A former undercover CIA expert and now Congressman from Virginia’s 7th District on serving various House intelligence committees, who also seeking to run for Governor of Virginia next year, an articulate Abigail Spanberger told a rousing audience at Falls Church’s popular Clare and Don’s restaurant Tuesday night that despite her own unavoidable trepidations, she thinks that enough agencies and resources are mobilizing on high alert to prevent a major disruption or perversion of the results of this November’s U.S. presidential election.
“I am very, very confident,” she said.
If anything, she said, the main factors that could corrupt this election are not foreign sourced this time, but domestic, and she said one of her main residual concerns has to do with the effectiveness of the U.S. Postal Service in efficiently processing mail-
NEW MURAL AWAKENING
Falls Church’s homegrown theater troupe and educational enterprise, Creative Cauldron, is aiming to move into brand new digs at the big (new Whole Foods) Broad and Washington project by the end of this year.
With continuing great support from the project’s Insight Property Group and Maury Stern, its handson leader for the long-awaited Falls Church project that now rises boldly and elegantly above the City’s central intersection with new Whole Foods signage and creating a new sense
of its considerable mass, the 5,000 square feet provided to Creative Cauldron right on Broad Street is about to get its special signage, too.
Whether it will include a brightlylit marquee, however (as it should to match, if not in size but with a more vibrant look, the one around the corner at the State Theater), remains as yet undetermined. Yes, downtown Falls Church is beginning its transformation into a live music and theater district, with a lot of great restaurants and artsy clubs tucked in, as well, and a lot of new “locals” moving in to live right upstairs in the classy new apartments.
Meanwhile, as Cauldron founder and director Laura Connors Hull told the News-Press this week, the fundraising for the cost of moving the operation and providing everything needed to make the new space sing is about two-thirds of the way there, but still in need of some hefty financial support.
The group’s hyper-locally based board of directors, the angels and heavy lifters like president Gina Caceci and vice president Marty Meserve, have spearheaded a relentless fundraising drive that is bringing the vision of the new location for the effort into view. In fact, the plan to
open for business by December is still on the calendar.
This week, Hull announced that the original production the Cauldron will produce early next spring as part of its “Bold New Voices” program that develops world or regional premieres written by women will be “Women on Fire,” a play by Marisela Trevino Orta.
And while the summer weekend cabaret series remains in full force at the Cauldron’s current location on S. Maple, the full upcoming season was also announced to include what will
Falls Church News-Press
FALLS CHURCH CITY UPDATES
F.C. City Hall Launches New ‘Weekly Update’
The City of Falls Church’s new public information officer, Mary Catherine Chase, announced yesterday that her office is launching a new “weekly update” formatted communication of events and information. The News-Press is reprinting this week’s maiden voyage of announcements in full here.
Announcements
Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste Pick-Up Time Change
Starting Wednesday, July 31, and running through Labor Day, American Disposal Services (ADS) will start cart service at 6 a.m. This shift to an earlier start time will help crews manage the extreme heat. The curbside composting schedule remains the same. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact recycling@fallschurchva.gov.
Drought Watch Awareness
Authorities across Northern Virginia announced a Drought Watch on July 29, 2024. City of Falls Church residents are among the six million residents across the metropolitan Washington region being asked to take voluntary measures to conserve water and help reduce demand on the region’s water supply systems. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments provided some simple tips.
Residents should limit indoor and outdoor water use as follows: Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs; Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose); Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water; Fix any plumbing leaks –especially toilets and faucets; Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes; Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
· One-Stop Shop for Community Energy Action
The City’s new One-Stop Shop for Community Energy Action is an online resource that connects people with strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping the community fight climate change. Learn about the benefits of going green, including savings on utility bills, improvements to homes, and tax incentives.
· Fall Classes with Recreation and Parks
Thursday, August 1 at 10 a.m. City residents can begin registering for fall classes. The Recreation and Parks Fall Class brochure provides an overview of classes. To register, visit www.fallschurchva.gov/register. Registration opens to non-residents on Thursday, August 8 at 10 a.m.
Upcoming Public Meetings and Events
Accessory Dwellings
Last week the City hosted two Community Open House/ Information Sessions to update and discuss with the public Accessory Dwellings (ADs). These meetings were the beginning of the process for the City. Residents learned more about ADs, what’s happening with them in the region, and participated in sharing their thoughts through Q&A and dot voting boards. The next step is a Planning Commission meeting on August 7.
Summer Concerts in the Park
Summer Thursday events continue in Cherry Hill Park over the next few weeks. Live bands begin playing at 7 p.m. In its 32nd year, the Summer Concerts in the Park series is hosted by the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department. Further information is available on the City website.
Aurora House Fundraiser
When visiting the Farmers Market this Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to noon, the public can support the local community through the fundraiser, “Ice Cream Scoops & Flower Power” where you can indulge in some sweet treats while making a positive impact in our community. The fundraiser’s slogan is “Serving Kindness, Girls Empowered” with all proceeds going to the Aurora House.
National Night Out August 6
On Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park, the City of Falls Church Police Department is hosting a first annual community-building event that creates connections. This year’s event will include free food from local restaurants, touch a cruiser/SWAT truck, K-9 demonstrations, games, activities and giveaways.
- 7,
Spanberger in F.C. With Governor Campaign Message
from Page 1
in ballots, given that it is only 45 days now before early voting for the November election begins.
She said she and other Congress members from Virginia, a bipartisan group, met with the head of the USPS, Louis DeJoy, on July 11, and came away, according to their press statement from that event, “continuing to voice concerns of Virginians who know there is still significant room for improvement…There is much more work to do, and we will continue to press for increased transparency, greater engagement with the public and a higher standard of service.”
Joining Spanberger in that meeting were Virginia’s two U.S. Senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Rep. Rob Wittman and a representative of Rep. Jennifer McClellan’s office. It was noted that following pressure from an earlier meeting with the Virginia congressional delegation that “the on-time delivery rate of first class mail in Virginia improved from 66
percent to 77.4 percent during the first quarter of this year… but there is still much work necessary to meet the USPS goal of 93 percent.”
At Tuesday’s event, hosted by Rebecca and David Tax of Clare and Don’s, State Del. Marcus Simon introduced Spanberger to a crowd of 60 that jammed into the third room at the restaurant where all the chairs were lined up. Among those present to greet Spanberger were Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi and ViceMayor Debbie Shantz-Hiscott.
Clearly evident at the event was the same high-spirited energy and enthusiasm that has characterized Democratic events everywhere in the last 10 days since Vice President Kamala Harris stepped to the head of the presidential ticket upon the withdrawal of President Joe Biden.
The significance of Spanberger’s drive to become Virginia’s first woman governor was not lost on the rowdy crowd as all of the array of top electeds (with the exception of Del. Simon) who took the small
stage there were women – the candidate, the mayor, the vicemayor, cheering on the vice president.
Spanberger noted a turning point in her career came when she was ready to move on from her CIA role in California, and given a number of options for a move somewhere else, including to exotic places in Europe and South America.
She asked her young daughter for her opinion, and she said “Virginia.” Asked why, the daughter said, “Because that’s where all the people we care about live.” For that wisdom, we are now looking at a future governor and who knows what else from there.
About this November’s presidential election, Spanberger said “We are going to crush it, also holding the Senate and winning a House majority,” and noting that Harris will be sworn in, when elected, on Martin Luther King Day in January.
Spanberger assailed the very first move of Virginia’s now Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin when he was sworn in, being to create a “teacher tip
line” where parents or teachers can anonymously report allegations of misbehavior by teachers. This reflected the way in which Youngkin has disrespected the professionals in public education and is why she, Spanberger, will put such an emphasis if elected on advancing the resources available to public schools, she said.
Among her first goals will be to codify Roe V. Wade in the
two years ago.
In addressing society’s current political divisions, she said, “public education makes a remarkable difference and it starts with a governor who values it.”
Virginia Constitution, being as Virginia currently is the only state in south that has not passed anti-abortion laws since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade
Congresswomen Abigail Spanberger pictured with State Representative Marcus Simon and F.C. Maynor Letty Hardi. (News-Press Photo)
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Vol. XXXIV, No. 25
August 1 - 7, 2024
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Enthusiasm for Harris: Substance of Future
July proved a disastrous month for the plutocrats currently associated with the presidential campaign of Donald Trump. From their perspective, four terrible things happened, all having to do with their own meddlings. First, Trump survived the month. He remains the severely damaged and compromised GOP presidential candidate. Second, the full court media and cultural press to force President Biden out of the race worked, but produced a result the very opposite of what they sought. Third, the choice of J.D.Vance (or whatever name he goes by now) is turning out to be a shape-shifter along the lines of former Rep. George Santos but much nastier and lacking in any sense of humor or irony whatsoever. Fourth, their touted Project 2025 as a blueprint for a conversion to an extreme fascist state has blown up in their faces due to overexposure, causing the ongoing program effort to literally shut down amid angry repudiations from no less than Trump himself, even though the report was intended for him and refers to him over 300 times.
Unlike 2016 or even 2020, every uncompromising law enforcement eye that is not secretly working for Trump is glued to every aspect of the complex apparatus that will produce the presidential electoral results this fall. If there are plans coming in place to corrupt the result, to turn it over to Trump or whomever the eventual GOP nominee turns out to be, they are being very closely scrutinized as we speak, with very hefty prison sentences awaiting any bad actors that may be at work out there. For example, Attorney Marc Elias, the man who won over 60 lawsuits against Trumpers challenging the results of the 2020 election, predicts “mass refusals to certify the election this November with “the other side more organized, more ruthless and more prepared” than before. But then again, it can be argued, so it’s going for the good guys, too.
We are wiser now than before, and as long as there are a preponderance of those willing to stand up for the rule of law and basic fair play, nothing short of an alien (outer space type) invasion or all out thermonuclear war can win for the bad guys. The “if” before us has to do with motivation. Those on the right (as in “correct”) side of history must be sufficiently aroused to actually go out and cast their votes and get their friends and families to do likewise.
This is why the backfire linked to the second thing that went wrong for the plutocrats listed above is the most important. The level of enthusiasm for presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris that we are all experiencing right now is the substance of humanity’s best hope for moving forward. Yes, enthusiasm as substance! Such is the real binding agent of history and progress. It’s what underdogs have always experienced, why the odds makers are not always right. At its root, it is the stuff of love.
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Letters to Editor
Youth For Spanberger
Editor,
I am a proud member of America’s most important bloc of voters: our nation’s youth. And with confidence, I can tell you this: our generation is sick and tired of the divisive battles of Congress and governments around the country. I have too few numbers on my hands to count the times my friends have mentioned they wish to see candidates who prioritize people-first policies,not partisan politics.
Abigail Spanberger is that candidate. To better understand the bipartisanship of the Congresswoman, look at the topics that have defined her career on Capitol Hill. Lowering prescription drug prices and preventing elder abuse. Bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States to help workforces in rural communities and local economies. Fighting to ban members of Congress from trading stocks, leveling the playing field between elected officials and the nation’s public. And securing funds for veterans affairs programs, infrastructure projects, and other kitchen table issues that are in great need of congressional support in her district.
America’s youth will decide our nation’s elections. We are a force to be reckoned with. And we will elect the candidate who takes the time to hear our voices. We want the no-nonsense, here-to-get-stuffdone candidate. There is no other easy way to put it.
Virginia, pick one of the last remaining legislators who instills hope in young adults by working with members of both parties. Virginia, elect Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger as your next Governor.
Luke
proud of all our elected officials’ support. In particular, Congressman Connolly was not only one of the initial cosponsors of similar legislation in the past, he supported the bill in his role as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee which passed the bill unanimously last year.
