Falls Church News-Press 1-24-2024

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January 25 - 31, 2024 Founded 1991 • V o l . X X X III N o . 50

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Four Days POWER OF F.C. WOMEN Left To Enjoy F.C. Restaurant Week Specials ‘Restaurant Week’ Runs Through This Sunday

by Brian Reach

Falls Church News-Press

One week into the ten-day event, eateries across The Little City are bustling with customers — old and new — signs of a successful return for the City of Falls Church Restaurant Week. The annual event, run by the News-Press for seven years (2013-2019) before the Covid-19 pandemic postponed the eighth event planned for late March 2020, has changed a bit for 2024, with the City hiring outside public relations THE DAIS AT MONDAY’S meeting of the Falls Church City Council was filled with all women. Not only was the City Council itself all firm Proxima PR to revive the women, with Council member David Snyder away on business, but assistant city manager Jenny Carroll filled in for Wyatt Shields, event as a ten-day January event who was ill. Then there were the two City Clerk’s office people, assistant manager Cindy Mester. and City Attorney Sally Gillette. exclusive to eateries within City So, the powerhouse congregation included (front row, L to R), Carroll, Mester, Gillette, Sophie Kachur, Celeste Heath, and (back limits. row, L to R) Council members Justine Underhill, Marybeth Connelly, Mayor Letty Hardi, Debbie Schantz-Hiscott, Caroline Lian, and Despite the snowstorm and Erin Flynn. (Photo: News-Press) icy blast that coincided with the first day of the event last Friday, Falls Church Restaurant Week is back with a bang, and feedback from participating eateries by Nicholas F. Benton ine, and the aftermath of the In the spring of 1967 he his seat. McCall joined the prohighlight the positive impact the Falls Church News-Press Rwandan genocide, but never met his future wife Barbara fessional staff of the United event has on the community. We lost his optimism and his unfail- Coy. They briefly moved to States Senate Committee on reached out to seven participants Richard Lee “Dick” McCall, ing sense of humor.

Hawaii but they moved back to Foreign Relations in 1978, and to gather insights on how this Jr., former president of the Falls McCall was born in Detroit, Cheyenne and were married on was promoted to deputy staff year’s event is shaping up.

Church Citizens for a Better Michigan on May 6, 1942 to January 27, 1968. director in 1979.

Harvey’s is Participating in City and a highly prestigious Richard Lee McCall, Sr. and After covering U.S. Senator In 1980, President Jimmy Falls Church Restaurant Week and talented leader, in a unique- Virginia McCall. He had a sister Gale McGee’s re-election Carter nominated McCall as for their first time since open- ly solid and level-headed way, (Nancy) and two brothers (Mike campaign in 1970, he joined Assistant Secretary of State ing in 2021, Harvey’s (513 W. both internationally and locally, and Donn). He was educated at McGee’s Senate staff as a leg- for International Organization Broad St.) has been thrilled with died at age 81 last week.

Hastings College, receiving a islative aide and moved to Affairs and McCall subsequentthe turnout. Despite a slow McCall passed away January B.A. in Biology in 1964.

Virginia. He held the position ly held the office from June 10, daytime crowd as the snow fell 18 at his home in Easton, Md. After a couple years work- until 1977, when he became 1980 to January 21, 1981 when on Friday, traffic picked up that where he had relocated in recent ing as field representative at the legislative aide to Democratic Carter left office. evening, thanks to Restaurant years after many years living Teton National Life Insurance Senator and 1968 Presidential McCall later served in Week. and raising his family in Falls Company and as a chemist for candidate Hubert Humphrey of the United States Agency for “We have seen a good amount Church. He was widely regard- the Wyoming State Highway Minnesota.

International Development of new guests coming in to try ed as an outstanding public ser- Department, he worked as a After Senator Humphrey’s In the early 1990s, his efforts us,” said owner/chef Thomas vant driven by a powerful moral staff writer for the United Press death in 1978, McCall served focused bringing peace to El suasion.

International in Cheyenne, under Humphrey’s widow, He witnessed war, fam- Wyoming, from 1968 to 1971.

Muriel, who was appointed to Continued on Page 4 Continued on Page 5

F.C.’s Esteemed Richard McCall Dies at Age 81

PAGE 2 | JANUARY 25 - 30, 2024

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 3

LEARN MORE FALLSCHURCHRW.COM

JANUARY 19-28, 2024

Join us at these participating restaurants for 10 days of deliciousness!

Audacious Aleworks - Badd Pizza - Bakeshop - Borek-G - Café Kindred Caribbean Plate - Chasin’ Tails - Clare & Don’s - Cuates Grill - Disturbingly Delicious Foods - Dogwood Tavern - Dominion Wine & Beer - Ellie Bird Harvey’s - Hot N Juicy Crawfish - Ireland’s Four Provinces - Izaka Donburi Kyo Matcha - Kyuramen - La Tingeria - Luzmila's Bolivian Restaurant - Moby Dick’s Kabobs - Northside Social - Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese - Panjshir Restaurant - Phở Gà Vàng - Pizzeria Orso - Preservation Biscuit - Rare Bird Coffee Roasters - Roll Play - Scramble - Sfizi Café - Solace Outpost - Taco Rock TeaDM Plus - The Falls - The Happy Tart -Thompson Italian - Vivi Bubble Tea

PAGE 4 | JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Restaurant Week 2024: Four Days Remain

Continued from Page 1

Harvey, “and I think that makes Falls Church Restaurant Week a glowing success.” Harvey says 60-70 percent of all guests this week have opted for their specially curated Restaurant Week menu, a three-course meal starting with either salad or soup, followed by a choice of four feature entrees, and finishing with one of three delicious dessert options, all at a special rate of just $45.

Harvey’s also expressed gratitude to Tricia Barba and Falls Church Economic Development for their effective marketing efforts, acknowledging their major role in the success of this new Restaurant Week.

Cuates Grill is One of three Mexican food eateries participating in Restaurant Week, Cuates Grill (502 W. Broad St.) says Restaurant Week has provided a much-needed boost to business. “Restaurant business has been slower than usual,” said co-owner Luis Merchan, “this program is definitely help-

ing, and the little business that we have was because of it.”

Cuates opened its Falls Church location in December 2021 making this the location’s first Falls Church Restaurant Week.

The chain opened its first restaurant in Georgetown in 2008, followed by an Alexandria location in 2014. Upon mentioning Falls Church Restaurant Week, guests will enjoy one complimentary dessert, and 15 percent off their bill of $75 or more.

Dominion Wine & Beer (107 Rowell Ct.) is enjoying the opportunity Falls Church Restaurant Week has provided to feature their plans for expansion. Initially a retail wine and beer store, Dominion expanded in 2018, adding a second floor full-service restaurant and bar.

“For us at Dominion, [Restaurant Week] was a great opportunity to showcase what is coming in the future for our culinary program with our partnership with the Brick House Butcher next door,” said Arash Tafakor, who co-owns Dominion Wine and Beer with his brother Afsheen.

Tafakor says their Restaurant Week special featured three items exclusively sourced from Brick House. “Being able to get the word out about Brick House opening up and serving the residents of Falls Church definitely helped with the timing of Restaurant Week, so we couldn’t be happier,” he continued. Brick House Butcher (109 Rowell Ct.), also owned by the brothers, will open in February and offer a variety of fresh and ready-to-cook beef, poultry, seafood, and pork products.

The Tafakor brothers also plan to develop the former Stratford Motor Lodge (300 W. Broad St.), an eyesore which has sat shuttered for over two years, with another restaurant — their plan for the site was approved just last month by the Falls Church Planning Commission.

Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St.) has also enjoyed this year’s Restaurant Week. District manager Sam Saslowsky says the structure and organization provided by the organizers put a heavy emphasis on connecting

participating restaurants, resulting in what he calls “a cohesive, linked social media network and coordinated marketing strategy.”

Though Saslowsky says they’ve noticed snow days seeming to keep more people home than they did prior to 2020, they’ve received excellent feedback on their $35 prix fixe menu special — a three course meal starting with blue crab and corn fritters, followed by cajun shrimp and grits with Virginia ham, rounded off by house-made bananas foster bread pudding with caramel and ice cream.

“Dogwood Tavern was overjoyed to collaborate with the organizers in making Falls Church Restaurant Week a wellplanned and exciting offer for residents of The Little City,” Saslosky continued, “getting to be creative and offer some new takes on classic cajuninfluenced comfort food has been wonderful, and we look forward to continuing to serve our guests this fantastic fare over the course of the coming weekend.”

