Falls Church News-Press September 4

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A far cry from distressed fiscal conditions in neighboring Prince William and Fairfax counties, the City of Falls Church ended the last fiscal year June 30 only $355,000 in the hole, the City’s Chief Financial Officer John Tuohy reported Tuesday.

Tuohy’s report, the official buttoning up of the last fiscal year, included promising news of a big hike in the City’s restaurant meals tax, meaning that local restaurants did significantly better than expected last year.

It is proposed that the deficit, out of a budget of $70 million, be made up out of the City’s fund balance, City Manager Wyatt Shields said at the

Council work session. Formal Council approval of the step will be sought at its first regular business meeting of the month on Sept. 8.

Shields said he will get the first snapshot of how revenues are going in the current fiscal year, beginning July 1, in the next few weeks. Then, he told the News-Press yesterday, “We’ll see if we have to trim our sails a little bit” in the current year, given the on-going economic downturn. He said he expected about $400,000 will have to be cut from the current budget.

But the problems Shields anticipates are nothing like the $400 million deficit facing Fairfax County this fall, triggering 20 extraordinary public hearings that the Board of Supervisors will hold this fall

to determine how and what programs to cut.

Prince William County’s problems are even more severe, proportionally speaking, Tuohy told the City Council Tuesday.

He noted that a whopping 83 percent of the home sales in Prince William County are “distress sales,” either of foreclosed homes or of people seeking to avoid foreclosure with dramatically-reduced costs.

The figure is even higher, at 90 percent, in the City of Manassas Park, and is 30 percent county-wide in Fairfax.

By comparison, four percent of home sales in the City of Falls Church are “distress sales,” he reported.

“In my 25 years in this kind of business, I have never seen anything like this,” Tuohy said of the housing crisis in

the region, in remarks to the News-Press. “These are truly Depression numbers.”

He added that in his view, the situation will still get worse.

“The majority of the adjustable rate mortgages taken out by sub-prime borrowers reset in August,” he said, noting that it will take a few months for the ballooning new monthly payments to drive a new wave of homeowners out of their homes.

Tuohy said his personal view is that it will “take three to four years” for it all to play out.

But it was been widely reported that the situation inside the Beltway is vastly different, with home values dropping only slightly at best. With the region-wide turnover coming in Continued on Page 5

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Enrollment was slightly below expectations as the Falls Church City Schools opened Tuesday. On the first day, 1,948 students showed up, 24 below projections for the coming year.

But Karen Acar, public information officer for the F.C. schools, said that the schools are still enrolling students and the official tally for the coming year will not be made until Sept.

30, when all schools report their numbers to the state.

It’s a big year for upgrades and changes in the Falls Church

schools, highlighted by the introduction of the system’s famous International Baccalaureate (IB) program to its two elementary schools, in addition to a new principal, an interim principal and assistant principals.

The IB program, a significant step above Advanced Placement instruction, was introduced into Falls Church’s high school, George Mason, decades ago under the leadership of Lou Olom, and rapidly grew the reputation of the school regionally and even nationally. The school was among the first in the nation to adopt the IB curriculum.

A decade ago, the Washington

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Post ranked the school the second-best high school in America, based on a measure of performance devised by its education writer Jay Mathews. That led to an enrollment surge, as U.S. State Department officials began recommending the Falls Church system to foreign diplomats and their families moving into the area.

This year, the extension of the program to Falls Church’s Mt. Daniel and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools marks yet another benchmark in the growing quality of the system here.

The elementary IB program is known as Primary Years Program (PYP) and is described as an “inquiry-based approach to instruction” which offers “a structured curriculum framework that focuses on the development of the whole child.”

With it, all students will enjoy a continuum of education from pre-kindergarten through high school. Its implementation is a two-year process, during which faculty will write the new curriculum and gradually phase it in.

”

“In the school systems we studied that have PYP in place for several years, children were more inquisitive, their questions were stronger and they interacted in a more positive, constructive manner socially than students from schools with a more traditional approach,” Mt. Daniel Principal Kathy Halayko said in a statement.

School Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin added, “If our students are to be productive members of an interconnected global society, it is important that they understand the commonalities they have with people across the globe, as well as the differences.

Our students need to underContinued on Page 5

September 4 - 10, 2008

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stand how to communicate and collaborate with people of different cultures and experiences and they need to understand the role of technology in a global society. The IB Primary Years Program helps them to connect the dots.”

Taking the helm as principal of Thomas Jefferson this fall is Vincent Baxter, moving over after two years from his post as assistant principal at Mary Henderson Middle School.

Superintendent Berlin said, “In his two years at Henderson, Baxter has distinguished himself

as a firm, but fair administrator whose leadership approach is always-student centered.”

“He has established himself as a highly-effective instructional leader and communicator who is easily approachable and who makes students, staff and parents feel comfortable and accepted,” she added.

He is a graduate of J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church. He got his B.A. from the University of Virginia and master’s in educational leadership from George Washington University, where he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational administration.

With the departure of Bob Snee after 16 years as principal of George Mason High, Mary

tthe aftermath of the November federal elections, demand for housing inside the Beltway may begin to drive home values up.

Tuohy projected that in Falls Church real estate assessments next year will “remain unchanged or slightly below” the current calendar year, and as new large-scale mixed use projects come on line, their contribution to the revenue base will keep the overall numbers from falling below breakeven.

The two brightest spots in the last year’s numbers were the higher than expected incomes from the restaurant meals tax and the water fund.

The meals tax, Tuohy said, brought in $595,000 more than projected. Shields remarked to the News-Press that he suspects the surprising gain was due to the City’s offering of fine restaurants, adding that some consultant studies indicated the City is a good location to prosper from even more restaurants here.

The trend countered a modest decline in overall retail sales and use tax revenues to the City, more expected given the economic slowdown.

The water system benefited, among other things, from the decision by the Town of Vienna to purchase all of its water from the Falls Church Water System, instead of only part of it as in the past.

Extended dry weather was also credited with driving water sales higher than average.

Credit Card Theft, 500 blk. Greenwich St., August 26, 12:40 a.m., police arrested a male, 29,of Arlington, VA for (2) counts of Credit Card Theft and DIP. Robbery, 7Eleven, 201 S Washington St., August 26, 1:37 p.m., unknown person(s) struck victim in the back of the head with an unknown object. The victim fell to the ground; suspect(s) started kicking victim in head and body. The suspect(s) stole $13.00 cash from the victim.

Urinating in Public, 6700 blk. Wilson Blvd., August 26, 11:00 p.m., police arrested a male, 22, of Ashburn, VA and a male, 26, of Herndon, VA for Urinating in Public.

Drunkenness, 7100 Leesburg Pike, August 27, 2:50 a.m., police arrested a male, 20, of Fairfax, VA for DIP. Burglary, Commercial, 803 W Broad St., between August 27, 9:00 a.m. and August 28, 9:56 a.m., unknown person(s) entered the establishment and attempted to gain entry into several offices.

Larceny from Building, 100 blk. S Virginia Ave., August 28, 7:00 p.m., unknown

person(s) stole (6) credit cards and (2) discount cards from a wallet.

Assault, Simple, Yellow Cab, 11 Hillwood Ave., August 28, 9:16 p.m., police arrested a male, 40, of Manassas, VA for punching victim in the throat with a closed fist.

Graffiti/Damage to Property, 400 blk. W Broad St., August 29, 10:17 p.m., unknown person(s) wrote graffiti on a garage door.

Drunkenness, 6700 blk. Wilson Blvd., August 28, 11:17 p.m., police arrested a male of NO FIXED ADDRESS, for DIP. Liquor Law Violations, 6700 blk.

Wilson Blvd., August 30, 1:10 a.m., police arrested a male, 20, of Falls Church, VA for Underage Possession of Alcohol.

Driving under the Influence, 6700 blk. Wilson Blvd., August 30, 1:53 a.m., police arrested a male, 32, of Springfield, VA for DUI. Graffiti/Damage to Property, 400 blk. W Broad St., August 30, 4:35 p.m., unknown person(s) wrote graffiti on an exit door.

Driving under the Influence, 1200 blk. W Broad St., August 30, 11:05 p.m., police arrested a male, 49, of Falls Church, VA for DUI (2nd Offense within 10 yrs).

Drunkenness, 1200 blk. W Broad St., August 30, 11:20 p.m., police arrested a male, 29, of Fort Washington, MD for DIP. Drunkenness, 900 blk. W Broad St., August 31, 2:15 a.m., police arrested a male, 25, of Falls Church, VA for DIP and Drinking in Public.

McDowell was named the interim principal for this year, pending a search for a permanent replacement. McDowell has been one of the school’s assistant principals for the last three years, and before that taught biology, serving as the school’s science department leader.

She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Clemson University and a masters in secondary science education from Winthrop University, both schools in South Carolina. She has a leadership certificate from the University of Virginia.

Temporarily replacing McDowell as assistant principal

at Mason is Glynn Bates. With a masters in educational administration from George Mason University and currently in doctoral studies at Virginia Tech, he served 22 years as principal of three Fairfax County High Schools, including J.E.B. Stuart.

She will serve until midOctober, when Thomas Eakin will arrive to permanently fill the slot. He most recently served as assistant principal at Montgomery High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Lake Braddock Secondary School in Fairfax County.

Other new administrative per-

sonnel include Gail Lovette as assistant principal at Henderson Middle School and Asheesh Misra as the new coordinator of the George Mason High IB program.

Misra’s career in IB work began at the International School of Curitiba, where she taught IB history until 2003.

He moved to Northern Virginia as an IB history and government teacher at Marshall High School, and in 2006 became the school’s social studies department co-chair. Last year, he was named the co-coordinator of the school’s IB diploma program.

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There was a time when the teams in Falls Church were football powerhouses.

Marshall won their first regional football championship under legendary coach Ed Henry in 1970. The Statesmen had resurgence in the late 1980s under Coach Neil Callahan, winning the Division 6 regional title in 1986 and the Division 5 regional title in 1987.

J.E.B. Stuart won their first regional football championship under legendary coach Jerry Fauls in 1974. The football stadium at Stuart is named after Fauls, who was the school’s first football coach, serving

September 4 - 10, 2008

from 1959 to 1979. Stuart won their only other regional title in 1989, taking the Division 5 crown under Tom Arehart.

Falls Church High School won their only regional football championship in 1976 under Coach Jim Dick. They made it all the way to the state title game but lost to Bethel of Hampton, Va. But times have changed.

The demographics of the Falls Church area and the Northern Virginia region have changed drastically. The glory days for these schools are long in the past. But the players at these schools today are still participating in the All-American tradition of high school football.

They deserve to be respected for that, even though they lack the resources of their predecessors decades ago.

Gregory G. Paspatis Alexandria

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F.C.’s Abbey Qualifies for Olympic Trials Falls Church physical trainer Tom Abbey has been accepted into the field of athletes for the 2008 USA skeleton team trials in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Abbey, who works at Vantage Fitness in Falls Church, made headlines last winter when he was recruited to train at Lake Placid, New York, in the sport, which he’d never competed in before. Now, he’ll participate in the trials beginning Oct. 11 in Lake Placid, and could advance to more races there and in Park City, Utah. The effort begins with physical tests and if all goes well, Abbey will be gone for the entire month of October. He needs financial help to cover lost income and pay for housing and equipment during that time. While tax deductible contributions can be made by check to the USBSF ATF (US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, Athlete Training Fund), non-tax deductible contributions made out directly to Tom Abbey are welcomed, and can be mailed to, or dropped at Vantage Fitness, 402 W. Broad St., F.C. 22046. Tax deductible corporate sponsor contributions are also accepted, and Abbey is willing to carry the contributing sponsor’s logo on his gear or sled. Inquiries about that can be made to teabbey@ gmailcom.

F.C. Arts Calls for Entries in October Show The Falls Church Arts group is calling for submissions in all media for a juried gallery show it will sponsor opening Oct. 3 and running through Oct. 25 at the Falls Church Arts Gallery, 111 Park Ave. The show, entitled “Connessioine—Things in Common,” is being run in conjunction with the year-long “DaVinci Passport” series, a Falls Church Arts and Creative Cauldron collaboration. Artists can respond via email to fallschurcharts@gmail.com.

City of F.C. Recycling: Now Everything in Same Bin City of Falls Church residents can now recycle all their items in the same green bin for curbside pickup, Kathy Allen, head of the City’s recycling program, announced this week. The City has also increased the types of materials collected for curbside recycling, adding wide-mouth plastic containers and lids (such as butter and yogurt tubs), empty prescription bottles, rigid plastics (such as buckets, laundry baskets and plastic toys), plastic bags and bubble wrap, aerosol cans, clean aluminum foil and trays, paperback and hardcover books, wire coat hangers, and lids and caps for glass bottles and jars, among other things. The City will continue to collect newspapers, cardboard, all mixed paper and junk mail, paperboard, telephone books, glass jars and bottles, and metal food and beverage containers. As of this Tuesday, the City’s contractor Bates Trucking began collecting recycling materials in a rear-loading compactor truck, replacing the two-stream truck used previously. The City sells the recyclable materials to W.M. Recycle America, LLC, which accepts the recyclables in a “single stream,” all mixed together. The separation of the materials occurs at their plant.

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N. Va. Olympian Hosts Fundraiser Saturday Northern Virginia men’s figure skating Olympian Michael Weiss will host a benefit ice show this Saturday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m. at the Kettler Ice Center at the Ballston Mall in Arlington. Olympic gold medalist Brian Boitano, world champions Sasha Cohen and Todd Eldridge are among the cast, as well as Parker Pennington and others who’ve trained in this area. Proceeds go to scholarships and other support for young, up and coming figure skaters.

