Falls Church News-Press - February 28, 2008

INSIDE THIS WEEK

For the second year in a row, a basketball game at the Falls Church Community Center pitting local celebrities against the Harlem Magic Masters from New York City will be held this Friday night.

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 7

OK Will Make F.C. Secure, Backers Say

3 FOR THE CBC

Students at Falls Church High School, with the help of Beanetics Coffee Roasters in Annandale, have created “Jaguar Joe,” the school’s own custom blend of coffee.

could go and continue operating with the same class sizes that we have now.”

Enrollment growth, stronger than expected this year and anticipated to continue next fall, and competitive pressures from surrounding jurisdictions to retain and hire quality educators pushed the modest increase.

A special meeting of the Falls Church City Council will convene at City Hall tonight at 7:30 p.m., with only one item on the agenda: the final approval of the $317 million, nine-acre Atlantic Realty City Center project.

If the Council follows through on the unanimous preliminary approval it gave to the project last month, it will be the single biggest development achievement in the history of Falls Church, and the single biggest boon to the City’s flagging revenue base.

Underscoring the poignancy of the occasion, tonight’s vote coincides with one made by the Falls Church School Board Tuesday, under pressure to hold the line on its budget due to sharp declines in residential real estate values, marking the biggest round of layoffs in its history.

While not in time to prevent the elimination of eight full-time administrative positions in the City’s schools (see story elsewhere this issue), if the City Center project is approved tonight, it will reflect a bold determination by the City government to address the longterm fiscal health of the City and its schools alike.

The project, designed for almost nine undeveloped acres in the center of Falls Church, will bring a large 192-room hotel with conference facilities, a major supermarket, a parking deck, 562 active adult, townhouse and rental housing units, a new bowling alley, wide side-

Continued on Page 5

Continued on Page 25

SEE PAGE 8

The successor to President Bush has a clear-cut choice of saving lives or saving face.

Bush wants to leave to the next president the burden of ending the debacle he started five years ago when he ordered the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses.

SEE PAGE 10

You’ve seen him on the track, behind the anchor desk and tearing up the ice. Now, he’s giving the hardcourt a try. See Will Ferrell’s spin on the 70’sera basketball world in the new comedy “Semi-Pro.”

ENDORSED BY UNANIMOUS acclamation at last Saturday’s biennial convention of the Falls Church Citizens for a Better City (CBC), three candidates for election to the Falls Church City Council in the upcoming May 6 election included (left to right): Incumbent Vice Mayor Lindy Hockenberry, Incumbent Mayor Robin Gardner and first-time candidate Lawrence Webb. They will face off against at least two other candidates in the May election.

(NEWS-PRESS PHOTO)

SEE PAGE 26

INDEX

Editorial.................2 Letters.........2, 6, 37 Crime Report ........5 Comment .......10-13 Community News & Notes .............14-15 Business News & Notes ..................18 Sports ............20-22 Roger Ebert ...26-28 Press Pass .........29 Calendar ........30-31

Restaurant Spotlight ............................32 Sodoku ...............35 Comics................35 Crossword ..........35 Classified Ads .....38 Business & Services Directory .............39 Weekly Focus 40-41 Critter Corner......42 Business Listing .43

Eliminating the equivalent of eight full-time administrative positions, the deepest cut ever for the Falls Church City School System, the F.C. School Board approved a budget Tuesday night that seeks a 3.7% increase in the City’s monetary transfer.

While the budget did not

achieve the no-growth goal in this tough fiscal year, it did shave an additional $600,000 off the budget recommended by Superintendent Lois Berlin last month.

The small growth “is the lowest it has been in ages,” said School Board Chair Craig Cheney. “On an inflationadjusted basis, it’s basically zero, which is the lowest we

Page 2

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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Between the five-hour Falls Church Planning Commission meeting last week, and the four-and-a-half hour City Council meeting last Monday, it has been a genuine challenge to keep focused on the critical issues that the Council must consider as it votes on whether or not to finally approve the $317 million, 8.9 acre City Center plan tonight.

A strong showing of pro-City Center citizens, including ones living in immediate proximity to the site, business leaders, pastors and church members, civil rights advocates and others at Monday’s Council meeting helped to keep that focus. For them all, as it does for us, the City Hall staff and all on the Council in their unanimous, first preliminary vote last month, the City Center represents an enormous opportunity to both sustain and make Falls Church a far better place.

The conservatively-estimated $2.7 million net annual tax revenue generated by this project, on top of $16 million in developer proffers, gives Falls Church the ability to see over the present, tough fiscal times to a day soon coming when long-term fiscal stability will preserve the City as a very special, independent jurisdiction far into the future.

The rejection of this project would not only make all that go up in smoke, but also fatally cripple the City’s ability to attract future development. No builder is going to step into what they’ll all see as the hostile, snake-ridden waters of Falls Church if that happens, not after seeing the squandering of the huge investment of time and money it took Atlantic Realty to bring their City Center plan to this point.

It’s a wild fantasy to think that there could be a second try at this, or that someone would come along with a better offer. Not after all this, were this plan to fail, it would be far too easy for the development community to avoid the tiny 2.2 square mile area of Falls Church to find friendlier and more receptive jurisdictions in which to build.

Aside from pure fantasies, the opponents to the current plan have come forward with no alternative solution, whatsoever, to the fiscal crunch that is currently threatening the viability of Falls Church as a quality independent jurisdiction. This issue simply doesn’t compute with most of them. Do they prefer to gut the school system, which will torpedo home values far more than a temporary market downturn? Do they prefer to double the tax rate, driving out all but the extremely well-heeled? Do they want the City to abandon its independence, and be absorbed back into the 1.1-million Fairfax County?

If they do, they’d better be prepared for Fairfax County to permit development far more dense in Metro-proximate Falls Church than anything the current plan involves, and none of the 11,000 residents of the former Falls Church would have any say in the matter. No, the nay-sayers offer nothing.

So, the City Council and staff are to be applauded for their tireless work bringing this magnificent City Center solution to fruition tonight.

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Editor, Despite continuing questions, an unclear process, and the Planning Commission vote against every measure related to it, it seems that the ARC project (not a “City Center”) is on track for passage. The City’s found itself in a fiscal bind because of a declining real estate market and our solution is the biggest real estate deal in our history, including adding to an office space market that’s down 30% in 2007. I’ve argued for adequate safeguards on City property and don’t know if they will be in there, so now let’s see what we can do.

Advertisers tell us, “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” Well, the ARC team has done that and I’d like to have the Council make them give the City at least some of the steak now.

The Council should condition approval of the ARC project on getting Harris Teeter into Phase 1. We’ve heard that there’s an MOU/MOA, so let’s strike while the iron’s hot. If you look at what’s been promised, we don’t know what there will be for the City residents at the start.

I’m sorry, but a “bowling alley” isn’t the answer. If there were such fevered senti-

ment about having a functioning bowling alley, then where have been the candlelight vigils mourning the loss of this derelict building? If it opens again (a big if), people will go and enjoy it, absolutely. But the fact is no one gets excited about the ARC project because of bowling.

Everything else about this project is nameless and faceless. A hotel to-be-named later.

Empty boxes drawn on plans for “Retail” or “Retail/Service.”

What’s the only thing that has an intriguing and recognizable name; a product the City would need and like and use? Harris Teeter. That’s the sizzle, but we don’t get it for 5 years.

The Council should condition approval on getting a Harris Teeter in Phase 1. If ARC can’t agree to that (i.e., if they can’t pull it off) why should we believe they can do it in 5 years? It looks like we’re

buying the sizzle, now let’s get the steak.

John D. Lawrence F.C. Planning Commission

Editor, For those who haven’t done math homework in a while, here is a refresher on some numbers mentioned at City Council’s Monday meeting. The City Center plan will provide 562 additional residential units (and we haven’t begun to fill the 500 plus we have on the market now). This is projected to mean (conservatively) 15,000 more car trips per day. Assuming a 15 hour business day, there will be More Letters on Page 6

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

“Did the F.C. School Board go too far in restraining its budget?”

• Yes • No

As Tuesday’s filing deadline for the May 6 Falls Church municipal election approaches, petitioning has been fast and furious around the city this week. So far, two independent candidates for the three contested seats on the City Council have been certified for the ballot by the Registrar of Voters.

Margaret Housen and Ed Hillegas submitted the required signatures as candidates for the City Council to City Hall last week. A petition to place a referendum on the May ballot was also submitted, but has not yet been certified.

The filing for three City Council candidates endorsed by the Citizens for a Better City (CBC) at its 24th biennial nominating convention last weekend will occur later this week. Incumbent Mayor Robin Gardner, incumbent Vice Mayor Lindy Hockenberry and newcomer Lawrence Webb are all currently circulating peti-

tions to run for City Council, as are three candidates for the School Board.

In a surprise development at the CBC convention last Saturday, incumbent School Board member Kieran Sharpe circulated a statement indicating he would break from his earlier path and not seek the CBC nod for his re-election effort.

That left the CBC with only two School Board candidates to support, incumbent Joan Wodiska and Kim Maller, running for the first time.

According to CBC President Jody Acosta, the CBC is still working to find a third School Board candidate to back in the election.

The attendance at last Saturday’s CBC convention was 92, down past years. There were no nominating ballots cast, since there was no competition for any of the seats. After candidate statements and some questions from the audience, convention chair Brian O’Connor, another former mayor, sought and received endorsement by

acclamation for all three City Council and two School Board candidates.

Still, unlike 2006, the City Council race will be contested in May, with Housen and Hillegas, who did not seek CBC backing, challenging the CBC slate.

While Housen ran unsuccessfully for treasurer of Falls Church in 2006, Hillegas and the CBC’s Webb are seeking public office for the first time, as is School Board candidate Maller. Webb, who moved to Falls Church four years ago, is a member of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee and his nominating speech was delivered by former City Councilman Ed Strait. Maller has served on the Schools’ Family Life Advisory Committee. All have already had statements on their campaign issues published in the News-Press.

This year’s campaigns will be set against a backdrop of two other developments: • First, the referendum that citizens are now seeking to

• Don’t know

Vote on-line at www.FCNP.com Results of Last Week’s Question: “Did the Planning Commission vote change your views on the City Center?”

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

qualify for the May ballot would sharply restrict the ability of the City Council to approve mixed use development. The referendum backers hope to capitalize on backlash among some citizens opposed to the $317 million City Center plan that the current City Council is expected to approve tonight.

• Secondly, the current Council will be challenged over

the next two months with one of the most difficult budget deliberations in the City’s 59 year history. While individual residential real estate assessments are not yet public, it is anticipated that there may be some significant cuts, leaving the Council with no added revenues to meet the School Board’s request and other pressing City service needs.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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But the system has never before slashed so many jobs, although none were in the classroom, and class sizes will remain unchanged.

The $40.2 million budget reflects the priorities of the School Board’s strategic plan, Cheney said. As such, it includes “teacher retention, data-driven instruction, responsive guidance and counseling programs, and instructional programs to meet the needs of all students,” according to a School Board statement.

The budget includes a 3% pay raise for all eligible employees to ensure the system remains competitive with its neighbors.

In addition, it redirects existing resources to support implementation of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program in the system’s two

elementary schools.

The program “will cover every elementary student in our system,” Cheney said. “It provides them all with the kinds of things that the strategic plan talks about, including more of an international focus.”

“I think it’s quite an accomplishment to introduce this program during a year when we don’t have any additional resources,” he said.

The School Board budget will now go to the City Council, which will have until the end of April to determine if it will fund it fully, or need to make a cut. Next month, the Council will receive the data of projected revenue for the next fiscal year, based on a completion of real estate assessments, and City Manager Wyatt Shields’ recommendations for the overall City and Schools operating budgets.

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For Week of Feb. 19 - 25, 2008 Larceny from Vehicle, Smitty’s Barber Shop, 303 Douglas Ave., February 19, 1:59 p.m., unknown person(s) stole the front and rear license plate from a parked vehicle. Incident to the case, on Monday, February 25, 6:51 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle bearing the stolen tags.

Police arrested a male, 48, of Rd., Falls Church, VA for Larceny (Felony).

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

250 more cars each quarter hour (and at peak times that could be about 50 extra cars on the road at any given moment). There will be only 40 public parking spaces in a 5 story parking garage, and even those spaces could revert back to the developer.

Although we give the developer roughly $4 million of city money and land, there is no grocery store in phase one, no appreciable green space, no inclusion of the Levine School of Music or some other cultural institution, and no guarantee of getting affordable housing built, which so many speakers spoke passionately about at Monday’s meeting. Why are we rushing to go forward with a project with so much money at stake, so little to recommend it to the average Falls Church resident, and one that six out of seven7 planning commissioners voted against?

We don’t need another big condo project, especially one that feels not like a “vibrant hub” but more like a gated community, with all the benefits of walkability going to the condo residents.

Those of us outside that devel-

opment will have more cars on Route 7 (and side streets as people go down Marshall, Jackson and other nearby streets to avoid gridlock on Broad Street), more unattractive condos, a hotel and bank.

Most small businesses on Broad Street may have a net loss, as the traffic becomes so paralyzing that people don’t even try to turn in to businesses. This would penalize the small businesses that have taken the risk to open a business without any City help on parking –the very businesses that make Falls Church interesting to begin with. Why not help businesses by consolidating all the public spaces behind CVS/Pilin/Unity Club or next to State Theatre to create a parking garage for anyone paying a small amount?

I think the numbers suggest that more homework needs to be done on the City Center plan.

Ruth Ann Castillo Falls Church

Editor, With the electronic road signs gone, clearly the construction work on Broad Street is finished.

Left in its wake: rough road and sections of mud and hay along

the north side of Broad. Three months of disruption and what did we get? The lovely “Market Square” (aka, parking lot) in front of the Spectrum, already noted by a reader last week.

Now as I recall, we were promised “undergrounding of utilities”, which goodness knows is needed given the intermittent power outages in the City; and “streetscaping.”

Perhaps I don’t understand what undergrounding of utilities means, but I thought we’d see the demise of the utility poles and electric wires criscrossing Broad.

Nope, they are still there. So I am guessing that new utilities for the Spectrum were undergrounded so they could have reliable power and that fancy new FIOS service.

I thought the streetscaping was something that was to beautify Broad Street, but the only results I see are in front of the Spectrum.

I find myself wondering when Broad Street is going to be resurfaced. When the torn up grounds of the Lee Square Apartments and Winter Hill are going to be resodded, and dare I say, “streetscaped”? I find myself asking who exactly benefited from 3 months of disruption to traffic and businesses, besides the luxury condo developers and future residents of the Spectrum? Will the developers be paying to resurface Broad and fix the damage to

surrounding lawns? When is that work going to be completed? When is the mailbox at Broad and Pennsylvania going to be brought back, because that seems to be the only mailbox on Broad Street outside of the post office? And I wonder if the City powers will detail for us city residents exactly what addresses got undergrounded utilities and streetscaping? Perhaps I am overly cynical after 8 years in the City, but this looks to me like another disruptive project that benefited a small segment, developers and luxury condo residents, and the rest of us now have to live with the aftermath.

Chris Raymond Falls Church (Ed. note - The City Manager has reported that only the placement of conduits underground have been completed so far. The utility companies must now relocate the lines, and after that, the final phases of the project will be completed.)

Editor, I’ve listened to a lot of people talk about what is wrong

with this City Center project.

It is almost as if they would like a piece of paper to be passed around the City, doorto-door, and have everyone fill in one block with a favorite retail site, restaurant, architectural style, design, etc. They would then take that document to a developer and say, “Please build this. We are not interested if you make money, we’d actually prefer you don’t,. You should simply be extremely grateful that you can say you have a project in Falls Church on your resume.”

“We want something, just not this something.” Haven’t we been here before? We could wait, again. We’re good at waiting. We can watch opportunity after opportunity pass us by and simply become more and more of a pass through between thriving economic communities in all four directions. Waiting, like saying, “No,” is easy.

Which brings us to leadership and the anti-mixed use referendum. Once again, we’ve been here before. Six years ago when mostly the same group of people circulated this same position and the City voted on it, an overwhelming 63% of the voters rejected this notion. What makes now any Continued on Page 37

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 7

‘Black History Month’ Special Events in F.C. Friday

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F.C. Council Members Among Citizens Polled by Phone Falls Church City Councilman Hal Lippman reported yesterday that he and at least two other City Council members were among the Falls Church citizens who received a phone call from an anonymous, Pennsylvania-based professional polling firm Tuesday night. The callers identified themselves as being from “Concerned Citizens of Falls Church,� even though they conceded they were not from Falls Church and were calling from a list. They asked two questions about the City Center project which will come to a final vote by the F.C. City Council tonight. In his case, Lippman reported, the caller was anonymous, with his caller ID blocked. When Lippman asked the caller whether he knew he was contacting a member of the City Council, the caller hung up. Lippman did not know whether, depending on his answers to the questions, the caller would have urged him to do something or provide a slanted opinion of the project. Such professional telephone polling operations are often politically-motivated “push polls� where the caller, under the pretext of conducting a poll, “pushes voters towards a predetermined point of view while avoiding direct responsibility for the distorted or false information used in the push poll,� according to a political consultant.

F.C. Officials Report “Vague Threat� Matter Resolved The City of Falls Church Public Information Office reported to the News-Press yesterday that the matter which led City police to issue a warning concerning a “vague threat� to City offices and schools last week has been resolved. The warning was sent out on Monday, Feb. 18, after City police received information from Fairfax County Police that Falls Church had been named in a threatening note found outside a Target store on Rt. 50. The author of the note was subsequently identified and it was determined that the note was directed against the store, and nothing else. All those who received the warning were notified late last week that the threat had been resolved. As a precaution, City police were deployed to provide security at last week’s City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

Even though the threat incident had been resolved, City officials determined to deploy police to last Monday’s Council meeting because of the controversial nature of the meeting. ‘Challenge Days’ Incorporated Into F.C. Schools Falls Church City Schools Superintendent Dr. Lois Berlin reported at the annual retreat of the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) last weekend that the “Challenge Days� program initiated by the FCEF in 2006 will now be incorporated as an annual feature of the school’s activities, and included in the School Board budget. “Challenge Days� came to the entire junior class at George Mason High School in April 2006 as a two-day program aimed at overcoming fear and hatred of differences among students. It was initiated by a grant from the FCEF’s “Nicholas F. Benton Diversity Affirmation Education Fund,� created with a founding contribution by News-Press owner Benton. Additional contributions to the fund paid for the return of the “Challenge Days� to the junior class of GMHS last April, and this year it they will be held in the fall. The “Challenge Days� program gained notoriety lately by being featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

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For the second year in a row, a basketball game at the Falls Church Community Center pitting local celebrities against the Harlem Magic Masters from New York City will be held this Friday night, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and the City of Falls Church, culminates “Black History Month� activities in F.C. Organizers promise an “evening of laughter and family fun.� The game will be preceded by a panel discussion on the early days of African-American involvement in the sport of basketball held at Art and Frame, 111 Park Avenue, at 5 p.m. Participants include authors Bijan Bayne and Dr. James Henderson, Claude Johnson of Black Fives, a vintage sports licensing company, John Isaacs, the only surviving member of the New York Rens basketball team, one of the nation’s first African-American pro basketball teams, Prof. Susan Rayl a historian from the State University of New York, and Hal Jackson, the first African-American sports announcer. The panel is free. Tickets for the game are $10 for adults and $8 for youth at the door.

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

Forget the Wharton School of Business, Falls Church High School is the place to learn how to implement a successful business plan. In less than five months, students participating in the culinary arts, marketing and visual communication curricula have created Jaguar Joe, Falls Church High School’s own custom blend of coffee.

Under the direction of micro-roaster David Starr of Beanetics Coffee Roasters in Annandale, two teams of culinary students combined a trio of beans roasted in various proportions. The teams then tasted, or in coffee talk, “cupped” their creations sans milk and sugar.

Both teams arrived at the same three-bean combination, but their recipes differed on the percentage of the beans used.

In a blind taste test, the formulation of 20-percent Brazilian, 30-percent Guatemalan and 50percent Sumatra emerged as the winner.

Starr describes the Full City roast as “bold, with a lot of body and a bit of a chocolate undertone.”

A group of adults helped shepherd the students through the process. Vicki Burman of the Annandale Chamber of Commerce made the connection between Falls Church High School and Beanetics.

From there, Starr, Beanetic’s co-owner, offered his expertise and time to teach the teenagers about coffee.

“The students were totally engaged in the process,” Starr stated.

Assistant Principal Michael Brooks, who coordinated the project on the school side, is excited and proud of the accomplishments of the student team.

Visual arts students created an eye-catching logo for Jaguar Joe, a cute cat that has already roped in a few customers. The marketing students have signed Computer Science Corporation and Homeinstead Assisted Living to serve the new product.

Parents will have the opportunity to purchase a cup for 75 cents at the High School’s Touching Bases night on Thursday, Feb. 28. The community can purchase 8-ounce bags of whole or ground beans by downloading and submitting an online order form — www.fcps. edu/FallsChurchHS/announce/ coffee.pdf. The school is pur-

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chasing the beans through Beanetics, where they are mixed and roasted. The finished product, however, is not available for sale at Beanetics.

Profits from the $6 bags will support technology programs at FCHS. Four senior members of the Student Council Association shared their comments about

working on the project. Caroline Bruss stated that creativity, organization and teamwork were crucial to creating the logo.

Sabrina Castellanos and Maia Armstrong enjoyed learning about the roasting and blending process and Jackie Birnbaum now has hands on experience with logistics, pricing and profit margins.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

You wouldn’t know it to look at them, but political consultants are as faddish as anyone else.

And the current voguish advice among the backroom set is: Go after your opponent’s strengths.

So in the first volley of the general election campaign, Barack Obama has attacked John McCain for being too close to lobbyists. His assault is part of this week’s Democratic chorus: McCain isn’t really the antispecial interest reformer he pretends to be. He’s more tainted than his reputation suggests.

Well, anything is worth trying, I suppose, but there is the little problem of his record. McCain has fought one battle after another against lobbyists and special interests. And while I don’t have space to describe all his tussles, or even the lesser ones like his fight with the agricultural lobby against sugar subsidies, I thought that, amidst all these charges, it might be worth noting some of the McCain highlights from the past dozen years.

In 1996, McCain was one of five senators, and the only Republican, to vote against the Telecommunications Act. He did it because he believed the act gave away too much to the telecommunications companies, and protected them from true competition. He noted that AT&T alone gave $780,000 to Republicans and $456,000 to Democrats in the year leading up to the vote.

In 1998, McCain championed anti-smoking legislation that faced furious opposition from the tobacco lobby. McCain guided the legislation through the Senate Commerce Committee on a 191 vote, but then the tobacco companies struck back.

They hired 200 lobbyists and spent $40 million in advertising (three times as much as the Harry and Louise health care reform ads). Many of the ads attacked McCain by name, accusing him of becoming a big government liberal. After weeks of bitter debate, the bill died on the Senate floor.

In 2000, McCain ran for president and reiterated his longstanding opposition to ethanol subsidies.

Though it crippled his chances in Iowa, he argued that ethanol was a wasteful giveaway. A recent study in the journal Science has shown that when you take all impacts into consideration, ethanol consumption increases greenhouse gas emissions compared to regular gasoline. Unlike, say, Barack Obama, McCain still opposes ethanol subsidies.

In 2002, McCain capped his long push for campaign finance reform by passing the McCain-

Feingold Act. People can argue about the effectiveness of the act, but one thing is beyond dispute. It was a direct assault on lobbyist power, and earned McCain undying enmity among many important parts of the Republican coalition, who felt their soft money influence was being diminished.

