January 8 - 14, 2026
Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free
Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXV N o . 48
The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia
Mayor Hardi THE SEASON FOR HOOPS Elected to 2nd Term In 4-3 Vote Downs Elected Vice-Mayor As Agin Takes Council Seat by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
In a surprisingly contested and close vote, Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi was elected by her City Council colleagues to a second two-year term Monday night by a narrow 4-3 margin. Laura Downs was elected vice mayor unanimously. The Council’s first organizational meeting following last November’s election routinely includes voting to fill the mayor and vice mayor slots from among its members. But the contested nature of the balloting for mayor this time was unexpected. Following Justine Underhill’s nomination of Hardi for mayor, freshman Council member Erin Flynn, saying she wants the mayor’s job rotated among Council members every two years instead of being subject to the advantages of incumbency, nominated her colleague Marybeth Connelly. After some discussion of the merits of the two candidates, the roll call vote produced a split: Downs, Underhill, newly sworn-in Council member Arthur Agin and Hardi voted
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CONFERENCE PLAY got underway for the Meridian High School boys basketball team, taking the form of a blowout win over Manassas Park at home Tuesday night, with the Mustangs racking up 30 points in the first quarter alone. The Mustangs were also set to play at home last night, while the Meridian girls team plays host with a game this Friday. (Photo: News-Press)
Full Text of Mayor Hardi’s Acceptance Remarks Monday
by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
(Upon her re-election as mayor of Falls Church Monday night, Letty Hardi delivered the following remarks:) “I’m grateful to my colleagues for the trust you’ve placed in me. And I want to start by acknowledging that the fact that more than one of us wanted this job speaks to the strength of this Council. I have so much respect for the commitment, ideas and energy each of you brings to this work. This responsibility matters to me, and I’ll keep earning the community’s trust through what I do, not just what I say. “Congratulations to Laura
Downs on becoming vice mayor, and a warm welcome to Art. Fresh ideas and new skills matter as we work to fully represent our growing and changing community and to keep improving the city we all love. “Collectively, thank you as well for the kind words and reflections about the years ahead. I share the sense of gratitude and hope for what we can accomplish together. I’m grateful to our community, which expects a lot from their local government and never stops pushing us to be better. “I also want to pause to thank our professional city staff. You are the constant in this work — the ones who show up every day, who keep the city running no matter what
the headlines are and regardless of who is on the dais — and who turn our ideas and votes into real~~ world~~ -world things. You are the true heroes of local government, and I deeply respect your expertise and dedication, and I’m excited to continue working alongside you. “Every time I run for office or take on a new responsibility, I spend a lot of time reflecting — on why we do this work, why I do it, and what I still have to offer. And especially this year, after personal loss and change, I’ve really challenged myself to think about how I spend my time and the trade-offs that come with public service. “Because if I’m here just to be something instead of to do some-
thing, then I should be making room for others. “I hope we can keep that spirit in mind as we set Council priorities for the next two years and think about succession planning for liaison and regional roles. Are we here to be something or do something? “Two years ago, I talked about both the responsibility and the privilege of this work — and the opportunity to do it a little differently. I made three commitments then, and I want to renew them tonight, with an invitation to the rest of Council to continue building and improving together.
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NE WS BR I E FS
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Falls Church News Briefs
F.C. Planners Mull New Park Avenue Project A plan to consolidate and then subdivide three parcels in Falls Church to build 15 townhomes was on the agenda for the Falls Church Planning Commission at its scheduled meeting Tuesday night. The commission was due to be briefed on Madison Homes’ plans for the parcels at 701, 703 and 705 Park Ave., a total of 0.7 acres currently occupied by Case Design and EcoNize Closets and Blinds. The developer has proposed replacing those buildings with three-level townhouses plus lofts, ranging in size from 1,197 to 1,769 square feet. Each would have a one- or two-car garage, with vehicular access via N. Lee Street. It would be the third new residential project begun on Park Avenue since the Falls Church City Council voted to permit such uses in the city’s transitional zones.
Benton, Chibbaro Set to Speak at D.C. Event Jan. 8 A celebration honoring Falls Church News-Press founder Nicholas Benton and Washington Blade senior reporter Lou Chibbaro Jr., two trailblazing LGBTQ+ journalists, will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Women’s National Democratic Club in Washington. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at the club, located at 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036. From covering the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ communities to chronicling major milestones in the fight for civil rights, Benton and Chibbaro have spent decades reporting on the front lines of social, cultural, legal and political change in America. Benton is a longtime local journalist and LGBTQ+ rights activist whose work has had a lasting impact on both community journalism and social justice. Author of the first-ever editorial in the pioneering Gay Sunshine newspaper in 1970, he is best known as the founder, owner and editor of the Falls Church News-Press, an independent weekly newspaper he launched in 1991. The paper is the newspaper of record for Falls Church. Chibbaro is a senior news reporter for the Washington Blade and a pioneer in LGBTQ+ news coverage. He has reported on the LGBTQ+ rights movement continuously since 1976, first as a freelance writer and later as a staff reporter. He joined the Blade in 1984.
Poncy Nominated for Broadway World Awards John Poncy has been nominated for three D.C.-region Broadway World Awards this year, including for his role in Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron production of The Turn of the Screw last fall, when he played the sinister Miles. He has also been nominated twice for his work as director and choreographer of Spring Awakening at Stars Performing Arts.
Domino’s Set to Open New F.C. Site on S. Washington Domino’s Pizza is set to open a new location on S. Washington Street. While the company has not revealed an exact opening date, signage is already up at the site. When the restaurant opens, according to permitting paperwork, it will accommodate 12 seats for indoor dining and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.
New Challenger to Run Against Beyer in June Primary Another Democratic challenger is seeking to unseat longtime Rep. Don Beyer in this year’s election. Daniel Gray, an Arlington resident and an energy and sustainability program manager, announced this week that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Virginia’s 8th Congressional District. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 16. Other declared candidates include former Alexandria City Council member Mo Seifeldein, Michael Duffin, a State Department worker who was terminated in July, and Adam Dunigan.
