Falls Church News-Press Sept 25th

9

Falls Church, Fairfax County officials and business developers are joining average citizens to cope with the cascading impacts of the housing crisis as it is now spilling over into a Wall Street and banking crisis.

Local government leaders are immediately faced with significant revenue shortfalls derived from the housing downturn.

In the City of Falls Church, an $800,000 shortfall to date in its $76 million annual operating budget in the current fiscal year will result in a cost-reduction “plan of action” that City Manager Wyatt Shields promises to have ready for the City Council on Oct. 6.

In Fairfax County, a series of extraordinary meetings, both public hearings and “lines of business” reviews by the Board of Supervisors, are already underway preparing the county for an estimated $430 million cut in expenditures with the onset of the next fiscal year budget next spring. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, in an interview yesterday with the News-Press, said it is going to be “very painful,” and suggested that senior citizens and others requiring special services could be hurt the most.

County pension funds are also taking a hit, due to Wall Street’s woes. The Washington Business Journal reported last week that $3.6 million in Lehman Brothers’ debt and $3.5 million in its stock has been lost, and that $15.5 million will be lost if shareholders are wiped out in the Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac conservatorships.

This, according to Bob Mears, Continued on Page 4

Page 2

September 25 - October 1, 2008



The impact of the meltdown on Wall Street on conditions on Falls Church’s Broad Street, and Fairfax County’s Leesburg Pike, is going to become unmistakable over the next period, and will impact government revenues, pension funds and the commercial market.

This is on top of how the housing market slide, associated with what set off the Wall Street debacle, has already impacted budgets and pocketbooks here.

Folks had better be prepared to batten down the hatches in ways not needed perhaps since the Great Depression. By all accounts, the region may have been able to avoid the kinds of natural disasters that have leveled New Orleans and Galveston in the recent period, but does have a massive financial tsunami rumbling this way, on its way around the globe.

The first ripples are resulting in major losses in Fairfax County’s pension funds, according to Bob Mears, executive director of Fairfax’s almost $5 billion in pension funds, according to Mara Lee’s article in this week’s Washington Business Journal. He reported the county lost $3.5 million in Lehman Brothers stock when the company declared bankruptcy last week, and another $3.6 million in Lehman debt. He added that the county could suffer losses as large as $15.5 million if shareholders get wiped out in the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conservatorships. This is on top of the fact that the county is already faced with a projected $450 million shortfall in its coming $3.3 billion fiscal year budget, and that losses will be even greater for the following year.

Compounding the problem is a feared decline in commercial real estate values that will likely also be triggered by the Wall Street woes.

One harbinger involves an array of Lehman Brothers’ real estate holdings in the Washington, D.C. area. The Business Journal has cited four major real estate projects that Lehman has invested in, in Rosslyn and D.C., including the Watergate Hotel, long before a complete list of its assets will be made public in bankruptcy court in mid-November.

With the commercial office vacancy rate at 11.9 percent already in Northern Virginia, a major devaluation of Lehman-linked commercial properties, followed by more of a similar nature, could send commercial real estate values spiraling downward, trailing after the collapse of residential values into the morass.

This is a time when compassionate, fair and civic-minded individuals will be especially tested. As public officials consider what programs to cut, they will be pressured relentlessly to preserve those that serve their interests of the wealthier and more enfranchised voters. That means programs for the needy and unrepresented, already chronically under-funded, are most likely to get cut first and hardest. Few will stand up for them, but when it comes to funding school sports or homeless and mental health services, the latter is the far greater social need.

r.

Editor, As outlined in your last issue, Falls Church City is facing a budget deficit. Thanks largely to the City Council’s progressive approval of new development projects in recent years and strong financial management and planning by City staff, the City’s shortfall pales in comparison to our neighboring jurisdictions. But it is still a considerable deficit.

There is no doubt that the City and other jurisdictions will do what they can to cut costs and plan for ways in which to generate new revenue, but will they have to cut services to do

so? This not just a government problem – it affects all of us.

And because it does, we all have to take responsibility to help remedy the situation.

What can we, as citizens and/or business leaders, do to help? Spend our money locally.

It will increase revenue and in doing so, it will lessen the likelihood of an increase in tax rates. Wisely spend and invest your sales and meals taxes in your community. You don’t have to spend more than you need to or stop patronizing your favorite merchants, simply think about your spending habits and, when making spending

decisions, consider directing those purchases to merchants in your local jurisdiction. You can make a major impact on future tax revenue. By buying local, you provide the revenue necessary to support the services and programs provided you by your government. Spending locally will also show the regional business world that our community is a viable venue for potential new businesses.

It is simple really. We all fund the government entity in which we live or work. Want to keep your local taxes lower and still receive the services your government provides to you? Spend locally and ensure that the associated tax revenue benefits you. If you are going to spend your money anyway, why not invest it in your own community.

Gary LaPorta, Chair Sally Cole, Executive Director F.C. Chamber of Commerce

Editor, The Earman Family would like to thank the Falls Church Community for its support and comfort.

Last week, in our time of grief due to the loss of a family member, countless friends, neighbors and community leaders expressed their condolences and offered help to our family.

The outpouring was tremendous and we wanted to thank all of you and tell you how much this community means to us.

Thanks.

The Earman Family Falls Church More Letters on Page 6

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 3

Tired of Doing Yard Work?

Then don’t miss this one -- an exceptionally spacious end townhome in a top Falls Church City location! Extraordinary in every way, this custom built home features 4 bedrooms all on the upper level, 4 1/2 baths, 3 finished levels, custom plaster moldings, random width hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, custom built-ins, an inviting front porch and more, more, more! Offered at $873,000.

Call Rosemary Today for an Appointment to View this Extraordinary Home!

(703) 790-1990 (Office) (703) 905-7206 (Direct)

CHOICE WASH SUPER SONIC WASH

$2.00 OFF

ALL OUTSIDE ONLY WASHES or SIGNATURE WASH

Coupon Must be Presented at Time of Purchase Expires: October 2nd 2008

WE DETAIL

E-Mail: rosemary.jones@longandfoster.com Internet: www.RosemarySells.com

703-237-1011

Long & Foster Real Estate

$3.00 OFF

www.sonicsoftcarwash.com Rosemary Hayes Jones

Associate Broker Life Member NVAR Top Producers Falls Church City Resident

1050 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046

Under the Pedestrian Overpass

Page 4

director of the county’s pension funds.

In the context of this, bank lending for large scale development projects is becoming much more problematic, if not impossible, for what some developers think could last for months, if not years, even if the Congress approves the current $700 billion Wall Street bailout plan.

That could significantly delay local development projects that have not already secured their commercial loans.

While no one has stepped forward to explicitly concede their difficulties in this matter, it manifests itself in slower preparation of site plans and other delays.

Developer Bob Young, who has a number of projects built or under construction in Falls Church, and is looking to get final site plan approval for a new Hilton Garden Inn here,

September 25 - October 1, 2008

said he expects that banks will remain cautious, no matter what happens, because of the uncertainties associated with the upcoming presidential election.

“It will be spring, at the earliest, before capital begins to free up,” he said. “But it could also be years.”

Dr. Stephen S. Fuller, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University’s School of Public Policy, remarked to the NewsPress in an interview yesterday that the spillover of Wall Street’s problems onto Northern Virginia is felt at a number of levels.

On the individual level, he said, a lot of citizens are concerned for the loss of value of their 401K or pension accounts, while the loss of a lot of asset value already began with the housing downturn.

“A result of this is that people will spend less because they feel poor, even if they’re

still in their jobs and earning the same,” he said. “This will lead to lower retail sales and is compounded by concerns for the economy more generally.”

“It’s a contagion with widespread effects,” he said. “It becomes harder to get loans and people are more hesitant to take risks. There will be a broad, chilling effect along Route 7.”

On the upside, Fuller said the economy of Northern Virginia remains better than the nation as a whole, and an economic stimulus could come with the change of administrations following the November election.

He noted that, if Congress creates the new version of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation that the Treasury Department now wants, it could create a lot of new jobs in this region, as it did in the late 1980s when a similar institution was created to handle the savings and loan

crisis.

As for a decline in commercial real estate values, triggered by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, with large holdings in the area, this will bring down values, but that is not necessarily a bad thing for anyone but investors, he said.

“We’ve been overpaying for housing and commercial space

for a long time around here.

This could make things more affordable.”

“We feel worse off than we really are,” he concluded.

But the depreciation of values will also translate into fewer revenues for the local governments, placing vital services even more at risk.

Visit Us Online

www.fcnp.com

News•Photos•Online Polls•Sports and More

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Although pleased with the Tysons Land Use Task Force’s presentation at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting this Monday, Drainesville District Supervisor John Foust harbored concerns over the Task Force’s plan to reinvent Tysons Corner into a bustling urban center.

In an interview with the News-Press Tuesday, Foust shared his criticisms of the Task Force’s vision statement, which the Board referred to the Planning Commission after the presentation, for being “limited to the 1,700 acres of Tysons Corner without any reference or expressing any concerns for surrounding communities.”

Foust said he is “not willing to sacrifice getting it right to get it done” in Tysons by fully adopting the Task Force’s vision statement.

The representative of Fairfax County neighborhoods to the

north of Falls Church like McLean and Vienna, Foust said he is concerned by the spill-over effect from Tysons, warning about the “devil in the details” of the Task Force’s broadsweeping vision statement.

“As we develop Tysons Corner, we don’t want to adversely affect the surrounding communities such as Falls Church. It’s essential that we look at those infrastructure restraints, too,” Foust said.

But the Tysons Tomorrow pro-development group stressed at its meeting yesterday that the vote on the plan should come before the end of the year.

At the Board meeting, Clark Tyler, the head of the 36-member Task Force, outlined how Tysons could mimic growth in Ballston and elsewhere in the country by turning from an “auto-oriented” into a walkable, transit-oriented city where 95 percent of the city’s inhabitants would be in reach of public transit options.

The 116-page vision state-

Page 5

ment detailed the planned growth of Tysons as the Washington Metrorail begins its Silver Line service through the area by 2013.

In order to accommodate commuter and residential growth, the statement took into account the current uses and fears of Tysons Corner. At present, Tyler said, Tysons houses 17,000 residents and nearly 26 million square feet of commercial space that employs almost 106,000 people. The area, however, has 167,000 parking spaces and is congested by poor infrastructure and, in Tyler’s words, “hyphenated sidewalks.”

The Tysons Corner of the near future that Tyler presented is ambitious: Tysons of 2050 would hold upwards of 100,000 residents with at least three times the commercial area for a workforce of 200,000.

High-density Floor-Area Ratios (FAR) would permit development up to 6.0 FAR around the Metro line; for example, a business that used

half of its property for building could construct up to 12 stories. Those high-density blocks would encircle each of the four planned Metro stations, surrounded by retail, public works and transportation zones.

The presentation focused on making Tysons more accessible and livable, reducing car traffic while augmenting bicycle and pedestrian pathways. Culture and recreation were two major points for the Task Force, with

requirements for development areas to build arts centers and provide for 160 acres of parkland across Tysons. The Task Force aimed to revive Tysons’ natural environment as well, restoring trashed streams and providing developments with density incentives to encourage the construction of green, LEED-certified buildings.

LEED, Leadership in Energy Continued on Page 9

> 900 sqft office, new carpet and paint, friendly building, lots of parking, walk to stores and eateries, $1625 > 200 to 400 sqft offices, good parking, internet access included, short term available: $650. to $950. > Luxury furnished excutive suites w/conference rooms, kitchenette, high-security entry, receptionist, great parking, short term available, nothing like it, call for prices. >200 to 3000 sqft offices, $21 to $23 per sqft. elevator building, new carpet and paint, close to bus, Metro.

Treena Rinaldi

703-532-7704 Office Mostafa Shah 703-927-3863 Treena 703-217-6519 Mosi 712 W. Broad St. Falls Church, VA 22046

Page 6

Continued from Page 2

F.C. Victorian Society Saved Rainy Event Editor, I would like to thank the Victorian Society of Falls Church for helping salvage the Army’s celebration of the Centennial of Military Aviation at Fort Myer on Saturday, Sept. 6, when the remnants of Hurricane Hanna brought torrential rains.

The celebration commemorated the visit of Wilbur and Orville Wright in Sept. 1908 to demonstrate their new flying machine for possible military use, and to show it to the public for the first time.

For the Sept. 6 centennial, the Victorian Society made special costumes authentic for 1908 styles and studied manners and personalities of some individuals associated with the 1908 event to perform a reenactment. They include news of other events of the day, lesser-known aspects of the Wright Brothers’ achievement, media skepticism, a “tailgate party” with Teddy Roosevelt

September 25 - October 1, 2008

and daughter Alice Longworth, a Victorian tea and visit to the post hospital (still there) to describe how a later aerial accident resulted in injuries. They taught this history and strolled among other indoor activities at the centennial.

They were widely praised for

the atmosphere they helped create at the event. They succeeded in projecting Falls Church’s distinctive community personality, and were wonderful ambassadors of good will.

Ross D. Netherton Falls Church

Complete Professional Nail & Waxing Under New Management Specials September 2008

20% Off

Services of $30.00+

6725 Curran Street # 100, McLean, Va. 22101 • 703-883-1880 Behind Boston Market & Three Doors Down Sushi Miyagi Offer good until further notice. Two per Customer.

May not be combined with any other special offers. No cash or Credit Value

Walk-In Clinic at

920 West Broad Street Falls Church

703-538-1505

HOURS: Weekdays (except Tue) Saturday Closed

---> 9 am - 8 pm ---> 10 am to 6 pm ---> Tue & Sun

No Appoinment Necessary Most Insurances Accepted

FCNP.com Feel The Power of The Press

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 7

$200 Off

12 Week Lifestyle Transformation Program New Clients Only Expires 10/11/08

1 CLIENT 1 TRAINER 1 GOAL No Enrollment/Initiation Fees No Monthly Fees EVER

Diocese of Virginia to Limit Focus of Upcoming Trial The third leg of the on-going legal dispute between the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and 11 congregations who defected to come under the umbrella of the Council of Anglicans in North America (CANA) will begin on Oct. 6, and the diocese says it will focus its defense on the applicability of the earlier rulings to particular properties. In a statement last week, the diocese said it would not contest the voting procedures used by CANA congregations, including at the historic Falls Church, when they voted to defect.

250 Signed Up to Join ‘Teddy’ at F.C. 5K Run Sunday Over 250 runners have signed up to participate in the second annual Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) benefit five-kilometer run, and one-kilometer fun run, this Sunday at 8 a.m., and more are expected, according to the FCEF’s Donna Englander. A guest appearance by the lovable “Teddy,” one of the four Washington Nationals racing president mascots, will kick off the event. “Teddy” has gained national notoriety for never having won one of the races held in the middle of the fourth inning of Nationals home games. But his infectious enthusiasm will spur on runners this Sunday. “Teddy’s” appearance Sunday is being sponsored by the Falls Church News-Press. Registration at $25 per person or $50 per family is still open by calling 703-538-3381 or visiting www.fcedf.org.

Kaplow Leaves F.C. Day Care for Top Arlington Job Bob Kaplow, a popular Falls Church native and graduate of its school system who went on to direct the system’s day care program for 15 years, has left to accept a position directing the day care program for the much larger Arlington County public school system.

McLean Times Subsumed in County-Wide Edition As indicated in a page one editorial last week by Paul Smith, executive editor of the Northern Virginia Division of the Times Community Newspapers, the McLean Times, as well as other Fairfax County Times papers such as the Vienna Times, has been subsumed into one county-wide edition, The Fairfax County Times. According to Smith, the move “reflects a major new commitment toward covering local news through a wider lens.” The Times Community Newspapers acquired the long-standing McLean Providence-Journal in the late 1990s and changed the name at that time to the McLean Times.

Sun Gazette Under Fire for Carrying Anti-Islamic DVD The Arlington Sun Gazette weekly newspaper came under fire for carrying an inflammatory DVD as an insert in its edition last week, considered by its critics as discriminatory and anti-Islamic for subtly insinuating that all Islam reflects the values of its most radical elements. The DVD, entitled “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West,” is produced by the Clarion Fund in New York and was also distributed by the Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Hampton Road, among others. The Sun Gazette, which also has a McLean/Great Falls/Vienna edition, is owned by American Community Newspapers which owns papers in Minnesota, Texas and Ohio as well as Leesburg Today and other Loudoun County publications.

Corrected Web Site Address In last week’s News-Press, in the article headlined “F.C. Welcomes ‘Gooseberry Glen’ Native,” a web address was published incorrectly. The correct address is: cherylrhoads.typepad.com.

S TA R T F E E L I N G L I K E YO U AG A I N!

BENEFITS OF THE FITNESS TOGETHER SYSTEM • Private Fully Equipped Training Rooms • Individualized Programs based on your needs • Challenging Progressive Training • Emphasis on Proper Technique • Decreased Risk Of Injury • Increased Motivation • Accelerated Results • Accountability • Nutritional Guidance

Rob Graveline M. Ed. Exercise Physiologist, Owner Meredith Minix B.S. Exercise Specialist, Owner

703.289.9909 2235 CEDAR LN, STE. 102 VIENNA, VA 22182

WWW.FTDUNNLORING.COM

Page 8

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Please ride Metro or carpool! Shuttle bus will be provided from East Falls Church station.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

and Environmental Design, is a nationally-recognized building certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Perhaps the vision statement’s most ambitious proposals were carbon neutrality, keeping Tysons’ carbon emissions at present and then lower levels over the next 40 years, and increasing Tysons’ tax revenue threefold, to $1 billion annually from $300 million today.

Foust thought Tyler “did a real nice job pulling it all together” during the presentation, with some reservations.

“Truthfully, the plan hasn’t dramatically changed in terms of transit-oriented development, mixed uses and affordable housing,” said Foust.

Echoing the overall positive sentiment of his board colleagues who hope to see the Tysons plan develop “as expe-

ditiously as possible,” Foust added that he would advise the board to “proceed with caution, given the fact we want to get it right.”

“The task force has given us very good concepts for Tysons Corner, fabulous for transportation, greening, making Tysons more walkable,” Foust said, including proposals for a grid system of streets and a free circulator around the city that would ferry commuters between Tysons and the metro stations.

“But there will be a lot of reality checks along the way, making sure we have adequate infrastructure for development.”

There are “complicated issues,” Foust said, that the Task Force had not adequately addressed inside and outside of Tysons. He added, “There’s no way Tysons Corner will grow to full density for a long, long time,” stressing that infrastructure is “not just roads: it’s parks,

ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE AT YOUR PRESENT ADDRESS? You have until Oct. 6 to register for the Nov. 4 election! * To check your status: www.sbe.virginia.gov (click on “voter registration status” link) * To register, call the Falls Church Registrar at 703-248-5085 * For more info: www.lwvfallschurch.org

Page 9

police, schools, water, sewer.”

Foust also referred to the study by the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis, which concluded Tysons will take at least 40 years to develop as planned by the Task Force – an optimal, but unpredictable future, said Foust.

“No one wants to see Tysons Corner languish,” Foust continued. “My communities want to have the adequate opportunities to have the county planning staff and the Task Force

think through this problem. We also want to see public involvement.”

