Falls Church News-Press 1-7-2021 by Falls Church News-Press

January 7 – 13, 2021

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Virginia Gov. Northam Addresses Slow Covid-19 Vaccine Distribu�on Pushes All Health Care Providers to Deplete Supply of Shots; Only 2,000 Have Received 2nd Dose

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

At his press conference in Richmond Tuesday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam acknowledged the slow rate of vaccinations against the Covid-19 virus going on in his state. But his only solution was to spur health care providers to speed

up their work. “If there are vials in freezers, give out shots until they are gone,” he said. Falls Church recipients of the vaccinations so far report the sluggish nature of the distribution, which for most qualifying persons in this area are being made available at the Fairfax County Executive Building in Fairfax.

Meanwhile, new cases are surging to levels four times greater than in the perceived “peak” last spring. Dr. Gordon Theisz of the Family Doctors of Falls Church had his whole staff of a half dozen, in addition to himself, receive the first of two doses of the Moderna vaccine last week, one of two options available now

(Pfizer being the other). His report was that the delivery was uneven, but definitely not with the urgency that one might expect. He said given the amount of testing for the Covid-19 virus he and his staff have been providing, it is clear why providers in his position should be in the first wave of those receiving shots. It

also helps him to encourage anyone reluctant to receive a shot on the importance of doing it. Among other things, he can testify on the impact of side effects. To date, according to Northam, about 115,000 Virginians have received the first dose of the vac-

Continued on Page 5

New F.C. School Is Nearly Finished, But Reopening Next Week Unlikely BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The new school set to replace the old George Mason High School in the City of Falls Church will be opened in the coming weeks, but in-person learning may not be allowed despite a recently announced reopening plan. Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan gave the News-Press a tour of the nearly completed facility Tuesday, showing off the bright, open feel that highlights just how compact and, in some spots, dingy the old Mason building was. “Opening a new school is challenging enough in and of itself,” Noonan said. “But doing it against the backdrop of a pandemic has made it all the more challenging.” The new front entrance will feature a legacy wall and kiosk on one side and a professionally done

graphic detailing the school system’s history with the International Baccalaureate program on the other. Just past the opening foyer is the new theater that boasts a stage that can hold 140 and an audience of up to 600 as well as the rear projection lighting system that has been used in Broadway productions such as Hamilton. Noonan hinted that the high school’s first performance would be about the mishaps and hijinx that we’ve all dealt with while trying to communicate virtually for the past 10 months. The new gym was completed during the time of the NewsPress’ tour, with Noonan saying it could host up to 1,500 people. Just beyond a large, glass section of the gym’s back wall is a patio area with a view of the football field. Noonan’s hope is that the gym

Continued on Page 4

THE THIRD FLOOR ATRIUM is an airy space with all kinds of seating for students — and the teachers in classrooms around the perimeter — to make use of during the school day. (P��: N��-P��)

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SEE STORY, PAGE 27

SEE COMMUNITY NEWS & NOTES, PAGE 10

Two personal trainers in Falls Church were able to use technology during the shutdown, and continue to work with clients over the internet to keep their businesses afloat. But both are a little uncertain about how long they will be able to survive.

Covid-19’s spread throughout the country influenced the City to scale back or outright cancel certain camps during its typically popping summer season, making “fun” one of the lesser known, but more persistent casualties of the pandemic.

There will be a Yard Sale at George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. – noon. at Entrance one, on the Leesburg PIke side of the school. It will be completely outdoors.

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 News & Notes............................10–11 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Business News ................................. 15 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18

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West Falls Church Project Proposed Agreement Amendments Friday, January 8 Noon to 1:30 p.m. Join the MS Teams Virtual Meeting: www.fallschurchva.gov/TownHall City staff and representatives of the developer will give a 15 minute presentation then answer questions from the audience. Questions may be sent in advance to townhall@fallschurchva.gov. Video of the event will be available later on the project website, www.fallschurchva.gov/WFC.

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JANUARY 7 - 13, 2021 | PAGE 3

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Brighter, More Spaced Out School To Be A�ended Once Virus Data Improves

Continued from Page 1

could one day serve as a graduation location so that families have the option of a more intimate ceremony. Core curriculum classes take place between the third and fifth floors, with breakout areas equipped with couches, chairs and long tables filling the space between classes. For instance, the third floor has an atrium serving as a gathering area with plenty of seating. Noonan suggested, Language & Literature teacher Brian Walsh, whose classroom is situated on the perimeter of the atrium, may want to use that area as a space for his class to reenact scenes from the books they’re reading. Down on the ground level, the black box for the theater students even comes equipped with a mock catwalk so production hands can get used to controlling the lighting for their performances. A soon-tobe finished wrestling room and a spacious weight room are overshadowed by the sheer coolness

of the new tunnel walkouts to the football field that are close by. Noonan said the new school can hold anywhere from 1,300 – 1,500 students, which is significant room to grow from its current enrollment of around 900. With a surplus of “unprogrammed rooms,” to use the superintendent’s lingo, that aren’t designated for one teacher or course, the space is there. Noonan also said that teachers could share classrooms during their off-periods if enrollment hits a certain point. In the here and now, Falls Church schools don’t have to worry about enrollment challenges since roughly 60 students have opted for homeschool due to FCCPS’ lack of reopening. Noonan said he expects a few more may follow, but believes the school system will bounce back once the pandemic passes. That goal appears further away than some may have anticipated. Noonan announced a new reopening plan on Dec. 29, with the first cohort of special populations and English as a second

language learners returning on Tuesday of this week, the second cohort of elementary age kids (K – 5) coming back on Jan. 12 and the third cohort group of middle and high schoolers (6 – 11) coming back on Jan. 21. Seniors at the new high school would be allowed to come back a week earlier than their cohort on Jan. 12. But that was all dependent on the virus data being favorable. With 10 percent of the City’s Covid-19 tests coming back positive, over 200 new cases per 100,000 people and a high burden of regional and local transmission, Noonan plans on sending another notice out to temper reopening expectations. “Looking at the data today, it’s hard to believe that we’ll be able to open next week,” Noonan said Tuesday. “We really thought that given the extra time after winter break...we assumed that people wouldn’t travel. And we assumed that the rates in the City of Falls Church would drop because people would hunker down. But unfortunately, what we’re seeing is the

Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation invites you to a celebration of Peter Clark’s contributions to our community on January 16, 2021, 7:00 pm. Peter Clark will leave his position as President of NVMHF after seventeen years of service to individuals with mental illness. Come share in that celebration and hear about how NVMHF has impacted our community since its inception 28 years ago. Please register by going to https://www.novamentalhealth.org. If you are interested in saying a few words about Peter, please indicate that interest by sending an email to clkoshatka@aol.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THE TUNNELS leading to the football �ield are two-fold: one for the athletes and another for the students. With sports still active, there’s a chance the football team, who had their season moved to February, could use it. (P��: N��-P��) data is actually getting worse in the City of Falls Church than it was before the break.” Teachers are scared and nervous about coming back even with

virus mitigation measures in place, according to Noonan. However, national leaders that the school

