No Issues In Trump’s Quick Stop at F.C.’s Eden Center
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump made a brief stop at the Eden Center in the City of Falls Church early Monday morning prior to a quick stop at the Arlington National Cemetery, where a heavily-reported dispute broke out involving the Trump team’s violation of the cemetery’s “no photos” policy, and a plane trip out of town to a campaign event.
Trump showed up at the Truong Tien restaurant in the Eden Center, arguably the most active and vibrant VietnameseAmerican gathering place in the U.S., with the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate Hung Cao. Cao is running against Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine.
Trump spoke briefly and left without eating, although he reportedly ordered food to go. The event was carried by C-SPAN.
The restaurant was opened last year by Thanh Huong Thi Truong and is one of dozens of outstanding Vietnamese restaurants in the center.
At his brief appearance, Trump cited his endorsement of Hung Cao in the Republican primary earlier this year and now in for the general election, and said “I really like that name, Hung Cao,” repeating it twice. He said “I don’t know why but Vietnamese people love me.” He added that he believes he has a chance to win in Virginia against
Continued on Page 3
GRIP IT AND RIP IT
Robert McCan Presents on His 100th Birthday
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
Last Friday, Aug. 23, lifelong civil rights activist, Falls Church resident and active Falls Church Episcopal member the Rev. Dr. Robert L. McCan spoke at length and was honored at an event celebrating his 100th birthday at the D.C.-based headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace that he helped to found.
McCan was at the top of his game in his half-hour lecture, a recollection of his many achievements that included working with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr., at the mid-afternoon event, attended by dozens of friends and supporters, including a large contingent from the Falls Church Episcopal led by its rector, the Rev. Burl Salmon and communications director Joel Wood, the Jefferson Senior Living facility in Arlington and the Goodwin House in greater Falls Church.
McCan was introduced as “an American peacemaker and peace builder” who helped create what became the U.S. Institute of Peace over the course of a long and storied career in the minis -
try and peacemaking efforts.
According to McCan, it was his experiences during World War II as a chaplain coming out of seminary in Missouri, and later in the war when he rode a bus from Asheville, North Carolina, to St. Louis, Missouri, with a young Japanese American whom his church was sponsoring to be released from an internment camp in order to attend medical school. He said that others on the bus jeered and taunted the student with signs that read, “Slap a Jap.”
“While the war taught me to
hate and kill Japanese people, I had a Japanese friend and wanted instead to work with him toward world peace and a cross-cultural understanding,” McCan recalled. That marked the beginning of his lifelong ministry.
He recalled the Southern Baptist convention at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he shared the stage with Dr. King, and as a result had spent an hour talking with him backstage before they
THE MERIDIAN VARSITY Golf Team hosted their first match last Thursday at Reston National. Led by (pictured above on the Tee) Senior, Alex Way, who shot one under par. The Mustangs beat the field in convincing fashion with a team score of 149, topping second place Yorktown by 14 points. (Photo: FCCPS)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS BRIEFS
With Only 2 Days to Go, 4 Seek to Qualify for F.C. Election
According to Falls Church Registrar of Voters David Bjerke, now four Falls Church citizens are working ahead of Friday’s deadline to qualify for the ballot in the special election to be held Nov. 5 to fill the seat on the F.C. City Council vacated by the resignation earlier this month of Caroline Lian.
Bjerke has told the News-Press that two of the candidates, Laura Downs and John Murphy, have submitted the required 125 signatures of registered Falls Church voters and other paperwork and have been qualified for the ballot. Two others, Brian W. Pendleton and Leandra Joy Bernstein, have submitted their certificate of candidacy and declaration of candidacy forms, but not yet the petitions with the required signatures.
Bjerke said that as of the deadline to file at 5 p.m. this Friday, he will be able to announce very soon after that who all the qualified candidates will be.
Rising Insurance Costs Put Affordable Housing at Risk
Developers have been ringing the bell about the rising cost of insurance for years, but now the din is deafening. The worst-case scenario: an end to affordable housing development, writes Bisnow.
Insurance costs have been rising faster for multifamily than any other property type, going up an average 26 percent from 2022 to 2023, and tripling or even quadrupling for some communities in natural disaster-prone areas.
Affordable housing developers that have rent caps to meet a certain area median income are increasingly finding themselves unable to build because revenue won’t cover the cost of insurance. They are also converting affordable units to market-rate rents to meet their premiums.
The pullback is exacerbating a 6-million-unit shortfall in low-cost housing. “If it spreads further, it could threaten to end affordable housing development as we know it,” Frank Woodruff, the executive director of the Community Opportunity Alliance, told The New York Times
Cancer Specialists Name New Research Specialist
Virginia Cancer Specialists, the larg -
est private cancer practice in Northern Virginia and an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, is expanding its clinical research program, it was announced this week. Neel Belani, M.D., a Medical Oncologist and Clinical Investigator, will join the research program, which is the largest and most comprehensive in the Mid-Atlantic.
Dr. Belani will see patients at the Fairfax Cancer Center, the practice’s flagship location. Dr. Belani completed his undergraduate education at Rutgers, New Brunswick before attending Rutgers Business School, where he focused on healthcare policy and administration. He then went on to attend Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he was a Gold Humanism Honor Society Member.
Dr. Belani completed an internal medicine residency at Brown University and a medical oncology and hematology fellowship at Temple University – Fox Chase Cancer Center. With a strong interest in thoracic oncology, he completed an observership at National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan.
Report Notes LGBTQ+ Athletes Shined at Olympics
It was noted this week that openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing at the Paris Olympics this month won 69 medals: 23 gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze. “This would position ‘Team LGBTQ+’ as the sixth most successful nation, gay business CEO George Arison stated. As for the Paralympics, Outsports reports at least 38 out LGBTQ athletes won medals, also a record.
Another High School Football Death Stuns Alabama Town
As family and friends continued to mourn the death of Morgan Academy high school football player Caden Tellier on Monday, coaches around the state reacted to another tragedy, it was reported on the Al.com news website.
Tellier, a 16-year-old junior, died at University of Alabama Hospital on Saturday after suffering a critical brain injury during his team’s game against Southern Academy in Selma on Friday.
“It does nothing but put everything in perspective,” said Gulf Shores High head coach Mark Hudspeth, who has coached at both the high school and college level. “At the end of the day, this is just a game and that was a precious life.”
Trump Makes Quick Stop at Eden Center & No Issues Discussed
Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in November.
But while no policy issues were mentioned during Trump’s brief stop, Cao’s opponent in this November’s election, incumbent Democratic Sen. Kaine, announced Monday his release of a new series of press releases called “Cao’s Cuts,” highlighting what he calls “Hung Cao’s out-of-touch, extreme plans if elected to the U.S. Senate.”
Over the next several weeks, Kaine announced, his campaign “will call out Hung Cao’s dangerous plans and the ways they could impact Virginians.”
“Hung Cao is trying to hide his dangerous, extreme plans from Virginia voters,” said Michael Beyer, Communications Director for Senator Kaine’s campaign. “If Cao has his way, Cao’s Cuts could raise taxes on Virginians, strip them of their health care, and end Social Security and Medicare. Our campaign is launching ‘Cao’s Cuts’ so Virginians know that Hung Cao
is too extreme for Virginians.”
Kaine and Cao will face off on the ballot in this November’s election, and Kaine has assailed his opponent for “avoiding facing voters to answer for his extreme plans.” During the primary campaign, Cao skipped a candidate forum in Augusta County and said it would be “ridonkulous” to drive to Abingdon to answer questions from Virginians, the Kaine campaign noted.
“As is tradition, Senator Kaine accepted four invitations for debates and candidate forums in different regions of the Commonwealth. He is disappointed that his opponent has refused to participate in the first three,” said Kaine for Virginia Communications Director Michael Beyer. “But he isn’t surprised— his opponent skipped 12 of 13 candidate forums during the GOP primary.”
Kaine elaborated, “In February of 2022, Florida Senator Rick Scott, then serving as the leader of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, rolled out a radical budgetary plan for the GOP. Hung
Cao bragged that he was consulted by Rick Scott about the plan and called it ‘perfect,’ even as fellow Republicans lambasted Scott’s disastrous scheme to end Social Security and Medicare and raise taxes on the middle class. But it isn’t just Social Security and Medicare. Cao’s plans on law enforcement, veterans, and hardworking Virginians would be a disaster. If Cao had his way, he could weaken border security; defund law enforcement; jeopardize veterans’ benefits; raise taxes on active-duty servicemembers and disenfranchise veterans; put Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid on the chopping block; raise taxes on Virginia families and small businesses; and give the rich giant tax giveaways.”
