OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXVI N o . 35
F.C. Schools Enrollment Ticks Up as Others Fall
Northern Virginia’s Newspaper
Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free
‘Democracy Thrives In Sunshine’
SPORTING A GOLDEN BLADE
In Anomaly, Compared to Down Sharply Elsewhere by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Falls Church City Schools have enjoyed modest enrollment growth, a development in sharp contrast to lower enrollment levels at other regional school systems this fall. According to enrollment data provided by Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS), the division has approximately 2,745 students enrolled this fall, with official numbers submitted to the state last week. For Falls Church, this represents a steady increase from the 2,712 students enrolled during the same period last year. While a net addition of roughly 33 students may seem modest, it represents a resilient, counter-cyclical growth trend. As school districts across the Commonwealth of Virginia confront a widespread demographic decline, FCCPS has
Continued on Page 3
Table Of Contents News Briefs Page 2 LWV Guide Pages 4-5 Editoral Page 6 Home & Real Estate Page 7- 15 Calendar Page 19 Sports Page 18
ON A RAINY DAY last weekend, many local businesses closed due to the weather, but Golden Blade Barbers in downtown Falls Church stayed open and did a brisk business. (Photo: News-Press)
Spanberger Hosts First of Its Kind Security Conference by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday hosted 1,000 law enforcement, public safety, and community leaders from across Virginia in Richmond for a first-ofits-kind statewide summit on developing practical solutions to modernize emergency preparedness, build a more resilient Commonwealth, and make Virginia safer during crises. The Unified Readiness Summit brought together
stakeholders from 30 different sectors – including law enforcement, fire and EMS, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and higher education. The summit focused on integrating partners across disciplines that have not typically planned together to identify gaps and make sure Virginia is prepared for a wide range of critical incidents – from extreme weather and natural disasters to cyberattacks and acts of mass violence. Based on findings and feedback from leaders in attendance, Governor Spanberger
will work with members of the General Assembly, state partners, and local leaders to strengthen preparedness through new laws and executive action. “Every community in Virginia deserves to know that when a crisis comes, their local leaders have the tools and systems in place to work together – and the support they need from state partners,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “That takes more than individual organizations doing their jobs well – it takes shared
planning, strong partnerships, and a Commonwealth committed to solving challenges proactively. I look forward to working to implement the commonsense solutions identified today as we continue building a stronger and more resilient Commonwealth. Because Virginians should be able to trust that when we face our next challenge, our partners are ready.” The summit builds on seven Regional Readiness Summits
Continued on Page 21
PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
F���� C����� N��� B�����
Fire Station 6 Open House – Meet Firefighters and EMTs Falls Church Fire Station 6 is holding an Open House on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 555 N. Washington Street. Explore firetrucks, state-of-the-art fire and emergency medical service equipment, watch demonstrations, learn about fire safety and safe charging of devices, tools and e-bikes, and chat with local firefighters and EMTs. Interestingly, this annual event is held the second week of October to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This event is jointly hosted by the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department and the Arlington County Fire Department. All ages are welcome and there is no charge to attend. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) theme for 2026 is “Safe Charging is a Superpower, Charge into Fire Safety,” and you can find safety tips at www.nfpa.org/Events/ Fire-Prevention-Week#cmpaign-safety-messages.
Calling All Volunteers to the Falls Church Halloween Carnival Volunteers are needed to help bring the Little City’s annual Halloween Carnival to life. The outdoor event will take place on Saturday, October 24, at Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave, and will feature carnival games, inflatable bounce houses, an obstacle course, and candy. Volunteers must be 13 years or older. Three volunteer shifts are available between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteer duties include assisting with giving out prizes, monitoring the bounce houses, and running carnival games for ages 11 and under. Please plan to stay for your entire selected timeslot. In the event of rain, the carnival will be moved into the Community Center. For more info and to sign up visit: fallschurchva.gov/HalloweenCarnival.
Early Voting is Available Now Through October 31
Remember to vote in the mid-term elections, with early voting available now through October 31, during Registrar hours at City Hall, 300 Park Ave. Check their website for specific daily hours and for holiday closings: fallschurchva.gov/vote.
Falls Church Arts Outdoor Painting Fest Rescheduled for October 17 The Plein Air Festival originally scheduled to take place on September 26 has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to noon on the grounds of Falls Church City Hall. The festival culminates in a People’s Choice Award and a Quick Draw Competition that’s free and open to the public. The Quick Draw Competition takes place from 8 – 11 a.m. and is open to all levels and ages with a $15 entry free. Participating artists have been painting outdoors during this unique festival that began on August 29. Winners for the award and competition will be announced at noon on Saturday, FC City Hall grounds, 300 Park Ave. For details visit: FallsChurchArts.org.
Falls Church Arts Opening Night Reception for “Flow” Meet the artists behind the new exhibit, “Flow,” on Saturday, October 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 700-B West Broad Street. The 48 works (by 41 artists) incorporate a range of water-based media such as acrylic, watercolor, gouache, fabric dye, and sumi ink to egg tempera. The exhibit runs from October 10 through November 29. For more information visit: FallsChurchArts.org.
“Neck in Neck” by Jingjing Chen on Display in “Flow.” (Photo: Falls Church Arts)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
F.C. Schools Enrollment Up Slightly, Down Everywhere Else Regionally
Continued from Page 1
consistently maintained its footing. The primary catalyst for this local enrollment expansion is the completion of several major mixed-use, high-density residential developments within the city boundaries. Projects like West Falls, Broad and Washington, and Founders Row II began delivering units through 2025 and 2026. Demographic modeling from the George Mason University Stephen S. Fuller Institute previously indicated that these developments could inject between 150 and 280 new students into the school system over a multi-year horizon. This influx has successfully offset the natural “birth cliff”
that is currently suppressing kindergarten numbers elsewhere across the state. The enrollment growth in Falls Church City stands in stark contrast to the broader trends shaping the Northern Virginia (NoVA) region and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. According to data compiled by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center, total public K–12 enrollment in Virginia dropped by nearly 15,000 students heading into the current era, with regional analysts projecting a 5.6 percent contraction in NoVA’s student body between 2025 and 2030. Falls Church City (FCCPS): Increased to approximately 2,745 students. Defying regional contraction via dense
6795 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 3
LOCAL
residential development. Arlington Public Schools (APS): Decreased by 1.6 percent at the start of the term. Facing bottom-up cohort shrinkage despite historically high staffing rates. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Sustained declines, down more than 3,000 in a single cycle. Experiencing significant net migration to private alternatives and external counties. Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS): Projected shrinkage, dropping to approximately 77,360 by 2031. Transitioning from a high-growth outer suburb to a stabilizing, aging community. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS): Decreased by more than 2,600 students. Compounding
www.edencenter.com
Looking to Advertise? Reach 20,000+ local readers in one of the region’s most affluent markets, where Falls Church City’s median household income is $181,525. Advertise in the News-Press. Contact Sue Johnson at sjohnson@fcnp.com.
AM I OKAY TO DRIVE? BUZZED DRIVING
IS DRUNK DRIVING
Reach Over 1 Million Readers With This Ad!
No other media offers the audience of loyal, local, repeat readers you’ll reach through community newspapers! We can target your message, statewide or regional.
Reach
Contact Kelly McCauley (804) 521-7580
Let Commonwealth Media Solutions do all the work for you at a discounted cost.
PAGE 4 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 5
PAGE 6 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general interest community newspaper. Vol. XXXVI, No. 34 OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Member, Virginia Press Association •
Nicholas F. Benton Owner & Editor-In-Chief nfbenton@fcnp.com
Nick Gatz Managing Editor ngatz@fcnp.com
Sue Johnson Advertising Sales sjohnson@fcnp.com
Amy Bowker Copy Editor Circulation
delivery@fcnp.com
To Contact the News-Press
phone: 703-532-3267 email: fcnp@fcnp.com display advertising sjohnson@fcnp.com 703-587-1282
classified & Legal ads classads@fcnp.com letters to the editor letters@fcnp.com News & Notes newsandnotes@fcnp.com Obituaries obits@fcnp.com subscriptions distribution & delivery delivery@fcnp.com
Editorial
Conflicting Data On Auto Factors
This Monday , the Falls Church City Council received a detailed briefing on the status of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s Envision Route 7 project and offered feedback on potential bus priority treatments evaluated for West Broad and N. Washington Streets. The project is evaluating enhanced transit service and bus priority treatments along the Route 7 corridor in F.C.s west end from the Spring Hill Road in Tyson’s Corner through the City of Falls Church with a connection to the East Falls Church Metrorail station and continuing to the Mark Center in Alexandria. The proposed improvements would provide more frequent and reliable bus service along the Route 7 corridor, and bus priority treatments may include dedicated lanes, transit signal priority and other measures intended to reduce delays and improve transit times. Metrobus F20 currently provides service along Route 7 between Tysons, Falls Church and Alexandria. Metrobus F50 serves S. and N. Washington Street connecting George Mason University and Vienna with downtown Falls Church, East Falls Church and Ballston. A proposed F2X limited stop service is slated to be introduced during key hours in December to add near term transit improvements supporting the longer-term Envision Route 7 bus priority vision. The Envision Route 7 project has been under evaluation for over a decade. It identified Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as the preferred alternative for further study. Subsequent phases evaluated alignment options, developed conceptual engineering and cost estimates and identified design constraints. Two alternatives, full and partial business access (BAT) lanes are being considered to maximize transit benefit through two intersections that now experience major traffic time delays at the intersections of Shreve/Haycock Road and Broad Street, and at Washington and Broad Street. The debate that developed this week concerned whether or not the data is showing that car centric data may conflict with people centric data, as Council member Justine Underhill pointed out. It may be that driver changes have already had an impact on times it takes to move through an intersection, as both she and Mayor Letty Hardi pointed out, and that data from vehicle traffic numbers alone may not be the most reliable when it comes to what it will take to actually move people from one point to another. Studies show that while one alternative would provide the greatest transit benefit, with approximately 105 seconds of estimated travel time savings, they would result in increased traffic delay, with four intersections projected to operate at a failing level of service, also reducing the general purpose roadway capacity along approximately 3.1 miles of the corridor. We concur with Underhill and Hardi on the preferred approach to the growing traffic burdens on the City that do not necessarily coincide with what car numbers alone may show.