Continued on Page 18

Real Estate Guide 2021 Coming Thursday, January 21 The Quarterly Real Estate Guide (January 21) is a popular feature with our readers. Despite everything going on in the world people are still selling and buying houses and they want to talk about doing business with you. Included For All Advertisers in the Guide: • Discounted paid ad space • A free editorial space about you or your company • Your photo or logo • Content posted to our website for 3 months • Promoted in our social media channels at no additional cost

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JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 5

About 200 Vaccinations Administered to F.C. City’s Senior Residents

Continued from Page 1

cine, and about 2,000 have received their second dose. This is in the context of a total of 377,300 cases in Virginia so far, with a total of 5,226 deaths. In just the last 24 hours, 5,387 new cases were reported as the virus is exploding nationwide in the recent weeks. Northam said that no cases of the new, ultra-virulent British mutation of the virus have been found in the state so far. According to Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields, reporting to the City Council Monday night, there have been about 200 vaccinations in the City so far, with priorities being elderly residents of the Sunrise and Kensington assisted living homes. He and Council members expressed their frustrations at the slow progress in the vaccination process, and Mayor David Tarter said that he would raise the issue with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission at its meeting Monday. The governor outlined new steps to accelerate the distribution of the vaccines, beginning with

DR. GORDON THEISZ and his staff received the �irst of their two doses of the Moderna vaccine last week, wanting to show how safe the vaccine is. (P��: N��-P��) setting a new goal of 25,000 per day, above the 14,000 doses that has been the goal per date. Once the goal of 25,000 a day has been met, it will be increased to 50,000 per day with the aim of vaccinating all 8.5 million Virgnians, each of whom will require two shots, by the summer. Northam reiterated the

sequencing of the vaccine distributions, noting that the so far vaccines have been limited to Phase 1a-qualified persons, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control. They include doctors, nurses, EMTs and other healthcare professionals. Also those who live and work in long term care facilities fall in the Phase 1a category.

That category covers 500,000 people in Virginia. Phase 1b, which is next in line, will include “top essential workers,” such as firefighters, police officers, teachers, grocery store workers, transit workers, mail carriers, food and agricultural workers and all adults 75 and up. Northam announced that

he added K-12 teachers and child care workers to the Phase 1b list. That group totals about 1.2 million Virginians. The third group, Phase 1c, will follow the 1b group to include essential workers in construction, transportation, food service, utilities, adults aged 65 and up, and people aged 16-64 with high risk medical conditions. That covers about 2.5 million Virginians. Then everybody else can get vaccinated, for Virginia meaning another six million or so. Northam said that as more doses become available, the Virginia National Guard logistical support and help local health departments administer the vaccines. He said that the Virginia Department of Health is developing an online portal to help people understand how to register to receive a vaccination. Northam announced the appointment of Dr. Danny TK Avula to spearhead the state’s vaccination program, and that he will be joined by Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday at 3 p.m. for an online Q&A open to the public.

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E D I TO R I A L

A Remarkable New High School

The News-Press got its chance to tour the brand new $120 million high school facility this week, and we were truly amazed. Honestly, this is the first-rate, state-of-the-art institutional living and beating heart of a community committed to advancing and elevating the great calling of education, the development and enhancement of the human mind and spirit to the benefit of our entire species. Citizens of Falls Church, and anyone over the years who has contributed to the advancement of this community, should feel genuinely proud of our collective work to bring us to this point, the point where the students of our high school are about to move into this remarkable facility. They may not yet be able to flow in freely to begin the functioning of this school because of the pandemic for now, but it is something to surely anticipate. The most recent chapter of the process to this point began with the passage of a $120 million bond referendum by a wide margin in November 2017. But there was a lot that led up to that point. Truly, the process can be seen dating back to the early 1990s to the point under the leadership of Superintendent Stuart Robertson and of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce to forge an informal new shared objective of achieving enhanced commercial revenue development for the purpose of supporting the City schools. Up to then, the interests of the business community were seen at odds with the schools and vice versa. By 2001 the City had created conditions for the first large scale mixed use project, The Broadway, and by 2005, many in the community participated in the bond referendum for the construction of the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and initial planning for a new high school. The process got a boost from Interim Superintendent Dr. Robert Schiller, called for his lengthy experience in school construction projects, and then the arrival of current Superintendent Peter Noonan, who came on board in 2016, leading the process for the passage by the full Falls Church community of the $120 million bond. Under Noonan’s leadership, the entire F.C. community remained fully engaged as the process moved forward to the present day and including the West End Gateway Partners’ plans for dense development of 9.7 acres directly across from the new school, atop the current high school with its May 2021 date for demolition. The completion of the plan awaits the development of that commercial plan aimed at paying for the entire thing, and its linking with adjacent developments leading to the West Falls Church Metro. City residents should take legitimate pride in this culmination of a vision and perseverance leading to the achievement of this project. It will now be enhanced by new commitments to the kind of diversity that will make the system a beacon of hope for the full enfranchisement of the full array of our population.

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F.C. Schools Virus Metrics Not Adequate to Gauge Reopening Editor, One would be hard-pressed to question that Covid-19 has presented the greatest challenge, numberswise, during the recent cold holiday season. It’s also wrong to question the importance of health and wellbeing of our teachers and school staff. What I will question, however, is the idea that the plausibility of our schools reopening is measured

by our school board as purely the function of the burden and spread of the virus. Firstly, those metrics are only somewhat relevant, since they measure the numbers and spread overwhelmingly for adult populations. Secondly, where are the metrics having to do with the rest of the community? Where are the metrics of how many classes our children are missing, or the work that goes

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unsubmitted? Where are the metrics of harm and depression they endure as they sit in front of their screens all day long? Where are the metrics of damage to the Falls Church City families as parents (predominantly, women) drop out of the labor force to help augment our children’s education? Or those of financial and health stress on the parents who, despite the pandemic, have to show up to work every day? I am not saying this is an easy problem to solve, or that the school board isn’t trying. But I am saying that the metrics they are using are woefully incomplete, and that the quality of our children’s educa-

tion and their health should drive the discussion and the urgency of reopening in addition to adult health concerns. Jane Pinelis Falls Church

[ LETTERS ] Tell us what you think. Email letters@fcnp.com Mail Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Avenue #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

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JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� Looking Ahead to the 2021 Virginia General Assembly B� S�� S��. D�� S��

It is a welcome relief that we turned the calendar page on one of the most arduous years of our lifetimes. As this column goes to press, we are mourning yet another victim of Covid-19. On Jan. 1, we learned of the passing of a Senate colleague, the Hon. Ben Chafin. Kind, decent, and thoughtful readily come to mind when describing this dedicated public servant. Virginia has now lost more than 5,100 individuals due to complications from the virus. Since this pandemic began, I have talked about the realities of the Coronavirus. As a nation, there are over 20 million positive test cases and more than 330,000 lives have been lost. This virus is mutating and still very active in our communities. Many constituents are reaching out to get specifics about the vaccination program. As with everything else about this medical emergency, once again the federal government is M.I.A. The states have been left to make the administration policy to orchestrate this campaign. To date, Virginia has secured storage units, has a safe handling plan, and has already begun inoculating its front-line medical workers. Local health districts are reaching out to medical practices to move further into the health care provider system. Additionally, nursing home workers and residents are also receiving the vaccine. More information from the

Governor’s office about the vaccine rollout in the Commonwealth is expected this week.

