Falls Church News-Press 7-13-2023 by Falls Church News-Press

July 13 - July 19, 2023 Founded 1991 • V o l . X X X III N o . 22

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F.C. ‘Ideally A TOUR OF THE GROUNDS Situated’ to Benefit from New Trends Development Consultant is Bullish on F.C.’s Future by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

The City of Falls Church’s positioning in terms of current commercial marketing trends couldn’t be more ideal from a number of standpoints, a seasoned regional professional expert outlined to this Tuesday’s meeting of the F.C. Economic Development Authority. Lisa Benjamin, for 34 years a senior managing director at Newmark, being a D.C. area representative of the major New York based real estate advisory and services firm under contract with the City of F.C.’s Economic Development Office, spelled out her best take on current trends in the post-Covid commercial markets and her analysis could not have fit better the way the City of F.C. sees itself going forward. Present at the meeting, held at the downtown F.C. offices of Viget, a digital tech solutions firm, to hear Benjamin’s analysis were members of the F.C. City Council (Vice Mayor Letty Hardi and, remotely, Council member Phil Duncan), City Manager Wyatt Shields, City Senior Planner Jim Snyder, and members of the EDA chaired by local developer Bob Young. Benjamin’s thought provoking presentation and the

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ON THE GROUNDS of the proposed large-scale mixed use development plan by Quinn Enterprises and Homestrech in the 300 block of S. Maple in F.C., a walking tour was about to commence by three dozen to examine details of the plan which awaits Council approval from such as Councilman Phil Duncan, foreground, who showed up for the event despite being only two months out of radical lung transplant surgery. (Photo: News-Press)

Quinn Plan Proceeds With Beneficial Revisions by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

In exclusive remarks to the NewsPress this Tuesday. Matthew Quinn, a principal in the Quinn Enterprises, the long-time family-owned auction house in the City of Falls Church, relayed the essence of proposed new changes to its mixed-use development plans on the 1.8 acres on S. Washington St. The changes have come as a result of public comments received in the wake of its initial presentation to the City Council and Planning Commission in April.

The revisions were the subject of a walking tour of the site Monday that drew over three dozen interested parties, including most members of the F.C. City Council, including a heroic appearance by Councilman Phil Duncan, just over two months into his recovery from double lung transplant surgery. The latest revisions, also the subject of a lengthy City Council work session that followed the walking tour at City Hall Monday, in essence make the project, which was generally well received in its first iteration this spring, “more efficient, with a

bigger park and streetscape along Maple Avenue,” as well as “bringing a net of $1.4 million to the City annually, making it perhaps the most fiscally significant project in the City,” Quinn said. A fiscal analysis report by the Cavalry Real Estate Advisors included in the most recent submission projected a net fiscal impact of over $29 million over the next 20 years. For a City with an annual budget just over $100 million, the contribution is more than significant. The proposal is unique in the City, especially relevant given

all the other large scale mixed use developments that have been undertaken the last 20 years and the ones currently under construction. The new application is for what is titled, “The Quinn/Homestretch Senior Living/Human Care” development that seeks an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for reclassification of one parcel from “Business” to “Mixed Use,” a special exception for including residential use in a mixed-use project, and for increasing the height

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NEWS BRIEFS Arlington Court Postpones Residential Re-Zoning Challenge Arlington Circuit Court’s schedule to hear arguments in the lawsuit by 10 Arlington homeowners challenging the residential rezoning that took effect July 1 was postponed, from a planned July 11 date to September 19. The reason? A delay by the Virginia Supreme Court in appointing a substitute judge after all four Arlington judges on May 25 asked to be disqualified because they are “situated” in Arlington. The County Clerk on July 10 told the News-Press that a state judge had named retired Judge David Schell, of the 19th Judicial Circuit in Fairfax, to take on the controversial case after Labor Day. The plaintiffs in Marcia Nordgren et al v. Arlington County Board named the county board, county attorney and Planning Commission as defendants in their suit aimed at derailing the new zoning ordinance that permits by-right construction of multifamily structures up to six units in areas of the county that for decades were restricted to single-family homes. They called the reform process an “arbitrary and capricious” violation of state and local law that was enacted without sufficient studies, public notice or planning for impacts on the economy, tree canopy, traffic, schools, parking and storm drainage. Arlington County attorney MinhChau N. Corr filed a rebuttal and request for dismissal. She submitted lengthy county planning documents and argued that the plaintiffs lack standing, that the matter is not yet ripe (since nothing has been built) and that “there is no legal requirement to conduct such studies or investigations for every legislative action taken by the board.” — Charlie Clark

Sen. Warner Assails China Hack of U.S. Email Accounts Yesterday, Virginia U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement following reports of a breach of Microsoft email accounts at over two-dozen organizations, including government agencies, by Chinabased hackers: “The Senate Intelligence Committee is closely monitoring what appears to be a significant cybersecurity breach by Chinese intelligence. It’s clear that the PRC is steadily improving its cyber collection capabilities directed against the U.S. and our allies. Close coordination between the U.S. government and the

private sector will be critical to countering this threat.”

Fairfax County Urges Seniors to Apply for Housing Falls Church and Fairfax County seniors ages 62 and up who qualify on a limited income basis have been notified by Fairfax County that they are eligible to sign up to be added to a waitlist for affordable housing at four county locations including the Chesterbrook Senior Residences in greater F.C. Applications filed through the county housing authority’s RentCafe website can be accepted through Sunday, July 16 at midnight. Help with submitting applications can be found by calling 703-246-5100.

Progress Treating Alzheimer’s Offers Test Opportunities Alzheimer’s disease researchers increasingly believe that treating at the earliest possible stage may be key to help combating the disease. Ongoing studies are testing whether new FDA-approved therapies can effectively delay or prevent the symptoms of disease if started even before there is evidence of cognitive impairment. A National Institutes of Health study called AHEAD is testing the effect of the therapy, “Lecanemab,” in people who have no cognitive symptoms of AD, but in whom biomarker tests indicate amyloid is present in the brain, known as the “preclinical” stage of Alzheimer’s. The AHEAD Study is the first Alzheimer’s trial to recruit people as young as 55 years old who are at risk of developing symptoms as they get older. Since July 6, when the FDA granted full approval to Lecanemab, it has been reported that treatment with Lecanemab should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials. Lecanemab is the first approved treatment shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and to slow cognitive and functional decline in adults with Alzheimer’s Lecanemab is now fully approved to treat people who already have cognitive impairment and mild dementia (substantial memory and other thinking problems that affect daily function). Lecanemab had previously been granted accelerated approval for demonstrating that the treatment reduced the accumulation of brain amyloid plaque (a hallmark change in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s). A new NIH study builds on the positive results that Lecanemab showed in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.

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Consultant Finds Lots to Like Re: F.C. Commercial Prospects

Continued from Page 1

subsequent discussion appeared to dovetail almost perfectly with how the City of F.C. has come to see itself positioned for future robust growth in its small but highly strategic niche in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) regional area. This was in part due to her experience working on large scale Falls Church mixed use projects dating back to the Byron almost 20 years ago. But it has been post-Covid trends that she focused on most in her presentation Tuesday, and her analysis of them, reflected her firm’s overall approach and generally conceded as true within the industry. They include the fact that there is a distinct demographic trend of migration out of urban centers into close-in suburban locations (i.e. such as Falls Church) that she predicts “is here to stay.” Still, there will also continue to be a role for more traditional “bricks-and-mortar” retail, as “people want the retail experience” and retailers are tending more to look at their stores as places to showcase

their products, which consumers may wind up buying online. “People are wanting contact with others outside their homes or offices, places to socialize and experience community interaction,” she said. This has led to the development of indoor playground spaces, for example, They also like having residential spaces anchored by grocery stores, and Falls Church is looking at an abundance of those – including the Harris Teeter currently below the new West Broad Apartments, the giant 55,000 square foot Whole Foods slated to go into the Insight Group’s large mixed use project currently rising out of the ground at Broad and Washington, and the large as yet officially an identified store due to go into the massive West Broad project at the corner of W. Broad and Haycock (right across the street from the existing Giant Food store there). Medical uses are also rapidly on the rise in traditional retail spaces, as also seen in F.C. and around the area, despite the growth of tele-health uses during the Covid pandemic, and market uses range from drop-in clinics to suppliers of

exercise equipment and anti-aging products and regimens. The overarching term is a takeoff on retail, known as “medtail.” With Falls Church sandwiched between two of the largest medical campuses in the U.S., Inova to the west and Mayo Clinic to the east (the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington now an affiliate of Mayo) and a lot in between, it is not surprising that a lot of retail spaces in Falls Church are being taken up by “medtail” uses. These also include sports training facilities, medical spas and other welllness uses, not to mention unique food uses, such as butchers, bagel, ice cream and cheese retailers. The trend is toward smaller footprints for retail spaces, with less expensive build-out costs, inclusive of smaller, local retailers who will be more likely to want to give back to their local community. They also include day care, educational, pet related uses and design studios. EDA chair Bob Young, a local developer, said he thinks Falls Church, by virtue of these criteria, “is in a prime location” to both offer and benefit from all the trends.

The trend is also toward younger adults, and Vice Mayor Hardi noted that the data shows 32 percent of adults in F.C. are now between 18 and 39 years of age, and over half now live in something other than the traditional

single family home. All of this, still, begs the question of the City’s commitment to affordable housing, on the one hand, and commitment to providing for its elderly, on the other, the EDA’s Jim Coyle noted.