Now with the vision statement in the hands of the Planning Commission, which will cooperate with the Task Force in preparing a detailed plan for Tysons Corner’s future, Foust said he hopes the commission can form a practical and timely plan.

“Whenever the Planning Commission staff and the Task Force say they will have language ready for public comment

I encourage them to deliver it as soon as they can, but also to take into account our concerns,” said Foust, who told the News-Press that he expects a draft of the plan in the next 12 months and, more likely, by six months.

“If the infrastructure is there, I can agree to higher density.

The Task Force has not looked at these issues,” he said. “It will take measurable pieces, in my belief, with a focus on density around existing transit in order to secure maximum benefits.”

Page 10

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Once, there was a financial elite in this country.

During the first two-thirds of the 20th century, middle-aged men with names like Mellon and McCloy led Wall Street firms, corporate boards and whiteshoe law firms and occasionally emerged to serve in government. Starting in the 1960s, that cohesive elite began to fall apart. Liberal interest groups took control of Democratic economic policy. Supply-side think tankers and Southern conservatives dominated the GOP. In the 1980s, the old power structures frayed, even on Wall Street.

Corporate raiders took on the old business elite. Math geeks created complicated financial instruments that the top executives couldn’t control or understand. (The market for credit-default swaps alone has exploded to $45.5 trillion, up from $900 billion in 2001.) Year followed year, and the idea of a cohesive financial establishment seemed increasingly like a thing of the past. No more. Over the past week, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Tim Geithner of the New York Fed have nearly revived it. At its base, the turmoil wracking the world financial markets is a crisis of confidence. What Paulson, et al. have tried to do is reassert authority – the sort that used to be wielded by the Mellons and Rockefellers and other rich men in private clubs.

Inspired in part by Paul Volcker, Nicholas Brady and Eugene Ludwig, and announced last week, the Paulson plan is a pure establishment play. It would assign nearly unlimited authority to a small coterie of policymakers. It does not rely on any system of checks and balances, but on the wisdom and public spiritedness of those in charge. It offers succor to the investment banks that contributed to this mess and will burn through large piles of taxpayer money. But in exchange, it promises to restore confidence. Somebody, amid all the turmoil, will occupy the commanding heights. Somebody will have the power to absorb debt and establish stability.

Liberals and conservatives generally dislike the plan. William Greider of The Nation writes: “If Wall Street gets away with this, it will represent an historic swindle of the American public – all sugar for the villains, lasting pain and damage for the victims.”

He approvingly quotes the conservative econ-

omist Christopher Whalen of Institutional Risk Analytics: “The joyous reception from congressional Democrats to Paulson’s latest massive bailout proposal smells an awful lot like yet another corporatist love fest between Washington’s one-party government and the Sell Side investment banks.”

So we have arrived at one of those moments.

The global financial turmoil has pulled nearly everybody out of their normal ideological categories. The pressure of reality has compelled new thinking about the relationship between government and the economy. And lo and behold, a new center and a new establishment is emerging.

The Paulson rescue plan is one chapter. But there will be others. Over the next few years, the U.S. will have to climb out from under mountainous piles of debt. Many predict a long, gray recession. The country will not turn to free-market supply-siders.

Nor will it turn to left-wing populists. It will turn to the safe heads from the investment banks. For Republicans, people like Paulson. For Democrats, the guiding lights will be those establishment figures who advised Barack Obama last week – including Volcker, Robert Rubin and Warren Buffett.

These time-tested advisers, or more precisely, their acolytes, are going to make the health and survival of the financial markets their first order of business, because without that stability, the entire economy will be in danger. Beyond that, they will embrace a certain sort of governing approach.

The government will be much more active in economic management (pleasing a certain sort of establishment Democrat). Government activism will provide support to corporations, banks and business and will be used to shore up the stable conditions they need to thrive (pleasing a certain sort of establishment Republican). Tax revenues from business activities will pay for progressive but businessfriendly causes – investments in green technology, health care reform, infrastructure spending, education reform and scientific research.

If you wanted to devise a name for this approach, you might pick the phrase economist Arnold Kling has used: Progressive Corporatism. We’re not entering a phase in which government stands back and lets the chips fall. We’re not entering an era when the government pounds the powerful on behalf of the people. We’re entering an era of the educated establishment, in which government acts to create a stable – and often oligarchic – framework for capitalist endeavor.

WASHINGTON – What has happened to those conservative Republican leaders whose mantra was “government is the problem – not the solution”?

Tell that to the once-bloated financial giants now standing in line for whopping government handouts to the tune of $700 billion. And who can forget those who wanted to “get the government off our backs?”

Their silence now is deafening.

In the rush for bailouts for the hard-hit government mortgage finance giants, the U.S. Treasury seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and is trying to rescue American International Group, the largest insurer of the world. It allowed 158-year-old Lehman Brothers to collapse, but came to the rescue of the Bear, Stearns, another Wall Street firm.

What about the thousands of suffering home owners who face mortgage foreclosures? They are at the end of the public trough and almost for-

gotten in the scramble to protect Wall Street. And what about the failed CEOs who hope to walk out the door with obscene multi-million-dollar golden parachutes and big bonuses?

Isn’t there something wrong with this picture?

Both Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke have worked out a plan to pass on the price of the bailouts to the American taxpayer. Congress is still scrutinizing the proposal.

The U.S. financial mess has rippled through other economies of the world. The fault rests with Wall Street greed, which brought on good times for the high rollers, who thought it would never end. And it rests with the federal government for its failure to police mortgage lenders.

Republican lawmakers and presidents who abhor government restrictions and oversight because of their anti-government philosophy have put America in a critical financial state.

We should be looking at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt blueprint. People were in despair after the stock market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression slowly settled in. They lost hope until FDR took office in 1933 and told Americans in Continued on Page 38

Some skeptics are calling Henry Paulson’s $700 billion rescue plan for the U.S. financial system “cash for trash.” Others are calling the proposed legislation the Authorization for Use of Financial Force, after the Authorization for Use of Military Force, the infamous bill that gave the Bush administration the green light to invade Iraq.

There’s justice in the gibes. Everyone agrees that something major must be done. But Paulson is demanding extraordinary power for himself – and for his successor – to deploy taxpayers’ money on behalf of a plan that, as far as I can see, doesn’t make sense.

Some are saying that we should simply trust Paulson, because he’s a smart guy who knows what he’s doing. But that’s only half true: he is a smart guy, but what, exactly, in the experience of the past year and a half — a period during which Paulson repeatedly declared the financial crisis “contained,” and then offered a series of unsuccessful fixes — justifies the belief that he knows what he’s doing? He’s making it up as he goes along, just like the rest of us.

So let’s try to think this through for ourselves. I have a four-step view of the financial crisis: 1. The bursting of the housing bubble has led to a surge in defaults and foreclosures, which in turn has led to a plunge in the prices of mortgage-backed securities – assets whose value ultimately comes from mortgage payments. 2. These financial losses have left many financial institutions with too little capital – too few assets compared with their debt. This problem is especially severe because everyone took on so much debt during the bubble years. 3. Because financial institutions have too little capital relative to their debt, they haven’t been able or willing to provide the credit the economy needs. 4. Financial institutions have been trying to pay down their debt by selling assets, including those mortgage-backed securities, but this drives asset prices down and makes their financial position even worse. This vicious circle is what some call the “paradox of deleveraging.”

The Paulson plan calls for the federal government to buy up $700 billion worth of troubled assets, mainly mortgagebacked securities. How does this resolve the crisis?

Well, it might – might – break the vicious circle of deleveraging, step 4 in my capsule description. Even that isn’t clear: the prices of many assets, not just those the Treasury proposes to buy, are under pressure. And even if the vicious circle is limited, the financial system will still be crippled by inadequate capital.

Or rather, it will be crippled by inadequate capital unless the federal government hugely overpays for the assets it buys, giving financial firms – and their stockholders and executives – a giant windfall at taxpayer expense. Did I mention that I’m not happy with this plan?

The logic of the crisis seems to call for an intervention, not at step 4, but at step 2: the financial system needs more capital. And if the government is going to provide capital to financial firms, it should get what people who provide capital are entitled to – a share in ownership, so that all the gains if the rescue plan works don’t go to the people who made the mess in the first place.

That’s what happened in the savings and loan crisis: the feds took over ownership of the bad banks, not just their bad assets. It’s also what happened with Fannie and Freddie. (And by the way, that rescue has done what it was supposed to. Mortgage interest rates have come down sharply since the federal takeover.)

But Paulson insists that he wants a “clean” plan. “Clean,” in this context, means a taxpayer-financed bailout with no strings attached – no quid pro quo on the part of those being bailed out. Why is that a good thing? Add to this the fact that Paulson is also demanding dictatorial authority, plus immunity from review “by any court of law or any administrative agency,” and this adds up to an unacceptable proposal. I’m aware that Congress is under enormous pressure to agree to the Paulson plan in the next few days, with at most a few modifications that make it slightly less bad. Basically, after having spent a year and a half telling everyone that things were under control, the Bush administration says that the sky is falling, and that to save the world we have to do exactly what it says now now now.

But I’d urge Congress to pause for a minute, take a deep breath, and try to seriously rework the structure of the plan, making it a plan that addresses the real problem. Don’t let yourself be railroaded – if this plan goes through in anything like its current form, we’ll all be very sorry in the not-toodistant future.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

As Congress becomes swiftly distracted and preoccupied with rearranging the deck chairs on the $700 billion Wall Street bailout package, the stubborn if overlooked gigantic elephant sitting in one of them ain’t budging.

He comes in the form of two interrelated questions that no one has answered: How big is the problem this extraordinary move is supposed to fix, and will this fix it?

Without answers to these questions, Congress runs the high risk of pouring $700 billion in good money after much, much more bad.

This is just another case of Congress being given the bum’s rush in hopes of a short term solution to what could be a problem with a magnitude far greater than this move can correct.

In fact, the unwillingness of Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, in all their public testimony, to be specific about the scale of the problem is a tip-off that they know it is way bigger than they are willing to reveal. It looks like Congress has bought into the cover-up, as well.

After all, their main objective is to avoid panic, while buying time. But is time worth $700 billion? All the taxpayer billions going to the so-called economic stimulus and Bear Stearns rescue to date has bought us only a few months.

The real news here is the hidden true scale of the problem.

There are only clues, so far, to its real magnitude. Consider the report by Julie Satow, writing in the New York Sun last week, about the exemptions extended by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2004 to five investment banking firms – all five of which have, or nearly have, collapsed.

The exception allowed these institutions – Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley – to burst the established SEC limits on how far it could go to lever a dollar.

The original SEC “debt-to-net capital” ratio limit is 12-to-1.

That means for every dollar a bank takes in, it can invest, or incur debt, on the value of that dollar up to $12. That kind of leveraging works as long as values continue to rise, overall, while the financial system remains stable. A sudden panic, or a run to recover values, would expose all the value above the original dollar as pure paper, nothing more.

But that’s nothing. In the case of the SEC’s exemptions for the five above-named institutions, the leveraging limit was lifted.

These banks were permitted to lever a dollar up to 30 or even 40 times its original value.

Now, a run on this house of cards would result in far greater, utter chaos than under terms of the original limit.

Such derivatives, mortgage-backed or not, are worthless the minute they’re called into question. The introduction of mass foreclosures on sub-prime mortgages triggered such questions.

So, how much real value is there between a “debt-to-net capital” lever of 40 and the original dollar it was based on?

I suspect the problem may have ballooned into hundreds of trillions of dollars, or more, both here and overseas. There have been, after all, in the almost-30-year Republican era of government deregulation, fewer and fewer limits or oversight on any of this.

The SEC so-called “net capital rule” limiting leveraging was written in 1975, and the idea of the 12-to-1 limit was that it was an absolute final limit, with institutions required to notify the SEC if they began approaching it, and to be forcibly stopped from trading if they exceeded it.

This was explained in the Sun article by Lee Pickard, a former SEC official who helped write the 1975 rule.

Current SEC Chair Chris Cox also let slip a clue to the magnitude of the problem in his comments to the Senate Banking Committee Tuesday. The extent of so-called “credit default swaps” has exploded to $58 trillion, he pointed out, a number that doubled just since 2006.

That was the only reference to a number nearly that high in the long two days of Congressional hearings and everything that Paulson and Bernanke said.

But that might have provided a fleeting window into the scale of the problem, certainly far greater than anyone will confess.

Maybe everyone, in Congress, the administration and the media has agreed to cover this up to avoid panic. Instead, they will continue to fleece the public as long as they can, until they simply can’t do it any more.  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Page 11

WASHINGTON – I don’t agree with those muttering darkly that the picture of Gov. Sarah Palin with a perky smile and shapely gams posing with a pleased Henry Kissinger, famous for calling power the ultimate aphrodisiac, is a sign of the apocalypse.

It isn’t even a sign of the apocalipstick.

How the mighty 85-year-old Henry the K has fallen from his days chasing Jill St. John and running the world to his hour briefing of a 44year-old Wasilla hockey mom who may end up running the world.

Gov. Palin knows a lot about the End of Days from her years at the Pentecostal Wasilla Assembly of God, which had preached (that after a war in the Middle East about light vanquishing darkness) that Alaska would be a shelter for Rapturous “saved” Christians at the end of times when they ascend to heaven.

Sarah was motorcading around Manhattan even as a “greed is good” Wall Street experienced an End of Days vibe while a world gone sour on America descended on the United Nations.

After losing its moral superiority abroad with phony evidence for attacking Iraq, the U.S. has now lost its moral superiority in the financial arena. Once more, W. took the ball, carried it off the cliff and went biking. It’s hard to imagine that John McCain and Sarah Palin still want advice from the Unwise Man Kissinger. It’s sort of like villagers in those old movies who bring in the wizened witch doctor to shake a stick over them.

Doctor K prolonged the war in Vietnam to help Nixon get re-elected and then advised W. on Iraq that the only way to beat an insurgency and save face is to stick it out, no matter how many American kids and foreign civilians die.

Sarah speed-dated diplomacy on Tuesday.

She had her very first national security briefing from the director of national intelligence and then went to a meeting with the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai. He thanked her for the help of the Alaskan National Guard in Afghanistan and told her about his young son, Mirwais, which means “the Light of the House.” Then she met with President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia.

Finally, Sarah huddled with Henry in his Park Avenue office, amid pictures of Ford and Reagan.

The two made an odd couple: the last impure Rockefeller Republican and the first pure Rovian Republican, grown totally in the petri dish of cultural crusaderism.

Summoning his old Harvard teaching days, Kissinger surely looked for a common didac-

tic starting point: She has seen Russia! “Goot. I haff seen it, too.”

(A senior Palin campaign aide told CBS News’ Scott Conroy that the governor’s foreign-policy experience was atmospheric, akin to the way someone from Miami might obtain a feel for Latin America.

“It is very much being able to look off the tip of Alaska,” the aide said. “Metaphorically, I’m talking about.”)

Kissinger probably explained detente and Metternich to Palin, while she explained the Iditarod and moose carving. The two talked Russia, which is relevant.

Republicans, who have won so many elections painting Democrats as socialists and pinkos, have now done so much irresponsible deregulating and deficit spending that they have to avoid fiscal Armageddon by turning America into a socialist, pinko society with nationalized financial institutions and financial czars accountable to no one and no law. And Gov. Palin spends so much time ostracizing reporters who might quiz her on NATO or the liquidity crunch that her press strategy is beginning to smack of Putin’s – but less lethal.

Even if she blows off the First Amendment – and lets Steve Schmidt, a top McCain strategist, demonize the press to make up for her inadequacies – Bill Clinton is still a fan.

Besides talking about what a great man John McCain is on “The View” and “David Letterman,” Bill praised Palin at his Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York and will receive her there on Thursday.

“I come from Arkansas. I get why she is hot out there,” he said, adding: “People look at her, and they say, ‘All those kids. Something that happens in everybody’s family. I’m glad she loves her daughter and she’s not ashamed of her. Glad that girl’s going around with her boyfriend. Glad they’re going to get married.”’ He said voters would think: “I like that little Down syndrome kid.

One of them lives down the street. They’re wonderful. . . . . And I like the idea that this guy does those long-distance races. Stayed in the race for 500 miles with a broken arm. My kind of guy.”

On “The View,” he said he understood that some women might vote for Palin on the basis of gender, even if it was against their economic interest. “You can’t tell someone else that the ground on which they make their voting decision is irrational,” he said primly.

Well, actually you could, if you weren’t still sulking and plotting for 2012.

Page 12

It is easy to get depressed when analyzing the elections. With serious economic and international crises facing our nation, we have voters like Gordon Maddox who may vote against Barrack Obama because he wrongly fears that his wife Michelle isn’t sufficiently proud of America. “Those things, for people who are patriotic and love their country, that turns them off,” he told USA Today.

These are what I call “Pompom Patriots” - people who think that our complicated problems will be solved by their loud cheerleading. “Go America!” Yeah, that ought to extricate us from Iraq and bail out the financial markets.

In my view, the most patriotic Americans are those who work to make this nation better than it was the day before. Boldly proclaiming that “we’re Number 1” – in instances when we are actually falling behind other countries – only compounds our problems. Such attitudes breed complacency and a false sense of security which leads to stagnation. American exceptionalism should only occur in areas where we are truly exceptional.

If the past two elections are any indication, America is a divided nation and this presidential contest will be unnervingly close. When it comes to polling, race still matters and you can shave 3-6 points off Obama’s numbers. However, Obama is such a charismatic figure, that he may bring in enough new voters – young people, African Americans, and Independents – to overcome the race factor.

The one major advantage Obama has over John McCain is the question of, “who America trusts with change.” The collapse on Wall Street and continued economic woes favor Obama – because people can vividly see that conservative government has not worked out so well. Given the current mood of the nation, if Obama outperforms McCain in the debates, he will likely be the next president.

Since the rise of modern Reagan/Falwell conservatism in 1980, which led to the Gingrich revolution, and crested with the nightmare of George W. Bush, the GLBT movement has grown used to bitter disappointments. Still, we have somehow made substantial social progress during this macabre political winter. This success makes landmark advancement palpable if the political stars finally align.

It is time to take a deep breath and imagine our lives in merely two months if we achieve a grand slam at the ballot box. Picture a trifecta in beating back three anti-gay marriage initiatives in California, Florida and Arizona. Envision Obama arriving in Washington in his motorcade, flanked by an expanded Democratic majority.

Within two years, it is conceivable that it will no longer be legal to fire someone for being gay. Sexual orientation will be included in federal hate crime laws. With marriage legal in trendsetting California, other states won’t be far behind. Within a few years, a soldier’s sexuality will not bar him or her from service. In short, we will have won the brutal culture war of the 1990s.

The question for gay rights advocates is where does the movement go after its main goals have been accomplished?

Marriage: Three marriage victories in this election cycle would decapitate the anti-gay marriage movement. It would show that they were on the wrong side of both history and public opinion. This would shift the fight to all 50 states – where a patchwork of civil union and marriage laws will take form over the next 20 years. It is likely that entire regions of the U.S. will grant equal marriage rights, while others lag behind for decades – with the Supreme Court eventually ruling on the issue.

Religion Battles: An intensification of the fratricidal warfare within mainstream denominations will occur. We got a glimpse of this ugliness in the fight over Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson.

