Falls Church News-Press 1-30-2025

JANUARY 30 FEBRUARY 5, 2025

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

Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXIV N o . 51

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

Big Week For Eats In F.C. To Begin

UNDEFEATED!

‘Restaurant Week’ Will Showcase F.C.’s Options

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Remarkably, as reported in last week’s News-Press, the Washingtonian magazine’s annual list of 100 best restaurants in the DMV (Delaware, Maryland and Virginia region around the nation’s capital) included a whopping nine in and immediately around Falls Church, an amazing near 10 percent of the total.

It is a stark contrast to the many years when the only restaurant near here to make the list was the 2941, not even in the City.

While 2941 is not on the list this year, the nine named this month include six right inside the boundary limits of the Little City with one or two of our best inextricably left off that list.

But the overall effect of these huge gains will be on display for the coming 10 days with the City’s heavily promoted Restaurant Week from this Friday, Jan. 31, to Sunday, Feb. 9. A total of 43 local restaurants, all located within the City limits, are participating by

Continued on Page 3

Winter Arts Preview

Pages 7-10

FALLS CHURCH’S UNDEFEATED Meridian High School boys basketball team continued its winning ways with a resolute trouncing of a good team from Liberty High at the Mustang gym Tuesday night. It was a last-second buzzer beater last week by Will Davis (5) that kept the team unbeaten, and it won easily against two foes, including Liberty, this week. Meridian Mustangs in white include Davis (5), Isaac Rosenberger (12), John Alverson (44) and Jarrett Jardine (10). (News-Press photo).

Thurston Urges F.C. Council to Help News-Press

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Long-time City of Falls Church community activist Keith Thurston delivered an unexpected, passionate appeal to the Falls Church City Council this Monday to support the City’s long-standing community newspaper, the Falls Church NewsPress. The newspaper announced earlier this month that due to financial pressures, it was forced to sus-

pend its practice of carrier-delivering the paper to every household in Falls Church for the first time since its founding in 1991.

Thurston, the influential head of the Falls Church CATCH Foundation (a catch-all combination of “City Arts, Theater, Culture and History” programs and efforts in the Little City), urged the Council to make an “investment to keep this (the NewsPress) viable.”

He said, “We in Falls Church

are very lucky to have a hometown newspaper. Many places in America have lost theirs and are feeling the loss.” He added that the News-Press “is part of the fabric of the community that needs to be preserved. Losing it will be losing some of who we are as a community. It is how we know what is important, what will happen and what has happened.”

In fact, the News-Press has thus far outlived a dramatic loss of community newspapers throughout the

U.S., and also in Northern Virginia, due to unprecedented declines in advertising revenue. According to the Pew Research Center, total advertising revenue in newspapers has dropped by $39 billion since 2000, from $48 billion to $9 billion, such that more than half of U.S. counties have limited access to reliable local news and over 200 counties have no local news at all.

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025

F.C. Council Unanimous in Changes to Bike Plan The City of Falls Church’s Bike Master Plan in its “Priority Routes for 2028-2030” section was amended by a unanimous vote during the City Council discussion at its meeting Monday night that didn’t wrap up until almost midnight.

The first paragraph now reads: “The next routes slated for future consideration, among others, are listed alphabetically: 1. East Broad Street to Great Falls Street, and 2. Park Avenue, between Virginia Avenue and N. West Street. The list of future priority routes will be reevaluated in the FY 2028 time frame to determine current priorities.”

Also, the following sentence was added: “Public engagement will include direct outreach to the neighborhood and will include neighborhood meetings and walks in the design process for those routes that the city decides to pursue at that time.

This public engagement will form the basis for future implementation.”

Finally, the following sentence was added concerning East-West pedestrian and bicycle connection between W&OD Trail and the secondary School campus: “The use of eminent domain is not contemplated in this plan.”

Creative Cauldron Opens in New Space Next Week

Laura Connors Hull, founder and director of Creative Cauldron,

LO CA L

Falls Church News & Notes

announced yesterday the receipt of a formal occupancy permit to begin the theatre troupe’s operations at its brand new location in the Whole Foods Building adjacent to the intersection of E. Broad and Washington St. Transitioning will occur next week and things will open with a new production of Steel Magnolias.

A final show followed by a party at the existing site on S. Maple will be held this Saturday night.

“Crack the champagne and stop the presses. A most heartfelt congratulations to all who dreamed, wrote, painted, sung, swept, ushered, and fundraised this into existence. I know the great work will continue,” a key supporter wrote in response to the news.

40 Attend Viewing of Environmental Documentary Last Sunday, over 40 attended a showing of a new pro-environmental documentary prepared by Falls Church City Council member Justine Underhill at a meeting hosted by Falls Church Forward at the Viget offices in downtown Falls Church.

The 20-minute “Green Vs. Grey” film cited the differences between an older view of environmental priorities that involved opposing dense development and maintaining open space and the newer view that favors greater urban density as a strategy to prevent sprawl and deforestation.

The film sparked a lively discussion and can be viewed on YouTube.

Urban Land Institute to Review Options for Gordons Road This Thursday and Friday, representatives of the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Land Institute will assemble for public sessions at the downtown Falls Church Hilton Garden Inn to examine issues and options for the potential redevelopment of the City of Falls Church’s so-called Gordons Road Triangle adjacent the intersection of W. Broad and Shreve Road.

Falls Church’s ongoing redevelopment spurt could next focus on 15 acres of mostly industrial land in the community’s West End. The area involved is bounded by W. Broad Street to the north, the W&OD Regional Trail to the south and Shreve and Gordon roads to the west.

A ULI “technical assistance panel” will survey the property, interview stakeholders and deliver preliminary findings.

It will mark the third time a ULI team has performed this function for property in the City of Falls Church.

The first was prior to the development of the 10-acre West End project that is now under construction with some completed elements. The ULI team is credited with helping the City to shape its vision for the area. The second ULI panel was convened to consider the east end of the City, the area inclusive of the Eden Center that has yet to be see results of its effort.

Final recommendations from the ULI’s panels this week are expected

U.S. REP. DON BEYER (far left) and other notables performed the ceremonial ground breaking for the new HITT Construction headquarters building that will also house an innovative center of Virginia Tech. (Photo: News-Press)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

to be delivered in about two months.

The area in question includes the City’s property yard, and businesses such as Beyer Kia, Beyer Volvo and Caliber Collision.

One possible outcome of studying the corridor could be an eventual public-private partnership to redevelop the city’s operations facilities.

Urban Land Institute investigators also have been asked to detail potential ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian access.

in Alexandria City and Arlington County who have experienced abuse or neglect. Additionally, SCAN’s Family Programs offer tailored courses designed to address the unique challenges faced by families, equipping parents with the tools and knowledge needed for positive, effective parenting.

Book Author Speaks at Presbyterian Church Feb. 22

This week, legislation to ban hidden fees passed in the Virginia Senate by a 39 to 0 vote. SB1212, introduced by State Sen. Stella Pekarsky will next cross over to the House. The legislation would protect Virginians by requiring all fees to be disclosed upfront, ensuring consumers know the total cost of a good or service before checking out. People feel the impact of hidden fees across the economy; on average, families lose $3,200 a year to hidden fees on purchases.

“I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the importance of this legislation for our hardworking Virginia families,” said Senator Pekarsky. “Virginians deserve to know the total cost of an item up-front. It’s time to stop deceptive practices like hidden fees that force people to spend more money than anticipated. I look forward to seeing this legislation progress through the House so we can ensure hardworking Virginians can keep more of what they earn.”

Author Amina Luqman-Dawson will discuss her youth-oriented book, Freewater, about slaves who escaped through the Dismal Swamp in North Carolina during the Civil War, at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Children and young adults are especially invited.

Merger Forms New ‘Stop Child Abuse Now of N. Va.’ This week saw the announcement of a merger of court advocacy groups forming a new Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia.

“Together, we are strengthening our shared mission to protect children and support families in our community.”

SCAN’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program provides critical support to children

Legislation to Ban Hidden Fees Passes Senate 39-0

AT THE MONTHLY social mixer of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce held at Founders Row Tuesday, Michael Diener of Diener and Associates CPAs, and superstar realtor Tori McKinney. (Photo: News-Press)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 3

FC Restaurant Week to Begin Friday With 43 Local Participants

Continued from Page 1

offering special prices and dishes designed to entice diners to make their locations regular destinations. So, Restaurant Week can be counted on for the establishments to be on their very best behavior, and with their very best efforts, for just this reason.