Southern Living Magazine Profiles ‘Sweet’ Falls Church The title of a piece in the current issue of Southern Living is “We’re Obsessed With This Sweet Northern Virginia Town Located Just 30 Minutes From D.C.” Author T.M. McKay cites 15 things people should do in Falls Church: 1. Meet locals at the weekly farmers market. 2. Explore Vietnamese culture at the Eden Center. 3. See the historic Falls Church. 4. Book a night at The Meeting House. 5. Shop the stores downtown. 6. Visit Cherry Hill Farmhouse. 7. Sit for a spell at Mr. Brown’s Park. 8. Have unlimited brunch at The Falls. 9. Grab a pint at Audacious Aleworks. 10. Have Michelin-quality food at Ellie Bird. 11. Reconsider Vietnamese cuisine at Nue. 12. See live music at The State Theatre. 13. Learn about Black history at Tinner Hill. 14. Bike on the W&OD Trail. 15. Have lunch at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack.
New Position Filled at Falls Church Episcopal Lauren Breeden has accepted an appointment as director of family ministries and formation at The Falls Church Episcopal, Rector the Rev. Burl Salmon reported this week. “Her study at Virginia Theological Seminary has only strengthened her call to lay ministry, and she lives out that call at The Falls Church with love for and dedication to our youngest community members,” Salmon wrote. “With my full support and encouragement, she serves as a resource for other formation leaders within our diocese and beyond, and her service to the larger church is a credit to this community.”
Rezoning Seeks to Replace Pistone’s, Grand Mart A rezoning application submitted last week calls for the replacement of Pistone’s Italian restaurant and the New Grand Mart adjacent to it with a large-scale residential mixed-use project. The 3.15-acre site, adjacent to the city of Falls Church in Fairfax County, is owned by Eakin Properties, which began advancing the redevelopment plan in 2022. Fairfax County plans for a new “ring road” around Seven Corners delayed action on the submission, but the road project has since moved to the back burner.
Mark Levine Announces Candidacy For Seat Vacated Today by Ebbin Former Virginia State Delegate Mark Levine, who served six years in the legislature before losing a bid for higher office in 2022, announced late Wednesday that he will seek to occupy the seat in the State Senate being vacated by Sen. Adam Ebbin’s appointment by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger as a senior advisor to the governor’s Cannabis Control Authority. Ebbin announced his appointment and resignation from his state senate post earlier Wednesday. No date for an election to fill Ebbin’s vacated seat has yet been set.
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In 4-3 Vote, Mayor Hardi Elected to 2nd Term by Council Colleagues
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to give Hardi a second term, while Flynn, David Snyder and Connelly voted for Connelly. The split vote could be seen as a harbinger of a more divided Council now that Vice Mayor Debbie Shantz-Hiscott is off the Council, as she did not seek reelection in November. Such a split could make matters more difficult during the upcoming budget season, expected to be one of the most difficult in years due to the downturn in the regional economy. Still, after the vote for mayor, the Council unanimously elected Downs as vice mayor, despite her having served only since a special election put her on the Council in November 2024, followed by her election to a full term this past November. The Council then turned its attention to defining priorities for discussion at its annual retreat on Saturday, Jan. 31, and to assigning liaisons to volunteer advisory boards and commissions. Following the votes, Connelly said she was grateful
for the nomination and support and said it will be important for the Council to work together as the coming period faces “significant headwinds” due to the wider economy. “We are going to have to be creative and disciplined to meet the expectations of residents,” she said. Hardi, following her re-election, said in comments printed in full elsewhere in this edition that she remains committed to the three principles she outlined when first elected mayor two years ago: transparency, a commitment to keep learning and egalitarianism. “Inclusiveness matters,” she said. Citing the 12-cent cut in the real estate tax rate that has come from robust economic growth, she said, “We’re almost on the other side now,” and, “As we move to the next level, we should consider what we want to leave behind.” In particular, she said the tough fiscal times ahead will “test” the new revenue-sharing agreement between the city and schools. Underhill praised the mayor as being like the “Energizer
Bunny” for her ubiquitous presence in the activities of the Little City, saying it reflects an “intense dedication.” Connelly said of Hardi, “I’ve almost lost count of the number of ribbon cuttings” she’s attended. Downs also praised the mayor for the energy she’s brought to benefit the city. Snyder said the Council’s challenge is “to bring the very best government we can,” and said that commitment is “true for everyone on the dais.” Agin, attending his first Council meeting, expressed his gratitude to voters and said, “I have a lot to learn.” He said he abides by the sentiment that Falls Church “is a small town oasis in the midst of a big city.” “I will listen closely, ask questions and will focus on what’s best for Falls Church,” Agin said. Hardi’s election to a second two-year term follows the record-setting incumbency of former Mayor David Tarter, who served five consecutive two-year terms from 2014 to 2023. Prior to Tarter, the longest incumbency in the 77-year his-
You are invited to the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March for Unity and Freedom, and Celebration
Monday, January 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Falls Church, Virginia 22046 Tinner Hill Civil Rights Monument
South Washington Street & Tinner Hill Road
10:00 AM: Assembly and sign making 11:00 AM: Welcome and invocation. March begins The Falls Church, 115 East Fairfax Street 12:00 Noon: Complementary luncheon 12:30 PM: Program with guest speaker: Rev. James Henry, Dulin United Methodist Church, Falls Church, VA 2:30 PM: Feedback on workshop. Closing remarks Registration requested • Walk-ins welcome https://2026THHFKingDay.eventbrite.com Information: Tinnerhill.org Presented by Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation (THHF) and the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity (an initiative of THHF) in partnership with the City of Falls Church, The Falls Church, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA)
tory of the City of Falls Church since its incorporation in 1948 was held by the late Carol DeLong, who served as mayor from 1980 to 1988 following two terms as vice mayor.
WHAT BURNED
A portrait of DeLong, along with one of local 19th-century civil rights activist Freddie Foote, was recently added to the walls of the Falls Church City Council chambers.
