OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026 Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXVI N o . 36
Avocado Toast Invades Little City
Northern Virginia’s Newspaper
Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free
‘Democracy Thrives In Sunshine’
TOASTALLY OBSESSED
From Trendy Toast to Little City Staple
by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
With so many restaurants and cafés opening around the Little City in recent months, one familiar menu item seems to be turning up just about everywhere: avocado toast. What was once considered a trendy breakfast choice has become a staple at everything from neighborhood coffee shops to national chains. And here in Falls Church, there seems to be no shortage of places putting their own spin on it. For good reason, too. Avocados provide heart-healthy fats, and when served on a good piece of toasted bread with the right accompaniments, they can be downright delicious. A veritable plethora of spots in Falls Church now offer their own versions, ranging from small, intimate cafés to national chains that don’t want their customers left out. Of course, avocado toast is nothing new to those already familiar with its charms. But for the likes of this writer, who grew up in Southern California, the avocado
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Table Of Contents News Briefs Editoral Sports Calendar Classads Critter Corner
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HERE IN FALLS CHURCH, we’re still enjoying avocado toast at Rashfa Cafe, despite warnings from those who consider the popular dish outrageously overpriced. (Photo: News-Press)
Falls Church Schools Detail Classroom AI Use by Nick Gatz
Falls Church News-Press
Artificial intelligence is already in Falls Church City Public Schools classrooms. Teachers are using it to create lesson materials, adjust reading levels and build AI learning partners that give students feedback on their work, according to written responses FCCPS provided to the News-Press this week.
The approved list is short. Teachers can use four tools: Google Gemini, SchoolAI, Diffit and Canva. Students get two. SchoolAI is approved for grades six through 12, and Gemini for grades nine through 12. ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are not on either list. The responses give Falls Church families the clearest look yet at how AI is moving into city schools since the School Board adopted Policy
II/GF in June. They also leave the biggest questions on the table. What does it cost? What student information do vendors see? Why did some of these tools make the list at all? FCCPS drew a firm line on what the technology is for. “Teachers are not using AI to replace direct instruction,” the school system said in its written response. At the middle and high schools, teachers create customized AI learning partners
that help students review material and get feedback on projects and assignments. Several teachers use SchoolAI to adjust the reading level of instructional materials so every student can access materials at their level. Materials teachers create with AI still require human review, FCCPS said. Age decides access. Under the
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church News Briefs
Virginia Marriage Equality Vote in November; Rally Oct. 17 Equality Arlington and the NAACP Arlington Branch are sponsoring a Rally for Marriage Equality on Saturday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The rally will take place by the fountains at Courthouse Plaza, 2250 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington. All are welcome to show their support. Learn more at: vaformarriageequality.com.
Metro Station Closings This Weekend - October 17 and 18 If you’re planning to take the Metro this weekend, the following three stations will be closed for scheduled maintenance: Rosslyn, Court House, and Arlington National Cemetery. This affects the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. Some shuttle services will be available. For more information, visit: wmata.com/ride/planned-track-work.html.
Fairfax County Marks Pedestrian Safety Month The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as Pedestrian Safety Month during its Tuesday meeting, according to a constituent newsletter issued by Board Chairman Jeff McKay. In the newsletter, McKay emphasized the county’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users through infrastructure investments, education and enforcement. According to McKay, the county’s 2025–2030 Transportation Priorities Plan includes $368.04 million for pedestrian and bicycle projects, while the Board recently approved an additional $8.94 million toward its $100 million commitment to active transportation infrastructure. McKay also highlighted the county’s Safe Streets for All initiative, school-zone speed cameras and public education campaigns. He reported that average vehicle speeds have declined approximately 15 percent at the initial school-zone speed camera locations. The county is relaunching its “Take a Moment” safety campaign this October with an emphasis on “See and Be Seen,” encouraging drivers to remain alert and pedestrians to take precautions as daylight hours grow shorter. McKay said he recently introduced a proposal to establish a joint task force with the Fairfax County School Board to identify additional pedestrian and traffic safety improvements around schools. “This October, let’s keep the message of our proclamation and Take a Moment campaign in mind: ‘Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Seen,’” McKay wrote.
Equality Arlington Ranks County Board Candidates Equality Arlington sent questionnaires to the three candidates running for County Board in the November 2026 General Election. The five questions posed were aimed to gauge the candidates’ response to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and related policy issues. They received responses from two of the three candidates. The Board of Directors rated the candidates based on how well their responses demonstrated an understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and how their proposed actions or inaction would impact the LGBTQ+ community. The candidate who did not respond was given an “F” rating. You can read the questions they posed and each candidate’s response on their website at: equalityarlington.org/ news/2026-10-05/ea-grades-cb-candidates-2026.
New Medicaid Eligibility Changes Set Jan. 1 Beginning January 1, 2027, the eligibility requirements for Medicaid will change to include the following conditions: Enrollees must have a minimum household income of $580 a month; OR Perform 80 hours of activities a month (including volunteer work, unpaid work, work for yourself, attend school part time, be involved in a work training program, and more). There are exemptions from this requirement, including persons 18 and younger, persons 65 and older, pregnant persons, and people with special needs, among other exemptions. Please see dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/new-federal-requirements/federal-work-requirements/ for a full list of exemptions. If you did not receive a letter notifying you of these changes, and you believe you will be
impacted by the new rule, you can update your contact information online at commonhelp. virginia.gov or call Cover Virginia at 855-242-8282. Virginia Medicaid is also hosting a series of virtual Town Hall forums to answer questions about changes in Medicaid coverage. You can register here: dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/ new-federal-requirements/town-halls/.
Stylish Patina Hosts Small Biz Fall Market, October 17 Celebrate all things fall with this outdoor market featuring 25 vendors on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. Held on the grounds of Stylish Patina, 301 Park Avenue, which is just across the street from the farmer’s market. Goodies you’ll find here include handmade items, fashion, vintage finds, baked treats, and more. If you haven’t seen their new location since moving from Broad Street, you’ll find a spacious grassy front yard that’s perfect for this event.
No Kings Day Activities on October 17 Promote Early Voting Join Falls Church Indivisible for a day of three family-friendly events to promote early voting. Activities start at the corner of Park Ave and Little Falls St with stickers, buttons, and kids’ activities, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Later, a Bridge Visibility event will take place on a nearby overpass from 1:30 – 3 p.m. (Location is given when you register.) Lastly, from 4 – 5 p.m., the community is invited to gather at Broad St. and Washington St. to wave signs and flags. This event is not aiming to be a large, visible protest. For more information and to register, visit: fallschurchindivisible.org/nk4.
West Falls Church Metro Raises Non-Rider Parking Rates Oct. 19 If you’re parking at the West Falls Church Metro station but not taking the Metro, the new daily parking rate will be $10. For those parking and riding the Metro, the daily rate is unchanged from $3, but riders must use the same SmarTrip or credit card for both parking and rail. The rate change for non-riders is meant to help preserve parking spaces for Metro riders since construction in the area has temporarily reduced parking spaces.