“A number of new laws went into effect on Jan. 1. I believe the most critical measure is the ban on holding a personal electronic device while driving. Simply put – no texting and driving; no looking for phone numbers; no reading emails while driving.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is allocating vaccine to states based on population and is making recommendations for the recipients in Phase 1b and 1c, guidelines which Virginia is adopting. Phase 1b recipients will include persons aged 75+ and frontline essential workers who are non-health care workers. It is currently recommended Phase 1c

includes individuals aged 65 – 74 yrs. as well as persons aged 16 – 64 years with high risk medical conditions and other essential workers not included in Phase 1b. Implementing a successful vaccine rollout is critical to curbing the spread of Covid-19. The specific timeline for the program is still very fluid. As it changes, information is being updated on the VDH dashboard as well as with local health departments. Supply determines how deeply the program reaches. A number of new laws went into effect on Jan. 1. I believe the most critical measure is the ban on holding a personal electronic device while driving. Simply put – no texting and driving; no looking for phone numbers; no reading emails while driving. The initial fine will be $125 and a subsequent fine will move to $250, which is the fine for work zone abuse. Additional laws governing elections, handguns, and disposable plastic bags are also of note. Looking ahead, we are preparing for the 2021 General Assembly. The Constitution of Virginia says that the odd year session shall last for 30 days with a two-thirds vote to increase the number of days. In light of the volume of legislation and requirement to fine tune the budget, it has been usual and customary for legislators to vote for a 45-day session. Putting the pandemic behind us and rebuilding the Commonwealth are Virginians’ priorities I am hearing loud and clear.

The abbreviated session necessitates limiting introduced bills and a tight schedule for committee operations. All committee meetings will be virtual with individuals and organizations pre-registering to provide testimony on issues before that committee. Rest assured, we will stay laser focused on Virginia’s economy, jobs, health and education. In this the odd year, amendments to the biennial budget will be made. It is unlikely the revenue numbers will be available prior to the adjournment of the 2021 legislative session. In their wisdom to keep it “short and sweet” the Republicans are essentially teeing up the need for another special session. While the Governor has already proposed amendments, the responsibility rests with the General Assembly to lay out the spending plan for the Commonwealth. Senator Howell is the first woman to chair the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I stand firmly with her as we balance the budget with priorities that best serve all Virginians. Once again, I would like to extend my best wishes to you and yours for a healthy and prosperous New Year. I encourage you to stay in touch through email and register for e- newsletter at dicksaslaw. com. State Senator Dick Saslaw represents the 35th District in Virginia’s General Assembly

Q�� W�� Should the Covid-19 vaccine be available to everyone on a first come, first serve basis? • Yes

• No

• Not sure

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

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PAGE 8 | JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Gyms Pivot To Distanced & Remote Instruction During Pandemic

BY BRIAN INDRE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

All businesses have suffered in one way or another due to the impacts of the coronavirus, and gyms have had it especially hard. Fortunately, two personal trainers in Falls Church were able to use technology during the shutdown, and continue to work with clients over the internet to keep their businesses afloat. But both are a little uncertain about how long they will be able to survive this way. Kavon Atabaki, a personal trainer and founder of Functional Fitness VA, and Eliot Corwin, owner of Advantage Trainers, had seen their business drop around 50 – 65 percent in the beginning of the pandemic. Business has slowly come back once they were allowed to open their doors again, but the numbers remain lower than they would like. Both trainers admit that online classes have been the saving grace for their business-

A SET OF RESISTANCE BANDS are local trainers Kavon Atbaki and Eliot Corwin recommends for those looking to work out at home since they’re just as versatile as dumbbells. (P��: N��-P��) es, but the transition to online is limiting to what equipment can

be used, or what clients have access to, and most importantly,

how they can help clients that benefit more from a traditional

one-on-one instruction. During the beginning of the pandemic, Functional Fitness had 75 kettlebells on hand (one of their primary pieces of equipment), and was able to rent some of those out to existing clients. It gave Functional Fitness’ clients something that they could use at home, and was a way for the gym to make a little income, according to Atabaki. But he continued by saying that it’s also harder for people to join their online classes if they’ve never been to the gym in person and don’t already have a kettlebell. “It’s a double edged sword, because it helps us to continue with what we are doing and keep our revenue going, but growthwise our classes are dwindling,” Atabaki said. “We have limited the capacity of the gym, so that there are never more than nine people, including trainers, inside at one time.” This gives enough space between a trainer and a client so that they are never closer than ten feet from each other, he

Continued on Page 9

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Local Trainers Expect Online Sessions To Remain Common After Virus Threat Ends Continued from Page 8

explained. Still, trainers are required to wear masks and with multiple large windows lining the facility, Atabaki said they can open them up and get good airflow. And no equipment is shared and all of it is cleaned with virucidal wipes after each session. “We feel confident that we’re following the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines and not putting anybody at unnecessary risk,” he said. For those who would like to take up either in-person or online training sessions, Atabaki said that the kettlebell is their favorite tool, but resistance bands and other equipment can be used depending on the clients needs. “If you can get a 25 lb. kettlebell to start with, you’re in business,” Atabaki said. Advantage Trainers cater to a lot of clients who tend to be older or may have health risk

factors. “There is a certain population that is never going to come back until everyone is vaccinated, and that makes up a good 20 percent of our people,” said Corwin. “We have regular gym memberships, but the bulk of our work is with personal training,” He explains that although some clients have switched to online workouts, the majority prefer coming into the gym and working with a trainer in person. Corwin described two primary categories of clients. The first are people who have some limitation and want extra help from a professional to make sure they don’t further hurt themselves; and the second are clients who want accountability — in other words, they want to work out, but they are not going to do it on their own or they don’t know how to. For people interested in what equipment would be best to get started, Corwin recom-

mends a set of resistance bands because they are much easier to use at home, don’t take up much space, and are less expensive and almost as versatile as dumbbells. You can easily get a complete workout with a set of bands, he said. Corwin mentioned that working with clients online can be challenging for the trainer, but it has its upside, for example, three clients who had moved away from the area reached back out during quarantine to start working out again with their former trainers. “We are offering a new year promotion called ‘Project Reset’ that will involve a month long workout at home, which will be free and no equipment needed,” said Corwin. Although online training sessions may not be what these personal trainers prefer, the coronavirus has most likely changed how gyms will be used from now on, and making online training much more common.

JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 9

Covid-19 Vaccine Info

• Fairfax County Health Department officials have said that there is no word as of yet on when the vaccine distribution regimen will extend beyond initial Phase 1a populations of frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents according to the protocol set up by the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. • So far, nearly 14,000 people in Phase 1a in the Fairfax Health District have been vaccinated with the first of two shots as of Jan. 5. • The goal for the Fairfax Health District is that by the time it moves out of the restricted phases, the vaccine will be available at primary care providers, pharmacies, urgent care centers, public health departments and occupational health clinics so that anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one very easily. • However, “it will be a few more weeks” before the vaccines become available to people in Phases 1b and 1c, according to health officials. Officials said there is no way to receive the vaccine now unless you are a long-term care resident or a frontline health worker. • Phase 1b is expanded to include all persons over 75, firefighters and police, corrections officers, and workers in food and agriculture, the U.S. Postal Service, manufacturing, grocery stores, public transit and those who work in the education sector and child care. • Phase 1c, third in line for the vaccine, includes persons aged 65 to 74, persons aged 16-64 with medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness, essential workers in transportation and logistics, water and wastewater, food service, shelter and housing (such as construction), finance (such as bank tellers), information technology and communications, energy, legal, media, public safety (as in engineers) and public health workers.

• Physicals, Sick Visits, Vaccines • COVID testing • See our website re: COVID vaccine

Dr. Arminda Nasuti

703-533-7555 • www.fmifc.com 124A East Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046

twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine • Accepting Most Major Insurances

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C�� N�� N�� 4 Mason Students Qualify for Governor’s School Auditions Four George Mason High School students qualified for the Visual and Performing Arts Governor’s School auditions earlier this year. They are Caroline Toyryla (Instrumental Music), Emma Hart (Theatre), Savvy Smith (Visual Art) and Ailene Neal (Vocal Music). The students will be heading to Briar Woods High School in Ashburn on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 8 and 9, for the final round, with in-person auditions. The auditions will adhere to Covid-19 guidelines. Students will be selected from across the state through a series of auditions, interviews and portfolio exhibitions. Governor’s School is a program provided by the state covering the costs of tuition, room and board, academic/artistic field trips, and academic/artistic activities at Radford University.

Yard Sale Outside Mason High On Saturday There will be a Yard Sale at George Mason High School (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. – noon. at Entrance one, on the Leesburg

PIke side of the school. It will be completely outdoors. No one will be able to enter the school. Facecoverings and physical distancing are required. Items for sale include — athletic uniforms, trophies, old yearbooks. classroom items, adult desks, bookshelves, filing cabinets of all shapes and sizes. Visit fccps.org for additional details on items.

New Elementary School Coming to Greater F.C. Area The Fairfax County School Board approved a proposal from Providence District Representative Karl Frisch to repurpose Dunn Loring Administration Center as a new elementary school, complete with a $36.8 million renovation. Paid for with existing bond funds, the endeavor will provide capacity relief for Shrevewood Elementary School and the broader surrounding community. “This project will bring muchneeded, sustainable capacity relief to the Falls Church, Dunn Loring, and Tysons communities where overcrowding has been a persistent challenge,” said Frisch. “I am grateful to the many parents and school staff who have shared their capacity

HOLD IT RIGHT THERE. Traf�ic was stopped along Route 7 as cranes were raised, and then later lowered, to keep the Founders Row project moving toward its goal of opening. (P��: C�� D�� L��)

concerns with me over the past year. If not for their persistent advocacy and willingness to think outside of the box, this would not have been possible.” Approved by voters in 2017 and 2019, bond funds were initially earmarked for a new elementary school in the Fairfax/Oakton area. While no specific location was

assigned for the school, early discussions centered on Blake Lane Park as a possible site. Two elementary schools in the area no longer have the dire capacity needs once projected and the park property is not available to the school system. Dunn Loring Administration Center functioned as an elementary

school from 1939 to 1978. In the years since, it has housed school division staff for program registration and various student assessments. It is located in the Tysons periphery, not far from Shrevewood Elementary School, which is projected to reach 120 percent capacity by 2025.

Send Us Your News & Notes!

The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 105 N. Virginia Ave #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

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NEWS BRIEFS F.C. Housing Body to Mull Affordable Housing Ask Tuesday The Falls Church Housing Commission will take up the issue of prospective new standards for affordable housing asks from developers at its meeting this coming Tuesday. Falls Church City Manager Wyatt Shields said at a City Council scheduling meeting yesterday that he hoped the commission would come away from the meeting with clear guidance for the City staff and Council as negotiations are underway with the Insight Group seeking a large scale mixed use development at the intersection of Broad and Washington Streets. The Council is scheduled for a final vote on the project on Jan. 25. City staff has proposed a new policy to increase the maximum of residential units designated as affordable from six percent to something closer to 10 percent. That move would add 18 new affordable units to the project and the City is tentatively seeking for the developer add nine new units as studio apartments offered to families at 40 percent of regional annual median income and nine two-bedroom units for families with up to 60 percent of the regional annual income. It was noted at Monday’s City Council work session that those are the two types of affordable units most in demand.

JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 11

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NEWS-PRESS & HELP US KEEP COMMUNITY JOURNALISM ALIVE & WELL IN THE LITTLE CITY.

Beyer Automotive Seeks Easement for Access Beyer Automotive is seeking an easement on property adjacent to an entry to the sales lot off Shreve Road, the F.C. City Council learned Monday. There was no apparent objection to the request, which may be linked to the company’s plans for the larger development of its site at that location.

‘Vertical Subdivision’ Zoning Change Sought The City of Falls Church Planning Department is seeking zoning changes that will permit for “vertical zoning” to allow for layered ownerships of multi-story condominium and other projects. The plan, according to the City’s Jim Snyder, is similar to new zoning now permitted in Arlington. The West End Gateway project is expected to put such new zoning into place for the sale of residential condominiums, which are included in the 9.4-acre plan.

School Board, Renaming Committee Nomination Deadlines Jan. 15 The Falls Church School Board is seeking nominations to fill the vacancy on the School Board caused by the resignation last month of Lawrence Webb. It is also seeking nominations for positions on the School Renaming Committee to mull new names for the City’s high school and elementary school, as mandated by the School Board. The deadline for applications for either of these positions is Jan. 15. For further information, contact the School Board at 703-248-5601.