www.fcnp.com The News-Press is certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to publish official legal notices including probate, abc notices, small and foreign estates. We will provide the appropriate paperwork. A comprehensive book on the 36 year history of the News-Press, “The Life and Times of the Falls Church NewsPress”: by Charlie Clark (History Press, 2023), can be purchased at local bookstores or online. The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area to over 140 locations. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2025 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper. A searchable archive of all issues of the Falls Church News-Press since 1991 can be found at bit.ly/44kt6Sc.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Smokey Bear is within us all.
Platform 1. Keep the news clean and fair. 2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial content. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors. 6. Give ‘value received’ for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.
For wildfire prevention tips, visit
SmokeyBear.com
Fall
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Home & Real Estate
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 7
Home & Real Estate
Guide
PAGES 7 -15
PAGE 8 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Rate Talk with Tori: How Buyers, Sellers, and Lenders are Collaborating
BY TORI MCKINNEY
REALTOR® | CEO ROCK STAR REALTY GROUP
Interest rates went up again – and we all want them to drop. I could easily fill this column with charts and percentages, but that’s a song you’ve already heard. I would rather share something I have witnessed over the past few months, because it has been one of the most encouraging stretches of my career. When borrowing gets more expensive, the assumption is that everyone digs in. Buyers pull back, sellers hold firm, and the whole process becomes a tug-of-war. What I am seeing on the ground looks very different. Buyers, sellers, and lenders are pulling up chairs to the same table and reading from the same sheet music. They are asking a better question: how do we make this
work for everyone? A few weeks ago, I sat down with one of my sellers to review an offer. The buyers loved the house, but at today’s rates the monthly payment stretched them further than they were comfortable going. Instead of haggling over price, my seller offered to fund a rate buy-down, paying an amount at closing to lower the buyers’ interest rate. That one decision brought the payment within reach. The buyers got their home, my seller got a committed buyer, and everyone walked away feeling good about it. Lenders have been wonderful partners in all of this. The best ones are getting creative, shaping loan options around a buyer’s actual life and reaching out to listing agents early to talk through how a seller can help. Amit Kaim, our trusted lender partner at First Heritage
Mortgage, sees it every day. He says, “Rates may be rising, but that’s where creative collaboration makes a difference. When loan officers, buyers, sellers, and agents work together to explore the options, we can find solutions that bring everyone to the closing table feeling good about the outcome.” Sellers are stepping up to the mic too. Many are contributing toward closing costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars and often stand between a buyer and the keys. Others are offering buydowns in place of a price reduction. “A lower price helps, but a seller-funded rate buydown can sometimes do more to make a buyer’s monthly payment manageable. It’s about putting the seller’s contribution where it makes the biggest difference for the buyer’s budget and, with a temporary buydown, making sure the full payment is affordable
Your dream home awaits. Let’s find it together.
Kelly Denton Realtor KellyDentonHomes.com
after that benefit ends,” Amit explains. These sellers have not lost their leverage. They have recognized that helping the right buyer across the finish line means everyone heads into closing day smiling. For a long stretch, buying a home around here felt like a battle. Waived inspections, escalation clauses, and bidding wars set the tone, and plenty of buyers walked away from that season feeling bruised. These days the calls between agents sound more like a band rehearsal. Everyone is listening, adjusting, and working toward the same song. Sellers remember what it felt like to buy their first home. The whole industry is responding to higher rates by playing together. If you’re buying: Talk with a lender early and ask about every option, including seller-paid buydowns and closing cost credits.
“My advice to buyers feeling discouraged by today’s rates is to focus on what works for your life and budget; not on timing the market. There’s no pressure to force a purchase. With thoughtful planning and a little creativity, we can explore your options and help you move forward when the time is right for you,” Amit says. If you’re selling: Talk with your Realtor to determine what your buyer truly needs. A contribution toward a buy-down or closing costs can sometimes do more for your sale than a price cut. What gives me hope is the way this community responds when things get harder. Falls Church has always been a place where neighbors show up for each other. Right now, that same spirit is playing out in our local real estate market, and that’s music to my ears.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 9
PAGE 10 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
What $2 Million Buys You Now
BY NICK GATZ
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Take $2 million and drive. Start in Falls Church, head west on Route 7 or I-66, and stop every few miles to see what that money buys. By the time you reach Loudoun County, the check that bought a seven-bedroom house on a city lot is buying 15 acres, a pool and a second home on the property. Same budget. Same buyer. A completely different house. In the City of Falls Church, $2 million gets you 2301 Grove Ave., listed at $1.99 million. It has seven bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, 4,279 square feet and a rooftop deck in a mature neighborhood, which works out to about $465 a square foot. It’s also roughly $800,000 above the city’s recent median sale price of about $1.18 million. In Falls Church, $2 million is top-ofthe-market money, and land is the one thing nobody is making more of. Closer in, you pay for the address, cross into Arlington and
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
602 S. Wakefield St. asks $1.999 million for five bedrooms, six baths and 4,924 square feet on a fairly compact suburban lot. That’s about $406 a square foot. You’re paying for Metro, the commute and the ZIP code as much as the drywall. McLean flips the math. 1104 Flor Lane lists at $2.1 million for three bedrooms, three baths and 4,051 square feet. It’s the smallest house on this list and the most expensive per foot, at roughly $518. What the buyer gets is nearly an acre, privacy and a McLean address. Think about that for a moment: McLean’s recent median sale is about $1.95 million, so $2 million there doesn’t buy luxury. It buys average. Head west, get more house in Vienna, 105 Yeonas Drive SW recently sold for $2.1 million. It has seven bedrooms, six-and-ahalf baths and 6,033 square feet, about $348 a foot, and it’s still minutes from Tysons. Around Fairfax, 10704 Warwick Ave. is listed at $1.899 million for new construction
with six bedrooms, six baths and 5,922 square feet. That’s roughly $321 a foot, and you still have $100,000 left over. Then there’s Loudoun. 23028 Creighton Farms Drive asks exactly $2 million for five bedrooms, six baths and 7,422 square feet in a luxury golf community. At about $269 a square foot, that’s half of what the same money buys per foot in McLean. You can also skip the square footage and take the land: 15192 Harrison Hill Lane near Leesburg, also $2 million, comes with 15 acres, a pool and multiple residences. The real price of close. From McLean to Loudoun, the price per square foot drops by nearly half. Close to Washington, $2 million buys location, convenience and land that’s hard to find. Drive west and the same check buys space, new construction, privacy and acreage. The question is no longer whether $2 million is luxury money in Northern Virginia. It is. The question is what kind of luxury you want, and how far you’re willing to drive to get it.
How Much Does a School District Add to Home Value?
BY NICK GATZ
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Put two similar houses a mile apart and one can sell for tens of thousands of dollars more. Same bedrooms, similar lot, similar commute. One major difference may be the school assigned to the address. Decades of research suggest buyers pay a measurable premium for access to desirable schools. Economist Sandra Black studied homes near school attendance boundaries, comparing similar neighborhoods assigned to different elementary schools. She found buyers paid about 2.5 percent more for a 5 percent increase in test scores. Later research has associated differences in school performance with roughly a 2 to 6.5 percent difference in home values. On a $1 million Northern Virginia home, that’s potentially $20,000 to $65,000. But buyers aren’t purchasing
test scores. They’re purchasing an address. Fairfax and Loudoun assign public schools based largely on where a student lives, and those boundaries can change. Fairfax approved boundary changes in January 2026 for the 2026-27 school year, while Loudoun has also redrawn attendance zones. That means part of a home’s perceived value can change with a school board decision. It matters even if you don’t have children because future buyers might. Schools aren’t responsible for every price difference, either. Commutes, lot sizes, parks and neighborhood amenities also affect prices. Still, in Northern Virginia, where homes routinely approach or exceed $1 million, even a few percentage points matter. The school district isn’t written into your deed, but buyers may still put tens of thousands of dollars of value on it.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE!
HOME LOANS
WHEREVER HOME IS, WE'RE HERE TO HELP. Our local mortgage experts provide personalized guidance for home purchases and refinances, offering trusted hometown service with the flexibility to assist clients both locally and nationwide.
Contact Us Today! 540-545-4926 homeloans@bankofclarke.com
NOW OFFERING a $1,000 LENDER CREDIT
www.BOCHOMELOANS.com
towards closing costs or a permanent interest rate buy down.
*Loan programs are subject to change without notice and may not be available to all borrowers. This advertisement is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and program eligibility requirements. Offer valid on new interest rate locks between September 14th – December 31, 2026. Must provide promo code FALL2026.Excludes construction, bridge, and lot loans. Bank of Clarke NMLS #402313.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Can Tiny Apartments Solve NoVa’s Housing Problem?
BY NICK GATZ
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Picture a 23-year-old who just landed a first real job in the Washington region. The salary is $48,000, maybe $55,000. Almost anywhere else in America that’s a solid start. Here, it’s a math problem with no good answer. Northern Virginia talks about affordable housing constantly, but the harder question is what it will actually take to get younger and lower-paid workers to live here at all. The Number That Says It All Falls Church already has an Affordable Dwelling Unit program, with apartments built into Founders Row, Broad and Washington, The Alder, and Modera Falls Church. The City reported 189 ADUs in 2025, and the program covers a surprisingly broad range of incomes. In 2026, a one-person household earning up to $69,762 falls at 60 percent of Area Median Income. Someone making $93,016 is at 80 percent. Think about that for a moment. You can earn what sounds like a respectable salary almost anywhere else in the country and still qualify for an “affordable” apartment in Falls Church. So where does that leave the kid making $48,000? Shrink the Apartment Maybe the answer isn’t a cheaper version of the same old apartment. Maybe Northern Virginia needs to rethink what an entry-level apartment looks like in the first place. Think 350 to 500 square feet. The bedroom might disappear entirely. The kitchen gets smaller. Storage gets smarter. Parking becomes optional. In exchange, the renter gets Metro access, walkable restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores and places to actually see other people. The price points are already on the books. In Falls Church, an efficiency at 40 percent AMI can rent for a maximum of $983 a month, and the 60 percent maximum is $1,475. A one-bedroom at those same levels runs $1,147 and $1,721. Fairfax County’s affordable rental program lists efficiencies at $1,211 for its lower-income tier and
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
$1,574 for its higher tier. Small units already exist on paper. We just don’t build enough of them. Would Anyone Want This? Building them is only half the equation. Would young Washingtonarea workers choose to live small? Some of them, almost certainly. A recent graduate may happily trade a bigger floor plan for 350 square feet if it means walking to dinner, taking Metro to work (and skipping a $700 monthly car payment). That distinction matters. Small apartments only work if they’re treated as housing designed on purpose for people who value location over square footage, and never as a consolation prize. That means attractive buildings, excellent common areas, shared workspaces, rooftop space, bike storage and a neighborhood with something happening outside the front door. The Workforce Problem Then there’s the jobs problem. Washington has enormous numbers of high-paying professional positions, but the people who keep this region running don’t all earn Washington professional salaries. Teachers. Restaurant workers. Young reporters. Nonprofit staff. Entry-level government employees. Recent graduates. When they can’t afford Falls Church, Arlington or Fairfax, they move farther out, and the whole region ends up building its workforce around longer and longer commutes. The City itself describes Falls Church’s ADU waitlist as “lengthy,” with no estimate of when a unit might open up. Demand isn’t the problem. Build Small, Build Here The next housing experiment could be remarkably simple. Build more units. Build them smaller. Put them where young workers actually want to live, and price them low enough that living small pays off in a real way. The question is no longer whether everyone wants 400 square feet. It’s whether enough people would choose 400 square feet in the right place over 900 square feet an hour away, and whether Falls Church is willing to find out.
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 11
PAGE 12 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Home & Real Estate
Meet Your Home Experts A Falls Church News-Press Advertorial
Fall 2026 Issue Your Local Home Experts
Kelly Denton - Keller Williams
Kelly Denton is a new face in the real estate market, but not new to Falls Church. As a 20+ year resident, Falls Church is not only home for her, but is her primary target market as well. She’s bought and sold over five properties in the Pavilion Condominiums, off Haycock Road, a sought-after community just outside the city limits. She works with each client individually, wholly dedicating herself to the client’s goal and experience. She’s won two awards with Keller Williams for her work and is ramping up to a phenomenal 2026 year. She has 15+ years of property Management experience, a practice she still maintains and applies to her work as a realtor. She’s ready to be your partner, your ally, and your advocate. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram or at KellyDentonHomes.com.
571-326-3022 • KellyDenton@KW.com
Tori McKinney & ROCK STAR realty group Your Home. Your Move. Let’s Make It a Hit. I’m Tori McKinney, CEO and Realtor® with ROCK STAR realty group. I have been helping people buy and sell homes in Northern Virginia for over 21 years, and I’ve called Falls Church home for 28. It’s where I raised my family and built relationships that go way beyond the closing table. My partner, Rob Denza, and I have always believed a challenging market is where real expertise shows up. When rates change the tempo, we change the arrangement. Our sellers get staging and marketing that put their home in the spotlight. Our buyers get trusted lender partners and creative financing options. Then we work together to reach a deal that works for everyone. Got real estate questions? We’ve got coffee. Swing by ROCK the House, where Rob and I are set up every Wednesday from 10 to 11 AM at Northside Social. Think of it as an open mic for real estate. No appointment needed. Let’s talk about your next move.
703-867-8674 • Tori@ROCKSTARrealtygroup.com
Kelly Millspaugh Thompson, Concierge Real Estate Services As a Falls Church City native and small business owner, Kelly strives to make buying and selling less overwhelming for her clients. Kelly opened STYLISH PATINA, her Home+Gift shop, in 2012 and has been a licensed Realtor since 2019. She has been recognized as a Platinum Producer by NVAR and Top Producer by Arlington Magazine. Kelly is known for her cutting edge marketing, business savvy and concierge approach to Real Estate. She and her team are able to manage all aspects of buying and selling a home: home prep, liquidation, organization, renovation, moving, and design. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Kelly has a passion for helping folks as they transition through life stages - needing a larger home for a growing family or downsizing. Kelly is a mother of 5 and understands the stress of moving with children and the overwhelm of transitioning out of a home you raised your family in when it comes time to simplify. These big life transitions are where she finds the most joy in helping families. If you are looking for a Realtor with compassion and commitment to making your next Real Estate transaction less stressful, contact Kelly, 703-303-3700.
simpler and less stressful. I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Request an estimate today. Call or Text: 703-627-6767.
703-627-6767 • Steven@DesignProRemodeling.com
Kathy Pippin In today’s slower, more selective real estate market, strategy matters more than ever. Buyers have more choices, while sellers need smart pricing, preparation, and marketing to stand out. Kathy Pippin is a top-producing Northern Virginia Realtor®, Certified Business Coach, and Mentor with more than $100 million in career sales. She combines local market knowledge, strong negotiation, creative problem-solving, and client education to help buyers recognize opportunities and sellers maximize value. Follow Kathy Pippin Properties on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for local market updates, real estate insights, and practical advice. Call or Text Kathy Pippin @ 703-408-0838.
703-408-0838
Omar Sherzai~Long & Foster Realtors, Falls Church/Arlington Office Omar Sherzai has over 20 years of experience in Real Estate in VA, DC and MD plus over 15 years of customer service and management. A local resident for over 45 years in Northern Virginia. Majority of real estate clients are repeat and referrals from past and present clients. His goal is always to create an environment for the client to have the best experience through their home selling and buying process. Every patron has a different need and achieving the best result is essential. With Omar, you will succeed in your voyage. Welcome to your journey! Visit longandfoster.com/omarsherzai for more information.
703-474-1145 • OMAR@LNF.COM
Zimmermann Homes
Zimmerman builds custom luxury homes of unmatched performance, beauty, and durability. Every home features upgraded products and advanced building techniques for exceptional energy efficiency, low maintenance, and timeless appeal. Work with our talented architect to design your dream home from scratch or select from dozens of proven plans. We can help secure the perfect lot or offer fair market value for your existing property if you’re ready to sell. Right now, we have exciting off-market opportunities: multiple luxury homes under construction and available for sale in the City of Falls Church & the Haycock School Pyramid—ideal for this spring buying season. We also have select off-market lot opportunities for those seeking prime build sites. Don’t miss these exclusive new-build options! Contact us to learn more!
Sales@ZimmermannHomes.com • zimmermannhomes.com
703-303-3700 • realestate@stylishpatina.com •
Steven Papageorge ~Owner, Design Pro Remodeling Hi, my name is Steven Papageorge and I cofounded Design Pro Remodeling in 2008. I’m a Northern Virginia native and a graduate of The Catholic University of America, where I earned a marketing degree and played varsity basketball. My background in athletics has shaped my approach to leadership, teamwork, and customer service. Design Pro is a full-service remodeling company offering interior and exterior renovations, additions, and home-sale preparation. Our five-step process guides homeowners with clear communication, dependable service, and quality craftsmanship, making renovations
Stay informed between issues. Visit FCNP.com for breaking news, updates and more.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 13
How Much Home Can a $150K, $200K or $250K Household Income Buy in NoVa?
BY NICK GATZ
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Make $150,000 a year in Northern Virginia and you feel like you’ve made it. Six figures, comfortably. A generation ago, that kind of money bought a four-bedroom colonial with a yard, a two-car garage and a basketball hoop over the driveway. Then you open the listings, and the math starts punching back. Mortgage rates, property taxes, insurance and home prices are all hitting buyers at the same time. Freddie Mac put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.28 percent on Oct. 1. The median Northern Virginia home sold for about $750,000 in August, according to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. Put those two numbers side by side and you can see why households earning well into six figures are asking a question their parents never had to ask: what can we actually afford?
Running the Numbers
Here is the setup. Assume a buyer puts 20 percent down, takes a 30-year fixed mortgage at about 7.28 percent and keeps housing costs near 28 percent of gross household income, the rule of thumb lenders and planners have leaned on for decades. The estimates below include a general allowance for property taxes and homeowners insurance. They do not include HOA or condo fees, and in Northern Virginia that is no small thing to leave out. $150,000: The Condo Line Gross monthly income comes to $12,500. At 28 percent, that leaves about $3,500 a month for principal, interest, taxes and insurance, which supports a home price of roughly $525,000 to $550,000. In much of Northern Virginia, that means a condo, an older townhouse or a house well outside Arlington, Falls Church and close-
in Fairfax County. Think about that for a moment. This household earns more than $12,000 a month before taxes, and the realistic options still point toward the outer edges of the region.
$200,000: Near the Median, Far From the Dream At $16,667 a month in gross income, the housing budget climbs to about $4,667. That supports a purchase price of roughly $700,000 to $725,000, close to the regional median. Close to the median does not mean a detached house in Falls Church, McLean, Arlington or Vienna. The tradeoffs don’t go away. They change shape: square footage, the age of the house, the school district, the commute, the roof that needs replacing next spring. $250,000: A Wider Door, Same Ceiling A $250,000 household grosses
SOLD - Great Falls, VA
SOLD -Centreville, VA
$1,480,000
$999,999
about $20,833 a month. At 28 percent, that’s roughly $5,833 for housing, enough for a home around $875,000 to $900,000. That opens up far more of the market, including many townhouses and detached homes. But in Northern Virginia’s most expensive neighborhoods, $900,000 can disappear fast, and buyers at this level still find themselves choosing between the house they want and the ZIP code they want. Approved Is Not Affordable The bigger issue is that lenders may approve buyers for a lot more than these estimates. Underwriting can allow higher debt-to-income ratios, especially for borrowers with strong credit, big down payments and little other debt. But qualifying for a mortgage and comfortably carrying one are two different things. That distinction matters. Add two car payments, child-
care, student loans, retirement contributions or a $500 monthly HOA fee, and the math caves in quickly. Barely Through the Front Door That may be the most striking thing about Northern Virginia’s housing market right now. A $150,000 household income is strong. A $200,000 household income is very strong. A $250,000 household income puts a family far above what most Americans earn. Yet here, none of them automatically buys what previous generations would have called an upper-middle-class house, and sometimes it barely gets you through the front door. The question is no longer whether families in Northern Virginia make good money. It’s whether good money is still enough to put down roots in the place they grew up.
Buying, Building, and Selling Homes since 2007
SOLD- Vienna, VA
FOR RENT - Alexandria, VA
$990,000
$4,750
Helping Our Clients Buy, Sell and Invest! Kathy Pippin, Realtor 1313 Dolley Madison BLVD, STE 100, McLean, VA 22101
Website: KathyPippinProperties.com Email: Kathy@Kathypippinproperties.com Call/Text: 703-408-0838
Licensed in VA
SALES@ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM
WWW.ZIMMERMANNHOMES.COM
PAGE 14 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
Real Estate
Home & Real Estate
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
T�� 5 F.C. H��� S���� • J��� – S��������, 2026
1. 3804 LAKEVIEW TERR, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22041• 2. 300 POPLAR DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 3. 400 DORCHESTER RD, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 • 4. 1104 N TUCKAHOE ST, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046 5. 3612 RIDGEWAY TERR, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22044
#1 $2,995,000
#2 $2,872,210
#3 $2,725,000
#4 $2,700,000
#5 $2,451,000
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 15
FALL HOME & REAL ESTATE
Q3 Home Sales:
Falls Church & Surrounding Neighborhoods
Top 3 Sales 300 Poplar Dr - $2,872,210 400 Dorchester Rd - $2,725,000 1104 N Tuckahoe St - $2,700,000
6804 Farragut Ave - $1,200,000 2915 Marshall St - $1,166,000 2833 Woodlawn Ave - $1,109,000
1832 Pimmit Dr - $2,418,405 7631 Lisle Ave - $2,260,000 1926 Hileman Rd - $2,250,000
3804 Lakeview Terr - $2,995,000 3612 Ridgeway Terr - $2,451,000 6340 Waterway Dr - $1,600,000
Falls Church City 22046
Greenway Downs 22042
Pimmit Hills (22043)
Lake Barcroft (22044)
Average Price $1,659,816
$908,429
$1,528,123
$1,395,846
Falls Church City 22046
Greenway Downs 22042
Pimmit Hills 22043
Lake Barcroft 22044
Days on Market 16
Falls Church City (22046)
13
Greenway Downs (22042)
44
Pimmit Hills (22043)
27
Lake Barcroft (22044)
Number of Homes Sold 16
Falls Church City (22046)
7
Greenway Downs (22042)
9
Pimmit Hills (22043)
13
Lake Barcroft (22044)
PAGE 16 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
Evidences of a Living Universe Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
On the likelihood of finding sentient life elsewhere in this universe: It is the clear sense of this observer that sentient life exists in massive abundance across this universe. If there is a problem, it concerns the ability of our current version of it to detect it. The facts that we have so far summoned are that the ingredients of this phenomenon are almost everywhere we look, but the limits on our ability to identify it per se, arise from two factors. First it requires hundreds of millions of years to evolve into a form where we’d recognize it and, second, its continued rapid evolution moves it in an almost breathless speed beyond our ability to recognize it. In other words, it is constantly zipping right past. Of course this is looking at it in terms of current modes of our own existence. The principle deterrents to our ability to even look in the right place are fundamentally associated with the factor of time and our still very primitive way of assessing that. What we count as millions of years in time are to a better appreciation of reality as only the blinkings of an eye. Once we begin to get a handle on this, we will see so much more than we do now. But culturally we are not advanced enough to know this. Why do we measure time from a standpoint of years, for example, when a year is a very limited and imperfect form of measure defined by the time it takes for this infinitesimally small grain of sand, Earth, to cover a certain distance? Are our notions of past, present and future valid? Do we not in our heads, where the root of real knowledge truly does lie, commingle these concepts constantly such that we really don’t know yet how to
identify them yet? But we don’t yet know how to listen to ourselves, to our heads, where core realities and their possibilities hang out. I am not suggesting that we start trying to do it in some weird way, but there are those who are better tuned in than others, and they tend to be the ones who have better insights into what we should be doing to make sure we don’t just kill ourselves off by accident, or something like it, as I think the case may be. The best insights have something to do with the linking of science and deeply personal appreciations of beauty. Our greatest seers usually share their insights in non-traditionally verbal ways, like through music or poetry. In my experience, I would point to key persons who I think may have had insights into this, and it may sound strange, but I suggest we count among them Elton John and Walt Whitman. John’s greatest self-revelation is in his putting Billy Elliott to music, clearly an autobiographical exercise. There is one song, Electricity, where he goes beyond himself to touch something from another world. “It’s like that there’s a music playing in your ear, but the music is impossible, impossible to hear, but then I feel it move me like a burning deep inside, something bursting me wide open, impossible to hide, and suddenly I’m flying, flying like a bird, like electricity, electricity sparks inside of me. And I’m free, I’m free.” Whitman’s poetry is saturated with it. He was, as they say, plugged in. Some day, in a few hundred million more years or so, we will all get this. As for now, just stay open to whatever comes. In fact, that could be a legitimate spiritual mantra, “Just stay open to whatever comes.” Look for it, sing to it, pray to it, await it. You may be surprised by what happens. We know enough already to be able to affirm without question that our universe is alive and humming with expressions of pure beauty, even if way beyond our grasp for now. Stay open to it. Love it.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
Promises made, promises broken. As a campaign theme, that slogan is popular this season. In the current mid-term election cacophony, it seems to be in every Democratic script in every race across the country. Promises made by Donald Trump, like his lies, are almost too numerous to track, but his broken promises are enumerated handily – ending forever wars, reducing grocery prices, opening manufacturing facilities, bringing back overseas jobs, etc. In long ago elections, candidates asked voters to support them because their judgment could be trusted. Candidates were proud of their reputations for fair play and hard work on behalf of others, whether in business or government. Perhaps that’s a bit idealistic or pollyannish; nasty campaigns impugning opponents are hallmarks of American politics going back to the beginning of the nation. It doesn’t always have to be that way, but it’s often an early approach by political consultants right after measuring the strengths of their client candidate. It’s easier to demonize another candidate than it
is, as my grandmother always advocated, to improve your argument. The initial desire to achieve a victory fairly and squarely is replaced by a need to win at all costs, by smearing their opponent as a deadly enemy, not simply someone whose opinions may differ from theirs. Maybe candidates who allow such smears to be generated in their names are blind to what it says about themselves. Or maybe they don’t care. And that’s a sad commentary on politics and American society today. Many candidates disagree when I opine that campaigning is fun; it’s governance that’s hard. Running for office takes a lot of listening, energy, and shoe leather but, once the election results are in, the duty of governance, which is what elected office is all about, kicks in. And that’s where the hard decisions must be made. Regardless of the issue, someone is going to be angry with you, accuse you of not listening, or of breaking promises. Anger is understandable; people will disagree with your approach or with the outcome and voice their displeasure. Not listening is more
nuanced. As an elected official, I listened to many disparate points of view to try to find a balance, but a decision had to be made, and that was my responsibility. Decisions rarely are black or white, but must incorporate many shades of the spectrum, which makes governance both stimulating and challenging. Campaign promises are easy to make, hard to fulfill, and an easy trap for any candidate. Perhaps the most infamous promise is the “tax pledge” that Americans for Tax Reform created during the Reagan Administration. Hundreds of Republican House and Senate candidates signed a pledge to oppose any tax increase proposals simply on principle. The pledge essentially tied the hands of those elected officials and removed any independence, or judgment, to address current and future economic challenges that can affect the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. Promising to work hard on behalf of your constituents is a worthy pledge, one you can easily keep under your control. Promising to end wars or reduce grocery prices, among others, puts you on very shaky ground because there are so many factors outside of your control. That’s a lesson that Mr. Trump and many other officials are learning the hard way.