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Thompson Italian (124 N. Washington St.), participating in Restaurant Week for the first time, is also enjoying the event.

Despite some cancellations on Friday as the snow fell, they were fortunately busy that evening, and have remained so throughout the event. Their $50 three-course menu special for Restaurant Week includes one of three starters, three entrees, and three desserts, which they say was ordered by about 200 customers in the first four days of the event alone, representing about one third of their guests.

“It’s such a pleasure to welcome new guests to Thompson Italian, and we cherish the opportunity to connect with our regulars, whose support means the world to us,” said Katherine Thompson, co-owner of Thompson Italian, “Events like Restaurant Week highlight the vibrant and growing restaurant scene in Falls Church, and shine a spotlight on the excellent culinary experiences our city has to offer.”

Continued on Page 7

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 5

F.C. Council Votes Duncan Onto Planning Commission

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

The Falls Church City Council voted 5-1-1 Monday night to appoint former Councilman Phil Duncan to the Planning Commision after City Attorney Sally Gillette issued an opinion that the action was legal. A question had been raised about a City

Charter provision which states that no one from the Council can be appointed to another “office of profit” before a year has passed.

But Duncan said he would waive the $100 per month compensation for the position, even though it was noted that that sum could hardly be called means for making a profit.

The “no” vote came from Councilman Erin Flynn and the

abstention from Councilman David Snyder.

Duncan, who decided not to seek re-election to the Council after two terms on the Council, said in a statement, “As I understand the City Attorney, for me to be square with the rules, I will this year need to decline the $100 monthly stipend that Planning Commissioners receive for their work. I confirm

that I will decline that stipend for all of 2024.”

All other committee appointments were unanimous except for the reappointment of former Councilman Ross Litkenhous to the Economic Development Authority, which was a 6-1 vote (Snyder against).

Other appointments confirmed included Rachelle Dove, Economic

Development Authority, David Stile to the Environmental Sustainability Council, Pirouz Khanmalek to the Architectural Advisory Board, Sarah Coughter to the FairfaxFalls Church Community Services Board, Marsha Hertzberg to the Human Services Advisory Council and Jessica Hegenbart to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation.

Richard McCall, International and Local F.C. Leader, Dies at 81 Continued from Page 1

Salvador during their Civil War Conflict and later on Somalia and other humanitarian problems in the Horn of Africa. In the later 1990s, he focused on efforts at bringing peace to the African Great Lakes region, including conflicts in Sudan, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe.

He joined Creative Associates International, Inc., a professional services firm, in 2002, as senior vice president and chairman of its council of senior advisors.

His work there focused on stabilization of post-conflict situations in many places, including Afghanistan and Sudan.

As president of the CBC in Falls Church, McCall offered steady and wise leadership. He was a regular at the weekly information sharing lunches hosted by the Falls Church News-Press for years that included his updates on his latest readings of biographies of the Founding Fathers. He moved to Easton recently to be nearer his sons. When his sons, both graduates of Meridian (then George Mason) High School, were active football and basketball players, McCall was famously an avid fan attending and driving to attend countless events, and working the yardline markers at football games.

McCall is survived by his

wife Barbara, their two sons Josh and Chris, and his five grandchildren, Avery, Cole, Alaina, Lauren, and Sydney and Josh’s Partner Samantha Fitzhugh.

Through McCall’s commitment to democracy and human rights, he was able to positively impact many lives and contribute to the resolution of many conflicts around the world.

Remembering his colleague and old friend, former USAID Administrator Brian Atwood said “Dick McCall was the ideal public servant and as fine a human being as I have met.”

The family has offered a special thank you to Love in Your Home LLC for the incredible love and care they provided him

in his last days on a daily basis and has urged friends to consider donating to Rock Steady which was an integral part of Richard’s Parkinson’s Program that relies on donations at Rock Steady, YMCA of the Chesapeake, 111-1 E, Dover St., Easton, MD 21801 in memory of Richard McCall.

A viewing will be Friday January 26, 4-7 p.m. at the Everly Funeral Home, 1500 West Braddock Rd., Alexandra, Va., and a service will be held on Saturday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Va., followed by a procession at 12:30 p.m. to the Oakwood Cemetery in Falls Church, 401 N. Roosevelt St.,

Falls Church. It will be followed by a reception at the Gannon residence, 204 E. Columbia St.,Falls Church.

(McCall’s son Josh contributed to the compilation of this report)

Richard McCall

2024 NEXT WEEK

Winter Real Estate Section

Featuring Home Improvement

Contact:

Sue Johnson: sjohnson@fcnp.com 703-587-1282

PAGE 6 | JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

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Vol. XXXIII, No. 50 January 25 - 31, 2024 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

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E ditorial

E D I TO R I A L

Selfishness Must End

“Alexandria Civic Group Sues City to Preserve Single Family Neighborhoods” was the headline in the Post yesterday, a good summary that says it all. Even though the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to allow some diversity in housing types in the residential neighborhoods of Falls Church’s neighbor to the south, the citizens have protested loudly, as they did in Arlington and in Falls Church with its “nothing burger” transitional zone issue. In Falls Church’s case, the number of duplexes or other small apartment buildings that may arise from the recent transitional zones modification will truly be minimal.

But citizens throughout this region are routinely going apoplectic over the notion that severe housing shortages besieging us, contributing to general misery as well as homelessness and crime, must not even begin to encroach on their pristine neighborhoods. This is despite the well-documented fact, including by the late area journalist Cragg Hines, that single family zoning restrictions around here were overtly racist in their original motives, as so many other things were in these parts.

These days, people around here are not appearing to care in the slightest about the link of their current objections to such an overtly racist past, and frankly, prevailing current attitudes derive from the modern sense of entitlement that tries to justify the free exercise of “selfish self-interest” over all other considerations.

This is sure to erupt here again as our new State Senator Saddam Salim has introduced legislation in Richmond that will mandate jurisdictions take up the cause of permitting so-called “accessory dwelling units” in their communities.

Such “ADUs” will do a lot toward relieving the housing shortage crisis by encouraging, if not incentivizing, local residents to build small accessory flats in their backyards that can be rented or sold for far less than the average single family home which in Falls Church new averages over $1 million.

The Falls Church City Council took up consideration of the measure in order to record a stand on it for Richmond’s deliberations. It did not reject the idea at all, but deferred to a study of the matter that will ostensibly help shape a consensus. That’s OK, but it seems more like just a delaying tactic while the City recovers from the divisive t-zone issue before tackling this one.

Such delays only deepen the crisis, alas, and reflect the reluctance of selfabsorbed residents of this region to join their elected officials in taking up the very real housing shortage that will eventually overrun everything. Rather than opting for an orderly and reasonable solution that meets the demand that is only getting more and more exacerbated, perpetual delays will introduce chaos and even anarchy. Troubled inner city sidewalks lined with swelling disease-ridden homeless enclaves will not be kept out of our pristine neighborhoods, because we’re part of the urban landscape, like it or not.

The only solution is to grab the issue and act on it aggressively. Otherwise, selfishness will only lead to self-destruction.

Platform 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

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

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

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

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

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

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

L etters to E ditor CBS President Expresses Gratitude

Columbia Baptist Snow Removal

Editor, I saw last week’s News-Press and was bowled over with your coverage of the Citizens for a Better City event and editorial!

I want to again express how very much your thoughtful and kind words regarding CBC are appreciated. As you hinted at, for some of us in the Little City this is a time of reflection on and gratitude for where we’ve come from to where we are and a celebration of some of the key leaders and organizations behind that evolution. You and the News-Press have contributed mightily to this, and hopefully we’ll all continue to do our thing as we have in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

Editor, It’s about Columbia Baptist Church. They can afford a $40,000,000 addition, but not $100 to remove the snow around their property? The sidewalk around the church is shining ice.

What are pedestrians like me supposed to do? Walk on the street? Where cars are driving 50 mph? At least, stop talking about safety improvements.

Please look at the current issues.

Hal Lippman President, CBC

The Joys of Winter Backyard Bird Feeding Editor, The DMV is having a much more intense winter than we have had in several years, and while most of us are bundling up to go out, our avian neighbors can’t put on a hat and scarf.

