC and administered by PJM. In this proceeding, Dominion seeks approval of a revenue requirement for the rate year September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023 (“Rate Year”). This revenue requirement, if approved, would be recovered through a combination of base rates and a revised increment/decrement Rider T1. Rider T1 is designed to recover the increment/decrement between the revenues produced from the Subsection A 4 component of base rates and the new revenue requirement developed from the Company’s Subsection A 4 costs for the Rate Year.

The total proposed revenue requirement to be recovered over the Rate Year is $706,429,291, comprising an increment Rider T1 of $224,262,046, and forecast collections of $482,167,245 through the transmission component of base rates. This total revenue requirement represents a decrease of $161,091,025, compared to the revenues projected to be produced during the Rate Year by the combination of the base rate component of Subsection A 4 (the Company’s former Rider T) and the Rider T1 rates currently in effect. Implementation of the proposed Rider T1 on September 1, 2022 would decrease the total monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month by $3.69.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. Any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission directs that service on parties and the Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On June 27, 2022, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 22, 2022, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

On June 28, 2022 at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Staff.

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

On or before June 17, 2022, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia. gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00065.

On or before June 10, 2022, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00065.

On or before June 10, 2022, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00065.

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

The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 19

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h Business News & Notes Harris and Regan Launch $5 Billion Clean School Bus Program The Lion Electric Company a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles joined Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan in Falls Church last week for the official launch of the EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program. The program is now accepting applications and will award up to $375,000 per zeroemission school bus, including the LionC, the most ordered and delivered electric school bus on the market. Lion Electric designs its vehicles to be 100 percent electric from the ground up and put its first all-electric school buses on the road in 2016. Lion has deployed over 600 vehicles with over 10 million miles driven, in real world operating conditions.

Webinar: Preparing for Business Funding The Community Business Partnership (CBP), powered by SBA, is hosting a session on Financing, facilitated by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia (CBC) on Tuesday, June 7, 10:00 a.m.

– 12:00 noon. The webinar will cover loan applications, the documents required, key components to a loan package, and loan denials. The speaker is Karlene Robinson, the Assistant Director of the Business Finance Center at CBP. For more information and registration, visit http://www.cbponline.org.

Webinar: Microloans for Small Businesses The Community Business Partnership (CBP), powered by SBA, is hosting a webinar on micro-loans for small business needs, facilitated by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia (CBP) on Thursday, June 9, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This option for financing strategy is directed to startups, the solopreneur, or the small business owner that doesn’t qualify through a bank. The session will help participants develop a plan for financing success, using microloans to fund their startup or growth needs.

The speaker is Karlene Robinson, the Assistant Director of the Business Finance Center at CBP. For more information and registration, visit http://www.cbponline.org.

Community Family Fun Night - Moved to June 7 The Falls Church Chamber has moved Family Fun Night to Tuesday, June 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jefferson Falls Mini-Golf. This is a community event featuring a picnic dinner, moon bounce and face painting in addition to mini golf. Sponsorships are still available, and guests may register at www. fallschurchchamber.org/events/details/family-fun-night.

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 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@fallschcurchchamber.org.

PAGE 20 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

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 Arts & Humanities Council of Falls Church Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals (Alternate) City Employee Review Board Historical Commission Housing Commission Human Services Advisory Council Library Board of Trustees Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Retirement Board Regional Boards/Commissions 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.

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on May 23, 2022. A public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

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(TO22-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2026, 2027, 2032, 2034, 2038 AND 2040 REGARDING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, SCHOOL OPERATING FUND, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS

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The proposed ordinance would amend the FY2022 budget to appropriate new revenues for the General Fund and Capital Improvement Program Funds, transfer funds between departments in the General Fund, designate use of restricted bond income for previouslyappropriated projects, and designate use of fund balance by the Falls Church City Public Schools.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. Public comments may also be sent to 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

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1. TV commercial writer 6. Make a selection 9. Gooey stuff 13. Extent 15. Of hearing 17. Former Italian bread 18. Put down 19. Building floor 20. Without repetition 21. Loyalty 23. Relinquish 25. Old Gaelic 28. Little brown songbird 30. "____ There Was You" 31. Loamy deposit 33. Chemical compound 35. Halloween prop

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 577

DOWN

1. Insert 2. Barely passing grade 3. Roaring-lion film company: abbr.

4. Certain Alpine ridges 5. Imminent 6. Opposite of in

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Bean curd Allege I've ____ Working on he Railroad" Decorative vase Cowboy-boot gear Breadwinner Bodybuilders' rooms Haggard Subsidiary statute Fountain order Dance movement Flow out slowly Lettuce variety Drowned valley Horror-film street Society miss Darjeeling or pekoe An ____ in the hole Country resort Color of Rudolph's nose

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JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 21

Faces of Falls Church

PUZZLE NO.579

Copyright © 2011 by Penny Press

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Sheet of cotton Unit of resistance Dull Right this minute Empty-house sound Herbal beverage Leaf's angle Incense Light dimmer, e.g.

Stream Boorish fellow Opal or sapphire Column's support Called "Eyes of Laura ____" Hearty Verge Computer symbol Romanov title Make lace Naughty child Gizzard

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Gloat Choir gown Empty TV's "____ Buddies" "Charro!" star Balin Two cups Cabbage's cousin Fraternity letter Chop up Revolve "____ and Tell" "Take Good ____ of My Baby" Blunted rapier Garden flower Do the wrong thing Den Ladder rung Fit Grand Narrow trail Expedition

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Along the middle Cereal grass Building addition Battery type Short ape?