Trump at the small restaurant in Falls Church’s Eden Center Monday said, “Somehow, I don’t know what it is, you’ll have to explain it, but the Vietnamese community loves me. I love them.” He called the Vietnamese community “the most beautiful dressers I’ve ever seen.”
While Trump did not eat anything during his brief stop, he was asked if he’d ever tried Vietnamese food. He said “I love Vietnamese food, but I love the people more.” He also told a group of supporters gathered, “I’m going to buy something beautiful, I don’t know what it is.”
He reportedly spent most of the time signing autographs and complaining about both the forthcom-
ing presidential debate with Kamala Harris and Joe Biden’s beach trips. “That’s not the Vietnamese, they’re hard-working people,” he said, as reported by Jessica Sidman of the Washingtonian magazine.
Trump’s appearance there drew a blizzard of comments on social media, with one typical caustic remark being, “Closest he’s ever been to Vietnam. Is he limping from bone spurs?”
FORMER PRESIDENT Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Eden Center on Monday. (Photo: Doug Mills/ The New York Times )
Robert McCan Celebrates 100th Birthday in Peace Center Talk
spoke. “Nobody remembered what I said that day,” he smiled. It was during the time of the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott where Rosa Parks became famous for her role.
In Clinton, Tennessee, outside of Knoxville, Dr. McCan appeared with Dr. King and Thurgood Marshall at an event that prompted the detonation of two bombs nearby, and Dr. McCan then chose the title of “Bombs and Brotherhood, Two Paths” for his sermon.
In Danville, Virginia, where officials tried to deter a propeace and integration event by closing the public library and removing all the chairs, protests forced a repeal of that action, but then a violent attack occurred where 260 people were hospitalized. That was the mid1970s era when the Southern Baptist Church denomination “had grown away from me,” in McCan’s words, and he dedicated his entire effort to peacemaking.
In a stint at Harvard
University, he taught with Henry Kissinger and the famous Huston Smith, who taught the Philosophy of Religions at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Later that decade McCan launched the effort to found what he wanted to call the George Washington Peace Academy, based on the remarks of George Washington in his farewell address that he “wanted to see war banished from the world.”
Eventually instrumental in seeing to the realization of that effort as the U.S. Institute of Peace were U.S. Sen. Vance Hartke of Indiana (who resided in Falls Church at the time of his death in 1984, and was the principal in the Falls Church law firm of Hartke and Hartke), whose son was present at the McCan event Friday to deliver remarks, Sen. Mark Hatfield, Sen. Charles Mathias, along with McCan’s colleague, Brian Wedge. They met as a group of about 40 at the Holiday Inn in Rosslyn in April 1976, and the impetus for the establishment of
the institute occurred. A membership drive ensued that wound up with 25,000 signed up, and by 1984, the Congress voted its formal creation.
He was the original founder of the Dag Hammarskjold College that was to be based in Columbia, Maryland, but never materialized for lack of funds. There the goal was to have a majority of faculty and students from other countries with all students holding internships at the United Nations.
Dr. McCan held four execu
tive appointments in the federal government, the Office of Economic Opportunity, the Office of Education, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Agency for International Development.
He was the associate professor for political ethics at the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and as an associate at the Episcopal Church’s Center for Theology and Public Policy.
In his remarks Friday, Hartke’s son cited the quote of
John F. Kennedy Jr. who said the most important praise is “to be remembered for one’s contributions to the human spirit.”
ROBERT MCCANN spoke at an event celebrating his 100th birthday on Friday. ( News-Press Photo)
In the Midst of an Epochal Explosion New Anthony’s Owner Keeps All 26 Employees
Nicholas F. Benton
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
We are in the midst of witnessing one of the most important moments in world history, assuming the momentum continues to grow to elect Vice President Kamala Harris to the White House this November. The near instantaneous and total transformation of the national spirit that exploded immediately in the wake of the flawless handoff from Biden to Harris last month has truly been the stuff of history.
It demonstrates that real history (if you want to call it that) does not plod along in dull linear fashion, but acts more on the order of how a grand slam home run can suddenly reverse the fortunes of a baseball team, or slight adjustment to the grip of a tennis racket can transform a career.
Best in all this now happening is how that dirty old man has become the foil for a huge revival in overall morale, humanitarian morals and lovely human passions and compassion.
Passionate appeals to the left of us, passionate appeals to the right.
First, there is Liz Cheney’s pitch in a new email/social media post to fellow Republicans as well as independents and Democrats delivered yesterday:
“The GOP has chosen. They have nominated a man who attempted to overturn an election and seize power. Now, we have just months to save our republic and ensure Donald Trump is never anywhere near the Oval Office again.
“It’s up to all of us to put our love of country ahead of partisanship, to stand together for our values and our freedom in the face of a threat we’ve never faced before. So much is on the line. We must right the ship of our democracy. That’s why I launched Our Great Task.
“I am committing to doing everything I can to ensure we defeat Donald Trump at the ballot box this November, and I’m asking you to do the same. If you are with me, please contribute today.
“Every one of us – Republican, Democrat, Independent – must
work together to ensure that Donald Trump and those who have appeased, enabled, and collaborated with him are defeated. This is the cause of our time.”
Eloquent and so important, just as Republican Adam Kinzinger was speaking at the Democratic Convention last week.
It underscores the message sent by over 200 Republican office holders today.
Then, there is Bernie Sanders’ pitch to his followers on the proverbial left.
‘As I’m sure you are aware,” he writes, “This is not a normal election.
“It is not a normal election when we are running against someone who is a pathological liar. It is not a normal election when we are running against someone who has been convicted of 34 felonies. It is not a normal election when our opponent is a convicted sexual abuser and, as a private businessman, was involved in 4,000 lawsuits — indicating a total lack of trustworthiness.
But it’s even worse than that.
When Donald Trump claims that ‘nobody’ showed up at a 10,000-person Harris-Walz rally in Michigan that was live-streamed and widely covered by the media, that it was all AI, and that Democrats cheat all of the time, there is a method to his madness.
“Clearly, and dangerously, what Trump is doing is undermining American democracy and laying the groundwork for rejecting the election results if he loses.
If you can convince your supporters that thousands of people who attended a televised rally do not exist, it will not be hard to convince them that the election returns in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and elsewhere are ‘fake’ and ‘fraudulent.’
“It should be a secret to no one. Trump’s goal is to destroy faith in American institutions and the rule of law and move us toward an authoritarian society.
But it’s not just Trump’s dishonesty and authoritarianism that must be defeated.
“We cannot elect someone who believes that, in the year 2024, women do not have the right to control their own bodies. For the sake of our kids and future generations, we cannot elect someone who believes that climate change is a ‘hoax.’
“This is why we must do everything we can to see that Trump is defeated and Kamala Harris is our next president.”
by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press
Panagiotis Fotopoulos, the new owner of the region’s storied Anthony’s Restaurant on Annandale Road just outside the City of Falls Church, has been running the establishment since June 1 while the long-time previous owners, Tony and Fay Yannionakis, after 52 years running the restaurant, have been taking their first-ever extended visit to their Greek place of birth.
The Yiannarakis’ can be expected to hang around Anthony’s when they return, which will be soon, after selling it to Fotopoulos in a completely seamless transition, the new owner told the News-Press this week. While keeping the name, he also has retained every one of the 26 employees who worked there, including a number for many years.
The menu is also unchanged for now, though Fotopoulos says there are some upgrades, including the use of the virgin olive oil his wife’s import-export business brings from Greece.
Working for the Nostos Greek restaurant in Tysons Corner, he saw a notice about Anthony’s being up for sale and contacted the Yanniorakis family, and they immediately bonded, he said.
City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT
Week of August 19 — 25, 2024
Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 16, 5:08 PM, two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying. The first suspect is described as a white male with brown hair and a brown beard, approximately 6’0” in height, roughly 170 pounds, wearing a black T-shirt with “Guess” written across the front, jean shorts, and black shoes. The second suspect is described as a white male with brown hair and a goatee, approximately 5’9” in height, roughly 180 pounds, wearing a black T-shirt with a white design on the front, white shorts, and white shoes. (Delayed report)
Fraud – Identity Theft, Lawton St, Aug 17, 9:00 AM, victim reported receiving a security alert on their computer, and contacted a customer support phone number that rerouted to another number. The victim provided financial information to the person they believed to be customer support, and later discovered fraudulent withdrawals from their banking accounts. (Delayed report)
No Valid Operator’s License, E Broad St, Aug 19, 8:29 AM, a male, 42, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
No Valid Operator’s License, E Broad St, Aug 19, 9:53 AM, a male, 39, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No
Valid Operator’s License.
Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Aug 20, 9:53 AM, a male, 48, of Glenelg, MD, was arrested for Reckless Driving.
