Falls Church News-Press 11-5-2020

November 5 – 11, 2020

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

FOU N D E D 1991 • V OL. X XX NO. 38

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Hisco� Wins F.C. Council Special Elec�on, Dems Sweep City Races U.S. Senator Mark Warner & U.S. Congressman Don Beyer, Jr. Win Re-election Handily Following Statewide Campaigns

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

A solid winner Tuesday among three candidates vying to fill the Falls Church City Council seat vacated by the death of Dan Sze last summer, long-time F.C. resi-

dent Debbie Hiscott is slated to be sworn in this Monday to join six others as full voting members of the Council.

Her victory Tuesday secured for her the final year of Sze’s unfinished term, and she has said that she will run again next fall for

Congressman Beyer Speaks On Contested National Elections

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Late yesterday afternoon, as the all-news cable stations droned on reporting votes being counted from Tuesday’s presidential election in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada, Falls Church’s own U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. checked in with the News-Press to share his perspective and that of the national Democratic Party in these most interesting of times.

At the time of his reporting to us, he said the New York Times was predicting that Pennsylvania was going for Democratic nominee in former Vice President Joe Biden over President Donald Trump. If that turns out to be true, then with Biden having been declared the projected winner in both Wisconsin and Michigan, Biden would have the 270-plus electoral

votes needed to be declared the winner, the next president of the U.S. (No wonder Trump was in court seeking to stop the counting of votes in Pennsylvania.)

Clearly, Beyer was exuding cautious confidence in this outcome. Things were much better than how he was feeling the night before when he, and most Democrats, went to bed in the wee hours of Wednesday with considerably less enthusiasm, especially as Trump went on TV to, entirely groundlessly, declare himself the winner.

In Tuesday’s election, Beyer himself won by one of his usual landslides (with 80 percent of the vote over his GOP challenger this time). The Little City’s proverbial “Favorite Son,” his role as a local businessman with his brother

Continued on Page 4

a full four-year term. Among her two opponents this week, Joshua Sharif Shokoor and Simone Pass Tucker, Shokoor has gone on record saying he will also run again next fall when three fouryear term seats will be on the ballot.

But for the time being, Hiscott will assume an important role in Council decision making almost immediately, including for the highly lucrative Broad and Washington large scale mixed use project that will be anchored by a mega-Whole Foods store, when

final votes of approval will be sought in January following a preliminary unanimous 5-0 vote last month.

She will be on board for the entire Fiscal Year 2022 City oper-

Continued on Page 5

A�� T�� W����� I�...

AFTER 82 PERCENT of the vote had been counted, Debbie Hiscott felt con�ident enough to celebrate her election to Falls Church’s City Council Tuesday night. (P����: J. M������ W�����)

I����� T��� W��� F.C. DAR M������ H������ �� Z��� C������� S�����

The Falls Church Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be honoring a number of its members during a 110th Anniversary celebration of the chapter this Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. in an online Zoom event.

See News Briefs, page 8

1�� E��� L������ S������ A���� G��� �� E��� A������� The first annual Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service was presented to Eric Albrecht. Mary Riley Styles Public Library patrons will recognize Albrecht as he has worked at the circulation desk for more than 16 years at MSRPL. See Community News & Notes, page 11

G���� E����� T���������: H������ �� E����� E��������

Science tells us that energy underpins life and civilization. Without energy from food and the heat from the sun, we could not exist. For a long time there were few innovations in the use of energy. Eventually people discovered that fire could be used to cook food, among other things.

See Column, page 15

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 News & Notes............................. 10,11 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 14 Classified Ads ................................... 16 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 17 Critter Corner.................................... 18 Business News ................................. 19

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 2 | NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 2020

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL OF BROADBAND CAPACITY PILOT PROJECTS PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1:9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER RBB, UNDER § 56-585.1 A 6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2020-00197 On October 1, 2020, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed a petition (“Petition”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to § 56-585.1:9 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and Code § 56-585.1 A 6 for (i) approval of pilot programs to make available and provide broadband capacity to unserved areas in Surry County, Botetourt County, and the Northern Neck region of Virginia (“Surry Pilot,” “Botetourt Pilot,” and “Northern Neck Pilot” respectively, and collectively the “Pilot Projects”); and (ii) establishment of a rate adjustment clause (“RAC”) for the Surry Pilot and Botetourt Pilot, designated Rider RBB, for the rate year commencing August 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022 (“Rate Year”). The Company asserts that it will partner with RURALBAND, BARC Connects, and All Points Broadband (collectively, “ISPs”) to extend broadband capacity in unserved areas. Pursuant to Code § 56-585.1:9 I, the Company requests that the term of the Pilot Projects be extended three years beyond the three-year minimum provided in the Code, for a total of six years.