LISA BENJAMIN OF the Newmark Group presented an upbeat evaluation of post-Covid economic development trends at this week’s meeting of the EDA. (News-Press photo)

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New Submission ‘Generally Aligns’ With City’s Comprehensive Plan

Continued from Page 1

limit of 40 feet to up to 115 feet. The Homestretch element involves the City’s unique and home grown contribution to ending the homelessness crisis, an amazing project that has been under the leadership of executive director Christopher Fay. It owns one of the two buildings on the site. Following this Monday’s work session the revised plan is slated to come before the Council for preliminary action next

Monday. July 17. The project has been revised overall to see an increase in total floor area from 279,000 to 282,507 square feet, with commercial square footage adjusted from 15.5 percent to 18.6 percent of the footage, the residential footage from 84.5 percent to 81.4 percent, an increase in multifamily residential units from 227 to 233, a reduction in medical office spaces from 36,346 to 32,621 square feet, a reduction in restaurant use from 5,670 to 4,846 square feet, an increase in retail business and service spaces from 10,698 to 12,888 square feet, and

an increase from 1,659 to 20,061 square feet. The building will allow for 146 independent living units, 56 assisting living units and 32 memory care units. Parking will involve a three-story partially underground garage with 292 spaces.

The City staff, in its report to the Council, opined that the new submission “generally aligns with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and South Washington Small Area Plan and recommends the Council move ahead with it.

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‘Bidenomics’ is Working for All Of Us as Inflation is Cooling Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

This week’s inflation report demonstrates that what President Biden is now calling “Bidenomics” (and why shouldn’t he?) is working for the economy, including for its working class. Next to the extraordinary excesses to which the GOP is now reverting, including its astonishing assault on women, this is the most important news that should be the nation’s focus now. Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, issued a statement hailing the good inflation news, saying, “Today’s report is yet another reminder that Bidenomics is working. For the 12th straight month, annual inflation has fallen and is now down three percent – the lowest it has been in over two years. Under President Biden and Vice President Harris, unemployment remains near historic lows, wages are up, and we’ve had the strongest pandemic recovery of any leading economy. This progress isn’t a coincidence, it is a direct result of President Biden’s agenda of growing the economy from the bottom up and the middle out – not the top down.” Meanwhile, in Manhattan, yet another pro-Biden talented woman, Lael Brainard, chair of the National Economic Council, spoke to the Economic Club of New York, saying that “recent data suggest the current outlook for the U.S. economy is upbeat.” “From the data alone, it would be hard to find clues that the U.S. economy was in the midst of a protracted global pandemic just two years ago and a war-driven shock to energy and food prices just one year ago,” she said. Brainard elaborated thusly: “Despite repeated forecasts that recession is just around the corner, the U.S. recovery is solid, and inflation is down. Unemployment has fluctuated in a narrow band below four percent for 17 months in a row—the longest stretch in 50 years. Labor market outcomes have been unusually good for the groups of Americans that faced challenges in past recoveries. The share of working age Americans who are employed

has risen to highs not seen in twenty years—up from lows not seen in 45 years. Real wages are now higher than they were before the pandemic, and this is particularly true for production and nonsupervisory workers who make up roughly 80 percent of the workforce. “In an important development, the labor market is now in much better balance than it was even six months ago. American workers have defied predictions that many would not return to the labor force following the pandemic. Recent months have seen labor force participation by prime age workers rise above pre-pandemic levels, and the participation rate for the overall workforce is now above its pre-pandemic trend. This has occurred as vacancies and payrolls have moderated. “The economy is defying predictions that inflation would not fall absent significant job destruction. Just today, we saw new and encouraging evidence that the U.S. economy is on the path to moderate inflation accompanied by a resilient jobs market. Annual CPI inflation is 3.0 percent—close to the 2.9 percent average level that prevailed in the nearly two decades leading up to the financial crisis. Annual inflation has now declined every month for 12 months in a row. And inflation in the United States is now the lowest among G-7 nations – for both headline and core inflation – even as our economic recovery from the pandemic has been the strongest. “While declines in energy and food prices have been important in bringing overall inflation back down, core inflation is also declining. Annual core CPI inflation has now fallen and is projected to decline further as rents decelerate. The closely watched category of core non-housing services CPI has run at an annualized rate of 3.3 percent over the last six months, close to the 3.2 percent average from the three decades before the pandemic and excluding the financial crisis. It will be important for corporations to continue to bring their markups back down after having raised them to unusually elevated levels over the past two years, which would help in reducing inflation. The markups associated with price-price spirals– with final goods prices going up by more than input prices – should unwind if customers become more price-sensitive and firms compete more intensely for customers.”

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JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 5

the legal tos, passport photos, enlarging, a r r a n g e m e n t custom framing — everything Our Man in Arlington But seemed fishy, so in a photographic field.” Some

By Charlie Clark

Amid the cascade of changes in once-sleepy Crystal City —the latest being Amazon’s opening of two new office buildings and the Queen City public art at Metropolitan Park—one longtime institution stays true to its roots. Metro Camera has been manned by Jack Levonian in the Crystal Underground for 51 years. The veteran photographer of presidents now navigating the shoals of change took me on a look-back at the photo industry and Arlington’s most happenin’ neighborhood. Levonian, 80, is an Armenian who grew up in Cairo, Egypt. At age 15 after the Suez crisis, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser was recruiting youngsters to the army. So his parents sent him to Khartoum, Sudan. There in August 1967 he was given entry to the palace to photograph heads of state at the Arab League Summit. “But I couldn’t see a future there,” he recalls. That led to a friend in the U.S. embassy helping him win a visa. Levonian arrived in Washington, D.C., in 1967 with $1,000. A steer from a Catholic aid organization helped him find work with famed photographer Leo Hessler. “Son, I’ll sign your papers,” said Hessler, known for portraits of presidents and Queen Elizabeth. But the job was only two days a week, so he worked in a shoe store and at the Vienna House of Beef. By 1972, an acquaintance offered the photographer cheap space in a Charles E. Smithowned property in Crystal City, plus joint ownership of a shop.

Levonian negotiated a $4,000 bank loan and bought the partner out. That same year he launched Metro Camera “before there was Metro” in the days of 35 mm cameras and “One-Hour Photos.” Soon his team was processing 200-300 film rolls daily. In 1973, Metro Camera added a store at Fairfax’s Pickett Street Plaza. But within days a tornado destroyed it. President Nixon declared a disaster and gave him an interest-free loan (making Levonian a life-long Republican). Then came another store in Crystal City’s Underground, one at Skyline Mall and one downtown on New York Ave. Commuting from Silver Spring, he recalls the 1976 dedication of the Crystal City Metro Station attended by Washington Mayor Walter Washington. With a staff of four, the store drew customers when the Underground had “shoulder to shoulder crowds”— including regular clients from the NAVSEA and NAVMAT naval offices. His landlord changed to Vornado Realty Trust and is now JBG Smith. He continued his own VIP photography, showing me shots of Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and G.H.W. Bush. But demand faded as consumers embraced smartphone cameras and online photo storage. Metro Camera had to “diversify,” Levonian says, with “restoration of old pho-

customers continue to bring old cameras to sell on consignment. But he also broadened the merchandise to include tourist gifts, Hummel figurines and commercial art. Of course he lost business during Covid. Nearby Rite-Aid closed in 2020, and he laid off staff. The latest challenge is constant construction, he says. The closest entrance (by Morton’s Steakhouse, 1750 Crystal Dr.) makes finding him challenging. “The Amazon people are not fully back,” Levonian says. But the old customers are returning.” Levonian doesn’t take photos anymore, devoting time to his son, daughter and four grandsons. “I enjoy what I’m doing. But I’m not going to be here another 50 years.” *** A nature-lover’s fun discovery materialized on my way to a dabble in nostalgia. On the Facebook site “I Grew Up in Arlington, Va.,” I recently posted a 1964 photo of my peewee football team, the 85-pound Tops Cubs’ first-string offense in a handsome formation at Bluemont Park. A reader pointed out that the squiggly white American Sycamore tree visible in the background is still there —59 years later. I sped over to confirm and happened on a staffer from Arlington Parks and Recreation, who said it’s surely 100 years old. Back when I was an 11-year-old athlete, I doubt I noticed it.