WHAT THEY CLAIMED
Their lies come out of your wallet. Insurance fraud costs everyone in Virginia $1,000 per year. Learn how to spot it and report it at TheCostOfFraud.com.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Jack Smith Lays Blame For Jan. 6 on Trump Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Modestly, in the death notice section of The Washington Post last weekend, appeared an “In Memoriam” for Brian Sicknick. A photo of the young man in uniform was accompanied by his date of death, January 7, 2021. A brief text stated, “You gave your life courageously defending our democracy. The sacrifice you and your fellow Capital and Metro officers and the pain of your loved ones has been ignored by those who are void of conscience. The rest of us honor you.” The notice included a quote from Abraham Lincoln, “We take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick was one of five men who died from injuries suffered defending the U.S. Capitol building from the mob of Trump supporters who called for the hanging of the Vice President of the U.S. as they stormed and desecrated the Capitol that fateful January 6, 2021, five years ago. The deeply falsified account of events of that day on a website published by the Trump White House this week, among other things, denied that anyone died from that assault. It is worth including more from the Gettysburg Address by Lincoln, from which the quote was taken for inclusion in Officer Sicknick’s notice this week. Lincoln’s famous speech was delivered in November 1863 on the site of the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., where four months earlier, 45,000 lives were killed, injured, captured or went missing. Lincoln intoned, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full mea-
sure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” When I was growing up, memorizing the short Gettysburg Address, which is fewer than 275 words, was presented as a challenge that many students took up. That was, say, 90 years after the address was delivered, and it is hard to fathom that another 70 years have transpired since. We now stand in sore need of such “a new birth of freedom” as Lincoln spoke of. There is a man in the White House now who threatens everything that the blood of so many of our citizens at Gettysburg and since has been lost to defend. The recent Congressional testimony of investigator Jack Smith has established beyond a doubt the culpability of Trump in the incitement of the violence of that fateful Jan. 6. An article, “Government Website Gives False History of Jan. 6 Riot,” by Amy B. Ward in the Jan. 7 Washington Post this week, is a powerful refutation of the White House lies on that website. It noted that in his testimony, Smith said “the president bears the bulk of the blame for instigating the attack and he emphasized that crimes that occurred at the Capitol that day were for Trump’s benefit.” In the aftermath of Jan. 6, 2021, what if the prosecution of those guilty of instigating the riot had somehow been different? Maybe events as they unfolded since would be different. Had Smith’s findings been made public sooner, and the nation mobilized to see justice done, perhaps Trump never would have been permitted to run for president again. This is not for mere speculation or hindsight. What the nation, and world, now faces will not be undone easily. The 2026 elections and any beyond, including the presidential one currently scheduled for 2028, will not be fair and honest so long as Trump holds any sway over the matter. We face not simply a radical version of normal. We face something far more sinister.
CO MME NT A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
It was always about oil. Not regime change. Not free and fair elections. Not drug interdiction. Simply oil. The deadly boat strikes served as a distraction while the Trump Administration honed plans to invade Venezuelan airspace and extract President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to face federal narcoterrorism charges in New York. Never mind that invasion of another country without Congressional approval is illegal. Or that, according to many legal experts, the United States violated international law. Donald Trump wanted Venezuela’s oil and used an illegal military invasion and capture of Maduro as his tools. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine’s description of the Caracas assault was as dispassionate as General “Stormin’ Norman” Schwarzkopf’s narration of the 1990 U.S. offensive during Operation Desert Storm. The difference between the two military actions, of course, is that Desert Storm was the outcome of a resolution by the United Nations Security Council and a coalition of UN member countries in reaction to Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait. The Venezuela attack had none of those; the United States was the sole aggressor, operating beyond the dicta of federal and international law. Trump’s actions have been criticized by our allies
and enemies alike, and some have requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Since the U.S. is a permanent member of the Security Council and has veto power over Council resolutions, it is doubtful that any sanction attempt against the U.S. would be successful. Perhaps more troubling than the raid itself is Trump’s press conference declaration that “we’re going to run the country.” Mr. Trump later expanded his comment to “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” He gave no indication who the “we” might be, although he gestured to the men standing behind him, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who appeared a bit surprised by his designation. Without a plan and a time frame for transition, the specter of Vietnam or Afghanistan is a sharp reminder of what could happen with Venezuela. Mr. Trump appears to have a slightly more specific plan for the oil, which he touts as “extracting enormous wealth,” supposedly for the people and economy of Venezuela although that was not clear in his comments. Venezuela has an estimated 300 billion barrels of oil in the Oronoco Valley, but it is heavier crude than Middle Eastern oil and will require different refinery capacity. Rebuilding the
JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 5 pipelines and aging refineries will take many years and billions of dollars of investment before any of that “enormous wealth” is realized, and it’s unclear if American or multinational oil companies are willing to make those investments on their own. What will it cost American taxpayers? And how much did the Caracas raid cost the American taxpayers? Most likely in the tens of millions of dollars. Nearly 70 years ago, “The Ugly American,” a novel by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer, focused on American diplomacy in Southeast Asia. It was a blockbuster best seller that highlighted the post-World War II approach to relationships with smaller allies – ignoring local customs, language, and culture in favor of a “my way or the highway” attitude. Geopolitics during the Cold War (the novel was written preVietnam War) had different fault lines and different personalities, and America’s diplomacy matured considerably in following years. The novel also stimulated President John F. Kennedy’s creation of the Peace Corps and the Agency for International Development, the latter sadly demolished by Mr. Trump. Following the Caracas raid, the tone-deafness conveyed in “The Ugly American” appears to be manifest in Mr. Trump himself. As many Americans face millions of dollars in increased health care premiums, rising grocery prices and housing costs, and job instability, it seems that Trump’s America First agenda simply is “me first,” which surprises few.
City of Falls Church Crime Report Week of Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026 Destruction of Property, Hillwood Ave, between Dec 27 and 29, unknown suspect(s) broke an upper window of a residence. Larceny from Building, S Maple Ave, (late report) Dec 20, unknown suspect, accompanied by a juvenile, took a package which had been left by Amazon in front of an apartment door. Fraud, W Broad St, Dec 29, 1:57 p.m., unauthorized transactions were made from a checking account. Driving Under the Influence, Annandale Rd/Hillwood Ave, Dec 30, 9:34 p.m., a male, 33, of Arlington, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Shoplifting, W Broad St, (late reports), Dec 13, 9:15 p.m. and Dec 27, 3:45 p.m.,
unknown suspect took items without paying. Suspect described as a light skin male wearing green and white shoes, dark colored pants, a black jacket over a gray jacket/hoodie, gray beanie, and black surgical mask. Trespass, N Washington St, Dec 31, 5:15 p.m., a female, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespass.
3, between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., unknown suspect(s) took an unattended item of value. Driving Under the Influence, W Marshall St/S Washington St, Jan 4, 1:48 a.m., a male, 35, of Fairfax, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.