Description of the Pilot Projects: Surry Pilot Through the Surry Pilot, the Company would provide broadband capacity to RURALBAND in unserved areas of Surry County, Virginia. The Company proposes to install 144-strand All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (“ADSS”) fiber for approximately 26.7 miles along the trunk line or the Company’s main distribution line and 72-strand ADSS fiber for approximately 16.5 miles on the lateral lines or the Company’s distribution tap lines. RURALBAND expects to lease 24 fiber strands so that it can deliver high-speed Internet access to the residences and businesses in Surry County. The total estimated capital costs are approximately $3.6 million for the estimated 43.2 route miles of middle mile fiber for the Surry Pilot, of which approximately $2.5 million is considered incremental and included in the RAC calculation.

Botetourt Pilot Through the Botetourt Pilot, the Company would provide broadband capacity to BARC Connects in unserved areas of Botetourt County, Virginia. Dominion plans to install 144-count ADSS fiber along the trunk line for approximately 18.5 miles and 72-count ADSS fiber along the lateral lines for 15.8 miles. BARC Connects’ fiber design and engineering firm is still in the process of completing the final design, which will dictate the number of fiber strands needed to provide last mile service. The fiber strands will be leased by buffer tube in multiples of twelve so that BARC Connects can deliver high-speed Internet access to residences and businesses.

The estimated capital costs are approximately $3.5 million for the estimated 34.3 route miles of middle mile fiber in the Botetourt Pilot, of which approximately $2.6 million is considered incremental and included in the RAC calculation.

Northern Neck Pilot Dominion, All Points Broadband, and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative have developed a framework where All Points Broadband would lease fiber from the Company in Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Northumberland Counties. All Points Broadband would be responsible for building the last mile of fiber in Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Northumberland Counties for both Dominion Energy Virginia and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative customers.

Dominion would install 144-count ADSS fiber along the trunk lines for approximately 116.6 miles and 72-count ADSS fiber along the lateral lines for approximately 100.6 miles throughout the Northern Neck region. The Petition states that final design has not been completed for the Northern Neck Pilot. Dominion has identified a route across five counties in the Northern Neck region totaling approximately 217 miles. Based on the Company’s previous experience and the designs of the two other Pilot Projects, the Company anticipates average capital costs of $100,000 per mile. The Company estimates capital costs in the range of $21 million for the Northern Neck Pilot. Dominion does not seek recovery of the incremental costs associated with the Northern Neck Pilot and is only seeking a prudency determination at this time.

In this proceeding, Dominion has also asked the Commission to approve Rider RBB for the Rate Year. The Company states that it will use the lease revenues from the ISPs to offset Pilot Projects costs. For the Rate Year, the Company requests recovery of a total revenue requirement of $1.2 million, which includes a Projected Cost Recovery Factor only. The Company states it is utilizing a rate of return on common equity of 9.2% in this proceeding consistent with the Commission’s Final Order in Case No. PUR 2019-00050.

According to the Petition, implementation of the proposed Rider RBB on August 1, 2021, will increase the residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, by $0.03.

A more complete description of the Pilot Projects may be found in the Company’s Petition. An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be viewed on the Commission’s website or may be obtained by submitting a request to counsel for the Company: Audrey T. Bauhan, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc.,120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Audrey.t.bauhan@dominionenergy.com.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on February 16, 2021, at 10 a.m., to receive the testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and Staff. Further details on the hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 3719838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

On or before January 25, 2021, any interested person may file comments on the Petition by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments or by filing such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00197.

On or before December 14, 2020, any interested person or entity may participate as a respondent by filing, with the Clerk of the Commission at the address above or scc.virginia.gov/ clk/efiling/, a notice of participation in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice. Notices of participation shall include the email addresses of the party or its counsel.

The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00197. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

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NOVEMBER 5 -11, 2020 | PAGE 3

CITY PERMITS FOR TENTS • HEATERS • LIGHTING • PARK RENTALS www.fallschurchva.gov/COVIDPermits

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Beyer Expresses Disappointment at Lack of Dem Senate Majority, House Losses

Continued from Page 1

Mike led to a term as president of the local Chamber of Commerce in the late 1980s before he ran and won an underdog statewide race for lieutenant governor of Virginia in 1989. He’s since sold the successful family business, Beyer Automotive, to his brother, and devotes all his time to being one of the most effective members of the U.S. Congress.

Beyer was not entirely upbeat about Tuesday’s election, noting that his party failed to win control of the U.S. Senate as hoped, meaning that it will still have to contend with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s leadership in that body. Democrats also had their majority trimmed in the House.

As a result, “It is going to take a lot of effort to hold onto the House in 2022,” Beyer said. He noted that only twice has the party occupying the White House held onto its House majority (1934 and 2002).

But underlying that challenge will be that of healing the current deep division in the country, and that is a tougher order and not so clearly defined, Beyer said.

CONGRESSMAN DON BEYER (LEFT) pow-wowed with State Sen. Dick Saslaw (right) as well as F.C. City Council candidates Debbie Hiscott (foreground) and Joshua Shairf Shokoor Tuesday night inside Falls Church’s Community Center. (P����: N���-P����) “Sixty million Americans voted for someone who treats women so terribly, who is an obvious racist and cares only about himself and no others,” Beyer said. “As a per-

son I couldn’t possibly admire him as a role model.”

How do you go from that to healing the country? “Well, we’re all imperfect human beings,

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not everyone shares that legacy.”

