Falls Church News-Press 9-24-2020 by Falls Church News-Press

September 24 – 30, 2020

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 32

T�� C�� F�� C��’� I��, L��-O�� N�� R��, S�� N. V��

6 ‘Critical’ Stormwater Projects To Cost $17M

D�� I� A��

Small Household Impact Leaves F.C. Council Split BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Global climate change is already hitting City of Falls Church residents in the pocketbook, but that cost impact could double if the City goes ahead and undertakes six new projects deemed “critical” at a price tag of $17 million in stormwater mitigation measures. The Falls Church City Council learned Monday that it will cost that much to undertake the projects as recommended by the City’s Stormwater Task Force, as well as another four smaller projects around the City. The six big projects will mitigate stormwater impacts on 48 homes in the City. According to Zak Bradley, acting director of the City’s Department of Public Works, no action by the Council is needed right now, but will require votes associated with the adoption of a

Continued on Page 5

A STEADY PROCESSION of voters made their way to City Hall on Friday to cast their ballot on the �irst day possible for early voting. (P��: N��-P��)

F.C. Schools Superintendent Presents Phased Reopening Plan

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church City Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan laid out a carefully charted and phased plan for students to begin returning to classrooms starting in two weeks to the F.C. School Board at its virtual work session Tuesday night.

Noonan initially unveiled the plan in a written memo to the schools’ leadership last Friday. A follow-up memo sent yesterday reiterated the plan “to have approximately 80 of our most impacted students return to learning in schools during the first two weeks of October.” On Oct. 6, he reported that secondary (grades 6-12) special student

populations, those engaged in life skills and therapeutic classrooms, will begin in person instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Oct. 13, preschool Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) enrolled students will begin in-person learning on Tuesdays and Fridays and some elementary students with specialized services and

ESOL needs will also begin some classroom learning. “Specifically,” Noonan wrote last week, “We are looking to bring back our students in Life Skills; therapeutic day programs; students whose IEP calls for more than 50 percent time instructed by a special education

Continued on Page 4

I�� T�� W�� P�� P��: J�� A�� B�� P�� A� JV’� R��

The congenial leading man of the The Josh Allen Band adores the people who become a part of each of his performances, and he looks forward to bringing back some of that normalcy at a show at JV’s Restaurant this Saturday. See Press Pass, page 10

W�OD T�� R�� T�� O� N�� S�� D�� T� V�� The 1.5 mile section of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD) that runs through the City of Falls Church is well on its way to adding dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes by next summer, and is seen as all the more crucial given how the novel coronavirus is transmitted. See Story, page 19

Katherine Thompson Lands Spot in Award Finals

After 13 years as a restaurateur of five different properties, Katherine Thompson of Thompson Italian is being recognized for her skills as a pastry chef across the region with her spot in the finals of the restaurant industry’s RAMMY awards this Sunday. See Story, page 19

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 News & Notes................................... 11 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18 Business News ................................. 19

PAGE 2 | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A cleaner energy future is on the horizon. As a leader in wind and solar, we take our responsibility to the planet very seriously. That is why we are developing the country’s largest offshore wind project—one which will produce enough energy to power 660,000 homes by 2026. We have also added more than 2.5 million solar panels throughout Virginia since 2015, helping to make us America’s third largest in solar. While our commitment to cleaner energy has made us a national leader in sustainability, it is our commitment to future generations that inspires us every day. For more information, visit DominionEnergy.com.

DominionEnergy.com

SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020 | PAGE 3

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JD sold more homes in Falls Church last year than any other agent! Per MLS

Amazing Skyline Views!!

SOLD!

$949,000 6511 Cape Court, Falls Church

$619,900

JD CALLANDER Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide

#1 Agent, COMPANYWIDE

703.606.7901

JD@newNOVAhome.com www.newNOVAhome.com # 1 Listing Agent #1 Selling Agent #1 Total Volume #1 Total Transactions Weichert/Dolley Madison Office Weichert 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd McLean, VA 22101 703-760-8880

900 N. Stafford St, N. Arlington

*MUST-SEE* 2BR/2 full bath condo on 22nd floor w/ 1230 finished sq feet! *DIRECT ACCESS* to Ballston Metro and mall! New granite counters in the kitchen; hardwood floors in living room & hall; 1-car space avail; super building amenities!

Haycock, Longfellow & McLean Schools!

FOR RENT!

Haycock, Longfellow & McLean Schools!

$3999/month

2008 Freedom Ln, Falls Church

*WONDERFUL* 4BR/2 full/2 half bath colonial on 3 lvls w/ *CHARMING* 5BR/3 full BA home many recent renovations! Inviting French door entry; sparkling with updated kitchen with granite and gourmet kit w/ top-of-the line appliances; upper level w/ super breakfast bar; large family room with fireplace; mud room; fenced yard! owner's suite & luxury bath; fin. walkout LL! McLean HS!

$1,149,000 2117 Reynolds Street, Falls Church

Haycock, Longfellow & McLean Schools!

*Under Contract* in less than a week!

*GORGEOUS 5BR/4 full BA home in sought-after location! Sparkling hdwd floors; renovated gourmet kit w/ breakfast bar peninsula, SS appliances/ quartz counters; inviting family room off kitchen; owner’s suite w/ luxury ba; Less than a mile to WFC Metro! Haycock, Longfellow & McLean Schools!

$899,000 2009 Wellfleet Court, Falls Church

*FABULOUS* 5BR/3 BA home in sought-after Nantucket! Newly remodeled kitchen w/ quartz counters, island, eat-in nook w/ bay window and coffee station! Open floorplan w/ hdwd floors throughout main; sunny, LL rec room w/ frpl, built-ins and walk-out to fenced yard w/ patio; quick/easy access to Metro/commuter routes!

Call to sign-up for a virtual 1-on-1 appointment with JD!

Urgent — Buyers Need Homes! SOLD

2251 Teel Drive, Vienna

Representing buyers Lovely 4 bd/4 ba Victorian-style home in quiet community yet mins from Tysons, metro and major highways. Offered at $699,999

SOLD Sold in ! 2 Days

114 Birch St B5, Falls Church City

Louise Molton

Broker/Owner Phone: 703 244-1992 louise@moltonrealestate.com

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Fabulous 2 bd/1.5 ba condo w/ amazing private terrace in heart of FCC. Beautifully renovated w/ new kitchen & baths, hardwood flooring. W/D in unit & assigned parking. Offered at $325,000

710 W Broad St Falls Church, VA 22046 703-596-5303 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

REALTOR

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Special Education, ESOL Students Will Be First To Re-Enter Schools in October

Continued from Page 1

teacher; hearing, vision, and orthopedically impaired; a small number of ESOL students; and PreK students that are in special education or participate in the VPI program. The total number of students this group represents is approximately 80. The timing for the return is the first and second weeks of October.” These students will be followed by elementary school students who will return in a phased-by-grade approach at some point in early November. The first to return would be Kindergarten and 3rd grade students, and if this is successful, then by 1st and 4th grade, and then 2nd and 5th grade. The goal, Noonan said, “is to have all elementary students participating in a hybrid, minimum two-day-aweek in-person instruction model by the first week in December, and secondary school students will return to in-school learning at the beginning of the second semester in the new high school building.” The timeline presented to the

School Board Tuesday included a Sept. 21 town hall meeting with Mt. Daniel and Thomas Jefferson elementary staff to begin planning, a Sept. 28 start date (next Monday) for all school-based administrators and special populations staff to begin working from buildings full time to prepare and adjust to the “new normal.” With students beginning to return on Oct. 6 and 13, Oct. 19 will be the tentative date for kindergarten and 3rd grade staff to return to buildings full time to prepare for their students to begin instruction in a hybrid model on Nov. 5. In his memo to the school staff issued Wednesday, Noonan said, “If for any reason you are not comfortable with or able to return to work in buildings or with students in person, please reach out to the Human Resources office to discuss your options.” Noonan stressed to parents and staff alike, “As a working parent of school-aged kids who are online, I am walking the road by your side, and I will say this is one of the hard-

est things I have ever had to do, so I hope you feel my empathy. I remain optimistic in our approach to returning, and I am also realistic.” Careful attention is paid in this process, he stressed, to health metrics as provided by the Fairfax Health Department and Virginia Department of Health. For example, a seven-day positivity rate of those tested, with the goal of being below 5.0 percent, which across the four Northern Virginia health districts is now at 4.4 percent with a 14-day decline and 7.8 percent of new cases per 100,000 (the goal being below 10.0). The infection rate among the total population, the goal being under 1.1 is currently 0.96 with a 14-day overall decline. VDH’s Composite Data shows Northern Virginia overall ranked Low with a trend of Fluctuating But Steady, and overall in 13 categories the health metrics in the four area health districts are below targets. Guided by a Continuum of Reopening Stages, as conditions improve, advancing from Moderate to Low Risk, moves can proceed to

SCHOOL SPIRIT LIVES ON, even with schools closed, as Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School staff celebrated the birthday of Henderson herself on Friday. (P��: C�� V�� S�� E��)

hybrid reopening for special populations and for an entire division in a phased approach to “new normal” operations for all students and staff in face-to-face learning. It was stressed that “any classroom/school closure decisions will be based on the level of exposure and guidance from the Fairfax County Health Department in collaboration with the Falls Church City Public Schools leadership. This is a fluid process with rolling closures, quarantines and isolations as a part of school reopenings and life in a pandemic. The flexibility of all stakeholders is paramount in this continuum and our collective efforts to be safe.” The “common understandings”

Noonan stressed must be that “everyone must make safe choices and follow mitigation guidelines in and out of school; there is no 100 percent safe environment until we have a vaccine; we are prepared for responding in the event there is a case or quarantine is indicated; and, we must be flexible and able to adapt to change in a fluid manner.” He added, “We have to do this together as a community, as this is a shared responsibility. Thank you again for your dedication to our schools and your students during this unprecedented time in history. There are no easy choices in this situation. The health and safety of all is paramount. We need your support now more than ever.”

