Falls Church News Press July 31 regular

Inside this edition is the News-Press’ first quarterly real estate guide featuring articles on the Falls Church and Northern Virginia real estate market, home and garden trends, home improvement, home sale numbers and much more.

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As the day-to-day coverage of the

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The father of the slain Steve Cornejo told the News-Press yesterday that he was disappointed, but not surprised to learn that Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Raymond Morrogh wrote to Falls Church Mayor Robin Gardner this month that he would take no further action to bring Cornejo’s killer to justice.

“He killed my son, he was found culpable by a jury, and he walks the streets a free man,” Austin Cornejo said about Brandon Paul Gottwalt, who Fairfax authorities said killed Steve Cornejo, 24, in selfdefense during an altercation in June 2005.

This was despite the fact that a jury in a civil trial found Gottwalt responsible for Cornejo’s “wrongful death” in March 2007, and awarded the

Cornejo family $2 million damages, which it will never collect.

The coroner’s report confirmed that Gottwalt shot Cornejo in the back from a close distance with a .38 revolver.

Jack Stephen “Steve” Cornejo was, as his father recalled, “extremely popular” with “a lot of friends” in the City of Falls Church. He was co-captain of George Mason High School’s

The Falls Church City Council and Planning Commission have been at loggerheads for a long time. This week, a leading Council member took the opportunity of her electoral defeat this May to hop over into the Planning Commission’s lair.

By a 5-1 vote, the F.C. City Council appointed former Vice Mayor Lindy Hockenberry to the City’s Planning Commission Monday night.

Hockenberry, who was defeated by a narrow 39-vote margin in a bid for a third term on the City Council in May, fills an unexpired term on the Planning Commission that will run through the end of 2009.

The vacancy was created when Commission Rob Puentes resigned earlier this year.

Hockenberry and the Planning Commissioners she’s joining haven’t agreed on much over her eight years on the City Council. This year, alone, the Planning Commission has given thumbs down to three large scale development projects, two of whom the City Council, with Hockenberry’s leadership as vice mayor, approved unanimously, and a third it is expected to approve next month.

Hockenberry is a long-time Falls Church City resident who has taught over 30 years in the City school system. After a brief hiatus, she resumed fulltime teaching at the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School last fall.

With Councilman David Snyder absent, the only vote against Hockenberry came from new Council member Nader Baroukh, who had earlier failed

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July 31 - August 6, 2008

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to nominate an alternative choice, Bernadette Adams Yates, because he could not get a second to his motion.

Current Vice Mayor Hal Lippman and Councilman Lawrence Webb constitutes the Council’s appointments committee that interviewed Hockenberry, Yates and Yates’ husband, Nigel Yates, as applicants for the job.

Lippman and Webb recommended Hockenberry for the appointment.

Lippman explained that a potential conflict arising from Hockenberry’s being compensated for work involving the City within a year of leaving the Council was resolved, in consultation with City Attorney John Foster. Hockenberry agreed not to receive any compensation for her Planning Commission work.

But while Baroukh said he was “concerned with the legal issues,” he said his “no” vote was nonetheless based on his preference for Yates.

Councilman Dan Maller chimed in, saying “Nobody is

July 31 - August 6, 2008

more qualified to be on the Planning Commission than Lindy Hockenberry.

Hockenberry vowed to maintain her involvement in the affairs of the City after formally leaving the City Council on July 1, tossing her hat in the ring for the Planning Commission slot almost immediately.

While there were reports of considerable behind-the-scenes opposition to her appointment, including from opponents to development projects that she voted to approve while on the Council, nothing of that nature surfaced publicly at Monday’s meeting.

The Falls Church Planning Commission has a long history of being at odds with the City Council, even though its members are Council appointees.

This has been true especially over the Council’s last decade of pushing for new mixed-use development in the City’s commercially-zoned corridors.

Hockenberry was a staunch supporter of the many projects that were approved since her original election to the City Council in 2000, which will put

her at odds with some on the Planning Commission who have opposed most of them in its advisory role to the Council.

However, the Planning Commission could be due for a major overhaul later this year, as the terms for three of its seven members are set to expire on Dec. 31. It is not yet known who among those with expiring terms will seek re-appointment, but even if they do, it is no guarantee the Council will reappoint them.

Still, despite disagreements with the Planning Commission, Council members have always expressed appreciation for the commissioners’ work.

This year, in fact, the commission has recommended against all three major mixed-use projects brought before it, including the $317 million Atlantic Realty City Center South project, the Hilton Garden Inn in the 700 block of West Broad, and most recently the City Center South Apartments affordable housing plan.

The City Council turned around to cast unanimous votes in favor of the City Center and

Hilton Garden Inn plans, and is expected to approve the affordable housing project, with that vote due Aug. 11.

Hockenberry was due to be officially sworn in this Tuesday, and will participate in her first Planning Commission meeting next Monday.

In other appointments made by the Council Monday, Patrick Riccards was named

to the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia, Gary LaPorta was re-appointed to the Towing Advisory Board, Paul Emmons was re-appointed to the Architectural Advisory Board, Elizabeth Moore was reappointed to the Private School and Day Care Facility Board and Bradley Gernand was reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees.

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July 31 - August 6, 2008

state championship boys soccer team in May 2000.

He led members of the triumphant state championship team, most still in their uniforms, into the Tysons Corner hotel ballroom where the school prom was underway that Saturday night. Weeks later, he graduated from the school.

Mayor Gardner, who was on the Falls Church City Council when the killing occurred, took a strong interest in the case, trying to help the Cornejo family get answers out of the Fairfax authorities. She and her husband, former Falls Church Democratic Committee chair Mike Gardner, pressured Morrogh during his election campaign last fall to review the case, which he finally agreed to do, resulting in his letter this month.

After high school, Steve Cornejo maintained strong ties to a wide network of friends in Falls Church as he took jobs in

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next-door Fairfax County, where he lost his life to a gunshot about 4:30 a.m. on a May 2005 Saturday morning, after a party in an apartment complex he was visiting.

Morrogh worked as an assistant commonwealth attorney in the office of Commonwealth Attorney Robert Horan that would not prosecute Gottwalt at the time. Police arrived at the scene of the killing to take reports from witnesses.

But Austin Cornejo recalls the lack of cooperation and information he, his sister and other family members received from the police and the commonwealth attorney’s office.

Rather than showing compassion and a willingness to help the family resolve the issues in their time of personal crisis and mourning, they were cold and indifferent, unwilling to disclose any information, Cornejo said.

That included an unwillingness of the commonwealth attorney’s office to even disclose the name of Steve Cornejo’s killer.

It wasn’t until the Cornejo

family appealed to a Falls Church attorney, who in turn found a partner in her firm willing to take the case on a pro bono basis, that Gotwalt’s name was grudgingly revealed in response to a court order.

Attorney Malik Cutlar filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Cornejo family, and in a dramatic outcome, the jury found Gottwalt guilty of the “wrongful death” of Steve Cornejo, tacking on a stiff $2 million civil penalty to underscore their point, far more than the $300,000 requested by the family.

A key to the case was the testimony of Giuseppe Amadeo, an eyewitness who saw through his apartment window about 10 feet from where he claimed Gottwalt wrestled Cornejo to his knees, pressing him from behind. He said he saw Gottwalt produce a gun and hit Cornejo on the head with it. He then heard someone say, “Why are you trying to take my life?”

The gunman, according to the witness, suddenly stood up

behind Cornejo and shot him from behind. The coroner’s report confirmed that the bullet entered Cornejo from the upper back, and that there were bruises on Cornejo’s head.

But according to Morrogh, in his letter to Mayor Gardner this month, the official police report concurred with what Gottwalt said on the witness stand in the civil trial.

Gottwalt said that when he heard an altercation on the breezeway of the apartment complex, he took his gun and went out of his apartment to intervene.

He saw Cornejo and his ex-girlfriend fighting and when he tried to break it up, Cornejo turned on him and began attacking him.

The gun then went off accidentally, he said.

Others, however, testified by Cornejo’s ex-girlfriend was not at the scene.

Morrogh also said in his letter that the key witness, Amadeo,

had been interviewed by the police at the scene, and “had a very different account” of the events from what he said on the stand at the civil trial.

But Austin Cornejo said that the police never revealed having interviewed Amadeo at the scene. “They didn’t include him in their report,” he noted.

While Morrogh said that Gottwalt, who worked for a security firm at the time, was acting as a “Good Samaritan,” to Austin Cornejo, it was a case of someone “who took the law into his own hands.”

“He was the aggressor, he started the fight over something he wasn’t supposed to be involved in,” Cornejo said of Gottwalt. “He’s a killer, found guilty by a jury, and he is walking free. We don’t know the reason he was protected. We need to know why. Those who knew and liked Steve want to know.”

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and free-markets to work properly!

Jack Doubleton Via the Internet Continued from Page 2

Editor, “But taxpayers, through their government, at all levels in this land, have a fundamental responsibility to provide for the general welfare of the public, and that includes putting roofs over people’s heads when they can.” That was from your editorial last week.

This has got to be one of the most un-American statements I’ve ever heard. Our government should only exist to protect the rights of the individual. This is blatantly obvious when looking at any welfare system at any level of government. Welfare does not help people, but only makes them lazy and unwilling.

Not to mention, tenants who accept government-subsidized housing never properly care and maintain the property. We need to get rid of the interventionist government and allow freedom

Editor, Tim Kaine for vice president is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard. And I don’t say that because of any ill feelings towards Governor Kaine.

The fact is that the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Bill Bolling, is a Republican. If Kaine is named Obama’s running mate and Obama wins, then they’ve effectively handed Virginia’s gubernatorial power to a Republican at a time when the Democrats, at long last, are clearly on the upswing in the state. It makes no sense at all to choose Kaine for VP. Carl M. Via the Internet

Editor, The movement from Biden

to Kaine suggests that Terry McAuliffe, a brilliant political mind and spin doctor, is convinced that Obama has proven, with his trip abroad, that foreign policy is not a weakness for him and that domestic policy will decide this election.

Tim Kaine is an exceptional campaigner, advocate for children, and a former Catholic missionary in Latin America who speaks fluent Spanish. He is a southern Governor who remains very popular even though he has been unable to resolve the state’s biggest problem - its legislative stalemate over transportation funding.

While it would be unfortunate to see Tim leave before winning that fight, the GOP seems committed to unending traffic jams and unwilling to compromise to move forward.

Thus, as it appears clear that the voters will have to help decide this in future elections, he might as well move on and do what he can to help our national ticket be successful.

Best of all, Tim’s experience governing will be invaluable to Barack once he must take over the monster that is our federal government.

One caveat, while Tim’s religious connection to the people of PA and OH will be helpful too, popular PA Gov. Ed Rendell would not only help in

those states but, being Jewish, he would help in FL. One more thing. Some people think that Obama should have an older, white guy to provide a comfort level for many older, white people. Unlike Rendell (or Biden for that matter), Kaine is a younger, white guy, with less experience.

Of course, on the plus side, he would be a fresh face with nothing in his history to criticize.

Paul Friedman Via the Internet

Editor, Nicholas F. Benton’s column last week is an interesting take on market events of the moment. However, he seems to have lost sight of the fact that the real reason oil prices are so high in the first place is because of decades of democratic resistance and anti-oil industry policy. Our nation shamelessly asks the oil producers of the world to increase supply while America has been prevented from getting it’s own by democratic policy.

Gary Gramm Via the Internet

Editor, Tom Whipple wrote, “it now takes 90,000 BTUs a square foot to run the average building for a year, but this can be reduced to 40,000 or even 35,000 if the latest building technologies are applied.” Awesome. This appears like the biggest change for the good in the energy arena. But what exactly are these technologies, what duration of time is required for the savings to pay for the installation/operation of each of the technologies, and how available are the particular technologies? It would be great if the News-Press would report on this for a range of buildings (homes and businesses).

Jim Breiling Via the Internet

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Page 7

Sen. Webb Moves Back to Falls Church Home U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.), wife Hong Le Webb and year-and-a-half-old daughter Georgia have moved back to their residence in the Lake Barcroft section of Falls Church, after a brief foray into Arlington. After being elected to the Senate in November 2006, the Webbs bought a four-bedroom townhouse in North Arlington with the idea that it would be closer to Webb’s new job. But, in the meantime, they held onto and renovated their six-bedroom Lake Barcroft home, originally built in 1955, adding a second story.

Now, they’ve announced they will move back into their old neighborhood. Sen. Webb’s two older children were both graduates of the nearby J.E.B. Stuart High School.

New Offer Postpones Affordable Housing Vote

F.C. Council Revises Pension Investment Portfolio The recent instability in the stock markets, which moved into a downward-trending “bear market� this month, caused some jitters on the Falls Church City Council Monday, as it was reminded that it was the primary fiduciary responsible for the City’s investment of its pension plan resources. The investment portfolio of the City of Falls Church’s pension plan, available to all City employees, was modified by a unanimous vote of the Council Monday in a move aimed at further diversifying stock components. Richard Parker, the City’s human resources director, brought the proposed changes to the Council, as recommended by the City’s Retirement Board. The board’s investment consultant, Howard H. Poll of Becker, Burke Associates advised that the pension funds be invested within new ranges, expanded to include mid cap stocks, infrastructure and international emerging markets. “Our fund has done very well in recent years,� Parker said, “although the market may be coming into some rough years. We are well-funded and will come through it fine.�

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The Falls Church City Council has delayed until Aug. 11 its vote on the City Center South Apartments plan for 174 new affordable housing units because of a positive new development that promises to solve parking and other issues. A new player, Thomas Sawner, indicated his willingness to participate with the Falls Church Housing Corporation (FCHC) in the acquisition of an old office building at 360 S. Washington St., to demolish it and build a new combination parking and office structure. That structure would be adjacent the new City Center South Apartments building the FCHC is working with Homestretch, Inc., to put up, after demolishing two other older buildings at the site. In a financial trade-off, the FCHC would save enough from not having to build underground parking in order to share with Sawner in the construction of his parking and office structure. Insofar as the plan involves a considerable investment of City taxpayer dollars, the City Council was expected to decide on a financing plan for the newly configured project at a work session last night, prior to its vote on Aug. 11.

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8,251 Haven’t Collected Stimulus Checks in Fairfax County According to the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, 123,996 lowincome seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in Virginia have yet to claim their economic stimulus payments from the federal government, and that includes 8,251 in Fairfax County owed $2,475,000 in unclaimed dollars. Residents have until Oct. 15 to file a tax return to receive a stimulus payment. The Community Tax Law Project is willing to provide free assistance at (804) 358-5855, or www.ctlp.org.

News-Press Credited Nationally With Kaine Report The Falls Church News-Press was credited by major national news organizations this week for breaking news of the first major indicator that Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is being seriously considered as Barack Obama’s running mate. The NewsPress reported in last week’s edition that former Democratic National Committee chair and head of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, Terry McAuliffe, strongly endorsed Kaine in a speech to the Fairfax County Democratic Committee. That was picked up, with attribution, by the Los Angeles Times and Boston Globe, along with major news web sites and blogs, including ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, New York Magazine, the Huffington Post, Buzzflash, Wonkette and Slate. Sunday, on NBC’s “Meet the Press,� Obama echoed what McAuliffe stated were the main criteria for selecting a running mate; namely, personal compatibility and the ability to work as a team. Five days after the News-Press story, The Washington Post did its own page one story about Kaine’s prospects this Tuesday, excluding any reference to McAuliffe’s speech.

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As national attention dwells on economic woes and approaching elections, the day-to-day coverage of the Iraq War is lost to quick sound bites and brief flashes across the television screen.

Brenda Elthon aims to change that by capturing the American pulse with Songs for our Soldiers, a melodic odyssey that turns ears and hearts toward the life and death of the American soldier.

“It’s an effort to shine a light on the soldiers and their lives.

They have no publicist, no PR guy, no press budget ... Most of them haven’t been outside of their work [as soldiers],” said Elthon. “Who’s talking about them? Who’s lifting them up?”

Tales of loss and grief from the Midwest to 6,000 miles away in Iraq disturbed her conscience.

A daughter and wife to veterans herself, Elthon recalls the tragic tale of an Iowan helicopter pilot who routinely called his wife before flights, including the night before one Friday morning that would claim his life. “I grew up

in Iowa and this man was my age,” she said. Instead of mere empathy, Elthon got to work.

Normally, Elthon suits her music to children, but while Songs speaks to an older audience, its tales are no less innocent and its mission urgent.

“This is my contribution as a citizen,” said Elthon, whose diminutive voice belies the steely resolve of a war-time bard and a determined patriot. Songs brings listeners to the front lines of war and the bedrooms, kitchens and doors that carry the saga of sacrifice to home as well. White House evasions and Congressional investigations have lost touch with American hearts; it is time to listen to the soldiers’ tales.

Songs, Elthon cautions, is not an anti-war album. “I would feel that I had done an inadequate job on this album” if listeners felt she opposes the war in Iraq. “It’s not that simple,” she said. “The focus is what is happening to our soldiers in Iraq, when they return from Iraq. Are we using them wisely? Are we caring for them?

Lifting them up? Honoring them when they return? If those ques-

tions lead to a political position of the war, that is the conclusion reached by the listeners.”

They are questions the American public largely ignores or the Pentagon refuses to answer. “I was a teenager when all of that [anti-war] music was popular. I saw what power that music had.

It could crystallize thought; give manageable words [to] people who wanted to articulate tangled feelings.” In the absence of attention devoted to troops, “I’d like to tap into that desire,” said Elthon, Songs’ sole writer and producer.

Motivated by a “moral imperative,” Elthon drew upon her musical talents and early memories to fight for what she believes to be truth and justice. “The juxtaposition of what we knew and what we chose to ignore [and] the clear, clarion call of these young men to serve was clanging in my head,” Elthon said, explaining the genesis of the project after reading local reports of disillusioned soldiers and their families, tales of Americans deprived of love, hope and – for over 4,000 soldiers – lost lives.

Inspired in 2003 by the March

2003 “shock and awe” offensive in Iraq, Elthon cataloged wartime stories, beginning with the nation’s divided conscience during the lead-up to war to the soldiers’ crises today. At first, Elthon allowed “music to come through the window, onto the paper,” vetted in front of her two steadfast critics, the family dogs.

Elthon then assembled a “gifted ensemble” of notable musicians from a broad range of musical styles: Grammy-winner Jon Carroll; his son, Ben Carroll; folk singer Cathy Fink; the heart-rending musician Amanda Olsavsky; and Grammy-winning country presence, Jim Robeson. Elthon recalls first meeting Robeson in his recording studio to discuss her envisioned project. After playing through some music and experimenting with words and chords, “Jim, who’s a very quiet guy, not taken to many words, looked at me and said, ‘Perfect.’”

From there, Songs brought the others on board, all of whom “were quite willing after seeing the music. They could see a worthwhile project,” said Elthon.

The project exacted an emo-

tional toll on the musicians as well. They care deeply about the welfare of the U.S. military at home and abroad, Elthon explained. Robeson is also a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served from 1969-70.

She remembers, too, as Jon Carroll’s chin quivered as he delivered “The Letter Home,” a recounting of a soldier’s letter to his spouse halfway across the world. Participating in the USO tours, Carroll’s son, Ben, has sung to soldiers stationed in Iraq as well across U.S. college campuses. “He’s singing to the age group that’s the same ages as the soldiers,” said Elthon.