Voter League: Can F.C. Top 80% Turnout?

Joan Lewis, president of the Falls Church chapter of the League of Women Voters, noted in a press release this week that the City of Falls church led the state in voter turnout in the 2004 presidential election, with 80.88 percent of registered voters going to the polls. She challenged City voters to equal or better that number this November, and reminded them of the Oct. 6 voter registration deadline. Voters can register at City Hall, 300 Park Ave., or any Department of Motor Vehicles office. The League will have a voter registration table at the Falls Church Falls Festival Sept. 13.

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Slated to set up his Virginia headquarters in the City of Falls Church by 2009, Thomas Sawner, the Chief Executive Officer of Educational Options, Inc., best known as EdOptions, looks forward to building “a long relationship” with the Falls Church community.

Founded in 1997 and under Sawner’s helm since 2003, EdOptions is an accredited, web-based provider of educational resources for school systems across the nation. Its current base of operations for the past four years is in Arlington.

Beginning two years ago, however, EdOptions sought to expand its office space. Sawner could not find an ideal building in Arlington, and was told by his friend and Arlington County’s new Circuit Court Clerk, Paul Ferguson, that “I really need to consider Falls Church,” Sawner said.

The initial proposition caught him off-guard. “Falls Church is not what I think of as a haven for corporate offices,” Sawner told the News-Press.

After researching the area and several letters of intent to buy properties, he was convinced

September 4 - 10, 2008

the City provided a “significant cost advantage” to Arlington, with better rent rates and available commercial space. Sawner wanted an entire building for the company’s use.

Initial struggles with the Falls Church City Council to approve new zoning, which it did last month, led to doubt for EdOptions’ relocation and for Sawner, who “quite frankly didn’t want to be in the middle of a construction project for three years.”

When the City reshifted their plans, he explained, and reached a compromise for his property at 360 S. Washington St., EdOptions finalized its move.

Following the move, Sawner expects company staff to grow, particularly in the curriculum development department for math and science.

Ultimately, he is satisfied with the locale change, noting Falls Church’s access to metro access, as well as no significant effect on his employees’ commute.

Sawner hopes that the move will be as beneficial to the City as the company has been to its clientele.

Of the latter, he is confident that EdOptions is “a very positive influence on the long-term solution in education.”

)

Faced with rising dropout rates and incredible duress from state education departments, public schools are finding they have no other way to deal with the demands on modern education.

Sawner explained EdOptions aims to revolutionize education “within the existing paradigm of the public school,” changing how educators tackle the issues of No Child Left Behind and the surge in state and national testing requirements.

In his opinion, teachers must

“remain the most important component in the classroom,” while EdOptions relieves them of tedious conflicts between the curriculum and student needs.

To do so, the company innovated a novel approach to providing educational resources.

Using a team of educators to draft nationally-accredited curriculum for grades 6-12, it delivers comprehensive and adaptable programs to schools nationwide via the Internet.

There are several options for schools, each meeting a different need across the academic spectrum. Some are geared toward mainstream students and others for at-risk students, such as English as a Second Language students.

For example, the “Adaptive Assessment Mode” empowers students struggling with certain material to focus on trouble spots rather than relearning the entire curriculum, a potentially major relief to funding concerns for remedial and summer school programs.

The company’s programs also enable teachers access to online textbooks and already programmed lesson plans and dynamically-created tests.

Following several hours of onlocation training with a personal trainer and hands-on activities,

teachers can create a hybrid class environment, providing students who need extra help and practice the ability to use EdOptions’ services, while teachers can manage other activities in the classroom.

Sawner also noted the webbased programs’ ease of use for teachers and students, with none of the problems of downloadable interfaces that require costly updates.

In addition, EdOptions’ nature as an active service provider allows its programs to reflect changing learning standards across the 49 states that mandate them. “Technology’s importance in the information age is no misnomer,” Sawner said.

“What we’re teaching in classrooms is constantly changing. Millions of dollars are spent on ordering new books, but with EdOptions, updating content with XML code is as easy as dealing with Microsoft Word documents.”

The past decade marks strong progress for EdOptions, reflected by its rapid growth in participating students: 200,000 nationwide this year alone from 6,000 in 1997.

Likewise, its annual subscriptions stand at a 99 percent renewal rate, with 60 percent of schools expanding their programs yearly.

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ST. PAUL, MINN. – John McCain is not a normal conservative. He has instincts, but few abstract convictions about the proper size of government. He’s a traditionalist, but is not energized by the social conservative agenda. As Rush Limbaugh understands, but the Democrats apparently do not, a McCain administration would not be like a Bush administration.

The main axis in McCain’s worldview is not leftright. It’s public service versus narrow self-interest.

Throughout his career, he has been drawn to those crusades that enabled him to launch frontal attacks on the concentrated powers of selfishness – whether it was the bigmoney donors who exploited the loose campaign finance system, the earmark specialists in Congress like Alaska’s Don Young and Ted Stevens, the corrupt Pentagon contractors or Jack Abramoff.

When McCain met Sarah Palin last February, he was meeting the rarest of creatures, an American politician who sees the world as he does. Like McCain, Palin does not seem to have an explicit governing philosophy. Her background is socially conservative, but she has not pushed that as governor of Alaska. She seems to find it easier to work with liberal Democrats than the mandarins in her own party.

Instead, she seems to get up in the morning to root out corruption. McCain was meeting a woman who risked her career taking on the corrupt Republican establishment in her own state, who twice defeated the oil companies, who made mortal enemies of the two people McCain has always held up as the carriers of the pork-barrel disease: Young and Stevens.

Many people are conditioned by their life experiences to see this choice of a running mate through the prism of identity politics, but that’s the wrong frame. Sarah Barracuda was picked because she lit up every pattern in McCain’s brain, because she seems so much like himself.

The Palin pick allows McCain to run the way he wants to – not as the old goat running against the fresh upstart, but as the crusader for virtue against the forces of selfishness. It allows him to make cleaning out the Augean stables of Washington the major issue of his campaign.

So my worries about Palin are not (primarily) about her lack of experience. She seems like a

marvelous person. She is a dazzling political performer. And she has experienced more of typical American life than either McCain or his opponent.

On Monday, an ugly feeding frenzy surrounded her daughter’s pregnancy. But most Americans will understand that this is what happens in real life, that parents and congregations nurture young parents through this sort of thing every day.

My worry about Palin is that she shares McCain’s primary weakness – that she has a tendency to substitute a moral philosophy for a political philosophy.

There are some issues where the most important job is to rally the armies of decency against the armies of corruption: Confronting Putin, tackling earmarks and reforming the process of government.

But most issues are not confrontations between virtue and vice. Most problems – the ones Barack Obama is sure to focus on like health care reform and economic anxiety – are the product of complex conditions. They require trade-offs and policy expertise. They are not solvable through the mere assertion of sterling character.

McCain is certainly capable of practicing the politics of compromise and coalition-building.

He engineered a complex immigration bill with Ted Kennedy and global warming legislation with Joe Lieberman. But if you are going to lead a vast administration as president, it really helps to have a clearly defined governing philosophy, a conscious sense of what government should and shouldn’t do, a set of communicable priorities.

If McCain is elected, he will face conditions tailor-made to foster disorder. He will be leading a divided and philosophically exhausted party.

There simply aren’t enough Republican experts left to staff an administration, so he will have to throw together a hodgepodge with independents and Democrats. He will confront Democratic majorities that will be enraged and recriminatory.

On top of these conditions, he will have his own freewheeling qualities: a restless, thrill-seeking personality, a tendency to personalize issues, a tendency to lead life as a string of virtuous crusades.

He really needs someone to impose a policy structure on his moral intuitions. He needs a very senior person who can organize a vast administration and insist that he tame his lone-pilot tendencies and work through the established corridors – the National Security Council, the Domestic Policy Council. He needs a near-equal who can turn his instincts, which are great, into a doctrine that everybody else can predict and understand.

WASHINGTON – Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate has put in question his judgment and understanding of the importance of national leadership.

McCain’s cynical ploy seems to have been an effort to win over disenchanted feminists who had supported Hillary Clinton’s strong campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination but who have failed to embrace the nomination of Barack Obama to top the ticket.

Equally notable was McCain’s desire to win over members of the evangelical right -- so influential in the Republican Party -- who have been unhappy with the choice of McCain as their standard bearer in the first place.

In addition to her lack of experience, Palin – governor of Alaska for two years – carries a lot of unexpected baggage: Bristol, her 17-year-old unmarried pregnant daughter, plus a gubernatorial

ethics problem for ordering a public safety commissioner to sack her ex-brother-in-law who had been involved in a divorce battle with her sister.

Palin also has some explaining to do about her good-government image because she has simultaneously deplored special interest congressional funding called “earmarks” while hiring lobbyists to seek millions in federal funds for her town in Alaska.

Aides to McCain insist that he knew of Palin’s problems before selecting her to be his running mate. But the facts give rise to the conclusion that he gave very little thought to the issue before precipitously offering her a place on the ticket.

His amazing choice of “Governor who?” has yet to be explained unless he thinks experience and an in-depth understanding of the nation’s pressing foreign policy issues are irrelevant. In view of McCain’s taunts at Obama for his questionable ability to serve as commander in chief, McCain is barking up a tree.

If McCain thinks he has scored a coup in capturing the women’s vote with the choice of Palin, I think he has displayed an incredible naivete Continued on Page 42

It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good. Three years after Hurricane Katrina, another storm is heading for the Gulf Coast – and this has given Republicans a reason to cancel President Bush’s scheduled appearance at their national convention.

The party can thus avoid reminding voters that the last man they placed in the White House did such a heckuva job that he scored the highest disapproval ratings ever recorded.

Instead, Bush is playing commander in chief. On Sunday morning, the White House Web site featured photos of the president talking to Gulf state governors about Hurricane Gustav while ostentatiously clutching a red folder labeled “Classified.”

On Monday, instead of speaking at the convention, reports suggest that Bush will address the nation about the storm.

And a report on Politico.com suggested that John McCain might give a speech “from the devastation zone if the storm hits the U.S. coast with the ferocity feared by forecasters.”

What’s wrong with this picture? Let’s start with that red folder. Assuming that the folder contained something other than scrap paper, is the planned response to a hurricane a state secret? Are we worried that tropical storm systems will discover our weak points? Are we fighting a Global War on Weather?

Actually, that’s not quite as funny as it sounds. Some observers have pointed out that daily briefings on preparations for Gustav, which should be coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency – which is, you know, supposed to manage emergencies – have been coming, instead, from the U.S. military’s Northern Command. It’s not hard to see why. Top positions at FEMA are no longer held by obviously unqualified political hacks and cronies. But a recent report by the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security said that the agency has made only “limited progress” in the area of “mission assignments” – that is, in its ability to coordinate the response to a crisis. So FEMA still isn’t up to carrying out its principal task.

That’s no accident. FEMA’s degradation, from one of the government’s most admired agencies to a laughingstock, wasn’t an isolated event; it was the result of the GOP’s underlying philosophy. Simply put, when the government is run by a political party committed to the belief that government is always the problem, never the solution, that belief tends to become a selffulfilling prophecy. Key priorities are neglected; key functions are privatized; and key people, the competent public servants who make government work, either leave or are driven out.

The political cost of Katrina shocked the Bush administration into trying to undo some of the damage at FEMA, and it’s a good bet that the initial response to Gustav will be better (it could hardly be worse). But because the political philosophy responsible for FEMA’s decline hasn’t changed, the administration hasn’t been able to reverse the agency’s learned incompetence. Three years after Katrina, and a year past a congressional deadline, FEMA still doesn’t have a strategy for housing disaster victims.

Which brings us back to the politics of the current storm.

Earlier this year John McCain, as part of his strategy of distancing himself from the current administration, condemned Bush’s response to Katrina. If he’d been president at the time, he says, “I would’ve landed my airplane at the nearest Air Force base and come over personally.”

Um, that completely misses the point. The problem with the Bush administration’s response to Katrina wasn’t the president’s failure to show up promptly for his photo op. It was the failure of FEMA and other degraded agencies to show up promptly with food, water and first aid. And let’s hope that McCain doesn’t jet into the disaster area in Gustav’s aftermath. The candidate’s presence wouldn’t do anything to help the area recover. It would, however, tie up air traffic and disrupt relief efforts, just as Bush did when he flew into New Orleans to congratulate Brownie on the work he was doing. Remember the firefighters who volunteered to help Katrina’s victims, only to find that their first job was to stand next to Bush while the cameras rolled?

To be fair, Republican plans to deal with Gustav by turning their convention into a “service event,” perhaps a telethon to raise funds for victims, are a good idea. So is the Obama campaign’s plan to mobilize its e-mail list to send aid and volunteers. But personal, voluntary aid is no substitute for an effective public response to disaster. What we really need is a government that works, because it’s run by people who understand that sometimes government is the solution, after all. And that seems to be something undreamed of in either Bush’s or McCain’s philosophy.

September 4 - 10, 2008

American presidential politics went from the sublime to the ridiculous within little more than 12 hours last week.

Being in the Denver stadium filled with over 80,000 supporters of Democratic Presidential Nominee Sen. Barack Obama last Thursday night, this writer experienced the palpable shared sense of a great moment in time, and the strongest, most refreshing rekindling of the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King in the 40 years since his death.

Obama was forceful, eloquent, and not strident but firmly resolved to lead the nation back on the path it abandoned in the years following Dr. King’s assassination, toward a nation dedicated to economic justice at home and strong, enlightened leadership abroad.