If most of the original goals of the movement are accomplished in America, it will free up the resources and time to wage a worldwide campaign for equality within churches.

International: The Internet allows us to see flagrant abuses of GLBT people across the globe. Gay activists at home will increasingly turn their attention abroad and launch campaigns against antigay countries. I predict a boycott against Jamaica, which could be successfully launched against cruise ship companies in Florida.

Transgender: Once equality has been achieved for gay and lesbian people, energy will turn towards the inclusion of transgender Americans.

Lobbyists, who now walk Capitol Hill on behalf of gay people, will turn much of the focus to educating legislators about trans issues.

Social Campaigns: You can change the laws of the land, but there will still be much work to do on changing attitudes. As less money is devoted to influencing legislation, more will be spent to create tolerant environments in schools and communities.

The alternative, of course, is three marriage defeats and a Palin/ McCain victory. In that case, your best bet a move to Canada.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

As you know, the Bush administration sent Congress a request last Saturday for $700 billion to bail out the financial industry as we face the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Under the proposal, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson would have sweeping powers, enabling him to acquire up to $700 billion in home and commercial mortgages over the next two years. These mortgagerelated assets, or as columnist Sebastian Mallaby explains it, “dud loans from banks that aren’t actually insolvent” are said to include derivatives and other financial instruments, but the broad phrase would also authorize the government to buy and sell commercial real estate. Treasury would manage the assets, including revenues and portfolio risks. In theory, the securities or “toxic instruments” will eventually be sold and taxpayers would be partially reimbursed.

To allow for the bailout, the U.S. government’s debt limit would need to rise to $11.3 trillion from $10.6 trillion. Under the proposal, Treasury could hire asset managers to handle the debt purchases, which could include residential or commercial mortgages issued on or before Sept. 17, 2008. The authority to purchase would end two years from the date of enactment, but authority to hold the assets would continue. Treasury said it planned to establish the price of the securities it buys through

Rep. James P. Moran Virginia’s 8th Congressional District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives

market mechanisms.

The magnitude of the economic situation we are in cannot be overstated. Failure to act in a responsible manner risks a global recession. What is at stake now is the entire global financial system that has underpinned our economy over the past two decades. If we fail, the cost will be slower economic growth around the world, and especially in the U.S., over the next decade and perhaps longer.

In my view, the President’s bailout plan lacks accountability and oversight—a prescription shifting risk from Wall Street to taxpayers who are being asked to bear the burden of recklessness that has characterized the anti-regulatory zeal pervading Washington for too long. There

is no question that Congress must act. But how we respond however is the real question.

For the past several months we’ve been lurching from crisis to crisis, a strategy that cannot persist. Absent a fix—a good fix—the retirement savings of millions and millions of Americans will be in jeopardy, and access to credit—to purchase a home, buy a car, finance a business—will be imperiled.

Thus, hard as it will be to resist the immense pressures from the White House to act immediately and without questions or due diligence, I believe Congress needs to take whatever time necessary to get the bailout right.

This week hearings are being held in both the House and Senate on the proposal. Bipartisan deliberations are ongoing and amendments are being discussed. It’s likely we’ve got one chance to get this right; therefore we must lay out all the facts before we make a decision that could prove whether our economy rebounds or collapses under weight of Wall Street’s bad debt.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

The 29th Annual Mason District Park Festival, one of our community’s oldest (and free) family events, will be held this Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at the park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale. The festival was created in 1980 by the newly-formed Friends of Mason District Park, whose mission was to get more people into the new park and, hopefully, raise enough money to buy a weed-whacker so that park staff could better maintain the pathways in the facility. That early mission was accomplished: the Festival was so successful that, in addition to the weed-whacker, the Friends were able to buy a John Deere tractor for larger maintenance chores. Their longtime partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority has made the Festival a Mason District tradition for more than a generation.

Saturday’s Festival will feature a “green” theme in addition to arts and crafts vendors, public safety displays, and community booths. A new partnership with Cox Communications and the Discovery Channel will bring an environmental focus. Fairfax Water, the county’s Solid Waste and Recycling Division, Urban Forestry, Stormwater and Wastewater Management, and Hidden Oaks Nature Center are just a few of the groups that will have activities and displays at the park. The Annandale Lions Club will have a food concession, and the Lions Sight and Hearing Van will provide health screenings. Children’s rides, and a free hayride also are featured.

Live entertainment on the Showmobile stage includes Russikye Misikanti at 10 a.m.; Karma from Tibet at 11; Rocknoceros (children’s show) at 12:15 p.m.; Not So Modern Jazz Quartet at 1:15; Bob Brown Puppets (children’s show) at

Page 13

2:15; and Sangre Boliviana at 3:15. Admission to the Festival and parking are free. All proceeds support Mason District Park and its programs throughout the year.

The arts are alive and thriving in Mason District! Last week, I was delighted to participate in the ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening of The Center Dance Company at 3443 Carlin Springs Road in the Bailey’s Crossroads area. Center Dance moved from its previous locations in Arlington to a spacious venue with plenty of parking right here in Mason District. The Center Dance Company is dedicated to educating and mentoring dancers in a positive and nurturing environment, preserving the traditions of classical ballet. In addition, the Center offers a wide range of recreational dance classes for all ages. More information can be obtained by calling 703/7783008 or log on to www.CenterDanceCompany. org.

If the visual arts is your preference, you may be interested in the Columbia Institute of Fine Arts, a ministry of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church. Under the instruction of Miss Ashby Foote, a recent graduate of Mississippi’s Delta State University, adults and children can enroll in drawing, painting, and art history classes through the Institute. Ashby now resides in Mason District, and is an accomplished young artist whose welcoming manner and warm smile is sure to make even an unsure artist feel comfortable and appreciated. For further information, call 703/534-2508, or email cifa@columbiabaptist.org.

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

Think the Real Estate Market Has Gone to the Dogs?

Call Suzanne and get the Real Poop!

Suzanne can save you $, ask how!

-Scout

Hours: Mon, Tue, Thur and Fri (By Appt.)

Suzanne Fauber, Realtor Buck & Associates, Inc. Call (703) 395-8741

Suzanne@Buckrealtors.com www.suzannefauber.com

Visit to Taiwan Where will the new Google cell phone be made?

In Taiwan, a small country with substantial technology expertise. It is a top-ten trading partner of the U.S. with semiconduictors and computer parts at the top of the list.

Last spring, bi-partisan delegations of legislators from Virginia and West Virginia were invited to visit Taiwan as a part of a continuing outreach program by the government of Taiwan. I was pleased to participate in this year’s visit, along with three other members of the Virginia General Assembly.

The Virginia delegation was composed of two delegates—Mark Sickles from southern Fairfax and me—and two Senators, Patsy Ticer from Alexandria and Ryan McDougle from Hanover County.

The West Virginia delegation also consisted of two delegates and two senators.

Different delegations from both states have made earlier visits.

Starting with long plane trips, the experience was rewarding, informative, and at times, exhausting. The sixday stay in Taiwan was filled with informative tours and exchanges with representatives of businesses, educational and governmental institutions.

We visited National Sun Yat-sen University in the southern city of Kaoshiung University, and enjoyed a lively discussion with a class of 40-50 of the University’s 10,000 students. Established in 1980, the University was named after the founder of the Republic of China.

We also visited Taiwan’s huge port operated by the large international firm, Evergreen, its very impressive science and technology park where research and technology are promoted to stimulate economic development in Taiwan, and its national museum with the largest collection of Chinese

art in the world. And we rode on Taiwan’s magnificent new high-speed rail system that runs from Taipei south.

We visited a clinic in Taiwan’s health services program that provides medical services from cradle to grave, including primary care and sophisticated medical care to all Taiwanese at little expense to patients.

We had seen a PBS special on it before we left and we anxious to see if it was as good as the program suggested. We concluded it was.

The Highlight The main event of our trip was the inauguration of the President Ma Ying-jeou. A Harvard, educated lawyer, President Ma was elected in a landslide resulting from his promise to reduce tensions between mainland China and Taiwan.

President Ma followed 8 years of the presidency of President Chen Shiu-bian, whose party ran on a platform of active promotion of independence of Taiwan from China. President Ma defeated his opponent, Frank Hsieh, by more than 2 million votes of the 17.5 million votes cast.

Following his inauguration, President Ma promptly took action to make it easier for China-Taiwan travel to take place. As a result, Taiwan-China exchanges have increased dramatically.

We were all pleased to witness only the fifth inauguration of an elected president of Taiwan.

Taiwan in Washington Taiwan is not recognized as a nation by the U.S. or the United Nations. Therefore it is not represented by an ambassador, but by a “Representative,” who leads Taiwan’s efforts to improve relationships and trade with the U.S.  Delegate Scott represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed at deljscott@ aol.com

TALL OAKS CONSTRUCTION, LLC

-For those Who Know the Difference

Licensed and Insured Class A Contractor 703-865-7774 Cell 571-345-6061

• Residential • Commerical • Historic Renovations • Fine Work of all Types

Over 30 years Trade Experience

Page 14

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Last F.C. Sunset Cinema Hits Cherry Hill Park

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES Mark Warner, left, and Jim Gilmore, right, faced off in a debate hosted by the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce at the Capitol One building in Tysons Corner last Thursday. Warner, the Democrat, and Gilmore, the Republican, each boasted of their terms as Governor of Virginia, and each criticized the other’s. (Photo: News-Press)

The last fifth annual Sunset Cinema in the Park screening, “Horton Hears a Who,” is this Friday, Sept. 26 outside at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). Locals are encouraged to bring their own blankets, picnics and perhaps some bug spray just in case. Popcorn, candy and refreshments will be available for attendees to purchase. The show starts at 8 p.m. or dusk, but will be cancelled in the event of rain. For more information, call the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Division at 703-248-5077.

Four Minute Dating at Stacy’s Coffee Parlor On Sunday Sept. 20, Stacy’s Coffee Parlor (709 W. Broad St., Falls Church) will host a one-hour, reservation-only four minute dating event. Spots for 15 men and 15 women are available, and Stacy’s will provide samples of desserts and free flavor shots for coffee drinks throughout the event. This event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is co-hosted

by Professionals in the City, the largest social and networking organization in America.

For more information, call 703538-6266.

FATHER AND SON celebrated their birthdays at one of their signature big, boisterous parties on Lincoln Avenue in Falls Church last Saturday night. Simon, left, and Shaun Van Steyn have combined to bless the world with 95 years of themselves. Shaun is active in Falls Church Arts, and Simon runs the Falls Church Film Festival. (Photo: Courtesy Shaun

Van Steyn)

Eden Center Hosts Autumn Moon Festival The Autumn Moon Festival will be held at the Eden Center (6763 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church) from 2 – 9:30 p.m Saturday, Sept 27. and will fea-

ture a Children’s Art Contest, the Miss Eden Center Pageant and the Lantern Contest followed by the Lantern Parade.

Works by local artists will be displayed. Rouding out the Festival will be storytelling, magic tricks and introductions to traditional Vietnamese games. The Festival mirrors the ancient Asian tradition of honoring the moon for its symbolism of togetherness, family unity and harmony. For more information, call 703-2044600.

Claude Moore Colonial Farm ‘Garage’ Sale Come to the Claude Moore Colonial Farm and take a look at the farm’s broad selection of hard and softcover books available at their “garage” sale held from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m Sept. 27.

Cooking, mystery, travel, kids and biography will be some of the genres featured. In addition to books, the farm will also have jewelry, china, furniture, tools, toys and collectibles available for purchase. All proceeds from Saturday’s sale will benefit the colonial museum and the farm’s educational programs. For more information, call 703-442-7557.

INOVA To Hold Cancer Survivor Seminar INOVA Health Systems will host the Third Annual Coffelt Cancer Survivorship Conference at the Marriott Fairview Park (3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church) from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 27. The conference will feature a panel of cancer survivors and medi-

cal experts that will discuss the mental, social, psychological and physical difficulties and complications that go along with surviving cancer.

Medical experts will address issues such as advocacy, new and alternative advances in cancer treatment and how to deal with employers and insurance companies following a cancer diagnosis.

The Shades of Pink Choir, composed of survivors, will sing and keynote speaker Richard Roundtree, the star of the “Shaft” movies, will share his personal narrative about his triumph over breast cancer. Cancer survivors and their families and friends are invited to attend the conference. For additional information or to register, call 703750-8812.

Famous Dave’s Fights Hunger with Funds From Sept. 21-Sept. 28 eat at participating Falls Church area Famous Dave’s restaurants to help fight hunger along with Share Our Strength, a national organization devoted to making sure America’s children do not go hungry. Famous Dave’s will donate a portion of its profits to helping kids get access to the nutritious foods they need, and the event will help Share Our Strength in raising awareness about children’s hunger in America.

Artist Workshops at Creative Cauldron Creative Cauldron (111 Park Ave., Falls Church) hosts artists’ workshops to foster cre-

ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE AT YOUR PRESENT ADDRESS? You have until Oct. 6 to register for the Nov. 4 election! * To check your status: www.sbe.virginia.gov (click on “voter registration status” link) * To register, call the Falls Church Registrar at 703-248-5085 * For more info: www.lwvfallschurch.org

September 25 - October 1, 2008

ativity in adults and teens every Tuesday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. Beginner to intermediate artists will use pencils, waterbased oils and acrylics and will emulate techniques used by artists such as Renoir and Cezanne to create a variety of pieces.

The sessions come in groups of four classes and enrollment is monthly and on-going. For more information, call 571-2395288.

the Company, which provides intensive acting training as well as opportunities to perform in several shows throughout the year. This program is a yearlong commitment, running from October 2008 to May 2009, and an activity fee between $100150 is due when a student is cast. To reserve an audition time, please contact Kathy Herr at kathleen.herr@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Presidential Debate Viewing and Discussion

Home Décor Show Features F.C. Businesses

Bookstore Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.) will host a viewing of the first presidential debate of the 2008 election at 8 p.m. Sept. 26. Afterward participants are invited to stay and discuss the debate. For more information, call 202-364-1919 or visit www.politics-prose. com.

The Eastern Design Construction Company, Gym Source, Global Bath and Kitchen Remodeling and Sound Images: The Home Entertainment Company are just a few of the Falls Church businesses that will be featured in this year’s Remodeling and Home Décor Show held at the Dulles Expo Center (4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly) from Sept. 26-28. The show is geared toward homeowners interested in home redecoration or renovation and will feature over 500 exhibits, the Better Homes and Gardens & Green Works “Living Green Tour” and “green” home tips from Steven Whittle, the co-host of HGTV’s Bad Bad Bath and Save My Bath.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. For more information, visit www.capitalhomeshow.com.

Audubon Society Teaches Bird-Watching Essentials A Beginning Birding Workshop co-sponsored by the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia will take place from 7 – 9 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Falls Church Community Center Art Room (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). The workshop will include birding basics from using field guides and binoculars to looking and finding birds throughout the seasons. In addition to the two-hour class session, the workshop ends with a three-hour field trip to Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria.

The workshop is free for members of the society, and $20 for non-members. For more information, call 703-248-5077 or visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

Auditions at McLean Community Center The Main Street Theatre Company will host auditions from 7 – 9 p.m. Sept. 29. at the McLean Community Center.

Grades 7-12 are eligible to audition to become a part of

Page 15

Techo-Bloc’s Big Joe demonstrates a Plate Compactor during a paver installation seminar held on Sept. 20 at Sisler Stone’s first annual Open House at 7139 Lee Highway in Falls Church. In addition to Techo-Bloc’s seminars on pavers, the Open House allowed attendees to meet with contractors, learn about wall and flagstone preparation and participate in a free raffle. Hog Wild BBQ provided a free lunch. (Photo: Courtesy Sisler Stone)

Levine School of Music to Hold Reception At 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 the Levine School of Music will host a reception for the artists of Gallery West, whose works are on display at Levine’s NW D.C. campus through December.

Gallery West is the oldest artist owned and operated fine art gallery in Northern Virginia and since 1979 has featured artwork by established and upcoming artists. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the reception will go to the School. For more information, call 202-686-8000 or visit www.levineschool.org.

THE CENTENNIAL MILITARY AVIATION CEREMONY was held on Sept. 6 at Fort Myer despite inclement weather from tropical storm Hanna. The Victorian Society of Falls Church performed Wilbur and Orville Wright’s 1908 visit to Fort Myer to demonstrate the Wright Flyer for possible military use. Thirty-two Victorian Society volunteers dressed as people from the early 1900s relating to guests at the event the history of the Wrights’ plane and early developments in aviation in the Northern Virginia area. Other exhibits included a collection of hand-carved wooden propellers, a flight simulator and a paper airplane crafting class.

(Photo: Courtesy Fort Myer)

Page 16

September 25 - October 1, 2008

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;V $OO 0XVW *R <HDU (QG 6DOH 6WDUWV 7RGD\ Ends 10/31/08

2923 ANNANDALE RD, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22042

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD DEALERSHIP JD POWER NAMED US THE DEALERSHIP WITH FASTEST BUYING PROCESS IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

NO HASSLE PRICE ON ENTIRE STOCK VISIT US FOR THE BEST CAR BUYING EXPERIENCE

%LOOSDJHWR\RWD FRP

â&#x20AC;˘ Gas only

Visit us for more information. Tags, taxes, and processing fee ($349.00) are extra.

Clay Cafe Studios, John Rodock of Ober Kaler, the Original Pancake House, and Upton Hill Regional Park are all supporting the Falls Church Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Mini-Golf Family Fun Night scheduled to take place from 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 30 at Upton Hill Regional Park. The event, designed for staff bonding and family fun, will include unlimited access to miniature golf and batting cages, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, live music from Big Tow, and a picnic style dinner.

Additional sponsors include Atlantic Realty Companies, Falls Church News-Press, The Young Group, Janmedia, SmithGifford, Akridge Real Estate, Point of View Eyewear and Venable LLP. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for kids, and free for children 5 and under. Contact the Chamber office at 703-532-1050 or info@fallschurchchamber.org for more information.

Falls Church family physician, Dr. Gordon Theisz, has successfully completed the American Board of Family Medicineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recertification Examination which confers a standard of excellence in knowledge and practice to physicians. To achieve this recertification, physicians must verify the completion of 300 hours of acceptable continuing medical education over the past six years, possess a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the US, and successfully complete a one-day written examination of cognitive knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Dr. Theisz owns and operates Family Medicine in Falls Church located at 104 E. Broad St. For information about his practice, visit www.fmifc.com or for more information on the certification or the American Board of Family Medicine, go to www.theabfm.org.

The F.C. City Public Schools Business In Education Partnership has announced that Smith Giffordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matt Smith will serve as Chairman while Acacia Federal Savings Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nancy Davis will serve as Vice Chair. The BIE develops mutually beneficial programs and facilitates relationships between the local business community and the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public schools and students. For more information about this effort or how your business can get involved, contact F.C. City Public Schools Outreach Coordinator Marybeth Connelly at ConnellyM@fccps.org.

Spectrum Cleaners is now offering â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Luck Jewelryâ&#x20AC;? featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;evil eyeâ&#x20AC;? protection beads from their location in the Falls Church Spectrum building at 450 W. Broad St., Suite 130. In addition to the necklaces and bracelets, Spectrum Cleaners offers dry cleaning, laundry, alterations, shoe repair, leather repair, and wedding gown cleaning and preservation. To see the jewelry or learn more about their services stop by or call 703-237-2889.