An act like this will definitely help save lives, including those who, like my friend, was tortured to death in a Chinese labor camp at the age of 32, simply because of his belief in the Falun Gong meditation practice. It will also raise awareness so that no Americans travel to China for organ transplant as the organs could likely come from innocent prisoners of conscience who refused to renounce their faith.
This Buddha school spiritual and meditation practice of Falun Gong was the most popular meditation or qigong practice in the 1990s. Due to its popularity, the Chinese Communist Party found it to be an ideological threat and launched the nationwide persecution in 1999. I know many local families who experienced this persecution in China before they were able to escape to America and now call Virginia home. I hope our U.S. Senators from Virginia can help sponsor the companion Act in the Senate as soon as possible.
Anne Yang Editor,
W&OD Open at Night
Falun Gong Protection Act
Hughes Editor,
I am thrilled that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the “Falun Gong Protection Act” on June 25, 2024. (Background information: https://www.congress. gov/bill/118th-congress/housebill/4132/text/ih). I am also
Following mid-July’s robbery on the W&OD, this paper passed along advice from the police to “avoid the trail at night,” followed by good advice on awareness and the buddy system. The trail is open from 5am until 9pm under NOVA Parks rules. People want to go places, sometimes after dark, and sometimes without a car. Walking or biking on the W&OD is one of the safest ways to travel around our City (just check the crime and crash data) — and the crosswalk improvements are making it even better. I’d rather walk or bike there at night than on a fair number of local roads.
Andrew Olesen
Creative Cauldron Pushing Toward Location Upgrade
be the first show at the new Broad and Washington digs, an inspirational production of the Broadway and motion picture hit, “Steel Magnolias.”
The upcoming 2024-2025 season is described as “a season of magic, friendship, music and more.”
The season will begin in its current home on S. Maple, but then will transition to its new home at Broad and Washington by the end of this year. Here’s what will be coming:
Sondheim Tribute Review (October 3 – 27, 2024) A scintillating musical revue celebrating the work of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and innovative composers and lyricists in Broadway history. Six stand out performers will take audiences on an incomparable journey through songs from over 20 Titles from the Sondheim songbook including Anyone Can Whistle, Assassins, Company, Follies, The Frogs, A Funny Thing Happened..., Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd and the recent Tony Award winner, Merrily
We Roll Along. Alice in Wonderland/Alicia en el país de la Maravillas (November 8 – 24, 2024) A Learning Theater Production. “uriouser and curiouser; down the Rabbit Hole we go with Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland. The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, all the favorite characters are here in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly “mad, mad day” at the Cauldron enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children’s classics of all time in a new bi-lingual format.
mates and tutor are all sick in bed on Christmas Eve, unable to go home for Christmas to be with their families. So it’s Madeline to the rescue! And with the help of a magical rug merchant, she takes her friends on a Christmas journey they will never forget.
of the most diverse and eagerly anticipated events of the season. Featuring some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the DMV and beyond. it is always billed as an opportunity to “tour the world without ever leaving Falls Church.”
Smith, Snow White meets all of your favorite characters: the Magic Mirror, the Evil Queen, the little miners who come to her aid and a few other zany members of the kingdom that will have audiences rolling in the aisles.
Madeline’s Christmas (December 6 – 22, 2024) Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby, Music by Shirley Mier. A holiday tradition at the Cauldron. Based on the Book by Ludwig Bemelmans. “In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans sets in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline. In this musical adaptation, Madeline’s school-
Holiday Cabarets (December 9 – 18, 2024) Creative Cauldron tops off holiday celebrations every year with this special Holiday Cabaret series. Audiences will enjoy some of Creative Cauldron’s favorite performers, as well as some talented newcomers. They’ll perform in an intimate cabaret setting with special table seating options that include wine, beer or your favorite beverage. Don your holiday finery and be prepared to sing along to your favorite songs. This series is sure to put audiences in the holiday spirit. Get in the festive spirit or shake off some holiday blues with these seasonal cabarets that blend creativity and classics! Final line up to be announced, curated by Matt Conner.
Steel Magnolias (February 13 – March 9, 2025) Book by Robert Harling. Welcome to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, a hot spot where six brassy southern women come to laugh, gossip and share the most intimate details of their lives and loves. This smash hit play, became a smash hit movie which is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Creative Cauldron has assembled a talented and racially diverse sisterhood to tell this heartfelt and hilarious story. Steel Magnolias is a lasting testament to the power of sisterhood that continues to charm and beguile audiences alike.
Disney’s Aladdin Dual Language Edition/Edición de Lenguaje Dual (May 29 – June 15, 2025) The story begins centuries ago, when the royalty of Agrabah spoke one language, and the citizens another. Communication is impossible without translation... which is controlled by the evil vizier, Jafar. When the rebellious princess, Jazmin, and a delinquent street rat, Aladdin, meet in the marketplace and fall in love, they transcend the barriers between them and, with a little magic, help create a better future for themselves and for Agrabah. This touching musical adventure, featuring the Academy Awardwinning score from Disney’s animated classic, will thrill both English and Spanish-speaking audiences alike. Continued from Page 1
Passport to the World of Music Festival (Jan 10 – February 2, 2025) Creative Cauldron’s annual music festival has become one
Woman on Fire, the Bold New Voices production for 2025 (April 24 – May 11, 2025).
Snow White/Blancanieves (March 21 – April 6, 2025) The Learning Theater takes an irreverent look at the one of the most popular Grimm tales of all time. In this bi-lingual adaptation featuring the music of Conner and
Project 2025 & The Tyranny of ‘Only’
Nicholas F. Benton
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Trump’s latest attempt to distance himself from himself, since he has no grounded sense of who he is beyond a pliable grumpy clown, has taken the form this week of a stern repudiation of any association with the so-called Project 2025 of the Heritage Foundation.
In a Trump campaign press statement yesterday, his spokesmen sounded really pissed, insisting “Project 2025 had nothing to do with the campaign, did not speak for the campaign, and should not be associated with the campaign or the President in any way. Its demise would be greatly welcomed and should serve as notice to anyone or any group trying to misrepresent their influence with President Trump and his campaign— it will not end well for you.”
So, it was all just a devious attempt to “misrepresent influence” with Trump in a manner that could meet with a very concrete shoesstyle ending. “It will not end well for you!” Indeed.
In fact, of course, the document that has been attracting so much attention in the recent period is a product of the Trump machine itself, with all of its staffing coming from key Trump loyalists. But it told the truth about what the Trump campaign and its backers intend for us, like the national abortion ban and so much more out of a fascist playbook, and truth, as we all know, is something that Trump has a particular aversion to.
Trump is the frightened and angry victim of his own profoundly dysfunctional personality, especially the part of it that stands over and apart from him as a malleable persona with an insatiable need to be liked by everybody. As the Project 2025 project devised by some of his closest colleagues has generated such unfavorable reactions from just about everybody, even among those on his own team, he is now furious about it and lashing out.
Trump’s condition has worsened significantly beyond where it was when he was actually president, ab-
sorbing blows after blows of negativity, and he is now being internally tortured by a rapid onset of dementia. Dementia takes many forms and in his case, it is inhabited by some ghastly characters like Hannibal (the Cannibal) Lector and the nasty little poisonous snake of the story he so often rambles on about at rallies.
These are the spirits he has called around him repeatedly and over time, and they are the ones who inhabit his consciousness more and more as the veil is drawn over his mind that shuts out reality and the simple pleasures of life.
Of course, the Project 2025 prescription for a male-chauvinist, fascist horror will become the grist of the movement that Trump has helped to create, no matter what he, in particular, says or thinks he wants.
To me, its most chilling mandate, the one which wraps up into one overriding concept bringing the issue of tyranny home, right into humanity’s individual kitchens, is the one that states, simply, “The only valid family is a father married to a stay-at-home mother and their children.”
From this particularly ugly little mandate springs all the evils of the world. It would not be so if the word “only” was not in there, but that is the indispensable word that defines its entire meaning and intent.
It is the same little four-letter word, “only,” that has caused so much pain and slaughter in the world amongst homo sapiens over recent eons.
The biggest falsehood among so-called “evangelicals” is that same nasty little word. It is the one line of Biblical scripture that they repeat the most, the one which says that it is “only through Christ that one can be saved.”
I grasp the meaning of the phrase except for the way the “only” word turns the prospect of a liberated, or redeemed, soul into oppression and a tortuous vice.
But it’s the deployment of that one ugly word that traps people, that suffocates them, grips their hearts with fear and turns them into maniacs capable of the worst atrocities against their brothers and sisters.
Indeed, in the massive psy-ops assault on western culture known generically as “postmodernism,” its objective was the destruction of ecumenicism and elevation of “onlyness.”
A Penny for Your Thoughts News of Greater Falls Church
By Penny Gross
The drafters of the U. S. Constitution recognized that the power of the president should be subject to restrictions. A president is not a king or a dictator, regardless of how some presidents view their executive authority. History is rife with examples of executive excess and Congressional oversight that imposed, or tried to impose, checks and balances on the Executive Branch. One such example is the infamous Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which was passed by Congress 60 years ago next week, and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 10, 1964. Although the Joint Resolution was intended to “promote the maintenance of international peace and security in Southeast Asia,” the Resolution was used by Johnson to enter into a war against North Vietnam without the required congressional declaration of war.
Although it appeared to the public at-large that the Resolution was quickly drafted after reports of attacks on U.S. ships in early August, language for a draft resolution had been circulating among State Department, Defense Department, and White House staff for several months. Attempts by Johnson to introduce a resolution earlier in 1964 were rebuffed by Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield and others, who felt that it was too early to move forward. Johnson, though, wanted to demonstrate that he was not “soft on
Communism” in the upcoming presidential election, and to send American troops into Southeast Asia. At that time. American military personnel sent there were termed “observers,” regardless of the dangers already present in the conflict between North and South Vietnam.
“Incidents” on August 2 and 4 were reported as North Vietnamese attacks on the American ships Maddox and Turner Joy, and Johnson accelerated the effort to introduce the resolution in the House and Senate. Later military and government investigations determined that an enemy attack, as described, could not be proven, but the resolution was already on its way to Capitol Hill. Despite several Senators’ reluctance to vote for the resolution, it passed the Senate on August 7 with only two “nay” votes from Senators Wayne Morse (D-Oregon) and Ernest Gruening (D-Alaska). Morse often noted that, in the Senate cloakroom, many Senators expressed concern about the resolution and agreed with him but cast their “yea” votes on the floor. Some insisted that the resolution did not give Johnson authority to send American troops to war, but Johnson differed, and used the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution to send tens of thousands of American troops into Vietnam.
Morse never wavered in his contention that American entry into the war was illegal and became a
City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT
Week of July 15 — 21, 2024
Larceny, W Broad St, July 21, 8:30 PM, victim reported that while sitting on a bench, an unknown suspect stole their iPad from beside them. The unknown suspect is described as a black male approximately 20-25 years of age, wearing a black hat, black shirt, black pants, and black shoes.
(Delayed report)
Simple Assault, E Broad St, July 22, 6:30 PM, during a game of basketball, an unknown suspect punched the victim in the face. The unknown suspect is described as a black male wearing a black Puma shirt and red shorts.
Fraud – False Pretenses, Walnut St, July
23, 4 PM, victim reported sending money to an unknown suspect after receiving a phone call from an unknown number in which the caller claimed to be a law enforcement officer with a warrant for their arrest.
Harassing Phone Calls, Roosevelt St, July 23, 8:56 PM, victim reported being harassed repeatedly by an identified suspect.
Violation of Learner’s Permit, W Broad St, July 24, 12:15 AM, a male, 31, of Manassas, was arrested for Violation of Learner’s Permit.
Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, July 25, 2:10 PM, an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as an unknown race male in their 50’s
hero to anti-war protesters at home and abroad. During Senate hearings about Vietnam in 1966 and 1967, Morse sternly queried Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and Secretary of State Dean Rusk, who stonewalled or wavered from the truth. Anti-war visitors to Morse’s office were peaceful but often clogged the elegant hallways of the Russell Senate Office Building, waiting to sign the office guestbook, sometimes kissing the book and leaving lipstick imprints! In February 1966, Morse introduced a bill to repeal the resolution but only got five votes in support. In 1971, three years after Morse was defeated for a fifth Senate term, the resolution was repealed. President Nixon vetoed the repeal bill but was soundly overridden by both the Senate and the House.
The War Powers Act of 1973 further defined and restricted the authorities and responsibilities of the Executive and Legislative Branches regarding declarations of war and imposed strict time limits for actions on both branches. Historians and legal scholars have debated the efficacy of the Act for decades, and some presidents have skirted the law in subsequent “military actions” around the globe. With barely 100 days until this year’s presidential election, it would be wise to consider how presidential power might be used, or misused, by the candidates on the November ballot.
with tattoos.
Threats, Hillwood Ave, July 25, 3:35 PM, victims reported being threatened by an unknown suspect, described only as a black male.
Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, July 26, 11:05 AM, an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’ to 6’5” in height, roughly 200 pounds, wearing a black hat, gray t-shirt, black shorts, and gray/purple On Cloud shoes.
Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Founders Ave, July 26, 1:36 PM, victim reported that between July 2 and July 19, an unknown suspect stole the front license plate off of
Continued on Page 30
Insight Developers Host Tour of Broad & Washington Project
by
Last week the apartments at the new Broad & Washington building opened, the most recent evidence of the development boom being enjoyed by The Little City. The project, led by Insight Property Group, offers a blend of modern luxury and community-focused design. Last Thursday, the NewsPress joined a select group of city leaders and community members on an exclusive tour of the Broad & Washington apartments, guided by Insight Property Group’s Maury Stern.
The Broad & Washington apartment complex boasts 334 residential units, each featuring high-end finishes, including stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, really big walk-in closets, and keyless entry systems. The rent reflects the upscale design, starting at just under $2,200 for a studio, just over $2,300 for a one-bedroom, and just over $3,500 for a two-bedroom unit At the time of the tour, just days after opening, 15 residents had already moved into the building — and over 100 leases had been signed. Less than a week later, only 190 units
are listed as available on the Broad & Washington website (broadandwashington.com) — with just over half snatched up by eager renters.
The tour began in the apartment building’s expansive lobby — with dramatic pendant lanterns floating above the front desk, where an attendant welcomed and escorted participants to the elevator, where they gathered in the mezzanine above (also home to several zoom rooms available for residents to have meetings or work). Once everyone had arrived, Stern guided the tour to the fourth floor, home to an expansive amenities space. Attendees marveled at the game room equipped with billiards, shuffleboard, and foosball, the fullyequipped kitchen and shared dining space, various nooks with couches and games, and a courtyard with grills, outdoor couches, fire pits, and an outdoor television. The floor’s amenities also include a state-ofthe-art fitness center. Rounding out the impressive communal living experience is a second courtyard, also on the fourth floor, featuring a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and lounge area
The tour also included viewing a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom
unit, both of which had abundant natural light, expansive floor plans — and the largest closets we’ve ever seen in a rental (check out the pictures at fcnp.com).
City council member Marybeth Connelly expressed her admiration for the building, saying “what a beautiful building! We’ve talked about it, looked at drawings, and endured construction for so many years but it was such a delightful surprise to see the real places where people will live! In addition to lovely apartments, the common areas are so welcoming and unique. It’s going to be a great part of our community.”
The development also includes a significant retail component. A 50,000 square foot Whole Foods is set to open this fall, and a new space for Creative Cauldron is expected to be ready by December. These additions are poised to further enhance the experience for residents, with convenient access to groceries and entertainment.
Parking, a major concern during construction, has been addressed with a new garage — which includes 140 free public parking spots. This development is a welcome relief for local businesses like
Drs. Love & Miller, PC
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Thompson Italian, which struggled with parking issues during construction. David Tax, owner of Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, shared his excitement: “We are very excited to have our new neighbors moving in, and really, really excited to have the parking lot open with 140 spaces of free parking! We went straight from 2.5 years of Covid to 2.5 long years of construction and are elated to finally get to our new normal at the Beach Shack.”
Ross Litkenhous from the Economic Development Authority was also impressed, saying “the high quality of the design, construction, and finishes reflect what I would have expected based on the reputation and prior developments delivered by this Insight team. The leasing interest and activity to date also show the continued interest in Falls Church as one of the country’s most desirable and unique communities.”
City council member Justine Underhill added that the building is “a really beautiful space, with impressive attention to detail. I was most impressed with the number of nooks, common areas, and amenities — the space we inhabit often
Drs. Love and Miller provide a family practice with special emphasis on healthy and beautiful smiles for adults and children. Both doctors graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and have been practicing together in Falls Church for over 25 years.
We take time to listen to our patients so that we truly understand their needs. With emphasis on overall health, we o er services including composite restorations, metal-free crowns, implant restorations, veneers and other cosmetic procedures. Our oral hygiene program excels at understanding the vital relationship between oral health and other systems in the body. Drs. Love and Miller, along with our amazing team, greatly appreciate the community’s trust and support.
determines the people we meet and friends we make, and there’s plenty of space for socializing in this building! My hope is that the residents here will have a lively community within the building and find belonging with the larger community of Falls Church.”
Broad & Washington is not just a development; it is a testament to the thoughtful planning and community-centric approach driving Falls Church’s growth. As the city continues to evolve with projects like West Falls and Founders Row 2, Broad & Washington stands out as a beacon of modern living, promising to enhance the lifestyle and sense of community for its residents.
“I’m thrilled to see the opening of Broad and Washington at one of the important corners of the city, with a beautiful and thoughtfully designed building,” said Mayor Letty Hardi, who participated in the tour. “Besides welcoming new neighbors, new green spaces, Whole Foods and restaurants, and a permanent home for Creative Cauldron — I’m especially proud that 10 percent of the units will be dedicated as affordable housing in perpetuity, a new high for us.”
SPECIALIZATION
ADA, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Association (Dr Love is Past President), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
AWARDS
Washingtonian B est Dentists; Washingtonian Best of Hall of Fame. Best Dentist of Falls Church 2013–2021; Virginia Living Magazine Top Dentists and Northern Virginia Magazine Best Dentist, 2016–2023
Mark A. Miller, DDS, Melanie R. Love, DDS
Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
COMMENT
Summer is typically the slowest time of the year in state politics. The lastminute adjustments to the budget by the General Assembly are usually wrapped up by the end of the fiscal year on the last day of June, and preparations for the next year’s session don’t fully begin until the fall. However, this year has been unexpectedly lively due to multiple special sessions on the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). VMSDEP is a program that provides tuition benefits to the children of deceased and certain injured military personnel and first responders. Over the past decade, multiple General Assembly sessions have expanded the program to include more individuals. While we all agree that the children of these veterans deserve our support, the program has grown much faster than originally projected during the last round of changes, prompting General Assembly leaders to consider adjustments to ensure its future financial stability. Due to the short and fast-paced nature of our legislative session, the original budget that was passed included widespread eligibility restrictions. The General Assembly listened to the families that would be affected, and although we started with many disagreements, we came together to pass a bill repealing the new eligibility restrictions, adding new funding to the program, and authorizing an expedited study of the issue. This study will consider both the long-term sustainability of the program and the needs of VMSDEPeligible families.
At the beginning of the summer, it also seemed as if the presidential race
would be relatively quiet compared to the last few cycles. Trump and Biden were deadlocked in the polls, with little movement. However, after the June debate, the attempted assassination of formerPresident Trump, and President Biden stepping aside, everything changed. Although Democrats were divided for a few weeks and had some uncomfortable conversations, I believe we have come out stronger. I am thankful to President Biden for making the selfless decision to step aside and put his country above himself. This decision will be remembered in history as a noble one. I am proud to support Vice President Kamala Harris for President this year, and I am excited to see how Democrats have unified around her. As a South Asian, I am particularly thrilled that, in addition to being the first Black woman elected to the Presidency, she would be our nation’s first AAPI President. She will be a fighter for making life more affordable, for our democracy, and for all Americans. I will be a delegate to the DNC at the end of August, and I am excited to officially make her our party’s nominee. With the Democrats re-energized, I am confident that our Commonwealth will vote solidly to elect Kamala Harris and re-elect Senator Kaine in November.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all the Olympians from the US, especially those from Virginia, who are competing this year in Paris. As of this writing, one Virginian has won a gold medal; congratulations to Torri Huske from Arlington! You are making our great Commonwealth proud. Good luck to all the other athletes competing!
Senator Saddam Salim’s
by Aaron Stark
Last Friday, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games began, with the U.S. leading the largest delegation, with 593 athletes competing. The American delegation includes five competitors from Northern Virginia — one of whom has already won a gold (one of just four U.S. golds so far) and silver medal for the Red, White, and Blue in Paris.
Three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, Arlington native and Yorktown High School graduate, swimmer Victoria “Torri” Huske, tragically failed to make the podium in the 100m Fly — by just onehundredth of a second. Huske persevered, however, and just this Sunday the Stanford Swimmer took home gold in the same event, pulling ahead of fellow USA teammate Gretchen Walsh with just moments left in the race. One day earlier she earned silver in the 4x100 Freestyle relay, representing her team in the third leg.
Huske graduated from Yorktown High School in 2021 after earning an extensive list of swimming accolades, including breaking six Virginia state records, winning 15 VHSL Class 6 championships, setting the national high school record
for the 200-yard individual medley, and becoming the first high schooler to ever beat 50 seconds in the 100yard butterfly. As swim captain her senior year, she led Yorktown to a state championship victory.
Claire Collins, a 27-year-old McLean native, will row for the United States in Women’s Eight on August 1, taking the six-seat, typically reserved for the strongest athletes. Collins attended boarding school in Massachusetts before committing to Princeton University for rowing. In 2019, her senior year at Princeton, she won the C. Otto Von Keinbusch Award as the college’s most outstanding female athlete — as well as a nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year. She placed seventh in the Women’s Four in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Thus far the USA Women’s Eight rowing team has failed to qualify for finals, but will compete on August 1 in a repechage round to potentially stay afloat.
A fencer hailing from Oakton, 21-year-old Hadley Husisian — also a Princeton Tiger — made her Olympic debut this past Saturday, competing in Women’s Épée Individual. Initially eking out a narrow comeback against Poland’s Pauline Brunner, she was later
defeated by Hong Kong’s Vivian Kong Man Wai, who went on to secure gold.
Husisian attended The Potomac School in McLean before committing to Princeton for fencing. After finding interest in fencing after watching an iCarly episode, Husisian started working with Fencing Sports Academy in Fairfax, then Elite Fencing Academy in Springfield.
In a brief interview with the News-Press just days before competing, Husisian detailed how her origins in Northern Virginia helped her blossom as a fencer.
“The Virginia-based fencing club system was really beneficial for getting me to where I am now,” Husisian said. “Now I train in the New York area, and it’s definitely a powerhouse. There are a lot of skilled fencers in the area. But I found that it was a more welcoming community in Virginia.”
Husisian credits her thriving fencing career, in part, to her high school. “The Potomac School was always very welcoming in terms of all the days of schools that I had to miss. They were quite accommodating to my schedule,” she said. “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to get to this level if I weren’t com-
peting nationally and internationally a great deal. Their flexibility with my tournament schedule was really necessary in order for me to get to achieve my dreams.”
On Tuesday Husisian competed in the Women’s Épée Team, coming in seventh place.