Culminating the four-day Democratic convention that included stellar and memorable speeches by all its principals, from Sen. Ted Kennedy, Michelle Obama and Sen. Mark Warner, to Bill and Hillary Clinton, Obama towered over those accomplishments with his own, resounding indictment of a third Bush administration that the candidacy of his Republican adversary, Sen. John McCain, represents.

He spelled out his own agenda for doing things so profoundly differently, and wrapped up 45 minutes of remarks, which veritably flew by, by a stirring evocation of Dr. King on the anniversary of his 1962 “I Have a Dream” speech that unleashed the epochal civil rights and social justice avalanche of the 1960s.

His speech ratcheted up the hopes and aspirations of America’s less privileged, and of everyone who internalized the vision from the 1960s in proper connection with the nation’s founding principles, with the realization that such just and moral ideals could actually be realized in the next president of the U.S. One could almost feel the succor and hope that radiated out of that stadium to every downtrodden man, woman and child on the planet. It was sublime.

The next morning came the ridiculous. The story broke that the advisors to McCain had convinced him to name first-term Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, out of all the Republican leaders in the land, as the one most qualified to lead the United States of America in the event of his absence.

The phenomenal cynicism, abject hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of the McCain advisors who foisted this decision on him are the real culprits in all this, far more than the simple, if right wing, “hockey mom” plucked out of Alaska. McCain’s handlers were brazenly willing to subordinate the national interest to a hoped for tactical advantage for their candidate and party.

The move was so extraordinary, and laced with risk, that it had to have been made out of desperation, based on closely-held private polling results. It is not the kind of move made from a position of strength.

The script that Republican mouthpieces, from the top to the bottom of the food chain, were ordered to read from has been narrowly focused on deflecting obvious questions about Palin’s lack of experience by turning them around against Obama.

In some cases, they’re spiced up with comments like those from McCain’s wife, suggesting that Palin has more national security experience than Obama because she’s been the governor, albeit less than two years, of a state located in proximity to the most desolate regions of Russia. While a claim like that is laughable for its absurdity, it has been rendered effective by the GOP’s discipline in sticking with the script to turn all questions to Obama’s far from comparable lack of experience.

The issues are not about Palin’s family or personal life. There are serious issues about her abuse of power while in office that remain under official investigation.

But it’s mostly about how, by choosing her, McCain’s handlers reverted to a sophomoric stunt regarding the dead-serious matter of finding a qualified stand-in, if needed, to lead the entire nation in a dangerous world.

Some in the media are beginning to resist the Republican “switcheroo” tactics, insisting issue is Palin’s qualifications, or lack thereof, plain and simple. Obama is not the issue. Palin is.

Indicative of GOP thuggish enforcement of its tactic, when a CNN reporter pushed a GOP spokesman on Palin’s qualifications, she got the GOP so pissed it pulled McCain off an interview with Larry King.

That kind of sheer bullying in the effort to deflect and obfuscate the truth should enrage those in the media, much less the American public in general.  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Page 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – For many years, reality was out of vogue with Republicans. They ignored the reality of Iraq and Katrina, of Pakistan and Osama bin Laden.

When confronted with their colossal carelessness around the globe and here at home, their mantra was, as Rummy put it, “Stuff happens.” Now reality, in all its messy, crazy, funky glory, has flooded the party, in the comely, crackling form of Sarah Palin.

Unable to stop the onslaught of wild soap opera storylines erupting from the Palin family and the Alaska wilderness, McCain campaign adviser Steve Schmidt offered caterwauling reporters a new mantra: “Life happens.”

Indeed, it does. Only four days into her reign as John McCain’s “soul mate,” or “Trophy Vice,” as some bloggers are calling her, on the ticket known as “Maverick Squared,” Palin, the governor of Alaska, has already accrued two gates (Troopergate and Broken-watergate), a lawyer (for Troopergate), a future son-in-law named Levi (a high school ice hockey player, described

by New York magazine as “sex on skates”) and a National Enquirer headline about the “Teen Prego Crisis” with 17-year-old daughter Bristol.

It seems like a long time since Vice President Dan Quayle denounced Murphy Brown for having a baby out of wedlock, bemoaning a “poverty of values.” It also seems like a long time – and another McCain ago – that Republicans supporting W. smeared the old John McCain by spreading rumors that he had fathered an illegitimate black child.

This week, the anti-abortion forces celebrated the news of Bristol’s pregnancy, using it as further proof that their beloved Governor Palin – who will no more support sex education than polar bears – was committed to the cause. Since John McCain played craps first and sent the vetters to Alaska afterward, Republicans have been defending Governor Palin by saying that, while she has no foreign policy experience – except, as Cindy McCain pointed out, that “Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia” – she has a lot of domestic policy experience as a supercharged PTA and hockey mom.

As more and more titillating details spill out about the Palins, Republicans riposte by simply arguing that things like Todd’s old DUI arrest or Sarah’s messy family vengeance story will just let them relate better to average Americans – unlike the lofty Obamas.

“If this doesn’t resonate with every woman in America, I’ll eat my hat,” Bill Noll, an

Alaska delegate whose daughter got pregnant at a young age and kept the baby, told The New York Times’ Ashley Parker.

Even as they push Sarah Barricuda as the glamorous but tough hunting and fishing mom who can juggle it all – she’s the only nominee, as Fred Thompson bragged in his convention speech, “who knows how to properly field dress a moose” – they rant at reporters who wonder how she will juggle it all and question some of her judgments.

At a Washington, Pa., rally on Saturday, as her two other daughters surrounded her, Palin left Bristol baby-sitting Trig, who has Down syndrome.

“Then we have our daughter Bristol,” the new conservative Republican star said. “She’s on the bus with the newborn. ... It’s his naptime, so he is with his big sister on the bus. But we thank them for being here.”

And this while Bristol was still absorbing the shocking news that she was about to turn into tabloid road kill – and oh, yeah, she’s getting married sooner rather than later.

When you make a gimmicky pick of an unknown, without proper vetting, there’s bound to be a sticky press conference sooner or later. I watched it happen with Ferraro and Quayle, and I watched Mondale and Poppy Bush curdle with embarrassment but plow through.

The political unknowns, of course, want that tantalizing brass ring, so they’re not always completely forthcoming about their skeletons, if they’re lucky enough to be ineptly vetted. This is ironic, since the nominee who gets blindsided with these crises – Did McCain really know that this Palin reality show was about to pop and swallow his convention – is presenting them to voters as the most trustworthy people to inherit the nuclear codes. Because Ferraro grabbed at the chance, without revealing to Mondale’s incompetent vetting team how damaging some of her husband’s financial imbroglios could be, she went from being a female icon to part of the reason it’s taken a quarter-century for another party to take a chance on a woman.

When McCain gets in trouble, he pulls out the POW card. Now Republicans are pulling out the sexist card.

Hillary cried sexism to cover up her incompetent management of her campaign, and now Republicans have picked up that trick. But when you use sexism as an across-the-board shield for any legitimate question, you only hurt women.

And that’s just another splash of reality.

Page 12

In 1992, the gay and lesbian community galvanized around Bill Clinton in what is now seen as the first “national gay vote.” The stark contrast between Clinton and the rabidly homophobic GOP, which declared a culture war at its Houston convention, was the reason for this unified support.

This year offers a similar disparity between the parties. The Democrats proved at their Denver convention to be GLBT supportive while the GOP in Minneapolis will most likely rail against equality for gays in their effort to bring home their socially conservative base.

It was made clear by the major Democratic stars –Ted Kennedy, Hillary and Bill Clinton and Barak Obama -- that we, the GLBT community, are included in their vision for America. In Minneapolis, I suspect the few references to the existence of GLBT people will be as a threat to the family, with some speakers explicitly calling for a federal Constitutional Amendment to prohibit equal marriage rights. It is unfathomable that a gay person – except the most delusional - would be comfortable voting for such a party, no less trolling and tripping over conservatives in the convention hall.

McCain’s first nod to the conservatives came when he plucked a tyro from the tundra to serve as his gunning mate, er, running mate.

Alaska’s moose stew-loving governor, Sarah Palin, energized social conservatives who quickly aborted their ostensible concerns about national security for their narrow desire to secure the termination of Roe v. Wade. They were so thrilled to have Palin on the ticket, that the Family Research Council excused her teenage daughter, Bristol, for her out of wedlock pregnancy. Imagine the uproar from these Moral Majority types if this had instead been Chelsea Clinton!

Like a comedy sketch, John McCain’s wife, Cindy, said on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, that the inexperienced Palin was qualified to handle a resurgent Russia because, “Alaska is the closest part of our continent to Russia.” Isn’t that a bit like saying I’m an expert on Cuba because I grew up in Miami?

If Palin’s resume were any thinner, it could be a Vogue runway model. Prior to her two-year stint as Alaska’s governor, Palin was the mayor of Wasilla, an Anchorage suburb with 7,000 residents – which is probably less than the number of people who live on my block in Brooklyn.

Considering McCain is 72 and has had past health issues, Palin was a reckless and potentially ruinous choice. McCain’s main appeal was his experience, but elevating Palin makes it infinitely more difficult for McCain to credibly make this argument.

Let’s be honest, this is tokenism and selecting Palin as a substitute for Clinton is reminiscent of President George H.W. Bush nominating Clarence Thomas as a Supreme Court replacement for the legendary Thurgood Marshall.

This pander pick will win over few Clinton supporters following her eloquent, unifying speech in Denver. It is ludicrous to think that these educated women will be enthusiastic about Palin, who is anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-environment and who even supported arch conservative Pat Buchanan’s presidential campaign. Indeed, Buchanan told Chris Matthews on Hardball that Palin was a “brigader for me in 1996.”

Unfortunately, I still get a lot of e-mail from misinformed gay people who think that John McCain and Barack Obama have the same record on GLBT issues simply because they both oppose allowing gay people to marry. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. Obama is light years ahead on our issues and a vote for McCain is a tragic mistake that will usher in four more years of discrimination and humiliation. I suggest those in doubt visit a new website, “LGBT For Obama,” that highlights the superiority of the democratic nominee’s record.

In November, we can wake up to a new day where job discrimination is outlawed, openly gay soldiers are able to serve our nation with the dignity they deserve, GLBT people are finally included in hate crime laws, our families are offered a measure of protection and America will have a moderate Supreme Court for years to come.

Or, we can rise to a dark November morning that ushers in four more ugly years of persecution, right wing demagogues on the president’s speed dial, invisibility for our families, Arabic translators kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation and a retrograde and a reactionary Supreme Court that sets our movement back decades.

The GLBT community needs to unify and rally around the Obama campaign as we did for Clinton in 1992, or we will live in a regime that rules like its 1892. The choice for the future is clear and stark. We must mobilize in swing states and win or the GOP will be taking gratuitous swings at our families for the next four years.

September 4 - 10, 2008

To drill or not to drill, that is the question. But is it? Offshore oil reserves, once online -- a feat which will come long after the new president’s first term -will garner less than three years of supply. Drilling in Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuge will surface even less. When the U.S. supplies three percent of the world’s oil reserves (but demands 25 percent) short-term fixes will invariable make for insufficient long-lasting solutions. Band-aid approaches to America’s energy crisis will only exacerbate the eventual shock stemming from poor planning.

Prepping Americans for a more sustainable response is not as difficult as one might think.

The country is on board because the energy crisis is hitting home harder than ever. Prices at the pump have trumped contentious issues once thought tantamount by political pundits -- immigration and Iraq, for example.

Rising oil prices are rippling through the economy, from new fees to store luggage on airlines to the increasing cost of chewing gum. Unlike a few years ago, the nation recognizes the need for a serious rethink on the way we consume. Had energy consumption not come comingled with the issue of climate change, the about-face would be less apparent and the ground for preventive action less fertile.

America’s energy use -- annually 20 tons of emitted carbon per person, roughly five times that of China’s and 10 times that of India’s -- was once the exclusive concern of the environmentalist who cried foul on the fossil fuels industry. Americans who were similarly alarmed but reticent to associate with the greens were left bannerless. Now, much has

changed. Economic, security, religious and humanitarian arguments, less explicitly environmental in tenor, have emerged to champion energy-light living.

This is a good thing and on all four fronts, the desire to better manage this crisis is building: In business terms, companies who are converting to energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy alternatives are finding that there are significant financial benefits resulting from going green. Wal-Mart, for example, is unabashed about its desire to equip its new stores with solar panel roofing and cogeneration. Construction costs are promptly recouped allowing the stores to become profitable more quickly.

The concept of energy security is now commonplace in America. It’s easy for people to understand that a reliance on foreign oil from countries considered adversarial leaves us vulnerable to petrol-politics and volatile markets. The desire to be energy independent is natural and wise, even if presently impossible to attain.

Religious and humanitarian arguments for going green are also equally compelling.

Evangelicals like Rick Warren are summoning believers to bolster biblical calls for environmental stewardship. Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, and the increasing number of

devastating weather events, associated with climate change, are awakening Americans to the rising social costs stemming from fossil fuels.

But will environmentalists, business leaders, security-minded minded individuals, religious and general humanitarian organizations join together to move America out of its energy crisis?

The impact of all four groups steering us towards a sustainable energy supply, using America’s ample wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other, to meet rising demand would be powerful and ultimately successful.

Another area to which this emerging coalition could lend its might would be to convince Americans that their overall energy appetite needs to be tempered. As a nation, we comprise four percent of the world’s population yet consume 25 percent of its energy. The standard American lifestyle, if matched

by India, China and others, cannot be met with natural resources from this earth alone (some speculate the long term need to be ten planets’ worth of resources).