Vantage Fitness has upgraded its spinning equipment to Schwinn Evolution Cycling Bikes. The new equipment has been purchased to meet the boutique style gymâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expanded cycling program. For a schedule of classes or for more info, visit www.vantage-fitness.com or call 703-241-0565.

Curious about the redeveloped old Chiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant space near the corner of Annandale and Rte 50 in Falls Church? While original plans were to lease it to a buffet style restaurant, the 10,000-square feet space is now available for lease. The property, zoned C8 in Fairfax County, could be appropriate for almost any retail or restaurant use by right. For information on the space, contact Steve Anderson with REACS, INC. via phone 703-734-0880 or email slareacs@msn.com.

Huong Que/Four Sisters has closed its doors at the Eden Center and will be opening soon in a new location on the corner of Lee Highway and Gallows Road.

The popular Vietnamese restaurant has been a cornerstone of Eden Center since its opening in 1991. Song Que Deli & Bakery, also owned by Kim Lai and Thanh Tran, will be opening in its former location.

Business leaders who fund the arts may be interested in attending â&#x20AC;&#x153;Inside the Jurorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eyeâ&#x20AC;? an Artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Roundtable hosted by Falls Church Arts. The meeting will feature artist, teacher and juror Lisa Semerad who will discuss the criteria jurorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s address when selecting artwork for shows. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Falls Church Arts Gallery, 111 Park Ave. Semerad is the juror for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Connessione: Things in Commonâ&#x20AC;? art show (Oct. 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25 at the FCA Gallery). For more information, visit www.FallsChurchArts.org The plan to change Tysons Corner from a suburban office park into a livable urban center over the next 40 years was recently presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The plans call for 95 percent of the new development to be located within walking distance of transit, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and green space. The Tysons Land Use Task Force recommendations are now available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/tysons. ď ľ The Business News & Notes section is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@ fallschurchchamber.org.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 17

G

eorge C. Marshall High School (GCMHS) marketing students dressed to the nines and hit the catwalk last Saturday, Sept. 20 during Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” fashion show at Tysons Corner Center in McLean.

“This was actually the first year we’ve participated and now we’re trying to form a partnership with Macy’s,” said GCMHS marketing teacher Lindsay Zivney.

The annual shopping event allows local non-profit organizations to raise money for their own cause by selling $5 shopping passes to the event. Proceeds raised by GCMHS funded their Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) program, so that the students can afford to compete in competitions at local, state and national levels. The savings pass offered customers a chance to buy discounted merchandise throughout the store, enter raffle drawings and enjoy in-store entertainment. Marshall’s fashion marketing and global marketing students dreamt up two themes to strut their stuff to — Homecoming and Girls’ Night Out — for the onlooking patrons.

Zivney attests to the girls’ hands-on involvement.

“They had to pick the theme, the music. They attended a fitting prior and picked out their outfits all the way from accessories to shoes. They were even responsible for their own hair and make-up before having to arrive early to help prep,” said Zivney.

However, the girls weren’t alone during all of their moments of onstage glory. A few GCMHS fellas were on standby to escort the girls on the runway for their Homecoming attire segment. This is Zivney’s first year teaching at GCMHS as a member of the career and technical education faculty. She teaches Fashion, Marketing, Global Marketing and Sports & Entertainment Marketing. Zivney also serves as one of the high school’s DECA advisors.

By Natalie Bedell (Photos: Jessica George)

Page 18

On Sept. 16, the George Mason High School golf team defeated Clark Country to go 9-0 in district play, capturing the Bull Run district title.

The match was a close contest with Mason edging the Eagles by six strokes.

The final tally was 172-178. The Mustangs were led by junior Michael Wolfe, with a low score of 40. Rounding out the three low scores for the Mustangs were junior Evans Mandes, who shot a 42, senior Chris Ann, who was one stroke behind with a 43, and senior Drew Davies rounding out the scoring with a 47.

Two days later, the Mustangs played the Washington & Lee High School Generals in a non-district match. This was not as close, with the Mustangs besting the Generals by 34 strokes, 174208. The Mustangs were led again by Michael Wolfe, with a score of 40. Next was Michael Dunning with a 42. Seniors Michael Ward and Mandes both shot a 46, which rounded out the four lowest scores for the Mason team.

Thus far, it has been an exciting season for the Mustangs, marking the third consecutive district title for the Mason golfers. With one match left to play, Mason’s golfers will have gone undefeated for the third consecutive year, winning 28 matches without a low.

During this winning streak, the Mason golf team has had two different coaches. Coach Bill Broderick led last year’s championship season, but has moved on to coach basketball at Elon University.

This year, the Mason golfers are led by first-year coach Chris Carrico and Assistant Coach Steve Showalter. Coach Carrico has made a smooth transition for the Mason faithful. “I have had three different coaches since I started playing on the Mason golf team when I was a freshman, and I’m very glad to have Coach Carrico as my coach for my last year playing,” said Davies.

This season, the Mason golf team’s

September 25 - October 1, 2008

depth stood out: while Mandes led the team with the lowest average, an 86.6 on an 18-hole scale; Michael Dunning, Wolfe and Davies each had the low round for the team twice in match play.

This year’s team consists of seniors Davies, Ward, Ann, Josh Brew, Reid Mene and Tim Hillegas; juniors Mandes, Dunning, Wolfe and freshmen Ben Tourkin and Genevieve Jordan.

Overall, Mason had four different players turn in the low score this season.

Davies and Dunning rotated between the number one spot for the Mason golfers this season. The low rounds of the year have been turned in by Mandes, 80 (18 holes) and Dunning, 40 (9 holes).

Coach Carrico described his expectations for the season, and how he hoped to continue the Mason winning streak.

“Before the outset of this season, I was well aware of the successes the Mustang Golf Team had experienced over the last couple of years. With several returning players from last year’s team I knew that expectations were going to be high.

I was excited for the opportunity to become a part of a winning tradition and be as good as we could be,” said Coach Carrico.

The Mustangs will finish up the regular season against Manassas Park at Mason’s home course, the Fairfax National Golf Course. The following week, the team will participate in the Bull Run District Tournament at Jackson Chase Golf Club in Middleton, Va. With the league crown in hand, the Mustangs are automatically qualified for the Region B playoffs held this year at Manor Hill Golf Club in Farmville, Va. The Mustangs are confident going into post-season play, said Coach Carrico.

“We have three juniors and three seniors playing in the district tournament so experience is on our side, but I want us to get off to a good start so there can be lots of confidence going into Regionals.”

Mason looks to advance to the State tournament, which would be a first for its golf team.

After putting together a solid first three quarters on Friday night, the McLean High School Highlanders lost 21-14 to the Washington & Lee High School Generals, faltering in the grit of the fourth quarter that allowed the Generals to score the lone touchdown of the final period.

The 10-yard scamper by Generals’ quarterback Charles Fuller with 17 seconds left broke a 14-14 tie, and proved to be the game winner. The touchdown silenced a home crowd that had been anxiously awaiting their team’s first win of the season.

Fuller was a one-man wrecking crew for the Generals, making several gamechanging plays. He accounted for all three Generals touchdowns, and also picked off a pass in the first quarter.

Fuller is a strong, dual-threat quarterback and does nothing but create headaches for defenses. He beat the McLean defense for big plays several times, scoring on touchdown runs of 10 and 33 yards, and also throwing one for 30. He also made several big plays on the other side of the ball in the secondary, keeping McLean quarterback William Hecht off balance for much of the night.

The McLean defense played a smart, disciplined game for the most part, only allowing Fuller to create a few big plays. The same defense that had given up a whopping 115 points in its first three games surrendered a mere 21 to Fuller, one of the most explosive players in the area. Despite allowing nearly 400 yards of total offense, McLean’s defense stepped up when they had their backs against the wall for the majority of the game until their bend turned into

a break with 17 seconds to go in the game.

The McLean offense, however, continued to have issues moving the ball on a consistent basis. After jumping out to a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter, they were unable to find any holes in the tight Generals defense the rest of the game.

Throughout the entire 48 minutes, the offense was only able to generate 7 points, as the only other touchdown for McLean came on an 85-yard kick return for a touchdown in the third quarter following Washington & Lee’s second touchdown of the evening.

McLean’s normally prolific passing game was shut down all night by a swarming Generals secondary. Hecht was out of sync with his receivers all game, getting intercepted twice.

Plagued by turnovers, and stagnant running and passing attacks, the offense put a great deal of unwanted pressure on the McLean defense – pressure with which the defense would ultimately not be able to cope.

The overall record for McLean fell to 0-4 with the loss. However, while they are still winless under first-year Head Coach James Patrick, the team has made vast improvements in each game on both sides of the ball. After suffering a 30-point spanking by Annandale in their home opener, and a loss to a J.E.B. Stuart team that had not won for 24 straight games, the Highlanders began to tighten things up right before they go headfirst into district play.

McLean hits the road for the next two weeks in search of their first district win, traveling on Sept. 26 to Stone Bridge High School before a cross-town battle against the Marshall Statesmen the following Friday.

GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL Volleyball Captain Rachel Hassan, sophomore, crashes the net Monday night against Briar Woods High School. The George Mason Mustangs lost their first district match 3-0.

Despite the team having to rethink their rotation because of a hospitalized player earlier that morning, junior Becca Ward said that the team still “played really well together.” (Photo: Shelbi Taylor)

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 19

Mike,

Hey Mike,

Seems like the NFL’s signal callers are having a rough go of it this season. Tom Brady’s down. Peyton Manning’s not himself. Jay Cutler’s smoking hot statistically but battling diabetes. Does this strike you as a bad year for QBs? Is Brett Favre going to regret coming back?

Despite your early doubts, the Redskins are 2-1. What do you have to say about that?

And who do you think will come out on top in the NFC East?

Boom!

Johnny M.

LAST WEEKEND, THE GEORGE MASON High School girls Varsity Cross Country Team ran to victory at the Sept. 20 Altoona, Penn. Cross Country Invitational, where runners tackled a 5-kilometer course, top. Below, the girls showed off their first place award. (Photo: Courtesy

Louie Estrada)

McLean HS Girls Volleyball is Hot Again Following their first three consecutive victories of the season, the McLean High School Girls Varsity Volleyball team hit a hot-cold trail — losing 3-0 versus West Springfield High, winning 3-0 against George C. Marshall High, and then suffering a 1-3 loss during last Friday’s game to the visiting Yorktown Patriots. However, this Monday, Sept. 22, the girls found their fire again, in a triumphant 3-0 win against South Lakes High School at home.

After getting off to a rocky start in their previous match against Yorktown High, dropping the first two games, the girls rallied to win the third game only to lose a very tight fourth match. Head Coach Steve Stotler praised the girls after the match for their perseverance and their ability to adapt to some new rotations.

Last Friday night’s defeat came after the Highlanders’ first district game of the 2008 season last Tuesday night. That match was highlighted by an exciting first game win of 2826 with several different lead changes. McLean won the next two games 25-17 and 25-22.

The Highlanders had 31 kills

and 9 aces in the success. The Highlanders overall record is now 5–2.

J.E.B. Stuart Pigskin Suffers Second Upset The J.E.B. Stuart High School Varsity Football team lost their second game in a row, 48-34, last Friday, Sept. 19 at Yorktown High School. Though their second consecutive loss, this is the Raiders’ third upset of the football season, with their single win, 30-14, secured at home against McLean High School earlier this month. With all three losses happening on an unfamiliar field, perhaps a home-turf advantage is key in future Raider victories. Time will tell in tomorrow’s game at home against George C. Marshall High School. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

GCMHS Field Hockey Girls Secure Winning Streak With an impressive overall season record of 8-5, George C. Marshall High School Girls Varsity Field Hockey team has done it again. Monday’s game marked perhaps just the beginning of their four-game winning streak, securing a 1-0 victory over Thomas Jefferson

High School for Science and Technology. Notably, junior Allison Lees scored the winning goal in the second half of the match. During last Saturday’s field hockey tournament in Herndon, Va., the girls placed third, a spot secured by Melie Campos’ play.

At the tournament, the Lady Statesmen won 4-0 in their first match versus Osbourn Park High, and also their second, 10, against Western Albermarle High School. Prior to the Herndon tourney, their fourgame triumph kicked off in a 6-1 win over South Lakes High School.

Olympic Swimmer Inks Her Name at Local Swim Store This Saturday, Sept. 27, Bishop O’Connell High School graduate and George Mason University student Kate Ziegler will be signing autographs for fans and locals alike at Sport Fair Inc. (5010 Lee Hwy., Arlington) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ziegler is a World Record Holder and 2008 Swimming Olympian. All are welcome to attend and no reservations are required for the autograph signing. For more information, call Sport Fair Inc.’s Margaret Connor at 703-524-9500.

Well, Brady’s injury is easily and logically explained.

He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s season preview.

We all know what happens to their cover boys. You go on the cover, you’re destined to go down. It’s science.

Still, it does seem that there is a spate of injuries affecting QBs this season. In addition to the names you mentioned, Ben Roethlisberger missed time last game after someone stomped on his hand. In the same game, Donovan McNabb left the game with a chest contusion. Vince Young has been out — for a variety of reasons — since suffering a knee injury in Week One. Kansas City’s Brodie Croyle hasn’t seen a second game, nor has Tampa Bay’s Jeff Garcia, both of whom began the season as starters.

However, injuries haven’t been the only thing sidelining multiple quarterbacks three games into the season. The 0-3 Rams benched Mark Bulger on Tuesday, to go with Trent Green. Previously, the Vikings pulled starter Tarvaris Jackson after an 0-2 start in favor of the veteran Gus Frerotte — thereby shaking things up while simultaneously maintaining the continuity of QBs with silent, unpronounced “r’s” in their names.

I can’t remember another year with so much early upheaval. Just three weeks into the season, six teams feature different starting QBs. The Browns and Texans may also be thinking about a change if their starters, Derek Anderson and Matt Schaub respectively, don’t turn in win number one for their teams next week. Heck, in comparison to the rest of the league, this year the Chicago Bears look like the epitome of stability ... even with their recent revolving door approach to the position.

Oh, and regarding Favre?

Two words: Madden. Curse.

Turnin’ Left, Joe G. I’ll admit, I was stunned when Washington edged Arizona on Sunday. The ‘Skins looked flat out terrible with the ball in the opener against the Giants, and while they put 29 points on the board against New Orleans, I wasn’t convinced. After all, the Saints look like they would have a hard time stopping a dopedup sloth from scoring this year, allowing 27.7 points per game.

Sunday showed me something and if the Redskins can build on that, then maybe they won’t suffer the long season I thought they would. Not that it will be easy in an NFC East where the only two losses have come from within the division. The Giants and Cowboys are 3-0. The Eagles and ‘Skins are 2-1. Even with the standings as close as they are, I’m confident I can pick a winner this early in the season — the fans of these four teams.

Mike, It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

But now it’s over. What did you think of the final curtain call for Yankee Stadium?

Y.B. I thought it was as nice a sendoff as you could ask for. It was missing a few things — namely Joe Torre, Don Mattingly (both coaching the Dodgers) and George Steinbrenner (health reasons) — but there was a lot of nostalgia and even a pair of home runs. By the way, who had Jose Molina in the “Last home run at Yankee Stadium” pool?

I’m not entirely upset to see the stadium go. It was claustrophobic, the men’s rooms were smaller than an average-sized shot glass and the wait to exit the parking garage was interminable.

Still, it was The Stadium.

My grandfather saw it with my father. My father saw it with me. I’m just sorry I won’t be able to do the same with my son someday.

Page 20

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Nuances of Pink “Jo Smail: The Limits of Language,” at the McLean Projects for the Arts, on the second floor of the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean), until Oct. 25. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturday, 1 – 5 p.m. For more information, call 703-790-1953 or visit www. mpaart.org.

South African native, and Baltimore resident since 1985, Jo Smail won last year’s grand prize in Bethesda’s Trawick Prize competition. Here, she shows 17 selections from the past 10 years of work.

Having also suffered a stroke in 2000, one could say it’s been an eventful span of time, with some serious ups and downs.

These large-scale abstract oils on canvas reveal a seasoned artist sure of herself, and not afraid to take chances. The vast majority of these works are done with varying degrees of pale pinks set on white fields. These pink and white areas drift closer and closer toward white as the viewer moves away from them. Given enough distance, in some works the pinks all but disappear completely.

This playful, teasing manner draws the viewer in closer for a look at what is alluded to, but can’t be fully seen or comprehended. We all know how powerful that sort of psychological hook and lure can be in the sexual arena, and it’s no less effective here. You want to see more, and you move in closer like a moth to a flame.

Smail also displays a tantalizing awareness and playful use of the edges in her images. It’s one of those rare-air qualities that tends to separate the best from the also-rans.

“Wild Grass is so Easy” from 1998 is the only pre-stroke piece in this show. At that time pink represented love for Smail.

While this piece seems to be a loosely rendered pink gingham pattern, it is in fact a grid based on the soft inside of the arm.

The part of a man’s arm women tend to grab when walking together. For Smail the image speaks of love for her husband.

After her stroke, Smail lost her ability to speak for some time, and her pinks came to represent silence. Those pinks were overlaid or juxtaposed with dense, simple black markings, yielding an effect akin to a shout in a quiet empty room. The combination of these two devices make up the body of her later day works.

My favorite piece here is the canvas titled “Howling Mongrel” (2004). Here we see a white and pink toned triangular grid work, overlaid with a solid, black sharp-edged circle clipped at the right edge of the picture field. In the left center of the image, we see a connected series of 11 loosely rendered empty circles quickly executed with poured or dripped black paint. Visually they read as speech balloons, as seen in comic strips. Each speech balloon has its own character, each with a degree of boldness, size and sloppiness.

Clearly this is a network of sorts, and the black circle is not part of it. In fact, this network seems to erroneously relate to and

be about the black circle. It’s the perfect metaphor for a vicious rumor mill bearing false witness against their neighbor. The further away from the source, these speech balloons become bolder and sloppier, in the same way rumors become more and more ridiculous the further removed they are from their target of derision.

Humorously, the solid black figure seems to be literally exiting stage right, leaving this evil web of mendacity to its own devices. The phrase “Give them enough rope, and they’ll hang themselves” comes to mind, and in fact, the speech balloons do resemble nooses of a fashion. It is, of course, altogether a concept based on emptiness and insecurity, finding empty validation and comfort in the exclusion of another. (Oh, if only we had all graduated from high school ...)

One of the great things about abstraction is it leaves the door wide open for personal interpretation, and this piece is the epitome of such a notion. The pink triangle has had gay connotations since Hitler’s Nazi purges, and as such, the connection here is difficult to side step.

For me, it’s all about sexual orientation, wrongful persecution and self-absorbed idiots who can’t tell a straight guy from a gay guy. But this image would also be the perfect embodiment of the Silence = Death movement. Talk about AIDS and live, or remain silent and die.

Similarly, this image could be taken as a metaphor for racism. African Americans might see it as a cable of European Americans excluding them, and forcing them to live on the margins of society.

Conversely, someone might see it as a fearful band of Caucasians closing ranks in anticipation of a coming wave of black rights and power.