Different musical styles broaden Songs’ appeal. The gospel-like opening track “Freedom’s Light” and the rally-marching, part Dylanesque “Rise and Stand” evoke emotional force, driving us to “end this fight,” but they do not level criticism of the Iraq War. A stirring tetralogy of heartrending distance and lovers’ pains comprises the middle of Songs: “Help Me Say Goodbye,” “Soldier’s Wife,” “The Letter Home” and “Castles and Kings” – each

Page 9

July 31 - August 6, 2008

song relating some figment of military life, whether a long-distance break-up or the yearning for reunion and completion.

The electric guitar country ballad “Adventure in Patriotism” remains an immense powerhouse of the hope and aspiration that many military parents must feel of their children’s bravery. Surely, the song pleads, the military life might “lift him up, not drag him down” – a Pennsylvanian mother’s wish that ends tragically with a knock at the door and news of her son’s death. “Multiply this story by ten, a 100, a 1000,” said Elthon; we are forced to do the sorrowful arithmetic of war.

There is, however, no conclusion to “Adventure in Patriotism,” no resolution to the mother’s story – it remains unknown to us as it had been for Elthon reading the news story.

But, has this war had any resolution? Whatever one’s position on the war’s progress, we long for an end.

Likewise, a spiritual tone undergirds Songs for our Soldiers.

Elthon does not preach from a moral pulpit; instead, she has us live the burden of war and lets us carry “the rock in their backpack.”

The album’s last song, “For Our Guys,” delivered by Jon Carroll, is Elthon’s “autobiographical song,” her answer to why she came to this project – “to give a

NIGHT FALLS AGAIN ON IRAQ, a watercolor picture drawn by Falls Church’s Bill Abel for Songs for our Soldiers. Abel based the picture’s concept on real images of the Iraq War, capturing the loneliness and fatigue of war narrated in the soulful album. (Photo: Courtesy Brenda Elthon)

voice to these [soldiers].”

“I want people to not be so self-absorbed we can’t acknowledge what’s happening everyday in the lives of soldiers and their families who have heeded the call of service,” Elthon said.

“Change could come, rise up from the masses and make a difference, but people have to care, people have to know: no one cares and no one knows if you’re oblivious to the information.”

A refrain from “Freedom’s Light,” the “faithful keepers of the light” are “those people who had the tenacity to say, ‘Wait, we can be strong by withholding

our firepower, by searching hard for the truth, by waiting longer to be sure that there are no other paths.” Elthon added: “Those who are willing to wait are those who provide lasting freedom.”

For that, in the end, is Songs’ purpose: lasting freedom from love misplaced by war, unheard cries for understanding and the salvaging of soldiers’ stories from the obscurity imposed by a Pentagon afraid of public opinion.

“I have strong confidence that the American public, mobilized in a powerful way, can do good.”

Strength can be shown “by patience and perseverance,” said

Elthon, much like the album illuminates the strength of often unseen elements of war – the secluded spouse, the harrowed parent and the inspired prayer.

By far, music is not Songs’ only contribution either. Falls Church artist Bill Abel, known for his trademark watercolor painting, provided the deceptively serene album cover. A soldier sits resting, gun by his side. Perhaps he is weary of the desolate, flat landscape of a temporary foreign home – Iraq or wherever there is some presence of U.S. forces. Regardless, his eyes trail the ground as the sun

sets: is he thinking of a loved one back home or recovering from the day’s toil; we cannot know.

Abel based his work on a real depiction of a war scene, images “we see too much on the Internet these days,” he said. Americans are “overloaded with images that are just too much detail for our psyches,” so Abel opted instead to use semi-impressionist water colors to open the imagination and reflect the human consciousness of war. Like the idling soldier, Americans are by and large tired of war; we ask, how does this all end?

The newly-released album is available at Foxes Music store in Falls Church, which “encouraged them in their project and displayed it prominently” in the store front and online, said Foxes Music owner Eric Wagner. Another champion of independent music, CDBaby.com chose Songs for our Soldiers as an editor’s pick.

CDBaby also allows listeners to purchase the album online.

In addition to the web, Elthon’s project is making headway on the airwaves as well. Clear Channel Radio, one of the D.C. Area’s largest radio stations, plays “Help Me Say Goodbye,” “The Letter Home” and “Adventure in Patriotism” on its website, with a potential deal in the works for airtime on Clear Channel’s major D.C. country station, WMZQ.

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July 31 - August 6, 2008

Why did the United States become the leading economic power of the 20th century? The best short answer is that a ferocious belief that people have the power to transform their own lives gave Americans an unparalleled commitment to education, hard work and economic freedom.

Between 1870 and 1950, the average American’s level of education rose by 0.8 years per decade. In 1890, the average adult had completed about eight years of schooling. By 1900, the average American had 8.8 years. By 1910, it was 9.6 years, and by 1960, it was nearly 14 years.

As Claudia Goldin and Lawrence Katz describe in their book, “The Race Between Education and Technology,” America’s educational progress was amazingly steady over those decades, and the U.S. opened up a gigantic global lead. Educational levels were rising across the industrialized world, but the U.S. had at least a 35-year advantage on most of Europe. In 1950, no European country enrolled 30 percent of its older teens in full-time secondary school. In the U.S., 70 percent of older teens were in school.

America’s edge boosted productivity and growth. But the happy era ended around 1970 when America’s educational progress slowed to a crawl. Between 1975 and 1990, educational attainments stagnated completely. Since then, progress has been modest. America’s lead over its economic rivals has been entirely forfeited, with many nations surging ahead in school attainment.

This threatens the country’s long-term prospects.

It also widens the gap between rich and poor. Goldin and Katz describe a race between technology and education. The pace of technological change has been surprisingly steady. In periods when educational progress outpaces this change, inequality narrows.

The market is flooded with skilled workers and so their wages rise modestly. In periods, like the current one, when educational progress lags behind technological change, inequality widens. The relatively few skilled workers command higher prices, while the many unskilled ones have little bargaining power.

The meticulous research of Goldin and Katz is complemented by another report from James Heckman of the University of Chicago. Using his own research, Heckman concludes that high school graduation rates peaked in the U.S. in the late 1960s, at about 80 percent. Since then they have declined.

In “Schools, Skills and Synapses,” Heckman probes the sources of that decline. It’s not falling school quality, he argues. Nor is it primarily a shortage of funding or rising college tuition costs. Instead, Heckman directs attention at family environments, which have deteriorated over the past 40 years.

Heckman points out that big gaps in educational attainment are present at age 5. Some children are bathed in an atmosphere that promotes human capital development and, increasingly, more are not. By 5, it is possible to predict, with depressing accuracy, who will complete high school and college and who won’t.

IQ matters, but Heckman points to equally important traits that start and then build from those early years: motivation levels, emotional stability, self-control and sociability. He uses common sense to intuit what these traits are, but on this subject economists have a lot to learn from developmental psychologists.

I point to these two research projects because the skills slowdown is the biggest issue facing the country. Rising gas prices are bound to dominate the election because voters are slapped in the face with them every time they visit the pump. But this slow-moving problem, more than any other, will shape the destiny of the nation.

Second, there is a big debate under way over the sources of middle-class economic anxiety. Some populists emphasize the destructive forces of globalization, outsourcing and predatory capitalism. These people say we need radical labor market reforms to give the working class a chance. But the populists are going to have to grapple with the Goldin, Katz and Heckman research, which powerfully buttresses the arguments of those who emphasize human capital policies. It’s not globalization or immigration or computers per se that widen inequality. It’s the skills gap. Boosting educational attainment at the bottom is more promising than trying to reorganize the global economy.

Third, it’s worth noting that both sides of this debate exist within the Democratic Party. The GOP is largely irrelevant. If you look at Barack Obama’s education proposals – especially his emphasis on early childhood – you see they flow naturally and persuasively from this research. (It probably helps that Obama and Heckman are nearly neighbors in Chicago). McCain’s policies seem largely oblivious to these findings. There’s some vague talk about school choice, but Republicans are inept when talking about human capital policies.

America rose because it got more out of its own people than other nations. That stopped in 1970.

Now, other issues grab headlines and campaign attention. But this tectonic plate is still relentlessly and menacingly shifting beneath our feet.

Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. Barack Obama is a U.S. senator, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his party’s candidate for president of the United States – and yet it was somehow presumptuous of him to meet with foreign leaders last week during his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

I’ll say this about Obama. He sure raises people’s hackles. I’ve never seen anyone so roundly criticized for such grievous offenses as giving excellent speeches and urging people of different backgrounds to take a chance on working together.

How dare he? And 200,000 people turned out to hear him in Berlin. Unforgivable.

The man has been taken to task for promoting hope, threatened with mutilation by Jesse Jackson for suggesting that a lot of black fathers could do better by their kids and had his patriotism called into question because he wants to wind down a

war that most Americans would dearly love to be rid of.

John McCain can barely stop himself from sputtering at the mere mention of Obama’s name.

He actually ran an ad blaming Obama for high gasoline prices. Even Republicans had a good laugh at that one.

And yet Obama continues to treat McCain respectfully. As far as personal character is concerned, Obama has scored very well, indeed.

What remains to be seen, now that the overseas tour is over, is whether Team Obama can play offense here at home and pile up enough points to win this election. McCain has been a surprisingly inept candidate (riding on a golf cart with Poppy Bush was almost as deadly an image as the helmeted Mike Dukakis bouncing around in a tank), but he has stayed within striking distance.

And you can’t trust any of the polls this year.

I was in New Hampshire when the polls and the pundits said Obama was a lock to win that primary. He lost. And I was in California on Super Tuesday when the polls said he was closing fast.

Continued on Page 38

So the big housing bill has passed Congress. That’s good news: Fannie and Freddie had to be rescued, and the bill’s other main provision – a special loan program to head off foreclosures – will help some hard-pressed families. It’s much better to have this bill than not.

But I hope nobody thinks that Congress has done all, or even a large fraction, of what needs to be done.

This bill is the latest in a series of temporary fixes to the financial system – attempts to hold the thing together with bungee cords and masking tape – that have, at least so far, succeeded in staving off complete collapse. But those fixes have done nothing to resolve the system’s underlying flaws. In fact, they set the stage for even bigger future disasters – unless they’re followed up with fundamental reforms.

Before I get to that, let’s be clear about one thing: Even if this bill succeeds in its aims, heading off a severe credit contraction and helping some homeowners avoid foreclosure, it won’t change the fact that this decade’s double bubble, in housing prices and loose lending, has been a disaster for millions of Americans.

After all, the new bill will, at best, make a modest dent in the rate of foreclosures. And it does nothing at all for those who aren’t in danger of losing their houses but are seeing much if not all of their net worth wiped out – a particularly bitter blow to Americans who are nearing retirement, or thought they were until they discovered that they couldn’t afford to stop working.

It’s too late to avoid that pain. But we can try to ensure that we don’t face more and bigger crises in the future.

The back story to the current crisis is the way traditional banks – banks with federally insured deposits, which are limited in the risks they’re allowed to take and the amount of leverage they can take on -- have been pushed aside by unregulated financial players. We were assured by the likes of Alan Greenspan that this was no problem: The market would enforce disciplined risk-taking, and anyway, taxpayer funds weren’t on the line.

And then reality struck. Far from being disciplined in their risk-taking, lenders went wild. Concerns about the ability of borrowers to repay were waved aside; so were questions about whether soaring house prices made sense.

Lenders ignored the warning signs because they were part of a system built around the principle of heads I win, tails someone else loses. Mortgage originators didn’t worry about the solvency of borrowers, because they quickly sold off the loans they made, generally to investors who had no idea what they were buying. Throughout the financial industry, executives received huge bonuses when they seemed to be earning big profits, but didn’t have to give the money back when those profits turned into even bigger losses.

And as for that business about taxpayers’ money not being at risk? Never mind. Over the past year the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury have put hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on the line, propping up financial institutions deemed too big or too strategic to fail. (I’m not blaming them – I don’t think they had any alternative.)

Meanwhile, those traditional, regulated banks played a minor role in the lending frenzy, except to the extent that they had unregulated, “off balance sheet” subsidiaries. The case of IndyMac – which failed because it specialized in risky Alt-A loans while regulators looked the other way – is the exception that proves the rule.

The moral of this story seems clear – and it’s what Barney Frank, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has been saying for some time: Financial regulation needs to be extended to cover a much wider range of institutions. Basically, the financial framework created in the 1930s, which brought generations of relative stability, needs to be updated to 21st-century conditions. The desperate rescue efforts of the past year make expanded regulation even more urgent. If the government is going to stand behind financial institutions, those institutions had better be carefully regulated – because otherwise the game of heads I win, tails you lose will be played more furiously than ever, at taxpayers’ expense.

Of course, proponents of expanded regulation, no matter how compelling their arguments, will have to contend with very wellfinanced opposition from the financial industry. And as Upton Sinclair pointed out, it’s hard to get a man to understand something when his salary – or, we might add, his campaign war chest – depends on his not understanding it.

But let’s hope that the sheer scale of this financial crisis has concentrated enough minds to make reform possible.

Otherwise, the next crisis will be even bigger.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

The worst-ever president of the United States strutted into the Rose Garden again yesterday to berate Congress for resisting his pressure to open up offshore oil drilling.

President Bush was not speaking in the national interest, but in the interest of his oil company and commodity speculator cronies.

They’re seeking to exploit the current conditions, which they’ve worked to create, to get at something they’ve coveted for a long time, the ability to drill on the outer continental shelf.

By denying them this new demand, Congress is hurting average Americans at the gas pump, the president and his cronies rant.

They don’t bellow like this to gain a political advantage, they do it because they want that oil.

Forget that it would take a decade to deliver a single drop from there. This is a case, plain and simple, of political bullying aimed at furthering oil’s corporate and financial interests. Of course, John McCain is with this program, too.

Forget that it is such as these who’ve brought the world to this point, promoting over the last half-century a regrettable dependence on the finite resource of oil that now threatens to grind the world economy to a halt.

Actions by Democrats in Congress have already driven the cost of a barrel of oil down dramatically, simply by threatening to investigate and place constraints on oil speculators. If they follow through, the cost will continue to drop, although the president stands ready to veto any legislation that gets passed.

Still, low inventory numbers yesterday couldn’t help but reverse the declining price trend, pushing it higher for the first time in a week. As the inventory squeeze tightens, then, more than just futures speculation will drive prices back up.

This all started in the aftermath of World War II, as the nation emerged from the war and the Great Depression that preceded it.

The oil industry, through the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s, introduced a profound paradigm shift in the energy-deployment practices in America, moving it away from water and rail, toward automobiles, trucks and highways.

The defining moment was Eisenhower’s signing the Interstate Highway law. Mistakenly hailed as a vital new step forward in the development of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, it actually marked a step away from energy efficiency toward dependency on a highly-inefficient use of lots and lots of oil.

While the nation’s rail infrastructure has withered, even today anyone requiring the shipping of large quantities of product can tell you the dramatic difference in the energy cost of moving goods by rail, as compared to truck.

The other part of the national infrastructure that was abandoned with the rise of the almighty auto was the use of water. The nation developed in its infancy through a system of canals, such as the Erie Canal, until the rails came along.

But water remained vital, both in the production of hydro-electric power and its large-scale diversion to enable the irrigation of otherwise non-yielding arid lands.

There is a great irony now that, as the planet heats up and fresh water is in diminishing supply, such water diversion projects are not being utilized to re-vegetate, and thereby cool, the planet. Such an approach addresses famine issues, too.

Before the oil interests’ paradigm shift became locked in, water from the Colorado River turned a Los Angeles basin desert into an area easily capable of supporting 12 million people, and water from the Sacramento River turned the California Central Valley into the most intense and productive agricultural region of the world.

Before that shift, in the 1950s, the Ralph Parsons Company of Pasadena developed an engineering plan for diverting northwardflowing waters from huge rivers in Alaska and Canada down to the Southwestern U.S. and High Plains. In the 1970s, Sen. Frank Moss from Utah brought it to Congress, where it died. The rivers are still there.

That plan, and others, combined with a revival of rail, would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, save huge sums of energy in the long run, and bring both an abundance of food and a cooling effect on the atmosphere.

Bush’s appeal for more of the same approach is, itself, simply out of gas. But in considering a pathway to the future, maybe the nation should revisit some of the options it abandoned when the oilmen first took over.  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com

Page 11

WASHINGTON – In his eight days around the world, Barack Obama learned a lot.

His meeting with Angela Merkel taught him a whole new expression. “When we were talking about Iran,” he told me, “it turns out that carrots and sticks in German is sweetbread and whips, which I thought was a little more evocative.” I said it sounded like a skit with Ali G, sitting on a settee, talking to Madam Chancellor, the “Iron Frau,” about whips.

“That’s the equivalent German expression,” he continued, with an amused smile. “That was a little cultural lesson. Sweetbread and whips. I thought, man, we’re in Berlin ...”

At home, Jon Stewart was poking fun at the grandiosity of the “Obama Quest” and “the Obamanauts.”

He showed film clips of “our hero” in chain mail fighting off dragons and a Cyclops in his crusade to come home and rule over Dreamerica.

By happenstance, on O-Force One I raised the matter of quests and Cyclops with the candidate.

Having read that he had left the trail in early June to go back to Chicago and see his daughter Malia perform in “The Odyssey” for theater class, I wondered if that rang any bells on this trip? The hero on a foreign journey, battling through obstacles to get back home, where more trouble would wait?

“The whole sort of siren thing, the Cyclops, that’s interesting,” he said. “I think part of what makes ‘The Odyssey’ enduring is everybody can relate to going on a journey and the trials and tribulations of trying to get back home.”

Unlike an idol, Bobby Kennedy, Obama does not see himself in terms of Greek myth, although he did tell The Times’s Jeff Zeleny on the trip that he knew the risks of “flying too close to the sun.”

The Obamanauts were so pleased with navigating their complex thicket of global photo-ops – without even one embarrassing picture of Obama hugging an Arab – that they weren’t as wary with the press.

The senator left his briefing books behind for a rare instance of mingling with his journalism posse at a Berlin restaurant as he sipped a rare “very dry” martini with olives. (This was either because he wanted to charm the press, which, contrary to popular imagination, is not universally enchanted with him. Or because he could not get ESPN in his hotel room.)

The Obamanauts were so elated that they didn’t even seem to mind the caricature of Obama, ears sticking out, that had been drawn on the round We-Are-The-World Obama logo in the press section. The cartoon candidate demanded:

“Worship me.”

After he got out of the Middle East unscathed and filled up the park in Berlin, Obama seemed to relax.

I asked him what presents he takes home to his daughters.

“Anytime I make a stop, Sasha gets snow globes and Malia gets key chains,” he said. “Somebody is assigned to that.”

“You have a snow globe aide?” I marveled.

He also admitted that he didn’t know exactly what was in those blue boxes with ribbons that his body man, Reggie Love, was toting for world leaders. “I was not well organized enough to personally think of what presents to give these guys,” Obama said. “Hopefully, should I end up being president, I can put my touch on the present thing. But I didn’t even know it was a custom to give presents other than state visits.”

I said he could be forgiven for not knowing the customs of a trip that had never taken place before – a mere presumptive nominee of one party being feted like a president. Or, given W.’s repellant effect on Old Europe and Obama’s pheromone effect, better than a president.

The British opposition leader David Cameron gave Obama a copy of Winston Churchill’s “A History of the English-Speaking Peoples” and a box of CDs by British bands, including the Smiths, Radiohead and the Gorillaz.

Obama told Cameron that he had been told by “somebody who had worked in the White House” that “should we be successful, that actually the most important thing you need to do is have big chunks of time during the day when all you’re doing is thinking.”

Sure enough, “our hero” came home to a passel of troubles in Dreamerica, including news analyses of his trip that wondered “Where’s the Bounce?”