The event is designed to celebrate Falls Church’s diverse and vibrant food culture such as Afghan, American, Bolivian, Chinese, Greek, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Jamaican, Japanese, Mexican, Peruvian, Russian, Salvadorian, Thai, Vietnamese, and more.

This family friendly 10-day event will draw the local community, foodies and tourists to Falls Church food service establishments.

With options for everyone ranging from hole-in-the-wall specialty restaurants to high-end dining establishments, this event provides customers with the opportunity to find their new favorite haunt and gives restaurants the chance to showcase their best menu items, according to the event’s website.

Falls Church City Restaurant Week is sponsored by the City

of Falls Church Economic Development Division, The Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is a Tourism Recovery Program.

For the second year, Tricia Barba of Preservation Biscuit Company was retained by the City’s Economic Development Committee to help promote the event.

Previously, a Restaurant Week in Falls Church was organized and run by the Falls Church News-Press in August, but that ended with the onset of the pandemic.

The most often lauded restaurants in the Little City are Ellie Bird and Nue, located within steps of one another in the Founder’s Row development where they are joined by other first-rate establishments like Role Play, Hot ‘n Juicy and Seoul Prime. Thompson’s Italian is also widely acclaimed in the region.

Other well-established and popular fine dining locations in the City that are participating in Restaurant Week include Ireland’s Four Provinces, the Dogwood Tavern, Clare and Don’s, Harvey’s, Sfizi, Panjshir, Cafe Kindred, The Falls, Dominion, Godfreys, Preservation, Plaka, Happy Tart and Northside

Social, and among the best new places are Cafe Zevian and Dolan Uyghur. There are four places participating that are located in or adjacent to the City’s iconic VietnameseAmerican enclave, the Eden Center.

The total list of participants in the this year’s event is composed of the following as listed on the City’s website: 10 Pizza, Audacious Aleworks, Badd Pizza, Bake Shop, Bank Mi Oi, Borek-G, Brick House Butcher, Cafe Kindred, Cafe Zevian, Chasin Tails, Clare & Dons, Cuates Grill, Dave’s Friggin Awesome, Dogwood Tavern, Dolan Uyghur, Dominion Beer and Wine, Ellie Bird, Godfrey’s Bakery and Cafe, Harvey’s, Hot ‘N Juicy Crawfish, Ireland’s Four Provinces, La Tingeria, Lantern House Viet Bistro, Luzmila’s Bolivian, Midori Tea House, Northside Social, Nue Elegantly Vietnamese, Panjshir, Pho Ga Vang, Plaka Grill, Preservation Biscuit Company, Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, Role Play, Seoul Prime, Sfizi Cafe, Solace Outpost, Sweet Rice, Taco Rock, TeaDM Plus, Thai Time, The Falls, The Happy Tart, Thompson’s Italian.

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CATCH Leader Petitions F.C. Council to Support Local Newspaper

Continued from Page 1

This Monday night, Thurston, reading from prepared notes during the public petitioning period of the Council’s business meeting, then noted that the newspaper represents a “push” form of communication “where the reader gets informed just by picking it up from their yard.”

He contrasted that to “websites and email links that are ‘pull’ forms of communication where one has to seek out the website or click on the link in the email inbox that is already overflowing.”

Home delivery of the News-Press, as all citizens of Falls Church have enjoyed for over 34 years to date, has been an effective “push” mode of communication that helps to ensure the contents get to prospective readers. Since its first issue rolled off the presses in March 1991 and for every week since, a total of over 1750 weekly editions have appeared during a veritable renaissance in the City that has seen economic development, educational and civic infrastructure and population expand at a rapid pace, even while tax rates have declined.

“Push versus pull” modes of communication are widely discussed in information circles, and their distinctions are very significant. The concepts of “push”

and “pull” refer to two distinct methods of disseminating information, each with its unique characteristics and applications.

“Push” dissemination is when information is proactively sent. This method is typically used by newspapers, as well as organizations, marketers, or content creators who want to ensure their message reaches a wide audience. “Push” information is often characterized by its one-way communication. The advantage of this approach is that it can reach large numbers of people, and the information is delivered without them having to actively look for it.

In contrast, “pull” dissemination refers to when individuals are left to actively seek out information. In this case, the recipient pulls the information they want to engage with, usually through search engines, websites, or social media. For instance, a person might search for specific information online or follow a website to access content. This method limits the reach of content since it relies on the audience’s initiative.

In the case of the News-Press, and good community newspapers in general, the most essential component of their functioning is the sense of community that they engender by virtue of the wide

range of the subject matter concerning a local community that is contained in them. The reader is exposed to this range by virtue of just picking up and opening the newspaper, and thus is engaged in the workings of the community as a whole, and not just a narrow corridor of interest that he is limited to by resorting to “pull” forms of information dissemination.

This Monday night, Thurston urged the City Council to “consider the investment to keep this (the News-Press) viable.”

He added, “City legal notices are required, and the newspaper of record allows this to happen. If those notices are made via the Washington Post, we will see how really expensive that would be, and how less effective since few get the paper version of the Post anymore.”

Thurston concluded, “We are losing Brown’s Hardware, but the Falls Church News-Press home delivery is something that we in the City can save. I beseech the City leaders to consider the options.”

A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center.

Voted best shopping center in the DMV!

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

StardustExploring‘Spooky Action at a Distance’ Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

“I once thought that if I could ask God one question, I would ask how the universe began, because once I knew that, all the rest is simply equations. But as I got older I became less concerned with how the universe began.

Rather, I would want to know why he started the universe. For once I knew that answer, then I would know the purpose of my own life.”– Albert Einstein The world’s foremost scientist of the 20th century was not against religious thought, per se, because if anything, focusing on the universe as a whole, and what makes it work, can’t help but bring one into the domain of metaphysics, areas beyond the range of our current mental capacities to reckon with.

When I was in high school in Santa Barbara, California, U.S. astronauts were making their first forays into space, following on the heels of the Soviets’ Yuri Gargarin’s first ever trip into space in 1961. Gagarin, in keeping with Soviet materialistic convictions, was famous for having said he made it into space but saw no evidence of God there.

As the editor of my high school newspaper then, a couple other high school students and I were given the honor of being driven up to Vandenberg Air Force base to attend a press conference by the American astronauts following their flight only a month or two after Gagarin. My memory is fuzzy and I honestly can’t recall who the astronauts were, there were two of them, and it’s likely that one was Alan Shepard.

At any rate, after their presentation and after taking questions from the press, the moderator wrapped up the program by asking first if any of us students wanted to ask a question. Well, I had a question that I had formulated in my head during the course of the press conference, but when asked kept quiet and missed the opportunity, for better or worse.

It was simply, “Though Gagarin saw no evidence of God up there, did you?” I’ve often wondered what would have happened if I’d raised my hand and asked that. I imagine that it and the astronauts’ answer would have made the news. I imagine a bunch of religious folks would have been all over me. I was not religious in any formal sense at the time, but, who knows, I might have become a national celebrity, at least for 15 minutes or so.

(What I’ve learned about my journalistic profession over the years is that it’s the ability to ask the right questions that’s key).

So, I’ve been left to wonder ever since. So also, I have wondered what the astronauts would have replied. They might have responded in the spirit of Einstein’s well known sentiments on the subject. That is, that the majesty of creation, of the universe itself, is a testament to something greater than we even know how to express or think about right now.

Indeed, with all the amazing revelations about our universe that are now being exhibited by the work of the magnificent James Webb Space Telescope, firing images at us from a position a million miles in space and showing us what things were like back 13 billion light years or so and vexing even the best of scientific minds with mindboggling realities, such as the indisputable evidence of so-called “quantum entanglement.”

“Quantum entanglement” is more than just a theory, it’s a proven fact, but it is so intriguing that Einstein, himself, famously called it “spooky action at a distance.” It’s the fact that two somehow interconnected particles can “communicate” faster than the speed of light from the far ends of the universe such that when one moves one way, the other moves in concert with it.

What does that say about all of reality, one may ask?

These beg bigger questions than what the setback on an accessory dwelling unit should be, or in fact about much of what typically fills our consciousness day in and day out.

Since we are all made of stardust, truly, let our minds soar to a place where foul piglets of the sordid and mundane, like Trump, carry no weight.

CO MME NT A Penny for Your Thoughts

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 5

By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor

Presidential inauguration speeches traditionally are written and delivered “for the ages,” looking forward to a future built on America’s past.

