Falls Church News-Press 10 -19-2017

October 19 — 25, 2017

FA LLS CHUR C H, V I R G I NI A • WW W. FC NP. C OM • FR EE

FOU N D ED 1991 • VOL. XXVI I NO. 35

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I����� T��� W��� R���������� N��� ��� S����� HS D������ During a two hour long segment of Monday’s work session, Fairfax County School Board members volleyed their opinions around to determine which new name best serves the current J.E.B. Stuart community going forward. SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 9

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Sze Shifts on Bond Referendum as F.C. Council Election Race Heats Up

5 Active Candidates Tout Pro-School & Economic Views

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The City of Falls Church has experienced a surge of lawn equipment theft throughout 2017, jumping from one reported case last year to more than 20 this year. Though City police feel the problem can be better handled by residents rather than law enforcement itself. SEE PAGE 5

M������� G�������: S��� ��� O������, GOP

Say this for Donald Trump: When it comes to sex, he’s less of a hypocrite than Harvey Weinstein. Until Weinstein’s downfall amid accusations of sexual assault and harassment, he posed as a backer of women’s rights. After the truth about his conduct was revealed, he was cast out of his professional community. SEE PAGE 14

M���� F������� L���� 2�� S������� G��� George Mason Mustang football lost their second game in a row in a blowout to rival Marshall High School last Friday. SEE SPORTS, PAGE 20

INDEX

Editorial.................6 Letters...................6 News & Notes10–11 Comment ........ 12-14 Calendar .......18–19

Sports .................20 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ..........21 Business News ...22 Critter Corner......22 Classified Ads .....23

ON A RELIEF MISSION to help out in Puerto Rico Tuesday, Falls Church developer Todd Hitt (right) traveled with former Puerto Rico governor Louis Fortuno (left) and met with his friend, D.C. restaurateur José Andrés (center), whose massive food relief effort is proving legendary. (P����: A��� S�����)

F.C. Developer Todd Hitt Assesses Recovery Effort in Puerto Rico

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

City of Falls Church-based developer Todd Hitt rode his private jet on a humanitarian mission to San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, delivering food and supplies to a Ronald McDonald House and a children’s hospital there and getting a sensuous appreciation for the overwhelming needs there in the wake of Hurricane Maria’s disastrous impact three weeks ago.

Hitt told the News-Press in an interview at his central F.C. office yesterday that he will be back with much more, though immediately on his mind is how to help get 25,000 pounds of donated Star Kist tuna from the Miami port over to the hurricane-ravaged island. With the shipping lanes clogged up, the only way to get the food there is by plane, and that will be expensive, he noted. The particular problem of relief efforts with Puerto Rico

have to do with it being an island. It has no overland access that make relief efforts in Houston, for example, so much easier. There is also no heavy presence of Fortune 500 companies there, which in the case of Houston, also ravaged by a hurricane this season, has helped so much to speed its recovery. Puerto Rico’s case “is a logistical nightmare,” Hitt said, “and incredibly costly.”

Continued on Page 8

Two forums pitting the five active Falls Church City Council candidates against each other were held in the last week, and if trending factors are important indicators as they have become so famously on social media sites, then a consensus continues to grow for support of the City’s school bond referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot. In particular, incumbent Councilman Dan Sze, seeking a third four-year term, who voted in late July against placing the $120 bond referendum on the ballot in the first place, manifested a major shift in his view on the subject between the Friday night debate in the Council chambers of City Hall, and this Tuesday’s noon debate a couple blocks away at the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at Argia’s restaurant. All his opponents in the race to fill four seats on the Council have already been on record in favor of the referendum’s passage. But at last Friday’s debate hosted by the F.C. League of Women Voters and Village Preservation Society, Sze reiterated his stand to that point, saying the lack of certainty about a viable economic development offset makes it too risky to proceed. However, by Tuesday, his remarks had markedly shifted. He said in his opening remarks that he’s been in favor of “fair taxes, great schools and a good community, a city where all can live.” He said the City’s “industry” is “growing people” with the help of “great schools.” He said he expects the bond referendum to pass, and said he would get fully

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

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OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 | OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Campaigns Enter Final Weeks as Race Accelerates Continued from Page 1

behind the effort to build a new high school when it does. He also said the Council’s decision to also renovate and expand both City Hall and the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, combining for a projected six cent real estate tax rate increase, is “justified.” He highlighted his role in helping convene the Technical Assistance Council of the Urban Land Institute that provided the initial vision for the dense economic development of the 10 acres on the George Mason High School campus site that has been designated for cost-offsetting economic development. His new posture distanced him from a noisy but narrowly circumscribed anti-referendum citizen activist grouping that has been raising the volume using the Internet, fliers and anonymous robo-calls generated from a Washington County source to urge “no” votes on the referendum on grounds of costs versus risk factors. Among other things, opposition voices have singled out two women members of the City Council – Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly and first-term Councilman Letty Hardi – for attacks that others have denounced as wrong and “sexist.” But while risk factors do exist, as City Manager Wyatt Shields reiterated in an interview with the News-Press yesterday, the single greatest concern – related to whether or not the City can get the level of economic yield out of the 10 acres to offset up to two thirds of the cost of the new school – will not come into play until after the City has secured the kind of development it will be seeking there. If the bond referendum passes, he said, the City is under no obligation to burden taxpayers with a bond issue. Only after the economic development options have been fully vetted and evaluated will the City clear the bond issue. It has been estimated by the City’s highly-acclaimed consulting firm of Alvarez and Marsal that a long-term ground lease on the land could yield $40-$45 million and that subsequent economic development there could generate $3.1 million in annual tax yields to the City. The Council could have up to eight years to decide on an issue of the school bonds, Shields said. Planning Commissioner Andy

Rankin reiterated the same point at the Planners’ meeting Monday night, saying it was stressed at the meeting of the Economic Development subcommittee of the Campus Process Working Group last Friday morning. In the two City Council debates of the last week, besides Sze other candidates have emphasized the benefits of passing the bond referendum. In the case of the debate before the Chamber, moderator Andrew Painter emphasized that the Chamber’s board of directors had also voted unanimously in favor of its passage because of the collateral economic development benefits it expects to result. Incumbent David Snyder, who has served on the Council since 1994, noted that if the referendum failed to pass, that $70 million in patchwork improvements would be required at the high school, anyway, and without the benefit of any economic development. Incumbent Vice Mayor Connelly, running for a second term, added that with passage of the referendum, the real estate tax rate increase can be limited to four cents, but if the referendum fails, the tax rate would rise eight or nine cents. First-time candidate Ross Litkenhous, a father of three, stressed that, were the referendum to fail, pouring $70 million into a patchwork renovation of the high school would be like “pouring good money after bad” and the net result would be unsatisfactory. He said the schools are “the fabric of Falls Church, the most important part of the Falls Church’s unique identity and its future.” Candidate Dan Maller, who served on the Council from 2006 to 2010 and then did not seek reelection, stressed the importance of the economic development portion of the high school redevelopment plan, saying it could add a full 10 percent to the total commercial value (now at $4 billion) of the City, thus underscoring the importance of good decision making concerning it. He said that the City “is blessed with nothing but opportunity at this point.” A sixth candidate for the City Council who’s qualified for the ballot, Spencer Parsons, has not participated in any of the three debates to date or in other campaign-related activities. Follow-on School Board debates will be held on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 | PAGE 5

Rise in Lawn Equipment Theft Aided by Greater Opportunity by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

The City of Falls Church is experiencing a year-long trend of lawn equipment theft that is leaving residents and City officials concerned over its prevalence and curious about the next steps to take. As of last week, the City of Falls Church Police Department has received 98 reports of larceny, with 24 of those reports consisting of lawn equipment theft. That’s not including the most recent crime report the City released Monday which includes a report of three pieces of lawn equipment stolen from the garage of a home on Little Falls St. between Oct. 4 – 7. This trend is more alarming considering last year’s numbers on lawn equipment theft were so low — just one item was reported stolen in 2016. Out of all of this year’s incidents, only one time was a witness in the area able to spot a suspect in the act. However, the perpetrator

quickly jumped over a fence and ran out of sight before any physical identifiers could be noticed. It’s unnerving for residents to know there actually is something going bump in the night, but City police are quick to point out that these crimes are preventable with a few extra safeguards. “These are mainly crimes of opportunity,” Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin said. “If you give them an opportunity, they’ll take it.” According to Gavin, nearly every larceny crime that’s occurred in the City is a result of a resident forgetting to lock their car, close their garage door or put a lock on their shed. Gavin sympathizes with residents and understands that there’s a certain comfort that comes with having your belongings on your property, be it in a driveway or a backyard. Still, all it takes for these opportunists to upend that sense of security is to wrap a sock around their hand and start testing car and shed handles to see what they hold

inside. The rate at which these type of thefts have increased fosters the idea that there’s a coordinated effort to loot for lawn equipment. Gavin’s not sold on that hypothesis yet, though with the City experiencing a higher rate of these crimes in comparison to neighboring jurisdictions (partly due to the City’s smaller land area), she’s not ruling out that the perpetrator(s) are locals who live within or around the City. In her 30 years of policing, Gavin notes this isn’t a new phenomenon. She regularly observed this kind of activity while working in Arlington as well. In her experience, the perpetrators are typically looking for a quick buck and can sometimes be homeless. With lawnmowers running from $20 to $260 on Craigslist depending on its quality, a threeequipment haul like the one on Little Falls St. could be netting hundreds of dollars for the perpetrator(s). That’s not including the scrap metal and copper

AN UNLOCKED SHED, such as this one, is a prime target for a thief. (Photo: Matt Delaney) these mundane landscaping tools also yield. City police are doing their part in response to these crimes. Anytime a report comes in police units will saturate the area and sometimes bring in a K-9 team in attempt to pick up a lead. Operationally, the Criminal Investigation Department has determined which times these crimes usually occur and use that information to better dictate patrol routes to frequently hit areas. Otherwise, City police are mainly in a reactionary mode. They bank on leads from pawn shops that believe they’ve received a stolen item or catching one perpetrator and lever-

aging their sentence in return for information about how the crimes are carried out and possible accomplices. For now, the emphasis is on residents to serve as their own first line of defense. Gavin suggests recording down the item’s serial number or scratching it into the equipment so it can facilitate being traced if stolen. The City also offers free home inspections and is willing to call a community meeting if residents express interest. But most of all, the City wants to remind residents to lock their cars, close their garage doors and buy a padlock for their shed if they have any concern about being a victim of larceny.

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PAGE 6 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

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WWW.FCNP.COM 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. Offices are at 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2017 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E D I TO R I A L

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Referendum’s Defeat Will Cost More

It makes no sense to us why opponents to the school bond referendum on the ballot in the City of Falls Church next month argue against the high taxes that they claim will burden them if it passes. There is a wide consensus among the groups that support passage of the bond – now ranging from all the City’s PTAs and PTSAs to civic groups, almost all the City Council candidates and even the Chamber of Commerce – that it holds out the best chance of keeping the real estate tax rate low, and especially relative to what it would be if the referendum fails. The posture of the anti-referendum protagonists seems to be more anti-government and anti-development than anti-tax, in fact. A handful of those among them who, to their credit, are willing to use their names in blog and other postings, are known for long-standing anti-development stands, for example. For many of them, the issue seems to be against growth, modernization and development of any kind in the Little City, leaning on an idyllic fantasy notion of a quaint little village that became totally unviable in this world long, long ago. It is ironic, in fact, that the City’s best shot at maintaining a unique and people-centered identity must come through aggressive economic development. It must be the right kind of economic development, of course, and among the things that have changed for the better for the Little City in recent years has been a qualitative increase in the City’s command of just that factor. It’s like the City, through years of good decisions in government, has grown from a underappreciated ugly duckling into the belle of the ball. In case no one has been paying attention, the City is now among the most highly desired plots of real estate in the entire wider metropolitan D.C. region. It is for reasons that we’ve always known, including the location – seven miles from downtown D.C., midway between two major airports, on the Beltway, on I-66 and on the Metro line – along with a carefully curated quality of life, outstanding schools and control over its own destiny unburdened by big, indifferent governmental bureaucratic and lobbyist forces. In fact, if there’s any group that really has a vested interest in undermining the viability of Falls Church as an independent city it would be just those kind of big lobbyist interests who fare far better the further from public scrutiny they can operate. If they already have the formula in place for getting their way in giant Fairfax County, it is understandable they’d be very frustrated at lacking the same level of control over little Falls Church, one percent the size of the county, especially given the City’s new highly-desirable status. Efforts by such groups to undermine and eliminate the independent city standing of Falls Church would be understandable. But why would any local residents be taking the same posture?