The challenge is to bring out the best in people, and for that, he assigns a lot of potential to a Biden presidency focused on uplifting the “soul of America.”

Biden, he said, has a great talent in projecting values of kindness, decency, unity and courage.

“Biden did really well in almost every respect” during the campaign Beyer said, even if it was Trump’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic that may have made the single biggest difference in the electoral outcome. Trump had good economic and employment numbers to boost him, but when the pandemic hit, he mismanaged the situation so poorly, insisting it will effectively disappear, that he squandered any advantage he might have had otherwise.

With the current deep divide, Beyer stressed, it will take Biden’s continued leadership and “a new emphasis on our interpersonal connections” to address it.

“My friends now all voted almost 100 percent for Biden,” he said. “I am going to have to find some new Trump friends that I can engage deeply.”

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Strong Margin Gives Hiscott De�initive Edge in Tuesday’s F.C. Council Election

Continued from Page 1

ating budget deliberations that will commence later this month and will be particularly challenging due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on City revenue expectations.

In a post-election statement (published elsewhere in this edition), Hiscott, who has served for eight years as the Executive Director of the Falls Church Education Foundation, said her priorities on the Council will include “ensuring that we keep our schools and businesses strong.”

She thanked her opponents Shokoor and Pass Tucker for challenging her in the campaign in commentary seen on page 7 of this issue. “A contested election is good for our community and our democracy,” she wrote. “At a time when our country has never been more divided, I am confident that our community will continue to come together. I look forward to working with Josh and Simone to address our shared priorities.”

These comments echoed what Hiscott told the News-Press at her victory party outside the State Theater Tuesday night. At its peak over 70 persons attended the event that included a large TV screen televising the most tense moments of the national presidential election.

There, she discussed her win, which was not reported out from the F.C. Voter Registrar’s office for over an hour after the City’s three polling locations closed. The delay was due to the need to process all of the ballots submitted by early in person voting and those mailed in, which were numbers extraordinarily higher than in last elections.

There at the event was Falls Church Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly, among the first to endorse Hiscott in the special election. She expressed optimism to the News-Press that the new Council will work in a constructive and collaborative fashion.

Council member Phil Duncan was also present at the event.

F.C.’s Treasurer Jody Acosta and Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton were also at the event.

The tensions associated with the presidential election on the ballot Tuesday added considerable gravitas to the local special election, underscoring the importance of democratic values.

The overall turnout in the Falls Church election was a whopping 82.45 percent among active voters.

On the presidential election side, the City went for electors for Joe Biden by an overwhelming 75-25 percent margin, 7,077 for Biden to 1,472 for Trump (plus 111 votes for the Liberatrian candidate Jo Jorgensen and 67 write-ins). That 81.09 percent total for Biden was the highest among three jurisdictions in the 8th District that came in over 80 percent for Biden (the other two were Arlington at 80.73 and Alexandria at 80.40).

Also winning handily in the City were Virginia’s U.S. Senator Mark Warner, being elected to a third six-year term with a vote

NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 | PAGE 5

margin over Republican Dan Gade of 6,946 to 1,728, and U.S. Representative from the 8th District Donald S. Beyer Jr., who scored a 6,931 to 1,684 margin over Jeff Jordan.

Hiscott piled up 4,177 votes in winning the open City Council seat special election to 2,402 for Shokoor and 1,019 for PassTucker. Hiscott carried the preelection day vote by 2,655 to 1,997 for Shokoor and 878 for Pass Tucker and two of the City’s three voting precincts on Election Day. Shokoor actually topped Hiscott in the Third Ward vote by 152 to 121 and 42 for Pass Tucker.

That polling location, the Community Center, saw both Hiscott and Shokoor doing last minute campaigning virtually all day. About 5:30 p.m. Rep. Beyer showed up to thank everyone who voted for him, and although not on the ballot in this election, State Sen. Dick Saslaw also made an appearance there.

Saslaw stressed the affordable housing initiative he’s taken to get the City of Falls Church access to $2 million earmarked for that. It was originally in the state budget for this year, but had to be pulled out when the pandemic began

wreaking havoc with revenues, but it back in as part of a bigger pool that Falls Church and other jurisdictions can apply for.

All three Falls Church Council candidates put affordable housing high on their agendas for action, with Shokhoor taking the lead as a member of the Housing Commission and long-time advocate of the cause.

Hiscott said in her post-election statement that, “For starters, I will push to stem the affordable housing crisis in the City central to our work ahead.”

She said she will work “to balance new development with the interests of all our residents,” adding, “There is still quite a bit we can do to ensure Falls Church City is a place everyone is proud to call home,” and “setting priorities with an eye toward ensuring “equal opportunity for housing, education, health care and employment.”

Pass Tucker gained some wider notoriety for being the first non-binary person to seek public office in Virginia and drew support from a wider circle outside the City, including three state delegates and the Sunrise Movement chapters in Fairfax, McLean and Williamsburg.

PAGE 6 | NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 

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E D I TO R I A L

Oh, H-h-h-happy Day!

