Falls Church News-Press 9-5-2024

2 Face Off to Fill Vacant Seat on F.C. City Council

Laura Downs and John Murphy will be facing off in a two-way competition in the special election to fill the vacant seat on the Falls Church City Council. The election will be held along with the federal races on Nov. 5, with advance voting beginning in just two weeks on Sept. 20. The special election is being held to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Council member Caroline Lian last month.

As the clock struck 5 p.m. last Friday, the deadline passed for prospective candidates to file with the Falls Church Voter Registrar’s office, at which point Registrar David Bjerke sent out an email announcing who’d qualified for the ballot. Two other F.C. citizens had filled out initial paperwork, but did not arrive with the required 125 petition signatures by the deadline.

THE ARTS SHINE IN F.C.

In a surprise development, Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan announced his retirement last week, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year. After dedicating 33 years to public education, including 14 years as a superintendent and eight years leading the Falls Church Public Schools, Noonan said in a letter that he’s decided to step down to spend more time with his family.

In his letter to the Falls

Church community, Noonan expressed his gratitude and pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure at FCCPS. He noted that his decision to retire is driven by his desire to spend more time with his partner, Bethany, and their children, as well as with their extended family.

Since joining FCCPS in April 2017, Noonan has overseen numerous transformative projects and initiatives. Under his leadership, the school system has achieved:

• Renovation and expan -

sion of Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School

• Construction of a new LEED-certified, solar-powered high school, complemented by a peace garden, and the creation of a dynamic secondary campus by merging with the middle school

• Development of the site of the old George Mason High School

• Expansion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to include Jessie Thackrey Preschool (JTP) and the Career-Related Programme

(CP) at Meridian High School (MHS)

• Historic academic performance with the highest number of IB diploma candidates since its inception

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan with extensive community involvement

• Recognition as a Top Workplace in the Greater DC area

• Establishment of the first

FALLS CHURCH ARTS board member Maureen Budetti, a former member of the Falls Church City Council, welcomed a large group of supporters at the opening of a new exhibition at the FCA Gallery on West Broad last week. See review on Page 8. ( News-Press Photo)

by Nicholas F. Benton Falls Church News-Press

School News & Notes

Fall Sports Season Officially Begins for Mustangs

by Ryan McCafferty

Fall sports season has officially begun at Meridian High School, as the Mustang football, field hockey, volleyball, and cross country programs all saw their first action of 2024 in the final week of August.

The week brought a mixed bag of results, with the girls’ field hockey squad — the same one that went undefeated all the way until the State Finals last year — once again carrying the banner.

They defeated Wakefield in an exciting 3-2 matchup on the road Tuesday, and that ended up being their only game of the week as Thursday’s scheduled home opener against Justice was postponed due to weather.

They’ll now face two more tough road opponents in Liberty-Bealeton on Tuesday and Heritage on Thursday this week, looking to continue picking up where they left off.

Unfortunately, not all of Meridian’s teams were victorious. Football lost 13-33 at

McLean in its opener on Friday (the game was postponed from Thursday), and they will stay on the road to play Dominion this coming Friday as they look to even their record.

Both volleyball teams also opened their year with a pair of losses, with the new boys’ squad losing 3-0 to both South County (at Centreville) on Tuesday and against McLean on Thursday, while the girls also fell 3-0 to Warren County and at Kettle Run on those same nights.

The girls have a lighter schedule this week, facing only Fauquier on Wednesday, while the boys stay busy facing off against James Madison on Tuesday and at Westfield on Friday.

Golf’s only action last week was canceled, a scheduled competition against Millbrook on Wednesday, and the team will now prepare to take to the course this Thursday against John Handley at Winchester Country Club. Finally, to end things on a high note, cross country opened up its season at the Patriot Invite

on Friday and had some impressive results against stiff competition. William Anderson led the boys with an individual 44th-

place finish while Kai Mylroie was 78th, meanwhile Michelle Malheiro led the girls coming in 20th overall with Molly Moore in 29th. They will be back on track this Wednesday, facing off at Brentsville.

THIRD GRADERS embarked on a creative global adventure with a collaborative world map project last week at Oak Street Elementary. (Photo: Chrissy Henderson)

ACTON LEARNERS were excited to resume learning as the school year began. (Photo: Acton Academy Falls Church)

ADORABLE BABYDOLL sheep were introduced along the far end of the MHS campus, part of the Meridian Environmental Club’s weed control efforts. (Photo: Jenny Thomas)

MERIDIAN FIELD Hockey had their season opener at Wakefield High School last week, with both JV and Varsity walking away victorious. (Photo: Mustang Athletics/FCCPS)

Downs, Murphy Qualify for F.C. Special Election Ballot

The Downs Vs. Murphy face off reflects the two major contending currents in Falls Church at this point. Downs comes in as a former chair of the Falls Church City Public Schools’ elected board supportive of the recent years’ successes in pairing muscular economic development with full funding of school board budget requests, notably the construction of a new state of the art high school, commensurate with a major cut in real estate taxes. Murphy, a former chair of the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals who served two terms there but resigned that post in 2012, is an officer on the board of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS)

As of now, two public debates between the two have been announced, the first Thursday, Sept. 26, hosted by the VPIS and Falls Church chapter of the League of Women Voters, and the second hosted by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at its monthly luncheon on Oct. 15.

Of course, this will not be the only race on the Nov. 5 ballot, topped by the U.S. presidential race pitting Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump, with Harris as the heavy favorite to carry Northern Virginia overall.

Touting Harris and other Democrats on the ballot this fall, including Falls Church’s “favorite son” U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr., the Falls Church City Democratic Committee held its annual Labor Day ice cream social at Falls Church’s Cherry Hill Park pavilion Monday, and an estimated 80 people showed up, characterized by FCDC chair Jeff Person as the largest turnout ever. Laura Downs was among those in attendance.

Beyer, who spoke at the event, concurred, saying it was “the biggest I’ve ever seen,” lamenting that by the time he spoke, all the ice cream was gone. However, State Del. Marcus Simon shortly after exclaimed that reinforcements had arrived.

Beyer said that the election overall pits “honesty, decency and dignity” against the opposite of those values embodied in the Trump candidacy. The Democrats in races this fall are defined by “joy, freedom and labor, having fun, being happy warriors and joyful in the work being done.”

He noted that support for labor

AT MONDAY’S DEMOCRATIC Committee Labor Day ice cream social were (l. to r.) Mayor Letty Hardi, Special Election candidate Laura Downs and Clerk of the Arlington-Falls Church court Paul Ferguson. ( News-Press Photo )

U.S. REP. DON BEYER spoke at the Labor Day ice cream social in Cherry Hill Park with (l.to r.) F.C. Democratic Committee chair Jeff Person, F.C. Mayor Letty Hardi, State Del. Marcus Simon and State Sen. Saddam Salim. ( News-Press Photo)

Noonan Announces Retirement

Continued from Page 1

• Family Resource Center to better support immigrant families

• Leadership in securing paid Family Leave and negotiating the first Collective Bargaining Agreement with staff

• Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing school-based vaccination clinics

• Creation of pathways for aspiring teachers through tuition support for community college and beyond

• Significant financial savings through the relocation of the Central Office

“The School Board is grateful for Dr. Noonan’s service to the Falls Church City Public Schools and our community over the past eight years,” School Board Chair Tate Gould said in a statement issued following Noonan’s announcement. “His accomplishments leave an indelible and positive mark on our school community that will last for the coming decades.”

Gould added, “There are many highlights of his tenure, but a few that solidify his legacy: Leading increased levels of student achievement for all by closing achievement gaps and increasing the numbers of IB Diploma candidates to historic levels, building a new state-ofthe-art, LEED gold, Net Zero Ready high school with rooftop solar, starting the Parent Resource Center at Oak Street Elementary, establishing positive relationships with the General Government that resulted in a Revenue Sharing Agreement that has smoothed the budget process for all, FCCPS being named by the Washington Post as a Top Workplace in the Greater DC area, and more.

“We will miss Dr. Noonan’s leadership and wish him the best in retirement. We are proud to say that FCCPS is better today than we were when he arrived eight years ago because of his leadership.

“A collaborative spirit and a commitment to continuous improvement mark Noonan’s tenure.”

In his letter, Noonan thanked the students, staff, school boards, Education Foundation, school-affiliated organizations, the broader community, the City Council, and the FCCPS Leadership Team for their unwavering support and dedication.

Noonan said that his approach has always been to leave a place better than he found it. He highlighted his dedication to kindness, listening, and making decisions in the best interest of the students.

“I am so proud of the work our FCCPS team, students, staff, school boards (past and current), parents, and community have accomplished during my tenure as the Superintendent of Schools,” Noonan wrote. “The team of people I’ve had the privilege to work shoulder to shoulder with have made significant differences in the lives of the students we serve.

“After 33 years of service in public education, it has been the honor of a lifetime to finish my career in Falls Church City Public Schools.

“To that end, I am making my announcement now so that the School Board will have ample time to find a terrific next Superintendent who can build on the excellence currently in place. I look forward to supporting a smooth and successful transition.

“I am proud to live here, continue to work here for the remainder of the school year, and have a child who will graduate from Meridian High School in the Class of 2027.”