Cool Fall Market is Staying HOT! t ac ntr Co r de Un

ct tra on rC e d Un

un &S

t Sa en -4pm p 1 O

SOON 2305 N. Columbus St. - Arlington

5 Bedroom/3.5 Bath Colonial in Lee Heights neighborhood of N Arlington. Gourmet eat-in Kitchen opening to Family Room & Patio in private fenced backyard. Offered at $1,274,000

ld So

3252 Holly Hill Dr. - Falls Church 3BR/1,.5BA Rambler on Quiet cul-de-sac. Newly refinished Hardwood floors, and two fireplaces. (represented buyers Congratulations Angela & Evan!)

ll Ca

o inf for nt e Ag

521 Anne St. - Falls Church City

Beautiful Modern Victorian - over 5,000 sq ft of living space with Elevator servicing all four levels - Open floor plan w/ 5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, with Hardwood Floors throughout. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Eat-in kitchen opens to Family Room w/ Gas Fireplace. Oversize Deck overlooking private fenced backyard in quiet neighborhood. Falls Church City School

219 N Van Buren St - Falls Church City

Custom Craftsman built in 2017 featuring over 4,000 sq ft of elegant living space on nearly 1/3 acre lot in the heart of Broadmont. Offered at $1,599,000

pyramid. Offered at $1,539,000

Chris Earman

Member NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club Residential Top Producer

COVID-19

REALTOR

703-760-8880 Falls Church/McLean

Please Support your

• First Responders • Local Falls Church Businesses All guidelines followed as per State, Fedral and CDC recommendations to provide safety precautions from COVID-19 Virus

(703) 628-4541 | Chris@EarmanRealEstate.com Your Local Falls Church Realtor

208 E Jefferson St - Falls Church City

Spacious Craftsman style home in Beautiful Broadmont neighborhood. Open Floor Plan w/ over 5,000 sq ft of living space - 5 BR/4.5BA, 3 Fireplaces and separate 2 car garage on 1/4+ acre lot. Offered at $1,649,000

PLEASE STAY SAFE

If you are looking to Buy, Sell, or Rent in 2021 please call Chris for a no obligation consultation.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

COMING

Falls Church City 2BR/2BA Condo 3BR/2BA Home in 55+ Community in Dumfries New Construction 5BR/5BA in Pimmit Hills (Delivery in Spring 2021)

Please Wear A Face Mask Please continue to Support your Local FALLS CHURCH CITY Small Businesses *NEW* SOLACE Outpost * SFIZI Cafe * Clare & Don's Beach Shack * Lazy Mike's Deli * La Cote D'or Cafe * Dogwood Tavern

Audacious Aleworks * Space Bar * Falls Church News Press * Northside Social * The State Theatre * Orange Theory Fitness * Liberty Barbeque

Offered at $1,26

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 5

Few Homes Helped By Stormwater Improvements Gives Council Pause

Continued from Page 1

new Capital Improvements budget for Fiscal Year 2022 in the spring. Mayor David Tarter said at the virtual Council work session Monday that “it is a fundamental obligation of government to prevent flooding,” but others on the Council expressed concerns about such a large burden being foisted on all City taxpayers to the benefit of so few homes. The annual cost for the average taxpayer will grow from $239 now to $460 by 2026. The estimated cost will be $12 million if bonded for 20 years, and $17 million if bonded for 30 years. It is recommended to be paid for by incremental 10 percent increases in stormwater taxes until the tax amount will have doubled in Fiscal Year 2027 for everyone. “That’s a lot of money to spend for 50 houses,” said Council member Ross Litkenhous. “These are pretty critical economic times and we are challenged to live

within our means.” Not only that, it was pointed out, but the mitigation efforts will be effective for only up to what is called “10 year floods,” meaning the volume of stormwater that would be generated from an on-average once every10 year flood. However, given the impact of climate change, the metrics defining what are 10-year versus 20-year or 100-year floods are due for change. It was noted that the City has received notifications of 29 weather events (watches and warnings) so far this year. It was a major storm on July 8, 2019 that did considerable water damage to homes in the City that spurred action in the City to create the Stormwater Task Force, appointed last December. Appointed to the task force were Rolf Anderson, David Deitch, Dave Gustafson, Ellen Heather, Jeff Jardine, Hans Miller, Lauren Pincus and Matthew Ries, with Mike Domenica as the City staff liaison. F.C. City Manager Wyatt

Shields said Monday that he’s looking only for a “consensus to proceed” from the City Council now, and that talk about rates will come in March and “the big spending will begin two or three years out.” The six projects are the socalled Harrison Branch on E. Columbia for $1.7 million, the Trammel Branch for $1.8 million, the Hillwood #2 near Shady Lane for $711,000, the Hillwood #1 (Ives Branch) between Brook Dr. and Cleave Dr. for $1.3 million, Sherrow Avenue/Tripps Run off S. Virginia for $1+ million and the Lincoln Avenue/Ellison Branch at Walnut for $743,000. The smaller projects already underway are on Midvale, Ellison at the Railroad Cottages, Poplar at S. Spring and Wrens Branch at Underwood and Columbia. The Lincoln project would be completed in Fiscal Year 2022, the two Hillwood projects in FY23 and the rest in FY24. The four smaller projects are all due to be completed this fiscal year. New higher rates would go into effect in December 2022

based on increasing the cost per 200 square feet of impervious area per site from $18.36 to $35.31, resulting in an eventual doubling of the average residential fee from $239 a year in 2020 to $460 by 2026. To secure funding for the six priority projects, the Public Works Department authorized an update of the 2014 Stormwater

Utility rate study. The municipal finance group of GKY worked closely with the City’s Department of Public Works and the Finance Department, using the GKY engineering designs and cost estimates, along with information from the City on historic stormwater budgets, staffing levels and utility fee revenues to complete the study in late 2020.

More at FCNP.com News-Press 5 Ingredient Challenge Contestants • The News-Press’ 5 Ingredient Challenge will take place between The Happy Tart Bakery and La Cote d’Or Cafe.

• Each of these contestants will create their own recipe using the required 3 ingredients provided by the News-Press and then add 2 of their own.

• The winning recipe will receive a $100 prize from the Falls Church News-Press. The recipes will be posted to our website on Sept. 25 so that readers can vote for their favorite. • For more information, visit www.fcnp.com/5-Ingredient.

N OW L O CAT E D @ 1 1 1 9 W. B ROA D ST. $579 DOWN T6 MOMENTUM Stock #8666D MSRP $54,575 with $579 due at signing plus, tax, title, acquisition and dealer processing fee of $799. On approved credit only. No Security Deposit required. Expires 10/1/20.

Come see our state-of-the-ar t new Showroom & Ser vice Center

PAGE 6 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 

One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers

(Published by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXX, No. 32 September 24 – 30, 2020 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N�� F. B�� O�� E��-I�-C�� .��

N�� G�� A�� S�� A�� .��

M�� D�� N�� E��

��.��

M�� M�� A�� O�� .��

C�� C��, T�� W�� C�� T�� W�� C�� E�� J�� I�� C�� M�� .��

T� C�� N��-P�� : 703-532-3267 ��: 703-342-0347 ��: ��.�� .�� .�� .�� .��

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2020 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E��

