Falls Church News-Press 8-24-2023

August 24 - 30, 2023

MAGIC SCHOOL BUS F.C. Schools’ Higher Than Expected Enrollment

Way Ahead of Projections at Elementaries, Middle School

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

The number of students enrolling in the Falls Church City Public Schools came in way above expectations with the commencement of classes Monday. Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan opened Tuesday’s School Board work session with the announcement that 75 more students above the projected enrollment for this fall showed up at classes this Monday. That’s a big number in a system whose total enrollment is 2,624.

Noonan told the News-Press yesterday that so far there is no formal explanation for the enrollment jump but that it is being explored to see if it is a one-time jump or the signal of a new trend. The system’s partners in making such projections, which are key for the smooth running of the system, Weldon Cooper Associates, are working feverishly this week to evaluate the data. “Is this an anomaly, or a harbinger of things to come?” Noonan quipped.

Most of the unexpected growth is in the elementary and middle school areas, and not in the high school, Noonan reported. “The numbers have always fluctuated from year to year but this is a big number,” he said.

Quick adjustments to balance out classroom sizes were made the first day of classes, he said. It is not known how the numbers may continue to grow over the first weeks of classes. The

Continued on Page 4

F.C. ‘Insulated From Real Estate Woes,’ Litkenhous Says

by Nicholas F. Benton

How is the real estate market going forward for Falls Church and environs? A panel on just that subject was held at Falls Church’s Fairview Marriott last week for members of the NAIOP commercial real estate developers association, and the results were so mixed that one of the two major presenters, Willie Walker, limited his graphics to cute pictures of apes and other primates. The other presenter, Elizabeth Norton, did better.

Attending from the City of Falls Church to make better sense of it all for us was former City Councilman and Economic

Development Authority member Ross Litkenhous, who offered the extensive remarks exclusively to the News-Press in the panel’s aftermath (see below).

Commenting on Litkenhous’ important contribution was Falls Church’s Economic Development Authority chair Bob Young, who concluded that Litkenhous’ remarks are “a very accurate assessment of the current real estate environment.”

Young said that Litkenhouse is “correct that the situation in Falls Church is very different (much better) than our neighbors.”

“I believe his continued suggestion that we work on creating an innovation hub is a good

one. I also would add that it’s time for a concentrated effort to envision future development of the city’s property yard (which is in the Gorden Road Triangle). This is, I believe, a fertile area for new affordable housing as well as new facilities for the Department of Public Works and other uses such as selfstorage.”

Here’s what Litkenhous had to say following last week’s NAIOP panel:

“This down cycle in the real estate market is still accelerating but the mechanics behind this particular decline are different. Banks are better capitalized which means they can absorb losses better than they did in the

Great Recession. There isn’t the same systemic concern that we had when residential values collapsed back in 2008/2009.

“Despite struggles with commercial real estate, the residential market seems poised to remain strong, even with higher borrowing costs. There is still an under-supply of housing nationally and locally, and as we discuss almost daily in Falls Church, the real need here is workforce and affordable housing which can partly be solved through a more diversified housing stock. Falls Church is facing what many localities are experiencing throughout the country

IT WAS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for students attending the Falls Church City Public Schools Monday, and everything went flawlessly, within reason, according to Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan. But the enrollment was much greater than expected. (Photo: Brian Reach)

Falls Church News-Press

Beyer Slams Trump’s New Tariff Proposal

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Falls Church and Northern Virginia, who serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, this week blasted a proposal by former president Donald Trump to impose universal tariffs on all imports. Beyer called for passage of the bipartisan Congressional Trade Authority Act to prevent future presidential abuses of tariff authority.

Beyer said: “Donald Trump’s plan to impose universal 10 percent tariffs on all imports is idiotic, illegal, and would be a disaster for our economy. It would also immediately violate numerous trade agreements, including the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement which Trump himself signed.

“Trump is proposing intentional inflation; if put into practice this would dramatically raise costs for the American people on a huge number of essential goods and services. No one would be spared from Trump’s insane new taxes,

BRIEFS

the chaos and damage to American businesses and jobs would be catastrophic.”

‘Smart Growth’ Hails West F.C. Metro Plans

Proudly claiming a role in the approval of the West Falls Church Metro plans “making way for the new inclusive, walkable, bikefriendly, transit-oriented community known as Converge Falls Church to become a reality,” is the Smart Growth Coalition of Northern Virginia.

In a statement it says, “Converge West Falls is the last part in the emerging West Falls Church transit-oriented community to be approved by the Fairfax Board of Supervisors. The 7.5-acre Virginia Tech parcel sits between WMATA’s planned Metro station redevelopment that Fairfax approved earlier this year, and the City of Falls Church projects that are already under construction.

“Together the Fairfax County sites in connection with the adjacent 10 acre site in the City of

Falls Church will provide: 1,340 new homes, including affordable and workforce dwelling units, all walkable to Metro and future Rt.

7 Bus Rapid Transit, a new HITT Construction headquarters and home to the National Center for Smart Construction researching sustainable construction methods, a solar canopy array powering the HITT building with up to 1,400 megawatts of clean energy, an enhanced grid of streets, including West Falls Station Boulevard running parallel to Haycock Road, wider walkways and bike paths throughout the development, new shared use path along Haycock between Metro Access Road to Taylor Ave., street trees and pedestrian scale lighting that will make walking and biking safer and more comfortable, modernized stormwater management, including green infrastructure, where none has existed, open space and linear parks, including Innovation Civic Plaza, the Grove Recreation area, the Natural Play space, a sustainability pocket park, and a pollinator garden.”

Superintendent Noonan: FCCPS ‘Off to a Really Great Start’

system is not required to present an official number to Richmond for budgetary purposes until Sept. 30.

Otherwise, the opening of the City schools this week went swimmingly, Noonan reported to the School Board Tuesday. “Everyone was in classes, fed and transported to and from successfully,” he reported, adding that “we’ve gotten some very good feedback from parents, too.” Unlike some other school divisions in the region and nationally, there are no shortages of bus drivers or other key personnel in the system.

In his seventh year in the Falls Church system, and the recipient of a new contract this summer, Noonan said, “We’re off to a really great start.”

In its first work session of the new school year, the School Board was updated on security issues, including some “significant improvements” made over the summer, including the system-wide adoption of common security language to be shared among security personnel and school staff provided by the “I Love You Guys Foundation.”

The FCCPS’ Director of Education William Bates led a discussion of student behavior expectations, including a review of student rights and responsibilities and an emphasis on the “See something, say something” policy.

New guidelines for dealing with instances of bullying were also presented, with board member David Ortiz asking about kinds of “emotional meanness”

that are “hard to detect.”

It was pointed out that the poll reported at last week’s school convocation that over 90 percent of students reported having at least one adult they feel they can talk to was important in that context.

The system’s emphasis on “wellness, equity and belonging” is important for “identifying signs” of bullying and abuse, and for adopting “restorative practices,” Bates said.

Noonan added that in general, schools are “the safest places in the community,” and that Falls Church has “incredibly safe schools.”

“Parents need to remind their kids to be nice,” he said, and “when we do get reports of problems parents need to know that we don’t make things up.”

DR. PETER NOONAN reported

F.C. School Board work session. (Courtesy Photo)

Falls Church Set Up To Thrive In Current Economy

where the current trajectory of housing prices in combination with an under-supply of workforce housing is hampering efforts to create diverse and healthy economic urban centers.

“The office sector, to no one’s surprise, is going to continue to be decimated by increasing vacancy rates and owners’ inability to refinance to lower borrowing costs. In the next 18 months we’ll see a lot of office buildings in dense urban areas and under-amenitized secondary markets sold off at a fraction of their current value.

“Office is facing a perfect storm and lots of office building owners with B and C class assets in secondary and tertiary markets will lose. This is also going to have a downstream effect on localities’ property tax revenues. A hidden landmine that most taxing jurisdictions don’t seem to have fully grasped or been willing to discuss.

“Falls Church however will remain insulated from this trend given the vibrant and walkable nature of our city and the fact that we are not overly reliant on large office buildings like Arlington and Tysons. In fact, I believe additional office product or conversions to office in either a co-working or shared office model would do very well in Falls Church.

“We have an abundance of small businesses in Falls Church that could fill those types of unique office buildings. One area of opportunity I see is a renewed focus on creating a welcoming environment for startups and entrepreneurs.

“Falls Church has all of the unique ingredients needed to attract and retain new startups who thrive in vibrant, walkable, highly educated sub-markets.

One area of Falls Church that I continue to feel strongly about in terms of creating an innovation hub for these types of new businesses is the Gordon Road Triangle section of Falls Church. Currently home to underutilized industrial-type properties, it has all of the right ingredients to usher in a well planned, medium density commercial development in partnership with the city that will cater to these new business trends.

“Nationally, retail properties that are heavily dependent on day time foot traffic from office workers are also in trouble, but again, Falls Church remains insulated there as well. It has become abundantly clear that walkability to and between commercial properties in more dense urban areas are poised for the greatest success in the long run. Falls Church is perfectly situated to succeed in this new environment. I’m confident that our city leaders will continue to examine economic and commercial development through a bigpicture lens weighing carefully the various types of real estate we need and how each fits into the broader need of the region and our Falls Church community. So far their balanced and analytical approach has paid off.