Instead, they have feathers and layers of fat to help insulate their bodies. In cold temperatures, birds burn through the fat reserves that they built up in the fall very quickly, and need to eat more than they do the rest of the year. Unfortunately, snow and ice often cover many of the remaining food sources, and it can be difficult for birds to find the calories required to make it through the long and cold nights. Offering high fat foods like suet or peanuts can give your backyard birds a helping hand, with the added benefit of getting to see them up close! With more snow and low temperatures on the way, there is also a greater chance of seeing rare or seasonally unusual birds visiting bird feeders and water. Bird feeding is entertaining year-round, but being snowed in provides a special opportunity to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Wild Birds Unlimited

Simeon Savov

Medical Aid in Dying Legislation Editor, Last week, two bills that would allow medical aid in dying were filed in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

These bills are important to every Virginian because death is something that we all will face.

For some, death may come easily, but for those diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, as I’ve been, the prognosis for death can mean intense pain, emotional distress, and loss of control. Pancreatic cancer currently has no cure and most patients die within a year of diagnosis.

In a humane society, no one should be forced to experience a miserable end to their life by legal restrictions that prevent physicians from providing medical aid in dying. SB 280 and HB 858 would enable terminally ill Virginians to request medication to die in a peaceful way when their suffering becomes too great to bear.

The experiences of 10 other states and DC — where that freedom already exists — demonstrate that medical aid in dying can be managed without risk of abuse.

I hope Virginia legislators will pass legislation to let me live the rest of my life knowing that I can get medical aid in dying and experience a comfortable end of life without having to leave my home in Virginia to move to another state.

Barbara Green

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

Falls Church Restaurant Week a Big Success Continued from Page 4

The Falls (370 W. Broad St.) and Northside Social Falls Church (205 Park Ave.), two participating eateries owned by restaurateur brothers Mark and Stephen Fedorchak, have seen significant participation in Restaurant Week at both locations, according to Stephen Fedorchak. Despite the snow and cold snap that accompanied the start of the event, Fedorchak says customers have been very receptive and supportive of Restaurant Week. “We’ve been really appreciative that the Falls Church community has been so resilient in the face of weather, bundling up and coming through the doors,” Fedorchak said, “that’s not taken for granted.” At Northside Social, usually a bustling destination for those primarily seeking a quick coffee and pastry and conversation, customers enjoy a 10 percent discount on their check upon mentioning Restaurant Week. As a result, Fedorchak says dinner service has picked up significantly during the event.

At The Falls, nearly half of all customers have ordered one of their Restaurant Week specials. For lunch, customers can enjoy a $25 two-course meal starting with a choice between deviled eggs, chopped salad, or smoked brisket chili, followed by one of four hearty sandwich options and fries. For dinner, The Falls offers a three course meal for $39,

HARVEY’S Restaurant! (Photo: Harvey’s)

including a choice between three appetizers, one of four entrees, finished with a bittersweet chocolate torte (with blood orange curd, crispy pistachios, and salted honey whipped cream).

At Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St.), Restaurant Week “so far has not been as vibrant as previous years,” says co-owner Dave Tax, though he says this could definitely be attributed to the wintry weather that accompanied the event’s start. Despite this, Tax, who with his sister Rebecca own both Clare and Don’s and Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen (7049 Leesburg Pike), says “Restaurant Week is a great way to get the community to come out” and allow participating eateries to showcase menu items. “I think generally the community responds positively to Restaurant Week specials, and the whole concept of Restaurant Week,” he continued. During Restaurant Week, Clare and Don’s customers can enjoy their choice of homemade soup, a blackened mahi sandwich with four fried shrimp, and a slice of key lime pie for just $24.24.

With 40 restaurants participating, this year’s Falls Church Restaurant Week features a diverse array of eateries that showcase The Little City’s eclectic culinary offerings. Check out the full list of participating locations at fallschurchrw. com, and be sure to take advantage of Restaurant Week specials by the event’s end on January 28.

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 7

CO MME NT

PAGE 8 | JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

A Feminist Revival is Key to Biden’s Re-Election Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

There is absolutely no solace, none, to be derived from Tuesday’s primary result in New Hampshire. It came as only a further confirmation of Trump’s grip on the Republican Party and it is delusional to think that Nikki Haley has any shot at upending that now.

My hope had been that Haley would have taken a large enough bite out of Trump’s vote to establish some real momentum, but it didn’t happen. I was flirting with the notion that if Haley got the GOP nod, then if Biden stepped aside it would be Haley versus Kamala Harris, two women duking it out.

But while that isn’t going to happen, it was also a deficient fantasy for two reasons. First, Haley is really not a nice person and would be a disaster as president.

Second, I am sad to learn that, really, Democrats don’t think Harris is presidential material. That latter one is for reasons that still baffle me, except when taking into consideration the usual often subtle sexist factors.

It seems clear that up to this point, Democratic strategists have deemed to put two factors in the background of the Biden re-election effort, and they are Obama and Harris, factors of race and gender that evoke the racist preferences of Trump supporters. If true, that is a losing formula.

But it looks like Biden is getting the right idea, however, by holding a big rally with Harris in Virginia this week focused on women’s reproductive rights. Truly, on top of continuing to hammer away at the objective achievements of his work on economic recovery, Biden must hammer away relentlessly on this woman’s issue.

Perhaps I shouldn’t, but I remain mystified by how blind even progressive men and decision makers are to how central this issue is for this election.

If ever the polls are deceiving us, it is on this issue, too, because too many women are conditioned

to allow this issue to take a back seat to other factors.

But what Trump and the GOP are doing on this question is setting our society back literally hundreds of years, to a form of servitude for half of the voting electorate that is downright outrageous. These guys are overplaying their hand so much on this that they don’t have any clue how a well-organized reaction against it would blow them out of the water.

There are so far only hints to this effect.

Back half a century ago, when modern feminism was on the rise, there was a male corollary to it called Effeminism. I was actually a cofounder of that nascent movement in that saucy era when counter-culturalists like my friends and me in the streets and cafes of Berkeley, Calif., were freely advancing new social paradigm models all the time and had lively alternative newspapers and other “people’s” fora in which to espouse them.

But to be clear, our cause grew, developed and launched by my friend the late Rev. Jim Rankin and me and expressed through two editions of our self-initiated newspaper in 1971, The Effeminist, sold on Telegraph Avenue and adjacent Union Square (in San Francisco) street corners by yours truly and others.

Unbeknownst to us at the time, it was swiftly picked up by activists in New York who adopted the name and ran with their own version of the cause. One of those, now a friend, Steven F. Dansky, wrote that the Effeminist cause was “more accurately a moment in an historical frame rather than a movement” even though feminist Jill Johnson wrote in 1972 in the Village Voice that “Effeminists are the first western male revolutionaries.”

I allude to this because in 2024, over 50 years later, the movement sparked then remains alive and well, although not by its original name, and there is no more important time than the present for it to rise up again, no matter under what name, to stand for the liberation of women and against the kind of crude male supremacy that is at the heart of everything that Trump and his followers represent.

This is the key to saving democracy in the world today and to returning Biden to the White House.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS

Finarelli Announces Plans To Leave F.C. PIO Post

Susan Finarelli, for 13 years the chief public information officer for the City of Falls Church, announced in an email Tuesday her plans to leave her post at the end of March.

In a statement released to the News-Press yesterday, Finarelli wrote, “I’ve accomplished a lot during my 13 years with the City, from a website redesign to launching social media channels, to a derecho and a blizzard, to a 36-hour standoff and fires, a worldwide pandemic, and so much more. After being on-call 24/7 for weather, police events, and media inquiries, I look forward to joining an organization that allows for more work/personal life balance.

“I want to finish my service with the City on a positive note. I’m launching an e-form where community members can submit compliments for City staff: fallschurchva. gov/Compliments. It means the world to civil servants when they hear they’ve met or exceeded expectations. I hope people will take the time to let these hard-working employees know when they are appreciated.”

Person Elected New Chief Of F.C. Democratic Committee Jeff Person, popular local activist in defense of disability services, was elected the new president of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee last week, replacing Cindy Cunningham.

Man Arrested for Alleged 1991 Murder in West F.C. After three decades on the run, an estranged husband wanted for a 1991 murder in Fairfax County was arrested as he attempted to enter Costa Rica, according to Fairfax Police.

On April 30, 1991, officers responded to the 3100 block of Cofer Road in West Falls

Church for a stabbing. Ana Jurado, 24, was found suffering from trauma to the upper body. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel declared Ana deceased at the scene.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Jose Lazaro Cruz, 24, her estranged husband, was identified as the perpetrator.

On May 10, 1991, detectives secured a felony murder warrant for Cruz. However, he managed to evade arrest by fleeing to El Salvador.

In 1999, FCPD detectives continued their pursuit of justice and traveled to El Salvador to locate Jose Lazaro Cruz.