Drunk in Public, S. Lee St, Jan 2, 2:10 a.m., a male, 49, of Sterling, VA, was arrested for Drunk in Public. Larceny from Building, E Broad St, (late report) Dec 25, 8:50 a.m., suspect described as a male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, wearing a hoodie, face mask, reflective construction vest, and lightcolored pants, removed chairs valued at $7,300 from a lounge area. Investigation continues. Larceny from Building, Little Falls St, Jan
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Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper. Vol. XXXV, No. 48 JANUARY 8 - 14, 2025 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Member, Virginia Press Association •
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Editorial
E D I TO R I A L
Congratulating Mayor Hardi
We applaud Monday’s action by the Falls Church City Council to re-elect Letty Hardi as its mayor, albeit by a close 4-3 margin. Frankly, it’s somewhat hard to believe that Mayor Hardi has been mayor for only two years. She has been such a constant presence in the doings of the Little City that her colleague Justin Underhill’s characterization of her as an “energizer bunny” is barely adequate to describe her impact on dayto-day activities. She brings the full force of her deep commitment to the well-being of Falls Church to everything. She does it as she also orchestrates the wellbeing of her own family: a husband and three sons, all advancing in Falls Church City Public Schools. She brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to all that’s going on in Falls Church as well. We affirm these things about her because we hope she will lead this community for a long time to come, and because we do not buy the argument put forward by her colleague on the City Council to justify voting for somebody else Monday. That argument was put forward by Erin Flynn, who has taken the opposite side of important issues from Mayor Hardi on numerous occasions during Flynn’s first two years on the council, especially as they touch on economic development. Councilman David Snyder has sided with Flynn most of the time, and Marybeth Connelly’s vote accounted for the three votes representing the alternative to Hardi. Flynn’s argument was that a rotating system of selecting the mayor from among the seven council members was preferable instead of the long-standing process of nominating and voting for candidates. But why? She asserted that the role of mayor is simply a ceremonial one that involves showing up for ribbon cuttings at new business openings and such, and so the perks of such a role should be shared with all members of the council. But she is wrong about that. Just as the close vote this week reflected two different political perspectives on development and other matters, so too the mayor is a stalwart champion for smart growth, including advancing the goals of affordable housing, walkability, diversity, inclusion and equity. In other words, Hardi deserves to be mayor because she has been an articulate and committed advocate for the kinds of policies that have served Falls Church so well during her entire decade on the City Council, including her last four as vice mayor and mayor. She has constantly provided high-minded and forceful statements of principle wherever she has shown up to support the city. She should be mayor because she has been the best at it, and that is not in any way to diminish the talent and effectiveness of her colleague Connelly, who shares many of the perspectives that Hardi brings.
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JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 7
Mayor Hardi Reiterates 3 Goals in Remarks Following Her Election
Continued from Page 1
“First, you have my commitment to transparency and accessibility in local government. That includes my blog, which I’ve kept up for more than a decade, and the regular office hours we expanded to the full Council a few years ago. And to the multifamily buildings, HOAs, Girl Scout troops, and so many others who’ve welcomed me into your homes and businesses over the past two years — I’ll be back. Building relationships, especially with people who aren’t always at the table, matters. Listening carefully matters. “Second, you have my commitment to keep learning and to approach every vote thoughtfully — doing the homework, asking the questions, and making fact-based decisions that balance priorities across the city. “Third, I committed to making this Council more egalitarian and to doing some things differently. I won’t always be the one cutting ribbons or giving speeches, and I appreciate continuing to share that responsibility. In meetings, every one of us has a voice and a vote. That may mean meetings run a little longer — especially when we choose three meetings instead of
four a month — so thank you, and apologies in advance to staff for the Tuesday morning hangovers. But that inclusiveness has mattered to this body, and we can revisit how the next Council wants to approach it. “In the spirit of doing something, I also want to make a few new commitments, given the challenges and opportunities ahead. “First, regional and broader collaboration is more important than ever. We learned during the pandemic that navigating uncharted territory requires strong partnerships — and honestly, that still feels like a daily reality. When you’re the smallest city on the block — even if you’re small but mighty — you need to be friends with your neighbors and leverage those relationships at the state level and beyond, especially with a new administration in Richmond. “Second, we’ve just come through an incredible era of growth and revitalization, and we’re finally mostly on the other side of it. It’s no accident that even with all that disruption, we lowered tax rates by 17 cents, earned national accolades, and saw a five-point increase in our community survey — where 93% of residents say quality of life here
is good or great. Construction was painful, but that long-term investment in housing and infrastructure matters. “Falls Church is, hands down, a great place. “Now let’s take it to the next level. This is the moment to invest in the future of the city we want to leave to the next generation. As the real estate market cools, we have an opportunity to reimagine economic development — not just as new buildings, but as showcasing our great bones and what already makes this place special. We can be the best city for small businesses. And we can keep building on the evolution we started a decade ago toward a walkable, bikeable, greener, safer, healthier 15-minute city. And are we going to make bold moves to meet our affordable living goals we adopted last summer and match our welcoming values? “Third, I want to be honest about the budget realities ahead. “We’re facing real uncertainty — from federal decisions that directly affect our residents, our workforce, and our local economy, to broader economic pressures squeezing families and small businesses. These challenges show up
in rent checks, grocery bills and child care costs, and I’m committing to keep that top of mind in the next few budget cycles. “We’re fortunate to be on solid financial footing, but that doesn’t mean decisions will be easy. We’re going to face a real test of our revenue-sharing agreement with our schools. Like any marriage, the question is whether it works in good times and in bad. The answer is still to come. “Finally, I commit to continuing to lead by example and staying focused on results. “At a time when trust in government feels fragile — especially across the river — we have a real opportunity to show that local government can still work. That it can still deliver. “Government shouldn’t be judged by good intentions alone, but by whether it actually works for the people it serves. That means relentlessly focusing on outcomes. It means building and fixing things, even when it’s hard. And it means learning as we go, improving what doesn’t work, and being willing to change course when the evidence tells us to. “The policies we pass up here on this dais are just the starting
line. The finish line is knowing we actually achieved what we set out to do. How many homes did we build? How many crosswalks did we paint? How many new jobs did we add? How many trees did we plant? “That means improving both internal and customer-facing processes, tracking and measuring progress so we can celebrate success, investing in and growing our workforce, and succession planning not just for today, but for what comes next. “That’s what I mean when I talk about a small city growing up. “Holding ourselves accountable to outcomes is the kind of culture shift that will outlast any one project — or any one person. “We’ve always believed that small cities can lead in big ways. Together, we will continue to prove that — by governing thoughtfully, getting things done, and never losing sight of the values we hold dear and the city we want to leave for future generations. “Thank you for your continued support ~~ - and trusting us with the responsibility and opportunity to keep working for you.~~ and for the responsibility and opportunity to keep working for you.”