Whether it’s using public transit, opting for less energyintensive diets, buying local or smart-sizing the American dream to something more sustainable, these actions must be culturally acceptable and affordable in order for energylight living to be perceived as patriotic – a civic duty taken for the good of this country.

September 4 - 10, 2008

Page 13

Crime data for the first half of calendar year 2008 was released last month by the Fairfax County Police Department. While Fairfax remains one of the safest communities of its size in the nation, these statistics point out some emerging trends. Larcenies are up by 15.7 percent from the same period last year, and the police department reports that GPS units continue to be one of the “hot commodities,” according to Chief David M. Rohrer. Any police officer will tell you that, even when you remove the unit so it can’t be seen, the little round smudge left by the suction cup still shows up on the windshield, advertising to thieves that there’s probably a GPS unit in the vehicle. You should hide the unit, and clean off the mark on the windshield, too!

Chief Rohrer also reports that robberies are down 25 percent (from 292 in the first half of 2007 to 218 in the first half of 2008), but that good news is offset by an 18 percent increase in aggravated assaults (174 in 2008 versus 147 in 2007). Total violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) is down 9.6 percent; property crime (burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) increased 13.4 percent.

Bottom line? Lock your vehicles. Lock your doors. One crime prevention officer told me: if the person at the door is not someone you would welcome with a hug, keep the door locked. A screen door only keeps the bugs out; it does not provide any level of security. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in a dimly-lit parking lot. And call the police immediately if you are a victim of a crime or if something in your neighborhood just doesn’t seem right to you. Fairfax County is safe, but we can make

Hurricane Gustav is sweeping into Louisiana as this is being written (Monday afternoon). The center of the storm is slightly west of Orleans, ichard New between Barton New Orleans and Houma, which is about fifty miles southwest of New Orleans.

Even though the storm has been reduced to a category 2 hurricane and right now the storm surge appears to be 8 to 9 feet, probably not enough to breach the Mississippi River levees, there is still huge cause for concern. A major breach of the Mississippi River levees would be much worse than the flooding after Katrina. It probably would kill the city completely.

Even if the worst avoids New Orleans, there will still be very substantial damage to South Louisiana towns and cities, most who have no levee or flood protection.

I grew up in Baton Rouge, and still have many friends and relatives in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. All of the New Orleans friends have evacu-

R

it safer.

One crime not included in the report is identity theft. One way to prevent identity theft is to shred any documents that contain personal information before discarding them. This Saturday, September 6, the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program, in conjunction with my office, is sponsoring a mass shredding opportunity at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Up to five boxes of paper per resident will be accepted for shredding at no charge.

At the same time and place, Fairfax County residents (proof of residency is required) may bring their household hazardous waste for collection and recycling. Items accepted include acids, gasoline, fluorescent bulbs and CFLs, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, mercury products, oilbased paint, paint thinner, pesticides, poisons, pool chemicals, and rechargeable batteries (no automobile batteries will be accepted – take these to the I-66 Transfer Station or the 1-95 Landfill Complex). No business or commercial waste will be accepted. Because of space limitations, no computer recycling will be available.

Similar waste collection events have proven very popular, and the whole process is simple and time-efficient. Lines move quickly, and sometimes you don’t even have to get out of your car! I already have a box of old personal documents to shred, so I will look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

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

ated, the Baton Rouge relatives have not. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

In late 2004, my son came to us and gave us the happy news that he was going to get married to a New Orleans woman. I was ecstatic! New Orleans weddings are fabled, and his fiancée came from a New Orleans family who knew how to give one!

Well no, they told us. She had been practicing law in DC for about ten years and my son, of course, was a native. Most of their friends were from here, so the wedding would be held at St Matthews Cathedral. Not schlock, of course, but not New Orleans!

They set the date for September 3, 2005! All of the guests from South Louisiana came to DC from somewhere else. They had all evacuated, fortunately. They have left their city once again.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are a way of life in South Louisiana, though Katrina was the most destructive ever. I remember vividly Hurricane Audrey which swept across the southwest Gulf Coast of

Louisiana in 1957. It totally destroyed 95 percent of all the buildings in two coastal parishes (counties). More than 500 people were killed, mostly in and around the small sea level town of Cameron. Virtually no one left town when they heard about the storm. And virtually no one was left when the storm moved on.

A friend joined a fleet of rescue boats with126980 his 35-foot cabin cruiser. He told chilling stories of seeing numerous bodies of people and livestock hanging from trees more than twenty feet up. The storm surge exceeded twenty feet, not good in an area where all the land is at or below sea level.

The failure of governments at all levels during and in the aftermath of Katrina is legend. It does not appear that this is happening again, though you will know for sure when you read this column.

I hope we dodge this very lethal bullet.

Earlier this year I sponsored legislation to establish a Commission on Energy and the Environment that I now chair. Made up of legislators, citizens and non-voting agency representatives, the new standing Commission will study related issues, monitor existing state efforts in these two important areas, and recommend legislation for the next session.

Lead-off speaker at the Commission’s first meeting last week was Dr. Robert L. Hirsch, author of the 2005 report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy titled “Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation, and Risk Management”. In this report, Dr. Hirsch and coauthor Roger Bezdak did not set a date for the peaking of oil production, but pointed out that starting to prepare in advance would reduce the impact but that waiting until the peak was upon us would lead to serious economic and societal problems.

In his presentation to the Commission, Dr. Hirsch introduced the concept of peak oil to members of the Commission and those attending the meeting. While I know this is not a new topic to readers of the News-Press, it is not familiar to many people so this background was necessary. Then Dr. Hirsch emphasized that a liquid fuels shortage, a consequence of peak oil, is real and already impacting both the United States and the world at large.

He believes that we need to do everything we can think of to address the problem, although he said that corn ethanol was a mistake as we - really don’t 1 want 18:40 12/13/01 fuel to compete with food. But all other

forms of mitigation will be necessary in the near future.

It was a serious, almost gloomy message, but one that the Commonwealth needs to respond to.

Next on the agenda was a representative, Dan Beckley, from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S; Department of Energy. He spoke to the issues and challenges of energy demand, climate change, energy security and economic growth – what DOE is doing to address those challenges and what states can do.

The Department is working on sponsoring research to improve energy efficiency in buildings, aiming for zero net energy homes and offices.

They also support plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and the development of cellulosic ethanol. He pointed out that the states are leaders in many of these areas and can move forward to implement many of them.

The meeting closed with a presentation from Steve Walz, Senior Advisor for Energy Policy in Virginia, a position established by Governor Kaine. Mr. Walz, a long-time state employee who is expert in energy issues, briefed Commission members on the Virginia Energy Plan adopted last year. At the next meeting, he will report on progress in implementing the goals laid out in the plan.

The Commission will have challenging work this year as we face the urgent realities of an energy future without cheap oil.  Senator Whipple represents the 31st District in the Virginia State Senate. She may Dolev beAB emailed 85 at district31@sov. state.va.us

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Page 14

September 4 - 10, 2008

from 9 a.m. - noon. To register or for information, visit www. volunteerfairfax.org.

Crime and Punishment Has New Attraction

LOVEBIRDS Miriam Leonard and David Horgan are to be wed on Saturday, Sept. 20 on the lawn of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. (Photo: Courtesy Miriam Leonard) F.C. Resident Accepted to American University

and a median range of 12101360 on the SAT.

ago, and now live in Falls Church.

Falls Church resident, Eric Revollo, has accepted an offer to be a first-year student at American University this fall. Revollo graduated from Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School and also is a recipient of the Frederick Douglass Scholarship. Revollo will be part of the largest class in the university’s history, with approximately 1,550 first-year students predicted to enroll this fall.

The students accepted at American, as the class of 2012, average a 3.8 high school GPA

Local Wedding Announcement

Volunteer Management Boot Camp

Miriam Leonard and David Horgan are happy to announce that they will be married on Saturday, Sept. 20 on the lawn of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. Leonard is the daughter of Eugene and Carol Leonard of Falls Church. Horgan is the son of Cornelius and Myra Horgan, originally of Ireland, and now of Charlottesville, Va. The couple first met at the University of Virginia 10 years

Volunteer Fairfax’s 2008 Nonprofit Training Series is offering a workshop in Reston geared toward volunteer managers, coordinators and leaders.

Volunteer Management Boot Camp is a beginner-level session taught by Emily Gibbs, Volunteer Fairfax’s Training and Special Events Manager.

The session teaches procedure on planning, recruitment, retention and supervision. The workshop will take place on Sept. 9

A new victim has been unveiled at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment in their CSI lab: “Dead Fred.” The museum presents this victim to illustrate the forensics of investigations to museum-goers. Along with the more realistic features and textures of this mockcorpse model, the museum is now offering a simulation of a fully intact crime scene where patrons can search for clues to determine what happened.

There is also and interactive CSI lab where patrons are able to learn how to solve crimes through such forensic technologies as fingerprinting, DNA testing, dental identifications and facial reconstruction. For more information, visit www. crimemuseum.org.

Falls Church Sunset Cinema Kicks Off The Falls Church Community Center will be showing free family-friendly films on Fridays throughout the month, starting Sept. 5, at 8:30 p.m. The showings will take place at the City Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). Other dates include Fridays, Sept. 19 and 26.

Recycling Extravaganza Held for F.C. Residents The Falls Church Recycling Center and Property Yard

(217 Gordon Rd., Falls Church), are holding a Recycling Extravaganza to give F.C. residents a chance to recycle electronics, cell phones, clothing and textiles, bicycles, printer cartridges, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and medical supplies to name a few. PNC Bank will also be offering free secure paper shredding for up to three file boxes. The event will be from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will be for F.C. residents only. For more information, call 703248-5176 (TTY 711) or visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

Levine School of Music Presents Concert Series Pianist Jeffrey Chappell will be playing original compositions and works by Chopin and Bartok, on Tuesday, Sept.

9, at 12:10 p.m. at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW, Washington, D.C.). This is the first concert in the Levine School of Music’s 2008-2009 concert series. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-686-8000 or visit www. levineschool.org.

A New Kind of Family Event in Vienna Jammin’ Java, in Vienna, presents Cathy & Marcy’s Family Jamboree: A new kind of family event-concert turns jam session. Featuring new young artists Nick & Jeff Rosenberg with Shelley Brown, the concert will be on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 5 - 6 p.m., and an open jam session for all guests will be held from 6 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and

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September 4 - 10, 2008

A number of local businesses are participating in the September 5 FIRSTfriday of Falls Church. Art and Frame of Falls Church, Clay Café Studios, Curves, FC Arts Gallery, Impulsive, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Monkey Business, Stifel and Capra and Sunrise of Falls Church are hosting exhibits and events. Lunch and evening dining specials are also available from Argia’s, Clare & Don’s, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Pilin Thai and Maneki Neko. For details on events and specials visit www.firstfridayoffallschurch.com.

Local businesses are being invited to sponsor and/or participate in “Bowl with a Goal” to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday, September 6 at Bowl America in Falls Church. Lane sponsorships are still available for $200 and silent auction items are being sought. Tickets are $40 and include bowling, shoe rental, dinner and soft drinks. Lane reservations are also available for teams. For more information, contact Marty Sullivan at msullivan@midatlanticbuilders.com.

Former Virginia State Senator Emilie Miller will present “Know Your Politics” at the Monday, September 8 meeting of the Falls Church Business & Professional Women. Miller was recently named Chair of “Women for Warner” in support of Mark Warner’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. The meeting will take place at the Italian Cafe, 7161 Lee Highway in Falls Church. Networking will begin at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. For info or reservations, call 703-560-0527.

Whole Foods Market is kicking off the school year with “Back to School Tasting for Kids” on Wednesday, September 10 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. The natural and organic foods supermarket will provide children goody bags with healthy snacks and they and their families will have the opportunity to sample snack and lunch items.

The Falls Church Whole Foods is located in Idylwood Plaza at 7511 Leesburg Pike.

For more information contact Ruth Schulman at 703-448-1600.

McLean Young Professionals will meet in the Upper Level of Legal Sea Foods in Tysons Galleria II on Sept. 9 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for complimentary catering and cocktail hour with a cash/credit bar. MYPs are young professional business and community leaders of the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. This event is free, courtesy of Legal Sea Foods in Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive in McLean. For more information, call 703-356-5424 or e-mail kryan@mcleanchamber.org.

Taste of Falls Church at the Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, has received significant support from local businesses. RCN has signed on as the Children’s Tent Sponsor while Buck & Associates, Commerce Bank, Cox, General Motors and Waterford Development have signed on as supporters and Foxcraft Design as a Friend. Tastings will be available from Applebee’s, Argia’s, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, Dogwood Tavern, Entrée Vous, Hoangs Grill and Sushi Bar, Ireland’s Four Provinces, La Caraquena, Ledo Pizza, Mary’s Café & Catering, Natalia’s Elegant Creations Pastry Shop & Café, Not Your Average Joe’s, Robeks and Zpizza. For information, contact Jenny Elmore at 703-248-5199 or jelmore@fallschurchva.gov.

The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Merrifield Business Association are co-hosting their annual networking luncheon featuring Congressman Tom Davis (R, VA 11th District) on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Italian Café in Falls Church. Informal networking will begin at 11:30 a.m. The Congressman’s presentation will start at approximately 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $27 for Chamber and GMBA Members and $32 for nonmembers. Contact the Chamber at 703-532-1050 or info@ fallschurchchamber.org or the GMBA at 703-849-1200 or nikki@hammondagency. com to reserve seats. Advanced registration is required for this popular event.