“I also continue to believe that Falls Church is a wonderful reflection of thoughtful and smart urban planning and we’re not done yet. The balanced approach between unique and experiential commercial real estate and pockets of higher density in key areas of town, have created an environment that perfectly balances the need for a unique city-like scale that isn’t overwhelming while also generating powerful and sustainable fiscal benefits for the city at large.”

Happy 75th Birthday, City of Falls Church

Last week an august ceremony was held in front of the Falls Church City Hall to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia of a new status for Falls Church as an independent city under the commonwealth’s unusual rules governing such matters. Simply put, an independent city is one which is not part of any county, and there are only 41 in the entire U.S. 38 of which are in Virginia. In 1948, Falls Church qualified as a “city of the second class” by virtue of its relatively small population, and a big issue at the time was making sure there was a minimum population of 5,000 to qualify.

The News-Press last week marked the occasion with a reprint of the front page of the city’s then weekly newspaper, the Falls Church Echo, and the banner headline of its August 20, 1948 issue, “Falls Church Becomes a City.”

Falls Church City Council member Marybeth Connelly marked the 75th anniversary occasion at the annual convocation of City school employees last week with a presentation on the history of the city, which she said will be repeated many times over the course of the coming year’s array of anniversary events.

From our perspective, it is important to underscore one key element in all this, which is to dispel the false myth that the City was carved out in an attempt to prevent the racial integration of its schools. If anything, the opposite is true.

Just into our second decade of serving Falls Church, our paper’s founder, owner and editor tasked a young and enterprising reporter, Darien Bates, with putting aside all his other work to devote all his time to exploring the true history of the integration of the Falls Church School System in the early 1950s. The talented Mr. Bates jumped into the work, spending days upon end for two months examining the minutes and other records of the Falls Church School Board and City Council, at the Virginia History room of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library and on the phone and in person with interviews with the key players in that period. His work culminated in a lengthy two-part series that was published in the September 29 and October 6, 2005, editions of the News-Press Nothing of this nature had been done up to that point, and the long and short of it was the finding that key people on the City’s School Board pressed the issue of integration repeatedly.

It turns out that the City’s founding owed primarily to the efforts of progressives from the FDR New Deal era to carve out the basis for an independent city and school system to protect it from segregationist influences around it, and not the other way around. If there was a time when the Falls Church, then as a town, was guilty of loping off Black neighborhoods, which it was, that was in the 1870s and not 1948.

P�������

1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy.

3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial content.

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

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give ‘value received’ for every dollar you take in.

7. Make the paper show a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

L������ �� E �����

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Embracing Capital Bike Share

Editor, I appreciated Nicholas Benton’s point about Robbie Robertson’s “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”( FCNP Aug. 17-23)—that it is not “pro-Confederate”—and would like to add a couple of thoughts about Robertson’s songs and art more generally.

I remember listening to Baez’s 1971 version of the song. As a white, relatively sheltered six-year old living in the Midwest I don’t think I knew what the Civil War was, but I repeatedly listened to the song’s mysterious lyrics and strange story, trying to decipher them. Even at that age I think I understood that the bells’ joyous ringing was tinged with a certain sadness, though I couldn’t comprehend what that might be.

Revisiting the song later, I understood (as Benton also pointed out) that Virgil Kane and his family—whether rebel or yankee or none-ofthe-above—were caught up in and profoundly, irrevocably damaged by a war that was beyond their control. Many of Robertson’s songs portray America and the American South in this way, on the level of individual, fictional characters and their experiences. That’s what makes the songs true and interesting, simultaneously critical and compassionate.

Artistic portrayals such as these don’t excuse or overlook the immorality of slavery, racial hatred and brutality, the inhumanity of war itself, or other evils. On the contrary, art is important because it goes beyond mere factual accounting to explore the real human causes and impacts of historical events, political decisions, and social practices. By daring to look more deeply into human character—to hear the sad and troubling undertones of those joyous bells—art provides a crucial tool in the fight for a greater morality, love for one another, and social justice.

Leslie Spitz-Edson Falls Church

Editor,

As our community seeks ways to reduce traffic congestion, lower our carbon footprint, and promote healthier lifestyles, there’s one simple yet impactful solution right at our doorstep: Capital Bike Share. With its convenience, affordability, and environmental benefits, Capital Bike Share presents an opportunity for us to transform the way we navigate Falls Church.

Imagine a morning commute that doesn’t involve gridlocked streets, honking horns, or the stress of finding parking. Capital Bike Share offers an alternative that not only eases your daily journey but also contributes to a cleaner environment. By choosing to pedal instead of drive, you’re actively participating in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change one pedal stroke at a time.

Moreover, Capital Bike Share encourages a healthier and more active lifestyle. In a world where sedentary habits have become the norm, cycling provides a fantastic way to incorporate exercise into our daily routines. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or simply exploring our beautiful city, hopping on a bike revitalizes your body and mind.

Let’s not forget the financial benefits. With rising fuel costs and parking fees, Capital Bike Share offers a budget-friendly alternative that’s not only good for your wallet but also supports our local economy. As you cycle to your favorite coffee shop or pop into a boutique, you’re not just a passerby – you’re an engaged community member contributing to the growth and vitality of Falls Church.

The success of Capital Bike Share rests in the hands of each individual in our community. By choosing to embrace this initiative, we send a powerful message that we’re committed to a more sustainable and vibrant future. Let’s redefine our relationship with transportation, one bike ride at a time. Join the movement – hop on a Capital Bike Share and pedal toward a greener, healthier, and more connected Falls Church.

Jacob Williams Falls Church

Continued on Page 22

‘Fairy-Like,’ By Contrast to George’s Dullness

them with organizations of workers.

(Part 4 in a series)

The title of the book tells the whole story: Miranda Carter’s 2009 work is called, “George, Nicholas and Wilhelm: Three Royal Cousins and the Road to World War I.” It is a compelling account of these three heads-ofstate blood relatives, with plenty of family photos included, of their picnics and collaborations that led into the greatest conflagration of modern Europe – the two World Wars and that wiped out what the experts estimate was over 200 million of the best and brightest human souls that the civilizing influences of evolution had produced.

The optimism that reigned all over Europe in the “belle epoque” era leading up to the flash point that set off the events ravaging all Europe from 1914 to 1945 was dashed beyond recognition within the first year of the Great War.

Among many other things, the outbreak of the war destroyed the optimism that underpinned the Social Gospel movement that had grown into a major force in the U.S. and Europe, led by the American theologian Walter Rauschenbusch. His small church in the Hell’s Kitchen section of New York City’s Manhattan attempted to address the huge influx of immigrants that swelled the U.S. population from 38 to 74 million in the decade of the 1870s alone to meet the opportunities represented by the explosive growth of the Industrial Revolution.

Despite the social disparities that also animated the works of Charles Dickens in England, there was an underlying sense that the amazing industrial progress of that era would be channeled into long term progress and benefits for the entirety of humanity.

The new progressive currents that grew up in that explosive era also were breeding grounds for labor-based movements that sought to rally underserved populations with appeals to mass strikes and other actions aimed at escalating their gains. Marxism grew up in this context, rooted in the notion of overthrowing the state and the property-owner capitalist class altogether and replacing

Insofar as memories were still fresh of the excesses of the French Revolution and its Jacobin terror that led to the beheading of leaders of the aristocracy, the rise of the laboring and immigrant populations led to sharp, fearful reactions against the perceived threats they represented in leading ruling and elite circles, and that fear defined what became the dominant influence among the circles around the three ruling cousins in England, Germany and Russia.

Still, there was among those who saw the explosive progress of that era in a more socially positive light, the circles of inventors, artists and composers from whom the romantic era’s greatest achievements arose, including the rise of the Art Nouveau and great advances in the areas of education, philosophy and more equitable social progress.

With the support of his grandmother, Queen Victoria, this was the social context in which the intended next king of England was being reared. Born in 1862 as the eldest son of Victoria’s eldest male offspring, young Prince Eddy was being cultivated in the better, more progressive influences of that era, and that was reflected in the accounts of his kind and generous personality which was much beloved among his subjects.

By contrast, Eddy’s younger brother, George, did not exhibit such sensibilities at all, despite the great popularity of their beautiful and warm Danish-born mother Alexandra, who was becoming deaf. While Queen Victoria described Eddy as a young child as “fairy-like, placid and melancholy,” despite a father widely known for being an unfaithful panderer, gambler and parentally absent, While Eddy “had something of his father’s charm and talent for socializing,” George began a diary at age 13 that he wrote in dutifully until his death in 1936 but whose volumes were described as “for the most part deadly, the acme of pedestrianism, dull and “showed the evaporation of his childhood liveliness…perhaps also a dyslexic’s reluctance to move beyond the most basic phrases…The pages gave almost no sign of interior life, recording every day after day the weather, the time he rose, ate and went to bed,” George’s biographer Harold Nicolson wrote.

As Eddy died at 27, it was George who prosecuted the Great War.

(To be continued. All rights reserved).

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

For a county nicknamed “The People’s Republic of Arlington,” our sainted parish hosts a surprising number of conservative groups. Goes to show we’re all more complicated than our stereotypes. Herewith a sampling:

If you followed the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization abortion debate in June a year ago, you noticed Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. “The political arm of the pro-life movement” was founded in 1992 by Marjorie Dannenfelser and a group of pro-life women who named it after a famous 19th century suffragette. From its offices on S. Arlington Mill Dr., its activists run a network of more than 1 million “committed to protecting the unborn,” it says. Dannenfelser is frequently interviewed and publishes op-eds.