Sherrow Ave. Bridge to Close on October 19 As part of a project to rebuild the bridge on Sherrow Ave (over Tripps Run), the bridge will be closed to motorized vehicles on October 19. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians, bike riders, and scooter riders. Detour signs will be displayed. The bridge is located near the intersection of W. Cameron Road, Seaton Lane, and Sherrow Ave. To view map with suggested detour route, visit: www.fallschurchva.gov/2215/SherrowAvenue-Bridge. Used Book Sale Slated for October 23 – 25 at MRS Library Stop by the Mary Riley Styles Public Library for their quarterly book sale starting with a preview on Friday, October 23, from 1 – 5 p.m. (5 item limit), and continuing through Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This sale includes DVDs. All proceeds support library programs and services.
Creative Cauldron Receives $12,150 ArtsFairfax Grant for New Musical Creative Cauldron Stage in Falls Church has received a $12,150.25 ArtsFairfax project grant to support the development of “His Girl Friday,” an original musical comedy scheduled to make its world premiere in October 2027. The grant will fund “Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Black Box Musical,” a project inviting audiences and aspiring theater professionals to observe the creative process, including production meetings, workshops, rehearsals and a staged reading in June 2027. Based on the classic 1940 film, “His Girl Friday,” the staged production will feature a big band score and pay tribute to screwball comedies and the newspaper industry. The production will open Creative Cauldron’s 2027–2028 season. The theater will document the development process through social media updates and a final documentary shared on its YouTube channel. Founding Artistic Director Laura Connors Hull thanked ArtsFairfax for supporting the project, which she said will give audiences a front-row seat to the creation of an original musical.
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In Falls Church, Avocado Toast Is Having Its Moment
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itself has always been something of an old friend. In that part of the country, avocados literally grow on trees. The preferred Hass variety was everywhere, and many of us thought nothing of eating one whole with just a knife and spoon, removing the large seed and settling onto a park bench or a spot by the seaside to enjoy the rich, creamy fruit. A ripe avocado needed little else, perhaps a pinch of salt or a bit of salad dressing. What I never imagined was that this humble fruit would eventually become a political and generational controversy. For years, avocado toast has been held up by critics of younger generations as a symbol of extravagant spending and questionable financial priorities. In 2017, an Australian millionaire famously suggested that millennials might have an easier time buying homes if they stopped spending money on
smashed avocados and expensive coffee. Apparently, the great obstacle to homeownership wasn’t the rising price of real estate, but breakfast. The criticism became a favorite talking point in the endless generational debate over whether younger Americans simply spend too much money on life’s little pleasures. Never mind that the same avocado toast has now found its way onto menus frequented by baby boomers, retirees and just about everyone else. Here in Falls Church, where the price of a home can easily climb into seven figures, I suspect giving up avocado toast won’t make much difference in anyone’s mortgage application. But these days, the preferred way of introducing an avocado to the human mouth may well be atop a slice of toasted sourdough bread, mashed and seasoned with any number of accompanying ingredients. A little lemon, some olive oil, perhaps an egg or a sprinkling of red
pepper flakes, and suddenly an ordinary piece of toast becomes something worth getting excited about. The quality runs the gamut, from the more standardized offerings at Starbucks and Dunkin’ to the elaborate creations served at independent cafés and restaurants. I haven’t documented the complete array of offerings even in a cozy place like Falls Church, because there are simply too many now. The best I’ve managed is to sample a few and compile what I hope is a reasonably complete list. Of the places I’ve had the pleasure of trying personally, my top ranking goes to the new Rashfa Cafe on S. Washington Street (see photo this edition), a Yemeni coffee and tea shop bringing distinctive flavors and traditions to the Little City. Its Rashfa Chai, made with black tea, spices and evaporated milk, is another reason to stop by. I’ve also spent considerable time at the newly opened Shotted Coffee drive-through, next to Wendy’s on Route 29, just outside the City. The
location formerly housed Compass Coffee, but Shotted has brought a different character to the space, with coffee, tea and specialty offerings inspired by Middle Eastern café traditions. Shotted also offers avocado toast, with the added convenience of being able to pick it up through the drive-through without ever leaving your car. Its growing presence in the Washington region is another example of how much the local coffee scene has changed. Rashfa, Best Buns, Godfrey’s, Shotted Coffee, The Falls, Northside Social and Cafe Kindred are among the establishments in and around the Little City offering their own versions of avocado toast. The choices range from simple preparations to elaborate combinations of eggs, tomatoes, seasonings and specialty breads. If I’ve missed anyone, I’ll be happy to stand corrected. A sampling of the food might help, too. And while avocado toast may seem like a thoroughly modern invention, its history reaches back much further than Instagram and
fashionable brunch menus. Avocados have been cultivated and enjoyed in Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. Pairing them with bread eventually became commonplace in parts of Latin America, including Chile, where pan con palta, bread topped with mashed avocado, remains a familiar favorite. In the United States, references to avocado served on toast appeared in California more than a century ago. Australian chef Bill Granger helped popularize the modern café version in Sydney during the 1990s, and by the following decade it was finding its way onto fashionable menus in New York and elsewhere. Social media helped turn the dish into an international sensation, but the basic idea has never been complicated. Take a ripe avocado, put it on good bread and enjoy. As for me, I’m happy to sit in the shade with my avocado, whether it’s served with a spoon, on a piece of sourdough or alongside a good cup of coffee.
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Questions Remain Over Student Privacy and Academic Rules
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School Board’s policy, students in kindergarten through fifth grade do not interact independently with generative AI tools. For secondary students, a system called AI Frontiers helps teachers spell out expectations for AI use on classroom activities and assignments. Teachers do not require AI for any assignment, and the custom AI learning partners are optional for students, FCCPS said. Student data is where the answers start to thin out. Every approved tool goes through a procurement process that includes a data privacy agreement, and vendors are prohibited from using student information to train their AI models. Vendors must agree to FCCPS’s terms and to Virginia Department of Education requirements. FCCPS put it bluntly: “If the vendor does not agree, we will not make the purchase.” The harder question is what vendors get in the first place. Asked
whether student names, assignments, grades or other identifying information are shared with AI companies, FCCPS pointed only to its procurement process. That distinction matters. A ban on training AI with student data does not mean a vendor never sees student data. The NewsPress has asked for clarification. On the decisions that shape a student’s record, FCCPS said people stay in charge. The school system is not using generative AI to make decisions about grading, discipline, special education or academic placement. All staff were required to complete compliance training on ethical use and data security and privacy, and this year every employee must complete an online course and attend at least two face-to-face sessions. Asked how parents learn about the tools their children may encounter, FCCPS pointed to its recently launched AI at FCCPS webpage. Then there is Canva. Gemini, SchoolAI and Diffit are built around
teaching and learning. Canva is a template-driven design platform, and its AI features, sold as Magic Studio, can write copy, generate images and build entire layouts from a short prompt. It is also free. Canva for Education costs nothing for eligible K-12 teachers, students and school systems, according to the company, and includes most of the Magic Studio tools that individual users pay $18 a month for through Canva Pro. School systems control which AI features teachers and students can use, and Canva says it does not train its AI on education data. That raises questions the FCCPS response does not answer. Which Magic Studio features are turned on for Falls Church teachers? Do students use Canva in art, graphics or other classes? Was it chosen through a formal evaluation, or because it was free and already in use? Are students who want to pursue design learning the tools
professional designers actually work in, such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop or Figma, or a platform built for people who aren’t designers? A teacher pulling together a handout before third period needs speed. A student learning layout, typography and visual hierarchy needs to build something. When AI generates the design, the user picks a result instead of making one. The News-Press has asked FCCPS those follow up questions. Canva’s free price tag also points to a question FCCPS has yet to answer: what AI is costing the school system. The NewsPress asked what FCCPS has spent on AI software, licensing, training and implementation for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, and what investments are under consideration after budget discussions listed AI implementation among the school system’s unfunded needs. FCCPS has not yet provided those figures.