The old Hillary refrain – why can’t he close the deal against a supposedly flawed opponent – echoes.

A USA Today/Gallup poll found that his trip “has not broadened confidence in his ability to be commander of the U.S. military,” according to the paper, and “suggested Obama’s trip may have helped energize voters who favor McCain.”

Obama met with House Democrats on Tuesday evening. Some said his reception was not as enthusiastic as the one Hillary got when she returned from her odyssey. The room warmed to him, mainly because he told the lawmakers how much he’d need them to get policies passed if he gets elected.

Odysseus’s heroic trait is his cunning intelligence. Given his inability to get lift off, even flying close to the sun, Obama will need all he can muster.

Page 12

July 31 - August 6, 2008

This week, I attended the Commercial Closet’s Images In Advertising Awards in Manhattan, which honored corporations that produced gay affirming ads. The pro-gay plugs showed genuine progress and highlighted that many leading companies “get it.”

The work of Commercial Closet is vital because images matter and repeated exposure to messages shape our views and create positive change in society. The cleverness and creativity in these ads imparts to millions of people that homosexuality is nothing to be feared and that GLBT people are part of the human family.

The awards ceremony was a welcome respite from reality, where there is no shortage of reminders that the world is still a very dangerous place. In Knoxville, Tennessee, a homophobic loser burst into a Unitarian Church where a children’s play was being performed and unleashed a fusillade of gunfire, killing two people and injuring six. According to police, Jim D. Adkisson, “had targeted the church because of its liberal leanings and his belief that all liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country.”

The New York Times reports that the killer was raised in strict a Christian home and was openly anti-gay. He may have targeted this particular church because his former wife – who he had threatened to shoot and then commit suicide - had occasionally attended. He may also have been agitated by the church’s affirming stand on GLBT equality.

The far right’s dirty little secret is that they depend on the threat of violence to retard the advancement of the GLBT movement. Without the fear of physical attack, the number of people who are out of the closet would quickly multiply. Gay couples would hold hands in every city in the nation. On each block, from San Francisco to San Antonio, gay and lesbian people would be visibly present.

Congress held the first hearEach day, all but the bravest GLBT people make subtle or even ing last week on the “Don’t significant adjustments to remain safe. Some dress a little blander Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) poliin order to blend in. A number of gay men talk a bit deeper so cy since it was enacted in 1993. they won’t arouse suspicion. Some lesbians apply make up so they As you may know the law, won’t get beaten up. And, most loving couples act like buddies so signed by President Clinton, they won’t get bashed. was the compromise reached We tell ourselves comforting lies, such as “we don’t like public after attempts failed to end the displays of affection,” to justify pushing a partner’s hand away at a ban on gays and lesbians from romantic moment. But, the reality is, even the most confident and serving in the military. brave among us have something to fear.

The House Armed Services Of course, the overwhelming majority of people are not violent Subcommittee on Military and a significant minority of Americans fervently supports GLBT Readiness, led by Rep. Susan people. What the right wing realizes, however, is it only takes a small Davis (D-CA), heard powerful number of twisted fanatics to keep GLBT people in check. We rarely testimony from military personknow who these lunatics are, as they often keep their hate closeted. nel such as Fairfax County resiBut, each gay person knows these hidden ticking time bombs exist dent Captain Joan Darrah (Ret.), and could go off at any moment – shattering our lives. a former Naval Intelligence When Focus on the Family’s James Dobson says that giving gay Officer who served over 29 people the freedom to marry will “destroy the earth” he is encour- years in the military and retired aging hate crimes. When Oklahoma state legislator Sally Kern Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the says that homosexuality is the “death knell of this country,” she is first American soldier to be seripromoting gay bashing. When Elaine Donnelly told a congressio- ously wounded in Iraq—both nal committee that lifting Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell would let lesbians who also happen to be gay. take pictures of people in the shower she was setting the stage for Opponents of allowing openly violence. When Ann Coulter authors, “How to Talk To a Liberal (If gay and lesbian soldiers to serve You Must),” people like Jim Adkisson may be influenced. in the military argue that lifting What I find hypocritical is that the Religious Right will take any the ban would cause irreparable image it deems gay and claim it “promotes homosexuality.” This harm to the military, crippling even extends to fictional characters such as Tinky Winky and Sponge morale. That argument is renBob Square Pants. Yet, these same oversensitive preachers refuse to dered null; however, as 23 of the acknowledge that their mean-spirited sermons might lead to violence. 26 NATO nations including our The extreme right fuels anti-gay ugliness, but it is pervasive219191A02 all British, Israeli, and Australian around us. As we applauded the winners of the Commercial Closet allies allow gays and lesbians awards, two ads that subtract from the dignity of gay people were to openly serve--in many cases on the minds of those in attendance. The first was a Nike ad where a basketball star leapt over a defender who had the dunker’s scrotum in his face. The headline was “That Ain’t Right.”

In a second ad for Snickers, a swishy speed walker is attacked by a machine gun wielding Mr. T in a truck who demands the walker “run like a real man.” He fires on the guy until he “corrects” his running style. Thanks to The Human Rights Campaign and the willingness of these companies, both ads were pulled.

We live in a society filled with violently homophobic messages and images, yet the perpetrators – both religious and secular – feign innocence and say they can’t imagine how anti-gay hate crimes occur.

along side American troops on joint NATO operations.

It is the conduct of our soldiers by which they should be judged--not their sexual orientation. The military has rules in place under the U.S. Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to discipline and thus deter improper conduct. The UCMJ code has worked in deterring unbecoming conduct with the integration of women into the military.

There is no reason to believe it won’t continue to function adequately when gays and lesbians are allowed to openly serve.

The costs of continuing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” are

heavy. In 2006, a Commission led by former Department of Defense Secretary William Perry estimated that the first decade of DADT cost the military $364 million to replace the 9,500 plus service members discharged under the ban. Those discharged included engineers, linguists and others with high demand specialties critical to our military’s mission--particularly hypocritical given our military is lowering standards across the board to meet annual recruiting goals.

This hearing could not have come sooner or at a better time.

Last Wednesday is also the 60th anniversary of the integration of the military. Our military survived and prospered following that decision by President Truman. It’s a legacy of equality, a proud U.S. tradition that we should follow when considering an end to the ban on open service and the loss of more than a few good men and women.

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It seems like summer just began, and already it’s winding down. Public elementary schools on a modified calendar (including Glen Forest, Parklawn, and Annandale Terrace) began classes on Monday. Students on the modified Secondary School calendar (Glasgow Middle, Falls Church High, and J.E.B. Stuart High) will return to classes on August 18. Drivers should remember that school speed limits apply whenever the flashing lights indicate that school is in session, so let’s be careful out there.

Placement of the pedestrian bridge across Route 50 at Seven Corners has been delayed slightly, but the prefabricated bridge should be set in place soon. The work will take place overnight on a weekend; periodic closing of Route 50 will be required, and police will direct drivers to detours via Route 7 and/or Patrick Henry Drive. Once the bridge deck is in place, the project can proceed to completion, with an opening date set for later this fall. The steel truss bridge with concrete decking is 143 feet long, with a 305-foot accessible ramp on the north side and a 271-foot accessible ramp on the south side of Route 50. The main span will be enclosed and will have handrails and lighting for additional pedestrian safety. The project also includes six-foot, vinyl-coated, ornamental fencing on both sides of Route 50, augmented with landscaping in certain locations. The bridge will link up with a future transit center planned for the Seven Corner Shopping Center. The pedestrian bridge project was initiated by Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to improve pedestrian safety in the area.

Page 13

Further west on Route 50, VDOT will be milling and paving portions of the road between Jaguar Trail and Seven Corners in the next few weeks. The work is part of the state’s regular maintenance cycle for roadways, and will improve the road surface for drivers. Some of the work in the commercial areas will be done at night in order to avoid traffic tie-ups on this busy commuter route. No night work is allowed in the residential areas on the Mason District side of the road.

The speed humps on Kerns Road are being replaced! Nearly a dozen years ago, following a community process to address traffic calming in neighborhoods, speed humps were installed

by VDOT to reduce speeds on the popular cutthrough road between Annandale Road and Sleepy Hollow Road. The original humps were short and bumpy, and heavy travel caused dips in the road surface adjacent to the humps, making trips even more challenging. Newer designs for speed humps make them wider and smoother for travel, while still addressing speeds. The Kerns Road humps were evaluated and VDOT agreed that they needed to be replaced with the newer design. An example of the newer design can be found on Whispering Lane, where a speed hump and a speed table were installed

by VDOT last week, following a lengthy community process and approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Last Tuesday (July 22), I attended memorial services for Senator Joe Gartlan, a colleague, mentor and friend in the Virginia General Assembly. Joe was elected to the Senate in the same year I was elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from Providence District.

He was junior to powerful Northern Virginia leaders Sen. Abe Brault and Omer Hirst, who retired several years before Joe. While Joe never served in local government, he was always sympathetic and responsive to local needs, and helpful to local elected officials.

Because of his keen intellect and understanding of the legislative process, Joe rose quickly to leadership positions in the Senate. At different times, he was chair of three committees in the Senate. He was also a wonderful raconteur. His hilarious Irish stories were legend in Richmond.

His name was on many important pieces of legislation, particularly laws to address pollution in the Chesapeake Bay, reduce conflicts of interest and improve services for the poor, the elderly and the mentally ill.

When I was elected to the House in 1991, Joe was chair of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. One of my initiatives was a measure creating a joint study committee to recommend ways to encourage greater voter participation in Virginia elections. As initiator of the study, I became chair of the bi-partisan study committee.

Joe was vice-chair. He was very supportive and helpful to

this newcomer.

The committee recommended passage of Virginia “motor voter” legislation to supplement the Federal legislation of the same name.

I introduced the legislation in the House, and Joe introduced the Senate version. The legislation passed in 1995 on a partisan vote in the House.

In the Senate, passage was easier.

Governor George Allen vetoed the legislation. The veto was overturned by a Federal District Court as a violation of the Federal Voting Rights Act. In 1996, Joe and I introduced the legislation again. With the aid of Assistant Attorney General Claude Allen, the bill passed easily.

Joe was also widely known for the process of judicial nomination he initiated in Northern Virginia. Called the “Gartlan” or the “Fairfax” process, it ensured bi-partisan participation in the local nomination process. It is widely recognized and praised in the Commonwealth, and has resulted in excellent appointment to state courts.

Joe retired in 1999 and was replaced by the person he strongly supported, and who carries on his tradition and courage, Senator Toddy Puller, who was re-elected last year. As suggested by former Governor Jerry Baliles in his beautiful and emotional eulogy, few legislators have inspired as much respect, admiration or affection among his colleagues as Joe Gartlan.

12 21

IS NOT THE NEW

Many children begin drinking as early as age 12. That’s two years before they’ve tried geometry. Research indicates that children are less likely to drink when their parents are involved in their lives and when they report feeling close to their parents. So next time you complain about how fast they’re growing up, consider that it might be in your power to slow them down.

For advice on talking with your children, visit stopalcoholabuse.gov or call 1-800-729-6686

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Page 14

July 31 - August 6, 2008

ment is underway for classes in ballet, tap, hip-hop, modern, jazz, yoga-based stretch and Pilates. Auditions for September placement will be conducted during the summer class schedule. Contact Carolyn Carattini, school director, at cct@arldance. org to set up an audition.

F.C. Community Services Board Elects Officers

AT MONDAY’S FALLS CHURCH City Council meeting, the successful reaccredit of the F.C. Police Department was celebrated. The Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, headed by Herndon Police Chief Toussaint E. Summers, Jr., (left) voted unanimously on July 17 to reaccredit the F.C. Department, finding its compliance with 187 standards and 700 sub-standards “flawless.” Due to an administrative lapse in reapplying, the department had lost its accreditation three years ago, but is now among 25 police departments, 39 sheriff’s departments and four college and university departments officially accredited in Virginia.

Chief Summers presents the certificate of accreditation to F.C. Mayor Robin Gardner, while F.C. Police Chief Harry Reitze and City Manager Wyatt Shields look on. (Photo: News-Press) Engagement Announcement Richard B. Glazer and Joanna Peters of Chappaqua, N.Y., announce the engagement of Glazer’s daughter, Diana Leigh Glazer to Thomas Russell Gallagher, Jr. of Potomac, Md. Diana is also the daughter of Patricia Garofalo Glazer of Tillson, N.Y. Diana, a graduate of The University of Virginia, also attended the American University in London. She is a published author and a freelance writer. Diana currently resides in Falls Church, where she is a copy editor for the News-Press.

Gallagher’s father, Thomas R. Gallagher, Sr., resides in Little Egg Harbor, N.J. with his wife Susan Gallagher.

Gallagher’s mother, the late Catherine Antonia Nardi Gallagher, was originally from Williamsport, Pa. Gallagher graduated from the University of Maryland. Soon after, he attended law school at the University of Baltimore and is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, Inc. and works as Vice President of Development at Edens & Avant in Bethesda, Md. He also served five years in the Marine Corps with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines and then the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company.

State-of-the-Art Dance Facility Opens The Center Dance Company, Inc. (3443 Carlin Springs Rd., Falls Church) opened the doors of its new

home in the Bailey’s Crossroads area. The 20,000 square-foot center will serve students from Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. In addition to the extensive class schedule and training program, the facility will provide the local dance community with exceptional rehearsal, class and studio performance space by offering rental opportunities to local and national dance, arts and wellness organizations.

The spacious studios, ranging in size from 865 squarefeet to 2,500 square-feet, feature top of the line Harlequin sprung flooring and 16-foot ceilings.

The building provides excellent access, drop off and parking in addition to being close to popular retail and restaurant establishments. The regular summer session began July 21 and enroll-

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) elected new officers for 2008-2009 at its recent monthly meeting. CSB partners with individuals, families and the community to empower and support Fairfax-Falls Church residents with or at risk of developmental delay, intellectual disability mental illness and alcohol or drug abuse or dependency. CSB, a multijurisdictional agency, provides services for the residents of Falls Church and Fairfax.

Mark Gross, who represents the City of Falls Church on the board, was elected vice chair. Gross, a resident of the City of Falls Church, is deputy chief of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Appellate Section. As the supervisor of 14 Appellate Section attorneys, Gross reviews briefs written for the U.S. Courts of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Volunteer Fairfax Fall Symposium Volunteer Fairfax is building a better community through service. As a respected leader of community service for more than 32 years, Volunteer

Fairfax connects individuals, groups and corporations to volunteer opportunities in the Fairfax County area. On August 7, the organization will host a fall symposium offering three sessions from Volunteer Fairfax’s 2008 training series.

Sessions include, “SkillsBased Volunteering,” “Get with IT” and “The Fine Art of Supervising Volunteers.”

Speakers will present topics on how to use volunteers’ skills, utilize technology and ensure a positive volunteer experience.

Training registration is available at www.volunteerfairfax. org. The fee for the symposium is $90. Lunch is not included in the fee. This workshop is geared toward volunteer managers, especially those new to their positions, those who coordinate volunteers as part of their job responsibilities, or those who lead volunteer programs.

F.C. Local Set to Walk at 2009 College Graduation Falls Church native Karen Kathleen Ortwein, is among the list of candidates that are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies in May 2009 at the University of Oklahoma Norman campus.

Annandale HS Teachers Head for India Two Annandale High School teachers will serve as ambassadors of education and culture in India as part of the Rotary Foundation Annual Group Study Exchange.

Meredith Hedrick, who teaches English for speakers of other languages and Niki

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Holmes, who teaches English, were selected for the exchange program, which will take place during the coming winter.

Each year, professionals who are selected by a panel of Rotary International members are sent to various countries around the world to establish goodwill and promote peace by sharing cultures and making personal contacts. Through the Group Study Exchange, Hendrick and Holmes will develop relationships with organizations and individuals in India.

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) world school, Annandale High School offers both the IB Middle Years and the IB Diploma programs to students in grades 9-12. When they return, Hedrick and Holmes will support the goals of the IB programs at Annandale by developing school wide community and service projects that build upon the relationships they built in India.

Stifel and Capra Jewelry Artist Debut New artist Kathy O’Brien debuts her South River Collection Jewelry at the always-fun First Friday of Falls Church weekend. Meet Kathy, along with other local artists; also enjoy a

Page 15

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS staff members wish Mike Hume, third from left, sports editor at the News-Press for four years, a farewell at the Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church on July 25. Hume is headed for fame and fortune in New York City. (Photo: News-Press) cool drink, yummy treats and see what is new at Stifel and Capra (210 Little Falls Street, Suite 201, Falls Church).

Grants Reach More Than 450 Students As a result of the third year of its grant program, the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) received reports from teacher grantees noting that

more than 450 students, teachers and families were served through five grant projects. The reports as written by the teachers who administered the grant projects indicated that most activities were extremely successful. The foundation distributed $5,000 for projects in the arts, mathematics and science, environmental education, physical education and fitness, early childhood literacy and parent training, to fund proj-

Yard Sale Benefits Local Baseball

ects at Mt. Daniel Elementary School and George Mason High School during the 20072008 school year.

The FCEF is engaged in a campaign to build a $10 million permanent Endowment Fund to help ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The next round of grant applications are due by Oct. 15. For more information on the Foundation, contact Executive Director Donna Englander at 703-538-3381, or go to www.fcedf.org

On Saturday, August 2 at 8 a.m., local parents and players will host a large multi-family yard sale at 319 Grove Ave. in Falls Church to benefit the NOVA Nats baseball team. The team will play in a week long tournament in late August at the Cooperstown Dreams Park in New York.

The yard sale will feature furniture, electronics, toys, books and clothing. All proceeds will be used to compensate players’ costs for the tournament.

Forever Young Luncheon at Fuddruckers

Travis Benton Wins Sailing Championship

Enjoy a live performance by the “Sound Advice Quartet,” featuring Ginger Albertson, Bonnie Ashley, Carrie Bodoh and Beth Kimlick. On Monday, August 4 at 12:30 p.m., Forever Young TV, a multi-media program featuring a 30-minute television show, will host its monthly luncheon at Fuddruckers (4300 Backlick Rd., Annandale).

Travis Benton, nephew of News-Press owner Nicholas Benton, teamed with Oliver Toole to beat out 61 other youth entries and win first place in the Club Flying Junior National Sailing Championship at the Santa Barbara, Calif. Yacht Club last week. The team won four of seven races in a 13 foot dinghy with a sail area of 100 square-feet. The second through fourth-place finishers behind the Santa Barbara-based BentonToole team in the three-day competition came from yacht clubs in Newport Harbor, Long Beach and San Diego.

FCPS Receives New Exercise Equipment JASON’S DELI in Idyllwood Plaza had a VIP grand opening party and among the celebrity guests were Chris Fay of Homestretch, Tammy DeMurtino of PRS and attorney Mark Werblood, shown with host, Jason’s catering manager Adam Roth, second from left. (Photo: News-Press)

resistance- training equipment from Life Time Fitness. The equipment, which includes 70 pieces of cardiovascular equipment and 23 pieces of strengthtraining equipment, will be used in Fairfax County high schools beginning with the 2008-09 school year. The donation was made by the Life Time Fitness Foundation.

FCPS students will have access to treadmills, stair-climbing machines, step machines, and strength-training equipment as a result of the Life Time Fitness donation. Most Fairfax County high schools will receive the equipment prior to the beginning of the new school year.

Fairfax County Public Schools has received $31,000 worth of cardiovascular and

KENWOOD SCHOOL

Dedicated to Educational Excellence since 1957 All school experiences at Kenwood are challenging and exciting. Small classes provide opportunities for students to work to their highest potential. Individual progress is carefully guided to stimulate curiosity and creativity. Our strong academic environment fosters a solid foundation of skills and study habits necessary for future success.