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Not ‘Boxes,’ It’s the People They Bring

As the discourse in the City of Falls Church angles toward a final vote from the City Council over proposed changes in the City’s zoning codes to permit modest residential development in its so-called “Transitional Zones,” the arguments of the citizens who are wildly opposed to the idea, mostly on grounds it may infringe on some of their views, continue to frame the issue in ways that this City rejected repeatedly in recent decades that allowed it to break away from the pack, in terms of regional growth factors, to set the context for its current remarkable commercial and residential growth and the impacts of that on its ability to vastly improve the quality of public education here, as well as the community’s overall quality of life. It is hard to fathom how some, including in leadership positions in this community, seek to frame the debate in terms of citizens versus greedy developers.This was the framework for an adamant opposition to the proposed changes as recently as this Monday’s Falls Church City Council work session. In the past 30 years in Falls Church, however, a more enlightened perspective has prevailed here that frames the issue in a radically different, and far more constructive way, in terms of pressures against development versus the benefits of reasonable development. The previous concept presents the issues in terms of little citizens hoping to hold onto their old expectations for the world around them against the abject greed of “developers” who want to suck all the uniqueness out of their former little communities to exploit the profits coming their way from wanton construction of more and more boxes infringing on the little people’s quality of life and former dominion over their little neighborhoods. The false concept of rich, greedy developers versus little villagers has continued to be the lens through which some in this, and most other communities, view the world, and what is happening to their little places. But, truth be told, the City of Falls Church moved beyond this feudal concept years before most other of the smaller jurisdictions in this region did. Happily for Falls Church, the “developer” was not deemed a dirty word here, because leaders in the community came to see the merits of smart development’s ability to contribute to the City’s tax base, and to fund the development of its school system into one of the world’s best. These enlightened people were able to see how smart development helped the education they valued for their children and many other aspects of a quality of life for the Little City Happily, beginning in the early 1990s, this newspaper and the local Chamber of Commerce were able to spear this approach, So, more properly, it is not “the people versus the developer boxes” that defines this community, but the growing numbers of people who live in those boxes that matter here. These new people bring their resources, revenues and talents to help this overall renaissance community thrive.

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JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 7

M M M E U R S 2023

Real Estate Pages 7-16 Market Is July Hot! CT

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BY SAM MOSTOW

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

As the saying goes, first impressions matter. Curb appeal, a first impression of a property, plays a significant role in increasing the value of a property and attracting potential buyers or tenants. There are many actions one can take to improve curb appeal, and in doing so, make a positive first impression. Charles Prince, the Falls Church City Arborist, suggested incorporating “native landscapes,” which includes local plants and other species, as a method to improve curb appeal. Allowing for native species can support biodiversity and create a more balanced environment. “It reflects your personal style and creates a unique and inviting atmosphere,” Prince said. Sandra Tarpinian is an Extension Master Gardener for Fairfax County and volunteer liaison with the National Wildlife Foundation, as well as a Falls Church resident. Tarpinian recommended five principles – “things you should think about as you’re landscaping,” she said – which can improve a property’s curb appeal. Tarpinian defined her five principles as flow (“what are you doing that is bringing the eye to the house?”), balance (“when you’re looking at it, there’s a sense of some kind of equilibrium there”), scale (“How big is the tree going to get in front of the house? How big is the shrub going to get?”), perspective (“you can play tricks with the eye by how you plant”) and practicality (“if you put stuff in that you’re not ready to maintain, pretty soon it’s not going to look good”). Tarpinian suggested she would like to see residents shift their lawns into something that would better support wildlife. She referenced a history of people shifting towards having lawns and away from cultivating farmland, to the detriment of their local ecosystem. “We have, since the 1800s, been married to lawn because it meant that we were rich enough that we didn’t have to farm the land,” Tarpinian said. Prince noted improving curb appeal is an

effective way to raise housing value, for both practical and emotional reasons. Practically, trees and other forms of well-placed landscaping provide shade during warmer times of the year, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. Additionally, he elaborated on how good landscaping can make people more emotionally attached to a property. “A visually appealing exterior with attractive landscaping and well-maintained surroundings can evoke positive emotions in people,” Prince said. “It can create a sense of pride, comfort, and a welcoming environment, making potential buyers more likely to imagine themselves living in the house and calling it their home.” Tarpinian recognizes that landscaping can be expensive, which is why she recommends people do it in segments. Despite the costs, she believes effective landscaping projects will be beneficial in the long run. “I don’t think there’s any question that the right landscaping certainly will improve curb appeal,” Tarpinian said. To Prince, strong curb appeal involves “well-designed landscaping” with many trees, flowers, shrubs and other plants. He said native plants set a property with strong curb appeal apart from a property with weak curb appeal. “Incorporating native plants into the landscape design not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes the environment and provides several benefits,” Prince said. “Native plants are adapted to the local climate, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. They also provide food and habitat for local wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and help support the overall ecosystem.” In Falls Church, Tarpinian said she likes how many people are removing lawns away from the curb, which makes the home more visible. To her, taking landscaping actions can complement the property. “It changes your whole perspective that it, to me, makes the house more evident,” Tarpinian said. “Because nothing is hiding the house as much, then. The perspective is that this landscaping is closer to your eye and I think it also can make the house look bigger.”

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

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Home Loans

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A Single Family Home in the City Under a Million? Good Luck! BY CATHERINE KANE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In the past year, the median sale price of a single family home in Falls Church surpassed a recordsetting $1 million. The milestone reflects the past two decades of rising home prices in the region and the ultra-competitive nature of its real estate market. For buyers looking to live in or near Falls Church but can’t afford a million dollar price tag, options are limited. At the time of publication, there are no single family homes in the city of Falls Church proper listed under $1 million. Right outside the city, still in the 22046 ZIP code, there are two, single-family homes still in the six-digit price range. 7327 Allan Ave, listed for $859,900, is a five bedroom, three bathroom rambler located in Fairfax County off of Shreve Rd. The home is listed by Paul Thistle at Take 2 Real Estate. “The house offers a really good value for a single family home in Falls Church,” Thistle said. The home has a fenced-in yard, a kitchen with a small island and a recreation room in the basement.

The main level has a master bedroom with two walk-in closets, two bathrooms, and two additional bedrooms. 6709 Hallwood Ave is a Cape Cod located near the intersection of I-66 and Great Falls Street in Fairfax County. The four bedroom, three bathroom house is listed for $849,000 by John Brand at Compass Real Estate. The house is on the market for the first time in 50 years with many of its original details still intact. The 0.42 acre lot has a large, fenced-in backyard, mature trees and a screened in porch. Those looking to purchase townhomes or condos within the city will have some options in the under-$1 million category. 141 W Annandale Road is a three bedroom, four bathroom townhouse in the Cherry Hill neighborhood that was just listed for $765,000 by Amanda Steinmuller at RLAH Real Estate. It has a small stone patio, breakfast bar and close proximity to downtown Falls Church. There are also three luxury condos for sale in the city, all priced at $800,000 or above.

“There is a premium to live in Falls Church City,” Brenden Woodley, a Housing Development Specialist in the city’s housing department. He said the draw of the city’s schools pushes up prices relative to comparable houses in neighboring Fairfax County. “The market is incredibly seller centric,” Woodley said. In January 2023, the city launched the Affordable Homeownership Program. Funding from the program is from a grant the city received from Amazon REACH. The city received $3.75 million from Amazon as part of the company’s effort to offset rising housing costs in the wake of its HQ2 in Arlington. Homes up to $700,000 will be purchased by the city then sold with a subsidy of up to $170,000 for income-qualified first-time homebuyers. Program participants will also be eligible for other staterun affordable housing benefits, including SPARC low-interest mortgages, for which the city just received funding for. “This is a remarkable program,” Woodley said of the AHP. Eventually, the city will own 18

properties, mostly condos and townhomes, through the program. He predicted that rising interest rates may temporarily cool the housing market in Falls Church.

“Everyone wants the [singlefamily home], white picket fence with a quarter of an acre,” Woodley said. “But density is more sustainable and affordable.”

7327 ALLAN AVE. in Fairfax County is listed for $859,900. (P��: S�� M��)

6709 HALLWOOD AVE. in Fairfax County is listed for $849,900. (P��: S�� M��)

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

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A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s Zimmermann Homes

My family and I live in Falls Church, where we take pride in building leading-edge custom homes that increase energy efficiency, require minimal service, and are very durable. All Zimmermann Homes come standard with upgraded products and building techniques designed to add value and make the home more comfortable to live in. We are passionate about working together with our clients to build these innovative homes that combine a level of performance and beauty that is tough to find elsewhere.

SALES@ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM • ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM

Kathy Pippin, Samson Properties Kathy Pippin grew up in Northern Virginia and received an engineering degree in Maryland. Her methodical approach and local knowledge, coupled with her negotiation skills and top-notch marketing, have well equipped her to serve her clients, whether firsttime home buyers, repeat buyers, sellers, or investors. She is pragmatic and has a consultative approach when helping clients buy or sell. She has a dedicated team to produce successful outcomes. Kathy believes in giving back to the community and supporting local and national charities in the areas of children’s cancer research, survivors of abuse, and worldwide medical assistance. She also believes in educating her clients, offering free seminars for home buyers and home sellers. In this changing market, it’s more important than ever to understand the Dos and Don’ts of buying and selling! Register for Kathy’s FREE, ONLINE educational seminars at:https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/free-online-home-buying-and-home-sellingseminars-2170299

703.386.7896 • KathyPippinProperties.com

Perch Houses At Perch Houses we believe that living in an affordable home and experiencing shared community will lead to improved quality of life and healthier living. Until today, living in a beautiful house for less than a 1-bedroom apartment in Falls Church, VA was impossible. Now, Perch Houses has made that a reality by creating a unique co-living service for 55+ women in spacious suburban homes. Perch is a new type of co-living property management platform focused on 55+ women seeking affordable living, community and easier access to wellness services. We lease properties and, in turn, re-lease each bedroom to individual women. There are never more than 3-4 people in a house. You can get matched with our personality quiz or organize a Perch house with your friends. Check it out at www.perchhouses.com

Moore Architects For over 30 years, Moore Architects, PC has been able to provide innovative designs, suited perfectly for our clients’ needs. We are a full-service architectural firm, working in all stages of the process from schematic design through construction drawings and construction administration. The Moore Architects team can provide a hands-on approach to the entire development of architecture and design, including interiors. We are predominately a residential practice, concentrating on custom homes, full home renovations/additions, and historic preservation projects. As an awardwinning firm, we are committed to designing high quality residential homes throughout the VA/MD/DC Metro Area and beyond.