Warner Set to Become Intelligence Committee Chair Yesterday, Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner released the following statement: “The Georgia Senate results are good news for Americans tired of Washington dysfunction; a Democratic majority will undoubtedly make it easier for President Biden to govern. In the coming Congress, I’ll remain committed – as I always have – to working with anyone from any party who wants to put forth innovative ideas that expand opportunity for American families and help our nation emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before. Virginians can also trust that I will do everything in my power to ensure that the slim margins we now face are cause for more bipartisan solutions, not the same old Washington gridlock.” With Democrats in the Senate majority, Sen. Warner is expected to take the gavel as Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Since 1991, the News-Press has been on a mission to provide independent and honest journalism to the Falls Church community. We recognize and appreciate the support the City, its businesses and residents have shown us for the past 29 years. Now, we need your help to continue with our mission. If you ﬁnd value in our work and believe the News-Press contributes to the betterment of the Falls Church community, please consider becoming a member today and help us keep you informed on all the happenings — big and small — in The Little City. Never before has the ﬁght to ensure a free press been more important.

F.C. Has Lowest Credit Card Debt in Virginia At 6.3 percent, the ratio of credit card debt to income of City of Falls Church residents is the lowest for those of any jurisdiction in Virginia, according to the Smart Asset financial planning website. Fairfax City, ranked third, is the only other regional jurisdiction among the top 10 in the state.

Water Relief Program Expanded Fairfax Water announced that applications for the Municipal Utility Relief Program will be accepted through Jan.15. The previous deadline was at the end of December. City of Falls Church residents can apply for help paying their water and sewer bills. To qualify, customers must meet certain eligibility requirements, attest that they are experiencing financial hardship due to the coronavirus public health emergency, and submit an application to Fairfax Water no later than January 15, 2021. The COVID-19 Municipal Utility Relief funds provided by the Commonwealth are not expected to be sufficient for all customers whose accounts are in arrears. These funds will be administered in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth.

Visit FCNP.com/members to become a member of the News-Press today

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PAGE 12 | JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Happy New Year! If holiday card sentiments are accurate, everyone is happy to see 2020 fade into history, and they hold great hopes for 2021. In one card, a friend included a small note that I wish I had gotten earlier, as it forms a lovely basis for a column, and an outlook for the New Year. Her little note was on plain white paper, without attribute to an author, but a Google check shows a handwritten poem, “Everything Is Not Cancelled,” in a plastic bag, tacked to a tree in Australia. The poem reminds us of the many positives that were easy to forget in the chaos of the past year, and almost all of them are free! Briefly, some of the reminders include: • Sunshine is not cancelled • Love is not cancelled • Reading is not cancelled • Naps (?) are not cancelled •Imagination is not cancelled (sadly, lying also is not cancelled) • Music and dancing are not cancelled • Kindness and conversations are not cancelled • Hope is not cancelled • Patience (a lot of that is needed these days) is not cancelled When a crisis hits, and there have been many in the past year, the expectation today often is for an instant resolution, like a television script that presents a crime, solves it, and brings the perpetrator to justice, all in an hour’s time. So, when western wildfires burn for days or weeks, or floods destroy businesses, or a blizzard takes down power lines, or a pandemic takes a toll on our communities, it can be difficult to see beyond the immediate disruption and damage. The burden seems heavy, and the future clouded. That’s when the values intrinsic to us as

human beings need to be remembered — kindness, hope, love and patience — and if you want to take a nap, or dance in the sunshine, go for it! Life is not cancelled. Fairfax County’s Zoning Ordinance was last overhauled in the late 1970s. During the intervening four decades, changes have been approved by the Board of Supervisors, but navigating the thousands of pages of information is challenging, to say the least. In 2017, the Board authorized the Zoning Modernization Project (zMOD) to reformat, update, modernize land uses, and correct gaps and inconsistencies in the existing ordinance. It was a daunting task, involving years of staff and consultant work, as well as at least 64 public meetings, including five in Mason District, for discussion of the phased drafts. A final 659-page draft was released in November, and a public hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled for Jan. 28. The Board of Supervisors public hearing is scheduled for March 9. I will be hosting a Virtual Town Meeting about zMOD for Mason District residents on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Staff from the Zoning Administration will provide a presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period. If you would like to attend, please RSVP no later than Tuesday, Jan. 12, by emailing mason@fairfaxcounty.gov, or calling 703-256-7717, so that a meeting link or call-in number can be provided to you. Stay safe and healthy in 2021, and wear your mask!  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h

CRIME REPORT Week of December 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021 Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Destruction of property- 900 blk Ellison Street. Sometime during the overnight hours of December 27th and 28th, unknown suspect(s) smashed windows of a parked truck and stole items of value. Larceny from Building- 100 blk Hillwood Ave. December 28, 305pm. A shopping cart stolen from a business. That shopping cart was located and returned back to the business. Drug/Narcotic Violation, 6700 blk Wilson Blvd. December 28, 331pm, a male, 46, of Springfield, VA, was arrested for possession of narcotics.

Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts, Destruction of Propperty-400 blk N Maple Ave. December 28, unknown suspect(s) damaged a parked car and stole both the license plates. Aggravated Assault- 6600 blk Wilson Blvd. December 28, 2045pm, a male victim was assaulted by an unknown male. The male victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Larceny from Motor Vehicle- 200 blk James Thurber Ct. December 29, Sometime during the overnight hours of December 28th, an unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered a parked vehicle and stole items of value. Larceny from Motor Vehicle1100 blk W Broad St. December 29, Sometime during the over-

night hours of December 28th, an unknown suspect(s) stole a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle.

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Trumpian Cult Sociopathy

Events of the last few days have exposed more than ever before the Trump Movement’s total disdain for democracy, that is disdain for the rights and franchise of each and every individual American. For all the abuses and corruption exhibited in the last five years — in the campaign of 2016 and the four years in office of Trump — none have matched the content of Trump’s extortion and 62 minute brow beating of the Republican Georgia Secretary of State Sunday insisting he break the law and find over 11,000 votes. None have matched the subsequent relentless attacks of Trump and his minions on his own loyalists because they stopped short of breaking the law and forever soiling their own characFALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS ters, not the least of whom has been Vice President Pence himself. There has been so much criminality ranging from verbal assaults and coercion, on the one hand, and violation of federal and state statutes regarding extortion and threats, on the other, that prosecutors are going to have a field day hauling off Trump himself and everyone who was willing to be sucked into this last-ditch very unsavory effort to throw out the results of the November presidential election and install Trump for another term in office. It has been a jaw-dropping experience, even when one thought that it couldn’t get worse than what we’ve already seen from Trump. That 62 minute phone call on Sunday should win an Emmy for its drama, as it showed a titanic encounter between forces of good and evil, between a Secretary of State and his attorney refusing to bend to Trump’s relentless pressuring and threats. As Mary Trump, Trump’s niece, a mental health professional, outlined in her remarkable book, “Too Much is Never Enough,” Trump is clinically insane, and not in a kooky way, but in a cruel way. She characterized him as “a high-functioning sociopath” with symptoms that include “a lack of empathy, a facility for lying, an indifference to right and wrong, abusive behavior and a lack of interest in the rights of others,” something she felt had been handed down from his pro-Nazi slumlord father to Trump. According to the psychiatric diagnosis texts, the most troubling feature of the sociopath (75 percent are males) is his inability to respond positively to treatment; that is, inability to change. There is a reason that cult leaders of the brand allowed to proliferate in the 1970s and still a big problem tend to be sociopaths, and it is because they do not shy away from a callous use of psychological manipulation to deceive and exploit “followers.” Another area where the sociopath is operative is in abusive marriages, where cruel and manipulative psychological means are used to induce “codependency” in a spouse such that she will defend her abuser’s behavior. What we all witnessed in Trump’s Sunday phone call was classic Mafia technique, using a position of power to cajole a person to bend to the will of the “boss,” even if that means breaking the law and placing oneself into jeopardy. There usually is little more than a cold pat on the back for such a person once they’ve agreed to self-destruct in such a way. Such Trump methods are directly responsible for the senators and congressmen who were willing to throw their lives and reputations in the trash by backing a protest of the Electoral College results. Political pundits see it as a cynical attempt by these lawmakers to align for a possible 2024 presidential run, but in reality the response has been more directly the result of fear. The fear is enhanced through threats that, even though on his side politically, if they do not conform to his will, they will be considered worse than dirt, another typical Mafia and cult tactic. So, in the pro-Trump rally held in D.C. Wednesday, Don Jr. railed mostly against “the people who did nothing to stop the steal” in his own party. “You are either a hero or a zero,” and if the latter, “We are coming for you,” he threatened. “Now this is the GOP of Trump,” he touted. Will, then, the entire party wind up behind bars?