When they arrive, the News-Press will break down how much is being spent and what that money is paying for. FCCPS has not yet responded to a question about documented incidents involving inappropriate AI use, inaccurate information, academic integrity or student privacy. A pending answer does not mean any such incidents occurred. Asked for AI’s greatest benefit, FCCPS said intentional AI use supports student growth and the school system’s mission to personalize learning. The response did not identify a greatest concern. The school system has written rules, named its tools and committed to human oversight. The cost figures, the data details and the reasoning behind tools like Canva are the next pieces, and they will help show how well AI is serving Falls Church students. The News-Press will report FCCPS’s answers in a follow-up story.
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Editorial
Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general interest community newspaper. Vol. XXXVI, No. 36 OCTOBER 15 - 21 , 2026 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Member, Virginia Press Association •
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classified & Legal ads classads@fcnp.com letters to the editor letters@fcnp.com News & Notes newsandnotes@fcnp.com Obituaries obits@fcnp.com subscriptions distribution & delivery delivery@fcnp.com www.fcnp.com The News-Press is certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to publish official legal notices including probate, abc notices, small and foreign estates. We will provide the appropriate paperwork. A comprehensive book on the 36 year history of the News-Press, “The Life and Times of the Falls Church NewsPress”: by Charlie Clark (History Press, 2023), can be purchased at local bookstores or online. The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area to over 140 locations. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2025 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper. A searchable archive of all issues of the Falls Church News-Press since 1991 can be found at bit.ly/44kt6Sc.
Challenges Facing Our Schools
The school year is now well underway, and so far, Falls Church City Public Schools stands out as the only school division in the region that has not experienced a significant decline in enrollment this fall. That broader regional trend is expected to continue, and potentially worsen, as layoffs among federal government employees and contractors take their toll. Even Falls Church’s modest net gain of fewer than three dozen students fell short of projections made before the full impact of those layoffs began to emerge. The challenge for our school division is not simply to prevent further erosion in enrollment, but to do so while remaining committed to broader social values and educational objectives. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence presents an extraordinary challenge, one that cannot be addressed through lip service or familiar educational slogans alone. For a school system situated in the heart of the nation’s data center industry, access to emerging technologies and expertise is practically at its doorstep. The question is how best to put those resources to work for students. At the same time, there is considerable value in the experience and judgment of educators who understand the importance of critical thinking, communication and traditional journalistic standards. Two former News-Press employees now play important roles in the Falls Church school system: Meridian High School Principal Peter Laub and English teacher and student newspaper adviser Beau Fay. Both have fond memories of their days at the News-Press, stories that inevitably resurface whenever an informal reunion takes place. Such gatherings have become less frequent, in part because advances in technology have reduced the number of people needed to produce the newspaper each week, even as the volume of news content continues to grow. It is in that spirit that we welcome the opportunity to publish the work of Meridian High School’s student journalists in our pages, a partnership that began last year. We look forward to continuing that tradition with a new issue of The Lasso scheduled for publication at the end of this month. But determining which AI technologies genuinely benefit students, while maintaining appropriate protections and guardrails and creating pathways to better futures, requires constant vigilance, careful evaluation and ongoing oversight. Technology should strengthen students’ ability to think, question and create, not simply perform those tasks for them. As our Nick Gatz writes, “We do not use Canva or any of its associated design tools in our production workflow at the Falls Church News-Press. That is a deliberate professional decision based on our experience, technical requirements and the standards we maintain for commercial printing. Perhaps one day Canva will become the gold standard for professional design and print production. Technology evolves, and we are certainly not opposed to that progress.” He adds, “Having access to a tool does not mean understanding the industry in which that tool operates. Owning a camera doesn’t automatically make someone a professional photographer.” The same principle applies to education. Teaching students to operate increasingly sophisticated software is not the same as teaching them to understand what they are creating, why it matters or whether the result is accurate. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in classrooms and workplaces, those distinctions will only become more important. The future of education must be about developing the judgment and critical thinking necessary to use technology wisely, rather than allowing technology to do the thinking for us.
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Letter To The Editor Future of Voting Dear Editor, “The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter.” –Dwight D. Eisenhower “You’ve got to vote, vote, vote, vote. That’s it; that’s the way we move forward. That’s how we make progress for ourselves and for our country.” – Michelle Obama “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” – Abraham Lincoln So, have you voted? Early voting in Virginia began September 18 and can be accomplished nearly every day between now and Election Day on November 3. Do you have a plan to vote? In-person, by-mail, provisional ballot, ahead of time, and on the day are all available. Falls Church City prides
itself on being one of Virginia’s most active jurisdictions when it comes to voting, if not the most active. But “most active” equals an average turnout of just 55% in most midterm elections. 2018 proved exceptional when, according to the Voter Registration & Elections Office at City Hall, turnout reached 64%. We can do so much better. We need to do so much better. How about achieving a turnout of 70%, or 85%, or…? This election season let’s remember that the future of this republic is in our hands. Let’s vote to move forward. Let’s not turn our backs on the fire. For more information on this year’s ballot, including races for US Senate and House of Representatives and three amendments to the Virginia Constitution, go to VOTE411. org, our local League of Women Voter’s website at lwv.lwvfallschurch.net, or the Voter Registration & Elections Office at: fallschurchva.gov/135/Voter-Registration-Elections-Office. Edith Holmes Snyder President, League of Women Voters of Falls Church
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SPORTS
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Meridian Sports Recap: 10/6 - 10/12
BY DINOS SIMCOX
Meridian football continued its one-win, one-loss pattern with a 48-0 thrashing of Thomas Jefferson High School. With the team’s homecoming game against Brentsville up next on the calendar, the Mustangs’ record now stands at 4-3. Meridian’s rushing attack was dominant, producing six touchdowns, including three by senior running back Abe Ellis. The win was bittersweet, however, as a sophomore running back suffered a frightening head injury following an awkward tackle that left him unconscious. Emergency medical personnel responded, and the player was transported by ambulance to a hospital for evaluation. Head coach PJ Anderson later provided a reassuring update, saying the player was
responsive, had movement in all his extremities and was aware of his surroundings. Anderson said the player’s vital signs were stable and that doctors anticipated he could be released from the hospital that evening. Field hockey has made a routine of posting shutout victories this season, and this past week was no different. With a 5-0 victory over school rivals Brentsville HS, as well as a 3-0 win over Annandale HS a couple days later, the Mustangs have improved their record to 15-0 and kept their undefeated season alive with just two games remaining. Perhaps even more impressively, their defense has only allowed four goals all season long. Boys volleyball has struggled to establish a rhythm late in the season, having alter-
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nated wins and losses since September 24. Their record sits at a respectable 6-8 after beating Herndon HS in a sweep, then losing to Wakefield HS
OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026 | PAGE 7
2-3. Despite being two games under .500, with three games remaining, the Mustangs do still have a chance at finishing the campaign with a winning record, which would be an impressive turnaround from their 1-5 start to the year.