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of September 21 - 27, 2026 Larceny-Other, Ellison St, Sept 30, 4:52 PM, between Sept 23, 6 PM and Sept 29 6:40 PM, unknown subject(s) removed a black metal bench from the front yard of a residence. Identity Theft, W Broad St, Sept 30, 5:38 PM a report of identity theft was made.
Driving Under the Influence (III), Open Container, E Annandale Rd, Oct 2, 12:19 AM, a male, 46, of Arlington, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence (3rd within 5 to 10 years) and Open Container. Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Chestnut St, Oct 2, 6:18 PM, between Oct 1, 5 PM and Oct 2, 10 AM, unknown suspect removed a license tag from a Ford Escape.
Visit us at fcnp.com
Critter Corner SEND US YOUR PICTURES! See your Pets in the News-Press
CritterCorner@fcnp.com
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
F� � � � C � � � � � B������� N��� � N����
Falls Church Chamber Board of Directors Update The Falls Church Chamber Board of Directors met on October 6 for a dedicated workshop to align strategic goals for the Chamber and to foster teamwork. The session was facilitated by Allie Williams from the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. Given the pace of change for business across the country as well as locally in Falls Church, this was an opportunity for the Board to reconnect with the Chamber’s mission, assess performance, and begin to plan for future challenges. As an advocate for businesses, the chamber is watching for the city’s decision on a proposed C&I Tax. Members are encouraged to share their opinions and participate in the Legislative Committee, which addresses issues affecting the business community.
Notice of Public Hearing: Dominion-NextEra Energy Merger The State Corporation Commission will hold a public hearing in Fairfax County on the Proposed Dominion-NextEra Energy Merger tomorrow, Friday, October 9, 6 - 8 p.m. This will be in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.
Preparing Your Pitch: Best Practices for Your Business Briefing Senior Business Counselor and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa leads a session on giving a business pitch. This session guides participants through a stepby-step process of building a business briefing that is invaluable to startups, early stage companies, growth, or even mature businesses. Preparing Your Pitch: Best Practices in Developing Your Business Briefing will be held on Thursday, October 15, from 10 a.m. - noon. The link will be shared upon registration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). To register: https://clients.virginiasbdc. org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110460045.
Calling All Pirates! For those parents in need of a night out this weekend, KiPS Family Gymnastics is ready to help. Drop the kids off for an unforgettable Pirate Adventure at the gym tomorrow, Friday, October 9, 5:15 - 8:30 pm. They’ll stay active, make new friends, enjoy pizza and have a blast with various activities. KiPS offers different themes monthly through the end of the year.
Monsters of the Villa Diodati Creative Cauldron Stage kicks off its landmark 25th Anniversary Season with the revival of Monsters of the Villa Diodati. Set on a stormy night in 1816 on Lake Geneva, Lord Byron challenges his literary guests John Polidori and Mary Shelley to produce a tale of terror before the stormy summer night ends. The battle of creativity gave birth to Frankenstein and The Vampyre. Opening Night is October 10 and it runs through November 1.
Quest for the U.S. Open The Virginia Dream FC continues the quest to the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, facing Arlington SA on Sunday. The team advanced to the 3rd round of qualifying with a 2-1 victory over Grove United in Richmond last week. The Sunday, October 11 match will be played at Thomas Jefferson High School at 5 p.m.
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 17
Our Man In Arlington B��� F������
For my monthly “kitchen sink” column, let me toss out some observations about recent events, prefaced with a question. Let’s begin with some school board news. How much homework is too much homework? This question is just one issue relating to the changes made to the Arlington Public Schools (APS) homework policy. One challenge for any school system is to quantify time limits, and also to include other limitations. As one might guess, there are always lots of opinions about homework. I have a special interest in this topic, going back over 30 years ago, when I chaired an APS Homework Committee that was tasked with making policy recommendations. One hot issue involved homework to be completed over spring break. We put an end to that! The current policy now prohibits assignments that are due on the return date after a three-day weekend. The latest APS policy does address my question about “too much homework,” by creating maximum time limits. For high school students, it is 60 minutes per course per week (prior to 2022, it had been 120 minutes per week). As one might imagine, there are plenty of caveats and exemptions to these time limits (they do not apply to Advanced Placement courses). I was able to access good information from the APS website, and from the website of an educational advocacy group, Arlington Parents for Education. Their response to the current policies is very detailed and informative. My overall opinion of the APS homework policy, in general, is that (a) it is important to have some guidelines; and (b) there is no perfect policy. At what age should “travel teams” for sports begin? I noticed an announcement last month for tryouts for a third-grade girls’ basketball team, organized by a private group. I am revealing my “Baby Boomer Bias” by wondering if this might be a bit early for the travel team experience. Do you want to make daylight saving
time permanent? Whatever might be your opinion on this issue, I suspect we all get tired of the “clock-switching” twice a year. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. However, a number of members of the U.S. Senate are extremely cautious; some acknowledge that switching clocks is a pain, and contend that the scientific evidence shows that permanent standard time would be the better option for public health. Anyway, as of this date, it appears that we will “fall back” this year – get ready to turn back the clock to standard time on November 1. What’s your latest news source? Earlier this year I raised this question, in my attempt to discover helpful local news sources in this age of what might be called media fragmentation. As an update, there is a “new name in town,” called The Washington Sun, a digital news outlet that got its start in 2024 as a national politics site called NOTUS (an awkward acronym for News of the United States). Last month it took on the new name, and expanded its coverage to include local news, with a separate Metro section. There are familiar names from The Washington Post (Thomas Boswell, Tom Sietsma), with weather forecasts from what used to be called the Capital Weather Gang (which has returned with the shortened name of “Capital Weather”, an independent offering with its own website). The jury is still out, but so far, The Washington Sun’s Metro section does not appear to provide any significant amount of Arlington news. Should Flock cameras be used in Arlington? The County Board voted in September to remove the 41 Flock cameras that have been located around the County. This vote, which reflects a growing national controversy about the use of these cameras, came after a closed Board session. The County Board decision is likely to generate more questions in the coming months, based on the substantive question but also due to procedural concerns (e.g., why have a closed session on this issue?).