In 2003, the Senate nearly passed the McCainLieberman Climate Stewardship Act. The act was opposed by the usual mix of energy, auto and mining companies. But moderate environmental groups were thrilled that McCain-Lieberman was able to attract more than 40 votes in the Senate.

In 2004, McCain launched a frontal assault on the leasing contract the Pentagon had signed with Boeing for aerial refueling tankers. McCain’s investigation exposed billions of dollars of waste and layers of contracting irregularity.

In 2005, McCain led the congressional investigation into the behavior of the lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The investigation was exceedingly unpleasant for Republicans, because it exposed shocking misbehavior by important conservative activists.

Over the past few years, McCain has stepped up his longstanding assault on earmarks. Every year, McCain goes to the Senate floor to ridicule the latest batch of earmarks, and every year his colleagues and the lobbyists fume. For years, McCain has proposed legislative remedies -- greater transparency, a 60-vote supermajority requirement -- that were brutally unpopular with many colleagues until, suddenly, now.

Over the course of his career, McCain has tried to do the impossible. He has challenged the winds of the money gale. He has sometimes failed and fallen short. And there have always been critics who cherry-pick his compromises, ignore his larger efforts and accuse him of being a hypocrite.

This is, of course, the gospel of the mediocre man: to ridicule somebody who tries something difficult on the grounds that the effort was not a total success. But any decent person who looks at the McCain record sees that while he has certainly faltered at times, he has also battled concentrated power more doggedly than any other legislator.

If this is the record of a candidate with lobbyists on his campaign bus, then every candidate should have lobbyists on the bus.

And here’s the larger point: We’re going to have two extraordinary nominees for president this year. This could be one of the great general election campaigns in American history. The only thing that could ruin it is if the candidates become demagogues and hurl accusations at each other that are an insult to reality and common sense.

Maybe Obama can start this campaign over.

WASHINGTON -- The successor to President Bush has a clear-cut choice of saving lives or saving face.

Bush wants to leave to the next president the burden of ending the debacle he started five years ago when he ordered the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses, against a people who had done us no harm.

Bush cannot explain his reasons for the war without compounding his folly. To this moment, Bush has not given a logical explanation for his disastrous militarism.

How can he tell American families that their sons and daughters died for a terrible, tragic mistake committed by his administration?

History shows that other presidents have found ways to end U.S. involvement in wars. Most times there has been a public sigh of relief when that

happens.

After 241 Marines and sailors were killed when the U.S. Marine outpost in Beirut was blown up in October 1983, President Ronald Reagan said the U.S. would not change its policy.

By April 1984, Reagan had quietly ordered all American forces out of Lebanon.

There were no public recriminations about cutting and running -- only a sense of relief.

Before then, Dwight D. Eisenhower promised during his 1952 presidential campaign “to go to Korea” and end an unpopular war that had begun in 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea.

The American people wanted out, so Eisenhower’s message resonated with voters and he won the presidency. The war ended in a stalemate with a divided Korea in 1953 -- and there are still some 27,000 American troops stationed on the peninsula.

Getting out of Vietnam was more difficult.

After years of the low-profile presence of U.S. Continued on Page 42

Will the next president be the second coming of Jimmy Carter?

Given Thursday’s economic headlines, full of dire warnings about the return of 1970s-style stagflation, you might think so.

Realistically, though, the parallels between the problems facing the U.S. economy now and those of the late 1970s aren’t that strong. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that the economy probably will look similar to, but worse than, the economy that undid the first President George Bush. And it’s all too easy to see how the next president could suffer a political fate resembling that of both the elder Bush and Carter.

Let’s talk first about the Carter-era economy.

Jimmy Carter’s overall economic record was much better than most people realize -- the average economic growth rate under his administration was 3.4 percent per year, slightly higher than the growth rate under Ronald Reagan and far better than growth under either Bush.

Reagan famously asked Americans whether they were better off than they had been four years ago; the answer, actually, was yes -most families had higher real income in 1980 than they did in 1976.

But the good economic news came in the Carter administration’s early years, while its final year was marked by rising unemployment and soaring inflation, largely caused by a surge in oil prices.

And once again we have a weakening economy coupled with rising inflation, again thanks in large part to a surge in oil prices.

That said, I don’t believe we’re really facing anything comparable to 1970s stagflation. For one thing, we’re less dependent on oil: America has more than twice the real GDP it had in 1979, but consumes only slightly more oil. For another, there’s no sign of the wage-price spiral that once drove inflation into double digits - in fact, wage growth has been declining even as inflation rises.

What’s much more likely is that we’ll have an economy like that of the early 1990s, only worse.

The first President Bush presided over the 1990-91 recession. But his real problem came during the alleged recovery, which was hobbled by financial problems at many banks, which had been badly damaged by the collapse of the late1980s real estate bubble, and by sluggish consumer spending, held down by high levels of household debt.

As a result, the unemployment rate just kept rising, not reaching its peak of 7.8 percent until June 1992.

If all this sounds familiar, it should. Many economists have pointed out the parallels between the current situation and the early 1990s: another real estate bubble, subprime playing more or less the same role formerly played by bad loans by savings and loan institutions, financial trouble all around.

The problems look a lot worse this time: a much bigger bubble, more financial distress, deeper consumer indebtedness -- and skyhigh oil prices added to the mix. So if history is any guide, we should be looking at an extended period of economic weakness, probably extending well into 2010, and quite possibly even longer.

Can the next president do anything to avoid that outcome? In terms of straight economics, the answer is a clear yes.

To this day, it’s not clear what Carter could have done differently: Stagflation is a problem with no good solutions. But weak spending is a treatable condition. A serious fiscal stimulus plan -- one that emphasized public investment and aid to Americans in economic distress rather than across-the-board tax rebates, which many people won’t spend -- could do a lot to ease the country’s economic pain.

Politically, however, it’s hard to see this happening.

If the next president is a Republican, he will be captive to the doctrine that tax cuts are the answer to all problems, and therefore won’t seek an effective response to the economy’s troubles.

And even if the next president is a Democrat, any serious stimulus plan would face intense, ideologically motivated opposition in Congress. Will the next president be prepared to fight for an effective plan? Or will we end up with a compromise like the one congressional Democrats agreed to this year, legislation that assuages conservative objections at the cost of undermining the plan’s effectiveness?

Until recently, I thought the biggest political struggle facing the next president was likely to be over health care reform. But right now it looks as if the first thing on the next administration’s plate will have to be dealing with a weak economy.

And if effective action isn’t forthcoming, the next president will suffer the fate of Jimmy Carter, who began his administration with words of uplift -- “Let us create together a new national spirit of unity and trust” -- and ended up delivering America into the hands of the hard right.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

In basketball jargon, “the team that rules the paint, rules the game.”

“The paint” refers to the area around the basket. That’s where all the lay-ups, the “put backs,” the offensive and defensive rebounds, and blocked shots occur. If you can’t compete amidst all the bodies that battle it out in there, you are consigned to the perimeter, and forced to revert to low-percentage long shots.

The analogy to politics, especially U.S. presidential politics, is apt.

The candidate who can capture the political middle will prevail over the one who is pushed to the political margin.

It is clear already that Sen. John McCain is diving for that middle, and that he intends to rule there like Shaq in his prime. The margin, being the far right in the GOP, will take a back seat in this process, as events this week are making clear.

This is a decisive strategy, and McCain can pull it off despite his support for George Bush’s war and rightist leanings in recent years. He retains a reputation as a maverick and a straight-shooter, and those qualities appeal to citizens in the political center, including legions of independents.

Although the Democratic primary process may be almost over, and the dye cast, the issue of controlling the political center is one the Democrats have not addressed.

Obama Mania has truly taken over the party’s rational faculties, and along with it, any conventional political wisdom, even the good parts. Obama is counting on legions of new, younger voters, inspired by the vision and rhetoric that are the substance of the campaign. They will overwhelm America’s stodgy middle, they insist.

Yet we are just beginning to catch a glimpse of how McCain, and all the forces aligned with him, will focus on pushing Obama to the fringes of the far left over the course of a very brutal campaign. There will be plenty of surrogates, including those from whom McCain will officially disassociate, who will carry this out.

Already, the fact that Obama is rated by the Americans for Democratic Action with the most progressive voting record in Congress, bar none, makes him vulnerable in this way.

The problem for Obama will be that the more he pushes back, and tries to muscle his way into the political middle, the more he will risk losing his legions of naïve, star-struck newbies who have no stomach for the pragmatic.

In fact, it is a risky proposition anytime a campaign counts on the participation of those who do not have a history of political activism, much less getting out on election day and actually voting.

Obama’s strong anti-war stance won’t be enough for him, just as it wasn’t for George McGovern in 1972. Despite how unpopular the Vietnam War had become, Richard Nixon won that election, and by one of the biggest landslides ever.

It wasn’t until after the election was over that Democrats began to realize that they’d picked a candidate that was out of step with core sentiments of the population on a wide range of issues. Nobody thought that through beforehand, and those who did were stampeded by the idealistic, anti-war hordes. I know. I was there. I was among those hordes.

Such movements work to change history in their own ways, but not by winning U.S. presidential elections. At least not so far.

It is ironic that, even as she now hangs by a thread from elimination in the Democratic primary process, Sen. Hillary Clinton is the one in her party with the clout, toughness and track record to roust McCain out of the middle.

She can duke it out with McCain there, and prevail, based on her record, because her appeal will be to seasoned voters and not dependent upon untested ones. It also would be a tough, brutal fight, but fought out closer to the 50-yard line, to draw an analogy from a different sport, and not up against a goal line.

Obama supporters insist this time it will be different. Maybe my McGovern experience has turned me into a cynic. But on the other hand, we thought it would be different then, too, and it that was time for a change. Then there’s the adage that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Page 11

CLEVELAND -- A huge Ellen suddenly materialized behind Hillary on a giant screen, interrupting her speech on Monday night at a fundraiser at George Washington University in Washington.

What better way for a desperate Hillary to try and stop her rival from running off with all her women supporters than to have a cozy satellite chat with a famous daytime talkshow host who isn’t supporting Obama?

“Will you put a ban on glitter?” Ellen demanded.

Diplomatically, Hillary said that schoolchildren needed it for special projects, but maybe she could ban it for anyone over 12.

Certainly, Hillary understands the perils of glitter. The coda of her campaign has been a primal scream against the golden child of Chicago, a clanging and sometimes churlish warning that “all that glitters is not gold.”

David Brody, the Christian Broadcasting Network correspondent whose interview with Hillary aired Tuesday, said the senator seemed “dumbfounded” by the Obama sensation.

She has been so discombobulated that she has ignored some truisms of politics that her husband understands well: Sunny beats gloomy.

Consistency beats flipping. Bedazzling beats begrudging. Confidence beats whining.

Experience does not beat excitement, though, or Nixon would have been president the first time around, Poppy Bush would have had a second term and President Gore would have stopped the earth from melting by now.

Voters gravitate toward the presidential candidates who seem more comfortable in their skin.

JFK and Reagan seemed exceptionally comfortable. So did Bill Clinton and W., who both showed that comfort can be an illusion of sorts, masking deep insecurities.

The fact that Obama is exceptionally easy in his skin has made Hillary almost jump out of hers. She can’t turn on her own charm and wit because she can’t get beyond what she sees as the deep injustice of Obama not waiting his turn. Her sunshine-colored jackets hardly disguise the fact that she’s pea-green with envy.

After saying she found her “voice” in New Hampshire, she has turned into Sybil. We’ve had Experienced Hillary, Mildly Annoyed Hillary, Soft Hillary, Hard Hillary, Misty Hillary, Sarcastic Hillary, Joined-at-the-Hip-to-Bill Hillary, HerOwn-Person-Who-Just-Happens-to-Be-Marriedto-a-Former-President Hillary, It’s-My-Turn

Hillary, Cuddly Hillary, Let’sGet-Down-in-the-Dirt-andFight-Like-Dogs Hillary.

Just as in the White House, when her cascading images and hairstyles became dizzying and unsettling, suggesting that the first lady woke up every day struggling to create a persona, now she seems to think that there is a political solution to her problem. If she can only change this or that about her persona, or tear down this or that about Obama’s. But the whirlwind of changes and charges gets wearing.

By threatening to throw the kitchen sink at Obama, the Clinton campaign simply confirmed the fact that they might be going down the drain.

Hillary and her aides urged reporters to learn from the “Saturday Night Live” skit about journalists having crushes on Obama.

“Maybe we should ask Barack if he’s comfortable and needs another pillow,” she said tartly in the debate here on Tuesday night. She complained about getting the first question too often, implying that the male moderators of MSNBC -a channel her campaign has complained has been sexist -- are giving Obama an easy ride.

Beating on the press is the lamest thing you can do. It is only because of the utter openmindedness of the press that Hillary can lose 11 contests in a row and still be treated as a contender.

Hillary and her top aides could not say categorically that her campaign had not been the source on the Drudge Report, as Matt Drudge claimed, for a picture of Obama in African native garb that the mean-spirited hope will conjure up a Muslim Manchurian candidate vibe.

At a rally on Sunday, she tried sarcasm about Obama, talking about how “celestial choirs” singing and magic wands waving won’t get everybody together to “do the right thing.”

With David Brody, Hillary evoked the specter of a scary Kool-Aid cult. “I think that there is a certain phenomenon associated with his candidacy, and I am really struck by that because it is very much about him and his personality and his presentation,” she said, adding that “it dangerously oversimplifies the complexity of the problems we face, the challenge of navigating our country through some difficult uncharted waters. We are a nation at war. That seems to be forgotten.”

Actually it’s not forgotten. It’s a hard sell for Hillary to say that she is the only one capable of leading this country in a war when she helped in leading the country into that war.

Page 12

Gay bashing in Jamaica is so prevalent that in 2006 Time magazine wrote an article about the island headlined, “The Most Homophobic Place On Earth?” The New York Times this week showed that the anti-gay climate has only worsened, with the island caught in a downward spiral of outright psychosis. It is time to hand an ultimatum to Jamaica’s public officials: Stop allowing rampant abuse of gay people or your economy will be crippled.

The Times story is downright chilling. It details how last month five gay men were having a dinner party when a mob appeared at the front door – kicking it in and attacking the men. While screaming homophobic epithets, between 15-20 thugs beat the victims senseless with sticks and cut them with machetes.

One man is still missing, but police found blood at the mouth of a deep hole near the yard.

This was not an isolated incident.

The Times went on to report a shocking attack on a gay man’s funeral last year, where hooligans trashed the church with rocks and bottles as the service was in session. Of course, this unholy barbarism occurred in the name of God. Interestingly, Jamaicans have turned their sex-fueled island into a heterosexual bathhouse and ganja den, but seem to get sanctimonious and discover the Bible when it comes to homosexuality.

Prior to these incidents, two of the island’s notable gay advocates, Steve Harvey and Brian Williamson, were murdered. Time Magazine reported that a crowd celebrated over Williamson’s disfigured body.

Time also recounted an incident in 2004 where a teen was nearly killed when his father learned his son was gay and urged a mob to lynch the boy at his school. In the same year, it was reported that police heartily cheered on another mob as it stabbed and stoned a gay man to death in Montego Bay. In 2006, a Kingston man drowned after a horde screaming “batty boy” (a Jamaican slur for gay people) chased him off a high dock.

On American docks, six hundred miles west of this homophobic hellhole, tourists regularly line up to board massive luxury liners destined for Jamaica. The tropical island earned $2.1 billion from tourism in 2006, an increase of 24 percent over 2005. More than three million people visited Jamaica in 2006, with 1,025,000 arrivals from the United States.

Clearly, the answer to Jamaica’s love affair with lynching is an aggressive campaign designed to put the clamp on tourism – particularly the cruise industry. The goal should be to strangle Jamaica’s economy and force the island to change or suffer severe consequences.

With tourism Jamaica’s second largest source of revenue, such a campaign could have a powerful impact that achieves tangible results.

It appears that four major cruise lines are the main conduits in which people infuse Jamaica’s economy with blood money. They are Carnival, Costa, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The ports where the ships leave are Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Galveston.

It is imperative that one of the GLBT international groups or a major U.S. gay rights group create a campaign to shame these corporations and the passengers that travel on their ships. With so few ports, it would be relatively simple to call for a boycott and picket, while handing hand out informational flyers to cruisers. A “Boycott Jamaica” advertising campaign would greatly strengthen these actions. Billboards would need to be strategically placed along I-95 between Miami and Fort Lauderdale with the bold headline: “JA-MURDER.” Undoubtedly, there are many passengers with gay friends and family members who are unaware of Jamaica’s sickening and immoral violence against GLBT people. Once informed, many individuals would opt to vacation elsewhere. There is no doubt that with a concerted effort, Jamaica could be brought to its knees.

To lift such a boycott, Jamaica would have to abolish its “buggery” law. Public officials would have to undergo sensitivity training. The police would be required to set up daily undercover stings – where officers would dress in stereotypically gay clothing and arrest would-be attackers. Finally, Jamaica’s public officials would have to openly welcome gay and lesbian travelers and offer enthusiastic support for homosexuals living within the country.

It is time we stopped vacationing from our responsibility and started holding Jamaica and its corporate enablers accountable.

Until anti-gay atrocities are no longer the norm, Jamaica must be seen as an international pariah, rather than the faux paradise it presents itself to the world.

Wayne Besen is a columnist and author of the book, “Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth.” 

February 28 - March 5, 2008

A new financial player has emerged on the international finance scene. Known as Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), these state-controlled investment vehicles, fueled largely by record oil profits, are having a big impact on the U.S. economy and beyond. To help our nation respond to these new actors in international finance, I have established a bipartisan Task Force on Sovereign Wealth Funds with Rep. Tom Davis (RVA) to explore these issues.

The U.S. has been relying on foreign governments to purchase our Treasury bills in order to finance our national debt.

But as the dollar has rapidly declined in global markets, these nations are increasingly turning away from purchasing our debt and instead using their SWFs to invest in other projects. These funds are already busy buying up equity stakes in some of the world’s biggest companies, including recent purchases such as Dubai’s $7.5 billion stake in Citigroup, Saudi Arabia’s $6 billion purchase of a stake in HSBC Holdings, and China’s $9.4 billion slice of Morgan Stanley.

Already valued at $2.2 trillion, SWFs could reach $13.4 trillion in a decade—or nearly the size of the entire New York Stock Exchange. Seven SWFs currently have over $100 billion in assets, including those based in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Norway, Kuwait, China, and Russia. It is expected that Bolivia, Japan, and Russia will establish funds over the next year.

Many SWFs lack transpar-

ency, making it difficult to determine how much money is involved, whose money it is and how these massive funds are being used. As these funds begin to invest in non-Treasury U.S. assets like Citigroup, significant concerns are raised.

The largest SWFs, like China, hold their funds in dollars. The non-partisan Congressional Research Service tells us that if SWF countries were to rebalance their portfolios all at once – moving from dollars to some other currency -- they would sell off $526 billion in dollars.

That’s a massive flow, enough to destabilize our economy.

With the U.S. boasting some of the most dynamic growth opportunities in the world, it is important that we understand and be on the leading edge of this profound financial, glob-

al transformation. Given the growing leverage these funds have over our economy, it is imperative we begin focusing on this issue immediately in a bipartisan fashion.

There are a number of questions the new, bipartisan Task Force on SWFs will seek to address. These include: How much transparency should be required of these funds? How much reciprocity should there be in terms of bilateral investment?

What is the appropriate level of government control of SWF operations, given the possibility that some SWF investment decisions may be based on non-commercial, geo-political decisions?

And how concerned should we be if China and OPEC nations were to stop purchasing U.S. Treasury Bills?

SWFs can be constructive, responsible and even essential participants in the international financial system. Our economy can benefit from openness to SWF investment flows. But to fully realize their potential, a better understanding of these new investment vehicles must be reached among policymakers and the public at large.

www.FCNP.com Anytime. Anywhere. ( ... as long as you have Internet access ... and a power supply ... and for that matter a computer ... or a cell phone ... come to think of it you’re going to need a ISP too ... )

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 13

Grim, grim, and grimmer. That was less than the School Board requested. the message delivered to the Board Fairfax County also provides support of of Supervisors by County Executive about $63.5 million for school programs Anthony H. Griffin on Monday as he such as Head Start, school health, school released his proposed Fiscal Year 2009 resource officers and crossing guards, budget for Fairfax County. The $3.3 bilafter-school programming, field maintelion General Fund budget, as proposed, nance, and recreational programs, which holds county and school spending flat. is included in the county side of the The new budget reflects an increase budget, not the school side.

By Penny Gross of just $14.72 million, or just a 0.45 Funding for public safety and gang Mason District percent difference from the FY 2008 prevention is maintained, as is the affordSupervisor; Revised Budget Plan. The proposed able housing fund and environmental Fairfax County budget also includes substantial actions Board of Supervisors protection. Mr. Griffin proposes chargthat are needed to eliminate a deficit of ing these funds with salary costs and $120 million: reductions in agency salary budgets related expenses of support for the programs, which and employee compensation increases; reductions will reduce the amount of funding available for in capital project funding; fee and user charge projects, based on budget constraints. The only new increases; and the use of one-time balances in funding for positions is in the transportation arena, certain funds. The budget assumes a real estate tax using the first infusion of new transportation dollars rate of 89 cents per $100 assessed valuation. in Northern Virginia in 20 years. Merging of county Mr. Griffin said that FY 2009 revenues are transportation staff and Department of Public Works expected to be lower than those forecast as the bud- staff who support planning and design related to get was developed during the past several months. roadway improvements will permit an integrated In January, as the budget was being printed, the seamless system for addressing transportation projFederal Reserve lowered interest rates by 125 basis ects, long considered the number one issue in points in a nine day period, which decreased the Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. county’s anticipated interest revenue on investments The Board of Supervisors will hold an allby more than $25 million annually. Additionally, day budget workshop on Saturday, March 8. the worsening conditions in the housing market, The Mason District Budget Town Meeting will which is creating a nationwide crisis leading to an be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at anticipated recession, will have a severe impact on the Lecture Hall of the new Glasgow Middle revenues for the FY 2010 cycle, Mr. Griffin warned. School, 4101 Fairfax Parkway in Alexandria.

The superheated housing market and double-digit Budget public hearings will be held at the assessment increases in Fairfax County have ended. Fairfax County Govern-ment Center on the eveMost homeowners will receive notices this week nings of March 31, April 1, and April 2. Copies reflecting reduced assessments. of the proposed budget are available for review The greatest share of the county budget is at all county libraries and government centers. dedicated to the Fairfax County Public Schools, The entire budget is available on CD, or access reflecting the Board’s commitment to investing the budget at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb. in education. The proposed county General Fund transfer for school operations is held to the FY  Supervisor Penny Gross may be emailed at 2008 level of $1.586 billion, or $63.75 million mason@fairfaxcounty.gov

Arlington’s Synetic Theater is currently staging a performance that is one of the best theater productions I have ever seen; London, New York, Paris, Moscow, Los Angeles, Chicago – you name it. And it’s right here in Arlington!

It is a stunning production of Romeo and Juliet, but Romeo and Juliet as you have never experienced it before. It is, as the theater itself describes it, a “unique fusion of movement, music, and drama.”

Not a word is spoken, but even the two or three people in the world who are not familiar with Shakespeare’s quintessential love story would have no trouble in following the plot to its tragic end.