E D I TO R I A L

Name It for Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Were the name of one of the Falls Church city schools to be changed, and we’re not suggesting anything one way or another at this point, we couldn’t think of a better replacement than the name of our recently deceased national champion, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Of course, the legendary civil rights activist, the late Rep. John Lewis, also works, but his name has already been swiftly taken by the Fairfax School System to substitute for Confederate General Robert E. Lee as the name given for its Springfield high school. It is very heartening to see the ongoing blossoming of young civil rights activism occurring in Falls Church in the midst of this powerful year of reckoning on issues of equality and equity. Presentations from five George Mason High and Henderson Middle School students before the virtual meeting of the F.C. School Board this Tuesday has underscored this. Abigail Crespin and Edith Jagerskog from Henderson and Umika Pathak, Charles Adams and Arian Hameed from Mason represented active campus groups, Students for Justice and the Social Justice Committee, at their respective schools, and also called attention to the high schools’ Black Student Union and and Gay-Straight Alliance. The intelligent, motivated and articulate students, along with the high school’s Director of Equity and Inclusion Jennifer Santiago, were frank in identifying areas of need in the schools’ striving for equity and inclusion, citing the need for more positive interactions among Spanish speaking students and the rest of the student body. Work on curriculum revisions coming out of the Virginia Department of Education in the wake of this year’s reckoning with Black Lives Matter and other public social mandates holds enormous promise, according to F.C. Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan. We are also eager to see what changes may be happening in the International Baccalaureate curriculum, given the Falls Church Schools are a K-12 IB system. But the timing of the passing of the 87 year old Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week could not be more poignant for defining the struggle. Obviously, it gives President Trump and the Republicans a golden opportunity to stack the Supreme Court with another Neanderthal social conservative, and this is a terrible development. On the other hand, as it has led pro basketball star LeBron James and the “fearless girl” bronze statuette on Wall Street, among many others, to don the signature Ginsburg lace collar boldly in the public, in affirmation of Ginsburg’s amazing life’s work on behalf of equality and justice, then we catch a glimpse of the incredible potential for a positive expression and mobilization of the public zeal for justice and fairness. So much this year has been motivated by deep pain and injustice that now, with the outpouring for Rep. Lewis and Justice Ginsburg, we still have pain, but the lace collar signifies something transcendent, made famous by a diminutive legal scholar and terrible force for good.

L��

Point of View Owner: A Final Farewell To The People of F.C. Editor, I would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL of the patrons of Point of View for the last 20+ years. I will be leaving Point of View this Friday the 25th. I will genuinely miss each and every patron that I have worked with. I have sold the practice to Visual Health Doctors of Optometry. They have been very accommodating in every respect. I feel I have left the

operation in very capable hands. I had very little choice at the end of July, since the previous doctor had not been doing exams since March, I either had to close the operation or sell to another outfit. I chose to sell, to continue the legacy of Point of View. Thanks to everyone for their support over the years it has been a pleasure working with you all. Bill Mueller Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

P�� 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

ADVERTISE IN THE

The News-Press is delivered to every household and many businesses in the City of Falls Church (22046), and to many homes and businesses (but not all) in the adjacent 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 and 22205 zip codes. Its total circulation of 10,000 per issue is greater than any other newspaper in the distribution area, including dailies. For complete advertising information, call us or check out our web site.

Call 532-3267 x2274 or visit www.FCNP.com

All original and some syndicated content is accessible via the Falls Church News-Press online site, www.FCNP.com. FCNP.com also includes photos, stories, ads and more not appearing in the print edition.

For information on online advertising, please contact Nick Gatz at 703-532-3267 or ngatz@fcnp.com. ONLINE

News-Press Should Lead Charge On Pedestrian Safety Editor, With the never ending construction going on in the Little City, we need the Falls Church News-Press to put some pressure on City Council and Falls Church Police to proactively increase pedestrian safety in the city. I’ve found City Council to be lax in responding to citizen emails. The latest hazard is at the corner of Great Falls and Washington Streets where pedestrians are forced to jaywalk across four lanes due to

closed sidewalks due to the construction projects taking place at Columbia Baptist Church. This, in addition to closed sidewalks at the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, closed sidewalks at the Broad Street site, and the Washington & Old Dominion trail detours that force bicycles on the sidewalks on Fairfax Drive and are making our pedestrians take their lives into their hands at every turn! The city council needs to focus less on “wayfinding” sinage and more on public safety sinage, crosswalks, and lights. Julie Bertoia Falls Church

CO MME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� 7 Things To Consider While Making Your Plan To Vote B� A�� B�� W�� F��

Elections matter. And before you cast your vote in the Nov. 3 election, educate yourself on updates to Virginia’s election laws. Virginia even expanded voting access in a special legislative session in the past month. Make your plan to vote now — whether it’s vote by mail, early voting or going to the polls on Nov. 3. Here are seven things you can do to make sure your vote counts. 1. Take advantage of Virginia’s new voting flexibilities. Remember that long list of reasons for qualifying to vote absentee? It’s gone! For November, any registered voter can vote early, either by mail or in-person at the Registrar’s office. If you would like to vote by mail, put in your ballot request now, online, at Virginia’s Citizen Portal, https://vote. elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation. You must request the ballot by Friday, Oct. 23 at the latest, but don’t wait. If you’ve already requested your ballot, it will arrive after Sept. 18, and you can check its status at the link above. 2. Learn about mail-in ballots. You’ll need to sign the mail-in ballot. Because of a settlement with League of Women Voters-Virginia and the American Civil Liberties Union finalized on Aug. 21, you will not need a witness signature

on your mail-in ballot. Cast your mailin ballot with confidence — based on a new state law, the Registrar will be able to alert you if there is an error in your absentee ballot up until the Friday before Election Day, allowing you time to recast a corrected ballot.

“Make your plan to vote now — whether it’s vote by mail, early voting or going to the polls on Nov. 3.” 3. Complete and mail your ballot soon after you receive it. The state will send an envelope, and a new law provides for prepaid postage. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov. 3 and received in the registrar’s office no later than noon on Friday, Nov. 6 to be counted, if mailed. Nationally, the most common reason ballots are rejected is that they arrive late. The envelope for your ballot has a barcode printed on it, so you’ll be able to check the status of your ballot at the Citizen Portal after you mail it. Alternatively, you will be able to take your mail-in ballot to the Registrar’s

Office when you’re ready to cast it. The Registrar will have a dropbox for you to use for dropping your ballot outside City Hall (300 Park Ave.). There will be a dropbox at the polls also. 4. Know your early voting options. Early voting began Friday, September 18, at the Registrar’s office, on the first floor of City Hall — weekdays between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. You will be able to early vote on two Saturdays — Oct. 24 and 31. Saturday, Oct. 31 is the last day of early voting. You may deliver your absentee ballot to the Registrar’s office during this time period, but you may not deliver ballots for other people. All early ballots — those sent by mail and those cast in-person — are counted on election day in Virginia, as if the ballots were cast in a polling place. 5. If you are going to the Registrar’s office or to the polls, bring your identification. This year, it does not have to be a photo ID. In fact, voter ID is not absolutely required. If you don’t bring a voter ID, you can sign an ID statement affirming your identity, and you will be able to vote a regular ballot. If you do not sign an ID statement, you may vote using a provisional ballot. If you requested a mail-in ballot and go to the polls instead, bring your mail-in ballot to turn it in. 6. There is a City Council Election. Learn about the three candidates in the

upcoming Falls Church Special Election for one City Council seat, also on Nov. 3: Debbie Hiscott, Joshua Shokoor, and Simone Pass Tucker. They could be heard directly at our virtual forum, which occurred on Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. 7. Consider the constitutional amendment referenda that will be on the ballot. One amendment provides for citizen representation in drawing Virginia legislative districts so that legislators are not the only voices determining districts. The second provides for a specific tax exemption for veterans — it would exempt one automobile or pickup truck from state and local property taxes for veterans who have a 100 percent service-connected, permanent, and total disability. Finally, don’t plan on staying up all night on Nov. 3 to get election results. Because of the anticipated heavy volume of mail-in ballots, it is possible that many election results may not be available until days or weeks after the election. Finding it hard to keep track of all these dates and requirements? Find your polling place and other non-partisan election information at vote411.org. Allison Brown and Wendy Frieman are Co-Presidents with the League of Women Voters Falls Church

Q�� W�� Do you support F.C. Schools’ schedule for its return to class? • Yes

• No

• Not sure

Last Week’s Question: Are you encouraged by young activists getting involved in F.C. City politics?

38% Yes

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS]

54% No

8% Not Sure

FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientiﬁc polls.

The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published. All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.

irfax

PAGE 8 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

Fa l l s C h u r c h

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS

Do you need help with rent, mortgage, utilities, and food due to COVID-19? There are programs that can help, regardless of immigration status.

¿Necesita ayuda para pagar la renta, hipoteca, servicios públicos, y obtener alimentos debido a COVID-19? Existen programas que le pueden ayudar, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.

Falls Church Ranked #3 Healthiest in U.S. The City of Falls Church has been recognized as the No. 3 among “Healthiest Communities” in the country by U.S. News and World Report this week. The City earned a score of 91.2, with notes that it performs best in economy, population health, and education. The City has consistently ranked in the top three on the annual report, earning the No. 1 community honor for the inaugural report in 2018, and No. 3 in 2019. “Healthiest Communities” is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News and World Report, in collaboration with the Aetna Foundation. Accompanied by news, analysis and in-depth reporting, the platform features rankings drawn from an examination of nearly 3,000 counties and county equivalents on 84 health and healthrelated metrics in 10 categories. Population health and equity are the most highly weighted factors in the methodology, followed closely by education and economy. Data were gathered and analyzed by the University of Missouri Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES). The rankings are available on the U.S. News Healthiest Communities platform.