Girls volleyball only had one contest to play this week, and they made it count with a 3-1 victory over Fauquier HS. This improves their already stellar record to 12-3-1 with only five games remaining in the season.
MERIDIAN MUSTANGS NOAH MAYER attempts a PAT during Meridian’s game versus Thomas Jefferson HS. (Photo: Dinos Simcox)
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HALLOWEEN
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A Dog’s Night One Christmas Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
As we invent our lives, issues that arise at critical points become the ones which, in odd moments of reflection, recur in our memories and dreams most often. We commonly forget 98 percent of what we are doing with our time on this planet. How do we fill our time, after all, when approaching 85 or 90 years of consciousness, minus what we subtract for sleeping? The brain, which is such a better organizer than we are, keeps at the front of our awake selves the things it considers the most important. While I can affirm this, I add that I don’t have a clue by what criterion it selects out what it does for my continued attention, or why. That’s the thing about dogs which earn them the title of being a little lower than angels. I don’t know who taught them this, but they are just about the most perfect reflections of the joys and pains of their existences as any living thing, and they are the least judgmental of the behaviors of their owners, once loyalties have been assigned, except when experiencing really overt abuse. They simply refuse to think ill of just about anyone. So what do we homo sapiens glean from this? With the help of therapy, almost anything that allows for doors behind which forgotten memories are kept, could be worthwhile. Or maybe not. It steps in, for better or worse, as interpreters of our experiences, and when they happen over and over, perhaps there is a more urgent matter being called out. There is the one about confronting my dad at a Christmas dinner. Maybe this is one of the more important ones, because it truly marked a turning point for me when it happened at Christmas in 1969.
I took a bus from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara. To the outside world, the only difference was that I had hippie-style long hair and a beard. The fact that I’d come out that previous summer had nothing to do with it. Both my brothers and their wives were in town for this, too. Word was received, almost immediately at my grandparents house next door to my folks,’ where I’d gathered with my two brothers and their wives, that I was being uninvited to the usual, stuffy and ceremonial dinner. A big debate was over what to do. All were agreed that it was just another arbitrary injustice by my dad. My two sisters-in-law became the most forceful in my defense, even suggesting that we should all boycott the meal. But that was not agreed to and when they all left, I was there alone in my grandparents’ house as everyone else crossed the lawn to dinner. It hit me then that I was alone, and that nobody was going to change anything but me, as much as everyone shared the fear and loathing of dad’s brutal temper and arbitrariness. I faced an existential choice right then and there. I decided to act, facing the very real fear that my dad would pulverize me. I walked across the law, entered the front door, and faced the dinner table where everyone was sitting. I took the posture of a man ready to fight. I hurled a few choice epithets to my dad, who never left his chair, as I thought he might, but who weakly retorted, “So are you here to ruin our dinner?” I turned on my heels and walked out, slamming the front door behind me. As I walked back over to my grandparents’ house I realized others were coming behind me. It was my brothers, both very angry at me. But no blows were exchanged, just some angry words. I learned much later that my dad left the table and went into his bedroom for the remainder of the evening.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
One of the attractions of the Nation’s Capital is the opportunity to enjoy the arts at internationally-recognized museums – the Smithsonian Institution, the Phillips Collection, the Children’s Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and many others. Add the many live concert and performance venues and the unique and significant architecture of the various monuments (one of my favorites is the Navy and Marine Memorial along the George Washington Parkway in Lady Bird Johnson Park; the sculpted seagulls above the waves honor sailors and soldiers who lost their lives at sea) dotting the landscape and you have a guidebook that can take years to explore. For centuries, art was restricted to the wealthy and connected to the patrons who supported artists-in-residence at their palaces. Many of those magnificent creations have been preserved and now reside in museums open to all, usually for a fee, and in faraway places. Closer to home, this
Saturday, October 17, offers an opportunity to discover what kinds of art appeal to you, watch local artists bring their visions to reality, visit with the artists, and enjoy live entertainment – for free! You’ll also be able to purchase art directly from the local artist-creator. The Second Annual Mason District Art Festival will be held in the parking lot of the ACCA Child Development Center at 7200 Columbia Pike, adjacent to the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in downtown Annandale from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The festival is organized and conducted by community volunteers, features more than 40 local artists, is free to the public, and will be held rain or shine. Paintings, jewelry-making, ceramics and pottery, and more will be featured at individual stations, along with a performance stage for music, dance, comedy, and short scenes, sponsored by the School of Rock/Springfield and the Lake Barcroft Art League. Parking for the festival is available at the United Baptist Church at
7100 Columbia Pike and on nearby streets. The goal of the Mason District Art Festival is to connect local artists with each other, promote the sale of their works in the community, and make art accessible to all.
You’ll be able to create your own art, too, including helping with a creative reuse mosaic led by Ursula Seckel, making small art for little free art galleries by the Community Studio, and painting a mural with muralist John Hartt. I’ll have a special station for adults and children to create painted quilt squares to be turned into a community quilt for display at next year’s Art Festival. New this year is an art materials exchange station. Artists and visitors can bring unused art materials to the exchange table and swap them for items they might want or need for their own creations. This free activity is a great way to recycle materials for other artists and would-be artists to use. Art, like politics, has the power to inspire, to unite, to divide, to celebrate, to connect, to discover, to feed the soul, and to stimulate discussion and debate. The Mason District Art Festival promises to do all of that, and it’s free and open for the whole family. See you on Saturday!
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of October 5 - October 11, 2026 Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, Oct 5, 4:49 p.m., two unknown suspects stole merchandise. The first unknown suspect is described as a black female, approximately 20-30 years of age, with short black hair, wearing a black bra and rainbow-colored leggings. The second unknown suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20-30 years
of age, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black and white sweatpants, and black shoes.
St, Oct 10, 1:09 a.m., a male, 33, of McLean, was arrested for driving under the influence.
Driving on Suspended License, W Broad St, Oct 9, 10:08 a.m., a male, 48, of Fairfax County, was arrested for driving on suspended license.
Driving under the Influence, S Washington St, Oct 11, 1:23 a.m., a male, 28, of Fairfax County, was arrested for driving under the influence.
Stalking, West Falls Station Blvd, Oct 9, 11:59 a.m., a report of stalking was made.
Driving under the Influence, Hillwood Ave/E Annandale Rd, Oct 11, 2:18 a.m., a white male, 32, of Fairfax County, was arrested for driving under the influence.