During this trip, they gathered crucial information regarding Lazaro Cruz’s whereabouts and their meticulous efforts continued to lay the foundation for a thorough investigation.

In 2022, the Department of Justice informed Fairfax Police detectives that Lazaro Cruz had been apprehended while crossing into Costa Rica from Nicaragua. Costa Rican authorities detained Lazaro Cruz. After a year-and-a-half-long effort, it was confirmed that Lazaro Cruz would be brought back to face charges in Fairfax County. On January 18, he was surrendered to U.S. Marshals Service custody and extradited to the United States.

Koons Automotive Sold To Asbury Group Twenty-nine franchises, six collision centers, 20 dealerships in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and one of the U.S.’ highest volume Toyota dealerships constitute Falls Churchbased Koons Automotive that has been sold to the Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., one of the U.S.’ largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S. “With the completion of this milestone transaction, Asbury is proud to add one of the best run dealership groups in the industry and extend our footprint into the thriving Washington-

Baltimore market, an economically robust and fast growing region of our country,” said David Hult, Asbury’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Jim Koons’ passion for the car business, as well as his enthusiastic leadership of his group, is evident at every level of the Koons organization. Not only are Koons’ twenty dealerships consistent leaders in sales volume and customer satisfaction, they are also renowned for their positive employee and workplace culture, essential values we share at Asbury. We welcome Koons employees to the Asbury family, and are grateful for their hard work and talent, and for the Asbury team, in the successful completion of this historic transaction.”

It is reported that Crystal Koons, the public face of the company, will retain a position on the board.

Founded in 1973, Jim Koons Automotive Companies was one of only 13 private groups with over $3 billion in revenue in 2022. The group, comprised of top volume franchises including Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Stellantis and General Motors, is the dominant retailer in the thriving Washington-Baltimore market, the fourth largest combined statistical area in the U.S. by population per 2020 census data. Koons’ revenue per dealership ranked tenth overall in 2022 according to Automotive News, and fifth in the U.S. for groups with greater than $2 billion in revenue.

“We are so pleased to see the successful transition of our company to Asbury, knowing that being part of this sterling organization will provide tremendous career opportunities for our employees and a continuation of exceptional service to our customers and community. Koons’ rich 50 year history could not have been achieved without the contributions and support of our stellar employees,” said Jim Koons, Chairman of Jim Koons Automotive Companies.

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Business News & Notes

Business Celebrations Several local businesses have a lot to celebrate. Fyzical at 603 W. Broad is holding its grand opening today, January 25, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.. The Falls Church Chamber is kicking off the event by hosting the ribbon cutting ceremony with members of the city council at 4:30. The public is invited to tour the site and enjoy refreshments. Matt Lee Design has moved its location to 410 South Maple and will celebrate their new space on Monday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m.. The chamber is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony with members of the city council followed by a reception. And local dentist Dr. Sarah Yang is celebrating the first anniversary of LP Dental on Tuesday, January 30.

A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center.

Voted best shopping center in the DMV!

New Butcher to Open Brothers Afsheen and Arash Tafakor plan to open Brick House Butcher later this month at Rowell Court, next to their business Dominion Wine & Beer. Butchers Mike and Emma Ferguson will operate under the farm-to-butcher-to-table concept, sourcing meat from Virginia farms, and utilizing the whole animal rather than select cuts.

Restaurant Week in Full Swing Falls Church restaurants have been busy by all accounts. Restaurant Week began January 19 and runs through January 28. The specials offered vary by restaurant from happy hour deals to lunch and dinner entrees, and three course meals. Among the 40 restaurants are Chasin’ Tails, Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, Ellie Bird, NUE, Plaka Grill, Scramble and Thompson Italian. The Falls Church Economic Development Office and the Virginia Tourism Corporation are sponsoring Restaurant Week with support from the American Rescue Plan Act to boost visitors and local restaurants.

Follow Us Online The SMILE you want.

The attention you deserve.

Currently accepting new patients

Pet Franchise Set Their Sights on the City Owners of a pet franchise, Pet Wants, believe that Falls Church is the ideal place for their brick-and-mortar site. Laura Tartaro-McGowan and her son, Ian McGowan had previous careers and decided to collaborate on a business that serves dogs. They discovered Pet Wants which is focused on pet health and wellness and provides smallbatch food with natural ingredients for balanced meals. The McGowans have been operating their franchise via a mobile unit that visits events and delivers products to Falls Church, Annandale, Alexandria, Arlington, and Tysons. The franchise has over 140 locations and plans to expand.

Win ner

Bestoffc.com

Chamber to Install New Chair The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will install the new chairman of the board, Dave Crance of Lake Crest Partners, at the luncheon on Tuesday, January 30 at Italian Café. The luncheon was rescheduled due to the snowstorm. There will be a review of 2023 and recognition of outgoing chair, Emily Jenkins of Halm Jenkins, after serving two years. Ramita KC of Burke & Herbert is the vice chair. New board members include Anne Byerly of Edward Jones, Carrie Hare of Dignity Memorial, Belen Quellet of The Learning Quest, Cesar Rios-Villena of VIGEO Physical Therapy, Steve Stanford of M&T Bank, and returning to the board is Joe Wetzel of The Young Group. Reservations can be made on the website, fallschurchchamber.org.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.

703.532.3300 | www.doughertyDDS.com 200 Little Falls Street #506, Falls Church VA 22046

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

School News & Notes

THE ELEMENTARY GIVE Day Club hosted almost 350 attendees who came and assembled 1,750 power packs for the annual GIVE Day on January 15. (Photo: Jenn Beck and Bella Brooks)

STUDENTS COMPLETE job applications for new classroom tasks for the winter season (Photo: Lauren Lauer)

MORE THAN 185 Middle and High Schoolers packed 25,000 oatmeal meals for Ukraine on GIVE Day. (Photo: Chrissy Henderson)

OVER 90 MIDDLE school students with Mary Ellen Henderson’s Theatre Program present “Greek Myths: Comedy Style,” Thursday through Saturday in the Meridian Auditorium. (Photo: Carol Sly)

MERIDIAN’S HAND to Hunger Club held weekly bake sales at the Mosaic Farmers Market in Merrifield, raising thousands of dollars for the hunger fighting organization. (Photo: FCCPS)

MOUNT DANIEL students ignite excitement for science with colorful chemical experiments with a “mad scientist.” (Photo: Kristin Higgins)

Check out the expanded stories and more School News & Notes at: fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 11

Vienna Theatre Company Puts on Shakespeare in Hollywood

By Patricia Leslie

The Vienna Theatre Company has kicked off its winter season with an hilarious show which opened 20 years ago at Arena Stage, and once you see it, you’ll know why it’s enjoyed tremendous success nationwide.

Ken Ludwig, the brilliant playwright of marvelous entertainment like “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Crazy for You,” has mixed characters from Hollywood of the 1930s with those from Shakespeare’s comedy “Midsummer Night’s Dream” to write “Shakespeare in Hollywood” where each of the characters tries to find themselves as in “it’s not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”

A knowledge of Shakespeare is not required to enjoy this show!

Visions of atrocities in Europe shadow the beginning as Austrian director Max Reinhardt (Steven Rosenthal with an uncanny resemblance to the real Max Reinhardt) comes to Tinseltown to sell his idea of a Shakespeare

adventure and meets, per chance, the lovely “boom boom” starlet, Lydia Lansing (Jessie Duggan) who’s looking for new adventure, too, as in a new role.

Not far behind her and wagging his tail is the head of Warner Brothers Studio, Jack Warner (Tom Flatt).

But not so fast, my sugar daddy (both of whom are perfectly cast for their roles as a reluctant couple).

Enter King Oberon (Eric Storck) from Athens and his knave Puck (devilishly played

by Leah Glicker) straight out of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” to cast spells, disappear, and weave romances from the fragrant flower (oh, prithee I wish!) which they shower upon eyelids, causing subjects to experience instantaneous love for the next person (or thing) the subject spots upon awakening from the floral slumber.

Before they know it, Oberon and Puck have become part of the new show and lead the action, Puck as animated and funny

as his/her name implies, and Oberon, the “godfather” commanding the stage with his royal presence.

Dick Powell, a 1930s star of the screen (here played by Aaron Truax), dominates his every scene with his physicality and histrionics.

When overcome by the fragrant flower, in slow motion he falls to the floor and knees buckle. (Of interest: The “real” Dick Powell appeared in the movie, “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Max Reinhardt in 1935.)