F.C. Vice Mayor Endorses Hiscott in Special Election

fallschurchva.gov/Help 703-248-5005 (TTY 711) hhsinfo@fallschurchva.gov We are OPEN and ready to safely serve your dental needs! Currently accepting new patients

Falls Church Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly announced yesterday morning her formal endorsement of Debbie Hiscott for election to the vacant position on the Falls Church City Council on the ballot in the November 3 election. Hiscott, executive director of the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF), is one of three candidates on the ballot for the slot, the others being Joshua Shokoor and Simone Pass-Tucker. Connelly said that she decided to endorse early because a lot of people are voting early (in-person and mail-in options began last Friday). Of Hiscott she wrote, “All three candidates have great ideas. She is the only candidate who has shown that she knows how to make ideas reality.” Hiscott was interviewed for an hour by the Citizens for a Better City (CBC) online Sunday, an event witnessed by about two dozen citizens. She reiterated her priorities, including for affordable housing, and when asked, issued a statement for anyone concerned that her work for the FCEF might constitute a conflict of interest. “The Falls Church Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. I am paid by the Foundation and am managed by an independent volunteer board of directors. I receive no pay or benefits from the City of Falls Church or Falls Church City Public Schools,” she stated. The CBC is hosting an online interview at 5 p.m. this coming Sunday with Shokoor and one the following Sunday, Oct. 4, with Pass-Tucker also at 5 p.m. An online forum with the three candidates hosted by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society and League of Women Voters was scheduled for last night that occurred too late to be reported in this print edition. But it will be reported on the News-Press website and in next week’s print edition.

Broad & Washington Project Walking Tour The Falls Church City Council will host a walking tour of the Broad and Washington site proposed for a new massive Whole Foods supermarket at 3 p.m. The developer, the Insight Property Group, will guide the tour and will present its latest project proposal. The next day, Wednesday, Sept. 30, Insight will host a virtual town hall for the public on the subject at 6 p.m. For the health and safety of the public, all participants are required to wear masks and keep a minimum of six feet of social distance at all times during the tour.

F.C. Announces Arts & Humanities Grants The City of Falls Church announced the winners of this year’s Falls Church Arts and Humanities Grant Awards. The City Council approved the recommendations from the Arts and Humanities Grant committee to allocate $44,000 in funding for Arts and Humanities grants. The City will apply for an additional $4,500 of funding through a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Five proposals were received for Project Grants for a total of $21,200, of which all will receive full funding.

News-Press to Begin ‘Point-Counterpoint’ Series Starting next week, the News-Press will substitute a “Point-Counterpoint” series prior to the November 3 election day for its weekly “Guest Commentary” feature.

SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020 | PAGE 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ENGAGED

EXPERIENCED

COMMITTED

DEBBIE H I S C O T T

F O R FA L L S C H U R C H C I T Y C O U N C I L Early/No Excuse absentee voting and by mail absentee voting began September 18th OR vote in person on Election Day November 3rd. Vote Debbie Hiscott for Falls Church City Council. For more info visit www.debbiehiscott.org Authorized and paid for by friends of Debbie Hiscott for Falls Church City Council.

PAGE 10 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

with

The Josh Allen Band

SEPTEMBER

25 AY

FRID

Something Shiny Dogwood Tavern 10 p.m. 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church 703-237-8333 • dogwoodtavern.com

26 AY

RD SATU

Pleasure Train Jammin’ Java

7 p.m. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna 703-255-1566 • jamminjava.com

The Josh Allen Band JV’s Restaurant 8:30 p.m. 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church 703-241-9504 • jvsrestaurant.com

27 Y

A SUND

Chris Timbers

BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The luckiest people have had their family with them (for better or worse) over the past six months of the coronavirus pandemic. But Josh Allen, head of the Josh Allen Band, has felt he’s been disconnected from his extended family — otherwise known as his fans. The congenial leading man adores the people who become a part of each of his performances, and he looks forward to bringing back some of that normalcy at a show at JV’s Restaurant this Saturday. “Some of my other musician friends pushback on me calling my performances ‘shows’ instead of ‘gigs,’” Allen said. “To me, a gig is you go, play some music, collect your check and go home. I want to have fun and interact with fans and sing in the audience.” Present circumstances make that a bit harder now. Allen is friendly to a fault, but he’s had to resist his instinct to get close to fans. As he put it, he doesn’t want to impose his beliefs on them and make them uncomfortable, even if some of them ask him for a hug here and there despite social distancing protocols. And that’s all the more difficult considering his propensity to play every band’s crowd favorite, you-all-know-the-words hits. That could be Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lodi” or The Kooks’ “Runaway,” Allen shows off his roots as a karaoke singer-turned-artist in each of his sets. Toe-tapping tunes are also what endeared him to JV’s owner Lorraine Campbell seven years ago when he was still cobbling together a band. While auditioning a drummer for his group, Allen said Campbell overheard them and asked why more people don’t play these songs. The two got to talking and Allen suggested he

THE JOSH ALLEN BAND. (C�� P��) could play them at her bar. He had already been warned by another musician friend that it was near impossible to play a destination set at JV’s, and Campbell politely reminded him of how booked up her schedule was for that year. “So I said, ‘I hear you can pick anyone you want, and that if you play at JV’s, you’ve made it, so I can wait until next year to make it,’” Allen said, recollecting their first interaction in 2013. Campbell chuckled at the quip and agreed to add him to a Saturday show on short notice. “And then I thought, ‘Damn, now I gotta get a band together.’ And I did and we’ve been there ever since,” Allen added. Campbell’s favor of giving Allen his start was returned in kind this spring. When the pandemic broke out, he was concerned about how his favorite venue was going to fare. So he started a GoFundMe.com campaign, thinking he’d raise a few hundred, maybe even a $1,000 to help take some of the sting out of the fiscal losses. The campaign wound up raising over $20,000.

The giving didn’t stop there. During the early days of the reopening in the summer, Allen’s band would play Facebook Live shows at JV’s. When people came in to pick up to-go food and tipped his band, he would later give the money to bartenders. Allen was doing this despite being a casualty of layoffs at his day job. But that’s been compensated by the frequent shows he plays with his band. What was maybe two or three shows a weekend has become a nonstop local touring schedule, particularly because Allen’s group is one of the few that will play indoors. His extended family seems to be on the same sheet of music as him. “At first nobody had any idea what was going on, but people are starting to look at the data more and are saying ‘You know what, I’m just gonna start going out,” Allen said. “I hear more and more people who say ‘I’m over this, I just wanna get out here and live my life.’” The Josh Allen Band will be performing at JV’s Restaurant on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8:30 p.m.

Beneﬁting Healing Justice Jammin’ Java

7 p.m. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna 703-255-1566 • jamminjava.com

These singles whet the appetites of the FCNP editorial team this week:  Matt Delaney – Hunnybee by Unknown Mortal Orchestra 

Nick Gatz – Champagne Supernova by Oasis



Melissa Morse – Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

N��-P��

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 11

C�� N�� N�� Virtual Auction Goes Live At Quinn’s Saturday On Saturday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m., Quinn’s Auction Galleries will conduct a Fine & Decorative Arts Auction featuring Asian, American, European and Modern selections from estates and elegant homes in the Northern Virginia region. Although not a gallery event with in-person floor bidding, the auction will be accessible through several alternatives, including phone bidding on auction day, live online through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable, and absentee, either via Quinn’s website or ahead of time by phone. Being auctioned for this show is a Paul Albert Besnard (French, 1849-1934) oil-on-canvas titled “Sous Les Saules” (Under the Willows), which was at a 1922 exhibition at the Museum of Art at the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh and its provenance includes prior sale at Christie’s New York in 1980. The sale also includes 11 paintings by the influential Harlem Spiral Group co-founder Merton D. Simpson (African-American, 1928-2013), such as his work “Confrontation F Poem 6,” and Si Chen Yuan’s (Chinese/

American, 1911-1974) untitled mid-20th-century oil-on-canvas is an abstract depiction of a couple nestled closely together. There will be no in-person floor bidding; all bidding will be remote, either by phone, live via the internet through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable, or absentee through Quinn’s website or by phone prior to the auction. For additional information about any item in the auction or to discuss a future consignment, call Charlotte Taylor at Quinn’s, 703-532-5632 ext. 526, or email charlotte.taylor@quinnsauction. com. Visit Quinn’s online at www. quinnsauction.com.

F.C. Schools Unveil Return To School Plan Falls Church City Public School administrators presented their Return to School Plan before the School Board last week. The plan includes metrics in three areas — Health, Operational and Instructional — that must be met before consideration is given to moving out of an all-virtual model and into a Hybrid model for all students. FCCPS hopes to begin offering small cohort hybrid instruction for

SEEING DOUBLE? Courtney Wheeler (second from left), one of the managers at Dogwood Tavern, had face masks made with Dogwood’s general manager Kevin Kiely’s face on them. Try and guess which one is the real Kevin — if he’s even pictured at all! (P��: C�� S�� C��) its most impacted students in early October and a graduated reopening for the rest of its students in November. An evaluation will occur at least two weeks before the end of the 1st quarter. Again, all is dependent on the metrics in the three areas being met. A metric status dashboard is being developed and should be online within the next week. A weekly summary will also be included in The Morning Announcements newsletter each

Monday, beginning shortly after the dashboard is established.