The set is dominated by a multitude of clock gears of varying sizes and a huge pendulum that ominously drive the play to its inevitable conclusion. Many of the gears serve as props for the actor-dancers as they turn ominously and inexorably; wheels within wheels.

Romeo and Juliet are exquisitely played by Ben Curis and Courtney Paurosa, who actually look to be roughly the same ages as the characters they are portraying – as does, in fact, the entire cast. With the history of Romeo and Juliet being played by famous and distinguished older actors, we often lose sight of the fact that the real Romeo and Juliet and their friends are teenagers.

All the actors are also exquisite – and very acrobatic – dancers. The scenes of the balls and parties are beautifully staged, while the scenes of the violent battles between the Montagues and Capulets show are incredibly gymnastic as well as remarkably graceful. The love scene between Romeo and Juliet is done behind a huge swath of white fabric with their shadows undulating exquisitely in the throes of passion.

The haunting electronic score was played by the composer, Konstantine Lortkipanidze. He sat on stage,

or rather high above it playing an electronic console; much in the style of a disc jockey overlooking a dance floor, driving the action.

This is not the first time that Synetic, under the leadership of director Paata Tsikurishvili and choreographer Irina Tsiurishvili, has recast Shakespeare in this form. Previous productions of Hamlet and Macbeth have received rave reviews. I hope they stage them again.

“Romeo and Juliet” will run through March 8 at the Spectrum Theater in Rosslyn. I suggest that you visit Synetic’s website at www.synetictheater. org for pictures, reviews, and tickets.

And I urge you to see – or, rather, experience – the play as soon as possible. It will be a theatrical experience you will never forget. And it is in Arlington!

Richard Barton may be emailed at rbarton@towervillas.com 

Senator Whipple represents the 31st District in the Virginia State Senate

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

No Tree Left Behind Trees Virginia is sponsoring No Tree Left Behind: Care and Maintenance for Trees of All Ages on Wednesday, March 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Virginia Western Community College (3102 Colonial Ave., SW, Roanoke). Sessions include “Maintaining Young Trees After Establishment,” “Invasive Woody Plants” and “Remarkable and Big Trees of Virginia.” Early registration (before Feb. 29) is $70, but discounts are available for

students, non-profit organizations and municipal governments, with breakfast included in the fee. For more information, contact Becky Woodson at 434-220-9024 or e-mail her at becky.woodson@dof.virginia.gov.

Prevention of Blindness Town Meeting The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington (POB) will host a town meeting on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on Sunday, March 2 at 2:30

p.m. at Sibley Memorial Hospital (5255 Loughboro Rd., NW, Washington, D.C.) in Ernst Auditorium. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans ages 60 and older, as it blurs “straight-ahead vision,” limiting driving ability, reading and the ability to recognize faces. The town meeting will feature a panel of national and internationally recognized experts, moderated by Emily Chew, M.D., lead investigator for the Age-Related Disease Studies at the National Eye Institute. For more information, call 202-234-1010 or visit www.youreyes.org.

Upping the Ante at Casino Night Fairfax County’s Shelter

URGING THE FALLS CHURCH City Council to adopt a resolution dedicated to ending homelessness in the region, Ron Brousseau of the Friends of the Falls Church Emergency Homeless Shelter, Chris Fay of the Falls Church-based Homestretch, Inc. and Tennille Smith Parker of the City’s Housing and Human Services spoke at a work session recently. The new model for ending homelessness is one aimed at putting people into permanent homes and was the subject of a major regional summit held in Falls Church last month. The Council will consider a resolution on the matter next month.

(Photo: News-Press)

McLean Orchestra Presents Lisa Emenheiser On Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m., the McLean Orchestra is welcoming pianist Lisa Emenheiser to the stage to perform Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16.

Emenheiser has been performing with the National Symphony Orchestra for the past 20 years, and appears as their Pops pianist and acting principal keyboardist when necessary. Emenheiser graduated from the Julliard School and has appeared in the Phillips Collection, the Smithsonian Institute and the Kennedy Center. The concert will take place at Oakcrest School (850 Balls Hill Rd., McLean), with $25 tickets for adults, $20 for

MEMBERS OF VINTAGE THIS & THAT are pictured cutting a ribbon on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Pictured are co-owners Delores Fischer-Jenkins and Althea Roseboro (6th and 7th from right, respectively), with Mayor Robin Gardner (3rd from right), Vice Mayor Lindy Hockenberry (6th from left), Chamber Chair Gary LaPorta (far left), Chamber members, and friends and family.

Vintage This & That, which offers “Distinctive Furnishings and Accessories of Yesteryear,” is located at 1075 W. Broad St. in Falls Church (Photo: Courtesy Sally D. Cole)

Dr. Madeline Hidalgo

Stifel& Capra

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“Art & Ornament for your Wonderful Life”

Dear Dr. Madeline,

Q: What causes sensitive teeth and how can I treat it?

A: Many in the dental profession believe the problem starts when the dentin of the tooth is exposed. Dentin is the porous part of the tooth below the protective enamel covering. This

exposure can happen in many ways, some of which include: brushing too hard along the gum line, recession of the gums, gum disease, periodontal disease, fractured or chipped tooth, tooth wear at the gum line and teeth clenching or grinding. These tubules connect back to the center of the tooth where the nerve is located. Then hot, cold, sweet or sour foods or drinks can trigger movement of the fluid in the tube, which excites the nerve. The best way of treating tooth sensitivity is to first of all discuss with your dentist your eating habits and how you brush, even the toothbrush you use to help correct or avoid common causes and triggers of sensitivity. Secondly, they may suggest one of a number of in office treatments that can help give you relief. As an alternative they may recommend a sensitivity tooth paste which will block by either blocking the pain signal from the nerve to the brain or by reducing the movement of fluid in the tubule that simulates the nerve.

House, Inc. is bringing Las Vegas to Virginia on Saturday, March 1 with its fifth annual Casino Night and Silent Auction, held at the Grand Atrium (2236 Gallows Road, Vienna) from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m.

The proceeds will go to benefit Shelter House, Inc’s programs for homeless families. Casino games will include BlackJack, Texas Hold ‘Em and Craps; while not playing, guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails or bid in the silent auction, where they could win signed memorabilia from the Washington Capitals and Washington Redskins or even airline tickets. For more information, contact the organization’s Director of Development, Jill Shumann, at 703-532-2167 or at jill.shumann@shelterhouse.org.

Dr. Madeline Hidalgo, Cosmetic & Family Dentistry An expert in all phases of modern dentistry, including the perfect smiles.

Send your questions to: Dr. Madeline Hidalgo 6521 Arlington Boulevard #112 Falls Church, VA 22042 • 703-237-9025 drhidalgo@mysmileydentist.com • www.mysmileydentist.com

Friday, March 7 th from 5 to 8pm Trunk Show featuring Mary Moll of Merry Stitches Join us for refreshments and a broad array of home and handbag accessories, gift items and mommy essentials.

Monday – Saturday 10am to 2pm 210 Little Falls Street, Falls Church

703-407-0770 www.StifelandCapra.com Local Art - Vintage Treasures-Artisan Jewelry-Unique Gifts-Home

February 28 - March 5, 2008

seniors and $10 for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.mclean-orchestra.org or call 703-893-8646.

Capital Hospice Fundraising Event The Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge #2188 (8421 Arlington Blvd., Arlington) is holding its Second Annual Benefit Cash Back Night on Saturday, March 1 from 5 – 11 p.m. The Capital Hospice of Northern Virginia will be the primary beneficiary of the event. Last year, in the first annual event, the Elks Lodge raised $16,000 with a crowd of over 550 people.

Tickets are $25 each, which entitles guests to dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, 13 chances at $500 drawings and one chance at the $4,500 grand prize. For more information, contact Michele Depasse, Chairman at mdepasse@wcsr. com or call the Elks Lodge at 703-560-2188.

Annual McLean Crew Club Mulch Sale The McLean High School Crew Club is holding its annual mulch sale fundraiser, with hardwood mulch available to be delivered to your driveway the weekend of March 8-9. While the McLean Crew Club is part of the McLean High School athletic community, it does not receive direct financial support from the school system, unlike most of the other athletic teams at McLean. Orders are due by March 3. For more information, or to place an order, visit www. mcleancrew.org and click on the mulch sale order form.

Word-Beat Children’s Program On Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m., the Levine School of Music is hosting their WordBeat Children’s Program at the Levine School’s Maryland Campus at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Lane, Room 309, North Bethesda, MD). Word-Beat artists Tom

Page 15

Teasley, a global jazz percussionist, and Levine faculty-artist Charles Williams will be melding music and voice in a unique concert experience. They will be using texts of such authors as Martin Luther King, Jr. accompanied by percussive rhythms and melodies. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, visit www.levineschool.org or call 202-688-8000, ext. 0.

PAC Strikers Hunt For Players The PAC Strikers, a Girls U14 Travel Soccer Team, is currently looking for players to finalize their team. The Strikers focus on developing athletic and strategic abilities so players may pursue opportunities in high school or other leagues. The team is coached

by Lester Calliste, who has more than fifteen years of experience working with the WAGS, NCSL and ODLS teams. The team competes in the Old Dominion Soccer League and won the Fall 2007 Randy Rawls Sportsmanship award. To be eligible, players must be born after August 1, 1993.

For more information, contact either Paul Benninghoff at 971409-0855 or Catherine Melquist at 703-241-1151.

W. Broad St., Falls Church) will be participating in the Curves Fifth Annual Food Drive to benefit local food pantries throughout the month of March.

The promotion begins on March 3. Between March 3 – March 15, anyone who brings in a bag of non-perishable groceries and commits to a 12-month CD membership will be offered a discounted service fee of $30, a savings of $119. Anyone can drop off non-perishable food items throughout the entire month of March at the address listed above during normal business hours for Curves. Last year, the Curves Food Drive collected almost 11 million pounds of food nationwide, and the Falls Church collection amounted to nearly 1700 pounds of food. For more information, call Curves at 703-536-0140.

McLean Rotary Club Celebrates Youths On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the McLean Rotary Club recognized the extraordinary achievements of five high school students from the area. The five recognized students were Ariel

Lepon of Thomas Jefferson High School, Meredith Kathleen Loretta of Langley High School, Jessica Nicole Stillman of McLean High School, Hillary Platt of The Potomac School and Margaret Lucas Douglas of the Madeira School. Dr. Michael DeRose, Youth Director of the Rotary Club of McLean, presided over the ceremony.

Pre-Diabetes Education Seminar On Wednesday, March 5, the Carlin Springs Health Pavilion (601 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington) will be holding a Pre-Diabetes class from 2 – 4:30 p.m. No doctor referral necessary. Attendees will receive a free copy of the Disease Prevention Cookbook written by Diabetes Educator Clara Schneider and will also receive a free blood glucose machine to learn to test your own blood. Topics of discussion will include ways to keep blood sugar low to avoid diabetes, fats and proteins in diets and different meal patterns to help control blood-sugar levels. For more

information, contact Sheila Mangano at 703-558-6620.

Renewable Energy Development in the World Concerned about the growing need for renewable energy? The National Academies Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is hosting a public seminar on renewable energy on Wednesday, March 5 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Keck Center of the National Academies (500 5th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). A panel of speakers will address international renewable energy initiatives, including the incentives used to promote the adoption and use of renewable energy.

Panelists will include Joachim Luther, Professor Emeritus of the Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems and Alan S. Miller, Global Environment Facility Coordinator for the International Finance Corporation. For more information, contact Priya Sreedharan at psreedharan@nas.edu or 202-334-2711.

Forever Young Luncheon Forever Young will be sponsoring a luncheon on Monday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m., at Fuddrucker’s Restaurant (4300 Backlick Rd., Annandale) for senior citizens. The menu will feature healthy choices such as salads and grilled chicken sandwiches, all at a senior discount.

The feature presentation will be “Boomers in Space” with Dick Methia (see www.boomersinspace.com). Attendees should be sure to wear green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a few weeks early. For more information, contact Jim Seeley at jseeley@ aol.com.

Curves’ Fifth Annual Food Drive Curves of Falls Church (240

THE FALLS CHURCH CITY ALL-STAR TEAM poses for a picture in preparation for the Tinner Hill Black Basketball event, slated to take place on Friday, Feb. 29. From 5 - 6 p.m., there will be a panel discussion on the birth of African-American basketball, before the Falls Church All Stars take on the Harlem MagicMasters starting at 7 p.m. The MagicMaster barely beat the Falls Church All Stars last year, and the All Stars look hungry for revenge. Tickets are available at www.tinnerhill.org. (PHOTO: NIKKI GRAVES)

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As the availability of liquid fuels dwindles, those supplies that remain will be increasingly allocated to uses for which there are no readily available substitutes -- such as powering aircraft and ships. Electric power for land vehicles appears to be the most realistic option for the present. Cellulosic biofuels may come to power some share of land transport, but this is still many years away. Electric power is a proven technology and, more importantly, a widespread distribution system for electricity is already here.

If ways of producing hydrogen cheaply and distributing it are ever developed, hydrogen too could provide fuel for vehicles. For the immediate future only electricity, which can come from conservation of existing power production, nuclear power stations and renewable sources, appears to be the most likely power source for land vehicles.

Powering cars and light trucks with electricity does not seem to be an insurmountable problem provided that one is willing to live with their limitations. Progress on improved batteries apparently is being made (although some are skeptical) so that numerous makes and flavors of electric cars and light trucks will likely be coming on the market within the next few years. Developing a battery powered car, however, is one thing, building and marketing hundreds of millions of them, in an era of declining resources, is something else. While the electric car age seems likely to start soon, just how ubiquitous they will become is another question.

The U.S. currently has some 230 million light vehicles in its fleet. If, as seems likely, gasoline and diesel reach unaffordable prices in the next five to ten years, then these vehicles are simply going to be abandoned by the millions as their owners can no longer afford the fuel or be willing to make payments on useless machinery.

For the few that have an alternative fuel vehicle, are very wealthy, or are able to travel in car pools so that many can pay for the gas, the roads are going to have a lot less traffic. In many countries, but particularly here in North America, there is going to be a lot of “stranded

Page 17

investment.” The trillions of dollars that have been spent on cars, trucks, roads, garages, service facilities, parking lots, shopping malls and God knows what else, will no longer be of much use without affordable gasoline.

It is easy to imagine office buildings being converted into apartments as the need for office space declines and people seek to live close to places of employment. It is not much of a reach to imagine shopping malls being converted into mixed-use space with apartments, retail and light manu-

‘‘

because of the great flexibility a truck offers. While light trucks can be easily electrified and are starting to come on the market, heavy trucks are another matter.

They simply require too much energy to move large loads for long distances. Batteries might prove capable of powering large trucks for short distances, but certainly not very far.

One idea that surfaced recently was to repower our long-haul trucks with electric engines, some battery capacity, and pantographs to contact overhead wires. By adding overhead wires (catenaries) to a lane or two of our major highways the energy would be available to move trucks for long distances. While this may be expensive to achieve and take many decades to come into widespread use, the idea would appear to have merit – especially when the alternatives are considered.

While electrified rail would be far more efficient at moving goods than electrified trucks, the added flexibility of an electric-powered heavy truck might prove attractive. We already have some 2 million 18-wheelers in America and one would hate to see them scrapped for lack of fuel.

Other large vehicles such as intercity-buses could draw power from overhead lines, much as the trolleys and trolleybuses do currently. It is difficult to imagine cars and smaller vehicles extending pantographs many feet into the air to reach power lines, but who knows.

Maybe battery recharging lanes for light vehicles will someday be feasible.

When affordable liquid fuels dry up, we are going to be left with a lot of vehicles and their infrastructure that will no longer be of use. With a little imagination, time, and money, much of this stranded investment can become useful again.

There certainly will be powerful incentives to introduce whatever works.

In its day, the internal combustion engine was a wonderful device that served us well for over a century. That day, however, will soon be over. It is time to start thinking about and planning for alternatives.

”

facturing bunched together in what was once retail shopping.

Maybe some food growing will take place in space once used for parking lots and all those flat roofs will make excellent places for solar power collectors.

At the rate our natural resources are running out, however, it is doubtful we will be building and selling 100’s of millions of non-fossil fuel cars in the foreseeable future. As our vehicle fleets decline, a lot of underutilized space will become available on our road nets that could be switched to other uses.

Again it does not take much imagination to conceive of a lane or two on the interstate system being converted to light rail, high-speed rail or maybe even a maglev. Given the quality and condition and connectivity of the interstate right of ways, it seems like a natural. As soon as the affordable gasoline and diesel dries up, there will be very few users around to object.

Although new rail lines would probably use diesel-electric power initially, the rapidly declining supply and high price of liquid fuel eventually will lead to electrification of at least the main rail lines. In the long run, electric-powered railways coupled with short haul electric trucks, busses and cars, would leave the country with a sustainable transportation system.

There may even be some better ideas around. As long as liquid fuel was cheap, heavy trucks were the preferred way of transporting most goods

 Tom Whipple is a retired government analyst and has been following the peak oil issue for several years.

News-Press On the Web: www.FCNP.com

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Countdown#4 022808.pdf

February 28 - March 5, 2008

12/27/07

11:29:07 AM

Only 46 days left!

Falls Church Pilates is opening Saturday, March 1 in Suite 100 at 513 West Broad Street in Falls Church. The new full service Pilates and Yoga studio offers a variety of group classes along with private and semi-private apparatus training on state of the art Pilates equipment. Falls Church Pilates will host a grand opening party from noon – 3 p.m., Saturday, March 22. Refreshments will be provided. For more information visit www.fallschurchpilates.com. ∗∗∗ The Falls Church Business and Professional Women are inviting members of the public to their dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 3 at La Promessa (7630 Lee Highway). The evening program will include a feature presentation by Pat O’Neill, long-term care insurance specialist from O’Neill Financial Group.

She will be address long-term care, its definition, risks, costs, and solutions and she will review the new Virginia State Partnership program for long-term care insurance.

Additionally, the nominating committee will present a slate of officers for the 20082009 year. For information and/or reservations call 703-560-0527. ∗∗∗ Cartridge Depot has opened a new Falls Church franchise store offering environmentally friendly cost savings on ink and toner needs. The new business is owned and operated by local resident Michael Neuman. Cartridge Depot refills and remanufactures ink and toner cartridges with their exclusive process for up to 50% less than buying new ones. Cartridge Depot picks up and delivers ink, toner and fax cartridges for business customers, providing convenience, cost savings and guaranteed quality performance. For information, call 571-296-5879 or email FallsChurch@thecartridgedepot.com. For information on all Cartridge Depot products and services, visit www.TheCartridgeDepot.com. ∗∗∗ Pie-tanza plans to open its new Falls Church restaurant in April. The locally owned gourmet pizza establishment currently operates a location in Arlington’s Lee Harris Shopping Center (2503B N. Harrison Street). Menu items include wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, fresh oversized salads, authentic Italian entrees, hot and cold subs and beer and wine on premise. The Arlington restaurant was named one of AOL Cityguide’s top 10 Family Friendly restaurants in the DC area. The Falls Church restaurant will be located at 1216 W. Broad Street. For more information visit www. pie-tanza.com. ∗∗∗ Great American Restaurants announced the promotion of Cuyler Thomas to Executive Chef at Carlyle in Shirlington following a 17 year career with the company, most recently as chef at Artie’s in Fairfax. The restaurant company, which operates nine restaurants and a bakery in Northern Virginia, also announced the promotions of Jeff Gaiko and Tom Rush from Managing Partners to Senior Managing Partners.

Great American Restaurants donates $.25 from the sale of each dessert sold Artie’s, Carlyle, Coastal Flats, Mike’s “American”, Silverado and Sweetwater Tavern and 5% of all bread sales from Best Bunds Bread Co. to charitable organizations. For more information visit www.greatamericanrestaurants.com. ∗∗∗ Falls Church-based USIS, a national leader in pre-employment screening services and the largest provider of security investigations to the U.S. government, has appointed Phillip C. McVey to the position of president of its Commercial Services Division (CSD). McVey served in positions of increasing scope and responsibility in operations, sales and marketing for ADT Security Services, Inc. and Tyco International, Inc. CSD offers more than 33,000 customers across the U.S. from the aviation, trucking, retail, healthcare, insurance, and gaming industries comprehensive pre-employment screening services that include criminal records searches, credit reports, motor vehicle reports, employment and education verifications, drug testing, and other products. For more information visit www. usis.com. ∗∗∗ The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority named San Franciscobased marketing experts Vaughn Mulder and Neil Cohen as co-directors of its West Coast marketing efforts. FCEDA, which is moving its California offices from Palo Alto to San Francisco, has maintained a marketing office in California since July 2006. Mulder and Cohen will assist West Coast-based technology companies that want to establish or expand operations in the Washington, D.C. area and work with venture capitalists seeking investment opportunities in Fairfax County. A number of northern California-based companies including Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, HP and Google have federal sales offices in Fairfax County. In January Computer Sciences Corporation announced a move of its Southern California headquarters to Fairfax County in order to be closer to its government customer base.

Companies doing business in Fairfax County won more than $13 billion in federal contracts in fiscal 2005. ∗∗∗ Argia’s Restaurant and Z-Pizza are dining establishments in Falls Church joining 139 others in the D.C. Metro region who will donate 25% or more of proceeds from meals purchased on March 6 to D.C.’s Food and Friends, which has for 20 years been on the front lines in the fight against AIDS. Argia’s will donate 35% and Z-Pizza 25%.  The Business News & Notes section is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@ fallschurchchamber.org

05

February 28 - March 5, 2008

‘Photo 08’ Through April 12 at the Ellipse Arts Center (4350 N Fairfax Dr., Suite 125, Arlington). Gallery Hours: Wednesday though Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 703-228-7710 or see www.arlingtonarts.org/ ellipseartscenter.htm.

The annual open call juried photo show is up at the Ellipse Arts Center. This must be around the seven millionth time this show has been held. I can recall when it was held in the old Kahn’s department store shopping center. It’s been so many years ago I CLIENTS 04:10which 5/22/02 can’t even1remember nowdemolished building it was in. As far as D.C. area art shows go, this one seems the longest running of all. If not, it’s certainly in the running as such.

There is something to be said

THE

R E’S

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for that longevity. For one, essentially everybody on the local photo scene knows about it, and enters it. Submissions are normally accepted for only a few hours on one specific day, and even so 263 photographers managed to show up with 711 examples of their work in hand this year.

Acceptance into this show is no sure thing, no matter how accomplished the photographer may be. It seems every year you hear some veteran shooter grumbling about not getting in. Ah, the whims of judges, you never know what they’ll do when it comes down to selection time. This year, WVover 200 85 of those DOLEV just submitting were sent packing. Of the remaining 63, only seven photographers managed to get two images in the show.

David Griffin, Director of Photography at National

GH ART IN OUR S NOT ENOU CHO

Geographic Magazine, served as juror this year. National Geographic photographers are notoriously heavy shooters. A single story may be the final result of literally thousands of images taken. It would by extension follow that editors there would be highly adept at the selection process. The overall high quality of this show bears witness to Griffin’s editorial skill.

What is striking here is the seeming lack of introspective work with deep psychological connotations. After the fact, it’s impossible for an outside observer to say if this was a function of the work submitted, or the man selecting them. One can imagine the high art types sniffing at the National Geographic cowznnection, figuring that they weren’t going to fit in, and simply not bothering to submit any work at all. Similarly, you could see the juror being naturally inclined towards more accessible photojournalistic type work.

In either case, the work selected is quite nice. Typical photo shows of this sort feature a profusion of dead-center, dull compositions. This show is anything but. Here we see lively off-center compositions and a distinct preference towards movement in general. Bravo!