Jumping when he’s called is Christian Tait as Daryl, an aide to Mr. Warner, who applies welcome humor to his dandy role.

Kristina Martorano is Olivia, the love interest of Mr. Powell and King Oberon but what is to be is not to be. The course of true love never did run smooth.

One wishes that she and Lisa Mackem who acts dual roles as Will Hayes and Harry Warner, had both worn microphones since their voices barely projected off stage and Mackem spoke so fast, it was hard to know what she was

saying, and I was seated in the second row.

The top gossip columnist of the day, the hatted Luella Parsons (Michelle Kritzler) shows up, only too happy to get all the gossip that’s fit to print (or not to print, that is the question).

Other cast members are Kevin Lukacs as Joe E. Brown, Ab Degennaro as Jimmy Cagney, and Jennifer Ware, Amy Gallagher and Aliya Adams, members of the ensemble.

Backstage, the production team includes sound director Adam Parker who expertly produces the triangle’s tingling whenever Oberon and Puck summon magic. Sometimes, 1930s music may be heard in the background, and I wished for more.

Costumer Joan Lawrence skillfully designed era ensembles for the large cast of 15.

Hair and makeup artists Robin Maline and Lanae Sterrett did not go overboard with the designs for Lydia as her personality hinted they could have.

The play has a smattering

of adult language but overall, mature teens and older folks can likely keep up with the fast-paced dialogue.

Last weekend, the house sold out.

“To say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.” Five centuries later, it’s still the truth!

Sabrina McAllister directed and Ramah Johnson produced.

Other members of the production team are Maureen Dawson, stage manager; D. Scott Graham, lighting; Allison Gray-Mendes, props; Alden Michels, dialects; and Kimberly Leone, Claire L. Tse, Janet Kennelly, sets.

About two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets, $16. Now through Feb. 4 at 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Vienna Community Center, (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA).

Buy tickets online or at the box office. For more information call 703-255-6360, visit viennatheatrecompany.org, or email vtcshows@yahoo.com.

ERIC STORCK IS KING OBERON and Leah Glicker is Puck in Vienna Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” (Photo: Ann Storck)

MICHELLE KRITZLER is Louella Parsons in Vienna Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” (Photo: Eric Storck)

CAST OF VIENNA Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” ( Photo:

STEVEN ROSENTHAL is Max Reinhardt in Vienna Theatre Company’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood.” (Photo: Eric Storck)

Eric Storck)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

THE ALDEN WILL celebrate the Lunar New Year on Febraury 4, with a performance by the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. (photo: McLean Community Center)

James Ruby Honored by City Council as one of the City’s 2023 Employees of The Year

James Ruby was honored at Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting after having been named one of the City’s Employee of the Year for 2023, along with Brian Benson, who was unable to attend.

Ruby is a program supervisor with the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks and Benson is a Department of Public Works crew leader. They were selected by the community-led Employee Review Board and introduced Monday by Steve Mason, the City’s Human Resources director. Both were previously honored at a November luncheon celebration attended by 125 City employees.

Virginia State Parks is Seeking Applicants for 2024 Youth Conservation Corps Program

Virginia State Parks is currently recruiting Crew Leaders for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for 2024. Crew Leaders will mentor youth by helping them complete trail maintenance, basic construction and beautification of the parks.

YCC Crew Leaders work directly with park staff and live alongside their crew of 10 high school youth

between the ages of 14-17.

“Although the work can be challenging, participants will have the opportunity to gain field experience and build their leadership skills,” said Youth Engagement Coordinator Scarlett Stevens. “Crew Leaders will have opportunities for career development training from shadowing a park employee to receiving certification in Red Cross First Aid CPR/ AED, Basic Trail Building Training and Mental Health First Aid.” Room and board are provided.

Crew Leader stipend for the employment period is $6,500 that is divided into three, biweekly payments.

The dates of employment are June 5 through July 27, which includes a week of training. The program consists of two 2-week sessions with crews and days for park orientation, crew preparation and clean up.

Crew Leaders will have selected days off between sessions as well as spending time at a park in between sessions engaging in professional development opportunities.

Eligible applicants must be 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and have previous leadership experience with youth or peers.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning in January until positions are filled. Visit dcr.virginia. gov/state-parks/jobs to apply.

Nominations Now Open For Grand Marshal of the 2024 Memorial Day Parade

Ave., McLean, VA) is celebrating Lunar New Year with a performance by the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Sunday, Feb. 4, beginning with a free “Year of the Dragon Festival” event for families, 12:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

The company’s dance performance will be held at 4:00 p.m. in The Alden. Tickets are $30, general admission, $25 for seniors and students and $20 for MCC district residents.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon and is considered one of the most auspicious and significant years in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, courage and good fortune.

To mark this special occasion, The Alden has partnered with the NaiNi Chen Dance Company to present their new mainstage Dragon Festival performance that is appropriate for all ages. The Alden is one of only a few theaters in the country where this performance will take place.

Tickets for the 4 p.m. performance are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit aldentheatre.org.

Tudor Place Tells the Stories of Enslaved Individuals on a New Tour and Installation Tudor Place Historic House & Garden presents Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place, a special installation and guided tour that explores the lives of individuals and families of African descent who lived and worked at Tudor Place.

From February 6 through April 21, Tudor Place will be reimagined to show the historic house from the perspective of the enslaved and free individuals for whom it was both home and workplace. Using artifacts, maps, photographs and audio recordings, visitors will explore how these individuals found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. The tour will also offer insight into historic Georgetown, which was a diverse landscape that included enslaved and free people of African descent.

Tudor Place was owned by generations of the Peter family between

Do you know someone who has made exceptional, outstanding, distinguished, sustained, or unique contributions to the City of Falls Church? Nominate them to be the Grand Marshal of the 42nd Annual Memorial Day Parade, which will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024.

The Grand Marshal will preside over the parade in a special vehicle and be profiled by the City government and local media.

Nominations should be submitted to events@fallschurchva.gov by Friday, March 1. Nominators should send the nominee’s name and describe why that person deserves the honor of Grand Marshal.

Information on sponsorship opportunities and booth availability for businesses, organizations, and vendors at the Memorial Day Parade and Festival will be posted by either late January or early February here. You can also contact events@fallschurchva.gov for more information.

Alden McLean to Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Feb. 4 The Alden at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside

JAMES RUBY, shown here with his family, was honored at Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting for being named one of the City’s Employees of the Year for 2023, along with Brian Benson. (Photo: News-Press)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

1805 and 1983. Through the exploitation of hundreds of enslaved individuals, the family built generational wealth through tobacco cultivation and land sales.

Virginia Commission for the Arts Unveils New License Plate Supporting Va. Art Programs Last week the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) unveiled a colorful new license plate that serves to support the state’s vibrant arts community. A portion of the fee for the vanity plate will go directly to the VCA and advance its mission of investing in the arts in the Commonwealth.

“Virginians are enthusiastic supporters of the arts,” said VCA Executive Director Margaret Hancock. “Drivers throughout the Commonwealth have the unique opportunity to share their passion by displaying the Virginians for the Arts license plate on their vehicle.

With its colorful burst inspired by

colors from the Virginia state flag, it’s an expression of joy, much like the art it serves to elevate.”

The new license plate made its debut at the VCA’s Second Annual Impact Celebration at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. At the event, Hancock shared that in 2023, the VCA strategically invested $5.2 million in the arts by providing grant funds to 800 organizations, resulting in countless impactful arts experiences for Virginians.

Virginia drivers can purchase or renew the Virginians for the Arts license plate at the DMV or online at dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/ license-plates/search/virginiansarts. Specialty plate costs start at $25 in addition to the registration fee. Sixty percent of funds go directly to grants designated for artists and arts organizations. VCA grants support visual arts, performing arts, literary arts and more that inspire, connect and educate all Virginians.

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A FREE SHOWING of “Killers of The Flower Moon” will be presented at the National Museum of the American Indian on Saturday. (Photo: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian)

NEW F.C. POLICE Chief Shahram Fard poses with fellow Police Department staff members after being sworn into the position at a ceremony at City Hall last week. (Photo: City of Falls Church)

EDWIN B. Henderson II holding The Grandfather of Black Basketball, his book about his father’s life, in stores February 20. (Courtesy Photo)

fcnp.com YOUTH CONSERVATION Corps members pose after building a foot bridge. Applications for 2024 YCC crew members are being accepted by Virginia State Parks through March 15. (Courtesy Photo)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. challenging behavior.

RSVP for free at thekensingtonfallschurch.com. The Kensington Falls Church (700 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

Human Svcs. Advisory Council Meeting

Human Services Advisory Council meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Laurel Room, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

Historic Architectural Review Board Meeting

Historic Architectural Review Board meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Historical Commission Meeting

WICKED SYCAMORE performs Americana and bluegrass in the "Passport to the World of Music Festival" this Saturday. (Photo: Creative Cauldron)

Historical Commission meets.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

FRIDAY

JANUARY 26 Ukulele Baby Lap Time

For ages 0-24 months with a caregiver, older siblings are welcome.

Join Ms. Ingrid Christina for a short lapsit with a story, songs on the ukulele, and rhymes. Stay and play with toys designed just for babies and mingle with other families.

Register free at mrspl.org. Mary SEE HAMID Rahmanian's newest large-scale cinematic shadow play, Riley Styles Public Library (120 "Song of the North," Saturday at GMU. (Photo: GMU Center for Arts) N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 10:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.

THURSDAY JANUARY 25 Early Voting Begins

Early voting begins for the March 5 dual party Presidential primary election. Voters may vote in only one primary. Early in-person voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through Wednesday, February 28, as well as Saturday voting from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 24 and March 2. More details at fallschurchva.gov/vote. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Legislative Committee Meeting Artist Demonstration: Legislative Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Ann Barbieri Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.

Understanding Challenging Behaviors

This new year, learn the resources you need to better understand your aging loved one’s behavior and emotional state so you both can have a more pleasant caregiving journey. Join Melissa Long with Insight Memory Care Center as she shares professional insight on how to adapt and which best practices to follow when your loved one starts exhibiting

A demonstration by local artist Ann Barbieri on how she begins a new painting. Barbieri describes her art as "colorful abstracts" that often deploy oil, crayon, collage, and other media to convey a sense of joy, expectation, beauty, and energy. This event provides a unique opportunity to witness an artist applying brush to paper in the initial stage of creation. Free and open to the public. McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 11:00 a.m.

Iona: Celtic Traditions

Celebrating a legacy of almost 40 years, Iona is one of the leading Celtic music groups in the region. Part of the Passport to the World of Music Festival, weekends through February 3. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Mason Cabaret: Over the Rainbow

A perennial favorite, The Mason Cabaret, returns with a fresh line up of stellar vocalists offering showstoppers, ballads, and duets. This year’s cabaret honors American icons Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand. Ticket sales support The Mason Players, available at cfa.calendar. gmu.edu. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27 Falls Church Farmers Market

Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year round. City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Used Book Sale

Get great bargains on books, compact discs, and DVDs for all ages. All proceeds support library programs and services.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North

Experience “breathtaking fireworks of creativity” (La Monde) with Hamid Rahmanian’s newest large-scale cinematic shadow play "Song of the North." With more than 500 handmade puppets and an original score by renowned Iranian composer Loga Ramin Torkian, you'll be transported to a magical and ancient landscape, rich in history and lore in this epic love story adapted from the "Shahnameh" (Book of Kings). Manijeh, a spunky

heroine from ancient Persia, is on a mission to prevent a war and rescue her beloved from her evil and unscrupulous father, King Afrasiab. The thrilling multimedia adventure combines state-of-the-art animation with the age-old art of shadow puppetry to showcase a collection of ancient Persian legends and Iranian national treasures. Tickets at cfa.calendar.gmu.edu. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 4:00 p.m.

Greek Myths: Comedy Style

Presented in the Meridian Auditorium by over 90 students with Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School's Theatre Department. A play in two acts by two different playwrights, featuring comedic sketches based on Greek mythology, with many contemporary references. Showing Thursday through Saturday. $10 tickets sold at the door (cash or card). Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.

Wicked Sycamore

Wicked Sycamore is an all-female trio of multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, grounded in traditional roots, Americana, and bluegrass music. Part of the Passport to the World of Music Festival, weekends through February 3.

Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Metro. Jazz Orchestra: Carnival Celebration Celebrate Mardi Gras early with Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in Carnival Celebration: Music from New Orleans to Rio to the Islands. Dress up in your Mardi Gras beads, don a mask, and enjoy a remarkably lively night of pulsating rhythms, upbeat parade brass, and plenty of improvisational jazz.

Tickets at hylton.calendar.gmu. edu. Hylton Performing Arts Center (10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, VA), 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY

JANUARY 28 Traffic Safety Event For Kids

Bike Falls Church sponsors

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EVENTS, LIVE MUSIC, & ART a free traffic safety event for kids ages 3-6, where they will learn the rules of the road on an indoor mini-roadway designed for kids. Bring your helmet and balance bike or scooter. For more information visit bikefallschurch. org. Conte's Bike Shop (118 W. Broad St., Falls Church), 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.

McLean Chocolate Festival

A fun-filled day of chocolate at MCC, with Chesterbrook serving up a variety of chocolate treats, including assorted cookies, brownies, pecan pie, macaroons and a chocolate fondue fountain. This event is a fundraiser for McLean Rotary, with proceeds benefiting many schools and local organizations, including Chesterbrook’s Continuing Care Fund. Free to attend.

McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) returns to the Center for the Arts for an exhilarating program of Russian masterpieces with rising star pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason.

Under the esteemed direction of Maestro Vasily Petrenko, RPO plays Debussy's sprightly colorful "Danse" (orchestration by Ravel) and RimskyKorsakov’s brilliant symphonic poem, "Scheherazade," which depicts the exotic fantasy tale using every instrument of the orchestra to tell the story. Tickets at cfa.calendar.gmu.edu. GMU Center for the Arts (4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, VA), 2:00 p.m.

New World Recorders: Beginning, Middle, End

Most stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

So too, even without words, instrumental music can also be heard as narrative. In this intriguing concert, the virtuosi of New World Recorders perform music from the 15th to the 20th century illustrating how various musical forms can be structured to create an audible narrative arc. The

Quartet plays music from the 15th to the 20th century by Dufay, Isaac, Locke, Purcell, Marcello, Schumann, Vaughan Williams and more, employing a variety of styles and sizes of recorders. A visual and aural delight for all! Tickets and details at capitolearlymusic. org. Saint George's Episcopal Church (915 N. Oakland St., Arlington, VA), 3:00 p.m.

Seven Voices: A Tribute to Patsy Cline

Hers was a voice of the century. This unique performance will honor Patsy Cline in song and story. Part of the Passport to the World of Music Festival, weekends through February 3. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY

JANUARY 29 Improv Classes For Kids

Focusing on creativity and teamwork, The Alden's improv comedy classes for youth teach improv fundamentals such as "yes and" in a supportive environment. Class participants will perform during (the) Unruly Theatre Project's show on Friday, April 5, at The Old Firehouse Center.

Classes are suitable for both beginners and those who have taken improv classes in the past. Register for an eightweek session at mcleancenter. org, cost $145 ($125 for MCC district residents). Class for ages 7-9 at 6:30 p.m.; classes for ages 10-14 at 7:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

WITNESS AN ARTIST applying brush to paper in their initial stage of creation at a free demonstration with local artist Ann Barbieri, this Friday at MCC. (Photo: McLean Community Center)

registration at fallschurchchamber.org. $5 walk-in surcharge. Italian Café (7161 Langston Blvd., Falls Church), 11:30 a.m. — 1:15 p.m.

That's What Friends Are For

The incomparable Nova Y. Payton sings the repertoire of acclaimed tunesmith Burt Bacharach, whose six-decade career produced the hit musical "Promises, Promises" as well as chart-topping pop songs.

On stage through February 4.

Tickets at sigtheatre.org. Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Chamber Networking Luncheon

Library Board of Trustees Meeting

JANUARY 30 Rescheduled from last week.

A celebration of outgoing and welcome for new board members, plus a 2023 video overview. Lunch included with $30 member, $35 nonmember

JANUARY 31

Library Board of Trustees meets.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

PAGE 16 | JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER RPS, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00221 · Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider RPS, for recovery of projected and actual costs related to compliance with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act. · Dominion requests approval of a revenue requirement of $366,528,599. According to Dominion, this amount would increase a typical residential customer’s monthly bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by approximately $3.48. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the State Corporation Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. · An evidentiary hearing will be held on May 14, 2023, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Staff. · Further information about this case is available on the Commission website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On December 8, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) a petition (“Petition”) for revision of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider RPS, pursuant to § 56 585.1 A 5 d of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Through its Petition, Dominion seeks to recover projected and actual costs related to compliance with the mandatory renewable energy portfolio standard program (“RPS Program”) established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act (“VCEA”).