Larceny from Motor Vehicle, S West St, between 6:00 PM on Aug 19 and 8:33 AM on Aug 20, an unknown suspect took a backpack from the passenger seat of a locked vehicle.
Destruction of Property, W Broad St, Aug 21, 2:12 PM, a report for graffiti was taken.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 21, 2:59 PM, two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying. The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20-30 years of age, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. The second suspect is described as a black female, approximately 20-30 years of age, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
Trespassing, Jackson St, Aug 21, 8:49 PM, victim reported a known suspect trespassed at their residence. On Aug 22, a male, 57, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Trespassing.
No Valid Operator’s License, Pennsylvania Ave, Aug 22, 12:46 PM, a female, 19, of Arlington, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
Trespassing, Hillwood Ave, Aug 22, 7:16 PM, a male, 61, of Arlington, was arrested for Trespassing.
Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Roosevelt
Blvd, between 5:00 PM on Aug 23 and 10:00 AM on Aug 24, an unknown suspect took a license plate off a vehicle.
Aggravated Assault – Domestic, Birch St, Aug 24, 1:07 PM, a male, 23, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Aggravated Domestic Assault, Strangulation, and Possess False Identification.
Simple Assault, W Broad St, Aug 24, 7:00 PM, victim was assaulted by an unknown suspect who threw coffee in their face. The unknown suspect is described as a tall black male, approximately 50-60 years of age, wearing all black clothing with a tan hat, glasses, and tennis shows.
Public Intoxication, Park Ave, Aug 24, 7:19 PM, a male, 24, of Mount Airy, MD, was arrested for Public Intoxication. Fraud – Identity Theft/No Valid Operator’s License, N Washington St/E Columbia St, Aug 24, 8:12 PM, a male, 33, of Seven Corners, was arrested for Identity Theft: Use to Avoid Arrest, and No Valid Operator’s License.
Driving Under the Influence, S Washington St/Hillwood Ave, Aug 25, 2:34 AM, a female, 21, of Herndon, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, S Washington St, Aug 25, 6:04 PM, a male, 57, of no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.
PANAGIOTIS FOTOPOULOS. (Photo: FCNP)
Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper.
Vol. XXXIV, No. 29 August 29 - September 4, 2024
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The Moral Revival Of the Democrats
The greatest benefit of the current presidential campaign, which we can only hope (and, of course, strive to determine) will have a positive outcome this fall is how it is nourishing the human spirit of the American electorate and even the whole world. Sometimes in life, it is the presence of a profound wrong that serves to ignite the “better angels,” to quote Lincoln from his second inaugural address, of our collective soul. Lincoln’s reference came in the darkest hours of the bloody Civil War as an aspirational affirmation to us all that we can, and must, do better. Now, the same sentiment almost naturally endowed the Democratic National Convention last week with an almost spiritual hue. It was all about uplifting our humanity, to have it carried off by “better angels” to a better tomorrow. Faced with the crass banality and creepy indulgences of Trump for eight long and enormously distasteful years, the human spirit cries out not for blood and revenge, but for a loftier sense of self and purpose.
In this dizzying universe, where the daily discoveries of the Webb telescope these days about deepest space, black holes and quantum entanglement confront us with the challenge to find our significance and importance, we are confronted with a culture that wants to exploit our doubts and fears with fantastic images of a dystopian future, of extraterrestrial civilizations of cruelty and indifference, and a sense that the “Greed is Good” mantra should be emblazoned on our currency. Such sentiments have been around all along, but were given a huge boost by the fascists and plutocrats who rallied in the aftermath of the 1960s assassinations of our great leaders for constructive change in that seminal decade – JFK, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy and Malcolm X – with a massive anarcho-hedonist counter-revolution in the 1970s that held high the slogan, “Do It, 100 Years from Now, No one Will Know the Difference.” Strides in the women’s movement were met with by flooding the culture with debasing pornography exploiting the images and bodies of women, and the emerging Gay Liberation movement was steered in a similar direction, while flooding the ghettos and campuses with drugs and inward turned riots and violence was the fascists and plutocrats’ remedy against the efforts at a better and more equitable society in that decade. That was the era, the time and place, that spawned Trump.
The nihilism, cynicism and socially-condoned individual and collective selfishness of that sad era (the term, the “Me Decade” was coined then) set loose the scions of corporate greed and their counterparts in the pulpits of so-called “evangelical” churches and elsewhere to offer the public shallow fixes of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” on the one hand, and a phony religious selfish egotism on the other.
As a society, we did not know what hit us. Only now, building on the gains of Obama, Hillary Clinton and Biden, are we beginning to recover.
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THIS WEEK AROUND F.C.
THURSDAY AUGUST 29
Noises Off
"Noises Off" presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called "Nothing's On."
Slamming doors, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. On stage through September 8. Tickets at keegantheatre.com.
Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
AUGUST 30
Soft Power
After the 2016 election, when a Chinese American playwright is attacked by an unknown assailant, he hallucinates a Golden Age musical comedy about a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton falling in love. Hilarious and biting, this political satire dares to ask: Does American Democracy still work? And is it worth believing in?
In observance of Labor Day, Falls Church City, Arlington, and Fairfax County Public Schools are closed Friday and Monday; the community center and Mary Riley Styles Public Library are closed Sunday and Monday; and all government programs and services are closed Monday. Throughout Falls Church (City Buildings, Falls Church), all day.
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
Falls Church
Farmers Market
Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Northern Virginia Author's Showcase
Meet 17 local authors, hear a
panel discussion, and browse books for sale. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and enter a raffle for a chance to win a reading bag filled with signed books and other prizes. Free and open to the public.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
SEPTEMBER 1
Middle Eastern Food Festival
Day two of a festival featuring authentic Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and dancing, as well as vendors, church tours, and activities for both children and adults. Also open Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free to attend. Details at middleeasternfoodfestival.com.
Due to inclement weather, the Fleming's 5th Annual Memorial Day Auto Show is rescheduled to Labor Day. The event is free to register and attend, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Show begins at 8:00 a.m. Westwood Country Club (800 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA), 7:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
F.C. Democrats Annual Ice Cream Social
Enjoy ice cream sundaes under the outdoor pavilion, learn about how to help elect Vice President Kamala Harris and re-elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Speakers include Rep. Don Beyer, Virginia Sen. Saddam Salim, Del. Marcus Simon, and more. Free and open to the public. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Evening Art Critique Group
Join creative artists in a monthly
discussion and critique group. Bring a piece of art you'd like feedback on and a community of artists will share their thoughts. Free and open to all, even without a piece to share. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.
TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 3
City Council Work Session
City Council Work Sessions are held the first and third Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues; the public is not generally invited to speak. Watch the meeting live or on-demand at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings or on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4
Ask the Council Session
The public is welcome to attend this session to meet with Council members and ask questions in an informal setting. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Planning Commission meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
Electoral Board Meeting
Electoral Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
'NOISES OFF' presents a hilarious and classically comic play, on stage through September 8 at Keegan Theatre. (Courtesy Photo)
News-Press
Community News & Notes
Annual F.C. Dems Ice Cream Social Is This Monday
The City of Falls Church Democratic Committee invites the community to its annual Labor Day Ice Cream Social, taking place this Monday, September 2, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Picnic Shelter (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) for a Democratic rally and ice cream sundaes as they gear up for election season and early voting, which starts September 20. Learn about ways to get involved to elect Vice President Kamala Harris, reelect Congressman Don Beyer, and secure victories for Democrats up and down the November ballot. Speakers include Congressman Don Beyer, Senator Saddam Salim, and Delegate Marcus Simon.
The event is free and family-friendly. Registration is requested, but not required, at tinyurl.com/FCNP0824is.
$25,000 Scholarship Goes To F.C. Teen For Science Project
Last week The Davidson Fellows Scholarship Program announced their 2024 scholarship recipients. Among the honorees is 16 year old Oliver Wang of Falls Church. Wang won a $25,000 scholarship for his project, NanoDiffusion: An Ultra-Precision, Compact Powder Optimization System for Advancing Nanoparticle Cancer Treatment and Battery Applications. Wang is one of only 20 scholarship winners in the 2024 Fellows class.
“Being a Davidson Fellow is more than an honor to me; it provides me with the confirmation that my research has an impact,” said Wang. “I am more confident in my ideas and feel more encouraged to continue pursuing my research passions. I am also grateful for the Davidson Fellows resources and community of other talented students to connect with.”