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JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

 Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

The fate of the 19th-century Febrey-Lothrop House — targeted by homebuilders eying a rare green expanse at Wilson Blvd. and N. McKinley — has spawned a preservation dust-up. Historic-home enthusiast Tom Dickinson circulated an online petition at moveon.org that has drawn more than 430 signatures urging the county to protect the home. It ambitiously calls for suspension of a recent demolition permit, acceleration of a county study of eligibility for historic designation, and purchase of some or all of the property for a public purpose. Dickinson brought in two guns in local history. “Based on new research and accessibility to digital records, it is becoming evident that [nearby] Upton Hill, Fort Ramsey, and the Febrey property were all connected to a major part of U.S. history,” wrote Civil War researcher Peter Vaselopulos during an email debate. “Thousands of Union soldiers camped on Upton Hill, including two future presidents, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley. Newly discovered letters and diaries from northern soldiers reveal a unique and untold perspective.” Sketches of the home in the 1860s were submitted by Luke Burke, who cited the home’s “scenic view of Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area ….including the possibility that part of the original 1860s house remains and

could have Civil War inscriptions.” The importance of the landowning Febreys to 19th-century Arlington was stressed by descendent Michael Febrey, who wrote, “To allow this house to be torn down would diminish the history of the county.” Accountant Sid Simmonds, who speaks for the Rouse trust in charge of the property, is aware of the petition. Skepticism was heard from Arlington history activist Karl VanNewkirk. “It’s been stated that we need more parks. Well, Upton Hill Regional Park is across Wilson Blvd., the skatepark is only a little further away, and half a mile down the hill is the Four Mile Run valley, basically one continuous park for miles,” he wrote. “It’s been said the property is historic. But although the Febreys were early settlers, they were not as prominent or influential as some other families. The house is not as old as commonly thought. The Civil War connection is minor.” A similar call for realism came from former county board member John Vihstadt, who noted that in tight budget times, “The fate of the estate is a multi-faceted debate with no perfect answers. It isn’t practical for the county to save the house, unless it could quickly facilitate a well-capitalized forprofit or nonprofit to make a major investment. The most economically viable outcome could have been — and maybe with the right public and private leadership could still

be — a combination of neighborhood-sensitive, context-driven redevelopment, including housing for a range of incomes, modest commercial uses and recreational open space. A simple but informative nod to the history could be done through markers.” Drawn into the discussion was Dick Woodruff, chairman of the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board, which has been tasked with a recommendation on historic designation. “The way forward is to persuade the owners to protect the house and some surrounding viewshed property in the context of the single-family home development they intend to build there,” he wrote. “The home, plus an acre or two, would be a historic district and sold to a private owner who wants to live in it and fix it up to preservation guidelines. The owners could be talked into selling the house and then building respectfully around it — which would add to the attractiveness of their neighborhood. We wouldn’t get a big new park, but unless someone comes up with $20 million, that isn’t happening.” *** Our county is gaining two new streets near me. NVHomes, in building the townhomes at Lee Highway and Underwood St., recently carved out N. 23rd Court and N. 24th Court. Further up the highway off N. 23rd St. are five new homes under construction on lots labeled the 2300 block of N. Potomac. St. Developers have power to render all maps of out of date.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH

CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Scavenger Hunt for a Cure. Providence Players of Fairfax will work with Young Hearts Foundation to support local pediatric cancer patients and the search for cures for an 11th year in a row. However, while the Covid-19 pandemic is preventing the theater group and foundation from co-producing its usual holiday production to generate funds, it will instead hold a Scavenger Hunt for a Cure. During the scavenger hunt, teams of up to three will take photographs of a team member with each item and email the photos to YHHuntForACure@gmail.com during the 90 minute time-limit. There’s a $50 fee for each team’s registration. For more information about how to register, the scavenger hunt’s rules and more, visit providenceplayers.org/ community-outreach/scavengerhunt-for-a-cure. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 New Yorker Discussion Group. If any residents enjoy The New Yorker but wish they had someone to chat about it with, they are encouraged to drop into the monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share their thoughts on what they’ve read in a variety of articles. This month’s primary article of focus will be “What Should We Do With Our Unled Lives?” by Joshua Rothman. This discussion will be held online. Visit fallschurchva.gov/ LibraryAtHome for details. 2 – 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 Town Hall: West Falls Church P ro p o s e d A g re e m e nt Amendments (online). Interested attendees can learn more about

the proposed amendments to the West End project agreement when City staff and representatives from Falls Church Gateway Partners talk during this virtual town hall meeting. There will be a question-and-answer opportunity. The West End project is the mixed-use development (residential and retail) at the west end of the City on the soon-to-be former site of GM High School, near the West Falls Church Metro station. For those who want to email questions in advance, send them to townhall@fallschurchva.gov. To join the meeting via Microsoft Teams, visit fallschurchva.gov/townhall. Virtual Winter Insect Exploration (online). Many insects are active during the winter. Participants will go on a virtual bug hunt with Arlington Parks staff as the group explores the pond, stream and soil in search of active insects. Ages 6 – 10. Registration required. To register, contact 703228-4747. Park staff will email participants a link to Microsoft Teams before the program start time. Participants should have their device ready to go prior to the start of the program.