Peter Converse, CEO of Virginia Commerce Bank, will be the featured speaker at the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast with the CEO forum on Wednesday, Sept. 17, sponsored by West*Group. Mr. Converse has more than 35 years of banking experience serving as President, CEO and Director of Arlingtonbased Virginia Commerce Bank since 1994. The event, which includes pre-event networking and breakfast, will take place from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at J. Gilberts Steakhouse, 6930 Old Dominion Drive in McLean. McLean Chamber members may attend for $20, non-members for $25.00. For more information, contact 703-356-5424 or kryan@mcleanchamber.org.

Seventeen Fairfax County companies are on Inc. magazine’s 2008 list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the nation. Fairfax Co. companies, including several from the greater Falls Church area, comprise 63 percent of the 27 firms on the list from Virginia and 38 percent of the 45 firms are from the Washington, D.C. area. Among states, Virginia ranked fifth on the list. The rankings are in the September issue of Inc.  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 4 - 10, 2008

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September 4 - 10, 2008

September 4 - 10, 2008

Fairfax Co. Schools Surpass State SAT Scores Fairfax County Public High School students in the class of 2008 have outperformed others in Virginia and across the nation on the SAT with an average of 1654 on the three-part test, according to figures released by FCPS Superintendent Jack D. Dale.

This is the highest average score for FCPS since the SAT expanded from two to three sections in 2006 with the additional test in writing.

“The increase in scores at these schools is noteworthy and deserves recognition,” said Dale. “It shows dedication on the part of the students who are headed toward college as well as the teachers who help prepare them for higher education.”

For more information on the topic, contact Kathleen Oliver, director of the FCPS Office of Student Testing, at 703-2087776 or visit www.fcps.edu.

F.C. City School Board to Meet at New Time

The Falls Church City School Board voted Aug. 15 to change its schedule format to strive to make meetings more

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efficient. The school board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in the chambers of city hall, but the boards work sessions will begin at 7 p.m., closed meetings will take place at 8:15 p.m. and regular meetings will begin at 8:30 p.m.

The new schedule took effect Aug. 26. Work sessions on alternate Tuesdays at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School will be held only when needed. Board meeting times, agendas and materials are always available to the public under the school board section of their web site: www.fccps.org/board.

Fairfax County Releases Preliminary SOL Data Students in Fairfax County Public Schools improved their results on the Virginia Standards of Learning tests with higher pass rates for all subgroups this year compared with 2006-07 results, and more than 40 percent of all tests taken received a score of pass advanced, according to 2007-08 preliminary data released Aug. 27 by the Virginia Department of Education. Based on this data, the school division made adequate yearly progress

(AYP) under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) this year.

SOL tests are part of a longstanding Virginia program of educational accountability and, since 2002, have been used to determine AYP for schools and school divisions under NCLB. In addition, 134 of the 190 FCPS schools made AYP this year, up from 119 schools last year. For more information, visit www.fcps.edu.

ESOL Placement Testing and Registration Fall classes are now enrolling for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) through Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education programs. Placement Testing is required of all new students and begins Sept. 2.

Please do not bring children to testing, registration, or class.

Please arrive on time to start the test and allow two hours for completion.

Only 75 students can be tested at each site. After finishing the tests, applicants will be given an appointment to come back for placement and registration. Individuals with F1 or F2 visas (student visa holders

and their spouses) are not eligible for literacy through high advanced classes.

The following fees are due at registration: $15 registration fee, book fee, and tuition. Pay with money order, check, or credit card. No cash will be accepted. For more information, please call 703-714-5560 or 703-506-2200.

Volunteers are also needed to assist ESOL teachers at registration and in classes. In addition, volunteers are needed for administrative assistance at major sites. Call Carolyn Kulishek at 703-227-2380.

Bishop O’Connell Soccer Coach Goes for Victory Head Coach Alberto Starace played for his 500th career victory on Wednesday, Sept.

3 at Flint Hill High School.

Starace has been the girls head coach since 1985. During that time he has won one National Championship, 10 WCAC Tournament Championships and 15 WCAC Regular Season Championships. His teams have been ranked in the nations top 25 at least one-time over the past 15 years. Visit www.bishopoconnell.org for more on the game.

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The NFL season kicks off Thursday night, making the obvious question of the week “are you ready for some football?”

With all of the media coverage of the NFL, coverage that continues longer than that of any of the other major leagues and ramps up to a frenzy at the start of the summer, it’s hard to believe anyone will enter this week’s games unprepared.

Although, with a disproportionate amount of that coverage tilting towards Brett Favre’s unretirement, it’s conceivable folks may have missed out on some interesting story lines. Here are the stories I’ll be monitoring as the season progresses.

The New England Patriots were nearly perfect last season ... but that one loss sure stung. Coming into 2008, there’s no reason the Pats can’t be just as good. That doesn’t mean however that there won’t be challenges. Tom Brady enters the season a little dinged up and his offensive line, which looked as sturdy as balsa wood in the Super Bowl, is another year older. That could prove to be a bad combination. After losing Asante Samuel, the Pats are a little thin at cornerback too. They brought in Deltha O’Neal this week, but the fact that O’Neal was still available a week before the season starts should probably tell you something.

For all the potential problem areas though, is anyone really willing to bet against Bill Belichick with an entire offseason to plot his revenge? Me either.

The Super Bowl champs enter the season facing some adversity as well, losing Osi Umenyiora for the season and Michael Strahan to retirement — the real kind. But early reports are showing that Eli Manning has finally come into his own and, with the confidence given by last year’s Super Bowl win, could have finally reached his lofty potential. He had a good season last year, but also had far too many interceptions (20). If he cuts back on the picks, the Giants could be right back in the playoffs this year.

I’ll also have my eye on the NFL’s bad boys, Pacman ... er, excuse me, Adam Jones of the Cowboys, the Bengals’ Chris Henry and ... Marvin Harrison?

The quiet Harrison seems not to fit here, but this past offseason Philadelphia police questioned the Indianapolis wide receiver regarding a shooting near his North Philly bar. Will the issue bubble up during the season?

There’s been a lot of talk about how Jones has been surrounded by “good influences” like former Cowboys Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders. As someone who watched football

September 4 - 10, 2008

in the 1990s, I find that statement a little laughable. Irvin and “Prime Time” both had their run-ins with Johnny Law in their day and neither would have been considered a suitable role model for a player on thin ice with the league. To be fair, Irvin and Sanders may have really cleaned up their act and are simply showing Jones how to do the same. For Jones’s sake however, I hope the advice stops short of the wardrobe department. Their outfits have been known to make even the glamorous Prince look like a monk in comparison.

This year’s trendy dark horse pick for the Super Bowl seems to be the Minnesota Vikings. Yes, the Vikings have a great defense, but they also have Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback.

A guy who throws 12 interceptions to just nine touchdowns doesn’t seem like the type that can navigate his team through the playoffs, regardless of how good his defense and running back are.

Trent Dilfer at least threw more TDs than picks when he won with the Ravens in 2001.

Will Darren McFadden follow in the footsteps of last year’s stud rookie RB, the Vikes’ Adrian Peterson? Or will he fit the more disappointing mold of Reggie Bush, who has yet to play to his astronomical expectations in New Orleans?

Okay, I’ll be watching to see how Broadway Brett does with his new team. But I won’t like it.

Then there are the Washington Redskins and their phenomenal flameouts to end their preseason schedule. I know preseason games don’t count, but Skins fans have to be discouraged by the monumentally awful showings heading into Thursday night’s game with the Giants. There are a lot of questions about the offense and a lot of doubts that the Skins can make the playoffs in Year One under Jim Zorn.

Quarterback Jason Campbell showed glimpses of his talent last year, and now he has a pair of rookie receivers to give him some taller targets.

But there’s still the simple fact that Campbell and the offense have had to learn three different playbooks in the past four years.

If you look at the successful teams around the league, they’ve all had consistency among their offensive units. Will the Skins stick with their plans if things go awry? Or will they start tweaking and change things as they’ve done for the last four years? If it’s the latter, I suspect I’ll be writing a similar blurb about the team this time next year.

Trailing 13-7 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, George Mason High School linebacker Misael Benitez exploded through the line and sacked J.E.B. Stuart High’s quarterback Jason Friday on a crucial fourth and four well inside Mason territory last Friday. This gave the Mustang offense yet another shot at taking the lead after sleepwalking through the middle quarters of the game. Senior running backs Charlie Mann and Joel Chandler took over the game at this point, nickel and diming the Raider defense with three and four yard runs for eight minutes before Chandler scored the winning touchdown on a one-yard plunge with 29 seconds left in the game.

Junior kicker Yates Jordan stayed perfect for the night on the ensuing PAT, barely clearing the upright to give Mason their first win of the season. Despite a Stuart penalty that moved the spot to the one yard line, Head Coach Tom Horn confidently stuck with his decision to let Jordan kick rather than trying a short two-point conversion.

“Yates is an athlete, and he kicks the same way no matter what the situation is. He’ll kick in every big play situation,” said Horn.

This was Jordan’s second game winning kick of his career.

As a sophomore in 2007, he kicked the game winning extra point propelling George Mason to a 44-43 win in Madison County.

When Chandler dove into the end zone with 29 seconds left in the game, it was the first time Mason had scored since their first drive of the game. Senior running back Kevin Millard capped off an impressive opening drive with an eight yard TD run. Horn was impressed by J.E.B. Stuart’s revamped defensive scheme.

“We caught them off guard early, but they did a good job the next three quarters. We just couldn’t get [Chandler] the ball in the open field,” said Horn.

Mason unveiled a new four running back offense that does not have a prototypical quarterback position. Horn and offensive coordinator Chris Capannola took their double wing package, and replaced the quarterback with an extra running back that either takes a snap from shotgun, or one of the wings goes in motion and takes the snap. The system is supposed to deceive defenses, and allow the Mustangs to use their compilation of talented running backs efficiently. Horn’s offense is designed to gain three or four yards per play, but Stuart’s

defense was able to sniff out plays before they could develop for most of the night.

Stuart’s offense was even more inconsistent than Mason’s. Running backs Terrill Hawkins and Anthony Champ showed flashes of brilliance, but also were irrelevant for a good portion of the game. Mason defensive lineman had their way with the Raider offensive line all night, preventing Friday and company to find any rhythm whatsoever. Stuart as a team was also plagued with penalties all night, another reason for their offensive woes.

The more than 200-pound senior, Champ, gave Stuart momentum early in the second quarter when he bounced a play to the outside and outran the entire Mustang defense on an 82-yard touchdown run down his own sideline to tie the game at seven points.

Hawkins scored the only other touchdown for Stuart in the third quarter on an eightyard scamper, following his 40yard run that moved the Raiders into the red zone for just the second time all night. The ensuing point after touchdown however, proved to be the difference in the game. Raider kicking specialist Armando Peredo hooked the extra point, leaving the score at 13-7.

September 4 - 10, 2008

Highlanders Set to Race in Monroe Parker Invitational The McLean High School Co-ed Varsity Cross Country team will compete in the Monroe Parker Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 a.m.

The race is being held at the Burke Lake 2.98-mile course in Fairfax Station, Va. This will be McLean’s first official meet of the season.

Marshall Takes the Win Against Hayfield On Thursday, Aug. 28, George C. Marshall High School’s Varsity Football team beat Hayfield Secondary School 23-12 in Marshall’s first official game of the 2008-09 season.

As reported last week, Marshall also won its scrimmage prior to the regular season over the Dominion Titans. Next up, the Statesmen face off against the Fairfax Rebels in an away game on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The JV and freshman scrimmages will occur the night before, on Sept. 4, versus Fairfax High School.

D.C.’s Nats Host Autism Awareness Game The Washington Nationals hit the diamond last Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31, to benefit Autism Speaks, Sports Plus, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children and the Autism Society of America, D.C. Chapter. In their game against the Atlanta Braves, representatives from each organization sat at the Community Relations Table in Center Field Plaza, and at a table behind Section 106,

Page 21

distributing information about the disease. Attendees were able to purchase tickets at multiple price points with a percentage of the proceeds going to the formerly listed organizations.

GMHS Golf Performance Above Par The George Mason High School Co-ed Varsity Golf Team played an impressive round recently, defeating Manassas Park High School by a combined team score of 327-397. Taking advantage of the favorable conditions at the Prince William golf course, the Mustangs were led by Evans Mendes (80), as well as Chris An (81), Mike Wolfe (82) and Mike Duning (84), all of whom rounded out the scoring for the team.

Roberto Clemente Award Presented On Tuesday, Sept. 4, the Washington Nationals named Joel Hanrahan the recipient of this year’s Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy.

Hanrahan is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the seventh annual award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community. Chevy will donate $7,500 to the charity of choice of each of the 30 Club recipients.

Hanrahan has chosen the Walter Reed Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping wounded soldiers and their families at the Walter Reed Medical Center. Chevy also will

donate $30,000 and a Chevy vehicle to the national winner’s charity of choice and an additional $30,000 will be donated

by Chevy to Roberto Clemente Sports City, a not-for-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to provide recreational sports activities for children.

Hanrahan was publicly honored during Wednesday night’s game versus the Philadelphia Phillies. The pre-game ceremony began with a video tribute to Roberto Clemente with commentary from Nationals players and coaches on his contributions to the game and his humanitarian efforts. Luis Clemente, Roberto’s son and the President and CEO of Roberto Clemente Sports City, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and Fernando Coronel, Counsel for the Nicaraguan Embassy, took part in pre-game ceremonies.

McLean Highlanders Off to a Rocky Start The McLean High School Varsity Football team kicked off the 2008-09 season with a record of 0-1, losing their first regular season game 19-49 against Annandale High School last Thursday, Aug. 28. The Highlanders will get a second chance at a positive season this Friday, Sept. 5 when they take on J.E.B. Stuart High School on the Raiders’ turf.

FCHS Varsity Field Hockey Plays Scrimmage The Falls Church High Jaguars played McLean High School during an intense Girls Varsity Field Hockey match on

Thursday, Aug. 21.

Key defense was played

by Erin Stansel in the first half. In the second half, Nina Hadjiialigholi, had a break away assisted by Kim Sacke for a near-goal opportunity.

The lead of Tiffany Stoffel, Ana Moschopolous, Sacke and Hannah Wilkerson constantly broke threw the mid field to bring the ball down the field.

J.E.B. Stuart Girls to Face Washington Lee HS J.E.B. Stuart High School’s Varsity Girls Volleyball team is set to serve up their Raider strength on Sept. 15 at Washington Lee High School in what will be their first official match since hosting the Raider Rumble at home last Saturday, Aug. 30.

Page 22

September 4 - 10, 2008

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By Natalie Bedell

After graduating from McLean High School in 1970, theatre arts teacher and director Denise Perrino never imagined that she would now be teaching students of her own on the same stage she had performed on as a teenager – students who, more importantly, have just been asked to perform on a stage halfway across the globe.

“It says something special about our program and about the community when you have achieved a certain amount of acknowledgement and your work is so well-respected,” said Perrino.

A letter came across Perrino’s desk last year informing her and her students they’d been nominated to perform at the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF) in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Perrino, whose past students were nominated and accepted a few times prior, had never before felt the department was fully prepared to take on the task.

“Certainly we had the talent because we got nominated and accepted, however it is a huge undertaking,” said Perrino.

The enthusiasm of her younger students this time around convinced her that the timing was right. So in the mail went the school’s 12-page application along with pictures and video of productions from the past five years, documenting not so much the here-and-now product, but what Perrino calls “the process leading up to and including the product.” Each year an AHSTF panel, comprised of college theatre professionals from across the U.S., review applications based on a theatre group’s community involvement, recent bodies of work, awards and more. This year the panel liked what they saw and invited the McLean H.S. theatre department to per-

Page 23

form at the Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world.

Nearly 15 MHS students and at least three adult chaperones will head to London, England and then Edinburgh for a 12-day stay at Queen Margaret University, during which time the students will perform four shows next Augustt. Perrino says one the newest challenges will be taking the show on the road.

“We’re going to be taking an ensemble piece where the kids will be playing lots of different parts, changing their costumes pieces, and along those lines, not focusing on sets or big costume pieces or props, but more on the actor,” said Perrino.

Administrative protocol presented additional hoops through which Perrino had to jump in order to take a handful of students out of the country, the same students whose prior trip to Orlando’s Disney World was the furthest they’d ever traveled to perform.

Perrino said that up until recently, Fairfax County Public Schools had a ban on international travel, which they lifted sometime last year. Perrino joked that she proposed the idea as an “unusual field trip,” explaining why they’d be going, what the kids were going to experience, how much it was going to cost and how the theatre department planned on raising the fare.

“The first step was to go to the school here and our principal, Dr. Jackson, is great. She’s such an advocate for the arts, absolutely fabulous, and was just so excited when we were asked to go,” said Perrino.

Once the paperwork saw the likes of many desks throughout its hierarchy of the sign-off process, the MHS theatre department’s next task was raising the funds to get them to the Scottish stage.

Doing a brief summer fundraiser through Antonelli’s pizza and more to come in the fall, Perrino

said her goal is for the department to raise half of the cost it will take for each interested student to attend, with the other half being matched by their parents. MHS theatre, fully supported by ticket sales, is new to the fundraising scene, though Perrino said she’s already seen the unity it’s encouraged among the students.

“It’s kind of cool because it’s bringing the group together and encouraging them to ask themselves what their goals are and what they want to do,” said Perrino.

Already, a group of students has approached Perrino with a formed committee to work hand in hand with her in ironing out the details, demonstrating their ability as self-starters, and for Perrino, “exactly what you want in theatre.”

She said their well-rounded focus sets them apart from the pack of local schools, praising them for their performance of

Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” and being able to understand the nuances and the movement of such an advanced piece.

Perrino, who studied Theatre Arts at Catawba College, and taught theatre at other local schools for nearly 30 years, is no stranger to the stage herself and will soon be inducted into Catawba’s Hall of Fame.

However, she was glad to find herself back at home at MHS. “I always had very happy memories of McLean High and I was ready to come back to the high school level of theatre,” said Perrino. “It just happened to be where I had spent so much of my time growing up.”

She beamed at the thought when speaking of all of the emails she still receives from past students, filling her in on where they’re at now. Winner of two prestigious Helen Hayes awards for Best Supporting Actress, Kate

Eastwood Norris, who Perrino taught during her stay at Oakton High School, is just one of the many students that have gone on to bigger stages and other careers in the spotlight.

“It’s not necessarily that you have a lot of Kates but it’s something about theatre arts – the working together, the problem solving, the creativeness – it kind of sets you up for the rest of your life,” said Perrino.

She hopes their trip to Scotland will do its part in preparing her current students for the real world, showing them that the world is “not just about them and there’s lots of different ways of looking at things.”

“It’s a huge opportunity and it’s going to be a lot of work,” said Perrino. “But it’s also going to be a trip of a lifetime.”

This fall, McLean H.S. kicks off its drama season with “Romeo and Juliet” on the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Page 24

September 4 - 10, 2008

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September 4 - 10, 2008

WWII Spy, Falls Church Local At 93, Walter Mess is of an age where he wouldn’t know a Google if it bit him.

But that was before last Thursday, when the National Archives released previously classified files that identified the longtime Falls Church resident and civic leader with some 24,000 other people who served during World War II in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the international spy network that was the forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

As a result, Mess now knows that his name will turn up nearly 9,000 times when someone enters “Walter Mess OSS Falls Church” in the Google search engine. That’s because he is listed alongside more famous people like TV chef Julia Childs, Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr., actor Sterling Hayden and Chicago White Sox catcher Moe Berg.

“They were soldiers, actors, historians, athletes, professors, reporters,” the Associated Press wrote in a story that appeared in newspapers around the world

and quoted Mess. “But for several years during World War II, they were known simply as the OSS. They studied military plans, created propaganda, infiltrated enemy ranks and stirred resistance among foreign troops.”

Mess, who was recruited in 1938 by the covert agency that later became the OSS while studying for a doctor of law degree at Catholic University, told the AP that he had kept quiet about his clandestine wartime activities in Europe, North Africa and Burma for more than 50 years.

“I was told to keep my mouth shut,” said Mess, who kept his vow of silence and didn’t even tell his wife of 62 years until a few years before her death in 2002. “She was so angry she didn’t speak to me for a month,” he said.

Mess was newly married in 1941 and had just moved into his new home on Seaton Lane in the Virginia Forest section – he paid $400 for the lot and the street was a dirt road – when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

In January, 1942, he enlisted in the Army and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. Two years later, he was recruited by

the newly-created OSS, partly because he learned how to sail as a boy growing up in Alexandria, and the OSS was active in Asia where water was the only means of transportation.

He spent the rest of the war working with local populations in Burma and Thailand to gather intelligence and conduct guerilla operations against the Japanese.

He was part of the first unit in U.S. military history created specifically for the purpose of conducting unconventional warfare behind enemy lines, and his voluminous personal files contain photographs of him and the crew of the 40-foot speedboat he commanded that operated along the Burma coast and in waterways in North Burma.

After the war, Mess returned home to his wife and a fouryear-old daughter he’d never seen, and began a highly successful real estate, mortgage and insurance business. He and his wife raised two more daughters and a son as they watched Virginia Forest – and Falls Church – grow as rapidly as his family and become crowded with homes and businesses.

On Monday, he sat in the screened porch of his home and talked about his remarkable life and career.

“I was practicing law and handling foreclosed property,” he said. “Practically every hotel in Washington was being foreclosed, along with 150 office and apartment buildings. I was renting space to the U.S. government on Farragut Square for sixty cents a square foot. Today, it’s $60.”

An avid outdoorsman who retains the energy of a man in his 70’s and still does his own yardwork, Mess says his wartime exploits were dangerous, challenging, exciting and even “fun.” But he downplays his accomplishments, even while sitting beneath a plaque that displays four Bronze Stars and a half-dozen other military medals and honors. Several years ago, he was made an honorary member of the Green Beret special forces unit.

“They’re making a great deal out of this because of Julia Childs and the other famous people,” he said, referring to the release of some 750,000 pages of OSS documents. “But what you must understand is that I’m nothing. I’m just a little piece of the story, just a cog in the wheel. The only reason they pointed me out is that I’ve outlived the rest of the bastards.”

Nevertheless, there are still a lot of people who want to

hear his story. An historian for the Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., interviewed Mess last weekend for the Journal of Army Special Operations History. In a recent issue, the historian wrote about how Mess’s unit, the paramilitary Detachment 101 of the OSS, was instrumental in the use of aerial resupply to overcome the logistical difficulties of operating in north Burma.

“It is relevant today because the pioneering efforts in the skies over north Burma influenced how aerial resupply would be done in numerous post-WWII conflict,” he wrote.

“North Burma was the one major American operational theater where aerial resupply to non-airborne ground forces was a routine practice.”

Mess says he promised himself that he would volunteer 50 percent of his time to his community if he survived the war, and promptly set about doing that when he returned home.

His list of accomplishments are evident in projects all over

Falls Church and Northern Virginia. They include his leadership in creating the Falls Church Community Park, construction of the Falls Church City Hall and the Mary Riley Styles public library, and establishment of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. He was the longest serving public official in Northern Virginia when he retired in 2005 after 30 years as chairman of the area’s regional park authority, which named its Fairfax Station headquarters after him.

Honored by the Falls Church City Council with a “Walter Mess Day” on his 90th birthday in December, 2004, Mess says he’s proudest of his family, which includes a dozen grandchildren and half a dozen great grandchildren, whose photos he proudly displays in his home.

Maybe the next time they visit, he’ll ask them to show him how to Google up his name.

(Editor’s note: Albert Eisele is editor-at-large of The Hill and a neighbor of Walter Mess since 1967.)

Page 28

September 4 - 10, 2008

SUZANNE FAUBER BUCK & ASSOCIATES, INC.

MEET AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR PAUL STEWART & CHRIS RIDDELL: Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. 2499 N. Harrison St, English co-authors Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell (who also is an illustrator) will introduce their newest book, Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf, the first volume in a new series, which tells the story of a young man who runs errands on the city rooftops, where he stumbles across strange mysteries and adventures.

They also will talk about their other popular adventure and fantasy book series, including the Edge Chronicles (8 volumes) and the Far Flung Adventures.

A book signing will follow. Grades 4-8.

Please call to register.

Aladdin’s Lamp Children’s Books, Arlington, (703) 241-8281.

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September 4 - 10, 2008

Page 33

September

4

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sda Thur

Railroad Earth 9:30 Club 7 p.m.

BY MIKE HUME

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-393-0930 • 930.com

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Frida

The Gourds State Theatre 7 p.m.

220 N. Washington St., Falls Church 202-393-0930 • thestatetheatre.com

Bill Kirchen Jammin’ Java 8 p.m.

227 Maple Ave., Vienna 703-255-1566 • jamminjava.com

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day Satur Bottle Rockets Iota Club & Cafe 9:30 p.m.

2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington 703-522-8340 • iotaclubandcafe.com

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John Wayne

MATTHEW RYAN (PHOTO: COURTESY THINK PRESS)

Hero Black Cat 9 p.m.

1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-667-4490 • blackcatdc.com

The FCNP staff savored these singles this week: 

Nicholas Benton— Wrapped Around Your Finger by Tori Amos 

Jody Fellows— Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen 



Natalie Bedell— Save Me by Jem

Dean Edwards— Little Red Corvette by Prince

There are some artists who emerge into the public eye fully-formed and primed to perform their one and only trick before fading into the background. Then there are others who evolve more organically, altering their art away from the watchful gaze of the mainstream audience and maturing their music for a more enduring existence. Matthew Ryan fits squarely in the latter mold.

A self-described lackluster salesman of his product, Ryan has seldom stood in the media spotlight. Instead, he’s nurtured a slow-grown following that identifies with his sober assessment of our world through lyrics inspired by a kind of X-ray vision that allows him to see poignancy at the heart of everything that surrounds him. Such is a skill to be expected of a man who bypasses The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen and prominently lists “hope, love, sex, architecture, betrayal, trust, conflict, airplanes, New Year’s Eve and violins” among his influences. With fans appreciating the intricacy of his work, slowly, steadily, the world began to notice. With each record following his debut with May Day in 1997, Ryan’s reach has expanded. Now, following the most recent release of Matthew Ryan Vs. The Silver State, and thanks in part to a frequently updated MySpace page chock-a-block with ruminations and rare recordings, Ryan could finally be on the cusp of something big. Ryan recently scored the third episode for this season of the CW’s “One Tree Hill,” composing the soundtrack and weaving in his new tune “Some Streets Lead Nowhere.”

But the success at this stage of his career also comes with some discomfort according to Ryan, who has always striven for marks deeper than dollar signs with his writing. “I feel that I’m coming into my own and developing in a fashion that I’m proud of and the audience is growing and all those things, but just looking at the industry itself, sometimes I’m just afraid we’re like magicians at the turn of the last century. Like entertainment has taken over,” Ryan has said, struggling to further articulate a concern that comes at what could be a crescendo in his career.