Pursuant to Code § 56 585.5 C, Dominion is required to participate in an RPS Program that establishes annual goals for the sale of renewable energy to all retail customers in the Company’s service territory, with certain limited exceptions. To comply with the RPS Program, Dominion must procure and retire renewable energy certificates (‘’RECs’’) originating from qualifying sources. The RPS Program requirements ‘’shall be a percentage of the total electric energy sold in the previous calendar year’’ and must be implemented in accordance with the schedule set forth in Code § 56 585.5 C. The statute permits Dominion to apply renewable energy sales achieved or RECs acquired in excess of the sales requirement for a specific year’s RPS Program to the sales requirements for certain future years. Code § 56 585.5 C further provides that, to the extent Dominion procures RECs for RPS Program compliance from resources it does not own, the Company shall be entitled to recover the costs of such RECs pursuant to Code §§ 56-249.6 or 56-585.1 A 5 d.

Code § 56-585.1 A 5 d, as amended by the VCEA, provides that a utility may petition the Commission for approval of one or more rate adjustment clauses for the timely and current recovery from customers of: [p]rojected and actual costs of compliance with renewable energy portfolio standard requirements pursuant to § 56-585.5 that are not recoverable under subdivision 6. The Commission shall approve such a petition allowing the recovery of such costs incurred as required by § 56 585.5, provided that the Commission does not otherwise find such costs were unreasonably or imprudently incurred . . . .

In its Petition, Dominion states that it will meet the annual requirements of the RPS Program through the retirement of RECs that will be sourced from a combination of RECs generated from Company owned renewable energy facilities, RECs generated from renewable energy facilities owned by an entity other than the utility with which the Company has entered into a power purchase agreement, long-term REC only contracts, and market purchases. The Company states that it may bank the RECs generated by Virginia facilities from 2021 through 2024 for use in 2025 when the requirement for Virginia-located resources begins.

To determine the total cost of RECs to be recovered through Rider RPS, the Company states it first determined its projected RPS Program requirements for 2024, and then used those projections to determine the estimated volume of RECs needed during the rate year of September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025 (‘’Rate Year’’). The Company asserts it then determined the projected volume of RECs that the Company would need to utilize from its bank or purchase from the market. For any RECs the Company would need to purchase or utilize from the bank, the Company states it multiplied the volume of RECs by a weighted average price in order to determine the cost of the gross purchases and banked RECs needed for the Rate Year. The Company expects to need approximately 12.6 million RECs during the Rate Year, approximately 126,000 of which it says must come from distributed energy resources. According to the Company, once it determined the total costs of RECs to be recovered in this proceeding, it applied a Virginia jurisdictional allocation.

The revenue requirement for Rider RPS includes both a Projected Cost Recovery Factor and an Actual Cost True Up Factor. In this proceeding, the Company seeks approval of a Projected Cost Recovery Factor Revenue requirement of $374,168,527, and an Actual Cost True-up Factor revenue requirement of $($7,639,928), for a total revenue requirement of $366,528,599 for the Rate Year.

If the proposed Rider RPS for the Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider RPS on September 1, 2024, would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by approximately $3.48 compared to the current Rider RPS. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Petition and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Petition and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Petition and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Petition. On May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned to this case will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before May 7, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

On May 14, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and require electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com.

On or before March 1, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00221. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

On or before March 29, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240,Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00221.

On or before May 7, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00221.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.

The Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice

Truist Bank, located at 3030 Annandale Rd, Falls Church VA 22042, is in possession of assets owned by decedent, Henry Straube, who was domiciled in Massachusetts at the time of death. In accordance with Va. Code Ann. § 64.2-609(A), Truist Bank hereby gives public notice that the funds will be transferred to Robyn Baker, Personal Representative of the estate. Delivery is to be made after the lapse of thirty (30) days from the completion of due publication of this notice, pursuant to the Code, once a week for four successive weeks. Written claims and inquiries to said funds should be sent to Truist Bank at the address above.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a special public hearing on February 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items: a. Elections for Board of Zoning Appeals Chair and Vice-Chair b. Approval of the 2024 Board of Zoning Appeals Rules of Procedures c. Approval of the 2024 Board of Zoning Appeals Annual Meeting Calendar d. Approval of the 2023 Board of Zoning Appeals Annual Report e. Variance application V1645-23 by Joe Muffler, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-1265(3)(b) to allow a sign location of 6’4” from the Right-Of-Way instead of the 8’ minimum, and for a variance to Section 48-1265(3) (c) to allow a sign height of 16’9” instead of the 14’ maximum for a freestanding sign, at Paragon Theaters, 112 Founders Avenue, RPC# 51-222-007 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-1, Limited Business District.

Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva. gov until 4:30 pm on February 8, 2024.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was read and referred to City advisory boards at the August 7, 2023 City Council meeting. A public hearing and City Council action is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TR23-23) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, OFFICIAL FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, BY RECLASSIFYING APPROXIMATELY 0.623 ACRES OF LAND, LOCATED AT 360 SOUTH WASHINGTON STREET (LOT 27, REAL PROPERTY CODE

52-306-027) FROM “BUSINESS’ TO “MIXED-USE”, FOR A MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, KNOWN AS QUINN/HOMESTRETCH SENIOR LIVING, ON APPLICATION BY QUINN ENTERPRISES, LLC (TR23-24) RESOLUTION TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND TO INCREASE THE BUILDING HEIGHT WITH A BONUS OF UP TO FOURTY(40) FEET TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN (115) FEET FOR A MIXED-USE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, KNOWN AS QUINN/HOMESTRETCH SENIOR LIVING, ON APPROXIMATELY 1.866 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 350 AND 360 S. WASHINGTON STREET AND 303 S. MAPLE AVENUE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS, #52306-026, #52-306-027, AND #52-306028) ON APPLICATION BY QUINN ENTERPRISES, LLC City Council will consider an application

by Quinn Enterprises LLC (latest submission January 4, 2024), a mixed-use redevelopment project, which includes senior age-restricted housing, medical office, and ground floor retail uses at the addresses listed above.

The following was given first reading at the January 22, 2024 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and possible City Council action is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO22-14) ORDINANCE ADOPTING REAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION, TOGETHER WITH IMPROVEMENTS THEREON, LOCATED AT 208 GIBSON STREET (RPC: 52-309-005), 302 SHIRLEY STREET (RPC: 52-309-008), 310 SHIRLEY STREET (RPC: 52-309-012), 312 SHIRLEY STREET (RPC: 52-309013), AND 310 S. MAPLE AVENUE (RPC: 52-309-022), IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW This action would grant a real estate tax exemption to the five properties to be conveyed to Wesley Housing Development Corporation of Northern Virginia so long as it owns and manages these properties as affordable housing.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva. gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. For copies of legislation, 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).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 17

C L AS S I F I E DS ABC NOTICE AT Market & Restaurant LLC trading as AT Ethiopian Market and Restaurant, 4811 Columbia pike, Arlington, VA, 22204-3010 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Retail Beer, Wine and Mixed Beverage On and Off premise license. Alemu Gebresllassie signer.

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

AUCTIONS

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

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SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $475+$86 court cost. WILLS-$295.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

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Venus Salon and Spa Hair Stylist

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Haircut for Men/Women, Haircolor/Highlights/Perms Keratin Treatments 450 W Broad St, Suite 116, Falls Church, VA 22046 Tel: 571-282-4522 seonheekim72@gmail.com Mani/Pedi/Gel Mani/Gel X Extension Wax/Eyebrow Tint/Neck Massage Call: 619-873-7323 Gloria

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fcnp.com

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 5513247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

LO CA L

PAGE 18 | JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024

Meridian Girls Win, Boys Fall in Basketball Doubleheader vs Herndon

by Ryan McCafferty

The Meridian Girls basketball team came away with a 54-43 win Monday night, while the boys fell 55-51 as they played host to the Herndon High School Hornets. Last week’s snow wiped out multiple basketball contests for the Meridian Mustangs, so both the boys and the girls were eager to get back on the court.

The girls opened the doubleheader up at just past 5:30 as Ellie Friesen hit a three on the opening possession to kickstart a 7-0 run out of the gates for the home team.

However, Herndon was able to cut it to 14-11 after a quarter and further tied the game early in the second period. In a game of runs, Meridian fired back with another a run of their own to surge to a 25-21 lead at halftime. A couple early threes after the break gave the Mustangs their biggest advantage of the night at 32-24 before Herndon went on a 10-2 run of its own to tie things up at 34 apiece. Meridian proceeded to score 13 straight spanning the end of the third and beginning the fourth quarter.