Fairfax Students Announced As Nat’l Merit Semifinalists Two hundred twelve students from 18 high schools in Fairfax County have been named semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for 2021. All semifinalists are eligible to compete for 7,600 National Merit Scholarship awards worth more than $30 million, which will be awarded in Spring 2021.

Local National Merit semifinalists are: Falls Church High School: John Child. Marshall High School: Rohan Bajpai, William Fernau, Kaia Griggs, Evan Hellersund, Samuel Langborgh and Connor Sandall. McLean High School: Camille Blakemore, Ryan Chou, Kelly Dematties, Abria Hamberg, Amelia Hsu, Hyohyun Jung, Kathryn Kim, John Lannin, Lily Neusaenger, Sophie Shobeiri and Hannah Tsai.

Send Us Your News & Notes!

The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

CO MME NT

PAGE 12 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Penny for Your Thoughts

FREE!

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Early voting in Fairfax County started strong last week, and gained national media attention for the long lines and, on Saturday, a demonstration by Trump supporters that elicited police intervention. Fortunately, both Friday and Saturday were beautiful, weatherwise, so that voters could socially distance on the grassy approaches to the front door of the Fairfax County Government Center. In ordinary times, the line would have appeared shorter, but 300 masked voters social distancing can take up a lot of space. In all, more than 2000 people voted in the first two days, and more record lines are anticipated as early voting continues. Inside the building, masks and social distancing continued, and an additional room with voting machines was opened to accommodate the crowds wishing to vote. According to election officials, slow moving lines also are attributable to voters discovering that there are four county bond referenda, and two proposed state constitutional amendments, which they may not have been prepared to consider. Whichever method they are planning to use (in person absentee, mail ballot, or assigned precinct on Election Day), voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the language of the questions before entering the voting booth. Non-partisan ballot information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ elections/upcoming. Voters may take their notes about voting, or a sample ballot, into the privacy of the booth. Also gaining national media attention was a demonstration on Saturday by several dozen Trump supporters who shouted, waved flags, and created a situation that some voters characterized as intimidating. The demonstrators were unwilling to respond when asked by elections officials to move back, and away from the main entrance so reluctantly, police were called. When the officers arrived, the demonstrators filed back to the

outside booth of their political party, and some of the protesters even got in line to go inside to vote. Some people wondered why the demonstrators were not arrested, but cooler heads prevailed, the demonstrators finally complied, and order was restored. The protestors got their headlines, which would have been uglier, and played right into their hands, if legitimate voters were arrested. Earlier this year, there was real concern about the lack of election officers for the November election. Many longtime election officers are aging, or have moved away, so the long hours required on Election Day are a barrier for some. An appeal went out, and nearly 3,900 new election officer applications were submitted to Fairfax County during the summer. That’s about five times as many applications as received in past elections. The Office of Elections notes there is tremendous interest in serving this election. Any registered voter in Virginia may serve as an election officer, and county residents are prioritized if there is a surplus of officers (many applications are from people who live outside Fairfax County). Election officers must take training and are offered a stipend for Election Day. Despite early voting and mail-in ballots, the turnout at the precincts on Election Day could be high. Voters in line at 7 p.m. when the polls close, can cast their ballots until all voters in line have done so. In 2008, in one Mason District precinct, it was after 10 p.m. when the last voter in line was served. In-person absentee voting at the various satellite locations, including the Mason District Governmental Center and the Thomas Jefferson branch library, begins on Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

Walk-In Tubs

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500 ✔ Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience ✔ Ultra low entry for easy entering & exiting ✔ Patented Quick Drain® Technology ✔ Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard ✔ 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

877-691-5591

Or visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/vapa

Prepare for unexpected power outages with a Generac home standby generator SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT TODAY!

844-947-1479

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value!

Offer valid August 24, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Special Financing Available

*Terms & Conditions Apply

Subject to Credit Approval

AN ORGANIZED HOME IS A HAPPY HOME

50% OFF INSTALLATION *

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

*Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Shelves.

EXP 12/31/20.

Schedule Your FREE Design Consultation:

C � � � � � F� � � � C � � � � �

(866) 982-2260

C R I ME R E PORT

INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

Week of Sept. 14 – 20, 2020 Larceny-Shoplifting, 300 blk W Broad St. September 14, 4:25 pm, a female, 63, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a citation for petit larceny. Larceny-Theft from Building, 200 blk Little Falls St. September 16, unknown suspect(s) stole a backpack from an office building and fraudulently used a credit card to purchase merchandise at area businesses. Trespass, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd. September 17, 1:00 pm, a male, 49, of Falls Church, VA, was issued a citation for trespassing. Larceny, 300 blk Jackson St. Between September 16 and September 17, unknown person(s) stole an item of value from the front yard of a residence.

Status Update on Wednesday, September 23 City of Falls Church Date

Cases Hospitalizations Deaths # Cases per 100,000 People

Monday, September 21 Wednesday, September 16 Monday, September 14 Wednesday, September 9 Wednesday, September 2 Monday, August 31 Wednesday, August 26

68 66* 67 66 66 66 66

12 10* 11 11 11 11 11

6 6* 7 7 7 7 7

460.3 453.6 453.6 446.8 446.8 446.8 446.8

www.fcnp.com

*NOTE: These numbers went down as the Virginia Department of Health found that the individuals lived in the Fairfax County part of Falls Church, not the City of Falls Church.

ter

AFTER LeafFil

ter

BEFORE LeafFil

LIFETIME WARRANTY

OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

AND!

www.fcnp.com News•Photos Online Polls•Sports E-Issuu•Twitter•and More

OFF

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS!**

Promo Number: 285 CALL US TODAY FOR

VISIT US ONLINE

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-877-614-6667

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Oﬀer valid at estimate only. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suﬀolk HIC License# 52229-H

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The Civil War Then & Now

The U.S. Civil War was really not that long ago. It started in 1860 in reaction to the outcome of the presidential election of that year, though the first bloodshed was not for a few months after. At the time, it was known as the War of the Rebellion, because it was clear to most everyone that it was the result of slave states in the South seceding from the Union to claim their independence in defense of their practice of slavery. In that context, it could be called one of the most immoral grounds for a war in history that until it ended in 1865, cost the lives of over 600,000 young American men and boys. The large plantation owners in the South, with tacit assurances of support from FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS the British who profited most from the Southern slave cotton industry (support that never materialized because of pressures from other 19th century imperial powers, like the Russians), convinced their young that it was a war against Union northerners telling them how to run their lives. In the North, President Abraham Lincoln set forth a powerful defense of the young democracy when many were convinced he wouldn’t fight at all. The full benefits of American democracy, forged by a profoundlydemocratic revolution on behalf of the equality of all persons only 75 years before, underlay the passionate commitment of young men in the North to sign up to preserve the Union. (They included my great-great grandfather John Avery Benton who fought with the Wisconsin 32nd). In the South, cruel and racist plantation elites were fully willing to thrust their boys headlong into mass suicidal attacks, like the ones at Shiloh, Tennessee, in April 1862, Antietam in Maryland in September 1862 and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in June 1863. The first involved over 40,000 Confederate lads against 62,000 Union loyalists, the second 38,000 against 87,000 and the third over 75,000 pitted against 104,000 that included the suicidal Pickett’s Charge of 12,000 that cost half their number strewn on an open battlefield. Although casualties were almost equal through the war, it was the Southern boys who suffered the worst, ill equipped in terms of materiel and medical treatments, and woefully underfed, because their leaders were the cruelest by far, without conscience willing to throw their young into savage meat grinder slaughters in defense of an inhumane culture of slave labor. What makes the Civil War seem so distant now has been the interceding Industrial Revolution that changed the technologies of war, first manifested in the Great War (aka World War I) of 1914 – 1918. Now, in 2020, the United States is the most powerful nation on the planet (far from true in 1860) and only weeks before another presidential election that could result in the playing out of another deep divide in the U.S. I am sufficiently worried about what can happen in the wake of this Nov. 3 election for president that I have chosen to evoke the November 1860 election and how those committed to the preservation of the Union, of the United States’ unique experiment in democracy, had to step up to put down a deadly rebellion. Are the American people of today able to muster the same spirit of democracy to defend their cherished nation the way their forebears in the Civil War did? Those protected and provided opportunities under the mantle of democracy have grown in ranks and definition since the Civil War, now to include, beyond the Emancipation Proclamation’s extension of the full benefits of citizenry to Blacks, to women and all racial and ethnic minorities, and most recently LGBTQ persons and anybody wacky and offbeat by prevailing social standards. Of course, the summer of 2020 has been a year to rediscover that the promise of equality is far from a reality for most Black folk, in particular, and others. But it is the evolution toward equality that America’s founding fathers set in motion with their revolution and Constitution that still to this day holds out our best hope for a future for humankind on this remote orb in space to fulfil our happiness and full potential.