Driving under the Influence, W Broad
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OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026 | PAGE 9
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Our Man In Arlington
3rd Annual Trivia Night for a Cause
An apt title for the autumn season in Arlington might be the “Anniversaries and Awards Season.” To put it another way, it is a time of “remembering and honoring” for many of our civic institutions. To start with one anniversary example, let’s go back to 1956. That year, many Arlington citizens interested in preserving County history created the Arlington Historical Society (AHS). Beginning with over 50 charter members, within a year AHS published the Arlington Historical Magazine, with seven well-researched articles (my favorite is “The History of the Potomac Bridges”). This annual magazine continues to produce a remarkable amount of history, and the good news is that it is accessible online. To commemorate its 70th year of existence, AHS recently held a 70th Anniversary event at Mario’s Pizza, which got its own start in the same era (1957). Mario’s is one of Arlington’s oldest eateries, known for its Square Sicilian Pizza, and for being open late for the night owls in Arlington. To continue with the anniversary theme, let’s go back to 1866, and the establishment of two local churches that are still in existence: Lomax African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church. Their histories are intertwined with the creation of Freedmen’s Village at the end of the Civil War, in the area located on the grounds of the Arlington Plantation owned by Mary Custis Lee. Freedmen’s Village evolved from a temporary refugee camp into a thriving, self-sustaining community with its own schools, churches, and industry, before the federal government closed it down in the late 19th century. That closure displaced the residents and their churches, including the AME and Baptist churches of Lomax AME Zion Church, and Mount Zion Baptist Church, both of which are now located in the Green Valley neighborhood. Both churches have held many events this year to celebrate their 160th year of existence. Taking the time machine from 1866 to 1966, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Arlington Chorale, which
Join Hope for Grieving Families at Solace Outpost in Falls Church for their 3rd Annual Trivia Night for a Cause on Monday, October 19, 5:30 – 9 p.m. A friendly and competitive game of trivia hosted by Pour House Trivia is a fundraiser for Hope. Money raised will support the free monthly programming that they provide for grieving families with children. Trivia starts promptly at 6:30 pm. 444 W. Broad St.
The AI Race: Maximizing Your Investment What can AI do for you? Every week, small business owners are told they’re falling behind on AI — by vendors with something to sell and competitors who look more advanced than they are. This session cuts through that noise and starts somewhere more useful: your clients. See what AI can realistically address and what the AI ROI (Return on Investment) looks like for small firms. Hosted by Virginia Small Business Development Center on Tuesday, October 20, at 10 a.m. The Zoom link will be shared upon registration: clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop. aspx?ekey=110460058.
Start a Business: Legal & Administrative Steps Are you thinking of starting your own business? Join Bernard Ferret for this live webinar to learn about legal forms, tax registration and filing, naming your company, finance and accounting and more. The session is presented by the Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on Wednesday, October 21 at 10 a.m. Register for your spot at clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110460043.
Kettlebell Introduction On Saturday, October 17, from noon – 1 p.m., Functional Fitness offers their free, monthly introduction to kettlebell fundamentals. Think: hip hinge, goblet squat, and cheat clean moves. The class will teach you how to “move better” and “get stronger” using the kettlebell swing, deadlift, squat and press. No experience necessary and the class is scalable to suit individual ability levels. If you love it, then join the Kostumed Kettlebells class on October 31, 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
What’s New in Alzheimer’s Care? As Alzheimer’s research continues to evolve, new treatments, diagnostic tools and approaches to care are creating new possibilities for individuals and families. Kensington Falls Church, at 700 W. Broad St, hosts Dr. Laurie Ryan, Neuropsychologist, who will share her expertise and perspectives on the latest developments on Tuesday, October 20, 6 – 7 p.m. Register here: thekensingtonfallschurch.com/events/whats-next-in-alzheimers-care/.
Inaugural Student Poetry Contest In coordination with Virginia Humanities, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia announced the launch of the Inaugural Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Student Poetry Contest. The competition invites elementary, middle, and high school students from across the commonwealth to showcase their creativity, celebrate Virginia’s rich identity, and share their unique voices through poetry. The competition underscores the power of language to bring communities together while honoring the commonwealth’s natural beauty, diverse people, and enduring heritage. Application Deadline: November 16, 2026. Visit: ltgov.virginia.gov/ newsroom/poetry-contest/
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got its start in 1966 as the Metropolitan Chorus (as with many local organizations, there has been a name change along the way). The Arlington Chorale is a multi-generational chorus featuring local singers from a diverse range of professions and musical backgrounds, with performances throughout the year (often held at Westover Baptist Church), performing not only well-known masterpieces, but also new works. In addition to organizational anniversaries, this is also a time of remembering and honoring. I was intrigued by recent news from Yorktown High School, noting that nine alumni were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame and Inspiration on September 18. I was intrigued by the title – adding “and Inspiration” provides a bit of a unique perspective. Yorktown initiated their Hall of Fame in 2004, with new inductees added every four years. Their website provides an informative summary of all the inductees over the years. Check it out – there are some famous names (Katie Couric) and many recognizable names, such as Captain David M. Brown, Navy aviator, and NASA astronaut who died in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (the County planetarium is named in his honor). And there are plenty of other names that may not be recognizable, but whose accomplishments are noteworthy. While surfing the internet for information about our other high schools, I noticed that Wakefield High School created their Hall of Fame in 2003, to honor alumni and staff who made significant contributions to society or brought recognition to the school. Their inductions take place every odd-numbered year, so perhaps I can write about their new class of inductees next year (and about our other high schools as well). One final note: the Arlington Community Foundation hosts its “Spirit 2026 Celebration” with an awards luncheon scheduled for November 12, which will include a very special remembrance. The 33rd annual Spirit of Community Award will honor the late Honorable William Newman, Jr., lifelong Arlingtonian, local attorney and Circuit Court judge, and founder of the Arlington Community Foundation.
Your Paper Without the Paper
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Start Your Countdown to Christmas with These 12 Hallmark Movies
by Amy Bowker
Falls Church News-Press
Hallmark is launching its Countdown to Christmas showcase of holiday movies this Thursday, October 16. Yes, this seems very early. We haven’t even taken down Halloween decorations yet (or, in my case, put them up). But can we honestly say that life doesn’t need a little merriment right this very moment? The best case I can make for watching Hallmark holiday movies (in October or beyond) is this: for two hours you will watch a movie where people fall in love and share lots and lots of community activities, hot chocolate flows like a river, and the holiday decorations are truly aspirational. You could find worse ways to spend that time. Keep in mind, I have not seen any of the 34 new movies for 2026 so these recommendations are based on the cast, the premise, and the release date. (In my opinion, Hallmark tends to release their strongest movies around mid-November/early December so they can be rerun as much as possible.) Conversely, I have viewed the selections from prior years so those are based on first-hand opinion. Here then is your Hallmark Christmas Movie guide, past and present. So, prep the hot cocoa and grab some candy canes, holiday joy is incoming! 7 Hallmark 2026 Movies to Watch
A Season of Promises (November 8). The logline sounds familiar; two estranged sisters reunite when their widower father ends up in the hospital and then join forces to find him a love connection in time for the holidays. This one has promise given the cast includes Brooke D’Orsay, Ali Liebert and James Denton, and the three have pulled off a lot of Hallmark movies between them. My Christmas Cowboy (November 13). I’m rooting for this one because of the stars, Luke Macfarlane (a versatile Hallmark star) and Amy Acker (who did an
exceptional turn on the TV show Angel). Acker is a small-town news producer who lost the newscaster job of her dreams to former crush and now Hollywood celebrity host Macfarlane. When Macfarlane returns home for the holidays, the pair confront their past and maybe future. (Somehow there’s a Reindeer Roundup holiday event and Acker has to teach Macfarlane how to ride a horse. Obvious point reductions for all this, but if anyone can pull it off these two can.) The Nights Before Christmas (November 14). This one sounds like Groundhog Day meets Christmas Eve with Tyler Hynes and Laci J. Mailey trapped inside the holiday loop. Hallmark borrowed this theme from Round and Round (see Streaming Options), so we already know it’s a fun premise. Hynes costarred in the popular “Three Wise Men and a Baby” series, plus “An Unexpected Christmas,” and he’s one of the channel’s strongest comedic actors. Mistletoe and Mimosas (November 15). Tamera MowryHousley inherits her uncle’s debt-ridden bar, The Tipsy Reindeer, and struggles to salvage his legacy. Kristoffer Polaha is a local businessman who wants to buy the bar for his existing chain of establishments. They take part in a 12 Days of Christmas themed challenge with the Tipsy Reindeer’s future at stake. Both of these actors have long and proven track records with Hallmark, and who can’t appreciate the “Tipsy Reindeer’ as a winning bar name. Double Booked for the Holidays (November 22). Rachael Leigh Cook plays identical sisters who fall for Owain Yeoman and Stephen Hagan, though the men don’t realize they are dating sisters. Not sure how that happened and somehow this all takes place in Wales when they spend the holidays running an AirBnb/bookshop. But I’m gonna bet on Cook here, who had Christmas charisma to spare in 2020’s “Cross Country Christmas,” and two Cooks make this worth a try. Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True (November 28). Current reigning
Hallmark Queen Lacey Chabert takes her family to Disney World and discovers that the hotel guest in the room next door to hers (Travis Van Winkle) happens to be a man she shared a terrible first date with. The happiest place on Earth meets the most wonderful time of the year and it should at least be a jolly viewing experience. A Grand Biltmore Christmas (December 5). This is the second movie centered on a mysterious hourglass at the Biltmore Hotel that shuttles people from the present to the past. This time around, we begin in 1895 when teens Elizabeth and Michael meet cute before Michael vanishes. Twenty years later, Michael reappears, reveals himself as a time traveler and the two are somehow accidentally whisked off to present day. Will Elizabeth stay or go back to 1915? Hallmark has cast a lot of talent in this movie, including Andie MacDowell, Niall Matter, Jonathan Frakes, and Holland Roden. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with a time travel premise.