“Nail Factory, Wheeling, W.V.” by Colin Winterbottom is one of three images selected for the $500 jurors’ choice awards. Here we see a room full of nail manufacturing machinery furiously spinning away in a menacingly blurred whirl. Min

*127605*

Enghauser’s “By the Light of the Moon Number Two” is a muted-color-palette, nocturnal seaside photo that reminds one of Rothco’s abstract paintings. “Morocco Number Two”

by Frank Lavelle rounds out the jurors’ top three picks.

Angela Costanzo provided one of two images purchased by Arlington County for their small works collection. Her color photo titled “Isabella” shows a young child coming down a playground slide. It’s a complex image of a simple act. The child’s face is cropped in such a way that it’s viewed as a generic child at play. The raw stainless steel tube provides a playful abstract of blues and greens in its warped reflections. The sun just catches the shoulder of the red shirt and sets it off at full intensity against the cool metallic surroundings.

As photos go, this sort of thing is notoriously difficult to nail this well. You either luck into it, or burn up immense amounts of time and energy trying to get things just right. Of course your shooting opportunities only last as long as the kids are willing to go for another trip down the slide.

Gerald Merna also used the playground as subject matter. His two images from the “Can’t Play Now” series depict playground equipment in motion, but this time sans people. Using only the motion of the gear itself to provide a sense of play in this black and white work.

One of my favorite images is the color photo of a flat, rusted

tin can on white field by David Scavone. The Irving Penn penchant for shooting objects as artifacts in visually sterile white environments devoid of context has been done more than a few times before. But some images, such as this one, come to life with this sort of treatment. A rusted can never looked so good, richly textured and vibrantly colored in all its rusted glory. It’s a simple, and simply pleasing, image to gaze at.

If I had to pick one, it would probably be the can, or the black and white image by David Klavitter titled “Tern, Midway Atoll.” Here we see an amazing photo of a tern in flight. The two wings show differing angles of attack that imply an aerial turn or adjustment of some sort. The Bird stares us straight in the eye.

Its beak nearly tack sharp, and its wig tips blurred out to nothing as it flaps away to stay aloft. As photos of the moment go, this one is quite amazing. In a show heavy with black and white work, this is one of only 11 Silver Gelatin Prints. The computer has won, but color has not.

Other photos of note were Lara Fahey’ bathroom bathing scene, shot at ground level, and Chris Christy’s dock side image of boat hulls and their reflections at the waterline.  The Northern Virginia Art Beat is compiled by Kevin Mellema. See www.fcnp.com for photos and more. To e-mail submissions, send them to mulsane@ aol.com.

O L S.

NO WONDER PEOPLE THINK

MARTHA GRAHAM I S A S N A C K C R A C K E R.

A R T. A S K F O R M O R E .

©Barbara Morgan, from “Martha Graham: Sixteen Dances in Photographs” by Barbara Morgan.

For more information about the importance of arts education, please contact

www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

(For Official Campaign Partner or Sponsor Use Only: Insert logo and/or organization name here.)

NOTE TO PUB: DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR I.D. ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUNCIL PSAS. Americans for the Arts - Newspaper 4 1/4 x 7 B&W AFAWV1-N-05217-K “Martha Graham” , localizable 85 line screen

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David Klavitter’s silver gelatin print titled “Tern, Midway Atoll,” Part of Photo 08 at the Ellipse Arts Center gallery in Arlington through April 12.

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At roughly 12 p.m. Tuesday, this column looked very different. Under the assumption that the Washington Capitals would likely sit idle as Tuesday’s NHL trade deadline passed, I had already outlined my disappointment that there would be no additions to a team that sat just five points out of the third seed in the Eastern Conference. I was going to lament about how the recent downturn in the Capitals’ play, five losses in their last six games, might have convinced the front office that this team would require too much help. I was going to talk about how the economics of the situation might have argued for such deadline augmentation. After all, boosting the team’s playoff chances might pay dividends through the additional revenue.

About three hours later, following the additions of Cristobal Huet, Sergei Fedorov and Matt Cooke to the Capitals, this column is starting to take a much more optimistic bend.

As exciting as the name Fedorov is, particularly when paired with either Alex (Ovechkin or Semin), Huet is the big get on deadline day. While he’s not quite in the same category as Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo, Huet is among the upper echelon of goalies in the league today and is an upgrade over Olie Kolzig.

The Caps’ veteran netminder has long been a pillar of the D.C. sports community, but his stats have been a touch shaky this season. His save percentage of .888 ranks last in the league among goalies with 27 appearances. Last year, he finished 17th out of 41 netminders in that category with a mark of .910.

Kolzig had looked sturdier of late — allowing more than two goals just once since the start of February — until the Hurricanes buried Olie and the Caps under six goals on Feb. 23. That the slip up came in what was probably his most important start of the month probably didn’t reassure the front office much. Though to be fair, Kolzig did face 42 shots.

But now here comes Huet, who will likely start Friday and continue until he proves faulty.

McPhee said in a press conference Tuesday that the acquisition of Huet does not necessarily mean the end of the line for Kolzig in Washington. Both Kolzig and Huet are unrestricted free agents after the season after all. Just reading the tea leaves though, I don’t think things look too good for Kolzig. Had Kolzig been carrying the Caps in the crease like he’s done in years past, Huet would not have been brought in.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Beyond this season, Washington will be looking for a netminder who can bridge the gap to hot prospects Michal Neuvirth and/ or Russian Simeon Varlamov.

Kolzig may have strong ties to D.C., but Huet is about five years further away from age 40.

Of course, maybe this will serve as new motivation for Kolzig. Facing the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday after the trade announcements, the veteran did his best to impersonate Humpty Dumpty’s fatal vantage point. He turned aside 34 shots in a 4-1 Caps win, and the one goal he did allow — a deflection off a Minnesota forward’s thigh — was about as flukey as they come.

While it’s no guarantee that Washington will improve because of these trades, it is encouraging that the front office believes that these three pieces, none of whom are guaranteed money after this season, might be enough to put the Caps in the playoffs either as the Southeast Champions or as a seven or eight seed in the East. Moreover, McPhee didn’t even have to sacrifice too much of Washington’s future talent to acquire the trade-deadline trio.

The fact that the Capitals got a No. 1 goaltender for a second round pick in 2009 is mind boggling. In fact, the most impressive part of McPhee’s deals may have been how little the team gave up.

The most costly piece was Matt Pettinger, thus far scuffling with just two goals, for Cooke. For Fedorov they parted with Theo Ruth, a freshman defenseman at that University of Notre Dame.

As an aside, how great would it be to be a college freshman and be able to tell people you were traded for Sergei Fedorov, one of the most prolific goal scorers of his generation. That has got to be a golden line for the ladies.

If the moves are going to propel the Caps back to the playoffs, the players better gel quickly. On March 18 the Caps start a sixgame road trip that includes dates with all four other Southeast Division teams. They’ll finish off the season with a three-game home stand against Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida.

The late slate of divisional games is a mixed blessing for the Caps. The good news is that eight of the Caps’ final 18 games are against the weakest division in the NHL. The bad news is that, to this point, Washington holds just a 1011-3 record against those teams.

But perhaps after Tuesday’s trades those results will soon look different as well.

Words like “pretty,” “masterful” and “flawless” will never be used to describe the Mustangs’ opening-round home game in the Region B Tournament. However, more accurate terms like “ugly,” “disjointed” and “poorly executed” will sit just fine with the George Mason High School boys varsity basketball team after a buzzer-beating shot by sophomore Jordan Cheney gave them a 52-50 victory over Wilson Memorial Tuesday night.

With 2.9 seconds on the clock, using a play drawn up by assistant coach Mike Gilroy, Mason senior Alex Prewitt floated an inbounds pass from the near baseline to Cheney who caught it in the lane about five feet from the basket and lofted it towards the hoop. The ball rattled around all parts of the rim, but Cheney’s soft touch was just enough to finally coax it through the net for the win.

“You figure with a kid who’s 6-foot-7 and with all of the defenders’ backs turned in the zone, just lob it up there and see what happens,” Mason Head Coach Chris Capannola

said. “Boy I’m proud of that kid [Cheney]. He came through. Biggest shot of his young life.”

The final sequence was set up by a strange series of events.

After bleeding time from the clock to set up a last shot with the score tied at 50, Mason appeared to have squandered their chance to win the game in regulation.The Mustangs’ Joel Chandler slipped and dribbled the ball off a defender’s foot as he drove to the hoop. The ball rolled out of bounds with 2.9 seconds left, but the referee awarded possession to the Hornets, believing the ball had struck Chandler’s foot.

Fortune would smile on the Mustangs however, as the Hornets turned over the ball after one player passed to a teammate standing out of bounds behind the baseline.

While such a strategy is a legal maneuver after a made basket, it is illegal when the ball simply goes out of bounds. Call it karma by confusion.

Though tragic for the Hornets, the awkward ending was befitting of the game’s overall aesthetic. Marred by miscues and with a pace that was tempered by turnovers, the second half slogged its way to completion, always on course

for a last-second, nail-biting conclusion. While both teams held two possession leads in the second half, neither squad could distance itself from the other. Time and again the Hornets or the Mustangs would make a run, only to be derailed by missed shots from close range, traveling calls, errant passes or difficulties handling the ball.

Mason led by four, 4238, after a transition layup

by Cheney, but the Mustangs went scoreless for the quarter’s remaining three and a half minutes. Instead of falling off for good, the only two baskets the Hornets could muster — a put-back after three offensive rebounds by Hunter Cullen (19 points) and a turnaround jumper by Dylan Hudson — drew them even with the Mustangs.

The fourth quarter — no thing of beauty itself, with just 18 combined points from both teams — featured the opposite dynamic. After a jump shot by Cullen put Wilson up 46-42 at the 6:34 mark, tough defense by the Mustangs allowed Chandler to put his team on his back and close the gap singlehandedly. Chandler scored the first eight points for Mason in Continued on Page 22

February 28 - March 5, 2008

The McLean Highlanders’ season, on the surface, appeared entirely un-remarkable heading into the playoffs. With a 7-7 conference record and a 14-12 overall record, expectations were low for the fifth-seeded team in the Liberty District. However, the spectacular play of their seniors seemed to will the team on to the Liberty finals and into the Northern Region Tournament.

The Highlanders faced a difficult task, as they faced top seeded W.T. Woodson. Woodson, ranked No. 11 in the region by the Washington Post, had only posted one loss all season to Liberty District opponents and was a heavy favorite to advance to the finals. The Highlanders had other plans for the Cavaliers.

McLean’s first-year head coach Kevin Roller devised a new defensive game plan that, combined with incredible offensive balance, helped the Highlanders overcome the odds and beat the top-seeded Cavaliers, 56-40.

“The real difference in this game was the offensive efficiency. We were as efficient as we’ve been all season. When you’re having real success at the offensive end, it puts a lot of pressure on the other team, which makes

Page 21

it easier to play defense,” Roller said.

Despite the Cavaliers jumping out to a three-point lead by the end of the first quarter, the Highlanders rallied and entered halftime with a 27-22 lead of their own, poised for the upset.

After a low-scoring third quarter that drew McLean’s lead down to three, the Highlanders exploded offensively in the fourth, outscoring Woodson 19-5 over the last seven minutes of the game. Senior Tarek Ammoury, the all-star of the Highlanders all season, led the charge with a game-high 27 points. The victory guaranteed McLean’s first Regional Tournament berth since 1999.

Two days later, McLean entered the South Lakes gym once more to face the Langley Saxons in the Liberty District finals, a first for every member of the Highlanders. However, the night would not end as well this time, as the Saxons stifled Ammoury and the rest of the McLean team, winning 55-34.

Langley used the box-andone defense to negate the offensive prowess of Ammoury.

Their tactics worked brilliantly, as the Saxons held the McLean star, later named the Northern Region’s Player of the Year, to eight points on the night, far

Several members of the George Mason wrestling team continued their impressive post-season runs with strong performances this past weekend at the Region B wrestling tournament. Mason’s trio of David Ray (140 lbs.), Barratt Kennett (171 lbs.) and Steve Parks (189 lbs.) led the way with regional championships and were joined

by Jake Schwind (third at 152 lbs.) as all four qualified for the Group A state wrestling tournament. Ray and Kennett added Region B championships to go along with their Bull Run District gold medals, and Parks avenged his loss in the District finals by beating Strasburg’s Carlos Ortiz for his Region B crown. Schwind ended the day in third place, losing only to eventual champion AJ Franklin of Stonewall Jackson.

Along the way, Schwind pinned all three of his opponents.

To round out Mason’s successful day, Tim Hillegass placed fifth at 145 lbs. and is an alternate to the state tournament. On the strength of the efforts of these five wrestlers, Mason vaulted to a surprising fourth-place finish in the team standings.

Ray’s finals match pitted him against Cody Via of Wilson Memorial, ranked second in the state in Group A. Very quickly Ray signaled to his opponent that he was not to be trifled with, as he took Via down straight to his back only 30

below his tournament average.

In fact, only Joe Russomanno of the Highlanders scored in double-digits, leading the team with 11 points. Comparatively, senior forward Ahmed Malik and senior Ryan Davenport led the Saxon charge with 17 and 16 points respectively, nearly outscoring the entire Highlander team on their own.

“It was the first time anyone on the team had been to the district finals … we didn’t react as well as I hoped,” Roller said. “Langley hit their first four shots while we were struggling to adapt, and we lost our composure. We weren’t nearly as crisp or disciplined as we were against Woodson.”

The performance by McLean in the Liberty District Tournament gave the Highlanders a berth against the Mt. Vernon Majors in the first round of the regional tournament on Monday, Feb. 25.

The first-round game ended in climactic fashion, but ultimately in heartbreak for the Highlanders, as they fell to Mt. Vernon, 54-52, on a last second tip-in. McLean jumped on the Majors early by opening the game with a 20-8 run, not wishing to fall behind like they had in the Langley game. By halftime, the score was 22-15, and the considerable buzz in the Continued on Page 22

seconds into the match. A two-point near fall made the score 4-0, but after giving up a reversal, the first period ended with Ray leading 4-2. Via chose to start the second period down and, after being penalized for unnecessary roughness, he reversed Ray to close within one point at 5-4. That was it for Via’s scoring for the rest of the match however, as Ray took control. He quickly reversed Via and put him to his back for another two-point near fall and the period ended with Ray up 9-4. Ray chose down to start the third and reversed Via to his back at the 30-second mark and held him there for the rest of the match.

Many in the crowd felt Via was pinned, but after being awarded three points for a near fall, the final score was 14-4 and Ray was Region B champion.

At 171 lbs., Kennett faced off against Buffalo Gap’s Joseph Workman and quickly set the tone of the match with a nifty throw by and lift for a two-point takedown. Kennett rode Workman for the remainder of the first period and a 2-0 lead. Workman started the second period down and Kennett decided to let him up in order to take him down again, which he did quickly with another throw by. This time he took Workman straight to his back but before any back points could be awarded, the referee stopped

It was a roller coaster Bull Run District tournament for the George Mason High School varsity girls basketball team last week, as their march to the Region B playoffs was filled with spectacular victories as well as disappointing defeats.

After drubbing Rappahannock County in the

the match due to an injury Workman suffered as he went to the mat. After the injury timeout, Kennett rode Workman hard and just before again going to his back, Workman signaled to the ref that he could not continue due to injury and Kennett won by default.

Parks, who lost the district finals to Carlos Ortiz of Strasburg, entered his match with payback in mind and set about his task with a takedown 30 seconds into the first period. Ortiz managed a reversal, which Parks countered with a reversal of his own, ending the period with Parks up 4-2. Parks chose down to start the second, and reversed Ortiz, who promptly escaped and took down Parks.

quarterfinals of the tournament — the last home game for eight Mustang seniors — Mason took to the road last Wednesday, entering the traditionally unfriendly confines of Clarke County High.

However, coach Bill Broderick’s team took the challenge of battling the defending state champion Eagles head on. Even though Continued on Page 22

Parks secured an escape of his own just as the period ended and the score was 7-5 in favor of Parks. Ortiz chose to start the third period on top and after 20 seconds was awarded a point due to an illegal hold by Parks to make the score 7-6. Parks escaped to lead 8-6, but Ortiz managed to secure a takedown with 25 seconds remaining to send the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Parks wasted no time, ending the match in his favor by taking Ortiz down at the 25 second mark for a 10-8 victory and the Region B championship.

Next up for Mason’s wrestlers is the state tournament on March 7-8 in Salem, Va.

Page 22

The J.E.B. Stuart Raiders headed to the National District semifinals tournament on Thursday to take on the Mount Vernon Majors for the third time this season.

However, their tournament run would end there, losing 64-59.

Mount Vernon ended the first quarter up one point and stretched their lead to a whopping two points by halftime, leading 31-29.

The Majors then began playing lockdown defense in the third quarter against the Raiders, and that proved to be the difference maker. By the end of the third quarter, their lead had ballooned up to nine points, and despite a three-pointer from Raider sophomore Antonio Harris to cut the lead to 61-56 with 20 seconds left in the game, the Raiders were never in a position to challenge the Majors in the second half.

The Raiders were led by junior forward Mahamed Ibrahim’s 21 points, Harris’ 17 and junior center Raymond Watson’s 15, however the rest of the team only contributed six points overall, which was not enough to overtake the Majors. Mount Vernon advanced to play Yorktown in the finals, where the Majors ultimately lost 60-56.

Stuart’s season would not

February 28 - March 5, 2008

end on Wednesday night however, as a strong season earned them a berth into the Regional Conference Tournament with a first-round matchup against Langley. The Saxons, fresh off beating McLean by 21 points in Liberty District finals, came in with an air of invincibility and it showed, as the Saxons crushed the Raiders, 72-33.

Much like in the Saxons’ Liberty District finals game against McLean, seniors Ahmed Malik and Ryan Davenport were once again the stars for Langley, scoring 17 points apiece. Their contributions alone outscored the entire Raider team. Harris led the way for the Raiders with a teamhigh 12 points; he was the only Raider to score in double digits, with Watson being held to seven points and Ibrahim held to six.

Langley jumped out to a 36-16 lead by halftime, and the game was more or less over by then.

Six three-point field goals for Langley did not help the Raiders’ upset bid.

The Raiders’ advancement to the National District semifinals should have teams on alert for the Raiders next year. With Ibrahim, Watson and Harris all returning, J.E.B. Stuart will not be an easy out for anyone next year, and should make some serious noise in the National District.

Continued from Page 21

Mason trailed at the end of the first three quarters, they clawed their way back in the final period and ultimately reigned supreme, 34-31.

Mason racked up 49 team rebounds on the night, including 31 on the defensive end, as they allowed very few second-chance shots for the Eagles. Despite 24 team turnovers and only nine assists, the Mustangs were able to control the tempo of the game due to their domination on the boards, and slowly got back into the contest.

Although the Mustangs reached the free-throw line a mere 11 times, they still generated high percentage shots in the lane, shooting nearly

50-percent from the field.

Junior Kim Kenny, a second team all-district selection, led the team with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Senior Annie Zweighaft tacked on seven points, six rebounds and four assists, while sophomore Nicole Mitchell, a first team all-district honoree, added seven points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Senior Bailey Walton rounded out the leading scorers with four points and seven boards.

With the upset over the second-seeded Eagles, the thirdseeded Mustangs earned a date with Strasburg High, giving Mason a shot at knocking off two top-ranked teams in a period of four days. Despite the game being rescheduled due to inclement weather, Mason came out strong and jumped out to a four point lead at the end of the first quarter.

By getting the top Ram players into foul trouble, Mason was able to stay close for most of the game. However, in the final period, the home court advantage finally caught up to Strasburg, as they went on a 6-0 run to surge ahead, downing the Mustangs 45-35.

In the absence of Zweighaft, Mason shot a paltry 21-percent from inside the arc, and made only one three-point shot the entire night. However, they

Continued from Page 20

gym only became more electric as the upset bid of McLean began taking shape, much like it had against W.T. Woodson.

The second half featured offensive outbursts from both teams, with the fourth quarter turning into a duel of star seniors.

The Majors, down by 10 late in the third quarter, scrapped their way back in a two minute span to drop McLean’s lead to one entering the fourth quarter. Then it was the seniors’ turn to take over — the battle between Ammoury and Mt. Vernon senior point guard Marquel DeLancey was on.

DeLancey, “one of the only players in the region that could match up well one-on-one with Tarek” according to Roller, finished with 18 points, while Ammoury scored a game-high 20.

The difference came in the final seconds of the game.

McLean was inbounding the ball from under the Mt. Vernon basket. Instead of running a typical inbounds play which would have likely led to overtime, McLean decided to go for the kill and score on a full-court play.

“They had been picking up momentum throughout the fourth quarter, we were on the road, and we ran that play in practice at least once or twice a week,” said Coach Roller, explaining his rationale.

McLean attempted to inbound halfway down the court, but overthrew the intended target. A Mt. Vernon player may or may not have touched the ball before it went out of bounds; however, the officials ruled no contact, giving Mt. Vernon the ball under their own basket with no time expiring from the clock.

Unfortunately for the Highlanders, the officials did not see it the same way. The

Majors inbounded to freshman Jesse Konadu, whose shot circled around the rim and fell out.

However, Mt. Vernon sophomore Skylar Jones was in the right place at the right time, elevated, and tipped the ball in as the final buzzer sounded. Mt. Vernon had escaped with a two-point victory and ended a remarkable career for Tarek Ammoury.

“I can’t give my kids enough credit,” Roller said. “I tried to tell them after the game of how proud I was. For my first year as a head coach, I was blessed to have that group of kids.”

Both senior captains Ammoury and Peter Kenallias were named to the all-tournament team.

Furthermore, Ammoury was named both Liberty District Player of the Year and the Northern Region Player of the Year. Coach Roller called the honors “a fitting way to honor the career of a great kid.”

tying the game at 50 with 1:33 to go after stealing the ball, taking it coast to coast, converting the layup and drawing — and hitting — a foul shot.

Chandler finished with a game-high 24 points, while Cheney added 14, with none bigger than his final two.

For all of the turnovers and missed opportunities, Capannola was just happy to escape with the win, one that keeps the Mustangs’ season alive.

“We never let them get away. We kept our composure and that’s what you have to do,” he said. “Come tomorrow when we start practice at 4 p.m., all of those turnovers don’t mean a thing.”

While the loss ended Wilson Memorial’s season, Mason will now travel to the Region B semifinals at Goochland High School where they will face topseeded Buckingham on

were kept in the game with their free-throw shooting, which has steadily improved as the season has worn on.

Walton led all Mason scorers with 11 points and five rebounds, while Kenny continued her impressive play down the stretch, tacking on nine points, six rebounds and three steals. Mitchell added six rebounds and two assists, but the Mustangs’ leading scorer was held in check by the Rams’ defense throughout the night, chipping in a mere two points. Senior Meredith Hamme and sophomore Chantal Thomas rounded out the leading scorers with five and four points, respectively.

For the most part though, the Mustangs were unable to generate a productive and consistent half-court offense, as best indicated by their five total assists.

However, their outstanding defense kept them in the game up until the final buzzer.

With the loss, Mason drew the seventh seed in the expanded Region B tournament and earned a date with second seed Strasburg for the fourth time this season on Wednesday night. Results were not available at press time. Two wins in the tournament will put the Mustangs into the state bracket, held next week.

Thursday at 7 p.m. A win in that contest would send the Mustangs on to the finals on March 1, and also give them a berth in the Virginia State Tournament. That would be the first such appearance for the Mason boys basketball team since 2001.