Though retiring from his official role, Noonan and his family will remain in Falls Church City, where his daughter will continue her education at Meridian High School.

Noonan said he “looks forward to staying involved in the community and continuing to contribute as a parent, resident, and friend.”

A series of farewell events and opportunities to celebrate Noonan’s legacy will occur throughout the school year.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS BRIEFS

F.C.’s Annual Fall Festival & Taste of F.C. Set Sept. 14

The 48th Annual Falls Church Fall Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the F.C. City Hall grounds (300 Park Ave.). Activities will range from live music and entertainment to pony rides and other children’s rides and inflatables. Over 90 local vendors, businesses, and civic organizations will participate, as well as a beer garden and the Taste of Falls Church.

Admission to the festival is free, but amusement rides, food, and beer require the purchase of one or more tickets.

A roster of restaurants will offer small bites at $3 per “taste” at each restaurant (some tastes may require two tickets). The taste tickets will be available for purchase at outdoor ticket booths.

Participating restaurants include: Badd Pizza, Café Kindred, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, Fava Pot, Harvey’s, Hot N’ Juicy Crawfish, Mark’s Pub, Nothing Bundt Cakes, One1ea, Open Road, Taco Rock and The Falls.

The Rockstar realty beer garden will offer selections from Audacious Aleworks and Solace Outpost. The beer garden will operate from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

F.C. Council Hears Updates On Bike Master Plan Work

At its work session Tuesday night, the Falls Church City Council reviewed the parameters of a draft Bicycle Master Plan, with a final consideration coming at its public business meeting on Sept. 23.

In a report from the City’s Director of Planning Paul Stoddard and lead staff planner Kerri Oddenino, it was noted that if the latest iteration of the plan gets approved, “staff will continue to improve the designs for the three priority routes — S. West Street (between the Fairfax County line and W. Broad St.), N. West Street (between W. Broad and the Fairfax County line) and an East-West connection (between the W&OD Trail and the Meridian/Henderson schools campus — by incorporating community-requested features, including traffic calming and pedestrian safety.” Revised plans would be shared with the community through a second round of walking tours in the Spring of 2025.

Updates to the vision and goals of the plan will be designed to “reinforce all ages and all abilities and to achieve bicyclefriendly status,” the update report said.

Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Moving Ahead

An updated draft ordinance to encourage the growth of accessory dwelling units (also called in-law suites, granny flats or backyard apartments) was mulled by the Falls Church City Council at its work session this week.

According to a report prepared by Council member Justine Underhill and Grayson Timoner that was shared at the meeting, revising local ordinances to allow for such units “will create several benefits, including an increased availability of affordable housing, improved financial stability for homeowners and a denser, more efficient use of land and resources.”

Parameters of a policy would cover three main aspects: floor area, building height, front, side and rear setbacks, and impervious lot coverage.

Tuesday’s update by City planner Jack Trainor was revised following two public forums on the subject last month attended by 90 citizens, who let their priorities on these three aspects be expressed through “dot voting” on large displays of alternatives.

Fairfax County to Install 50 School Bus Cameras

Fifty school bus camera systems will be installed throughout neighboring Fairfax County to help identify and issue citations to drivers who refuse to stop while school buses are loading and unloading children, Supervisor Board chair Jeff McKay reported this week. “I was glad to lead this initiative with former Sup. John Foust to make sure we use technology in every way we can to better protect our students,” McKay said. “I can think of no excuse for a driver in a vehicle to ever pass a stopped, red-light-flashing school bus that is loading students. Being a distracted driver is never an excuse to put our kids at risk.”

Pet Adoption Event Was ‘Best Yet,” McKay Says

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter held its annual “Clear the Shelters” fee-waived pet adoption event August 23-25, and Supervisor Board chair Jeff McKay said, “This was the best Clear the Shelters event yet. One hundred eleven pets found homes, including 91 pets adopted during the Clear the Shelters three-day adoption event, and 27 dogs went out on Adoption Audition — the innovative new program that allows adopters to try out the adoption for five days.

Maybe Trump Doesn’t Care If He Wins

Nicholas F. Benton

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

“A massive fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations and articles, even those found in the Constitution.”

This quote taken from a social media post by Trump last weekend, calling for the termination of the U.S. Constitution, is only the latest indicator that this man is unfit for any public office in this democracy, much less the presidency.

Of course, by now we have to face the reality that Trump uses such inflammatory talk to intentionally draw attention to himself, and we ought by now to have recognized that providing undue exposure of such statements gives him the political oxygen he craves to carry on.

But, in this context, it also signals something else. It is the fact that Trump is effectively conceding this election and is instead going for a straightforward fascist coup. He is now intending to use such language as a signal to his base to trample all over the rule of law and civility in the coming period to make January 6, 2021 seem like a walk in the park.

This, I fear, is what the nation, and the world, is still not prepared for. While more lip service is being paid on some media platforms to the consistent lying by Trump, they are still not exploring the extent to which the elements for a coup by the end of this year are being put into place.

While the first order of business has to be the electoral defeat of Trump, and the necessity that it be by a proverbial landslide, attention also needs to be focused on the more subtle ways in which Trump supporters are developing right now a means for installing Trump by dishonest means at state electoral organization levels, with the final line of his defense being his U.S. Supreme Court.

It’s ironic that, at this late date following what happened

on January 6, 2021 former Vice President Pence has finally come out to say he will not support Trump’s re-election bid. It is the delay in his basic decency, and in recognition of the fact that Trump had mobilized a mob to hang him that day, for goodness sake, that is indicative of the lazy response to the threat that Trump and his fascist movement represents, a kind of psychological laziness that fascist coup masterminds are depending upon.

On this score, the American people, a solid majority of them, I am convinced, are way ahead of the political and law enforcement organizers who need to be mobilized against this very real threat. The voters will give Kamala Harris the clear majority at the ballot box this fall, but that is only part of what needs to happen to prevent the next coming coup attempt.

As a nation, we still have not really come to grips with some of the unpleasant realities of January 6, such as the failure of key law enforcement arms to be there to put down the riot that day. How cleared are we of potential elements in law enforcement and even the military that might be preparing to uphold the stealing of the election in support of Trump?

While some news organizations are reporting on the pathetic self-serving sentiments of those in corporate America backing Trump with their billions, others are doing his movement’s bidding by slanted coverage that, most of all, is now working overtime to sanitize Trump’s remarks and behavior, as for example by conceding to shutting down the mics during next week’s debate. And whatever happened to all the criticism of presidential candidates being too old to run, as was the relentless dumbest when President Biden was in the face.

By such standards, isn’t Trump way too old? But nobody is saying a thing about that.

By now we should not be surprised that the major media is wholly complicit in the effort to put Trump back into power. When is Wolf Blitzer ever going to wake up to the fact that history, if there will be one, will not be kind to him for his role in this treachery? He and many others in the major media. Heaven help us.

As a member of the General Assembly, my responsibilities extend beyond just voting on legislation. One of these duties includes serving on various boards and commissions that the Virginia General Assembly participates in. Among the most significant in our area is the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), which plays a crucial role in planning and funding our regional public transportation system, including WMATA and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). This

Report

year, I was proud to be appointed to one of the open seats on this vital commission.

The NVTC was established by the General Assembly in 1964, alongside the creation of WMATA, and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

I am honored to serve on this esteemed body during such a milestone year. This week, NVTC will hold its official 60th anniversary celebration, and I am excited to participate in marking this significant occasion.

One of the most rewarding

aspects of serving in the General Assembly is meeting the young Virginians who participate as pages in the House and Senate each year. If your child will be 13 or 14 years old in January, I encourage you to consider applying for this prestigious and highly competitive program. Applications are due by October 1st. You can learn more about the House and Senate page programs at SalimVA.com/page. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at senatorsalim@senate.virginia.gov.

City of Falls Church CRIME REPORT

Week of August 26 — September 1, 2024

Destruction of Property, S Maple St, between 8 PM on Aug 23 and 11:50 AM on Aug 26, a report for broken windows was taken.

Commercial Burglary/Destruction of Property, W Broad St, between 3 PM on Aug 25 and 1:00 PM on Aug 26, two unknown suspects broke a business lockbox and used the key to gain entry, and then stole pipes and merchandise. The unknown suspects are described as teenaged white males, with thin builds. Investigation is ongoing.

Commercial Burglary, W Broad St, between 4:25 PM on Aug 25 and 1:09 PM on Aug 26, an unknown suspect(s) gained access to a locked exterior business door, and then broke the handle of an interior locked storage door. Investigation is ongoing.

Driving on Suspended License, S Oak St, Aug 26, 6:54 PM, a female, 29, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Driving on Suspended License.

Violation of Learner’s Permit, W Broad St, Aug 27, 7:49 AM, a female, 27, of the City of Falls Church, was

arrested for Violation of Learner’s Permit.

Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Aug 27, 2:01 PM, a female, 70, of Ashton, MD, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Aug 27, 7:26 PM, a male, 56, of Hyattsville, MD, was arrested for Shoplifting.

Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, N Washington St/Park Pl, Aug 28, 12:30 AM, a male, 49, of no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.