Each student’s intellectual growth, personal self-discipline, social values, and emotional maturity are the result of a school philosophy that emphasizes a joy and love of learning.

Kenwood School prides itself on providing educational excellence at an affordable price.

Grades K-6th A n n a n d a l e , VA 703-256-4711 w w w. k e n w o o d s c h o o l . c o m

Page 16

July 31 - August 6, 2008

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Arbonne sales director Mary Anne Carlson has extended her offer to save money and generate product donations for active military personnel. Now through July 30, purchases made through Carlson directly of $200 or more will receive a 50% discount (not including shipping) and generate a product donation for military personnel. If 10 people participate, $700 in Arbonne products will be contributed.

Visit www.arbonne.com to view the product line but be sure to call 703-994-2551 or email rmacarlson@verizon.net to participate in this offer.

Nataliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elegant Creation Pastry Shop and CafĂŠ is celebrating its one year anniversary by offering customers daily specials and drawings for dessert and other prizes through Saturday, August 2. Nataliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specializes in European style cakes, pastries, tarts and also serves continental breakfast items, gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads, cappuccinos, lattes and other espresso based beverages. Nataliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, located at 230 W. Broad Street in Falls Church, is open from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 p.m. weekends. For more information please visit ww.nataliaselegantcreations.com.

A number of businesses are hosting FIRSTfriday events in the City of Falls Church on Friday, August 1. Art and Frame of Falls Church, Falls Church Arts, Clay CafĂŠ Studios, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four Provinces, Impulsive, Curves, Shreve McGonegal, Monkey Business, Stifel and Capra, Sunrise of Falls Church and PNC Bank are all hosting events. For details on these events or for information on FIRSTfriday dining specials from Argiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Clare and Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four Provinces, Pilin and Maneki Neko, visit www.firstfridayoffallschurch.com.

Falls Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monkey Business is helping busy business leaders with small children enjoy FIRSTfriday events by hosting FIRSTfriday Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Night Out. While parents head off to the various exhibits and receptions being held Friday, August 1, their children ages three to six can enjoy cheese pizza, playtime, music & movement, a story and crafts from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Reservations and a small fee will be required.

Visit www.monkeybiz4kids.com for more info.

Falls Church art and ornament gallery Stifel & Capra is hosting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Artists Helping Others,â&#x20AC;? a two- day show and sale to be held on Friday, August 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, August 23 from noone to 4 p.m. in the Great Hall of Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park Street NE, Vienna. The juried show will consist of fine art from local professional artists and members of the community. Proceeds from the show will benefit Homestretch (www.homestretch-inc.org) and Committee for Helping Others (www.cho-va.com). Vienna Presbyterian is donating the use of its facility for the show. There will be no admission fee, all are welcome. For more information about Stifel and Capra, visit www.stifelandcapra.com.

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is offering local businesses the opportunity to sponsor its annual Mini-Golf Family Fun night which will take place Tuesday, September 30 at Upton Hill Regional Park. The event will include unlimited miniature golf, access to batting cages, dinner, music, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and prizes. This is a terrific opportunity for businesses that provide products and services to children and families. Contact Sally Cole at sally@fallschurchchamber.org or 703532-1050 for more information.

The Bennigans Grill and Tavern (www.bennigans.com) located at 6290 Arlington Blvd in Falls Church has closed due to poor sales. Benniganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is an Irish American Grill & Tavern which serves salads, burgers, steak and chicken entrees, sandwiches and desserts. The stand-alone restaurant property, located in The Corner section of Seven Corners, is available for lease. Call Dave at First Allied, 800-421-5327.

Suntiva Executive Consulting was awarded a multi-year contract valued at up to $51.9 million with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command. Suntiva will provide a broad range of acquisition and procurement-related services, to include acquisition planning, document preparation, contract administration, contract close-out, procurement tracking, and policy and analysis support. Suntivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Acquisition Consulting division supports numerous large-scale programs and government agencies. Minority-owned Suntiva is based in Falls Church. For more information visit www.suntiva.com.

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The Washington Business Journal and the Greater Washington Board of Trade are hosting the first annual Greater Washington Green Business Awards to recognize those who have successfully incorporated environmental sustainable practices into their business and community work over the past 18 months. Categories include: Innovation, Green Giving, Education/Outreach, Visionary, Invention, Design, and Workplace. The deadline for nominations is August 18. For more information or to nominate a business, go to www.washingtonbusinessjournal.com/nomination. ď ľ The Business News & Notes section is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@ fallschurchchamber.org.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 17

BALLSTON AUTO CENTER INC. Sales and Repair 1115 W. Broad St Falls Church, VA 22046

Continued from Page 1

It’s going to be an electric world. For those of you who have been following the peak oil story, it is becoming increasingly clear that liquid fuels for the average person’s transportation has a very short half-life. It won’t be long before we figure out that natural gas is too valuable for making stuff to waste on cooling our air, drying our laundry, heating our baths and keeping our homes warm. Coal, too, has problems.

Recent studies suggest there just may not be hundreds of years worth buried out there, and one of these days, a critical mass of us will figure out we had better start sequestering carbon or the great grandchildren are toast. Coal is not going to be cheap.

At this technological minute, the only realistic choices for the decades ahead seem to be more electrification of everything or a partial rerun of the 19th century. There is also little question that electricity is going to become much more expensive.

Coal, nuclear plants, natural gas and the construction of nearly everything to do with producing more energy is becoming much more expensive. We simply are going to have to figure out how to keep going with much less. We will need much more energy-efficient homes, offices, vehicles and appliances – or do without.

An important step in transitioning to the new electric world took place last month for those of us here in Virginia, when Dominion Power announced next year they would begin installing 200,000 “smart” electric meters at trial locations around the Commonwealth.

(Unfortunately, Falls Church is not part of the test – perhaps sometime in the next 3 - 5 years.) Smart meters, which have been around for the last 10 years or so, have the potential to bring major changes to the way we use – and more importantly – how we will conserve electricity in the future.

For those of you who are not familiar with the genre, smart electric meters contain computers and small radios that allow them to communicate back to your power companies’ computers and eventually down to the various electric devices in your home or other buildings.

From the power companies’

point of view, smart meters will allow them to track your electricity consumption from the office, turn your power on and off remotely and know instantly that your power – and that of your neighbors – has gone out. Simply tracking demand in much more detail than ever before will provide great benefit, allowing power companies to produce and dispatch power with greater precision – thus reducing costs.

The real benefits, however, will come in the ability

The most interesting feature of smart meters in combination with home area networks is their potential to grow and acquire advanced features.

Very soon, many of us are likely to switch at least part of our gasoline consumption to electricity. Plug-in hybrids or electric cars, operated at a fraction of what our gasoline costs, will come a few years from now. It will be vital to insure that large car batteries are only charged at off-peak times, for if we all came home at 5 p.m. and plugged in our cars, we would soon have the mother of all brownouts.

With a smart grid, the recharging of electric cars could be staggered so that the existing power generation and distribution networks could be used to optimal efficiency.

Tests are underway to see if the millions of large car batteries could be used as temporary storage for intermittent power sources, such as solar or wind generators. It is not difficult to imagine cheap renewable power being directed to recharge millions of cars sitting in parking lots during the day and to use some of the power from these cars to help meet peak loads.

Likewise, it is not hard to imagine that by pushing a single button, you could put your home in a low-power mode that would reduce power consumption to a tiny fraction of the norm until you come home.

Currently, very little is being done to prepare for the postpeak oil world, but the advent of smart meters appears to be one important exception.

.

of the smart meters to track your consumption hour by hour and thereby permit differential pricing. Here is where the real savings will occur: for power that is used to run air conditioning during a summer heat wave, as it costs a lot more to produce than 3 a.m. in the spring or fall. Until the smart meter, most power was sold at a flat cost, regardless of the cost of production; in the future, power will be priced by the hour. Devices that consume large amounts of electric power, such as clothes dryers, air-conditioners and heat pumps, can be adjusted to do much of their power consumption during off-peak times.

The next step in the evolution of smart metering will be home area networks in which many of the electric appliances in your home will talk to the computer in your smart meter.

During the test next year, some of the 200,000 smart meters in Virginia will be talking to smart thermostats that can be adjusted up and down by the smart meter in conjunction with the power company’s computer. During extremely hot or cold weather, when power consumption is going through the roof and requires much more expensive power to be generated, the power company, with the consent of the homeowner, would have the ability to change thermostat settings to reduce demand. The incentive, of course, would be much lower electricity bills for the consumer, who would not have to pay peak-load prices that could turn out to be several times the normal rate.

 Tom Whipple is a retired government analyst and has been following the peak oil issue for several years.

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Page 18

Twice in recent weeks, Sports Illustrated baseball guru Jon Heyman has mentioned the heat has steadily been increasing underneath the seat of Washington Nationals’ General Manager Jim Bowden. It’s all just speculation at this point, but it does offer an opportune time to discuss Bowden’s tenure with the team.

Since Bowden’s hiring in 2004, he’s experienced a lovehate relationship due to his aggressive tendencies at the trade table. He has acquired All-Stars (Alfonso Soriano, Cristian Guzman in 2008).

He has acquired busts (Willy Mo Pena, Cristian Guzman in every season but 2008).

However, it seems he is perpetually changing the face of the Nationals roster. At the moment, that face is one no Beverly Hill plastic surgeon would ever take credit for. The Nationals’ 38-67 record is the worst in the Majors and some T-ball teams feature more potent offenses.

Given the state of the franchise when Bowden took over – a middling big-league roster and a ravaged farm system – the Nationals’ residency in the basement of the National League East is not exactly surprising.

That said, their amazing first half of the season in 2005 may have left some fans expecting more. That roster –Jose Guillen, Brad Wilkerson, Nick Johnson, Jose Vidro, Vinny Castilla, Livan Hernandez, Esteban Loaiza and John Patterson – actually led the NL East at the All-Star Break. Things looked deceptively bright in D.C. Then everything changed.

Injuries began to take their toll, sidelining Johnson, Guillen and Patterson. Wilkerson was dealt in the offseason for Soriano, and Castilla was traded for pitcher Brian Lawrence. The team let Loaiza walk during free agency. Hernandez got off to a rough start, and it was evident early the 2006 squad could not recapture the magic of a year prior.

So the dealin’ wheels of Trader Jim began turning.

Today, only Nick Johnson remains from the 2005 team that first graced the field at RFK Stadium.

The turnover is not necessarily a bad thing. Factors such as player age, spending restrictions and the desire of the Lerner family and new President Stan Kasten to build the team from the farm system up all played a role in the team’s turnover.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

But for all of the deals that have been spun since 2005, the Nationals have received little of use in return.

Soriano only stuck around for a year, departing via free agency. Lawrence flamed out and was released. Vidro was sent to Seattle for Chris Snelling and Emiliano Fruto. Those two prospects were then turned into part-time player Ryan Langerhans and Chris Carter.

Carter – .298 with 22 HR and 74 RBI for the Red Sox’ AAA affiliate – was then dealt for Willy Mo Pena.

Pena has always been a favorite of Bowden’s, and the GM has a tendency to trade for players he once signed as the Reds’ GM. See also: Austin Kearns (.215 in 223 AB this season), Felipe Lopez (.235 and in Manager Manny Acta’s doghouse) and Ryan Wagner. That practice has left fans dubious as to whether Bowden is trying to improve the team or just prove himself right about his favorite prospects.

Even so, for the scant talent the Nationals have received, it is not as though the players Washington traded away have gone on to great things.

Have you heard anything from Terrmel Sledge lately?

Wilkerson? Majewski?

The only instance of coming up short for the Nationals was a move many GMs believed favored Washington – trading Brian Schneider and Ryan Church to the Mets for Lastings Milledge. And that deal will not be born out until 23-year-old Milledge hits his prime.

The flip side to this lack of return on trades is that Bowden’s reconstruction of the farm system has been stellar.

Baseball America rated the Nats’ 2007 draft the best in baseball, and this season the team’s minor league affiliates had the best combined record at the All-Star break. That growth is what the Lerners and Kasten wanted, and I have to believe that will be the No. 1 criterion for judging Bowden’s fate.

The team has not evolved as Bowden believed it would, but I’m not sure if his overall performance warrants the loss of his job at the moment.

Sometime soon though, the major league roster must improve. Another year at the bottom of the league may be what it takes to bury Bowden for good.  Mike Hume may be emailed at mhume@fcnp.com.

McLean Loses Chance At All-Stars Victory After winning their District4 championship, McLean’s manager Paul Schiffman said the team’s “strength is our hitting; the question will be will our pitching hold up.”

Unfortunately, McLean American Little League had mixed luck at the All-Star

games held this past week in Virginia Beach, ending their chance at victory with a 2-2 record. On July 25, McLean won its first game 2-1 against District 14 (D14) McIntire. McLean went on to lose 14-2 on July 26 to D-10 Chantilly American, putting McLean into the lower bracket. However, McLean won its next game 5-2 on July

27 against D-1 Abington. Even so, McLean ultimately lost to D-11 Lebanon 4-2 on July 28.

Camelot Knights Division11 NVSL Co-Champions The Camelot Knights Swim Team of Annandale captured the co-championship of the Northern Virginia Swim League’s (NSVL) Division-11, sharing it with the Holmes Run Hurricanes of Falls Church.

Both teams concluded the season with records of 4 wins and 1 loss. This season’s success follows on Camelot’s 2007’s undefeated campaign in which it captured the NVSL’s Division 13 championship.

Nationals’ First Ladies Help Host School Drive The Washington Nationals is partnering with The UPS Store for the Nationals’ First Ladies Second Annual Back-to-School Drive on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2 - 3, when the team faces the Cincinnati Reds.

Nationals players’ wives and girlfriends, known as the First Ladies, will work with UPS Store volunteers and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to collect school supplies outside of the Center Field Gate, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays.

They are collecting through the end of the fourth inning.

The team is also collecting new children’s books for the Toys for Tots Literacy Program. For more information, see www. toysfortotsliteracy.org.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Following their respectively undefeated 2007 summer swim season, both Lee Graham Pool and High Point Pool in Falls Church moved up divisions in the Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL).

With the move, both pool teams – each nicknamed the Dolphins – faced stiffer competition during the 2008 competition.

However, the swimmers in the Falls Church waters were able to turn around an early slide – each pool swam strong meets at the Divisional Races last Saturday, leaving hope for a strong showing in future seasons.

The Division One Dolphins finished sixth place for the season, in the NVSL’s toughest conference, undone by losses in all five of their dual meets. That said, Lee Graham finished strong, earning fourth place in both the All-Star Relay Carnivals, a meet for the best relay teams in the area, and the Divisional Relay Carnival meet.

The season highlight for Lee Graham was a recordbreaking performance at the Relay Carnival, as the 1518 girls 200m medley squad – Anna Macedonia, Maggie Macedonia, Natalie Leake, and Susha Stone – set the NVSL mark with a time of 2:03.97, edging out the sevenyear-old record by 0.7 seconds.

No strangers to winning at the Carnival, the Macedonia sisters were part of the record-setting 9-10 girls 100m medley team in 2000.

Hosting the Individual Divisional meet last Saturday, the Dolphins garnered a strong

Page 19

showing in their first season in the highest division, placing numerous swimmers in the top three throughout the morning.

Maggie Macedonia, building off her record-setting performance at the Relay Carnival, took first in the girls 100m individual medley for the 15-18 age group. Other winners included Ben Southern and Christie DeFlumeri in the 11-12 100m individual medley, Southern in the 50m butterfly and Miller Surette in the 9-10 50m breast.

It was a Macedonia sweep in the 15-18 50m backstroke, as Anna took first followed

by Maggie, just .08 seconds behind. Leake, a member of the Macedonia sisters’ relay team, was a double winner in the morning – taking first in both the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.

Building on the numerous first-place finishes, Surette (910 100m IM), Eliana Temeles (8&U 25m freestyle), Michael Southern (11-12 50m freestyle and IM), Lucas Cherry (11-12 50m backstroke), Elena Summers (8&U 25m breaststroke and butterfly), Maddie Cherry (9-10 25m butterfly) and Freddy Crawford (15-16 50m butterfly) all took second place in their respective events.

Overlee Pool, undefeated on the season, took first overall for Division One, followed by Chesterbrook, Vienna Aquatic, Hamlet and Little Rocky Run. Lee Graham, highlighting their impressive finishes on Saturday, looks to retool for the 2009 campaign with many of the same swimmers.

High Point was also bumped up a division after their undefeated 2007 campaign, but struggled to find their groove in

2008 as competitors in Division Four. The Dolphins finished 2-3 in the regular season, but two of those losses came due to an absence of swimmers on vacation – just one relay event in each dual meet cost High Point a winning record.

“Overall, it was a great season and I’m very proud of our swimmers,” commented Katie Rock, a High Point alumna and current coach of the Dolphins.

“We were in a very competitive division, much higher than we have been used to, but we definitely put up a good fight.”

Competing at the Divisional Meet at Waynewood Pool last Saturday, most swimmers for High Point either shaved seconds off their best time or were right around their season’s high marks.

Kelley Frank, an All-State swimmer for George Mason High School in the winter, broke an 11-year-old pool record in the 50m butterfly, posting a time of 30.90 at Saturday’s meet, followed closely behind by fel-

low Dolphin Laura Williams.

Frank, a rising junior, also took second in the 50m freestyle.

Fiona Muir was a two-time winner at the Divisional Meet, finishing first in both the 50m backstroke and the 50m freestyle for her 9-10 age group.

Her brother, Iain, took first in the 8&U 25m freestyle.

Keeping with the family theme, brothers Hunter and Cabell Perrot took first and second respectively, in the 1518 50m freestyle. Hunter went on to win the 50m breaststroke for his age group, and Cabell finished third in the 50m butterfly. Sam Parker, a rising junior at George Mason, finished third in the same event.

Grant Gittin took second in the 50m freestyle and the 100m IM for the 11-12 age group. His brother Kyle Gittin took first in the 9-10 boys 100m IM as well. Other winners for High Point included Lachlan Flatin and Claire Fleury, each placing first in the 8&U 25m breaststroke, and Peter House in the

11-12 50m breaststroke.

High Point will send 10 swimmers to 13 events in the Individual All-Star on August 2, Rock said. In addition to Frank and her record-setting performance, Fleury, Flatin, Ben Sharrer, and Iain Muir – all members of the 8&under team at High Point – will be competing in the All-Star meet.

Flatin, only seven-years-old and seeded fifth for the 25m breaststroke, is continuing the family tradition of excellence in swimming – his father competed for William & Mary.

“In many ways I would call this season a success,” said Karen Hamill, a 10-year veteran of High Point. “We lost a bunch of seniors last year, so we were in a rebuilding state, but still pulled through in almost all age groups.”

“Next year, I think our team will be strong, if not stronger,” said Rock. “The kids responded well to moving up a division this year, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing our younger swimmers grow.”

Page 20

July 31 - August 6, 2008

THE falls church news-press held their annual summer mixer for the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce last Friday, July 25. Ledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza provided the eats, and the News-Press provided the drinks. For their part, locals gathered in the office, coming from across the Falls Church community to dine and socialize.

Notable guests included veteran journalist Albert Eisele (pictured to the lower-right with News-Press Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Benton). (Photos: News-Press)

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Concerts and Art in Cherry Hill Park (near City Hall on Park Ave., Falls Church). Start time is 7 p.m.

Two more Thursday evening concerts remain in this summer series. Event is also free.

Remember that the rain location is inside the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.).

This Thursday, July 31, Bana Ndule plays African music, while Kathleen Buschow and Eileen Levy show their paintings.