Looking Beyond the Annual Report Here’s an opportunity for busy leaders to focus on producing an annual report that captures wins and lessons, and provides direction for the next year. The session, Beyond the Annual Report: How to Build a Narrative Flywheel for YearRound Funder Engagement, is offered on Wednesday, October 14, from 9:30 11:30 a.m. Dr. Chantell Frazier of Anansi Research leads a small, confidential, strategic working session of 7 senior nonprofit and philanthropy leaders to design a more powerful funding narrative. Reserve your spot on the Falls Church Chamber website in advance, after which the location will be shared. Visit: fallschurchchamber.org and navigate to the Events tab. Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
Your Paper Without the Paper See the News-Press Online Just Like you See it in Print With our E-Issue
www.fcnp.com
PAGE 18 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Cherry Hill Farm Takes You Back to the 1800s in Falls Church
by Stuffie Bowker
This Saturday, October 10, Cherry Hill Farm will host Farm Day, a festive event filled with live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. But this fall festival has something you won’t find anywhere else: the chance to see what life was like on a farm in the 1800s. Among the many activities offered, you can watch demonstrations of beekeeping, blacksmithing, and basket weaving. You’ll also have a chance to walk through a farmhouse that’s decorated just the same as it was over two hundred years ago. (Wait until you see what a coal-burning stove looks like!) Cherry Hill Farm can bring you all these extra experiences because it’s a living museum, which means it’s not the kind of place that just has items on display in glass cases. It’s a real place with
land that used to be a farm and a house that looks like it did in the 1800s, complete with a barn in the backyard. Cherry Hill Farm is one of the Little City’s most important landmarks, so let’s take a look at its history. Cherry Hill Farm goes all the way back to 1729, before the Revolutionary War, when it was part of a 248-acre property. The property changed ownership several times until William Harvey bought 66 acres in 1845. He is believed to have built the Cherry Hill Farmhouse that same year. A man named William Blaisdell bought the house and surrounding acres in 1856, and the barn was completed sometime around 1857. (Seventy percent of the original barn still stands today!) The farmhouse is decorated with antiques to look exactly the way it looked when the Blaisdell family lived there between 1856 and 1868. To give you an idea of how long ago this was, the Civil War took place between 1861 and 1865. The farmhouse looks just like a house from the 1800s on the outside and it’s even more authentic inside. There are two big doors to the farmhouse, one at the front and one directly across
the front hallway. This was in the days before air conditioning, so in the summer when it was hot, the Blaisdell family could open both doors and let a cool breeze fill the first floor of the house. To the right of the front door, the house has a fancy parlor with a fireplace and a melodeon (which looks like a piano). This room is similar to what we might call a living room, but it was only used for special occasions like welcoming visitors or celebrating holidays. The first floor also has a dining room where the family would share meals and gather near a fireplace. The Keeping Room is where they kept and cooked food and it contains a butter churner, a Pie Safe that kept baked goods safe from bugs and other critters, scales to weigh food because they didn’t have measuring cups yet, and a black coal-burning stove with a little door so you could also bake things inside. This room has a second staircase (almost like a secret staircase!) that goes up to the second floor, and steps that go down to a cool cellar where they could have stored food in jars. There’s no sink in this room because there was no indoor plumbing in the 1800s, so they would gather water
Meridian Sports Recap: 9/29 - 10/5
by Dinos Simcox
Meridian fall sports are beginning to wind down, and with playoffs for some teams fast approaching, Meridian teams are playing in some of the most important games of their seasons. The clubs combined for a record of six wins and just three losses. Football unfortunately continued their pattern of winning one game and losing one game, losing to James Wood HS in a 55-10 blowout. Their record now sits at 3-3, and with very few positives to take from this game, the Mustangs will look ahead towards their homecoming game against Thomas Jefferson HS. Field hockey has kept their
perfect season alive and extended their undefeated record to 14-0, with wins this week over Liberty HS, Hayfield HS, and Lightridge HS. The latter two are very strong programs that the Mustangs battled with all game, but eventually were able to outlast both teams and secure victories, 2-0 over Hayfield and 1-0 over Lightridge. The Mustangs’ impregnable defense proved key in both victories, and has been the staple unit during this terrific run of form. Incredibly, Meridian’s defense and goaltender have only allowed four goals throughout the entirety of the season, one against Fauquier HS, and three against McLean HS. With just a few games to go in the season, the Mustangs’ two biggest
games draw near. Their matchups against Kettle Run and Fauquier could and likely will decide who leads the district standing by the end of the season. Girls volleyball went 2-1 this week, losing one game to Skyline HS and sweeping Warren County HS and Kettle Run 3-0. Their record improves to 11-3-1, one of the strongest in the district. As the season winds down, the Mustangs will undoubtedly begin to prepare for the playoffs, and hope to make a deep postseason run. Boys volleyball went 1-1 this week, beating out Fairfax Home School 3-2, before dropping a game to Justice HS 1-3. After their difficult start to the season, the Mustangs have won four of
from a nearby well. (A kitchen used to be part of this room but it was removed during recent renovations. A modern kitchen is part of the farmhouse today so that food can be prepared for events but it is not part of the public tour.) The second floor offers a chance to see what a typical bedroom was like in this era and includes a children’s bedroom and a parents’ bedroom, both with furnishings you’d find in the 1800s. Cherry Hill Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and Cherry Hill was listed as a Virginia Historic
Landmark that same year. Farm Day is free to attend and takes place on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 312 Park Avenue. Tours of Cherry Hill Farmhouse aren’t available on Farm Day, but you can still tour the farmhouse on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until noon, through October 31, 2026. Upcoming events at the Cherry Hill Farmhouse include a 1960s themed tea tasting on Sunday, November 8, and the popular holiday teas on Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13. Visit cherryhillfallschurch.org for more information.
Cherry Hill Farm House. (Photo: Amy Bowker)
their last six games, boosting their record to a respectable 5-7 over the past couple weeks. While this record is a drastic improvement
over their 1-5 start to the campaign, the squad only has five games left in the season to move further up the standings.
MUSTANGS SOPHOMORE EMERY PINTAURO advances down the field. (Photo: Annelise Shannon)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 19
CALENDAR
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, October 8 Fall for the Book Festival
George Mason University
Various Times
This free literary festival continues through October 10 with a series of author panels throughout each day. Event is held on the George Mason Fairfax Campus at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. For more information and daily schedule, visit fallforthebook.org.
Networking Breakfast with Sen. Salim Café Kindred
8 – 9 a.m.
Senator Saddam Salim joins the FC Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable discussion to gather residents’ views before the next General Assembly. 450 N. Washington St. No fee, but please order and pay for your breakfast. More info: fallschurchchamber.org.
Falls Church Fiber Artists
Mary Riley Styles Library
10 a.m. – Noon
This meet-up is for knitters and crocheters ages 18+. Free. 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Fall Storytime
Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 – 11 a.m.
For ages 18 months to 4 years with a caregiver; younger siblings are welcome. Space often fills before start time. Please choose only one storytime per week to attend. 120 N. Virginia Ave. mrspl.org.
Playtime with Early Literacy Center Mary Riley Styles Library
11 a.m. – Noon
Free play for an hour after storytime. No registration required. For preschoolers ages 2-4. 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Benefits of Strength Training for Seniors Mary Riley Styles Library
2 – 3 p.m.
Personal trainer Eduardo Burdisso leads this discussion about the benefits of strength training and muscle building for seniors. This is a lecture only, not an exercise class. For adults 18+. Free; registration required. Visit mrspl.org.
Friday, October 9
Fairfax Campus at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. For more information and daily schedule, visit fallforthebook.org.
Fall Baby Time
Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 – 11 a.m.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and 3 – 4 p.m.
Discover a printing press similar to the one used to print the first published collection of Shakespeare’s plays. Free; no tickets required. Timed entry passes to the museum include a suggested $15 donation. Shakespeare Exhibition Hall, 201 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.
Friday Night Meditation Hour
Revolutionary Stories of Falls Church
Center for Spiritual Enlightenment — Online
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment offers this free meditation class via Zoom. Tune-in begins at 7:15 p.m., with meditation starting at 7:30 p.m. Donations are welcome. Visit thecse.org for the class link.
Saturday, October 10 Falls Church Farmers Market City Hall Parking Lot
8 a.m. – Noon
This award-winning market is open yearround. 300 Park Ave.
Farm Day
Cherry Hill Farm
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This annual event offers live music, entertainment, pony rides, a petting zoo and more. Learn about Cherry Hill Farm’s history through tours and demonstrations in basket weaving, beekeeping and blacksmithing techniques. Free; some activities require purchased tickets.
FC Fire Station 6 Open House Falls Church Fire Station 6
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
As part of annual Fire Prevention Week, Falls Church Fire Station 6 will hold an open house. Explore fire trucks and emergency equipment, watch demonstrations and talk with firefighters and EMTs. Free and open to all ages. 555 N. Washington St.
50th Annual Fall Festival Downtown Fairfax
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
George Mason University This free literary festival continues through October 10 with a series of author panels throughout each day. Event is held on the George Mason
Email us at calendar@fcnp.com
Various Times
Folger Shakespeare Library
Free storytime includes songs, stories and rhymes. For ages 0-24 months with a caregiver. Older siblings are welcome. Tickets are distributed beginning at 10 a.m. and space often fills up. Please choose only one storytime per week to attend. 120 N. Virginia Ave.
This festival features more than 400 art and craft vendors, food, children’s activities, entertainment, beer gardens and more. Free. 10415 North St., Fairfax. More info: fairfaxva.gov.
Fall for the Book Festival
Printing Press Demonstrations
Mary Riley Styles Library
2 – 3 p.m.
Learn about life in Falls Church during the Revolutionary War in this history talk by Library of Virginia historian Eric Johnson. Free, for grades 9-12 and adults 18+. Registration required. 120 N. Virginia Ave. Visit mrspl.org.
Falls Church Ghost Tour
Cherry Hill Farmhouse — Meeting Point
6 p.m.
adoption event with available dogs and puppies. Hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, the event also features food trucks, shopping and pet activities. Free. 100 Madison St., Alexandria.
“I Had to Go to Howard” Book Talk & Signing
Monday, October 12
6 – 8 p.m.
All Day
Erik Mohn, in conversation with fellow alum Jahi Whitehead of the Urban One Podcast Network, will discuss and sign his debut memoir, “Stranger in My Own Story.” Free; RSVP requested. Howard University Campus Store, 2225 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. More info: events.howard.edu.
Tuesday, October 13
Author Talk: Inside America’s Opioid Crisis
Library Closed
Mary Riley Styles Library The library will be closed all day in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Online resources remain available at mrspl.org.
Spanish Conversation Group Mary Riley Styles Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Spanish-language discussion group for adults 18+ to practice language skills. Free; registration required. Main Level Conference Room, 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Discussion: “Chemical History of a Candle” Mary Riley Styles Library — Online
Enjoy this spooky 1.5-mile walking tour of the ghosts and history of Falls Church. The tour starts at Cherry Hill Farmhouse and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Bring a flashlight. Recommended for ages 14 and up. No pets. A donation of three or more canned goods is requested to benefit local food drives. Also takes place October 17 and 24. Sign up at fallschurchghosts.eventbrite.com.
7 – 8:45 p.m.
“Flow” Opening Night Reception
City Hall
Falls Church Arts
7 – 9 p.m.
Meet the artists behind Falls Church Arts’ new exhibit, “Flow,” which incorporates water-based media. The exhibit features 48 works by 41 artists and runs October 10 through November 29. 700-B W. Broad St. More info: FallsChurchArts.org.
Fall for the Book Festival
George Mason University
Various Times
This free literary festival concludes October 10 with a series of author panels throughout the day. Event is held on the George Mason Fairfax Campus at 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. For more information and daily schedule, visit fallforthebook.org.