A victory over Buckingham would likely set up a rematch of the Bull Run District title game with Clarke County.

The Eagles pulled ahead early and refused to relinquish their lead on their home court last Thursday. Clarke’s Chandler Rhodes scored 26 first-half points, and while he was nearly matched in the second half by 19 from Joel Chandler, it was too much for the Mustangs to overcome.

Mason ultimately fell by a final margin of 75-64.

Since Mason upset the Eagles 44-43 in the teams’ first meeting in Falls Church this season, Clarke has easily bested the Mustangs, also winning 84-48 on Feb. 5.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 23

Lorton Station Celebrates History

organizations and higher education institutions.

Lorton Station Elementary School sixth graders researched topics in history between 1607 and 1877 as part of the National History Day program based on this year’s theme, Conflict and Compromise in History. Students from Margaret Hanscom’s and Laurie Hartt’s classes researched and gathered at least five primary sources and 12 secondary sources to produce an annotated bibliography, process paper and title page.

Students then worked to create an exhibit, documentary or drama for a competition to be judged based on relation to theme, clarity of presentation and compliance with rules.

Winners of the competition were Samantha Simonoff, first place for Individual Web Site; Carly Levinstein, first place, and Zach Pate, second place, for Individual Documentary; Anika Peterson and Amanda Souto, first place for Group Documentary; Allison Belkowitz, first place, Robbie Douthwaite, second place, and Katie Hough and Ryan Rodriguez, honorable mention, for Individual Exhibit. First and second place finishers went on to compete at the regional level at George Mason University on Feb. 23.

FCPS Kicks Off Series of Parent Meetings

Students Make National Merit Scholarship Finals Four George Mason High School students earned national recognition as finalists for the National Merit Scholarships.

Peter Davis, Meredyth Duncan, Adam Gann and Sarah Weinberg received letters notifying them of their finalist spots. “We are all very pleased for these seniors on their accomplishment. This is yet another indication of the overall quality of the Class of 2008, a very special group of students,” said GMHS Principal Bob Snee.

The Mason finalists are among approximately 15,000 students nationally who are competing for 8,200 Merit Scholarships that reward accomplished students without regard to gender, race, ethnicity or religious affiliation. The 2008 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news-media announcements in April, May and July.

Scholarships awarded through the program are underwritten by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s own funds and approximately 500 business

Fairfax County Public Schools will hold three regional parent meetings in March and April. The meetings will be free and open to all FCPS parents and are designed to share strategies for increasing student success, to enhance homeschool communication, to provide curriculum information for parents and to gather feedback from families. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, March 4, from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School (7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria).

Consecutive meetings will be held Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Robinson Secondary School and Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. – noon at Chantilly High. The same program will be presented at all sites and will reflect fliers sent home to students in early February. Free age-appropriate group child care and light refreshments will be provided for all three meetings. Advanced registration is required due to limited space. For more information, including the list of workshops, visit www.fcps.edu/ news/parents.htm.

‘Doughnuts with Dad’ at Clearview Clearview Elementary will be hosting Doughnuts with Dad, an opportunity for students to do math activities and enjoy doughnuts with their fathers on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 a.m.

Every other month, students will accompany their dads to a before-school activity at which specific mathematical concepts will be highlighted through activities, stories, discussions and games. All activities have been adapted for kindergarten through sixth grade students and are designed to be played in and out of school.

McNair Elementary Gets Technical A new design and engineering lab has opened at McNair Elementary as part of the school’s technology program.

Fifth and sixth grade students attend sessions during lunch or before school to work on diverse applications such as creating digital media with photos, music and digital video and imaginary worlds with computer-aided design software. Third and fourth grade students will

begin robotics programming in March. The lab is made possible thanks to two grants, one from the Virginia Association for the Gifted to purchase two Pico Cricket Robotics sets, which are used to create interactive robots, and one from the Solid Works Education Team, which provides professional development for school-based technology specialist Laura Reasoner Jones plus software worth $6,000. Upon completion of her training, Jones will be able to help students use their three-dimensional skills in the SolidWorks program while applying theoretical concepts in math, algebra, geometry, life science, chemistry, physics and engineering.

H.S. Students Design Winning Bridge Annandale High School students Galen Dunbar, Matt Ashford and Danny Wirdzek recently took top honors at the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area bridge design competition sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers held at George Mason University during National Engineering Week.

Annandale High’s International Baccalaureate Design Technology class created four bridges from popsicle sticks that qualified for the competition, with the winning bridge taking the grand prize, and also Best Aesthetic Bridge Design and Most Efficient Bridge Design.

G

Students ‘Stomp Out Underage Drinking’ The Step Team at West Potomac High will be sponsoring the Ninth Annual Step Competition to be held Saturday, March 1, starting at 7 p.m. The Graham Road Elementary Step Dance Team will perform as the opening act for this year’s competition, themed Stomp Out Underage Drinking. Graham Road’s team is made of 20 students from grades 3-6. Tickets are available at the door.

Elementary Students Serve Community The Stratford Landing K-Kids, a student-led community service club of 50 students in grades K-6 has been granted a charter from Kiwanis International in its first year at Stratford Landing Elementary. The grant makes it a recognized member of

the Kiwanis family of service clubs. Members of the club and its sponsoring group will celebrate Charter Night on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the school. Student members decide what projects to undertake and run their own meetings with guidance from advisors.

The K-Kids are currently making fleece blankets for homeless children, organizing a “Pennies for Peace” drive to raise money for schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan and have plans to clean up the Potomac at Dyke Marsh-Belle View Marina in April. Other club activities include raising funds for the survivors of the Harris Fire in California, collecting food and clothing for homeless families, co-sponsoring a Family Fall Cleanup for the school, creating care packages and cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas, making Thanksgiving centerpieces for the families at Mondloch House, a local homeless shelter, and helping at the Kiwanis

Page 24

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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February 28 - March 5, 2008

walks and open spaces, improvements to the adjacent Big Chimneys Park, and abundant restaurants and retail stores. It will yield, by conservative estimates, almost $3 million annually in tax revenues to the City when completed, and includes $16 million in cash or cash equivalents in the form of development proffers. The first phase of the project, including the hotel, will be completed by 2010 and the second phase by 2012, if tonight’s vote goes.

While opponents of the project have argued it will undermine the small-town “village” atmosphere of Falls Church, its proponents have hailed it as a lifeline to the City’s longterm, sustainable future as an independent jurisdiction. “Falls Church’s unique character stems not from some notion of a ‘village,’ but from how its independence as a small jurisdiction has empowered its citizens with a sense of ownership in their government and the City’s affairs,” a supporter noted in the public hearing Monday. “Preserving that independence is vital.”

The project “will achieve key community values,” City

Page 25

Manager Wyatt Shields said. The term, “South” was added to the “City Center” name to emphasize that it will be followed on with development of a component north of W. Broad Street that will include a town square.

There will be no public hearing tonight, except for a tiny spillover of citizens who were not able to speak prior to the 11 p.m. deadline at Monday’s Council meeting. In that meeting, devoted almost entirely to one last round of public comment on the City Center, 43 citizens provided their views and suggestions, some strongly in support of the plan and others equally strongly opposed.

In a surprising development, six clergymen from local churches, a rabbi and two spokesmen for the NAACP spoke, all in favor of the project and a collateral affordable housing project that could flow from it. There were also representative of pro-affordable housing non-profits, such as Carol Jackson and Dr. Steve Rogers of the Falls Church Housing Corporation and Christopher Fay of the Falls Church-based Homestretch, Inc. Falls Church Chamber of Commerce board members

were also out in force to underscore their formal endorsement of the project, including architect Paul Barkley who has been working on various plans for a City Center in Falls Church since 1964. Chamber chair Gary LaPorta waved petitions with over 320 signatures of City Center supporters.

Even in the last week, additional proffers have been forthcoming from Atlantic Realty to improve the project, some based on constructive suggestions made by the F.C. Planning Commission last week.

Planning Commission chair Maureen Budetti explained, concerning the Planning Commission’s vote to recommend against the project last week, that the commission’s role was to critique the project, suggest improvements and identify shortcomings. “We didn’t have the luxury to say we approve of this and oppose that,” she said.

“At the end of the day we had to vote up or down.”

A letter in support of the City Center project from Planning Commissioner Rob Puentes, who was not present at last week’s meeting, was read by the City Clerk Kathleen Buschow.

Voluntary developer conces-

sions were enhanced in the last week it was announced, following a long list of revisions and new proffers responding to earlier Council, Planning Commission and public concerns, including a doubling to $400,000 of resources for open space development, wider sidewalks and the assurance there will ample free parking for the public at all hours in the sixstory deck.

Members of the faith community and civil rights advocates who spoke Monday hailed the prospect that an affordable housing contribution by the developer of $4.2 million could be leveraged by the F.C. Housing Corporation and Homestretch into the construction of a 172unit affordable housing residency across the street from the new City Center.

The Rev. Samuel D. Barnhart, pastor at the predominantly African-American Second Baptist Church, issued a statement read by Nikki Henderson that hailed the City Center project as a signal for his community to “come out of the shadows and into the daylight of a new, vibrant City Center.”

He said it will provide not only affordable housing, but

Amaze yourself. TM

jobs and will make Falls Church as a community “whole again.”

Charles Longalis, a longtime City resident and member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation, said the City Center will be served by two main artery lines of the Metro Bus system running along Routes 7 and 29. He said the notion that Falls Church is a “village” is “long, long gone.” Those who say so “are imagining,” he said.

But City icon Lou Olom, a participant in the founding of many early civic institutions in the 59 year history of Falls Church, criticized the plan, saying it will turn Falls Church into “a metropolitan big city,” insisting “it just doesn’t fit.”

Jeff Peterson, chair of the Village Preservation and Improvement Society, said the project has been advanced through a series of “irregular processes” and that the Council “is being rushed to vote.”

On the other hand, City Manager Shields noted the City has been working in earnest toward a City Center since 1999, and that the current proposal came officially to the City Council in January 2007, over a year ago.

Page 26

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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That’s fine with most of the league’s take-the-money-andrun also-rans, but not for Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell, so hot he could spot Hollywood’s other comedy kings the H-O-R and beat ‘em in a game of Horse).

As owner of ABA doormats the Flint Tropics -- the ill-suited

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Check Local Listings For Theaters And Showtimes Sorry, No Passes Accepted For This Engagement

by Kent Alterman. Produced by Jimmy Miller. Written by Scot Armstrong. Photographed by Shane Hurlbut. Edited by Debra Neil Fisher. Music by Theodore Shapiro.

Running time: 90 minutes.

Classified: R (for language and some sexual content).

nickname that’s probably the result of a relocated franchise, a la the Utah Jazz or Memphis Grizzlies -- Jackie made a promise to his sainted mother (Patti LaBelle) to keep the team alive.

Money isn’t a major motivator for Jackie, who had a white-guy soul hit called “Love Me Sexy” that financed his basketball venture. Not that he has a lot of cash to throw around on his team.

Several real-life owners in the upstart ABA had deep pockets that they used to lure college superstars like Artis Gilmore, Julius Erving and Dan Issel away from the NBA. But the Tropics operate on a shoestring, more along the lines of the minor-league CBA. Jackie, in addition to being the owner, is the general manager, coach, starting power forward and promotions director, and he’s not all that good at any of his jobs.

For one halftime stunt, he calls a lucky fan out of the sparsely populated stands for a 75-foot free throw at the opposite basket. When a drug-addled hippie knocks it in, Jackie looks for a loophole to avoid paying off. Then there’s Corn Dog Night, where every fan gets a tasty treat if the Tropics score 125 points. They’re improbably at 124 one night when Jackie realizes there are no dogs in the house, so he mugs a teammate to prevent him from scoring.

The team scores anyway, so he runs a one-man fast break for the parking lot.

It’s genuinely funny stuff, in a Guy Movie sort of way, with rookie director Kent Alterman and screenwriter Scot Armstrong (a frequent Ferrell teammate) wisely keeping out of Will’s way. And the laughs rain down from the cheap seats during bits where Jackie wrestles a bear and at the card table over a surprise game of Russian roulette.

Jackie does take his merger protest seriously, finally eliciting a promise from the ABA commissioner (a perfectly cast Dave Koechner) that the top teams, rather than the preordained quartet, will join the rival league. Then the Tropics’ fortunes turn around when Jackie

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 27

C

HICAGO 10 (Documentary, R, 103 minutes). Brett Morgen’s documentary about the violence at the 1968 Democratic National Convention and the subsequent show trial of the yippies accused of organizing the demonstrations, combines stock footage and zippy motion-capture animated re-creations taken directly from court transcripts. It’s an act of “political theater,” and that’s its subject as well. Rousing, funny and entertaining. Rating: Three and a half stars. (Jim Emerson)

T

HE COUNTERFEITERS (Drama, R, 98 minutes). A true story of the Nazis’ massive wartime counterfeiting operation, run out of a concentration camp. It’s a noble effort, but nothing inspired.

The Austrian winner for Best Foreign Language Film of 2007, it plays like just that: a rather dull prestige picture that is all too good at fitting the horrors of the Holocaust into a generic movie format. Rating: Two and a half stars.

(Jim Emerson)

trades a washing machine for Monix (Woody Harrelson, lacing up his “White Men Can’t Jump” shoes to play a fast-fading guard who once won an NBA championship ring).

Monix OKs the trade because his old girlfriend, Lynn (Maura Tierney), lives in Flint. Her starstruck new boyfriend is thrilled when Monix shows up, and things get weird when he catches Monix and Lynn in the act.

Monix thinks the team has potential, and when he throws a tantrum after a listless loss, star forward Clarence “Coffee” Black (hip-hop star Andre Benjamin of OutKast) leads a coup that makes Monix

the de facto coach. Soon the Tropics start winning, alarming the commish, who changes the merger terms to include a 2,000-per-game minimum home attendance.

There’s an obligatory Big Game, with LaBelle appearing in a vision to urge her son to use the revolutionary alley oop.

But “Semi-Pro” isn’t about the X’s and O’s or W’s and L’s; it’s about the laughs. And it doesn’t require hoops nerdship to get a charge out of it.

T

HE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL(Historical drama, PG-13, 115 minutes). It’s Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) versus her sister Mary (Scarlett Johansson) and Henry VIII (Eric Bana) in this familiar genre picture about treachery in the House of Tudor. It’s a historical drama about backstabbing and decapitation in the court of Henry VIII, with ancestors in Shakespeare’s illustrious Henry Histories. It’s also a political thriller, roiling with plots, power plays and internecine intrigue; a family melodrama about two sisters vying for ROLAND ACAULAYof CULKIN ), MARY (JENA ALONE), the (M favors the) (LEFT king; and a Mroyal AND CASSANDRA (EVA AMURRI) IN UNITED ARTISTS' COMEDY although only chest "Sbodice-ripper, AVED!" © 2004 - UNITED ARTISTS - ALLthe RIGHTS RESERVED exposed is Eric Bana’s because it’s PG-13. Rating: Two and a half stars.

(Jim Emerson)

P

ENELOPE (Romantic comedy, PG-13, 84 minutes). First-time director Mark Palansky brings us Tim Burton-light with his debut, “Penelope,” a fanciful romantic fable in which the title character was born with a pig snout for a nose. Surgery is out of the question, as the only thing that will remove the “curse” is if

Penelope (Christina Ricci) finds true love. Enter Max (James McAvoy), who pursues her at first for money, but then really falls for her. What bumps the derivative “Penelope” up from a two-star rating is the acting ensemble.

Give casting director Susie Figgis a round of applause. And Palansky while you’re at it, because he was able to get these actors to rise above the so-so script. Is there a better character actor working today than Peter Dinklage? And the great Catherine O’Hara plays Penelope’s clueless, neurotic mother. Rating: Three stars.

(Teresa Budasi)

I

NTO THE WILD (Drama, R, 150 m., 2007). Sean Penn’s film, based on the Jon Krakauer bestseller, stars Emile Hirsch in a courageous performance as Christopher McCandless, who embarked on an idealistic journey all alone into the Alaskan wilderness. The film gives us the people who saw him along the way, mentored him, cautioned him.

And then he has only the implacable company of nature. Builds with a fascinating dread. With Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Hal Holbrook, Catherine Keener, Jena Malone. Rating: Four stars.

M

R. MAGORIUM’S WONDER EMPORIUM (Comedy/fantasy, G, 93 m., 2007). Dustin Hoffman plays the 243-year-old proprietor of a magical toy store, and Natalie Portman is the young salesclerk he hopes will take over the store when he moves on to his next adventure. The store itself almost steals the movie; it’s a wonderful place. Younger kids will likely love it, but the plot is a little too cut-and-dried for older audience members. Rating: Three stars.

T THE #1 FAMILY MOVIE IN AMERICA!

HINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE (Drama, R, 112 m., 2007). A new widow (Halle Berry) is moved to invite her late husband’s best friend (Benicio Del Toro) to live in a room in her family’s garage -- an improvement from his life as a recovering heroin addict. No, not a love story, but the portrait of two damaged people who loved the same man more than anyone else did. A perceptive view of how grief affects us, and an accurate look at the best friend’s experiences in a 12-step program. American debut of Danish director Susanne Bier (“Open Hearts,” “Brothers”). Rating: Three stars.

A

WAKE (Thriller, R, 78 m., 2007). Hayden Christensen as a rich kid dominated by his mother (Lena Olin), in love with Jessica Alba, and undergoing heart transplant surgery -- during which, to his horror, he finds he can hear and feel everything going on. Don’t even glance at the poster, which reveals a crucial twist. The medical procedures are preposterous, but for me, the suspense worked. Rating: Three stars.

 Jeff Johnson, a staff writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, is filling in for Roger Ebert as he recovers from surgery.

T Kids don’t get enough art these days. For Ten Simple Ways to get more art in kids’ lives, visit AmericansForTheArts.org.

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HE DARJEELING LIMITED (Comedy, R, 91 m., 2007).

Three brothers have a reunion in India and take a strange and eccentric train journey in search of themselves, enlightenment, their mother, and certain obscure overthe-counter remedies guaranteed to cure sobriety. Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman star in a laid-back human comedy that meanders so persuasively, it gets us meandering right along. With Amara Karan as a seductive train

Continued on Page 28

Page 28

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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Continued from Page 27

3

0 DAYS OF NIGHT (Horror, R, 113 m., 2007). Barrow, Alaska, said to be the northernmost town in America, undergoes 30 days without sun every winter, which makes it an ideal holiday haven for vampires. The townsfolk, led by Josh Hartnett and Melissa George, do battle against ravenous vampire hordes led by Danny Huston, in a film that is well-directed and -acted, but raises the question, is there a shortage of vampire films?

Rating: Two and a half stars.

B

EOWULF (Fantasy, PG-13, 114 m., 2007). A titanic epic battle between the monster Grendel and the hero Beowulf, shown by director Robert Zemeckis with riproaring gusto by using the same technology as his “Polar Express,” so that animated characters look almost real.

With the voices (and sometimes the appearances) of Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson and Crispin Glover (who however doesn’t look anything like Grendel). Lots of nudity and yet a PG-13 rating because, you see, Jolie (ITAL) isn’t really there, (UNITAL) although she’s there enough that she says she won’t be taking her own kids. Absurd violent action in the Monty Python spirit.

Rating: Three stars.

D

EATH AT A FUNERAL (Comedy, R, 90 m., 2007).

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by Frank Oz, it finds its laughs in the peculiar human trait of being most tempted to laugh when we’re absolutely not supposed to. With Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Ewen Bremner, Jane Asher, Rupert Graves and, last but not least, Peter Dinklage. Rating: Three stars. (c) 2008 The Ebert Co.

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Mar.

Page 29

It’s a safe assumption to say that the men of Fools & Horses are fans of Starbucks. While many Americans have become regulars (read: addicts) of the java juggernaut’s offerings, the establishment hasn’t returned much to customers beyond a good buzz and introducing terms like “half-caf” to the national lexicon.

For Fools & Horses, however, Starbucks has already provided them with national exposure and will deliver even more of the same this year.

The band, which hails from Baltimore and mixes frequently with the D.C. music scene, was named the grand prize winner in Starbucks’ “Off the Clock” CD contest. They scored a track on a compilation album of the same name featuring musicians with ties to Starbucks and sold nationwide through the store. This year the band will appear on a second Starbucks compilation, this time with established, nationally renowned acts.

While Fools & Horses obviously

had the chops to earn a spot on the album, a fact recently vetted when they claimed three Wammie awards from the Washington Area Music Association, good fortune had a part to play as well.

In January 2006 Steve Herrera, who now plays guitar and sings backing vocals, joined up with the group. A partner of Starbucks, Herrera introduced his new bandmates — frontman Matt Hutchison, drummer Tim Hutchison and bassist Kent Warren — to the contest. And like that, the band found their way onto an album that has sold over 30,000 copies.

Fools & Horses have found fortune in other music competitions as well. Using their radio-ready sound — Matt Hutchison describes it as Wings-era Paul McCartney melded with more modern influences like Foo Fighters — to snag a spot opening for Bon Jovi through a battle of the bands sponsored by CBS Radio Mix 106.5.

Needless to say, playing in front of 15,000 fans was a memorable occasion for the band, even if they didn’t pick up any sage advice from Bon Jovi.

“It was very scripted, very regimented. The backstage hands were like, ‘After

you come off stage you will meet here, shake hands here, turn, take a picture, you’ll go that way, they’ll go that way and you’re done.’ And that’s exactly how it happened, but it still felt like time stood still even though it only took 30 seconds,” Matt Hutchison says. “He’s a lot shorter than I am, but I was still looking up at him. It was very strange ... but he looked as glorious as ever that Bon Jovi.”

So far though, Hutchison and Co. haven’t needed too much help crafting their sound. Six new songs posted on the F&H MySpace page illustrate a polish that is often unusual for an unsigned band, unsupported by a veteran producer. Hutchison pegs the Foo Fighters’ sound right on with the distortion draped, muted-strings intro to “Wide Eyed Wonder.” Meanwhile, “Anna Was the Enemy” rekindles memories of 90s acts like Fountains of Wayne and Gin Blossoms.

“We just kind of put a new, more modern spin on the sounds that came before now,” Hutchison says. “We’ve been getting a lot harder as we go along. I’m not talking about Metallica, but it has a little more edge to it over the years.”

It appears that their earlier work is no less agreeable. In mid February the band won a trio of Wammies for Best Modern Rock Group, Best Artist Website and the Fan Favorite Award. While the accolades were enjoyable, Hutchison found his time on stage a little more uncomfortable than usual.

“We are so cool and calm and collected when we’re performing, but as soon as we have to speak, it’s like I might as well have never spoken before. My nerves were really going,” Hutchison says. “We were nominated for quite a bit [seven categories in all], so the odds were in our favor to win something. To go in there prepared would have been a good idea, but of course we didn’t because we sort of wing everything we do.”

Following their success at the Wammies, the band has upcoming shows in Florida, Ohio and Milwaukee, not to mention their debut appearance at the prestigious South By Southwest festival in Austin.

Locally the band will play Monday, March 3 at the Santa Fe Cafe in College Park, Md. The show is part of a Rolling Rocksponsored party starting at 9 p.m. Fools & Horses will hit Virginia later this month when they play Clarendon Grill on March 20.

• For more on Fools & Horses, visit www. foolsandhorses.net.

Page 30

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Send community event submissions to the News-Press by e-mail at calendar@fcnp.com; fax 703-532-3396; or by regular mail to 450 West Broad Street #321, Falls Church, VA 22046. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.