“It’s like with every beautiful thing, there’s always been some sort of pain. I’m in one of those kinds of spots.” He won’t go into more detail on what’s specifically vexing him.

There’s a measure of mystery to Matthew Ryan’s future, but perhaps one thing is for certain – just as throughout his career, there may be even more artistic evolution ahead.

• Matthew Ryan performs Sept. 7 at Jammin’ Java at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Listen at www.myspace.com/matthewryan.

Page 34

September 4 - 10, 2008

Page 36

APALTA, Chile -- When the partners behind Vina Montes began making wines in the late 1980s, everybody thought they were crazy. Chileans were trying to get out of the wine business, not into it.

Yet the men knew they were working on something special, even if they had to fill each bottle by hand back then and all equipment used was rented. In just a few years, the country’s wine boom began, and the winery with the angel on its label quickly distinguished itself as a leader of the pack.

“Ninety percent of the wineries in Chile went for volume,” said Aurelio Montes Del Campo, whose father, Aurelio Montes, was one of the original partners.

“Montes went for quality. We built slowly.”

The quality level and the number of Chilean imports entering the U.S. market have both risen in the last couple of years, but Montes remains among the top.

The 2005 Montes Alpha M, for example, scored a 95 rating from Wine Spectator, which called it “the best vintage yet for this winery’s flagship wine.”

Over the past 20 years, the bodega has established itself in the Apalta Valley — part of the Colchagua Valley denomination of origin, or D.O. — on the edge of the mountain that produces its best cabernet sauvignon and syrah, the latter of which is a grape the winery introduced to Chilean soil.

From the glass-walled tasting room in the winery, you can see the grapevines as you sip a glass of the wine they produced. Folly, the winery’s high-end syrah, comes from a slope so steep acrobats are said to harvest the grapes.

Well, that’s what the label suggests, at least.

The room is just a small part of the winery that opened in 2004. The overwhelming building is both up-to-date and ancient at the same time. The equipment is all modern —Montes said he could operate the machines from as far as Russia — but the design embraces the concepts of feng shui, utilizing water, metal, earth and wood to create a positive energy within the place, Montes said while conducting a tour earlier this year.

The entry is reached by crossing a footbridge over a pool that flows beneath the massive wooden door. The water eventually reaches a fountain at the geometric center of the winery over which is a skylight. It is at this point that the energy of the place is meant to connect with the universe.

Incorporating feng shui into the design was promoted by one of the founding partners, Douglas Murray, who has been called crazy by some for his ideas. Montes has heard the comments all before.

What can’t be disputed is how the building’s design creates a calm environment for the employees. On the roof, where the grapes are sorted, workers are in a covered, breezy area that has a vast panorama of the valley.

“It’s a good atmosphere for the workers,” which makes for happy workers, he said. “At the end, the wine will be better.”

The grapes are then fed into a gentle gravity press in which the juice slowly winds its way down into the building. Once the wine has been transferred to oak, the barrels are stored in a cool, dark room that resembles an amphitheater in which Gregorian chants fill the air. The music is meant to soothe the wine, Montes said, referring to a study in which the molecular structure of water exposed to rock music was agitated while water exposed to classical music was peaceful.

Whether it works or not is debatable, yet it is one extra way in which the winery takes an extra step to produce the best wine it can. What cannot be argued is that the music soothes the workers, including Montes, generating more positive energy.

“We’re not magicians here, we are only winemakers,” he said.

It’s not magic that the winery is growing. Sauvignon blanc comes from the Chilean San Antonio region, specifically the Leyda area, far to the north of the winery.

It now has an Argentine label, Kaiken, which produces malbec and cabernet sauvignon. The price of these wines, like the Montes Classic Series and the Montes Limited Selection lineup, is under $20.

Montes is also in the process of becoming the first Chilean winery to establish itself in the Napa Valley, with its first release set for September.

The Napa Angel Aurelio’s Blend 2006 will retail for about $75, while the Napa Angel Reserve 2006 will sell for about $45.

September 4 - 10, 2008

In tournament play, the best players in the world usually won’t reraise a bet before the flop. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain situations where it’s appropriate to do just that.

It’s okay, for example, to reraise when you’re shortstacked. This is the most obvious situation for a pre-flop reraise.

In this case, you’ll likely be reraising for all of your chips when you do. If your opponent folds, you’ll probably increase your stack size significantly, and that’s not a bad result.

A reraise in this situation is effective because it limits the field. With any luck, you’ll get to play the hand heads-up; that will increase your odds of tournament survival. Remember, even with a hand as strong as pocket queens, you’d much prefer having just one opponent to beat.

You can also reraise when you’re out of position with a strong hand. In no limit Hold’em, position equals power.

One sure way to neutralize an opponent’s positional advantage is by reraising before the flop.

For example, say a player from late position raises when you hold pocket jacks in the small blind. A reraise here is often better than a call. That’s because pocket jacks are tough to play after the flop and even more difficult to play if you have to act first. By making an appropriately large pre-flop reraise, the hand becomes easier to play since you’ll likely be committed to the pot regardless of the flop.

Now, if the flop comes AK-10, you’d obviously have to consider laying down the jacks.

If the flop came Q-6-2, however, you’d want to continue to bet after the flop even though there’s an overcard on the board.

It’s also a good idea to reraise against bad players who tend to overplay hands like J-J, A-Q, or even A-K. While you should occasionally slowplay big pairs like pocket aces or kings in deep-stack tournaments, it’s simply unnecessary and not recommended when playing against bad players. Go ahead and reraise your big pocket pairs against these players. A weak player who raises with AK will probably respond to your reraise by shoving all of his chips in before the flop -- with the worse hand.

You can also reraise pre-flop when you have position and want to define an opponent’s hand, particularly if there’s an aggressive player at the table.

Say you’re sitting on the

button with a notso-strong K-J and an aggressive player raises. Reraising pre-flop in this situation will help you take control of the hand and will reveal information about the strength of your opponent’s hand.

If he folds, he was trying to steal. If he reraises, he’s probably got you dominated. If he calls, assume he’s got a relatively strong hand, something like pocket eights or A-Q. Finally, consider reraising before the flop if you have a solid table image. At some point, your opponents will see that you rarely reraise before the flop. That observation provides the perfect opportunity to bluff by reraising with a trash hand. Even a hand

as weak as 7-2 offsuit can be a winner if you make a pre-flop reraise. But you’ve got to have a rock-solid poker image to make this play work.

Important: Don’t overuse this play. When you do, be prepared to abort mission if you get any resistance at all. And only try this play if it won’t put at risk a large percentage of your chips.  Online poker training is now available from Daniel Negreanu.

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

Planning ning for All Ages & All Needs Need :hiViZ EaVcc^c\ hiViZ E iViZ cc <jVgY^Vch]^eh <jVgY^Vch]^e <jVgY^Vch]^ HeZX^Va CZZYh EaVcc^c\ EgdWViZ L^aah & Igjhih IgjhiZZ dg 6\Zci HZgk^XZh NEEDHAM MITNICK & POLLACK

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September 4 - 10, 2008

Page 37

Level: 1 3

2 4

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

9/7/08

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

ACROSS 1. Make fun of 5. “It’s Tricky” rap group 11. ____Kosh B’Gosh 14. Boo-boo 15. “____ serious?”

16. Paper size: Abbr.

17. Astute 19. NYSE debut 20. Baker’s dozen, perhaps 21. Larry, Moe and Curly 23. “____ lost!”

26. D neighbors 27. Natural occurrence named after a 4th-century Italian bishop 32. Bach’s “Mass ____ Minor” 33. Runaway of rhyme 34. Part of ASPCA 35. Growing business?

37. Employed 39. Pic 42. From ____ Z 44. Actress Garbo 46. “Need ____ on?”

47. Quick deposit receivers 50. Special intuition, in modern lingo 51. Goes down in defeat 52. Last SwedishNorwegian king 54. “____ to differ” 56. “So that’s it!”

57. Ad slogan since 1991 ... and this puzzle’s theme 62. Individually 63. Self-server 64. It’s hot in here 65. Baseball Hall of Famer Roush 66. Part of ASAP 67. Financial aid factor

Down 1. “Excusez-____!”

2. Have title to 3. Op. ____ 4. Repress 5. Breathing abnormality 6. “The Haj” author 7. Not pos.

8. Darkens, maybe 9. Baseball great Irvin and others 10. Some jeans 11. Elite groups

THE QUIGMANS Buddy Hickerson

1

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Across

12. Fla. vacation spot

59

© 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

45. Iverson of the NBA 47. Ran 48. “____ bragh!”

49. Accesses the Web 50. Flip 53. “Am ____ early?”

54. Film character who says “Say it, Sam” 55. Drill inserts 58. German article 59. “____ had it up to here!”

60. Actress Ruby 61. Put a stop to

1.

Make funPerot of 13. ____

5.

"It's Tricky" rapreminders group 18.

Shoppers’

22.____Kosh MixturesB'Gosh 11.

23. “Like that’ll ever happen!”

15. "____ serious?"

24. Turner on the big 16.

Paper size: Abbr. screen 25.Astute Bibliophile’s posses17. sionNYSE debut 19.

28. Prefix with dermis 20. Baker's dozen, perhaps 29. Nice vowel sound?

21.

Moe and Curly 30.Larry, Lament 23. lost!"

31."____ Beginning 36.DCrete’s highest elev.

26. neighbors 38.

A season abroad 27. Natural occurrence named after a 4th-century Italian bishop 40. Fairy tale meanie 32. Bach's "Mass ____ Minor" 41. Chuck 33. of rhyme 43.Runaway Egg producers 14. Boo-boo

34. Part of ASPCA

Last Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

35. Growing business?

G E H R I G

O N E E A R

M G E M A A D D A O N A S

Y O M A M A

A S I M O N D S R E I S T D O F H L A I I D E Z E E S S

J A F F E

O N A J A G

A G U E

D I N A

R D E E R P M A R O N O

A R R

R E N T I T A R O A B O W I S T A N

S E A N N E N D E E S D E T P A Y T R E S

J A K E G A R E N W E M T H E A T I N G A B R I A R

A W N A O S A N P S E A T P R F I R M

S E T T E E

nick knack

© 2008 N. F. Benton

Page 38

September 4 - 10, 2008

Wanted MOVIE EXTRAS - Earn up to $100 per day.

All looks needed to work with film & tv production companies. No experience required. Please call 1-877-737-7566.

Yard Sales MOVING SALE - Furniture, computer, and much much more. Everything must go! Call 703-533-0282

For Sale FIREWOOD--ALL HARDWOOD Full

cord: $290. ½: $160. ¼: $90, delivery included.

10% off if ordered before September 30th. Email Sabar3@cox.net or call 571-432-7808. All proceeds support a local community pool.

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

Dedicated, Regional & OTR Fleets.

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IN FALLS CHURCH - Wholesale Bicycle Corporation Looking for a Part-Time or Full Time individual proficient in PC, experienced in web page design and selling on E-Bay. Salary + Commission. Call between 10:00am and 5:00pm 703-237-4686. MPI, Inc Falls Church, Va 22042

MARKETING FOCUSED position with

small Falls Church international services firm.

Requires heavy phone contact with potential clients. Variety of office admin tasks. Seek sharp, upbeat individual with strong attention to detail, and interest in learning our business. Offers flex hours 27-35 per week. Fax cover letter and resume to 703 532-4991 or email intvat@aol.com

RESIDENT ACTIVITY AND SERVICES COORDINATOR - for

Winter Hill Apartments, an income eligible residential community in the City of Falls Church serving senior and disabled residents. Duties include planning and implementing the social and recreational needs of residents, facilitating assistance on behalf of residents with community and government service agencies as needed and other related duties.

Position is 20 hours per week with salary based on experience. Please send cover letter and resume to: mlhickey@fallschurchhousing.org

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

Public Notice PUBLIC NOTICE Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Call the City Clerk, Kathleen Buschow (703-248-5014, or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov) for an application form or more information.

Requests for reappointments must also be made through the City Clerk. Applications are being accepted until the end of the month. Vacancies that have been advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month before month’s end.

Architectural Advisory Board City Employee Review Board Economic Development Authority Environmental Services Council Girls’ Home Advisory Board Historic Architecture Review Board Historical Commission Housing Commission Human Services Advisory Council Local Board of Building Code Appeals Planning Commission [4 vacancies for terms beginning 1-09] Private School & Day Care Facility Board Public Utilities Commission Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Retirement Board Senior Citizens Commission Towing Advisory Board Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation Tree Commission Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee Regional Boards/Commissions: Fairfax Area Commission on Aging Long Term Care Coordinating Council Workforce Investment Board

News-Press Classifieds 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.

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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.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Page 39

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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Weaver Enterprises

Kitchens & Baths Additions • Sunrooms • Decks Porches • Garages • Basements

OTHER SERVICES

Free Estimates Call 703-503-0350 Licensed and Insured

VICTOR BLAISE DEVELOPMENTS Repairs – Remodels – Handy Services Call for our summer specials Offering Military & Senior Discounts

703-408-7542 www.victorblaise.com

CLEANING SERVICES Mike’s Carpet Cleaning 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

Liberty Chem Dry

Superior Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Residential and Commerical

703-533-0239

Drier. Cleaner. Healthier.™

Grand Opening!