CO MME NT

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

Join me on a ride through Arlington’s craziest streets. I’ve long cultivated this hobby of identifying routes that flummoxed those high-minded planners who laid down our tidy grid in the 1930s. But I recently deepened my research on crooked lanes by consulting Luis Araya, Arlington’s Transportation Bureau Chief. A graduate of what today is Washington-Liberty High School, Araya has spent 47 years exploring and surveying our county’s thoroughfares, and approving new subdivisions. Our street system attempts logic by grouping things numerically and alphabetically by syllables. But topography, state roads and interventions like the building of I-66 in the late ‘70s can foil the logic; Araya agreed. Some resulting quirks: The famous intersection of N. Vermont St. with N. Vermont St. (at Vernon St. off 26th St. near Donaldson Run). In fact, N. 26th is my nomination for Arlington’s craziest. It winds from East Falls Church near I-66 through the Yorktown neighborhood to Glebe Rd., then transforms into 31st at N. Thomas St. The persistent 26th picks up again further south on Military Rd., only to be chopped up again in the Riverwood neighborhood by the Potomac. Another jagged dogleg is the historic Little Falls Rd., which, after linking Glebe Rd. to the Yorktown neighborhood, veers up to paral-

lel Williamsburg Blvd., then vanishes. Oops, it picks up a block down Sycamore St. near Bishop O’Connell High School (but requires a triple sign to separate it from Van Buren and 28th). Similarly, N. Ohio St., notable for a bridge across I-66, abruptly converts to McKinley Rd. at 10th Rd. The one four-syllable street on the grid is Arizona St., off Williamsburg Blvd. at the Falls Church border. Confusingly, it becomes Meridian St. in Falls Church and Fairfax. We had fun with the shortest streets — Kansas St. near Virginia Square, Lancaster (near Minor Hill), Aberdeen off Washington Blvd. at Glebe (only two houses!), plus some stubs called Hill and Inge on the south edge of Crystal City. Historian Karl VanNewkirk, who lives in Madison Manor, reminded me his house faces 11th Rd. North — but his address is Rochester St., confusing to taxi drivers. “About 200 yards up Rochester, the houses are in Falls Church — so trash on my block is collected on different days,” he notes. Rochester makes a slight bend and is then called Quesada. Neighborhood children who attend Falls Church schools catch the bus alongside Arlington kids, in front of his house. Araya notes that street layouts reflect social history. The welldocumented segregation wall in Halls Hill (N. Culpeper St. at 17th St.) was part of a larger barrier “not built by any entity,” he said.

The original subdivider sold lots to individual Whites who built their own barriers. He points to another segregation wall in South Arlington, north of 17th St., east of Walter Reed Dr., now a fenced pathway near Arlington Village. There was a time, Araya recalled, when Blacks couldn’t walk along the north side of Columbia Pike without getting frisked by police. So for an African American to walk from Green Valley to see friends in Halls Hill, “You had to know the route through white neighborhoods. It was like the Green Book for Arlington.” *** Two notable losses: 40-veteran National Park Service historian Ed Bearrs died Sept. 15 at age 97, in Arlington. Montana-born Bearrs was a legend for his tours of Civil War battlefields and was honored at an Arlington Historical Society banquet. I spoke to him by phone last year about his late daughter Sara Bearrs, herself a first-class historian who wrote on George Washington Parke Custis. Also lost was former School Superintendent Arthur Gosling, on Sept. 10, age 83. The Ohioborn social studies teacher ran our schools from 1985-97. He is credited with initiating all-day kindergarten for all, as well as programs for at-risk students, K-12 Spanish immersion, improving teacher pay and promoting women. I first encountered Gosling in 1993 when he was onstage receiving the “futures” report proposing major school boundary changes (never carried out).

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 14 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR In response to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic affecting the globe and policies enacted to avoid social gatherings, the News-Press will publish a list of virtual events weekly in lieu of its regular listings. If you have a virtual event you’d like to see listed, please email calendar@fcnp.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday weekly.

LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Monarch Butterflies. The group will learn about Monarch butterflies and habitat within Glencarlyn Park. Ages: 3 – 5 years. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, so please register for only one session at each nature center per month. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program. Registration required.

To register, contact 703-2284747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 1 – 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Falls Church Farmers Market To Go. The Falls Church Farmers Market has converted to a preorder, to-go event. All orders must be placed in advance of Saturday’s market which will be open from 8 a.m. – noon for pre-order pick-up only in front of City Hall (300 Park Ave.). A list of participating vendors and information on pre-ordering can be found at fallschurchva.gov/547/ Farmers-Market-To-Go. Tiny Tot. Tiny Tot programs provide opportunities to interact one-on-one with young children while discovering the wonders of nature. Each program will engage children with hands-on learning and may include a variety of activities like songs, crafts, fin-

ger plays and mini-hikes. Adults must remain during the entire program. Ages 1 – 3. $5 fee due upon registration. To register, contact rtolman@arlingtonva. us. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 10 – 10:30 a.m. 703-228-6535.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Broad & Washington Project Walking Tour. The Falls Church City Council will host a walking tour of the Broad and Washington site proposed for a new, massive Whole Foods supermarket at 3 p.m. The developer, the Insight Property Group, will guide the tour and will present its latest project proposal. The next day, Wednesday, Sept. 30, Insight will host a virtual town hall for the public on the subject at 6 p.m. For the health and safety of the public, all participants are required to wear masks and keep a minimum of six feet of social

distance at all times during the tour.

VIRTUALEVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Breaking the Silence: Having Difficult Conversations About Race. An interactive online workshop focused on developing active listening, compassionate confrontation as well as clarifying common, but complex terms such as racism, prejudice and discrimination. Limited to 20 participants. $30 to register. Zoom login information will be provided to those who register. For more information, visit workshopbreaking-the-silence.eventbrite. com. 1 – 3 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 ESOL Conversation Group (online). Interested participants can practice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group.

This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 City Council Meeting (online). City Council meetings are held the second and fourth 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 and the public is invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva.gov/ CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). The virtual meeting will be held in compliance will be held in compliance with legisltion adopted to allow government operation during the public health emergency. Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NEWS-PRESS & HELP US KEEP COMMUNITY JOURNALISM ALIVE & WELL IN THE LITTLE CITY. Since 1991, the News-Press has been on a mission to provide independent and honest journalism to the Falls Church community. We recognize and appreciate the support the City, its businesses and residents have shown us for the past 29 years. Now, we need your help to con�nue with our mission. If you ﬁnd value in our work and believe the News-Press contributes to the be�erment of the Falls Church community, please consider becoming a member today and help us keep you informed on all the happenings — big and small — in The Li�le City. Never before has the ﬁght to ensure a free press been more important.

Visit FCNP.com/members to become a member of the News-Press today

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

SE NI O R LI V I NG

SENIOR LIVING

Senior News Line

Quarantine Scofflaws Put Us All at Risk by Matlida Charles

King Features Syndicate

A recent local party was so loud it could be heard nearly a quarter mile away. A curious neighbor got in his car and went to investigate. He reported back that it was a very large gathering of young people in an alley, music echoing off the brick walls, not a mask to be seen, nor any social distancing. The neighbor did a quick calculation and estimated that the crowd had many times more than the restrictions allow. A call to the police netted this sad truth: They really don’t care. The alley party the other night does not bode well for the coming fall. It’s highly likely they were college students, celebrating a return to school. The next days

they were in the grocery stores stocking up. (Thankfully there is at least one store in town that insists on the wearing of masks and spacing in lines. The other one’s stated policy is that they are not the police.) We see on the news that tens of thousands of young people are frolicking together on the beach ... and we know the outcomes of those interactions. The virus is going to flourish in those environments, and it will spread even more than it already has, forcing us to stay locked down even longer. While it’s not smart to personally approach those who are violating the rules, we can make calls. Let the store managers know you won’t be shopping in their stores unless they enforce mask and dis-

tance rules. Get your neighbors and friends to call as well. Let the town council know the police are not responsive, as well as retail and dining establishments that allow flouting of the rules. Those are a few things we can safely do. *** It’s hard nowadays to know where to get accurate free information online. Here are two trusted, responsible places we can go. Consumer Reports: While CR would like you to subscribe to their monthly print or online magazine, you don’t have to do that to get information. Sign up for their various newsletters (weekly or monthly) and zero in on what you’d like to know about: a weekly What’s New, home (appliances and products), cars, health (nutrition, drugs, fitness and safety), food, money (finances,investing, tax planning, retirement) and shopping. You can opt to receive one, a few or all of these in your email. Go online to www.consumerreports.org, scroll to the bottom and click on Sign Up for CR’s Free Newsletters.

Sa fr

n vi

g n

t ia

e ph lif astro ES!

I live

alone

Y ER

but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert. ®

One press of a button sends help fast, 24/7, even when you can’t reach a phone.