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Dreg Inch along Arrive at Friends Assistance Scatter refuse Eye woe Perfume ingredient Carry along Permitted by law Contour feather Shoelace end Farm measurement Ink smudge Soften Jug "CSI" evidence Indian title

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 579

VALARIE WORKS IN the very rewarding field of physical therapy. I bumped into her outside the Harris Teeter and West Broad st. as she was on her way to an appointment. Originally from Barbados, Valaries has called the Little City home for the last few years. (Photo: J. Michael Whalen)

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Ice mass Feel great pity The other guys "A Bridge ____ Far" Furry swimmer Stubborn Perth pal Mongol

Dads & Grads Father’s Day Pride Month & Graduations

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Restaurants: Advertise your lunches, brunches, dinners and catering.

Shops: Promote your gifts and services for Graduation and Father’s Day gifts.

Call: Sue Johnson

sjohnson@fcnp.com • 703-587-1282

PAGE 22 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

LO CA L

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C������ C�����

25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VII, No. 11 • May 29, 1997

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXII, No. 14 • May 31, 2012

Council Row Over Split Decision to Put Brown on IDA

Reversal of Legal Opinion Delayed Bidding Meeting

Former unsuccessful City Council candidate Greg Brown was voted by Falls Church City Council onto the City’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) by a 4-2 vote Monday night. The vote overrode the recommendation of the Council’s Appointments Committee, which overlooked Brown.

Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields told the News-Press in an exclusive interview yesterday that he was “very surprised” by the opinion from the chief counsel of the U.S. Army delivered on the eve of the City’s planned opening of bids and auction for the sale of its water system last Friday.

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FCCPS PAGE

JUNE 2 - 8, 2022 | PAGE 23

Secondary Campus students join Nationwide Walkout to Protest Gun Violence in America As many Americans are appalled by last week’s horrific shooting at a Texas elementary school, students at Meridian High School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School took a stand against gun violence in schools by joining in a nationwide walkout.

Organizer Elijah Pelton, a junior at Meridian, worked with the organization Students Demand Action to publicize and bring attention to the event.

Students packed onto the Meridian football field with signs and strong words, urging lawmakers for stronger gun laws.

Pelton began the event with a powerful speech and then read aloud the names of the 21 confirmed victims of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. As he read each name, students would respond, “Enough!”

Pelton’s sister, Flora, a freshman at Meridian, emplored students to take gun violence seriously and involve themselves in efforts to combat it.

Virginia State Delegate Marcus Simon took the stand to encourage students to vote for change and motivate others to vote for candidates that endorse common-sense gun laws.

After the speeches, students held in a “Die-In,” where they were asked to lie down on the field in a moment of silence for the victims of gun violence in schools and elsewhere. Students remained still for 213 seconds, one second for each mass shooting in America since the beginning of 2022.

(Photo by Isabel Costa)

(Photo by Tim Kasik)

The Sounds of the Ukulele fill Mount Daniel In Mrs. Nicole Guimaraes’ music class this year, second graders learned to play the ukulele.

These proud Mount Daniel students hosted their families for a special in-class concert called Ukulele Day. They shared the chords they learned during the show, culminating in the song “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons.

Some students also performed original solo pieces for the audience.

At the end of the evening, they even got to teach their family how to play.

Learning an instrument teaches many skills that fit our International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Learner Profile traits. It allows students to communicate, take risks, and be reflective, among other essential skills.

Thank you to the Falls Church Education Foundation for funding the ukuleles for the Mount Daniel Music Program!

Meridian sports playoffs continue Meridian sports are on a roll!

Tomorrow night is big for Mustang fans as Girls Lacrosse plays in the State Quarter-Final game on the Meridian Stadium field at 6 pm. The Regional champs are gearing up for a competitive State Tournament.

(Photo by Miles Pierre)

(Photo by Enzo Paradiso)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | JUNE 2 - 8, 2022

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Falls Church • Winchester • Dulles

For Sale In Annandale!

End unit brick townhome located in a private cul-de-sac within a close-knit community. Newly painted, naturally sunlit home with wood floors throughout. Remodeled kitchen with 42’ white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and subway tile backsplash. Large separate dining room with sliding glass door to large deck overlooking treed view. Large living room with bay window brings in light highlighting the handsome wood floors. Upstairs you will find a large primary suite with a walk-in closet and updated bath along with two other bedrooms and a full bath. The walk out lower level has a generous family room with a gas fireplace and French doors leading out to a private covered patio with outdoor TV and additional deck. There is also a den which could be a great office or workout room. It’s a quick walk to the 43-acre wooded Annandale Park, which offers tennis courts, soccer, baseball fields, brand new playground, cycling and walking trails and a nature center as well as minutes from public transit, and convenient to shopping and dining at Mosaic District and Tysons Corner. $569,900.

beyervolvocarsfallschurch.com • 703.237.5000

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service Open Sun 2-4

FOR SALE!

$1,325,000 315 N Underwood St, Falls Church City

TM

FOR SALE!

NEW CONSTRUCTION!

$1,725,000 7323 Allan Ave, Falls Church

4 Bedroooms

Broadmont Neighborhood

6 Bedroooms

Stunning New Construction

4 Bathrooms

Serene Flat Yard w/Spacious Deck

5.5 Bathrooms

High-end Finishes

JUST SOLD!

SOLD IN !

6 DAYS

$860,000 513 W Broad St #617, Falls Church City 2 Bedroom+Den

Gourmet Kitchen

2.5 Bathrooms

Walk to FCC Shops & Dining!

CALL 703-867-TORI

703-626-3257 merelyn@kayes.com

2111 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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