703.532.1192 • moorearch.com

Tori McKinney - ROCK STAR Realty Group, KW Metro Center My ROCK STAR Realty Group and I are here to help guide you with your home sale and get you into your new home. We have helped over 40 sellers & buyers in 2023 already … despite extremely low inventory. How can we help you with your next move? Give ROCK STAR Realty Group a ring at (703) 867-8674, and we’ll get started on your real estate journey. We are here for you every step of the way.

703.867.8674 • RockStarRealtyGroup.com

The Mather The Mather, opening in 2024, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62+. It’s smack dab in the middle of it all in Tysons, VA, bordering a three-acre urban park and within walking distance of rail service, retail, and restaurants. The Mather’s apartment homes feature expansive views, luxury finishes, and smart-home technology. The community will feature 38,000+ square feet of amenities, including restaurants, spa, fitness center, indoor pool, rooftop clubroom, art studio, and more! Life Plan Communities are lifestyle communities in which people can pursue new passions and priorities, with a plan in place that supports aging well.

703.348.8522 • themathertysons.com

perchhouses.com

JD Callander and Ed Blanchard

Peake Management & Realty With passion for real estate, this Northern Virginia native leads a team of exceptional colleagues in helping clients navigate through buying and selling property. While specializing in identifying good investment property, Lindsey works with all types of properties and is proud to have the company named the top property management company in Falls Church four years in a row. It speaks to the level of competence of the entire staff. An avid investor herself, Lindsey can share first-hand experience and guidance to make the transaction experience as easy as possible.

JD Callander and Ed Blanchard with Weichert Realtors both call Falls Church City home and bring over 25 years of combined real estate experience and passion to their work. They are well-known and respected agents and demonstrate success through integrity in all that they do. They understand the market, are attentive to details and truly care about their client’s needs. They also love giving back to their beloved community through sponsoring the FCC Memorial Day Fun Run, HTG Games benefitting Falls Church City ES/PTA plus many smaller events. This year they’re adding a new annual trash event and hope to see you there!

703.408.2153 • peakeinc.com

703.821.1025 • NewNovaHome.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 13

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

M e e t Yo u r H o m e E x p e r t s FOOD & DRINK

FOXCRAFT Design Group

Chris & Matt Earman – Weichert, Realtors

FOXCRAFT Design Group is in their 34th year as an award-winning design/ build firm and general contractor. FOXCRAFT is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines. Chandler Fox, the owner at FOXCRAFT, is also a licensed real estate agent, so his expertise in both building and real estate provides the best of both worlds for the client. Fox analyzes the property for current and future marketability and helps his clients make an intelligent decision about whether or not a renovation is the best investment for their property’s future value. “We build relationships with every client, based on their individual needs and wants, and advise them honestly, as to the best path for their family’s future”.

As a lifelong resident of Falls Church City, I’ve experienced first hand the growth and changes to the local and regional Real Estate Market. My past experiences in mortgage & finance, running local small businesses, volunteering, being involved in the local school systems, and building relationships over the past decades, gives me a unique perspective and advantage in representing my clients in the local Northern Virginia Real Estate Market. I am fully committed to providing you with a higher level of service that will make your real estate experience as easy and stress-free as possible. The recent addition of my son Matthew Earman to our team of experienced agents, has given us more flexibility and availability for our clients. Please call us for a “No Obligation” consultation, for all of your Real Estate needs.

Burger • Pizza • Sandwich • Chicken • Seafood • American • Inter Breakfast • Brunch • Coffee Shop • Bakery • Frozen Treat Outside Dining • Delivery Food • Farmers Market Vendor • Tacos • C 703.536.1888 • FOXCRAFT.com Craft Beer • New Restaurant

Bethany Ellis, Long and Foster

Chris (Cell) 703.628.4541 Chris@EarmanRealEstate.com Matt (Cell) 703.328.4563 Matt@EarmanRealEstate.com

Bethany Ellis owns and operates a highly successful real estate business in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. She is an experienced Realtor® whose goal is to exceed your expectations. Her knowledge of the local market, attention to every detail, excellent negotiating ability, and effective communication ensures that your real estate transaction will go smoothly from start to finish. Bethany has direct access to lenders, home inspectors, new home developers, settlement groups, and local service providers (painters, plumbers, carpet suppliers, handymen, electricians, plumbers, and more). If you’re looking to find a new home, build your dream home, get market statistics for your home or neighborhood, sell your existing home, make improvements to your current home, buy or sell an investment property or need answers to any real estate questions, make Bethany Ellis your real estate resource.

Julie Andre is an area native and highly experienced Senior Mortgage Officer with UNFCU, lending in all 50 States. She provides valuable solutions and education for all home loan types and sizes. Julie provides individualized attention to borrowers from pre-approval through closing. First-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizers, self-employed, investors, second homes, cash buyers seeking delayed financing, foreign nationals and more. In addition to weekdays, Julie is available evenings and weekends.

703.307.7003 • buyandsellwithBethany.com

703.237.0333 • JAndre@unfcu.com

Julie Andre, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

WHO’S THE BEST?

The News-Press BEST OF FALLS CHURCH reader vote is back and it’s time to cast your ballot for your Falls Church-area favorites! Our 14th annual contest features a host of categories — now 36 in all — for readers to vote on the best eating, drinking, shopping and more in and around the Little City. Winners will be featured in a special BEST OF FALLS CHURCH edition of the News-Press on August 17!

Vote for Your Falls Church Favorites: RETAIL & SERVICES FOOD & DRINK Mortgage/Bank • Professional Services American Real Estate Agent • Real Estate Group • Property Management Outside Dining Doctor • Dentist • Orthodontist • Ophthalmologist International • Brunch Therapist • Physical Therapist/Chiropractor Bar/Brewery Auto • Dry Cleaners • Retirement Community Treats and Sweets Hair Salon/Barbershop • Gym/Fitness/Yoga • Nail/Day/Skin Spa Favorite Little City Experience • Live Entertainment • Pet Services • Specialty Store • School • Camp New Restaurant Home Improvement • Landscapers/Garden services Lunch Spot Architect • Builder/Remodeler • New Business •

1ST ROUND VOTING ENDS JULY 20!

#BESTOFFC2023 BESTOFFC.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH ISSUE COMING AUGUST 17!

BEST of

FALLS CHURCH BE

2023

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Why Falls Church? Exploring the Numbers Within The Little City BY PHEBE FAHMY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The Little City is known to its residents as a close-knit community with a vibrant atmosphere. The location, age demographics and walkability all contribute to creating a rare and golden city. Nevertheless, despite a general understanding of the public’s love of the Little City, the city took initiative on a community survey to evaluate demographics and satisfaction of living in Falls Church, with insight into what residents believe are important issues. The Community Satisfaction Survey, managed by Probolsky Research, was researched April 22 – May 3 of 2023, and can be found on the city’s website. “We hired an outside firm to do it. It was not an opt-in kind of survey. They specifically selected 400 people that were representative of the entire city,” said Vice Mayor Letty Hardi. “We had a good balance across…age groups, racial groups, people who lived geographically dispersed across the city, so we weren’t skewed towards one area.” The survey revealed an upward

trend of renters in the city, with 43 percent of residents that currently rent and 57 percent that own their properties. This upward trend in renting resulted from an increase in multifamily buildings, which were built after clear demand from those in Falls Church and the D.C. region. “Founders Row, for example, is over 90 some percent occupied, so there’s clearly demand for people that live in Falls Church, if not the D.C. region,” Hardi said. “It’s not like we’re building housing and then no one’s occupying it. We’re building it and builders are building it because they know that there’s demand for it.” This increase in rental housing stock also resulted in an increase in younger Falls Church residents. With the younger demographic more likely to rent, rental properties have helped balance out the demographics of Falls Church. Currently, 32 percent of the population are age 39 and below, and 68 percent are 40 and above. While this shift in housing stock has attracted some to Falls Church, the Community Satisfaction Survey also recorded housing affordability as a top concern for renters under

the age of 40. Another top concern was controlling development. “We know that it’s a challenge for people to afford to live in Falls Church and live in the DC region….The pace of housing prices has far outpaced wage growth,” Hardi said. “That’s something that I know is a challenge even without the survey results, and so that’s something that is important to work on.” Despite current negative opinion on housing affordability, Vice Mayor Hardi cited steps that have been taken to diminish the issue. Some changes that have taken place within the last decade include negotiating for non-expirable affordable housing units and negotiating for an increase in affordable housing units, as seen in the Broad & Washington Project and Founders Row. Upcoming initiatives and investments by the city include an affordable Homeownership Program, funded by Amazon grant money, and buying up and redeveloping properties. “We’ve done a lot on affordable housing,” Hardi said. “I think a lot of the data validates that those were the right things that the city should

invest in. And I think if anything else, it just means we need to do more and faster because it’s such an important problem.” The Community Satisfaction Survey likewise recorded what current residents most enjoy about Falls Church. Twenty-two percent of individuals appreciate Falls Church for its walkability, 16 percent for the small-town feel and 12 percent for its proximity to D.C. With its close-knit community and proximity to the nation’s capital, the Little City differentiates itself from surrounding jurisdictions. Overall, the survey found that 88.5 percent assess the quality of life as good. “It’s that small community feel where you get big city options like restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, cool streets…. but that kind of small community vibe where you don’t feel like you’re lost inside of a big city,” Hardi said. “I feel like we do a good job balancing between the small town feel with all the conveniences of being in a big city, because you can walk everywhere.” With such insightful information, the plan is for an external

community survey to take place every two years. With consistent surveying, the city will be able to look at trends over time. “We hadn’t done this in over— I want to say 10 years—but this was something we had pushed on that was really important for us to regulate…. We’ll come back in 2025 and hopefully we’ll see some changes where we’ve tried to improve services or tried to make a difference in certain things,” Hardi said.