Ballet • Jazz • Tap • All Ages 109 Park Avenue, Falls Church

(703)532-2221 FCSchoolofBallet.com

Make a Joyful Splash! with

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

Held at 111 Park Avenue Falls Church on Tuesday Evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Cost: $90 On-going monthly enrollment Enroll on-line at www.creativecauldron.org Or call 571-239-5288

FOOD & DINING

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

(703) 847-5336

REMODELING & ADDITION, CERAMIC, TILE, FINISHED CARPENTRY, CROWN MOLDING, CHAIRS, DECK RAILS, STAIR, WINDOWS, DOORS, CONCRETE, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, BRICK INSTALLED & REPAIRED

703-848-8322 703-901-2431

703-241-4990

703-508-3976 or 703-323-9251

For Plumbing & Electrical Work call: 571/263-6405 571/274-6831 (cell)

Phone # Cell Number

Spring Cleanup, mulching, mowing, edging, trimming.

Residential & Commercial Tree Service & Snow Removal

Free Estimates

ShinerRoofing.com/FallsChurch

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

NOTICED!

Driveways • Steps Sidewalks • Patios Small Jobs Welcome

703-560-7663

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN

LAWN & GARDEN Seven Brothers Landscaping Service

(571) 330-3705

Gutters Cleaned

GET

HOME IMPROVEMENT

VA License #2705 023803

• Affordable Rates • Certified Technicians

6404-N SEVEN CORNERS PLACE FALLS CHURCH VA 22044

CGA IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATES

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1981

www.FCNP.COM

Pizza • Pasta • Wings • Subs • Salads • Desserts

WWW.FCNP.COM

703-532-3267 TO ADVERTISE!

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 40

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 4 - 10, 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 4 5

Book Discussion Group, 7:30 p.m.

FIRSTfriday Event Sunset Cinema, 8 p.m.

6 Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon Recycling Extravaganza, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Recycling Center 8 Yard Waste, Bundled Brush, & Special Collections Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

City Council, 7:30 p.m.

Volunteer Fire Department Business, 8 p.m.

9 Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court in Session Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Economic Development Authority, 6:30 p.m.

Housing Commission, 7 p.m.

10 General District Court in Session Story Hour, 7 p.m.

11 Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee, 7:30 p.m.

13 Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon Fall Festival & Taste of Falls Church, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunset Cinema in the Park Series Begins Tomorrow Moviegoers are invited to bring blankets, bug spray, and picnics and watch three great movies under the stars this month at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave.). Popcorn, drinks and candy will be available for purchase.

The screenings begin at 8 p.m. and are free to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the screenings will be cancelled.

Sept. 5 Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG, 2007) Sept. 19 Enchanted (PG, 2007) Sept. 26 Horton Hears a Who (G, 2008) 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).

City Expands Curbside Recycling Program City of Falls Church residents can now recycle more than ever, and place all items in the same bin – no separation necessary! The City has increased the types of materials collected for curbside recycling and has implemented “singlestream” recycling collection.

The following new items should be placed in the curbside bin: wide-mouth plastic containers and lids (such as butter tubs, yogurt containers and peanut butter tubs); empty prescription bottles; rigid plastics (such as milk crates, buckets, laundry baskets, coat hangers, flower pots, drinking cups, plastic toys, and broken recycling bins); bagged plastic film (grocery bags, shrink wrap, dry-cleaner bags, bubble wrap and other flexible plastic packaging, all contained within one bag); gable-top milk and juice cartons; aerosol cans; clean aluminum foil and trays; books (including paper backs, textbooks and hardcover); wire coat hangers; lids and caps for narrow-neck bottles and jugs; and lids and caps for glass bottles and jars.

The City will continue to collect newspaper and inserts, cardboard, all mixed paper and junk mail, paperboard (cereal and cracker boxes), telephone books,

glass jars and bottles, metal food and beverage containers, and narrow-neck plastic containers #1-7.

The City contracts with Bates Trucking to collect recycling materials from 18-gallon curbside bins. Bates Trucking collects recycling materials using a rearloading compactor truck, instead of the two-stream recycling truck previously used in the City. This will result in more efficient collection, fewer trips to the recycling transfer facility, and most importantly, a user-friendly “onebin” system for our customers.

Once collected, the City sells curbside recyclable materials to WM Recycle America, LLC, which accepts recyclables in a “single-stream.” This means items arrive at the facility mixed together and the facility’s highly advanced equipment separates the materials into appropriate recycling streams. This is fast becoming the industry standard for recycling. Partnering with WM Recycle America allows the City to offer our curbside customers the most diverse and extensive recycling program in the region.

For more information, visit www.fallschurchva.gov or call 703-248-5176 (TTY 711).

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Annual Performance And Evaluation Report The FY 2008 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, details the City’s housing and community development activities and programs implemented in FY 2008. A copy of the report is available at the Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave.) and at the Housing and Human Services Division.

Citizens are invited to submit their comments on the report through Monday, Sept. 8, 2008. Comments may be submitted in writing or by contacting Dana Lewis at 703-248-5170, fax 703-248-5149, or e-mail dlewis@fallschurchva.gov City of Falls Church Housing and Human Services Division 300 Park Ave., 100 W Falls Church, Virginia 703-248-5005 (TTY 711)

FOR THE WEEK of

Growing Green Recycling Extravaganza This Saturday Bring unwanted items to the City of Falls Church Semi-Annual Recycling Extravaganza this Saturday, Sept. 6. This is an opportunity for the community to bring electronics (including computers, printers, scanners, TVs and more), cell phones, clothing and textiles, bicycles, printer cartridges, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and medical supplies for recycling, reuse, or donation. For a complete list of acceptable items, visit www.fallschurchva.gov.

PNC Bank is sponsoring a paper shredding event in conjunction with the Recycling Extravaganza. Residents can shred up to three file boxes of personal documents, at no charge!

The Extravaganza is held from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m.at the Falls Church Property Yard, across from the Recycling Center, located at 217 Gordon Road. The event is cosponsored by the City of Falls Church Department of Environmental Services and the Falls Church Environmental Services Council.

For more information, please call the Environmental Programs Specialist at 703-2485176 (TTY 711).

Free Rape Aggression Defense Course The City of Falls Church Police Department is offering a free Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women, 12 years of age and older. The course is offered in four, threehour sessions. Classes will be held at St. James School (830 W. Broad St.,) on Tuesdays, Sept. 16 and 23 and Thursdays, Sept. 18 and 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

the City Police Department teach the course.

Participants are required to attend all four sessions. For more information and to register, e-mail jcarter@fallschurchva.gov or ksdempsey@verizon.net.

The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that addresses awareness, prevention, risk reduction, risk avoidance, and the basics of hands-on selfdefense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program. Nationally certified R.A.D. instructors from

Saturday, Sept. 13 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cherry Hill Park • 312 Park Ave. Visit www.fallschurchva.gov for more information.

Preschool Open House Tomorrow Parents interested in enrolling their children ages 3-5 in the City of Falls Church Preschool Program are invited to meet the teacher, ask questions and check out the room.

The Open House will be held at the Community Center on Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. Call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711) for more information.

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 4 - 10, 2008

Page 41

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 4-10, 2008

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

FCCPS Staff Celebrates New Year Hundreds of Falls Church City Public Schools employees celebrated a new year together during the recent staff convocation and recognition program at George Mason High School. The annual first-day gathering gives new and veteran staff members a chance to meet and reconnect after summer vacation and to rededicate themselves to their calling.

years of service, and staff members were treated to video updates on the massive work undertaken by the FCCPS custodial staff in preparing school buildings for a new year, an update on construction of the new building that will house the Central Office, and a feature recognizing the contributions of the city’s public safety personnel.

“We are committed to the notion that the price of education is eternal vigilance,” Superintendent Lois Berlin said. “We know from experience that happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”

Prior to the convocation, employees were treated to a “patriotic” breakfast; red strawberries, white yogurt and blueberries.

Speaking from a podium adorned with red, white and blue bunting in keeping with the national political season, School Board Chairman Ron Peppe and Falls Church Mayor Robin Gardner also offered greetings.

Superintendent Lois Berlin (l) offers George Mason Veteran educators were High School guidance counselor Nancy Goldman a chance to speak after congratulating her on Goldman’s recognized for their 25 years of service to the FCCPS.

FCC-TV Spotlight: Spanish For Educators Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch Spanish for Educators . Aimed towards teachers and school staff, SFE is a great way for anyone to learn basic Spanish language skills . Spanish for Educators airs on FCC-TV at the following times: • Mondays at 3:00 p .m . (Level 1) • Wednesdays at 6:00 p .m . (Level 2) • Fridays at 3:30 p .m . (Level 1) • Saturdays at 3:00 p .m . (Level 2) FCC-TV airs on Cox Channel 12, Verizon Channel 35 and RCN Channel 2 . For more information about FCC-TV, or complete schedule of community programs on FCC-TV, visit www.fcctv.net or call 703-248-5538 .

BIE Partner of the Week Cathy Soltys joiedebeads.com School Involvement: Donated handmade jewelry as door prize for FCCPS convocation program; donated jewelry as silent auction item for Falls Church Education Foundation; provided gift certificates for the new teacher welcome bags .

Why Cathy is a BIE partner: “We love living in Falls Church, and we recognize the importance of the schools in our community . With both of our daughters at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, I am pleased to have a hand in welcoming teachers back to school .”

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

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.

The trip to Beijing, China will include touring the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and visiting an extracurricular school for gifted children in Shanghai. The Mason trip to China will occur during the winter break, and Chinese

SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES ARE SubjEcT To chAngE

students will visit Falls Church in mid-January.

During spring break, Mason students will be packing their bags for a trip to Egypt where they will cruise the Nile River, experience the Sphinx and Pyramids and tour Luxor and Cairo.

Students interested in either exchange program should contact GMHS foreign language teacher, Linda Johnsen as soon as possible for more information.

September 5 7:30 p.m. Mason @ Page County

(Football)

8:30 p.m. Back-to-School Social (GM)

6

8:30 a.m. Mason @ Gettysburg Inv. (Cross Country)

10:00 a.m. Senior Car Wash (GM)

7

7:00 p.m. Elementary PTA Committee Chair Mtg.

8

7:15 p.m. Mason @ Briar Woods (Volleyball)

7:30 p.m. GMHS Athletic Boosters (GM)

9

4:00 p.m. Madison County @ Mason (Golf)

6:30 p.m. Info Fair & Ice Cream Social (TJ)

7:00 p.m. School Board Work Session (City Hall)

8:30 p.m. School Board Regular Meeting (City Hall)

10

5:00 p.m. Mason @ Rapp. Co. (Cross Country)

7:00 p.m. Band Parent Info Night (TJ)

7:30 p.m. PTA Meeting (MEH)

11

7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night (GM)

12

School Picture Day (MEH)

13

Twenty George Mason students and adults traveled to China this summer and visited Tiananmen Square during the two-week cultural exchange experience.

Mason Students outpace All Regional Students on SATS George Mason High School students continue to outpace others in the region on their SATs. In a recent report from the College Board, FCCPS scored 62 points higher than its closest competitor, Fairfax County and 205 points better than the national average.

2008 SAT Scores - Regional Top Five Scores shown below: reading/math/writing Falls Church, Va. 578/572/566 Fairfax Co., Va 547/565/542 Howard Co., Md 540/557/544 Arlington, Va 543/547/531 Mont. Co., Md 532/549/536 Virginia Average 511/512/499 National Average 502/515/494 Source: College Board, local school systems

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

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

Student Exchange with China, Egypt Planned George Mason High School students will be participating in a student exchange with China and with Egypt during the 200809 school year.

703-534-4951 703-532-0321

Total: 1716 Total: 1654 Total: 1641 Total: 1621 Total: 1617 Total: 1522 Total: 1511

2008 White House Ornament Sale Underway The George Mason High School All Night Graduation Celebration (ANGC) Committee is offering the 2008 White House Christmas ornament as a fundraiser again this year.

The 2008 Official White House Ornament is a beautiful Christmas tree laden with toys under the tree and flags crossed at the top. It honors the presidency of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, who started the tradition of decorating the first Christmas tree in the White House in 1889.

Ornaments are $20 each with all profits from the sales to be used to support the 2009 ANGC, a safe and alcohol-free after-gradua- 2008 White House Ornament tion event.

Order forms available at: www.fccps.org/ornament. Deadline for orders is October 31st.

8:00 a.m. PSAT Practice Exam (GM) 10:00 a.m. Junior Class Car Wash (GM)

(MD) Mt. Daniel Elementary (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High Check the FCCPSWeb site for more calendar information. www.fccps.org

Lunch Menus Available online It’s easy to find out what’s for lunch in the Falls Church City Public Schools, and it’s even easier to purchase lunch ahead of time.

Lunch menus and nutrition information are available on the division Web site: www.fccps.org/lunch, parents may pre-pay for their child’s lunch by using the convenient “Café PrePay”service on the Web site.

Student lunches at the division’s elementaryschools cost$2.40,middle and high school student lunches are $2.60 and adult meals are $3.25.

Milk is 50 cents.

In addition, FCCPS participates in the National School Lunch Program, which offers free and reduced-price lunches to eligible students. For more information, contact FCCPS Food Service Supervisor Richard Kane at (703) 248-5534.

Page 42

September 4 - 10, 2008

B A C K I N THE DAY

Please join us for worship & fellowship.

new fall schedule

9:00 am Celebration Service Intergenerational and Family Friendly 10:00 am Education for All Ages 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service Nursery Available–Both Services

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

3022 Woodlawn Avenue Falls Church, VA 22042 703. 532.6617 www.htluther.org

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

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September 4 - 10, 2008

Page 43

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 44

September 4 - 10, 2008

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