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PAGE 8 | JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Strathmore Rings in New Year, Viennese-style Last Week by Mark Dreisonstok
It was grand night in Vienna, or rather a grand Saturday afternoon at Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda which successfully simulated the worldfamous New Year’s Concert in Vienna. On the 30th Anniversary season program of Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert were the anticipated elegant Viennese waltzes (and other dances) as well as selections from Viennese operettas. This year at the annual event at Strathmore (also held at several other locations in North America), the focus was on three operettas, with the concert starting with the Overture to Johann Srauss Jr.’s New Year’s partythemed “Die Fledermaus”, an overture light and airy which then almost trotted to a conclusion. The orchestra was conducted here and in the other offerings under the able baton of the Vienna-trained conductor Nir Kabaretti. The concert also ended with a salute to champagne from “Die Fledermaus.” Inbetween were generous selections from other operettas, but most notably “The Merry Widow” and “Gypsy Princess.” Em-
merich Kálmán’s “Gypsy Princess,” a tale of a young nobleman who seeks to defy his father and marry a stage singer whom the son loves, was sampled twice. Baritone Thomas Weinhappel performed an excellent “Ganz ohne Weiber geht die Chose nicht,” which Maestro Kabaretti translated loosely to applause as “nothing in the world functions without women.” The song was suggestive of both Austrian and Hungarian musical styles. Mr. Weinhappel joined soprano Rebecca Nelson in a beautiful duet of “Das ist die Liebe,” or “That Is Love,” again from “Gypsy Princess.” She also sang a poignant “Vilia” (“a fairy tale love song,” as Maestro Kabaretti put it) from Franz Lehár’s “The Merry Widow.” An instrumental medley of tunes were then played from the same operetta (including the famous “Merry Widow Waltz,” along with “Da geh’ ich zu Maxim” from the same Lehár operetta. Here baritone Weinhappel sang glowingly of “going to Maxims,” the legendary Parisian restaurant. Soprano Nelson emerged playing military-style phrases on the trumpet followed by a rousing “Chacun le
sait” from Donizetti’s operetta “Daughter of the Regiment.” Europanballet St. Pölten (Austria) and International Champion Ballroom Dancers added exotic gowns and national costumes to the proceedings and, of course, dances which were elegant and, at times, whimsical. Indeed, dance performances to the orchestra’s
playing of the famous Viennese waltzes “Rosen aus dem Süden” and “The Blue Danube” particularly illustrated the elegance of old Vienna. Quick-paced polkas were presented in Johann Strauss Jr.’s “Auf der Jagd Polka” and Johann and Josef Strauss’ “Pizzicato Polka.” The audience itself had its opportunity to be conducted
under the direction of Maestro Kabaretti as it clapped along to Johann Strauss Sr.’s “Radetzky March” in one of the program’s several encores. Indeed, these encores whetted the appetite of the audience for next year’s Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, which has become an annual tradition for many in the Washington, D.C., region.
(Photo: courtesy of Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert)
Guest Commentary: A Sick, Old, Evil Felon in the White House by Peter Rubenstein
We have a felon in the White House who always sounds totally deranged. Clearly an old, sick, evil, man, who lives to get retribution on anyone he thinks ever wronged him. He spouts lies every time he opens his mouth, and is a grifter of the worst kind. This is the man 77 million Americans actually voted for to be our President. Despite that, it was less than 50% of those who voted, and the third closest Presidential election in our history. I believe many now regret their vote. He is not keeping the promises he made, and is rather screwing up their lives, and the world. If another election were held today, he would lose. But there are no do-overs. The next election for President won’t occur until November 2028, so the felon will continue to sit in the White House, unless he dies, is impeached and convicted, or the 25th amendment is activated, until January
20, 2029 at noon, when the next President is sworn in. So, what can we do? It is clear Americans must focus on the mid-term elections, which will be held November 3, 2026. At that time, we can surely take back the House of Representatives, and maybe even the Senate. We would still have to deal with the felon, and his fascist cohorts; but with control of one, or both chambers, the Congress could reassert its role as an equal branch of government. A role, Republicans who control it now, have totally abrogated. They have allowed the felon to run roughshod over them, actually getting on their knees for him, and helping him screw the American people. Whether it is giving tax relief to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations; or refusing to provide tax relief for middle- and lower-income people, so they can afford healthcare. Republicans have stood by silently while he destroyed our credibility around the world. Allowed
him to destroy USAID, the Education Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They stood by silently while he ended research grants intended to find cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s. They are in essence silent, while his administration tells parents they don’t need to vaccinate their children. Because of this, children are dying of measles, a disease nearly eradicated until the felon became President. He is actually guilty of murder. Now he puts the men and women in our military in danger, using them illegally to invade Venezuela. He sanctioned bombing in Nigeria, Iran, and Syria. He clearly supports his friends, criminals like Putin and Netanyahu, one in his war of aggression against Ukraine, the other in his efforts to totally destroy Gaza, and starve the Palestinian people there. I am a Jew, and a proud American, who sup-
ports the existence of the State of Israel, and a two-state solution. But also believe; Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, all belong in jail. The world would be better off if that is where they all were. As we begin 2026, let us all take stock of where we are, and what we can do to make this a better world. We must find our voices and speak out, and if necessary, take to the streets, to make our voices heard. Yet that is clearly not enough. To make a real difference, we must all VOTE. In every election held where you live, from school board, to county commission, to statehouse, to judiciary, for any office, you need to use your vote to rid the nation of the cult surrounding the felon. That includes his fascist cohorts now occupying the White House, and unfortunately, the Republican Party, now controlled by the cult. What that means is we must vote to defeat every Republican running for office, and do so by
voting for the Democrat. While you may like a third-Party candidate, history tells us, with extremely rare exceptions, they cannot win. When you cast your ballot on November 3rd, it must be a vote for the Democratic slate, top to bottom. Only then will we have a chance to reclaim our country. To save our democracy from the fascists who surround Trump. From those like his personal Goebbels, Stephen Miller, and the author of Project 2025, Russell Vought at the OMB. If we stand together, and vote together, we will win!