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New Co-Living Service Offers Community for Women 55+ by Kylee Toland

Falls Church News-Press

This year, a new co-living community launched in Falls Church, making it the first of its kind for both the city and the country. Perch Houses, developed by D.C.-based nonprofit Healthworx Studio, offers housing for middle-income women over 55-years-old. According to their June press release, Perch Houses believes that living in an “affordable home” and experiencing shared community “will lead to improved quality of life.” The founder and CEO of Perch Houses, Wing Pepper, said the idea behind the new co-living service addressed two problems in the current market: seniors having to age “alone and isolated” and the “forgotten middle” — those who have $50,000 — $250,000 in savings but also do not qualify for low income subsidies. “[Perch Houses] looked at those two problems in society, and we found that the group that’s hit the hardest by the combination of those two things are 55+ women,” Pepper said. “We looked at this group and the problems, and we’re like ‘We need to solve this

in a different way.’” Another issue Perch addresses is rising rent prices since the pandemic, which Pepper said went up “anywhere from 10 to 25 percent.” To solve this problem, along with creating a community and helping navigate the healthcare system, Pepper and the rest of the Perch team found houses through Zillow and various real estate websites to bring a co-living service for 55+ middleincome women. So far, the first five houses for Perch will be located in Falls Church, which Pepper said is for three important reasons: the progressiveness of Fairfax County in “encouraging new senior living models,” the “great community” Falls Church provides by being diverse and near local cities such as D.C. and the company being D.C.-based so that they can be “hands-on” with their renters. Women seeking to live in one of Perch’s houses can find three to four other women to room with, or reach out to the living service and fill out a “personality matching” survey so women with similar personalities can live together. Since the founders of Perch come from a “healthcare background,” Pepper said the team is a “naviga-

THE FIRST OF five houses offered by Perch is currently looking for renters interested in using the co-living service. (Photo: Wing Pepper) tion service” for renters who may have questions about their health. “It’s not just new in Northern Virginia, it’s new anywhere,” Pepper said when asked about Perch’s “pilot” program here in Falls Church. “We’re doing our best to get our name out there.” To create a “community,” Pepper said it is important to remember that renters are independent and can make their own decisions. Perch ensures that the renters are not lonely by providing roommates to socialize with, while also having the houses in close proximity to each other.

“Community to us is about being around people,” Pepper said. Paying for the co-living service is similar to renting an apartment, as Pepper said women who live in a Perch House would be responsible for the rent of their bedroom and bathroom. The company is currently in the process of finding renters in the area, although Pepper said there has been “lots of interest” by locals to live in one of the houses. “One is peace of mind and relief about affording to live in Falls Church and not feeling price pressure,” Pepper said when asked

about how he hopes renters will react. “The second thing is joy from being around other people and not being isolated.” As for what the future holds for Perch Houses and its prospective renters, Pepper said he hopes that the company has created a “safe and affordable living environment for women” and finds the “best houses” for renters to live in. “We can’t solve every problem,” Pepper said. “Our [goal] is to provide affordable living within a community in that age range for single women.”

Solarize Virginia Makes Clean, Renewable Energy Affordable for Virginians

by Brian Reach

Falls Church News-Press

Making the switch to clean, renewable energy is more affordable than ever thanks to Solarize Virginia, an initiative of Virginia nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), and tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. Hundreds have already signed up for a free home assessment through Solarize for their home since the 2023 program launched last Wednesday. Solar accounts for 5.6 percent of Virginia electricity production – enough to power 500,000 homes. Thanks in part to Virginia’s Clean Economy Act (VCEA), this is expected to grow 50 percent by 2028, while adding nearly 30,000 new solar jobs. “In the current market, it is hard to know who to trust or what questions to ask,” said Katie VanLangen, Co-Executive Director of LEAP. “We ask the questions and negotiate the pricing so that participants don’t have to worry.” Consumers that sign up through August 31, and sign an installation

contract by September 15, will be eligible for bulk discounts, negotiated by Solarize, up to 20 percent. Over the past decade, solar costs have fallen 54 percent, with installations now ranging $15,000 to $25,000. This is before the tax credit up to 30 percent of installation cost, which saves consumers over $6,000 on average. The tax credit may only be claimed against tax liability owed to the IRS — though any remaining credit can be “rolled over” annually through 2034. Solarize recommends discussing with a financial planner or accountant to strategize any changes in withholding. Though popular during assessment, VanLangen says solar shingles and home battery systems are rarely chosen. A home battery system can double the cost of an install and, thanks to net metering, are unnecessary unless one wants to be outageproof. Solar shingles are better looking, but produce less and cost much more. VanLangen says, after completing an install through Solarize last year, her home electric bill dropped

over 90 percent to under seven dollars per month. According to EnergySage, solar will reduce most electric bills by over 75 percent, with many eliminated entirely. Though unable to “get paid” for overproduction, net metering is available over a set 12-month period (from the first month of use), allowing consumers to apply credits from high-production months to any bills received during the period. This is not a rolling period, however. Consumers who turn on their systems during winter months are encouraged to contact their electric company and adjust their 12-month period to begin in the early summer, so that credits are available to use during winter months, when shorter days reduce production. In addition, VCEA provides consumers with one State Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) per megawatt-hour (MWh) produced by solar (most homes produce just above one MWh per month), which can each be sold to utility companies for around $50.

New for 2023, nonprofits and places of worship can now apply through Solarize Virginia, whereas in previous years only residential applications were considered. This could provide a substantial boost to the presence of solar in our region, with 8,200 nonprofits based in the DC metro area – the third largest concentration in

the nation. Area homeowners, nonprofits, and religious institutions are encouraged to sign up for a free consultation and assessment at solarizeva.org. In addition, Solarize has scheduled three information webinars on July 19, August 1, and August 17; register for free at solarizeva.org/events.

A CONTRACTOR PUTS the finishing touches on a solar installation in Virginia. (Photo: Katie VanLangen)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Speeding. Running red lights. Passing on the right. Turning right on red without stopping. These errant driver behaviors, and more, are seen every day, frustrating responsible drivers and endangering pedestrians, cyclists, other drivers and their passengers. Fair warning – the third wave of Fairfax County’s “Road Shark” campaign began this week. The campaign is a coordinated effort by Fairfax County, in partnership with the Virginia State Police, to deter aggressive driving, reduce crashes, and change driver behavior in the county. Wave One of Road Shark resulted in 3,776 citations and warnings

issued. Wave Two generated 5,025 citations and warnings. If the past is prologue, Wave Three might see a couple thousand more citations than previously, although one would hope that the numbers would decrease, not increase. Officers will be increasing visibility and traffic enforcement efforts, so you will see more motor squad officers in addition to regular cruiser patrols. Driver behavior, reckless driving, driving under the influence – all seemed to factor into a horrific pedestrian fatality on Columbia Pike at 2:13 a.m. Sunday morning. The circumstances of the incident are still are under investigation, but pre-

liminarily, it appears that the driver of a BMW hit a pedestrian near Columbia Pike and Lincolnia Road, did not stop, and dragged the man more than a mile to where he was found deceased near the Powell Lane intersection. Responding officers tracked “fluids” and found the car and driver nearby. The driver was charged with DUI and transported to the Adult Detention Center; other charges are pending. The Road Shark campaign might not have prevented this tragic incident, but it is a stark reminder to all about why such a campaign is needed and, hopefully, heeded. About seven percent of the U.S.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h CRI ME R E PO RT Week of July 3 - 9, 2023 Trespass, S Washington St, July 5, 12:33 AM, a female, 26,

of the City of Falls Church, was issued a summons for Trespass. Larceny of Vehicle Parts, S Cherry St, between 7 PM, July 3 and 8:30 AM, July 5, unknown suspect(s) removed the catalytic

converter from a 2003 Acura. Driving Under the Influence, W Broad St, July 6, 2:07 AM, a male, 33, of Arlington, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 17

population, mostly males, is colorblind, but that probably is not the excuse for most of the red-light runners at major intersections in Fairfax County. It is not unusual to see one, or maybe even two, vehicles blast through a red light, not on the yellow, but after the cross-traffic light has turned green. I often hesitate when the light turns green at some intersections, even at the risk of honking horns behind me, just to be safe. Drivers blasting through STOP signs are even more ubiquitous. Some drivers actually stop, but many don’t even try to slow down at STOP signs. When I was learning to drive, a full stop meant you could feel the motion of the vehicle go back slightly when you braked; the notorious “California stop” was a slow braking, but not an actual stop. Unscientific data from my

front porch reveals that more than half of drivers simply slide through the nearby intersection; about a quarter of drivers come to a full stop. A constituent once complained about a traffic stop for ignoring a STOP sign. His excuse? “I was in my own neighborhood. Why aren’t the police out there catching the bad guys?” STOP signs aren’t a suggestion; they apply to all drivers, even in your own neighborhood. The violation is a simple traffic infraction, but the fine could be as high as $250. Slow down, pay attention, and save lives.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle, E Broad St, July 6, between 2:10 PM and 3:07 PM, unknown suspect(s) smashed the driver side window of a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and took items of value.