Next Thursday, Aug. 7, the Tom Principato Band plays rock and blues, and Jill Saxton Smith displays her excellent woodblock prints, which can also be seen online at jillsaxtonsmith.com.

First Friday in Falls Church, at Shreve McGonegal Reception Gallery (212 N. West St.). This Friday, Aug. 1, from 6 – 8 p.m.

Dede Haas shows off her black and white photos of Falls Church, and Grethchen Thompson shows her black and white watercolors. Atmospheric sounds are provided by jazz band, Might as Well. There is plenty of parking on-site, too.

Call 703-532-4440 for more information.

Note: Regular hours for the show, which runs through the end of summer, are Mon. – Fri., between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and till 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Page 21

Parisian photos and more, at Art and Frame of Falls Church (111 Park. Ave). Both exhibits run through the end of August.

The Parisian photographs on display are by Bob Morrison and his daughter Elizabeth.

Students of Jennifer Schoechle show their work in the Falls Church Arts space at the same address. Note well the free ice cream offered at the First Friday opening; sounds like a reason to go this Friday.

Ice Cream lasts as long as it can on a warm summer’s evening ... or till 8 p.m. Call 703-534-4202.

Slick, in the Target Gallery of the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 North Union St., Alexandria). Two-week installation construction continues through Aug. 6; Slick will remain up through August 24.

Gallery hours are Wed. – Sun., noon – 5 p.m.

This installation by Julie Camarata is open for viewing during the piece’s construction.

You can find a daily video progress report online at thetargetgallery.blogspot.com.

Slick deals with the love/hate relationship we have with oil in the industrial age. Something we’re all aware of these days.

It’s interesting to see this sort of thing documented like this, as well as on view during construction.

Many art viewers are not artists themselves, and as such, don’t quite grasp how much time, effort and energy go into these shows. No doubt, this particular show will represent at least a month’s worth of the artist’s effort.

Keep in mind that, despite what you are allowed to see, there is always an enormous amount of preparation, procuring and planning that precedes the actual construction phase and the exhibit.

Opening reception with a talk with Camarata is Thursday, Aug. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. This is a part of Old Town Alexandria art venues’ “Second Thursday” openings.

For more information, call 703-838-4565 (ext. 4) or visit torpedofactory.org.

Architecture and Nature; watercolors by Anna Stein, in the lobby of the Arlington County Education Center (1426 N. Quincy St., Arlington).

Runs through Sept. 10.

We’re all aware of the big art venues around town or can find them without too much hassle.

But there are a plethora of other small exhibition spaces around town. (Of course, in the strictest sense every wall with a decent blank spot is a potential exhibition space.)

The newest off-beat spaces on my radar screen is the curving lobby of the Education Center.

The current work on display is a series of Washington landscapes and landscapebased abstractions. I found the four panel series based on Key Bridge to be the best.

The Center is reasonably large, but the building’s curvature makes far ends disappear, and thus it seems even larger.

It’s a great space to show work; too bad it doesn’t see more foot traffic, but it sees a fair number of folks, as is.

For more information on this exhibit, call 703-2286170.

38th Annual Labor Day Art Show, at Glen Echo Park (7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.) The event takes place in the Spanish Ballroom) and runs from Aug. 30 – Sept. 1.

Submissions must be received

by Aug. 15 or until capacity is reached. Entry fee is $25 for up to two framed 2-D pieces no bigger than 24” x 36”.

Artists with 3-D pieces may submit up to four pieces. If you wish to submit both 2-D and 3D works, you are limited to one 2-D and two 3-D works.

For complete details and an entry form, see glenechopark. org or call 301-634-2222.

Two-Day Benefit Art Show, at Vienna Presbyterian Church (124 Park St., Vienna). Stifel and Capra’s event starts Aug. 22, 6 – 9 p.m.; Aug. 23, 12 – 4 p.m.

30-percent commission goes to charitable causes. Art works must be hangable; no free-standing sculptures.This is a church, so keep that in mind. Deadline is Saturday, Aug. 2. Interested artists can call 703-407-0770 or see StifelandCapra.com.  The Northern Virginia Art Beat is compiled by Kevin Mellema.

See www.fcnp.com for photos and more. To e-mail submissions, send them to mulsane@aol.com.

EXCEPTIONAL WOODBLOCK PRINTS by Falls Church’s Jill Saxton Smith, who shows her work next Thursday evening at the Concert in Cherry Hill Park. The Tom Principato Band will be providing the musical part of the evening concert’s entertainment.

Your Paper Without the Paper www.fcnp.com

See the News-Press Online Just Like you See it in Print With our

NEW E-Issue

Page 22

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Send community event submissions to the News-Press by e-mail at calendar@fcnp.com; fax 703-532-3396; or by regular mail to 450 West Broad Street #321, Falls Church, VA 22046. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.

Community Events THURSDAY, JULY 31 Story Hour, Ages 5 and up. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 a.m.

Elite Surveillance Team. Establish a surveillance zone under former CIA officer Tony Mendez.

International Spy Museum (800 F St. NW, D.C.). 6:30 p.m. To register, call 202-654-0932.

Concerts in the Park. Bana Ndule with artists Kathleen Buschow and Eileen Levy. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church).

Free. 7 p.m. 703-248-5077.

‘Breaking Dawn’ Release Pary.

Celebrate the midnight release of the final segment in Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Twilight’ saga. Barnes & Noble Tysons Corner (7851 L Tysons Corner Center, McLean).

10 p.m. Free. 703-506-6756.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Virginia Sales Tax Holiday. Backto-school Clothing and Supplies are among the items for which no sales tax will be charged. For more information go to www.tax. virginia.gov Trunk Show. Kathy O’Brien

presents her newest South River Collection of Jewelry. Stifel & Capra (210 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-533-3557.

‘Dispelling the Summer Doldrums.’ Opening reception featuring notable artists from Schoechle Art Salon.Falls Church Arts Gallery (11 Park Avenue, Falls Church). Free. 6 p.m. 703-2562027.

Acrylic Paintings Opening Reception. Acrylic paintings representing vibrant and whimsical mixtures of color and style. Curves (240 W Broad St, Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-309-6595.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 Farmer’s Market. Falls Church City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church).

8 a.m.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Seminar. Arlington County Public Health Emergency Planner Josephine Peters presents “Public Health Emergency Preparedness in Arlington.”

Bethel United Church of Christ (4347 Arlington Blvd., Arlington).

Free. 11:30 a.m. 703-528-0937.

All-Mozart Concert. The Arlington Philharmonic features its new

interim conductor and the former principal horn of the National Symphony Orchestra as soloist. Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington). Free. 2 p.m. www. rlingtonphilharmonic.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 ‘The Speed of Time’ Artist Reception. Artist Adam Lister displays his exuberance for life through watercolor, foam and glue. Fairfax Old Town Hall (3999 University Dr., Fairfax). Free. 5 p.m. 703-273-2377.

‘Once’ Screening. Part of the “Making Music” film series.

Shirlington Branch Library (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). Free. 7 p.m. 703-228-6545.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4 Screen on the Green. Screening of “The Apartment.” The National Mall (Between 4th and 7th streets NW, D.C.). Free. Movie begins at sunset. 1-877-262-5866.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 Make Your Own Creative Fabric.

Scraps of different colors and types of fabric, ribbon, yarn,

&

‘Jim Henon’s Fantastic World’ Exhibit. Through 10/5. S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, D.C.). Free.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 202633-1000.

‘Running for Office: Candidate, Campaigns and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman’ Exhibit.

Through 8/17. National Archines and Records Administration (Constitution Ave. and 7th St., NW, D.C.). Free. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily. 202-357-5000.

Shakespeare Theatre Company’s ‘The Imaginary Invalid.’

Through 8/2. The Shakespeare Theatre (450 7th St. NW, D.C.). $60.50-67.50. 8 p.m. 202-5471122.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 Bobbe Shore and Temika Moore.

Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $15.

8 p.m. 703-573-7328.

‘Neighborhood Watch’ by Eva Jacob. Oil paintings celebrating the character of Washington D.C. Through 8/4. The Art League (105 N. Union St., Alexandria). 703-683-1780.

‘The Titans.’ By American Century Theater, through 8/16. Gunston Arts Center (2700 Lang St., Arlington). $23-29. 8 p.m. 703-998-4555.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 CorbinDances. Also 8/3. Dance

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 Story Hour, Ages 5 and up. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 a.m.

Falls Church Rotary Club Meeting.

Esther Walker speaks about Fairfax County Health Department’s initiative to reduce child mortality.

Harvest Moon Restaurant (7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). $10.

6:30 p.m. 202-268-5089.

Concerts in the Park. Tom Principato Band with artist Jill Saxton Smith. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7 p.m. Free. 703-248-5077.

‘Teen Truth.’ The Falls Church City Police Department presents “Teen Truth: An Inside Look at Bullying and School Violence” seminar. Falls Church City Hall Training Center (300 Park Ave., Level G, Falls Church). 6 p.m.

Participants must pre-register with Officer Derrica Wilson at 703-248-5056 or dwilson@ fallschurchva.gov.

T

Theater Fine Arts THURSDAY, JULY 31

and thread. G Street Fabrics Store (6250 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). Free. 6:30 p.m. 703528-2040.

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R

Summer Movie Offerings

Silver Screens Throughout the D.C. Region

Place (3225 8th St. NE, D.C.). $8-22. 8 p.m. 202-269-1600.

‘Rooms.’ Through 9/7. Metro Stage (1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria). $40-45. 8:30 p.m.

800-494-8497.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 Mario Spinetti. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F St. NW, D.C.). Free. 6 p.m. 202467-4600.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4 Next Wave. Jazz ensemble from the U.S. Naval Academy Band performs. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F St. NW, D.C.). Free. 6 p.m. 202467-4600.

E

ven at the beach, taking one night of a weeklong vacation to check out the new flick of your choice is not a bad way to invest time.

That’s because there are a number of surprisingly better-than-expected films on screens now appealing to a variety of tastes. I’d be ridiculed mercilessly if I did not mention “The Dark Knight” first. But I like the options of “Mama Mia!” and “Brideshead Revisted,” too. Any film with Meryl Streep or Emma Thompson has to be good, although I hear that Pierce Brosnan should not have been allowed to sing in “Mama Mia!” I am a sucker for the latest “X-Files” movie. I have a hard time relating to robot lead characters, but I am sure “Wall-E” is entertaining, and then there’s the novel 3-D film, “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” “Hellboy II,” “The Wackness” and “Wanted” all look pretty good, too.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 23

live_music&nightlife THURSDAY, JULY 31 Y� M���’� B�� F�� B���� B���.

With Anonymous. The State Theater (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 7 p.m. 703-237-0300.

T�� M������. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-534-0095.

R��� B�����. With Murphy’s Kids, No Dreads and Traktion. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., Vienna). $10. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

D���� D�������. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 N��� D��� E����, M��� L������� ��� ��� L��� S����. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-534-0095.

S����� C������. O’Sullivans (3209 Washington Blvd., Arlington).

9:30 p.m. 703-812-0939.

N��� I����. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 N�������� S����� B���. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-241-9504.

T�� SE�����. Palladium Civic Place Green (1445 Laughlin Ave.,

McLean). 6 p.m. 703-288-9505.

M��� M�����; T�� T������.

Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7 p.m.; 10 p.m. 703-534-0095.

A���� M���. With the Submarines. 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW, D.C.). 8 p.m. 202-265-0930.

J��� ��� D�����. Dogfish Head Alehouse (6363 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church). 8:30 p.m.

703-534-3342.

H���������. With the Hypersonic Secret, the Vicious Martinis and ZELOS. The State Theatre (220N. Washington St., Falls Church). $11.

8:30 p.m. 703-237-0300 T�� U-L�����. Tribute to Jerry Garcia. The Iota Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $15. 8:30 p.m. 703-522-8340.

L���� D����� E�����. Tortoise and Hare (567 S. 23rd St., Arlington) 9:30 p.m. 703-979-8172.

W����� D����. O’Sullivans (3209 Washington Blvd., Arlington).

9:30 p.m. 703-812-0939.

W����� S������ ��� ��� P������.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 D��� H������ ��� M������ R��� S���. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-241-9504.

B���� J�� ���� J��� C�������.

Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-534-0095.

P�������� A��. With Willoughby.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., Vienna). $12. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

T�� B���� C�����. With Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd., Vienna). $2542. 8 p.m. 703-255-1868.

P����� ��� ��� S����������. With Greenland and The Nunchucks.

Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington). $10. 8:30 p.m.

703-522-8340.

MONDAY, AUGUST 4 F���� M�����’�. Presented by the Federal Reserve Collective. Iota Club and Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd, Arlington). $5. 8:30 p.m. 703522-8340.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5 F��� M����, T�� H��� F����, T�� C����� S���� ��� OK C�����.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., Vienna). $8 in advance, $10 at the door. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

G����� ��� K����. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

7:30 p.m. 703-534-0095.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6 I��� A��������. Bangkok Blues

(926 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

7:30 p.m. 703-534-0095.

R��� L��� ‘B���� � C������’ CD R������ S���. With Todd Wright Robin Hillaert, Wolfberg and Adam Swink. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., Vienna). $10. 8 p.m.

703-255-1566.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 J����� W���. Final installment in the Pentagon Row Summer Concert Series. Pentagon Row (Army-Navy Dr. and S. Joyce St., Arlington).

Free. 7 p.m. 703-413-6691.

J���� I��. Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria). $35. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

S���� S����’� H�������� S�������. Bangkok Blues (926 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-534-0095.

W��� H���, T�� S����� S���������. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave., Vienna). $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 8 p.m.

703-255-1566.

L��’ E� ��� ��� B���� I��������, W��������� S��� ��� N��� M���. The State Theater (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $22. 8:30 p.m. 703-237-0300.

H��� ��� H�����. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 703-237-8333.

P������� A����...

If your one of the handful of people that still hasn’t seen the blockbuster “The Dark Knight”, or even if you have seen it, but opted for the “wee” version, you need to get in gear and check it out in IMAX. The large format version of the flick is the only true way to see it and, lucky for you, it’s playing nearby at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly. With specially designed, gigantic, mind-blowing screens and state-of-the-art, face-melting sound, IMAX is the way to go. Yeah, you might have probably seen a scientific, historic or educational movie or two via the ‘Max, but wouldn’t a critically-adored, action-packed one be better?

Go ahead — make your 52” flat screen jealous, check out the epic battle between Batman and The Joker the way it was meant to be seen.

What: “The Dark Knight” in IMAX Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151 See http://www.si.edu/imax/shows.htm#hazy for tickets and showtimes

Saturday, August 9 — 13th Annual Northern Virginia WiffleBall World Series. Watch as 41 teams from across the country play to win the 2008 title. All proceeds support the Brian Bedell 2-Young Foundation. Waters Field (120 Cherry St SE, Vienna). Donations accepted. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.brianbedell.org.

Friday, August 29 — Les Misérables. One of Broadway’s longest running musicals returns to D.C. Runs through 9/7. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd., Vienna). $25-80. 8 p.m. 703-255-1868.

C������� S���������� Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations.

Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

Email: calendar@fcnp.com Fax: 703-532-3396; Attn: FCNP Calendar Mail: 450 West Broad Street, #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

Page 24

July 31 - August 6, 2008

STUDENTS AT CARDINAL FOREST ELEMENTARY practice speaking Spanish at the Foreign Language Exchange summer camp. Campers were introduced to the foreign language through stories, games, interactive instruction, cultural activities, crafts, and music. The camp enriches oral communication and learning among elementary students in Fairfax County Public Schools. (Photo: Courtesy Britt Weaver) Enrollment fees range from $35 to $700, depending on what time of day the child plans on attending. Scholarship assistance is available for those with financial need. Creative Cauldron, which has been in operation since 2002, believes that creativity is essential for everyone.

Principals Spend Their Summer on the Chesapeake Bay CREATIVE CAULDRON TEACHING ARTIST Stephen Gregory Smith parades along with Nicholas Lower-Basch and Emily Chewning at the “Tales of Thunder, Tales of Wonder,” performance on July 25. Creative Cauldron, Inc., a non-profit performing and visual arts organization based in Falls Church, launched its seventh season of Arts Adventure Camp. The summer camp uses the performing and visual arts to explore nature and environment. (Photo: Jacqulyn Maisonneuve)

‘Seeds of Imagination’ Camp at Creative Cauldron Falls Church-based Creative Cauldron (111 Park Ave., Falls Church) will be putting on “From the Seeds of Imagination:

Broad Street

PHARMACY Compounding Specialists

Magical, Mythical Plants” now through Aug. 15 for their normal three-week session. Campers will explore the secrets of the green and growing world as they travel the globe and enter an amazing garden of imagination and discovery.

FREE DELIVERIES !

(All Falls Church area and some parts of Arlington)

Now Open

We accept all major insurances.

Four Fairfax County Public Schools principals participated in a principals’ retreat on Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay from July 23 through July 25, to learn about the natural and social forces affecting the island. One goal of the retreat was to provide participants with information about the bay and its watershed that they can share with their students.

Selected principals were Mahri Aste of Mosby Woods Elementary School, Debbie Lane of Rolling Valley Elementary School, Sal Rivera of Flint Hill Elementary School and Dwayne Young of Centreville Elementary

School. The three-day retreat brought principals from the metropolitan Washington area together to investigate the Chesapeake Bay and watershed environment, to develop a meaningful watershed educational experience for students and to identify educational opportunities offered by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Congressional Campers Star in Movie Making Rising fourth to sixth graders can participate in Session 5 at the Congressional Camp (3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church) during August 4 to August 15. Promising an adventure each day, Congressional Camp welcomes students to join the upcoming full-day specialty camp, “Movie Making.”

Aspiring actors and movie makers will learn the fundamentals of movie making, lighting, blocking and script writing. Campers will work their peers to make their very own movie, which they will take home on DVD.

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Wheelchairs and Crutches (Rent or Buy)

Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM

Compound your Pet’s medication (With the Favorite flavor)

450 W. Broad Street Suite 120-B Falls Church 22046 Phone (703) 533-9013 • Fax (703) 533-9015 Email:broadstreetpharmacy@live.com Open 7 days a week! • Compounding Specialties ! • Home Healthcare Items Available !

Working Hours: Mon- Fri: 8 am - 8 pm • Sat: 9 am - 6 pm • Sun: 10 am - 4 pm

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OR mail it to Critter Corner c/o Falls Church News-Press 450 W. Broad Street #321

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Falls Church, Va 22046

Corner

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 25

Page 26

July 31 - August 6, 2008

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Kevin Costner’s new movie is about a presidential election that literally comes down to one man, one vote. The vote belongs to Bud Johnson, an alcoholic egg inspector from New Mexico, who finds himself the focus of the eyes of the world. Costner plays him as a hungover loser who cares about only one pair of eyes, those of his 12-year-old daughter, Molly. When he realizes he has become an embarrassment to her, he begins to change.

The idea of an entire election coming down to one man’s vote is admittedly just a tad difficult to accept. But the movie makes a plucky stab at explaining how it comes to happen -- and it almost sounds plausible. Everything depends on Molly. From the opening scene (Bud too hungover to get Molly to school) we see she’s trying her best to be loyal to him, although he’s a daily problem. This day, as it turns out, is Election Day, and she is determined at all costs that her dad will turn up at the polling place and vote.

It doesn’t turn out that way.

Bud gets laid off at the egg works, gets drunk, passes out.

Molly waits impatiently at the polling place, where he promised to turn up on time.