Sunday, October 11 Puppy and Dog Adoption Event Oronoco Bay Park
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Find your next best friend. A Forever Home Rescue Foundation will attend this
Howard University
As part of the Group Books Discussion Series, the group will discuss the literary classic by Michael Faraday. Free, for adults 18+. Visit mrspl.org for information on obtaining the link.
City Council Action Meeting 7:30 – 11 p.m.
The public is welcome to address City Council during the comment period. Visit the calendar section at fallschurchva.gov for information on signing up to speak and for the virtual meeting link. Council Chambers/Court Room, 300 Park Ave.
Wednesday, October 14 Mindfulness Meditation Mary Riley Styles Library
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Take some time to slow down with this free meditation workshop for adults 18+. No prior meditation experience necessary. 120 N. Virginia Ave.
Purple Walk of Hope
Prince George’s County Family Justice Center
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
The center hosts its first Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. The halfmile walk starts at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County courthouse atrium entrance, 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro, Md. Free. To register, email crperez@co.pg.md.us.
fcnp.com
Mary Riley Styles Library
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Author Richard J. Baum, adjunct professor at Georgetown University, leads this discussion. Free, for adults 18+. Registration required. 120 N. Virginia Ave. Visit mrspl.org.
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation City Hall
7 p.m.
Committee members meet to discuss transportation issues and hear questions or concerns from the public. Dogwood Rooms A and B, 300 Park Ave.
Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks Meeting Falls Church Community Center
7 – 9 p.m.
Meeting available online through Microsoft Teams. Find the link at fallschurchva.gov. Art Room, 223 Little Falls St.
Architectural Advisory Board Meeting City Hall
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Find meeting details at fallschurchva. gov. Council Chambers/Court Room, 300 Park Ave.
GOT EVENTS? Free events post for free in our Calendar section, but did you know you can purchase a listing for a paid event? For just $20 per listing, you can promote your event to the entire Falls Church community. Contact: calendar@fcnp.com.
PAGE 20 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was given first reading at the September 28, 2026 City Council meeting. A public hearing and possible recommendation for City Council action is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. (TO26-15) Ordinance to Amend the Text of City Code Chapter 48, “Zoning,” Article I, “In General,” to Add a Definition for “Social Services”; Article IV, “Districts,” Division 1, “Generally,” to Clarify Optional Redevelopment Opportunities Throughout the Code; Article V, “Supplementary Regulations,” Division 2, “Off-Street Parking Requirements,” to Add Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements for Townhouses and Multifamily Units Within the Virginia Village Affordable Housing Zoning District; Division 3, “Reserved,” to Add Regulations Governing the Virginia Village Affordable Housing Zoning District; and to Amend Divisions 4 and 5 by Renumbering to “Division 4” the Content of the Existing Division 5 “Mixed Use Redevelopment Regulations,” and Renumbering to “Division 5” the Content of the Existing Division 4, “Filling Stations and Public Garages;” and to Amend Division 7 “Site Plans,” Section 48-1137 “Required Information,” Subsection 5, to Allow Exceptions for Certain Developments Within the Virginia Village Zoning District The proposed amendments to the Zoning Code would have the effect of establishing a new Virginia Village Affordable Housing Zoning District permitting redevelopment to occur at a higher density than what base-level zoning districts permit when substantial affordable housing is contributed. The purpose of the proposed district is to achieve a significant amount of new affordable housing units at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or below. All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING A Planning Commission public hearing and possible recommendation to City Council is scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 7:30 pm, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the following: (TO26-30) Resolution to Amend the Voluntary Concessions, Community Benefits, Terms And Conditions (VCs) Associated with the Broad and Washington Mixed-use Development Project Special Exception Entitlement (SEE), Approved by Resolution 2021-03, dated January 25, 2021, to Reduce the Minimum Amount of Required Ground Floor Space for Retail Sales and Restaurant Uses from 6,500 sf to 3,700 sf and to Delete “Studios, including
C L AS S I F I E DS
yoga” from the “Prohibited Uses” List on the Site Located at 111 E. Broad Street (Real Property Code 53-104-037) on Application by 124 E Broad Street LLC (Owner) The Owner seeks to amend the Voluntary Concessions approved by the City as part of the Broad & Washington Special Exception (Resolution 2021-03), to allow “exercise studios” on the ground floor, where they are currently prohibited, and to reduce the minimum square footage for ground-floor retail and restaurant uses from 6,500 square feet to 3,700 square feet. The materials for the above item will be available on the city’s webpage prior to the public hearing: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/PC. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. For copies of materials and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to jtrainor@fallschurchva. gov. Remote participation information at www. fallschurchva.gov/pc. For copies of legislation and other information, contact Jack Trainor jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 571-421-7943 or e-mail jtrainor@fallschurchva.gov.
ABC NOTICE P2JAM INC Trading as Harvey’s, 513 W Broad Street Ste 130, Falls Church, VA 22046-3257. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant License to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Parul Amit Patel, Officer/Authorized signatory. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 1-800-552-3200.
AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Promote your upcoming auctions statewide! Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audience. Call this paper or Commonwealth Media Solutions 804-521-7570, advertising@ commonwealthmediasolutions.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-877-614-6667 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-947-1479 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors
available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-902-4611
SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $525.00 + $89.00 court cost. WILLS-$295.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757490-0126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-855-262-5564
fcnp.com
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM We are pledged to the letter and spirit 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.
Gutterworks
Gagnon’s Gutterworks CLEANING/INSTALLATION/REPAIR LICENSED & INSURED POWER WASHING
WWW.GAGNONSGUTTERWORKS.COM • New Gutter Installation, Gutter Cleaning and more • Lawn Care Services - Mowing, Weed Control, Seeding • Power Washing - Whole House Roof Cleaning, Concrete, Siding and Decks • Free Estimaes - Licensed and Insured, ALL Work Guaraneed • Senior Citizen Discount • $5.00 Off for First Time Customers (Mention This Ad)
703-716-0377 OR 571-421-3663
SERVING NORTHERN VIRGINIA TGGUTTERS@YAHOO.COM
CLASSIFIED ADS Got something to sell? A service to offer? A job to fill? A room to rent? Get the word out in the Falls Church NewsPress! $20 for up to 20 words. 50¢ for each additional word. Advertise your: • Yard & Garage Sales • Homes & Apartments for Rent • Items for Sale • Help Wanted • Local Services • Lessons & Tutoring • Pet Services • Child Care • Home Improvement • Landscaping & Lawn Care • Cleaning Services • Moving Sales • Furniture & Antiques • Cars & Bicycles • Community Announcements • Lost & Found • Business Opportunities • Professional Services • Clubs & Organizations • Special Events BIG OR SMALL, GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT! Email your classified ad to classads@fcnp.com.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
LOCAL
OCTOBER 8 - 14 , 2026 | PAGE 21
Spanberger Pushes to Modernize Emergency Preparedness
Continued from Page 1
held by Governor Spanberger and her Administration earlier this year, where more than 750 leaders identified challenges affecting communities and preparedness organizations across the Commonwealth. Today’s discussions focused on developing solutions to those challenges, including improving emergency communications and information sharing, strengthening joint planning, increasing operational capacity, and building and supporting the workforce needed to respond when Virginians need help. “Readiness means more than having a plan on paper – it requires having the relationships, people, capabilities, and systems in place to put that plan into action when it matters most,” said Secretary
of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley M. Meador. “The regional summits gave us a clear picture of the challenges our communities and response organizations are facing. Today, we brought the people who can help solve those challenges into the same room to address them collaboratively. That is how we move from simply coordinating our efforts to becoming truly aligned in how we prepare, respond, and recover.” In August, Governor Spanberger signed Executive Order 19, establishing the Virginia Unified Readiness Framework as the Commonwealth’s statewide governance model for preparedness, homeland security, emergency management, and resilience. The framework is designed to integrate strategic planning, decision-mak-
Safety. Style. Stress-Free Installation. CALL NOW 1.866.608.4972 SPECIAL OFFER
Waiving All Installation Costs! Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Expires 12/27/26. Licenses at JBRLicenses.com.
ing, and partnerships across state and local government, first responders, private-sector organizations, nonprofits, and critical infrastructure to strengthen Virginia against current and emerging threats. “Today’s conversations give us important momentum, and VDEM is committed to carrying that forward into sustained readiness and preparedness efforts that strengthen our Commonwealth,” said Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) State Coordinator Lauren Opett. “Emergency management is fundamentally about bringing people together – uniting partners, communities, and stakeholders around shared goals so Virginia is ready for what lies ahead. We look forward to the continued work and collaboration that will move us forward.”
MAKE SURE CUTIE PIE IS IN THE RIGHT SEAT. NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat
PAGE 22 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
PUZZLE NO. 367 39. “Just the Way You ____” 41. Barks 43. Hero’s tale 44. Startled 45. Scurried
C ������ C �����
42. Car for hire 43. Mimicked 44. Contact ____ 46. Hip-hop music
46. Questions 48. “The ____ Wing” 51. Feather stole 53. Suffering 54. United
Copyright © 2026, Penny Press
T T N T C S R
L I H I L L E
31. Commotion
Petting 32. As ofZoo this time
Hill
Day
Activities 38. Crowd
Farmhouse
Ponies
Community 42. Challenger
N I
U V
M I
M T
2. Mythical monster 3. Slender 4. Office worker 5. Eventually
I T
O I T
P S
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 369
DOWN
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1104
Y A
36. Be competitive 37. Neutral color 39. Fraction 41. Build on 43. Nautical response
T
5. Cummerbund 9. Fore-and-____ 12. “The ____ Duckling” 13. Back then 14. Coral or Yellow,
N
2. Control the realm 3. Occurrence 4. Tints 5. Among
Copyright © 2026, Penny Press
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have33. a few numbers to get you started. Request you must not repeat the numbers 1.Remember: Sacrifice 34. Making a knot 1. orSlices 1 through 9 in the same line, column 3x3 box.