Community Events THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Story Hour. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). Free. Mon. – Thurs.

10:30 a.m. 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).

Mr. Skip. Kids’ music. Stacy’s Coffee Parlor (709 W. Broad St., Falls Church). $5. 10:30 a.m. 703-5386266.

Rotary Club. Margaret Mathis speaks on Crisis Link. Harvest Moon Restaurant (7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). $10. 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Ponderings- Leaping Leap Your Frog Talk. Program to listen for early frog residents in the wetlands. For 4-6 year old. The Hidden Pond Nature Center (8511 Greeley Blvd. Springfield). $4 per child. 4- 6 p.m. 703-451-9588.

Black History Month at Mount Vernon. George Washington’s plantation observes Black History Month. Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria). $13 adults/$6 children aged 6-11. Noon and 1-4 p.m.

Free For All Fridays. Free weekly theater classes let kids stretch

their imagination. Round House Theatre-Silver Spring (8641 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md.).

Free. 4-5 p.m. 301-585-1225.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Farmers’ Market in Falls Church.

Falls Church City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 9 a.m. – noon.

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Floats, bands and Irish dancers preceded by the annual Classic Car and Fun Dog Shows.

Market Square Alexandria (301 King St., Alexandria). Free. 10 a.m. 703-237-2199.

Family First Saturdays. Families tour the exhibition on Bolivian textiles and then watch a knitting demonstration. Textile Museum (2320 S St. NW, D.C.). Free, $5 suggested donation. 2-4 p.m.

202-667-0441.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 Maple Syrup Boil Down. Look on as maple sap becomes maple syrup over an open fire. Colvin Run Mill Historic Site (10017 Colvin Run Rd. Great Falls). Free. Noon- 2 p.m. For more information, call 703-759-2771.

MONDAY, MARCH 3 Stories and Rhymes. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). For 2-5 year olds. Free. 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 703-2485030.

Mr. Skip. Kids’ music. Stacy’s Coffee Parlor (709 W. Broad St., Falls Church). $5. 10:30 a.m. 703-5386266.

Book Collection Drive. Held by the Falls Church Area American Association of University Women, AAUW. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St. Falls Church). To donate books, call 703-941-5643.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 Stories and Rhymes. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). For ages 18-36 months. Free. 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 703-248-5030.

Jerome Charyn. The finalist for the Pen/Faulkner Award discusses the American Revolution in his work of historical fiction “Johnny One- Eye.” Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave.

&

The Second City National Touring Company. From the same group that launched the careers of Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Dan Aykoryd and Bill Murray, sketch comedy, skits and songs are performed. Wolf Trap- The Barns (1635 Trap Rd., Vienna). $20. 8 p.m.

Todd Barry. Veteran stand up comedian. Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington). $20. 9:45 p.m.

703-486-2345.

MONDAY, MARCH 1

New York City Ballet. The dance company performs two programs under the direction

of Peter Martins. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 92700 F St. NW, D.C.). $29-$99. 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 202-467-4600.

Sound Walk. The Jan Franklin Dance troupe performs along with duet marimbas, string quartet and a children’s chorus. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria). $16-$30. 8 p.m.

703-298-3235.

The Second City National Touring Company. From the same group that launched the careers of Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Dan Aykoryd and Bill Murray, sketch comedy, skits and songs are performed. Wolf

Ysaye Barnwell. Author and member of Sweet Honey on the Rock will lead a sing-a-long from her new book, “We are One.” Politics and Prose Bookstore (5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, D.C.). Free. 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 202-364-1919.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Twilight Tales. A walk-in story hour for children ages 3-6. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). Free.

7 p.m. 703-248-5030.

Young Planetarium. An introduction to the night sky for ages two to ten. Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium (5200 Glover Rd. NW, D.C.). Free.

4 p.m. Fore more information, call 202-895-6070.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6 Story Hour. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). Free. Mon. – Thurs.

10:30 a.m. 703-248-5077.

T

Theater Fine Arts FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29

NW, D.C.). Free. 7 p.m. For more information, call 202-364-1919.

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Paul Potts Trap- The Barns (1635 Trap Rd., Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

Staggering Toward America.

This one man show, starring Rik Reppe, was inspired by 9/11. Center for the ArtsGeorge Mason University (Route 123 and Braddock Rd., Fairfax). $15-$30. 7 p.m. 703993-2787.

Hedda Gabler. Henrik Ibsen’s beautiful and murderous anti- heroine and her story is presented by the Washington Shakespeare Company. Clark Street Playhouse (601 S. Clark St., Arlington). $25-$35. 2 p.m.

800-494-8497.

Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Monday, March 3 8 p.m.

T

his young operatic tenor has set the entertainment world on fire since winning the British TV network, ITV, version of “American Idol” last summer. He brought the house down on the “Britain’s Got Talent!” show with his stunning rendition of “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot,” once the signature piece of the late Luciano Pavarotti.

Potts is a global on-line sensation through YouTube, and is now on an extended global tour. His stop here is the third on the U.S.-Canada leg of his tour, which includes 17 performances. He started touring the U.K., and after the U.S. goes to Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, the Far East and continental Europe, 73 concerts in all. Tickets at LiveNation.com.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 31

live_music&nightlife THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 L��� J���. Sign of the Whale (7279 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

703-573-1616.

T���� ��� G��, ��V����� ��� K�����. A Capella. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave E Vienna). $10.

8:30 p.m. 702-255-1566.

G�������� � T�� F�� E��� B���.

Reggae. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $25 in advance/$27 day of show.

Doors open: 7 p.m. Showtime: 8:30 p.m. 703-237-0300.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29 S��������, R��� F������. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $10 in advance/$12 day of show. 5 p.m. 703-5695940.

H�����, D��� S�������� ��� ����. Rock. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $10 in advance/$12 day of show. 6 p.m. 703-569-5940.

T�� B����� L�����, T�� H��� ��� T�� F����� N���� B���. Rock.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $10. 8 p.m. 703-2551566.

Politicks. Featuring Everyone But Pete and Square Trio. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $10 in advance/$12

day of show. Doors open: 7 p.m.

Showtime: 9 p.m. 703-237-0300.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 K������ N����. Sign of the Whale (7279 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

10 p.m.- 1:30 a.m. 703-573-1616.

M������ A����. Rock. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $10 in advance/$12 day of show. 2 p.m. 703-569-5940.

M���� P�����. Funk/Jazz. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $26. Doors open: 7 p.m. Showtime: 9 p.m. 703-2370300.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 O��� J�� S������. With Sam Prather. Twins Jazz (1244 U St. NW, D.C.). 8 p.m. 202-234-0072.

B�� �� B����. Rock. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $10 in advance/$12 day of show. 5 p.m. 703-569-5940.

K��� V������, T�� W������ L���� ��� A��� S����. Pop/Rock.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $10. 7 p.m. 703-2551566.

MONDAY, MARCH 3 O��� M��. Hosted by David Cotton.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E

Vienna). Free. 7 p.m.

O���-M�� P�����. Arrive early to get on the list. Bar Nun (1326 U St. NW, D.C.). $5. 9 p.m. 202-6676680.

B��� K������ ��� T�� H����� �� T�� H����-T��� G���, E���� A���� ���� L�� S������������ ��� M��� G�������� ��� ��� L����� K����. Rock. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 G��� M���� K������. The Reef (2446 18th St. NW, D.C.). Free.

9:30 p.m.

P��������� A�����, A���� T���� L����, G�������� O� I���������� ��� I������ W�����.

Rock. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $10. 6:30 p.m.

703-255-1566.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 O��� M�� N����. Sign up at the door, anyone is welcome. Stacy’s Coffee Parlor (709 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 – 9 p.m. 703538-6266.

Echovalve, Stereoside and more.

Rock. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $10 in advance/$12 day of show. 6 p.m.

703-569-5940.

Nathan Angelo and Rob Blackledge. Pop/Soul/Rock. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $10. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Joseph Israel and Lionize. With Zach Deputy. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $12. Doors open: 7 p.m.

Showtime: 8 p.m. 703-237-0300.

K������ ��� ��������. Sign of the Whale (7279 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 703573-1616.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6 L��� J���. Sign of the Whale (7279 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

703-573-1616.

Creature Feature, The Buried.

Rock. Jaxx Nightclub (6355 Rolling Rd., West Springfield). $13 in advance/$16 day of show. 6:30 p.m. 703-569-5940.

NEEDTOBREATHE, I N��� ��� A���������. Pop/Rock. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E Vienna). $10 in advance/$12 at door. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Hope Line Spring Blast Concert.

Rock/Blues. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $20. Doors open: 7 p.m.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

P������� A����...

G

et ready wine nuts, the 9th Annual Washington D.C. International Wine and Food Festival returns this weekend to tantalize your taste buds and livers.

Over 200 international and domestic wineries will be pouring over 800 wines, and for those who like the hard stuff, spirits as well. If you’ve attended in past years, you know how massive the festival is and how packed it gets. Fortunately, they’ve expanded the space and limited the amount of tickets — freeing up valuable elbow room for all those tips of the glass. Be sure not to overlook the food part featuring top local chefs demonstrating and presenting their dishes and also offering up their famous recipies. For the studious-types, there will be a seminar series with, among others, Wine Spectator Director of Education Gloria Maroti Frazee and author/ columnist Doug Frost, one of only three people in the world to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles.

What: Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival When: Friday, Feb. 29 - Grand Cru Wine Lounge, 7 - 10 p.m., Saturday - Sunday , Mar. 1-2 - Grand Tasting - 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Cost: $95 - Grand Tasting, $175 - Grand Cru Where: Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, Washington D.C. For tickets & more info, visit www.dcwinefestival.com

Saturday, March 29 — Drawing from Cherry Blossoms. A drawing lesson with nature as its model. Jefferson Memorial (900 Ohio Dr. SW, D.C.). $35. 2-4 p.m. 202-639-1805.

Saturday, April 5 — National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show. The must-see outdoor event of the year for the D.C. Region.

Food, flowers and more. It’s worth fighting with the tourists for a glimpse of the blossoms. Southwest Waterfront (Water St. SW, D.C.).

Free. 8:30-9 p.m. 202-547-1500.

C������� S���������� Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations.

Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

Email: calendar@fcnp.com Fax: 703-532-3396; Attn: FCNP Calendar Mail: 450 West Broad Street, #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

Page 32

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Anthony’s Restaurant 309 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-5320100 •Type of Food: Greek, American & Italian Cuisine • Features: Breakfast (Sat & Sun Only) • Hours: Mon-Thurs -10 am - 11 pm, Fri - 10 am -12 am, Sat - 8 am - 12 am, Sun - 8 am - 10 pm

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

Celebrity delly 7263-A Arlington Blvd. (Loehmann’s Plaza), Falls Church • 703-573-9002 • Type of Food: Delicatessen • Features: Catering, Sandwiches, Submarines, Soups & Salads • Hours: Mon-Fri - 9 am - 9 pm, Sat - 8 am - 9 pm, Sun - 8 am - 4 pm

Chicken Corner 2816 Graham Rd., Falls Church (Next to Magruder's) • 703-573-0112 • Type of Food: Peruvian Pollo • Features: Rotisserie Chicken, subs, salads, fresh fish • Hours: Mon-Thu - 10:30 a.m. - 9 pm - 9 pm, Fri-Sat - 10 am - 930 pm.

Frozen Dairy Bar & Boardwalk Pizza 6641 Arlington Blvd. (Sleepy Hollow Shopping Center), Falls Church • 703-534-4200 • Type of Food: Ice Cream and Pizza Parlor • Features: Catering, Homemade Frozen Custard, Pizza Subs. • Hours: Sun-Thur - 11 am - 10 pm, Fri & Sat - 11 am - Midnight

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

Hoang’s Grill and Sushi Bar 502 W. Broad St., Falls Church • 703-536-7777 • Type of Food: Pan-Asian • Features: Single and Mingle Thursday Nights. • Hours: MonThurs 11 am - 10 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm, Sun - 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

Ireland’s Four Provinces 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church • www.4psfallschurch.com • 703-534-8999 • Type of Food: Irish • Features: Full Bar, Live Entertainment, Sunday Brunch • Hours: Daily - 11 am – 2 am

Koi Koi 450 W. Broad St., Ste. 117, Falls Church • 703-237-0101 • Type of Food: Japanese • Features: Sushi, Sashimi, Grill BBQ, Party Platters • Hours: Mon.–Fri. - 11 am – 10 p.m.; Sat.-Sun.: Noon - 10 p.m.

La Côte D’Or Café 6876 Lee Highway, Falls Church • www.lacotedorcafe.com • 703-538-3033 • Type of Food: French Cuisine • Features: Full Bar • Hours: Mon.–Fri - 11:30 am – 3 p.m, 5–10 pm; Sat.: 11:30 am – 3 pm; 5:30 –10 pm; Sun - 11 am – 3 pm, 5:30–9 pm

Ledo Pizza Restaurant & Pub 7510 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • 703-8475336 • Type of Food: Pizza & Pasta, American/ Family • Features: Full Bar, Wine Menu, 5 TV’s-Sports • Hours: Mon-Thur - 11 am-10 pm; Fri-Sat - 11 am-11 pm; Sun - 12-10 pm

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

Red Hot & Blue 169 Hillwood Ave., (Hillwood Square), Falls Church • 703-538-6466 • Type of Food: Memphis Style Bar-b-que • Features: Full Service Catering and Delivery • Hours: Sun. - Thu. 11 am - 9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Robeks 1063 W. Broad St., (West End Plaza), Falls Church • 703-538-4111 • www.robeks.com • Type of Food: Smoothies, Juices, Wraps & Salads • Features: Catering • Hours: Mon. - Fri. 6 am - 9 pm, Sat. & Sun. 8 am - 9 pm.

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

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant 6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church • 703-2373888; 2153 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna • 703319-3888 • www.crystalsunflower.com • Type of Food: 99% vegan • Features: Japanese, Chinese, Continental • Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm; Sun 12 pm - 10 pm.

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

Yorktown Bistro 5171 Lee Hwy, Arlington • www.yorktownbistro.com • 703-532-6060 • Type of Food: American/Wine Bar • Features: Romantic Bar and Lounge • Hours: Mon-Thurs - 11 am - 11 pm; Fri-Sat - 11 am - 12 am; Sun 11 am - 10 pm.

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

By Bryan Toporek On the ground level at the corner of 36th and Prospect St. in Georgetown, diners can find “1789,” one of the finest and priciest restaurants in the Georgetown area. However, the real gem of the block lays directly beneath… a trip underground to “The Tombs.”

On any given day, exactly one block away from the campus of Georgetown University, The Tombs is one of the most happening spots in the Georgetown area.

During the daytime, it would not be uncommon to find Georgetown students and their professors splitting “Study Snacks,” a Monday – Friday special from 3 – 5 p.m., during which patrons can munch on their favorite appetizers for discounted prices.

The Tombs also runs weekly specials depending on the day of the week. Customers can indulge in “All American Mondays,” where The Tombs serves pork chops, meatloaf and gumbo, “Italian Wednesdays” with food “just like Grandma used to make,” or perhaps “Seafood Fridays,” with samplings of lobster and salmon. No matter what day of the week, The Tombs always features delicious special items on their everchanging menu.

In honor of its location in the heart of Georgetown, The Tombs never forgets its deep connection with the school. Every day after the Georgetown Hoyas’ run to the Final Four last year, The Tombs named a daily special sandwich after a Georgetown player. One sandwich, the Hibbert Roast Beef Dunk (medium rare roast beef, onions, cheese and au jus), became so popular that the item remains on the menu today, perhaps a tribute to the senior’s decision to come back for his final year at Georgetown.

In fact, when he’s not feasting on undersized post-players, Hibbert and his teammates can sometimes be found eating at the restaurant.

The rustic walls feature memorabilia from Georgetown crew teams and football teams side-by-side with other sports relics, such as a tennis racket used by Andre Agassi. A fireplace on the upper-level of the restaurant adds to the décor. The Tombs strives to feel like your best friend’s cozy basement that you never want to leave.

The Tombs knows college students constitute a large part of its customer base, thus its menu tends to cater to a college student’s tastebuds and budget. Some of the most popular items at The Tombs are their burgers and sandwiches. The Chicken #1 ($8.50), a grilled chicken breast topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese, hits the spot every time, while the Tombs Cheesesteak ($8.95), made of sliced ribeye, sliced banana peppers, sautéed onions and three cheese sauce, makes you feel like you’ve taken a trip up I-95 to Philadelphia for a legitimate Philly Cheesesteak.

I enjoyed a particularly savory Shrimp Linguine ($12.95) dish on my visit, made up of shrimp, diced tomatoes, garlic, white wine, clam juice and linguine. The Tombs’ ingredients always are fresh and of the highest quality. Another specialty of The Tombs is the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($13.95), corn and tomato Chesapeake with oven-roasted potatoes on the side.

Come 10 p.m. every night, The Tombs makes the transition from restaurant to a hopping bar, and the 21+ crowd comes flocking. Much like the weekly specials for food, The Tombs runs special nights every week during its bar hours. Patrons can enjoy “Trivia Night” on Monday, “80’s Night” on Wednesday, or half-price bottles of wine on Sunday from 5 – 9:30 p.m. and a Madden Tournament (a video game, for the uninitiated) starting at 10:30 p.m.

The Tombs 1226 36th St. NW Washington, D.C. 20007 202-337-6668 Hours: Mon.: – Thurs.: 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 a.m.; Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 2:15 a.m.

Sat.: 11 a.m. – 2:15 a.m., Sun.: 9:30 a.m. – 1:15 a.m.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 33

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Harvest Moon Restaurant & Lounge

“T Harvest Moon Restaurant ... a bright... light “The on the dining landscape of Northern Virginia.”

- Joan Horwitt - Washington Post Banquet Facilities (up to 700 people) Weddings • Business Luncheons or Dinners • OrAny Occasion W Extensive Menu Free Delivery within 3 mile radius, $10 minimum

SUPER DAILY LUNCH & DINNER BUFFETS

Lunch Dinner Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm Adults - $7.25 Adults - $8.95 Kids (2-10) - $3.50 Kids (2-10) - $4.50 Sat. & Sun. 11:30-9pm Adults - $8.95 Kids - $4.50

703-573-6000

www.theharvestmoonrestaurant.com (Graham Center across from Loehmann’s Plaza) 7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22042

Michael W. W Poole

THE REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST©

Page 34

The latest entry in the adult beverage world’s “most expensive product” category comes in the Cognac subdivision.

Henri IV Dudognon Heritage, valued in the decanter shown here at nearly $2 million, “is known to be the most luxurious and most expensive in the world,” its producers said in a statement.

The name Henri IV honors the French king (1553-1610) who is a direct ancestor of Claudine Dudognon-Buraud, heiress to Maison Dudognon, which is located in the center of the smallest area of France’s Cognac Grande Champagne region. It has been producing Cognac since 1776.

While this particular Cognac is, by all accounts, excellent, the bottle is astounding: handcrafted crystal, dipped in 24karat yellow gold and sterling platinum and decorated with 6,500 certified brilliant cut diamonds.

It weighs about eight kilograms (17.6 pounds) and is filled with 33 ounces of Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne, aged in barrels for more than 100 years to produce an alcohol content of 41 percent (82 proof).

The Dudognon family distills only from the Ugni Blanc grapes grown on their properties. Their two alambic stills produce about 200 barrels annually, some of which is sold to the well-known Cognac houses of Remy Martin, Delamain and Hine.

All Dudognon farming is organic and the eau de vie -- a colorless fruit brandy prepared via fermentation and double distillation -- from the family’s best grapes is aged onpremises in their small chai (pronounced “kay,” as opposed to a wine cellar it is an aboveground structure used for wine storage and aging).

The wood used for the barrels is air dried for five years prior to use. No additives are introduced in the process, so the finished cognac is light colored and airy.

In other news of alcoholic “gems,” El Gran Jubileo Tequila Extra Anejo walked off with top honors in the inaugural Agave Spirits Competition, held in Cancun, Mexico.

The 100 percent blue agave liquor from Destileria la Alborada in Jalisco state took the Platinum Medal, the Top Agave Spirit Award and the Judges Favorite Award.

A panel of six judges from three countries reviewed more than 80 spirits from Mexico during competition at the Royal Resorts Club International and Hacienda Sisal Restaurant. They blind-tasted the entries in six categories -- aroma, initial taste, body, finish, smoothness, and quality for price.

Agave spirits from all over Mexico were eligible to compete in this inaugural Agave Spirits Challenge and dozens of tequilas, mezcals, sotols and agave-based liqueurs entered.

The final rankings produced the top six spirits, which then were tasted blind for the final grand tasting.

The finals included three tequila products, two sotols and one mezcal. In addition to the El Gran Jubileo, other platinum winners were El Zacatecano Mezcal Añejo, Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol H5 Extra Anejo, Tres Mujeres Tequila Añejo, Vida Tequila Reposad and Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol Anejo.

The complete list of medal and other award winners is available at Agave.net, the sponsoring organization.  William M. Dowd covers the world of adult beverages on BillDowd.com.

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Common wisdom in Texas Hold’em suggests that you should raise before the flop if you’re planning to play a hand. The saying goes, “Raise or fold,” but is that correct?

Well, it’s not the worst advice but limiting yourself to one of these two options would be a mistake.

Limping in -- entering a pot by calling rather than raising -is more complicated than raiseor-fold poker because you’ll end up playing more hands.

Also, it’s difficult to put players on a hand when they’re in the pot without making a preflop raise. The big blind, for example, could have any two cards. Trying to determine his hand can be very tricky.

In certain situations, the best players in the world will limp in rather than raise to disguise the strength of their hands. Follow these guidelines to add this deceptive tactic to your game, too.

Limp to Set a Trap in Aggressive Games Trap plays work best when there’s lots of raising before the flop and other players have already limped in.

You’ll need to have a premium hand to set the trap, something like pocket aces or kings, or maybe A-K. Then, call rather than raise, and hope that an overly aggressive player behind you will interpret your limp as a sign of weakness. If the trap works and he does try to bully you with a raise, go ahead and re-raise when the action returns to you.

If the trap fails and no one raises before the flop, proceed cautiously because you’ll have no idea what cards your opponents might have. Any flop could give any player two pair or better. You’d even have to consider folding your pocket aces if the action gets too heavy after the flop.

When setting a trap, be careful not to get trapped yourself.

Limp from the Small Blind The small blind is the worst position to play from after the flop. At the same time, since you already have half the bet in the pot, it’s usually correct to call the other half of the bet.

An interesting situation occurs, though, when you find yourself in the small blind versus the big blind, with everyone else out of the hand. Too many players in this scenario make the mistake of thinking, “Only one blind left, this should be an easy blind to steal.”

In fact, this is probably the toughest blind to steal because

the big blind will suspect larceny. Even more important, you’ll be out of position throughout the entire hand. Playing from the small blind, your goal should be to minimize losses rather than to try to bully a player who has the power of position.

Limp in First to Change the Pace of the Game Sometimes you’ll feel that the game is too aggressive preflop, making it difficult for you to outplay your opponents postflop. In these situations, you can slow the pace of the game by limping in first, hoping that other players will adopt your style of play. This tactic works particularly well if you’re a solid player with strong hand reading skills.

Limp Behind Other Limpers Your choices are definitely not limited to raising or folding

after other p l a y ers have limped into the pot. Say that two players have already limped in and you’re holding pocket threes. In this case, limping in to see a cheap flop is the best approach.