Trespassing, Hillwood Ave, Aug 28, 3:25 PM, a female, 65, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

Trespassing, Roosevelt Blvd, Aug 29, 8:57 AM, a male, 53, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

Fraud – Credit Card, S Spring St, between 12 PM on Aug 28 and 11 AM on Aug 29, victim reported multiple fraudulent transactions occurring, with their card still in their possession.

Reckless Driving, N Cherry St, Aug 29, 1:51 PM, a female, 25, of Waldorf, MD, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Aug 30, 11:49 AM, a female, 33, of Milford, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Driving on Suspended License, Hillwood Ave, Aug 31, 2:56 PM, a female, 85, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Driving on Suspended License.

Driving on Suspended License, S Washington St/W Westmoreland Dr, Aug 31, 8:50 PM, a male, 50, of Annandale, was arrested for Driving on Suspended License.

No Valid Operator’s License, S Washington St, Aug 31, 11:49 PM, a female, 31, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Reckless Driving, Meadow Ln, Sep 1, 7:46 AM, a male, 29, of Scranton, PA, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Theft from Motor Vehicle/Tampering with Auto/Credit Card Theft, E Broad St, Sep 1, between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, an unknown suspect used a tool to remove part of the handle of a locked vehicle, and gained entry into the vehicle. The suspect then took credit cards from a purse stored inside the center console, and attempted multiple fraudulent transactions. Investigation is ongoing.

Senator Saddam Salim’s Richmond

Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper.

Vol. XXXIV, No. 30 September 5 - 11, 2024

• City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

Nicholas F. Benton Owner & Editor-In-Chief nfbenton@fcnp.com

Nick Gatz Managing Editor ngatz@fcnp.com

Sue Johnson Advertising Sales sjohnson@fcnp.com

Brian Reach News Reporter Breach@fcnp.com

Ted White Copy Editor

Julio Idrobo Circulation Manager delivery@fcnp.com

To Contact the News-Press

phone: 703-532-3267

fax: 703-342-0347

email: fcnp@fcnp.com

display advertising sjohnson@fcnp.com

703-587-1282

classified & Legal ads classads@fcnp.com letters to the editor letters@fcnp.com News & Notes newsandnotes@fcnp.com

Obituaries obits@fcnp.com

subscriptions distribution & delivery delivery@fcnp.com

www.fcnp.com

ditorial

High Praise for Dr. Peter Noonan

Highest praise has come flowing into our inbox following the surprise announcement this week from Dr. Peter Noonan, superintendent of the Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) that he intends to retire at the end of the current new school year. First of all, he is owed thanks for providing such a long lead time to find a replacement, resulting from knowing, we suspect, that he is aware that finding someone of his talents will be far from easy.

There is no doubt that his eight years running the school system here has been the most explosive, in a positive way, in its overall three-quarter-century history. While the shiny $120 million brand new Meridian high school campus, accomplished seamlessly with no real estate tax rate increase for City residents in the past decade, has been the most visible tribute to Dr. Noonan’s skill and commitment to the education of our young, it has been his classroom-centric achievements that mark his work in more universal and ultimate terms. That includes being one of the few systems in the nation that operates top to bottom — preschool through 12th grade — as thoroughly International Baccalaureate curriculum and value infused.

In terms of his impact on the wider community, it has been his excellent communication and leadership skills that has won for his school system the level of support and funding each year from the City Council which stands as another mark of the unique skill set he brought to Falls Church, to the benefit of us all.

Among those who have submitted comments to us about Dr. Noonan are ones from former School Board member and City Council vice mayor Hal Lippman, currently the head of the Citizens for a Better City (CBC) venerated civil activist organization. Lippman wrote the following:

“WOW!! And, again WOW!!!! But, after this initial reaction, there’s been lots of thought and reflection. Looking back on Peter’s six predecessors during my time in our Little City — all of whom helped grow and sustain our beloved Public Schools’ excellence — he is clearly in a class by himself. Others will surely celebrate his exceptional accomplishments and contributions. But, for me at this moment of his just announced resignation, I come back to all he’s done as our Superintendent and showed himself to be as a person with deepest admiration, respect, affection, and perhaps above all, my abiding appreciation and gratitude.”

Then there is Mary Asel, president of the Falls Church Education Foundation, who wrote: “From the earliest days of his arrival as Superintendent, Dr. Noonan has been an engaged and enthusiastic partner with the Falls Church Education Foundation. This partnership has flourished over the last eight years, a great example of the ‘Better Together’ ethos at the heart of Falls Church City.”

“Peter’s involvement has extended into loyal participation in FCEF events, from hitting the roads in Run for the Schools to annually hosting a student as Superintendent for the Day as a Gala auction item.”

Platform

1. Keep the news clean and fair.

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

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

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

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

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

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

Dominion Camera Will Shut Down After 53 Years

Dominion Camera, an institution in the City of Falls Church’s downtown since 1971, will be shutting down after 53 years.

In 1969 Tony Socarras founded Dominion Camera on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. Two years later, allured by the great people he met who lived in the City of Falls Church, he had the opportunity to move his store to the place where Porter Photo Studio was founded years before.

Dominion Camera moved to the City of Falls Church in May of 1971 and has been a staple in the City since, servicing the Washington D.C. metro area photographic community at 112 West Broad Street for over 53 years.

In 2014, at 85, Tony Socarras retired and sold the store to Gary Henry and Mohsen Jalali. While Mohsen Jalali worked mostly at his other store Ace Photo in Ashburn, Gary Henry along with a great staff has been at the store every day working with customers, selling and buying cameras

and accessories, solving problems and providing services like film developing, printing and a lot more. Tony Socarras told Gary before he passed away, in June of 2022 that his passion was to always help customers and preserve their memories with photography for the current and future generations. Gary and his staff worked hard to carry on his vision.

In March of 2024 Mohsen informed Gary and the staff that he no longer wanted to be responsible for a second store and he was going to focus solely on his store in Ashburn, Va. This action forced Dominion Camera to set a date to close at the end of its current lease.

After several failed attempts to sell the business the final day of September 7, 2024 is now set for the store’s closing.

Saying goodbye on that date will be Martin Brotsky, Lab Manager for 22 years and Robert MacGregor, Store Manager for 14 years.

DOMINION CAMERA will close its doors on September 7th (Photo: Dominion Camera)

Pages 8-18

8 | SEPTEMEBER 5 - 11, 2024

Falls Church Arts Gallery Latest Show ‘Home’ On Display

by Patricia Leslie

“Home sweet home” means different things to different people and practically nowhere can contrasting concepts be better seen than what’s on the walls now at the Falls Church Arts gallery in a new exhibition simply called, “Home.”

Dr. Mark Dreisonstok, arts and theatre reviewer for the Falls Church News-Press was the sole juror for the show who chose an oil, “Rome Sweet Home” by Dony Mac Manus as the winning entry from 58 submissions. It’s probably the largest work in the show and depicts a life sized Swiss guard in full regalia modeled

and begin casting bronzes, four of his life sized statues now standing at the Catholic Information Center in Washington.

In the Falls Church show, artists used bright colors and pastels in their vast array of watercolors, acrylics, mosaics, oils, photographs and even metals to light up interiors, landscapes, and seascapes.

Keith Thurston, gallery manager and volunteer, gave a walk through preview of the show and noted how “people love seascapes.

“They leave a placid feeling” and who doesn’t like placid in our topsyturvy world?

Psychologists say proximity to

Celia Slater, Joyce Turk and Amy Woodhouse.

The immense talent in and around Falls Church is evident, and given the global community, it’s not surprising that many artists portrayed homes across the sea.

Scenery in Tunisia, Spain, New Zealand, Peru, India and Germany are up, including Erica Thibault’s photograph “Mid Day Nap” of two lionesses sleeping in their tree home in the Serengeti desert in Africa.

Amy Woodhouse’s father’s search for identity in his new U.S. home led her to combine a Salvador Daliesque collage and photos of Great Britain and the U.S. in “Tea

Local residents will recognize “Cherry Hill Farmhouse,” Suzanne Updike’s linocut and notable symbol of the Little City, her home for longer than anywhere else she’s lived.

Elin Whitney-Smith entered a computer painting “Brooklyn Bridge Snow” of a couple bundled up for winter crossing the bridge, anticipat-

possible which makes the exhibition more interesting, otherwise, we’d have a bunch of houses on the wall and who’s going to buy a picture of someone else’s house?”

Each work comes with an adjacent artist’s statement and a price (from $60 to, for the prize winner, $3,000).

The “People’s Choice Award” will be announced September 21, chosen by visitors who vote at the

gallery. The awards are made possible by a donation from the Foxcraft Design Group, Inc.

“Home” is on view through September 29 at the Falls Church Gallery, at 700-B West Broad St. in Falls Church Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a. m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the show may also be seen online at fallschurcharts.org.

Illustration by Dana Wulfekotte

“CHERRY CHERRY” by Falls Church artist, Daisy Hill. (Photo: Falls Church Arts)

DONY MAC MANUS in his studio, putting the finishing touches on his winning entry, “Rome Sweet Home.” (Photo: Courtesy)

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL

Music of Joy and Peace

Sunday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

Featuring Beethovin, Chopin, Rachmaninoff and more

AN EVENING WITH LEA SALONGA

Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8:30 p.m.