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JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 9
Watch Night 2025: Ringing in the New Year in Falls Church
The annual tradition of Watch Night Falls Church this year provided a variety of entertainment with folks dancing to the live music of Northern Lights Dance Orchestra; a concert by American roots performers Randy Barrett and the Big Howdy, a concert by Gabe Nassar and Friends, and 20KV. Jennabelle Fairy Magic had performances for the kids. The Falls Church Episcopal hosted tours of the holiday decorated church with historian Joe Ewbank. Performing for the traditional countdown to midnight star drop was Gabe Nassar and Jorge Rodriquez. The evening finished with Auld Lang Syne, this year in the Episcopal Church parking lot since Broad Street was not closed for the event. The event organizer, the CATCH Foundation expressed appreciation to the volunteers and staff of the Falls Church Presbyterian - and the Falls Church Episcopal, Atlantic Realty that sponsors the star drop as well as the City of Falls Church for making the event possible. (Photos: Gary Mester)
PAGE 10 | JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Meridian Boys Return From Break, Defeat Manassas Park by Ryan McCafferty
Mason Pye scored 15 points, Jake Bryan added 10, and the Meridian High School boys’ basketball team beat Manassas Park 81-39 on Tuesday night. The Meridian Mustangs played their first game in three weeks and opened a stretch of three games in four days against Northwestern District opponents. Last year against Manassas Park, Jim Smith’s squad won its two matchups 92-17 and 8515. This one was closer, but it was still never in doubt. After leading 4-2 early, the Mustangs used a 22-0 run in the first quarter and led 30-6 after the period. Marques Myles, who started Meridian’s previous five games, came off the bench and brought energy that helped spark the home team. Manassas Park regrouped and matched Meridian in the second quarter,
but still trailed 45-21 at halftime. It never got any closer than that. Meridian led 61-33 after three quarters and stretched the margin to 42 in the fourth. It was the Mustangs’ largest margin of victory this season, and they have won their last two games by a combined 79 points. “It was nice just to be able to play again,” Smith said after the game. “We’ve got three games this week and three more next week, so we need to get back into a rhythm.” Eleven different Mustangs scored as Smith emptied his bench in the fourth quarter to give some of his lesser-used players time on the court. The starters remained engaged late, cheering loudly for every basket from their teammates. Next, Meridian returns home on short rest to play Kettle Run on Wednesday night.
Meridian wins 81-39 on Tuesday night. (Photo: Ryan McCafferty)
F.C. Native to Compete at the European Figure Skating Championships by Lois Elfman
When Falls Church native Matthew Sperry—he highly recommends Lazy Mike’s for the ice cream—found himself without an ice dance partner following the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, he turned to a familiar face. Finnish ice dancer Daniela Ivanitskiy, who was also training at the same rink in Novi, Michigan. “After Kristina [Bland] stopped, I tried out with Daniela,” said Sperry. “We had actually tried out originally about four years ago, when I first came to Michigan, before I skated with Kristina, but we found different partners. When we both happened to be solo at the same time, we thought, let’s try out again, and it clicked. Having trained together with the same coaches, we had the same technique, which really helped to facilitate the transition and make it a lot easier process.” Sperry had previously competed in the junior division, but made the transition to senior level, finishing third at the Finnish Championships last year and this year. Sperry’s only trips to Europe prior to teaming with Ivanitskiy were two times to Poland to compete in ISU Junior Grand Prix events with
Bland. Now, he has not only made several trips to Finland, but also established an impressive international resume with competitions in Kazakhstan, Hungary, Japan, Bulgaria and more. “We’ve done a lot of travel and competed in a lot of different environments,” Sperry said. “I feel that’s boosted my confidence, knowing that I can compete at that international level. I’ve definitely seen a lot of growth in my skating ability and I’ve rise to the occasion.” Next week, Ivanitskiy and Sperry will compete at the 2026 European Figure Skating Championships in Sheffield, England. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete in that elite environment,” Sperry said. “It is a championship event, which is amazing to be going to. Definitely, if you’d asked me two years ago if I’d be going to an ISU championship event this soon, I would not have thought so. It is going to be very cool to be on the same ice as the teams that are going to be on the podium at Europeans. “We’re hoping to skate the programs the way that we do in practice and soak it all in,” he added. One of Sperry’s requirements when he left Falls Church
Matthew Sperry Daniela Ivanitskiy. (Photo: Courtesy)
for Michigan is that in addition to training and competing he wanted to pursue a college education. He is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan and expects to graduate in 2027. He gets home to Falls Church about three times a year. Each time, he enjoys exploring. “It’s always fun to see
what new things have popped up,” said Sperry. “I like to try new restaurants.” The long-term plan is to continue competing for the next Olympic cycle and earn a spot on the Finnish team for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in France. His big goal for the next season is to compete in the Winter World University
Games, which will be held in China. “That is a very fun and prestigious competition,” Sperry said. “University is such an important part of my life, it would be a cool opportunity to combine both sides of my life— the skating and the school and compete representing both the university and Finland.”
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Our Man In Arlington
PUZZLE NO. 1051 LEVEL: ADVANCED
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1051
How to play:
PUZZLE in order to find a list ofNO. civic 1052 associations (as well as other civic groups). The ACCF has LEVEL:the Civic an informative monthly newsletter, ADVANCED Voice. For those not familiar with the ACCF, they provide (in their own words) “a forum for civic groups to discuss, debate, inform, advocate and provide oversight on important community issues, on a nonpartisan basis.” The ACCF has a long history of civic participation in Arlington, starting in 1916, when a coalition of six local civic associations formed the Federation to promote civic improvement (their initial goal involved getting a public water and sewage system in the county).
Bill Fogarty
As we head into the new year, I want to share some thoughts about the content of this column in the coming year. When I started writing this column last February, I worried about the challenge of responding to the weekly question of “What the heck am I going to write about this week?” But due to the good fortune of being part of a vibrant community, it turns out that I have plenty of material to work with! I look forward to learning even more this year about our shared life in Arlington, and I will also continue to use a historical lens in many of my columns. But going forward, I may try to solicit some In closing, I want to give a shout-out to two “guest columns” from various community associations for their excellent newsletters: the members, as an opportunity to engage with oth- Glencarlyn Civic Association and the Crystal er perspectives that a reader might find interest- City Civic Association. I discovered the Glening. I am not sure exactly how to incorporate carlyn newsletter (the Village Voice) when I such a concept — stay tuned! gave a talk at the Glencarlyn Library this fall. Today I would like to begin to explore the Their newsletter was so impressive, with a lot challenges we all face when it comes to being of good information (and remarkable photos), informed about our community. What type of that I decided to check out some other associainformation is important to know, and what tions, and found many high-quality newsletters. sources can one turn to? Print journalism in ArI will close with an excerpt from the Nolington has withered in recent years; there are vember 2025 edition of the Crystal City Insider a number of online sources, but how does one (the newsletter for the Crystal City Civic Asnavigate those various sources for whatever in- sociation). The outgoing president, Eric Casformation you deem to be important? sel, wrote a reflection based on his 25 years of Let me start with a source that might not community involvement. Cassel includes a list immediately come to mind: the newsletter of of his top takeaways of what he learned during a civic association. Arlington has more than 50 his involvement with civic issues. I think it is ANSWER NO. 1052 civic associations covering a variety of neigh- terrific advice for allTOofPUZZLE us in the Arlington comborhood clusters. As might be expected of a munity: system of volunteer-run organizations, some “Be patient. Arlington builds really great associations are very well-organized, with ter- projects, but at a glacial speed. rific newsletters and websites, while others Speak up. You may not win every battle, but Fill in every row, every clearly arethe ingrid needsoofthat some assistance. Tocolumn learn the county always provides a platform for puband every boxassociations contains the more about the3x3 civic innumbers the county, lic comment. through onlythe once. you1can start 9with Arlington County govWatch the money. Ideals are great, but monernment website, and with a few good keyword ey drives decisions. Tap our knowledge base. searches be able with to find a civic as- With one of the nation’s highest rates of gradEach you 3x3 should box is outlined a darker line. sociation map. From you cantofind uate-degree holders, our community is packed You already have athere, few numbers getyour you started. association, and discover whether your associaRemember: you must not repeat the numbers with experts ready to contribute. tion has a website, and/or newsletters. Bend — don’t break. Aiming for total vic1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. Or you can start with the Arlington County tory leads to frustration. Focus on adjusting Civic Federation (ACCF), at www.civfed.org, policies, and you’ll succeed.”