Bud Johnson ...... Kevin Costner Molly Johnson Madeline Carroll Kate Madison ........ Paula Patton Andrew Boone Kelsey Grammer Donald Greenleaf Dennis Hopper Art Crumb............... Nathan Lane Martin Fox ............ Stanley Tucci Touchstone Pictures presents a

He doesn’t, but an ingenious plot strategy makes it appear that he did, and that his vote was not counted, and when the whole election comes down to that one vote in New Mexico, which is tied, well, then you’ve got your movie.

The media descend on the town like a locust swarm.

TV cameras and reporters are camped permanently outside the Johnson house trailer.

Molly, who knows what really happened, keeps it to herself.

And we meet people like Kate Madison (Paula Patton), the ace TV reporter who makes friends with Molly, and Sweeney (George Lopez), who will do anything for a scoop.

We also meet the two presidential candidates. Yes, they both fly to New Mexico to court Bud Johnson’s decisive vote, and promise him the sun, the moon and the stars. Kelsey Grammer is the Republican incumbent, President Andrew Boone. Dennis Hopper plays

“INSANELY

film directed by Joshua Michael Stern. Produced by Jim Wilson and Kevin Costner. Written by Jason Richman and Joshua Michael Stern. Photographed by Shane Hurlbut. Edited by Jeff McEvoy.

Music by John Debney.

Running time: 119 minutes.

Classified: PG-13 (for language).

the Democratic challenger, Donald Greenleaf. Each has a campaign manager: Nathan Lane for the Republican, and Stanley Tucci for the Democrat.

Oddly enough, there are times when the managers seem to have more ethics than the candidates.

The movie is a genial comedy, but it has significant undertones. Like some of Frank Capra’s pictures (“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” comes to mind), it shows a little guy up against the establishment -- except this time it’s a little girl, encouraging her dad to do the right thing. This works, because if there’s one thing Bud Johnson doesn’t want to do, it’s embarrass Molly.

It all comes down to a crucial speech before his deciding vote. It’s a Capraesque speech, incorporating big ideas into everyday language, and Costner delivers it with dignity, avoiding various pitfalls easily imagined. The speech doesn’t make

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July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 27

wrong small Israeli town, and is stranded overnight. The bandleader (Sasson Gabai) stiffly approaches Dina, the owner of the cafe (Ronit Elkabetz), and what begins is a long, tender night of shared loneliness. An exquisite film that also functions quietly as a comedy.

Rating: Four stars.

A

merican Teen (Documentary, PG-13, 95 minutes). Observes a year in the life of four high school seniors in Warsaw, Ind. There’s the popular girl, the nerd, the basketball star, the artsy outsider. Director Nanette Burstein sometimes seems to be guiding the action, and we doubt certain scenes would have really occurred on camera, but the overall effect is convincing and touching. Rating: Three stars.

B

aghead (Comedy, R, 81 minutes). Four would-be filmmakers hole up in a cabin in the woods to collaborate on a screenplay about four such people being attacked by a guy with a bag on his head, and then, of course, a baghead shows up.

Uh, huh. Written and directed by Mark and Jay Duplass. Rating: One and a half stars.

Paula Patton and Kevin Costner star in “Swing Vote.” (Photo: © 2008 Touchstone Pictures) anyone very happy, but that’s the idea. Kevin Costner makes a convincing everyman, even handling the transition from drunk to diplomat in one week flat. The turning point comes when he and the president relax in lawn chairs, contemplating Air Force One, and Bud pours out a margarita instead of drinking it.

Sober, he turns out to be a pretty smart guy.

Molly always knew that.

Young Madeline Carroll is splendid in the role, which during some stretches of the film is really the lead. She’s clear-eyed and outspoken, has faith in her dad, and despite his drinking loves living with him. Once we get a glimpse of her mom (Mare Winningham), we understand why. The whole film is

strongly cast, and I especially liked Stanley Tucci as a campaign manager who has steered one campaign after another into defeat.

The movie is determined to be bipartisan. It doesn’t take sides. Both candidates would sell their mothers to win the election. That’s the message, really: Our political system doesn’t encourage politicians to tell the truth, but to say what they think voters want to hear.

And the press assists them in that process. The movie is actually surprisingly realistic in portraying reporters on the campaign trail. They’re a bunch of jackals, with the exception of sweet Kate Madison, who sacrifices the scoop of a lifetime because she has a good heart. That’s one detail I really couldn’t believe.

T

ake (Drama, R, 99 minutes). A monotonous slog through dirgeland, with flashbacks upon flashbacks delaying interminably the underwhelming climax. Minnie Driver and Jeremy Renner star, and both of their performances would distinguish a better screenplay. She’s the mother of a murder victim, he’s the killer, and I think we know this before they do.

Rating: Two stars.

Y

ella (Drama, not rated, 89 minutes). German thriller about a young woman (Nina Hoss) who leaves her small town for a job in Hanover, makes a series of discoveries about the world of business, and reveals herself as a quick reader of spreadsheets and a gifted student of larceny.

With Devid Striesow as her partner in crime and love. A film with several surprises, one of which I could have happily done without. Directed by Christian Petzold.

Rating: Three and a half stars.

N

IM’S ISLAND (Adventure, PG, 96 m., 2008). A pair of heroines on opposite sides of the world team up in a heart-

warming story from Walden Media, the latest in its series of fine films based on popular children’s literature. Nim (Abigail Breslin of “Little Miss Sunshine”) and her marine biologist father, Jack (Gerard Butler), are the only human residents of a remote but idyllic South Pacific island. Into the plot comes Alex Rover, who’s really Alexandra, a famous author (Jodie Foster) terrified of life. Directors Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin seamlessly combine adventure, drama, comedy and fantasy as Jack, Nim Roland acaulay Culkin) (have left), Mary Malone), and (MAlexandra to (Jena confront and Cassandra (Eva Amurri) in United Artists' comedy but- Aoften "Stheir aved!" © separate 2004 - United Artists ll Rights Rparallel eserved fears and challenges. The filmmakers wisely make Nim the center of the story in a way that young audiences will find empowering. Rated: Three stars. (Nell Minow)

T

HE COUNTERFEITERS (Drama, R, 98 m., 2008). A true story of the Nazis’ massive wartime counterfeiting operation, run out of a concentration camp. It’s a noble effort, but nothing inspired. The Austrian winner for Best Foreign Language Film of 2007, it plays like just that: a rather dull prestige picture that is all too good at fitting the horrors of the Holocaust into a generic movie format. Rating: Two and a half stars.

(Jim Emerson)

S

HINE A LIGHT (Concert documentary, PG-13, 122 m/. 2008). Martin Scorsese’s “Shine a Light” may be the most intimate documentary ever made about a live rock and roll concert.

Certainly it has the best coverage of the performances on stage.

Working with cinematographer Robert Richardson, Scorsese deployed a team of nine other cinematographers, all of them Oscar winners or nominees, to essentially blanket a live September 2006 Rolling Stones concert at the smallish Beacon Theater in New York. The result is startling immediacy, a merging of image and music, edited in step with the performance. Rating: Four stars.

T

HE BAND’S VISIT (Comedy, PG-13, 86 m., 2008).

The Alexandria (Egypt) Ceremonial Police Orchestra arrives on the wrong bus in the

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EVER BACK DOWN (Action drama, PG-13, 110 m., 2008). This fun and shamelessly formulaic tale provides a dazzling highlight reel for mixed martial arts fighting. Essentially a remake of “The Karate Kid.” Sean Faris is the new kid, humiliated by the local bully (Cam Gigandet) for having a crush on his girlfriend (Amber Heard). Djimon Hounsou is the stoic African MMA master who teaches the kid to fight. Rated: Two and a half stars. (Bryant Manning)

2

1 (Crime drama, R, 123 m., 2008). A formula movie “inspired by” a true story about the M.I.T. students who developed a card-counting system that enabled them to win millions at the blackjack tables in Las Vegas.

The excitement is as watered-down as the drinks. It’s not unwatchable, but you could watch it with your eyeballs tied behind your back and enjoy it just as much. Rating: One and a half stars. (Jim Emerson)

T

HE BANK JOB (Crime drama, R, 111 m., 2008). A serviceable B-grade British heist movie, “The Bank Job” is no better than its generic title. It frontloads the naughty sex and backloads the plot twists (the titular crime takes place in the middle), but apart from the prominence of Princess Margaret in the goingson, it’s a pretty routine job, as the use of the hackneyed phrase “plot twists” earlier in this sentence should indicate. For a movie about crime and sleaze and sex, it ought to be a lot more fun. Inspired by the 1971 “Walkie-Talkie” bank job in London. Rated: Two and a half stars. (Jim Emerson)

C

OLLEGE ROAD TRIP (Comedy, G, 83 m., 2008).

The sort of movie that gets described as “fun for the whole family,” but it really isn’t. RavenSymone plays a high school whiz kid visiting prospective colleges with her overprotective police chief father (Martin Lawrence).

This movie’s jokes and trust-youroffspring sentiments have been heard 1,000 times. With Donny Osmond. Rated: One-half star.

(Darel Jevens). (c) 2008 The Ebert Co.

Page 28

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Welcome To Falls Church, Va. People in 5 Zip Codes (Greater Falls Church & North Arlington)

Annual Discretionary Spending

3 Competing Major Retail Centers (Source: School of Public Policy, George Mason U.)

(Tysons Corner, Baileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossroads, Ballston Corridor)

Newspaper

(The avidly-read Falls Church News-Press)

With 25,000 targeted deliveries weekly, and a fiercely-loyal readership, the Falls Church News-Press will get it done for you!

For Advertising Rates: 703-532-3267 www.fcnp.com

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 29

No one could see this coming. This summer, 34 years after their initial album release, Rocka Rolla, metal gods Judas Priest are weighing in again with an effort that tops one hour and 40 minutes in length and incorporates symphonic strings, all of it part of a rock opera tribute to the 16th century seer, Michel de Nostredame — Nostradamus.

The sprawling 23-track epic is a bold move, often atypical of legendary bands late in their careers. However, Judas Priest, dubbed one of two most influential metal bands of all time by MTV along with Black Sabbath, has always been a bit of a trailblazing outfit. And rather than slowing

down in their later years, Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing feels the band is just now growing up.

“People have seen Judas Priest make little turns all throughout our career with the Point of Entry and Turbo albums in particular,” Downing says. “I think now, Judas Priest, for all intents and purposes, may have come of age in a certain way.”

That a band that has thrived for more than three decades feels it has finally matured with the production of Nostradamus shows just how much pride the band is taking in their latest work.

The double-disk is rife with the familiar lightning-fast guitar licks that recasts the instruments as “axes” and a features a driving drum beat befitting the rhythms of a 12-cylinder engine. These are the

JUDAS PRIEST (Photo: Courtesy Chipster PR)

sounds that brought Judas Priest to prominence and won them legions of dedicated fans. But now, as the band explores the various aspects of the life of mythical Nostradamus, Judas Priest ventures into new territory for its genre.

The album opens with what sounds like a recorder, then segues to strings and piano. Only around the 1:45 mark does the more familiar instrumentation of drums and guitar enter the tune, and nowhere in the intro track, “Dawn of Creation,” can you find one spot of distortion.

“The Nostradamus project is quite unique and it might turn on a wider audience who thinks, ‘This heavy metal and this Judas Priest band, it sounds pretty good to me,’” Downing says. “I think Priest was always known for trying diverse things. What’s to say that bands can’t push the boundaries of metal even further than they’ve been before. And if that’s possible I think Priest is the band to do that.”

The experimental approach has been a successful one in the past for the band, but ironically that same approach could cost them a few fans. Reviews are starting to crop up on the Internet comparing the concept album to something from Spinal Tap, the fictional, washed-up rockers from Christopher Guest’s famous mockumentary.

But those critics may be staying too close to the surface image of musicians in their middle years writing songs about the middle ages. And indeed, other reviews rave about the band’s ability to bend the subject matter, the strings and other untraditional elements usually unassociated with metal into a splendid alchemy worth savoring. It is work of which Nostradamus, an alchemist himself, would be proud.

For now, Downing and his bandmates in Judas Priest — vocalist Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis — have been working the tracks of their newest album into their setlist piece by piece, along with classics like “Breaking the Law.” The band, is currently headlining the Masters of Metal tour, which arrives at Nissan Pavilion Aug. 7, but is ultimately hoping to turn Nostradamus into a full-on musical or stage production. Beyond that, not even Downing is sure what lies ahead.

“Who knows what’s in the future for Judas Priest or what we may do next?”

Downing asks rhetorically. After a radical recording effort like this one, not even Nostradamus himself could likely predict it.

• Tickets for Judas Priest and the Masters of Metal Tour run from $22–131 and are available through Ticketmaster. For more on Judas Priest, visit www.judaspriest.com.

Page 30

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Anthony’s Restaurant 309 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-5320100 •Type of Food: Greek, American & Italian Cuisine • Features: Breakfast (Sat. & Sun. Only) • Hours: Mon. - Thur. -10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. -12 a.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 a.m., Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Argia’s Restaurant 124 N. Washington St., Falls Church • 703-5341033 • www.argias.com • Type of Food: Italian • Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants, Zagat Rated, Full Bar, No Reservations • Hours: Lunch: Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Dinner: Mon. - Thur. 5 - 9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5 - 10:30 p.m., Sun. 5 - 9 p.m.

Bear Rock Cafe 2200 Westmoreland St. (Westlee Condominium Building), Arlington • 703-532-0031; Catering: 703-532-0118 • Type of Food: American • Features: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Kids' Menu, Alcoholic Beverages; Catering, Free Indoor Parking • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Bubba’s BBQ & Catering 7810-F Lee Hwy, Falls Church • 703-560-8570 • Type of Food: American/Family, Salads w/ Meat & Ribs • Features: Best BBQ East of Mississippi • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrity delly 7263-A Arlington Blvd. (Loehmann’s Plaza), Falls Church • 703-573-9002 • Type of Food: Delicatessen • Features: Catering, Sandwiches, Submarines, Soups & Salads • Hours: Mon. Fri. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Dogfish Head Alehouse 6363 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • www.dogfishalehouse.com • 703-534-3342 • Woodgrilled food, speciality ales • Hours: Mon. - Wed. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Thu. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Harvest Moon Restaurant and Lounge 7260 Arlington Blvd. (Graham Center across from Loehmann’s Plaza), Falls Church • 703573-6000 • www.theharvestmoonrestaurant. com • Type of Food: Chinese • Features: Lunch / dinner buffets, banquet facilities up to 700 people • Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily.

Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar 502 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-536-7777 • Type of Food: Pan-Asian • Features: Single and Mingle Thursday Nights. • Hours: Mon. - Thur. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m.

- 10:30 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Ireland’s Four Provinces 105W.BroadSt.,FallsChurch•www.4psfallschurch. com • 703-534-8999 • Type of Food: Irish • Features: Full Bar, Live Entertainment, Sunday Brunch • Hours: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. daily.

Koi Koi 450 W. Broad St., Ste. 117, Falls Church • 703-237-0101 • Type of Food: Japanese • Features: Sushi, Sashimi, Grill BBQ, Party Platters • Hours: Mon.–Thur. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sat. Noon - 11 p.m., Sun. 4 - 10 p.m.

Ledo Pizza Restaurant & Pub 7510 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • 703847-5336 • Type of Food: Pizza & Pasta, American/Family • Features: Full Bar, Wine Menu, 5 TV’s-Sports • Hours: Mon. - Thur. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sun. 12 - 10 p.m.

The Original Pancake House 370 West Broad Street, Falls Church • 703891-0148 • www.originalpancakehouse.com • Type of Food: American/Family • Features: Breakfast, Weekday Specials - Breakfast & Lunch • Hours: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily.

Pie-tanza 1216 W. Broad St., Falls Church • www.pietanza.com • 703-237-0977 • Dine-in, Carryout and Catering • Gourmet Wood-fired Pizza and Italian Fare • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Robeks 1063 W. Broad St., (West End Plaza), Falls Church • 703-538-4111 • www.robeks.com • Type of Food: Smoothies, Juices, Wraps & Salads • Features: Catering • Hours: Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sign of the Whale 7279 Arlington Blvd. (Loehmann’s Plaza), Falls Church • 703-573-1616 • Type of Food: American • Features: Seafood Night and Steak Night • Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., 7 days a week.

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant 6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • 703-2373888; 2153 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna • 703319-3888 • www.crystalsunflower.com • Type of Food: 99% vegan • Features: Japanese, Chinese, Continental • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sweet Rice Thai Restaurant 1113 W. Broad St. (next to Don Beyer Volvo), Falls Church • 703-241-8582 • Type of Food: Thai Cuisine • Features: Free delivery ($15 min., limited area) • Hours: Mon. - Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Dinner: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 am - 11 p.m.; Sat. Noon - 11 p.m.; Sun. Noon - 10 p.m.

Velocity Five 8111 Lee Hwy. (Merrifield Plaza, Lee Hwy. and Gallows Rd.), Falls Church • www.velocityfiverestaurant.com • 703-207-9464 • Type of Food: American Grille • Features: 50 HD TVs, Private Banquet Rooms, DJ after 9:30 p.m. • Hours: Sun. - Mon. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 31

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Page 32

Summer may be the doldrums for most businesses, but when it comes to beverages there is no off-season.

Here’s a rundown of some of the newer products.

• Sweet tea has been a Southern beverage staple for generations, but McDonald’s and other fast-food companies only recently discovered it and are offering their version to the public at large.

• However, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka is an entirely different thing. In just three weeks on South Carolina store shelves it has become the top-selling flavored vodka in the state.

• Firefly, which is based on Wadamalaw Island, 30 miles south of Charleston, S.C., now is distributing its new flavored vodka in New York, Nevada and Colorado as well as South Carolina.

• Back in March, I wrote about Miller Brewing Co.’s test marketing of a new beer called MGD 64. That testing has worked so well that the Milwaukee company is planning a national rollout of the 64-calorie version of its Miller Genuine Draft Light brand. MGD 64 was initially launched last summer in Madison, Wisc., and now is available throughout the Midwest and West. Miller CEO Tom Long said in a message to distributors that MGD 64 will replace the 110-calorie MGD Light brand around the country by mid-September.

• This may be a case of “This town isn’t big enough for both of us” taken to the extreme.

A Japanese visionary is working on what promises to be the first outer space beer, aimed at the small niche known as “astronauts.”

The brewer Sapporo announced that it is planning the beer for November, using offspring of barley once stored at the International Space Station. The project makes use of the third generation of barley grains that had spent five months on the space station in 2006.

Sapporo will have enough space grain to produce only about 100 bottles of beer and has no immediate plan to make it a commercial venture, Sapporo officials said. Managu Sugimoto, a biologist at Okayama University, is the lead scientist on the project. He also has been part of a Russian venture looking into ways to grow edible plants in space.

-- A non-alcoholic line of soft drinks using wine grapes is being offered on the Hello DELICIOUS Modern Gourmet Boutique online site (hellodelicious.com).

It better be delicious. The new sampler pack of 12 bottles goes for $35, or nearly $3 a bottle for rose, chardonnay and pinot noir flavors of what are called Vignette Wine Country Sodas.

The sparkling beverages have no added sugar, are 100 percent natural, and the line is billed as “the first of its kind to be made with California wine country grapes.”  Bill Dowd covers the beverage world at billdowd.com.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

A common mistake made by amateurs is the way they play overcards after the flop when the flop misses completely.

Overcards are hole cards that are of higher rank than any card on the board.

In deep stack no limit hold’em tournaments, players start with a lot of chips. In these tournaments, the most important decisions are the ones made after the flop. That’s not the case in tournaments where the average stack is shallow. In these tourneys, pre-flop decisions are essentially all you have. It’s an easier form of poker to play.