Who remembers the Walt Disney cartoon version of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf?” Who remembers Sterling Holloway doing the narration? Who remembers the revisionist Disney ending that included Sasha the Duck showing up at the end having eluded the big bad wolf, after all? Who remembers the special way that Halloway then proclaimed, “Oh, happy day!” with a lot of wheezy extended air under the “h” in “happy”? Some of us have mimicked that particular way of expressing joy over the years.

It now appears that this week’s national election has produced an outcome worthy of repeated and emphatic Holloway-ish versions of “Oh, happy day!”

Try it. It’s best with a sing-songy falsetto.

Pardon the enthusiasm of this moment. There was much that came up short in the election. In particular, McConnell will retain control of the Senate.

And, it remains a mystery how a single vote for Donald Trump could have been cast given his highly public record of despicable behavior. But, we affirm that there is a special happiness that comes from a successful hair thin, hard-fought outcome as opposed to a blow-out or a landslide. Maybe that’s why the fates, or whomever, scripted this election to turn out this way, at least to this point.

We have not yet seen the last of Trump’s desperate efforts to overturn this lawful electoral outcome. But the American people now care, care far more than usual, for the sanctity of their vote and of the hallowed democratic institutions established by our nation’s Founding Fathers.

(Our Founding Fathers had their shortcomings, to be sure, but they arose from within the social parameters of their times as children of one of the most important movements of human history, the Enlightenment. They took the radical position of openly defying a ruling elite on behalf of the truly inspired concept of the inalienable rights of all persons being created equal. They are why, you, dear reader, have your cherished right to vote today.)

As our nation’s founding principles have grown in applications, they have included in this week’s election not only the public’s ability to throw off a would-be tyranny, but such things as a late abortion ban being thrown out in Colorado, the addition of a provision for paid family leave, a non-binary representative elected in Oklahoma, a first transgender senator in Delaware, first transgender representative elected in Vermont and the restoration of voting rights of incarcerated persons in California.

The gains include growth in the representation of persons of color and of LGBTQ orientations among elected officials on all levels, were reflected in Falls Church by the forceful advocacy in the special Council election here by all three candidates for equality and affordable housing.

We are feeling better that Falls Church will not go the direction of a gated community, after all, but toward a funky, diverse and caring community celebrating the best of what life has to offer all.

L������

Dr. Warren Pace Helped F.C. City Become The Place It Is Editor, I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Warren Pace with my friend, Maggie Wells Schwind. It was so nice to see and talk with Dr. Pace.

And German, his caregiver, who is so wonderful and kind. He had taken care of Maggie’s father, Harry Wells, former city manager, and Lou Olom. The Shick Family was hugged between the Wells and Olom families on Poplar Drive! And the

woman in pink is Connie Langford, 91. Mrs. Langford worked on the Falls Church school board and knew Dr. Pace well. Several days before Maggie and I saw Dr. Pace, German and I set up a phone call between Mrs. Langford and Dr. Pace. I was with Mrs. Langford and she so enjoyed talking with her former boss and friend. Nothing but admiration and love in her voice. I must also say how wonderful Dr. Pace’s wife,

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Mary Pace, was. Mary Pace was my second grade teacher (around 1965). She was so gracious and loving. These people made such an impact on my life growing up on Poplar Drive and in the City of Falls Church! It was a wonderful place and time to grow up!

Joanne Cooksey Falls Church

One F.C. City School Should Be Named After Dr. Pace

Editor, After reading the death notice for

former Falls Church schools superintendent Dr. Warren Pace, and in light of the efforts to rename two schools in the city, I could not help but thinking that naming the new high school in his honor would be one lasting way to recognize Dr. Pace’s efforts in making the City of Falls Church schools among the best in the country.

Dr. Pace prided himself on improving the education standards of the City’s schools, naming the new high School the Dr. Warren Pace High School would be a fitting tribute.

Bob Johnson Falls Church

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NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 | PAGE 7

Coming Together to Uplift F.C. City is Focus After Election B� D����� H������

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Falls Church City for electing me as your newest city council member. I can’t wait to get started.

It takes a village. As a mom of three, I know no truer words were ever spoken.

One of the greatest things about living in the City of Falls Church is our village.

Whatever happens, we look out for each other and we show up for each other. As a city council member, I look forward to showing up for each and every one of you.

And I offer my profound thanks to all of those who showed up for me.

Thank you to everyone who offered financial, emotional, and operational support. Major thanks to my family, friends and neighbors, and all those who endorsed me, including Marybeth Connelly, Jody Acosta, Phil Duncan, Marcus Simon, Tom Clinton, and the Falls Church News Press.

Thank you for hosting porch parties, helping with mailings, attending forums, passing out door hangers, wearing my T-shirts, posting yard signs, and taking to social media to get out the vote. This effort truly took a village and I could not be more grateful.

Special thanks to the State Theater and Kim Deering for hosting a terrific watch party Tuesday night. And to Joshua Sharif Shokoor and Simone Pass Tucker for joining me in this campaign. A contested elec-

tion is good for our community and our democracy. At a time when our country has never been more divided, I am confident that our community will continue to come together. I look forward to working with Josh and Simone to address our shared

“Friends, we have a lot of work ahead.