However you interpret it, it’s a wonderful piece of art that has a definite sense of bipolar inclusion and exclusion, exposing human nature at its weakest and most sordid point.  The Northern Virginia Art Beat is compiled by Kevin Mellema. See www. fcnp.com for photos and more. To e-mail submissions, send them to kevinmellema@ gmail.com.

BLACK NOOSES OF GOSSIP: “HOWLING MONGREL,” by Jo Smail, is a visual exploration of human interaction.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Mt. Daniel Holds Its Fall Back-to-School Night

F.C. Schools Caters to Local ‘Grown-ups’

On Thursday, Sept. 25, Mt. Daniel Elementary School (2328 N. Oak St., Falls Church) will host its Back-to-School Night. The event will be held at the school and begins at 7 p.m.

For more information, call 703248-5640.

Parents of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, Mt. Daniel Elementary School and George Mason High School are invited to the “grownups’”only PTA BBQ Social on Sept. 27. Held at the historic Lawton House, parents will enjoy dinner, music and fun activities to kick off the 20082009 school year. Tickets are $20 per person, and the event lasts from 6 – 9 p.m. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Connie Keith at cckeith@verizon.net.

School Board Votes to Acquire New Property The Fairfax County Public School Board has passed a motion in favor of purchasing new property. During a meeting on Sept. 18, the Board voted 11-1 to acquire property at 8111 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church.

The land and the building will be used for a central administration facility for the Fairfax County Public School system.

The purchase is in the process of being finalized.

Mary Ellen Henderson Club Visits the Elderly

Fairfax County Public Schools may be replacing its old student information system with an updated version. The Fairfax County Public School Board approved a motion to spend over $10.5 million over the next five years for the provision of a new student information system.

Edupoint Educational Systems would receive payment to create the database.

The Mary Ellen Henderson Grandparent Club will visit Sunrise Senior Living Community on Sept. 30.

Founded by Maryel Barry, a 6th grade teacher at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, in the late 1990s, the Grandparent Club strives to foster relationships between fifth, sixth and seventh grade students and the elderly residents of Sunrise. The Club travels to Sunrise once a month and meets twice a month in school, where the students make cards and crafts and send them to Sunrise residents.

Currently, the club has 20-25 members.

FCHS Interim Grades Mailed Out This Week

South County Middle Awards Design Contract

The first quarter Interim Grade report cards for Falls Church High School students will be mailed on Sept. 26. For more information, call 703-207-4000.

The design contract for South County Middle School has been given to Ballou Justice Upton Architects. The Fairfax County Public School Board

Potential New Database for Fairfax County Schools

Page 21

passed the motion in a 9-3 vote on Sept. 18. Fairfax County Public Schools will pay Ballou more than $2.5 million for the engineering and architectural plans for the school.

Bishop O’Connell Student Named Merit Semi-Finalist Brendan T. Neyland, a senior at Bishop O’Connell High School, has been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist for the Class of 2009.

J.E.B. Stuart Devotes a Week to Homecoming J.E.B. Stuart High School will kick off its Homecoming week on Monday, Sept. 29.

Throughout the week students will participate in activities designed to boost school spirit in preparation for the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 3, such as a pep rally and a bonfire.

Marshall HS Hosts Model UN Conference George C. Marshall High School’s Model United Nations (UN) Club will host the fifth annual My First Model UN Conference on Sept. 27.

Marshall’s UN Club has invited 250 students from public, parochial and private schools in the Washington, D.C. area to take part in the conference, which will focus on global warming and climate change issues.

Local schools participating in Marshall’s conference include: Lake Braddock Secondary School, Madison High School and McLean High School.

For more information, contact Marshall High School Model UN Club co-sponsor Tom Brannan at 703-624-6791.

1 ¼ Lb Steamed

Maine Lobster Sept 12 – Oct 31

$18.95

Clyde's of Georgetown, Tysons Corner, Columbia, Reston, Mark Center, Chevy Chase, Gallery Place; Old Ebbitt Grill; Tower Oaks clydes.com Lodge; Clyde's Willow Creek Farm

TO CELEBRATE CONSTITUTION WEEK, Del. Jim Scott, left, spoke to 7th grade students at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School about his job in the House of Delegates, the importance of the Constitution and how students can get involved in the democratic process.

Students left the presentation with a greater understanding of the legislative process necessary for being an active and informed citizen. (Photo: Courtesy Rory Dippold)

Page 24

September 25 - October 1, 2008

much of Baghdad.

While media scrutiny has focused its attention on November polls for the next U.S. president, the war over the future of Iraq continues to consume lives and money.

In July 2007, Larry Kaplow, 45, a longtime resident of Falls Church, spoke with the News-Press about his experience and perspective as a reporter in Iraq.

Kaplow served as the Iraq correspondent for Cox Communications from 2003 until he moved to his current work with Newsweek in May 2007.

A year later, as the new bureau chief for Newsweek in Baghdad, Kaplow caught up with the News-Press to share the latest tales and news from the world’s most dangerous wartime city.

Much has changed since last year, said Kaplow, who noted profound changes to the war’s daily operation and conditions on the ground in Iraq.

He stressed, however, that a dubious future remains for a nation still wracked by poor services, government instability and the looming threat of Iranian power-play in Iraq, whose three main ethnicities – the Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds – are largely independent and weary of their counterparts.

The most apparent change Kaplow has noticed over the past year has been a marked decrease in internecine violence across Baghdad and Iraq. While credit goes to the surge’s ability to quell violent factions, Kaplow pointed out increasing segregation among the ethnic groups: what had been deemed a “civil war” last year has given way to ethnic cleansing of once ethnically diverse neighborhood blocks.

For his own part, Kaplow has taken on more administrative duties within Newsweek’s bureau office, but also has “more say in how the story is covered, which is a good opportunity,” said Kaplow, in an e-mail interview with the News-Press. Excerpts from the interview follow: News-Press: The last time the NewsPress caught up with you on July 18, 2007, Eisele’s article described the situation in Iraq as a “vicious civil war.” As Iraq enters the “next phase” of the war, how has that description changed?

Larry Kaplow: As it happens, July, 2007 was about the height of violence in Iraq, according to U.S. military accounts.

It was really anarchy – convoys of militia would close off streets in broad daylight and kidnap entire offices of people.

Large bombings occurred almost daily – sometimes several times a day.

Now, the sectarian violence has dropped steeply, just like most violence has across Iraq. The most important thing is that Iraqis notice it and comment on it. It’s still violent. There were several bombings and assassinations in Baghdad this week. But people feel better because it’s not as bad as it used to be. It’s all relative. But there is still deep sectarian bitterness that could flare into violence again. One of the several reasons for the decrease in sectarian fighting is that the Shiites militias largely won the battle in

NP: Last year, you were startled by “how much the security has deteriorated” in Iraq. Is there a feeling that post-surge Iraq is more secure or closer to political stability?

LK: Right, it’s better today, postsurge Iraq is safer, but there are big question marks about tomorrow. For Iraq to stabilize there has to be development on jobs, electricity, water. That might happen. Otherwise, the violence still occurring could easily escalate again and feed renewed general dissatisfaction in people’s lives. This has always been a race between efforts to put a country together and build faith in the system and the forces trying to tear it apart.

NP: Has there been progress toward securing basic services for Iraqis?

LK: Unfortunately, the services are not improving very quickly and in some areas have worsened. The state department says there’s about 9 hours of power per day in Baghdad, up from about 6.5 [hours] last year at this time, but usually even less actually gets to people’s homes and it’s very rough on them.

NP: What’s the status of the Iraqi government today? Is the political structure credible to Iraqis?

LK: They still plan on some kind of federalism but they haven’t sorted out how it will work, whether local provinces can form their own federations and such. But the main problem now is that there are nearly more than 20 areas of the country that both the Arabs and Kurds claim is theirs and want to govern. The Iraqi government is growing stronger, but it is also the scene of petty and major corruption. The court system is very weak and judges and witnesses are subject to intimidation. None of the political leaders has a lot of grass roots support and they’re basically still divided along ethnic and sectarian lines.

NP: Whether U.S. troops begin to withdraw or not, what is the outlook for U.S. contractors and reconstruction projects?

LK: The money the U.S. had for construction in Iraq has nearly all be spent or committed so the role for American contractors will be winding down unless they get contracts from the Iraqi government. They’re still around in numbers, working on military contracts, but the bulk of the U.S. funded reconstruction is done.

NP: Could you encapsulate sentiments in Iraq towards the future of the country’s stability and the U.S. war effort?

LK: They’re daring to hope because they know how much things have improved from early 2007. But they remain skeptical.

They’re very skeptical of the U.S. here and believe that America came to Iraq for its own purposes, not to help Iraqis. The failures in security and utilities reinforced their doubts.

They’re trying to assess and calculate the future. It’s important to note that the

MAKING HIS HOME in a foreign land, Kaplow has spent more than five years in Iraq since he arrived in 2003 to report for his former company Cox Communications. Now working for Newsweek as its Baghdad bureau chief, Kaplow has seen both highs and lows since his first arrival: the capture of Saddam Hussein, the increasingly volatile situation between Shiites and Sunnis across Iraq’s provinces and, most recently, the U.S. troop surge in Iraq that aimed to quell violence and stabilize the fragile country. When he has time away from Iraq, Kaplow takes one-month retreats back to the United States to visit his home and parents here in Falls Church. (Photo: Courtesy Larry Kaplow) vast majority of Iraqis who fled their homes and country have not returned – even though there is a pretty steady small stream of people returning and more are returning than leaving. (Well over 100,000 have come back – I don’t have the numbers handy – but it’s a small percentage of the millions who fled).

Refugees are watching, waiting and calculating whether they can bet their lives on Iraq. That says something about how they see the future. Then again, some say more will come back when the temperature goes down a little. It’s been a hot summer and there’s little electricity to power air conditioners.

Reporters notice the improved security and notice the moderate but significant change in Iraqi attitudes.

in stores and offices and their homes and linger an hour or so if it’s a good area.

Last year, all but a few neighborhoods were too dangerous to do anything but make the quickest drive through.

In all this, I’m talking about travel in our own civilian cars. All along, we’ve done trips everywhere with the U.S. military.

NP: You said last year that “it’s probably as hard to report from Iraq now as any other time.” Has that dangerous environment for reporters changed since last year?

LK: It’s much easier to report now but still much more restrictive than other places, even other conflict zones. As westerners, we still can’t stay in one place too long in most locations in public. You can’t sit in a restaurant and speak English in Baghdad. But you can ride around to most parts of the city now – a huge change from last year. I recently went to do some shopping in a grocery store I hadn’t been to in about 18 months (instead of sending Iraqi staff out to buy things). We can interview people

NP: How is your time as one of Newsweek’s correspondents in Iraq? Are you still coping well with the personal and professional demands?

LK: I hope so. I’ve been doing this since 2003, first with Cox Newspapers and, since May of last year, with Newsweek. The story really does just change drastically every six months or so. Look how different the questions are now than they were a year ago. It remains hard to figure out or predict and that keeps it interesting.

Newsweek’s been great to work for.

There’s a lot of big collaboration with other reporters in the states and other foreign bureaus, and that can really work well to make a story complete.

NP: Has the U.S. election played any role in Iraq?

LK: I’ve found regular Iraqis to be skeptical that either Obama or McCain will change things for them. Some Iraqi politicians have surprised me by how little they know about the two candidates and sometimes they’ve ended up asking me about their various policies.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

NP: We heard that you were on leave recently back here in the States. Was it another relaxing break from the daily grind overseas?

LK: Yes, I was back in August and have been getting back to Falls Church about every six months. We get frequent breaks from Baghdad and that really helps [us] recharge. When I get back to Virginia, I usually try not to focus on Iraq for a few days, but then I have to start reading back up on what’s going on and thinking about what I should do when I return. It doesn’t take long to fall behind on the changes here.

Otherwise, I take advantage of the many restaurants now around Falls Church that weren’t there when I grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

NP: Do have any changes in personal opinion about the current viability of the Iraq state and the success or failure of the U.S. war effort?

LK: Well, trying to speak objectively from what I see on the ground, things are much better, but I still think Iraq is going to need a lot of help. Iraqis haven’t had much control over what has happened to them and many have lost things they’ll never get back – loved ones, homes – no matter how this turns out. Much of the money the U.S. spent here did not result in tangible improvements for Iraqis.

The electricity is still awful, the water is often contaminated and scarce, despite outlays of American money that was spent very ineffectively overall – and paid through U.S. contractors.

Page 25

I think the best scenario now – and U.S. officials basically say this when you press them – would be a country that can hold itself together without spasms of ethnic cleansing and civil strife. For U.S. interests, about the best to expect in the short term – the next few years – is a country that won’t be used for Al Qaida bases and won’t pull the neighboring countries into some regional war or chaos. That’s what U.S. officials warn of when they say the U.S. can’t have a rushed disengagement from Iraq. But it will still have a lot of problems, including human rights abuses, corruption, weak rule of law and strong influence and meddling from Iran next door.

In the command hand-off ceremony the other day from Gen. David Petraeus to Gen. Ray Odierno, they repeatedly stressed how fragile and unfinished things are here. That doesn’t mean troops can’t be withdrawn at some rate. With the right diplomacy with Iraqi leaders and the neighbors – including Iran – it might help to pull soldiers out quicker. But it will take a lot of attention. It won’t be pretty here for a long time and could get really ugly again.

NP: What does the future hold for you; more time in Iraq?

LK: I expect I’ll still be doing this next year at this time, though by then I might be thinking of the next step. I do have some interest in following this through farther but I’m also interested in reporting from other parts of the world.

Page 30

September 18 - 24, 2008

Neil LaBute’s “Lakeview Terrace” is a film about a black cop who makes life hell for an interracial couple that moves in next door. It will inspire strong reactions among its viewers, including outrage. It is intended to. LaBute often creates painful situations that challenge a character’s sense of decency.

This time he does it within the structure of a thriller, but the questions are there all the same.

For example, the neighbor, Abel Turner, is a bitter racist.

He has his reasons, but don’t we all. It is one mark of a sociopath to try to cure his wounds by harming others. The decent person does not visit his obsessions and prejudices upon his neighbor, but is enjoined to love

Abel Turner Samuel L. Jackson Chris Mattson .... Patrick Wilson Lisa Mattson Kerry Washington Javier Villareal .. Jay Hernandez Screen Gems presents a film directed by Neil LaBute. Produced

by James Lassiter and Will Smith.

Written by David Loughery and Howard Korder. Photographed

him as he does himself. Since Turner (Samuel L. Jackson) may hate himself, of course that is a problem.

But take a step back. What if all the races were switched?

If the neighbor were white, the husband next door black, his wife white? Same script. It would be the story of a sociopathic white racist. It might be interesting, but it would have

by Rogier Stoffers. Edited by Joel Plotch. Music by Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna.

Running time: 110 minutes.

Classified: PG-13 (for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references).

trouble getting made. The casting of Jackson as the neighbor creates a presumption of innocence that some will hold onto longer than the story justifies.

Don’t think for a moment that LaBute doesn’t know audience members will be thinking about that switch of identities. He wants us to. All of his films feature nasty people who challenge nasty thoughts or fears within ourselves. Is this movie racist for making the villain black, or would it be equally racist by making the villain white? Well?

What’s your answer?

Jackson, a Los Angeles police veteran, lives on Lakeview Terrace, a crescent of comfortable suburbia in the hills of the city. The lots are pie-shaped, so the houses are placed close together, but the lots open out into big back yards. Into the house next door, newcomers arrive: Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson) and his wife, Lisa (Kerry Washington). They seem fairly recently married, happy.

Turner starts slow, dropping some subtly hostile remarks, and then escalates his war on this couple. I will not describe his words and actions, except to say he pushes buttons that make the Mattsons first outraged, then fearful, then angry -- at him and each other.

Take another step back.

Mattson’s father-in-law, a successful attorney, is ... cool and civil toward his daughter’s white husband. Mattson’s own parents, his wife observes, “are always making a point of telling me how much they love me.”

Why make that a special point?

Because they do, or because they don’t? What do you think?

Lisa’s father asks Chris pointblank: “Are you planning to have children with my daughter?” Is he eager to become a grandfather? Doesn’t sound like it.

Well, are they having kids?

Lisa wants to get pregnant right now. Chris says, “We have an agreement to wait awhile.”

Why wait awhile? Because that makes sense while they’re getting their feet on the ground? Or because he’s ambivalent about his wife? You decide. Even if

September 18 - 24, 2008

Page 31

S HOST TOWN (Comedy, PG-13, 102 minutes). Ricky Gervais is so funny in “Ghost Town” because he doesn’t want to appear funny. “Ghost Town” is a lightweight rom-com elevated by its performances. It is a reminder that the funniest people are often not comedians, but actors playing straight in funny roles. Rating: Three stars.

be handled with quiet empathy, and hammers us with it. It tells the story of a 13-year-old Lebanese-American girl (Summer Bishil) who is raped by the man next door (Aaron Eckhart) and otherwise makes a troubled discovery of her sexuality. Written and directed by Alan Ball (who wrote “American Beauty”), who thrashes about in a plot too transgressive for his skills. Awkward, cringe-inducing and painful. Rating: Two stars.

H

T

G

OUNDDOG (Drama, R, 93 minROUBLE THE WATER utes). Dakota Fanning takes an (Documentary, not rated, 93 R OLAND (MACAULAY CULKIN) (LEFT), MARY (JENA MALONE), impressive step forward in her AND CASSANDRA minutes). docARTISTS had' COMEDY an (EVA AMURRIThis ) IN UNITED AVED!" © 2004 - UNITED ARTISTS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED career, but that’s about the only good "Seyewitness to Hurricane Katrina thing about “Hounddog.” The reigning in the city’s Ninth Ward, DURING child star, now 14, handles a painful role the storm. Her name was Kimberly with great assurance, even in a rape Roberts. She was 24. A week earlier, scene. But her character is surrounded she had purchased a video camera by a swamp of worn-out backwoods from a street hustler for $20 a week.

Southern cliches that can’t be rescued She filmed the experiences of her even by the other accomplished actors family before, during and after the in the cast. With David Morse, Piper storm. Her footage is surrounded by Laurie, Robin Wright Penn and Afemo professionally filmed material that Omilami. Rating: Two stars. explains what happened, but the eyewitness footage has a desperate urgency that surpasses any other OWELHEAD (Drama, R, 128 minutes). “Towelhead” pres- news and doc footage I have seen.

Rating: Four stars. ents material that cries out to

T SAMUEL L. JACKSON AS ABEL TURNER in “Lakeview Terrace.” (PHOTO: © 2008 SCREEN GEMS) waiting does “make sense,” are his feelings worthy of their marriage? Even while making a superb thriller, LaBute makes the film more than that. It deals with one of his themes, the difficult transition from prolonged adolescence to manhood, a journey Chris takes in the film. It is not easy. Many of the steps are contrary to his nature.

LaBute ingeniously poses moral choices in all of his films.

In his first great picture, “In the Company of Men,” about a cruel office worker who plays a trick on a deaf woman, does the villain gain more pleasure by hurting her, or forcing his passive male co-worker to act against his own better nature?