Tony Award-winning singer and actress headlines annual ARTS by George! benefit concert

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE BALLET HISPÁNICO

Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.

Vibrant dance from one of America’s cultural treasures

KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL

Franz Schubert: The Soulful and the Sublime

Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Featuring Beethovin, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and more

MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP AND MUSIC ENSEMBLE

Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 and 8 p.m.

“A program from one of the most successful and influential choreographers alive” (New York Times)

FAMILY SERIES LAURIE BERKNER BAND

Sunday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m.

“The undisputed queen of kindie rock” (USA Today)

MASON SCHOOL OF THEATER 110 IN THE SHADE Nov. 1-3

An award-winning, inspiring musical

ARTURO SANDOVAL

Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Don’t miss this 10-time GRAMMY Award-winning jazz virtuoso

VIRGINIA OPERA CARMEN

Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

This acclaimed company brings Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece to life FAIRFAX SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WITH JEREMY DENK

Saturday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.

One of America’s foremost pianists performs Beethoven

FAMILY SERIES

Enchantment Theatre Company

MY FATHER’S DRAGON

Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1 and 4 p.m.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of this award-winning book CANADIAN BRASS

Making Spirits Bright

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m.

An “unbeatable blend of virtuosity, sponteneity and humor” (Washington Post)

TAKE

6

Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.

The most awarded a cappella group in history presents a gospel-infused holiday concert

SQUIRREL NUT ZIPPERS

Christmas Caravan

Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.

Swing into the holiday season with this platinumselling jazz-rock band

AMERICAN FESTIVAL POPS ORCHESTRA

Holiday Pops:

Songs of the Season

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m.

A festive program of holiday favorites, including an audience singalong!

CONVENIENT

BRANFORD MARSALLIS LEA SALONGA

2024 Fall Arts Round Up

STUDIOS @ 307

307 East Annandale Road, Falls Church VA 22042

A community of over 27 artists, trades and small businesses in the Little City.

Alden Theater

1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101

The Remember Balloons 10/18 • 7 p.m.

James’ Grandpa treasures his balloons, each representing cherished memories — his wedding with Grandma, a fishing trip with James. When the balloons begin to drift away, James is devastated until he discovers he can share those balloons one by one. “The Remember Balloons” is a heartwarming intergenerational tale that embraces the beauty of sharing family memories while delicately addressing memory loss. Based on the book by Jessie Oliveros.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” 10/15-27

Presented by the McLean Community Players. Can three folks really cover 37 Shakespeare plays in less than two hours?

This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of Shakespeare’s plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts.

“Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure” 10/31 • 7 p.m.

This bilingual/bicultural musical uses traditional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores, who thinks her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones. Why throw a party for the dead? But when a spirited candy skeleton suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey that unravels the true meaning of Día de Muertos.

The Judy Carmichael Trio 11/3 • 2 p.m.

The Judy Carmichael Trio performs

a program celebrating swing favorites of the American Songbook, from Gershwin and Cole Porter to Frank Loesser and Harold Arlen.

Adam Levin, Classical Guitar 11/17 • 2 p.m.

Billboard chart-topping recording artist, Fulbright scholar and worldwide performer, Adam Levin, brings a beautiful and thoughtful concert to our chamber music series. Levin’s repertoire and experti se span J.S. Bach to contemporary Spanish music.

GMU Center for Performing Arts

An Evening with Lea Salonga 9/28

Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga headlines the “2024 ARTS by George!” benefit concert performing songs she has made famous throughout her extraordinary four-decade career on Broadway and in animated movie blockbusters.

Ballet Hispánico 10/5

Recognized as one of America’s cultural treasures, Ballet Hispánico celebrates the ever growing and multifaceted Hispanic diasporas through vibrant dance in this Hispanic Heritage Month performance. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, the company will offer educational and community programs surrounding the performance.

Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble 10/19

A radiant program of must-see dance, accompanied by live music by the MMDG Music Ensemble. This program features audience favorites and rare gems, set to the music of Lou Harrison. Appropriate for all ages.

The Laurie Berkner Band performs classic hits as well as some new songs – including some from their new album, “A Laurie Berkner Halloween”! A concert event for the whole family. LBB’s music shines a light on what it means to be a kid, and kids can’t get enough of her folk-pop melodies made especially for them. Bring an animal (for your head) and your dancing shoes! Recommended for ages 2 to 8.

Arturo Sandoval 11/10

An acknowledged virtuoso of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn — and just as dynamic and vivacious on the piano, timbales, vocals, and key board — 10-time Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval presents a diverse, exhilarating show featuring Afro-Cuban jazz, bebop, straight-ahead jazz, and more. Appropriate for all ages.

Continued on Page 12

Laurie Berkner Band 10/20

THE STUDIOS AT 307

Located inside Art and Frame of Falls Church 307 E. Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA

Virginia Opera: Carmen 11/16-17

Virginia Opera presents French composer Georges Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time, with recognizable arias including “The Habanera” and “The Toreador Song.” Set in Spain around 1830, the drama centers on the titular character. Carmen is bold, uninhibited, and independent; she lives life on her own terms. She becomes infatuated with Don José, who throws away everything to be with her, only to be rejected when Carmen moves on, falling for a bullfighter named Escamillo. Carmen confronts the dangers of jealous obsession and falling madly in love with the wrong person. Sung in French with English subtitles.

Fairfax Symphony with Jeremy Denk 11/23

Jeremy Denk, one of America’s foremost pianists, joins the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) for a special performance co-presented by Great Performances at Mason. Denk and the esteemed FSO perform Beethoven’s poetic “Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58,” in a program that also includes the regional premiere of Quinn Mason’s “She Dreams of Flying” and Rachmaninoff’s last work, “Symphonic Dances.”

Signature Theatre

ARTS ROUND UP

courtesan, a lovesick young man and others devolve into uproarious chaos in a fastpaced, witty and monumental escapade.

Soft Power

8/6-9/15

After the 2016 election, when a Chinese American playwright is attacked by an unknown assailant, he hallucinates a Golden Age musical comedy about a Chinese theater producer and Hillary Clinton falling in love. Hilarious and biting, this political satire dares to ask: Does American Democracy still work? And is it worth believing in?

Primary Trust

9/10-10/20

Wally’s Tiki Bar serves the sweetest mai tais in town, and Kenneth never misses a happy hour with his best friend. But when a job loss upends Kenneth’s static existence, he must discover the courage to open a new door and change his life – even if it means facing the past and letting go.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: 10/29-1/12

In one of the greatest musical comedies of all time, three households reside next to each other in ancient Rome. Just outside their doors, the exploits of a quick-thinking Roman slave, a braggart soldier, a beautiful

Gala Theatre

The 22+ Weddings of Hugo 9/5-9/29

In Spanish with English Subtitles. Why in the world does Hugo, a quiet postal clerk, keep getting married? A raucous tale, based on a true story, of “a beautiful crime” that delves into several hidden themes of our day, from empathy and immigration, to love in times of hatred, and the universal need to find refuge in a place, person, or a feeling.

Frida Libre 10/12-10/26

Bilingual. Alex may seem like a quiet, shy boy, but he secretly holds big ideas in his head. He wants to be a luchador (wrestler) and defeat bad guys in the ring. His life changes when he meets brave and colorful Frida, an unusual girl who dreams of being a doctor. Forced to collaborate on a science project on butterflies and metamorphosis, the pair discovers how true friendship can help overcome fear and transform dreams into reality. Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Frida Libre is an uplifting story featuring delightful songs that explore the meaning of friendship, bravery, and transformation.

Fuego Flamenco Festival 11/7-11/23

Gala celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Flamenco Festival, featuring U.S. and international artists in an expanded threeweek festival. Lineup includes performances by Ser.Rana, Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company, Marc Lopez and Monserrat Martinez.

Gala Film Festival 12/4-12/8

Discover a new era in Latin American cinema as emerging young directors offer their unique perspectives on critical issues. Enjoy Q&As with artists and experts, receptions, and much more.

Amadeus Concerts

Concert: Amadeus Strings St. Luke Catholic Church 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 10/6 • 4 p.m.

Concert: Opera Afternoon

St. Francis Episcopal Church 9220 VA-193, Great Falls, VA 11/10 • 4 p.m.

Virginia Chamber Orchestra Music in the Gardens, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29 • 3 p.m.

Sunday afternoons in September at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna, VA), enjoy the rare combination of wonderful music performed by outstanding ensembles in lovely natural surroundings. Concerts are free with admission to the park ($8 adults 18-54, $4 kids over 5 and seniors 55+).

St. Katherine’s Fall Greek Festival 10/4-6

With authentic Greek dancing, pastries, homemade Greek food, like Greek music, and more! Free and open to the public.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC

Postcards 10/19

Plans, trains, and automobiles! The GMCW’s popular cabaret returns with an all-new edition! Soloists from the Chorus will share hilarious and heart-warming stories and songs about the travel adventures they’ve had and hope to have!

Continued on Page 14

Creative Cauldron

Sondheim Tribute Revue 10/3-27

A scintillating musical revue celebrating the work of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and innovative composers and lyricists in Broadway history. Eight standout performers provide an incomparable journey through over 20 titles from the Sondheim songbook.