While limping in isn’t a tactic for everyone, the play definitely enhances poker deception. That’s because the more willing you are to shift gears, the tougher it will be for your opponents to get an accurate read on you.  Visit www.fullcontactpoker. com/news to submit your questions and comments to poker champion Daniel Negreanu. © 2008 Card Shark Media. All rights reserved.

Thai Restaurant and Bar Live Music

926 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA, 22046 703-534-0095

Dinner: Tues-Sun: 5:00-10:00PM Fri & Sat 5:00-11:00PM Bar: Sun-Thurs 5:00-11:00PM Fri & Sat 5:00-1:30AM Live Music: Tues-Thu: 7:30-11:00PM Fri & Sat: 8:30-1:00AM, Sun: 7:00-10:30PM

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 35

Level: 1 3

2 4

SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

3/2/08

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

ACROSS 1. Dwindles 5. Scholar’s wish, maybe 10. Fortune’s partner 14. News source, perhaps 15. Kind of screen 16. Corp. capital raisers 17. Type of unconsciousness that only occurs after eating a hot breakfast dish?

19. “Showgirls” actress Gershon 20. Egg: Prefix 21. It meant the world to Claudius 22. Gleeful announcement that precedes a viewing of a 1996 Coen brothers film?

28. Cries of discovery 29. Fishy?

30. Square dance staple 33. Novelist Jaffe 34. Revolutionary Guevara 37. What the British proclaimed upon scrapping a bronze coin from their national currency?

40. “Oh, give ____ home ...”

41. ____ Men with the 2000 hit “Who Let the Dogs Out” 42. Painter Georges 43. Peach, plum and lemon 45. Bean variety 46. Winged insect living at Old MacDonald’s place?

50. Esau’s twin 51. Neon borders?

52. “____ pronounce you ...”

53. Hard to believe ... or an apt title for this puzzle 60. Dawn, poetically 61. 8 1/2-pound statue 62. Gaze 63. Lodges 64. Upright, e.g.

65. Wheel holder

Down 1. Dobby, in Harry Potter 2. “Don’t ____ fool!”

3. Lush locale?

4. Compete in a slalom 5. Turkey go-with 6. King’s bane 7. Commotion 8. “Platoon” setting 9. La-la lead-in 10. Dieter’s concern

THE QUIGMANS Buddy Hickerson

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© 2008 David Levinson Wilk

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

crossword / By David Levinson Wilk

11. Impersonator’s action 35. Requiring extra post12. Extremely, in slang age, say 1.

13.Dwindles Actor Morales 36. Is, to Isabella 5. wish, maybe 18.Scholar's Silent greeting 38. “____ shalt not ...”

21.Fortune's Get by partner 39. Insolence 10.

22.News French wineperhaps valley 43. Some dentalwork 14. source, 23. You hardly have to 44. Edberg of tennis 15. Kind of screen study for it 46. Papal cape 16.

24.Corp.

“Likecapital that’llraisers ever hap47. Type of squash 17.

Type of unconsciousness that only occurs after eating a hot breakfast dish? pen!”

48.

It comes before Febrero 25.

“Lady Lindy” 49.

Trio after Q 19. "Showgirls" actress Gershon 26. Captain Picard’s coun50. First name in ‘60s rock 20. Egg: Prefix selor on “Star Trek: The 53. Dandy 21. It meant the world to Claudius Next Generation” 54. “Take me ____ am” 22. announcement that precedes viewing a 1996NBC Coen brothers film?

27.Gleeful Helsinki natives 55. aCo. that of formed 28. discovery 28.Cries Sixthofday creation 56. E-file preparer, briefly 31.Fishy?

Awesome, slangily 57. Spell 29.

32. Toothbrush handle?

58. Sushi option 30. Square dance staple 34. Barrier reef makeup 59. “Dr.” with Grammys Across

33. Novelist Jaffe

Last Thursday’s Puzzle Solved 34. Revolutionary Guevara

37.J What proclaimed a bronze E the D British I S N Oupon G scrapping E A T IcoinT from their national curre

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

H O W E D U P

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

A S I L Y E C O N O

N A L Y S T

O D E I L S L Y

N O R A T H O O S T A E G D A

O N R Y E

W I S E R

E D A G S Y S

nick knack

© 2008 N. F. Benton

Page 36

February 28 - March 5, 2008

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 37 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries®

Comfortable Truth #11

A comfortable sofa in your choice of fabrics will make you weep with joy. Fortunately, many of our sofas can be custom ordered in plush and absorbent fabrics.

Continued from Page 6

different? Many of the proponents of that drive then told me personally that if the people voted it down, they would live by that vote – democracy and all. I guess there was a statute of limitations of which I was unaware.

In addition to being a simplistic and completely fallacious understanding of the principles of democracy upon which our country is based, the referendum is a direct slap in the face to this Council.

Basically the people who signed this petition are saying to you, “We elected you to deal with all the things we really don’t care about. We are grateful for the hundreds of hours you spend working on our behalf…until there is a decision to be made that we feel really matters. Then, no offense, we would like to make it ourselves.” If I was sitting were you are, I would be insulted and outraged. Leaders lead; they don’t ask others to make the hard decisions for them.

This is the City Council’s time to lead.

Mike Curtin Falls Church

999

$

12 Months

Save $100 The Woodrow Sofa

NO

Matching Loveseat $979

Interest*

A statesman in the sofa community, the Woodrow is dignified enough not to flaunt its camelback styling. Actual camels should take a lesson from that.

See store for details

Custom Order SALE

10 1

SAvE

% Off

& 115

All Upholstery,

Custom Orders

*

and In-Stock too!

Excludes advertised items.

% Off

SAvE

ALL

Tables, Lamps & Accessories*

WASH8-0227-WSPT

AnnApolis, MD 163 Jennifer Rd. (Jennifer Square).......................................410-573-1307 AlexAnDriA, VA 6003 Kingstowne Village Pkwy. (West of Van Dorn)......... 703-971-5065 Bel Air, MD 541 Marketplace Dr. ....................................................................410-638-0035 ChesApeAke, VA 1436 Greenbrier Parkway ...................................................757-420-2252 ColuMBiA, MD 6181 Dobbin Rd. (next to EXPO).............................................443-285-0200 FAirFAx, VA 10900 Lee Hwy. (Near Intersection Rtes. 29, 50 & 236).............703-273-6133 FreDeriCksBurg, VA 3536 Shalaby Way (Rte. 3, West of Bragg Rd.)..........540-785-0747 gAinesVille, VA 7311 Atlas Walk Way (Gateway Center across from Target)..571-261-5680 glen Burnie, MD 7154 Richie Hwy. ..............................................................410-766-6868 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9 • Sun 11-6

newport news, VA 11967 Jefferson Ave......................................................757-249-2500 riChMonD, VA 11000 Midlothian Turnpike..................................................804-794-1100 riChMonD, VA 7252 West Broad St...............................................................804-672-1144 roCkVille, MD 5060 Nicholson Lane (Behind White Flint Mall)...................301-770-1658 roseDAle, MD 8647 Pulaski Hwy. ................................................................410-918-0480 sterling, VA 21320 Signal Hill Plaza (Rte. 7 & Potomac View Rd.)..............571-434-7687 towson, MD 1609 East Joppa Rd..................................................................410-337-3888 VirginiA BeACh, VA 5300 Virginia Beach Blvd.............................................757-490-6057 wAlDorF, MD12100 Jefferson Farm Rd. (Rte. 301 in front of Home Depot).....301-638-4417 www.la-z-boy.com/washingtondc

*No Interest for 12 Months. Minimum monthly payments required. Valid on purchases of $999 or more from February 19, 2008 - March 10, 2008. Monthly payments are required, but no finance charges will be assessed until expiration or termination of promo if (1) any minimum monthly payments on account paid when due, and (2) account balance does not exceed credit limit. Otherwise, promo may be terminated. On promotions requiring a minimum payment, payments over the minimum will usually be applied to those promo balances before non-promo and other balances. If you have a non-promo balance, this may reduce the benefit from the promo. If you want to change this allocation, please call Customer Service. Standard terms apply to non-promo purchases, optional charges & existing accounts. As of December 18, 2007, variable APRs: 21.98 & on all accounts in default, 27.99%. Minimum Finance Charge $1.50. Subject to approval

by GE Money Bank. Discount excludes advertised items. Offer expires March 10, 2008.

Featured items may not be stocked as shown. Wall-Recliners are $30 additional when available. Photographs are representative of promotional items, actual selection may vary. La-Z-Boy and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries are registered trademarks of La-Z-Boy Incorporated. Savings on select items throughout store.

ART CAMP Now Enrolling!

Boys & Girls Ages 7 to 14 Pottery Painting Glass Fusing Arts & Crafts

101 N. Maple Ave. Falls Church 703-534-7600

Julie Tran, D.D.S.

Since 1968

William Dougherty III, D.D.S.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Healthy Habits Start Early

www.claywire.com

www.DoughertyDDS.com Across from City Hall 200 Little Falls St., Ste. 506

703.532.3300

Falls Church, VA 22046

Page 38

February 28 - March 5, 2008

For Sale

For Rent

2003 BMW 325 XI SPRINGS

FALLS CHURCH CITY

for Sale. Set of 4 - $200. 703-407-1039

BIRDS FOR SALE Lady Gouldian Finches Natures stained glass windows, mated pair - $150, young hens - $75, call 703-534-3807

COMPUTER Internet Desktop Tower set includes Linux. Pickup $200 703-370-0706

DIGITAL TRANSFERS Record and tapes to CD. Home videos to DVD. WWW.SAVEITONCD.COM 703-263-9212

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT 1500 SF. Great Space! Renovated/ $2100 per month. 2 Level w/ Reception Area, Easy Parking.

7143 Shreve. 703-618-1851

ORLANDO/DISNEY 3m from Disney 5br, 4fba, furn beautiful home w/ pool for Daily & Wkly Rental. Sleeps 12. Brochure.

703-241-1537 www.360house.com/76559

ROOM FOR RENT

FORD ESCORT 1997 150,000 miles, stick shift. Car parked on Hallwood Street. $2500 - 703-473-6727 or 703-858-5608

FC near Graham Rd. Mature female. Hugh room.

Share kitchen & bath. $475 - 703-538-2298

ROOM FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE 3205 Cofer Road Falls Church, VA. $479.000.

Wonderful 3 Bedrooms plus DETACHED GARAGE, 2 Full BAs and 1 Half BA, Lg Family Room Addition, Granite Countertops and 42” Cabinets in Kitchen, Roof replaced in 2004.

Furnace replaced in 2007. Great Commuter Location.

Schools: Sleepy Hollow, Glassgow, Stuart. High Speed Internet Ready. Motivated Sellers. Owners are Licensed Real Estate Agents.

Contact: Ryad Daoussi, 703-863-9875 IKON Realty, Inc.

NEW DOUBLE CRYPT - ABOVE GROUND National Memorial Park. Reg. $6600. $5250. 630-443-3460

50’s charm but updated - 3 brdm, 1/12 bath, fireplace, family room, sunken deck, parking & secure yard $2400. 703-628-0285.

Bargain

NEW- REBUILT COPIERS Bargain Prices. Call 703-560-3900, Washington Photo Copy.

Help Wanted CAREGIVER Caregiver/companion for disabled 21 year old girl.

After school (2pm), occasional evenings, weekends hours, up to 22 hours/week. Own transportation required. Good Pay. Call 703-356-1156, leave message.

CHESTERBRROK RESIDENCES HIRING Weekend & Part Time positions available! Dining Room Servers, Dish & Pot Washers, Cooks needed for upscale assisted living community in Falls Church/McLean. Fine Dining quality food cooked from scratch using health oriented, natural & organic ingredients. Apply in person at Chesterbrook Residences, 2030 Westmoreland St, Falls Church, VA 22043 or email resume to Chef Bonita @ bwoods@cri-va.org

Female, Non Smoker to share house in FC. Metro & bus nearby Call 703-798-4743

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Low rates. Good references. Call Dolores 571/2321091.

Services ATTENTION! Past Brokers/Mortgage Professionals: Has your company closed their doors? Send your Deals!

Introducing: H&R Mortgage Processing Center. Let Someone Else Do the Paperwork. For a Flat Fee call Today (703) 237-0222. We do loans no one else can...Email questions/scenarios/Fax to (703) 940-5555 (aginoba@msn.com).

MORALES LANDSCAPE & LAWN CARE

are only

Deadline: 2 p.m. Tuesdays

Phone: 703-532-3267 • Fax: 703-532-3396 E-Mail: classads@fcnp.com Mail: 450 W. Broad St. #321, Falls Church, VA 22046

YARDWORK & ODDJOBS

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

College student available for any type of yardword/oddjob. Prices are negotiable. Call Brian (703) 532-1278 Personal trainer will work with you 1-on-1 at your home or in my studio. Certified; insured; 9 yrs experience. Much study in the area of exercise for older adults. Call Mike 703-356-4006

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

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

KAREN MCCRAY DIVORCE My name is Anthony P. Ellis and I am trying to contact Karen B. McCray for a divorce. We were married 11 Apr 1995 and separated by November. I am requesting a divorce so we can both go on.

Please email me @ tony_ellis12801@yahoo.com if there are any questions or problems.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council meeting of Monday, February 25th has been continued to Thursday, February 28th at 7:30 p.m. when a vote will be taken by the City Council on the following legislation: (1) (TO8-05) Ordinance To Amend The Budget Of Expenditures And Revenues, and Capital Improvement Plan. Appropriating Funds For The Fiscal Year 2007-2008 from Additional Bond Revenues. [1st reading 2/11/08]

(3) (TO8-03) An Ordinance to Amend the Official Zoning District Map of the City of Falls Church, Virginia, by rezoning approximately 0.69 acres of land from R-M, Multifamily Residential District, to B2, Central Business District, for properties located at 202, 204, 206, and 208 Gibson Street (Real Property Code Numbers 52-209-002, 52-309-003, 52-309-004 and 52-309-005) to Atlantic Realty Companies, Inc. [1st reading 1/14/08]

Great references, Excellent job call Maria 703.277.1098/703.626.0665

HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior Painting and Installation & Repairs on marble, tiles & stone. Call Jose 703-919-2715

(4) (TR8-02) A Resolution to Grant Special Exceptions for Residential Mixed Use, Residential Mixed Use Height Bonus and Commercial Height Bonus for approximately 8.77 acres of land located at the intersection on W. Annandale Road and South Maple Avenue (Real Property Code Numbers 52-309121, 52-309-120, 52-305-014, 52-305-025, 52-305-023, portion of 52-309-112, portion of 52-309-113, 52-209-002, 52-309-003, 52-309-004 and 52-309-005) to Atlantic Realty Companies, Inc. [1st reading 1/14/08]

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

10 years experience. For further information call me at 703-848-8322. Senior discount, Ask: Susy.

(5) (TO8-04) Ordinance Approving the City Center Economic Development Agreement to be entered into by the City of Falls Church, City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority, and Atlantic Realty Companies, Inc. [1st reading 1/14/08] (6) (TR8-03) Resolution to Amend the City of Falls Church Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4, "Land Use and Economic Development," To Revise City Center Text. [1st reading 1/14/08] (7) (TR8-12) Resolution Approving the Purchase of Land of the Parcel #52-309-119 Commonly Known As 201 West Broad Street For An Amount Not To Exceed $1,025,000

GET

HELP WANTED

RETAIL GARDEN CENTER POSITION

NOTICE OF CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING

(2) (TO8-02) An Ordinance To Authorize Condemnation Of Two Parcels Of Land For Road Construction And To Appropriate The Necessary Funds For The Land Acquisition [1st reading 1/14/08]

GREAT CLEANING SERVICE

CHILD CARE

Bell Nursery, a nationally recognized grower/vendor of quality bedding plants and nursery stock, is looking for energetci, enthusiatic people to merchandise our products at a Home Depot center near you. Supervisory and Merchandising positions are available. Please view job descriptions, locations and apply online at www.bellimpact.com

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

SENIOR WORKOUTS

Now hiring experiences loan officers/Excellent Benefits (Training provided) (Broker/Educator & Life time residence over 30 years)

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

C.A. Courtesy Demos is looking for professional and friendly Product Demonstrators to join our team. You will promote brands by passing out samples and driving sales of our clients’ products. Must have own car, be able to stand for 6 hours and timely reporting of store activities. Hours FridaysSundays.10am-4pm. If interested please call 1866-619-6633 x 125.

The News-Press Classifieds Remember, New Classified Deadlines: Every Tuesday, 2 p.m.!

NOTICED! in the News-Press

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED BOND FINANCING BY THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Falls Church, Virginia (the "City") will hold a public hearing in accordance with Section 15.2-2606 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, on the issuance of a general obligation public improvement bond of the City in the estimated maximum amount of $2,000,000 to finance the cost, in whole or in part, of the acquisition of land for public right of way. The public hearing will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., Official Time, or as soon thereafter as may be heard.

(TR8-10) A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Falls Church, Virginia Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Its General Obligation Public Improvement Bond In The Amount Of $2,000,000.

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Falls Church, Virginia (the "City") will hold a public hearing in accordance with Section 15.2-2606 of the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, on the issuance of general obligation public improvement financing of the City in the estimated maximum amount of $450,000 to finance the cost, in whole or in part, of the acquisition and equipping of police vehicles. The public hearing will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., Official Time, or as soon thereafter as may be heard.

(TR8-11) A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Falls Church, Virginia Authorizing The Issuance And Sale Of Its General Obligation Public Improvement Bond In The Amount Of $450,000 All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia.

Copies of legislation may be obtained from the City Clerk's office (703-248-5014) or at cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. This location is fully accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

Special services or assistance to persons with disabilities may be requested in advance.

RN/LPN/’S Sleepy Hollow Pediatrics, a division of Capital Area Pediatrics, has openings for Full and Part-Time LPN\’s and RN\’s. Must have a current VA license and enjoy working with children. Also available is a Full Time RN Clinical Coordinator position, pediatric and management experienced preferred. Fax resume to Rodney/Suzanne at 703-383-9574 or email to humanresources@capitalareapediatrics.com

classads@fcnp.com

(two days before publication)

and renovations, reasonable rates, painting, drywall, carpentry, deck, fence, siding, tile, electrical, plumbing. FREE ESTIMATES. Please call 703655-2838.

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

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

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATORS

(Box Ads are $20 per column inch)

PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT

SECURITY OFFICERS

Sheet Metal Mechanic or experienced helper.

Dixie Sheet Metal. 703/533 -1111.

65¢ per

fied A u d Fo r r m .FCNP word .COM at

WWW

Spring Clean - Up, Mulching, seeding & many others. Call David (o) 703-502-3990 or (c) 571-2214330

ROUTE 50 OFFICE WITH SIGNAGE 3 office suite at 6500 Arlington Blvd. $1,175mo incl util 703/243-4808

Ch News-Press Classified Clas eck OAds ut O si

KATHLEEN CLARKEN BUSCHOW CITY CLERK

Submit ads online at

classads@fcnp.com

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 39

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Walsh & Assoc.

PC Attorneys

COMPUTER REPAIR

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

• Affordable Rates • Certified Technicians

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LAWN & GARDEN

WILLIAMS PLUMBING

Seven Brothers Landscaping Service

For Plumbing & Tile Work call: 703/241-5789 (home) 571/274-6831 (cell) Since 1981

VA License #2705 023803

XI

XII

703-496-7807

III IIII VII

VI

Landscaping & Handyman Services

Free Estimates

Weaver Enterprises

II

IX

QUALITY REPAIR

703-241-4990

703-508-3976 or 703-323-9251

I

X

VIII

Spring Cleanup, mulching, mowing, edging, trimming.

Residential & Commercial Tree Service & Snow Removal

• Fall Yard Cleanup • Leaf removal and Gutters • Mulching • Lawn Care • Trimming • Pruning • Planting • Power Washing • Decks • Siding • Painting • and many other home repair services

www.fastteks.com

FALLS CHURCH

OTHER SERVICES

V

•JERRY DONNELLY • FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

• (703) 536-6731

Help us help thousands of Americans find out how the Identity Theft Shield can help them. “ Americans are more worried about becoming a victim of Identity Theft than getting laid off...

“

Tax Smart Mortgage Solutions WWW.MORTGAGE1040.COM

703-448-3508

Low Rates for Residential Mortgages Purchase or Refinance

256 N Washington St Free Consultation

H&R MORTGAGE Low! Low! Rates

We Scrub Credit for FREE

(703) 237-0222 HOT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Find out how you can take advantage of the current real estate market. Call Now!

703-868-5999

Shaun R. Murphy REALTOR®, Licensed in VA, MD & DC www.ShaunRMurphy.com Remax Allegiance

Benton & Potter, P.C.

- USA Today 2003 For more information call George Huger • Independent Associate 703-635-3791

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

703-532-3267

DOORS

SIDING & TRIM

GUTTERS

WINDOWS

REPAIRS

703-560-7663

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

H&R MORTGAGE Do You Have AdjustableRate MORTGAGE?

Refinance to a safe 30 yr fixed Get $350 Free Appraisal (valid on Buy or Refi)

We scrub & Fix Your Credit FREE

(703) 937-7096 HOME IMPROVEMENT

Phone # Cell Number

Ledo Pizza Caterers Help with all problems Tysons Station • 7510 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA

Answer one question (703) 847-5336

Pizza • Pasta • Wings • Subs • Salads • Desserts

703-532-3267

703-848-8322 703-901-2431

MOTTERN MASONRY DESIGN

Miss Theresa

FOOD & DINING

(571) 330-3705

Driveways • Steps Sidewalks • Patios Small Jobs Welcome

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With Personal Service

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

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Business & Service Directory 1 x 1” Ad 3 mo. = $220 • 6 mo. = $420 • 1 yr. = $770 1 x 1.5” Ad 3 mo. = $330 • 6 mo. = $630 • 1 yr. = $1155 1 x 2” Ad 3 mo. = $440 • 6 mo. = $840 • 1 yr. = $1540

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Page 40

February 28 - March 5, 2008

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

Vice Mayor M. R. Lindy Hockenberry . . . .

City Council David C. Chavern . . . . . . . . . .

Harold Lippman. . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

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

Home Page <www.fallschurchva.gov> * Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

city calendar

FEBRuary 28

29

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

City Center South Public Hearing & Council Vote, 7:30 p.m.

400 Years of Black Basketball History, 5-6 p.m. Art and Frame of Falls Church (111 Park Ave.) 3rd Annual Black History Celebration & Celebrity Basketball Game, 7 p.m.

MARCH 1 3

4 5

6

The Week

703-534-8644 703-241-0934 703-538-2398 703-237-9089 703-731-8433 703-241-0419 703-538-5986 703-248-5004*

Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-Noon 2008 Business License (BPOL) Taxes Due First Quarter Business License Tax Payment Due (If Eligible) Yard Waste, Bundled Brush, & Special Collections Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Planning Commission Joint Session with City Council, 7 p.m.

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

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Economic Development Authority, 6:30 p.m.

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

Falls Church Cable Access Board, 7 p.m.

Recreation & Parks Advisory Board, 7 p.m.

Architectural Advisory Board, 7:45 p.m.

Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.

Book Discussion Group, 7:30 p.m.

City Center South Public Hearing and Second Reading Tonight Thursday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.

City Council Special Meeting, Council Chambers Learn the facts about City Center South at www.fallschurchva.gov/CityCenter.html.

Preschool Open House Parents interested in enrolling their children ages 3-5 in the City of Falls Church Preschool Program are invited to meet the teacher, ask questions, and check out the classroom. The Preschool Open House will be held Monday, March 17 from 10-11 a.m. in the Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls Street).