But I am excited for this opportunity. As we face tremendous uncertainty in our nation, it will take a village to see us through this crisis.” priorities.

I also look forward to working with the other city council members, city staff, boards and commissions, and, of course, our schools, teachers, and administrators. I am ready for the task ahead. And, whether you voted for me or not, you are part of my village. We are all in this together.

When I am sworn in on Monday, I will

immediately get to work on the actions I highlighted throughout my campaign.

With the annual joint budget session of the city council and school board coming up November 16, I am set to tackle our FY22 budget. This includes ensuring that we keep our schools and businesses strong.

After decades of participating in the city’s budgeting process from the citizen side, I am eager to lead this process. But I’m also counting on my fellow FCC residents to stay engaged and ensure we all put in the work needed to meet all of our community’s needs.

As the parent of a George Mason High School student – and two GMHS alumni – as well as a long-time volunteer for our schools, I am excited to see our hard work come to fruition as we open the new building in early 2021, giving our excellent teachers and students new opportunities for exemplary exploration, learning, growth, and fun.

The potential offered by the new high school extends to the commercial development happening on the site of the former school property and the possibilities it brings to further enhance our community.

Here, too, I encourage everyone to show up and be part of the process as we work to balance new development with the interests of all our residents and put a premium on strengthening our quality of life with smart business and growth decisions.

In addition to focusing on the physical

changes on our horizon, I am committed to pushing for social changes. As the racial justice re-awakening continues throughout the country, we have made progress with criminal justice and police reform, but there is still quite a bit we can do to ensure Falls Church City is a place everyone is proud to call home. As I work with the other city council members to set our priorities for the year ahead, I will do so with an eye toward ensuring equal opportunity for housing, education, health care, and employment. For starters, I will push to make stemming the affordable housing crisis in the city central to our work ahead.

We must also take action to keep our city livable by protecting our environment.

This includes balancing smart development with open spaces that promote clean air and give us a place to enjoy nature. As the master planning process for the Fellows Property gets underway this week, this is an excellent opportunity for city leaders and the community to come together and determine how best to leverage this asset.

Friends, we have a lot of work ahead.

But I am excited for this opportunity. As we face tremendous uncertainty in our nation, it will take a village to see us through this crisis. Here in Falls Church City, I am certain we will rise to this occasion together.

Debbie Hiscott won the special election to fill the seat on Falls Church’s City Council

Q������� �� ��� W��� How late did you stay up watching the election results?

• After midnight

• Past 2 a.m.

• Regular bedtime

Visit www.FCNP.com to cast your vote

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Last Poll Question (from Sept. 24 issue): Do you support F.C. Schools’ schedule for its return to class?

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The News-Press welcomes readers to send in submissions in the form of Letters to the Editor & Guest Commentaries. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 350 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four weeks. Guest Commentaries should be no more than 800 words and writers are limited to one appearance every four months. Because of space constraints, not all submissions will be published.

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PAGE 8 | NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020

National Memorial Park Burial Plots Available For Sale

Fa l l s C h u r c h

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS Covid-19 Infection Rate Climbs in Region

A new statement from the Falls Church City Public Schools yesterday morning noted that while the Covid-19 infection rate in the region is climbing, there is not a “surge.” The rising number of cases in this area are in long-term care facilities, it reported the Fairfax County Health Department saying. This area remains in the “moderate” category for Overall Composite and Burden data with the region’s Trend remaining in the “Steady/Fluctuating” category while there has been an increase in the Positivity Rate, Case Infection Rates (number of new cases per 100,000) and Infection Rate. There are no changes in the schools’ hybrid teaching plans announced so far this week.

7482 Lee Highway Falls Church, Virginia

F.C. DAR Members Honored in Zoom Ceremony Sunday

A beautiful and peaceful final resting place.

Plots available in various sections of the National Memorial Park, including adjacent plots. Perpetual care included.

Contact Cynthia Whitt for more information.

423.869.6394 or Cynthia.Whitt@LMUnet.edu www.LMUnet.edu

The Falls Church Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be honoring a number of its members during a 110th Anniversary celebration of the chapter this Sunday at 2 p.m. in an online Zoom event. Those from this area receiving special recognitions include the late Barb Cram, receiving the National Society DAR Community Service award, former four-term Falls Church Mayor Carol DeLong, receiving the NSDAR Women in American History award; Midge Wang, NSDAR Historic Preservation Recognition award; Mary Ellen Henderson, NSDAR Women in American History awar; Ann Mills-Griffiths, NSDAR Women in American History award, and Marc Leepson, NSDAR History award medal.

Education Foundation Fundraiser Begins Nov. 13 The Falls Church Education Foundation’s Roaring Twenties online auction commences Friday, Nov. 13 when auction items will be tweeted to persons signing up to participate. Other important dates include Wednesday, Nov. 18, the last day for the purchase of a party box for one’s self or a teacher, and Friday, Nov. 20, at 9:30 p.m. the closing date. Meanwhile, Mason High’s Choral Boosters are selling poinsettias in three sizes with the deadline for orders Monday, Nov. 9.