With fewer decisions to make, it’s essentially a two card game where you’re hoping for the best.

So let’s look at a sample hand in a deep stack tournament where you call a raise with K-Q and the flop comes 9-7-3.

If your opponent bets on the flop, fold your hand right there.

Don’t try to be a hero; you have nothing!

But you decide to call anyway. Even if you do manage to improve your hand by catching a king or a queen, there’s still no guarantee that you’ll win the hand. Your opponent could have pocket nines, or even A-A or K-K. He’d have you dominated and you’d be destined to lose a decent-sized pot.

Besides that, you’d only have a 14% chance of catching a king or queen on the turn. When you combine that slim possibility with the fact that even if you did get lucky, you still might lose, well, folding your hand should be the obvious decision.

And there’s another reason to dump this hand. Say you did catch a king or queen. The fact is that one pair hands are rarely good enough to win big pots in no limit hold’em. Trust me; even if you were to pair up your king, the best play is still to proceed with caution.

The only situations where you might want to play after the flop with overcards are if you’re taking a stab at stealing the pot on a bluff or when you have additional outs to go along with your overcards.

For example, say you decide to raise before the flop with K-J. The big blind calls and the flop comes 2-2-7. Your opponent checks.

There’s no way for your opponent to know that you missed the flop completely. So, make one more bet on the flop hoping to get him to fold his hand on your bluff. Now, if he calls, or worse, raises, put on the brakes; there’s no need to lose

any more chips than necessary.

You can also safely play your overcards when you flop a straight or flush draw.

In this example, you call a raise with Qd-Jd and the flop comes 8s-9h-4d. You’re obviously hoping to catch a ten to complete a straight, or even a jack or queen to give you a possible winning hand. If a ten comes on the turn or river, you’d play your hand aggressively in a big pot. But if a jack or queen hits, again, play your hand cautiously.

If instead of a straight draw you flop a flush draw, you’ve got the green light to play your two overcards. This situation yields a very powerful drawing hand. In some cases, it will even

be a favorite over a pair on

the flop.

Say you’re dealt the As-Ks and your opponent holds JhJd. The flop comes 9s-6s-2d.

While the pocket jacks might appear to be the best hand, your suited A-K will actually win the pot over 50% of the time.

Go ahead and play this hand with a big bet.  Visit www.cardsharkmedia. com/book.html for information about Daniel Negreanu’s new book, Hold’em Wisdom for All Players. © 2008 Card Shark Media. All rights reserved.

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July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 33

crossword / By David Levinson Wilk

Level: 1 3

2 4

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

8/3/08

© 2008 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

1. Unalterable 6. New Jersey?

10. “The Magic Mountain” author Thomas 14. Modern reading material 15. Passing mention?

16. “That’s ____ haven’t heard!”

17. It gets a paddling 18. Marina structure 19. Salon job 20. 2003 Bill Murray film 23. ____ Estados Unidos 24. Some beans 25. Nary a soul 27. Word before pool or park 30. Put to work 32. Conclusively shows 35. Ripen 36. Lugged 38. Ire 39. Neighbor of Pol. 41. Dwelt 43. “Aren’t ____ lucky one?”

44. ____ the side of caution 46. Infant’s illness 48. Brit. reference work 49. Explode 51. Security agcy. since 1949 52. “Treasure Island” monogram 53. Quake 55. Middles: Abbr.

57. Devitalize 59. Classic Alexandre Dumas novel 64. Was sure of 66. Monumental year?

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© 2008 David Levinson Wilk

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk

ACROSS

Across

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40. Hockey legend Gordie 42. “Same goes for me” 6.

Jersey?

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Mountain" 12. “Quo Vadis” role 50. Expressions of disbelief 14. Modern reading material 13. 2008 Jodie Foster 54. Rock’s ____ Work 15. Passing mention? movie “____ Island” 56. Wee 16. ____ haven't heard!"

21."That's Popular disinfectant 57. Milk option 22.ItScand. country 58. Actress Heche 17. gets a paddling 26.Marina “Me neither” 60. Annual racing classic 18. structure 27. Novelist Carr 61. Neighborhood 19. Salon job 28. “It’s ____!”

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Estados Unidos 31.____ Cattle variety 63. Break, as a habit 33.Some Waters seen on 65. 2008 Pulitzer Prize24. beans Broadway winning novel “The Brief 25. Nary a soul 34. Outbuildings Wondrous Life of Oscar 27. Word before pool or park 37. “The Massacre at ____” 30.

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Last Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

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M A H O U R A I

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nick knack

© 2008 N. F. Benton

Page 34

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Yard Sales BIG YARD SALE 9-3 Sat/Sun. Furnishings,

Sports Equip, Kitchen, Electronics. 2235 Van Buren Court, Falls Church 22043

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE in FC City Saturday Aug 2 8am - 12pm. Household items, furniture, clothes, & electronics in Cherry Hill TwmHses - 227 Gundry Dr. Falls Church 22046

For Sale 1993 SATURN 1993 Saturn 2-dr coupe 32 mpg. Ex. condition, sunroof, 5-spd, AM-FM CD, $1,500 703-237-5460

FREE TO GOOD HOME Purebred Himalayan Blue cat; neutered male; all shots; approx. 5 years old; current adoptive owner allergic. Email hhdownen@gmail.com or call 703642-0219

Help Wanted CHESTERBROOK RESIDENCES

an upscale assisted living community in Falls Church / McLean, is interviewing for a Full Time PM Cook for Thursday – Monday, 10:30AM – 7PM. We create Fine Dining quality food cooked from scratch using health oriented, natural & organic ingredients. Apply in person at Chesterbrook Residences, 2030 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA 22043 or email resume to Chef Bonita Woods at bwoods@cri-va.org

DRIVERS: LOCAL CDL-A

Career Training. Swift Transportation Trains and Employs!

Dedicated, Regional & OTR Fleets. 800-3972423

FACILITIES

MANAGER for Falls Church Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). 30 hrs per week. Send resume and references to tschmid@ fallschurchpresby.org or Thomas H. Schmid, Falls Church Presbyterian Church 225 E. Broad St. Falls Church, Va 22046.

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED for 3 hours

every weekend afternoon. Must love dogs. Duties include cleaning, laundry/ironing and light cooking.

Location - near Wholefoods on Lessburg Pike.

Call 703-217-1134. $10-11 per hour.

Services

PAINTING Interior - Exterior. Rotten wood

CHILD CARE

Experienced childcare provider provides quality care for your infant in F.C. home. (703) 241-0605.

FATHER & SON CONSTRUCTION CO. No Job too small

Call Gary 703-849-1813 or Cell 703-5825815 Located in Falls Church.

GIT RID OF IT For Removal of Junk,

Trash, Yard Debris, Appliances, Furniture & Estate clean-ups. Call 703-533-0094. We will beat most competitors prices!

GREAT CLEANING SERVICE Residential and Commercial, affordable rates, great references, excellent job call Maria 703.277.1098/703.626.0665

HANDYMAN SERVICE Windows, doors,

rotted wood, petdoors, lighting, fans, faucets, fences, bath, Flat screen TV installation and kitchen remodeling. Insured Free estimates. Call Doug (703) 556-4276 www.novahandyman.com

CLEANING

SERVICE

Available 7 days a week. Week, biweekly, monthly or one time. Good references in Falls Church City.

10 years experience. For further information call me at 703-901-0596. Senior discount, Ask: Susy.

IN-HOME PERSONAL TRAINING

Are you a woman over 40 and your doctor told you that you need to exercise? You don’t have time to get to the gym? Train in the comfort of your own home AND enjoy a great workout. References available. Call Kim @ 202-413-1117. Kim PT

MARYA

HOUSE

CLEANING

Experienced, low rates, good references, available for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or a one time cleaning. Call Marya 703-998-3378

MARKETING/OFFICE ASSISTANT

for small downtown Falls Church international services firm. Requires heavy phone contact with potential clients. Variety of office admin tasks.

Seek sharp, upbeat individual with strong attention to detail, and interest in learning our business.

German a plus but not necessary. Offers flex hours 27-35 per week. Fax cover letter and resume to 703 532-4991 or email intvat@aol.com

SMALL FALLS CHURCH Law Firm needs part time person for general office work in real estate settlements. Flexible hours. 703241-8200

WEEKEND & PART TIME position

available! Dining Room Servers, Dish & Pot Washers needed for upscale assisted living community in Falls Church / McLean. Fine Dining quality food cooked from scratch using health oriented, natural & organic ingredients.. Apply in person at Chesterbrook Residences, 2030 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA 22043 or email resume to Chef Bonita Woods at bwoods@cri-va.org.

For Rent GREAT HOUSE IN THE CITY 4

bdrm/3bath SF house, 1 block from elementary school, fenced yard, updated kitchen, family room, screened porch, avail. mid-August, $2,700/mo 703-307-5244

HOUSE FOR RENT FALLS CHURCH CITY Falls Church City Rambler 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, basement. Available September 1, 2008 $2400/month Contact Chris@(703)628-4541

PRIME SUBLET OFFICE SPACE in

Falls Church available for small business (1,837 RSF) Contact Syed @ 703-207-0933 ext 112 or sali@jdgcommunications.com

ROOM FOR RENT in Dover Lane condo,

First floor .There are 2 bedrooms available for rent. Rent includes all utilities, condo fee and access to the swimming pool. Shared kitchen, living room, full bath and laundry room.$950.00 each a month .One month security deposit is required.

Call Besra 703 869 1820

classads@fcnp.com

SPANISH TUTOR AVAILABLE Need toprep for Spanish entrance exam or refresh what you learned in high school? In my home or yours, eves, or weekends. 703-536-1704

Public Notice

*Brick & Block - Concrete *Stone & Marble - Carpentry *Painting - Plaster *Landscaping - Trimming/Edging *Raking - Cleaning *Tile Workd

HOUSE

repair, Carpentry and Drywall repairs. Dependable and courteous service. Licensed, insured. NED Painting Maintenance, 703-533-7457

We are pleged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are herby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 3679753.

Email: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

ABC LICENSE Tam Lo Restaurant

Inc trading as Nang Chieu Restaurant 6757 Wilson Blvd # 9 Falls Church, Va 22044 is applying to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a beer and wine on premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Eric Tran, President.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance(s) referenced below was given first reading on May 27, 2008; and second reading and public hearing will be held on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., Official Time, or as soon thereafter as may be heard. [Second reading was originally scheduled for July 28th and was continued to August 11, 2008.

City Council may hold additional work sessions on this matter prior to second reading; please check the city website at www: fallschurchva.gov] (TR8-32) A Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, to change the designation of 1.2 acres of land located at 350 and 370 South Washington Street from “Business” to “Mixed Use” on the City’s Future Land Use Map (T08-11) An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 38 of the Official Zoning Code of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, by amending Section 38-4 (f), Special Exception; 4 (a.) Primary Criteria.

(TR8-33) A Resolution to Grant Special Exception(s) for Residential Development within Mixed Use Projects and for a Residential Height Bonus under Section 384 (f) in a B-2, Central Business district on 1.2 acres of land located at 350 and 370 South Washington Street All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Copies of legislation may be obtained from the City Clerk’s office (703248-5014) or at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Special services or assistance to persons with disabilities may be requested in advance. To speak at a public hearing, fill out a speaker slip and give it to the Clerk at the left front table.

Speakers will be called forward by the Mayor at the appropriate time.

KATHLEEN CLARKEN BUSCHOW CITY CLERK Request For Proposals (RFP) McLean Pumping Station Improvements RFP NO. 0728-08-MPS City Of Falls Church, Virginia The City of Falls Church is now accepting proposals for the provision of professional engineering services related to the design of the McLean Pumping Station Improvements.

All proposals must meet the requirements in the RFP document which can be downloaded from the City of Falls Church’s website: www.fallschurchva.gov; Purchasing and Procurement link.

Sealed proposals for RFP #0728-08-MPS will be accepted until: 2:00 PM local time opn Thursday, September 4, 2008.

For information regarding this RFP contact: Faye Smith, Purchasing Manager; (703) 248-5007; fsmith@fallschurchva.gov The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call 703 248-5007, (TTY 711).

News-Press Classifieds

$20 for up to 20 words 50¢ each additional word Add a box - $10

Deadline: 2 p.m. Tuesdays

(two days before publication)

Fill out our Classified Ad form online at www.fcnp.com Phone: 703-532-3267 • Fax: 703-342-0352 E-Mail: classads@fcnp.com Mail: 450 W. Broad St. #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

Please include payment (check or money order) with your ad or call us to arrange payment by credit card.

For public & legal notices, please email legalads@fcnp.com

The Falls Church News-Press accepts no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements. Advertising which has minor discrepancies such as misspelling or small type transposition, but which do not affect the ability of the reader to respond to the ad will be considered substantially correct and full payment is required. The Falls Church News-Press is not responsible if the original copy is not typewritten or legible and clear. The Falls Church News-Press is not responsible for copy changes made by telephone.

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 35

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Walsh & Assoc.

PC Attorneys

COMPUTER REPAIR

•Injury cases & Death cases •Medical/Legal malpractice •Breach of contract •Commerical/Insurance • Car accidents Free Consultation 703-448-0073 Hablamos Español 703-798-3448

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1981

• Affordable Rates • Certified Technicians

703-496-7807

www.fastteks.com

TAX ACCOUNTANT – IRS ENROLLED AGENT

YASMEEN HASSAN JONES PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING PAYROLL SERVICES INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION BUSINESS CONSULTING 703-241-7771 www.hassansacctg.com

6404-N SEVEN CORNERS PLACE FALLS CHURCH VA 22044

www.FallsChurchListingMap.com

See all of the Falls Church listings as soon as they hit the market!

Memory Lane Professional Photography & Videography Wedding, Portraits & Special Events

Sam Nazari

(703) 869-9372 (703) 205-9051 Email: Trinidad.miranda@yahoo.com

Benton & Potter, P.C. www.bentonpotter.com

RE/MAX Allegiance 5100 Leesburg Pike, Suite 200 Alexandria, VA 22302 mobile. 703-868-5999 office. 703-824-4800 ShaunMurphy@remax.net

Government contract law, all areas of business and corporate law.

In Falls Church 703-992-9255, in D.C. 202-416-1660

ROOFING

DOORS

SIDING & TRIM

GUTTERS

WINDOWS

REPAIRS

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN Specializing in custom firplaces, patios, walkways, walls, driveways.

Small and large repairs.

Free estimates Licensed and insured.

All work guaranteed.

703-496-7491

www.motternmasonry.com JOSEPH HOME IMPROVEMENT Drywall • Paint Exterior / Interior, Bath & Kitchen Remodeling, Basements, Handyman, Moving, Clean Garage, All kinds of hauling

Joseph

NOTICED! in the News-Press

Licensed and Insured. Free Estimates.

With Personal Service

James Roofing & Home Improvements Roof Replacements Rubber Roofs • Flat Roofs Leak Specialists • Roof Coatings Chimney • Repair Facia&Soffit Decks Built&Repaired • Coatings Wood Repair • Drywall Repair Gutters • Siding • Ext.&Int. Painting 24 hr. Emergency Service

Powerwashing Screening and repairs Estimates by phone Licensed and insured Tom. 703/855-3031

Please call Travis for a free quote:

703-534-1061

R. J. Leonard, LLC Construction Company 703.796.1812

• CLASS A CONTRACTOR

• 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE • REMODELING, ADDITIONS AND NEW HOMES • DESIGN / BUILD • CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Please visit us online at www.rjleonard.com

We’ll help you find the perfect paint color!

Licensed & Insured

Serving Falls Church & Northern V.A. •Yard Cleanup •Mulching • Edging • Trimming • Pruning • Planting & Removal • Lawn Care • Power Washing • Deck • Siding • Painting • Hardscapes • Other handyman services

Free Estimates

703-508-3976 or 703-323-9251

Weaver Enterprises

OTHER SERVICES

ArlingtonColorConsultants.com

703-241-8548

Kitchens & Baths Additions • Sunrooms • Decks Porches • Garages • Basements Free Estimates Call 703-503-0350 Licensed and Insured

VICTOR BLAISE DEVELOPMENTS Repairs – Remodels – Handy Services Call for our summer specials Offering Military & Senior Discounts

703-408-7542 www.victorblaise.com

CLEANING SERVICES REMODELING & ADDITION, CERAMIC, TILE, FINISHED CARPENTRY, CROWN MOLDING, CHAIRS, DECK RAILS, STAIR, WINDOWS, DOORS, CONCRETE, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, BRICK INSTALLED & REPAIRED

Phone # Cell Number

Lawn Care, Landscaping, and More Weekly Lawn Maintenance, Spring cleanup, Mulching, Aeration, Turf Repair All work done in a timely professional manner at competitive rates.

Cell 703-507-5005 Tel 703-507-8300

Licensed Work

Gutters Cleaned

THE NEWS-PRESS BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 703-532-3267 TO ADVERTISE TODAY!

Driveways • Steps Sidewalks • Patios Small Jobs Welcome

703-560-7663

Licensed Free Estimates 703-593-3383

GET

LAWN & GARDEN

(571) 330-3705

ShinerRoofing.com/FallsChurch HENRY HASSAN, MSFM, EA

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VA License #2705 023803

703-848-8322 703-901-2431

Mike’s Carpet Cleaning 5 Rooms deep cleaned only $98 •Stretching•Mold Remediation •Oriental Rugs•Upholstery•Pet Problems • 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage We Clean the White House!

Call Mike 703-978-2270

FOOD & DINING

703-532-3267 Ask about our specials!

Ledo Pizza Caterers Tysons Station • 7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA

(703) 847-5336

Pizza • Pasta • Wings • Subs • Salads • Desserts

Grand Opening!

Ballet Jazz Tap All Ages Open House Sat., Aug 2, 1:00-3:00

109 Park Avenue, Falls Church

(703)532-2221 FCSchoolofBallet.com

Make a Joyful Splash! with

Eileen Levy Create unique art masterpieces using acrylics, water-based oils, pencils and an innovative variety of tools and brushes.

Held at 111 Park Avenue Falls Church on Tuesday Evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Cost: $90 On-going monthly enrollment Enroll on-line at www.creativecauldron.org Or call 571-239-5288

www.FCNP.COM YOUR AD HERE FOR LESS THAN $15 A WEEK!

703-532-3267

Business & Service Directory 1 x 1” Ad 3 mo. = $220 • 6 mo. = $400 • 1 yr. = $725 1 x 1.5” Ad 3 mo. = $330 • 6 mo. = $600 • 1 yr. = $1100 1 x 2” Ad 3 mo. = $440 • 6 mo. = $800 • 1 yr. = $1450

1 x 2” 1 x 1.5” 1 x 1”

Page 36

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Mayor Robin S. Gardner . . . . . . . . . .

Vice Mayor Harold Lippman. . . . . . . . . . .

City Council Nader Baroukh. . . . . . . . . . . .

Daniel Maller . . . . . . . . . . . . .

David F. Snyder. . . . . . . . . . . .

Daniel X. Sze . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lawrence Webb . . . . . . . . . . .

City Manager Wyatt Shields. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Home Page <www.fallschurchva.gov>

city calendar

july 31 Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Concerts in the Park, 7 p.m.

august FIRSTfriday Event Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon Yard Waste, Bundled Brush,

& Special Collections Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

City Council Work Session, 7:30 p.m.

Planning Commission, 7:45 p.m.

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court in Session General District Court in Session Story Hour, 7 p.m.

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Retirement Board, 5:30 p.m.

Concerts in the Park, 7 p.m.

Book Discussion Group, 7:30 p.m.