Donald Trump’s inaugural speech reflected an aged white man seeking to return to the 1950s of his youth when political power was virtually the exclusive province of white men, few women had careers outside the home, and persons of color were segregated in nearly all aspects of life. Some pundits have compared the speech to a State of the Union Address, but that assessment is too kind. It really was a political rant, prepared for a campaign rally, perhaps a bit more controlled via the scripted teleprompter. A few hours later, his impulsive ramblings to 20,000 supporters at the Capital One Arena doubled down on his inaugural screed.

During the recent presidential campaign, voters were cautioned to pay attention to what he does, not what he says. In the first few paragraphs of his prepared remarks, Mr. Trump disparaged basic structures of American society and government – justice, public safety, education, emergency services, and public health. He insisted that he has a “mandate to completely and totally reverse a terrible betrayal…and give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.” Receiving 49.9 percent of the popular vote is not a mandate. The betrayal he so often invokes is one-sided, viewing anything or anyone in opposition as disloyal to him personally. He said he wants to be a peacemaker and a

unifier. His decrees and Executive Orders in just the first week of his second term defy that. His actions continue to sow fear and division at all levels of American life, regardless of beliefs, employment, gender identity, or health needs. We know there is more to come.

The Yiddish word “chutzpah” describes audacity, both good and bad. Chutzpah certainly defines Donald Trump, who appears to have little or no respect for the opinions or abilities of anyone other than himself. His railing against the “radical and corrupt establishment that has extracted power and wealth from our citizens” sounded a lot like the pot calling the kettle black, to use an ancient idiom. Radical and corrupt defined his first term and may well continue in his second. He wants the recent election to be remembered as the “greatest and most consequential in the history of our country.” It wasn’t the greatest but, as Trump continues his effort to deconstruct the U.S. government, historians may view it as the most consequential, and devastating, to our American democracy, testing the resilience of our democratic structures that have survived outside attacks. Can they survive attacks from inside? This is uncharted territory.

Previous presidents, upon leaving the Oval Office, have used their experience to frame future challenges and opportunities. In his 1961 farewell address, President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about the rise of the military industrial complex, but he also focused on his “interdependent relationship with Congress,”

and the need for the Executive and Legislative branches to “serve the national good rather than mere partisanship.” He also warned that lack of good judgment eventually finds imbalance and frustration rather than balance and progress. Even in 1961, he suggested that we “be alert to the danger that public policy could become a captive of a scientifictechnological elite.” Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Peter Thiel were not born then, but Ike was prescient, wasn’t he?

President Joe Biden, in his farewell address, warned of the “oligarchy of extreme power and wealth,” and decried the “avalanche of misinformation and disinformation” in today’s media. It was a frank and direct appeal for Americans to continue pursuing the American dream, recognizing that the dream is aspirational, and its pursuit is always worthwhile. That dream quickly can become a nightmare if Americans are exhausted by the new administration’s “flooding the zone” these first few weeks. The long haul to protect democracy will require resilience and perseverance across the next four years and beyond. I think President Eisenhower would concur.

The First Amendment that protects free speech does not prohibit lies, and there were many in Trump’s second inaugural address.

The close election was not a mandate; sunlight is not pouring over the entire world, the nation is not rapidly unifying behind the Trump agenda, China does not operate the Panama Canal, and 38,000 people did not lose their lives building it.

In closing his address, Mr. Trump said that “from this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.” Funny, I thought it already was.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h C R I M E R E PO RT Week of January 13 — 19, 2024 Larceny from Building, Mustang Alley, Jan 12, 4:00 p.m., an unknown suspect stole a portable speaker and microphone from the gymnasium hall. (Delayed report) Driving on Suspended License, W Broad St, Jan 21, 8:21 p.m., a male, 55, of Reston, was arrested for Driving on Suspended License.

Fraud – Credit Card, S Washington St, Jan 22, 6:00 p.m., victim reported a fraudulent charge was made to their credit card.

Shoplifting, Hillwood Ave, Jan 23, 5:21 p.m., two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying.

The first suspect is described as a light skinned black male in his twenties, approximately 6`3” in height, roughly 190 pounds, wearing glasses, a black jacket over a black hoodie, black pants, and white shoes. The second suspect is described as a white male in his twenties, approximately 5`11” in height, roughly 180 pounds, wearing a tan hoodie, tan pants, and tan shoes.

ers and stole various belongings.

The unknown suspect is described as a black male in his mid-fifties, wearing a black beanie with glasses on top, a facial mask, green jacket, black pants, and black tennis shoes.

Larceny from Building, W Broad St, Jan 25, 3:48 p.m., an unknown suspect cut the locks off employee lock-

Fcnp.com

Larceny from Building, Little Falls St, Jan 25, between 4:10 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., an unknown suspect stole the victim’s wallet. The victim had placed their wallet on the bleachers while playing basketball.

PAGE 6 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Editorial

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E D I TO R I A L

Keep the Lights On for Us

Keep the lights on for us! Keep the holiday lights that wrap around tree trunks on W Broad Street to brighten things up in downtown Falls Church!

Keep them up year ‘round. We need that extra cheer, light to fight off the darkness in our town, in our nation and in our souls.

It’s shaping up with the new Trump administration that the nation will face its worst domestic crisis since the Civil War. It is becoming evident that the intent is a deliberate sacking of everything smacking of a generosity of spirit or of democratic values. The two go together. The global ruling elites behind this new offensive are too blinded by their own deep flaws to realize that they are sewing the seeds of their own destruction. We are convinced that it will end very poorly for them. Unfortunately, it will for the many, many millions of people impacted by this latest Trump 2.0 orgy of greed and selfishness, too.

As we scramble to develop an effective response, we recognize that working to maintain a buoyant human spirit is critical. Much of the “shock and awe” of these last days is designed precisely to shatter public trust and any resolve to fight back effectively, politically, morally or socially. The millions that poured into the streets the weekend after Trump’s first inauguration eight years ago in one of the biggest multi-city rallies in history were nowhere to be found this time around.

Yet we are not defeated, not by a long shot if we are to gain a true appreciation of our power, the power of the people. The comeback politically starts right here in Virginia this year with the races for governor, attorney general, lieutenant governor and the House of Delegates. Doing very well in Virginia this year electorally will send a signal nationally that the human spirit is not dead, that the lights have not gone out and that we can rise to new heights in the coming period now that the true nature of our opposition is showing itself in ways that can no longer be ignored by anyone.

The overplaying of their hand such as they are now doing will constitute a major advantage for all reasonable people from this point forward, and we must take heart in that. A liar and cheat can have his way only insofar as those he seeks to dupe can be kept in the dark about his aims and methods. Once the facade is ripped away, then the one other major obstacle is simply fear.

Maybe we will be unable to overcome that. But then again, perhaps we will.

Maybe this next period will be one in which building resolve, building commitment, building courage, will be our primary task. Not business as usual, not more relentless bids for campaign contributions, but a time of redemption, self-examination and a summoning of the powers needed to truly change our nation’s current course toward a more noble and virtuous tomorrow.

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Letters to Editor

Regarding Baseball Field At Meridian Editor,

When did you (via News Press) become Dr. Noonan and the schools’ PR representative?

The article is so one sided that it borders on comical. It would also be helpful if the FCNP conducted fact-checking before presenting the schools’ communication as truth.

One key issue is that the community was only indirectly informed of this debacle last week. This lack of timely communication is a primary reason we have no viable path to completing the turf installation before the season begins—something your article failed to mention.

I know you’re aware of this, as you saw me raise the issue at last week’s City Council meeting.

Contrary to your claim, Dr. Noonan did not take “great painstaking lengths to explain how this happened.” Parents now have even more unanswered questions. Why not seek input from all those involved? I’m sure the baseball parents would gladly share their perspective.

You reference a “report” in your article—what report are you referring to? If you have it, I would appreciate the opportunity to read it.

It is unacceptable—and frankly astonishing—that a $2 million project could proceed without a concrete plan, clear ownership, or accountability. This level of mismanagement is inexcusable. The community deserves regular, transparent updates until both the project and the season are successfully completed.

An apology from the administrators for the inconvenience caused to the coaches, players, and families would also be appropriate. The coaches now have to add an hour of commute time to their schedules.

They should all be nominated for sainthood for having to deal with this. I especially feel bad for the seniors, as it’s more than likely that their last ‘home’ game will be off site and not at Meridian.