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This year, more than ever, the hard work of poll workers enabled millions of Virginians to cast their votes safely and “poll workers have always been the backbone of our free and fair Democratic process,” declared Deb Wake, president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia. “This year, their work was not only especially vital, it was also more personally dangerous, and still they stepped up to volunteer.” She noted that poll workers arrived at their polling sites by 5:00 a.m. on Election Day and this year, many drove miles across the state to fill in for gaps caused by the pandemic.

During what is often a 16-hour day, poll workers greeted and assisted thousands of voters. Many changes to Virginia’s election laws, complicated by a pandemic, meant voter questions and confusion were at an all time high. Early voting started in Virginia on September 18. Laws enacted this year positioned Virginia to have one of the longest early voting periods in the country. Election staff and volunteers have been answering one of the most important calls to keep Democracy working for a very long time in unprecedented circumstances. “Virginians don’t have to look far to find a hero,” Wake said.

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NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 2020 | PAGE 9

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PAGE 10 | NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020

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Community News & Notes

ERIC ALBRECHT (LEFT) was awarded the first-ever Chet De Long Outstanding Service Award from Mary Riley Styles Public Library. De Long (right) was there to celebrate with Albrecht. Read more about the award on page 11. (Photo: Courtesy Jessica Sabo)

Mah Jongg Cards On Sale From Temple Rodef Shalom The Women of Temple Rodef Shalom are now taking orders for 2021 Mah Jongg cards. To order, visit this link (templerodefshalom. org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ mah-jongg-flyer-2021-1.pdf), then print and fill out the form and mail it as directed to order cards for either yourself, your family and your friends.

This effort supports various TRS programs and charitable organizations through a rebate the temple receives from the National Mah Jongg League. Last year, TRS sold almost 800 cards and received a rebate of more than $1,600. TRS would like to surpass that this year.

Anyone can order through the

Women of Temple Rodef Shalom; they don’t even have to live in Virginia. The Mah Jongg League will send the cards directly to their address in late March/early April.

Cost for a small card is $9, and a large card is $10 (new official NMJL card prices).

Coffee Open House At Culmore Clinic The Covid-19 pandemic has made the Culmore Clinic’s usual Open House tour difficult, but not impossible.

Interested community members can sip coffee from their own mug and take a virtual tour of the clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. while also chatting about the clinic and its operations. To register, visit cul-

IT’S OUR ANNUAL moment of recognition from the Falls Church School Board, who awarded New-Press Owner and Editor-in-Chief Nicholas F. Benton (left) and News Editor Matt Delaney as members of the state’s school board association. We appreciate any kudos we get, so thanks folks. (Photo: FCCPS Photo)

moreclinic.org/rsvp.

F.C. Resident Wins Alumni Award From University John Napolitano, a 24-year resident of the City of Falls Church and graduate of La Roche University (‘81), recently received the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Circle Award from his alma mater.

Napolitano, who also serves on the university’s Board of Trustees, has spent his professional career serving clients and building relationships in the commercial real estate industry. As the president/ owner of The Lann Companies, Napolitano oversees a portfolio of four local office buildings. In addition to his property management, construction management and leas-

ing responsibilities, Napolitano has long held a vision to bring a vibrant multi-use development project to the City of Fairfax.

Napolitano is currently spearheading The Northfax Project — a vision 18 years in the making which includes the acquisition of 17 different parcels that will soon be 56 new townhomes, a sevenstory senior living facility offering independent, assisted and memory care services and a future apartment complex with first floor retail amenities.

Upon graduating high school, he served four years in the United States Air Force. At age 25, Napolitano started selling real estate and attending college. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Science in business administration and man-

agement from La Roche University in 1981, Napolitano relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, where he ultimately became a trusted leader in commercial real estate management and development.

In 1991 he established his own firm: The Lann Companies.

“It brings me immense satisfaction to say that my firm has not once lost a client or a contract in 30 years of doing business,” Napolitano said. He credits this accomplishment to his staff and his business philosophy that “true success comes when everyone is given a voice — when respect and fairness are cornerstones of every transaction, and when negotiations create ‘win/win’ outcomes.”

His volunteer work includes serving on the board for FACETS,

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

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a local nonprofit helping families suffering the effects of poverty; presiding as president for the International Lodge Order of Sons of Italy; and, acting as the former chair for the Business Improvement District for the City of Fairfax, Virginia. He currently serves on the La Roche University Board of Trustees, where he also chairs the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

F.C. Resident Wins 1st Annual Library Service Reward The Mary Riley Styles Public Library Foundation asks the community to join in celebrating two people who have worked on behalf of the City of Falls Church’s lone library for a combined 41 years.

For 25 years, Chet De Long has served the library on the Board of Trustees, the Board of the MRSPL Foundation and as a dedicated volunteer shelving books nearly every week. The foundation estimates that De Long must have provided, at the minimum, over 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the library.