Alice in Wonderland 11/8-24

“Curiouser and curiouser” Down the Rabbit Hole we go! Come join Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland. The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, all your favorite characters are here in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly “Mad, mad day” at the Cauldron, enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children’s classics of all time in a new bi-lingual format.

Ford’s Theatre

Mister Lincoln 9/20-10/13

A witty and revelatory one-man show starring Scott Bakula as President Abraham Lincoln, who shares sto -

ARTS ROUND UP

ries of himself during some of our country’s most important historical events. From his own personal perspective, first as a prairie lawyer and anti-slavery advocate in Illinois, to later in Washington as president of the United States, when he signs the Emancipation Proclamation and becomes the liberator, this insightful play leans on Lincoln’s own brilliant language to reveal surprising aspects of the life of one of our nation’s greatest presidents.

Providence Players

Love Letters 10/11-26

Through decades of heartfelt and candid letters, this play reveals a deep connection that navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and personal growth. Melissa, a free-spirited artist, and Andrew, a successful lawyer and politician, share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and regrets, painting a vivid picture of lives intertwined by the power of the written word.

Falls Church Arts

Home 8/24-9/29

Artists submitted work that reflects the theme, “Home,” chosen by FCA followers on social media.

Based on a true story, a raucous tale of “a beautiful crime.”

SEPT 5 - 29

In Spanish with English surtitles

The Beauty of Diversity 10/5-11/17

Entry Deadline September 8. Artists explore the beauty and strength that diversity brings to our lives with works that reference elements that make our society diverse, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, experiences, abilities, or opinions.

Keegan Theatre

The Woman in Black 10/12-11/17

A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.

Theater J

Prayer for the French Republic 10/30-11/24

The Benhamou family has lived in Paris for five generations. A visit from their American cousin, Molly, is quickly overshadowed by an antisemitic attack on the family’s son, Daniel. The turmoil of the event awakens even the most dormant fears as each family

member advocates for ways to move forward – or away. Just outside their window, the mounting pressure of Marine Le Pen’s extreme views winning over the populace shows no signs of waning. As the family references the choices of generations before, time bends to bring the characters forward, echoing the same questions. Past and present play out simultaneously, revealing our questions have been here before, but the answers have yet to arrive. An epic family drama that breaks open the global question, “where are we safe?”

Smithsonian -National Museum of the American Indian

Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay Opening 9/20

Celebrate more than three decades of innovation by fiber artist DY Begay (Diné [Navajo], b. 1953). Don’t miss the first major retrospective of Begay’s career, showcasing 48 of her most remarkable tapestries.

Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) 9/14, and 9/15, 10 AM–4 p.m.

Hecho en México (Made in Mexico) refers to the official classification that identifies products that are uniquely made in Mexico. Mexican artisans, including Pedro Ortega

Lozano, known for his work in papel picado; Óscar Becerra-Mora, who creates alebrije sculptures; and Cilau Valadez, who specializes in the Huichol art of yarn painting all join us to demonstrate their creative practices.

In Conversation: DY Begay with Fiber Artists Velma Kee Craig and Helena Hernmarck 9/21 • 1 PM

imagiNATIONS Activity Centers Washington, D.C.

Bring the whole family to enjoy the imagiNATIONS Activity Centers at our New York and Washington, D.C., museums. These interactive spaces provide visitors of all ages, including those with young children, a wide variety of experiences to learn about Indigenous cultures and innovations. Both centers are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Welcome to a Native Place Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 1-1:30 p.m.

Enjoy tribal songs from Alaska to Florida with Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa, Isanti Dakota, and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) in the Potomac Atrium. At the end of his 30-minute presentation, visitors are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to the museum and Indigenous culture, past and present.

Guided Gallery Tours Fridays & Saturdays, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Inspired by the childhood of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, this lively musical explores friendship, bravery & transformation.

OCT 12 - 26 Bilingual show for families. Saturdays 3 pm

Spain Flamenco Arts & FECACE (Spain) SER.RANA

Choreographed & performed by Sonia Franco NOV 7 - 10

Flamenco Aparicio Dance Co. (USA) LO MEJOR DE EDWIN

Choreographed & directed by Edwin Aparicio NOV 15 - 17

Marc López & Monserrat Martínez (Spain) INTIMATE FRIENDS OF FLAMENCO NOV 22 - 23

5 - 11, 2024

by Patricia Leslie

Phyllida Spotte-Hume (Rachel Hubbard) wants to join “The Explorers Club” despite its uppity attitudes about women, for she, too, is an explorer and has the goods (a “savage”) she’s brought back from a “Lost City” to prove it!

It’s 1879 when the good ole boys, members of the exclusive club in London, sit and chitchat in the club’s bar and lounge about their latest feats and discoveries, all the while sipping brandy and smoking (tobacco-less) cigars.

Tom O’Reilly’s set design and Myke Taister’s set dressing reveal a splendid stage a la Queen Victoria (1819-1901) with dark wooden walls, leather chairs, a globe, a suit of armor, a stuffed fox, a rifle and other “manly” accoutrements and souvenirs from various trips.

Commanding attention high on

ing throughout the show investigating all the trinkets on the set. It doesn’t take long for the group to appoint Luigi as bartender for the constantly absent barkeep, Roger (and to protect Luigi from “authorities”).

Luigi quickly learns how to pour brandy and throw glasses of it back and forth on the bar in table choreography worthy of Baryshnikov. They splish, they splash, they do not crash except in the hands of the intended.

Meanwhile, the president of the club, Lucius Fretway (Michael Townsend) wants to admit Phyllida (to whom he’s taken a “liking”) to the club, but surprise! Some of the members take exception to his suggestion. My word! Who’s ever heard such a thing? Save the queen!

Enter, please, a perfect Sir Harry Percy (John Henderson) to rule the day, er, the club, and announce his discovery of a “pole” and to bring

be there.)

The club is somewhat reminiscent of the Royal Geographic Society which Percy nails a time or two.

Phyllida struggles with these menfolk, particularly the hated and narrow minded “Biblical scientist,” Professor Sloane (Richard Fiske) but this is not an “in-your-face” feminine military battle to get her admitted; it’s a comedy which grows, fostered by the talents of director Adam Konowe who skilfully weaves a web to wrap the audience in this story of “science.”

Throw in more “souvenirs” like a snake which Professor Cope (Ricardo Padilla) wears around his neck and a much-loved guinea pig belonging to Professor Walling (Steve Rosenthal) and you get the picture or you will if you see it or them.

Meghan Mohon is the Queen’s private secretary and Michael J. Fisher is “Beebe,” another explorer

feminine fashion.

For a good time, you can’t do better than to spend it with members of “The Explorers Club” at the Little Theatre of Alexandria.

Producer Carol Strachan has done an excellent job coaching the players in their British accents which don’t seem so affected, after all. What American does not swoon at a British accent?

Other members of the creative crew are William Chrapcynski, sound; Ian Claar, choreogra-

pher; Franklin Coleman, lighting; Amanda Hobbs, assistant director; Brook Angel Markley, properties; Isabella Sursi and Jennifer Rhorer, stage managers; Robbie Snow, hair and makeup; Alan Wray, producer, Russell M. Wyland, rigging.

Nell Benjamin of “Legally Blonde” fame wrote the play.

The show runs through September 21, 2024, Thursday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., at 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria 22314.

THE PROFESSORS (from left, Steve Rosenthal, Ricardo Padilla and Richard Fiske) speak no evil, hear no evil and see no evil in “The Explorers Club” at Little Theatre of Alexandria (Photo: Matt Liptak)

Amadeus Strings

Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 4 pm

St. Luke Catholic Church, McLean, VA

Opera Afternoon

In Collaboration with Partners for the Arts

Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 4 pm

St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, VA

Messiah Sing (free admission)

Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 4 PM Fairlington United Methodist Church, Alexandria, VA

Washington Saxophone Quartet

Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 4 PM

St. Francis Episcopal Church, Great Falls, VA

Victorian Lyric Opera Company Keeps Operetta Alive in Suburbs

by Mark Dreisonstok

The Victorian Lyric Opera Company (VLOC) in Rockville keeps alive the tradition of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas by its regular staging of such works as “The Pirates of Penzance” and “H.M.S. Pinafore.” The company also stages famous Viennese operettas such as Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus.” An interesting aspect of VLOC is that it produces lesser-known European operettas in “concert versions,” which are staged operettas in nearly every aspect except sets.

“Although Jacques Offenbach’s ‘The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein’ was an immense hit in Paris in 1867, during Offenbach’s prolific period of operetta production,” notes VLOC’s Artistic Director emeritus and conductor Joseph Sorge, this lesser-known work today “requires chorus participation for nearly 80 percent of the music and would require a long period of preparation if fully-staged.” By means of a concert presentation, however, the company needed only the month of August to rehearse a concert version of the show.

VLOC presented “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein” this past weekend from August 30 through September 1, with audiences enjoying a highly entertaining comic plot, soaring operatic music with orchestra, and even some thoughtful ruminations on life, love, and war.