27-year-old runner Noah Lyles was born in Gainesville, FL, but moved to Alexandria, VA at around 11 years old. While attending Alexandria City High School, Lyles won gold in the 2014 Youth Olympic Games for the 200m sprint. This gained Lyles serious recognition, and in 2023 he took first place at the World Athletic Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m sprints. Lyles’ goal in Paris is to take home gold in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m races. Christian Tabash, also from Alexandria, is competing in the Paris Games as a rower for the Men’s Eight. The 25-year-old Harvard graduate attended Gonzaga College High School in D.C., and is proficient in five languages. 100 years ago, at the 1924 Olympic Games — also held in Paris — the USA Men’s Eight earned gold. Now, after taking first in their heat, the USA Men’s
Eight is seeking a historic reclamation of the gold medal, competing in the finals on August 3.
This year, the Olympic Games started on July 26 and will continue through August 11. Schedules, results, stories, and more can be found on the Paris Olympics website, and the games can be viewed live on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, or CNBC.
HUSKE,
Gretchen Walsh of the United States after winning
and silver
in the
en’s 100m butterfly final at La Defense Arena during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on Sunday, July 28, 2024. (Photo: James Hill, New York Times)
Best of Falls Church Finalists
Seafood
Clare and Don’s
Chasin Tails
Hot & Juicy
Takumi Sushi Roll play
Vegetarian
Loving Hut Saffron
Clare and Don’s Panjshir Haandi
Dinner Spot
Thompson Italian Ellie Bird The Falls Dogwood Tavern Harvey’s Pizza
Northside Social Cafe Kindred Harvey’s Dogwood Tavern Godfrey’s
Bar/Brewery
Solace Dominion
Audacious Aleworks Dogwood Tavern Spacebar
New Restaurant The Falls Godfreys Nue Roll Play Lantern House
Outside Dining
Clare and Don’s
Northside Social
Dogwood Tavern
Godfrey’s The Falls Brunch
Cafe Kindred The Falls
Northside Social Harveys
Treats and Sweets
Bakeshop Cafe Kindred
Northside Social Lil City Creamery Happy Tart
International Panjshir Nue Haandi Thompsons Takumi American
Dogwood Tavern Harvey’s The Falls Cafe Kindred Dominion
Burger
Elevation Burger Cafe Kindred Five Guys Dominion Harveys
Best of Falls Church Finalists
Professional Services
Sunstone Counseling
Glass House Recycling
BlueHuki
Artistry by Kelsea
Point of View
Mortgage/Bank
Truist
Burke and Herbert
PNC
Wells Fargo
Julie Andre
Real Estate Agent
Pam Micciche
Tori McKinney
Susan Tull O’Reilly
Albert Bitici
JD Callander
Chris Earman
Alison Miller
Real Estate Group
Rock Star Realty
The Bitici Group
JD Callander and Ed Blanchard
The Gaskins Team
Zemek & Co.
Dry Cleaners
Spectrum Cleaners
Hillwood Cleaners
Classic Cleaners
Dry Clean Nova
Merrifield Tailor & Organic Dry Clean
Doctor
Point of View
Northern Virginia Pediatrics
Capital Area Pediatrics
Diane Halpin
Kaiser Permanente
Dentist
Dr. Peterson Huang
Growing Smiles of
Northern Virginia
Comfort First Family
Dental
LP Dental
Dr. Love & Miller
Retirement Community
Kensington
Chesterbrook Residences
The Mather
Goodwin House
Vinson Hall
Hair Salon/Barbershop
Rooted Mane
Father and Son
Nash
Artistry by Kelsea
Neighborhood Barbershop
Private School
Acton Academy
Congressional
St James
Grace Christian Academy
Columbia Child Development Center
Home Improvement
Brown’s Hardware
Trivistausa
Schroeder Design Build
Marshall Roofers
House Doctors
Auto Integrity
Smokey’s Garage
Bill Page Toyota
Don Beyer Volvo
Herb’s Auto Repair
Nail/Day/Skin Spa
Rex Day Spa
Nothing in Between
Nail Bonita
4Ever Young Grace Nails
Gym/Fitness/Yoga
Karma Yoga
Alloy Personal Training
Balanced Female Fitness
Little Giant Muay Thai Functional Fitness
Best of Falls Church Finalists
Orthodontist
Berman and Masoud
Elizabeth Jones
Seth Feldman
Elite Orthodontist
New Business
Catherine Lee Florals
Alloy Personal Training 4Ever Young Godfrey’s Robert Thornburg
Builder/Remodeler
Zimmermann Homes Foxcraft Design TriVistaUSA
Design + Build Alair Homes Cottage Street Custom Homes Continued on Page 18
Tori Rocks Falls Church City Tori Rocks Falls Church City
Thank You, Tori McKinney for your tireless work & unwavering support!
Tori has always been my biggest supporter. From my successful city council campaign to my property management company, Tori’s energy and friendship have been an integral part of those ventures. I consider her one of my closest friends and personally feel she has given more to the greater Falls Church community than almost anyone else in the city’s history. She is kind, loving, funny and a force of nature. I have such a deep admiration for her business acumen and community service. She is truly one of a kind and someone that I consider one of my closest friends. And will for life. - Ross Litkenhous
Being your friend is one of my favorite things. You spread joy wherever you go. You bring people together with your generous spirit. Everything with you is better- more fun, more inclusive, more music! - Marybeth Connelly
For the many years that I have known Tori she has always been a work and music juggernaut. She gives back in many ways and does it so e ortlessly while smiling the whole time. - Richard Donohoe
Falls Church is a special place for many reasons. One of those reasons is Tori McKinney. Her support of the schools, teachers, small businesses, business owners and sta , the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, musicians, and the wider community is unsurpassed. It is an honor to know her and call her friend. - Sally Cole
Tori, I have enjoyed working with you and getting to know you for over 6 years. Your enthusiasm and zest for life is contagious. You are a visionary with incredible energy and fun ideas. You are extremely generous. Happy Birthday to you, Tori, you amazing human, you uplift this world with music and merriment! - Laura Chaves
Love you, you sweet, live-music-loving, ray of sunshine! What a pleasure it's been knowing you all these years and working with you on the Tinner Hill Music Festival. Your presence there will be sorely missed, but I know I'll see you out and about listening to music! XOXO - Sherry Grimes
As a longtime resident of Falls Church City, Tori has put so much of her time and self in promoting the Little City. I refer to her as the “assistant mayor”. Her love for the schools and community shows with her volunteering and support of numerous events and sponsorships. - Rob Denza
Tori fills everything she does with so much energy and joy, lighting up the Falls Church City community! Volunteering with her on the Tinner Hill Music Festival for years was an absolute blast. Her presence and smile have brightened countless parties and events. She's also a wonderful friend who brings warmth and love to everyone she meets. - Melissa Robison
Tori - You are a force! Congrats on an amazing Tinner Hill run, and on everything you did to elevate it to the next level! It's a wonder how much you've given back over the years; we're lucky to have you as part of the FC community! Your incredible energy, positivity and zest for life have left a mark, which is easy to see in the large team that you've inspired to work and volunteer with y Personally, one of my favorite parts of THMF was having the time to get to know you better and check out some fun music together! Looking forward to many more great chats and tunes! Happy birthday! Love, Mariam - Mariam Garriga Tori, Thank you for all that you do for our community, our schools, our teachers, and the Choral Boosters (specifically sponsoring the Music Trivia Night, and inviting our singers to the Tree Lighting Festival). Falls Church City would not be what it is without Tori McKinney! Thank you for your patience while we looked for the perfect home in FCC! And for partnering with us on other real estate endeavors. You are such a joy and THE gem of Falls Church City! We love you! Cheers!
- Kimberly Nevitt & Jamie Pizzirusso
To have a big sister like Tori McKinney, is a privilege, and an honor. From her taking me under her wing when I moved here 15 years ago, introducing me to the Falls Church City community, and introducing me to one of the best events that our Little City hosts annually; Tinner Hill Music Festival. She puts her passion, creativity, sweat and tears into this amazing event, and created such a solid road map for the years to come, and future success. Thank you, my beautiful sister, Tori McKinney for all that you do! - Corinne Brown
To my sistah from anudder mudder, thank you for: being at that nearly post COVID Chamber lunch at Dominion, listening to what I had to say when I introduced myself, telling me "we should talk", hiring me (sort of ) but more importantly, becoming my insta, tea-drinking, music loving friend. You've helped make the most di icult transition in my life infinitely m wonderful. Love you girlfriend.- Fredda Hurwitz
I'm so grateful for Tori's friendship and her love of celebrations and infectious positive energy. One of my favorite memories is driving a few of us out to a winery on a beautiful day in January in 2022 to celebrate my bday with packed car of snacks. We got a bit lost along the way but a great conversation on the journey and when we reached our destination she brought out the champagne . A really special bday memory. Glad we can toast you tonight and all the love and positive energy you bring to all of us and your community. - Miriam Turner
Working with Tori is a joy - her energy and love for her community shows in everything she does. Our ROCK STAR realty group is more than just a team, we truly are a family. Tori is front and center of our “band” - always there to help, motivate, and inspire us. As Executive Producer of Tinner Hill Music Festival, she brought the festival to new heights. Tori spoke “Tinner Hill” for months of the year, encouraging others to participate and get involved. Her leadership, krewe of volunteers, and of friends and sponsors is what made the festival an epic success. Tori - Thank You for all you do, Falls Church City is a better place because of YOU! You ROCK! - Natalie Wrenn
Tori, Happiest of birthdays to one of the most dynamic and genuine people I know. You are such an asset to this community and have helped so many of us at so many stages of our lives in the little city. I will be forever grateful for your work to help me find my first house as a single mom. Your guidance was critical at a rather di icult time. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and find time celebrate it in style. Love you girl! - Mandy Lindly
ou. for ore her tribe to
What can I say about Tori. She is the face of Falls Church City and has been for a long time. Her constant generosity and involvement in all aspects of our community speaks volumes about her character and her love for this city. Taking on the reins of Tinner Hill Music Festival and building it up to the success it has enjoyed for the past 5 years is nothing short of amazing. Now add in the part where I am part of the Tori clan and family is just a wonderful added bonus. And also, Tori gives the absolute best hugs….period! XOXO - Chris Thompson
Tori - Thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless e orts in supporting and uplifting the Falls Church City community and beyond. Your compassion and hard work have made a profound impact on countless lives. Your commitment to making a di erence is inspiring and appreciated by all of us. Thank you! - Drew Harmon
Best of Falls Church Finalists
Specialty Store
Catherine Lee Florals
Botanologica
Stylish Patina
Doodlehopper 4 Kids
Brown’s Hardware
Physical Therapists/ Chiropractor
Vigeo Physical Therapy
Bodies in Motion PT
Sports PT Lab
Body Dynamics
Pivot
Live Entertainment
State Theater
Virginia Dream FC
Creative Cauldron
Clare and Don’s
JV’s Restaurant
Therapist
Tara Amor
Sunstone Counseling
Dani Fein
Brainstorm Speech Therapy
Yasmeen Richards
Pet Services
Dude’s Dog House & Spa
Unleashed Abilities
Barkley Square
Dogtopia
Posh Pets
Property Management
Peake
Bozzuto
Globe Trotter Properties
LIG Management
Mill Creek Residential
Landscapers/Garden services
Merrifield Garden Center
Pimmit Hills Pollinators
Meadow Farms
Little Foot
Great Outdoors
Architect
Matt Lee
Moore Architects
Walter Crain
DuBro Architects
Hemphill Associates
Camp Rodef Shalom
Creative Cauldron Camp
FALLS CHURCH NEWS BRIEFS
Spate of F.C. Council Meetings Canceled in August
A spate of committee meetings of the Falls Church City Council scheduled for August have been canceled, it was announced today. The August 14 and 21 meetings of the mayor’s agenda meetings, the August 16 meeting of the budget and finance committee and the August 27 meeting of the Council’s economic development committee have all been canceled.