Your article also failed to mention the broader domino effect of this delay. For instance, the summer fireworks display might be canceled for a second consecutive year, as the field serves as the launch site with no alternative location. Furthermore, the delay will likely increase the overall project cost—an avoidable consequence of poor planning and execution.

As it stands, your “play no favorites” mantra, as published in the FCNP, fell short here—much like

the promised timing of this baseball turf project.

Bill Ackerman

1939? Only If We Give Up Editor, The most recent edition of the Falls Church News-Press invoked a frightening question: Are the opening days of Trump 2.0 our country’s September 9, 1939, widely accepted as the official start of World War II and the horrors of Nazi Germany?

My response is simple: only if we allow it to be. I have no intention of allowing it to be, and neither should any of us.

Make no mistake, we are at a dangerous moment. Political opposition, free media, and civic space are likely to close rapidly over the coming years. The historical parallels between today’s America and 1930’s Germany are stark and frankly terrifying. But it is for that exact reason we must act, and we must act now.

Pro-democracy Americans are not some helpless minority. Seventyfive million of us voted for Kamala Harris, this November; eighty-one million of us voted for Joe Biden in 2020; and never in these past ten years have a majority of Americans ever approved of Donald Trump.

We are not helpless. We are legion, and we have power, if only we are clear-eyed and courageous enough to unlock it.

So that is exactly what I’m proposing. The residents of Falls Church must form a pro-democracy civic association. We must organize to protect ourselves, our family, and our neighbors from the worst of the Felon’s edicts and abuses. Starting Tuesday, Feb 11th 6-7pm, likely at the MRS Public Library, I will host bi-weekly meetings. At each meeting, we will debrief the community on what’s new, separate danger from noise, and then take decisive action.

Whether this past week has filled you with anger, fear, despair, or sickness, I urge you to transform those emotions into action. Our democracy survives as long as even one patriot is willing to fight for it. So please, be that patriot; have courage; and let’s join together in peaceful patriotic resistance.

If you want to join this movement, please email me at allardb419@ gmail.com to RSVP and attend our inaugural meeting on Feb 11th.

Ben Allard

Winter ARTS

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WI NTE R A RTS PR E V I E W

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 7

Preview

See pages 8-10

PAGE 8 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025

WI NTE R A RTS PR E V I E W

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Creative Cauldron’s Passport Music Festival Sounds Off

by Patricia Leslie

Near the finale of a concert at Creative Cauldron Saturday night, a fire alarm at Pearson Square abruptly ended entertainment by an international trio of musicians, but, not to fear: The company’s expert management immediately ordered the audience to nearby exits.

There was no panic in the stands since Grammy winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer’s music had mesmerized the audience which was calm and peaceful exiting into the cold night, warmed by sounds still echoing in their ears which included those by Chinese classical musician, Chao Tian, who played the yangqin (a Chinese hammered dulcimer) and mandolin.

Another classical musician, Snehesh Nag, an artist-in-residence at Strathmore in 2023, sometimes joined the group on stage to play his sitar and add to the evening’s pleasures.

When the alarm sounded, Grammy winners Fink and Marxer were playing their banjos for “Oh, Mary Don’t You Weep,” an AfricanAmerican spiritual, while Chao Tian clashed four bamboo sticks together,

an example of Chinese percussion.

The sticks’ friction sounded like a loud cricket or a rattlesnake, the bamboo she periodically waved in the air, like a snake charmer trying to coax a cobra from its basket.

No cobra emerged, only the sights and sounds of the undulating bamboo, Chao Tian’s circulating hands and arms moving the sticks and shaking them together to vibrate like a magic show in a musical acrobatic feat. (Come to think of it, could the friction have....no.)

The evening was titled “From China to Appalachia” with Fink and Marxer playing the gourd banjo, five-string banjo, ukulele, guitars, dumbek and cello-banjo.

In 1980 Fink became the first woman to win the West Virginia banjo contest which she’s won three times. Saturday night she and Marxer played music of Pete Seeger, their friend with whom they had collaborated, composed and performed.

Fink said that although she and Marxer “only” had about 60 strings on their instruments and Chao Tian had 147, the Americans spent a lot more time tuning their instruments Saturday than did their Chinese partner, but, all part of musical

expectations.

The show was near a sellout with some crowd participation, once singing in Chinese, which, strangely enough, was not difficult, perhaps because the refrain included only a few syllables.

The night’s global impact (and the arrival last week of the Chinese pandas at the National Zoo!) was deepened by the surprise appearance of international Chinese five-generation music star, Zhou Benming, wearing, like the others, a silk Chinese jacket but his jacket’s sequins and length captured more attention.

He played three instruments, one that sounded like a Halloween horn, another, a long rectangular instrument he blew to make music like an accordion, and the third which looked and sounded like a flute.

The crowd roared and many stood to applaud.

This weekend’s performances will end Cauldron’s “Passport Music Festival,” this, its 14th year and sponsored by Realtor Ken Trotter, and close Creative Cauldron’s occupancy on South Maple since it will shortly be moving to new digs at East Broad Avenue and Washington Street.

On stage Friday at 7:30 p.m.

will be violinist Dave Kline and Veronneau, an acoustic, song-based group notable for its jazz, bossa nova and gypsy jazz followed Saturday at 7:30 p.m. by Little Red & The Renegades who play accordion, steel pan, rock and roll, zydeco, blues and New Orleans sounds for the Mardi Gras Passport Finale Party.

(Renegades’ recent shows include the Kennedy Center on New Year’s Eve.) Tickets for both Cauldron performances start at $25 with live streaming at $15. Volunteer ushers and concession workers can apply for free

tickets. (Visit the website at www. creativecauldron.org.)

At its new location, Creative Cauldron’s first production will be “Steel Magnolias” set to open February 13, 2025.

The company’s founder and artistic director Laura Connors Hull told Saturday’s crowd she hopes to get the occupancy permit any day. When she asked, a show of hands indicated just about half in the audience knew about the move.

Until then, Creative Cauldron is at 410 South Maple Ave., #116, Falls Church, ph. 703-436-9948.

GRAMMY WINNERS PERFORM at Creative Cauldron. From Left are Marcy Marxer, Cathy Fink and Chao Tian(Photo: Patricia Leslie)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WI NTE R A RTS PR E V I E W

Home of the Visual Arts “Full Circle” Exhibit until February 23, 2025

“Earth is too small for anything but Peace” by Mary Kane

New Art Classes Available See Website

Falls Church Arts 700B W Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046 www.FallsChurchArts.org An all-volunteer non-profit

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 9

PAGE 10 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025

WI NTE R A RTS PR E V I E W

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Falls Church Arts Exhibition That Comes ‘Full Circle’

by Mark Dreisonstok

“The natural world may be conceived of as a system of concentric circles,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay “Circles,” and the latest exhibition at Falls Church Art Gallery seems to have tapped into the Transcendentalist writer’s idea of “drawing a circle around the circle” in its latest exhibition.

In “Full Circle,” forty-two artists explore the circle or the concept of coming full circle in a forty-five-piece exhibit.

“Into the Mystics,” an acrylic and ink work

by Elise Ritter-Clough, explores transcendent circles within circles high above lively circles of life below. At the center of the circle above is the sun. The digital photograph “The Marsh” by Bonnie B. Collier depicts two children seeming to be in Victorian-like costumes.

The child on the left is seated in an ornate chair, in the marshy fields facing the direction of a white, circular ball. Nature is often a theme in these works, and “The Marsh” features a lake and mountains behind the children. Marina DiCarlo’s acrylic on paper “Waterlily II: Botanical Garden, Jerusalem” is a further instance of the circles found within nature. Cynthia Schoeppel’s acrylic “Autumn Mandela” featuring leaves in autumnal colors in a circular format is another foray into the natural world of circles and cycles.

For circles in concrete, we move to Steve Jenning’s arresting black-and-white photography of Washington’s “Memorial Bridge” and its emphasis on the rounded, circular features of the bridge. It is a close-to-home reminder that circles are in our midst everywhere, even in the highly urban context of a commuter bridge. The “Full Circle” artworks also contain occasional allusions to earlier art, for instance Mary Kane’s acrylic on canvas “Earth Is Too Small for Anything but Peace” and its swirly references in the dark blue sky to Vincent van Gogh’s Impressionist master-

piece “The Starry Night.”