Both? Why does the co-worker go along? Timidity? Buried aggression? Homoerotic feelings for his buddy? See? On top of all these questions, LaBute constructs a tightly wound story that also involves crude male bonding at an LAPD bachelor party, sexual humiliation, attempted rape (not

by Chris or Turner), a cat-andmouse game with cell phones, and a violent conclusion during which we must decide if Chris is right about Turner, or wrong, or just discovering how to push HIS buttons. I’m surprised by the PG-13 rating.

It’s a challenging journey LaBute takes us on. Some will find it exciting. Some will find it an opportunity for an examination of conscience. Some will leave feeling vaguely uneasy.

Some won’t like it and will be absolutely sure why they don’t, but their reasons will not agree.

Some will hate elements that others can’t even see. Some will only see a thriller. I find movies like this alive and provoking, and I’m exhilarated to have my thinking challenged at every step of the way.

The effect is only intensified by the performances, especially

by Jackson, who for such a nice man can certainly play vicious.

Kerry Washington’s character, in my mind, takes the moral high ground, although it’s a little muddy. Her beauty and vulnerability are called for. Patrick Wilson plays a well-meaning man who is challenged to his core and never thought that would happen. I think I know who is good and bad or strong and weak in this film. But here’s the brilliance of it: I don’t know if they do.

(Lake View Terrace is the name of the street where Rodney King was arrested and beaten.

This film mentions King and uses the street name, but not the location.)

EX AND THE CITY (Comedy, R, 145 m., 2008). The continuing stories of the four consumerist Gal Pals from the HBO series, who scarcely have a witty line among them and march with curious banality through awkward situations involving “turista,” broken hearts, masturbating dogs, designer labels, lust, runaway cell phones and misunderstandings. Probably just the movie fans of the HBO series are hoping for. With Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Chris Noth as the stolid and distant Mr. Big. A newcomer, Jennifer Hudson as Parker’s assistant, is the warmest and most human character in the movie. Rating: Two stars.

D

ECEPTION (Thriller, R, 108 m., 2008). “Deception” -which, deceptively, has been tracked under such aliases as “The List,” “The Tourist,” “Manipulation” (in France) and “Untitled Hugh Jackman Project” -- trades in the title commodity, and you don’t believe a second of it. Meek, bespectacled auditor Jonathan McQuarry (as in McVictim, played by Ewan McGregor) meets suave, predatory lawyer Wyatt Bose (Jackman) in a conference room late one night.

The former finds himself on “The List,” the envy of Eliot Spitzers everywhere, which involves hot Wall Street babes calling him for anonymous sex at ritzy hotels. Oh, but it’s never that simple, is it?

Rating: One star. (Jim Emerson)

L

EATHERHEADS (Comedy, PG-13, 114 m., 2008). George Clooney stars in and directs this slapstick, screwball romantic comedy about the birth of “professional” football in the Midwest in 1925. John Krasinski is the warhero star of the Duluth Bulldogs, and Renee Zellweger is the wily Chicago reporter who’s out to write an expose that will cook the Boy Wonder’s goose. The script is less than effervescent, but as a director and an actor, Clooney’s got it all: smarts, wit, timing, a winning face, a good eye -- hell, he’s probably even got great legs. Rated: Three stars.

(Jim Emerson)

R

UN FATBOY RUN (Comedy, PG-13, 100 m., 2008). David Schwimmer, best known for the TV sitcom “Friends,” makes his feature film directorial debut with this formulaic, unfunny and forgettable romantic comedy starring Simon Pegg (“Hot Fuzz,” “Shaun of the Dead”) as a guy who dumped his pregnant wife at the altar and decides five years later than she’s the one for him after all. Hank Azaria plays a nice guy who -- surprise!

-- turns out to be not so nice, and Thandie Newton at least looks pretty in her throwaway role as the object of Pegg’s affections. Rating: One and a half stars. (Teresa Budasi)

S

PEED RACER (Action, PG, 129 m., 2008). The cheaply produced 1960s Japanese anime TV series has been reproduced as a $100 million Wachowski brothers feature that, at two hours and nine minutes, is about two hours too long, give or take. The motion picture, which stops by theaters briefly on its way to DVD and video console, captures (almost) all the chintziness, inexpressiveness

Continued on Page 32

Page 32

Continued from Page 31 and incoherence of the TV show.

That is an achievement, no doubt.

Yet some of us would rather just re-rent “Tron” (1982), which was not only a more immersive, dimensional and original take on the Commodore 64 video-graphic sensibility, but funnier and more exciting. With images of Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox and Christina Ricci. Rating: One and a half stars. (Jim Emerson)

September 18 - 24, 2008

M

ADE OF HONOR (Romantic comedy, PG-13, 101 m., 2008). Despite the charm of Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan, this formulaic, stale comedy is really nothing more than a rehash of “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” This time, Dempsey tackles the Julia Roberts role as the best friend who suddenly realizes he’s losing his true soul mate to another.

Rating: Two stars. (Bill Zwecker)

Y

O U N G @ H E A R T (Documentary, PG, 107 m., 2008). Stephen Walker’s documentary about a chorus of performers in their 80s and 90s, shows that

no one has more reason to stick it to the man than people who are most defiantly not going gently into that good night. This is not your grandfather’s choir. Instead of singing songs from their youth like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” or “Sentimental Journey,” these folks tap their orthopedic shoes, tug along an oxygen tank and slam into the music of their greatgrandchildren’s generation. They’ve gone straight from 78s to iPods, literally without skipping a beat. Their rock is stirring, deeply moving, finally transcendent. Rating: Three and a half stars. (Nell Minow) (c) 2008 The Ebert Co.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

y

Frida

Page 29

When the men of acoustic rock duo Jackopierce decided to part ways in 1997 it was a fairly familiar story from the music world: Successful band splits up to pursue different directions individually. Of course, it was a second split that provided the unusual twist that brought Jack O’Neill and Cary Pierce back together.

“It was just a general malaise,” Pierce says of the band’s initial breakup. “The majority of divorces are caused by people falling out of love. It’s just not happy anymore.”

It’s a concept with which Pierce is all too familiar. In 2002, he was in the midst of a self-described tumultuous divorce.

But it was within those painful circumstances, that Jackopierce’s former manager began pushing a reunion. At first, Pierce had considered it a pipe dream. Pierce was pursuing a solo career and working in production in Nashville — where he still works today with the likes of Creede Williams, Chris Tomlin and Katie Mariah.

Meanwhile, O’Neill fulfilled his lifelong desire to move to New York, putting his drama degree to use working for The Bat Theater Company.

But as he rummaged through his belongings, clearing out his house in preparation to sell it, Pierce received another call about giving Jackopierce a second shot and decided to take the plunge. Soon they were spinning ideas for a reunion show with Vertical Horizon backing them up.

Jackopierce was back.

“I love playing solo,” Pierce says, noting his shows at Jammin’ Java once a year.

“But something more magical happens when we play together.”

Originally, the duo had soared to success through wide circulation on college campuses (a la Dave Matthews Band and The Samples), selling 400,000 albums before their breakup in 1997. But Pierce admits he was apprehensive about the turnout for their reunion.

“Part of you thinks that everyone forgot about you,” he says. “Even super groups reuniting, they’re a little afraid. What if nobody comes? Our career is based on the

ay

d Satur

30 ay

Sund

JACKOPIERCE (PHOTO: COURTESY FRESH AND CLEAN MEDIA)

general public supporting us and if they don’t, our career doesn’t happen.”

His fears proved unfounded. The first show sold out and the results were similar for the remainder of the tour, with lines of eager fans running down the sidewalk outside the venues.

On the stage, things were just as good.

Both Pierce and O’Neill put the past behind them and were ready to move on.

“We were up there in front of a hundred people or so and Jack came over, leaned in and just said ‘Hey man, I’m sorry’ and I said ‘I’m sorry too,’” Pierce recalls. “And that was it. That’s the dynamic. That’s been the way the magic happens for us.”

On Saturday, Jackopierce plays the Birchmere, and when they do, they’ll be celebrating their release of new album Promise of Summer. It’s the first original album from the group since Finest Hour in 1996. During the week of its release, the album reached No. 7 on the iTunes Rock chart and No. 41 for all genres, but more notable is the new dynamic through which the album was created.

“We never really wrote together that much. We did a little editing on each other, but this time around Jack was really willing to let me in and change stuff around,” Pierce says. “He had some comments on my songs, and when he said something, I listened because I know he’s not flippant about it either.”

The pristine harmonies and sunny effervescence that typified their early work is back in full force on the new album, with songs like the country-tinged “Everything I’m Not” and the bright-stringed title track inducing involuntary urges to turn the volume up.

“It’s top down music, it’s road trip music,” Pierce says, admitting he often draws from the same territory when he writes. “I’m always kind of rewriting that same story of a summertime romance.”

The ballads, well, they come from somewhere else.

“That sorrowful place, going through a painful divorce. I’ve been really able to draw on that.”

So, while one relationship fizzled for Pierce, it helped renew another one, for which Jackopierce fans are extremely grateful.

“Jack and I get along better than we ever have,” Pierce says. “We have really good respect for each other. I’ve got respect for his art and I think he’s got respect for how hard I work at this.”

• Jackopierce plays the Birchmere Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $27.50. For more information on Jackopierce, visit www.jackopierce.com.

Page 30

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Restaurant Spotlight

of the

Week

The Originial Pancake House

Ledo Pizza Restaurant & Pub Anthony’s Restaurant 309 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-532-0100 • Type of Food: Greek, American & Italian Cuisine • Features: Breakfast (Sat. & Sun. Only) • Hours: Mon. - Thur. -10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. -12 a.m., Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 a.m., Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Panjshir 924 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-5364566 • Features: Authentic Afghan Cuisine • Hours: Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dinner, 5 - 10 p.m.

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

Pilin 116 W. Broad St., Falls Church • www.pilinthairestaurant.com • 703-241-5850 • Features: Authentic Thai Cuisine • Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 - 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat., 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., 5 - 11 p.m., Sun. 5 - 9 p.m.

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

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant 6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • 703237-3888; 2153 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna • 703-319-3888 • www.crystalsunflower.com • Type of Food: 99% vegan • Features: Japanese, Chinese, Continental • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

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

Narita Sushi & Rice Bowl

Velocity Five

8417 Old Courthouse Road (accross from Residence Inn), Vienna • 703-893-2008 • Type of Food: Sushi • Features: Lunch & Dinner Box specials • Hours: Mon.–Thur. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 4 - 10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 4 - 10:30 p.m., Sat. noon - 10:30 p.m., Sun. noon - 9:30 p.m.

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

Falls Church News-Press Restaurant Guide Rates: $350 for 3 Months • $600 for 6 Months • $1000 for 1 Year

PATRONS PACK IN for stacks at The Original Pancake House in Falls Church. (Photo: News-Press)

By Amanda Cheek It felt like home. The familiar sounds of clinking glasses, plates and silverware filled my ears. The hustle bustle of tables being bussed and the sweet smell of syrup and fried eggs felt like a diner. It was clear that everyone walking out the door had loosened their belts in contentment.

The Original Pancake House's eclectic theme battled old versus new, with modern art hanging on the walls and stainless steel light fixtures hung against a backdrop of teal and black, 50s-style booths and humble wooden tables. Painted railings and a loft-like ceiling on one side of the restaurant left this rather small space comfortably open. One thing that held true to the non-stop breakfast appeal of this place was that even at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday, patrons were packed together elbow to elbow for the brunch-time fixings.

One thing that was quite evident was that this was a restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere, down-to-earth vibe, and free of even an ounce of pretentiousness.

Everyone was there for one thing and one thing only — breakfast.

The Original Pancake House doesn’t cut any corners, with at least 18 varieties of pancakes — from pecan to pumpkin and blueberry to banana, and of course, the old-fashioned buttermilk. They also offer seven kinds of crepes and waffles. And if you like a meal where your stomach can’t catch up to the amount of food your eyes take in, they offer several traditional bacon and egg or sausage combinations.

These combos also came with buttermilk pancakes that can be upgraded to any kind your heart desires, or can handle, in full or half stacks.

Of course, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. When my order arrived, before me sat bacon, eggs and a split stack of potato pancakes, served with sour cream and apple sauce on the side. The other half stack was piled high with chocolate chips with a side of whipped cream. Expecting the typical restaurant-sized status quo of bacon and powdery eggs, my breakfast dreams were surpassed by two perfectly made-to-order fried eggs and three thick strips of bacon, more comparable to sliced Christmas ham than your run-of-the-mill bacon.

The four potato cakes — salty, delicious, crispy — while only comparable by the other side-orders on steroids, did not disappoint in quality. My chocolate chip half stack was beautifully served with powdered sugar, with chocolate chips on top instead of within the cakes. These seemed to end up as more of my dessert than anything else. The pancakes themselves were extremely moist and sweet, as if extra sugar had been added just for these in particular. For anyone with a 24-hour sweet tooth, or that loves to sneak sweets for breakfast, this was the most shameless indulgence that I’ve ever partaken in.

Three continental crepes ($7.50) were the specialty that my guest ordered, with a tropical theme of sweet honey syrup and sour cream filling. Those, with no other sides, he was able to finish. I, on the other hand, left with two boxes filled with bacon and most of both types of cakes.

The bill didn't do much damage either at $30 and change, considering the generous quality-to-quantity ratio of large portions of bacon, eggs and pancakes for about $8.25, crepes, coffee and drinks. If you’re looking to quench a craving for home-style eggs and bacon and a breakfast pastry that leaves you asking for the secret recipe, The Original Pancake House is your desired destination.

The Original Pancake House 370 W. Broad St. Falls Church, Va. 22046 Sunday — Saturday: 7 - 3 a.m.

703-891-0148

Page 32

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Level: 1 3

2 4

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

9/28/08

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

ACROSS 1. Pixar garbage collector of 2008 6. “It’s all gone!”

10. Let (up) 14. Columbia and Cornell, e.g.

15. Guadalajara greeting 16. Look inside?

17. Didn’t participate, with “out” 18. Not a copy: Abbr.

19. Cruise stop 20. It may be found in front of a saloon ... or a punny clue for 64-Across 23. Jazz’s Fitzgerald 24. Prepares for a massive stroke?

25. “That’s more than I need to know,” in text-messaging 28. Florence-to-Rome dir.

29. “Good Will Hunting” sch.

30. Warn 32. Hoedown move 35. Fictional mariner and others 36. Where a car might be when it’s “in the shop” ... or a punny clue for 64-Across 39. Singer Lena 40. “Turn! Turn! Turn!” songwriter Pete 41. Champagne and orange juice cocktail 43. LAX listing 44. Second ltr. addendum 47. Based ____ true story 48. “Don’t worry about me” 51. General Robt. ____ 52. Amtrak stop in Washington D.C. ... or a punny clue for 64-Across 54. Teri of “Tootsie” 57. Supermodel Taylor 58. Broken piece 59. They’ve got a lot of pull 60. Not mint 61. Counting word 62. They’re made by maids 63. 13-Down woe 64. See 20-, 36- or 52-Across

Down 1. Genie’s offerings 2. Helps 3. Chicken ____ 4. Nikon rival

THE QUIGMANS Buddy Hickerson

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

23 29

30

32 36

33

34

37

13

25

26

27

44

45

46

31 35

38

39

40

41

42

47

48

43 49

50

52 54

12

22

24

28

11

55

51 53

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

© 2008 David Levinson Wilk

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

crossword / By David Levinson Wilk

Across

5. Bk. of the Bible named

33. Emmy winner Ruby 34. City near Camp 6. all gone!"

6. "It's Speech study Pendleton 7. Sign wrong?

36. “____ conclusion ...”

10.

Let (up) 8. Turns over, as a pancake 37. Humorist Bombeck 14. Columbia and Cornell, e.g.

9. Touch with one’s mitt 38. “Snowy” bird 15. Guadalajara greeting 10. Leave 39. Grp. with a copay 16.

11. Look “____inside? gratia artis” 42. It tops a B 12. Didn't Mineoparticipate, of movieswith "out" 44. Flexible 17.

13. Not Ophthalmologist’s 45. City on the Illinois River 18. a copy: Abbr. study 21. Answer to “Who’s there?” 46. Fax user 19. Cruise stop 22. Record player 49. Impose (upon) 20. may be foundwork in front of a saloon or a way punnytoclue 25. ItVoluminous 50....One singfor 64-Across 23.

26. Jazz's “Dial Fitzgerald ____ Murder” 51. Waters of gospel 27. Prepares Hypotheticals 24. for a massive stroke? 52. Holders of ashes 29.

Becomes 53.inRiding the waves 25. "That's moresomeone’s than I need to know," text-messaging roommate, say 54. Soft mass 28. Florence-to-Rome dir.

31. Nedved of the NHL 55. Send packing 29.

Will nemesis Hunting" sch.

32. "Good Early 007 56. Bloodshot 1.

Pixar garbage collector of 2008 after a woman

30. Warn

Last Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

32. Hoedown move

R A T R S K

A C C O S T S

S H U S H E S

S N D U S N

I N I O I D S S A N T A H A O C M P E A I P N E A G

R E V L I I S G E N D

A M E M O I R

N K E R A A U N N S T H Y E S

I D S A A I L A S L M A S K I I S G O N S T N W E A T H W H E U N I C O S F E R A T U R E D R T B E E S Z E E S E E I S N A R N N O N O G S N

I D T I I P A E R A T O R

P R E N U P S

A P N O O W

nick knack

© 2008 N. F. Benton

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 33

When I was a teenager, one of our fads was to use a beer tap handle on our car’s gearshift lever. Mine said “Schlitz.”

That wasn’t nostalgic at the time. Schlitz, which called itself “The beer that made Milwaukee famous,” was the top-selling beer for much of the first six decades of the 20th Century. In the latter half, some bad business decisions and some tinkering with the recipe spelled disaster for the taste and, ultimately, the brand.

Pabst Brewing Co., which bought the rights to the Schlitz name and original recipe from Stroh’s in 1999, is trying for a comeback of the once-icon beer, using the old formula and lots of tips from former brewmasters.

“We believe that Schlitz was, if not ‘the,’ one of the most iconic brands of the 20th century,” Pabst President Kevin Kotecki told the Associated Press. “And there’s still a lot of people who have very positive, residual memories about their experience.

For many of them it was the first beer they drank and we wanted to give it back to those consumers.”

So far, local consumer reaction is strong. Many Milwaukee stores have sold out of Schlitz, and some are limiting purchases.

For a bit more on the history of Schlitz, go online to www. schlitzgusto.com/history.asp. *** When patrons showed up at the Windsor Castle pub in Maidenhead, England, last week to watch England vs. Croatia in a World Cup soccer qualifier and quaff beer, they had to be patient. Not with the TV set, but with the drink supply.

Turns out a truck carrying 12 barrels of beer had mistakenly tried to deliver the load to a place five miles away. That other Windsor Castle. The one with a queen in it.

Once guards at Queen Elizabeth’s abode determined that no such shipment was expected, they called around and found out the pub was in need of its beer.

“It was a silly mistake. These things can happen. The barrels did eventually arrive, about three hours late, so there was no problem,” pub landlord Misko Coric told reporters.

“We have received mail for the royal household here before, but I think this is the first time they have received anything meant for us,” he said. *** More than 15,000 people attended the annual Oktoberfest that began in Manila, The Philippines, last week.