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 ESOL Conversation Group (online). Interested participants can practice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group. This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m. City Council Meeting (online). City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues and the public is invited to speak. All participating mem-

HONKY TONK CASANOVAS will be performing at JV’s Restaurant in Falls Church on Thursday. (Photo: HonkyTonkCasanovas.com)

bers of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 Mystery Book Discussion (online). Interested attendees can participate in a group discussion of some of the classic and lesser known authors of mystery and suspense from the Golden Age of Mysteries, hosted by Mary Riley Styles Library. The book that will be covered during this meeting is “Fer-de-Lance” by Rex Stout. Meetings will be held every other month. To sign up, email cwilson@fallschurchva.gov for our Zoom discussion. 7 – 8 p.m.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 Honky Tonk Casanovas. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504. A Song & A Slice (Indoors + Distanced!): Civic Duty. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $7 – $10. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8 Jameson Green. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-237-0300. Josh Allen Band. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-858-9186. New Blue Soul Band Live and in Concert. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30

p.m. 703-241-9504.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Josh Allen Acoustic Trio. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504. Jesters to the Left. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-2370300. (Indoors + Distanced!) Michael Clem with Rusty Speidel. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $8 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. Lesson Zero. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:45 p.m. 703-241-9504.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 Grateful Jams — Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021 | PAGE 15

B�� N�� N�� Alex Manente has taken over ownership of ProBike FC Alex Manente has taken over ownership of ProBike FC. Manente has been the lead mechanic and a shop fixture since the shop’s opening by Nick Clark in 2017. ProBike FC provides bike maintenance, sales, and cyclist coaching. It is located in the Southgate Village Shoppes at 116 E. Fairfax Street in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.probikefc.com.

Congressional School Hosting a Virtual Open House Wednesday, Jan. 13 Congressional School is hosting a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Attendees will meet the school’s Head of School, academic and admissions teams, and several current parents while learning about the school and its academic and extra-curricular programming. Congressional School serves 400 students and 2,000 campers annually through its academic and summer programs. The private infant through grade 8 school is located on 40 acres at 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.congressionalschool.org.

Falls Church Chamber Will Host Virtual Networking Breakfast The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual networking breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. The informal event does not include a program but is designed to help business leaders share ideas, discuss issues, and build relationships. There is no fee for the event but registration is required. Visit the calendar of events at www.FallsChurchChamber.org for more information or to sign up and receive the Zoom link.

Coming Thursday, January 28th The 2021 Summer Camp Guide in the Falls Church NewsPress. This very popular special section has been used by families in Falls Church, Arlington, McLean and throughout Northern Virginia for years as they make summer camp plans for their children. Make sure your camp is included in this widely read publication.

703-532-3267 • mmorse@fcnp.com

AN ORGANIZED HOME IS A HAPPY HOME

Island Fin Poke Opening This Month In The Idylwood Shopping Center Island Fin Poke is opening this month in the Idylwood Shopping Center at 7501 Leesburg Pike, Suite 129, in Falls Church. The franchised restaurant owned and operated by Bonita Bell, will offer Hawaiian-style poke in customized bowls with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients including eight proteins, more than 25 toppings, house-made sauces and specialty mix-ins. The grand opening date is set for Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, during which 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to Food for Others, Inc. Founded in 2017 and franchising since 2018, Island Fin Poke is a Florida-based fast-casual chain with eleven locations in Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Virginia, with numerous others in various stages of development across the country. For more information, visit www.islandfinpoke.com/ virginia.

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Headquartered in Falls Church with 40 employees, Caveonix announced it has raised $7.3 million in Series A funding. The round was led by First In Capital, as well as other early investors in the company. Founded in October 2017 and funded by cybersecurity veterans Tim Sullivan and Kaus Phaltankar, Caveonix provides digital risk and compliance management solutions for enterprises undergoing digital transformation. Through this funding, Caveonix will continue expanding in several key areas of product and business development. For more information, visit www.caveonix.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

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PAGE 16 | JANUARY 7 -13, 2021 AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

HOME IMPROVEMENT Vinyl Replacement Windows Starting at $235* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap Call 804-739-8207 Siding, Roofing, Gutters and More! GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-877-636-0738 Special financing for qualified customers. ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your business statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

REAL ESTATE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on November 23, 2020. Public hearings, second readings, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO20-21) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE VI, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, “PRI-

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CLASSI F I E DS VATE SCHOOLS, SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND HOME CHILD CARE FACILITIES TO REQUIRE CONSENT FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS (TO20-23) ORDINANCE TO AMEND, REENACT AND RECODIFY FALLS CHURCH CITY CODE CHAPTER 38, SUBDIVISIONS, TO PROVIDE STANDARDS FOR VERTICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF PROPERTY (TO20-24) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 10, “B-2 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT”, SEC. 48-488. “SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS” TO ADD PROVISIONS FOR CONSIDERATION OF USES NOT OTHERWISE PERMITTED BY-RIGHT FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON SITES DESIGNATED AS SPECIAL REVITALIZATION DISTRICT FOR EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGNATED FOR MIXED-USE ON THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP Public hearing and final City Council action is scheduled for the following on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TR20-53) RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE JUNE 12, 2019 COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT WITH FALLS CHURCH GATEWAY PARTNERS FOR THE WEST FALLS CHURCH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON TERMS TO BE PRESENTED TO CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 4, 2020, AND IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM PRESENTED TO COUNCIL Public hearings will be held electronically. To speak on a public hearing item, complete a speaker form at www.fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment before noon on the day of the Council meeting. Following submission of the form, you will receive emailed instructions to join the virtual Council meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@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 703-248-5014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE Variance application V1618-20 by FCGP Development LLC, applicant, for variances to Section 48-933 to allow 1) the stacking of parking spaces and 2) placement of columns less than three (3) feet from the drive aisle within a parking garage, for the purpose of constructing a parking garage and residential condominium on premises known as 7124 Leesburg Pike, RPC #52221-006 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-2, Central Business. This item was continued at the December 17, 2020 BZA meeting. Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for January 14, 2021, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. The

BZA will also consider administrative items including 2021 annual calendar, Rules and Procedures, and election of officers. All members of the public may view the meeting virtually. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva. gov until 7:00 pm on January 14, 2021. Virtual meeting link, 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. Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month. Architectural Advisory Board (Alternate) Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals (Alternate) Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation City Employee Review Board Environmental Sustainability Council Historic Architectural Review Board Human Services Advisory Council Towing Advisory Board (Towing Representative) Urban Forestry Commission Regional Boards/Commissions Advisory Social Services Board Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA Public hearing and final City Council action is scheduled for the following on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard. (TR20-33) RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, TO CHANGE THE DESIGNATION OF APPROXIMATELY HALF AN ACRE OF LAND KNOWN AS THE CITY LOT LOCATED ON PARK PLACE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBER 53-104-015) FROM “BUSINESS” TO “MIXED USE” ON THE CITY’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP, ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. (TR20-34) RESOLUTION (1) TO GRANT A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL USES WITHIN A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND (2) TO INCREASE THE BUILDING HEIGHT WITH A BONUS OF SIXTEEN (16) FEET TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF NINETYONE (91) FEET FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON APPROXIMATELY 3.16 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 100 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET, AND 127 AND 131 EAST BROAD STREET, AND PARK PLACE (REAL PROPERTY CODE NUMBERS 53-104-