In gratitude for this remarkable contribution, an award has been created in his name to recognize outstanding service from a library staff person or volunteer.

In a misty ceremony Friday morning, the first annual Chet De Long Award for Outstanding Service was presented to Eric Albrecht. Library patrons will recognize Albrecht as he has worked at the circulation desk for more than 16 years. At the desk he is friendly and thoughtful in his approach to patrons.

If someone expresses an interest or need related to any library program or service, Albrecht takes the time to inform the patron how to access it. This is the kind of professionalism that enhances the welcoming, community feel of our library. In the words of Albrecht, “This is a deeply rewarding way to be contributing to the community.”

The Foundation is pleased

to honor Eric Albrecht with the 2020 Chet Delong Award for Outstanding Service. His remarks while accepting the award can be read at mrsplfoundation.org.

Goodwin House Named Top Job by Washington Post Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) has been named one of The Washington Post’s 2020 Top Workplaces in the Washington, D.C. area, and ranked #10 in the large company category on the list of organizations receiving a Top Workplace designation. This is the second year in a row that Goodwin House received this honor.

Selection is based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, which measured several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, engagement and leadership.

For 2020, a record 406 employers agreed to take the survey — with 200 Washington-area employers ranked based on their employee survey feedback.

GHI is a leader in the senior living and healthcare services industry, serving approximately 2,000 older adults across Northern Virginia and employing nearly 900 individuals representing more than 65 different countries.

In addition to launching a new education alliance in 2020 with the University of Maryland Global Campus that expands the affordability of college degrees for Goodwin House employees, GHI and the Goodwin House Foundation supported the citizenship fees for 19 employees and close to $156,250 in tuition assistance. Goodwin House also launched more than twenty support staff support efforts, including direct financial assistance, to help its employees and their families navigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Washington Post hosted

FAMILIES ON MIDVALE STREET and adjacent streets provided kids with a safe Halloween during this unusual year. Festivities included a performance by local magician Lorenzo the Great and a parade down Midvale Street followed by trick or treating. (P����: CO������ D���� F�����) an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 13 to recognize the topranked companies. For more about The Washington Post’s Top Workplaces and to see the full list of this year’s honorees, visit washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/ business/top-workplaces/.

Glen Forest Elementary Receives Grant for STEM Glen Forest Elementary School is one of five Fairfax County public schools that have been awarded a total of $10,000 in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Competition Team Grants from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

The grants support project-

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based, team activities that increase student awareness of careers in STEM. STEM Competition Team Grants are available to schools with at least 40 percent of students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals.

Glen Forest Elementary plans to fund Lego Robotics kits for a new Game Changers in Action afterschool program with 18 fourth grade students, including a STEM competition team.

F.C High Student Recognized By Gov. Northam A Falls Church High School student, Taylor Forrest, was recognized by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam for nominating Black

Virginians to be recognized on highway markers throughout the state.

The two Virginian noimnated by Forrest are: Katherine Johnson, an AfricanAmerican mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics as a NASA employee were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflights.

Johnson’s role was chronicled in the film, “Hidden Figures.” (Hampton) “Angela,” one of 350 enslaved Angolans and the first African woman brought to Jamestown in 1619; her name is still on the records in 1625. As a slave, she served as skilled labor and contributed to the colony’s recovery from starvation and drought. (Jamestown)

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PAGE 12 | NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 2020

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

A Golden Anniversary is a significant milestone, whether for a marriage, a business, or a park. For Green Spring Gardens, the jewel of a public garden and horticultural center in the Lincolnia area of Mason District, the anniversary was October 26. Fifty years previously, in 1970, Michael and Belinda Straight, who had owned Green Spring Farm since the early 1940s, gifted 16 acres of the farm, with its historic 1784 Manor House and outbuildings, to Fairfax County for a park. In the ensuing years, Green Spring Gardens has become a treasured location for plant collections, Master Gardeners, children’s programs, seasonal events, art shows, tea parties at the Manor House, and a variety of other activities. For many visitors, Green Spring Gardens provides a wellneeded respite from everyday challenges – a quiet locale for shaking off the cares of the day, for strolling, plein-air painting, discovering enchanting secrets in the garden, or just enjoying being outside.

The park opened in 1975, but the public advocated for a garden setting rather than a traditional park with playing fields. A horticulture center with a greenhouse was constructed in the early 1980s, and a number of demonstration gardens quickly followed. Spring plant sales brought more people into the park in the mid1980s, with a Young Gardeners Program to instill the joy of gardening from an early age. Those successes faced an occasional interruption by Mother Nature – an ice storm that destroyed the greenhouse collections, a windstorm that tore out 35 mature trees around the Manor House, a massive blizzard that collapsed the meeting room ceiling. Nonetheless, the 31-acre site now boasts the national witch hazel collection recognized by the Plant Collections Network of the American Public Gardens Association, accreditation by the

Alliance of American Museums, and a Virginia historic highway marker commemorating the 1942 collaborative work of restoration architect Walter Macomber and landscape architect Beatrix Farrand at the Manor House and gardens.