who is himself delayed in getting home. Without a way to contact her fiancé and clear up the mishap, she spends a few days with the wrong family, falls in love with the coffee spiller, and then has a difficult reckoning when the misunderstanding is cleared up and she’s left with a fiancé and future in-laws who are no longer the right match. The script is tight, the characters are three dimensional, and the ending is practically lyrical. Round and Round (2023). This one revolves around Hanukkah where Rachel (Vic Michaelis) keeps reliving the same day (and meet-cute with Bryan Greenberg’s Zach) over and over again until she figures out why; and it turns out to be a nice surprise twist. The script is genuinely funny and the actors make you care.
Christmas Under Wraps (2014). Before Candace Cameron Bure defected to Great American Family, she was a Hallmark holiday queen and this was one of her best. She plays a big city doctor who winds up in small town, Alaska, while waiting for a Boston internship to materialize. Of course, she inadvertently falls for a local (David O’Donnell). It’s a familiar trope but works well here because this particular small town has a magical secret that ripples through every scene. Christmas at Dollywood (2019). Dolly Parton herself makes a brief cameo in this story set in the icon’s theme park when an event planner (Danica McKellar) falls for a Dollywood employee (Niall Matter). McKeller and Matter are both Hallmark mainstays, and Dolly is a national treasure.
5 Vintage Hallmark Movies to Watch The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008). Two words: Henry Winkler. Here he plays matchmaker when he befriends free-spirited chef Morgan (Warren Christie), who’s stranded at the airport, and convinces his no-nonsense niece Jen (Brooke Burns) to house Morgan until the man’s flight is rescheduled. The smart script is both funny and sweet, and really shines when Winkler and Morgan go to extremes to bring the Christmas spirit to Jen and her son. A Very Merry Mix-Up (2013). Alicia Witt stars as an antique store owner who travels ahead of her workaholic fiancé to meet his parents for the first time and share the holidays. In the airport’s lost luggage claim area, her cell phone is destroyed by a well-meaning coffee spiller (Mark Wiebe) who shares the same last name as her fiancé and mistakenly believes she is engaged to his estranged brother,
HOLIDAY CHEER was on full display in 2024 at Founders Row in Falls Church, where a snow-covered Christmas tree and illuminated menorah celebrate the season. With Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas beginning this week, the holiday spirit is already in the air. The City’s Winter Wonderland festivities return Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 5:30–7 p.m., featuring holiday lights, live entertainment, Santa Claus and seasonal treats. (Photo: Amy Bowker)
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026 | PAGE 11
CALENDAR
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, October 15 Arts & Humanities Council Mtg City Hall
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Curated by Dr. Patricia Akhimie, Director of the Folger Institute, this exhibit explores the histories of Black women in Shakespearean performances. Running from Oct. 16 through May 2. Free admission, $15 recommended donation. Check website for daily hours. folger.edu.
Meeting takes place in Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Ave.
Sunset Cinema: Jumanji
Falls Church Fiber Artists
6:45 – 9 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Library
10 a.m. – Noon
This meet-up is for knitters and crocheters 18 years+. Free. 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Fall Storytime
Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 – 11 a.m.
For ages 18 months to 4 years with a caregiver (younger siblings are welcome). Space often fills before start time. Please choose only one storytime per week to attend. Mary Riley Styles Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl.org.
Playtime with Early Literacy Center Mary Riley Styles Library
11 – Noon
Free play for an hour after story time. No registration required. For Preschool (ages 2-4). 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Human Services Advisory Council Meeting City Hall
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Members of the public can also join via link posted on fallschurchva.gov. Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Ave.
Transcendental Meditation
The Women’s Center
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (online)
Experience the benefits of transcendental meditation through this free online event hosted by Martha and Joe Simons, Certified Teachers. Register at: thewomenscenter. org/events.
Friday, October 16 City Council Budget and Finance Committee Meeting City Hall
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Meeting takes place in Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Ave.
To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare
Folger Shakespeare Library
11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
312 Park Ave.
The Sunset Cinema series wraps up their season with an outdoor screening of the 1995 film starring Robin Williams. Bring a blanket, bug spray, and picnic. Food vendors will be onsite. Leashed dogs are welcome. 312 Park Ave.
Saturday, October 17 Falls Church Farmers Market City Hall Parking Lot
8:00 a.m. – Noon
This award-winning market is open yearround. 300 Park Ave.
Plein Air Festival Falls Church Arts
8 – 11 a.m. / 9 a.m. - noon
Rescheduled from Sept. 26, the festival takes place from 9 a.m. – noon, and includes a People’s Choice Award. Artists have been painting outdoors since August 29. Quick Draw Competition runs from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. with $15 entry fee. Free, open to the public. Held on the grounds of City Hall, 300 Park Ave. For details visit: FallsChurchArts.org.
Small Biz Fall Market Stylish Patina
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Twenty-five vendors gather on the grounds of Stylish Patina for this fabulous fall market. Discover handmade goods, fashion, vintage finds, baked goods, and more. 301 Park Ave.
No Kings Day
Falls Church Indivisible
9:30 a.m. (start time)
Falls Church Indivisible hosts this family-friendly event to promote early voting. Activities start at the corner of Park Ave and Little Falls St with stickers, buttons, and kids’ activities. A Bridge Visibility event takes place from 1:30 – 3 p.m., and community members are invited to gather at Broad St. and Washington St. from 4 – 5 p.m. to wave signs and flags. More info: fallschurchindivisible.org/nk4.