In the same building is the Susan B. Anthony group’s education arm, the Charlotte Lozier Institute. Founded in 2011 and named for a 19th century feminist physician, it sponsors scientific, statistical and medical research to “educate policymakers, the media and the public on the value of life from fertilization to natural death.”

On the 1300 block of Courthouse Rd. is the national headquarters for Americans for Prosperity, funded through the energy business empire led by Charles and David Koch. With more than 140 offices nationwide, its grassroots, government affairs, communications, political and education and training program seeks to “change the policy landscape in America.” It boasts 4 million activ-

ists, 36 state chapters, 73 “pioneer” policy specialists, and 312 endorsed candidates who won in 2022, the year it sent 500,000 letters to Congress.

Next door is its offshoot, the Charles Koch Foundation. Its grant-making to researchers champions “principles that unlock human potential” in criminal justice, economic progress, foreign policy, free speech, education, health care, immigration, and classical “liberalism.”

Headquartered in Clarendon on N. Highland St. is the Leadership Institute. Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton Blackwell, its staff deploys classrooms, video production studios and residential facilities to teach conservative aspirants skills in campaigns, fundraising, grass-roots organizing, youth politics, and communications affecting politics, government and media. It says it has trained more than 250,000 and helped launch more than 2,300 right-thinking campus groups and newspapers.

Down Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn lie the offices of GOPAC, founded after the disappointing (for conservatives) 1978 elections by Delaware Gov. Pete du Pont. His idea was to “cultivate promising young leaders within the Republican ranks and build a ‘farm team’ of candidates with the knowledge and drive to become a governing majority party.” Under the later leadership of Rep. Newt Gingrich of Georgia, it set the GOP on a course to gain power at municipal, state and national levels via its training center that offers campaign seminars, workbooks, audiotapes and grass-

For years in the 1990s, an office on Wilson Blvd. was occupied by conservatives in the Independent Women’s Forum. It continues to advance policies “that are more than just wellintended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, opportunities, and well-being.” Goals are to “reduce government red tape and return resources and control to people, so that we have healthy communities and people can pursue their own visions of happiness.”

Now with a strong D.C.-area network, the forum’s headquarters moved to Winchester. I was always amused that their Arlington office was just up the road from its opposite number, the liberal, pro-choice Feminist Majority Foundation, whose Washington-area headquarters remains on Wilson Blvd. today. ***

Sorry to see the demise of the posh Layalina Lebanese/Syrian restaurant at 5216 Wilson Blvd. It’s being renovated and replaced by Ya Hala Bistro, also Middle Eastern cuisine.

One reason for my partiality toward the chronically underpatronized Laylina is the time they gave me customized treatment. When my mother died in 2010, we had a flock of relatives in town for the service, and we needed to gather for a meal. I dutifully made a reservation at Layalina for a Monday dinner.

When our party of perhaps 10 arrived, the proprietor explained that they’re closed on Mondays. But for our grieving family, they had opened.

roots organizing.

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Where did summer go? We still may be in meteorological summer, but what I call “social” summer has come to a close. School is back in session, neighborhood pools have reduced their hours, and the free summer concerts at Mason District Park and Ossian Hall Park have concluded. A few more weeks of warmish weather soon will transition to cooler temperatures that ease us into autumn activities.

One thing that has not changed, sadly, is speeding and aggressive driving on neighborhood roadways. The speed cameras installed near several schools last spring confirm that many drivers are travelling way too fast through school zones. Now that school is again underway, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists all need to be aware of their surroundings, and adjust speeds, cross at crosswalks, and observe all traffic rules and regulations. Passing a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing is a violation of Virginia Code 46.2-859 and is considered reckless driving, a Class 1 Misdemeanor subject to a $2500 fine. Speeding in a school zone is subject to a $250 fine. Fairfax County’s school bus fleet is one of the largest in the nation, but many parents choose to drive their

students to school, which can create traffic jams in the residential areas near schools. Thoughtlessly blocking driveways while waiting to drop off or pick up students can create a lot of animosity with neighbors whose patience wears thin when they can’t access their own driveways.

The transition to autumn also forecasts leaf fall. About five percent of county residences are served by the county’s vacuum leaf collection program, funded by a leaf tax based on the real estate assessment. The other 95 percent of county residences utilize private trash contractors, landscape companies, or other private options for leaf disposal. Nationally, the solid waste industry is undergoing substantial changes, many of which began during the Covid-19 pandemic, and industry adjustments can affect local government services. Earlier this year, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) advised the Board of Supervisors of potential changes to the solid waste program. Expansion of Sanitary Service Districts (those areas petitioning to receive county collection) would be dependent on private contractors bidding on the service; highly inefficient county agency routes

would be eliminated in favor of private contractors; and pipestem trash service would require either a liability waiver from the homeowner(s) or walking the trash containers to the public street. Perhaps the most controversial staff proposals were the elimination of county shredding events (the fees paid by the relatively small number of Sanitary Service District customers support the countywide shredding program) and curtailing vacuum leaf collection after the 2023/24 leaf season. Letters were sent to leaf customers in July, inviting them to respond to a survey about leaf collection. The survey closed on August 18, and results are being reviewed by DPWES staff in preparation for a report to the Board of Supervisors later this fall. The Board is charged with creating service districts, so “de-creating” service districts for leaf collection will require a public hearing before the Board takes any action on the issue. No date has been determined for a public hearing at this time.

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

a 2021 Kia Rio.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 14, 10:34 AM, a business reported that on Aug 5, 12:16 PM, an unknown suspect took an item of value without paying. Suspect described as a bald male in his 30`s wearing a blue shirt and red backpack.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 14, 10:34 AM, a business reported that on Aug 5, 4:05 PM, an unknown suspect took an item of value without paying. Suspect described as a bald male in his 30`s wearing a blue shirt and red backpack.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 14, 10:34 AM, a business reported that on Aug 6, 10:37 AM, an unknown suspect took an item of value without paying. Suspect described as a bald male in his 30`s wearing a blue shirt and red backpack.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 14, 10:34 AM, a business reported that on Aug 6, 11:41 AM, an unknown suspect took an item of value without paying. Suspect described as a bald male in his 30`s wearing a blue shirt and red backpack.

Trespass, Wilson Blvd, Aug 14, 9:27 PM, a male, 52, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Trespass.

Vandalism to Vehicle, Lincoln Ave, between 5:30 PM, Aug 14 and 7 AM, Aug 15, unknown suspect(s) broke the rear passenger window and the steering column of

Robbery, Hillwood Ave, August 15, 10:27 AM, victim was removing items from his vehicle when an unknown suspect approached from the rear and struck him twice on the head and took items of value. Suspect described as a male wearing a white shirt with blue pants. Another male stood nearby; possibly acting as a lookout for the suspect

Drug/Narcotic Violation, Hillwood Ave, August 15,10:27 AM, a male, 34, of Annandale, VA, was arrested for Possession with Intent to Distribute (Cocaine). He was also served with two warrants from another jurisdiction.

Larceny, S Maple Ave, between 4 PM, Aug 14, and 5 PM, Aug 15, unknown suspect(s) took an unsecured silver Giant brand cruiser bicycle.

Drunk in Public/ Trespass, Wilson Blvd, August 16, 12:11 AM, a male, 66, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public and Trespass.

Larceny, W Broad St, August 16, 6:16 PM, unknown suspect(s) took a bicycle by cutting through its lock Larceny from Building, S Washington St, Aug 18, 9:42 PM, two unknown suspects entered a business, accessed an interior door that was partially locked, and took items of value. Suspects described as 1) a male wearing a white t-shirt and shorts; 2) a male, wearing a black baseball hat, and an open, plaid long sleeve shirt over a white t-shirt.

Meridian High School Field Hockey Run for The Schools

2 Sisters Start International Virtual School

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL FALL 2023 SPORTS SCHEDULES

Meridian Field Hockey Kicks Off Fall Season With 3-0 Win

by Ryan McCafferty

Fall sports are officially underway at Meridian High School, as the girls’ field hockey team faced off on Monday night against the

Wakefield Warriors in front of an excited crowd featuring predominantly Mustang supporters. The Junior Varsity squad fell by a score of 0-7, but when the scoreboard reset for the Varsity matchup, the girls left

little doubt who the better team was. Caroline Carmody opened the scoring with 4:42 remaining in the first quarter, and then found the back of the net again on a penalty shot a few minutes

later. Both the second and third periods went scoreless as goalie Briana Corry was flawless on the few opportunities Wakefield got, and then the Mustangs capped things off as Cassie Du -

Bois made it 3-0 in the fourth. That would be the final score as Meridian begins the season 1-0, and they’ll have two more chances to add to that later this week — they play Justice today.

Falls Church Sisters Create Virtual Learning Community for Kids Worldwide

by Kylee Toland Falls Church News-Press

Two Falls Church sisters are taking virtual learning to a local and international level.

At the young ages of 14 and 11, Sumay and Aila McPhail created and currently manage “WEquil School,” a kid-led virtual learning community designed to help students with projects and classes. The duo said they were inspired to create WEquil due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on education.

“At first, we were just doing online school,” Sumay said, “but then we started thinking about how we could have a good education given that schools were becoming virtual.”

After using online resources such as Khan Academy and Crash Course, the sisters said they began to realize how much faster they were learning when it was paired with something they were interested in, such as creating an article/video about said topic and sharing it with others.

“We were still doing projects about things that we were interested in that were both novel and useful,” Aila said. “That grew into WEquil School.”

The concept behind WEquil is to

provide a virtual community where people can “learn by doing” and share what they have learned nationally and internationally. Anyone can download the WEquil app, with Aila saying it provides different “learning pods” that follow the creative learning process — creating projects and presenting them to peers in a certain learning pod.

“We wanted to share [WEquil] with other kids, especially those in more developing countries where they don’t have amazing schools or have access to that sort of thing,” Sumay said.

Initially, the sisters said they only shared WEquil with their friends, but after a devastating house fire that left the McPhail family displaced last September, Sumay said there was more of an effort to scale the virtual community globally.

“That was when we started getting a lot more global interest,” Sumay said. “We had a lot of kids from India reaching out saying ‘I want to learn.’”

Since the creation of WEquil, formerly “Makeshift Homeschool,” Sumay and Aila have been interviewed by various media outlets on their ideology behind the virtual learning platform. GoGuardian, Google and YouTube have given the sisters national and international interest in what WEquil promotes.

People interested in joining WEquil can use it full-time or parttime, as Sumay said there are “no commitments, only opportunities.”

Classes are offered on the app, taught by teachers on project-based learning, and certifications are given through links showing one’s projects.

“At one point, we were doing both public school [virtually] and WEquil School projects,” Aila said. “That was really draining because all of that screen time is not good for you, so that’s when we decided to leave [public school].”

Some challenges the sisters have faced with creating and running WEquil have been “finding kids that are really passionate about learning,” while also trying to manage an influx of participants on learning pods. Aila said the creation of the app six months ago has helped them create a place where people can “learn and feel comfortable” without being overwhelmed.

Recently, the app just launched their classes function, which allows teachers to find and provide the “best resources” online when showing their students the “best project idea.” The creation of micro-schools is also a new concept for WEquil, with Sumay saying that people can create their own schooling environment.

“[WEquil] definitely supplements in a lot more of the kind of soft skills you need to develop in order to communicate, public speak, collaborate and learn how to use a lot of these online technologies,” Sumay said. “A lot of what we want to focus on is helping kids to learn how to adapt…in this

changing world.”

“We’re preparing kids for the real world because the real world is changing,” Aila said. “We’re preparing kids for the real world by having them do real world things that they’re actually interested in so they’ll actually remember it and retain the knowledge.”

SIBLING DUO Aila (left) and Sumay (right) McPhail created WEquil School, a virtual learning community for children worldwide. (Photo: McPhail Family)

Important Upcoming F.C. City School Year Dates

Meridian High School

Labor Day:

September 1 – 4 No School

Meridian Back to School Night:

September 5

Rosh Hashanah:

September 15 – 16

* Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

Underclass Portraits:

September 15

Mustang Athletics Booster Meeting:

September 18

Early Release Day:

September 20

IB Diploma & Career-related Programme Info Night:

September 21

MHS Band Tag Day Fundraiser:

September 23

Yom Kippur:

September 24 — 25

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

FCEF Run for the Schools:

September 24

NHS Induction:

September 26

Joint PTA Meeting Speaker:

September 27

Bike to School Day:

October 4

The Little City Scramble Golf Tournament:

October 4

Indigenous Peoples Day:

October 9 No School

Early Release Day:

October 11

PTA/PTSA School Board

Candidate Forum:

October 11

Homecoming Football Game:

October 13

Homecoming Dance:

October 14

Mustang Athletic Booster Meeting:

October 16

Meridian Musical:

October 19 — 21

MHS Athletics Paperwork

Deadline for Winter Sports:

October 23

Underclass Makeup Portraits:

October 24

End of Quarter:

October 25

Secondary IB Conference:

October 25 — 27

Teacher Workday, Professional Development, Parent and Teacher Conferences:

October 26 — 27

No School for Students

Senior Portraits:

October 30 — 31

Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

Mustang Athletics Boosters Tailgate:

August 25

Math STAR during Math Class:

August 28 — 31

Back to School Night:

August 29

Labor Day:

September 1 – 4 No School

Reading STAR during L&L Class:

September 5 — 8

First Day of Late Buses:

September 11

Play Interest Meeting:

September 12

Math Growth Assessment:

September 13

Rosh Hashanah:

September 15 — 16

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

Mary Ellen Henderson’s

Birthday:

September 18

Mustang Athletics Booster Meeting:

September 18

PTA Sponsored Coffee:

September 19

Early Release:

September 20

Guidelines for Device Use

Parent Meeting:

September 20

School Picture Day:

September 21

Yom Kippur:

September 24 — 25

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

FCEF Run for the Schools:

September 24

Henderson Faculty Meeting:

September 27

Joint PTA Meeting Speaker:

September 27

After School Choir Rehearsal for 7th and 8th Graders:

September 29

Joint Henderson/Elementary

PTA Trivia Night Fundraiser:

September 30

Mickey’s Musical Spectacular Concert:

October 1

Bike to School Day:

October 4

The Little City Scramble Golf Tournament:

October 4

Parent Info Session — ABCs of MYP and SBL&G:

October 4

Creative Cauldron Presentation:

October 6

Indigenous Peoples Day:

PTA Trivia Night Fundraiser:

October 4

School

October 9 No

Early Release Day:

October 11

PTA/PTSA School Board

Candidate Forum:

October 11

Pep Rally Schedule:

October 12

Homecoming Football Game:

October 13

PTA Movie Night:

October 20

MHS Athletics Paperwork Deadline for Winter Sports:

October 23

End of Quarter:

October 25

Henderson Faculty Meeting:

October 25

Secondary IB Conference:

October 26 — 27

Teacher Workday, Professional Development, Parent and Teacher Conferences:

October 26 — 27

No School for Students

Thanksgiving Holiday:

November 21-24 No School

Winter/New Year Break:

December 18 - January 1 No School

Oak Street Elementary

Mustang Athletics Boosters Tailgate:

August 25

Instrument Petting Zoo for 4th and 5th Grade Families:

August 28

FCEPTA Info Night:

August 30

Labor Day:

September 1 – 4 No School

Principal Coffee:

September 8

Fall Picture Day:

September 12

Early Release Day:

September 13

Rosh Hashanah:

September 15 – 16

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

Early Release Day:

September 20

Yom Kippur:

September 24 — 25

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

FCEF Run for the Schools:

September 24

Early Release:

September 27

Joint PTA Meeting Speaker: September 27

Joint Henderson/Elementary

September 30

Bike to School Day:

October 4

The Little City Scramble Golf Tournament:

October 4

Early Release Day:

October 4

Picture Retake Day:

October 5

Indigenous Peoples Day:

October 9 No School

PTA/PTSA School Board Candidate Forum:

October 11

Principal Coffee:

October 13

FCEPTA Book Fair:

October 16 — 17

Early Release: October 18

Teacher Workday, Professional Development, Parent and Teacher Conferences:

October 26 — 27 No School for Students

Mount Daniel Elementary

Mustang Athletics Boosters Tailgate:

August 25

Principal’s Coffee:

August 30

EPTA Information Night:

August 30

Labor Day:

September 1 – 4 No School

Back to School Night:

September 7

Early Release:

September 13

Rosh Hashanah:

September 15 – 16

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

Early Release:

September 20

Principal’s Coffee:

September 20 Yom Kippur:

September 24 — 25

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

FCEF Run for the Schools:

September 24

Early Release:

September 27

Joint PTA Meeting Speaker:

September 27

Joint Henderson/Elementary

PTA Trivia Night Fundraiser:

September 30

Bike to School Day:

October 4

The Little City Scramble Golf Tournament:

October 4

Early Release Day:

Indigenous Peoples Day:

October 9 No School

PTA/PTSA School Board Candidate Forum:

October 11

FCEPTA Book Fair:

October 16 — 17

Early Release:

October 18

Teacher Workday, Professional Development, Parent and Teacher Conferences:

October 26 — 27 No School for Students

Jessie Thackrey Preschool

Mustang Athletics Boosters Tailgate:

August 25

EPTA Information Night:

August 30

Labor Day:

September 1 – 4 No School

Early Release:

September 13

Rosh Hashanah:

September 15 – 16

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

Early Release:

September 20 Yom Kippur:

September 24 — 25

*Official FCCPS Religious Observance Day

FCEF Run for the Schools:

September 24

Early Release:

September 27

Joint PTA Meeting Speaker:

September 27

Joint Henderson/Elementary

PTA Trivia Night Fundraiser:

September 30

Bike to School Day:

October 4

The Little City Scramble Golf Tournament:

October 4

Early Release Day:

October 4

Indigenous Peoples Day: October 9 No School

PTA/PTSA School Board Candidate Forum:

October 11

FCEPTA Book Fair:

October 16 — 17

Early Release:

October 18

Teacher Workday, Professional Development, Parent and Teacher Conferences:

October 26 — 27 No School for Students

Continued on Page 14

BACK TO SCHOOL

Run for the Schools: Back for Its 19th Consecutive Year

BY KYLEE TOLAND FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Locals should put their racing shoes on: the annual Run for the Schools event is back for its 19th consecutive year.

Often referred to as the “most familyfriendly event” in the Little City, Run for the Schools was created by the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) to act as a fundraiser for the foundation, while also serving the public as a physically active community event.

This year’s event will celebrate the 75th year of City of Falls Church by highlighting the history of the city and its schools. FCEF’s executive director Debbie Hiscott said focusing on the city’s successes will be a key feature in this year’s race.

This is also the second year Run for the Schools will be teaming up with Ainsley’s Angels of America, an organization that works with athletes who aren’t physically able to run the course and have able-bodied participants pushing them in racing chairs to the finish line.

“It’s creating community and community connection,” Hiscott said when asked about why locals should participate in Run for the Schools. “You read a lot about loneliness these days in particular… this is a time where there’s a great pool of humanity there.”

Run for the Schools was created by Jerry Barrett, a “huge” community activist and runner who wanted to “do something” that recognized the location of the city’s schools. What began as a simple running event with “fewer than” 50 participants has since grown year after year with added activities such as face-painting, games and a moonbounce.

The event hosts two different kinds of

races; one being a 5K and the other being a one mile “fun run.” The 5K consists of a “loop” around the city’s schools, while the fun run has participants walking/running through the city’s streets. Each city school mascot and the cheerleading team cheer participants on until they step over the finish line.

People of all ages and areas are encouraged to participate in the event, with Hiscott saying that the race sees many repeat runners who come from “really far away” due to its entertainment value. Awards are given to runners in the 5K: $100 are given to the fastest male and female, while prizes are donated by local businesses to winners of each age category.

“It’s a nice community event for families to come to because it’s kind of fun to walk or run down streets that you normally drive through,” FCEF’s director of development Suzanne Hladky said. “You have friends that come out of their driveways and wave at you because you’re going right by their street, so that’s fun for everybody.”

Funds raised by the event go toward supporting Falls Church City Public Schools, such as the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), special education and teacher recognition programs, and grants such as teacher training, innovation and family assistance. The race is also a USA Track & Field (USATF) certified course, which means if a runner participates in the event, they can count their time toward their standings in the organization.

“I think we really try to help push this event for folks to get really integrated and see their friends again or people that they haven’t seen in a while,” Hladky said. “I feel like it solidifies [people’s] decision to move here when they come to this event.”

EXPLORERS WANTED.

Hands-on academics

Personal growth

Ready for exploration

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES:

Thursday, October 26 at 8:45 AM

Wednesday, November 15 at 8:45 AM

Preschool - Grade 8 Co-ed, Independent School in Falls Church Contact Us about Our Infant and Toddler Program

FCEF’S ANNUAL EVENT Run for the Schools is often referred to as the “most family-friendly event” in the City due to its emphasis on physical activity and community. (P����: C���� S��)

Fall College Night at GCM: August 29

Yom Kippur:

24 — 25

Congressional School

Thanksgiving Break:

November 22 — 24 No School

Christmas Break:

December 18 — January 2 No School

St Anthony Padua School

First Day of School: August 23

Columbus Day:

October 9 No School

Early Dismissal:

October 13 11 am dismissal

Teacher Work Day:

October 20 No School

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

November 9 11am dismissal

*Official

Early dismissal 11:30 am

Labor Day: Early dismissal 11:30 am

September 1 No School September 4

Early dismissal: October 6 11:30 am dismissal

Columbus Day: October 9 No School

Teacher Training Day:

October 27 No School

Parent Teacher Conferences:

November 9-10 No School

Thanksgiving Break: November 22-24 No School

Teacher Training Day:

November 27 No School

Early dismissal:

December 20 11:30 am dismissal

Winter Break:

*Official

12:30 pm dismissal

Staff Meetings Closure: November 10 No School

December 21 — January 2

St James School

First Day of School: August 28

Early dismissal 11 am

First Day (preschool):

August 30

Labor Day:

September 1

Early dismissal 11 am

September 4 No School

November 10 No School

Thanksgiving Break:

November 22 — 24 No School No School

November 27 No School

Early Dismissal:

December 20 11:30 am dismissal

Winter Break:

December 21 11 am dismissal

December 22 — January 2 No School

Bishop O’Connell High School

First Day of School

August 23

Freshmen

August 25

Sophomores

August 28

Juniors and Seniors No School (Freshmen):

August 28

Labor Day:

September 4 No School

Early Dismissal / Late Opening:

September 14 1:25 p.m. dismissal

September 15 9:45 a.m. opening

Early Dismissal:

September 21 1:25 p.m. dismissal

Early Dismissal:

September 29 12:00 pm dismissal

Columbus Day:

October 9 No School No School (Juniors and Seniors):

October 11 No School (Freshman, Sophomores, Seniors):

October 13

Early Closure:

October 26 12:00 pm dismissal

Closure:

October 27 No School

Early Dismissal:

November 9 1:25 pm dismissal

Veterans Day:

November 10 No School

The Langley School

First Day of School:

September 6

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

October 5 — 6

School closed

Indigenous Peoples Day:

October 9 No School Teacher Work Day:

October 10 No School

Teacher Work Day:

November 10 No School

Early Dismissal:

November 21

Thanksgiving Break:

November 22 — 27 No School

Early dismissal:

December 15

Winter Break:

December 18 — January 1

THIS WEEK AROUND THE DMV

THURSDAY AUGUST 24

Silent Island

Silent Island performs as part of a free summer concert series, weekends through September 7. The Boro Park (8350 Broad St., Tysons, VA), 5:30 p.m.

Historic Architectural Review Board Meeting

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

FRIDAY AUGUST 25

Veronneau

Veronneau performs. Part of the 2023SummerCabaretsandConcert Series, weekends through August 26 CreativeCauldron(410S.Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Sweat

Filled with warm humor and tremendous heart, SWEAT tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends findthemselves pitted against each other in a heartwrenching fightto stay afloat.

On stage through September 16 Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.

Smithsonian Gardens

Ladybug Release

Convergent lady beetles, commonly known as ladybugs, are a natural pesticide used by museum groundskeepers to maintain the health of their gardens. Join experts on the National Mall to learn how to identify a ladybug and other fun insect and garden facts, then place a few ladybugs on plants yourself. The National Museum of the American Indian (Fourth St. & Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC), 10:00 a.m.

SATURDAY AUGUST 26

F.C. Farmers Market

Shop the market every Saturday! City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Cultural Food Festival

Enjoy ethnic food vendors, artisans and crafters, and traditional performancesatthelargestoutdoorculturalfoodfestivalinthearea. Oronoco BayPark(100MadisonSt.,Alexandria, VA), 11:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.

A Realm of Return

Afreescreeningof"ARealmofReturn," complete with free popcorn. Sound will also be broadcast to car speakers for attendees who want to watch from their vehicle. After themovie,directorThanhTamwill participateinaQ&Asession. Eden Center (6751 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Sally Imbriano

Sally Imbriano performs. Final show of the of the 2023 Summer Cabarets and Concert Series. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Mary Chapin Carpenter performs. Tickets at wolftrap. org. Filene Center (1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA), 7:30 p.m.

Rupaul's Drag Race Werq the World Tour

Perception is not reality... Asia

O'Hara, Daya Betty, Kandy Muse, Lady Camden, Rosé, Naomi Smalls and select Season 15 finalists are unknowingly trapped in the Netwerq... Free your mind this summer at the world's largest drag production. Must be 18+ to attend. Tickets at ticketmaster. com. The Theater at MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, MD), 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY AUGUST 27

Alexandria Restaurant Week

Over 70 restaurants offer $25, $35, or $45 prix fixedinners, August 18-27. More at visitalexandria. com. Participatingvenues(Various locations, Alexandria, VA), all day

Black Business Showcase

Shop over 30 Black small businesses,enjoyfreesamples,andwin excitingprizes. SaturdayandSundayduringmallhoursinthecenter court. Springfield Town Center (6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield,VA),11:00a.m.—7:00p.m.

MONDAY AUGUST 28

Metro RestaurantWashington Week

With some of the nation's best known chefs, restaurateurs and rising culinary stars helming eateries, the DMV is known for its restaurants. One of the most highly anticipated foodrelated programs in the region, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is a week-long celebration of area restaurants and the diversity of world-class cuisine. Over 300 participating restaurants in the promotion offer 3-course menus for lunch at $25, dinners for $40 and $55, or brunch at $25. More at ramw.org. Participating venues (Various Locations, DC, VA, and MD), all day

Agents of Change Pitch Day

Teams of innovators pitch interventions for an issue of disability justice at the root level after an 8-month incubator for social change. Lubber Run Community Center (300 N. Park St., Arlington, VA), 1:30 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.

TUESDAY AUGUST 29

The Bridges of Madison County

A sweeping musical romance of desire and sacrifice based on the best-selling novel. After marrying an American soldier to escape Italy at the end of World War II, Francesca builds herself a home in Iowa, raising two children and settling into a steady but unremarkable routine. Then one day, she meets Robert, a charismatic photographer, who awakens her passion and changes her life forever. Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30

Electoral Board Meeting

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

LUMINOUS EXHIBITS at Falls Church Arts through October 1 glow, sometimes literally, with light. (Photo: “Bell Jar Magic,” Renée Ruggles)

HELP THE SMITHSONIAN place ladybugs on plants as natural pest control, this Friday on the National Mall. (Photo: courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian)

Community News & Notes

Tysons Library Quarterly Book & Media Sale Coming Soon

On Thursday, September 7 through Sunday, September 10 from 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m., the Tysons Pimmit Regional Library will hold its quarterly book and media sale for all ages and interests. Donations of books and media are appreciated. Volunteers are welcome and needed. Contact 703-338-3307

or tysonslibraryfriends@gmail. com for more information.

Retired FCCPS Teacher Offers Free Math Tutoring Program

Mr. Block is a retired Falls Church City secondary school math teacher offering free group math tutoring to students in Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra

2. Students who participate will be expected to do community

service to “pay it forward.” The opportunity to tutor other kids who are in lower levels/grades or other charity work will be made available.

The first session will be held on Monday, August 28 at the Starbucks on Broad Street. Students will attend one of the two sessions each week. Please contact Mr. Block at joelblockmath@gmail.com if interested in participating.

Sunset Cinema Viewer’s Choice Available to Vote for

The 20th Annual Sunset Cinema series returns this fall for three nights of family-friendly films at Cherry Hill Park on September 29, October 6, and October 13.

Cast a vote at surveymonkey. com/r/3TYSZLK for the viewer’s choice movie before August 25.

NoVa Mental Health Foundation Celebrates 30 Years

The Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation (NVMHF) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a fundraiser at PRS on Saturday, September 9. Speakers will include Del. Marcus Simon and Daryl Washington, Executive Director of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB). For more information on the event, please call NVMHF at 703-853-1970 or send an email to info@novamhf.org.

Local MEH 8th Grader Throws First Pitch at Nats Game

Mary Ellen Henderson student Millie Owens threw the first pitch at the Washington Nationals baseball game on Sunday, August 13. She was

diagnosed with a brain tumor in early January 2020. After eight days in the incomparable Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital, the tumor was fully resected. She was incredibly honored to share the field yesterday with other Inova patients, and the doctor that saved her life — Leon Moores, MD.

Announcing Keegan Theatre’s 27th Season in 2023-2024

The Keegan Theatre is pleased to announce its 27th season, featuring five mainstage productions in its beautiful, intimate theater on Church Street in Dupont Circle. The season includes a Sondheim musical, two comedies receiving their D.C. premieres, and two audience favorites back by popular demand.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online or through the box office. Patrons can save 25 percent by purchasing tickets to four or more productions at the same time, and young patrons can take advantage of a new Young Professionals Package which includes tickets to all five of the Happy Hour performances throughout the season for just $200.

THIS YEAR’S Meridian artist, Marc Robage, created a ceramic piece called “Through the Looking Glass: A Murmuration of Cellular Life.” (Photo: Marc Robage)

WINIFRED ‘WINNIE’ EVANS (front center) received the Military Women’s Memorial Award: Living Legend Proclamation in a ceremony on August 17. (Photo: Kylee Toland)

WINNERS OF THE annual Lizzie Borden Ax Throwing Contest. The event took place on August 5 at the American Legion Post #130 in Falls Church. (Photo: Winston Coley)

FCCPS Kicks Off Year with Celebrations & Welcomes

Monday may be the First Day of School, but the activity in and around all FCCPS campuses ramped up last week. Superintendent Peter Noonan welcomed all teachers and staff back and celebrated milestones at Convocation. Meet the Teacher days were held at Oak Street, Mt. Daniel, and Jessie Thackrey. Staff and teachers welcomed students to the Secondary Campus during open houses and orientation.

​FCCPS Recognized as a ‘2023 Top Workplace’

FCCPS is proud to announce its selection as one of The Washington Post’s prestigious Top Workplaces in the Washington, D.C., area for 2023. This esteemed recognition is based on valuable employee feedback from an anonymous survey by Energage, LLC, a trusted research partner. The sur-

vey evaluated various aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection. Alongside government contractors, real estate firms, consulting groups, and tech companies, Falls Church City Public Schools stands out as an exceptional workplace.

Artist in Residence Installation

Complete at Meridian

Through a grant from the Falls Church Education Foundation, the arts department at FCCPS has started an Artist in Residency program. This year’s artist, Marc Robage, created a ceramic piece called “Through the Looking Glass: A Murmuration of Cellular Life.”

This ceramic wall sculpture is the result of the school community working on a common goal: to bring art into our building that enriches our school culture. Every student in every Stable group had the opportunity to make pods, and many staff also participated. Over

850 people created a unique pod, and there are over 1200 pods in the sculpture.

The title refers to the microscope (Science) and Alice in Wonderland (Literature and the Arts). The ceramic pods made were inspired by pollen grains seen under the microscope, which are fascinating shapes with intricate patterns and textures. The microspores are seeds, an essential component of life, and a metaphor for a growth mindset. The green wall and brilliant bouquet relate to the architectural theme of this floor symbolizing plants and nature.

Family Fun Night Sponsorships Open

The chamber is preparing for another community family night out at Jefferson Park. Review the sponsorship opportunities available for community engagement at chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net and contact Elise at elise@fallschurchchamber.org

to reserve a selection.

DoorDash’s Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund

The DoorDash Restaurant Relief Fund is back for its Summer 2023 round of funding. Many businesses have been impacted by devastating natural disasters over the last few years. To help mitigate these losses, DoorDash has partnered with Hello Alice to offer qualifying restaurants $10,000 in relief grants following a natural disaster. Restaurants must meet certain conditions to apply, and Covid-19-related damages are not applicable. This newest round of applications will close on September 29.

Vet Hospital Launches Canine Blood Bank Program

The Veterinary Emergency Group, a local ER on Leesburg Pike, has announced a blood bank program to meet urgent

needs of local veterinarians. Blood donations are necessary for the treatment of injuries, trauma, diseases and surgeries. Ongoing donations are necessary since red blood cell donations expire in 28 to 35 days. VEG will share donations with local clinics. Dogs will receive a full physical and blood count screening at no cost prior to the donation. Pet owners may contact vegbb_fallschurch@veg.vet for more information.

Locals Awarded ArtsFairfax Grants

The Fairfax County arts agency, ArtsFairfax, has announced the recipients of over $590,000 in Operating Support Grants to organizations in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. Congratulations to Creative Cauldron and Falls Church Arts who were among the 50 selected.

MARY ELLEN HENDERSON STUDENT Millie Owens threw the first pitch at the Washington Nationals baseball game on Sunday, August 13. She was incredibly honored to share the field yesterday with other Inova patients. (Photo Courtesy: Matthew Owens)

LAST WEEKEND marked the opening of ‘Luminous’ at the FC Art’s downtown gallery space. Well over 100 people attended, including artists like Erick Buendia (right) with friends who participated in the opening night reception for the show running into October. (News-Press photo)

Falls Church

Business News & Notes

Five Startups to Watch

Inc. business magazine has released the 2023 Inc. 5000 list and five Falls Church startups are included. Sierra7, an IT government contractor, was the highest ranked at 459. The others listed are Grey Market Labs, a software company; VetEvolve, a veterinary services company; Alesig Consulting, an IT government contractor; and ARServices, Limited, a government contractor. Startup companies were ranked in growth from 2019 to 2022 and must have earned at least $100,000 in 2019 and grow to at least $2 million by the end of 2022.

Vet Hospital Launches Canine Blood Bank Program

The Veterinary Emergency Group, a local ER on Leesburg Pike, has announced a blood bank program to meet urgent needs of local veterinarians. Blood donations are necessary for the treatment of injuries, trauma, diseases and surgeries. Ongoing donations are necessary since red blood cell donations expire in 28 to 35 days. VEG will share donations with local clinics. Dogs will receive a full physical and blood count screening at no cost prior to the donation. Pet owners may contact vegbb_fallschurch@veg.vet for more information.

Taco Rock: Mutts N Mimosas

Saturday, August 26, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Taco Rock is celebrating National Dog Day with Mutts N Mimosas. Several local dog vendors will be on site with information on services as well as accessories and treats. Taco Rock will donate a portion of the day’s sales to Pilots n’ Paws, a national nonprofit of pilots who volunteer to fly rescued animals to new homes. Guests are encouraged to bring their pups.

DC Restaurant Week Includes a Local

Washingtonian Magazine included Ellie Bird of Falls Church on its list of 13 new restaurants to try during DC Summer Restaurant Week. Ellie Bird received ‘bonus points’ for the variety offered on the menu and highlighted several dinner items. The DC Summer Restaurant Week runs August 28 through September 3.

FCCPS Recognition

The Washington Post has announced the Falls Church City Public Schools as “2023 Top Workplace”. The annual selection is based on valuable employee feedback in an anonymous survey by Energage, LLC, a research partner which evaluates work culture, alignment, execution, and connection. Government contractors, real estate firms, consulting groups and technology companies are all eligible for consideration.

Cybersecurity Training Session

The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is facilitating an online session on Cybersecurity on Thursday, August 31, 12:30 – 1:30 pm. The speaker, Quiana Gainey, is a Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert. The workshop is free, and the Zoom link will be shared upon registration at clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop. aspx?ekey=900430031.

Northrop Wins IR Sensor Contract

Northrop Grumman will develop infrared sensor technology for the U.S. Air Force under a three-year contract. Under a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract worth $8.1million, the project will support the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Advanced Staring Infrared Search and Track Technologies.

by John D. Lawrence

I’m sure most of you have seen that the candidates in this year’s races have signed a pledge saying they’ll try to raise their money within the City to the greatest extent possible. Keeping local elections local is a great idea and I’m glad Citizens for a Better City and the League of Women Voters (among others) worked on this pledge. But this pledge is, let’s be honest, totally unenforceable. The only reward/ punishment for candidates will be if adherence or not to the pledge affects people’s votes.

That means constant, complete, and transparent reporting by the CBC/LWV.

We don’t need a local organization saying, “This is our assessment related to the pledge, trust us” just before the election. What’s needed -- and what can be done easily – is complete transparency and honest assessments of what’s known and unknown for campaign reporting on a consistent basis as reports are filed. That’s the only way any assessment can be believable. (Note: I sent some of my concerns to the CBC and was emailed a link to their FAQs which

didn’t address my concerns.)

Let’s start with definitions. Candidates have regular campaign reports easily accessed through the Virginia Department of Elections (elections.virginia.gov/candidatepacinfo/reporting/). “Itemized” donations are aggregated totals from one person of more than $100.

“Unitemized” donations are $100 and below. For Itemized donations, candidates report the donor’s name, address, occupation, amount, and date of donation. For Unitemized donations, amounts are lumped together as a total with no names. But candidates must collect all the same information as for Itemized donations because if someone makes multiple donations that total more than $100 then every donation they’ve made needs to be reported. As a former candidate, I know that campaign finance reporting is both vital and a pain in the neck. It just is. You’d rather spend the time campaigning. Willingness to sign the pledge is great, but we have some limitations. For donations from outside the City, I don’t think we can expect candidates to explain a $120 donation with a notation of “This is my college roommate.” It’s unrea-

sonable and unverifiable

We just need three simple donation categories: Inside FC, Outside FC, and Unknown. For itemized donations, a full address is required, which is key since only 22046 is solely inside the City.

What about unitemized donations? Frankly, just admit the Unknowns. As I said, these are lumped together with no name/ address/individual amount. So there’s no way to know what – if any – of these amounts fall within the city.

These unknowns can be significant.

In one report, a 2021 candidate listed $2,950 in Itemized donations with $1,000 of those from outside the city and $1,600 Unitemized. This report should be assessed as 43 percent Inside FC, 22 percent Outside FC, and 35 percent Unknown.

Another 2021 candidate, over three reports totaling almost $25,000, listed $5,600 in unitemized donations – almost 23 percent.

One 2019 candidate, who’s running again, filed a report listing $4,341 in donations with $4,120 of those Unitemized – i.e., no names

listed. That’s 95 percent of one report that’s unknown.

People should just know how much is unknown about where donations come from and can factor that into their decision-making as they see fit.

Candidates could fix the Unknown if they want by reporting all donations no matter the size because they have the details. If they can’t do this with Virginia, they can publish it on their websites. However, not doing it would be totally understandable since it would be a bigger pain in the neck. They can live with having a certain percentage of their donations listed as Unknown.

The CBC/LWV should also focus on timeliness. If someone misses a reporting date, just note that so there’s no impression that the publicly listed donations are current. Late filing sometimes happens which is why amendments are allowed. And track reports after the election. In 2021, a month after the election, one winning candidate filed an amendment to the last pre-election report (requiring all donations prior to Oct. 21), including another $1,100 received

on Oct. 20. Don’t stop watching just because the election was called.

True transparency in local campaign finance could also prove interesting. How many people know we have multiple individuals who give multiple four-figure donations regularly? How about that a “local” PAC made four-figure donations to multiple candidates in 2021? I say “local” because it’s listed with a City address, but almost half the PAC donors are unlisted because the donations were $100/under.

To make any assessment of this pledge believable, the CBC/ LWV and the News Press should: Publish all donations on a public website, list totals (and percentages) for Inside FC, Outside FC, and Unknown, note any anomalies such as missed reporting dates.

This pledge only matters if voters have the full information to inform their vote.

John D. Lawrence served more than 18 years on Falls Church boards and commissions including the Library Board of Trustees, the Planning Commission, and the School Board.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLANNING COMMISSION

NOTICE: On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., the City of Falls Church Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and meeting on proposed changes to the T-1 Transition Zone zoning district. Public comments can also be submitted ahead of time to jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The Planning Commission will consider the following item and recommendation to City Council:

(TO23-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 48 “ZONING” TO INCLUDE AN AVERAGE UNIT SIZE AND DENSITY RESTRICTIONS IN THE T-1 TRANSITION ZONE; ELIMINATE SINGLE FAMILY AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE THEREIN; ALLOW FOR A TOWNHOUSE, APARTMENT AND CONDO OPTION AND ALLOW FOR EXPANDED LOT COVERAGE

The public hearing meeting agenda and materials will be available on the following page prior to the meeting date: http://www.fallschurchva. gov/PC. More information about the proposed changes to the Transition Zones (“T-Zones”) are available on the project webpage: http:// fallschurchva.gov/2167/Proposed-T-ZoneUpdates

This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities and special services or assistance may be requested in advance. (TTY 711)

ABC NOTICE

Cafe K Inc Trading as Cafe K, 3040 Williams Drive Ste 102, Fairfax, 22031. The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Mixed Beverages Restaurant.

Yoon Jung Lee, Managing Member Cafe K Inc. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

Double Down Hospitality Inc Trading as Garden Social, 4363 John Marr Drive, Fairfax, 22003. The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine On and Off Premises, Mixed Beverages license. Millie Mikyong Lee, President of Double Down Hospitality. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

Settle Down Easy Brewing 2822 Fallfax Drive in Falls Church. The Above establishment is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Retail license to sell beer, wine and cider.

NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

FOR SALE

National Memorial Park

Four desirable lots in National Memorial Park Falls Church Va.

BLOCK F LOT 8 SITES 1 2 3 4. All four lots $6500.00 or two lots $$3500. No singles. Phone 814-592-1554 leave message if no answer.

Yard Sale

Yard Sale Saturday 8/26 9-12. 215 Patterson St. Full/twin bunk bed, bedroom and dining furniture, tables, linens, small kitchen appliances, David Winter cottages, toys, Disney DVR tapes, more. AUCTIONS AUCTION

ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Now Offering Financing! Ronnie Jenkins II

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re waiving all installation costs!

(Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 9/30/23) Call 1-877-460-5348

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions.

1-877-636-0738

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844902-4611

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-614-6667

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-844-945-1631 Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-591-9950

PETS

Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip™ as an area spray to control fleas, ticks, stable flies & mosquitoes where they breed. Biodegradable. At Northwest Ace Hardware & Southern States stores. (www.happyjackinc.com)

REAL ESTATE

ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-5217576, landonc@vpa.net

RECRUITMENT

HIRING? Promote job listings regionally or statewide! Affordable Print and Digital Advertising Solutions reaching potential candidates. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

SERVICES

DIVORCE-Uncontested, $475+$86 court cost. WILLS-$295.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-4900126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 888-608-4974 FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling.

The LGBTQ+ Reach

by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press

66-Year Old Mother Of Nine Murdered For Flying Pride Flag

Last Friday 66-year old Laura Anne Carleson was shot and killed by 27-year old Travis Ikeguchi after Ikeguchi tore down the Pride flag hanging outside Carleson’s store, Mag.Pi. Ikeguchi was chased by police and, after he shot at the officers, was shot and killed. He had been posting homophobic tirades on social media recently, including a burning Pride flag.

Two Arrested In Separate US Rep. Death Threat Cases

Two men are arrested after allegedly issuing explicit and homophobic death threats against Rep. George Santos (R-NY) and an unnamed Texas Congresswoman, in two separate cases. In the case of the Texas Rep., Michael David Fox was arrested for making the threat, which accused the Rep. of being a secret satanist transgender pedophile. Fox apparently ran “forensic analysis” of the Congresswoman’s facial structure to come to his conclusions.

“I Wish I Knew How to Quit You,” Bud Light

After four months of pandering (following his… canicide?... where he shot up cases of the beer with an assault rifle), Kid Rock has been caught on camera drinking a can of Bud Light during a show. Perhaps someone let him know that Coors, Miller, and Michelob also have “woke” LGBTQ+ campaigns? Or that Busch and Natural Light, also owned by Anheuiser Busch, do? Or that Corona and Modelo are owned by Constellation Brands, a company with a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality index?

These boycotts are absurd and unprincipled, pointing haphazardly at any sign of kindness in society as evidence of a sudden “woke” invasion, when in fact Bud Light started its pro-LGBTQ+ marketing in earnest in the mid-1990s (starting with a “Be Yourself” ad campaign).

Orange Is The New Quack

Jessica Watkins, a transgender woman serving an eight and a half year sentence for her part in the January 6 insurrection, is rightfully upset.

Watkins, an Army veteran and one of 11 arrested “Oath Keepers” — believed to have played outsized roles in the event — allegedly recruited participants to be “fighting fit.”

Watkins has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to plead for members of Congress to intervene. She alleges she is being sent to a men’s prison, despite her identifying as female.

The problem is, she’s begging specifically to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA, who intentionally misgenders trans folk regularly), Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL, who said he couldn’t support trans rights because Donald Trump might call himself the first female President), and Jim Jordan (R-OH, who, despite allegations he ignored multiple claims of sexual abuse at Ohio State University, says locker rooms are made less safe when trans people can use the right one).

Ironically, liberals are far more likely to support her incarceration in the proper womens’ facility.

Trans Rights Heading For SCOTUS

Trans healthcare bans were blocked in Georgia and upheld in Alabama, just recent examples of disparities that will almost certainly result in the Supreme Court taking up issues of Trans rights on at least the healthcare front.

MO Town Buckles To ‘AntiWoke’ Library Demands

John Josendale, Mayor of St. Joseph, Missouri, pulled the reappointment nomination of Brian Kirk from the town’s Library Board of Trustees, after pressure from right-wing activists. Kirk, a gay pastor at nearby First Christian Church, had served on the library’s board for three years, and caused no controversy, however opposition came in strong from the Buchanan County GOP chair, Steven Greiert, who wrote at least one city council member saying “this transgender and homosexual propaganda is pure evil” before threatening to retaliate against anybody supporting Kirk — by refusing to accept their filing fees, essentially blocking them from running for office again as Republicans.

Ryan Murphy Picking Scabs On AHS Season 12

American Horror Story: Delicate, the show’s 12th season, is in production despite the ongoing writers’ strike. Kim Kardashian, the season’s star, has been raked over the coals for crossing picket lines to film. Though everyone loves to hate on the 42-year old billionaire and her family, focus should remain on producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who ultimately put the pressure on Kardashian to show up —- or miss out on what would be her most prominent actual acting role by far.

L etters to E ditor

Continued from Page

Robbie Robertson’s Last Dance

Editor,

Thanks to Nicholas Benton for his tribute to the passing of Robbie Robertson and the Band’s sometimes misunderstood hit, “The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down.”

Hopefully when Thanksgiving rolls around we’ll see a similar tribute to the greatest live album ever recorded, “The Last Waltz.” The album is as much a tribute to The Band as it is to the holiday and let’s hope we see more on the subject!

Jeff Walyus Falls Church

Editor,

It’s great to see so many different bushes and ornamental grasses planted along our sidewalks and streets. But the job isn’t done once planted.

Please, everyone, homeowner and business owners alike, make sure that your foliage is trimmed back and not encroaching into already narrow sidewalks. Please play your part in helping people with mobility issues, walkers, and wheelchairs, be able to navigate our sidewalks.

C ritter C orner

The address for Mind Over Mat Pilates — one of two winners for Best Fitness was incorrect. The correct address is 807 Jackson St, Falls Church, VA 22046.

The name of the Best Builder WInner, Zimmermann Homes was misspelled. It is Zimmermann Homes: zimmermannhomes.com

The FCNP regrets these errors.

MEET PERCY. He’s an adopted and very loved golden retriever who came from a shelter in Turkey and who now calls the ”Little City” home. Here he is taking a cold soak to escape this week’s heat during his morning walk through Howard E. Herman Park.

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

Chris Raymond

Where To Find The News-Press

• 24 Hour Fitness, 1000 E. Broad St.

• 450 W. Broad St. Lobby Building

• 7 Eleven (Box), 3019 Annandale Rd.

• 7 Eleven (Box), 201 S Washington St.

• Amazing Smiles, 444 W. Broad St. – D

• Arlington Hospital Center (Box), 1701 N. George Mason Dr.

• Anthony’s Restaurant, 3000 Annandale Rd.

• Arlington Hospital Center ER (inside), 1702 N. George Mason Dr.

• Bakeshop. E Fairfax St.

• Borek G Turkish Mom’s Cooking. 315 S Maple Ave.

• Bowl America, 140 S. Maple Ave.

• Box at Federal Credit Union, 1226 W. Broad St.

• Broad Falls Apartments, 809 W. Broad St.

• Brown’s Hardware, 100 W. Broad St.

• Burke & Herbert Bank, 225 W. St. Broad St.

• Bus Stop (Box), Lee Hwy. and Hollywood Rd.

• Café Kindred, 450 N. Washington St.

• Celebrity Deli – Graham Park Plaza, 7263A Arlington Blvd.

• Central Library. 1015 North Quincy Street.

• Cinthia’s Bakery, 5860 Columbia Pike.

• City Hall. 300 Park Ave.

• Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St.

• Crumbl Cookies, 1106A W. Broad St.

• Cuates Grill 502 W. Broad #5t.

• CVS, 1150 W. Broad St.

• CVS (Box), 134 W. Broad St.

• CVS (Box), 6404 N Williamsburg Blvd.

• Dogwood Tavern, 132 W. Broad St.

• Dominion Hospital, 2960 Sleepy Hollow Rd.

• Dominion Wine and Beer, 107 Rowell Ct.

• Don Beyer Volvo, 1231 W. Broad St.

• East Falls Church Metro (Box), 2001 N. Sycamore St.

• El Tio Restaurant, 7630 Lee Hwy.

• Elevation Burger, 442 S. Washington St.

• Eaves Fairfax Towers, 2251 Pimmit Dr.

• Exxon Gas Station, 400 W. Broad St.

• Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B W. Broad St.

• Falls Church City Public Schools, 800 W. Broad St.

• Falls Church City Public Utilities, Gordon Rd.

• Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls St.

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave. Suite #310

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave. Lobby

• Five Guys, 913 W. Broad St.

• Flippin’ Pizza, 800 W. Broad St.

• Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax

• Foxcraft Design Group, 110 Great Falls St.

• Giant Food, 1230 W. Broad St.

• Giant Food, Loehmann’s Plaza

• Goodwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St.

• Happy Tart. 410 S. Maple Ave.

• Harris Teeter, 301 W. Broad St.

• Harvey’s, 513 W. Broad St.

• Hillwood Cleaners, 165 Hillwood Ave.

• Hilton Garden Inn, 706 W. Broad St.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium, 2300 Pimmit Dr.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium, 2311 Pimmit Dr.

• Ireland’s Four Provinces, 105 W. Broad St.

• Islamic Center, Leesburg Pike and Rio Dr. Bus Stop

• Java Loco Coffee & Tea.

• Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, 1136 W. Broad St.

• Lazy Mikes Deli, 7049 Leesburg Pike

• Ledo Pizza, 7510 Leesburg Pike

• Liberty Barbecue, 370 W. Broad St.

• Lil City Creamery, 114 W. Broad St.

• Lincoln. At Tinner Hill Apartments, 455 S. Maple Ave.

• Long & Foster Realtors, 4600 Cherry Hill Rd.

• Lost Dog & Cat Rescue, 6801 Wilson Blvd

• Madison Apartments, 600 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

• Mark’s Pub, 2190 Pimmit Dr.

• Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, 7130 Leesburg Pike

• Mary Riley St.yles Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave.

• Medical Building, 405 N. Washington St.

• Medical Building, 407 N. Washington St.

• Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley

• Merrill House Apartments, 210 E. Fairfax St.

• Metro Diner, 4711 Langston Blvd.

• Moby Dick House of Kabob, 444 W. Broad St.

• Modera Founders Row. 110 Founders Ave.

• Mom’s Organic Market, 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax

• Multicultural Center. 701 W. Broad St.

• Munson Hill Apartments, 6729 Leesburg Pike

• N Virginia Av & W. Broad St. (Box), 105 N. Virginia Ave.

• N. Washington & E. Columbia St., 106 E. Columbia St.

• Northern Virginia Immigration Law, 180 S. Washington St.

• Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates, 107 N. Virginia Ave

• Northgate Apartments (lobby), 450 N. Washington St.

• Northside Social, 205 Park Ave.

• Falls Green Apartments, 501 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

• Park Towers Condos, 200 N. Maple Ave.

• Peach Tree Towers, 2042 Peach Orchard Dr.

• Pearson Square Apartments, 410 S. Maple Ave.

• Pete’s Barber Shop, 5847 Washington Blvd.

• Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7700 Leesburg Pike

• Pizzeria Orso (Tax Analyst building), 400 S. Maple Ave.

• PNC Bank, 402 W. Broad St.

• Point of View, 701 W. Broad St.

• Post. Office, 800 W. Broad St.

• Preservation Biscuit 102 E. Fairfax St.

• Professional Building, 313 Park Ave.

• Quick Copy, 417 W. Broad St.

• Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, 230 W. Broad St.

• Read Apartments, 402 W. Broad St.

• Rembrandt Assisted Living, 6669 Gouthier Rd.

• Roosevelt Towers, 500 N Roosevelt Blvd.

• S. Washington & W. Broad St. (Box) 101 W. Broad St.

• Safeway, 5101 Wilson Blvd.

• Safeway, 2500 N Harrison St.

• Safeway – Route 29, 7397 Langston Blvd.

• Sfizi Café, 800 W. Broad St.

• Silver Diner, 3200 Wilson Blvd.

• Sislers Stone, 7139 Lee Hwy.

• Smokey’s Garage, 1105 W. Broad St.

• Solace Outpost 444 W. Broad St.

• Sonic Car Wash, 1050 W. Broad St.

• The Spectrum, 444 W. Broad St.

• The Spectrum Cleaners, 444 W. Broad St.

• Starbucks, 244 W. Broad St.

• Sunrise of Falls Church, 330 N. Washington St.

• Super A Market, 2800 Graham Rd.

• Taco Rock, 116 W. Broad St.

• Target, 500 S Washington St.

• Target – Skyline Mall (Box), 5107 Leesburg Pike

• Tasty Dumpling, 112 W. Broad St.

• The Broadway Apt (in mailroom), 500 W. Broad St.

• The Byron Apartments, 513 W. Broad St.

• The Falls Church Episcopal, 115 E Fairfax St.,

• The Kensington Falls Church, 700 W. Broad St.

• The Neighborhood Barbershop, 417 W. Broad St. #103

• The Original Pancake House, 7395 Lee Hwy.

• The UPS St.ore, 1069 W. Broad St.

• Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd.

• Towne Place Suites – Marriot, 205 Hillwood Ave.

• Unity Club, 116-B W. Broad St.

• UPS Store Seven Corners, 6312 Seven Corners Ctr.

• US Post Office, 2045 Wilson Blvd.

• Verso Founders Row, 105 Founders Row

• Westlee Condominium 2200 N. Westmoreland

• Wendy’s – Bus St.op, 7391 Langston Blvd.

• West Falls Church Metro (Box) 7040 Haycock Rd.

• Woodrow Wilson Community Library, 6101 Knollwood Dr.

• Yayla Bistro, 2201 N. Westmoreland