For his project, Wang developed an ultra-precise, compact powder optimization technique to enhance the electrode coating manufacturing process in lithium-ion batteries, thereby improving their performance and longevity. His innovation demonstrated the potential to boost charge flow in electric vehicle batteries, making them a more viable
and efficient transportation method. Additionally, Wang’s device has potential applications in nanoparticle development, particularly in filtering cancer nanoparticles to improve their targeting ability and increase the success rate of nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. By increasing the delivery rate to tumor sites, fewer nanoparticles are needed, which reduces costs, improves accessibility, and enhances treatment success rates.
Wang is a rising high school junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, with a passion for engineering practical applications to solve real-life problems, drawing theoretical inspiration from computer science and mathematics. Outside of his research, Wang enjoys playing the drums in a youth symphonic orchestra, saltwater fishing, and swimming.
“This year’s class of Davidson Fellows Scholarship recipients exemplifies the power of innovation and perseverance,” said Bob Davidson, founder of the Davidson Institute. “Our Fellows continue to push the boundaries of their educational and research pursuits, striving to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems by leveraging creative, outside-the-box thinking and cutting-edge technology to expand their networks, access new sources of information, and deliver an impressive array of diverse projects.”
The 2024 Davidson Fellows will be honored during a reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and with a virtual project presentation ceremony in September.
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship program offers $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 college scholarships to students 18 or younger, who have completed significant projects that have the potential to benefit society in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literature and music. The Davidson Fellows Scholarship has provided more than $9.9 million in scholarship funds to 448 students since its inception in 2001. It is a program of the Davidson Institute, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Reno, Nev. that supports profoundly gifted youth.
“Rome Sweet Rome” Wins Juror’s Choice in FCA’s ‘Home’
Among 38 artists, Dony MacManus’ “Rome Sweet Rome” won the Juror’s Choice Award from Juror Mark Dreisenstok at the opening of new Falls Church Arts exhibit, “Home.” The exhibit opened to a standing room only crowd on August 24, with participating artists on-hand to answer questions about their process and inspiration.
The exhibit theme, “Home,” was selected by FCA Instagram followers using a bracket-style selection method.
“Home” is on display through September 29 in the FCA Gallery (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church). Visitors to the gallery in the coming weeks may vote on a People’s Choice Award, to be announced on September 14.
IRS Reminds Teachers
of
Educator Expense Deductions
As educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS has reminded schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300, unchanged since being increased from $250 in 2022 to adjust for inflation.
This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other classroom essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students’ learning experience.
The deduction is available for teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who work at least 900 hours a school year in a school providing elementary or secondary education. Educators filing jointly can claim up to $600 if both spouses are eligible, but no more than $300 per person. Educators can claim this deduction even if they take the standard deduction, and both public and private school educators qualify.
Educators can claim deductions for out-of-pocket expenses on classroom items like books, supplies, equipment (including computers and software). They may also deduct costs for professional development courses relevant to their teaching, though it could be more advantageous to use other educational tax
F.C. STUDENT Oliver Wang was awarded a $25,000 engineering scholarship by Davidson Institute for a nanoparticle project. (Courtesy Photo)
THE LEADERSHIP TEAM for Diener & Associates had an insightful lunch with Rep. Don Beyer at the U.S. Capitol, where they discussed critical issues around the economy, income taxes, diversity, and government contracting. (Pictured, left to right, Emily Diener, Katherine Fugon, Rep. Don Beyer & Ana Letona) (Photo: Michael Diener)
benefits like the lifetime learning credit. Expenses for homeschooling or nonathletic supplies for health or physical education are not eligible. The IRS recommends educators maintain detailed records, such as receipts and canceled checks, to substantiate their deductions.
Federal Benefits Association
To Hold N.Va Chapter Event
The National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NARFE) invites all active and retired federal and postal service employees to a special event hosted by the Northern Virginia NARFE chapters, 1:30 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 14 at the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA). Enjoy refreshments, networking, meet Virginia chapter and Federation leaders, and learn about NARFE, how it works every day to protect your earned benefits, and how its programs may benefit you.
RSVP requested, but not required, by emailing Nancy Palmerino at nancyolive0110@yahoo.com by September 9.
F.C. Education Foundation Awarded Mental Health Grant
Last week The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (FCNV) announced it had awarded $19,130 in Healthy Kids Grants to 11 recipients in Northern Virginia.
This includes a $2,000 mental health grant to the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) for a program it calls “a student-led movement to change the culture around mental health and prevent teen suicide. Its areas of focus are increasing help-seeking behaviors, promoting social connectedness and prosocial behavior, and encouraging self-care and healthy habits.”
Other nearby grant recipients include Cedar Lane School in Vienna — receiving a $2,000 physical activity/nutrition grant for a project to allow their Boxing Club participants to have nutritious food before being transported off-site after school for the club’s weekly boxing activity — and Arlington’s Washington-Liberty High School, receiving a $250 grant for a project to “allow 120 9th graders to analyze and evaluate their eating havings, specifically if they are reaching their micronutrient needs.”
Over the course of 14 years, CFNV has awarded over $200,000 in Healthy Kids Grants to support healthy lifestyles through increased exercise, balanced nutrition, and constructive mental health practices.
To learn more about CFNV or the Healthy Kids Grants program, visit cfnova.org.
Shepherd’s Center Seeks Additional Volunteer Drivers
Shepherd’s Center of McLeanArlington-Falls Church (SCMAFC), an all-volunteer organization, is seeking additional volunteers to support its mission of providing free transportation to seniors for medical and dental appointments or run errands to grocery stores and pharmacies.
The Center is an all-volunteer non-profit organization 501(c)(3) that has been operating since 2006.
There were 3,341 rides in 2023 and 2,737 rides have been provided thus far this year. Of the rides provided this year, 69 percent were medically related, 19 percent grocery, and 12 percent for physical therapy. The Center has added 26 new drivers this year and 43 new riders, so there’s a continued need for additional volunteers.
There is no set quota; volunteers are free to choose when and how often they drive. They can choose rides that are one-way or round trip. The best part is not only do drivers help those in need, they also get to meet wonderful folks, often with very interesting backgrounds and stories to tell.
For detailed information or to apply, please visit the Center’s website scmafc.org or call 703-506-2199 and leave a message.
Arlington Church To Host ‘Funniest Youth Pastor’ Series
This week Little Falls Presbyterian Church’s Youth Group announced the kickoff of the “America’s Funniest Youth Pastor” campaign, a unique and entertaining initiative aimed at raising voting awareness in the community.
Starting Sept 14, this campaign will feature a series of stand-up comedy nights, held every Saturday in Arlington, VA where parents and teens can enjoy live performances and vote for their favorite youth pastor comedian.
Every Saturday leading up to Election Day 2024 starting on September 18, the church will host a special evening of comedy, where youth pastors from across the DMV will compete for the title of “America’s Funniest Youth Pastor.”
Each week a different pastor will take the stage to deliver their best jokes, funny stories, and lighthearted reflections on life in youth ministry.
“We wanted to create an event that’s both engaging and meaningful for our community,” said Joe Johnson, a key organizer of the event.
“This campaign is about more than just finding the funniest pastor — it’s about highlighting the importance of voting, whether it’s for a comedian or in our national elections.”
LOCAL
After each comedy night, attendees will have the chance to vote for the youth pastor they found funniest. Votes will be collected each week, and the overall winner will be announced during a grand finale event on Election Day 2024.
On Election Day, the church will host a final celebration where all are invited to enjoy one last evening of comedy and cast their votes. The youth pastor with the most votes will be crowned “America’s Funniest Youth Pastor,” and special prizes will be awarded to both the winner and participating audience members.
The “America’s Funniest Youth Pastor” campaign is part of LFPC’s broader mission to promote civic engagement among young people and their families. By blending humor with a focus on the democratic process, the church aims to inspire active participation in the upcoming election and encourage voters of all ages to get involved.
“We believe that laughter and community are powerful forces for good,” said Joe Johnson, youth director at LFPC. “Through this campaign, we want to make voting an exciting and positive experience, bringing our community together in a fun and meaningful way.”
Virginia Diaper Banks TeamUp to Raise Awareness
Diaper Banks, Maternal Health Hubs and diaper pantries across the state will be holding a statewide diaper drive in conjunction with Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 23 — 29. This is the first step toward establishing a statewide movement to address the need for diapers in Virginia. While one diaper may seem trivial, not having enough can have serious consequences for babies, young children and their families.
A healthy change of diapers costs nearly $100 per month, about six percent of a full-time salary at minimum wage. One in two Virginia mothers struggle to provide diapers for their babies. Social service programs do not typically cover diapers, and they cannot be purchased with food stamps or WIC vouchers. Inadequate diaper changing increases the risk of many health problems, including skin disease and staph infections.
Across Virginia, Proclamations are being issued recognizing Diaper Need Awareness Week. The citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia are encouraged to make a difference with diapers for families in need by giving monetary donations to the closest organizations that distributes diapers; by initiating a drive to create a “Diaper Change DropOff Zone” at their business, school,
social club, place of worship or place of employment.