How to play:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
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PAGE 12 | JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on January 8th, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following item: Variance application V1674-25 by Jay Shalaty (Applicant), on behalf of Ericka and Nicholas Tomen (Owners), for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a rear setback of 31.3 feet instead of the 40 feet minimum allowed to construct a screened in porch at 1303 Gibson Place, RPC#52-502-064 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva. gov until 4:30 pm on January 8th, 2026. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www.fallschurchva. gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was given first reading at the December 8, 2025 City Council meeting. Public hearings, second readings, and possible City Council actions are scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO25-20) ORDINANCE TO (1) AMEND THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CHAPTER 40 “TAXATION,” TO ADD ARTICLE XXI, “COMM E R C I A L P R O P E RT Y A S S E S S E D CLEAN ENERGY (C-PACE) FINANCING PROGRAM,” (2) APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE RELATED “COMM E R I C A L P R O P E RT Y A S S E S S E D CLEAN ENERGY (C-PACE) FINANCING PROGRAM, C-PACE PROGRAM AGREEMENT,” AND (3) APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE RELATED “VIRGINIA ENERGY – LOCALITY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY AGREEMENT” This action would amend City Code Chapter 40, Taxation, to establish a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Financing Program, to operate in conjunction with the statewide C-PACE program. All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 703-248-5014 or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
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C L AS S I F I E DS Public Notice Falls Church City Public School Board FY27 Budget Public Hearings Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM Falls Church City Hall Council Chambers 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046, and Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM FCCPS Central Office Conference Room 150 S Washington St, Suite 400, Falls Church, VA 22046 Written comments may be submitted to The Falls Church School Board at schoolboard@fccps.org
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was given first reading at the November 24, 2025 City Council meeting. Public hearings, second readings, and possible City Council actions are scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO25-21) ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FALLS OF CHURCH CHAPTER 48 “ZONING,” ARTICLE I “IN GENERAL,” AMENDING THE HALF STORY DEFINITION AND ARTICLE V “SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS” DIVISION 6 “HEIGHT, LOT AND YARD REGULATIONS,” DELETING SECTION 48-1104 “CONDITIONAL USES PERMITTED BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT” AS AN OBSOLETE SECTION, AND AMENDING DIVISION 9 “ANTENNAS” CLARIFYING REGULATIONS APPLYING TO ALL ANTENNA TYPES” All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 703-248-5014 or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
ABC NOTICE Kyuramen IAD LLC trading as Kyuramen, 2330 Silver Arrow way Unit C-2, Herndon, VA, 20171 is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Authority for a Beer and Wine On and Off Premises, Mixed Beverages Restaurant to sell alcoholic beverages. Kam Wong, Managing Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
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AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Promote your upcoming auctions statewide! Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audience. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Commonwealth Media Solutions 804-5217576, landonc@vpa.net
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 13
In Memoriam: Anna Ruth Cook
Anna Ruth Cook (Ann Martin), passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. Anna, one of the seven children of Edward “Edd” and Mary Lou Cook, was born and raised in Grundy, Virginia. Anna and her siblings grew up alongside their six cousins, who lived right next door. Edd, a coal miner, passed away when Anna was five. While the family knew poverty and hardship growing up, the home and holler the larger family shared in Buchanan County were well known for their warmth, hospitality, and love. After graduating from Garden High School in 1963, Anna was given a train ticket to Washington, DC, where she moved and found work in the accounting department of The Washington Post. Anna married and lived for several years in Germany
with her then husband while he served in the U.S. Army. Anna ultimately concluded her time at The Post as a department supervisor and was honored for more than 30 years of service upon her retirement in 2004. Anna’s two children, Elizabeth Mary “Liz” Martin and Nathan Edward “Nate” Martin were her greatest joy and legacy, having instilled in them the importance and joy of extended family, traveling with them back to Buchanan many times for holidays and family celebrations with the extended family. Anna raised Liz and Nate in Falls Church City, Virginia. During their school days in Fall Church City Public Schools, Anna was an avid volunteer, serving as room parent, Liz’s Brownie troop leader and supporter of Liz’s volleyball and
Nate’s basketball teams, traveling to away games and cheering them on at home. And although she never quite understood the game, she enthusiastically supported Nate’s tennis teams, driving team members to several state and regional tournaments. Anna was a longtime active member of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, where she participated in a Neighborhood Bible study for many years. Her steadfast faith and the relationships she developed at Foundry endured throughout her lifetime. After a few years of retirement living near her brother Jack and his wife, Betty, in Florida, Anna returned to Washington, DC, to begin what became the most gratifying period of her life: the role of full-time Gramma. Beginning with her first
grandchild, Alena Mary Martin, this special time included a year spent in Kyiv, Ukraine, with side adventures to Germany and Czechia. Anna then returned to the U.S. to help care for her first grandson, Owen Seth Blanton, in Seaford, Virginia. When Anna next moved back to DC, she became a big baseball fan: particularly of the Washington Nationals. As she had for Liz and Nate, Anna once again became a vocal and prominent supporter of her grandchildren’s activities—as a Little League fan of Alena’s and grandson Holden Thomas Martin’s teams–and later of Owen’s soccer and basketball teams. Anna’s season as a beloved Gramma left an enduring impact on many children in her immediate family and beyond. Anna’s final years were
spent living with her family back in Seaford and finally at a memory care facility in Williamsburg, Virginia. Anna will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends for her kindness, humor, courage and sacrifice. She is survived by her sister, Nell Hurt; her daughter’s family Elizabeth, Seth and Owen Blanton; her cherished family Aryn, Jeff, Henry and Roger Blanton; her son’s family, Nate, Erica, Alena and Holden Martin; as well as innumerable loving nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 1pm at Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford, Virginia on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Visitation will begin at noon, with a reception to follow.