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Warlike Culture Explains Football’s Popularity

Editor, The popularity of “the collective carnage we call football” [Stupid, Angry, White Men, Editorial, October 5-11, 2017] isn’t surprising, since it’s a reflection of the fact that we’re a country at war; now longer than at any other time in our history. While working with others as part of a united effort to achieve a common goal is typically American, the game of

football mimics war. One side tries to vanquish the other in a fight over territory, while battling “in the trenches,” throwing long “bombs”, and running sweeps behind protective screens. Quarterbacks are “field generals” who bark out orders to players drilled to perform as a unit. Each team tries to dominate the opposition by scouting out and exploiting his weaknesses. Individual players are paid to sacrifice themselves

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for the good of the team, all while risking extreme physical injury and/or mental impairment at any time. Is it merely a coincidence that the warlike game of football so dominates our culture? I don’t think so. And, like Nicholas Benton, I also worry about the “national loss of our soul.” Paul Moran Falls Church

Why Pay Double What Alexandria Paid for New School?

Editor, Regarding the George Mason High School bond referendum,

let’s consider a similar case. Alexandria built T.C. Williams High School 10 years ago for $90 million. Adjusting for inflation, that would be $120-125 million now. But T.C. Williams is more than twice the size of the planned Mason school and serves more than twice the number of students. Why are we spending more than double the cost per student than Alexandria did? Either our “wish” list is three times longer or the cost estimate is padded like a sumo wrestler. Do we want to be the “Little City” with blank checks and no balances? Stephen Donnelly Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� How to Judge Success When Helping Homeless Families B� C���������� F��

The common mantra among providers of housing and services for the homeless is “the solution to homelessness is housing.” Another common saying is, “we are in the business of housing the homeless, not ending poverty.” The purpose of “Housing First,” the current methodology promoted by federal, state, city, and county governments, is to place homeless individuals into homes with the fewest barriers to keeping those homes. Barriers include having to pay rent, remain clean and sober, or pursue training or employment. This method was first adopted to help chronically homeless single adults, many of whom have serious mental disorders, often combined with addiction, that make them especially hard to help. These individuals often cycle in and out of emergency rooms, shelters, and jails, all of which are very expensive yet have little impact on stabilizing the individuals. Housing them while asking nothing in return seemed cheaper than the endless costs of cycling in and out of expensive institutions. It proved successful by lowering overall costs to society and modestly improving the health of the chronically homeless individuals. The variant of Housing First used for housing homeless families with children is called “rapid rehousing,” which, like housing first for individuals, assumes that it is a “barrier” to ask anything of the families in exchange for housing. Except for one

important distinction: The rental subsidies are short term, typically three, six or nine months, at the most a year. The presumption is that the family will use those few months

“The truth is – and this is the Homestretch approach – to end a family’s homelessness, you must address their poverty.”

to do whatever they can to increase their income so that once the subsidies end, they can take on the full cost of rent and utilities. Services are offered to the families, but they are not required to access them. While Housing First gives perpetual subsidies to homeless individuals, rapid rehousing expects families to achieve self-sufficiency quickly. Rapid rehousing is being hailed by advocates as a resounding success. Why? Because the numbers of rapidly rehoused families returning to shelter in the same jurisdiction are relatively low; usually around 20-25 percent. However, many homeless providers challenge this concept of success. Let’s examine the theory closely. To qualify for

rapid rehousing, a homeless family must be homeless and income qualified. To income qualify, you cannot afford the rent on your own. Most qualifying families earn 20-50 percent of the area median income, which means the rent is well beyond their means. Rent for a family of four in Fairfax County averages $2,000 a month or $24,000 a year, often more than the annual income for a homeless family of four. The principle for determining affordability is to pay no more than a third of your income for housing. This means a family of four earning $24,000 a year must triple their income in less than a year to assume the complete cost of rent and utilities. All available evidence suggests that this does not happen. Not even close. A study of rapid rehousing in Philadelphia showed that a mere 5 percent of families in rapid rehousing programs increased their incomes. Unfortunately, tracking income of families in rapid rehousing is not a mandated activity by government funders so our available data is incomplete. But in jurisdictions where income has been tracked for families in rapid rehousing, the evidence is clear: A mere fraction can afford the full rent and utilities once the subsidies end. Independent research by reputable organizations like the Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness (ICPH) in New York City has been raising the alarm about this for the past few years, noting that simply because a family does not immediately return to shelter in the same jurisdiction

does not mean they have not returned to homelessness. They could be on the streets, living in their car, or in a shelter in a different jurisdiction. In some places, like Washington, D.C., the numbers of homeless families have increased substantially under this model. The truth is – and this is the Homestretch approach – to end a family’s homelessness, you must address their poverty. Our aim at Homestretch is to help the families increase their income, reduce their debt, build their savings, acquire new skills or education, and stabilize their health, so that they can eventually move into housing that they can afford on the income they earn. Does this take more than a few months? Yes. Typically, it takes two or more years. But it is worth it if you ask our graduates, who have become nurses, teachers, accountants, pharmacy techs, dental hygienists, pastors, realtors, commercial drivers, day care owners, store managers, master plumbers, mortgage brokers and more. One recent graduate became a licensed pharmacist. Finally, outcome studies conducted by local universities on the success of Homestretch graduates show that over 90 percent remain housed and employed two to five years after leaving our care. Now that is success. Christopher Fay is the executive director of Homestretch, a non-profit that empowers homeless parents to reach self-sufficiency

Q������� �� ��� W��� Will you tend to favor incumbents or newcomers in the upcoming F.C. election? • Incumbents • Newcomers

Last Week’s Question:

Do you approve the F.C. Council’s vote to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

• Undecided

Log on to www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientific polls.

[WRITE FOR THE PRESS] The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the

Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published. All submissions to the News-Press should be original, unpublished content. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and accuracy. All submissions should include writer’s name, address, phone and e-mail address if available.

Email: letters@fcnp.com | Mail: Letters to the Editor, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church 22046 | Fax: 703.340.0347

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PAGE 8 | OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017

AN ACCIDENT MAP of the Chestnut St./Route 7 intersection that keeps track of collisions between 2014-17. A new a median will be built to mitigate accidents in the coming years. (P����: V������� D��������� �� T�������������)

VDOT Announces Transit Initiatives For I-66, Chestnut St. & Pimmit Hills BY PATRICIA LESLIE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

It may just seem like everything involving Northern Virginia transportation is about I-66 and its changes coming, but offshoots from it are on the drawing boards, too, and likely to be more popular than toll lanes and widening the road. Planning is underway by the Virginia Department of Transportation for a pedestrian/

bicycle bridge across the Beltway to connect Pimmit Hills with Tysons Corner Center, an eastbound connector ramp to carry I-66 motorists direct to the West Falls Church Metro station, and for the closure of the median at Chestnut Street and Route 7 in order to reduce the intersection’s high number of crashes. Two design workshops for community residents to help VDOT refine the design elements

for the “bike/ped bridge” over 495 are set for Nov. 9 and 28 at Westgate Elementary School from 7 – 9 p.m., Abi Lerner, VDOT’s associate manager of special project development, told the NewsPress in an e-mail interview. Considerable public discussion about the facility was heard earlier this year at VDOT-hosted meetings where almost unanimous support in favor of the route from Pimmit Hills over the Beltway to connect near

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Tysons’ Barnes and Noble (Bridge Over the Beltway) became the choice VDOT ultimately selected. On the agenda for the November meetings are lighting, screening, aesthetics, “architectural treatments” and approaches to the bridge which must meet VDOT’s budget and standards. VDOT wants everyone to attend both meetings since the Nov. 28 gathering will refine what’s brought up on Nov. 9 and still more public input will be sought, according to Lerner. Fairfax County’s Department of Transportation and its Bicycle Master Plan play a major role in the project, Lerner added. That plan identifies several Beltway bridges for pedestrians and bikers, and this is one. The bike/ped project includes an off-road shared use path along Old Meadow Road from Route 123 to the Dolley Madison Apartments and the bridge, which will be adjacent to the apartments and the Encore Condominiums. The schedule calls for a design public hearing next spring and a construction start in 2020. Estimated cost, says VDOT on its website, is approximately $6.2 million, down from an earlier estimate of $7.6 million. To help ease motorists’ trips to the West Falls Church Metro station from I-66 heading east towards Washington, D.C. a ramp will be constructed to connect two existing ramps to the Metro station. Drivers will be able to skip the hurried and crowded route they navigate now when they exit the interstate onto Route 7 before enduring some hasty lane changes to take another left to the West Falls Church Metro station. Construction is set to start next spring and finish by late 2020

at a cost of $3.3 million, VDOT estimates. Not only should drivers save time on the new loop, but they will save wrecks and near misses which occur on the present route along Route 7’s juncture with Chestnut Street across from George Mason High School. That intersection has so many crashes VDOT is seeking other monies for a quicker fix than what’s already been approved by the federal government, said Ivan Horodyskyj, VDOT district traffic engineer. Plans call for Chestnut to become “right in, right out.” Chestnut residents have been complaining about the dangerous intersection for about a year, but the high number of crashes there had already brought it to VDOT’s attention, Horodyskyj said. Construction will not begin until the money is “in the bank” which may take four years and explains VDOT’s urgency to find faster money to complete the project earlier. Horodyskyj said VDOT submits applications every year for federal dollars and it’s working on projects now which are five years out. “We need community support to do [Chestnut Street and Route 7] because the closure will restrict access to the neighborhood,” Horodyskyj said. Closing the median will change traffic patterns, but “it’s a matter of safety versus convenience which will be better for the community.” In its analysis to improve safety at the crossing, VDOT studied several alternatives and decided closing the median was the best, he wrote. This project may overlap with construction planned for adding the high occupancy toll lanes to I-66. When funds are allocated, VDOT’s schedule calls for design work next year or in 2019.

Hitt Witnesses ‘Logistical Nightmare,’ But Commends ‘Can Do’ Spirit Continued from Page 1

But there’s a “can do” spirit among the people there that was heartening to see, he said. He flew into San Juan Tuesday morning and because of the clogged logistics at the airport, had to leave later the same day. “There is a tremendous upbeat spirit there among the people, a lot of resiliency and hard work being done.” He flew there accompanied by an old friend, the former governor of the island Luis Fortuno. And once there, he met with his longtime friend, Washington, D.C. restaurateur Jose Andres, who is orchestrating an incredible food relief program there centered at the national stadium in San Juan.

He has 11 satellite food distribution operations around the island that, combined, serve 70,000 hot meals a day. In just the last two and a half weeks, Andres has served over a million meals. His operation is called Chefs for Puerto Rico. Hitt also met the current governor of Puerto Rico, Louis Fortina, with the head of economic development and commerce, the secretary of housing and urban development there and the head of security for the island. “We need to figure out a path for helping that is not cost prohibitive,” Hitt said, and that can spur a major private sector effort there. He hopes to be a leader in that effort. “They need everything,” he

said. “I would say they are currently nine months to a year away from being able to operate with a modicum of infrastructure, and longer than that to rebuild it right.” He said the key to the recovery effort needs to be have the right people in place, to have major investment from the mainland, including for billions of dollars for infrastructure, with multiple years of getting the recovery right. There will be many years of economic development needed there. He said one of the biggest problems that he could see involved a lack of awareness in the continental U.S. of how bad things are there, and how involved the citizens of the island, all U.S.

citizens, are in the national U.S. economy. He noted that 10 percent of the population of the island (over three million total) has participated in in military service for the U.S. While efforts are underway to get palletes of bottled water there, needed even more are generator parts so that water can be pumped out of the ground. The problems associated with being an island complicate everything, he said. In the case of New Jersey after superstorm Sandy, if the state had to rely on its own workforce to fix the problems, it would still be struggling, but it was able to draw help from all across the U.S. That is the kind of challenge that Puerto

Rico faces. Hitt said he found officials there to be upbeat and pleased by the federal government’s efforts there, including by FEMA, but that so much more is needed. A frequent visitor to the island, Hitt said he was dismayed to see flying in that the bright green cover of the island had been turned a dingy brown, as the salt in the water that was driven over it by the hurricane killed off so much of the vegetation. There is absolutely no functioning economy there now, including no tourism, but that in their eagerness to help themselves, hundreds of thousands are involved in volunteer efforts to try to bring the island back to life. “I will be back,” Hitt said.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 | PAGE 9

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NEWS BRIEFS Fairfax Schools to Decide Name Change Next Week The Fairfax County School Board held a work session on Monday to discuss which of the J.E.B. Stuart High School community's new name suggestions will be voted in during the regular board meeting Thursday, Oct. 26. Despite some board members still expressing their problems with the process, the board stayed consistent by overlooking the consensus when debating new names. Top vote-getter "Stuart, Stuart Raiders" was barely discussed while second-place finisher "Barbara Rose Johns" which was heavily advocated for at the Sept. 9 community meeting and Sept. 16 community vote, was only mentioned in passing. The board seemed to favor "Justice Thurgood Marshall" most openly, leaning toward a "Justice High School" interpretation. But problems with having two Marshall High Schools, the other one nearby named for Gen. George Marshall, could cause unnecessary confusion. That opened the door for the fifth-highest vote-getter, "Louis G. (Gonzaga) Mendez, Jr." to be mentioned favorably by most board members, who found the WWII veteran's military service, ties to the Lake Barcroft area and Latino heritage appealing. However no hard commitments were made by the session's end, making next Thursday's meeting pivotal.

VOTE NOVEMBER 7! Ask anyone who knows me, they’ll tell you,

“Shawna gets things done.” A long history of supporting the schools from the inside.

A parent’s perspective on what children need to succeed.

• Former Falls Church Elementary

• Mother of two FCCPS students who

PTA President

• Former Executive Board member, several Falls Church PTAs; Chair of multiple PTA committees

Broad-Washington Project Defers to Neighbors

• Creator of the Hippo-Tiger-Giraffe

The large-scale mixed use project proposed by the Insight Property Group for the northeast corner of the Washington at Broad intersection will come back to the Falls Church City Council for first reading again next month, following some major new changes to how it falls toward the Lawton Street residential neighborhood to its rear. The City Council was invited to a walking tour of the three-acre site this Monday led by Richard Hauser and Maury Stern of the Insight Property Group and others, while a large contingent of citizens, including Lawton Street residents, tagged along. The new design, incorporating some suggestions by Lawton Street residents, moves public park space to the back end with lower heights of apartment portions on the project. The changes conform to the desires of the City Council for such moves that it sent Insight off to negotiate when it denied a first reading in June. The project is now over two years since its initial presentation, even though the potential tax yield to the City could approach $10 million annually. It will have 295 residential units, a 6,000 square foot small grocery, 1,500 square feet of retail, and two major restaurants in its latest design, as well as 5,000 square feet dedicated for a new home for the City’s Creative Cauldron theatre group.

• Long-time volunteer for the Falls Church

Games Education Foundation, helping manage the annual spring auction and the Run for the Schools fundraiser

attended MD and TJ and now attend MEH and GM

• Frequent room parent and classroom volunteer

• Worked with students of all levels— from gifted and talented to those with special needs—familiar with FCCPS students’ varying needs and the available resources

• Team manager, age group coordinator, league liaison for travel soccer club

Paid for by Friends of Shawna Russell

RE-ELECT SHERIFF BITTLE

7 Corner’s Euro Mini Mart Robbed A robbery involving multiple suspects took place at the Euro Market in Seven Corners last Friday morning. One person was transported to the hospital after suffering non lifethreatening injuries. Fairfax County Police responded to a call shortly before 11:30 a.m. after receiving a report that a group entered the establishment, displayed a weapon and demanded cash. Public Information Officer, PFC Reem Awad, informed the media in attendance that police are inferring that at least two suspects were involved, one of which was in possession of a gun, and are also inferring that an undisclosed amount of cash was taken by the perpetrators. Both leads have yet to be confirmed. However, Awad couldn’t confirm the suspects’ identities or the make and model of the vehicle they used to flee the scene as well as the type of gun used by the suspects or if they were in possession of more than one firearm. There was also no confirmation about whether the injuries sustained were a result of a gunshot or some other altercation. Detectives are currently interviewing store employees as well as reviewing surveillance footage from cameras attached to the store. FCPD will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Late October Events Line Up in F.C. Here are a few special events in late October in the City of Falls Church. More can be found on the City's website, fallschurchva.gov. First is Trick or Treat at the Library, Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – noon. Ages 3 and up can come in costume to the Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave., and visit different locations to Trick or Treat for Halloween goodies. Free to attend and no reservations required. Secondly, there's the Halloween Carnival, Saturday, Oct. 28, 6 – 7 p.m. and 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. The annual F.C. Rec and Parks Halloween Carnival has been a popular event for children for more than 30 years. Infants through sixth graders are invited to enjoy carnival games, a moon bounce, crafts, a haunted house, candy, and a live creepy creature show featuring the spookiest reptiles in nature. Young children (ages 0-6) should attend from 6 –7 p.m. Older children (ages 6-11) should attend from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per child at the door. Adults and infants can attend free. It is held at the Community Center, 223 Little Falls St.

VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7th AUTHORIZED BY RE-ELECT SHERIFF BITTLE CAMPAIGN DEMOCRAT FOR SHERIFF Paid for by Re-Elect Sheriff Bittle Campaign

PAGE 10 | OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Falls Church Arts Exhibit At The Kensington Falls Church Arts is joining The Kensington in having an open house that includes plenty of art activities for all ages, including crafts and art projects, as well as free popcorn and apple cider and more for snacks. The Bluegrass Band, led by Dan Henderson, a local fiddler, will be featured at the Falls Church Arts Cafe entrance where Falls Church Arts will exhibit all new Plein Air paintings from recent plein air efforts by our local artists in the City of Falls Church, Washington, D.C, and other metro locations including Loudoun County. Abstract Expression and the projects will be held throughout the gallery space with lots of choices for visitors of all ages.

Witness the performing and visual arts Saturday, Oct. 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Falls Church Arts (700- B West Broad St., Falls Church) on the retail level. This event is free and open to all.

Fall Harvest Tea Set For this Sunday Guests can dine on sandwiches, sweets and hot tea. Reservations required. Reserve your spot by calling the Recreation and Parks Department at (703) 248-5027 or online via fallschurchva.gov/ recreation. Activity code 131500A. Call 703-248-5171 with questions. Hosted by the Friends of Cherry Hill Foundation Inc. The event will be held at Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 2 – 4 p.m. Cost is $33.

Metro Washington Financial Planning Day Metro Washington Financial Planning Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the University of Virginia Northern Virginia Center (7405 Haycock Rd., Falls Church). Free, private consultations on financial matters will be available with highly qualified certified financial planner professionals. Workshops on a variety of financial topics will be held throughout the day. Individuals can also learn about programs to become a certified financial planner (CFP). Workshops will include: budgeting, credit and debt, investing, retirement, taxes, homeownership, estate planning, insurance and more. The event is sponsored by the

FALLS CHURCH’S incomparable Ms. Eileen Levy (seated) celebrated her birthday with 30 friends at the home of the News-Press’ own Nicholas Benton in Winter Hill last Sunday. Among her many admirers were (left to right) Simon Van Steyn, Tom Clinton and Steven Mory. Other notable locals who made an appearance included director of Falls Church Arts Barb Cram, City Council member Letty Hardi and candidate for City Council Ross Litkenhous, to name a few. (Photo: News-Press)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Financial Planning Association, Foundation for Financial Planning and the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The event is free and open to the public. However, registration is required at FinancialPlanningDays.org/DC. UVA’s Northern Virginia Center is located across from the West Falls Church Metro Station on the Orange Line and just off of Route 7, Route 66 and inside the Beltway. Parking is free.

Lesley Hamilton & Eric Levin Perform at 1st Stage Theater Two veteran local performers, vocalist Lesley Hamilton and jazz pianist Eric Levin, are the featured artists in an upcoming

concert designed to explore and pay tribute to some of the more neglected songs of the late Irving Berlin. Titled “Reaching for the Moon: The Unsung Irving Berlin,” the performance is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at 1st Stage (1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons). “We’re thrilled to be presenting an evening of music from one of the greatest composers in American history,” said a spokesperson for 1st Stage. “Lesley Hamilton and Eric Levin will be applying their impressive talents to some lesser-known songs – unsung and under-sung, swinging and soulful – from America’s master composer and lyricist, Irving Berlin.” Lesley Hamilton, a resident of Fairfax, has performed on concert, cabaret and jazz stages

LACING UP THE GLOVES for an hour-long boxing class at TITLE Boxing Club are the members of Girl Scout Troop 1109 from St. James Catholic School. Staying in shape is one of the troop’s top goals and they enjoyed a serious workout from their instructor, who took the girls through a circuit of strength and cardio training before allowing them to get some work in on the bag. (Photo: Courtesy Dawn Schiller)

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

throughout the country celebrating the composers and lyricists of the Great American Songbook, including “The Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration” (with the late Celeste Holm), “I Remember It Well: The Songs of Alan Jay Lerner” (with Leslie Caron) and “Andre Previn’s Hollywood Years.” An original member of San Francisco’s famed 42nd Street Moon, she has appeared as a principal in many of that theater company’s acclaimed revivals of American musical theater classics. Trained at Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, she has appeared as a soloist with major symphony orchestras, including those of Cincinnati, San Francisco and Oakland, CA, as well as with several vocal jazz ensembles. She also appears on the original cast recordings of Cole Porter’s “Something for the Boys” and “Leave It to Me.”

Arlington Chorale Launches 1st Concert of Season The Arlington Chorale has announced the first concert in its 2017-18 season – “Potpourri” – to be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. at Westover Baptist Church (1125 Patrick Henry Dr., Arlington). Under the leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Nancia D’Alimonte, the Chorale will perform a varied selection of traditional and contemporary works, including music by Whitacre, di Lasso, Foster, Pärt and Mozart. The Arlington Chorale (TAC) is a nonprofit ensemble comprised of chorus members from Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland. All TAC concerts are free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted. For more information, visit arlingtonchorale.org or contact the choral group directly at info@arlingtonchorale.org.

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Scarecrow Walk Featured at Haycock Elementary Festival The Scarecrow Walk at the Haycock Elementary Fall Festival will feature creative scarecrows and displays customdesigned by local businesses. Located on a natural trail behind the school, the Scarecrow Walk will include scarecrows created by more than 15 local businesse. Attendees that take the walk will have the option to vote on their favorite displays once they have completed viewing all the designs. The festival will also feature games for young children including moon bounces, entertainment, food vendors and a variety of special attractions. The festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 22 at Haycock Elementary School (6616 Haycock Rd., McLean) from noon – 4 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Monken at monkenjennifer@gmail.com

Keep Eyes Peeled for Festive Halloween Art This month the City of Falls Church is getting into the spirit of Halloween as the trees lining the streets are turning bright colors and so are the downtown shop windows. Thanks to the work of local artists of all ages, dozens of store windows will be decked out for Halloween in festive art designs. All windows were painted by Oct. 14, but there’s still time to sign up to paint one, if you are interested. The seasonal artwork is the result of a unique ten-year partnership among Falls Church Arts, Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Falls Church City Public Schools Business in Education Partnership and Falls Church Recreation & Parks Department. Look for ghosts, pumpkins, candy, vampires, bats, witches and other creative

EAGLE SCOUT candidate Ben Updike and City Arborist Katherine Reich showcase one of the newly mounted tree labels in Cherry Hill Park. If you’re looking to wise up on which trees fancy your favorite walk, be on alert for these nifty labels. (P����: C������� D����� S��������) scenes on store windows. The Halloween Paint-In brings out the festive side of Halloween all over downtown Falls Church.

Arlington Diocese Establishes 2 Parish Schools Set to take effect on July 1, 2018, Corpus Christi School, which is currently a single school serving two parishes, will become two separate schools, each led by its own pastor and supported by its own parish. Since 1990, Corpus Christi School has served the parishes of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Philip in Falls Church, which both reside at two different campuses. Corpus Christi’s campus for kindergarten through eighth

t lec E Re

grade is located at St. Anthony of Padua (3301 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church) while its early childhood center is located at St. Philip (7500 St. Philips Ct., Falls Church). But as of July 2018, the schools will be renamed: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School for students K-8, and St. Philip Early Childhood Center for children ages 2-5. Dr. Jennifer Bigelow, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese says this change will allow for a stronger connection between parish and school life. “I support the direction of both St Philip and St Anthony in their desire to promote Catholic education for their respective parish communities,” she said. Dr. Bigelow says the pastoral deci-

sion was made after two years of discussion with the Office of Catholic Schools and is supported by Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington. In a statement, Bishop Burbidge said, “This new direction will give the students and parishioners an even closer relationship as they journey forward in faith. The Office of Catholic Schools will continue to support both schools in their mission and especially during this time of transition.” While Corpus Christi will no longer be a single interparish school, Dr. Bigelow says the bus will continue to shuttle students between parishes, and extended day programs for K-8 students will be offered at both school locations.

DAVID F.

FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL  Excellent Schools & City Services  Commercial Development That Lowers the Tax Rate & Respects Neighborhoods  Local & Regional Leadership For more information, please visit: www.snyderforfallschurch.com th

PLEASE VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7 PAID FOR BY SNYDER FOR FALLS CHURCH

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PAGE 12 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Many local governments in the region are working to address Short Term Rentals (STRs) that have become popular in the new “sharing economy.” Short term lodging essentially means renting space in one’s home, whether a bedroom or the entire house, for sleeping or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Airbnb probably is the best known platform for advertising and arranging such rentals, but other online platforms (HomeAway, FlipKey, and Roomarama) exist. Local regulations vary, and Fairfax County currently is considering a variety of options to propose for consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to regulate STRs in the county. The pros and cons of STRs have been discussed in many community meetings around the county. Some neighbors cite the potential negative impacts on property values and neighborhood character, as well as parking and safety related to more people in a local area. Others cite the positive effects of providing affordance accommodations for military families, travelling nurses, and job interview candidates. Some say STRs provide the opportunity to earn income to help pay the mortgage. Opinions range widely, from banning STRs altogether, to allowing them with little or no regulation. Anecdotally, STRs are a boon to travelers who use them, and a horror story for some who abuse them. When a short term rental becomes a party house, with lots of people, cars, noise, and alcohol, neighbors rightly are incensed. Jurisdictions as varied as San Francisco and Blacksburg have adopted standards for STRs, and provide some guidance

for enacting regulations that might work. Questions include whether the STR should be the operator’s primary residence; the type of dwelling unit (house? condo? apartment?); fire safety plans; how many rental nights per year should be allowed; should the operator be present; how many guests should be allowed; and whether “events” should be prohibited or allowed. Events include weddings, seminars, parties, etc. Other issues to be addressed include whether a local permit and registration should be required, and if so, what is a reasonable fee. The payment of a Transient Occupancy Tax also is an issue to be addressed. All of these issues must be addressed in any ordinance amendment. Staff is continuing to research the issues, with a draft proposal scheduled for Board consideration after the first of the year. An on-line Short Term Rentals survey this summer yielded nearly 8000 responses. Most of the respondents lived in a single family detached home, and most indicated that they were unaware of any STRs operating in their neighborhood. Most also preferred a limit on the number of rental nights per year, especially if the operator is not present. Although 28 percent of respondents opposed STRs in any circumstance, about half supported limitation or regulation of STRs. Certainly, this is not an easy issue, which is why the Board of Supervisors has directed staff to continue research about STR regulations and registry in other jurisdictions. More to come...  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

Richmond Report One of the foremost issues of our time is the rapid erosion of faith and trust in our fundamental American institutions. We are hearing from more and more Virginians that the system is rigged for the benefit of wealthy and powerful interests, and that there is no meaningful opportunity for an individual to be an agent of change with the hope of improving their own lot in life. I don’t pretend to have all the answers to solving this problem, but I do know that in Virginia, the General Assembly is a good place to start. Here in the Commonwealth we have lots of room for improvement. In Virginia, it’s too easy to feel like your vote for Delegate doesn’t count, because a district was drawn so safely that the incumbent only has to answer to a few members of the local party committee to stay “safe” in the seat. It’s easy to feel like your letters, phone calls, and postcards don’t matter nearly as much as the tens of thousands of dollars pouring into the campaign accounts of incumbent legislators in a state where we don’t have limits on campaign contributions. Any person, corporation, company, or legal entity can contribute any amount of money and recipients are free to spend the money on themselves and their families. It’s easy to feel like the whole system is corrupt when you read about elected officials driving around in Ferraris, wearing Rolex watches, and flying on private planes to Augusta for the Master’s – all on someone else's dime, someone who wants to curry favor for their client or their company. I ran for office to continue the good works of my predecessor, Jim Scott, and to also have the opportunity to work to improve people’s lives. This can be done most effectively when we trust the government to do its job. One way to ensure that trust is to have free and fair elections by unrigging the political system that depends on gerrymandering and campaign finance rules that

give outsized influence to mapmakers and mega-contributors. For my part, I pride myself on earning more support from small individual donors than from corporations or PACs. Since 2014, I've introduced legislation every year to address the most obvious (and, in my view, embarrassing) issue — candidates legally converting campaign contributions to personal use. And every year there is a new justification for not passing it — the language is too broad, the language is too narrow, or do we really need this? I’ve also introduced legislation to prohibit all corporations from contributing to state political campaigns. More recently we’ve come to learn that foreign powers are working hard to erode our confidence in the integrity not just of the electoral process, but the process of counting our cast ballots as well. That’s only the latest assault, though, on our election system. For years certain communities have had their vote systematically suppressed through unnecessary laws requiring unexpired government issued photo ID at the polls with no discretion for election chiefs to simply say — I know that person, they are my neighbor. We have limited the ability to vote early in Virginia, and have artificial and arbitrary deadlines to register to vote. I am an advocate for no excuse absentee voting, vote by mail pilot programs, increasing the time frame for absentee voting, automatic voter registration, and same day registration. Your continued support means a lot to me. It’s imperative that we have faith in the institutions of a Government that is of the people, by the people and for the people. Should I win my reelection on November 7th, you can trust that I will continue to work for you and your families, our community – for all of us.  Delegate Simon represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed at DelMSimon@house. virginia.gov

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OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 13

“Dad said Our Man in Arlington store. that Washington

By Charlie Clark

This Columbus Day I spent a fun hour in the heart of Italy, after a fashion. In the wood-paneled boardroom in the Westover Italian Store, proprietor Bobby Tramonte told me fresh tales of his Italian forebears. (Disclosure: he and I are school chums.) While scads of customers eyed the store’s subs, wine, gourmet cheese, oils and pizza, I eyed Tramonte’s maps of Italy’s 20 regions, flags, portraits, sommelier diplomas and the original Italian passports that brought his great-grandfather et al to America in the 19th century. Though Mondays are his busy vendors’ day, Tramonte recapped the story of his business — and how it connected him to his Italian roots. The original Italian Store (still booming in Lyon Village) opened in a former High’s in 1980 when Bobby and older brother Mike were ending years of managing their parents’ hip Bayou nightclub in Georgetown. Their choices were “going back to school, working for someone else or opening our own business — Dad would be our financial angel,” Bobby said. Growing up, Bobby had only vague consciousness of his Italian heritage — an uncle living in the basement. But they embraced the notion of taking the Italian fare they served at the nightclub to launch a sandwich and wine

was missing out on a lot of transplanted Italians,” and D.C. already had plenty of white-collar eateries, he said. “Northern Virginia was far enough from New York that people here crave Italian food, but close enough to ship it here quickly.” Early on, Italian-born customers – families who came five times a week – “kept us going,” Tramonte said. But soon the store’s sub lines were long and his team was supplying pasta and sausage to 15 restaurants (Nathan’s, Clyde’s, the Alpine). “It took six months” from the drawing board to a certificate of occupancy, Tramonte noted, compared with two years it took to navigate county regulations to open in Westover in 2015. (A planned Italian Store for Reston was headed off by competition, and a branch in Seven Corners flourished for a decade.) Today, the Italian Store makes its own pasta and insists on organic wine pressed by Italy’s family businesses – tastings can sell $3,000 worth in a night. With the business established and with wife Laura and five children, Tramonte in the 1990s began traveling to Italy. He researched his genealogy. At the airport, a driver insisted he visit his ancestral town of Acri, in the off-thetourist-track region of Calabria. There in 2006, strangers embraced him, helped him find birth records and partied into the night. “You’re family now,” the Italians said. “People were crying,” Tramonte

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

CRIME REPORT Week of Oct. 9 — Oct. 15, 2017 Larceny – Theft from Building, 300 blk Little Falls St, between 8 AM October 4 and 8 PM Oct 7, three pieces of lawn equipment were taken from an unsecured garage. Investigation continues. Drunk in Public, 300 W Broad St (Stratford Motel), Oct. 10, 12:05 AM, a male, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested for Drunk in Public. Hit and Run, 900 blk S Washington St, Oct 10, 12:00 AM, a pedestrian was struck by a brown Toyota sedan which left the scene. Medics were declined. Trespass, 6795 Wilson Blvd (Eden Center), Oct 10, 2:27 PM, a male, 61, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Trespassing. Smoking Violation, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #15 (H2O Café), Oct 11, 12:04 AM, a male, 32, of Laurel, MD, was

issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant. Smoking Violation, 6757 Wilson Blvd, #16 (Café Le Mirage), Oct 11, 12:05 AM, a male, 41, of Springfield, VA, was issued a summons for Smoking in a Restaurant. Trespass, 116 E Broad St (Independence Square Complex), Oct 12, 8:46 AM, a male, 52, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Trespassing. Larceny – Theft from Building, 700 blk E Broad St, resident reported that a sign had been stolen from his yard on Oct. 6.

recalls. “They always knew they had family in America but never thought they would meet them.” Doing online research, he befriended Connecticut-based Charlie Tramonte, with whom he shared relatives in New York. It was he who sent Bobby a packet of old family photos and passports signed by the King of Italy. Translated on the back, one dated 1889 allowed ship passage for Vincenzo Tramonte, age 48, a barber who was the son of Gennaro, and two sons, Raffaele and Francesco. The next year came the passport for Nunziata Paterno a seamstress age 39, with sons Mariano (Bobby’s grandfather) and Giovanni, and daughter Carmella. Bobby offered to make copies. But his newfound ItalianAmerican family member said, “You keep them.” ** Al Richmond, a retired Marine from the WashingtonLee High School Class of ’57, will again run the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 22. At 78, he has participated in every one since the event started in 1976. The 26.2 mile race, which starts at Arlington’s Iwo Jima memorial, was launched right after the Vietnam-War-era draft ended, said Richmond, who was called from reserves back to active duty in time for the first big race. The reputation of Marines for “toughness and fitness” was good for recruiting, he told me. The mid-‘70s was also when the running craze was getting moving. Drug/Narcotic Violation, Fraud/ Swindle, Drunk in Public, 306 Hillwood Ave (Lesly Restaurant And Bar), Oct 15, 2:10 AM, a male, 50, of Falls Church, was arrested for Possession of Cocaine, Drunk in Public and Defrauding a Taxi.

Other Arrests Oct 9, 2:08 PM, a male, 55, of no fixed address, was taken into custody on a Falls Church warrant for Trespassing. Oct 9, 4:28 PM, a male, 37, of Silver Spring, MD, was taken into custody on two charges of Failure to Appear in Court in Stafford County. Oct 11, 12:14 PM, a male, 25, of no fixed address, was arrested for two counts of Failure to Appear in Court. Underlying charges were Destruction of Property and Possession of Marijuana.

PAGE 14 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

NATI O NA L

A Birth Amid The Stars

Dare I say it could be interpreted as an event of the most profound cosmic meaning, a potential Rosetta Stone for the advance toward a common appreciation of both spiritual and scientific understanding? This is a leap, but let’s give it a try. So, what were you doing on August 17, 2017? Unless it was your birthday or something of equal import to you, or unless you are an astrophysicist, you’ll probably have a hard time remembering. But in fact, in Planet Earth terms, that date may go down in history as among the most momentous ever for our understanding of this awesome universe in which we participate. Notwithstanding the incredibly insufferable dumbing down in news reports of the event by especially local TV news even in our nation’s capital (“Oh my FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS gosh, now we know where the gold in your wedding ring comes from!”), the event which took place 130 million years ago in a galaxy 130 million light years away, goes by the term, “kilonova,” the first ever seen by anyone on this planet. As the brave report by Sarah Kaplan and Ben Guarino in the Washington Post Tuesday expressed, the combination of traditional astronomical visual research with the new capacity of the last couple years to detect “gravitational waves,” there are now new means to probe some of the most enduring mysteries of the universe, such as “the unknown force that drives the accelerating growth of the universe, the invisible matter that holds galaxies together and the origins of the Earth’s most precious elements.” Quoting an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with the new era of “gravitational wave astrophysics,” Earthlings are now “able to combine dramatically different ways of viewing the universe,” and “our level of understanding is going to leap forward as a result.” So powerful was this event, the merger of two “dead” neutron stars involved “a violent collision shooting jets of radioactive matter into space,” including gamma ray bursts that “are the most energetic forms of light in the cosmos,” that it could be seen with only backyard amateur telescopes on Earth. This event, according to the Post account, also may illuminate the nature of dark energy and dark matter, a “hypothetical substance that has mass but seems to emit no electromagnetic energy.” Not a metaphorical association, but for the sake of argument we can say it’s akin to it, the illustrative “dance” of the two neutron stars with one another, which gained in speed and momentum as their orbits drew closer to one another to become one prior to the collision, shows how in our universe the merger of these elements generates a qualitatively different third reality, something filled with new light and matter. How much is this like, in the arena of organic life on this planet as we know it, the act of giving birth? Most religious symbology is built around the central roles of creative light and new life. Light and matter are the key substances of the divine, and they magnify and expand the universal holy force that is the cosmos’ creative soul. Now we see in this week’s event what religious and spiritual points of reference may have been referring to for eons on this planet. This is what makes the universe grow, to expand light and matter against the dark forces, and we intelligent Earthlings are a cutting edge phenomenon of that. Our minds and their incredible potential arise out of that. What the astrophysicists saw this week was one birth of the infinite numbers of them that accounts for the universe, and for us. This perspective, in my view, confirms an ultimate value and hopefulness for our strivings on this planet, for the substances that give and enhance life, such as love, empathy and compassion. Such are in concert with the most powerful, pro-life forces in the cosmos. Fraudulent fundamentalist hocus pocus is discredited by this, and so also cynical nihilistic atheism, often couched in astrophysical terms. Charlatan proponents of religious superstitions and atheists have been around from time immemorial. But so also a witness to the Creator of light and life to guide humanity forward.

Nicholas F. Benton

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Save the Phony Outrage, Republicans

Say this for Donald Trump: When it comes to sex, he’s less of a hypocrite than Harvey Weinstein. Until Weinstein’s abrupt downfall amid proliferating accusations of sexual assault and harassment, he posed as a backer of women’s rights. He made films with substantive female leads (82-year-old Judi Dench joked that she’d tattooed his name on her butt in gratitude), donated money to politicians supporting feminist policies and contributed to endow a chair at Rutgers University honoring Gloria Steinem. He even attended the Women’s March at Sundance. Yet privately, he appears to have been a sexist ogre, using his power to exploit and humiliate women. After the truth about his conduct was widely revealed, he was cast out of his professional community and rendered a pariah. Trump is more consistent. He is a pig in public as well as behind closed doors. In 1992, New York Magazine NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE reported that he said the best way to deal with women is to treat them like excrement, though he used a more vulgar term. He has followed his own advice. His first wife, Ivana Trump, accused him of raping her in a fit of rage. (She later denied that the events she’d recounted were rape “in a literal or criminal sense,” but stuck to the underlying story). Trump reportedly pressured his second wife, Marla Maples, to pose for Playboy. He owned beauty pageants and, by his own admission, would barge into changing rooms to ogle the naked contestants. The makeup artist Jill Harth said he tried to rape her. Multiple women have accused him of groping and sexual harassment. Those charges appear credible in light of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump boasted of grabbing women by their genitals. After the truth about his conduct was widely revealed, he was elected president of the United States. Somehow, in the wake of the Weinstein revelations, the president’s supporters appear to believe they hold the moral high ground. Donald Trump Jr. – a man who once said that women who can’t handle workplace sexual harassment “should go maybe teach kindergarten” – has been tweeting about Weinstein incessantly. Appearing on CNN, the Republican National Committee chairwoman, Ronna Romney McDaniel, attacked Democrats for taking Weinstein’s money, insisting that there’s no comparison between Weinstein and Trump because the president “didn’t have eight settlements.” (According to an exhaustive investigation by USA Today, at least 20 lawsuits have accused Trump and managers at his companies of “discriminating against women, ignoring sexual harassment complaints and even participating in the harassment themselves”).

Michelle Goldberg

On Fox News, a network that Roger Ailes ran like his personal sadomasochistic brothel, Tucker Carlson feigned outrage at the Weinstein news. “Many powerful people knew what Harvey Weinstein was doing, and not only ignored his crimes, but actively took his side against his many victims,” Carlson said. (Fox News is under federal investigation, in part for payoffs made to Ailes’ victims.) Bad faith on the right does not mitigate the deep, perverse cruelty of Weinstein’s alleged crimes. If anything, it makes the fallout more painful. For the past 11 months, many feminists have been reeling from the defeat of the first female major-party presidential candidate by a predatory misogynist. The confirmation that a hugely powerful man who is supposed to be on our side is just as bad as Trump is shattering. While many women are showing defiance – outing the Weinstein types in their industries, using hashtags like #MeToo to demonstrate the ubiquity of abuse – it’s hard not to feel crushed wondering how many men really see us as full human beings. Still, Weinstein’s disgrace is a sign that even if patriarchal sociopathy is more pervasive than we like to imagine, it can be defeated when a culture adopts other values and is forced to live up to them. After decades in which Weinstein cavalierly destroyed women’s lives, his impunity has come to an end. He has lost his job and been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. France has taken steps to strip him of his Legion of Honor award, the country’s highest civilian distinction. He is being repudiated for violating progressive ideals about sexual consent, workers’ rights and the fundamental equality of men and women. The people now ruling this country don’t share those ideals. Yes, Ailes had to leave Fox News after charges that he’d demanded sexual favors from women in exchange for professional opportunities. But in the aftermath, conservatives did not ostracize him. Instead, Trump defended Ailes and defamed his accusers, then brought him on as an adviser. Most Republican voters and officeholders, in turn, implicitly condone Trump’s treatment of women. Now that Weinstein has been exposed, conservatives are jeering that Hollywood has lost the right to lecture anyone about sexism. “Liberals love to be so sanctimonious, holier than thou, but they’re really hypocrites,” said Fox’s Sean Hannity on Oct. 10. Perhaps, but Trump supporters acting shocked by sexual harassment are in no position to complain about hypocrisy. The movie business is corrupt, depraved and iniquitous — and still morally superior to the Republican Party under Trump. Betraying the principle of gender equality is bad. Rejecting it is worse.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 15

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THE REDSHIRTS ARE COMING! This Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., members of the George Mason High School bands and chorus will bring music to Falls Church City neighborhoods as they travel door to door collecting donations for the annual TAG DAY fundraiser. Small groups will also be performing and collecting that morning at the Falls Church City Farmers’ Market and outside of GMHS. The musicians accept donations of any amount and in all forms which will help all members participate in performance clinics at Northwestern University this spring. (Photo: FCCPS Band Boosters)

Fa l l s C h u r c h

School News & Notes M.U.S.I.C. Days Are Back Until Mid-December Many Useful Students In our Community (M.U.S.I.C.) from George Mason High School band and chorus students will be looking to help their neighbors while raising money for their spring trip to the windy city – Chicago, Illinois. They’re open to performing an assortment of odd jobs, including raking leaves, helping with other fall yard work, babysitting, helping with parties or teaching a music lesson. This year the music students will also be collecting large (or small) items which can be recycled or brought to the Fairfax County landfill. To learn more or to post a job, visit bandboostersfcc.org or email the volunteer coordinators atmusicdaysgmhs@gmail.com. The fundraiser runs from Oct. 28 – Dec. 10. The music students and boosters thank you for any and all support provided.

FC Education Association Supports Referendum After polling its members, which include Falls Church City Public School teachers, administrators and support employees,

the Falls Church City Education Association (FCCEA) voted to publicly state its support for the Nov. 7 School Bond Referendum. Eighty percent of the voting staff moved to publicly support the referendum. FCCEA is dedicated to helping create the best public school education for all students. The Association believes that “the passage of this referendum is crucial if we want to preserve our ability to serve all our students as we move into the future.”

PTSA College 101 Panel Schedule Change The panel about the college search that was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18, has been changed to Wednesday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in the Mustang Cafe. No other changes have been made.

Mason High Students Get Together for Hurricane Relief George Mason High School students are spearheading a Hurricane Relief initiative this weekend at the school (7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). There are two events open for community participation.

On Saturday, Oct. 21 from 8 – 1 p.m. a community yard sale will be held where residents can donate items in good condition like kitchenware, toys, books, Halloween costumes, sports equipment and more. Students are also collecting bags of clothing. Drop off times are all throughout this week before (7:30 – 8:30 a.m.) and after (3 – 4:30 p.m.) school. All proceeds are going to Save the Children. Also during that same day, interested residents can attend a day of shopping with a variety of home vendors including LuLaRoe and Stella and Dot at the PopUp Fashion show. Proceeds go to Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue, who are rescuing animals in hurricane-affected regions.

Seeking Entries for Directory Cover The Falls Church Elementarty Parent-Teacher Association (FCEPTA) is looking for artists to design the cover of this year’s FCEPTA student directory. One winner will be chosen from Pre-K – first grade and the other will be from second – fifth grade. Winners will receice a $25 gift card. Submissions are due by this Friday, Oct. 20.

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PAGE 16 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Election 2017: F.C. School Board Candidate Statements

The News-Press invited all those running in the City of Falls Church’s November School Board and City Council races to submit 400-word candidate statements for publication. This week’s statements are from Falls Church School Board candidates Gregory Anderson, Richard Crespin, Alison Kutchma, Shannon Litton, Shawna Russell and Lawrence Webb. Next week’s issue will feature the Falls Church City Council candidates.

G������ A������� My family and I moved here in 2009 for the excellent schools, and stayed for the community. My wife and I have one child, who started out at Mt. Daniel and is now a freshman at George Mason. Professionally, I’m a scientist who has spent 15 years managing large programs in multiple arenas, and now I supervise scientists who manage large programs. I’ve been committed to our schools since 2009 as a volunteer and as a parent engaged in school technology issues, including two years as parent liaison to the MEH Digital Learning Team. I’m committed to our city, so I’ve attended nearly all School Board and City Council meetings since January to understand the big picture. I’m committed to civil discourse and engagement, and if elected, I’d ask hard questions and confront tough issues with civility and respect. I’m committed to public service, and I want to serve my community as a School Board member. After careful consideration, I intend to vote yes on the high school referendum. Our current school has insufficient capacity and critical systems at risk of failure, and is ill-suited to 21st century learning. Passing the referendum would allow us to replace our current school, but wouldn’t limit us to a single option. Rather, it would enable us to move forward through hard work that I would tackle together with my Board colleagues, City Council, school and city staff, and the community. If elected, I’d support efforts to contain operational costs while maintaining or enhancing student outcomes. I’d encourage (1) transparent, collaborative budget

processes; (2) consideration of novel methods to set the bottom-line school budget; (3) an external review of school operational practices to identify cost containment strategies (and implementation of the most beneficial); (4) an updated comprehensive plan to optimize facilities investments; and (5) creation of a streamlined, FCCPSwide professional development plan to help recruit top-quality teachers and staff and ensure our educators can continue to enhance their skills and improve student outcomes. I want to give back to my community as a School Board member. I want to use my professional expertise, school volunteer experience, understanding of the city, and direct but respectful style to develop collaborative solutions to our big challenges. If that sounds like the kind of person you want as a School Board member, I hope you’ll vote for me as one of your four choices on November 7th.

R������ C������ Our city and our schools will face big decisions in the coming four years: balancing the budget, re-imagining our facilities, strengthening our relationship with parents and the community — all while maintaining and extending our reputation for educational excellence. I’m running to bring three important qualities to the school board: MEASURABLE IMPACT: I will ensure that a dollar spent results in a dollar’s worth of educational improvement. As a lifelong entrepreneur and business owner, I’ve always had to balance a budget, and I’ve had to implement new and innovative approaches to tackle complex problems, using data and

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evidence to drive better decisions. As an example, FCCPS Superintendent Noonan recently spoke about the need to close the achievement gap: we do a good job serving students at the top and bottom but not middle. We need cost effective ways of closing that gap, like the high-demand skills and vocations that will prepare our students for the 21st Century. I will be a strong advocate for our children and our community and an effective steward of your money. GOOD GOVERNANCE: I dedicated my career to improving transparency, accountability, and inclusive decisionmaking in America’s largest publicly traded companies. From my experience serving on multiple governing boards, I know that a board’s job is not to run the organization but to make sure the organization is well run. I also founded a company, CollaborateUp, that works with stakeholders all around the globe to co-create solutions to some of our world’s most difficult problems. SERVANT LEADERSHIP. I’m running, in part, to show my children that a life spent in service is a life well spent. Our schools should be a center of community life, and as we consider redeveloping our facilities, we should look at integrating multiple community needs, like public libraries and services for our seniors. Our schools should benefit our whole community, not just those of us with children in the schools. As a business owner, I understand the fast-changing and highly competitive job market our children face and I will bring innovative ideas for how to cost-effectively prepare them to compete and win. I’ve also had to set and achieve a clear strategic vision while balancing a budget and making a payroll everyday for the past 27 years. A vote for me is a vote for good governance, evidence-based decisionmaking, focused return on investment, and schools that work for our whole community.

A����� K������ I am passionate about our schools and great outcomes for all students and believe I have the unique experience to contribute. I have lived in Falls Church for 15 years and raised three GMHS graduates (2010, 13, and 15). I am very well informed about our schools, having watched and attended school board and parent advisory committee meetings for years. Additionally I have closely followed budget work sessions for the last four years, and participated in over 100 meetings with teachers and administrators concerning issues affecting our schools. Using school funds for the best educational outcomes is my goal. Therefore, I have carefully studied achievement gaps, school budgets, supporting documents about how our money is spent, the Mt. Daniel project including contracts and payment applications and other issues. All of this experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the FCCPS school board. I am an ardent supporter of true budget transparency to meet the needs of our students and teachers while protecting our taxpayers from needless spending. More than half of every dollar we spend goes to the schools yet I hear our teachers still contribute to their own classroom supplies and make work books for their students, while purchased items are unused or underutilized. This needs to change and it starts with budget transparency. Teachers input is critical to this process and to our schools’ success. My primary expectation is leadership with integrity and I will be voting No on the $120 million high school bond referendum because 1) There are too many

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unknowns at this point 2) Most taxpayers do not yet fully understand the financial risks and obligations and they deserve to know first. 3) The financial risks are substantial including the lowering of our bond rating as a city. 4) The passage of this can start the clock ticking on the bond which reduces our bargaining position with developers. 5) I have a lot of questions about the cost and size estimate which serves as the basis for the bond figures. Whatever the community decides, I AM in favor of moving forward immediately with plans to address the needs of GMHS, drilling down on design needs and options, while assessing developer interest. I will ask questions and work to create the most affordable school for our students while maintaining the excellence that we all expect.

S������ L����� My family is fortunate to have lived in Falls Church for over ten years and we love being part of this amazing community. My vision is for Falls Church City Schools to be a world-class system that meets the needs of all learners. As an education professional, and the mother of children attending George Mason, Mary Ellen Henderson, and Mt. Daniel, I’m uniquely qualified to provide thoughtful and collaborative leadership for our schools. Following are my priorities: Meeting our Growing Needs: The most significant challenge facing our city is meeting our facility needs as our student population continues to grow. George Mason High School is in significant disrepair and is going to require a major infrastructure investment. I support the bond referendum, but believe we must consider plans for commercial development carefully and cautiously to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and provide benefits for the broader community. Teachers and Staff: Excellent teachers are the key to an outstanding school system. Providing adequate pay and working conditions are important, but we must also ensure we have excellent leadership for our

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teachers. Good school leaders should build a positive school climate and provide support to teachers to help them continue to improve their teaching practice. Serving the Needs of All Students: Our schools must ensure every child is provided an engaging educational environment that encourages individual growth and learning. Providing appropriate class size and qualified teachers is key to ensuring we are providing all students with the help and assistance they need to succeed, and we should continue to consider ways to use personalized learning models in our schools. A ‘Lifelong’ Community: My vision is that Falls Church City will be a ‘lifelong community’ where people want to spend their entire lives. Everyone benefits from having a diversity of ages in our community, so we must balance the needs of the schools with the other priorities of the community. We are at an important turning point in the life of our City and we need leadership that will make wise choices about the future of our community. I am a thoughtful and balanced leader who will work to ensure we have world class schools that serve all students, while pushing us to look at new and innovative ways of doing things that will prepare all of our students with the knowledge and skills they will need for the future.

S����� R������ A decade ago my husband and I moved to Falls Church City with our two children. Like many people, we were drawn here by the sterling reputation of the public schools and we quickly fell in love with the warm community feel – we are grateful to be part of a small town without moving outside of the beltway. One month after we moved in, my daughter started kindergarten at Mt. Daniel and I started volunteering in Mrs. Nelson’s classroom. I had already spent several years on the executive board of our kids’ cooperative preschool and knew that I enjoyed the hard work of making my kids’ learning environ-

ment as strong as it can be. Since then, I have spent countless hours volunteering in the classroom and our community, getting to know our teachers and administrators, and learning how they make our public schools so successful. I have served as the Elementary PTA President, Executive Board member of multiple PTAs, and chair of several PTA committees. With the help of a committed group of moms, I created and staged the first Hippo-Tiger-Giraffe Games when the FCEPTA needed a new major fundraising event. I am also a regular volunteer for the Falls Church Education Foundation, helping the Foundation’s leaders with their major fundraisers. My children now attend George Mason and Mary Ellen Henderson, and I am ready to take on a new role to make sure Falls Church continues providing a first-class public education for all of our children. Our schools are the backbone of our community and need strong stewardship, particularly after the transitional year we have just come through and the challenges that lie ahead. I support the bond referendum to build a new high school. But regardless of the outcome, the School Board needs experienced leaders with a proven track record of getting things done within our schools. With committed leaders on the School Board, there is a future full of opportunity for our community. I am ready to put my experience, my relationships with our teachers and community leaders, and my strong work ethic toward realizing the best for our schools. I would love to hear from you about your thoughts and ideas for the future. Please visit my website at shawna4schoolboard. com for more information including how to contact me directly. And please vote for Shawna Russell on November 7th!

L������� W��� It has been a busy four years since joining the board with many challenges from aging and overcrowded facilities to making crucial budget decisions. We have accomplished a great deal, but still have

OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 17

much progress of ahead of us. As a result, I want to continue to be a part of the solution. One of the top reasons people chose to live in our “Little City” has been the educational system. We have seen considerable growth in our schools and are in need of expanding our facilities to absorb this growth. I would like to continue the work that has begun to address the pre-K through 12 infrastructures. The city has world class schools and need facilities that reflect our status. This will be a major investment for the community and I want the opportunity to further engage citizens as we move forward. As chair of the board, I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me to lead them in tackling several major transitions. Over the past year, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to create an open and transparent budget process that engages staff, administrators, and the community early in the process. We also worked alongside the City Council and community development planners to address the long overdue replacement of George Mason High School. The plan presented to the City Council was an option that met our education program; moreover, releases 10 acres for economic development that would assist with funding the project. If Falls Church wants to continue to be known for its world class education, then we must provide 21st century facilities for our students to learn and our teachers to teach. I pledged to the community that I will remain a good steward of the public monies allocated by the City and will be focused in our spending, especially over the next several years as the project moves forward. As a governing body, we are always analyzing ways to reduce costs and take advantage of efficiencies both in capital and operational spending. This does not mean we will skimp on our prime obligation; guaranteeing a personalized environment that supports the unique educational needs of every student who walks through our doors. I ask for your support on November 7th to work together to make our premier K through 12 International Baccalaureate school system strong for all of our current and future students.

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 18 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 Discussion on Green Schools. The community is invited to attend a panel discussion on green schools, hosted by the City of Falls Church Environmental Sustainability Council (ESC) at its next meeting. The panel will explore the value of sustainably designed schools for students, teachers and the broader community. Panelists will share practical implementation strategies and results from communities that have already built sustainable schools, with a particular focus on Arlington’s Discovery Elementary School. The hope and aim of this panel is to engage decision-makers, the community and sustainable buildings experts in a discussion of how the Falls Church City Public Schools system can incorporate high performance, environmental design into its facilities, maximizing benefit to the students and the entire

school community. Dogwood Room, City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. Contact Cory Weiss at cafirestone@gmail. com for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Candidate Forum. The League of Women Voters of Falls Church and the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) are sponsoring the second of two forums for candidates seeking seats on the the Falls Church School Board this fall. Candidates will respond to questions posed by the two organizations and selected from audience members. The League will publish its traditional voter’s guide in the NewsPress on Oct. 26 and additional copies will be distributed at apartment buildings and at city polling places on Election Day Nov. 7. City Council Chambers (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 7 – 8:30 p.m. Arlington Philharmonic Fall Happy Hour Series. The Arlington

Philharmonic launches its 12th season with a Fall Happy Hour Series featuring Quartet Uncorked! The Philharmonic’s quartet-in residence and fellow quartet, Bistro 360, will join together for a continental pairing by performing classical music that originates from European countries such as Italy, Spain and France to name a few. Select wines from those countries will also be available for sampling at the event. Bennett Park Art Atrium (1601 Clarendon Blvd., Rosslyn). $15. 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 Haycock Elementary Fall Festival. Interested attendees can come to the festival and experience the Scarecrow Walk as well as multiple activities for young children such as moon bounces, entertainment, food vendors and a variety of special attractions. Haycock Elementary School (6616 Haycock Rd., McLean) noon – 4 p.m. 210392-2930.

“Expanded Hours!”

Dr. Mindy Nasuti

Now Open 9-5 Every Weekday & Until 8 on Tuesday and Wednesday 703-533-7555 • www.fmifc.com 124A East Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046 Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine • Accepting Most Major Insurances

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 Preschool Storytime. Stories and fun for ages 0-5. Drop-in. All storytimes are followed by playtime with the Early Literacy Center toys. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 10:30 - 11 a.m. 703-248-5034. Playtime with the Early Literacy Center. Explore educational and manipulative items (aka toys) to teach early literacy through play. Ages birth to 5 years. No registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 703248-5034. ESL Conversation Group. A general conversation group (for adults) learning English as their second language. Meets every Monday (except holidays) at regularly scheduled time. No registration required; all are welcome. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m. 703-248-5034.