To become a community partner, or for more information, contact Phyllis Bradley at pbradley@urbanbabybeginnings.org or visit virginiadiaperbanknetwork.org.
Registration Open For Annual Mini Golf Fundraiser
The commercial real estate industry is set to come together for a day of fun, networking, and philanthropy at the 2nd Annual Charitable CRE Mini Golf Tournament. The event will take place at an exciting new venue 11 stories high with breathtaking views of Tysons. This unique event aims to raise significant funds for the Family Youth Initiative (FYI), a DMV-based nonprofit that supports young adults aging out of the foster care
system. Last year’s tournament raised $5,000 for FYI, and this year the event is poised to double that amount, with more participants, sponsors, and excitement for what is quickly becoming a must-attend event for commercial and multifamily real estate professionals.
Hosting companies for 2024 include Rescon Restoration & Construction, Renovia, MG Moving Services, and Pothole Repair. Hosting companies cover all expenses for the tournament to ensure 100 percent of funds contributed by participants and sponsors go directly to FYI, maximizing the impact of the collective effort to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults aging out of foster care.
All commercial and multi-family real estate professionals in the DMV are encouraged to register for the event at tinyurl.com/FCNP0824gt.
DONY MACMANUS’ “Rome Sweet Rome” won Juror’s Choice for new FCA exhibit “Home,” showing through September 29. (Photo: Falls Church Arts)
SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS painted crosswalks outside Oak Street Elementary in school colors. (Photo: Marybeth Connelly)
FIRST GRADERS at Mt. Daniel Elementary dove into math last week with hands-on manipulatives (blocks). (Photo: FCCPS)
THE YOUNGEST LEARNERS at FCCPS got to know their new classmates and teachers with lots of outdoor time at Jessie Thackrey Preschool. (Photo: Chrissy Henderson)
MERIDIAN STUDENTS checked out at the cafeteria before enjoying a new option to eat outside on the padio. (Photo: Chrissy Henderson)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
On July 17, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval and certification of electric transmission facilities in the Counties of Fairfax and Loudoun, Virginia. Dominion filed its Application pursuant to § 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), and the Utility Facilities Act, Code §§ 56-265.1 et seq.
Through its Application, the Company proposes to complete the following (collectively, “Project”):
(1) Construct two new overhead double circuit 230 kilovolt (“kV”) transmission lines by cutting the Company’s existing 230 kV Lincoln Park-Loudoun Line #2008 and existing 230 kV Bull Run-Sully Line #265, which are collocated within an existing variable 100- to 120-footwide right-of-way. As proposed, existing Lincoln Park-Loudoun Line #2008 will be cut at a location between Structures #2008/66 and #2008/67, and existing Bull Run-Sully Line #265 will be cut at a location between Structures #265/88 and #265/89. The Company represents that the two new double circuit lines will extend approximately 0.3 mile from the respective cutin locations before terminating at a new proposed 230-34.5 kV substation located in Fairfax County, Virginia (“Takeoff Substation”) on property to be owned by the Company (“Takeoff Loop”). Dominion states that the cut-ins ultimately will result in (i) 230 kV Loudoun-Takeoff Line #2008, (ii) 230 kV Lincoln Park-Takeoff Line #2356, (iii) 230 kV Bear Run-Takeoff Line #2285 and (iv) 230 kV Sully-Takeoff Line # 2357. Dominion further represents that at the cutin between Structures #2008/66 and #2008/67, the Company will install two new monopole structures to provide a network connection to the Takeoff Substation. Similarly, Dominion states, at the cut-in between Structures #265/88 and #265/89, the Company will install two new monopole structures to provide a network connection to the Takeoff Substation. According to the Company, these network connections will allow the Takeoff Substation to connect to other existing substations for increased reliability. Dominion states that while the structures installed at the proposed cut-in locations are within the existing right of way, the proposed 0.3-mile Takeoff Loop will be constructed in a new 160-foot-wide right-of-way supported primarily by double circuit weathering steel 2-pole structures and utilizing threephase twin-bundled 768.2 thousand circular mils (“kcmil”) 20/7 Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported/Trapezoidal Wire/High Strength (“ACSS/TW/HS”) type conductor with a summer transfer capability of 1,573 MVA, with one new Design Number (“DNO”)-11410 shield wire over each circuit. Dominion refers to this proposed work is referred to collectively as the “Takeoff Loop and Substation.”
(2) Partially reconductor and rebuild Sully-Takeoff Line #2357 entirely within existing right-of-way in Fairfax County, Virginia (“Sully-Takeoff Partial Reconductor/Rebuild”). As discussed above, Dominion states that Sully-Takeoff Line #2357 will result from cutting existing Bull Run-Sully Line #265 between Structures #265/88 and #265/89 (“Sully-Takeoff Cut-in”) and extending 0.3 mile of new double circuit lines to the proposed Takeoff Substation. The Company represents that the resulting approximately 2.2-mile Sully-Takeoff Line #2357 will consist of the new 0.3-mile segment from the Takeoff Substation to the Sully-Takeoff Cutin, and the existing 1.9-mile segment from the Sully Takeoff Cut-in to the Sully Substation. Hence, according to Dominion, only a “partial” reconductor and rebuild of Sully Takeoff Line #2357 – namely, within the 1.9-mile existing segment – is required, as follows:
a. Sully-Takeoff Partial Reconductor: reconductor the existing 1.9-mile segment of Sully-Takeoff Line #2357 between the Sully-Takeoff Cut-in and the existing Sully Substation by uprating the existing conductors from three-phase 1590 kcmil 45/7 Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced type conductor and 1534 Aluminum Conductor Alloy Reinforced 42 EC/19 type conductor to three-phase twin-bundled 768.2 kcmil 20/7 ACSS/TW/HS with a summer transfer capability of 1,573 MVA.
b. Sully-Takeoff Partial Rebuild: rebuild five of the existing painted steel double circuit monopole structures supporting Line #2357 (i.e., supporting the existing Bull Run-Sully Line #265) and existing Discovery-Sully Line #2107 (existing Structures #265/98 / #2107/72, #265/99 / #2107/71, #265/102 / 2107/68, #265/104 / #2107/66, and #265/107 / #2107/63) in order to maintain proper clearances. According to the Company, the five structures proposed for rebuild are located within an existing 0.9 mile segment between existing Structure #265/98 / #2107/72 and Sully Substation. Dominion states that the five removed structures will be replaced with five double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures.
(3) Construct a new overhead double circuit 230 kV transmission line beginning at the Company’s future Aviator Substation located in Loudoun County, Virginia, and extending approximately 3.2 miles to terminate at the Company’s new proposed Takeoff Substation located in Fairfax County, Virginia, resulting in (i) 230 kV Aviator-Takeoff Line #2358, and (ii) 230 kV Aviator-Takeoff Line #2359 (“Aviator-Takeoff Lines”). The Company states that while the proposed Aviator Takeoff Lines will commence and terminate on Company owned or to-be-owned property (from Structure #2358/25 / #2359/25 at Aviator Substation to Structure #2358/1 / #2359/1 at Takeoff Substation), the proposed Aviator-Takeoff Lines will be constructed in new 100 foot wide right-of-way supported primarily by double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures and will utilize three-phase twin-bundled 768.2 kcmil 20/7 ACSS/TW/HS type conductors with a summer transfer capability of 1,573 MVA, with one new DNO-11410 shield wire over each new circuit.
(4) Perform minor substation-related work at the Company’s future Aviator Substation.
According to the Application, Dominion asserts the proposed Project is necessary to relieve identified violations of mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation Reliability Standards, to provide service requested by a data center customer of Dominion, and to maintain the structural integrity and reliability of its transmission system.
Dominion states that for the Takeoff Loop, the Company identified one 0.3-mile overhead proposed route in an approximately 160-foot-wide right-of-way (“Takeoff Loop Proposed Route” or “Takeoff Loop Route 1”), as well as an approximately 0.3-mile overhead alternative route in an approximately 100-foot-wide right-of-way (“Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2”).
Dominion states that for the Sully-Takeoff Partial Reconductor/Rebuild, the total length of the existing right-of-way, which is currently maintained at variable 100 to 120 feet in width, is approximately 1.9 miles. Dominion further states that no new right-of-way would be required because the existing rightof-way and Company-owned property are adequate for the Sully-Takeoff Partial Reconductor/Rebuild. The Company asserts that it did not consider any alternative routes requiring new right-of-way for the Sully-Takeoff Partial Reconductor/Rebuild, given the availability of existing right-of-way and the statutory preference given to the use of existing right-of-way, and because additional costs and environmental impacts would be associated with the acquisition of and construction of new right of way.
Dominion states that for the Aviator-Takeoff Lines, the Company identified one 3.2-mile overhead proposed route (“Aviator-Takeoff Proposed Route”) and two overhead alternative routes that are either 3.3 or 3.1 miles long (respectively, “Aviator Takeoff Alternative Route 2” and “Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3”).
Dominion states that the Takeoff Substation will be constructed with three 112 MVA 230-34.5 kV transformers, two 84 MVA 230 34.5 kV transformers, and nine 230 kV breakers arranged in a breakerand-a-half configuration. Dominion states that the total area of the Takeoff Substation is approximately 4.3 acres.
The Company states the desired in-service date for the proposed Project is August 1, 2027. The Company represents that the total estimated conceptual cost of the proposed Project is approximately $168.3 million, which includes approximately $93.1 million for transmission-related work and approximately $75.2 million for substation-related work (in 2024 dollars).
Description of Routes for the Proposed Project TAKEOFF LOOP
Takeoff Loop Proposed Route/Route 1
The Takeoff Loop Proposed Route is approximately 0.3 mile in length. The Takeoff Loop Proposed Route originates at cut-in locations on the Company’s existing Lincoln Park-Loudoun Line #2008 and Bull RunSully Line #265 between Structures #2008/66 / #265/88 and #2008/67 / #265/89, north of Route 50 and east of Airplane Road. From the cut-in locations, the Proposed Route heads west collocated along Route 50, crosses Airplane Road, then turns north and terminates at the proposed Takeoff Substation, which is located north of Route 50 and east of Avion Parkway in Fairfax County.
The Takeoff Loop Proposed Route proposes construction of two new double circuit 230 kV overhead continued on next page
LEGAL NOTICE
continued from previous page
transmission lines, which primarily will be supported by double circuit weathering steel 2 pole structures. For the Takeoff Loop Proposed Route, the minimum structure height is 100 feet, the maximum structure height is 110 feet, and the average structure height is 103 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2
Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2 is approximately 0.3 mile in length. Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2 originates at a cut-in location on the Company’s existing Lincoln Park-Loudoun Line #2008 between Structures #2008/65 and #2008/66, south of Route 50 and east of Lee Road. From the cut-in location, the route heads northwest collocated along the south side of Route 50 and crosses Lee Road, then turns north, crosses Route 50, and terminates at the proposed Takeoff Substation, which is located north of Route 50 and east of Avion Parkway in Fairfax County.
Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2 proposed construction of one new double circuit 230 kV overhead transmission line, which primarily will be supported by double circuit weathering steel monopoles and 2-pole angle structures. For Takeoff Loop Alternative Route 2, the minimum structure height is 95 feet, the maximum structure height is 125 feet, and the average structure height is 106 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
SULLY-TAKEOFF PARTIAL RECONDUCTOR/REBUILD
Reconductor/Rebuild Proposed Route
The Reconductor/Rebuild is approximately 1.9 miles long, including approximately 1.0 mile of reconductor only and 0.9 mile of reconductor and partial rebuild, which will entail replacement of five existing structures. The Reconductor/Rebuild Proposed Route begins at the existing Sully Substation located in Chantilly, Virginia, east of Lees Corner Road and north of Fatlick Branch and heads northeast along an existing transmission line right-of-way, crossing Centreville Road, then continues along the Washington Dulles International Airport (“Dulles Airport”) property, crosses Route 28, and terminates at the cut-in location between Structures #2008/66 / #265/88 and #2008/67 / 265/89, north of Route 50 and east of Airplane Road.
The Reconductor/Rebuild Proposed Route will replace approximately five exiting double circuit painted monopole structures with five double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures within an approximately 0.9-mile segment of existing right-of-way. For the 0.9-mile segment of the Reconductor/Rebuild Proposed Route, the minimum structure height is 90 feet, the maximum structure height is 130 feet, and the average structure height is 108 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
AVIATOR-TAKEOFF LINES
Aviator-Takeoff Proposed Route (Route 1).
The Aviator-Takeoff Proposed Route is approximately 3.2 miles in length. The Proposed Route originates at the future Aviator Substation, south of the intersection of South Perimeter Road and Willard Road. From there, the Proposed Route briefly heads north and enters Dulles Airport property, then turns southeast and follows South Perimeter Road, exits Loudoun County and enters Fairfax County, then crosses Stonecroft Boulevard. Still on Dulles Airport property, the route continues southeast, then turns south along Lower Perimeter Road until it terminates at the proposed Takeoff Substation, north of Route 50 and east of Avion Parkway.
The Aviator-Takeoff Proposed Route primarily will be supported by double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures. For the Proposed Route, the minimum structure height is 95 feet, the maximum structure height is 140 feet, and the average structure height is 114 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 2
Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 2 is approximately 3.3 miles in length. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 2 originates at the future Aviator Substation, south of the intersection of South Perimeter Road and Willard Road. From there, the route briefly heads north before turning southeast within a parcel cleared for a future data center. The route heads east and then southeast through a mix of industrial parcels and scattered forest. The route then exits Loudoun County and enters Fairfax County and the Cub Run Resource Protection Area (“RPA”). Alternative Route 2 turns south along developed areas west of Cub Run and then heads southeast as it collocates with Route 50 and an existing buried utility line, crosses Cub Run, and continues to collocate with Route 50. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 2 continues east and crosses Avion Park Court and Stonecroft Boulevard, then follows Virginia Mallory Drive and crosses Avion Parkway. Aviator Takeoff Alternative Route 2 then turns south and terminates at the proposed Takeoff Substation, north of Route 50 and east of Avion Parkway. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 2 primarily will be supported by double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures. For Alternative Route 2, the minimum structure height is 100 feet, the maximum structure height is 135 feet, and the average structure height is 115 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3
Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3 is approximately 3.1 miles in length. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3 originates at the future Aviator Substation, south of the intersection of South Perimeter Road and Willard Road. From there, Aviator Takeoff Alternative Route 3 briefly heads north before turning southeast within a parcel cleared for a future data center. The route heads southeast along Sand Branch, crosses Pleasant Valley Road, and continues southeast before exiting Loudoun County
and entering Fairfax County and the Cub Run RPA. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3 turns south briefly along the western boundary of the Cub Run RPA and then bisects the Cub Run RPA as it heads southeast and collocates with an existing buried utility easement, crosses Cub Run, and then continues to collocate within a private road and water utility easement. Continuing east, AviatorTakeoff Alternative Route 3 crosses Avion Park Court and Stonecroft Boulevard, then follows Virginia Mallory Drive and crosses Avion Parkway. Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3 then turns south and terminates at the proposed Takeoff Substation, north of Route 50 and east of Avion Parkway.
Aviator-Takeoff Alternative Route 3 primarily will be supported by double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopole structures. For Alternative Route 3, the minimum structure height is 100 feet, the maximum structure height is 140 feet, and the average structure height is 114 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on final engineering design.
All distances, heights, and directions are approximate. A sketch map of the proposal accompanies this notice. A more detailed map may be viewed on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/ pages/Transmission-Line-Projects. A more complete description of the Project also may be found in the Company’s Application.
The Commission may consider a route not significantly different from the route described in this notice without additional notice to the public.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Application. On December 17, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned will hold the telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before December 10, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
On December 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
Electronic copies of the Application and other supporting materials may be inspected at: https://www. dominionenergy.com/NOVA. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Vishwa B. Link, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or vlink@mcguirewoods. com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.
On or before December 10, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/ Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00131.
On or before October 15, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00131.
On or before November 6, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc. virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00131.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.
The Company’s Application and other documents filed in this case, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
LEGAL NOTICENOTICE
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRICTRANSMISSION FACILITIES: 230 KV LINES #210 AND #243 EXTENSION AND 230-34.5 KV EDSALL SUBSTATION
CASE NO. PUR-2024-00135
On July 26, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval and certification of electric transmission facilities in the County of Fairfax, Virginia. Dominion filed its Application pursuant to Code § 56-46.1 and the Utility Facilities Act, Code §§ 56-265.1 et seq.
Through its Application, the Company proposes to complete the following (collectively, “Project”):
(1) Extend the Company’s existing overhead single circuit Hayfield-Van Dorn Line #210 and Ox-Van Dorn Line #243 from Van Dorn Substation to the proposed 230-34.5 kilovolt (“kV”) Edsall Substation, resulting in (i) 230 kV Edsall-Hayfield Line #210 and (ii) 230 kV Edsall-Ox Line #243 (collectively, “Edsall Lines”). Specifically, the Company proposes to extend existing Lines #210 and #243 approximately 0.9 mile starting from the eastern side of the Van Dorn Substation and terminating at the proposed Edsall Substation. Dominion represents that the proposed Edsall Lines will be constructed on entirely new 100-foot-wide right-of-way supported by galvanized steel double circuit monopoles utilizing three-phase twinbundled 768.2 Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported/Trapezoidal Wire/ High Strength conductor with a summer transfer capability of 1,573 MVA.
(2) Construct a new 230-34.5 kV substation in Fairfax County, Virginia, on property to be obtained by the Company (“Edsall Substation”) and perform substation-related work at the Company’s existing Van Dorn Substation, in Fairfax County, Virginia.
According to the Application, Dominion asserts the proposed Project is necessary to provide service requested by a data center customer (“Customer”); to maintain reliable service for the overall load growth in the area surrounding the Company’s existing Van Dorn Substation; and to comply with mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation Reliability Standards. The Company asserts that the Customer has requested a total of 176 MW of projected load from the Company to serve its planned data center campus in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Dominion states that for the Edsall Lines, the Company identified one 0.9-mile overhead proposed route (“Proposed Route”). The Company asserts that the Proposed Route is the preferred and only viable route for the Project because the Proposed Route avoids or reasonably minimizes adverse impact to the greatest extent reasonably practicable on the scenic assets, historic and cultural resources, and environment in the area concerned, as well as on planned developments in the Project area. Dominion represents that while the Proposed Route was designed to avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practicable, the Proposed Route has an estimated potential impact on 0.1 acre of wetlands.
The Company states that the proposed Edsall Substation will have a total area of 5.0 acres and will initially be constructed with four 84 MVA 230-34.5 kV transformers and a 230 kV ring bus with a four circuit breaker configuration, built to 4000 ampere standards. Dominion represents that the Edsall Substation will be designed to accommodate future growth in the area with one additional 23034.5 kV transformer and up to sixteen 34.5 kV distribution circuits.
The Company asserts that the substation-related work at the existing Van Dorn Substation is necessary to extend existing Lines #210 and #243 approximately 0.9 mile starting from the eastern side of the Van Dorn Substation and terminating at the proposed Edsall Substation, and that all of the necessary work will occur within the existing Van Dorn Substation. Dominion further represents that the substation-related work will require the removal of an existing tie breaker and two single circuit lattice structures, the installation of two 230 kV single circuit backbone structures, and the performance of protection upgrades.
The Company states the desired in-service date for the proposed Project is October 1, 2027. The Company represents that the total estimated conceptual cost of the proposed Project is approximately $23.1 million, which includes approximately $13.7 million for transmission-related work and approximately
$9.4 million for substation-related work (in 2024 dollars).
Description of Route for the proposed Project Proposed Route – Edsall Lines
The Proposed Route is approximately 0.9 mile in length. The route originates within the eastern side of the existing Van Dorn Substation, which is located approximately 900 feet east-northeast of the I-495/I-95 overpass over the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (“VPRA”) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (“WMATA”) railroad corridors, and south of the Bren Mar community. The route travels eastward for approximately 925 feet and then turns north for approximately 500 feet, crossing the WMATA and VPRA Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac rail corridors. The route then turns east and continues through the Farrington Avenue industrial complex for approximately 1,350 feet before turning north between two industrial buildings. The Proposed Route continues north for approximately 700 feet, crossing over the Norfolk Southern rail line and Backlick Run. At this point, the route continues north just east of Turkeycock Run for a distance of approximately 1,100 feet where it turns eastward before terminating at the proposed Edsall Substation, which is located approximately 250 feet southeast of the intersection between Edsall Road and Winter View Drive.
The Proposed Route will be constructed within a new 100 foot wide right-ofway on galvanized steel double circuit monopole structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 100 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 150 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 125 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.
All distances, heights, and directions are approximate. A sketch map of the proposal accompanies this notice. A more detailed map may be viewed on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Transmission-Line-Projects. A more complete description of the Project also may be found in the Company’s Application.
The Commission may consider a route not significantly different from the route described in this notice without additional notice to the public.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Application. On December 19, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned will hold the telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before December 12, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc. virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
On December 19, 2024, at 10 a.m. or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
Electronic copies of the Application and other supporting materials may be inspected at: https://www.dominionenergy.com/Edsall. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Vishwa B. Link, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or vlink@mcguirewoods.com continued on next page
LEGAL NOTICE
continued from previous page
Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia. gov/pages/Case-Information
On or before December 12, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00135.
On or before October 25, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel
as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00135.
On or before November 19, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00135.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.
The Company’s Application and other documents filed in this case, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/ Case-Information
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
T h e LGB T Q + R e ach
by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press
The Effect Of Trump Court Appointees
In 2022, Alabama’s Republican Governor Kay Ivey signed into law “The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act,” a cynically-named anti-Trans bill which made prescribing or administering puberty blockers to minors a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a move specifically targeting parents and doctors.
In May 2022, a federal judge permanently blocked that portion of the ban, ruling in favor of plaintiffs in Eknes-Tucker v. Governor of Alabama , saying they were likely to win their case. Plaintiffs in the case claimed the act violates the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause, because parents have a constitutional right to “treat [one’s] children with transitioning medications subject to medically accepted standards,” and its Equal Protection Clause, by treating gender nonconformity in a way that is not allowed for sex-based classifications.
In August of 2023, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the decision, allowing the ban to go into effect in Alabama. Their ruling, effectively, was that the Equal Protection Clause does not apply to gender identity, so the judge’s injunction “constituted an abuse of discretion,” incorrectly determining the plaintiff’s likely success.
All three judges assigned to the case were Trump appointees: circuit judges Barbara Lagoa and Andrew Brasher, and district judge J.P. Boulee.
On Monday, the same court reversed a nearly identical ban in Florida in Doe vs. Ladapo
Both judges ruling in the majority were Trump appointees: Britt Grant and Robert Luck. A dissenting opinion was issued by Charles Wilson, a Clinton appointee.
In addition to using the ruling in EknesTucker to block claims of sex discrimination, they rejected two additional claims. The majority opinion rejected that plaintiffs would be irreparably harmed by the ban, because the bill allows Trans youth currently taking puberty blockers or hormones to continue doing so. This was a clear rejection of Trans identity, as any acknowledgement thereof might require viewing Trans youth seeking treatment as irreparably harmed by the ban.
They also rejected claims that the legislature was motivated by disapproval of Trans people in supporting the bill, responding that there was “evidence on each side,” as “once the issue came up, a significant number of [Florida] legislators — more than likely a majority — were also motivated by their desire to ensure that patients receive only proper medical care.”
The decision is likely to be appealed. Several similar cases are on their way to this and other appeals courts nationwide. In his four years in office, Donald Trump appointed 54 appeals court judges and 175 district court judges — the most of any single-term President in over 40 years, not to mention three Supreme Court justices. This will likely affect the outcomes.
The Truth About Puberty Blockers
Puberty blockers, also known as “GnRH analogues,” have been used in minors for over 40 years, particularly in case of “precocious puberty,” where a child’s body begins puberty far too early — as young as one year old, but usually around six or seven years old.
Precocious puberty occurs in about one in 500 females and one in 2,000 males. Interestingly, Covid-19 pandemic seemed to cause a temporary surge in cases of precocious puberty, with Time magazine reporting that Italy saw cases more than double, at least one Chinese province saw a five-fold increase, and that many case studies from around the world “saw at least a two- or three-fold increase in precocious puberty diagnoses after March 2020.”
Puberty blockers are the standard of care for cases of precocious puberty, safely pausing puberty until the child is physically and mentally ready.
The effects of puberty blockers are reversible — once treatment stops, puberty starts. The only long-term side effects are a slight effect on bone density or growth spurts, which may prompt taking calcium or vitamin supplements, and possible fertility issues, for which some may choose to undergo sperm or egg banking.
The Endocrine Society recommends that adolescents who meet the criteria for GD/ GI and request treatment be placed on puberty blockers as soon as they exhibit physical signs of puberty. If an adolescent requests hormone treatment, and their GD/ GI is persistent and they are of “sufficient mental capacity to give informed consent, which most adolescents have by age 16 years,” they recommend initiating sex hormone treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, puberty blockers “don’t cause permanent physical changes. Instead, they pause puberty. That offers a chance to explore gender identity. It also gives youth and their families time to plan for the physiological, medical, developmental, social and legal issues that may lie ahead. When a person stops taking GnRH analogues, puberty starts again.”
All major medical associations support affirmative care for Trans youth.
Puberty Is For Youth
The onset of adolescent puberty typically happens for girls around age 8, and for boys around age 11. For 95 percent of people, all stages of puberty are complete by the age of 17, according to multiple studies including a recent one published in the journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
In fact, if a girl has not shown signs of puberty by age 13, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends that parents consult a doctor.
The Bottom Line
The existence of puberty blockers is, in and of itself, proof that they are intended for use on youth, because puberty happens during youth. Banning the use of puberty blockers on minors is purely discriminatory.
Falls Church Business News & Notes
Andworx Among Fastest Growing Companies
Falls Church City-based Andworx, a company that digitally transforms federal government and defense customers, has been named to the 2024 Inc. Magazine 5000 fastest growing companies. Andworx was ranked 288 overall and had 1,490 percent revenue growth over the last 3 years. Andworx was also named to Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Best Workplaces list for the second year in a row. The company culture of Andworx centers around people and relationships, valuing diversity, independent thinking, and the constant hunger for learning. Andworx develops mission and business solutions for customers using Microsoft low code, pro code, AI and data visualization.
Local Ranked Best Employer
Forbes ranked Inova among America’s Best Employers. Inova Health System was among 10 ranking Virginia companies. The survey was conducted by research firm Statista on how favorable employees would recommend their employer on a scale and their overall evaluation of their employer over a two-year period.
Feature on Ellie Bird Chef Yuan Tang
Arlington Magazine published a feature on Chef Tang of Ellie Bird and the road to earning the 2024 RAMMY Award for New Restaurant of the Year, The New York Times’ Best Restaurant List and the Best of Arlington’s Best New Restaurant of 2024. Get to know Chef Tang in the feature article. arlingtonmagazine.com/elliebird-chef-yuan-tang-falls-church-dining/?utm_source=Arlington+Magazine&utm_ campaign=1ae23579de-AM_Weekly_8_26_2024&utm_medium=email&utm_ term=0_1ba2ab098a-1ae23579de-150574406&ct=t(AM_Weekly_8_26_2024)&mc_ cid=1ae23579de&mc_eid=2c285825b6
Local Pharmaceutical Secures Funding
Retension Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Falls Church has secured funding to pursue work on a new therapy for high blood pressure through clinical trials and to patients. The company closed a $10.4 million Series A round on a drug candidate for hypertension which is resistant to other treatments. Retention, the company, comes out of Redux Therapeutics LLC.
Entrepreneurship 101 — Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), the Community Business Partnership (CBP), and the Fairfax Department of economic Initiatives (DEI) has scheduled a workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs on September 4, 8:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. in the Tysons headquarters. A panel of experts will cover topics to include registering the business, permits, business plans, certifications, and more. There is an opportunity to network with the presenters and FCEDA staff. Register for Entrepreneurship 101 via the link. eventbrite.com/e/entrepreneurship101-starting-a-business-in-fairfax-county-tickets-950210554347?utm_campaign=EBird%20FY22&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8WNBLYusaLNtaVTwfFPkaCsXBvKcxw2Zcv535Ser4cNYhGjjE1SkIyWYUPoRhNnnPq96iAv1BnzT_HJu8kzhLI_SCTw08TcnDgvmzP3iquqSmGAI4&_hsmi=321456100&utm_ content=321456100&utm_source=hs_email
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
ABC NOTICE
Dgms LLC trading as Gate House Sunoco, 3070 Gate House PLZ, Falls Church, Fairfax County Virginia 22042 is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL
(ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Specialty Establishment Application - Convenience Grocery Store, Wine, Beer, Consumed Off Premise license. Sreedhar Dangatla Authorized Signatory, Dgms LLC. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200
AT Market and Restaurant LLC trading as AT Ethiopian Restaurant, 4811 Columbia pike, Arlington, VA, 22204-3010 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Beer, Wine, and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license. Alemu Gebresllassie signer. 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
AT Market and Restaurant LLC trading as AT Ethiopian Market , 4813 Columbia pike, Arlington, VA, 22204-3010 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Convenience Grocery store license, for off-premises of Beer, Wine . Alemu Gebresllassie signer.
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 Legal Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing and possible recommendation for City Council action is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations.
The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@ fallschurchva.gov.
PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
A public hearing and possible recommendation for City Council action on the following is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TR24-30) RESOLUTION TO AMEND AND READOPT BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION 2015-13
The amended Bicycle Master Plan: Connecting Communities, is a guiding document for implementation of future bicycle facilities included in the Comprehensive Plan, and notes the numerous benefits of enabling bicycling as a safe and accessible form of transportation.
The materials for the above item will be available on the city’s webpage prior to the public hearing: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. For copies of materials and other information, contact Kerri Oddenino koddenino@fallschurchva.gov.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@ fallschurchva.gov.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on September 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items:
Variance application V1653-24 by Kimberly Sanchez, applicant, on behalf of Betty and Stephan Finley, owners, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a rear yard setback of 28.4 feet instead of the 40 feet minimum to construct a screened in porch at premises known as 617 Laura Drive, RPC #52-604-011 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.
Variance application V1655-24 by WF Apartments CL1 Lessee LLC, applicant and owner, for the following variances: i. Section 48-1265(7) to allow 6 temporary banner signs totaling 1,351.7 square feet to exceed the area and quantity above the maximum permitted in the zoning district (one 20 square feet temporary sign); ii. Section 48-1265(7) to allow the abovementioned signs to remain for one year instead of the maximum time of 60 days; at the premises at 175 Haycock Road, RPC #51-221-018 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-2, Central Business and Mixed-Use.
Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on September 12, 2024. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA
Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following was given first reading at the July 22, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TR24-08) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF CITY CODE CHAPTER 35 “STORMWATER”, ARTICLE I “STORMWATER MANAGEMENT” TO MEET THE VIRGINIA EROSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS SET BY THE VIRGINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
The following was given first reading at the August 12, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO24-12) ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 22, “HOUSING,” ARTICLE III, “RENT RELIEF FOR LOW INCOME
ELDERLY AND/OR PERSONS PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED,” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
This amendment is to comply with State Code, amend the grant calculation method, and grant the same award to all applicants at or below 50% Median Family Income.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
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In Memoriam: Pierre Bouscaren
Pierre Bouscaren, cherished husband of Sarah Shaw Bouscaren. died peacefully at home at the age of 89 .Born in Evanston, Ill.,to Chloe Louise Watson and Pierre Bouscaren, Sr. he moved to Baltimore in 1949 and graduated Gilman School in 1953 and earned his BA degree at Yale University in 1957, and was an active alumni member of both. Pierre served in the Army and the National Guard. He was a long-time member of L’iHirondell Club of Ruxton, Md. He moved to Falls Church when
he married Sarah and was a member of the Falls Church Episcopal Church and choir He and Sarah lovingly cared for the Memorial Gardens there for many years. His love of music and singing led him to sing with the Yale Freshman Glee Club,Baltimore Choral Arts, The Fairfax Jubilaires and a barbershop group. He was a residential leasing specialist for many years, primarily with The Rouse Company in Baltimore and also partnered with Sarah in residential real estate with Long and Foster Arlington. He and Sarah retired to Gainesville where he became a member of Greenwich Presbyterian Church and sang with that choir as well as the Manassas Chorale. He was a co-leader and judge with the Nokesville 4H. Pierre loved to cook and as a home chef brought countless joy, warmth and laughter to many gatherings. Pierre was known as Pete, Poppy, grandad, and The Boss Man and he was “old school,” a true gentleman, kind and stoic. He led a life filled with friends, family and faith. He had a love of sports and was a talented
tennis, paddle tennis, ice hockey and lacrosse player. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, golf and fishing. His greatest joy was his family which included his wife, two daughters, Winslow Bouscaren Waxter and June Lawrence Bouscaren, three stepchildren, Robert L. Arnold (Wife Jenny), Margaret (Marcie) Buchanan and Edward (Ned) Arnold (wife Sandy). He had two brothers, Neil Bouscaren and Howie Clark, sisters, Louise B McKnew (dec,) Chloe B Price and Marie Clark Drinker. Pierre took immense pride in his eleven grandchildren: Durrie Bouscaren, Peter Schuette, Gibbs and Leigh Waxter, Robbie, Hailey and Jackson Arnold, Ben and Sarah Buchanan, and Libby and Matthew Arnold plus a minigoldendoodle, Sophie.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Nokesville, Va. on September 28 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to the Greenwich Church Music Ministry, a cause that was so dear to his heart.
MEET TOASTY. Well, it’s actually Toasty Marshmallow Stivers, to be precise. She is hoping this disguise convinces everyone that dogs can go to school, too! Last week two of her humans went back to school: Josephine to 7th grade at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle and Parker to 5th grade at Oak Street Elementary. Toasty loves to play, and her favorite game is keep away, but this is getting ridiculous! What’s the big deal with school, anyways?. (photo: Ransey Alwin)
Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Please send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
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