The Big Build
National Building Museum
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This annual free festival highlights construction and design and offers a wide range of interactive activities with roofers, plumbers, woodworkers, home remodelers, construction workers, designers, and artisans. Registration requested, visit: orders.nbm. org/events. 401 F. St. NW, DC.
Fall Festival
Master Gardeners of Northern
Virginia
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This annual event will feature native plants for sale, an “Ask the Master Gardener” table, kids’ activities and games, food trucks, music, and more. Free. Duncan Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave, Alexandria. Mgnv.org.
Oddball Cinema: Vampyr
Mary Riley Styles Library
2 – 4 p.m.
An innocent outsider stumbles upon a foggy French village crawling with vampires in this 1932 horror classic. Registration required. Free, adults 18+. 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl. org.
Little City Sips
Downtown Falls Church
5 – 10 p.m.
Visit a participating restaurant for a Sips cup and then shop, sip, and stroll downtown Falls Church. Live music plays at various locations. More info: VisitFallsChurch.com/ Sips.
Falls Church Ghost Tour
Cherry Hill Farmhouse (meeting point)
6 p.m.
Enjoy this spooky 1.5-mile walking tour of the ghosts and history of Falls Church. The tour starts at Cherry Hill Farmhouse and is expected to last 90 minutes. Please bring a flashlight! Recommended for ages 14 and up. No pets. A donation of 3 or more canned goods is requested to benefit local food drives. This event also takes place on October 24. Sign up at fallschurchghosts. eventbrite.com.
Stargazing
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
7 – 9 p.m.
Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club host this event where you can view the night sky through their telescopes. (Personal telescopes are not permitted at the event.) 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly. airandspace.si.edu.
Sunday, October 18 Train Time
Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 a.m. - noon
This free program is for ages 3-5 with a caregiver and features quiet music with dimmed lights to create a sensory friendly space. The library asks for conversations to be kept to a low volume and phone calls taken outside of the room. No food allowed. No registration required; drop-in until capacity is met. 120 N. Virginia Ave.
The Little Market at Modera Modera Falls Church
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
After being rained out on October 11, the market is set to take place this weekend
with live music, free face painting, handmade goods, local art, and more. Curated by Botanologica and Kaleidos, taking place on the plaza next to Tatte (1001 W. Broad St.).
City Hall, 300 Park Ave., Dogwood Room A and B Open to the public, though the public is not generally invited to speak. Visit the fallschurchva.gov calendar section for link to watch online. 300 Park Ave.
Stories from Our Federal Workers
Tuesday, October 20
Mary Riley Styles Library
2 – 3 p.m.
Join this lecture by Melisa Stivaletti who works at the national Digital Exploitation and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Center. Registration required. Free, adults 18+. 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl.org.
Odeon Chamber Music Series Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church
4 p.m.
This program features Makoto Nakura, marimba and guest artist Randall Scarlata, baritone. Free, donation of $25 or more is appreciated. 3241 Brush Drive, FC. www. OdeonChamberMusicSeries.org.
Monday, October 19 Fall Storytime
Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 – 11 a.m.
For ages 18 months to 4 years with a caregiver (younger siblings are welcome). Space often fills before start time.120 N. Virginia Ave.
Family Movie Night: Monsters Inc. Mary Riley Styles Library
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Armchair Travel: Scotland
Mary Riley Styles Library
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
See the countryside (virtually) on Alan Cumming’s Luxury Train Ride. Free, adults 18+. 120 N Virginia Ave.
Health Talk: Musculoskeletal Conditions & Menopause
Mary Riley Styles Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Ashley Templer and Brian Leos lead this discussion on common musculoskeletal conditions associated with menopause and the loss of estrogen and hormonal changes. Registration required. Free, adults 18+. 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl.org.
AAUW McLean Area Branch Meeting McLean Community Center
7 – 9 p.m.
Shea Holman Kilian, J.D., Assistant Professor of Legal Studies at George Mason University, leads a discussion on gender equality and workplace rights. Hosted by American Association of University Women (AAUW), McLean branch. McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean.
Catch a free screening of this family-friendly classic. Registration required. For all ages. Caregivers of children under 9 must remain in the room. 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl.org.
Wednesday, October 21
Domestic Violence: What Is It, What Can You Do About It?
City Hall
Online
6:30 p.m. (online)
Bolivia S. Bustamante B., CA, MSCJ leads this empowering workshop designed to increase understanding of the many forms of domestic violence. Free. Register for Zoom link through the Women’s Center page on Eventbrite: eventbrite.com/o/3604452779.
German Conversation Group Mary Riley Styles Library
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Foreign language discussion group for adults 18+. Designed for intermediate level but all are welcome. Free. Study Room 1 and 2, 102 N. Virginia Ave.
City Council Work Session City Hall
7:30 – 11 p.m.
Urban Forestry Commission Meeting 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Meeting takes place in City Hall, Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Ave.
Planning Commission Meeting City Hall
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Meeting takes place in Council Chambers/ Court Room, 300 Park Ave.
Got Events? Free events post for free in our Calendar section, but did you know you can purchase a listing for a paid event? For just $20 per listing, you can promote your event to the entire Falls Church community. Contact: calendar@ fcnp.com.
PAGE 12 | OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026
C L AS S I F I E DS
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
PUBLIC NOTICE
AUCTIONS
Gutterworks
South Washington Bus Stop and Access to Transit Project City of Falls Church Design Public Hearing Tuesday, December 1, 2026 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
AUCTION: HISTORIC “LOCUST GROVE,” AMHERST COUNTY, VA. 125± acres in 8 tracts featuring a stately 2-story brick manor built in 1840, nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills. 1024 Sunset Dr., Amherst, VA. Onsite auction Oct. 29 at 11 AM. Previews Oct. 11, 18 & 25, noon–4 PM. Online bidding available. Buyer’s premium: 5% real estate; 10% personal property. Details: woltz.com or 800-551-3588. Woltz & Associates, Inc., Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers (VA #321).
Gagnon’s Gutterworks
Council Chamber at Falls Church City Hall 300 Park Ave Falls Church, VA 22046 The City of Falls Church (City), in coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), will conduct a Design Public Hearing for the South Washington Bus Stop and Access to Transit Project from Maple Avenue to Jackson Street. The proposed project will add six new bus shelters, and improve pedestrian facilities at the Marshall Street and Greenway Boulevard intersections. The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with an opportunity to review the proposed project, ask questions, and provide comments regarding the proposed improvements and their potential impacts. Representatives from the City and VDOT will be available to answer questions. Please provide your written or verbal comments at the Public Hearing. Written comments may also be submitted to the City by Thursday, December,11, 2026 to:. Contact Name: Ryan Borugerdi, PE. PMP Title/Department: CIP Project Manager II, Department of Public Works (DPW) Email: rborugerdi@fallschurchva.gov Phone: 571-369-1787 (TTY 711) Project plans and other project-related information will also be available for public review on the project webpage: https://fallschurchva. gov/SouthWashingtonBus Please reference “South Washington Bus Stop and Access to Transit “ with your comments. The City ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency [insert contact name and pho9ne number]. Accessibility This Public Hearing is being held at a public facility accessible to persons with disabilities. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Ryan Borugerdi in advance of the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. State Project No. U000-110-213, P101, R201 (UPC 119069) Federal No. NHPP-5B01(642)
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ABC NOTICE P2JAM INC Trading as Harvey’s, 513 W Broad Street Ste 130, Falls Church, VA 22046-3257. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant License to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Parul Amit Patel, Officer/Authorized signatory. 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 notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 1-800-552-3200.