Fall Preschool registration begins May 12 for City residents and May 19 for non-residents.

To register or for further information contact the Falls Church Community Center at 703-248-5077 (TTY 711).

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

Register to Receive Emergency Alerts

provided as a public service by the city of falls church

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

Celebrate Black History Month The City of Falls Church invites the community to honor its African American heritage with the following Black History Month celebrations.

Mary Ellen Henderson Exhibit, Through Feb. 29 Northern Virginia Center (7054 Haycock Road) This Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation traveling exhibit honors Mary Ellen Henderson – educator, civil rights leader, and founder of the first school in Falls Church for African Americans. Call 703-538-8310 for details.

Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.) A group of Falls Church residents, business persons, educators, and City officials will take to the hardwood against the world-renowned Harlem MagicMasters. The MagicMasters barely beat the Falls Church All-Stars last year, so this year’s match will surely show the visitors what Falls Church is made of! Hosted by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation with support from the City of Falls Church.

400 Years of Black Basketball History, Friday, Feb. 29, 5-6 p.m.

Art and Frame of Falls Church (111 Park Ave.) Take a look at the early days of African American basketball. Panelists include: Bijan Bayne, author of “Sky Kings: African Americans and the NBA;” Dr. James Henderson, son of Edwin Henderson who introduced basketball to African Americans in Washington, D.C. in 1904; Claude Johnson, founder and president of Black Fives, a vintage sports licensing company; John Isaacs, the only surviving member of the 1930s New York Rens basketball team—one of the first African American professional basketball teams; Susan Rayl, early basketball historian and professor in SUNY’s Exercise Science and Sport Studies Department; and Hal Jackson, the first African American radio sports announcer and co-owner of one of the early professional basketball teams. Free.

3rd Annual Black History Celebration & Celebrity Basketball Game, Friday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m.

Class schedule and registration information is available online at www.fallschurchvfd.org. The course is free and open to persons ages 18 and up. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete, and

Classes and Events Call 703-248-5077 (TTY 711) for fees and more information.

Spring Break Camps

Middle School Spring Break Excursion Camp Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Campers will go rock climbing, biking, horseback riding, Day Quest, and caving. This camp is for 5-7th graders. Transportation is provided. The daily times for the camps vary.

Camp Olympia Horseback Riding Camp (ages 8-15) Monday, March 24-Friday, March 28, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Beginning-advanced riders will ride and participate in daily activities, including balance and coordination exercises, horse grooming, tacking up, cleaning the barn and tack, and other horserelated activities.

City of Falls Church Farmers Market Every Saturday from 9 a.m. - Noon

Business License Renewals Due March 1 The 2008 City of Falls Church Business License renewal forms were mailed Jan. 26. Businesses that did not receive a renewal form should call the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703-248-5190 (TTY 711) or e-mail tclinton@fallschurchva.gov.

Both the “new” and “renewal” 2008 business license forms are also available online at www.fallschurchva.gov. Business licenses are due by March 1, 2008 to avoid a late-filing penalty and interest.

TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE PERIOD OPEN MARCH 3-14, 2008

Children 5 and younger: FREE Advance purchase tickets: $6 youth, $8 adult At the door tickets: $8 youth, $10 adult Tickets available at Art and Frame of Falls Church (111 Park Ave.), Solano Sport and Chiropractic (313 Park Ave.), Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St.), and online at www.instantseats.com/ events/tinnerhill. Call 703-241-4109 for more information.

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

Become a Certified Emergency Volunteer Responder The City of Falls Church will offer its first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course this April and May. Emergency responders will train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for the Falls Church City area.

FOR THE WEEK of

classes meet on a series of Wednesday evenings and a few Saturdays.

Registration is on a first-come, firstserved basis with initial preference given to Falls Church City residents.

The training will address the following: • Disaster Preparedness • Fire Safety • Disaster Medical Operations– Hygiene, Assessment, Triage, and Treatment • Light Search and Rescue Team Organization • Disaster Psychology • Terrorism

The City of Falls Church Housing and Human Services Division (HHS) will accept applications for itsTenant Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA), which provides temporary assistance to eligible households renting in the City. Rental assistance is awarded for 12 months but may be extended to 18 months, depending on funding availability. Applications will only be available and accepted at the Housing and Human Services Division beginning Monday, March 3until NOON on Friday, March 14. HHS Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Households must meet the income limits below and cannot have more than $40,000 in total assets to participate in the program. The following income limits are based on family size at 60 percent of the Area Median Family Income: (household income cannot be higher than the amount listed below and next to family size).

Number of Persons In Household Maximum Household Income

1 $39,720

2 $45,360

3 $51,060

4 $56,700

5 $61,260

6 $65,760 Program funds are limited and eligible applicants will be ranked based on selection criteria and the order received. Priority is given to households that meet the following selection criteria: • Head of household or spouse is a City of Falls Church resident.

• Head of household or spouse works for the City of Falls Church or its schools 30 hours a week or more.

• Head of household or spouse works in the City of Falls Church (but not for the City or its schools) 30 hours a week or more.

• Head of household or spouse is disabled and/or 62 years of age or older.

• Households with dependent children.

• Households at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Family Income.

For detailed information on the policy and procedures governing the program, contact HHS at 703-248-5005 (TTY 711) or 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046.

Report Potholes It’s that time of the year again when potholes start popping up.

Cold temperatures, inclement weather, and abrasive de-icing salt and sand are no friends to roadways or your vehicle’s tires.

If you notice a pothole that needs repair, contact the Department of Environmental Services Operations Division at 703-248-5316 (TTY 711).

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

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

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

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 41

ly Focus

Chairman: Craig Cheney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

Susan Kearney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

government and the falls church city public schools

FEBRUARY 28-mArch 6, 2008

February is CTE Month Career and Technical Education (CTE) is far from metal and wood shop or home keeping anymore. CTE prepares students for a wide range of careers; agriculture, trade and industrial, business and marketing, family and consumer sciences, health occupations, public safety and security, and technology.

experience in a wide range of subject areas from computer Web page design and electrical engineering to aviation, architectural design and plumbing.

George Mason High School students are eligible to take career and technical education courses through the Arlington Career Center.

At Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School, students get hands-on

For more information about the Falls Church City Public Schools CTE programs, contact Jeanne Seabridge at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School at seabridgej@ fccps.org or Amy Kurjanowicz at George Mason High School at kurjanowicza@ fccps.org.

Mary Ellen Henderson students work together on a computer assisted drafting assignment in the schools CTE lab.

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

Attendees should bring an entrée, side dish or salad for 8-10 people to share. Disposable containers are advised. Don’t have time to cook? Why not pick up a family-size dish from one of our local ethnic restaurants?

Local businesses interested in donating a dish to the event should contact Kate Seche at 703.248.5616.

All donations are tax-deductible, and the names of participating businesses will be listed in the event program, will be verbally recognized by the master of ceremonies during the event, and will be featured on a table card that will be placed next to the donated dish.

Volunteers are also needed to make extra food and/or be part of the kitchen crew. If you would like to volunteer, contact Jane Cashin at 703-534-5247 or Cultural entertainment is as much a part of the annual cashinjl@hotmail.com.

GMHS International Dinner as the cuisine. Enjoy both The rain/snow date for during this year’s dinner on March 5th at 6:30 p.m. in the event is Thursday, the Mustang Café.

March 6th.

GM Prepares Latest Robot for Competition

FCC-TV Spotlight: In The Fight Tune in to Falls Church Community Television (FCC-TV) to watch In The Fight, a monthly half-hour program showing the latest action from the field from all branches of the US Armed Forces. In The Fight airs on FCC-TV at the following times: • Tuesdays at 11am • Thursdays at 8:30am • Sundays at 7:30am FCC-TV airs on Cox Channel 12, Verizon FiOS Channel 35 and RCN Channel 2. For more information about FCC-TV, or complete schedule of the variety of community programs on FCC-TV, visit www.fcctv.net or call 703-248-5538.

BIE Partner of the Week Maria Shields George Mason High School School involvement: Has worked with numerous businesses and non-profits, including Sunrise of Falls Church, FIRST Friday of Falls Church, Curves, Falls Church Arts and Kokolopori-Falls Church Sister City Partnership to display student art work in the community.

Why Maria is a BIE partner: “As a George Mason High School art teacher, I am always thrilled to help my students exhibit their work in the community. Our students are so talented, and working with local businesses allows others to experience their work and appreciate their abilities.”

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

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

Since returning from the winter break, 15 of George Mason High School’s brightest students have been working long hours to determine the best way to carry a 48-inch nylon ball across a finish line. What seems like a simple task becomes much more complicated when you consider the mission has to be accomplished by a remote controlled robot built entirely by student hands and ingenuity.

703-536-8638 703-536-7564 703-532-0321 703-536-3130 703-533-1248 703-248-5601*

* Indicates TTY 711 Accessibility

International Dinner: A Night of Family Fun Get ready for the annual celebration of the city’s diverse ethnic community by participating in George Mason High School’s International Dinner.

This year’s event will be held on Wednesday March 5th at 6:30 PM in the high school’s Mustang Café.

The annual International Dinner is hosted by the GMHS International Club and sponsored by the PTSA and ESOL/Foreign Language staff.

The celebration draws more than 200 attendees enjoying a delicious array of ethnic foods and entertainment with an international flair.

703-237-6931 703-534-4951

pneumatic lifters and microprocessors, is nearly 5 feet tall and weighs 114 pounds. It has been designed to knock the four-foot-wide ball off its eight-foot-high podium and carry it through an obstacle course toward the finish line.

The Mustang robotics team is sponsored by Aurora Flight Sciences, with additional funding from the Falls Church School Board, FCC-TV and the Schwind family.

The team will take its latest creation to the annual NASA sponsored regional robotics competition held Annapolis, Maryland, March 13-15.

This year’s robot, made entirely of aluminum, plastic, plywood, pool noodles and a series of The George Mason High School robotics teams poses with their latest creation before shipping it off for competition in Annapolis March 13-15.

Huskies Advance to State History Competition Five Mary Ellen Henderson students are advancing to the state history competition in Williamsburg this spring after outstanding performances last Saturday at George Mason University.

Rachel Pugh, Phoebe Galt, Fae Montgomery, Norah Overby and Crystal Luo all received second place ribbons during the National History Day event at GMU. Pugh and Galt were honored in the group documentary category. Montgomery and Overby placed in the group performance category, and Luo turned in a winning entry in the historical paper category.

John Glover and Stu Harvey also received honorable mentions in the group documentary category.

SCHOOL CALENDAR DATES ARE SubjEcT To chAngE February 28 Mt. Daniel Book Fair (MD) 7:00 p.m. Aladdin Jr. Musical (MEH) 7:30 p.m. Family Life Education Adv. Comm. (GM) 29

Mt. Daniel Book Fair (MD) 7th Grade Band Festival @ Sandberg MS 7:00 p.m. Aladdin Jr. Musical (MEH)

March 1 7:00 p.m. Aladdin Jr. Musical (MEH) 3

6:30 p.m. Special Ed. Adv. Comm. (TJ)

4–5

5, 8 & 11th Grade SOL Writing Test (MEH/GM)

4

5:00 p.m. Mason @ Stuart (Baseball) 7:00 p.m. School Board Work Session (MEH) 7:30 p.m. Langley @ Mason (G Soccer)

5

7:30 p.m. Mclean @ Mason (B Lacrosse)

6

7:00 p.m. Mason @ Falls Church (B Soccer) 7:00 p.m. Falls Church @ Mason (G Soccer) 7:30 p.m. International Dinner (GM)

7

6:30 p.m. Family Literacy Night (MD) 7:30 p.m. Elementary PTA (TJ) (MD) Mt. Daniel Elementary (TJ) Thomas Jefferson Elementary (MEH) Mary Ellen Henderson Middle (GM) George Mason High

Check the FCCPS Web site for more calendar information. www.fccps.org

Mt. Daniel Kindergarten Registration Information Kindergarten information packets for Falls Church residents whose children will be five years old by September 30, 2008, will soon arrive in the mail.

Packets may also be requested by visiting www.fccps.org/md.

Mount Daniel administrators and faculty will present Kindergarten Information Night on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the school’s multipurpose room. A brief overview of the school day, curriculum, day care program, and registration requirements will be presented through a video and panel discussion.

Registration will be held for kindergarten parents and students Wednesday, April 30, 2008. Kindergarten parents will be notified of an appointment time they and their child can visit a classroom and turn in completed registration forms.

Page 42

February 28 - March 5, 2008

BACK IN THE DAY dog. lazy ick qu The fox sly p e d j u m the over dog. lazy is the w No for all time cows od go me to to coaid of the pastheir Now ture.

15 s Yearo Ag

time is the all for cows good me to to coaid of the pastheir Now ture. time is the all for cows good me to to coaid of the their.

15 & 10 YEARS AGO Falls Church News-Press Vol II, No. 50 • March 4 1993

Lasso Hints at New Business Tax Hike as Proposed Budget Unveiled Monday “City Manager David Lasso presents his recommendations for the coming fiscal year’s $25 million Falls Church budget to the City Council Monday night, kicking off the annual tussle over taxes and spending that will be the focus of public attention over the next two months.

“Fireworks have already begun in response to a letter mailed in...”

Helen Thomas Continued from Page 10

military advisers there, President Lyndon B. Johnson sent major American combat units to Vietnam in 1965, kicking off a huge U.S. investment in the war.

As the war dragged on, Johnson agonized over how to end the conflict. He fretted over the growing American disillusionment with the war, the protests in the street and decided not to seek reelection in 1968 when he realized he could no longer justify the casualties.

Richard M. Nixon was elected his successor and announced that his plan to end the U.S. involvement in the war was to turn the war over to the South Vietnamese in 1973. The torturous finale came two years later when North Vietnamese troops defeated the South Vietnamese military and captured Saigon.

Author Otto J. Lehrack wrote about the presidential dilemma of Vietnam in his 2004 book “The First Battle: Operation Starlite and the Beginning of the Blood Debt in Vietnam.”

Lehrack makes the point that U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam could have been easily accomplished -- without much furor -before August 1965.

But then came the first major Marine battle against the Viet Cong at Chu Lai. The Americans vanquished the Viet Cong but lost 54 casualties. The U.S. toll quickly escalated in

Read all of the New York Times columnists on the Web at www.FCNP.com

IN THE

NEWS-P PREESS

Falls Church News-Press Vol VII, No. 51 • March 5, 1998

It is now the time for all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up

CRITTER CORNER 10 Year s Ago

It is now the time for all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * * * Throw Pour it it up. up

It’s Official: 8 City Council, 5 School Board Candidates Certified for May Election “As the deadline passed Tuesday for candidates to file for the May 5 election, Falls Church City Registrat Debbie Taylor reported that no last minute filings had taken place, and the eight City Council and five School Board candidates previously announced in the News-Press will constitute the choices on the ballot.

“Therefore, voters can...”

later months and, by the end of 1965, American dead in Vietnam totaled 2,385.

From then on, American presidents found it politically, morally and emotionally difficult to disengage because of what Lehrack calls the “blood debt” that the U.S. leadership incurred as a result of these casualties and the thousands that followed.

How could U.S. officials tell the next-of-kin and the American public that their loved ones died in a futile war?

“How could the American president defend the expenditure of more than two thousand American lives with nothing to show for it,” the author writes.

America spent another 10 years and more than 56,000 additional lives in pursuit of the Kennedy-Johnson-Nixon policy in Vietnam.

“Like gamblers who have already lost their gambling money, and then the rent month, and then the car payment, and then the grocery money, and then borrowed or stole in the hope of changing their luck, the Johnson and Nixon administrations kept signing markers to America for a debt in gore that they hoped a reversal of fortune would justify.”

In other words, the United States was getting further in “because it would be too embarrassing to America’s interest to get out.”

It sounds sadly familiar.

That’s why it’s time now for the Democratic presidential candidates to step up and say we are getting out of Iraq -pronto.

Let’s face it: That country belongs to the Iraqis. © 2008 Hearst Newspapers

HERE WE SEE RICKY looking alert and predatory, ready to pounce on his favorite prey, grass. While the grass may have Ricky outnumbered, it is still no match for Ricky’s finely tuned senses and razor sharp teeth and claws. The grass’ only natural defense against Ricky is that if he eats too much his stomache gets upset, but this rarely deters him. The grass may try to hide but could never escape Ricky’s sensitive nose. The grass may try to run, but the grass has no legs, and even if it did, they couldn’t outrun Ricky anyway. Ricky can use his radar-like ears to hear grass rustling up to a mile away. Finally, his ultrasensitive paws can tell with up to 95% accuracy whether he’s actually standing on grass or not.

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

1249 W. Broad Street Falls Church, Va. 22046 (703) 532-6121

Welcome Baby Ryker

The Falls Church Animal Hospital family keeps on growing!!!!

Congratulations to Dr. Kelly and Bill and to big sister - Savannah and to big brothers - Dakota and Breccan

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Page 43

The

Business Listing n

ACCOUNTING

n

Diener & Associates, CPA.. . . . . . . . . 241-8807 Demeo PLLC, CPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 931-0815 Mark Sullivan, CPA. . . . . . . . . . . 571-214-4511 Hahn & Associates, PC, CPAs. . . . . . 533-3777 n

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Falls Church Antique Company . . . . . 241-7074 Antique Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-9642 n

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n

n

n

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n

BOOK BINDING

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

BUSINESS SERVICES

SS Business Brokerage . . . . . . . 703-830-9526 Jon Rizalvo, PAYCHEX . . . . 698-6910 x27045 n

CATERING

B.D.G. Design Catering . . . . . . . . . . . 237-2964 n

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Pressure Washing/Deck, Siding. . . . . 980-0225 Maid Brigade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823-1922 Carpets, Ducts, Windows. . . . . . . . . . 823-1922

FLORISTS

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FRAMING

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

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536-0140 Sacred Well Yoga and Healing . . . . . 989-8316 Authentic Pilates (Arlington). . . . . . . . 527-9626 Personal Fitness Training. . . . . . . . . . 309-8500 n

n

REAL ESTATE

Merelyn Kaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .790-9090x218 www.helpfulmortgage.us . . . . . . . . . . 237-0222 www.RoadstoHome.com, Chris Rhodes405-6800 Casey O’Neal - ReMax . . . . . . . . . . . 824-4196 Rosemary Hayes Jones. . . . . . . . . . .790-1990 H&R Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-0222 Leslie Hutchison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675-2188 www.Mortgage1040.com . . . . . . . . . . 448-3508 The Young Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356-8800 Shaun Murphy, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . 868-5999 www.TheJeffersonatBallston.com . . . 741-7562 Susan Fauber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-8741

INSURANCE JEWELRY

LAWN & GARDEN

n

TAILOR

Tailor Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-8886 n

MASONRY

THERAPY

Neurofeedback Center of VA . . . . . . . 536-2690 n

TRAVEL

All Travel & Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 970-4091

MASSAGE

n

TUTORS

Your Computer Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-2821 Huntington Learning Center. . . . . . . . 379-8810 n

MEDICAL

OTHER SERVICES

Phillip J. Walsh & Associates, P.C. . . 448-0073 Miss Theresa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301-317-7955 Identity Theft Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635-3791 Soo Young Lim Sewing Lessons . . . . 300-1188

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

POLITICAL PARTIES

Falls Church Democratic Committee 534-8644 n

VA Massage Combination . . . . . . .571-282-4522 Healthy by Intention, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 534-1321 Sheraton Premiere Women’s Massage 403-9328 n

PLUMBING

Williams Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . 571-274-6831 n

Mottern Masonry Design . . . . . . 571-212-1711 Jeff L. Cadle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 698-1390 n

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Theracare Wellness Center . . . . . . . . 560-4300

9th Green Lawn Service - Full Svc. . . 538-5869 Weaver Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323-9351 Seven Brothers Landscaping. . . . . . . 241-4990 Lawn Care Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 691-2351

MUSIC

Academy of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 938-8054 Columbia Institute - Fine Arts. . . . . . . 534-2508 Foxes Music Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-7393

HOBBIES & COLLECTIBLES

Miniatures from the Attic . . . . . . . . . . . 237-0066

n

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

FURNITURE

Bratt Decor Baby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448-6833 Antique & Contemporary Restoration 241-8255

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Nationwide/Bob Pierce Agency . . . . . 241-7847 State Farm Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5105

EYEWEAR

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

CHIROPRACTOR

CLEANING SERVICES

n

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

Dr. Raymond Solano, drsolano.com . 536-4366 n

EQUIPMENT RENTAL/SALE

VA Outdoor Power Equipment . . . . . . 207-2000 Ace Tool & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 532-5600

Universal Beauty Supply & Salon . . . 534-7926 n

COUNSELING

Drs. William Dougherty, Julie D. Tran 532-3300 Drs. Mark A. Miller, Melanie R. Love . 241-2911 Dr. Mike McCombs, Orthodontist . . . . 820-1011 Dr. Nimisha V. Patel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-1993

BANKING BEAUTY

CONSTRUCTION

DENTISTS

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NED Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-7457 Hudson Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568-5310 Joseph Home Improvement. . . . . . . . 507-5005 FC Heating & Air Service . . . . . . . . . . 534-0630 M.D. Painting & Decorating Co.. . . . . 966-2954 DAST Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 898-8318 Shiner Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560-7663 J & S Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448-1171 The Vinyl Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 793-3111

Carol S. Miller, LCSW . . . . . . . . . . . . 395-4980 George Coyne, LCSW . . . . . . . . . . . . 328-4112 Career/Life/Retirement Coach . . . . . . 241-2620 Josette Millman, APRN . . . . . . . . . . . 855-0396

AUTOMOTIVE

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

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Alba Construction, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . 204-0733

ATTORNEYS

Amsoil Dealer 526099 . . . . . . . . 580-748-0055 VA Auto Repair (Wittstatts). . . . . . . . . 533-3000 Beyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5000

COMPUTER SERVICES

HOME CARE

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

Fast Teks On-Site Computer Srvcs . . 496-7807

ASSISTED LIVING

Mark F. Werblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9300 John A. Boneta & Associates . . . . . . 536-6166 Janine S. Benton, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . .312-0410

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Falls Church Clockworks . . . . . . . . . . 536-6731

Sunrise of Falls Church . . . . . . . . . . . 534-2700 n

CLOCK REPAIR

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PET SERVICES

Falls Church Animal Hospital . . . . . . . .532-6121

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

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Page 44

February 28 - March 5, 2008

Just Listed in Falls Church Open Sunday 1-4 Sunny, three Bedroom, two Bath ( one nearly new) Pine Springs Contemporary in great location on beautifully landscaped private lot with drip irrigation for trees and shrubs. Spacious Living room with fireplace and beamed ceiling. Dining area has sliding glass door to deck and private rear yard screened with cypress. Updated kitchen, with maple cabinets and white appliances, has built-in china cabinet. Daylight Rec Room has glass block wall, fireplace and large storage closet. Hardwood floors, large storage/laundry/work room, garage, natural wood ceilings throughout, and more! $549,000 Dir: 7 Corners: W on Rt 7, L on Washington St, L on Fairmont, R on Woodberry, L on Pine Spring to 3008

Merelyn Kaye Selling Falls Church Since 1970

Life Member, NVAR TopProducer Member 20+ Million Dollar Sales Club Top 1/2% of all Agents Nationwide

Home 241-2577 Office 790-9090 X418 Mobile 362-1112

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For Your Real Estate Needs

1320 Old Chain Bridge Road McLean, Virginia 22101