However, next Monday’s meeting of the full City Council on August 5 is still on, as is the August 7 meeting of the Planning Commission when it will get its first crack at commenting on the plan to develop an ordinance to make easier the addition of Accessory Dwellings (ADs) to homeowner properties in the City.
Youngkin Endorses Kaine Opponent in Senate Race
“Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has not only officially endorsed my opponent, he’s also fundraising for his effort to unseat me,” reports Sen. Tim Kaine, running for re-election this year. Hung Cao is Kaine’s opponent.
Kaine wrote this week, “My team is working around the clock to keep Virginia blue, traveling to every corner of the Commonwealth, reaching out to Democratic and undecided voters, and making sure every Virginian knows the stakes of this election.”
Fairfax Postpones Action On Data Centers
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has postponed all public hearings set for this week, including a pivotal vote on proposed data center regulations, to Sept. 10 due to a staff error, it has been reported.
The delay will also affect public hearings held at the board’s last meeting on July 16. It stems from a “regulatory oversight” related to new rules for advertising public hearings that the Virginia General Assembly passed earlier this year, the county announced. The changes intended to standardize notice requirements for public meetings and hearings took effect on July 1.
“Unfortunately, due to staff error, the advertisements for public hearings on July 16 and for those scheduled for today did not meet these new requirements,” Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said during the board meeting. “Therefore, the public hearings for today must be rescheduled to Sept. 10 and the
public hearings held on July 16 will need to be held again, also on Sept. 10.”
Russian Press Credentials Revoked at Olympics
Russia’s state-run TASS news agency said the Olympic organizing committee revoked accreditations for four of its journalists in Paris on Sunday and that the committee attributed the move to a decision by French authorities but gave Moscow no further explanation.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin’s office declined to comment on the case but noted that decisions to withdraw accreditation lie with the Games’ organizer, Paris 2024, based on information provided by the government.
TASS quoted its own public communications and international projects department as saying the move came as a surprise and that the four had entered Paris without incident. Three of those affected had covered the opening ceremony and some other events without any complaints from organizers, TASS added.
Russia is traditionally one of the top Olympic medal winners, but the Paris Games are not being shown on Russian state television and only 15 Russians are competing following a ban imposed over the war in Ukraine.
Russians and Belarusians can compete at the Games only as individuals with no flag, and had to pass a screening process designed to root out anyone who has publicly supported the war or military.
TASS said Paris had previously declined to accredit some Russian journalists for the Olympics and said the French had expressed fears about espionage.
Fairfax Police Helping At Paris Olympics
“The Summer Olympic Games have officially kicked off with a schedule full of sporting events. While we look forward to cheering on the athletes who represent us on the world stage, we also are looking forward to cheering on our very own Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers who will be in Paris providing key security during the games,” according to a statement this week by Fairfax Board of Supervisors’ chair Jeff McKay.
“Fairfax County officers will be working alongside French officers to help with transportation, foreign assistance, and overall public safety. Before departing to Paris, our FCPD officers underwent additional training in first aid, explosive ordnance detection, intelligence briefings, and familiarization with international police practices,” McKay added. “The French government will cover all costs associated with the trip.”
News-Press
Community News & Notes
14th Annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest August 3
The 14th Annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest, hosted by the American Legion Post 130, will take place this Saturday, August 3, at 1:00 p.m.
Onsite registration for the contest is open to the public, with fee, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Instruction and practice on proper throwing technique and safety will be provided.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, which will last until approximately 5:00 p.m.
The American Legion Post 130 is located at 400 N. Oak St. in Falls Church. Free parking is available.
Innovative Program Fights
Dementia With Animatronics
Capital Caring Health, part of the nation’s largest not-forprofit advanced illness care and hospice provider — Chapters Health System, and Ageless Innovation, the makers of the award-winning “Joy for All Companion Pets,” are distributing companion pets to Veterans with dementia, and those suffering from feelings of social isolation and loneliness as part of their innovative “Robotic Pets for Vets” program.
Beginning in 2021, Capital Caring Health has been partnering with Ageless Innovation, the pet manufacturer, to provide Joy for All Companion Pets to Veterans in Capital Caring Health’s service area in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and nationwide. To date, Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program has distributed more than 3,000 robotic companion pets — which provide joy, companionship, emotional support, and more to Veterans, will expand to deliver 1,000+ companion pets to Veterans living in Long-Term Care Centers across the nation.
There are 171 Long-Term Care Centers throughout the United States; these imperative homes provide a comfortable environment and extensive care for vulnerable Veterans across
the United States. Of those living in Long-Term Care Centers, more than fifty percent have a diagnosis of dementia and/or experience feelings of social isolation and loneliness. This revolutionary initiative aims to combat said challenges via the distribution of care packages of Companion Pets to those impacted.
Thanks to a generous bequest from Mary Stowe Boyd to Capital Caring Health, six robotic pets, three dogs and three cats, will be distributed to each of the 171 state-administered Long-Term Care Centers for Veterans.
“Joy for All Companion Pets” from Ageless Innovation are lifelike robotic animals designed to simulate the presence and behaviors of real pets. Equipped with advanced features like realistic fur, responsive movements, and interactive sounds, these companions offer a unique and interactive experience, providing emotional support and comfort to individuals who may be unable to care for live pets. More than a dozen clinical studies from AARP, UnitedHealthcare, and other trusted sources have shown that they have the ability to enhance the lives of older adults living with social isolation, loneliness, and forms of cognitive decline including Alzheimer’s and dementia. The pets, through many clinical studies and firsthand experience at Capital Caring Health, are proven to improve the quality of life of Veterans and others suffering from dementia and loneliness.
Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program has recognized that Veterans, as well as older adults in general, can be positively impacted by Companion Pets. Through the significant distribution of Companion Pets through Capital Caring Health’s “Robotic Pets for Vets” program, Capital Caring Health Care Teams have routinely heard and seen how life-changing these Companion Pets can be for the recipient and their caretakers.
“Veterans and their families
ALISON MILLER OF KW-United hosted the monthly networking mixer for the F.C. Chamber at Solace Outpost on Tuesday, Jul 23. (Photo: Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce)
ALLOY PERSONAL Training hosted a Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening at their new location in The Little City on July 20. (Photo: Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce)
have access to many support services, but most of these do not provide for the evidence-based and lasting joy to Veterans similar to the robotic companion pets,” said Steve Cone, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Capital Caring Health.
“At Ageless Innovation, our meaningful partnership with Capital Caring Health allows us to reach a remarkable group of individuals that are deserving of comfort, and companionship,” said Jim Murphy, SVP of Healthcare at Ageless Innovation. “The impact of the “Robotic Pets for Vets” program thus far has been vast, and we’re confident that the delivery of even more companion pets will only further that impact among Veterans across the nation.”
For additional information, visit CapitalCaring.org and AgelessInnovation.com.
Tori McKinney Recognized On Birthday by Mayor Hardi
At an event celebrating her birthday last Friday at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, local realtor Tori McKinney of Rock Star Realty Group was presented with a letter of recognition by Mayor Letty Hardi. The letter read as follows:
“Dear Tori,
“On the occasion of your birthday, we are writing to express our heartfelt appreciation and recognition for your outstanding contributions and dedicated support to the City of Falls Church and the surrounding community. Your leadership as a community advocate and philanthropist makes our Little City a better place.
“Thank you for your many years of service on the City’s Housing Commission, including service as Vice Chair. The work of the Housing Commission was instrumental in advancing housing initiatives and improving the quality of life for our community
members.
“Your exceptional service as the Executive Producer of the Tinner Hill Music Festival from 2018 to 2024 deserves special commendation. The event not only showcased outstanding musical talent, but generated substantial proceeds to support the ongoing programming of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation. Your work as a Board Member of the Heritage Foundation exemplified your deep-rooted commitment to cultural preservation and community.
“The lives of City residents have also been greatly enriched by your support for the Falls Church City Public Schools, the Falls Church Education Foundation, and your participation in numerous City events. Your generosity has played an integral role in providing opportunities and fostering a welcoming and nurturing environment for members of our community.
“Thank you for your commitment and contributions to Falls Church. Happy Birthday!
“With warm regard,
“Mayor Letty Hardi”
VA Falls to NC in Little League Softball Tournament
Local student at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, Vilija Plummer, joined the rest of the Virginia Little League Softball Team to represent the Commonwealth in the Southeast Regional Tournament in July.
In their first game of the tournament on July 21, Virginia beat West Virginia 14 to 0. After narrowly losing to Florida, 3 to 4, on July 22, the team continued to beat Georgia on July 23, 8 to 5, beat West Virginia a second time, this time 6 to 3, on July 24, and beat Florida 10 to 0 on July 25, earning Virginia a place in the final championship, where they ultimately lost to North Carolina on July 26.
LOCAL
FALLS
THE VIRGINIA LITTLE League Softball Team, pictured being interviewed by ESPN, nearly won the Southeast Regional Tournament, before falling to North Carolina on July 26. (Photo: Rohini Winters)
LOCAL REALTOR TORI MCKINNEY was presented a letter of recognition by Mayor Letty Hardi for her birthday at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack last Friday. (News-Press Photo)
T h e LGB T Q + R e ach
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
Jane Doe vs. FCPS
On March 4, America First Legal — a firm lead by former Trump aide Stephen Miller — filed a lawsuit against Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) on behalf of an unnamed (now former) student at Oakton High School, claiming that FCPS policies that are inclusive of Transgender and Nonbinary students, such as referring to students by their preferred pronouns, violate the student’s legal rights.
The group has also filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against companies with policies it calls “woke,” including one filed against The Walt Disney Company that alleges their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards discriminate against white American men, Christians, and Jews. On the America First website, several charts — showing an increase in female and non-white employment — are provided as “evidence” of this discrimination.
The complaint against FCPS accuses the school board of “attempting to coerce its students ‘into pledging verbal allegiance to ideological views that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.’” It says this “runs afoul of the Virginia Constitution’s robust protections for religious liberty; it violates the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act; and it violates the right to freedom of speech.”
The complaint continues to say that, though the Commonwealth has an interest in protecting students from harassment and bullying, it also “has an interest in preventing localities from using regulations and threats of enforcement from chilling and stifling speech by students, including on controversial topics.”
The complaint relies heavily on “Vlaming vs. West Point School Board,” a case ruled on by the Virginia Supreme Court last December. In this case the court ruled in favor of Peter Vlaming, a teacher who had been fired from West Point after refusing to use a Trans student’s preferred pronouns, though he had previously agreed to use their preferred name. The (very) conservative court also made sure to refer to “the ongoing public debate regarding gender dysphoria,” indicating that public opinion — not scientific experts — was driving their decision.
For months, FCPS has moved to have this case dismissed, claiming that because the complaining student was never disciplined in any way under the policy — and because she is no longer a student — she has no standing for a legal complaint. Though at first it seemed this argument would prevail, in June the Youngkin administration got involved, with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares filing an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs.
Former FCPS Pride President Robert
Rigby discussed the case on a blog post, where he said that “per America First Legal, [FCPS policies] ‘violates their free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution’ despite the fact that the policy does not ask the student named Doe to actually do anything; it does not affect her directly. Because she disagrees with it, Doe says that it ‘burdens her rights to express disagreement with it.’”
Rigby says the case, at its heart, is an attempt to establish the right to a “theocratic veto.” He says that in his brief, Miyares “appears to argue that simple disagreement on religious grounds to a law or policy gives a person the right to ask a court to invalidate the law. He demands a supremacy of religious belief in the elimination of the choices of the elected legislatures rather than a less intrusive accommodation for religious beliefs.”
On June 28, Fairfax County responded to the complaint.