9, 11:18 AM, unknown suspect took items of value without paying. Suspect described as an older black male, shirtless and wearing a brown jacket. Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, July 9, 3:51 PM, unknown suspect took items of value without paying. Suspect described as a clean shaven male in his 30s with black hair, wearing glasses and a white shirt

Drunk in Public, E Annandale Rd, July 9, 2:16 AM, a male, 27, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public. Shoplifting, W Broad St, July

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

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PAGE 18 | JULY 13 - 19, 2023

News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

ON JUNE 17, about 60 members and friends of the George Mason High School Class of 2013 gathered at Northside Social for a night of fun and memories. Several members of the class planned the event in the months preceding. Plans for the 10 year reunion are already in the work. ( photo: Taylor Briese)

Shepherd’s Center Seeks Additional Volunteer Drivers Shepherd’s Center of McLean-Arlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC), an all-volunteer organization, is seeking additional volunteers to support its mission of providing free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and pharmacies. For volunteers there is no minimum commitment. Volunteers are free to choose how often and when they drive. For detailed information or to apply, please visit the Center’s website scmafc.org/ volunteer or call (703) 5062199 and leave a message.

VA Dream FC are Spring 2023 VSSL Champions In the team’s inaugural season in the Virginia Super Soccer League (VSSL), Virginia Dream went undefeated during the regular season to become the Regular Season Champions and beat Estudiantes FC, 3-0 (goals from

Jakob Asfaha, Zoumana Diarra and Terell Williamson) in the VSSL Playoff Championship thus earning the double title of Regular Season Champions and Playoff Champions. This Saturday July 8 at 7 p.m. the Dream played their last regular season game of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) at Meridian High School. The team is in a playoff spot battle and needs a victory against Greenville FC to stay in contention. In the away game at Greenville, Virginia Dream came back from two goals down, in a thrilling show of determination, to secure a tie.

Recognizing Disability Pride Month City Council recognized July as Disability Pride Month at their June 26 meeting with an official proclamation. Disability Pride Month is anchored around the anniversary of the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. In addition to remembering the historic gains the ADA

made in combating disability discrimination, Disability Pride Month focuses on uplifting the lived experiences and contributions of the disabled community. In observance of the month, Mayor David Tarter urges all to respect and honor the diverse community and celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance.

Fairfax Joins Property Clean Energy Program Fairfax County is the latest locality to adopt the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. C-PACE is administered by the Virginia PACE Authority with support from the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). The program allows for energy efficiency improvements to be made to commercial and industrial properties by having access to low-cost, long-term financing. Property owners may invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency improvements. Revised PACE legislation passed in 2022 includes

VIRGINIA DREAM went undefeated during the regular season to become the Regular Season Champions and beat Estudiantes FC 3-0. (Photo: Paulo Mendes) financing grid resiliency projects, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, stormwater management, environmental remediation, indoor air quality and the refinancing of prior projects. By passing ordinances for C-PACE, counties can use the program as an economic development tool for new construction, as well.

Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Officers The City of Falls Church Police wants community members to be aware of an active phone scam in the area. Officers have received reports stating that callers contact them claiming to be members of the police department. The law enforcement impersonator may: refer to the community member by name, tell the community member the call is being recorded, say to the community member they missed a court appearance or jury duty and state they need to send money or a warrant will be issued for their arrest, or they may turn themselves in to jail.

NVSO Registration Opens Over 70 Events Offered Registration for the 2023 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics has opened online at www.nvso.us. Over 70 events from track and field to croquet and bocce, to swimming and pickleball are on the two week schedule beginning Saturday, Sept. 9 and closing Sunday, Sept. 24. After each event, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded. Most events are played in five or ten year age groups and by gender. The registration fee is $20 for unlimited events.

Assistance League’s Program Helps Students’ Self-esteem Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s New Clothing for Kids Program strives to help improve students’ self-esteem by ensuring they have clothing appropriate for the seasons. The nonprofit provided more than 3300 pieces of clothing and more than 200 pairs of sneakers during the past school year to meet that goal. Those items included sweatshirts, sweatpants, leggings, shirts, sweaters, underwear, socks and sneakers, as well as winter jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CA L E NDA R

JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 19

THIS WEEK AROUND THE DMV THURSDAY JULY 13

Arts and Humanities Council Meeting

Arts and Humanities Council Outreach Subcommittee Meeting (Virtual Meeting, bit.ly/FCNP0723ah to join) (virtual meeting, bit.ly/FCNP0723ah to join), 9:30 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.

Zach Culter Duo

Zach Cutler Duo performs. Part of the free concert series at The Boro Tysons. The Boro Park (8350 Broad St., Tysons, VA), 5:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Nomfusi

Free Millennium State concert. Nomfusi tackles complex and culturally urgent topics — from domestic violence to female desire — in original songs that shimmer with maskandi guitar flourishes and soaring melodies, while hinting at everything from house to 70s jazz to funk. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC), 6:00 p.m.

Historical Architectural Review Board Meeting

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

Concerts in the Park: The Hot Lanes

The Summer Concerts in the Park Series hosted by the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and the Recreation and Parks Department returns for its 31st year! This week, enjoy Wammie Award nominee The Hot Lanes. Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY JULY 14

Summer Cabarets 2023: The Kennedys

Every summer weekend at Creative

Cauldron features a cabaret or concert by some of the most spectacular talent the DC area has to offer! This weekend, enjoy The Kennedy's, playing Friday and Saturday. Grab a table for two or four and enjoy your favorite performers and some fabulous new faces. Register at bit.ly/FCNP0723sc. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 15 F.C. Farmers Market

Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Deanna Dove & Island Girl

Deanna Dove and Island Girl perform as part of the free Founder's Row Concert Series, select Saturdays through September. Enjoy local restaurants, lawn games, kids games and a pop-up bar. Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 5:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

Vienna School of Rock

Vienna School of Rock performs as part of Mosaic Live, a free, outdoor, all-ages summer concert series presented in partnership with Providence District and Fairfax County Parks. Mosaic District (2910 District Ave., Fairfax, VA)

Pop Throwback Summer Concert

Free concert on the plaza! Grab food and cocktails while singing along to your favorite tunes. Tysons Corner Center (1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons, VA), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 16 Spoons, Toons & Booze A 21 and over experience for the kid in you, with over 150 cartoon series from the 40s through the early 2000s, a free cereal bar with all the sugary, marshmallowy, fruity, chocolatey cereal you crave, and brunch cocktails to imbibe while you watch the show! Tickets at arlingtondrafthouse.com. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA), 12:00 p.m.

Sunrise Sunset Drag Bingo

Join Evita Peroxide and a wonderful cast of DMV artists/ entertainers for a fun and entertaining evening filled with games galore! Tickets at bit.ly/ FCNP0723dg. Clare and Don's Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m .

MONDAY JULY 17

Retirement Board Meeting

Retirement Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Laurel Room, Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Walking Tour: T-Zones

Join City staff on a walking tour to learn about the proposed TZone updates. A quorum of City Council and of other City Boards may be present and public business will be discussed. Meet outside the Library, then walk to Park and Pennsylvania Avenues, then walk to Park Avenue and Lee Street. The total distance is about 0.2 miles. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

in Virginia, the medical cannabis program, and ongoing public health and public safety initiatives. The public will also have the opportunity to share their perspectives and ask questions about cannabis. Register at bit.ly/FCNP0723cc. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Library Board of Trustees meets. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY JULY 19

Planning Commission meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Economic Development Committee Meeting

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting

Economic Development Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

Planning Commission Meeting

Urban Forestry Commission meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting

The City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. The public is welcome to address the City Council on any topic during the public comment period. Sign up to speak at fallschurchva. gov/publiccomment. All members of the public may view the meeting at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

TUESDAY JULY 18

VA Cannabis Control Authority Town Hall

Join the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority for an informational session that will provide the public with the chance to learn about the CCA's regulatory, policy-advising, and educational roles. It will also cover topics such as current cannabis laws

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PUBLIC NOTICE ABC NOTICE Southeast Scout LLC. Trading as Southeast Impression, 9530 Fairfax Blvd., VA 22031. The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine On and Off Premises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant. Kam Wong, Managing Member Southeast Scout LLC. . NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

HELP WANTED Graphic designer, experienced with Photo Shop and Excel, wanted by calendar publisher in Sleepy Hollow section of Falls Church, to work in our home office 4 or 5 hours on either Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Hours flexible. Hourly rate negotiable. Call Mr. Scafetta at (703) 533-8064.