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Marcus Simon: October Column
by Del. Marcus Simon
Imagine you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association. You don’t get to choose whether to belong and you must pay whatever dues the association charges. Now imagine the HOA board announces that it’s considering merging with a much larger association in another state. The board tells you the merger will create efficiencies, save money, and improve services. Maybe it will. But before you vote, you’d probably have a few questions. Will my dues go up? Will our neighborhood still have a say in how our money is spent? And who exactly benefits from this deal? Those are essentially the questions Virginians should be asking about the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy. Dominion isn’t just another company headquartered in Virginia. It provides electricity to millions of Virginians, employs thousands of people, and plays an enormous role in our economy.
Decisions about its future have consequences for everyone who lives or does business here. This is why a merger of this magnitude raises legitimate questions about electric rates, Virginia jobs, and investments in our energy infrastructure. In exchange for the exclusive right to serve customers in a particular area, electric utilities are subject to oversight by the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which is responsible for making sure rates are reasonable and service is reliable. It’s a system that depends on strong oversight and accountability to consumers. That makes the SCC’s review of this proposed merger especially important. Speaker Don Scott raised some of these same questions in a letter to the SCC last month, emphasizing that affordability must be at the center of its review. Any potential benefits from the merger should go first to the customers who are already paying the bills, not simply to shareholders or corporate executives. That means more than
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promises about keeping rates low. It means enforceable, long-term commitments that protect residential customers from paying more because of the merger. It also means making sure Virginians aren’t asked to subsidize operations in other states. NextEra has substantial operations in Florida, where hurricanes and other natural disasters can create enormous costs. Virginia customers should not be responsible for expenses incurred elsewhere simply because two companies have combined. But I have concerns that go beyond what might happen to our electric bills in the immediate future. Dominion already wields considerable influence in Virginia, both economically and politically. Its role in shaping energy policy and its longstanding relationships with state government have been debated in Richmond for years. Adding the resources of another major utility raises questions about whether regulators and policymakers will be able to exercise
OCTOBER 15 - 21, 2026 | PAGE 13
meaningful oversight over an even larger company. The public needs to have confidence that the rules are being written and enforced in their interests. The larger and more influential a utility becomes, the more important independent oversight becomes. This merger is also being considered at a time when Virginia’s energy needs are changing dramatically. Northern Virginia is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, and their electricity demand continues to grow. Meeting that demand requires significant investment in our electric grid. Residential customers and small businesses should not be left paying for infrastructure built primarily to serve some of the largest and most profitable technology companies in the world, regardless of who owns the utility. The SCC should require greater transparency about how these costs are allocated. Beyond this, any merger must preserve Virginia’s clean energy commitments, protect our natural resources, and provide meaningful assurances about Virginia jobs and continued investment in our communities.
The SCC is an independent regulatory body, and it needs the time and information necessary to conduct a thorough review. I support Governor Spanberger’s decision to intervene in the proceedings to help ensure that Virginia consumers have a meaningful voice in the process. This review cannot be rushed, particularly when the long-term implications for consumers and regulatory oversight are so significant. While mergers can create opportunities for investment and greater efficiency, those potential benefits need to be demonstrated, not simply promised. We should be asking whether creating an even larger utility will strengthen Virginia’s energy future or make it harder to protect the interests of the people who depend on it. Virginia has spent years debating how to ensure that our utilities are accountable to the people they serve. We shouldn’t approve a merger that makes that job even harder. Dominion and NextEra should have to demonstrate that this merger will benefit Virginians, not simply ask us to trust that a bigger company will act in our best interests.
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LOCAL
I� M�������: N��� A����� C������ Neal Andrew Clinton, 59, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, following three years living with Multiple System Atrophy. He was surrounded by family. Born on February 19, 1967, in Washington, D.C., Neal grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, where he lived for 37 years before settling in Fairfax with his wife, Katie. Neal graduated from George Mason High School in 1985 and attended Northern Virginia Community College before beginning his career in project management with TRW/Northrop Grumman. Throughout his career, he worked for several government contractors. Neal was known for his loyalty, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing his very best. He took pride in his work and in being someone his coworkers could count on, always striving to learn, contribute, and help the teams around him succeed. Neal ultimately concluded his professional career as a Master Scheduler with CGI. He was fortunate to retire early, giving him the greatest gift of all—the time to enjoy life with his beloved wife, Katie, and their daughter, Abigail. Neal reconnected with Katie in 1999, 14 years after they graduated from high school together. He loved sharing the things that brought him joy, introducing Katie to a wide range of music, new and interesting foods, good beer, and his big, loving family. They married in April 2004 and moved into their home in Fairfax later that year, where they built a life together and remained until Neal’s death. Over the years, Neal and Katie transformed their Fairfax home inside and out, making it a place to share with family, friends and neighbors. They built lasting friendships with those around them, enjoyed seasonal beer tastings and
evenings gathered around their own fire pit. The home and community they built together became an especially meaningful source of strength, comfort, and support during Neal’s illness. Neal adored his precious daughter, Abigail. He treasured their time together, whether on family camping trips and hikes, enjoying dinners at good restaurants, having family movie nights and game nights, or sharing their eclectic love of music. Neal also took great pride in sharing his love of basketball with Abigail, and her own love for the game was a special connection between them. These everyday adventures and shared interests brought Neal tremendous joy, and being Abigail’s dad was one of the most meaningful parts of his life. Neal was both a gentleman and a gentle man — kind, genuine, perceptive, and quietly funny. He was a thoughtful observer and listener who often took it all in before offering a perfectly timed, witty comment that could leave everyone laughing. He may not have said much, but you always knew he was paying attention and understood more than he let on. Neal had a rare gift for recognizing the humor, meaning, and intrigue in everyday moments and weaving them into wonderful stories. A gifted storyteller with a keen eye for life’s little details, he could bring a memory to life in a way that made you appreciate it all over again, often noticing something you might otherwise have missed. He was curious, wise, fun-loving, and engaging, with a quiet strength and bravery that complemented his gentle nature. Deeply loyal to his family and friends, he put the people he loved first, always. Neal was also content in a way that is rare and beautiful — comfortable in who he was and appreciative of the simple
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pleasures of life. His warmth, patience, and genuine interest in others made people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Time spent with Neal had a way of leaving you feeling a little happier, and his presence enriched the lives of those around him. Above all, Neal was deeply loved, not because he tried to be someone special, but simply because of who he was. Neal is preceded in death by his father, John Clinton, and niece, Grace Hale. He is survived by his wife and partner of 27 years, Katie; his daughter, Abigail; his mother, Joan Clinton; his eight siblings, Maureen Hale, Gail Clinton, Jim (Sue) Clinton, Andy (Dorothy) Clinton, Paul (Carmen) Clinton, Joan Clinton, Steve (Marsha) Clinton, and Tom (Karen) Clinton; his four sisters-in-love, Laura (Reneau) Van Landingham, Susie (Tom) Poindexter, Rachel (Nick) Dienna, and Karen Dixon; and 24 nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia, followed by a reception celebrating a life well-lived. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neal’s memory to Mission MSA (donate.missionmsa.org).
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