“At its core, this case attempts to use the Supreme Court of Virginia’s decision in ‘Vlaming’... as a preemptive sword against disfavored policies. But ‘Vlaming’ is not a sword to be wielded to strike down general laws that might offend a particular religious belief. It is, instead, a shield requiring accommodation of those religious beliefs. The Amicus Brief misconstrues the School Board’s policies, missapplies ‘Vlaming,’ and otherwise confirms that the Petitioner states no claim for relief under Virginia law.
“First, the School Board policies at issue do not pose any burden on Doe’s alleged, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, nor compel her speech. The Amicus Brief reaches mightily to stitch together a construction of the School Board’s policies that requires Doe to state or do certain things that offend her religion; however, those ring hollow. And, in doing so, the Amicus Brief reinforces how different this case is from ‘Vlaming.’
As opposed to “Vlaming,” in which a specific school policy was applied to a specific real-life situation, FCPS says that “here, Petitioner Doe offers theoretical and speculative harms, with nothing concrete to establish a real controversy. Petitioner has not been punished in any application of an existing policy. Petitioner has not alleged that anyone else has been punished for what she claims is a policy compelling students to speak in a certain way on gender identity issues. Nor does Petitioner allege that anyone has threatened her or anyone else with punishment for failing to do so, nor even instructed her or anyone else to do so. Thus, the Petitioner asserts an unreasonable, subjective, and speculative fear of reprisal that cannot allege a burden on her constitutional rights.”
That last part is important, and troubling. Just like a “panic defense,” this is an attempt to open the floodgates for legally bullying and discriminating against LGBTQ+ people — with impunity.
Falls Church Business News & Notes
Chicken Salad Chick Ribbon Cutting
Chicken Salad Chick will celebrate its grand opening in Idywood Plaza with the Falls Church Chamber hosting the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 7 with Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik and members of Falls Church City Council. The doors will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Devon Chamberlain, a local social worker, is opening her first location in Idylwood Plaza with both her father and father-in-law. This is the first of several franchises she plans to open in Northern Virginia. There are various promotions running August 7, 9, and 10. The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. — 8:00 p.m. Kevin and Stacy Brown founded the restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, and it is headquartered in Atlanta.
Northrop Among the Best
U.S. News and World Report has released its list of the top 300 “Best Companies to Work For” and Northrop Grumman was among them. The aerospace, defense and security company has previously made the lists for the Best in Transportation and Best Companies in the South. It employs 100,000 people in all 50 states as well as 21 countries with its home base in Falls Church. This is the second year that the publication has put the list out, showcasing how companies meet the needs of their employees.
Attention Job Seekers & Employers
Fairfax County has activated a resource, TalentUp, for both job seekers and employers in the City of Falls Church, City of Fairfax, and Fairfax County. The recruiting program provides temp-to-permanent interns for high-demand positions at no cost. Employers may complete an interest form or contact Robert Mahon at 571279-1801. Job seekers may complete the TalentUp application or contact Suzanne Boudreaux at 703-397-6577 or Anna Briceno at 703-397-7799. The website is talentupfairfax.com, and questions may be directed to talentupfairfax@vcwnorthern.com.
Local Company Joins Accelerator Program
Canopie, in Falls Church has been invited to participate in the fall cohort of the Lighthouse Labs accelerator program in Richmond. The program provides $20,000 in equity-free funding and weekly educational programming, as well as mentoring from its network and connections with local partners and investors. Canopie is a telehealth startup offering maternal mental health services in English and Spanish. It is among seven Virginia-based startups, four of which are in Fairfax County.
Inova Construction to Begin
Falls Church-based Inova plans to begin construction on two new hospitals in August. The two will replace Alexandria Hospital on Seminary Road with one location in the former Landmark Mall site of Alexandria and the other in the FranconiaSpringfield area. The expected completion is the later part of 2028.
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
THIS WEEK AROUND F.C.
THURSDAY
AUGUST 1
Big Howdy
Big Howdy performs bluegrass music. Part of the free Summer Concerts in the Park series, Thursdays through August 8, co-hosted by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and F.C. Recreation and Parks. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Noises
Off
A manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called "Nothing's On." Tickets at keegantheatre. com. Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY AUGUST 2
Vox Pop
Vox Pop — a seven-person, acappella group renowned for their high-energy, entertaining live performances — performs. Tickets at creativecauldron.org. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY AUGUST 3
Arlington Civitans
Open Air Flea Market
One of the area's largest and oldest public flea markets, with over 150 vendors selling a variety of goods, spread out over five levels of a parking garage. Proceeds support causes espoused by Civitans. I-66 Parking Garage (4001 15th Street North, Arlington, VA), 7:00 a.m. Falls Church Farmers Market
Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Wes Iseli Magic Show
Wes Iseli and his family perform a magic and illusion show loaded with
audience participation, comedy routines, and animal effects. Tickets available at the front desk starting at 10:00 a.m. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest
14th Annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest. Onsite registration is open to the public, with fee, and begins at 11:00 a.m. Food and drink available for purchase. American Legion Post 130 (400 N. Oak St., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Be Steadwell: Queer Love Songs
Be Steadwell and friends put on a show featuring a mix of classic love songs and original music, including tunes by Bonnie Raitt, Whitney, Smokey, and music from their album, "Queer Love Songs," including "Greens" and "Netflix". LGBTQIA2+ folks and allies welcome. Tickets at creativecauldron. org. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY
AUGUST 4
Swingology @ Westover Market
Enjoy farmers market shopping, grab a bite from one of the many wonderful vendors, and sit back and enjoy a free performance by Swingology. Westover Library Plaza (1644 North McKinley Road, Arlington, VA), 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
MONDAY AUGUST 5
City Council Work Session
City Council Work Sessions are open to the public and held the first and third Monday of the month, except August and December when one meeting is held. The public is not generally invited to speak. Watch live or on-demand at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings or on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
AUGUST 6
National Night Out
Join the F.C. Police Department for National Night Out, an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Enjoy free food and beverages from local restaurants, games, giveaways, and more. Free and open to the public. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
AUGUST 7
Ask the Council Session
The public is welcome to attend this session to meet with Council members and ask questions in an informal setting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Planning Commission meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
Soft
Power
Hilarious and biting, this political satire dares to ask: Does American Democracy still work? And is it worth believing in? Tickets at sigtheatre.org. Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY AUGUST 8
Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines
Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines perform. Part of the free Summer Concerts in the Park series, Thursdays through August 8, co-hosted by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and F.C. Recreation and Parks. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
THE WORKS OF 76 local artists — all members of Falls Church Arts (with last names beginning with M-Z) — are on display through August 18 in the FCA gallery, as part of this year's FCA All-Member Show. (Pictured: "Goldie and the Tanks" by Casey Wait)
by Patricia Leslie
I laughed (a lot), and I cried, too (though not much) at Little Theater of Alexandria’s “Memphis,” an emotional roller-coaster musical, an outstanding performance, filled with song and dance to tell the story of a Memphis DJ who got his successful broadcasting start as a white man in a black man’s world of music.
“Memphis” is loosely based on the 1950s life of Dewey Phillips (1926 - 1968) and stars Xander Conte who absolutely steals the show as the subject, “Huey Calhoun.”
Conte is the adorable, Willie Nelson-like figure, an elfish-sort of character, and the host of a nightly radio show, “Red, Hot and Blue,”which has been languishing in low listener numbers until, until ...He decides to play what the listeners want to hear, not what the radio station owner thinks he should play (Perry Como — Who’s that? At the Little Theatre, he’s Bill Barnes who delivers a good rendition of the crooner for those who remember Como (1912-2001).)
Floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee hillbilly style, Conte dives, he bends, he rocks on his toes, he swirls all around, never in
one place for long (nor do I recall that he ever stood up straight), while gradually enchanting a black female singer, Felicia Farrell (Khanner Hancock) whose rise to stardom Huey promotes throughout the show.
Huey crashes a black nightclub, Delray’s, on Beale Street, the famed Memphis landmark associated with the blues. After Delray’s, Huey proceeds to “adopt” the black music for his own radio show, but hold it! The radio station owner, Mr. Simmons (Peter Fannon) has other ideas until the ratings arrive and they talk! Like money! Big money!
Huey’s ratings soar. And so does Mr. Simmons’s flexibility. So much for change resistance.
Otega Okurume is “Delray,” who immediately rejects Huey’s intrusion at his club and, as the show proceeds, Delray becomes increasingly angry and frustrated over Huey’s affinity for his sister, Felicia, a singer seeking a break in the music business herself.
The overbearing Delray keeps a watchful eye on Huey to make sure he doesn’t overstep his bounds.
(Which, of course, he does, but Felicia likes Huey’s “advances.” )
“Bobby” (Lavender Brio), is an energetic side show with a voice and presence who shows Huey how to
read, thus starting a long relationship.
Kemuel Van Der Puije is “Gator,” a silent star who saves Huey’s thrashing by Delray when Felicia gets beat up by some racists who spot Huey and Felicia sharing a kiss. (After all, it is the 1950s when interracial signs of affection were not tolerated.)
The play has many domineering actors like Calhoun’s mother, Nikki Arbiter-Murphy, whose offensive words and demeaning language aim to hurt but it doesn’t take long for “Mums” to turn around.
Soon enough, New York City beckons and Felicia, wanting to boost her career, wants to go, but Huey resists (what’s this about change?). Felicia knows the Big Apple would be more tolerant of their interracial relationship than the Memphis environment, and besides, she “may make it!” She lands a gig and Huey’s new television show does, too.
What’s to stop love?
The racial themes in the show are pervasive undercurrents, not too dominant or numerous to detract from enjoyment of the show but enough to sensitize viewers that discrimination is to be acknowledged and eventually, overcome (we hope!).
To add in-depth experience and
live music, Scott Richards leads a band of eight behind-the-scenes while Richards plays keyboard.
Other cast members are Christian Wilson, Darren Badley, Alyshia Bradley, Amber Champ, Anthony Davis, Makayla Davis, Kaya Harrison, Alexis Hooks, Jummy Lash and Andrea Trent.
Also, Brook Urquhart, Carla Wheaden, Matt Dunne, Maria Ciarrocchi, Daniela Eckert, Emma Lawson, Isabella Littleton, Nathan Nichipor, Rylan Snyder, and Garrett Rinker.
Creative team members include Stefan Sittig, choreographer of dance, intimacy and fighting; Eleanore Tapscott and Jennifer Thomas, producers; Jennifer Hardin and Caitlin O’Leary, stage managers; Julie Fischer, set design; Geoffrey Baskir, properties design; Ken and Patti Crowley, lighting; David Correia,
sound; Farrell Hartigan, costumes; Robin Worthington, wardrobe; Kadira Coley, assistant director, and Larissa Norris, makeup and hair.
Director Rikki Howie Lacewell writes in program notes that the show “dares to shatter boundaries and challenge societal norms” since music “has the power to unite and inspire.” It can happen to you, too! “Memphis” ran on Broadway from 2009 to 2012 and won four Tonys in 2010, including Best Musical. Some of the language makes it a “PG13” performance.
LTA is at 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria 22314. The show runs through August 10, Thursday though Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $39, with fees included. Call the box office at 703-683-0496, the main office, 703-683-5778, or email boxoffice@ thelittletheatre.com.
XANDER CONTE, Lavender Brio and Peter Fannon in Little Theatre of Alexandria’s ‘Memphis’. (Photo: Matthew Randall)
Signing of Fusion Energy Act Hailed
Falls Church’s U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. joined his colleagues, co-chairs of the Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus Lori Trahan (D-Ma), Jay Obernolte (R-Ca), and Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tn) to celebrate the signing of their Fusion Energy Act this month.
The bipartisan legislation was included along with the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act in the text of S. 870, broad energy legislation which passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support.
The Fusion Energy Act will codify the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to establish a regulatory framework for fusion machines under its byproduct materials framework, improving regulatory certainty for fusion research firms to promote the development of fusion technology.
“The Fusion Energy Act is bipartisan legislation that will foster innovation by providing regulatory certainty to help bring fusion power to the grid once we have made the necessary technological advances,” said Rep. Beyer, who has been the single strongest proponent of fusion power in the U.S. Congress. “It is important that government help and not hinder
efforts to unlock the incredible potential of fusion. I’m thrilled to see this bill signed into law, and will continue to do all I can to advance fusion research and development.
“Unlocking commercial fusion energy will lower energy costs for working families, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and protect our planet for generations to come. With the bipartisan Fusion Energy Act now law, that long-sought breakthrough is closer than it’s ever been,” added Rep. Trahan.
“I’m grateful to my Fusion Caucus co-chairs who were instrumental in advancing this landmark law that will help the United States win the fusion race.”
“The adoption of clean fusion energy will lower energy costs for American families, dramatically lower emissions, and enhance our country’s national security,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte. “Now that the Fusion Energy Act has been signed into law, we are one step closer to making fusion energy a reality.
The efforts of my colleagues in the Fusion Caucus were instrumental in passing this bipartisan and bicameral legislation, and I look forward to continuing our work together to realize the incredible potential of fusion energy.”
“New nuclear is the critical key to securing America’s future economic prosperity, national security, and energy independence. We need to take full advantage of the groundbreaking developments in new nuclear and fusion research now to lay the firm foundation that will secure America’s nuclear preeminence for the rest of the 21st Century,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann. “I thank my Fusion Caucus co-chairs for their close collaboration and my bipartisan colleagues who joined us in passing our vital bill and this larger nuclear package into law.”
In addition to codifying the NRC’s vote last year, the Fusion Energy Act also ensures that the NRC will promulgate a unique regulatory framework for licensing commercial fusion devices to streamline the implementation of commercial fusion. It also requires the NRC to report to Congress on its plans to expedite the licensing process for fusion energy devices.
Prior to NRC’s vote in April, the lawmakers wrote to NRC encouraging them to “expeditiously establish a regulatory framework for commercial fusion facilities that ensures public health and safety, while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden and uncertainty.
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER GEN, UNDER § 56-585.1 A 6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF RIDERS B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, AND US-4 PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1 A 7 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2024-00097
On June 4, 2024, pursuant to Code § 56 585.1 A 6 and Code § 56 585.1 A 7, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a petition (“Petition”):
1. For approval of a new rate adjustment clause, designated Rider GEN, to recover the costs associated with: (i) the Company’s Altavista, Hopewell, and Southampton biomass units, (ii) the Brunswick County Power Station, (iii) the Greensville County Power Station, (iv) the Scott Solar, Whitehouse Solar, and Woodland Solar facilities (collectively, “US-2 Solar Facilities”), (v) the Colonial Trail West Solar and Spring Grove 1 Solar facilities (collectively, “US-3 Solar Facilities”), (vi) the Sadler Solar facility (“US-4 Solar Facility”), and (vii) a proposed liquified natural gas (“LNG”) storage facility and related transmission interconnection facilities (“LNG Storage Facility”) (collectively, the “Rider GEN Facilities”) (“Request 1”);
2. For approval to consolidate Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4, resulting in: (i) the recovery of costs associated with the Rider GEN Facilities through the new Rider GEN rate adjustment clause; and (ii) the withdrawal of Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4, effective April 1, 2025 (“Request 2”);
3. For approval to extend the currently approved Rider BW rate for the rate year commencing September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2024, until March 31, 2025 (“Request 3”);
4. For approval of a biennial update procedure for Rider GEN with approval of two initial consecutive rate years: (i) April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026 (“Rate Year 1”); and (ii) April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027 (“Rate Year 2”) (“Request 4”); and
5. For approval to project rate base, depreciation expense, and certain other costs into the rate year, and relief from the requirement to use the stipulated methodology approved in Case No. PUE-2015-00059, in this and future revenue requirements for Rider GEN and other cases on a going-forward basis (“Request 5”).
In Case No. PUE-2011-00073, the Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for major unit modifications of theAltavista, Hopewell, and Southampton biomass units, and Rider B for the recovery of costs associated with the modifications. The units became operational in 2013. Since that initial application, Dominion has filed annual or biennial Rider B updates. Rider B was last approved in Case No. PUR-2022-00088, which adopted rate years commencing April 1, 2023, and ending March 31, 2025.
The Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Brunswick County Power Station, and Rider BW for the recovery of costs associated with the station, in Case No. PUE-2012-00128. The Brunswick County Power Station became operational in 2016. Since its initial application, Dominion has filed annual or biennial Rider BW updates. Rider BW was last approved in Case No. PUR-2021-00239, which adopted rate years commencing September 1, 2022, and ending August 31, 2024.
The Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Greensville County Power Station, and Rider GV for the recovery of costs associated with the station, in Case No. PUE-2015-00075. The Greensville County Power Station became operational in 2018. Since that initial application, Dominion has filed annual or biennial Rider GV updates. Rider GV was last approved in Case No. PUR-2023-00094, which adopted rate years commencing April 1, 2024, and ending March 31, 2026.
In Case No. PUE-2015-00104, the Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the US-2 Solar Facilities, and Rider US-2 for the recovery of costs associated with the US-2 Solar Facilities. The facilities became operational in 2016. Since that initial application, Dominion has filed annual or biennial Rider US-2 updates. Rider US-2 was last approved in Case No. PUR-202200164, which adopted rate years commencing September 1, 2023, and ending August 31, 2025.
In Case No. PUR-2018-00101, the Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the US-3 Solar Facilities, and Rider US-3 for the recovery of costs associated with the US-3 Solar Facilities, subject to certain conditions and requirements, including a performance guarantee. Colonial Trail West Solar became operational in 2019, and Spring Grove 1 Solar became operational in 2020. Since its initial petition, Dominion has filed annual Rider US 3 updates. Rider US 3 was last approved in Case No. PUR-2023-00137, which adopted a rate year commencing June 1, 2024, and ending May 31, 2025.
In Case No. PUR-2019-00105, the Commission approved a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the US-4 Solar Facility, and Rider US-4 for the recovery of costs associated with the US-4 Solar Facility, subject to certain conditions and requirements, including a performance guarantee. The US-4 Facility became operational in 2021. Since its initial petition, Dominion has filed annual Rider US-4 updates. Rider US-4 was last approved in Case No. PUR-2023-00138, which adopted a rate year commencing June 1, 2024, and ending May 31, 2025.
Dominion is seeking approval to construct and operate the LNG Storage Facility in Case No. PUR-2024-00096. Dominion asserts that the LNG Storage Facility would consist of LNG production, storage, and regasification facilities and would serve as a backup fuel source for the Brunswick County Power Station and Greensville County Power Station to support the stations’ operations and improve the reliability of the Company’s fleet. It is expected to be operational in 2027. Dominion is seeking to recover the costs of the LNG Storage Facility through Rider GEN. According to the Company, any revenue requirement associated with the LNG Storage Facility is contingent upon the Commission’s approval in Case No. PUR-2024-00096.
With respect to Request 1, Dominion seeks approval of a new rate adjustment clause, designated Rider GEN, to recover the costs associated with the certain generating units. Specifically, Dominion seeks approval of actual and projected capital and operation and maintenance (“O&M”) expenditures for the biomass units, Brunswick County Power Station, Greensville County Power Station, the US-2 Solar Facilities, the US-3 Solar Facilities, and the US-4 Solar Facility, and approval of projected capital and O&M expenditures for the LNG Storage Facility, subject to subsequent true ups. In support thereof, Dominion provides: (i) a five year budget plan for the Rider GEN Facilities based on expected O&M expenditures, including costs for expected operating levels, staffing, planned outages, and minor capital improvements; and (ii) a five-year budget plan for expected capital expenditures associated with facility operations. The Company also provides construction cost reports for the US-3 Solar Facilities, the US-4 Solar Facility, and the LNG Storage Facility. As the other facilities have been operational for several years, projected construction expenditures are not included for those facilities. The Company also provides information on the performance for the US-3 Solar Facilities for the 2023 calendar year, and the performance of the US-4 Solar Facility for the period July 6, 2022 through December 31, 2023. With respect to Request 2, Dominion seeks approval to consolidate Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4, resulting in the recovery of costs of the Rider GEN Facilities through Rider GEN. Such consolidation would also result in the withdrawal of Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4. The Company asserts that the consolidation of these rate adjustment clauses is in the interest of judicial economy as it would reduce the administrative burden and costs of filing these cases separately.
With respect to Request 3, Dominion is requesting to extend the currently approved rate year for Rider BW from August 31, 2024, through March 31, 2025, to align with the proposed April 1, 2025, commencement of Rate Year 1 for Rider GEN. Additionally, as the rate years for Riders GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4 were approved for a period of time that goes beyond the beginning of Rate Year 1, the Company is requesting to end those riders effective April 1, 2025. The Company states that any revenue requirement impacts resulting from the change in these rate years would be accounted for in a true-up in a future Rider GEN proceeding.
With respect to Request 4, Dominion seeks approval of a biennial update procedure for Rider GEN with approval of two initial rate years. The Company seeks approval of a total revenue requirement of $438,170,685 for recovery in Rider GEN for Rate Year 1. The Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $311,006,139 for Rate Year 2. Dominion states that the proposed revenue requirements are consistent with the calculations approved in the most recent Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4 proceedings, except: (i) an updated revenue lag based on calendar year 2023 is used to calculate the cash working capital component of rate base, and (ii) the Company proposes to begin projecting rate base, depreciation expense, and certain other costs into the rate year. The latter change represents the Company’s Request 5.
If the proposed Rider GEN revenue requirement for the rate years is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider GEN for Rate Year 1 on April 1, 2025, would increase the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $1.00, compared to the combined total residential rates of the current Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4. For Rate Year 2, implementation of Rider GEN on April 1, 2026, would be an incremental decrease of $1.84 compared to Rate Year 1. The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider GEN rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for those rates approved by the Commission with respect to the most recent revisions to Riders B, BW, GV, US-2, US-3, and US-4.
Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Petition and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.
TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Petition and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Petition. A hearing for the receipt of testimony from public witnesses on the Company’s Petition shall be convened telephonically at 10 a.m. on December 11, 2024. On or before December 4, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
Beginning at 10 a.m. on December 11, 2024, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.
On December 11, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene the evidentiary portion of the hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff (“Staff”).
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
Electronic copies of the public version of the Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the public version of the Petition and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information
On or before December 4, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/ Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00097.
On or before September 18, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00097. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.
On or before October 22, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00097.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.
The public version of the Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
SUMMONS AND PETITION
You are hereby summoned to appear in person before this Court on August 21, 2024 at 9:30 AM in Part 5 for an in person appearance and conference before the Hon. Segal Blakeman at the Nassau County Family Court, located at 1200 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY, 11590 on the 2nd Floor in Room 204 to answer the petition filed by Lilian L. BonillaVasquez (Petitioner) against you, Jose E. Vasquez-Fuentes (Respondent) in the Matter of an Article 6 Custody/Visitation Proceeding wherein the Petitioner seeks full residential custody and sole legal custody of the subject child, Emily P. Vasquez-Bonilla.
File #: 589041, Index#: V-07176-22. If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing and possible recommendation for City Council action is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,”
DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations.
The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations.
The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.
The following was given first reading at the July 22, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, August 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-13) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROVIDE MONETARY BONUSES TO EMPLOYEES
The proposed ordinance would authorize the City Manager to provide monetary bonuses to City employees subject to budget appropriation and City Administrative Regulations.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information.
Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.
Architectural Advisory Board
Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee
Board of Equalization
Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transporta-
tion
City Employee Review Board
Historical Commission
Planning Commission (October 31 deadline)
Public Utilities Commission
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Retirement Board
Urban Forestry Commission
Board of Zoning Appeals (October 31 deadline)
Regional Boards/Commissions
Continuum of Care Board
Coordinating Council for the Aging and Adults with Disabilities
Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
Virginia Career Works Northern Region
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The City Council of the City of Falls Church will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the resolution referenced below:
(TR24-27) RESOLUTION TO INITIATE FORMAL CONDEMNATION PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 800 SQUARE FEET OF LAND FOR
A PERMANENT SIDEWALK EASEMENT OVER AND ACROSS A PORTION OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 412 W. BROAD STREET (TAX MAP AND REAL PROPERTY CODE # 51-114-003) AND OWNED BY STEPHAN
DOUDAKLIAN
The proposed resolution, if adopted, would initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire a public access easement, for fair market value, across 800 square feet of land located at 412 W. Broad Street, in the City of Falls Church, owned by Stephan V. Doudaklian.
The current sidewalk configuration at 412 W. Broad Street does not have sufficient width to safely allow passage of persons using wheelchairs, strollers, and other wheeled devices. The City and property owner have been unable to reach an agreement for the purchase and sale of the needed easement.
All public hearings are held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of proposed resolutions or legislation, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/ publiccomment. Written comments may be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTARY, EXPERIMENTAL COMPANION TARIFF TO SUPPORT CARBON-FREE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION, DESIGNATED SCHEDULE CFG CASE NO. PUR-2024-00114
On June 25, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval to establish an experimental, voluntary companion tariff, designated Schedule CFG – Carbon-Free or Renewable Generation Supply Service (“Schedule CFG”), pursuant to Code § 56-234 B. Dominion requests that the Commission approve Rate Schedule CFG, on an experimental basis, and allow subscriptions thereunder, for a term of no less than five years. Pursuant to Code § 56-234 B, the Commission is required to issue its final order on the Application within six months of the filing date.
Through its Application, the Company states that Schedule CFG would provide the opportunity for participating non-residential customers to elect to purchase the net energy output from carbon-free or renewable energy resources (“CFG Facilities”), as well as the environmental attributes associated with this energy, in an amount up to 100 percent of their energy needs. Dominion indicates that it has received inquiries from current and prospective commercial and industrial customers interested in carbon-free and renewable energy generation options, but that the Company currently has no such tariff offering for these customers, following the termination of Schedule RG.
Dominion states that Schedule CFG is a companion schedule, available on a voluntary basis to eligible commercial and industrial customers of the Company who currently are taking (or agree to take) service under an approved applicable tariff, currently including the Company’s Rate Schedule GS-1, GS-2, GS-2T, GS-3, GS-4, 10, 27, 28, MBR, and SCR (each a “principal tariff”). The Company explains if a customer elects to take service under Schedule CFG, that customer will receive service concurrently under its selected principal tariff and Schedule CFG. Dominion adds that customers may choose to aggregate multiple accounts for participation in Schedule CFG and spread the costs across these accounts. The Company further states that by enrolling in Schedule CFG, the customer would commit to purchase up to 100 percent of the net electric energy output generated from CFG Facilities (including the capacity costs, as applicable), along with their associated environmental attributes.
Dominion states that it will source CFG Facilities to service participating customers in one of two ways. First, the Company states that it may construct a qualifying facility on behalf of a participating customer, subject to mutually agreeable terms, under which all costs would be ring-fenced, meaning the costs and benefits of the facility would be isolated from the Company’s cost-of-service study and not allocated to other customers. Second, the Company states that it may contract with a third-party to purchase the output of a qualifying facility on behalf of a participating customer through a power purchase agreement. Dominion represents that a qualifying CFG Facility will have a nameplate capacity of 1,000 kilowatts or greater, and either carbon-free or renewable energy facilities will qualify for use as a CFG Facility. Additionally, the Company states that only facilities located within the PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”) footprint will qualify for use as a CFG Facility.
The Company states that the CFG charge on participating customers’ bill will comprise three components: (i) the Schedule CFG Charge; (ii) the Schedule CFG Adjustment; and (iii) the Schedule CFG Administrative Charge. The Schedule CFG Charge will be set forth in each customer’s Schedule CFG Agreement reflecting the costs of the relevant CFG Facility. The Schedule CFG Adjustment will be equal to the PJM settlement credits for the relevant CFG Facility, representing all charges and credits, as billed by PJM, for the application of energy and capacity (if applicable) of the CFG Facility to the electrical grid. The PJM settlement credits may include, but are not limited to, capacity credits (if applicable) and energy credits, as well as any balancing, ancillary, and/or administration charges or credits. The Schedule CFG Administrative Charge will be the greater of (i) $500 for each 30-day billing period or (ii) $0.25 per megawatt-hour supplied by the relevant CFG Facility.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On October 30, 2024, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before October 23, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at
scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.
Beginning at 10 a.m., on October 30, 2024, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.
On October 30, 2024 at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff.
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Lisa R. Crabtree, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, RS-2, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or lisa.r.crabtree@dominionenergy.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.
On or before October 30, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00114.
On or before September 11, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00114.
On or before September 25, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00114.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.
The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
In Memoriam: Edmund Francis Becker, Jr.
Edmund Francis Becker Jr., 88, of Falmouth, ME died peacefully at home on July 22, 2024 from complications of ALS. He was born in Washington, D.C. on April 6, 1936, the eldest of four sons to Edward F. Becker Sr. of Wadesville, IN and Ann Ebbeson Becker of Bangor, ME.
Ed was raised in Arlington and
Falls Church VA, where he graduated from George Mason High School. He attended the University of Chicago, earning a bachelor’s degree in physics and a PhD in biophysics.
Ed served as an executive for 31 years at Analogic Corporation of Peabody, MA as a leader in the successful growth of this global high technology business. After retirement, Ed and his wife, Joslyn, spent summers in New Hampshire and the winter months in Fort Myers, FL.
Birdwatching was one of Ed’s favorite activities and he was a long-time member of the Caloosa Bird Club in Ft. Myers FL. Other favorite activities included gardening, travel, reading, and time with family and friends. Ed also took interest in a wide range of subjects, including science (e.g. hunting for dinosaur fossils), history (especial-
In Memoriam: Anita Cerio
Anita Cerio, born October 5, 1953, passed away at the age of 70 on Saturday, July 13, after a battle with cancer. Anita was known for her love of travel, especially to Turkey and Italy, which she visited many times. She enjoyed Italian music as well as the beautiful architecture, particularly the arches. Anita was a lifelong resident of the City of Falls Church, who lost her mother at the age of 12, followed later by her brother Stephen and her loving father Daniel. Anita will be missed by all who knew her, especially the ‘Anita Team’ who were with her until the end. Funeral services will be hosted by Murphy Funeral Homes, with dates and times posted on the Dignity Memorial website.
ly Civil War history), travel, and politics.
Ed was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Joslyn Caldwell Becker. He is survived by three children and their families: Mark Caldwell Becker (Deborah Wilson) of Nobleboro, ME, Sarah Lynn Becker of New Britain, Connecticut, and Evan Michael Becker (Sarah Hale) of San Francisco, CA; and by three grandsons, Orion C. Becker of Edgecomb, ME and Everett C. Becker and Francis J. Becker of San Francisco, CA.
“I am not afraid of dying, but I am very sorry to leave before seeing how it all turns out.”
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the StrongHancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting StrongHancock.com.
seen here teaching his new baby sister, Valley, how to play
Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Please send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT
Continued from Page 8
their vehicle. (Delayed report)
Larceny from Building, S Maple Ave, July 26, 2:45 PM, victim reported that between 6 PM on July 15 and 8 AM on July 16, an unknown suspect stole a package from in front of the mail room. (Delayed report)
Commercial Burglary/Destruction of Property, S Washington St, between 8 PM on July 26 and 10 AM on July 27, an unknown suspect forced their way inside a locked business and stole cash.
Larceny from Building/Credit Card Fraud, E Broad St, July 27, between 3:30 PM and
4:40 PM, an unknown suspect stole credit cards and debit cards from the victim’s purse inside a locker, then made multiple fraudulent transactions.
No Valid Operator’s License, Lincoln Ave, July 27, 7:07 PM, an Asian male, 39, of Annandale, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
Stolen Automobile/Destruction of Property, Offutt Dr, July 28, 3:08 AM, an unknown suspect stole a white Kia minivan with the keys left inside. The vehicle was later recovered by the Metropolitan Police Department, with damage to a window on the driver’s side.
Just
MEET OAKLEY
frisbee! (Photo: Shane Mondloch)
by Aaron Stark
This past week, A Purposeful Day (APD) held its first-ever Summer’s Best Week Camp, a fiveday summer camp for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program, rented and operated out of the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, saw immense success thanks to its many volunteers — several of whom were neighboring high school students.
This year’s camp saw 16 participants, who engaged in various activities, often Olympic-themed, in alignment with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, which started this past Friday.
“We start off every day with a big meeting where we do a warm-up. [We teach] something about the Olympics, the history of the Olympics, or new sports and sports they don’t do anymore at the Olympics,” APD President and Founder Kate Ashbrook said. “Then, we move into two hours of activity rotation. They’re moving between the four groups of games, a service project, some sort of craft, and Olympics learning time.”
Participants also engaged in physical activity and theater lessons.
“After that, we have a physical trainer who comes and does a movement class with adaptive movement class. And then we have lunch. Then, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School’s theater teacher comes and does adaptive theater with us in the afternoons,” Ashbrook said.
Within these activities, members especially enjoyed social interaction with those similar to them.
“My favorite activity here is being with my friends and having a great relationship with them,” said Megan Muskett, a 38-year-old camp participant with Down Syndrome who works as an advisory member to APD’s Board of Directors. “It helps us to know them quite well and have different relationships and different families.”
Volunteers also grew close to the campers as they helped care for them and ensure their safety.
“One of the members was writing thank you notes to the volunteers to show how much they appreciated them,” Ashbrook said. “What a gift that was to the volunteers who came in not knowing what to expect. I
think it just really comes to [show] that just because they have a disability, they’re still [people] who want to have a relationship.”
Ashbrook notes that while the camp went smoothly, there were small hurdles throughout the week, including many members having difficulty bearing the heat during outdoor activities. Overall campers still had an enjoyable time, and she plans to host the camp again next year.
Ashbrook sees the past week as a significant accomplishment of APD, which she founded two years ago after meeting Meghan and her father, Joe.
“[Ashbrook] has a Down Syndrome child, and obviously I have a Down Syndrome child,” Joe said. “There was a reaching out, and then [Ashbrook], in her infinite wisdom, saw the need for APD. And she reached out to me and put the strong arm on me and said, ‘Hey, we got to start this for our kids.’”
Ashbrook is driven in her work at APD by her daughter Abby, who is 13 and has Down Syndrome.
“We have worked with the school and with professionals to get Abby where she is now. [After high
school], that potentially ends and there’s very limited opportunity for her. I hope we find [her a] job, but statistically, it’s tough. And I hope she has some friends who she remains in contact with, but that’s also tough,” Ashbrook said. “I want better for her, and I think the Falls Church community wants that too.”
Through her interactions with fellow parents of adults with IDD, Ashbrook noticed the lack of learning and social opportunities for adults with IDD after aging out of the public education system. She then founded APD to give adults with IDD a sense of purpose, particularly through service projects — during
A Summer’s Best Week, members assembled literacy packets to help new immigrants.
“We’ve been partnering with a couple of local nonprofits like Homestretch and Welcoming Falls Church to do service projects,” Ashbrook said. “I think the mission is helping people understand that just because your abilities may differ from what we would consider a typical person, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a valuable contribution to make. What we want is to find opportunities that show them they’re valuable and that they have a role that is important in their community.”