FOR SALE National Mem. Park/King David Mem Gardens 7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church Va. 22042. 703-560-4400 Lot 698 sites 2,3 and 4 Block X value $14,995.00 ea. Will sell all three for $20,000.00 or $6995.00 ea. Call Art: 540-850-1181 Unbelievable Deal!National Memorial King David Memorial Cemetery. Two choice desirable sites Block T Lot 471 spaces 3 & 4. Beautiful area below the Living Cross at the Fountains. Selling for an unbelievable price $3,000. Valued at $8,495 each. Call George @ 843-713-7148 Oil paintings for sale. $20 or make offer. Call George at 571-212-0712. Call ahead for an appointment to view at 6062 Heathwick Ct., Burke, VA 22815.

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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: RIDER GV, GREENSVILLE COUNTY POWER STATION, FOR THE RATE YEARS COMMENCING APRIL 1, 2024, AND APRIL 1, 2025 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00094 • Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause Rider GV. • In this case, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider GV for the rate years April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, for Rate Year 1, and April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, for Rate Year 2. • For Rate Year 1, under a 2058 retirement scenario, Dominion requests a total annual revenue requirement of $132,230,015, which would not change the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month. • For Rate Year 2, under a 2058 retirement scenario, Dominion requests a total annual revenue requirement of $135,402,153, which would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.07 compared to Rate Year 1. • For Rate Year 1, under a 2045 retirement scenario, Dominion requests a total annual revenue requirement of $144,191,103, which would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.23. • For Rate Year 2, under a 2045 retirement scenario, Dominion requests a total annual revenue requirement of $147,738,760, which would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.07 compared to Rate Year 1. • A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on November 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony.

JULY 13 - 19, 2023 | PAGE 21

of the proposed Rider GV on April 1, 2025, for Rate Year 2, will increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.07 compared to Rate Year 1. Dominion indicates that under the 2045 retirement assumption, implementation of the proposed Rider GV on April 1, 2024, for Rate Year 1, will increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.23. The Company states that under the 2045 retirement assumption, implementation of the proposed Rider GV on April 1, 2025, for Rate Year 2, will increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.07 compared to Rate Year 1. Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Application and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On November 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before November 8, 2023, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting. Beginning at 10 a.m. on November 14, 2023, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.

• An evidentiary hearing will be held on November 15, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Staff.

On November 15, 2023, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Staff.

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

An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Lisa R. Crabtree, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or lisa.r.crabtree@dominionenergy.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On June 1, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a biennial update of the Company’s rate adjustment clause Rider GV (“Application”) pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia. Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with the Greensville County Power Station, a natural gas-fired combinedcycle electric generating facility in Greensville County, Virginia, and 500 kilovolt transmission lines, a new switching station, and associated transmission interconnection facilities in Brunswick and Greensville Counties, Virginia (collectively, “Greensville County Project” or “Project”). In Case No. PUE-2015-00075, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the Greensville County Project and approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider GV, for Dominion to recover costs associated with the development of the Project. The Greensville County Project commenced commercial operations on December 12, 2018. In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve a biennial update to Rider GV for the rate years beginning April 1, 2024, and ending March 31, 2025 (“Rate Year 1”), and beginning April 1, 2025, and ending March 31, 2026 (“Rate Year 2”). The two components of the proposed revenue requirement for Rate Year 1 are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The proposed revenue requirement for Rate Year 2 is composed only of the Projected Cost Recovery Factor. Dominion states that based on Commission Staff’s (“Staff”) and the Company’s positions in the 2021 Depreciation Study, the Company is providing two sets of revenue requirement schedules with 2058 and 2045 Project retirement scenarios. Dominion further states that it supports the retirement date of 2058 for depreciation purposes but provides the 2045 retirement scenario as an alternative for the Commission’s consideration in the event Staff advocates for its approval. Under the 2058 retirement scenario, the Company is requesting Projected Cost Recovery Factors of $135,515,997 for Rate Year 1 and $135,402,153 for Rate Year 2 and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor for Rate Year 1 of $(3,285,982), resulting in total requested revenue requirements of $132,230,015 for Rate Year 1 and $135,402,153 for Rate Year 2. Under the 2045 retirement scenario, the Company is requesting Projected Cost Recovery Factors of $147,477,085 for Rate Year 1 and $147,738,760 for Rate Year 2 and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor for Rate Year 1 of $(3,285,982), resulting in total requested revenue requirements of $144,191,103 for Rate Year 1 and $147,738,760 for Rate Year 2. If the proposed Rider GV revenue requirements for Rate Year 1 and Rate Year 2 are approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, under the 2058 retirement assumption, implementation of the proposed Rider GV on April 1, 2024, for Rate Year 1, will not change the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month. The Company states that under the 2058 retirement assumption, implementation

On or before November 8, 2023, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00094. On or before September 8, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00094. On or before October 6, 2023, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00094. 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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Majors All Star Team Advances C �� C �� BY ERIKA TOMAN

In a stunning display of talent and determination, FCKLL’s Major’s All Star team (FC White) achieved a remarkable feat by advancing to the crossovers with an impressive 5-1 overall record. This accomplishment marks the first time in 19 years that the team has made it this far, leaving fans and players alike buzzing with excitement. Throughout the season, several standout performances from key players contributed to FC White’s success. Jack Mullin, one of the team’s exceptional pitchers, consistently delivered outstanding performances on the mound, securing crucial victories for his team. Mullin’s precision and composure played a pivotal role in FC White’s journey to the crossovers. Another unforgettable moment came courtesy of Nate Landers, who unleashed a grand slam that sent shockwaves through the opposition. Landers’ powerful hit not only boosted his team’s morale but also showcased the remarkable skill and potential harbored by FC White’s roster. Recording a nail-biting 4-3 victory against Reston Herndon, FC White showcased their prowess at the plate, with Aiden Ortiz, Liam Horgan, and Landon

Tucker each delivering hits. Nate Landers and Teddy Greiner were dominant on the mound recording five combined strikeouts. The following game proved to be a high-scoring affair as FC White was victorious over Vienna National, with a commanding score of 14-6. Each member of the team contributed to the impressive offensive display, with Nate Landers stealing the show by smashing a grand slam. As the pool play games progressed, FC White’s momentum only grew stronger. In a standout performance against Alexandria Majors, the team displayed their all-around abilities, claiming a resounding 10-3 victory. Liam Horgan, Asher Sequeira and Drew Fay all shared duties on the mound holding the opposition to only 8 hits. With an impressive 11 hits throughout the game, FC White’s offensive onslaught was led by Mullin, Liam Horgan and Harrison Carmody, each recording multiple hits. Buoyed by their outstanding pool play performance, FC White advanced to the District 4 crossovers, where they faced off against McLean AL Majors. The team continued their dominant display, emerging with a comprehensive 5-0 victory. Jack Mullin showcased his skills on

the mound, expertly stifling the opposition’s offense by striking out nine. The synergy between FC White’s pitchers and fielders was on full display, effectively shutting down the opposition’s offensive efforts. However, FC White’s remarkable journey came to a bittersweet end in the final game against Vienna American. Despite their best efforts, FC White succumbed to a formidable opponent, ultimately falling short with a score of 10-2. Nevertheless, the team’s extraordinary achievements and unwavering resilience have left an indelible mark on the local little league community. As FC White wraps up their unforgettable season, the team and its supporters are left with a sense of immense pride and accomplishment. This extraordinary run to the second round of crossovers after a 19-year drought is a testament to the talent, determination and unwavering spirit of these young athletes. Undoubtedly, this historic achievement will serve as a catalyst for future generations of FCKLL players, inspiring them to reach even greater heights on the baseball field. While the spring season has officially ended, registration for the fall season opens soon at fckll.org. See FCNP.com for photos.

TSALA (which means “friend” in the Tswana language in Botswana) passed away on June 7, 2023, at the age of 15. She had a relatively good and healthy life, spending seven of her 15 years in the City of Falls Church (the other eight in Pimmit Hills). She loved walking and running the W&OD trail, and meeting new doggie friends along the way. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

‘Spring Awakening’ Enlivens Summer in Alexandria BY MARK DREISONSTOK

Frank Wedekind’s “Spring Awakening” was first performed in the author’s native Germany in 1891. Reborn as a Broadway musical in 2006, the play shows that youth awakening to the complexities of the adult world has never been smooth. Indeed, we see that one of the concerns of our own time – heavy use of educational testing, often for uncertain purposes, at the expense of concern for the student as a person – is not new. Similarly, family violence, suicide, and changing sexual mores and expectations have also been ongoing concerns. The students of today’s society may be closer to the world of Frank Wedekind than we may realize. “Spring Awakening” is now appearing at the Alexandria-based Monumental Theatre in a stunning production directed by Megan Bunn—a production which does not hide the complex issues of

the original. We meet struggling student Moritz (portrayed movingly by Trenton Beavers), who frets, “[Memorizing] sixty lines of Homer, all those quadratic equations... I’ll be up all night again…” We also encounter the earnest Melchior Gabor (Aidan Joyce), a frustrated overachieving student who constantly questions the world around him. Completing the trio is Wendla Bergman (poignantly played by Annie Graninger), an adoloescent growing from sheltered childhood and into womanhood. The actress convincingly embodies her character’s transformation from unthinking innocence to a desire to understand more worldly topics. The older adults of the play are all played by two actors. We see in Ryan Seller’s finely tuned authoritarian cast for each character he plays (two fathers, the teacher, and the clergyman) the strict discipline which from all sides is oppressing the growth and natural inquiries of youth. Molly