2008 Vehicle Verification Forms Due Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon Yard Waste, Bundled Brush,

& Special Collections Teen Truth Seminar Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer Fire Department Business, 8 p.m.

Free Art Exhibit in City Hall

Presented by the City and Falls Church Arts, Gallery Without Walls showcases thetalentsoflocalartists.GalleryWithout Walls is located on the G-level of City Hall (300 Park Ave.) and is open to the public Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

On display throughout the month of August are images taken by photographer Shaun van Steyn. His works have previously been published in People, Time and Washingtonian magazines, and The Washington Post.

provided as a public service by the city of falls church

Questions or Comments? City of Falls Church, Harry E.Wells Building, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church,VA 22046 703-248-5003 (TTY 711)

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

1 2 4

5

6

7

8 9 11

The Week

703-534-8644 703-237-9089 703-992-9433 703-731-8433 703-241-0419 703-538-5986 703-532-1043 703-248-5004*

The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703-248-5003 (TTY 711).

Report From the City Council to the People of Falls Church

Summer Camps

In the spirit of being accountable to the people of Falls Church, this report briefly summarizes the City Council’s major activities over the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

Strategic Planning Continued to implement the Strategic Work Plan developed to operationalize the Council Vision Statement.

The Annual Budget Adopted a balanced budget that: • fully funded the City’s schools; • responded to the City Manager’s request for city services and government operations; and • increased the residential real estate tax rate by two cents, which resulted in a decline in the tax bill of the average City homeowner.

Government Operations Hired a new City Attorney.

Oversaw efforts to: • reestablish the Police Department’s accreditation; • improve Police Department management and employee morale and performance.

Legal Issues Successfully defended and resolved the federal discrimination lawsuits filed by City Police Department officers.

Successfully defended issues relating to development on substandard residential lots.

Continued to assert City’s interests regarding the dispute with Fairfax County Water Authority.

Economic Development Approved the City Center project, which represents a potential $320 million dollars of private investment and a projected annual net fiscal impact of $2.7 million for the City upon completion.

Approved the Hilton Hotel project, which represents a potential annual net fiscal impact of just under $400,000.

Zoning Reform Received consultant’s report on comprehensive code revision, gave

Karate (ages 6-12) Aug. 11-15 or Aug. 18-22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) The “Ninja Rangers–A Warrior’s Call” camp is designed to help boys and girls utilize their full range of imagination and problem solving skills.

direction on key policy goals in the area of neighborhood preservation and commercial redevelopment, and commenced discussion of potential reforms.

Community Services Adopted a Council Resolution on Immigration Reform, reaffirming the City’s values of inclusiveness regardless of economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Oversaw establishment of a City of Falls Church Alliance for Youth to coordinate comprehensive youth services across all City agencies.

Conducted the lottery for new affordable dwelling units at the Spectrum (eight condos) and Pearson Square (15 rentals).

Environment Required every new development approved this year, including the City Center and Hilton Hotel projects, to meet LEED Standards, have green roofs, and meet the most progressive standards for stormwater management.

Continued funding for the City’s hybrid fleet (three new hybrid vehicles purchased this year) and bio fuels.

Funded a climate change benchmarking effort to begin measuring the City’s carbon emissions.

Legislation Successfully pursued changes in the City Charter that: • provide the City with additional tools for achieving its affordable housing goals through inclusionary zoning; • changed the City Attorney’s status from being appointed to a four-year term to serving at the will of the City Council.

Supported unsuccessful effort to expand existing prohibitions on firearms and other dangerous weapons currently applicable to courts and schools to include libraries, community centers, and municipal buildings.

Supported unsuccessful effort to address Northern Virginia’s urgent transportation needs.

The Recreation & Parks Division is currently accepting registration for the following summer camps:

Tennis I Fundamentals Camp (ages 10-13) Aug. 11-14, 9:30 a.m.-noon George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike) Through fun skill-building games, beginners and intermediates learn the fundamental strokes with emphasis on the serve,return of serve,score keeping, and tennis rules.

Tennis II: Intro to Competitive Tennis Camp (ages 7-10) Aug. 4-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike) Intermediate players apply their tennis fundamentals to match play with emphasis on the serve, return of serve, and tennis rules.

Register for the City’s Online Newsletter at www.fallschurchva.gov

Register to Receive Emergency Alerts

2008 LINEUP: July 31 Bana Ndule (African) Artists: Kathleen Buschow & Eileen Levy (Paintings) Aug. 7

Tom Principato Band (Rock and Roll, Blues) Artist: Jill Saxton Smith (Woodblock Cuts)

Tennis II: Intro to High School Tennis Camp (ages 10-13) Aug. 11-14, 9:30 a.m.-noon George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike) Stroke production drills combine with match play tactics and strategies to prepare players for high school competition.

Tennis III Competitive Player Development Camp (ages 13-18) Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 11-14, 4-5:30 p.m.

George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike) Players apply strategic decision-making and tactical drilling concepts to singles and doubles match play.This camp is ideal for players looking to make the high school team and high school team players looking to reach the next level.Player to coach ratio is 4:1.

To register,call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711) or sign up online at www.fallschurchva.gov.

City of Falls Church Farmers Market Every Saturday from 8 a.m. - Noon

Strategic Work Plan Update In fall 2007, City staff developed a Strategic Work Plan to move toward the principles, or desired future states, of the City Council Vision Statement: • Successful Development • World Class Public Schools • Neighborhood Preservation & Community of Life • Diversity • Environmental Harmony • Innovation • World Class Government & Public Outreach • A Special Place Since its development, City staff has worked diligently to meet the 23 goals and 38 objectives of the Strategic Work Plan. Projects were organized into four broad areas: land use (zoning code rewrite, City Center and commercial

Concerts in the Park Only Two Performances Left!

Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy performances by local musicians. The series is sponsored by the City of Falls Church Recreation & Parks Division and the Village Preservation and Improvement Society, with support from the Friends of Cherry Hill Foundation.

Each concert also features local artists and their artwork, sponsored by Falls Church Arts.

FOR THE WEEK of

All concerts are free to the public and are held at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.). In the event of rain, concerts will be held in the Falls Church Community Center located next to the park at 223 Little Falls St. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).

redevelopment, infrastructure, traffic calming, and affordable housing); environment (expanding and improving parklands, regulatory tools, green City facilities, and community education); community and special place (neighborhood-based crime and emergency response programs, attracting and celebrating a diverse population, strengthening children and families, artistic venues, visual aesthetic identity, and festivals and events); and public value in government (civic engagement, government accessibility, high performance, City Hall design and configuration, high performing water utility, IT infrastructure, and general government and school collaboration).

Learn more about the Strategic Work Plan and staff accomplishments at www.fallschurchva.gov/ Content/Government/Council/ StrategicPlanPPT.pdf.

Falls Church Recreation & Parks Division 223 Little Falls Street Falls Church, VA 22046 703-248-5077* Phone Numbers Open Gym/Weather Hotline 703-248-5125* Special Events Hotline 703-248-5178* Fax 703-536-5125 Senior Center 703-248-5020*/21* Community Center Hours Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - Midnight Saturday 8:30 a.m. - Midnight Sunday Noon - 6 p.m.

Open Gym Hours Open Gym hours are updated on a bi-weekly basis and are also posted on the Open Gym Hotline, 703-248-5125*. All hours are subject to change. * Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

July 31- August 6, 2008

Page 37

ly Focus

Chairman: Ronald Peppe II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vice Chairman: Susan Kearney . . . . . . . . . . .

School Board Rosaura Aguerrebere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kathryn Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Charlotte Hyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kieran Sharpe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joan Wodiska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Superintendent: Dr . Lois Berlin . . . . . . . . . . .

government and the falls church city public schools

july 31-august 6, 2008

For more news about the Falls Church City Public Schools visit: www.fccps.org

Curbside Services In order for crews to safely and efficiently remove trash, recycling, yard debris, and special collections, the City of Falls Church developed the following guidelines facilitate its efforts: Trash – The City provides curbside refuse collection for single-family dwellings located on public streets. Residents receiving this service must provide watertight trash receptacles with a total volume between five and 30 gallons. The container and its contents cannot exceed 50 pounds. Sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids work to keep out animals preventing litter and accidental spills.

Do not buy large rolling containers with a “flip lid.” These containers are not compatible with the conventional refuse trucks used by the City of Falls Church. Never put hazardous material in your trash. Place containers in the right-of-way (near the curb), but not in the street or blocking the sidewalk, by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection.

Recycling – Similarly to trash pick up, the City provides curbside recycling collection for single family dwellings located on pubic streets. The City provides green recycling bins to those residents receiving recycling collection services. To request a new or second green bin, call 703-248-5176 (TTY 711).

Place all rinsed containers (glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel beverage and food cans, and plastic bottles and jars) in the bin.

Place all paper, paperboard (cereal boxes, etc.), and small cardboard in a second green

bin, or in paper bags. Larger cardboard must be cut or folded to a size of less than 3’ x 3 ‘ and placed under the bin. Put green bins in the right-of-way (near the curb), but not in the street or blocking the sidewalk, by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection.

Yard Debris – The City provides collection services for yard waste for single-family dwellings located on public streets. Small yard trimmings must be placed in compostable paper yard debris bags (available at Giant Food Store and Brown’s Hardware) with orange collection sticker attached (available for $0.50 at City Hall, Brown’s Hardware, Julie’s Hallmark and Giant Food Store). Collection crews will NOT collect bags without a sticker affixed, nor will those crews collect yard waste in non-compostable bags (e.g., plastic bags). Each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds. Yard debris is collected Mondays, year-round (except holidays). Yard debris may not be included with refuse. Place bags in the right-of-way (near the curb), but not in the street or blocking the sidewalk, by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection.

Brush – The City provides brush collection services for all single family residences located on public streets. In order to take advantage of this service, brush, including tree branches less than 5’ in length and less than 6” in diameter, must be bundled with twine and no single bundle may weigh more than 50 pounds or be too large or bulky to

FCC-TV Spotlight: NASA Sci Files Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch NASA Sci Files .

This Emmy award-winning series introduces students in grades 3-5 to NASA and integrates mathematics, science, and technology through the use of problembased learning, as the tree house detectives solve real world problems .

You can watch NASA Sci Files on FCC-TV at the following times: • Wednesdays at 10:00 a .m . and 3:00 p .m . • Fridays at 6:00 p .m .

FCC-TV airs on Cox Channel 12, Verizon Channel 35 and RCN Channel 2 . For a complete schedule of community programs on FCC-TV, visit www.fcctv.net .

BIE Partner of the Week Gretchen and Rob Duffett Flash Pointe Productions School Involvement: Produced the elementary PTA family dance for the past two years; organized game booths at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade to raise money for school-affiliated organizations; supported the Falls Church Education Foundation Run for the Schools .

Why Gretchen and Rob are BIE partners: “Our business is geared toward families and children, and we are pleased to use our entertainment specialty to help the PTA raise funds to support the Falls Church City Public Schools . With two children in elementary school, we are grateful for the education they are receiving .”

For more information about sharing your expertise through the BIE Partnership, visit www.fccps.org or contact Marybeth Connelly at connellym@fccps .org .

School content published in The Weekly Focus is written and edited by the Falls Church City Public Schools. For more information, contact the Falls Church City Public Schools Communications Office. Phone: (703) 248-5699 Fax: (703) 248-5613.

be safely loaded by one person onto the collection vehicle. Brush is collected Mondays, year-round (except holidays). Brush may not be included with refuse. Put bundles in the right-of-way (near the curb), but not in the street or blocking the sidewalk, by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection. If the brush is not bundled according to these guidelines or is too large or heavy to meet the above standards it will be treated as a special collection as defined in that section.

Special Collections - The City provides special collection services for all single family residences located on public streets. Special collections accommodate dry water-based paint cans, unbundled brush, appliances, and other large items require a special pickup. Call 703-534-6509 to arrange for collection. There is no fee for collection of dry, properly prepared water-based paint cans. (To dry paint, mix in kitty litter, sand, or other non-toxic absorbent.) Appliance collection is $25 per item, with a maximum of two appliances per collection. Other bulky items, including unbundled brush, are collected at a charge of $65 per two-cubic yards. Place items in the right-of-way (near the curb), but not in the street or blocking the sidewalk, by 7 a.m. on the morning of collection.

For more information please call the Department of Environmental Services Operations Division at 703-248-5081 (TTY 711) or visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

703-534-4951 703-532-0321 703-536-8638 703-536-7564 703-237-6993 703-536-3130 703-533-1248 703-248-5601*

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

School Supply collection Drive Ends Tomorrow The Falls Church City Housing and Human Services Division (HHS) is seeking donations of school supplies to be given to disadvantaged children of the community.

School supplies such as notebooks, gift cards, crayons, pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters, rulers, paper and glue are needed by Friday, Aug. 1 and can be brought to: Housing and Human Services Division 300 Park Avenue, Rm. 100 West Falls Church, VA 22046 The supplies will be distributed at the Annual Fall for Fun Celebration at Berman Park (located on Ellison St.) on Friday, Aug. 8. The event will include fun activities and information on community resources for all residents.

For additional information, please call HHS at 703-248-5005 (TTY 711).

Thanks to donations from the community, these children were equipped with the right supplies before the start of the 2007-2008 school year.

“Run for the Schools” Set for Sept. 28 Competitive runners, joggers, and walkers will participate in the third annual Run for the Schools on Sunday, September 28th beginning at 8:00 a.m. The new, faster, certified 5K course will wind through the streets of Falls Church City in a mix of gentle slopes and flat stretches.

The 5K race, and 1 mile family fun run/walk, will begin on Park Avenue near the intersection of Little Falls Street in the City of Falls Church. After completing the courses, participants are invited to Cherry Hill Park for the awards ceremony and other activities.

Registered participants will receive a race packet including a bib number and t-shirt, and they are eligible to win prizes Registration is $25 per person or $50 for an entire family.

To register, visit the Falls Church Education Foundation website at www.fcedf.org, click on 2008 Run for the Schools or call Donna Englander at (703) 538-3381.

Reminder: Register Your Students ASAP Parents of new and returning FCCPS students are reminded to register their children for the coming school year as soon as possible. FCCPS school registrars return to work next Monday and need the information to get students off to a good start in September.

The process is a simple one and can be done online at: www.fccps.org/admissions.

Parents of returning students received “snap codes” or their unique identifying numbers for use in the school division’s Infosnap database to update their children’s registration information.

Parents of new students should first register online and then contact their school to set up an appointment to meet with the school’s registrar.

SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES ARE SubjEcT To chAngE July now –

Aug. 1 Summer School August 7 6:00 p.m. School Board Work Session (MEH) 12 7:30 p.m. School Board Regular Meeting (City Hall) 22 Deadline for Day Care/ASAP Fall Registration 26 8:00 a.m. 5th Grade Locker/ Orientation (MEH) 10:00 a.m. New Student Orientation (MEH) 6:30 p.m. School Board Work Session (City Hall) 7:30 p.m. School Board Regular Meeting (City Hall) 27 9:00 a.m. New Student Orientation (GM) 12:00 p.m. 8th Grade Orientation (GM) 28 12:45 p.m. Meet the Teacher (TJ) 1:30 p.m. Kindergarten Meet the Teacher (MD) 2:00 p.m. 1st Grade Meet the Teacher (MD) 2:30 p.m. Pre-School Meet the Teacher (MD) September 2 First Day of School (MD) Mt. Daniel Elementary (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High Check the FCCPS Web site for more calendar information. www.fccps.org

July 31 - August 6, 2008

Page 38

BACK IN THE DAY dog. lazy ick qu The fox sly p e d j u m the over dog. lazy is the w No for all time cows od go me to to coaid of the pastheir Now ture.

15 s Yearo Ag

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15 & 10 YEARS AGO

IN THE

Falls Church News-Press Vol lll, No. 20 • August 5, 1993

NEWS-P PREESS

Falls Church News-Press Vol VIII, No. 21 • August 6, 1998

It is now the time for all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up

CRITTER CORNER 10 Year s Ago

It is now the time for all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * * * Throw Pour it it up. up

‘Taco Wars: Protest Erupts at Planning Commission Over Taco Bell’

‘Planning Commission Drops Another Roadblock in the State Theatre’s Path’

“Following a barrage of speakers protesting the building of a Taco Bell restaurant at the corner of West and Broad streets, the Planning Commission voted 6-0 Monday night to continue preliminary site approval until its meeting in September. The restaurant was seeking preliminary approval and two waivers for more...”

“Defying the strong urgings of City staff and reversing a City official’s ruling, a three-member majority of the Falls Church Planning Commission Monday night threw a roadblock into efforts by owners of the State Theatre here to complete their renovation of the project and to become a popular revenue-generating business in the city...”

Bob Herbert Continued from Page 10

He wasn’t.

So this is not your ordinary election. Obama will have to turn people on big-time just to win by a little. And for all the tedious talk about timelines and what the surge in Iraq has or has not accomplished, the top three issues in this campaign are still the economy, the economy and the economy.

Americans are losing jobs, losing the equity in their homes, losing their retirement nest eggs, and tragically, in increasing numbers, actually losing the family home itself.

This is the issue on which the Obama people should long since have pounced.

A recent survey found that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that the social contract of the 20th century – in which the government, employers and the society as a whole pulled together to see that those who worked hard and played by the rules were afforded the basic necessities of daily life and a shot at the American dream – “appears to be unraveling.”

Nearly 80 percent of those who responded to the survey, conducted for the Rockefeller Foundation and Time magazine, said they faced greater financial risks now than in the

past.

This anxiety is pervasive, and it was clearly evident a little more than two weeks ago when Phil Gramm, then John McCain’s key economic adviser, callously remarked that we were suffering from a “mental recession” and that the U.S. had become “a nation of whiners.”

The Obama crowd should have instantly seen the Gramm gaffe for what it was, a gift from the political gods.

They should have run with it.

I would have dragged out that old Maxine Brown song with the lyric: “Maybe it’s all in my mind.”

The Democrats could have had some fun and made political hay, using the Gramm comments to highlight what has happened to working people under Republican rule.

But the Obama folks let the matter drop, and instead of an endless loop of “mental recession,” what we’ve heard incessantly over the past couple of weeks has been McCain pounding on Obama about the surge.

The word is that an economic offensive may finally be coming from the Obama campaign.

Anna Burger, the secretarytreasurer of the Service Employees International Union, was part of a wideranging group of advisers on economic issues who met with Obama in Washington on

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Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

Monday. “He has very serious policies, not sound bites, for addressing the long-term and short-term issues that are having such a dramatic effect on people who are working and trying to make ends meet,” she said.

Translating those ideas into a compelling economic narrative for his campaign – something Obama has not yet done – is the key to defeating John McCain.

FCNP.com Feel The Power of The Press

THAT SAYING, “I’m watching you like a hawk,” is so overrated. I mean, here I am just minding my own business and now I’m intently staring? Please! I could honestly care less what you people are doing. I’m not watching you, or your children or even that yappy little dog in your backyard. My eyes are fixed on one thing and one thing only — Mr. Mike Hume. He doesn’t know this but Nicholas has ordered me to leave my Falls Church post and head for the Big Apple to make sure that Hume keeps writing “Picking Splinters” and “Press Pass” without being distracted by glitz and glam of the city streets.

I’m not being invasively vigil, just carrying out boss’ orders.

So, please, pick up a new saying. That one’s so last season.

If you would like to see your pet here, e-mail us at crittercorner@fcnp.com or send a picture and short description to Falls Church News-Press c/o Critter Corner, 450 W. Broad St., Suite 321, Falls Church, VA 22046.

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