O
structure 36. Best 5. Tiny amounts 38. Squid’s fluid 9. Dollop 39. “____ It Be Me” 12. Hawaiian party 40. Court dividers 13. Yodeling sound 41. At a standstill 14. Solemn lyric 42. ____ out
ACROSS
44. Musical notation
P D
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
40. Wine locale
T C M R A F
E
How to play:
DOWN
45. Mound 46. Very black 48. Pocket bread 50. Leisure 51. Current boosters 52. Harmful insect 54. Santa’s helper
35. Most tidy
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
ACROSS
U T O T H P M E NO. 1104 R PUZZLE Z A O PUZZLELEVEL: NO. 370 INTERMEDIATE F O
Farm
How to play: Copyright © 2026, Penny Press
H O U S C S C
Cherry
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1103
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have33. a few numbers to get you started. Beneath you must not repeat the numbers 1.Remember: Curved 35. “____ Fly Away” 1. or Porters 1 through 9 in the same line, column 3x3 box.
T Y R R E C H
G
45. Hankering 46. Greasy 47. London streetcar 48. Embroidered 49. Compete 50. Whatever 52. Church seat
P O R G A E R
Z
27. Genesis name 28. ____-de-camp 29. Sham 31. Irritated 34. Signs up 37. Inquire 41. Magazine edition 43. “Five ____ Pieces”
C E S U O H M R A F
LEVEL: PUZZLE NO. 369 BEGINNER
P D A C Z N Y
S C
PUZZLE NO. 1103
R A F M M O C
Y
C Y Z O O P O
H
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
I H I L L E
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 367
10. Always 36. Hazy image 1. Package 11. Printer’s term 38. Misdeed 5. Faucet 17. Box lightly 39. Blotch 8. Already retired 41. Like some 19. Attorney’s 12. Angelic subject clocks 22. Negative 45. Child’sbehind game Afterheadwear 14 long minutes bars, Benny has had enough. His crimes? ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 368 13. Frozen cubes 23. Shred 47. Cassette Unauthorized squirrel pursuit, excessive barking and stealing a sand14. Dwell 24. Distinctive 48. Some hotels 15. Lengthens period 49. Blond shade“left unattended.” wich he maintains was With parole denied and 16. Wandering 25. Common 50. Cattle dinner approaching, Benny haslegumes decided there’s only one option left: musician 51. Ponder 18. Cuddled 26. Part of rpm 52. Stroke lightly JAILBREAK. 20. Chaplain 28. Supporting 53. Frees 21. Ruin vote 22. Candy units 29. Blunder DOWN 23. Baste again 1. Way back ____ 31. Battle 26. Duffer’s goal 2. Yard broom 32. Custodian 27. Examine 3. Brews 34. Grass 30. Heavy metal 4. Mail carriers 35. Oil derrick 31. Got hitched 5. Stopwatch 37. Backslide 32. Gibe 6. Biting 38. Vision Y T I N M M O C P 33. Remit funds 7. Ink holder 39. U Skinny I 40. V I T ICROSSWORD E S PUZZLE ANSWERS 34. Blacktop 8. AHolyCtableT Food list 35. Jet finder 9. RAvian Amount M chow M E 41. E Z O TUSE AMERICAN S E SPELLING
R
1. Lamb’s father 2. Lyric poem
ACROSS
R
DOWN
3. False teeth 4. It’s on the agenda 5. Ranted 6. Fury 7. Spells 8. Write with acid 9. ____ tie 10. Azure or aqua 11. Snow slider 19. Pen liquid 21. Scale 22. Health centers 23. Cab 25. Consuming 27. More prone 29. Creative 30. Cheerleaders’ words 31. On bended ____ 34. Glow
Y
36. Bro’s sib 37. Summer hue 38. Cleanse with water 40. Irritable 42. Get up 43. African trip 47. Lambs’ moms 49. Piercing instruments 50. Up to it 52. Duet number 55. Eccentric person 56. First-rate 57. Electrified atom 58. Includes 59. Middle or Far 60. Average grade
O
1. Lightning ____ 4. Spring flower 8. Subsides 12. Picnic drink 13. Biting 14. Highway fee 15. Fellows 16. Always 17. Detective’s quest 18. Clock (a race) 20. Repeated 22. Amaze 24. Plural 26. Hooded winter coat 28. Use snow runners 29. Biblical ship 32. Hatchet 33. Refracting crystal 35. Bolted
Copyright © 2026, Penny Press
O
ACROSS
PUZZLE NO. 368
ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 370
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026 | PAGE 23
Movie Review: Primetime
by Lisa Sinrod
“Primetime”, rated R, is a hodgepodge of a crime drama with plenty of dark satire. If I didn’t know the movie was based on the real-life experiences of NBC news anchor Chris Hansen while hosting the television hit “To Catch a Predator,” I would have thought a screenwriter had simply made the whole thing up. The television segments on which the movie is based aired from 2004 until 2007 as part of “Dateline NBC.” The series used undercover sting operations to televise unsuspecting men as they arrived to meet targets they believed were underage girls or boys. Much attention is given to the decoys hired by the network to lure men who believed they were arranging encounters with minors. Front and center in the movie
and in what really happened in the airing of the television series is the issue of vigilante justice and whether it goes too far so as to become a form of entrapment. British actor Robert Pattinson plays Hansen with flinty precision and a frightening zeal for his subject matter, revealing a man whose obsession about catching predators is both compelling and unsettling. Troubling questions arise about whether exposing wrongdoing on live television truly advances social justice or simply serves as another form of spectacle. The film’s portrayal of law enforcement in these sting operations televised by NBC, especially in a final and over-the-top scene, does not ring true although it does skew toward what we’ve come to expect from Hollywood. Which begs the question – is this what really happened back in the aughts?
The best and most understated performance in this film was turned in by Merritt Wever, who plays a member of Hansen’s production team (Andie Bender). She softens the edges of what otherwise is a hard-edged movie with her nuanced portrayal of a hard-working team player who also tries to do what is right. You may recognize her from her many television roles, including “Severance” and “The Walking Dead.” Skyler Gisondo also turns in a good performance in a complex role. He portrays Dan Plumb, another hired on-camera decoy who convincingly pretends to be a teenage boy to lure older male predators. Based on Dan “Decoy Dan” Schrack, an aspiring actor who worked as a decoy on the real-life series, Gisondo’s character provides an effective counterbalance to Pattinson’s Hansen, giving viewers a glimpse into the experience of those on the front lines
SMALL DONATIONS
MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
of the sting operations. The topic, while quite disturbing, is also an interesting one from a criminal justice standpoint. The film has attracted a fair amount of publicity amid some controversy since its release. The dramatic outcome of the final sting operation is loosely based on the take-down of a Texas prosecutor. “Primetime” doesn’t seem to know whether it wants to hew closely to what really happened on the television series two decades ago or take broad liberties for dramatic effect. From what I can discern, it has done both and jumps around in the process. In the film, the predator takedowns initially appear highly successful, with the cameras capturing each man as he enters a residence, is greeted by the decoy and is then quickly confronted by Chris Hansen before being arrested. As the “To Catch a Predator” series becomes a hit and the television-backed sting operations grow, Hansen is portrayed as wanting higher ratings and more
highly charged encounters. As those around him become caught up in the drama, the larger ethical questions surrounding their work come increasingly into focus. The ride we are on feels like it is approaching a crash and burn as Hansen seeks bigger targets, and you can be the judge of whether that happened if you choose to see the movie. If you want to learn more about what really happened, don’t rely solely on the film. There is plenty of information online to fill in the details. Chris Hansen is still involved in truecrime work and active sting operations, but no longer with NBC. He was not consulted in the making of this film and has been publicly critical of its accuracy. “Primetime” was written by Ajon Singh and directed by Lance Oppenheim. In a note published by A24 on Sept. 25, Oppenheim described the film as “a fever dream, a media collage of every version of Chris Hansen that’s ever existed.” This strikes me as accurate.
STAY IN THE HOME YOU LOVE WITH A STILTZ HOMELIFT
NOW WITH
$555 OFF LIMITED TIME OFFER
Our home elevators can fit in almost any home
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no supporting walls, has a small footprint and uses less power power than a coffee maker.
SupportDisasterRelief.org
®
Affordable Small Footprint Full Safety Features Low Power Consumption Freestanding Design Wheelchair Accessible Fast Installation Full Warranty
For a FREE BROCHURE or no-obligation home visit
Call 1-866-755-3681
PAGE 24 | OCTOBER 8 - 14, 2026
The SMILE you want. The attention you deserve.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Currently accepting new patients
Local CPAs you can trust for all your business & personal financial needs John Sterner City of Falls Church Neighbor & Tax Manager of Diener & Associates
GovCon Consulting • Outsourced Accounting Tax Services • Advisory
703.532.3300 | www.doughertyDDS.com 200 Little Falls Street #506, Falls Church VA 22046
125 Rowell Ct Falls Church, VA
| 703.241.8807 diener.cpa