AS SEEN ON

For a FREE brochure call:

1-571-378-2183

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 15

Kim Komando: Known as a Digital Goddess, Kim Komando been on the Internet (as well as radio) for many years. She won’t steer you wrong. A recent email newsletter covered 10 cybersecurity myths, how to tell if someone is snooping in your computer, a Windows patch that fixes 100 new flaws, and more. The website even has a coronavirus section with makes sense information and news. There are 12 email newsletters to choose from, some daily and some weekly, including breaking tech news you need to know, tech tips & how-tos, weekend digital digest and weekly roundup, fraud and security alerts, and more. Go online to www.komando.

com and scroll to Subscribe at the bottom of the page. You can opt out or change your mind at any time, and they won’t give away your personal information. I’ve been a subscriber for close to 10 years, and I’ve never suspected my information was given out. If you want to listen to Kim Komando on the radio, look for Find A Station at the top of her web page and put in your ZIP code. It will give you the stations, date and time of the radio shows.  Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

PAGE 16 | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020 AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

FARM EQUIPMENT LEASE YOUR LAND FOR HUNTING.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CLASSI F I E DS

Cleaning Services

Senior Care Services

House Cleaning Service Available 7 days a week Weekly - By Weekly - Monthly or by Time Move Out - Move In • 14 years Experience Good References • Senior Discount For Further Information: Call Susy • Cell (703) 901-0596

CERTIFIED CAREGIVER COMPASSIONATE, dependable and experienced personal care for the Elderly. Light housekeeping, good cook, run errands. Own transportation. Excellent references. Call Naana 630-200-9592

Prepaid annual lease payments. $5M liability insurance. We handle everything for you. Base Camp Leasing 1-866-3091507 www.basecampleasing.com Promo Code: 355

A CLEANING SERVICE 703-892-8648

$249* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap. Call 804-739-8207. Siding, Roofing and More!

fcnp.com

Classads@fcnp.com

REAL ESTATE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. WILLS $195.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https:// hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

Help Wanted Seeking laborers to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16–20). Goto WWW.JWNMINISTRIES. COM Contact John at eternaltest@aol.com

classads@fcnp.com

Attorney

Attorney/Accountant, Former IRS Attorney All Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars 703-798-3590 or 301-340-2951

www.beatsonlaw.com

RBeatsonatty@netscape.net

Visit us at fcnp.com

Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, windows, doors, rotted wood, siding, lighting + FREE estimates, Licensed & Insured

Call Doug (703)556-4276 www.fallschurchhandyman.com

KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG

GENERAC Standby Generators. The

business statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

Over 30 years of providing cleaning services to NOVA, DC and MD Best Cleaning Company Award winner 2011-2017 If you like our service, please leave a review on Google or Yelp. If you have concerns about our service, please give me the opportunity to address it.

Robert Beatson II

American Standard makes it easy. FREE design consultation. Enjoy your shower again! Call 1-866-854-7620 today to see how you can save $1,000 on installation, or visit www.newshowerdeal.com/vapress

ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your

Home Improvement

www.acleaningserviceinc.com

Thinking about installing a new shower?

weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-844-947-1479 Special financing for qualified customers.

Licensed, Bonded and Insured since 1985

HOME IMPROVEMENT Vinyl Replacement Double Hung Window

Other Services

By Eileen Levy We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

I hope you are writing & checking spelling! Tell me about a hero, Robin Hood maybe Or your own. Make it exciting!

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

28 31

30 34

20 22

52 54

1. Loopy little films? 5. “I’m ready to be dazzled by your presentation” 10. Sammy with 609 homers 14. Big part of a Risk board 15. Like wealthy landowners 16. Universal donor’s type, briefly 17. Go a few rounds with a co-creator of “The View”? 19. Great ____ 20. Blonde or brown brews 21. Swing by unannounced 22. Figurine of comedian Patton made out of pasta? 28. Half of a 1960s folk-rock group 29. Areas of expertise 30. Cy Young Award winner Hershiser 31. C.S. Lewis’ fantasy world 34. Group that came of age ballroom dancing? 40. Brainstorm 41. “Me neither” 42. Country south of Martinique 46. Invites to one’s home 47. Statement revealing unwanted pressure stems from NBA legend Bill? 51. NestlÈ bars filled with tiny bubbles 52. Canal to the Red Sea 53. Blockhead 54. Streaming service that launched in 2019 ... and this puzzle’s theme

STRANGE BREW

60. On the briny 61. Stonehenge figure 62. Move like molasses 63. SpongeBob’s pet snail 64. Prom attendees 65. Exec, slangily

SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020 | PAGE 17

Down 1. Chatterbox’s “gift” 2. Prefix with metric 3. Repair 4. Glimpsed 5. 2008 Pixar film that takes place in 2805 6. Largish jazz combo 7. Take forcibly (from) 8. Large body of eau 9. Some mag. workers 10. “Us, too!” 11. Commensurate (with) 12. Suffering from Alzheimer’s 13. Customer service workers 18. They follow oohs 21. “Oh, hogwash!” 22. Air Quality Index factor 23. Whittle (down) 24. “Truer words were never spoken!” 25. Powerful wind 26. “Failure ____ an option” 27. Express viewpoints 31. First name in 1970s gymnastics 32. Tormented 33. Narrow coastal inlet 35. Anne and Condoleezza 36. Extremely uptight

37. 2000s TV show that begins with the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 38. Smallish jazz combo 39. “A People’s History of the United States” writer Howard 42. “____ 17” (1953 film) 43. Where Springsteen was born, in song 44. “My Fair Lady” lyricist 45. “If you say so” 46. Vague, as a memory 48. Just one Time? 49. Longtime hair lightener brand 50. They get more annoying as they grow up 54. Toxin mentioned in Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” 55. Livid state 56. Not neg. 57. Teammate of Babe 58. Rapper Lil ____ Vert 59. Complete collection Last Thursday’s Solution P E P P E R

E V O L V E

A P A R H O P B A K N S E

N W I O O M P W O A Y I N I T E N D M K A P L A I R O N E N D T T I N O I N T R N S I C K A L Y

N A N G

C H I C

A U N T

T A S E R

H A T H I A O N I P O A R D A

E S A U

L I R E

S W I N G

L A W C L E R K S

L A D S

T A K E I W T E I E N

9/20/20 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

E E N O Y S

I B I S E D I C T T A K E N H I D I O N I C S I N K

Solution to Last Week’s puzzle

T R E N T O N

JOHN DEERING

Level 1

NICK KNACK

A M O K

LO CA L

PAGE 18 | SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�� C��

25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 27 • September 21, 1995

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 28 • September 23, 2010

City Finance Chief Says Revenue Gap Is ‘Biggest Ever’

F.C. Council Mulls an Undo of Vote On May to November Election Shift

While the City Council and the School Board wrestled with ways to meet the financial pressures resulting from dramatic enrollment increases in the City’s schools, the City’s financial director, Doug Scott, told the News-Press that the City faces “the largest gap between expected revenues and expected expenses I’ve ever dealt with.” With that gap, which Scott termed “very, very large,” looming in the future, the Board and Council heard reports from Scott.

A majority on the Falls Church City Council at its work session Monday night began the process of undoing the vote taken in January to shift the date of municipal elections in the City from May to November. The 4-3 vote last January was seen by its backers as a way of ensuring a significantly higher level of voter participation in the City’s elections and was subsequently approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.

F.C. Resident & Veteran Marvin McFeaters Dies Marvin Clyde McFeaters, Jr., National Legislative Officer of the Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A. and a retired insurance and investment broker, died Sept. 10, 2020 at his home in Falls Church. He was a decorated Vietnam War Navy combat veteran who served two and a half tours with units of the U.S. Navy River Patrol Force in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. As a passionate supporter of services for veterans he also served in other national level offices of the Catholic War Veterans including as National First, Second and Third Vice Commanders. At the time of his demise, he was leading the CWV’s participation in the TUS-100 initiative to commemorate the Centenary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in 2021. McFeaters was born March 31, 1945 in Arlington to Marvin C. McFeaters Sr. of Oklahoma and Verna S. McFeaters of Iowa. Because of his father’s service with the U.S. Agency for International Development, he grew up in multiple locations and graduated high school from the American Community School at Beirut, Lebanon. He served as an enlisted man in the Navy from 1967 to 1969, spending most of that time on one and a half tours in Vietnam with units of the River Patrol Force. He attained the rank of Petty Officer Second Class and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with one bronze star, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and other decorations. He was a life member

of the Gamewardens of Vietnam, the U.S. Navy River Patrol Force Association, the oldest continuously operating Vietnam Veterans’ organization in the United States. He was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. After his military service,. McFeaters obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors from Columbia University in New York City. He then went into the life insurance business, working for several national level firms before starting his own insurance brokerage firm in 1979, operating as sole proprietor and Principal until he retired from the business in 2019. McFeaters served for almost 20 years in senior local and national level positions of the CWV. He received the CWV’s Order of Saint Sebastian Award in 2011, the organization’s highest award for dedicated service to the CWV. He also was the founding Chairman of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council, a nonprofit organization composed of posts of the CWV, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Evelyne R. McFeaters, whom he met in New York City and married in Manila, Philippines. Other survivors include a sister, also of Falls Church, a nephew and several nieces residing both in the U.S. and the Philippines, and relatives in Kansas. He was a parishioner of St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church for 44 years. He worked with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of the Military Services of the United States on military support