051, 53-104-036, 53-104-050, AND 53-104-015), ON APPLICATION BY BROAD AND WASHINGTON, LLC. The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on December 14, 2020. Public hearings, second readings, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, January 25, 2021 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO20-25) ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE SALE OF CITY-OWNED LAND KNOWN AS THE PARKING LOT PROPERTY ON PARK PLACE [RPC NO. 52-309-415] TO INSIGHT PROPERTY GROUP INC., AND AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE AND SALE Public hearings will be held electronically. To speak on a public hearing item, complete a speaker form at www. fallschurchva.gov/PublicComment before noon on the day of the Council meeting. Following submission of the form, you will receive emailed instructions to join the virtual Council meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means

and members of the public may view the meeting at www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@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 703-2485014 (TTY 711). CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

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KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG By Eileen Levy New lovely text: Biden’s next! Hooray we say! He’s great, Can’t wait

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

21 24 28 34

53 58

60 65

57 61

1. Random guess 5. iPad purchases 9. Wolfgang Puck restaurant 14. Firehouse fixture 15. ____ Mix 16. Tribe with a lake named after it 17. Give ____ of approval 18. ____ sci (coll. major) 19. Shade of green 20. “It’s okay ... you didn’t mean anything by it” 23. Hindu teacher 24. Preschooler 25. Preschooler’s break 28. A breeze to use, in adspeak 33. “Roman J. Israel, ____” (2017 Denzel Washington movie) 36. It’s mined 37. Some paid rides 38. They’re often frowned upon by grammarians ... or a good title for this puzzle 43. Actress Donovan of “Clueless” 44. Cookie holder 45. “Spring forward” hrs. in NYC 46. Bodybuilder’s mantra 51. Air-escaping-from-a-tire sound 52. Susan of “L.A. Law” 53. Tree houses? 57. It’s #37 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time 61. When Otello dies in “Otello” 64. Salmon variety 65. “The Big Lebowski” director

STRANGE BREW

66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71.

“That was awesome of me!” Smooth-talking Oil grp. “Copy that” Bookies give them Loch ____ monster

Down 1. Bridges 2. Thus far 3. Warm welcome? 4. Curse 5. Clock radio toggle switch 6. Unpaid intern, jocularly 7. Game in which it’s illegal to play left-handed 8. Jonathan and Taylor 9. Public recognition 10. Word on a door handle 11. The Diamondbacks, on scoreboards 12. WhiteHouse.____ 13. ____ Direction (boy band) 21. “Her name is ____ and she dances on the sand” (1983 pop lyric) 22. Suffix with ball or bass 25. Cuatro + cinco 26. Comparable to a beet? 27. “Hey! Ö yeah, you!” 29. Cartoon seller of Duff Beer 30. Coffee container 31. Manage 32. Former org. for James Comey 33. Utopias 34. Performs unaccompanied

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

JANUARY 7 - 13, 2021 | PAGE 17 35. Many Conan O’Brien lines 39. Youth org. since 1910 40. Had a break between flights 41. Musician’s booking 42. Funnywoman Gasteyer 47. Just-made 48. “Black Panther” actress Lupita 49. Business with a guestbook 50. The Weekly Standard reader, perhaps 54. Listerine alternative 55. For whom the Lorax speaks 56. Matches up 57. One with a big mouth in Africa? 58. Gross growth 59. Gung-ho 60. Slaps the cuffs on 61. It’s thin on top of Everest 62. ____-Magnon man 63. Yank (on)

Last Thursday’s Solution A R M A D A S

R E A L I S M

I S S A R A E

T R A S A L A N K W A M I L A L I E D S

S H A M E W A V E H I

E U D O R A S I M T R O D

S T A R E X L U A L S T S O R A T H E E R E A M

P E T N A M E

T S O T S I

S A G A

N A P R S A D E G O W E E R E D S O T N D

D U A L C A U M P P I E R N A S S M H A U R A M

C R E A T O R

F E R R A R O

O N A

A S T O R I A

P A I R I N G

A C R E A G E

T E X

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

12/27/20

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 18 | JANUARY 7 – 13, 2021

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 42 • January 4, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 45 • January 7,, 2011

Planning Body Gives Thumbs Up On Shelter Site

Scott Says Virginia Legislature Opens Facing ‘Toughest Budget in 20 Years’

At its first meeting of the New Year, the Falls Church Planning Commission Tuesday night re-elected Mark Gross as Chairman and Tony Wreight as Vice Chairman, voted in favor of the application of Volunteers of America Chesapeake to run a homeless shelter and heard a presentation from Doug Scott on the Capital Improvements Program for 1997-2001.

While the new U.S. Congress comes into session this week, the Virginia State Legislature convenes for the first time this year next week in Richmond, and State Del. Jim Scott told a gathering of 150 Democrats Sunday morning that the coming session for the legislature “will be one of the most difficult in my 20 years in Richmond.”

New School Continued from Page 4

system has been seeking guidance from, such as infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that “If you look at the data, the spread among children and from children is not really very big at all, not like one would have suspected.” Dr. Kevin Pham, a visiting health policy analyst at conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, said that one of the happy surprises of the pandemic has been that schools, and more specifically young children, haven’t proven to be major vectors for the disease. He clarified that the community

spread data Falls Church schools uses tends to be associated with how virus transmission takes place in schools. But Pham added that the spread of coronavirus has been contrary to how we normally think of schools’ roles as hotspots, especially as it relates to seasonal influenza outbreaks. Noonan himself noted that, from the data he’s looked at, kids who are 12 and under rarely transmit the virus or contract it very severely. It’s why the reopening plan is broken down into cohorts so the school can pick and choose which groups of students are safe enough to return to in-person learning. While he doesn’t believe there should be a full school reopening

the way there was prior to the pandemic, Pham does point out that not having children in schools is affecting their educational achievements. A December report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company said that students are estimated to lose an average of five to nine months of learning once the academic year concludes in June. Maybe worst of all, Pham thinks the virus has caused school systems to reverse their priorities. “Normally, it’s going to be the adults who bear the burden of keeping society safe,” Pham said. “But with the case of school closures, we’re sort of saddling our children with the responsibility for keeping us, the adults, safe. And that’s really unjust.”

There’s a time to check whether your kid’s in the right car seat. This isn’t it.

Car crashes are a leading killer of children 1 to 13. Is your child in the right car seat? Don’t think you know. Know you know.

safercar.gov/TheRightSeat

BAILEY just got back from the spa and is relaxing while sporting his new “leaf-blown” look. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.

JANUARY 7 - 13, 2021 | PAGE 19

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PAGE 20 | JANUARY 7 - 13, 2021

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