THEATER&ARTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 “An Act of God” Written by 13-time Emmy Award winner David Javerbaum (The Daily Show), this exceptionally witty comedy delivers a new meaning to the phrase divine intervention. God is back. And he’s got a lot to say. Inhabiting the body of beloved DC actor Tom Story (Round House Theatre’s “Angels in America,” MetroStage’s “Fully Committed”), and flanked by his ever-faithful archangels, the Supreme Being gifts his mortals with an entirely new set of Ten Commandments in a sinfully funny whirlwind of comedy heaven. Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 8 p.m. sigtheatre.org.

THURSDAY, 2 SATURDAY,FEBRUARY OCTOBER 21 “Moon Over Buffalo.” From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s “Private Lives,” when they receive word that they might just have

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart. James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church) $20. 7:30 p.m. providenceplayers.org. “The Mistress Cycle” Jezebel, Siren, Vixen or Enchantress? “The Mistress Cycle” tells the story of five women: Tess, a struggling 30-something Manhattan photographer; Anais Nin, the famed sexual adventuress of the early 20th century; Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henri II in France in the 16th century; Lulu White, a turn-of-the-last-century New Orleans Madame; and Ching, a 14-year-old concubine in 12th century China. Though they come from different times and cultures, they share a sisterhood. An intelligent new musical work filled with stories of passion, compromise, heartbreak and renewal. Creative Cauldron (410 S Maple Ave., Falls Church). $30. 8 p.m. creativecauldron.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 “Assassins.” While “Assassins” entreats audiences to a tuneful carnival filled with portrayals of history’s most notorious presidential assassins and would-be killers, it also tests the limits of free speech and questions “The American Dream” itself. With no seat more than 20 feet from the game with the highest stakes in the land, NextStop’s production promises a profound, Presidential theatrical experience you won’t soon forget. NextStop Theatre (269 Sunset Dr., Herndon). $40. 2 p.m. 1ststagetysons.org.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, 2 THURSDAY,FEBRUARY OCTOBER 12

CA L E NDA R

OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 19

Paco Peña. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $35 – $45. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900. Aces In Chains: A Tribute to Alice In Chains. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $12 – $15. 8:30 p.m. 703-2370300. Thrillbilly’s. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13 Dan & Chuck. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283. Tenth Avenue North “I Have This Hope Tour” + Brandon Heath + Jon McLaughlin. Jammin’ Java at McLean Bible Church (8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna). $29 – $49. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. An Evening with Lloyd Cole. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. Lara St. John, Violin, Matt Herskowitz, Piano. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $45. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1900. The Clarks with Scott Kurt and Memphis 59. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $18 – $21. 9 p.m. 703237-0300. Cactus Liquors. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. The Days. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Steve Hock and Jess Robinson. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

The Wingits. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283.

Big Tow. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-5329283.

California Bob Live and In Concert. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.

The Annual Raven’s Night 2017 featuring this year’s theme “The Ghosts of La Belle Epoque” – An Esoteric Evening of Belly

SON LITTLE will be at playing at Wolf Trap in Vienna next Wednesday (Photo: MetroLyrics)

Dance & Entertainment. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500. The Music of Simon & Garfunkel performed by Swearingen & Kelli. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. The Bobs. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $30 – $35. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900. Gina’s Soul Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. Bhintuna International’s Women in Concert – Washington, D.C. featuring Abhaya and the Steam Injuns, Astha Raut and Malina Joshi. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $27 – $45. 8:30 p.m. 703-237-0300. Arnell Boyd. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 Dixieland Direct. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1:15 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Josh Allen Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Sara Niemietz & W.G. Snuffy Walden. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Reggae Sundae with Irits. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-532-9283.

Brian McKnight. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $25. 7:30 p.m. 703549-7500.

Colin Hay In Concert with Chris Trapper. Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street, NW, Washington, D.C.). $45 – $59.50. 8 p.m. 877-4359849.

Mark Wenner & The Blues Warriors. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Dan Hovey/David Kitchen Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703241-9504.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 Wolf Blues Jam Weekly Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Son Little. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $20. 8 p.m. 703-2551900. Open Mic with Vern Santmyer. JV’s Restaurant (666 Arlington Blvd., Arlington) 8 p.m. 703-5228340.

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046 Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

PAGE 20 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

SPO RTS

Mustangs Walloped by Marshall, Look to Regroup for Home Stretch BY ALEX MOORE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The Marshall Statesmen handed the George Mason Mustangs a tough 49-8 road loss last Friday in a clash between two Falls Church area high school football teams. With the defeat, the George Mason fell to 5-2 on the season. Marshall improved its record to 6-1. The shorthanded Mustangs struggled all around in this romp. Heading into the game, George Mason was missing two key players, running back and linebacker Jack Felgar and defensive back Enzo Paradiso, and shortly after kickoff it lost another, running back and defensive back West Hagler. Despite the injuries, the blowout loss was still a surprise for a team that started the season 5-0 and conceded its only defeat in a game that was decided by a single point. On Friday, the Mustangs didn’t look like themselves. On defense, George Mason couldn’t contain Marshall’s option

plays and surrendered 29 points before halftime. On his own, Statesmen quarterback Andrew Margiotta managed to rush for three touchdowns in the first two quarters. On offense, the Mustangs couldn’t find any rhythm with the run game they’ve relied on all season, mustering only 139 yards on 48 carries. Power running back Finn Roou seemed to miss the balance his speedy counterpart Felgar brings to the offense, and averaged an uncharacteristically low 2.7 yards per carry. Quarterback Thomas Creed scored the team’s only touchdown on a 1-yard rush, and Roou added the rest of his team’s points on a two-point conversion. After halftime, the game was decided. Marshall would score another 20 points and shut out the Mustangs the rest of the way. Following the game, Mustangs head coach Adam Amerine knew where his team needed to improve. “I think we are in good shape mentally,” he said. “Physically is where we need to get better.”

Although he acknowledged that injuries influenced his team’s performance, he also noted that “everyone has injuries at this time of year” and “reserves must step up and carry the load for a few weeks.” He certainly didn’t blame the loss on injuries, saying that Marshall deserved credit for “playing an outstanding game.” Moving forward, Amerine anticipates that his team will rebound. “We knew going into the season the back half of the schedule would be tough,” he said. “We just need to bear down and as coaches get our players to play on the same level as those teams.” The Mustangs now gear up for a daunting final stretch of the season, all of which are against Bull Run district rivals. Unfortunately for Mason their two toughest and most important games of the season won’t be on home turf. They’ll travel to play a 7-0 Central High School on Oct. 20 before making the trip to Berryville to face a 7-1 Clarke County High School on Oct. 27.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

T��� W��� �� S�����

LEADING THE WAY is senior Estelle Timar-Wilcox whose 13th place �inish at the Gunpowder Falls Invitational in Jerusalem, MD this past weekend presented a challenge for the Mustangs. It was a change of pace for Mason’s girls cross country team as they’ve hosed their competition throughout the regular season with a 5-0 record. The clean slate was capped off by two big district wins in the past two weeks as the Mustangs defeated Madison County High School 19-44 on Oct. 4 and snagged the top �ive slots en route to a 15-85 victory over Clarke County High School on Oct. 11. A hilly course at Gunpowder Falls pushed Mason, but couldn’t stop the girls from �inishing 4th out 19 teams. (P����: C���� S��)

Mason Continues Winning Ways with 4 Straight BY MATT DELANEY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The wins keep coming for George Mason High School’s volleyball team as they downed Central High School 3-1 before travelling to Strasburg to gut out a five set, 3-2 win on the road. Last Thursday’s match against Central captured both the frustration and inspiration that comes with watching the Mustangs compete. A dominant first set made way for a lax second set and, ultimately, an unnecessary amount of drama against an overmatched team. Even with the dip in intensity, Mason recovered and handled the Falcons with relative ease. It’s just continuing to perform at their level, instead of their opponents’, that proves to be the challenge. “Some of the [players] weren’t ready to play. We’re working on some responsibility stuff,” Mason head coach Hillary Trebels, who benched some starters for the opening set after they failed to bring their game jerseys, said. “But we won the first set and then took them for granted in the second and had to wake back up.” Starters be damned as the few key replacements helped the

Mustangs seal an opening set victory. Though fairly even at one point with Mason leading 8-6, the Mustangs pulled away going up 18-10 and then eventually drawing a 25-15 win by forcing Central to commit mental errors. Mason held the skill advantage heading into the second set, but eased up on the intensity which rocked their footing for middle part of the contest. A 7-2 early lead followed by a 12-7 midpoint edge kept the Mustangs comfortably ahead. The Falcons, however, were intent on knocking Mason off their recliners and hounded the Mustangs for the latter half of the match. Central got close down 15-14 and and then 18-17, but after Mason gained some breathing room up 20-17, the Falcons scored eight of the next 11 points to snatch a 25-23 win from the Mustangs. A small Central fan base riled up their team as the Falcons led 7-3 soon into the third set and appeared prime for an upset. But Mason recentered themselves and tallied 13 of the next 17 points to flip Central on their head with a 16-11 margin. The Falcons narrowed it to 17-16, though again the Mustangs dusted the visitors

by spiking and acing them into submission with a 25-19 result. By the final match Mason had broken Central’s spirit. A 6-6 draw early was seemed like a facade after the Mustangs racked up 19 points to the Falcons’ four to close the match with 25-10 victory. It’s that closing ability that keeps taking sets off for Mason, but does seem to come to the fore when they need it most. “We slightly improve but we still have a long way to go with closing,” junior outside hitter Riley Ruyak said. “We always get to the last point, but then we get in a rut on serving so we really gotta get back to the basics: one pass, one set, one hit.” Mason showed their closing ability against Strasburg on Tuesday. The Mustangs rose to the challenge when it mattered most and defeated the Rams in five sets. Mason’s won both of their five set matches this season, showing they can close, it just takes dire circumstances to bring it out. Next up Mason will travel to Madison County High School today (Thursday) before returning home next Tuesday, Oct. 24, for against Rappahannock County High School.

ON THE FINAL LEG of his race at the Gunpowder Falls Invitational is sophomore Henry Brorsen, who wound up placing 34th and helped Mason’s boys cross country team place 7th out 32 teams this past weekend. The boys team hasn’t been quite as dominant as their fellow Mustangs on the girls side, but still have been more than comparable in Bull Run district competition. Facing off against Madison County two weeks ago, the boys won a slim 27-28 victory over the Mountaineers before cruising to a 20-48 win against Clarke County on Oct. 11 to finish the regular season at 4-1. Now, after some weekend competition to stay sharp, both the boys and the girls prepare for the postseason that’s set to kick off with a District Meet on Oct. 25. (P����: C���� S��)

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

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1. "What ____, chopped liver?" 4. Dallas-to-Houston dir. 7. Parts of a contract 14. La Brea fossil preserve 16. Scuba gear component 17. 2000s CBS drama created by David Mamet 18. "Tastes so good, cats ask for it by name" sloganeer 19. Suffix with prank or poll 20. Composer of many patriotic tunes in honor of the country seen at the end of his name 21. Move like a moth 23. Almost any "Get rich quick!" offer 25. Get rid of 29. Accomplishment for a soprano 31. ____ rage (result of juicing) 33. Bongo or conga 34. Long Island town 36. Moonves and Nielsen 38. McDonald's founder Ray 39. Slippery like a fish 40. Korean-born LPGA star who is the youngest living World Golf Hall of Fame inductee 43. Walked heavily 47. Basic first step 48. "Ain't happening" 50. Sonnets, odes and such 51. Hands, in Honduras 53. Remarkable deed 55. "Did Hannah see ____? Hannah Did" (palindrome) 56. Czech-made auto that's part of the Volkswagen Group 58. "Witness" director Peter

STRANGE BREW

60. 63. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70.

OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017 | PAGE 21 40. "Cheers" bartender 41. When a plane is due in, for short 42. Harry's pal at Hogwarts 44. Sneaks a peek through a window 45. Suffix in many language names 46. Prefix with functional 49. Shade of green 52. Shirts' opponents in a pickup game 54. Bar closing time, perhaps 57. Double-reed woodwind 59. Antlered animals 60. Ice cream container 61. Unlock, in verse 62. Orch. section 63. 1960s atty. gen. 64. Uganda's Amin 65. Org. for which Edward Snowden once worked

Samsung competitor Arrives, as fog So far Minor documents? Corbin of "L.A. Law" Tour de France units: Abbr. Long of "Alfie"

DOWN

1. Lawyer: Abbr. 2. ____-jongg 3. "Take this job and shove it!" 4. Trig function 5. Incorrectly prepares 007's martini 6. Ballpark fig. 7. Twinings offering with a "soft, floral aroma" 8. In ____ of 9. Came (from) 10. Ascending in economic class ... or a description of 7-, 15- and 24-Down either individually or moving left-to-right 11. Dweller in a virtual "City" 12. Prefix with center 13. ____ ed 15. Nix 20. ____ Paulo, Brazil 21. Lad mag that originated in the U.K. 22. 2018 Super Bowl number 24. First light 26. Singer Grande, to fans 27. Mystery author Grafton 28. What dialing 911 may bring 30. The "C" of FDIC: Abbr. 32. Rural road sign silhouette 35. Bank offering 37. [You cad!]

JOHN DEERING

Last Thursday’s Solution G E T Z I D E A G U N P A W H A T C O C A S O L P U T I A H N A P U S N O T M E G O I S E N T T E E H

Sudoku Level:

1

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N A U S M A A L

A P S S H Y

O N N O U I N P P O Q H O T A N Y S T T O E E

L E D A T A D O N E N D A N A S O M U O I N T E I T S N E T K E Y

O N E I F

C E S S P O O O L L E S H E A R T I A L

U S E S U P

S C R U B S

T O T E S

E S T A

Y E A A T R M

N K S B I T A D Y

By The Mepham Group 4

1

1

LOOSE PARTS

DAVE BLAZEK

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

© 2017 N.F. Benton

10/22/17

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

© 2017 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | OCTOBER 19 – 25, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Critter Corner

BACK IN THE DAY

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20 s Yearo Ag

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20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press

Falls Church News-Press Vol. VII, No. 32 • October 23, 1997

It is now the time fo r all good to go cows to aid of the p a s their ture . * * * Throw * * Pour it up. it up

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVII, No. 33 • October 18, 2007

10 Year s Ago

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Planning Commission Votes to Let State Theatre Work Begin

Connolly Touts Firm Belt Tightening Moves to Brace for Housing Decline

After three successive meetings refusing to grant permission to the new owners of the State Theatre to begin renovating their site, the Planning Commission voted 7-0 Monday to OK the start of work. It marked a dramatic reversal of the Commission’s earlier insistence that no work could commence until signed agreements ensuring adequate parking were in hand.

“We haven’t exactly sent out any press releases about this. It’s known within the county government, but not necessarily to the general public,” Fairfax County Board Chair Gerry Connolly told the News-Press in an exclusive interview yesterday. “But we’ve already implemented some tough belt-tightening measures to cope with the downturn in the residential real estate market

Fa l l s C h u r c h

Business News & Notes

DON’T BE DECEIEVED by Freddy’s grouchy expression pictured above. The Benton family’s cat has been living the good life for the past 18 and a half years and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon. Things are going purrrfectly for the geri-catric fellow.

Grand Opening Celebration for Relocated Edward Jones Office

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

Financial Advisor Kevin McFarland is hosting a grand opening celebration for the relocated Edward Jones office now at 917 W. Broad St., Suite 201 in Falls Church. An open house will take place today from 5 – 7:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. For more information call 703-237-8723.

8th Annual ROCK the HOUSE Home Buyer Happy Hour at Mad Fox on Oct. 25 Tori McKinney and the Rock Star Realty team are hosting the eighth annual Rock the House Home Buyer Happy Hour at Mad Fox Brewing Company on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. The free event includes refreshments and a chance to meet and learn from housing professionals from the mortgage, title, home inspection, builders and other related industries. To register, go to eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-house-freehome-buying-happy-hour-tickets-38532008274.

India Hicks Truck Show coming to Pursuing Vintage on Wednesday Pursuing Vintage is hosting an India Hicks truck show and sale to benefit the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. Refreshments will be offered and 15 percent of proceeds will benefit the foundation. Those unable to attend the event can still shop online to benefit JB-LF until Oct. 31. To shop online at Pursuing Vintage, visit pursuingvintage.com and mention JB-LF at checkout. To shop India Hicks online, visit indiahicks.com/event/jb-lf-2017/shopping. Pursuing Vintage is located at 260 W. Broad Street in space attached to Zoya’s Atelier. For more information about the event, email kristen@pursuingvintage.com. For more information about the benefiting foundation, visit jenniferbushlawsonfoundation. org.

Grace Christian Academy Set for Veterans Day 10K Grace Christian Academy will host its On Eagles’ Wings Veterans Day 10K race on Friday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. It begins after the scholars of Grace Christian Academy recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Refreshments, an awards ceremony, prizes immediately follow the event. Proceeds will be shared between the Grace Christian Academy tuition assistance program which helps provide scholarships for economically disadvantaged families, and Decorate a Vet, which helps Northern Virginia veterans maintaining and beautifying their sidewalks and landscapes, and then decorates their homes for the holidays. For more information about the Grace Christian Academy or the race, visit gracechristianacademy.org. For more information about Decorate a Vet visit decorateavet.org.

Hand & Stone Spa Host Chamber’s Monthly Networking Mixer Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa will host the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce’s October networking mixer on Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Refreshments and the opportunity to learn about Hand & Stone’s services will be available at this free event. Hand & Stone is located at 6112 Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church. For more information, visit handandstonefallschurch.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH

TM

John Gaul, SINCE 1925. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t look his best. Now, he and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CLEANING SERVICES

House Cleaning Service Available 7 days a week Weekly - By Weekly - Monthly or by Time Move Out - Move In • 14 years Experience Good References • Senior Discount For Further Information: Call Susy • Cell (703) 901-0596

OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017 | PAGE 23

Handyman Service All repairs, plumbing, drywall, doors, windows, rotted wood, siding, gutters, lighting + more FREE estimates, insured Call Doug (703)556-4276

www.novahandyman.com

OTHER SERVICES

JOSEPH HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Couselors & Attorneys At Law

Get 10% off labor with this ad [must be presented at first consultation]

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Janine S. Benton, Esq jb@jbentonlaw.com We Assist: government contractors small & large businesses

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Tel: 703.217.2632

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Fax: 703.832.3236 400 Maple Ave., So., Suite 210, Falls Church, Virginia 22046

C L AS S I F I E DS For Sale HOUSE FOR SALE 5729 Norton Road Alexandria VA 22303 $472,740. Phone: 202-742-7290 Senate Realty Corporation 909 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 FAIR HOUSING & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REALTOR

Help Wanted TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER

(Falls Church, VA) �Provide technical direction for technical aspects of multiple computer systems development projects from definition phase through implementation. Resumes to: Astegic, Inc., 7600 Leesburg Pike, West Bldg, Suite 320, Falls Church, VA 22043-2004, Attention: Human Resources. Must reference “Technical Project Manager” when applying.

Services HOUSE KEEPING SERVICE Dust-Sweep-VacuumDisinfect-Mop-LinensTrash Removal Great References 20 Years Experience Falls Church Resident Call Rosane Cell 703-462-4316

Public Notice PUBLIC AUCTION In accordance with the Virginia Self Storage Act, Section 55-419 F, notice is hereby given that the contents of the following rental storage spaces located at Fort Knox Self Storage will be offered for sale: 755 Sandra Delcid, 754 Julia Ezell. Sale will be held Online at: StorageTreasure.com Friday, October 20, 2017 1:00 p.m.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading by the City Council on September 11, 2017; and second reading and public hearing are scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard. (TO17-14) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE TO COMMUNITY HAVENS, INC. OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 366 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET (MILLER HOUSE) In order to facilitate the construction of a group home for low to moderate income cognitively disabled adults, the City desires to sell city-owned property (house and land) located at 366 N. Washington Street, known as the Miller House, for the price of $1.00, and subject to the terms and conditions of a Comprehensive Agreement, to Community Havens, Inc. All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH CITY CLERK ABC LICENSE BLACK DOG STUDIOS, LLC, Trading as: Pinot’s Palette 2727 Merrilee Drive, Suite 1, Fairfax, Fairfax County, Virginia 22031-4407. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On & Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Christine Rees, Owner. 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 two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

classads@fcnp.com

.

We are pledged to the letter andspirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

#BeUnderstood

SOME PARENTS WANT THEIR KIDS TO TRY HARDER. SOME KIDS ARE TRYING AS HARD AS THEY CAN. Learning and attention issues can look different to parents and kids. That’s why there’s Understood, a free online resource with answers, advice and tools to help your child thrive. Go from misunderstanding to understood.org.

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PAGE 24 | OCTOBER 19 - 25, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

For Sale

Under Contract

Under Contract

SOLD

ct Contra ys! in 4 da

8216 Holland Rd | Alexandria

1822 Taylor St | Arlington

Beautiful colonial on over 1 acre of land featuring 5 BD/3.5 BA, large dome shaped addition perfect for family room or dance studio! Walk to the Potomac River from this fantastic location. Offered at $824,900

4905 17th St | N Arlington

Adorable expanded N. Arlington Cape with stone front and 3 finished levels. Featuring 4 BD/3 BA, hardwood floors and numerous updates. Price: Low $900’s

1021 N. Garfield St, #918 | Arlington

Spectacular 2 BD/2 BA condo in vibrant downtown Clarendon, steps to Metro, rooftop pool and gym. Offered at $675,000

Representing Buyers Stunning 5 BD/4.5 BA Craftsman in sought after Cherrydale neighborhood. Gourmet kitchen, hardwood flooring, built-ins. Detached garage and private yard. Offered at $1,550,000

SOLD

SOLD

405 Hillwood Ave | Falls Church City

Look no further! Absolutely stunning 2 BD/2.5 BA AND den in sought after Byron in the heart of Falls Church City. Lovely views from the balcony and THREE garage parking spaces and TWO storage units. Pristine condition. Offered at $765,000

Stop by our Falls Church City office (conveniently located next to the Hilton),

Louise Molton Phone: 703 244-1992 louise@moltonrealestate.com

and let us know how we can help you with your real estate needs.

513 W Broad St #704 | Falls Church City

Pristine 4 BD/2.5 BA town home in Whittier Park. Many updates and shows beautifully. 2 car garage and walk to all that Falls Church City has to offer. Offered at $839,000

710 W Broad St, Falls Church VA 22046 ~ 703-596-5303 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

®

REALTOR

R C ST R R ealty

Open Sunday 2-4 ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

TM

JOIN US

6th Annual

Home Buying Happy Hour

R c the H use Your Backstage Pass to Homeownership

early RSVP for a k! free drin

Light, bright and inviting! Six bedrooms ( one on main level + au paire suite), den/office and five baths. Gorgeous master bath has slipper tub and separate shower. Stunning gourmet maple and granite kitchen adjoins large family room with fireplace, and door to deck and back yard. Inviting front porch with room for rockers! Walk out rec room, media room and tons of storage. Hardwood floors on main and upper levels. Second fireplace in spacious LR. Wonderful open floor plan. 6609 Gordon Ave, Falls Church, Va 22046. Priced at $1,225,000.

Learn From Real Estate ROCK STARs Lenders, Title Experts & more

• BEER + BITES • LIVE MUSIC w/Yeonas Brothers Band

• PRIZES Falls Church City

Wed, Oct. 25 | 5–8pm

RSVP: 17rth.eventbrite.com 703-867-8674

Proud Sponsor of ®

REALTOR

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2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Registe r ear for extr ly a Prize E ntry

Lifetime Top Producer

Housing Commission, Vice Chair

Tori@ToriRocksRealEstate.com ToriRocksRealEstate.com 2012–2017

© 2017 Tori McKinney, LLC