The plot revolves around the central character of Grand Duchess Christine of Gerolstein. Stage Director Brandon Shaw McKnight notes that the Grand Duchess was inspired by Catherine the Great of Russia, but here Christine is presented as a spoiled and immature sovereign of twenty-years old who loves war, or as her VLOC interpreter Elizabeth Barnes sang in her magnificent soprano voice: “Ah, How I Go for the Military!” She made a grand entrance in this production in a resplendent regal costume, even promenading through the audience and waving at audience members with grace, poise, and elegance.

Christine’s passion for war and her love for the undeserving Private Fritz, who has little in the way of military experience, puts the Grand Duchy in an awkward

but comical situation: purely out of favoritism, Christine promotes Fritz unjustly to the post of military commander. Through a certain degree of luck and unexpected cunning, Fritz emerges victorious and, as a reward, asks for his love interest Wanda’s hand in marriage. The enraged Grand Duchess turns against him and seeks his destruction!

In addition to the problematic nature of unrestrained royal absolutism presented in the plot, the Offenbach operetta’s libretto has many thoughtful comments to impart: “This horrid cruel war should have been concluded long ago,” states a chorus of women; “The less sense people make, the more they get promoted,” opines Fritz; and “If you cannot manage to have the one you love, you must manage to love one you can have as well as you can,” Grand Duchess Christine enjoins in a wiser moment. VLOC also inserts engaging local references into its productions of classic operettas, in this case stating in mid-performance that, after the show, audience members might be going back to their homes in Northern Virginia!

Lance Fisher was an excellent Private Fritz, conveying the character’s charm and comical unmilitary bearing. His voice was a powerful component to the shows’s success, as in his performance with the chorus of “Return of the Soldiers and Rondo” as well as “Return and Complaint of Fritz.”

General Boum, though supposedly a by-the-book authoritarian military commander, proved very likable. In his memorable piece “Piff, Paff, Pouf,” Michael Beder as the general engaged in onomatopoeia galore, as “Piff, Paff, Pouf” and his very name of Boum, backed by orchestral drums, suggested the firing of cannons. Now marginalized by the ascension of Private Fritz to military commander, audiences were left to wonder if “General Boum would resume his plume.”

Sarah Robinson as Wanda, the love interest of Fritz, sang melodically and lyrically in pieces such as “Galop,” performed along with the Chorus and Mr. Fisher’s Fritz.

The program notes on cast members informed audience members that offstage Dr. Robinson

“holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and leads technical teams by day.” Onstage, her acting and gestures assisted greatly in giving the impression that this production of “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein” was much more than a concert version of an operetta, but an operetta staging itself.

Finally, the orchestra was conducted splendidly by Joseph Sorge, and the production benefited greatly from the stage direction of Brandon Shaw McKnight.

In 2025, VLOC will be presenting the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera “The Mikado.” This new “semi-staged concert performance” will, according to promotional materials, be an “updated version [which] promises to honor the original spirit while bringing new insights and contemporary relevance” to the classic work. With this new “Mikado” and before that in February a full-staged version of Joseph Bologne’s “The Anonymous Lover,” VLOC will continue its tradition of performing fresh, vibrant performances of operetta for suburban Washington, D.C., audiences.

News-Press

Community News & Notes

MHS Combo Kicks Off Jazz4Justice Concert

The MHS Jazz Combo kicked off the 4th Annual Jazz4Justice concert at Mr. Brown’s Park on Monday night, an annual Labor Day event. This special evening supports the Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) and its efforts for economic justice and labor rights.

The talented students in the MHS Jazz Combo include Nate Hill on piano, Jack Kreul on guitar, Sol Modell on drum set, Addy Turner on trumpet, Tyler Huang on bass, JoJo Cummings on saxophone, and Case Dimock on trombone.

The combo delivered an exceptional performance, featuring “A Song for My Father” by Horace Silver, “Clambake” by Rick Hirsch, and “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock. Mayor Letty Hardi followed with an address about the importance of the labor movement and the legal efforts of the LAJC.

Mary Washington professor and LAJC board member Doug Gately started the music back up with a stunning jazz flute performance, and the concert continued to delight the crowd with jazz in the air for a beautiful late summer evening.

Strong Season Start For Virginia Dream F.C.

Virginia Dream F.C., The Little City’s own semi-professional soccer league, kicked off the 2024 Fall United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) season with a bang last month, with an outstanding performance from the whole squad leaving them undefeated after three games.

On August 17 The Dream defeated Alexandria Reds Pro 2-0 at their home turf “The Cloud” (Meridian High School), with Diarra Zoumana scoring both goals with assists from Angel Chavez and Bryan Ramirez. On August 26 the team defeated Blazers FC 10-1 at an away game — a strong enough performance to earn strikers Nico Lukulia and Angel Chavez and defender Jimmy Filerman Conference Team of the Week honors, and Head Coach of

the Week for head coach CJ Taylor. On August 31 the team dominated VA Revolution Pro 5-1 at “The Cloud.”

Virginia Dream FC’s next game is at Langley High School on September 7, where they will take on North Stars Beryville. Their next home game is September 14 at 8:00 p.m. against Grove United.

Tickets to FC Dream home games at Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church) are $10, and free for all FCCPS students and children under age 12. To learn more, follow the team on instagram @VirginiaDreamFC.

F.C. Student Gets Act Passed in Congress

Gen Z’s interest in the 2024 Presidential election is making headlines, with many Gen Z students passionate about their civic duty. This includes Samad Quraishi of Falls Church, who is one of five students recently awarded $1,000 via the “Why Vote? Scholarship for Voter Awareness and Education,” provided by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). The NSHSS recognizes students who spread awareness and education on the importance of voting in their communities.

In 2024, Quraishi introduced the High School Voter Empowerment Act in Congress, which designated high schools as voter registration agencies, allowing federal financial support for all schools to host registration drives. Under the Centre for Voters Initiative & Action (CVIA), he led lobbying efforts and got the legislation introduced in the House and Senate with more than 30 sponsors. This became the first bill in Congress solely led by high school students.

Quraishi also led efforts to connect youth voices with those in power and promote engagement in elections by hosting several talks with the White House, including the White House Council, Domestic Policy Council, and Offices of the President and Vice President. He hosts community voter registration drives, bringing in candidates for office to amplify their platforms and teaching his classmates about the civics process so they can feel confident about voting.

Deadline is September 8 for Upcoming FCA Exhibit

Falls Church Arts (FCA) invites artists to submit works for an upcoming all-media exhibit, “The Beauty of Diversity,” which will explore the beauty and strength that diversity brings to our lives. Artists should submit works that reference any of the various elements that make society diverse. Some of these might include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, experiences, abilities, or opinions.

Artists may submit images for up to three artworks, along with a brief statement of concept or process. Full submission requirements are available on the online entry form.

Entries are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2024, and may be submitted online at tinyurl.com/FCNP0924ae.

Meridian Music TAG Day Returns September 14

On Saturday morning, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., scores of Meridian musicians will perform their way across Falls Church City for the annual TAG Day fundraising event. The musicians are raising funds toward their March 2025 performance trip to Atlanta, GA. Donate directly to one of the musicians wherever you may see them making music — at your door, at the Farmer’s Market, at the Falls Church Festival, walking down the street, or performing just for fun!

City Awards Creative Cauldron Arts and Humanities Grants

Creative Cauldron is the recipient of FY 2025 Operating Support and Project Support Grants in the amounts of $15,000 and $4,125 from the City of Falls Church Arts and Humanities Council, which supports local arts organizations providing outstanding arts experiences for the Falls Church community.

The operating grant will allow Creative Cauldron to continue to provide the same level of educational and theatrical programming in its current space, as well as prepare to move to the City’s new Broad

and Washington development later in the year, which will serve as its permanent artistic home for the next 20 years and beyond.

The project grant will support “Woman on Fire,” written by Marisela Trevinó Orta and directed by Elena Velasco, the story of a woman who discovers buried family secrets and reconnects with her Mexican-American ancestors while reigniting her passion for painting.

Comunidad Invites Public to Annual 5Dollar5K and Fun Run

Registration is now open for the annual 5Dollar5K, slated for Saturday, Oct. 12 in Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester St., Arlington, VA). The event is organized by

Comunidad, a nonprofit that equips and engages locally-rooted community leaders in the Seven Corners area of Falls Church. Comunidad offers reading and mentorship opportunities for children, as well as community food distribution and leadership training for community members.

The non-timed 5K and 1k fun run provide an opportunity for runners of all ages to join. Registration is $5 for runners ages 13 and up. Children ages 12 and under are invited to participate in the free 1K that starts beforehand. Light refreshments and lawn games will follow the run, along with Comunidad swag giveaways. To register or learn more, visit comunidadva.org/5dollar5k.