The 13-0 scoring run proved enough to put the game away as the Mustangs came out with a 54-43 victory, improving their record to 10-4. Friesen’s 19 led the way while freshman Charlotte Lieu added 14 and Mo Tremblay had 13. The girls will be back on the court Tonight as they visit Skyline.

A short intermission ensued before it was the boys’ turn to take

the court, and this one would be more challenging. Herndon came out firing from deep while the Mustangs struggled to shoot. Trailing by one after a quarter, the Hornets scored eight straight points to give them a 24-17 advantage early in the second period just after Meridian had taken the lead. The Mustangs would trail for the bulk of the game but were able to keep things close as they used their aggressive defense to force a handful of turnovers. John Lyman sank a three-pointer to tie things up early in the fourth at 43 all.

From there the Mustangs failed to convert the turnovers into a lead and fell behind by four in the final minute. The Mustangs forced a

Meridian Gymnastics Competes in First Year

CARLY, A four month old Cavapoo, enjoys her first adventures in the snow. Carly found that it was both fun to play in — and tasty to eat! She also loved the snow tunnel her family made for her!

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com!

MERIDIAN COMPETED AT the Aloha Classic at Patriot High School in Nokesville. This is their first season competing. (Photo: Gary Mester)

CR IM E R E PORT Larceny, W Broad St, between 5 PM on January 12th and 12:27 PM on January 15th, an unknown suspect stole an AC Compressor unit from the rear of a building.

Shoplifting, W Broad St, Jan 16, 8:40 AM, a black male, 33, of no fixed address, was arrested for Shoplifting, as well as a warrant served for other agency.

C ritter C orner

final turnover with a shot to tie it after Grant Greiner made a late layup but were ultimately unable to convert and it became a free throw battle from there. Herndon escaped with the 55-51 win. Greiner and Jarrett Jardine each had 15 as they tried their best to carry the load, but Meridian finished 2-for-17 from behind the arc. Standout point guard Daylen Martino remains out with an injury. Meridian is hopeful he could return as soon as this week when the Mustangs take on reigning regional champion Skyline on Thursday.

The boys we will be back in action as they face off against Skyline at home Tonight.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h Week of January 15-21, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

No Valid Operators License, Wilson Blvd, Jan 16, 7:37 PM, a white male, 23, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operators License.

narcotic violation.

Trespassing, Wilson Blvd, Jan 16, 9:17 PM, an Asian male, 53, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

Warrant Service for Other Jurisdiction, Wilson Blvd, Jan 21, 7:49 AM, an Asian male, 43, of Annandale, and an Asian female, 35, of Annandale, were both arrested on outstanding warrants for another jurisdiction.

Dr ug/Narc otic Violation, S Maple Ave, Jan 18, 8:24 PM, a report was taken for a drug/

Public Intoxication, Hillwood Ave, Jan 19, 9:36 PM, a white male, 23, of the District of Columbia, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

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JANUARY 25 - 31, 2024 | PAGE 19

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The LGBTQ+ Reach

Two Italian Parents reproduction such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is limited to het- Sentenced to Prison for Abuse of Gay Son erosexual couples.

On Wednesday Italian news Virginia House Democrats In September 2022, Giorgia Advance First Pro-LGBTQ+ Meloni won the election for Prime outlet La Stampa reported that a Bill of 2024 Minister of Italy, with just 26 father and mother have been senpercent of the vote. A Member of tenced to two years and one year On Tuesday, the Education the “Brothers of Italy” party — a four months in prison, respecK-12 Subcommittee of the right-wing populist party some tively, for “dozens of episodes Virginia House of Delegates have described as neo-fascist, of mistreatment” against their 14 approved HB 224 on a 7-1 vote, which she co-founded — Meloni’s year old son, for which they were advancing the bill to the house anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments were a indicted in October 2023.

Their son, who is now 17, has floor. The bill was introduced major part of her campaign platby chief patron Delegate Rozia form, and continue to be a priority received compensation from his parents, and is living apart from A Henson, Jr. (D-Woodbridge), of her administration. the first openly gay Black man “Yes to the natural family, no the family with assistance from to be elected to the Virginia to LGBT lobbies!” Meloni said his lawyer. In six months he will General Assembly, who assumed while campaigning for a conser- be 18 years old.

Call 844-947-1479 to The family members were not office just two weeks ago after vative ally in Spain in July 2022. his 2023 election. The bill, “Yes to sexual identity, no to identified in the article, howevschedule your free quote! er details on the abuse were. titled “Public Schools; Mental gender ideology!”

Health Awareness Training and Despite the lack of adoption Upon reading his diary (withInstruction,” has seven addi- rights, surrogacy, IVF or other out permission), the boy’s father tional patrons, all Democrats. family planning options for began implementing prohibitions The bill would require every LGBTQ+ Italians, many cities and punishments to “correct” school board in Virginia to decided to implement birth cer- his son’s homosexuality. The adopt and implement policies tificates that allow for recogni- boy was forced to do military requiring school faculty to tion of two parents — including runs at night, expose his genicomplete at least one mental same-sex couples — allowing tals, and read his diary aloud. health awareness training. The LGBTQ+ couples who pursued Unsuccessful in changing his training program must address adoption, surrogacy or IVF in sexuality, the father eventually the needs of high-risk popula- more accepting countries to sought help from a psychologist The NRA's Na onal Firearms Museum presents collec on of Tom Selleck's tion, including those bereaved legally establish joint custody of — but the psychologist “refused personal firearms including his Sharp's Rifle from Quigley Down Under, take Knives charge &ofAccessories! the boy and children.Gun Show in Metro DC!toGuns, by suicide, those with mental their Largest a set of custom Colt pistols from Magnum P.I., & many revolvers from his Westerns.

In March of last year, the Meloni explained to his parents that or chronic health conditions VA & Utah Co including substance use disor- administration ordered those cit- homosexuality is not a disease.” r Last Nation’s VA and Utah Conc ou In January of 2021, the father ies to Gun end the practice, sparking ders, those experiencing homer ty py WE S ar Yea g!

Saturday or Sunday $1 Show Before t ap ine’s S w lessness or housing instability, large protests in cities like Milan gave the boy one month to prove N n H U a t G FirearmTrainingStor Christmas!!!

Ne a B len ! those in foster care or other — where Mayor Guiseppe Sala he’d had intercourse with a girl, th Va Day wi unstable living situations, and had previously decided to allow which prompted the boy to seek Low those who identify as LGBTQ+. same-sex couples to be registered help from a school psycholoVPN e g gist, who ultimately alerted The bill would also require each as parents to their children.

1300 TABLES! Buy! Sell! Trade! ed the 0Sala wl S! 130 no ng!

E authorities. order school board to provide person- called the administration’s L K ini were ert TAB politiThe couple’s Esentences “a clear step backwards, nel with the required training. xp Tra & cally and socially,” though the delivered on January w 23, with Lo es!agreeing judge Antonio Borretta stop recognizity BEAT THE TRAFFIC!!

What’s going on With Italy’s City did ultimately r b ic e Pr Rizzo that Cel gout! couples on birth with prosecutor Giulia ing same-sex NEW HOURS New “Neo-Fascist” Regime? n a l i a H y Av Tra p FRIDAY 1PM - 8PM the couple should be granted a certificates. in Cris DULLES EXPO Last summer, the Italian gov- suspended sentence — under “the In 2016, Italy legalized same4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151 NRA Museum presents every WW I & WW II condition Includes that fora one they and represented. sex civil unions, but fell short ernment went a step further manufacturer Northyear American FRI: 1 - 8 | SAT: 9 - 5 | SUN: 10 - 5 a Singerundertake Over $100,000 worth of 1911's. and a psychological of allowing same-sex couples began notifying same-sex &couVA & Utah CCW Courses | (571) 237- 9138 path at anONLY accredited would be restorative to marry — or adopt. Due ples that one of themTICKETS SOLD ONLINE institution.”

The father was sento strong influence from the stripped from their children’s All CDC & VA GOVERNOR GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED! Catholic Church, with Vatican birth certificates, removing their tenced to two years (suspendNEW HO URS! www.TheNationsGunShow.com | www.ShowmastersGunShows.com ed) of prison time for the abuse, City within the country’s bor- legal rights as parents. while the mother was sentenced same-sex couples ders, Italy does not allow adop- ow sSeveral L e ! fled Italy as a result over to one year and four months for tion for step-parents, surrogacy richave P Make the smart and ONLY CHOICE allowing the abuse to continue.

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