While it beat the arrival of October by 25 days, it was intentional scheduling to create a 120-day Oktoberfest to be held in several major cities rather than the traditional 16-day event. That may not be a record in itself, but the event’s organizers are claiming a pair of world records: The longest bar and the largest toast.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the length of San Miguel Avenue in Mandaluyong City was blocked off and lined with steel sheets to form a bar 603.5 meters long.

The existing Guinness Book of World Records record is 220 meters, set in Taiwan.

The current record of 13,000 guests toasting with a glass of beer is held by Las Vegas. The Manila event got 15,000 to do the same.

Now what’s left in the process if to have an independent third party, usually Guinness, check and verify the statistics.  William M. Dowd covers the adult beverage industry online at BillDowd.com.

Need Exercise?

Don’t want to join a gym?

TRY PERSONAL TRAINING!

LCS Fitness Personal Training and Yoga

Private, friendly, studio.

Individual or group training, seniors, yoga.

Linda Crump, CPT 703-309-8500

linda@lcsfitness.com www.lcsfitness.com

Call Linda for a Complimentary Consultation

Regular readers of this column know that I am a proponent of small ball poker which is characterized by low pre-flop raises and restrained betting on the flop. In small ball poker, the investment before the flop is minimal compared to the size of the average chipstack.

Say, for example, that you have 10,000 in chips with the blinds at 100-200. A pre-flop raise to 500 is the right size for small ball poker, representing a mere five percent of your stack and 2 ½ times the big blind.

Sure you could raise more but I generally prefer to risk fewer chips on speculative hands before the flop.

In a deep-stack cash game, however, that type of bet just wouldn’t be big enough to have any chance at stealing blinds and antes.

Let’s take a look at GSN’s High Stakes Poker where play starts with $300-$600 blinds plus a $100 ante. In this deep-stack cash game, where players routinely buy-in for at least $100,000 in real cash, no one would fold to a standard small ball $1,500 preflop bet (2 ½ times the big blind) when there’s already $1,800 in blinds and antes up for grabs.

Knowing that, you should make a few adjustments to your game when playing in deep-stack games like increasing both the size of pre-flop raises and the size of bets on the flop. Going back to the previous example, a raise to about $2,000 to $2,400 just might do the trick. You’ll have a better chance to pick up the blinds and antes and will also force loose opponents to pay extra when they decide to play trash hands hoping to catch a big flop.

Let’s go back to the standard small ball raise but this time in tournament play.

The standard 2 ½ times the big blind small ball raise -$1,500 when blinds are $300$600 -- is much more likely to be successful in tournaments because players are forced to play with caution. Also, players won’t typically have a robust stack of chips in front of them; to call a $1,500 bet would likely risk a significant percentage of a player’s chipstack.

You see, calling any raise in a tournament is an important decision that demands careful consideration. That’s not necessarily true in a deep-stack cash game where a typical small ball bet would probably account for an insignificant percentage of the average chipstack.

Playing deep-stack no limit hold’em is a very complex game where the most critical and dif-

ficult decisions come after the flop.

That’s not the case in small buy-in games.

In those games, players often have only one betting question to ponder: Do I shove all-in on the flop or do I wait until the turn?

You’ll rarely see players deliberating that question in a deep-stack cash game like High Stakes Poker. That decision is much more common in a World Poker Tour event where blinds and antes escalate rapidly.

I find that it’s in deep-stack games where the best players have the greatest playing advantage. Obviously, these experienced players are skilled in the fundamentals of pre-flop and flop play. But it’s in deep-stack

games w h e r e t h e y reveal their true expertise on the turn and the river. That’s when a whole other level of poker intelligence is required.

Deep-stack games like High Stakes Poker are the favorites among both poker pros and avid fans of televised poker. In these games, the most talented players shine and the most exciting action takes place.  Online poker training is now available from Daniel Negreanu.

Visit www.PokerVT.com. © 2008 Card Shark Media. All rights reserved.

Planning P lanning for All Ages & Alll Neeeds ds

Estate Plannin Planning Special Needs eds Planning Wills & Trusts

Guardianship Guardianships Probate Trustee or Agent Services

NEEDHAM MITNICK & POLLACK

PLC

400 S. MAPLE AVENUE, SUITE 210, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 703-536-7778

WWW.NMPATTORNEYS.COM

INFO@NMPATTORNEYS.COM

Page 34

September 25 - October 1, 2008

“When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a greater thought of PEACE. A thought of hatred must be destroed by a more powerful thought of love.”

The Baha’i Writings Weekly Devotional Gatherings All Welcome

The Baha’is of Falls Church

1-800-22-UNITE

www.us.bahai.org

Foxes Music

Free yyour inner

PRIVA7( /(66216 Ć '(*5((' TEACHERS ALL INSTR80(176 Ć $// 67</(6 Ć $// A*(S

musician!

Yard Sales HUGE MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE Household, furniture, baby equipment,

toys, kids clothes, small appliances, electronics, etc. Saturday 9/27 8am - 12pm; rain date 10/4.

Graham Road UMC Preschool, 2929 Graham Road, Falls Church, between Rt. 50 and Rt. 29.

No early birds.

MOVING SALE Sat. Sept 27th 2008, moving/yard sale 500 block of Greenwich Street.

Furniture, clothes, toys, housewares. Rain date Sunday 9/28/08. 8am-noon.

MULTI-FAMILY BLOW-OUT YARD SALE! Sept. 27 9 AM – 3 PM Great stuff: Antiques, collectibles, linens, patio/other furniture, kitchen, garden & utility & other household items, adult clothing, girl’s clothes (ages 7-11) and toys, children’s books, videos, more! Garden Court, Falls Church 22046 No early birds please!

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE Saturday,

STUD U Y WITH US U !

416 SOUTH WASHINGTON ST., FALLS CHURCH

703-533-7393 /(66216 Ć 6$/(6 Ć 5(1T$/6 Ć 5(PAIRS

* tIckets $16-20! save uP to $22 Per tIcket SPEcial OPENiNg Night OffEr thurSday, SEPtEmbEr EPtEmbEr r 25, 7 7Pm

9/27 9am-2pm. Toys, Baby clothes, tools, more!

Dozen households. Maps with participating houses provided. Hillwood community between Route 50 and Hillwood Avenue just west of Seven Corners - look for signs!

For Sale FIREWOOD Seasoned Oak. Free Delivery. (703)623-0101

$199/Cord.

DRIVERS: Exp’d & Inexp’d - Local CDL-A Career Training Swift Transportation Trains and Employs!

Dedicated, Regional & OTR Fleets.

800-397-2423

SECURITY OFFICERS

Alexandria/Fairfax area must work night and weekends full-time experienced preferred.

(703) 765-0407. DCJS Lic. 11-1027.

For Rent MECHANIC OR DETAIL SHOP FOR RENT Two car garage available for car related business / or storage. Location: Falls Church, 703-964-6457

ROOM FOR RENT Non Smoker to share house in FC. Metro & bus nearby, Cable & internet. Call 703-798-4743

Services CHILD CARE

DULLES TOWN CENTER IntersectIon of routes 7 & 28 Use Promotional Code OPEN online, by phone or at the Big Top Box Office!

buy online at or call

bigapplecircus.org

(888) 541-3750

*offer good on select seat locations for 9/25 performance only. Must present this ad to receive discount at the box office.

Performance schedule subject to change. offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.this offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. no refunds or exchanges.telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

In association with

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

COMPUTER REPAIR SERVICES

Davis Computers Home/Business Computer Repairs Laptop/Desktop Sales and Installation Consultations and Rates/Data Recovery WebDesign and Networking Great On-Site Service Guaranteed! Tony K. Davis 202-640-9011

FAMILY SEEKS DRIVER Experienced

care giver to pick up children from school in Dc, Drive to activities and home to Falls Church in Family Car. Must be legal, Have good driving record and license. Great PT Job; Call Mary 703-216-4068

GIT RID OF IT For Removal of Junk, Trash, Yard Debris, Appliances, Furniture & Estate clean-ups. Call 703-533-0094. We will beat most competitors prices!

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

HALLOWEEN DECOR! Spook

out your house with handmade decorations of your choosing. Perfect for all Halloween occasions! Call 703-380-9093.

GET

NOTICED!

in the News-Press

HOUSE

CLEANING

50¢ each additional word Add a box - $10

Deadline: 2 p.m. Tuesdays

SERVICE

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

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

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. Low rates. Good references. Call Dolores 571/232-1091.

(two days before publication)

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

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

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

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

String stretched out? Call Hazel (703-901-3738) for a costume jewelry repair estimate. Visit www. ofallthebeads.com

MORALES LANDSCAPE & LAWN CARE LLC Fall Clean up, Leaf removal, Brick

Help Wanted

experienced helper. Dixie Sheet Metal. 703-533 -1111.

SEPT 25 – OCT 13

$20 for up to 20 words

JEWELRY REPAIRS Broken clasp?

HELP WANTED Sheet Metal Mechanic or

orrow! m o t s t star

News-Press Classifieds

patios, Aeration, Seeding, Mulch & More.

David (o) 703-502-3990 or (c) 571-221-4330

Remember the Kids at Ronald McDonald House D.C. and NoVA

PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR etc. Reasonable & reliable. Real good. Over 20 years experience. License & Insured. Joe 571-214-1296

TAKE AN HOUR FOR YOURSELF TO RELAX The Student Clinic at the National

Massage Therapy Institute, at 803 West Broad Street in Falls Church is open to the public. One hour sesions of Swedish massage are available at $35.00 per session ($25.00 Senior Citizens). The clinic operates Monday - Saturday. To schedule an appointment, or for more information call 1703-237-3905.

classads@fcnp.com

CFC #15005 United Way #8961 America’s Charities Campaign Select RMHC of Greater D.C.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Page 35

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

COMPUTER REPAIR HENRY HASSAN, MSFM, EA

TAX ACCOUNTANT – IRS ENROLLED AGENT

YASMEEN HASSAN JONES PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT

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

703-496-7807

www.fastteks.com

703.578.3556 www.FallsChurchListingMap.com

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

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

in the News-Press

GUTTERS

WINDOWS

REPAIRS

Driveways • Steps Sidewalks • Patios Small Jobs Welcome

James Roofing & Home Improvements

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

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

Licensed Free Estimates 703-593-3383

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

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

CLEANING SERVICES Mike’s Carpet Cleaning

Superior Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Residential and Commerical

703-533-0239

Drier. Cleaner. Healthier.™

Direct Cleaning Services 12 Years Experience • Weekly • Bi Weekly • Monthly • Home • Apartments Great References Licensed & Insured

Gutters Cleaned

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

WILLIAMS PLUMBING For Plumbing & Electrical Work call: 571/263-6405 571/274-6831 (cell) REMODELING & ADDITION, CERAMIC, TILE, FINISHED CARPENTRY, CROWN MOLDING, CHAIRS, DECK RAILS, STAIR, WINDOWS, DOORS, CONCRETE, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, BRICK INSTALLED & REPAIRED

VICTOR BLAISE DEVELOPMENTS

Grand Opening!

Ballet • Jazz • Tap • All Ages

Repairs – Remodels – Handy Services

109 Park Avenue, Falls Church

(703)532-2221 FCSchoolofBallet.com

Call for our summer specials

Make a Joyful Splash!

Offering Military & Senior Discounts

with

703-408-7542 www.victorblaise.com

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

We’ll help you find the perfect paint color!

Held at 111 Park Avenue Falls Church on Tuesday Evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Cost: $90 On-going monthly enrollment

ArlingtonColorConsultants.com

703-241-8548 JOSEPH HOME IMPROVEMENT Drywall • Paint Exterior / Interior, Bath & Kitchen Remodeling, Basements, Handyman, Moving, Clean Garage, All kinds of hauling

Joseph

Licensed Work

Enroll on-line at www.creativecauldron.org Or call 571-239-5288

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

FOOD & DINING

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

(703) 847-5336

Pizza • Pasta • Wings • Subs • Salads • Desserts

www.FCNP.COM www.FCNP.COM

Put Your Business & Service Directory Ad ONLINE!

Just

Phone # Cell Number

703-848-8322 703-901-2431

Business & Service Directory TO ADVERTISE!

OTHER SERVICES

Licensed and Insured...

Free Estimates

703-858-4589 703-909-9950

703-532-3267

703-241-4990

Licensed and Insured. Free Estimates.

With Personal Service

703-560-7663

www.motternmasonry.com

Liberty Chem Dry

NOTICED!

DOORS

All work guaranteed.

703-496-7491

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

Call Mike 703-978-2270

GET

ROOFING SIDING & TRIM

Specializing in custom firplaces, patios, walkways, walls, driveways.

Small and large repairs.

Free estimates Licensed and insured.

CGA IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATES

Spring Cleanup, mulching, mowing, edging, trimming.

Residential & Commercial Tree Service & Snow Removal

(571) 330-3705

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN

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

LAWN & GARDEN Seven Brothers Landscaping Service

ShinerRoofing.com/FallsChurch

Walsh & Assoc.

PC Attorneys

Skyline Plaza Falls Church

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VA License #2705 023803

• Affordable Rates • Certified Technicians

6404-N SEVEN CORNERS PLACE FALLS CHURCH VA 22044

Family and Employment Based Immigration Petitions

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1981

WWW.FCNP.COM

$125 for 3 months $200 for 6 months $325 for 1 year w/ 3 mo. , 6 mo. or 1 year print ad

www.fcnp.com

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

1 x 2” 1 x 1.5” 1 x 1”

Page 36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Page <www.fallschurchva.gov>

September 25 - October 1, 2008

The Week

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

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

city calendar

SEPTEMBER 25 26

27

29

30

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Armchair Travel Group, 10:30 a.m.

Sunset Cinema, 8 p.m.

Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon Commissioner of the Revenue & Treasurer’s Offices Open, 9 a.m.-Noo Habitat Restoration Event, 10 a.m. - Noon Yard Waste, Bundled Brush,

& Special Collections Youth Basketball Registration Begins Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

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

Rosh Hashanah Begins at Sundown Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Rosh Hashanah

1

2

3 4 6

Fourth Quarter Business License Tax Payment Due (If Eligible) General District Court in Session Falls Church Cable Access Board, 7 p.m.

Recreation & Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Story Hour, 7 p.m.

Architectural Advisory Board, 7:45 p.m.

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Book Discussion Group, 7:30 p.m.

FIRSTfriday Event Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon 2008 Personal Property Tax Bills Due (Paid in Treasurer’s Office) Last Day to Register to Vote before the November 2008 Elections Yard Waste & Special Collections Last Day for Bundled Brush Collection Until Jan. 5, 2009 Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

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

Planning Commission, 7:45 p.m.

National Fire Prevention Week

OCTOBER

Final Sunset Cinema in the Park Tomorrow You’re invited to watch the final Sunset Cinema in the Park screening of 2008 tomorrow night. Horton Hears a Who (G, 2008) gets started at 8 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.). In the event of inclement weather, the screening will be cancelled. The screening is free and open to the public. Popcorn, drinks and candy will be available for purchase.

The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).

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

Register to Receive Emergency Alerts

provided as a public service by the city of falls church

Questions or Comments? City of Falls Church, Harry E.Wells Building, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church,VA 22046 703-248-5003 (TTY 711) The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.This document will be made available in alternate format upon request. Call 703-248-5003 (TTY 711).

8th Annual Student Art Contest Submission Deadline Next Friday Would you like to see your artwork in Falls Church City’s 2009 Calendar?

Then enter the Falls Church City Student Art Contest today! This year’s theme is Growing Up Green in Falls Church City.

Judges will select 13 entries to feature in the 2009 City Calendar. The Mayor will present awards to students whose work is selected at a City Council meeting this fall. A special reception will be held at the January 2 FIRSTfriday event at Art & Frame of Falls Church, where all entries will be on display throughout January.

Submission Requirements: • Illustrate the theme: Growing Up Green in Falls Church City. Is it by recycling, taking GEORGE or other forms of mass transit, or planting a tree? Growing Green ideas are available at www.fallschurchva.gov.

• Must be original to the 8th Annual Student Art Contest.

Do not resubmit artwork from previous contests.

• Must not be edible (e.g. Cheerios, macaroni noodles, etc.).

• Submissions containing recycled food or beverage containers must be clean and dry.

• Must not require storage at a certain temperature or in a special setup.

• Must include the following information on the back of the entry: name, age, grade, school attending, parent/guardian, address, and phone number.

A lighter version of a full-service DMV, DMV Select predominantly handles vehicle-related transactions including all vehicle titles, registrations, special and personalized license plate orders, and dealer title and registration transactions. New

Special Events

Farm Day Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave. Enjoy old-fashioned activities for the entire family, including hayrides, pony rides, a petting farm, scarecrow making,pumpkin painting,beekeeping, blacksmithing, live music and more! Free tours of the 1845 Cherry Hill Farmhouse and Barn are also available.Admission is free, however nominal fees apply to some activities. Call 703-248-5171 (TTY 711) for more information.

Classes Paid registration required. All classes meet at the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) unless otherwise indicated.Call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711) for fees and more information.

KidSpanish, Level A (Ages 6-10) Saturdays through Nov. 15, 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Students must either attend a City of Falls Church school or reside in the City. No more than three entries allowed per person.

Gentle Yoga (Ages 18 & up) Thursdays through Nov. 20, 9:30-10:25 a.m.

For more information, call 703-248-5003 (TTY 711) or e-mail publicinfo@fallschurchva.gov.

Choosing The Convenience of DMV Select Could Save You $5 The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging customers to avoid renewing vehicle registrations at its customer service centers, where a $5 service fee is now added. Instead, customers should renew registrations at DMV Select Offices (such as the one located in City Hall) and avoid the $5 fee. Registration renewal fees are also waived online at www.dmvnow.com, by mail, or phone.

Classes and Events

Deadline for entries is Friday, Oct. 3, 2008.

Mail or deliver entries to: Office of Communications Falls Church City Hall 300 Park Avenue, 303 East Falls Church, VA 22046

voter registrations and voter change of address updates are also available at the DMV Select Office.

Local businesses will also find DMV Select is a convenient and timesaving alternative for conducting title and registration transactions for company vehicles. The Falls Church City DMV Select Office is open to everyone, not just City residents.

The DMV Select Office is operated by Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton at 300 Park Ave., Suite 104 in the East Wing. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 703-248-5019 (TTY 711) for more information.

Donate Blood at Community Blood Drive Friday, Oct. 10 The City of Falls Church is hosting a community blood drive on Friday, Oct. 10. The Inova Bloodmobile will be parked outside the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) for residents and City staff to donate blood from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

The blood shortage is so critical right now that there is less than a one-day supply of most blood types. Please donate to help patients in our community! Most healthy people can be blood donors, but you must meet the following requirements: Age

17 years minimum (no maximum limit) Health Good general health – no symptoms of illness,including colds,for three days prior to donating Weight 110 pounds minimum Time

56 days after a whole blood donation, 14 days after a platelet donation Identification Photo ID (such as driver’s license) Please call the City’s Human Resources Office at 703-248-5127 (TTY 711) to schedule a time for your blood donation.Each donor should allow 30 to 45 minutes for the regular blood donation process.It is important to eat something, especially foods rich in iron, and drink plenty of fluids 4-6 hours before donating.