THE MERIDIAN High School Jazz Combo kicked off the Jazz4Justice concert at Mr. Brown’s Park on Monday. (Photo: Carol Sly)

NICO HOERNER (right), star second baseman for the major league baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, met up with his cousin, FCNP owner Nicholas F. Benton (second from right) after last Saturday’s CubsNationals game in D.C. Also there as Benton’s guests were Simon and Cameron VanSteyn (left, Simon is the big one). (News-Press Photo)

ABC NOTICE

Dgms LLC trading as Gate House Sunoco, 3070 Gate House PLZ, Falls Church, Fairfax County Virginia 22042 is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL

(ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Specialty Establishment Application - Convenience Grocery Store, Wine, Beer, Consumed Off Premise license. Sreedhar Dangatla Authorized Signatory, Dgms LLC. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

AT Market and Restaurant LLC trading as AT Ethiopian Restaurant, 4811 Columbia pike, Arlington, VA, 22204-3010 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Beer, Wine, and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license. Alemu Gebresllassie signer. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200

AT Market and Restaurant LLC trading as AT Ethiopian Market , 4813 Columbia pike, Arlington, VA, 22204-3010 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Convenience Grocery store license, for off-premises of Beer, Wine . Alemu Gebresllassie signer.

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

A & A Grocery LLC trading as Baileys Market & Carry Out, 6035 Leesburg PIKE, Falls Church, 22041 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Restaurant, Beer and Wine, On and Off Premises License.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on September 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items:

Variance application

V1653-24 by Kimberly Sanchez, applicant, on behalf of Betty and Stephan Finley, owners, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a rear yard setback of 28.4 feet instead of the 40 feet minimum to construct a screened in porch at premises known as 617 Laura Drive, RPC #52-604-011 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.

Variance application

V1655-24 by WF Apartments CL1 Lessee LLC, applicant and owner, for the following variances:

i. Section 48-1265(7) to allow 6 temporary banner signs totaling 1,351.7 square feet to exceed the area and quantity above the maximum permitted in the zoning district (one 20 square feet temporary sign); ii. Section 48-1265(7) to allow the abovementioned signs to remain for one year instead of the maximum time of 60 days; at the premises at 175 Haycock Road, RPC #51-221-018 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-2, Central Business and Mixed-Use.

Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until

4:30 pm on September 12, 2024. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The following was given first reading at the July 22, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TR24-08) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF CITY CODE CHAPTER 35 “STORMWATER”, ARTICLE I “STORMWATER MANAGEMENT” TO MEET THE VIRGINIA EROSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS SET BY THE VIRGINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

The following was given first reading at the August 12, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO24-12) ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CHAPTER 22, “HOUSING,” ARTICLE III, “RENT RELIEF FOR LOW INCOME ELDERLY AND/OR PERSONS PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED,” OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH

This amendment is to comply with State Code, amend the grant calculation method, and grant the same award to all applicants at or below 50% Median Family Income.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

Architectural Advisory Board

Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee

Board of Equalization

City Employee Review Board

Economic Development Authority

Historical Commission

Planning Commission (October 31 deadline)

Public Utilities Commission

Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

Retirement Board

Urban Forestry Commission Board of Zoning Appeals (October 31 deadline)

Regional Boards/Commissions

Continuum of Care Board

Coordinating Council for the Aging and Adults with Disabilities

Fairfax Area Commission on Aging

Fairfax Area Disability Services Board

Virginia Career Works Northern Region

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

The following was given first reading at the May 28, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO24-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,” DIVISION 2 “OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS” TO EXCLUDE THE FIRST 1,000 SQUARE-FEET FOR NEW COMMERCIAL USE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENT CALCULATIONS

The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of excluding up to 1,000 square feet of commercial floor area from the City’s minimum parking requirement calculations. The purpose of the proposed commercial parking relief is to expand the number of commercial uses that are eligible to occupy existing commercial buildings, so that existing commercial buildings may be more easily re-purposed over time.

A public hearing and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TR24-30) RESOLUTION TO AMEND AND READOPT BICYCLE MASTER PLAN: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION 2015-13

The Bicycle Master Plan has a vision for bicycle facilities that provide connections to and between the City’s commercial areas and neighborhoods, transit facilities, schools, regional bicycle facilities, and designated bicycle routes in neighboring jurisdictions for comfortable and safe travel by people of all ages and abilities. The amended Bicycle Master Plan: Connecting Communities, is a guiding document for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, and notes the numerous benefits of enabling bicycling as a safe and accessible form of transportation.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK FOR SALE

Property for Sale, National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, Va 22042. Lot 217 Block D #1A, $8,000 or Best Offer. Cash or Cashier’s check. Price incldues Lot, Vault & Bronze Marker. Seller Keri Hynes 703-3570792 or khynes1962@gmail.com

CAREGIVERS

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS - job is for 5 Days a Week – 5 Hours per Day – Salary is $30 per Hour.clean record, good recommendations, mobile, with many skills For more details about the position, email (jamiecarsonbroker@ gmail.com)

AUCTIONS

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

FARMS/FISH

Live Fish for stocking ponds. Many varieties available. Delivery to your pond or pickup available. Call Zetts Fish Farm & Hatchery for information 304-995-9202, Cell 304-820-6986.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-947-1479 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

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

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer – up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-902-4611

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-591-9950

The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-844-945-1631

CALENDAR

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C.

THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 5

Tysons Library Book & Media Sale

Thursday through Sunday, shop a large selection of books and media for all ages and interests.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Electoral Board Meeting

Electoral Board meets. City Hall (300 ParkAve., DogwoodA-B, Falls Church), 12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 6

FCCPS Friday Bike Buses

Secondary campus only. Bike to school with a group of fellow students! Details and routes at bikefallschurch.org/fccps-bikebus. (Various Locations, Falls Church), 7:55 a.m. — 8:20 a.m.

The 22+ Weddings of Hugo

Presented in Spanish with English subtitles. A raucous tale of “a beautiful crime” that delves into several hidden themes of our day. Tickets at galatheatre. org. Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7

Arlington Civitans

Open Air Flea Market

One of the largest and oldest public flea markets in the region, boasting over 150 vendors spread out over five levels of a parking garage. More details at arlington-fleamarket.com.

I-66 Parking Garage (4001 15th Street North, Arlington, VA), 7:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Falls Church

Farmers Market

Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall

Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Sustainability

at Cherry Hill Farmhouse

City staff have made simple and effective energy efficient improvements to the Cherry Hill Farmhouse that can be replicated in your own home. Join the city's Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC) at the Farmhouse to learn about these improvements and how you can reduce your home's impact on climate change while saving money on your electric bill. Free and open to the public. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Join the park's fourth annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor and remember those lives that were lost. "Taps" by U.S. Marine Corps John Abbraciamentoo, music by the City of Falls Church Concert Band, and remarks by Harry Shovlin of American Legion Post 130, Fairfax County Police Captain Harold Morris, Del. Marcus Simon, Veterans Council chairman Jorome Gibbons, Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia A. Palchik, and representatives from the Local VFW and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. The ceremony will be held at the 9/11 remembrance memorial located at the front of the Cemetery and Funeral Home. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public. National Funeral Home & National Memorial Park (7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Truck & Toss Fundraising Festival

The Truck & Toss Fundraising Festival is designed to bring together families, friends, and neighbors for an evening of entertainment, great food, and activities, while supporting the needs of Grace Christian Academy students. Free and open to the public. Grace Christian Academy (3233 Annandale Rd., Falls Church), 4:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8

9/11 Memorial Ruck

March/Walk

Annual VFW Post 9274 5k

Ruck March/Walk around the track to honor the victims of 9/11, first responders and

military. Free and open to the public. Join for a cookout afterwards at VFW Post 9274 (7118 Shreve Rd.). Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9

Aurora House

CAC Meeting

Aurora House Community Advisory Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Laurel Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting

The City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. The public is welcome to address the City Council on any topic during the public comment period by signing up at fallschurchva. gov/publiccomment. Watch the meeting live or on-demand at fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings or on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10

FCA Exhibit: Home

Artist works reflecting the theme "Home," chosen by FCA followers on social media. Free and open to the public. On display through September 29. Gallery hours at fallschurcharts.org. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11

Citizens Transportation Adv. Cmte. Meeting

Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation meets. Virtual (Link, Passcode, Cost), 7:00 p.m.

Recreation and Parks Adv. Board Meeting

Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks meets. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., 2nd Floor Art Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Architectural Advisory Board Meeting

Architectural Advisory Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/ Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.

Appointments Committee Meeting

Appointments Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 8:00 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12

Joint Chambers Networking Breakfast

Bring your business to the table, literally. This event focuses on roundtable power networking and provides attendees the chance to exchange business cards, develop new prospects and share a 60 second pitch with each table. Double your connections this month with a combined event between the Falls Church and Arlington Chambers of Commerce. Bring plenty of business cards; you'll need them. $30 admission includes breakfast

buffet (members $25). Reserve your spot at fallschurchchamber.org. Crystal City Sports Pub (529 23rd St. S, Arlington, VA), 8:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.

Retirement Board Meeting

Retirement Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Want us to include your event in next week's Calendar? Email your event's title, description, date(s) and time(s) to calendar@fcnp. com no later than 12:00 p.m. every Tuesday! Space is limited; submission does not guarantee inclusion. Press releases, pictures from events, and other news should be sent to newsandnotes@fcnp.com.

To guarantee your event is included, purchase a premium calendar listing ($25) by emailing calendar@ fcnp.com, or ask about how an ad could maximize your brand's exposure by emailing ads@fcnp.com!