Guest Commentary: A New Year Beckons: Welcome Back the Light by David Hoffman
A New Year beckons once again, as regular as the Winter Solstice. As now we can begin again to welcome the return of light and hope that our New Year’s resolutions be honored this time more in the actual observance than the breach. So here’s an easy resolution: at least on paper. Literally. Here is an actual 2026 planner and journal whose inspiring photos and quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt lend enough hope to move us forward through a year that promises lots of curveballs and bumps in the road. In a highly portable and very affordable form of a daily planner, “My Day 2026” was co-curated by Dr. Pamela Johnson (president of the National Women’s Foundation) and the great granddaughter of Eleanor Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor Fierst, and Chair of the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill. Quotes are taken from ER’s speeches, and her thousands of My Day columns. Photos also illustrate the amazing women whom Eleanor influenced and who, in turn, influenced her. What more quoted, not to mention quotable, gift to yourself, and to others on your personal gift list? Teachers, students and anyone needing a reminder of the progressive strides made during the 20th century, will find this spiralbound planner fascinating. Each week reminds the user of Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless commitment
to social justice, courage and the strength of community. My Day 2026 is available online for $15 at www.nationalwomensfoundation.org. Mrs. Roosevelt committed her life’s work to alleviating poverty, to civil rights, to worker’s rights and to youth empowerment. She once famously said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Where do your dreams lead you?
“It was time for me to change my life and the lives of my family, so I went back and got my high school diploma.” - Darlene
Find free adult education centers near you at
FinishYourDiploma.org
PAGE 14 | JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
PUZZLE NO. 315
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32. Etching liquid 33. Decade numbers 36. Aerie 39. “____ Do You Love” 43. Pass, as a law 45. Holds on to 46. Not very busy
40. Honolulu hello 48. “Leave ____ to Heaven” 44. Matures 49. Miner’s yield 46. Word of 50. Small child agreement
Copyright © 2025, Penny Press
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36. “Chances ____” 7. Pittsburgh product 38. Away 8. “____ Not 41. Snares Unusual” 42. Male sheep 9. Leading 43. Fill again comedian: 45. All right! 2 wds. 47. Horse with high 10. Mean odds: 2 wds. 11. Evade 51. Pierre’s mom 52. “Of ____ I Sing” 16. Recently 53. Historic epoch 19. Rot 21. Ruin 54. Invites 22. Fury 55. Back talk 56. VIP carpet color 23. Company symbol 27. Smudge DOWN 1. Large tropical 29. Modifies snake 31. Kings’ chairs 2. Split 32. Chemist’s 3. High peak workroom 4. Mimicked 33. Snaky letter 5. Detailed 36. Odor accounts 37. Autumn tools 6. Egyptian city 39. Hat fabrics
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
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Falls Church News-PressPUZZLE NO. 317 REACH ALL OF FALLS CHURCH 33. Went first 35. Cafe, e.g. 37. Indy 500 entrant 38. Over 40. Tunneled
42. Direction 44. Pay 46. Kiddie’s pie 47. Historic period 48. Manage 49. Porky’s home
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1. Bowler or fedora 4. Greater 8. Teen trouble 12. Bartender’s rocks 13. Again 14. Anchor 15. Pony panic
37. Barnyard animal 39. Sailor’s domain 40. Like a lion 41. Westminster ____ 43. Duplicate 45. Soda 46. Wanders 50. Preceding
4. Syrup source 5. Change for a five 6. Convert, as coupons 7. Fleecy mom 8. In the thick of 9. State 10. Memo taker 11. Wear away
50. Nursery schoolers 51. Snivel 52. Observe
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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 317
1. Holler 5. Nutty 9. Amiss 12. Desire 13. Homely 14. Very tiny 15. Profit 16. Intensified 18. Toboggans
43. Selects 46. Gush lava 51. Inhibited 55. Norwegian city 56. Bread grain 57. Missile housing 58. Root vegetable 59. Still 60. Give a party 61. Generations
17. Nosed (out) 19. Cushy 22. Tower 24. Expert pilots 25. Persian ruler 26. Study steadily 27. Voice range 28. Gather a harvest
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 15
This Week Around Falls Church Thursday, Jan. 8
Saturday, Jan. 10
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Falls Church Fiber Artists
Falls Church Farmers Market
Housing Commission Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Main Level Conference Room Drop in for this informal weekly group to knit and crochet, share projects, get advice, or just chat while you work. All are welcome.
Raise Some Dough: MRSPL Foundation Fundraiser with Panera 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Panera Bread Café (450 W. Broad St.)
Panera will donate 25% of sales to the MRSPL Foundation to support library programs and services.
Board of Equalization Hearing 3 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Council Chambers / Court Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Dogwood Room A, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Hip-Stangs Reading Club
Human Services Advisory Council Meeting
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library Grades K–2; Registration open. Community & Culture program.
Nirvani (Nirvana Tribute) + Siamese Dreamers (Smashing Pumpkins Tribute) 8:30 p.m.
The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St.
FYP @ Dogwood Tavern 9:30 p.m.
Dogwood Tavern, 132 W. Broad St.
Monday, Jan. 12 Falls Church 250 Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 9 Falls Church 250 Committee’s Video Series Subcommittee Meeting 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Board of Equalization Hearing 4 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
City Council Meeting
Uncaged — Zac Brown Tribute
Council Chambers / Court Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
8:30 p.m.
The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave.)
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Public comment welcome — sign up at fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Watch at fallschurchva.gov/ CouncilMeetings and FCCTV.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Dogwood Room B, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Aurora House Girls Group Home Citizens’ Advisory Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.) In-person with virtual option.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 Board of Equalization Hearing 5 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
You good?
Laurel Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dogwood Room A & B, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Planning Commission Annual Advance (No Public Comment Period) 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Council Chambers / Court Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave.)
Reach out to a friend about their mental health. Find more ways to help at SeizeTheAwkward.org
PAGE 16 | JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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