BELL HAENSEL misses her days as a therapy dog for Fairfax Hospital. She misses feeling safe in the arms of her big brother, Blue. She misses the days before Covid. She urges everyone to wear a mask, hug your loved ones and vote! Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

MARVIN MCFEATERS programs. There will be a wake from 5 – to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad Street in Falls Church, VA 22046 (tel: 703-5330341). Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046 (tel: 703-532-8815). The mass will be livestreamed at the Murphy Funeral Home website entry for Marvin McFeaters (www.murphyfuneralhomes.com). Interment immediately following at National Memorial Park Cemetery, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042 (tel.: 703-560-4400). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the DAV Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 (tel: 877-426-2838, in the name of Marvin C. McFeaters, Jr.)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F� � � � C � � � � �

LO CA L

SEPTEMBER 24 – 30, 2020 | PAGE 19

B�� N�� N�� Seven Corners Psychotherapy Launches New Website Seven Corners Psychotherapy, owned and operated by Jennifer Glacel, has launched a new website and video overviewing their play, art, and talk therapies for children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, and overwhelming emotions. Glacel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with a background in Jungian therapy, sand tray therapy, and child centered play therapy. For more information about Seven Corners Psychotherapy, now offering teletherapy but located at 6059B Arlington Boulevard, its counselors, and to view the new video, visit www.sevencornerspsychotherapy.com.

‘Vaccine Basics For Businesses’ Offered By BioPrep Solutions BioPrep Solutions is offering Vaccine Basics for Businesses, a free online public health workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from noon – 1 p.m. BioPrep is a consulting firm that helps companies safely and successfully navigate the impact of biological events and pandemics to healthy outcomes by offering holistic solutions and guidance tailored to specific needs. For more information visit www.bioprepsolutions.com. To register, scroll down the home page and click on “Register.”

Virtual Employer Tables Being Set Up At Northern Virginia Community College The Northern Virginia Community College is offering employers the opportunity to set up Virtual Employer Tables to meet virtually with students about employment opportunities in two-hour sessions. Tables are casual. Students are not expected to dress formally or have a resume on hand. Employers can register for the first session on Thursday, Oct.1 from 3 – 5 p.m. at https://tinyurl.com/y3kwl5j4.

Fall Line Of ‘Falls Church Better Together’ Apparel Now Available Local residents Suzanne Hladky and Adena Williams have launched a fall line of Falls Church Better Together apparel to support the Falls Church community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Knit hats, long sleeved t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts are available. Orders placed by the end of September will be shipped Oct. 9. The organizers will spend 100 percent of the profits on local business gift cards and then distribute those gift cards to local charities, such as the Falls Church Education Foundation’s Family Assistance Fund, Food for Others, and Falls Church City’s Human Services office. For more information and this effort supporting businesses and people in need, visit the Falls Church Better Together Facebook Page or go to www.bettertogetherfc.org.

Rebuild VA’s Economic Recovery Fund Expands Eligibility Criteria Rebuild VA, the $70 million economic recovery fund launched in August is expanding its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply. Businesses that received federal relief through the CARES Act and supply chain partners of businesses whose normal operations were impacted by the pandemic are now eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000. For additional information about Rebuild VA, expanded eligibility criteria, covered expenses, and how to apply for funds, visit www.governor. virginia.gov/RebuildVA.

Risk Management Webinar Offered Through George Mason University George Mason University is offering a free risk management webinar on Monday, Sept. 28, 1:30 – 2:20 p.m. The session will be led by Bruce Falk, PMP, a George Mason University adjunct project management instructor with more than 40 years of experience. For more information, visit www.gmu. edu.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

THE NEED to socially distance makes adequate space on the trail all the more important. (P��: N��-P��)

Virus Adds Heft to W&OD Changes BY BRIAN INDRE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The 1.5 mile section of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD) that runs through the City of Falls Church is well on its way to adding dedicated cycling and pedestrian lanes by next summer, and is seen as all the more crucial given how the novel coronavirus is transmitted. The new dual trail will consist of an 11-foot wide section for wheeled travelers, primarily bicycles, and a two-foot median which will be stamped asphalt that will be a red color and a texture similar to a rumble strip on the side of a highway. There will be an eight-foot wide section on the other side of the median for pedestrians. This design will be obvious to users and help keep cyclists and pedestrians separated and safe. Keeping walkers and cyclists apart took on even more significance with the onset of the pandemic. When Covid-19 struck, the trends of higher trail usage accelerated manyfold. Some of that is due to people opting for alternate modes of transportation for Covid safety. The W&OD gives locals the option to hop on their bicycle and be outdoors with fresh air, and avoiding high touch environments in public and private transportation, such as buses, metro, Uber, etc. “Trail usage will always be higher post-Covid-19 than what it was before. Which will increase the demand for the dual trail model,” Executive Director of NOVA Parks Paul Gilbert said. “There is only so much money out there for trails, but when a trail becomes transportation it’s in a totally different category, which opens the doors to some nice improvements.” Gilbert mentioned how it’s been an evolutionary change to think that a trail, which started purely as a

recreational amenity and was used primarily on weekends, is now also a key component of the local transportation network. Rush hour in the morning and the evening was really busy preCovid-19, according to Gilbert. Once the pandemic precautions do finally end and people resume traveling as much as they did before, Gilbert expects the new users will become more regular. And by regular, he meant beyond recreation alone — they are using the trail to go to work, run errands and use it as a substitute to hopping in the car. It’s what makes the dual trails for cyclists and pedestrians all the more important for both safety as well as broader environmental considerations. “We started to see a trend shifting with more commuters using the trail, which meant that the trail was getting too busy and there were a variety of issues where people were bumping into each other,” Gilbert said. “When we think about global warming and the societal changes that we need to make, we wanted the W&OD to be an appealing option, and not something that people don’t do because it seems overcrowded and unsafe.” Gilbert explained that among a list of safety issues that have been addressed, the major item on that list was to separate pedestrians and cyclists, particularly at the most congested areas. The W&OD has served Northern Virginia communities as a source of recreational use for decades; and throughout recent years there has been a noticeable uptick in people using it for transportation. This added traffic has made it uncomfortable and even dangerous for pedestrians. This expansion project will begin in Falls Church and most likely serve as a template for other communities with congestion problems along the 45 miles of trail to follow suit.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 20 | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2020

1 1 2 5 W. B r o a d S t . , F a l l s C h u r c h , V A

$179 PER MONTH $0 DUE AT SIGNING!

2021 KIA

36 MONTH LEASE 12,000 MILES/YEAR*

SPORTAGE

Stock #8234C MSRP $25,925 with $0 due at signing plus, tax, title, acquisition and dealer processing fee of $799. On approved credit only. No Security Deposit required. Expires 10/5/20.

For Sale in Falls Church

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

Virtual Tours

ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com/Open-Houses

FOR SALE!

212 E Jefferson St, Falls Church City

Brick rambler on lovely tree-lined street located in the desirable Fenwick Park neighborhood of Falls Church. Living room has hardwood floors and a large front window for lots of natural light, separate dining room also with hardwood floors and updated kitchen with dishwasher installed in 2020. The family room addition has a gas corner fireplace with sliding glass door leading to a 2 tiered 800 square foot deck with retractable awning and private back yard. A total of 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths (includes master bedroom and bath) office and den. There are pulldown stairs for easy access to the attic and ample extra storage space. Location has easy access to 495, I-66, Rt. 50, and The Dunn Loring Metro is just a couple of miles away with a bus stop just up the block. Walkable to the adjacent Shops at West Falls Church center for groceries, restaurants, and other conveniences. Priced at $574,999.

5 Beds 5,600+ sq ft Victorian 3 Full & 2 1/2 Baths Historic Gardens House - $1,950,000 ** 1/4 Acre+ Lot - $750,000

212 E Jefferson St, Falls Church City has an additional Falls Church City/Planning Commission approved building lot. The property is being offered in its entirety at $2.7m. Or, either the house or the lot can be purchased separately.

Open

308 Poplar Drive, Falls Church City 6 Beds

2-Story Library

6.5 Bathrooms

Gourmet Chef's Kitchen

COMING SOON!

FOR SALE!

Sat 11-1 Sun 2-4

305 Douglass Ave, Falls Church City 202 S Virginia Ave, Falls Church City 2 Beds

Walk to Shops & Dining

1.5 Bathrooms

Minutes to METRO

4 Bed

Open Floor Plan

4 Bathrooms

Fully Finished Lower Level

CALL 703-867-TORI

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

REALTOR®

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY