Falls Church News-Press 1-23-2025

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free

Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXIV N o . 50

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

New HITT & Va. Tech Building Kicks Off

SAIGON BOULEVARD

Innovative Design Will Be a Regional Signature

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

The long-awaited groundbreaking of a uniquely designed 270,000 square foot building adjacent to the City of Falls Church is scheduled to happen today (Thursday, Jan. 23).

The building will house the 40,000 square foot Virginia Tech “Coalition for Smart Construction” on its ground floor, as well as a new headquarters for the HITT Contracting.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer will deliver the main remarks at the site at 11 a.m. today, with Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi, Juan Segura, Virginia’s chief deputy secretary for commerce and trade, and Kim Roy, CEO of HITT also on the program.

A spokesman for HITT, a top national commercial construction firm, said the company “aspires to redefine the future of construction with the unveiling of plans for our innovative six-story, 270,000-squarefoot headquarters next to Falls Church.”

Continued on Page 3

Winter Real Estate Guide

See Inside

IT WAS A CHILLY MORNING, but that did not deter a large turnout at the Eden Center yesterday for the ceremonial unveiling of new signage symbolically renaming Wilson Boulevard as Saigon Boulevard. The event commemorated and honored the large Vietnamese-American population in Northern Virginia that center around the Eden Center. It marked the culmination of efforts since 2006 when the Falls Church City Council voted in favor of the idea. Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi spoke at the brief ceremony along with Jeff McKay, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and representatives from the Viet Place Collective and the Eden Center management. A total of three signs were placed. This coming week, the Eden Center will host Viet New Year’s celebrations. (Photo: Gary Mester)

142-Year-Old Brown’s Hardware Set to Close

The iconic Brown’s Hardware Store at the intersection of W. Broad and N. Washington in downtown Falls Church will close its door for good on March 30 and its sale is slated to be completed April 1, according to a local website report. An ongoing business in Falls Church for 142 years, Brown’s Hardware has long been appreciated by locals as a friendly “go to” place where one could find almost

anything.

With the passing of Hugh Rose Brown, the grandson of the founder, in November 2018, the business was left to his store manager, John Taylor, who has been the owner since.

Originally opened by a school teacher, James W. Brown, in 1883 as Brown’s Groceries and Hardware, the store was the Falls Church township’s first commercial business. James

Brown died in 1907 and his son, Horace Brown, ran the store for 52 years until 1959, when Horace suffered a stroke and died. In 1949 the store had shifted from being a general store to being solely a hardware store.

Hugh Brown, born in 1926 to Horace and Augusta Rose Brown, took over running the store upon his father’s death in 1959. A lifelong bachelor, he operated the store from 1959

for 60 years until his death at age 92.

A pocket park a few doors down from the Brown’s Hardware location on W. Broad was renovated and named in honor of Hugh as “Mr. Brown’s Park” in 2019.

At that time, the Falls Church City Council approved a proclamation in honor of Hugh Brown,

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

LO CA L

Falls Church News & Notes

Local Bookstore to Fete 14 Years Next Wednesday

9 F.C. Restaurants Ranked In Washingtonian’s Top 100

One More Page Books at 2200 Westmoreland will be celebrating its 14th anniversary next Wednesday, Jan. 29, bucking the trend that has been savagely wrecking small, locallyowned stores of its type in recent decades. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

Owner Eileen McGervey has announced, “We’ll have cookies, snacks, bubbly, and more” for those choosing to “hang out with your favorite booksellers and fellow loyal customers” on the occasion.

Founded in January 2011, One More Page Books, a womanowned independent bookstore, bills itself as “a place of welcome and discovery where a love of reading is cultivated alongside friendship, acceptance, and connection. We strive to be a gathering place for the community and nurturing environment for diverse authors and readers. We curate a wide selection of books, puzzles, chocolate, wine, and more, to make our store a place of exploration and delight.”

Yesterday’s announcement of Washingtonian Magazine’s latest 100 Top Restaurants in the D.C. Metro area found a whopping nine bearing a Falls Church address. How do almost 10 percent of all the best restaurants in the massive D.C. region find themselves gravitated in or immediately around the tiny City of Falls Church? Six are directly within the City’s 2.2 square miles.

The nine total are Chay, Ellie Bird, Thip Kho and Padaek, Fava Pot, La Tingeria, Nue, Truong Tien, Thompson’s Italian and Rice Paper.

tions.

The Democratic-majority Senate passed the resolutions in two party-line votes. In a 24-15 bipartisan vote, senators also passed a resolution repealing a now-defunct ban on same-sex marriage backed by Sen. Adam Ebbin, the first openly gay lawmaker elected to the legislature.

The Democratic-led Virginia House of Delegates passed similar legislation on all three issues earlier this month.

“We will enshrine these rights to our Constitution, ensure our freedoms are no longer at risk, and hand the power back to the people,” said Democratic Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who sponsored the abortion resolution.

Va. Senate Passes 2 Constitutional Amendments

Meridilan H.S. Senior Wins National Competition

The Virginia Senate on Tuesday passed constitutional amendments on abortion and voting rights that were quickly lambasted by Republicans who could use the issues as the party tries to regain ground in November’s statewide elec-

Meridian High School senior Adam Belouad has won the Congressional App Challenge, a national competition that connects members of Congress with emerging technologies created by student innovators across the country. Belouad

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

was recognized in Virginia’s 8th Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Don Beyer for his mobile app, “Spork AI.” With the aim of reducing food waste, “Spork AI” uses an artificial intelligence large language model to generate custom recipes for the user based on the ingredients they already have in their fridge and pantry.

This spring, Adam will present his work to lawmakers and his app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for the next year. His app can be downloaded from the Apple IOS app store.

F.C. Schools’ GIVE Day Vols Pack 20,000 Meals On Martin Luther King Day last Monday, volunteers led by F.C. Mayor Letty Hardi pitched in at the annual Falls Church City Public Schools GIVE Day service event, in honor of Dr King’s legacy of service and justice. It was reported that 20,000 meals were packed for families impacted by California wildfires.

Historic N. Va. Newspaper Scales to Twice-Monthly An editorial in the Jan. 9-22 edition of the Mt. Vernon Gazette has announced a new publication schedule for the Alexandria Gazette-Packet and Mt. Vernon Gazette, part of Connection Newspapers, such that they will now publish twice a month instead of weekly. The Gazette-Packet has a proud history going back to 1834..

“Newspaper advertising is lagging, leaving our revenue very short. Without getting more help ourselves, we won’t be able to continue to showcase the community. Without help we won’t be able to continue publishing.” the editorial stated.

Probe Launched of Single Family Home Rental Firms Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan turned her attention toward single-family rental firms in the waning days of President Biden’s administration, it has been report-

Continued on Page 5

THIS YEAR’S COMMEMORATIVE march and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day drew a good crowd for a brisk march from the Tinner Hill monument on S. Washington to the historic Falls Church Episcopal Church. (Photo: Gary Mester)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 3

HITT Building Will House Va. Tech Smart Construction Center

Continued from Page 1

The new HITT headquarters, slated for completion in late 2026, is, she said, “a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable building practices.” The site will feature a remarkable 100,000-square-foot photovoltaic solar canopy, generating all energy needed for the building.

“Sustainability and R&D are paramount to the development,” she said, “It reflects HITT’s dedication to the neighborhood, the building community, and the environment.”

The planned office relocation can be accessed from Haycock Road. It also provides more space within a lively community and better access to the West Falls Church Metro station for HITT’s more than 900 local team members.

“We’re ecstatic to continue growing in Fairfax County and aligning with the West Falls Church Metro station. We’re thankful to the City of Falls Church, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Fairfax County for supporting our plans to build this cutting-edge development.

We’re deeply committed to being good stewards of the local community and the environment. I’m also

thrilled that Virginia Tech is committed to maintaining their presence in Falls Church with the launch of its Coalition for Smart Construction – a research lab dedicated to the future of building,” said HITT CEO Roy. Virginia Tech has leased ground floor space for a Coalition for Smart Construction. This partnership with HITT will enable the next generation of construction professionals and drive groundbreaking research and educational collaborations within the built community. Together, HITT and Virginia Tech will provide “a nationally recognized innovation hub that will advance building practices and ultimately shape the industry’s future,” a HITT statement noted.

Designed by Gensler, the headquarters reflects HITT’s commitment to the environment and the well-being of its team members. The office features collaborative work zones, wellness facilities, a sprawling one-acre outdoor terrace with lush landscaping, and other amenities.

The ground floor will feature a full-service conference center, café, and access to urban parks. An interconnecting stair leads to the second floor featuring team member amenities, collaboration spaces, and access

to the roof deck.

Four additional floors of offices offer dynamic workspaces designed with neurodivergence in mind to support a variety of working styles.

The greater development will include more than 55,000 square feet of urban parks, including a 1,400-square-foot interactive digital experience pavilion designed to be a nucleus of the community where locals can gather.

HITT’s R&D team will focus on innovation by carrying out more than 20 research projects through the new headquarters. Notable ventures already in progress include a newly patented prefabricated building skin that reduces weight, increases speed to market, and creates more efficient buildings.

HITT is pioneering the first use of the Caracol Heron AM robotic arm installed in the U.S. for 3D printing, aimed to augment traditional construction methods, and implementing robotics on-site to support an enhanced experience for HITT’s field team through technology-enabled workflows. HITT says it “seeks to explore new ways to build and share the findings with the industry.”

“Traditionally, less than one percent of the construction industry’s rev-

enue is directed at advancing R&D. If we’re going to overcome future challenges, we need to start now and work together across the entire industry. HITT is deeply invested in R&D and the new headquarters offers us a real opportunity to test new ideas,” said Megan Lantz, HITT’s vice president of research and development. “In 2019, we built Co|Lab, our dedicated R&D hub, which was the first mass timber building in Virginia. It was truly cutting edge at the time, and we learned first-hand about the processes and material. Similarly, we will test emerging materials, methods, and technologies at this new headquarters and share what we learn with the industry.”

HITT’s longstanding partnership with Virginia Tech and the university’s commitment to advancing smart construction led to the vision for an innovation hub, constituting “a true investment in the future of the built environment.” The Virginia Tech Coalition for Smart Construction will lease and occupy 40,000 square feet on the building’s ground floor.

“As we continue to grow our presence in the greater D.C. metro area, creating innovative industry partnerships will enable the future of smart

construction,” said Julie Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering at Virginia Tech. “The partnership with HITT Contracting will provide our students and faculty with a state-of-the-art facility built for collaboration. We’re excited to see what we can do together.”

HITT Co-Chairman Brett Hitt said, “One of the last big innovations in construction was post-tension concrete more than 50 years ago. As an industry, we have to do better to tackle the challenges of rising costs, labor shortages, and our environmental footprint. I believe that Virginia Tech will push the boundaries of construction by bringing its students to a space where they can work alongside our industry’s brightest minds. Bringing industry and academia together under one roof will help us effect real change.”

HITT Contracting provides a wide range of construction services across the nation, from complex core and shell buildings and renovations to interior fit-outs and routine service work. With 2022 revenues of $5.41 billion and 1,600+ team members in 14 office locations nationwide, HITT is ranked as one of the top 20 largest general contractors in the U.S.

2024

CITY OF FALLS CHURCH

YEAR IN REVIEW

Learn about policy changes, new programs, and new projects that have been achieved over the past year.

fallschurchva.gov/2024

PAGE 4 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Brown’s Hardware Beyer Assails Trump’s First Day Moves Finally Shutting Its Doors After 142 Years

Continued from Page 1

declaring December 8 as “Hugh Brown Day” and stating that “Brown’s Hardware remains a cornerstone of the City’s downtown business district and a classic American hardware store amidst a world of big box and online stores,” and declaring Brown, as a lifelong resident of the City who attended Madison Elementary and Jefferson High School, was known as a kind and generous man and a strong supporter of the City.”

Brown’s Hardware has quite literally been a shining remnant of the spirit of what Falls Church has always represented since becoming an independent city in 1949, humbly yet efficiently serving the community

in a veritable mutual admiration society.

While the dates of the closing and of the sale have been made public via the Falls Church Pulse website, nothing has yet been announced concerning the buyer and any future uses for the store site.

John Taylor, who himself came to work at Brown’s Hardware in 1997, revealed only that the prospective new buyer will seek a five or ten year lease. While Taylor was left the business, Brown’s heirs, Charles Brown of Augusta, Georgia, and cousins throughout the east coast, own the land on which the business sits, including areas of the parking lot in the rear.

The City’s assessed value of the property is $1,322,400 in 2024.

Virginia U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents Falls Church and a Northern Virginia district containing one of the largest concentrations of federal employees in the U.S., issued the following statement yesterday on Donald Trump’s “Schedule F” order, which seeks to replace the meritbased civil service established by Congress with political cronyism: “Trump’s order politicizing the federal workforce is a recipe for corruption that would make the country less safe.”

In another statement this week, Beyer, as representing a Northern Virginia district that was home to many of those who protected the Capitol on January 6th including Officers Sicknick, Smith, DeFreytag, and Fanone, issued a strong statement today on President Donald Trump’s pardons and commutations for the perpetrators of the violent January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol: “With these pardons and commutations Donald Trump

embraced violence and lawlessness,” Beyer said. “Trump pardoned the people who beat and tazed my constituent, Officer Michael Fanone, who gave a brain injury to my constituent Officer Jeff Smith days before he died by suicide, and who attacked and sprayed my constituent, Officer Brian Sicknick, with bear spray hours before his death from two strokes. He pardoned hundreds of people who pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement, many of them with deadly weapons, and pardoned or commuted the sentences of over a dozen violent criminals convicted of seditious conspiracy.

“By pardoning those who carried out these heinous crimes, Donald Trump made our country less safe and betrayed the law enforcement heroes who protected the Capitol at great personal cost. No one who remains silent in this moment can ever credibly claim to ‘back the blue.’

“These pardons also signal Trump’s personal ownership of

his supporters’ violent attack on the Capitol on January 6th, and on the savagery they directed at law enforcement. His attempts to erase or rewrite history have failed utterly, and claims that Trump did not incite or intend this violent insurrection are burned away by the clear truth that he would have no reason to pardon hundreds of violent criminals for brutal assaults that left hundreds of police officers wounded if he was not directly connected to what they did.

“My thoughts today are with Erin Smith and the family of the late Officer Jeffrey Smith; Sandra Garza, Gladys Sicknick and the family of the late Officer Brian Sicknick; the families of Officers Howie Liebengood, Gunther Hashida, and Kyle DeFreytag; Officer Michael Fanone, and the many other courageous officers who defended the Capitol on January 6th. This injustice is a gross betrayal of their service and sacrifice, but it does not diminish their patriotism.”

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Continued from Page 2

ed. The FTC issued a request for public comment last week seeking input on how to probe single-family rental owneroperators’ impacts on the housing market. The probe would target more than 30 firms that each own at least 1,000 rental units, the FTC said Wednesday, although it didn’t name the companies.

“As Americans face a housing shortage and pay soaring rents, it’s vital to understand the role played by large institutional investors,” Khan said in a statement. “This proposed study would shed much-needed light on the mega-investors that have amassed huge portfolios of single-family rental units and potentially contributed to the housing challenges that Americans face.”

Sen. Warner Urges Bipartisan Effort on Border Security Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner joined Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and 11 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter to Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stressing the importance of working together on pressing border security and immigration needs. Sens.

Warner and Kelly were joined in this letter by Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Angus King (D-ME), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeanne Shaheen(D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Chris Coons (D-DE).

“As we have shown, Democrats and Republicans can work together on real bipartisan solutions. We can solve big challenges when we work together, and there is much work to do to improve border security, protect Dreamers and farmworkers, and fix our immigration system to better reflect the needs of our country and

LO CA L

Falls Church News & Notes

our modern economy,” the senators wrote, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation in advancing meaningful and long-lasting solutions.

“We understand that Senate Republicans have discussed using the budget reconciliation process to advance border security budget measures without any Democratic input. While that’s your right, in working together on a bipartisan basis, we can achieve the best outcome for the American people.

There are also limitations to what can be done under budget reconciliation, and as we’ve seen time and time again, no party has all the solutions on this or any issue,” they continued. “We remain ready to work with you in good faith to craft legislation that can achieve bipartisan support and 60 votes in the Senate. While there will be challenges, addressing the pressing needs of our nations’ borders and finding bipartisan solutions to our outdated immigration system are too important to ignore in the 119th Congress,” they close.

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 5

SPEAKERS AT THIS TUESDAY’S monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce were (l. to r.) Dr. Sheila Ziglari of Fyzical Therapy, Aaron Abreu of Cognitas Leadership Coaching, Kathy Paczak of Healthy Lives Journey, and Kevin Moran of Alloy Physical Therapy. (Photo: News-Press)

Tysons Casino Bill Advances in Richmond

KEYNOTE SPEAKER at last weekend’s Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration in Falls Church was legendary civil rights leader Joan Mulholland (right foreground). (Photo: News-Press)

A bill that would make Fairfax County, more specifically Tysons, eligible for a casino is again making headway through the Virginia Senate.

A gaming subcommittee voted 5-2 Monday, with Sen. Adam Ebbin abstaining to report Senate Bill 982 to the full Senate General Laws and Technology Committee, which was scheduled to meet this Wednesday.

Championed by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), the bill currently under consideration would allow the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to call for a voter referendum to allow a casino.

While the bill doesn’t designate a specific developer or location, it includes requirements that would limit the facility to a site along Metro’s Silver Line in Tysons.

FALLS CHURCH’S POPULAR Ireland’s 4 Provinces restaurant owner Colm Dillon (right) was the surprise recipient of a Hibernian Football Club kit from Sam Tananbaum (left), a regular patron whose family owns the football club. Dillon recalls that after two years in Edinburgh he came here, with he and friends becoming regulars at the 4Ps watching some matches. He cited a comment by Tananbaum where he said, “The 4Ps reminds me of the Irish pubs where I’d watch sports in Edinburgh, and with Hibs being a club that was formed in 1875 by Irish men who immigrated to Scotland, it just feels right. I wanted to gift Colm for all the hospitality and good times we’ve had at the 4Ps.”

PAGE 6 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

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

Vol. XXXIV, No. 50 January 23 - 29, 2025 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

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Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2024 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

Editorial

E D I TO R I A L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Be prepared before the next power outage.

Support Richmond Bill HR 2514

We commend the Washington Post for its in-depth coverage last week of the events at the Falls Church Episcopal during the 1990s involving allegations of sexual abuse by a youth minister. To clarify, the minister involved served the congregation that chose to leave the Episcopal denomination because of its election of an openly-gay bishop. That group was ultimately compelled to vacate the historic church property by court order a decade ago.

A new Episcopal congregation has grown there since and the breakaway group moved to a location outside the City. Also, the report upon which this Post article was based was covered in depth by the News-Press nine months ago in May 2024.

The importance of honest and consistent local journalism is underscored by this. To this point, we urge readers to support Northern Virginia Del. Alfonso Lopez’s proposed legislation now being considered in Richmond that would provide an income tax credit for small businesses to advertise in local news outlets such as the News-Press. In the language of the proposed legislation, HB 2514, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can take the credit for certain expenses incurred for local media advertising in a local newspaper or in a broadcast local radio or television station.

In this incredibly difficult time for all newspapers, HB 2514 speaks directly to a very core purpose for the existence of local news outlets like ours. This paper was launched in 1991 with the enthusiastic support of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce as a way for local businesses to reach prospective customers in a local market without having to pay for a distribution far wider than their desired range of exposure. It has always been central to the News-Press’ mission to offer local businesses an effective and affordable means to better succeed and as a result to be able to employ folks and pay taxes to support local schools and infrastructures as a result of that success.

It was then-State Del. Leslie Byrne who quipped that lacking an alternative, she had to spend more money to advertise in wider regional media that covered places in the metro region nowhere near where people lived who could vote for her. “It was like I was running for the queen of the whole D.C. metro area,” she said about her lack of media choices at the time.

Del. Lopez’s bill creates, for taxable years 2025 through 2029, a nonrefundable income tax credit for eligible small businesses. The credit would be equal to: (i) for the first taxable year in which the credit is claimed, the lesser of 80 percent of the actual amounts paid or incurred for qualified local media advertising expenses or $4,000 and (ii) in subsequent taxable years, the lesser of 50 percent of the actual amounts paid or incurred for qualified local media advertising expenses during such taxable year or $2,000. The credit includes an aggregate cap of $10 million per taxable year.

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Is This Time Now Our ‘September 9, 1939?’

Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The first days of the new Trump administration have been dizzying. As he now rules with almost nothing constraining him, Donald Trump could wreak more havoc in the U.S. and the world than even the most pessimistic forecasts could have foreseen. His administration is now a seasoned and well prepared battering ram that could bring humanity’s long and exhausting climb out of a muck driven by primordial survival instincts to an abrupt and decisive end.

Can it be more clear than this: Trump is carrying water for the world’s most vicious oligarchs, those here with their front row seats at the inauguration, and those who from Kremlin seats are mauling Ukraine.

We were poised so relatively near Dr. King’s envisioned mountaintop, we can now perhaps recognize. But maybe there’s some flaw in our less-than-perfect makeup as a species that simply will not permit us to ever finally get to it. Some people point to quantum theory notions of parallel universes, some like me see such multiverses in byproducts of a reality that confronts us in every microsecond with choice confronting a menu of possibilities.

We’ve had the luxury in recent decades to sit back and contemplate how awful it must have been to live through two world wars, the Holocaust and the human sacrifices of the last 110 years and what sacrifices were required to restore a sense of progress overall. But we’d fallen into a complacency that brought us short of the vigilance required to ensure that none of our past horrors would repeat.

So now we are again in the thick of it. Now it is 1931 Germany, or so, except that there is no telling how much evil we are, indeed, capable of from here on.

If there’s anything truly shocking from the last few days, it is seeing how flatly and completely our leaders have condescended to this

new reality.

On the day of Trump’s inauguration this week, a friend posted a famous poem by W.H. Auden that testified to “ironic points of light.” It was designed to offer hope in the form of small acts of kindness or resistance that can carry us through in the midst of darkness and apathy.

That poem is titled, “September 9. 1939,” and Auden wrote it in response to news that very day of the onset of the inevitably dreaded second world war that began when Hitler invaded Poland.

Auden opened the poem as one who was sitting in a New York City dive bar when first hearing news of the invasion: “I sit in one of the dives on Fifty-second Street, uncertain and afraid, as the clever hopes expire of a low dishonest decade: Waves of anger and fear circulate over the bright and darkened lands of the earth, obsessing our private lives; the unmentionable odour of death offends the September night.”

He went on to then conclude, “All I have is a voice to undo the folded lie, the romantic lie in the brain of the sensual man-inthe-street and the lie of Authority whose buildings grope the sky: there is no such thing as the state and no one exists alone; hunger allows no choice to the citizen or the police; We must love one another or die.

“Defenceless under the night, our world in stupor lies; yet, dotted everywhere, ironic points of light, flash out wherever the just exchange their messages: May I, composed like them, of Eros and of dust, beleaguered by the same negation and despair, show an affirming flame.”

How little did Auden know, or could have even imagined, what proceeded to happen, the thousands upon millions of lives lost. Auden later became highly critical of this poem of his, doubting its optimistic tone that issued from that day, unaware as he was of the multitude of horrors that were to come.

Still, his poem today gives us a glimpse of what life was like in that respite between the two world wars that some came to call “the long weekend,” or just a pause in a 1914-1945 conflict that eventually cost over two hundred million lives in total from among the world’s most ostensibly civilized nations.

CO MME NT A Penny for Your Thoughts

By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor

The winter landscape can be fascinating, with or without snow.

After the leaves fall, the bark of oaks, maples, sycamores, and tulip poplars stands out in stark relief.

Crape myrtles, with their smooth intertwined trunks, are especially interesting without their colorful florets. Ornamental grasses, withered without their green or purple plumes, have a certain drama before they are cut back for spring rebirth.

In the forest behind our house, oaks and beeches hang onto their brown leaves throughout the winter. That’s called marcescence, a new word for me, but not a new phenomenon. I watch the fluttery leaves in the winter, but by spring those crisp leaves quietly drop, almost unnoticed, to be replaced by soft green buds.

Snow may conceal the familiar landscape, but that same snow reveals traces of a myriad of wildlife, even inside the Beltway. The quiet solitude of the first measurable soft snowfall was punctuated by hoofprints of the many deer who traipse across our hill, the smaller paws of the red foxes that live below our house, even the tracks of the raccoons who rarely show themselves but I can hear them rustling our garbage cans without success.

There may have been an opossum in the bunch, too. On the patio, the chipmunks and squirrels have hunkered down, probably subsisting on the autumn acorns they stowed

on warmer days. One little wren shivered near the sliding glass door; few other birds showed themselves.

The winter landscape includes the snowy mountains left by plows on roadways and in parking lots. With sustained frigid temperatures, little melting and overnight refreezing means that those snow mountains may be with us for weeks. I remember the blizzard in 1966, nearly 60 years ago, when snowplows piled the 20-inch snowfall into dump trucks, which then dumped the snow onto the frozen Potomac River from the old 14th Street bridge. As the river thawed, mountains of snow floated majestically down the river. That was before the 1972 Clean Water Act which, fortunately, banned such potential pollution into our waterways.

Snowy and icy roads and walkways can make getting around more challenging, prompting some school systems to extend closures longer than many parents anticipated. School buses can be unwieldy in good weather; traversing hilly neighborhood streets to collect students in winter tests the vehicle and the driver, not to mention the students waiting at an unplowed bus stop. With heavier snow totals forecast for 2025, drivers should ensure that gas tanks are full, washer fluid topped off, and that water, non-perishable food, blankets, and maybe

Week of January 13 — 19, 2024

suspect shattered the front passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a backpack that was inside.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h C R I M E R E PO RT Fraud – Credit Card, Buxton Rd, Jan 13, 11:11 a.m., victim reported two fraudulent charges were made to their credit card.

No Valid Operator’s License, S Washington St, Jan 13, 6:54 p.m., a male, 54, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Jan 14, 4:02 p.m., a female, 58, of Arlington, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

No Valid Operator’s License, Roosevelt Blvd, Jan 14, 7:45 p.m., a male, 28, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Larceny from Vehicle/Destruction of Property, Wilson Blvd, Jan 15, between 12:15 a.m. and 1:45 a.m., an unknown

Larceny from Vehicle/Destruction of Property, W Broad St, Jan 15, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., an unknown suspect shattered the front passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a backpack that was inside.

Fraud – Wire, Park Ave, Jan 17, 3:37 p.m., complainant reported that while handling their mother’s estate, an unknown suspect had wired money from the decedent’s account to an unknown account.

Robbery, Hillwood Ave, Jan 17, 6:05 p.m., four unknown suspects entered a business wearing masks, and began grabbing merchandise. When the suspects neared the checkout counters, an employee directed the suspects to

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 7 a phone charger are available in the vehicle, just in case they get stuck. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is the state agency that maintains and plows roads in Fairfax County (Falls Church City handles its own snow removal). For many neighborhoods, VDOT appeared to perform well but some areas never saw a plow. The Board of Supervisors has asked VDOT to explain the spotty service. They did the same after the Blizzard of 1996, and several steps were taken then that improved response in later storms, including using technology (very new then) to track plow locations. Snow removal seems to be a never-ending issue, whether two inches or ten have fallen.

As I write this, our steep hill appears to be clear but the Arctic “blast” will keep snow on the ground for several more days or weeks. Snow blanketing the landscape is lovely, especially in our parks. A trip to Green Spring Horticultural Center (4603 Green Spring Road – enter from Braddock Road and Witch Hazel Drive in Lincolnia) on a sunny day reveals native plantings that will survive in the winter garden, and the icy ponds that aren’t ready for skating, but frozen enough that resident ducks and geese can waddle across them without getting wet! On really cold days, you can “duck” into the greenhouse, enjoy cacti and succulents that thrive there, and warm up a bit. Then plan to come back in the spring and see the landscape reawaken in warmer weather, including the stunning new moon gate near the historic house.

place the merchandise on the counter for checking out. One suspect then struck the employee in the face and fled with the merchandise; the three other suspects fled with merchandise during this. The first suspect is described as a black male in his 20’s, approximately 6’ in height, roughly 175 pounds, wearing a black and white hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and black and white sneakers. Both the second and third suspects are described as Hispanic, in their 20’s, approximately 5’5” in height, roughly 150 pounds, wearing gray hooded sweatshirts, gray pants, and face masks. The fourth suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 20’s, approximately 5’6” in height, roughly 160 pounds, wearing a black jacket, white hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, and a face mask. Investigation is ongoing.

Continued on Page 22

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 9

2025 Home & Real Estate Guide Winter

PAGE 10 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Mistakes Sellers and Buyers Make in Real Estate Transactions

by Falls Church News-Press

Navigating the real estate market can be a daunting task for both buyers and sellers. While every transaction is unique, certain common mistakes tend to repeat themselves, often costing individuals time, money, and peace of mind. Here are some of the most prevalent missteps and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes Made by Sellers 1. Overpricing the Property One of the most frequent errors sellers make is setting an unrealistic asking price. While it’s natural to want the best return on your investment, an inflated price can deter potential buyers and leave the property languishing on the market.

Properties that sit unsold for extended periods may develop a stigma, forcing sellers to eventually lower the price below market value.

Solution: Conduct thorough

research or hire a real estate agent to perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine a competitive and realistic price.

2. Neglecting Repairs and Maintenance

Small issues like peeling paint, leaking faucets, or a cluttered yard can leave a negative impression on potential buyers.

These minor defects often lead buyers to question the overall condition of the property.

Solution: Address necessary repairs and consider staging the home to make it more appealing. Investing in curb appeal can also make a significant difference.

cantly reduce visibility.

Solution: Invest in professional photography, write compelling descriptions, and leverage social media and real estate platforms to reach a wider audience.

4. Getting Emotionally Attached

Sellers often struggle to detach emotionally from their property, leading them to reject reasonable offers or overreact to buyer feedback.

Solution: View the transaction as a business deal. Focus on the property’s market value rather than personal attachment.

Common Mistakes Made by Buyers

3. Failing to Market the Property Effectively Many sellers underestimate the importance of marketing.

Limited or poor-quality photos, vague property descriptions, or failing to list the property on multiple platforms can signifi-

1. Failing to Get PreApproved for a Mortgage Shopping for homes without knowing your budget can lead to wasted time and disappointment.

Worse, it can make your offer less competitive in a fast-paced

market.

Solution: Obtain mortgage pre-approval before starting your home search. This not only clarifies your budget but also shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

2. Skipping the Home Inspection

Some buyers waive inspections to make their offer more attractive in a competitive market. However, this can lead to costly surprises after the purchase.

Solution: Always schedule a professional home inspection. If issues are found, you can negotiate repairs or adjust your offer accordingly.

3. Overextending Financially Buying a home at the top of your budget can leave little room for unexpected expenses like repairs, property taxes, or homeowners’ association fees.

Solution: Stick to a budget that allows for flexibility.

Factor in all potential costs to avoid financial strain.

4. Letting Emotions Drive Decisions

Falling in love with a property can cloud judgment and lead to overpaying or overlooking flaws.

Solution: Approach the purchase with a clear list of priorities and deal-breakers. Consult with a real estate agent or trusted advisor to maintain objectivity.

In summary, real estate transactions involve significant financial and emotional stakes, making it easy to fall into common pitfalls. For sellers, realistic pricing, proper marketing, and detaching from emotions are key. For buyers, financial preparation, inspections, and level-headed decision-making are essential. By avoiding these common mistakes and seeking professional guidance, both parties can achieve successful outcomes in the real estate market.

JD CALLANDER and ED BLANCHARD CURIOUS what your home NEWS-PRESS

is worth? CALL TODAY for a FREE market analysis!

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The market is HOT! For your complimentary home or buying analysis please call: 703-712-1757

JD CALLANDER and ED BLANCHARD

Top Agents, Companywide - Weichert, Realtors | NVAR 90+ Million Dollar Sales Club JD@NewNovaHome.com | www.NewNovaHome.com 1360 Beverly Road, #300, McLean, VA 22101

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HO ME & R EA L E STATE

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 11

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HO ME & R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

How to Benefit from Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

by Falls Church News-Press

Virginia homeowners seeking to enhance their residences with energy-efficient technologies and improvements can take advantage of substantial federal tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. These incentives aim to promote sustainable home upgrades, offering financial benefits for those investing in energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) The IRA extends and expands the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, allowing homeowners to claim a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of eligible energy-efficient home improvements made annually, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year. Qualifying upgrades include: Exterior Doors: Credit of up to $250 per door, with a total annual limit of $500.

Exterior Windows and Skylights: Credit of up to $600 annually.

Insulation and Air Sealing Materials: Credit of up to $1,200 annually.

Home Energy Audits: Credit of up to $150 annually.

Notably, certain high-efficiency equipment, such as heat pumps and biomass stoves, qualify for a separate annual credit of up to $2,000. This means homeowners can potentially claim a total of $3,200 in tax credits each year by combining various eligible improvements. (energy.virginia.gov) Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D) For those investing in renewable energy systems, the Residential Clean Energy Credit offers a 30 percent tax credit on the cost of installations, including: • Solar Panels • Solar Water Heaters

• Fuel Cells • Small Wind Turbines • Geothermal Heat Pumps • Battery Storage Systems

This credit is available for systems installed through 2032, providing a significant incentive for homeowners to transition to clean energy solutions. (energy. virginia.gov) Floor Efficiency Improvements Improving floor insulation and efficiency is another effective way for homeowners to reduce energy costs and qualify for tax credits. Properly insulated floors can prevent heat loss, particularly in homes with unconditioned basements or crawl spaces. Tax credits of up to $1,200 per year are available for floor insulation projects under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. These improvements not only enhance comfort but also contribute to significant energy savings over time.

Charging Infrastructure Incentives

The IRA also encourages the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the necessary charging infrastructure: Home EV Chargers: Tax credit covering 30 percent of the cost of installing a home EV charger, up to $1,000, for residents in eligible low-income or rural areas.

These incentives aim to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible and affordable for Virginia residents. (energy.virginia.gov) State-Level Incentives While the federal government provides these substantial tax credits, Virginia homeowners should also explore state-specific programs that may offer additional benefits.

For instance, the Virginia Department of Energy highlights various incentives and resources available to residents

seeking to improve home energy efficiency. (energy.virginia. gov) Maximizing Benefits

To fully leverage these incentives, homeowners are advised to: Consult with Certified Professionals: Ensure that all installations meet the required efficiency standards and are performed by qualified technicians.

Maintain Detailed Records: Keep receipts and documentation of all improvements and installations to facilitate the tax credit application process.

Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on both federal and state programs, as policies and available credits may change over time.

By taking advantage of these tax credits, Virginia homeowners can not only reduce their environmental impact but also achieve significant savings on home improvement projects.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 13

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

PAGE 14 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

Real Estate

October 1 – December 31, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Top 5 F.C. Home Sales

1. 6907 Hutchison St. Falls Church, VA 22043 • 2. 6519 33rd St. Falls Church, VA 22043 3. 1307 Robinson Pl. Falls Church, VA 22046 4. 6627 Fisher Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 • 5. 2024 Kilgore Rd. Falls Church, VA 22043

#2 $2,584,304

#1 $3,039,593 #3 $2,545,000

#5 $2,387,000

#4 $2,500,000

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

Home Sales Vs. 1 Year Ago

Home Prices Vs. 1 Year Ago

Change in # of Homes Sold:

Change in Average Home Price:

Price: 4Q ‘23 vs 4Q ‘24

4Q ‘23 vs 4Q ‘24

START 2025 IN YOUR DREAM HOME!

Helping Our Clients Buy, Sell, and Invest!

Kathy Pippin, Realtor

16.61%

Change in Falls Church City (22046)

Change in Falls Church City (22046)

Change in Bailey’s X-roads (22041)

Change in Bailey’s X-roads (22041)

Change in Sleepy Hollow (22042)

Change in Sleepy Hollow (22042)

Change in Pimmit Hills (22043)

Change in Pimmit Hills (22043)

Change in Lake Barcroft (22044)

Change in Lake Barcroft (22044)

33.33%

Scan to get to know Kathy

Website: KathyPippinProperties.com 6707 Old Dominion Dr. #315 McLean, VA 22101

-21.74%

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 15

Email: Kathy@Kathypippinproperties.com Call/Text: 703-386-7896

Licensed in VA

-3.35%

46.77%

-2.49%

12.50%

38.16%

12.00%

28.83%

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Building Custom Homes Since 2007

WINNER NEWS-PRESS

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PAGE 16 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

HO ME & R EA L E STATE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial

Meet Your Home Experts

Albert Bitici -Bitici Group at KW Metro Center

Miller & Smith

Volatile interest rates and record low inventory continue to impact market conditions with some homes receiving multiple offers and selling in a matter of days, while others sit on the market despite multiple price reductions. Your choice of realtor, and how you prepare and present your home for selling can literally cost, or earn you tens of thousands of dollars... Don’t leave money on the table.

Several years ago, I created THE BITICI GROUP with a focus of providing the right advice to clients, backed by the highest level of customer service, and the best marketing.

For a smarter, personalized approach to buying, selling and investing in real estate, contact our award winning real estate team, THE BITICI GROUP at KW Metro Center.

Miller & Smith: Building Exceptional Communities for 60 Years.

Founded in 1964, Miller & Smith is a privately owned homebuilder known for crafting innovative, imaginative homes and communities in premier locations. Currently building in Brambleton, Belmont Bay, and launching soon in Richmond, VA, Miller & Smith blends style, functionality, and community into every project. With a legacy of award-winning design and over 20,000 homes delivered, the company has become a trusted name in the industry.

From first-time buyers to active adults, Miller & Smith offers tailored solutions that prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. Discover homes where life truly “Feels Like Coming Home.” Visit millerandsmith.com.

571.775.0468 • 703.224.6000 • thebiticigroup.com

Kathy Pippin

JD Callander & Ed Blanchard JD Callander and Ed Blanchard with Weichert Realtors both call Falls Church City home and bring 30 years of combined real estate experience and passion to their work. They are well known and respected agents who demonstrate success through integrity in all that they do.

They are experts on the local market, are attentive to details and truly care about their client’sneeds. They also love giving back to their beloved community through sponsoring the FCC Memorial Day Fun Run, HTG Games benefiting Falls Church City ES/PTA, Little League baseball plus many additional events. JD and Ed are honored to serve our community and feel a strong sense of responsibility in assisting homeowners through important life transitions.

millerandsmith.com

As a trusted real estate professional with deep knowledge of Falls Church and Northern Virginia, I’m dedicated to helping clients achieve their real estate dreams. My clients say it best: “Kathy is a wonderful realtor… kind, honest, and a good negotiator. She always goes above and beyond!” Whether buying, selling, or investing, I provide personalized service, expert negotiation, and seamless guidance throughout the process. Backed by Samson Properties – the #1 brokerage in the DMV in 2024 - I combine professionalism with local expertise.

703.408.0838 • Kathy@kathypippinproperties.com

ROCK STAR realty group

703.307.7003 • bethany.ellis@LNF.com

Happy New Year!

As the new year kicks off, it’s the perfect time to reflect on fresh beginnings! While many may think the colder months slow down the market, it is actually buzzing with potential and presenting exciting opportunities for both buyers and motivated sellers.

This year marks 20 years for me in the DMV real estate market. As I reach this important milestone, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement. It has been a celebration of relationships, hard work, and unforgettable memories.

It all started with a love for helping people find their dream home. This passion has grown into a commitment to guide my friends and clients through their life’s biggest decisions, with each unique adventure full of lessons and laughs. I’m deeply grateful for the bonds I have formed over the past 27 years while living and working in The Little City.

My community spirit runs deep – encouraging everyone to come together and thrive is my passion. Supporting our teachers and schools, affordable housing, charity events, and musicians creates relationships between neighbors and our local businesses. This positive impact makes my contributions even more meaningful.

A huge thank you to my clients, colleagues, and community for being part of this incredible experience. Cheers to 20 amazing years and many more to come! I’m thrilled to keep this journey going with my ROCK STAR realty group! My Rockstar team and I are dedicated to being your go-to resource for all things real estate and helping build lasting dreams.

Join us for our celebration on Feb 25th from 6-9 PM at Solace Outpost (444 W Broad St) - for New Orleans LIVE music, Mardi Gras fare, King Cake & More!

Floor Coverings International of Tysons Corner, VA

703.867.8674 • ROCKSTARrealtygroup.com

703.821.1025 • JD@NewNovaHome.com

Bethany Ellis Bethany Ellis is a dedicated, full-time REALTOR® with 19 years of experience, proudly serving all of Falls Church, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. Renowned for her commitment to exceeding client expectations, Bethany combines local market expertise, meticulous attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and clear communication to ensure every real estate transaction is seamless and stress-free.

Bethany’s extensive network of trusted professionals—including lenders, inspectors, contractors, and service providers—enables her to support clients with a wide range of real estate needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, building, investing, or simply looking for expert advice, Bethany is your trusted resource.

With a foundation built on referrals, integrity, and open communication, Bethany delivers exceptional service at every step. Trust her to guide you through your real estate journey with care and professionalism.

Floor Coverings International of Tyson’s is a locally owned and operated small business, Owners and 20-year Fall Church City Residents, Owen and Jenn Sullivan’s mission is to provide the best customer experience in the home improvement industry. They offer free in-home consultations run by one of their knowledgeable Design Associates . This allows their customers to shop a wide variety of flooring products in the comfort of their own homes. They provide competitive pricing and manufacture direct sourcing. Their professional and courteous installation teams are led by experienced flooring professionals. They also offer hardwood repairs and refinishing. Projects are backed by a minimum one-year install warranty. FCI of Tysons proudly serves Falls Church, Arlington, McLean and Vienna, along with neighboring zip codes and the District of Columbia. For more information visit https:// nwdca.floorcoveringsinternational.com or call 703-214-9175 to book schedule your free consultation today.

703.214.9175 • nwdca.floorcoveringsinternational.com

Pam Micciche- KW HBC Group Pam Micciche, a standout member of KW’s HBC Group, brings exceptional performance and deep local expertise as a native Washingtonian and a proud Falls Church City resident for over 20 years. When you work with Pam, you gain the support of a dedicated, full-service team committed to guiding you through every step of your real estate journey—whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. Pam offers a seamless experience, including complimentary home preparation services with an inhouse designer, help coordinating repairs and improvements, top-tier property marketing, expert negotiation skills, and meticulous management of the closing process. Licensed across the DMV, Pam is your trusted partner in achieving real estate success.

703.371.9343 • Pam@HBCGroupKW.com

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson As a Falls Church City native and small business owner Kelly strives to make buying and selling less overwhelming for her clients. Kelly opened STYLISH PATINA her Home+Gift shop in 2012 and has been a licensed Realtor since 2019. She has been recognized as a Platinum Producer by NVAR and Top Producer by Arlington Magazine. Kelly is known for her cutting edge marketing, business savvy and concierge approach to Real Estate. She and her team are able to manage all aspects of buying and selling a home: home prep, liquidation, organization, renovation, moving, and design. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Kelly has a passion for helping folks as they transition through life stages – needing a larger home for a growing family or downsizing. Kelly is a mother of 5 and understands the stress of moving with children and the overwhelm of transitioning out of a home you raised your family in when it comes time to simplify. These big life transitions are where she finds the most joy in helping families. If you are looking for a Realtor with compassion and commitment to making your next Real Estate transaction less stressful contact Kelly, 703-303-3700.

703.303.3700 • realestate@stylishpatina.com

Zimmermann Homes

We pride ourselves on building custom homes that are unrivaled in performance, beauty and durability. All Zimmermann Homes come standard with upgraded products and building techniques that result in an attractive, energy-efficient and low- maintenance home. Clients can custom design a home with Zimmermann’s talented architect or choose from dozens of established plans. You shop and pick your finishes with a stylish interior designer and the install is overseen by a seasoned project manager. Related documents are accessible via a shared construction-management system and the team’s Realtor can assist with lot acquisition or selling your home. The end result is a one-stop shop that often exceeds expectations.

Sales@Zimmermannhomes.com • zimmermannhomes.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 17

Richmond Report

For the first time in almost 30 years, the Commanders have a real shot at being in the Super Bowl. As a die-hard fan, I’ve been watching each game on the edge of my seat, daring to hope that this could be our year. And after the team’s tumultuous few years, I think we’ve earned a win.

It reminds me a lot of the transformation of the Virginia House of Delegates. When I started in the House of Delegates, Democrats were a superminority, with just 33 of 100 seats.

Kind of like going 4-13 during an NFL Season. Then, in 2017 we got to 49, and, but for a random drawing, could have tied the House. The next cycle we took over in 2019. Through the height of the pandemic, we did our best to navigate those uncertain times while also fulfilling our campaign promises to our constituents. After losing the majority in 2021, we once again came out on top in the 2023 election with a 51-49 majority.

We are accustomed to working hard, to keeping our commitments, and working to ensure that Virginia remains the best place to live, to work, and raise a family.

We’ve got over 2,000 bills pending in the House and Senate, so we have our work cut out for us these few weeks before Crossover!

Possibly the biggest news of the week was that the House passed our top three Constitutional Amendments – the right to reproductive freedom (HJ 1), the right to vote (HJ 2), and the right to marriage equality (HJ 9). For these Amendments to get on the ballot so that you can vote on them, we’ll have to pass them all again during the 2026 Session. But we are that much closer to enacting these critical freedoms and protections.

Adding to this, President Biden declared that the ERA is now the law of the land as one of his last official acts. This is largely thanks to Virginia becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in 2020.

The State Budget As Chair of the Freedom of Information Advisory Council, I submitted two budget amendments that will address the Council’s increased workload while ensuring its ability to fulfill its duties. One provides increased funding to the Council’s base appropriation to reflect operational cost increases.

The second provides funding for two positions to increase staffing to address growing workload requirements, particularly regarding the statewide training for state and local officials and requests for formal and informal opinions.

Now that I represent Lake Barcroft and its watershed district, I submitted an amendment to address a critical infrastructure project. This amendment provides $500,000 of state funding for maintenance required at the Lake Barcroft Dam. This is a result of the Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Division of Dam Safety’s updated certification regulations and is just a small part of the overall $8 million funding needed for this project.

My Legislative Agenda During this 46-day short session (which has a bill introduction limit), I submitted 15 bills and one joint study resolution. Here are a few highlights.

I introduced a bill authorizing localities to establish by ordinance a system of public campaign financing for local elected offices (HB 1761). This is part of my long-standing commitment to campaign finance reform.

My HB 2039 requires the Department of Criminal Justice Services, in consultation with the FOIA Council, to establish a model policy on the use of encrypted telecommunications by law-enforcement agencies. Most likely, this bill will be referred to the FOIA Council for further review.

At the request of the Falls Church City Council, I submitted HB 2137 to add the City of Falls Church to the list of localities with authority to create an affordable dwelling unit program.

While it is already illegal to put swastikas in public areas with the intent to intimidate, HB 2783 simply adds private property to that list.

For several years now, I’ve had a little banned book library outside my Richmond office. My joint resolution, HJ 440, directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the removal of books from Virginia’s public school libraries.

Just as the Commanders have worked hard to improve their standing in the NFL, we are working hard to represent our constituents and uphold our progressive values. While some of our goals may take some time to achieve, we will do what we can to make sure we ultimately come out on top.

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CA L E NDA R

PAGE 18 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. Thursday, Jan. 23 Passport Music Festival January 10 – February 1, 2025 Creative Cauldron 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Creative Cauldron’s popular “Passport Music Festival” concert series is back again for the 14th year. The festival features music from some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the DMV and beyond! The Series is curated by Wammy Award-winning artists Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau. Launching on January 10 and running through February 1, 2025, the series highlights folk, Latin, jazz, soul, blues, and world music, with many fusion bands that blend musical styles. Tier One Seats $30, Tier 2 Seats $25, Table for 2 $90 (includes two glasses of wine),​ Table for 4 $180 (includes one bottle of wine) ​Live Stream $15 Obtain tickets at creativecauldron.org eBook Clinic John Marshall Library 6209 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310 Learn about library eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as how to access them on your compatible device! Call for an appointment; please bring your charged device and associated password(s). Adults. Call 703.971.0010.

Eurogames 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Walter Reed Senior Center 2909 16th St S, Arlington, VA 22204 Eurogames are a genre of tabletop games that emphasize strategy, skill and player interaction over luck and conflict. Join 55+ Center Director Jennifer Weber for a rotation of games including Wingspan, Tickets to Ride, Settlers of Catan and more. Feel free to bring a game to share. Beginners welcome.

Falls Church Fiber Artists 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Drop in for this informal weekly group to knit and crochet. Share what you're creating. Get advice from other knitters and crocheters. Or just chat while you work on your own project! All are welcome. Ages 18 + Winter Storytime 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join our children’s librarians for songs, stories, and rhymes! Age Group: For preschool Ages 2 - 4. Please pick ONLY ONE story time per week to attend. See children's desk for ticket upon arrival.

We give out tickets starting at 10am.

Playtime with Early Literacy Center 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 We will have our Early Literacy center available for free play for an hour after story time.

Drop in, no registration or tickets required.

Age Group: Preschool (Ages 0 - 4), Infants (Ages 0 - 24 months), Preschool (Ages 2 - 4) One-on-One Technology Help at City of Fairfax Library 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

City of Fairfax Regional Library 10360 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030 Do you need help with technology? Our volunteers can answer questions and help with basic troubleshooting, such as setting up email accounts, creating a word

document, searching the internet, accessing your photos, installing apps and using your phone or other devices. Please bring the device you're struggling with and any passwords needed to access it. Limit 30 minutes per person when others are waiting.

Paths of Freedom Seekers 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ellanor C. Lawrence Park 5040 Walney Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 Listen to stories of African Americans who were forced to live and work on this farm.

Reflect on individuals’ stories of resistance and survival. Learn how enslaved communities and freedom seekers have forged a path of resiliency throughout American history. Ages 8-Adult. Cost: $8.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Resolutions for a Healthier You: Brain Health Tips 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Kensington Falls Church 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 This engaging session from Virginia Hospital Center will provide valuable insights and practical tips for improving your brain health in the new year. Learn how to set achievable mental fitness resolutions and incorporate fun, 30-minute brain games to boost cognitive function and keep your mind sharp. No fee to attend and open to all!

Solace Outpost Trivia Night 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Solace Outpost 444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join us for live trivia every Tuesday and Thursday presented by Pour House Trivia! Come drink, eat and win! First place teams: $30 gift card. Second place teams: $20 gift card.

Friday, Jan. 24 Excellence in Exercise and Movement Summit January 24 – 28, 2025 Virtual January 24–28, 2025 What if exercise and movement could transport you to a new realm and transform your life? Come learn and experience exercise and movement in a whole new way, from new frontiers in science, to tackling mental and emotional obstacles that get in the way of your routine or even pursuing high performance. Register for a FREE ticket at: mindbodyliteracy.com Click on "Free Online Summit" Quinn's Auction Galleries Fine and Decorative Arts Auction 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Quinn's Auction Galleries 360 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Fine and Decorative Arts Auction featuring Asian, American, European, and Modern arts, a fine selection of American portraiture, fine prints and etchings, a collection of antique furniture, a variety of fine jewelry, a selection of silver and an array of Asian decorative arts.

Live online-only auctions are held on LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, and through our website. NO in-person floor bids. We will be accepting phone bids placed with the gallery. For a phone bid form, please email lori.taylor@quinnsauction.com Use of Oil Sprays to Control Overwintering Insects 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Virtual

By Master Gardeners of NoVa: Scale insects, mites,

and adelgid insects are among the most injurious and most common insect pests in our landscape that can be controlled with low-impact horticultural oil sprays. Learn about these sap sucking insects, their particular host plants, their life cycles, and optimal timing and methods for controlling them. Find out how you can work with and encourage natural predators and reduce pesticide use to keep your landscape plants healthy and free of these pests.

Free. RSVP at http://mgnv.org/rsvp-for-publiceducation-classes to receive a link to participate.

Girls Basketball & Youth Night 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043 Meridian Girls Basketball will honor its senior class players AND host its annual youth night. Spirit items and concessions, including chick-fil-a, will be offered from the Mustang Athletic Boosters. Elementary School Students will receive free admission with a paying adult (please wear your rec team jersey or school T-shirt). Tickets can be purchased at the door through GoFan or online. (no cash sales). JV Game – 6:00 p.m., Varsity Game – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25 Chinese New Year Festival 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042 New Year Parade, Asian cuisines, live performances, kids activities, crafts exhibitions, culture exposure, job opportunities and so much more. Admission: $5.00 Adults, Children 6-12 $2.00, under 6 Free. For more information: 703.868.1509 VOLUNTEER SERVICE DAY 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 Join us as we work to keep our park healthy and beautiful! Assist with invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, and other projects as needed.

Come dressed for and prepared to work outdoors.

Gloves and snippers are recommended, but extras may be provided if needed. Meet at the picnic shelter (located in main parking lot). Free and appropriate for ages 9 and up. In the event of inclement weather, event may be cancelled (participants will be notified if so). Participants must preregister! Register at www.novaparks.com Birth Art with Amoula the Doula 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join Amoula the Doula at the library!

Whether you are trying to conceive, expecting parents, parents, or anyone who had experience with birth or pregnancy loss, you are invited to participate in some birth art! Birth Art is a journey that takes you from external understanding to deeper, inner knowing. Register at www.mrspl.org Garden Talk - Easy Garden Makeover Tips 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Do you have an area of your garden that you want to plan or rework? Are you tired of your current landscape design or lack of one? Does your landscape meet your needs? With a little bit of knowledge, planning and effort you can brighten your garden with dazzling color. Extension Master Gardener docents lead you through this “do-over” class to help you determine your needs and rethink your garden space to better match your style. (Ages 16-Adult) Price: $12.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

Polar Plunge 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mosaic District 2910 District Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031 Polar Plunge is back at Mosaic! Gather your friends (and your nerves) and Go All In for Special Olympics Virginia. Every penny we raise supports 23,000 athletes of all abilities. Break out your swimsuit, because it’s time for a chilly pool plunge with several hundred of the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Northern VA! We’ve got cool incentives and a costume contest for the fanciest plungers! Never taken the plunge? It just might be the coolest thing you ever do! The water might be a little chilly, but the only thing you’ll feel is great. It’s a big day of feel good fun for an even greater cause. Register at www.mosaicdistrict.com Family Fun - Glasshouse Exploration 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Escape the cold winter weather and transport yourself to the tropics. Explore our glasshouse and learn about their history as well as the plants in our collection and their warm native environments. Create your own mini glasshouse with seeds to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program. (5-Adult) Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

ARTfactory 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 Each year the area high school students are invited to share their talent by participating in a high school art exhibit and competition.

The competition encourages student expression and creativity in a professional setting.

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 Join us for an evening with author Matthew C. Halteman as he discusses his new book, HUNGRY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS! Joining him in discussion is Kitty Block, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. Halteman shows us how—despite all the forces arrayed against going vegan— we can create an abundant life for everyone without using animals for food. It might seem that moral rectitude or environmental judgement should do the trick, but they can’t.

Going vegan must be about flourishing, for all life. Shame and blame don’t lead to flourishing. We must do it with joy instead. Free.

Register at www.onemorepagebooks.com Campfire Night Hike - Predators at Night 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Enjoy a night hike to learn about nocturnal hunters. Listen to taped calls of owls and coyotes and possibly catch a glimpse of them in the forest. End the evening with s'mores round the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program. Ages 4 to Adult. Price: $10.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Improvicon of Northern Virginia 6 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Alden Theatre 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101 The best of the best improv groups in Northern Virginia (& DC, LOL) go head-to-head, toe-to-toe and joke-to-joke to see who walks away with the coveted Improvicon Trophy

and a year’s worth of bragging rights! It’s like “Whose Line is it Anyway?”, but with your screwball suggestions! Tickets are $20/$15.

Buy tickets at www.mcleancenter.org

Sunday, Jan. 26 American Sign Language Class 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Interested in learning American Sign Language? Come learn from members of the Meridian High School American Sign Language Honor Society (ASLHS). This four-session series of classes is intended for beginners. ASLHS aims to enhance the learning experience for ASL learners by engaging in service-learning projects that benefit the ASL community. More information here: ASL Students | ASLHS (aslhonorsociety.org) Register at www.mrspl.org Maple Syrup Boil Down 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Colvin Run Mill 10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 The sap is rising and the maple trees are tapped.

Now its sugaring time! Bundle up to brave the weather, and watch and learn as sap is boiled down into delicious, sweet syrup over an open fire.

Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over cornbread, made from Colvin Run cornmeal.

While supplies last. This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately. Ages 6-Adult Price: $8.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Loose Watercolor Landscapes 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Learn simple watercolor techniques like washes, blending, and layering. Discover how to suggest details and depth without overworking your painting. Follow step-by-step guidance to complete your own, unique landscape. This workshop is designed to make you feel confident and inspired to continue your watercolor journey. Price: $75.00 including supplies. Register at www.fallschurchartsgallery.org Falls Church City Community Cleanup 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Karma Yoga: Classes, Community & Retreats 246-A W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join us for our monthly community service to the City of Falls Church. We will be collecting trash in community spaces near the studio, such as sidewalks, parking lots and the sides of streets. Collected items will be disposed of or recycled. We will provide biodegradable bags and gloves for collection. Call or text (703) 596-4789 for more information.

Family Feud: An Afternoon of Fun & Friendly Competition!

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Kensington Falls Church 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 This exciting event invites families and friends to come together for a fun-filled afternoon of laughter, competition, and friendly rivalry. Participants will compete in teams to answer survey questions and rack up points, just like on the classic TV game show! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first timer, everyone is welcome to join the fun. This event is open to the public, so gather your friends, family, and neighbors for a night of entertainment and camaraderie. Light refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your family knowledge and claim victory in this interactive game night! No fee to attend and open to all!

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CA L E NDA R

JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 19

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. Alon Goldstein Piano Recital 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church 3241 Brush Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042 The internationally acclaimed Israeli pianist, Alon Goldstein, returns to Odeon! He never fails to mesmerize the audience with his artistry, brilliant technique, and innovative program. This concert will includes works by J.S. Bach, Schubert, Chopin, Bernstein, and Philip Glass. Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.

Monday, Jan. 27 Family Movie Night: Ratatouille 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Grab your favorite people and join us for a screening of a fun movie. This program is a great way for families to enjoy an evening out together. All movies in this series are rated G or PG. Caregivers are invited to join their child for the movie. Caregivers not partaking in the movie must stay in the library for the duration of the program. Caregivers of children under the age of 9 must remain in the room. Register at www.mrspl.org

Tuesday, Jan. 28 Tuesday Morning Book Group 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 For January we will be discussing Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo. A general book discussion held roughly every 6 weeks from September through June, usually on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Focuses on a variety of fiction and nonfiction titles selected in advance (over the summer) by the group. Special book group copies can be requested on a first come, first serve basis by emailing circ@ fallschurchva.gov. Register at www.mrsply.org Falls Church Chamber Event: Networking Mixer 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Founders Row, 109 Founders Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046, Clubroom Founders Row is hosting the January mixer in the Clubroom. This allows us room to expand our networking with other groups. Join us as we network with members of the Greater McLean Chamber, and others as they confirm. Prospective

members are welcome. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes and there is no fee. www.fallschurchchamber.org Preserving History at Tinner Hill 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join Edwin Bancroft Henderson II for a presentation on the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation's effort to create and develop the Tinner Hill Historic and Cultural District and other efforts to preserve the rich African American and Civil Rights legacy in the City of Falls Church. Presented in partnership with the Historical Society of Fairfax County, Virginia. Register at www.mrspl.org Great Books Discussion Series 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Virtual A "Great Books" discussion concentrating on literary classics (both traditional and modern) usually meeting at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.

The group will discuss “In a Grove,” by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa (1922). Pages 3–11 (ending with “Beyond this was only darkness...unknowing and unknown”). “In a Grove” was the basis for Akira Kurosawa’s 1950s film, Rashomon. All are welcome.

Please email Amy Azzam at amyazzam@ gmail.com (the group's volunteer coordinator) for a Zoom invite or more information.

Celebrate the Release of SLEEP GROOVE 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 Join us as we celebrate the release of Sleep Groove: Why Your Body's Clock Is So Messed up and What To Do About It. Olivia Walch, the author of SLEEP GROOVE, will be in conversation with author and reporter Walt Hickey. An accessible, engaging tour of sleep and circadian science from an expert. With a sleep-wonk’s attention to detail tempered by approachable graphs and illustrations, this myth-busting guide to sleep is the perfect introduction to how circadian science can demystify your nights and help reset your days.

Register at www.onemorepagebooks.com

Wednesday, Jan. 29 Body Dynamics Class: Dance Fitness 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Body Dynamics Inc 410 S Maple Ave #100, Falls Church, VA 22046

A 55-minute dance class for all levels. No previous experience necessary. Dynamic warm-up, mobility and stability challenges, aerobic challenges, all through the lens of a lively dance class. Emphasis will be placed on use of proper body mechanics to facilitate increased body awareness. Each class will devote time to learning a dance combination which challenges the dancer to develop their own style of movement!

Register ghegyi@bodydynamicsinc.com Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Most of us are always on the go in some capacity, tasking ourselves to keep things running smoothly or remedying situations that aren’t going as we hoped. The practice of mindfulness meditation gives us the skills to step out of our habitual mode of doing, and allows us to have mindful recognition of what is present here and now. In our group setting we investigate the practical application of bringing mindfulness into our daily lives. Open to beginners and experienced meditators. Register at www.mrspl.org Sensory-friendly Time at Cub Run Leisure Pool 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cub Run Rec Center 4630 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151 Enjoy the indoor water park at Cub Run this winter. The indoor water park features a water playground with slides, water jets and sprays; a lazy river; and large tube slides for those 48 inches or taller.

Sensory-friendly times at the Cub Run Rec Center Leisure Pool welcome individuals and families who need spaces with reduced sensory input. Experience limited capacity, reduced sounds and staff trained to respond to children with special needs.

Register at. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

AMERICAN DREAMS

Eden Center: Celebrate the Year of the Snake 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eden Center 6751-6799 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22044 Come to Falls Church's famous Eden Center to celebrate the Year of the Snake One More Page Books Birthday!

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 It's our birthday! Join us to celebrate 14 years of One More Page Books!

Critter Corner

We all deserve the freedom to live in safety.

IN REALITY LGBTQ+ people are nearly 4 times more likely to be victims of violent crime.

Get the facts and hear real stories at LoveHasNoLabels.com

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CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM

WILLIAMS INSTITUTE, 2020

PAGE 20 | JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 HOME IMPROVEMENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA Monday, January 27, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

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(TR24-30) RESOLUTION TO AMEND CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD: “BICYCLE MASTER PLAN” The Bicycle Master Plan has a vision for bicycle facilities that provide connections to and between the City’s commercial areas and neighborhoods, transit facilities, schools, regional bicycle facilities, and designated bicycle routes in neighboring jurisdictions for comfortable and safe travel by people of all ages and abilities. The amended Bicycle Master Plan: Connecting Communities, is a guiding document for implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, and notes the numerous benefits of enabling bicycling as a safe and accessible form of transportation.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings.

The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

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JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 21

PAGE 22 |JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025

LO CA L

Meridian Mustang Girls Top Skyline in Big Road Win

by Shawn R. Friesen

On Friday, the Meridian Mustangs girls basketball team hit the road for a matchup with the Skyline Hawks.

The Mustangs kept their winning ways going—topping the Hawks 60 to 34. The win marked the Mustangs’ fourth straight double-digit win, and they improved their record to 8-3 on the season.

Coach Chris Carrico’s Mustangs again brought a balanced attack as they have all season, which included well-rounded contributions

across the team. Senior Ellie Friesen led all scorers with 20 points, hitting 6 threepointers, while also bringing down 6 rebounds, and fellow senior Nora Stufft also got on offensive roll, scoring 15 while securing 7 rebounds of her own. Sophomore Charlotte Lieu added 9 points to go with an impressive 6 assists and 4 rebounds while fellow sophomore Rose Weatherly contributed 6 points to go with 5 assists. Freshman Bridget Creed was also a presence underneath the basket, pulling down 7 rebounds and adding

4 points to the win. Junior Zoe Gale was a defensive presence all game and finished the night with 2 points, and fellow junior Anisa Frey rounded out the scoring with 4 points of her own.

The Mustangs will return home Tuesday, January 21, for a matchup against Warren County, and they will also be home next Friday against Fauquier County, when they will honor the graduating seniors on the team. Mustang fans, come out and cheer on the Mustangs as they seek to keep their winning streak going.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C ritter C orner

BELLA, OUR GOOFY three year old Greater Swiss mountain dog, and Chessie, our 12-year old chocolate lab, are too wiggly to capture together in one picture! They both wish they were lap dogs and love causing chaos with our three kiddos.

(Photo:Sarah) Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Please send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

Will Davis Buzzer Beater Lifts Meridian Over Skyline

by Ryan McCafferty

The Meridian Mustangs were back home last Friday to complete their four-game stand, and this one was the big one.

The Skyline Hawks were in town, bringing on a matchup of the top two powerhouses in the Northwestern District, with Meridian entering the game still unbeaten at 10-0 while Skyline was 10-1. If the Mustangs’ 45-40 victory in the Junior Varsity prelude – with tensions already high both on the court and in the stands – was any indication, this crowd was in for a treat.

Things got off to a frantic start, with both teams scoring at will on their opening few possessions. A John Alverson layup gave the Mustangs the game’s first points, and they led 6-5 after a series of traded baskets. Skyline then scored the next six points before Meridian came back to go ahead 14-13,

but that would be the last time the home team would lead for quite a while. The Mustangs trailed 18-20 after a quarter, and then after the pace considerably slowed down in the next frame, they fell behind by double digits late in the half before Marquis Myles got them back within 26-35 on an impressive shot at the intermission buzzer. A harbinger of things to come, perhaps.

Meridian was able to hang around through the third quarter, but it seemed like every time the Mustangs gained some momentum, they would stall out as they struggled to string scoring possessions together.

They trailed 38-45 heading into the fourth and briefly cut it to two on a John Lyman three early in the frame, but found themselves back down by six in the closing minutes.

That’s when Billy Asel hit a massive corner three in transi-

tion, and from that point on, it was a full-on nailbiter. Myles converted a three-point play with just over a minute to go to bring the Mustangs within one, and then a turnover on Skyline’s inbounds pass led to a Jarrett Jardine layup to take the lead. The Hawks got to the free throw line on their following possession and made one of two, evening the score at 54 apiece, and Meridian was determined to make the ensuing trip down the floor the final one of regulation.

What happened next won’t be forgotten anytime soon by anyone in attendance at the packed Falls Church gymnasium. After killing off most of the remainder of the clock, Jardine began his drive to the basket but slipped, and the ball rolled around for what seemed like an eternity before it found its way into the hands of Will Davis, Meridian’s star sharp-

shooter who hadn’t been able to find his stroke behind the arc all night long. But Davis never hesitated as he hoisted his shot with only about a second remaining, and the moment it left his hands, he and the rest of the building knew it would fall right through the bottom of the net. Time expired, and Davis was mobbed by his teammates in a raucous scene at center court, capping off a thrilling 57-54 victory for the ages.

“Everything happens for a reason, I guess,” Davis remarked postgame of his struggles leading up to that point. “But that’s why you always got to just keep shooting.”

Head coach Jim Smith, meanwhile, was most proud of his team’s hustle in recovering the loose ball.

“We knew it was all going to come down to whoever won that play,” he noted. “When you get

p.m., while on scene for a shoplifting that just occurred, the victim reported a prior shoplifting incident on Jan 13 at 4:30 p.m. that involved the same suspect. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9” in height, roughly 180 pounds, with facial hair, wearing sunglasses, a dark jacket, white T-shirt,

dark pants, and a black backpack.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h CR IME R EPORT Fraud – Credit Card, Forest Dr, between Dec 24, 2024, and Jan 17 at 6:00 p.m., victim reported multiple fraudulent charges were made to their card, as well as withdrawals from their account.

p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’9” in height, roughly 180 pounds, with facial hair, wearing a blue bandana, black jacket, blue shirt, tan pants, and a black backpack.

Shoplifting, Hillwood Ave, Jan 17, 9:22

Shoplifting, Hillwood Ave, Jan 17, 9:45

Continued from Page 7

Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Jan 18, 2:04 PM, a female, 24, of Arlington, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Public Intoxication, Wilson Blvd, Jan 19, 9:03 PM, a male, 35, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

a broken play, sometimes those are the easiest opportunities you’ll get. If (Skyline) recovers it, they’re running back the other way and scoring.”

This win carries an even more special magnitude for Smith.

Though he humbly downplayed its significance to keep the focus on his players, it was the 550th victory of his decorated career, spanning between stops at McLean High School and Chantilly High School before arriving at Meridian. Smith came out of retirement in 2021 to coach the Mustangs after spending nearly three decades at Chantilly.

Davis’ buzzer-beating three ended up giving him the team lead in scoring, with 12 on the night, while Lyman was the only other Mustang in double figures with 11. Meridian will have another busy week ahead next week, with a road game vs Fauquier on Friday.

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JANUARY 23 - 29, 2025 | PAGE 23

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