FOR THE WEEK of

Sr. Wellness Training 50 & up Sr. Wellness Training Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Mondays Only Through Dec. 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays Only Through Dec. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Hip-Hop 2/3 (Ages 8-11) Thursdays through Dec. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Preteen Hip Hop (Ages 9-11) Thursdays through Dec. 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tiny Dancers (Ages 3-4) Fridays through Dec. 12, 11-11:45 a.m.

Afternoon Preschool Program (Birthdates Oct. 1, 2003- Sept. 30, 2005) Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Dec. 19, 1-4 p.m.

Preschool Cheer & Tumble (Ages 3-5) Tuesdays through Dec. 2, 4-4:45 p.m.

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

Oil/Acrylic Painting (Ages 18 & up) MOOD & STYLE Fridays through Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Growing Green Habitat Restoration Event

Cherry Hill Park (meet by the basketball court) Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.–noon You’re invited to join the Falls Church Habitat Restoration Team to help remove invasive exotic plants in Cherry Hill Park and throughout the City of Falls Church.Learn how to properly identify and remove invasive exotic plants and see the progress and success the team has achieved thus far. If you have your own hand pruner, gloves or handsaw please bring them as only a limited number of small tools will be available. Pants and long-sleeved clothing is recommended. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Senior Urban Forester Jeremy Edwards at 703-248-5016 (TTY 711) jedwards@fallschurchva.gov.

The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call 703-248-5016 (TTY 711).

Become a Certified Emergency Volunteer Responder The City of Falls Church is seeking volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course this fall. Emergency responders will train members of the residential and business community in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for the Falls Church City area, such as assisting with search and rescue, searching through debris after hurricanes and tornadoes, barricading roads, and assisting law enforcement personnel at public events.

The course is free and open to persons ages 18 and older. The course takes approximately 38 hours to complete, and classes will meet midOctober through mid-December.

The training will address disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, search and res-

cue team organization, disaster psychology, and more.

Class schedule and registration information is available at www.fallschurchvfd.org.

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

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

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

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Page 37

ly Focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

government and the falls church city public schools

september 25-october 1, 2008

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

Run For The Schools— Sunday 8:00 a.m.

It’s been 16 years since George Mason High School hired a new principal. Times have changed a great deal since then, and the superintendent and search committee want to make sure the high school’s next principal has the skills and qualities to meet the needs of the Falls Church City community.

Only hours remain before the start of the 3rd annual “Run for the Schools” in the City of Falls Church.

The first step is to invite community members to help the committee determine the criteria by responding to a short, six-question survey.

Community members may respond online at www.fccps.org, or they may request a printed copy by con-

The survey input will be used to help craft the principal job description and advertising materials. After the nationwide search, the committee will review applications and conduct interviews. Finalists will be referred to the superintendent for a second interview, and the superintendent will make a recommendation to the school board. The goal is to complete the selection process by early 2009.

There’s still time to register for the certified 5K race and one-mile Family Fun Run/Walk. This year’s course begins at the intersection of Park and Virginia Avenues, winds through the streets of Falls Church City and ends at Cherry Hill Park where prizes will be awarded and a family party will be held for all ages.

Registration for the 5K race is $25 per person or $50 for an entire family. The Family Fun Run/Walk is free. To register, visit the Falls Church Education Foundation Web site at www.fcedf.org or call (703) 538-3381.

“Run for the Schools” is an annual fundraiser for the Falls Church Education Foundation.

FCC-TV Spotlight: NASA: Destination Tomorrow Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch NASA: Destination Tomorrow . This 30-minute program, produced by NASA, focuses on NASA research, including new technologies, advanced aerodynamics, past achievements and medical breakthroughs . Each program gives an inside look at NASA, and demonstrates how its research and technology relates to our everyday lives .

You can watch NASA: Destination Tomorrow on FCC-TV at the following times: • Tuesdays at 9:00 a .m . and 4:00 p .m . • Thursdays at 5:30 p .m . • Sundays 1:30 p .m .

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

BIE Partner of the Week Matt Smith SmithGifford School Involvement: New chairman of the BIE Advisory Committee; worked with Falls Church Community-TV (FCC-TV) to develop the $1K Giveaway, a student-produced television promotion that aired on FCCTV over several months; donated $1K to the winning student; sponsors the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School Flag Team .

Why Matt is a BIE partner: “I am an advocate for connecting schoolbased experiences with future employment opportunities . Students benefit from interaction with real-life practitioners in their area of interest . My expertise is in advertising and filmmaking . Through the BIE I can share that with students . I encourage others to do the same .”

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

Foundation Footnotes

It takes a village to make a 5K Race and Family Fun Run

The FCEF thanks the following companies and organizations which provided support to make this year’s fundraiser the best yet: Ana Visage, Mary Anne Carlson with Arbonne International, Brooks Running, Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust, Commerce Bank, Cub Scouts Pack #657, DKG Design, Dogwood Tavern, Dominion Jewelers, Drs. Love & Miller Family Dentistry, Falls Church News Press, Falls Church Police Department, Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department, Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department, Family Medicine in Falls Church, Flash Pointe Productions, Friends & Fitness Runners Training Program, Friends of the W&OD Trail, George Mason High School’s Cross Country Team, George Mason High School’s Faculty Running Club, Harris Teeter, Hekemian & Company, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Jason’s Deli, M & T Bank, Next Realty/Falls Church Youth Lacrosse, Original Pancake House, Relay for Life, Road Runner Sports, Robeks, The UPS Store at Seven Corners, Vantage Fitness, and Westin Arlington Gateway.

To register, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.fcedf.org or call (703) 538-3381. Online registration closes on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 9 p.m.

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

Mascots from each of the FCCPS schools greet runners at the finish line of the 2007 “Run for the Schools.”

updated bus Routes online Since the beginning of school, most all FCCPS school bus routes have been modified to better serve our students and their parents. To learn more about bus routes and whether your student qualifies for service, visit www.fccps.org/bus.

Bus service is available to all students at Mt. Daniel Elementary. Limited service is available to students in grades 2-12. The after school emergency number is 703-248-5600.

Back-to-School Nights Continue Hundreds of parents have taken advantage of various Back-to-School nights to get acquainted with their child’s teacher and gain a better understanding of the curriculum and activities enjoyed each day in FCCPS schools .

The remaining Back-to-School night schedule is as follows: Mount Daniel Elementary 9/25 7:00 p .m . Back-to-School Night Thomas Jefferson Elementary 9/30 7:00 p .m . Performing Arts Back-to-School Night 10/2 7:00 p .m . Back-to-School Night George Mason High 10/2 7:30 p .m . Sophomore/Junior Parent Night

703-536-8638 703-536-7564 703-237-6993 703-536-3130 703-533-1248 703-248-5601*

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

Community Input Needed for GMHS Principal Search tacting the Falls Church City Public Schools Central Office at (703) 2485600. The survey will be available online through October 6th.

703-534-4951 703-532-0321

During last week’s middle school open house, Ashley Brooks (left) portraying Mary Ellen Henderson, and Principal Ann McCarty greeted those attending.

SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES ARE SubjEcT To chAngE Testing now – 10/10 PALS (grades 1-3) now – 10/31 DRA Testing (grades 1-2)

Q/SRI Testing (grades 3-5) now – 9/26 Stanford 10 Practice

(grades 4 & 6) September 25 All Day Underclass Portraits (GM) 7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night (MD) 7:15 p.m. Rapp. Co. @ Mason (Volleyball) 26 7:30 p.m. Mason @ Luray (Football) 27 10:00 a.m. Car Wash (GM) 6:00 p.m. Elementary PTA Fall Social 28 5:00 a.m. Mason @ Bull Run Tournament (Golf) 29 10:00 a.m. Mason @ Bull Run Tournament (Golf) 30 7:00 p.m. Performing Arts Back to School Night (TJ) 7:15 p.m. Mason @ Strasburg (Volleyball) October 1 5:00 p.m. Mason @ Strasburg (Cross Country) 7:00 p.m. PTSA (GM) 2 7:00 p.m. Sophomore/Junior Parent Night (GM) 7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night (TJ) 7:15 p.m. Madison Co. @ Mason (Volleyball) 3 3:00 p.m. Masonstock!

Outdoor Concert (GM) 7:30 p.m. Goochland @ Mason (Football) (MD) Mount Daniel School (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High Check the FCCPS Web site for more calendar information. www.fccps.org

Screenings for Preschoolers Wednesday A Child Find Day is held at Mount Daniel Elementary School throughout the school year on the first Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3:30 pm.

Parents may have their children screened for suspected delays in speech/language, fine and/or gross motor skills, cognitive abilities and daily living skills. Children identified as eligible may receive special education services through Falls Church City Public Schools. Child Find is an opportunity for children with special needs to receive early intervention services.

Parents who have concerns regarding the development of their preschool age child (two years old by September 30, 2007) may contact Danielle Clark, Child Find Coordinator, at 703-248-5659 to discuss their concerns and schedule an appointment for the next Child Find Day.

Page 38

laz y The dog. c k q u i fox sly p e d jum e r o v lazy the g . d o is Now time the all for o d g o to cows

15 s Yearo Ag

to come aid the ir of there. pa stu is Now e the timall for o d g o to cows to come aid the ir of there. pa stu

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Falls Church News-Press Vol lll, No. 28 • September 30, 1993

‘SHARP DIFFERENCES UNDERSCORED - Sparks Fly as Beyer, Farris Clash In 1st Debate of Lt. Governor Race’ “Virginia Lieutenant Governor Donald S. Beyer, Jr., a Falls Church businessman, bidding for re-election to another four year term, faced off in a direct debate with his Republican challenger Mike Farris in Richmond Tuesday for the first time in the hotly-contested campaign. Both agreed the face-off...”

Continued from Page 10

his first inaugural address that we had nothing “to fear but fear itself.”

Roosevelt, thinking of the poor and desperate, created several New Deal programs to put people back to work. He was viewed as a savior at the time by millions of Americans, but he also had bitter detractors who resented his radical steps.

I remember the suffering during the Depression in my hometown of Detroit and the long lines of forlorn men, standing in the dead of winter outside the auto factories, hoping for jobs. The popular song

Falls Church News-Press Vol VIII, No. 29 • October 1, 1998

10 Year s Ago

Thro w it up.

Pour it up It now is the time for all go od cows to go to the aid

‘Accreditation Where It’s Due’ “The City of Falls Church Police Department became the only public safety agency in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia to be officially accredited both nationally and by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission when the Virginia organization formally accredited the department with a certificate presented at this Monday’s City Council meeting here.

The Falls Church Police became only...”

on the radio was “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime.” The best-selling book was John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Roosevelt was innovative. Some programs worked, some didn’t. But many remain today to provide some sense of security, like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Labor Relations Act to protect unions and the

Social Security system to help the elderly. In the 1930s, 9,000 banks closed down. Today we have to ask: Why didn’t the so-called experts see the storm coming in the 21st century?

Ironically, the remaining affluent and the poor are now on the same page with Abraham Lincoln, who said: “Government should do for people what they cannot do for themselves.

Merrifield Garden Center Holland Bulbs TULIPS s DAFFODILS CROCUS s HYACINTHS Special Buy!

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

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

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

Email: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

It is no the timw e for g o all o cows d to go to the aid of the ir pa stu re. *** **

DWARF

Fall is for Planting

BURNING BUSH While $

21.00

they last

3 gal cont. – Reg. $34.99 Good 9/25 – 10/1/08

“MERRIFIELD’S GARDENING ADVISOR”

MERRIFIELD’S FREE GARDENING & LANDSCAPING SEMINARS September 27th

10 am – Merrifield Location

FALL MAGIC WITH TREES & SHRUBS MERRIFIELD LOCATION

NEW

70TH ANNUAL ROSE SHOW this weekend at our Fair Oaks Location Sat. 1 – 6 pm, Sun. 12 – 4 pm

FAIR OAKS LOCATION

703-560-6222 GAINESVILLE LOCATION

And don’t miss the

Potomac Rose Society’s

703-968-9600 s

703-368-1919

www.MerrifieldGardenCenter.com 8.indd d 1

Normally I’m a very nice, well-behaved girl, but sometimes I like to get a little bit wild. That’s why my mom got me this cheetah-print toy. When I’m feeling crazy, I stalk my cat pillow like I did when I was in the wild, howling at the moon. Ok, maybe I was never actually in the jungle, but when that toy squeaks I feel like the Queen of the Coyotes. Sometimes I make that plush kitty squeal for hours, until my mom says that she’s had enough. That’s when I give her my sweetest “you’re not going to take it away from me, are you?” look, as demonstrated above. It usually works for a while, but once she’s gone ... it’s back to the bush.

If you would like to see your pet here, e-mail us at crittercorner@ fcnp.com or send a picture and a short description to Falls Church News-Press c/o Critter Corner, 450 W. Broad St., Suite 321, Falls Church, VA 22046.

September 25 - October 1, 2008

n

Page 39

ACCOUNTING

n

Diener & Associates, CPA.. . . . . . . . . 241-8807 Eric C. Johnson, CPA, PC . . . . . . . . . 538-2394 Hassans Account & Tax Services . . . 241-7771 Mark Sullivan, CPA. . . . . . . . . . . 571-214-4511 Walsh & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448-0073 Hahn & Associates, PC, CPAs. . . . . . 533-3777 n

n

n

n

ATTORNEYS

n

n

BANKING

Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co.. . . 519-1634 BB&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-3505 Acacia Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506-8100 n

n

n

n

BOOK BINDING

BUSINESS SERVICES

n

n

n

CATERING

n

Bubba’s Bar-B-Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560-8570

n

n

n

n

n

n

INTERIOR DESIGN

n

JEWELRY

n

LAWN & GARDEN

n

Caliber Mower Service & Repair . . . . 691-2995 Lawn Care Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 691-2351

FRAMING

Art and Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-4202

n

Stifel & Capra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-0770

n

GIFTS

REAL ESTATE

Merelyn Kaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .790-9090x218 www.helpfulmortgage.us . . . . . . . . . . 237-0222 Casey O’Neal - ReMax . . . . . . . . . . . 824-4196 Rosemary Hayes Jones. . . . . . . . . . .790-1990 Leslie Hutchison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675-2188 www.Mortgage1040.com . . . . . . . . . . 448-3508 The Young Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356-8800 Shaun Murphy, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . 868-5999 www.TheJeffersonatBallston.com . . . 741-7562 Susan Fauber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-8741

INSURANCE

www.ofallthebeads.com . . . . . . . . . . . 901-3738

PET SERVICES

Dog Trainer - Nicole Kibler. . . . . . . . . 593-6340 n

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

design2follow llc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-1610

MUSIC

Academy of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 938-8054 World Children’s Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-0920 Columbia Institute - Fine Arts. . . . . . . 534-2508 Foxes Music Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-7393

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Bob Snyder - Life/Health/Disability . . 449-0117 State Farm Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5105

MEDICAL

Dr Gordon Theisz, Family Medicine. . 533-7555 The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy. . . . 536-4042

CGA Immigration Associates, LLC. . . 578-3556 n

FLORISTS

Galleria Florist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536-0770 Falls Church Florist, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 533-1333

HOME CARE

Victor Blaise Development . . . . . . . . . 408-7542 Arlington Color Consultants . . . . . . . . 241-8548 Courthouse Kitchens & Baths . . . . . . 352-3011 Andy Group Construction. . . . . . . . . . 503-0350 James Roofing & Home Improvement 593-3383 Joseph Home Improvement. . . . . . . . 507-5005 FC Heating & Air Service . . . . . . . . . . 534-0630 Shiner Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560-7663 J & S Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448-1171 The Vinyl Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 793-3111

EYEWEAR

Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-6500

CARPET CLEANING

Mike’s Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 978-2270

n

DENTISTS

EQUIPMENT RENTAL/SALE

n

Human Touch Home Health. . . . . . . . 531-0540

COUNSELING

VA Outdoor Power Equipment . . . . . . 207-2000 EZ Tool Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531-4700 Ace Tool & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 532-5600

Jon Rizalvo, PAYCHEX . . . . 698-6910 x27045 n

n

CONSTRUCTION

Drs. William Dougherty, Julie D. Tran 532-3300 Drs. Mark A. Miller, Melanie R. Love . 241-2911 Dr. Nimisha V. Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-1993

HEALTH & FITNESS

Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536-0140 Sacred Well Yoga and Healing . . . . . 989-8316

Carol S. Miller, LCSW . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-4980 Josette Millman, APRN . . . . . . . . . . . 855-0396

n

BCR Binders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9181

COMPUTER SERVICES

Healthy by Intention, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 534-1321 Sheraton Premiere Women’s Massage 403-9328

GUTTERS & SIDING

Thomas Most - Gutters Cleaned . . . . 855-3031

Alba Construction, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-0733

AUTOMOTIVE

Beyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5000 Swedish Motor Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-0988

n

Systems Management Technology . 891-1491 x14 Fast Teks On-Site Computer Srvcs . . 496-7807

ASSISTED LIVING

Bose Law Firm: Former Police. . . . . . 926-3900 Mark F. Werblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9300 Janine S. Benton, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . .992-9255 n

n

n

Sunrise of Falls Church . . . . . . . . . . . 534-2700

CLEANING SERVICES

Direct Cleaning Services . . . . . . . . . . 858-4589 Pressure Washing/Deck, Siding. . . . . 980-0225 Liberty Chem Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-0239 Maid Brigade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823-1922 Carpets, Ducts, Windows. . . . . . . . . . 823-1922

ARTS

Falls Church School of Ballet. . . . . . . 532-2221

n

Dr. Solano, solanospine.com . . . . . . 536-4366 n

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Falls Church Antique Company . . . . . 241-7074 Antique Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-9642

CHIROPRACTOR

TAILOR

Tailor Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-8886

TRAVEL

All Travel & Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 970-4091

TUTORS

Your Computer Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-2821 TCY Learning Solutions, LLC. . . . . . . 371-9067

MASONRY

Mottern Masonry Design . . . . . . 571-212-1711

MASSAGE

Massage & Hair Removal . . . . . . .571-282-4522

All numbers have a ‘703’ prefix unless otherwise indicated.

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

Visit Us Online

Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM OR mail it to Critter Corner c/o Falls Church News-Press 450 W. Broad Street #321 Falls Church, Va 22046

www.fcnp.com News•Photos•Online Polls•Sports and More

Page 40

September 25 - October 1, 2008

Just Sold Falls Church Charming all brick three Bedroom, two Bath Cape Cod near major transportation and downtown Falls Church Spacious Living Room has Fireplace flanked by built–in bookcases. Separate Dining Room offers wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets with louvered doors. Kitchen with European–style cabinets has door to screen porch overlooking large yard and walking trail. Three bedrooms, den, office, and sitting room. Two full baths.

Freshly painted, new wall-to-wall over hardwood. Priced at $410,000.

Call or visit us at www.kayes.com

Merelyn Kaye Selling Falls Church Since 1970

Life Member, NVAR TopProducer Member 20+ Million Dollar Sales Club Top 1/2% of all Agents Nationwide

Home 241-2577 Office 790-9090 X418 Mobile 362-1112

Just Google “Merelyn” For Your Real Estate Needs

1320 Old Chain Bridge Road McLean, Virginia 22101