CHECK OUT energy efficient improvements to Cherry Hill Farmhouse you can replicate at home on Saturday. (Photo: Brian Reach)

FALLS CHURCH

Special Election

Continued from Page 3

unions is at its highest level in the U.S. since the 1950s, owing in part to President Biden’s open support for labor, including the unprecedented act for a U.S. president of walking a picket line recently, which even invoked the thought of overturning Virginia’s anti-union “right to work” standing, a notion that hasn’t even been publicly verbalized in decades.

Beyer noted the importance of “running up the score” for the Harris ticket in this area, noting that while statewide the race will be close, Falls Church has had the highest voter turnout in all of Virginia consistently for years, and turning out 80 percent for Biden in 2020.

Del. Simon said that “joy, optimism and progress” defines the Democrats, and State Sen. Saddam Salim hailed the pro-union posture of his party.

Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi introduced Beyer and other elected officials present including F.C. Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton, Arlington-Falls Church Clerk of the District Court Paul Ferguson, former State Sen. Dick Saslaw, F.C. Council members Justine Underhill and David Snyder.

In her statement of candidacy submitted recently, Downs, who was at the Democrats’ ice cream social, focused on her achievements as chair of the School Board for two years, saying that work “provided me with valuable public service experience including working on the city and school budgets with the City Council and general government.

“My husband and I have lived in FCC for 15 years and have loved raising our four boys here and watching our community grow into a vibrant, welcoming ‘little city.’”

Murphy, in his candidate statement, said: “I was born on Marshall Street, spent my childhood at Mary Riley Styles Library where my mom worked for 43 years, and my wife and I watched our two sons thrive in Falls Church City Schools. I know Falls Church City. I love it here, and I choose to stay here to continue to give back to our community.

“So far, I served six years on the Board of Zoning Appeals, including two terms as chair and was a member and Chair of the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee.”

T h e LGB T Q + R e ach

by Brian Reach Falls Church News-Press

Equality Caucus Files SCOTUS Brief

On Tuesday 164 members of the U.S. Congress filed an amicus brief “to defend transgender Americans’ right to access medically-necessary healthcare in the upcoming Supreme Court Case U.S. v. Scrmetti,” challenging Tennessee’s anti-Trans SB1.

“Decisions about healthcare belong to patients, their doctors, and their families — not politicians,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI), chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.

“There is no constitutionally sound justification to strip from families with transgender children, and their doctors, the decision to seek medical care and give it to politicians sitting in the state capitol. I trust parents, not politicians, to decide what is best for their transgender children,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY).

“SB1 is a clear violation of the Constitution and blatantly interferes in doctors’ ability to care for their patients in consultation with their families. Moreover, if allowed to stand, it will establish a dangerous precedent that will open the floodgates to further discrimination against transgender Americans,” said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ).

“Access to medically necessary care for trans youth saves lives,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR). “Let’s get politicians — who have no expertise in making decisions for patients — out of the exam room.”

Victory in Richmond for Trans Athlete

On August 16 a Federal Judge issued an injunction preventing Hanover County Public Schools from continuing to block a Trans student from trying out for a sports team for the 2024-2025 school year. The judge found banning the student likely violated both Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The ACLU of Virginia, which filed the lawsuit challenging HCPS, issued a press release celebrating the decision.

“This order is a reminder to school boards that protecting transgender young people is part of protecting girls’ sports,” said ACLU of Virginia Legal Director Eden Heilman. “And it’s a flashing red light to any Virginia school board that might be tempted to think that VDOE’s anti-trans model policies give it license to abuse its power. As the court reminded Hanover County School Board in its ruling, no state policies can shield Virginia schools from accountability for violating federal law.”

Youngkin Administration’s 2023 Take Last August, in response to a request from Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares issued an official opinion confirming that the “Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Student and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools.” The updated model policies, which were released the month prior, directly conflicted with existing policies requiring schools treat LGBTQ+ students with dignity and respect.

The changes recommended in the policies are non-binding (and every Northern Virginia school system rejected them).

The policies would require school employees to only refer to students by their birth sex, and only allow pronouns to be changed via a legal name or sex change. School employees would be required to notify parents if a student was LGBTQ+. In sports teams split by gender, Trans athletes would be forced onto the wrong team. Parents would be given the option to “opt out” of gender-specific bathrooms, locker rooms, or sleeping arrangements, in response to Trans students being allowed appropriate access.

“Parents, not [the] government, are in the best position to work with their children on important life decisions, and no parent signs up to co-parent with the government. In fact, the rights of parents are one of our oldest and most fundamental liberty interests,” said Attorney General Miyares in a news release announcing the opinion.

The Bottom Line

Democrats and Republicans are both saying similar things: leave the government out of it; let parents and families make their own medical decisions. But Republicans are using the government to dictate those decisions.

Students have the right to personal privacy, and it is imperative that they be able to speak to school faculty in confidence.

“Parents’ rights” arguments sound great, but Republicans — including those in the Youngkin administration — are using them entirely in bad faith.

LGBTQ+ people typically don’t come out to everyone all at once. We find a confidant. We test the waters. Telling one’s parents is an extremely personal decision. It is not a parent’s “right” to know.

And some parents don’t take it well. According to youth.gov, one in 30 U.S. youth experience homelessness each year. For LGBTQ+ youth, Trevor Project data has found, it’s over one in four (28 percent), and for Trans youth it’s over one in three (38 percent of Trans boys, 39 percent of Trans girls, and 35 percent of nonbinary youth).

LGBTQ+ Bowling Starts Next Week

Tuesday will be the first game of the 20th anniversary season for Capital Area Match Point (CAMP), a “straight-friendly” LGBTQ+ bowling league. With 48 teams of 3 players, CAMP is the largest league at Bowlero Falls Church (140 S. Maple Ave.), and plays weekly on Tuesdays. The season begins Tuesday, September 10, and runs through Tuesday, April 15, 2025. A large end-of-season party will be held sometime in May. Weekly team dues of $27 include Bowlero league perks, such as 20 percent off food and (non-alcoholic) beverage and two free games per week. Raffles, performance bonuses, and happy hour specials sweeten the deal — don’t miss out!

There is still space available for interested LGBTQ+ (or ally) bowlers to join the league! If interested, email Scott at campbowling@gmail.com.

Falls Church Business News & Notes

Candidate Forum Planned

The Falls Church Chamber will host a City Council Candidate Forum at the luncheon on October 15. The two candidates that will be on the ballot November 5 for the vacant seat are Laura Downs and John Murphy. Business issues will be central to the questions posed by moderator, Andrew Painter.

Joint Chamber Breakfast with Arlington

The Falls Church Chamber is co-hosting the Breakfast Networking Mixer with the Arlington Chamber on Thursday, September 12. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. and the roundtable power networking runs 8:30 a.m. — 9:30 a.m. The Falls Church Chamber has one Grand Sponsorship available for a member to make opening remarks and promote their business. The event will be held at the Crystal City Sports Pub and there is a limit of 50 guests. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Members and their guests may register in advance by noon on Wednesday, September 11 via the chamber website, fallschurchchamber.org.

Annual Truck & Toss on Saturday

Grace Christian Academy is holding the annual Truck & Toss Fundraising Festival on Friday, September 7, 4:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. This is open to the community, bringing people together for a fun-filled day to benefit the educational needs of the students. There will be activities for kids at all ages, beer tasting of a variety of craft beers, a cornhole tournament, food trucks offering a number of food options, and fun raffles for prizes. The proceeds from the event will benefit the school’s tuition assistance program.

NoVA Breakfast Winner

After a number of rounds with 32 contenders, voters in the Northern Virginia Magazine first ‘NoVA War: Breakfast Edition’ selected the Vienna Inn. It beat The Celebrity Delly in the final round and Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen also won several rounds.

More Local Restaurants in the News

Northern Virginia Magazine included Chicken Salad Chick as one of the newest restaurants to try. They offer 12 varieties of chicken salad and other salads to include pimento cheese and egg salad, soups and sides. Visit them in Idylwood Plaza. Also listed was MQR Café on Columbia Pike. Washingtonian Magazine highlighted Ellie Bird, NUE Elegantly Vietnamese, and Truong Tien in Eden Center among the 29 Best New Restaurants in the DC area. EaterDC listed Thompson Italian as one of the best places for pasta.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Saturday

Saturday, September 7, from 11:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m., National Funeral Home and National Memorial Park is hosting its 4th annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor and remember those lives that were lost. In attendance and speaking will be American Legion Post 130 member Harry Shovlin, City of Falls Church Concert Band, Fairfax County Police Captain Harold Morris, State Representative House of Delegate Marcus Simon 13th District, John Abbraciamentoo U.S. Marine Corps Taps, Jorome Gibbons Chairman of Veteran’s Counsel, Fairfax County Commissioner Dalia A. Palchik, Local VFW, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. Ceremony will be held at the 9/11 remembrance memorial located at the front of the Cemetery and Funeral Home. Refreshments will be served.

Dominion Camera to Close

Dominion Camera has announced that they will close their doors for good on September 7. It has operated on Broad Street since 1971. The reason given was changes in “the business climate and partnerships.”

 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.

711 Timber Ln * Falls Church City