Rumberger’s performance fluctuates smoothly between a strict pedagogue and the nurturing mother of Melchior, who is sympathetic to the academic struggles of Moritz. The musical numbers are performed beautifully, particularly the “The Song of Purple Summer,” sung by the ensemble. “Don’t Do Sadness/Blue Wind” is also an extremely strong musical moment, with Beavers as Moritz dueting movingly with Teralin Jones, who plays the non-conformist Ilse (the only character in the play who appears to be truly free). Costumes include long frock coats (designed by Darnell Patrick Morris); these serve well to suggest the 19th-century time period, while also providing atmosphere in the production’s purposefully austere staging. The minimalist sets and props (by scenic designer Laura Valenti and props designer Yaritza Pacheco) work brilliantly to make the play simultaneously modern,

abstract, and thought-provoking by focusing attention on the characters and their interactions, rather than on the 19th-century setting. Settings are also changed quickly and cleverly, with a school bench becoming a church pew in a subsequent scene, and afterwards a coffin. The stage lighting is similarly somber, utilizing deep hues, except for a beautiful, multicolored stained glass window hinting of beautiful possibilities beyond, if one could break free from the oppressive society portrayed here. Lighting designer Doug Delpizzo comes in for high praise. The show’s music is “alternative rock.” More accurately, the music alternates between rock and folk, and even includes classical stylistics of violins and a cello. Marika Countouris serves admirably as music conductor and keyboardist of a seven-piece band. While the music is worlds removed from the

music of the time in which the play is set, composer Duncan Sheik’s musical score creates a perfect ambiance for the play. This drama is, as noted, of great relevance for contemporary U.S. society as the worries of alienated youth in Wilhelmine Germany play out surprisingly well to concerns in America today. At the same time, there are specific German references, such as to the earlier play “Faust” and its playwright Goethe’s story of young “Gretchen and her illegitimate child.” Thus, the concerns of modern society and 1891’s “Spring Awakening” go back even farther, in this case to the period of classical and romantic literature. “Spring Awakening” runs through July 24. Adult themes and situations abound, rendering the play inappropriate for children. More information can be found at: Theatre | Monumental Theatre Company | United States. Visit FCNP.com for photos.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Business News & Notes Virginia: A Top State for Business

CNBC has released the national rankings for the 2023 Top States for Business and Virginia has moved up one spot this year, to the second-best state for business. The scoring uses 86 metrics across ten categories of competitiveness with emphasis on workforce, infrastructure, and the economy. Virginia has been ranked as the top state in 2021, 2019, 2011, 2009 and 2007, which is more than any other state.

Chamber Luncheon at Chasin’ Tails

The Falls Church Chamber will hold the next luncheon on Tuesday, July 18, 11:30 am at Chasin’ Tails. Andy Young, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator with the City of Falls Church, will discuss the Community Energy Action Plan and opportunities for business participation. Xavier Harmony, Senior Program Manager of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), will give an update on the Envision Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), a high frequency transit that will connect the workforce from Alexandria to Tysons. Dave Snyder, city council member and vice chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), will share a regional perspective on both issues. Reservations are accepted on the chamber website (www. fallschurchchamber.org/events) and guests are welcome.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

Surinder Singh Raheja and S.R. Associates are celebrating the Grand Opening of their new office at 916 West Broad Street on Tuesday, July 18. The accounting firm has been in business for over 40 years, opening in Ballston and moving to Falls Church in 2002. S.R. Associates offers accounting and tax preparation services to customers and small business owners. The mayor, city council and chamber will preside over the ribbon cutting ceremony in the Founders Row office at 5:30 pm on the second floor.

CESAR Workplace Grant

Having pets in the office has been shown to make for a happier workplace, plus it makes it easier for dog owners to come into the office more frequently. To help create a dog-friendly workplace, CESAR is offering $75,000 to more than 15 businesses. The grant can be used to offer behavior training classes, dog-friendly safety elements, marketing materials to promote a dog-friendly workplace, and more. Applications are due by July 28.

Local Restaurants on Top Lists

Ellie Bird has recently received the attention of two news outlets. Washingtonian Magazine named the restaurant at Founders Row among the top 6 new brunch spots to try. Eater Washington DC named the restaurant among the Hottest New Restaurants Around DC in the July issue. Lazy Mikes Delicatessen was cited as a top spot for ice cream by FairfaxNow. DC Eater also named Pizzeria Orso to its list of “Essential Pizza Restaurants.”

Sislers Stone

Sislers Stone is hosting Terra Landscape this Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Clients are invited to drop by to chat with these designers and architects about their services. Terra Landscaping is a 40+ year family-owned company, catering to build and maintain lawns and patios.

Local Wins Leadership Award

Virginia Business Magazine has named the third cohort of awardees to the Virginia Business Women in Leadership. There were 320 nominations of C-suite, or the equivalent women made in small, medium and large business categories. A local winner in the large company category is Vice President and General Manager of Mission Solutions Sector Deb Davis, with General Dynamics Information Technology in Falls Church.

ChatGPT for Your Business

Wednesday, July 19, 12:00 – 1:00 pm – This live virtual workshop addresses ChatGPT and how to leverage its capabilities. Through hands-on practical exercises, participants will learn the underlying concepts, techniques, best practices, and more. This SBDC session is co-sponsored by the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (RRSBDC) and there is a $15 fee. clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=130430037  Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.

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The LGBTQ+ Reach by Brian Reach

7 GOP Attorneys General Attack Target’s Pride Line On July 5, Todd Rokita, Republican Attorney General of Indiana, sent a six page letter to Target, co-signed by the Republican Attorneys General of Arkansas (Tim Griffin), Idaho (Raul Labrador), Kentucky (Daniel Cameron), Mississippi (Lynn Fitch), Missouri (Andrew Bailey), and South Carolina (Alan Wilson). The letter references new “child protection” laws against the “sale or distribution… of obscene matter” if “the dominant theme of the matter… appeals to the prurient interest in sex,” including “material harmful to minors.” Readers may recall that laws such as this consider “gender transition procedures” any sort of care affirming LGBTQ+ identities, including hormone blockers and trans-inclusive therapy. The footnotes state that Target’s “Pride” campaign may not break all their states’ new anti-LGBTQ+ laws, but list several anyway to “demonstrate that our States have a strong interest in protecting children and the interests of parental rights.” This includes another Indiana law that mandates parental notification if a child changes pronouns, and an Alabama law that prohibits anyone (including parents) from engaging in practices to “affirm [a] minor’s perception of his or her gender or sex… if that appearance or perception is inconsistent with the minor’s sex.” Somehow, things devolve further, into a frenetic fever dream. After listing several Target Pride items such as rainbow onesies, t-shirts depicting stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and bathing suits with tuck-friendly construction for trans girls, the letter shifts into a list of appalling-sounding “Satanist-inspired” items – which Target did not sell. But Why List Them? For 2023, Target sourced three Pride products from British brand Abprallen: two t-shirts that say “Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People” and “Too Queer for Here,” and a bag that says “We Belong Everywhere.” Abprallen, the queer equivalent of a Spencer’s or Hot Topic, also sells fairly offensive stuff that Target would never carry (though the letter spends nearly ten percent of the space listing these items). The letter also attacks Target’s support of GLSEN, an organization founded by teachers to promote “safe, inclusive, and affirming learning environments for all students.”

I lovingly refer to GLSEN as the “Queer Youth Leadership Program.” GLSEN’s website says they support “student-led efforts to positively impact their own schools and local communities.” So Why Attack Them? GLSEN, formerly the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, recommends that school faculty let students determine what information about their identity is revealed to their parents. This is not to hide kids from loving parents. This is to protect children from abuse and abandonment. The Trevor Project, which provides a 24/7/365 support line to queer youth, reported last year that 28 percent of queer youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability (for trans and nonbinary youth, nearly 40 percent). Nine percent had run away due to mistreatment or fear, and nearly six percent were kicked out or abandoned, solely due to their LGBTQ+ identity. The Crime of… Serving Minorities? The letter ends with pages lecturing Target on the fiduciary duties of corporations. Essentially, they contend that Pride-related backlash caused Target’s stock to decline (though footnotes admit global factors are also at play). This decline in market cap is inaccurately referred to as a reduction in profits, and the letter suggests that fiduciary duties are being violated by continuing to carry Pride merchandise amidst a decline in profit. So this is where we are: selling merchandise catering to a minority group is being argued as bad business. So are we banning everything non-majority now? And is anyone actually in the majority at all times? Is everything “different” assumed to be bad? Is a rainbow onesie “sexualizing” babies? The right is now openly harassing LGBTQ+ people, using embarrassingly weak legal excuses, in bad faith. Their inherent message seems to be that LGBTQ+ folk are a criminal threat to families trying to “recruit” kids into a “lifestyle.” What a tired argument to hear in 2023. LGBTQ+ people (according to themselves and science) exist naturally, even under extreme adversity. We can’t “recruit,” because we just are. We do, however, have a vested interest in protecting queer youth, ironically from folks claiming to be “protecting children from harm.” Read the full letter at bit.ly/ AGTargetLetter.

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