Circling back to Emerson, who wrote that “the eye is the first circle,” we are reminded of an eye looking out from the canvas as we admire Michael Lindsay’s acrylic on canvas “Full Circle in Blue.” In the exhibition card next to the painting, Mr. Lindsay states: “Expressing yourself through art is so freeing, and these circles are free; never ending or giving up. They are also blue—which to me is the most beautiful color of all—shades of water, sky, and bluebells.”

Kimia Foroughi’s painting “No Night Lasts Forever” is particularly striking. This artwork depicts a woman dressed in red inside an arched doorway with five pomegranates atop her head. A bird is seen within a circle.

The exhibition card elaborates: “This painting symbolizes Yalda Night, the ancient Persian celebration of the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year and the triumph of light over darkness. The crown of pomegranates in the painting reflects the theme of renewal, while the golden circle with a bird embodies hope and the return of brighter days. The deep blue and golden hues convey the harmony of night and light, celebrating cycles of nature, unity, and the promise of new beginnings.” It is a reminder in the oil medium that spring is not far away!

Many of the artists break barriers, for John Ballou, in his oil on canvas “At Last,” presents Cubism within a circle. In another unusual take on the “Full Circle” topic, ripples in a lake are suggested in Gini Moore’s photography of a “Floor.”

We come full circle to Emerson’s notion that human life “is a self-evolving circle” by encouraging readers to visit “Full Circle” for these and other unique artworks during the exhibition’s stay at Falls Church Arts Gallery through February 23, 2025. For further information, please see: fallschurcharts.org.

FULL CIRCLE ON DISPLAY AT Falls Church arts. ( Photo: FCArts)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fa l l s C h u r c h

Business News & Notes

TINT Makerspace on a Mission Arlington Magazine gave coverage to Carissa Englert, owner of TINT Makerspace in Falls Church. This is where clients get their fabrics and yarns for hobbies such as knitting, quilting, crochet and embroidery. The younger generation on TikTok and YouTube are picking up these hobbies and embellishing their clothes. Englert teaches classes and connects clients to their creative outlets – even hosting a knitting circle outdoors.

Vote for Falls Church in 2 Polls Virginia Living is holding the 13th Annual Best of Virginia Readers’ Survey on favorite businesses in over 100 categories in four sections of the state: Food and Drink, Living and Recreation, Services, and Shopping. If your favorite isn’t in the drop-down list, you may submit write-in nomination. The deadline to nominate is tomorrow, January 31 via this link: https://virginialiving.com/bov2025/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz9Ssn90Ku7hKK4d8mDQXbBFTvgEjiuRUkzxZ2K-CimLa6romS3Z0HM5AKjiZCz_ I L u s e Y T Z 5 A 0 r F f 5 _ U w E k C A J D F G w y S b 9 s S B l 2 4 j C 7 J x AT j 9 p m 0 s 4 & _ hsmi=339456264&utm_content=339456264&utm_source=hs_email Readers of Northern Virginia Magazine are invited to vote on their favorites in the following categories: food, drinks, entertainment, fitness, beauty, shopping, and a new category, wedding. The deadline is February 7 and the Best of NoVA will be named in the June issue. https://northernvirginiamag.com/best-of-nova-vote/

Dominion Opens Grant Applications The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation’s Spring grant cycle is now accepting applications through February 24 and will issue the awards by mid-May. To learn more about their support for the communities Dominion serve, please visit dominionenergy. com/foundation. The Foundation now requires all non-profits to register with Benevity prior to applying. Staff will host virtual office hours for organizations with questions or needing help. Visit the website: Applying for a Grant | Dominion Energy

Local Restaurants Named Best Washington Magazine published their annual list of the 100 Very Best Restaurants of 2025 and a number of Falls Church restaurants made the list. Making the list are Ellie Bird, Nue, Thompson Italian, Chay, Fava Pot, La Tingeria, Rice Paper, Thip Khao Padack, and Truong Tien. Truong Tien and Rice Paper are found at the Eden Center.

Snyder Chairs NVTC Again Falls Church City Council member, David Snyder, was elected to chair the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission this year. This is the fourth time he has been elected chair since joining the commission in 1994.

 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.

Coming 2-6-2025

Contact Sue: sjohnson@fcnp.com

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 11

VA Senator Saddam Salim

Richmond Report Hello!

The legislative session in Richmond is currently underway, and I would like to provide an update on several bills that I am sponsoring and how you can stay informed about their progress this year. Due to the ongoing water crisis in Richmond, our legislative session is shorter than usual. We convened on January 8th, although we officially commenced on January 13th due to the water crisis in Richmond, and the session will conclude on February 22nd.

Below are some of the priority bills and budget amendments that I have introduced this session: Gun Violence Prevention: SB848: Raises the age to purchase an assault firearm to 21 years old. The age to purchase handguns is already 21, and multiple recent high-profile mass shootings have been committed by individuals under 21.

SB891: Requires a five-day waiting period before purchasing a firearm. This measure will particularly help prevent impulsive acts of gun violence and suicide. Research suggests that waiting periods could reduce gun homicide by up to 17 percent and gun suicide by up to 11 percent.

Budget Amendment 391#6s: Appropriates Federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding for Substantial Risk Orders (also known as Red Flag laws) to train and promote the law among state and local law enforcement and commonwealth’s attorneys.

Housing Supply and Affordability: SB1011: Adds the City of Falls Church to the Affordable Dwelling Unit Program, aligning it with other Northern Virginia localities. This amendment enhances the city’s resources to address the ongoing affordable housing crisis.

SB1400: Virginia Residential and Landlord and Tenant Act: Bans software which uses an algorithm to artificially inflate rent prices above fair market levels.

Environment: SB1166: Requires signage at retail establishments that sell invasive plants, educating consumers about the potential harm these plants pose to the environment. Invasive plants annually cost the Virginia economy over one billion dollars and cause significant ecological damage. This legislation aims to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Budget Amendment 109 #7s: Allocates $20 million annually to the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, providing rebates on electric vehicles. Additionally, lower-income Virginians will be eligible for additional rebates.

Budget Amendment 999 #10s: Amends the $9 million appropriated to the City

of Falls Church for stormwater projects, enhancing the city’s flexibility in managing its stormwater infrastructure.

You can see a full list of all the bills I am carrying at salimva.com/2025. In addition to these bills, there are a number of other important bills and resolutions that I am supporting this year. Chief among them are the three priority constitutional amendments. In Virginia, all constitutional amendments must be passed by the General Assembly twice, with a House of Delegates election in between. After that, it goes to the voters in a statewide referendum to approve. The Governor does not get a say in the amendment process and cannot veto an amendment.

These are the three amendments: SJ247 - Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom This amendment would enshrine the right to abortion and other reproductive rights within our state constitution, thereby safeguarding these freedoms from potential future assaults by the General Assembly.

SJ248 - Voting Rights Guaranteed Did you know that Virginia is the one of the only states in the entire country to automatically bar every single person who has committed a felony from voting for life, even after they have completed their sentence, unless the Governor restores their rights? This year, we are finally taking action to right this historic wrong. This amendment would replace Virginia’s outlier voting rights restoration process that disproportionately keeps Black Virginians from voting. Under the new amendment, after felons have served their time, their voting rights would be automatically restored.

SJ249 - Marriage Equality Amendment Did you know that Virginia’s constitution still bars same-sex couples from getting married? Although the ban has not been enforced for a decade, if the Supreme Court ever overturned Obergefell and brought marriage back to the states, like Justice Thomas suggested in the Dobbs decision, same-sex marriage would once again be banned in Virginia. This amendment would bring Virginia’s constitution up to the current federal law and would ensure that same-sex marriage would still be protected in Virginia if that ever changed.

All three of these amendments passed the House of Delegates and the Senate, where I was proud to vote in favor of them. They will come back again next year and then head to the voters next November to be enshrined into our constitution.

You can keep up with these bills or anything other bills at lis.virginia.gov. You can always reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns at senatorsalim@ senate.virginia.gov or (804) 698-7537.

PAGE 12 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

MUNIS APPLICATION #20240451 REQUESTING EXCEPTION FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SEAWARD PORTION OF A DESIGNATED AND MAPPED WATER QUALITY RESOURCE PROTECTION AREA MUNIS application #20240451 by Elizabeth Killingsworth, applicant and owner, for an exception to City Code Section 35-10(g) (1)(c) to allow an encroachment and land disturbance into the seaward 50 feet of the Resource Protection Area under the City’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas for the purpose of constructing a screened-in porch on an existing deck at premises known as 312 Shadow Walk, RPC #51-110-078 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential. The exception as requested, requires consideration of evaluation criteria of any impacts and action by the Planning Commission, which is the subject of this notice and public hearing.

The materials for the above item will be available on the city’s webpage prior to the public hearing: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. For copies of materials and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. 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 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@ fallschurchva.gov.

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In Memoriam: Elizabeth Joanne Shupe

Elizabeth Joanne Cross, Warner Shupe, 92, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away on January 16, 2025, to be with her Lord and Savior. Born in Russell County, Virginia, she was the eldest child of the late William Emory (Buck) Cross and Fanny Woodrow (Wood) Easterly Cross.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Jim Warner and Elmer Shupe; son, Steve Warner; daughter-in-law, Glenna Warner; daughter, Jeannie Troemmler; brother, Charles Cross; and brothers-in-law, Joe Campbell and Carl Durham.

She is survived by her sons, Mike Warner and Jantry Shupe; brother, Donald Cross; sisters, Patricia Campbell and Faye Durham; daughter-in-law, Jill Warner; son-inlaw, Larry Troemmler; and a large extended family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her close friends, Helen Doty, Tammy and Russell Street, Gary “Biscuit” Davis, Bob and Laura Feagins, Suzy Harris, Laken Mullins, Zac Thomas, Tag Helt, Ken Moneypenny, Janet Uria, Jeanette and Dr. Kent Blazier, Dr. Jerry and Emma Miller, Shawn and Gail Scheffers, and Jeanette Watkins, along with her therapy dog, Woodie, also mourn her loss.

A vivacious lady, Elizabeth Joanne lived life to the fullest.

She was proud of her family’s and friends’ accomplishments. She played basketball in high school, enjoyed bowling, played tennis, painted ceramics, and wrote.

Despite being wheelchair-bound for 17 years, she never let her handicap hinder her enjoyment

Both basketball teams at Meridian High School have been red-hot as of late, with Jim Smith’s boys still undefeated on the season while Chris Carrico’s girls haven’t lost since December 19th. Both teams were busy this past week, with the girls at Kettle Run on Wednesday and then at home against Fauquier on Friday, while the boys faced the same teams on the same nights but at inverse locations.

The boys, who’d just beaten Northwestern District powerhouse Skyline on a thrilling buzzer beater the previous Friday, stayed hot by pummeling Kettle Run 85-35 at home and then beating Fauquier 62-39 on the road, improving to 13-0 on the season. Will Davis led all scorers with 15 in the Kettle Run win, while Isaac Rosenberger had 18 against Fauquier. They now enter an extremely busy week with four games in five nights, including three on the road against Kettle Run again (Thursday), and Millbrook (Friday). Their only home matchup will be against Liberty on Tuesday.

The girls, who entered the week 8-3 and winners of four straight,

improved to 10-3 with six in a row after beating Kettle Run 43-20 and then handling Fauquier 43-29. Nora Stufft had 12 points against Kettle Run and 14 against Fauquier, leading all scorers in both contests. The girls will play Manassas Park and

C ritter C orner

of life. She cherished her time in the metropolitan area with her son and visiting her daughter’s family in Central Virginia. She loved the arts, often attending performances at the Kennedy Center, and had a passion for flowers, birds, sunshine, the ocean, and collecting angels. Her compassion for others and strong faith in God were evident throughout her life.

In her later years, Elizabeth Joanne chose to continue giving by signing up for the donor program for medical research at Georgetown University. Her remains will be interred in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Washington, DC, following cremation.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Elizabeth Joanne Shupe Endowment at Northeast State University. For more information, contact Megan Davidson at the Northeast State Community College Foundation, PO Box 246, Blountville, TN 37617, MLDavidson@NortheastState. edu, or 423-279-7630.

Meridian Basketball Rolls On In Perfect Week For Boys, Girls

by Ryan McCafferty

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 13

Millbrook at home on Thursday and Friday. Millbrook remains their most recent loss on the season when Meridian played them on the road, so they should be extra motivated to make a statement in that one.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. Thursday, Jan. 30

Passport Music Festival January 10 – February 1, 2025 Creative Cauldron 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Creative Cauldron’s popular “Passport Music Festival” concert series is back again for the 14th year. The festival features music from some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the DMV and beyond! The Series is curated by Wammy Award-winning artists Ken Avis and Lynn Veronneau. Launching on January 10 and running through February 1, 2025, the series highlights folk, Latin, jazz, soul, blues, and world music, with many fusion bands that blend musical styles. Tier One Seats $30, Tier 2 Seats $25, Table for 2 $90 (includes two glasses of wine),​ Table for 4 $180 (includes one bottle of wine) ​Live Stream $15 Obtain tickets at creativecauldron.org Fool for Love - Live Production January 30 – February 15, 2025 Falls Church Presbyterian Church 225 E Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Fool for Love is a play written by American playwright and actor Sam Shepard. The play focuses on May and Eddie, former lovers who have met again in a motel in the desert. Please note: This production contains adult situations, language, and moderate violence, which may not be suitable for children. Buy tickets at https://www.novanightskytheater.com/box-office National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year January 30 – February 2, 2025 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score. Live music by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and National Children’s Chorus, United States of America. Tickets prices range $30.00 – $142.00 Buy tickets at www.kennedy-center.org eBook Clinic John Marshall Library 6209 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310 Learn about library eBooks and eAudiobooks, as well as how to access them on your compatible device! Call for an appointment; please bring your charged device and associated password(s). Adults.

Folger Shakespeare Library Reading Room Festival Folger Shakespeare Library 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 From January 30th to February 2nd. The Reading Room Festival is back for its third year! Join us for staged readings, panel talks, workshops, and community celebrations that bring artists, critics, and scholars together to explore Shakespeare’s stories in fresh and creative ways. Featured playwrights and adaptors include Barry Edelstein, Emily Lyon, Reynaldo Piniella, and Whitney White. Tickets: All-Access Pass – $150 Single Tickets for Readings and Workshops – $20 Students receive free admission to readings and conversations, with valid ID, one half-hour before the event starts time. Go to www.folger.edu Falls Church Fiber Artists 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Drop in for this informal weekly group to knit and crochet. Share what you're creating. Get advice from other knitters and crocheters. Or just chat while you work on your own project! All are welcome.

Winter Storytime 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join our children’s librarians for songs, stories, and rhymes! Please pick only one story time per week to attend. See children's desk for ticket upon arrival. We give out tickets starting at 10 a.m. Limited space available, story time often fills before the 10:30 a.m. start. Playtime with our Early Literacy toys will be available after story time. The room will remain open until 12 p.m.

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

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 We will have our Early Literacy center available for free play for an hour after story time. Drop in, no registration or tickets required. Ages: 0-4 Caregiver Support Group 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Kensington Falls Church 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 We understand that caregiving for someone can, at times, be a demanding commitment. We also believe it is one you should not undertake alone.

That’s why we strive to preserve your well-being by helping you stay positive, manage fatigue and make the most of time spent with your loved one.

Join us on the last Thursday of each month to share time connecting with other caregivers and discussing common challenges in a welcoming, private setting. Register khulbert@kensingtonsl.com Sip & Solve 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Sherwood Regional Library 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306 Drop in to solve jigsaw puzzles and sip hot chocolate! Puzzles & beverages provided. Adults. No registration.

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

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

Second place teams, $20 gift card.

Badfish 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

State Theatre 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046 For 22 years, the Rhode Island-based band have successfully paid tribute to Sublime, the short-lived but influential California group that brought ska-punk and reggaerock to the mainstream. But now, Badfish is more. After two decades of Sublime reverence, Badfish recently released its second new song. Now the Sublime repertoire is nicely augmented by fresh original tracks that blend seamlessly together.

Get tickets at www.badfish.com/tour

Friday, Jan. 31 Falls Church Restaurant Week January 31 – February 9, 2025 Falls Church, VA January 31st to February 9th. Warm up inside this winter during Falls Church Restaurant Week! Are you ready? View the lineup of restaurants at fallschurchrw.com.

Winter Sowing by Master Gardeners of NoVA Friday, January 31 – 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Virtual Discover the art of winter sowing with Extension Master Gardener Jasmin DeCourc-

ey! In this class, we’ll explore an innovative and low-cost method of starting seeds outdoors during winter, using recycled containers as mini greenhouses. Perfect for gardeners of all levels, winter sowing is an ideal way to jump-start your garden with hardy, robust plants that thrive come spring.

Learn how to select the best seeds, set up and prepare containers, and time your sowing to take advantage of nature's cycles. By the end of the class, you'll be ready to grow a wide range of flowers, vegetables, and herbs from scratch, all while saving money and minimizing your ecological footprint.

Embrace this unique approach and let your garden grow naturally – even in the coldest months!

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

life with raring talent and passion. Prepare to laugh, gasp, and question everything you thought you knew about faith, fear, and puppets. Tickets at www.keegantheatre.com

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

National Gallery of Art Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565 In a decade of tumult in the U.S., photographers embraced experimentation. They changed the subjects they focused on. The field opened to underrepresented voices. Artists explored questions still with us today around the ethics, truth, and power of photography. Free admission.

Crêpe Days: Celebrate La Chandeleur!

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, marks the halfway point between winter and spring. In France, families celebrate by eating crêpes, which are round and golden like the springtime sun. We are excited to offer two days of fun to celebrate the holiday. We invite families to celebrate this holiday in festive French fashion amidst Hillwood's magnificent setting and exquisite French treasures. Snack on a tasty treat of sweet crêpes (2 per person), hear tales inspired by classic French La Fontaine fables as told by storyteller Diane Macklin. Decorate a plastic plate with fanciful designs and flourishes inspired by Hillwood's French Sèvres porcelain. Ticket prices $5.00$18.00 purchased at www.hillwoodmuseum.org

Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Virtual The Urban Land Institute’s TAPs provide expert, multidisciplinary advice to local governments facing complex land use and real estate issues.

Over an intensive two-day working session, the panelists will tour the study area, interview stakeholders, and work collaboratively to produce preliminary findings and recommendations for the study area. This year’s ULI TAP will focus on the Gordon Road Triangle in the west end of the city.

The panelists will present their final recommendations over a Zoom link on www.fallschurchva.gov Broadway Desserts 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043 On Friday January 31st at 7 p.m. the MHS Choirs and on Saturday February 1st at 1 p.m., the MHS and MEHMS Choirs present Broadway Desserts. This is a fun fundraiser concert for the choir programs that includes a dessert at intermission with admission ticket. Bring the family to hear favorite numbers from popular musicals. Tickets $5.00/person or $20.00/family purchased at www.fccpschoralboosters.org Veronneau 7:30pm – 9:00pm Creative Cauldron 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 For the closing weekend of Passport to the World, Veronneau celebrates Creative Cauldron with the full band, including long-time friend, violinist Dave Kline. French chanson, bossa nova and acoustic soul from award-winning, multilingual Quebecoise vocalist Lynn Veronneau. 2024 saw the band winning new fans with tours in Spain, France, Portugal and Switzerland, tonight they're home at the Cauldron playing favorites and new songs. Tickets at www.creativecauldron.org

Saturday, Feb. 1 Tony-Nominated Comedy HAND TO GOD February 1 – March 2, 2025 Keegan Theatre 1742 Church St NW, Washington, DC 20036 February 1st to March 2nd. Direct, sexy, and violent – very much NOT for the meek – it’s a theatrical adrenaline rush that moves to beat Hell. It's about embracing the messy, chaotic truths of being human, and our incredible cast and production team are bringing it to

John Marshall Seed Library All Day John Marshall Library 6209 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310 It's cold outside, but spring will be here before you know it! Visit the John Marshall Seed Library to pick up a few packets of vegetable, herbs, or flower seeds for your garden. You may find old favorites or discover new ones! Have extra seeds? Consider donating them! Bring donated seeds to the Information Desk or leave packets in the Donation Drawer.

The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 600 Independence Ave SW, DC 20560 Are you curious about the night sky? Come to the planetarium at the Museum in DC for a live, guided tour of what you can see after sunset. The facilitator will answer questions and customize the program based on audience interests. This planetarium show is free to attend and runs 25 minutes.

The Sky Tonight generally takes place on the first, second, and third Saturdays of each month. Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry into the museum. Get tickets at www.https://airandspace.si.edu Home Made Bird Feeders 11:00 a,m. – 12:00 p.m.

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 Bring a clean, empty, plastic bottle to make a bird feeder. We discuss tips for feeding birds and learn to identify common birds that visit home bird feeders. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Cost: $8.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Lunar New Year With Miss Panda 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join Amanda "Miss Panda" and celebrate the Year of the Snake! Learn about the history of Lunar New Year, try out chopstick challenges, and create Chinese lucky word art! Registration required, for kids in grades K-5. Register at www.mrspl.org Polar Dip 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Lake Anne Plaza-Main Parking lot 1609 Washington Plaza N, Reston, VA 20190 The event, formerly the Virginia Polar Dip, has raised over $1 million over the past 19 years. This year, the goal of the Kiwanis Polar Dip is to raise $30,000 for Food for Neighbors and a variety of Kiwanis Youth Programs in the Fairfax County area. A portion will also benefit Camp Sunshine,

a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Join us, sponsor a jumper, or cheer on the participants. kiwanispolardip.org

Washington Gardener Seed Exchange 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Green Spring Gardens 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312 Washington Gardener Magazine is co-hosting the annual seed exchange at Green Spring Gardens with lectures and a face-to-face seed swap. Bring your extra seeds to swap and leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden friends, and expert planting advice. $15 for verified Friends of Green Spring members and Washington Gardener subscribers, $20 for guests.

Adults. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Broadway Desserts 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043 On Friday January 31st at 7pm the MHS Choirs and on Saturday February 1st at 1pm, the MHS and MEHMS Choirs present Broadway Desserts. This is a fun fundraiser concert for the choir programs that includes a dessert at intermission with an admission ticket. Bring the family to hear favorite numbers from popular musicals. Tickets $5.00/person or $20.00/ family purchased at fccpschoralboosters.org Falls Church Town Hall & Legislative Update 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Falls Church City Hall 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 The Falls Church Town Hall and Legislative Update will be held in the City Council chamber featuring Delegate Marcus Simon and Senator Saddam Salim.

First Saturday at National Gallery of Art 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

National Gallery of Art - East Building 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20565 Each month, join us for a fun and relaxed experience featuring art making, films, and a variety of special pop-up activities. All activities are free, and most first come, first served.

Some activities require registration. This month celebrate Black history, art, and stories on this special day. Learn about two of Washington D.C.’s greatest artists, Alma Thomas and Sam Gilliam, and make art inspired by them. Plus, explore creative civic engagement with artist activations by the collective For Freedoms. Learn more at https://www.nga. gov/calendar/festivals/first-saturdays.html “Beyond the Surface” Solo Art Exhibit 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

ARTfactory 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 Beyond the Surface” presents recent works by contemporary figurative painter, William Kennedy that aim to explore and express the emotional depth and complexity of black male figures.

Kennedy challenges the often-one-dimensional perceptions of black men by portraying their vulnerabilities alongside their strengths in his artwork. Free. For more information email Jordan Exum jexum@virginiaARTfactory.org Little Red & The Renegades Mardi Gras Passport Finale Party 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Creative Cauldron 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Squeeze Box Rock & Roll, Zydeco, Blues, and New Orleans R&B – high energy grooves from DC's one and only Little Red. Accordion, steel pan, a dynamic rhythm section, and great songs...who could ask for anything more. Little Red were the Kennedy Center's New Years Eve band, and if it's good enough for the Kennedy Center it's good enough for the Cauldron! Tickets at www.creativecauldron.org

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025 | PAGE 15

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. Sunday, Feb. 2

Chocolate With Chickadees 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Potomac Overlook Regional Park 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207 Sip on some hot cocoa to stay warm on a winter day as we sit by Potomac Overlook's bird observation station. Learn about the behavior and adaptations of several species of songbirds as they fly into the birdfeeders, giving amazing close up looks.

Hot cocoa provided, but please bring your own mug. $8, ages 7+ Register at www.novaparks.com Maple Syrup Boil Down 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Colvin Run Mill 10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 The sap is rising, and the maple trees are tapped. Now its sugaring time! Bundle up to brave the weather and watch and learn as sap is boiled down into delicious, sweet syrup over an open fire. Sample the delicious combination of maple syrup over cornbread, made from Colvin Run cornmeal. While supplies last. This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately. Ages 6 - Adult. Price: $8.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Board Game Sunday for Adults 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Come check out the wonderful and varied world of modern board games. Play various tabletop games that are simple to learn and fun to master. This is a great way to meet new people. Experienced players will be on hand to offer instruction. We normally meet in person every 1st Sunday of the month. Newcomers are always welcome!

For adults 18+. No registration required.

Penguins and Polar Bears 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Riverbend Park 8748 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, VA 22066 Learn about penguins, polar bears and other animals who enjoy the chilly temperatures. Create fun crafts and activities. Build and race penguins and create a snowman. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 3-9. Cost: $7.00 There is no charge for an adult accompanying their child in this program. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Design and Print Cards for Valentine’s Day 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 We will create hand-printed cards, for Valentines or any other occasion. We begin by designing stamps using foam and/or rubber. The foam can be cut with scissors and the rubber with simple carving tools. Then we will print cards using ink pads or, for the ambitious, block printing ink. We may decide to share stamps so that the final cards can have a mix of images from several participants. Students should bring paper or cardstock, scissors or craft knife, ruler, drawing tools and embellishments for cards if desired.

Price: $45.00 Register at www.fallschurcharts.org Ars Gratia Populi 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA 22101 Ars Gratia Populi (Latin for “art for the people's sake”) is a vocal ensemble that explores the interplay between art music and folk music in an a cappella setting. The six unaccompanied voices of the ensemble bring purity and intricacy to everything from Renaissance madrigals to Scottish Gaelic ballads to maybe even some modern standards. Tickets $10.00, $7.00 for students and seniors Purchase tickets at www.mcleancenter.org

Winter Traditional Celtic Concerts 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Old Brogue Irish Pub 760 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 Top quality music, in two sittings, 4:30 and 6:30, from the British Isles, Brittany (France), the Celtic areas of Northern Spain, and the Americas. Tickets for $21.00 must be purchased in advance at https://oldbrogue.com/winter-celtic-concert-2025

Monday, Feb. 3 Parkinson's Foundation Communication Club 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Virtual The Club establishes a wellness and prevention program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, with a focus on maintenance of communication skills. The club is not therapy, but rather, it is an exercise group designed to improve volume. The approach helps people speak loudly and clearly to make themselves heard. Most importantly, this club is designed in a group setting – one for all and all for one – a team effort to be loud. If people can’t hear you, they assume you don’t know. Make your voice heard! Exercise and Socialization is the best medicine for living successfully with Parkinson’s Disease. Exercise your voice as well as your body.

This group is appropriate for anyone desiring to improve volume or verbal expression. Register with Kayla Peters at kpeters@kensingtonsl.com Crafty Café -Collages 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Relax at Crafty Café on the first Monday of the month. We will enjoy snacks and a different artsy activity every meeting.

This month we will be working with collages. Come and create a cool, giftable piece of art with us. Teens in grades 6-12 are welcome! Register at www.mrspl.org Evening Art Critique Group 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join creative artists in a Falls Church Arts monthly discussion and critique group. Bring a piece of art you’d like feedback on—something new or old, something in progress or complete—and our community of artists will share their thoughts. The meeting is open to all so invite your artist friends. Feel free to join even if you don’t have a piece to share this time. If you have questions, email our facilitator, John Valenti, at info@fallschurcharts.org.

How to Age Well with Exercise 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 We all know exercise is important, but why and what kind? This interactive lecture discusses why the challenge level in exercise matters for cognitive health as we age.

Adults (Ages 18+) Register at www.mrspl.org Telescope Observing for Beginners 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Observatory Park 925 Springvale Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 This course covers the basics of observing the night sky and objects with a telescope and astronomy resources. Class will provide hands-on observation with telescopes weather permitting. Attendees can bring their own telescopes to use and receive assistance. The course is held rain or clear skies in the Roll-Top Observatory at Turner Farm Park. Instructions for this program are provided by volunteers of the Analemma Society. Ages 8 – Adult Price: $8.00. Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks

Tuesday, Feb. 4

At Home in France | Inspiration and Style in Town and Country 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 From his third book, the award-winning designer Timothy Corrigan shares the joys of decorating and living in his latest Paris apartment and a new château, infectiously inspiring us to bring French chic into our own lives. Interspersed throughout are insights on topics ranging from his favorite places in Paris, hanging art, entertaining with panache, and making rooms work for the way you live. Join Timothy for this lavishly illustrated talk as he takes you on an enchanting trip to France that will leave you inspired with a sense of savoir-vivre. Tickets are $10.00 at www.hillwoodmuseum.org GMU/Arlington Graduate School Open House 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Van Metre Hall, George Mason University 3351 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201 Join four prestigious schools at George Mason University to learn more about their 40+ graduate programs in Arlington. Antonin Scalia School of Law, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Costello College of Business and Schar School of Policy and Government. Receive a quick resume review, connect with faculty, and speak with admissions representatives. Register at schar.gmu.edu/openhouse Spanish Conversation Group 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join us and meet up with other foreign language speakers to practice and improve your skills. These meetings are a casual, conversational format. Adults (Ages 18+) Register at www.mrspl.org DEAD IN THE FRAME with Author Stephen Spotswood 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 We're thrilled to be hosting Stephen Spotswood for the launch of his new Pentecost and Parker mystery, Dead In The Frame. Joining Stephen in conversation will be Katharine Schellman. The most dramatic installment yet in the Nero Awardwinning Pentecost and Parker series, as Will scrambles to solve a shocking murder before Lillian takes the fall for the crime.

Register at www.onemorepagebooks.com

Wednesday, Feb. 5 Body Dynamics Class: Dance Fitness 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Body Dynamics Inc 410 S Maple Ave #100, Falls Church, VA 22046 A 55-minute dance class for all levels. No previous experience necessary. Dynamic warm-up, mobility and stability challenges, aerobic challenges, all through the lens of a lively dance class. Emphasis will be placed on use of proper body mechanics to facilitate increased body awareness. Each class will devote time to learning a dance combination which challenges the dancer to develop their own style of movement! Register with Gwynn Hegyi at ghegyi@bodydynamicsinc.com

Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Most of us are always on the go in some capacity, tasking ourselves to keep things running smoothly or remedying situations that aren’t going as we hoped. The practice of mindfulness meditation gives us the skills to step out of our habitual mode of doing and allows us to have mindful recognition of what is present here and now. In our group setting we investigate the practical application of bringing mindfulness into our daily lives. Open to beginners and experienced meditators. Register at www.mrspl.org Corn Grinding & Clay Pottery 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Huntley Meadows Park 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306 Learn how the Powhatan Native Americans used the plants and animals you see every day for their medicine, grocery store and clothing. Immerse yourself in a way of life 400 years ago. Grind corn, make a clay pot, master corn darts and go on a guided tour to see the park from the perspective of a Virginia Indian. Ages 4 – Adult. Price: $12.00 Register at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks Crafternoon - Bracelet Making 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join us to enjoy music and a craft. This week we are making bracelets. (Grades K-5, Age 5-11) Register at www.mrspl.org

Navigating Taxes and Benefits for Seniors 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Kensington Falls Church 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Join us for an insightful evening with Jing Zheng, CFP®, EA, MBA, Founder and Financial Planner at Neat Financial Planning, LLC. Jing will guide seniors and their loved ones through the often-complex world of taxes and benefits. Whether you’re navigating your own financial journey in retirement or managing taxes and benefits for an aging parent or loved one, this event will provide practical strategies to maximize retirement income, minimize tax burdens, and make the most of available benefits. To register email Kayla Hulbert at khulbert@kensingtonsl.com Jenn's Fiction Book Club 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 Join our Fiction Book Group, led by Jenn, meets the first Wednesday of the month, for a lively discussion! All are welcome. This week our book is "Code Name Helene." Want to discuss books with your fellow customers? No sign-ups required just read the book (or don't, we won't tell) and show up for the meeting.

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PAGE 16 | JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 5, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Bill Page Toyota Over 50 Years Family Owned Hi, I’m John, YOUR local product specialist for new and pre-owned vehicles.

Call or text anytime for friendly, nohassle, expert service!

716-997-9019

Over 200 pre-owned and new vehicles available on the lot RIGHT NOW!

Annandale Rd

2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road

2025 Camry LE

Call 703-532-8800 Bill Page Toyota 50

9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Friday, 11:00am-6:00pm Sunday www.Billpagetoyota.com 2923 Annandale Rd, Falls Church VA 22042

For more special prices, please visit billpagetoyota.com! *All pricing includes discounts and incentives available to customers. All pricing excludes taxes, tags, title and dealer processing charge of $895.00. Vehicle availability to subject to prior sale.

Please contact dealer to verify price, options, and other vehicle details. Special APR on select models only and is subject to credit approval. See dealer for details.