The success of Green Spring Gardens has been supported, for the past quarter century, by the Friends of Green Spring Gardens, or FROGS, perhaps the most active and enthusiastic group of volunteers in the region. The FROGS donate their time, ideas, funds, and more, “working closely with staff to improve the quality of the gardens and its activities,” according to Sandy Austin, the group’s first president. Today, FROGS membership exceeds 1500, and the FROGS have raised and donated back to the park more than $2 million, and tens-of-thousands of hours of volunteer work. In 2003, legendary Green Spring Gardens manager Don Humphrey put the mystique of the gardens in a nutshell: “At the heart of the day-today operations are professional and dedicated permanent employees, doing what they like and doing it well. And we must not forget that somewhere out there in the gardens is a seasonal employee and a volunteer keeping the dream alive. The seasonal isn’t being paid very much and the volunteer not at all. Tells you something right there.”

The first 50 years of Green Spring Gardens is history; what comes next likely will be just as interesting and fascinating, probably different, but always inviting, a place to marvel at the myriad wonders of nature, and a place to restore one’s soul, especially these days! Learn more about Green Spring Gardens at www.friendsofgreenspring.org.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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

CRIME REPORT Week of Oct. 26 – Nov. 1, 2020

Motor Vehicle Theft, 100 blk N Fairfax St. Between October 25 and October 26, unknown suspect(s) stole a vehicle that was parked on a residential street.

Larceny-Shoplifting, 400 blk W Broad St. October 16, an unknown suspect concealed merchandise from a store and walked out without paying.

Larceny from Vehicle, 200 blk Gundry Dr. Between October 16 and October 17, unknown suspect(s) unlawfully entered a parked vehicle and stole items of

value.

Assault, 300 blk W Broad St. October 27, 6:18 pm, a male, of Falls Church, VA, was arrested for assault and battery.

Driving Under the Influence/ Drug Narcotic Violation, 7100 blk Leesburg Pike. October 29, 12:57 am, a male, of Alexandria, VA, was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of narcotics.

Larceny from Vehicle, 400 blk N Washington St. Between October 28 and October 30, unknown suspect(s) stole the wheels from two parked vehicles.

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Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report This calendar year is turning out to be one of the most unusual of my lifetime and likely yours. It will be a point of reference for the rest of this century for many reasons, some more palatable than others. Once again, the pandemic has played another role in our society.

The November 3rd election was the latest victim of this insidious infection. While some would like to cast dispersions on the integrity of the election, I commend the dedicated election officers who executed this process in the most professional manner under extreme circumstances. I also applaud the registered voters that came out in droves on November 3rd as well as those voting early to have their voices heard. Now we must protect those votes and let the democratic process of counting continue without intimidation or intentional disinformation.

The large turnout for early voting can be attributed to newly enacted legislation from the 2020 General Assembly. These measures were intended to remove barriers and unwarranted hurdles for casting a ballot in the Commonwealth. Virginia took great strides to embrace and encourage voter participation and empowered more than two million Virginians to cast a ballot via absentee mail-in vote or early vote.

This is democracy at its finest hour.

Now we must turn our attention to uniting this nation.

On January 20, we will see an orderly transition of power to the future with or without a new president. I am optimistic the campaign rhetoric will subside, and we can work together to march through the pandemic, rebuild the economy, and focus on the many important issues that will shape our nation’s future.

Now that Daylight Savings Time has ended and we are in November, it is necessary to remember Covid-19 is still very much among us. In many places, Coronavirus is once again spiking. This was predicted. However, this time we are better prepared thanks to Governor Northam guiding Virginia through this pandemic. Well over 3,500 Virginians have been lost to Covid-19, leaving a deep void within the hearts of loved ones. At the same time, their passing is a stark reminder this medical nightmare is still active within our communities.

November 11 is Veteran’s Day. It is the day we commemorate the men and women who have worn

the cloth of this nation. to ensure the freedoms we so cherish. We salute these courageous heroes. We thank them for their selfless service and the sacrifices they and their families have made for us.

Debate rages on within school districts on the best practices going forward. The most important element of this dialogue focuses on public safety – for the students and their families and for the staff they encounter. This is a very fluid situation and seems to be revisited almost daily. The goal is to get special-ed and high-risk students back to school in the next couple of weeks if they are not already there.

Several of the Northern Virginia jurisdictions are polling parents for their desire to return in person as soon as possible.

None of this is easy and most of it is contingent on how well we can contain Covid-19. These tough decisions require a much larger picture of existing realities in our community. Duly noted, like most families, some have fared better than others in the virtual world. 2020 cannot be a “gap year.” We need to get this right. Like most everyone, teachers have had to make some serious adjustments to their methods and quickly adopt technology skills that foster learning.

The General Assembly has taken steps to keep education as a priority. We have made investments to keep localities whole as well as keep critical broadband affordable and accessible. Daycare is also a priority, with funding infusions from the CARES Act. Higher education has received an additional $116 million from federal funds to continue its mission of producing a skilled workforce.

Last week, Governor Northam announced that $30 million of these funds will go to help Virginians whose employment has been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis pursue workforce training in a high-demand field. The new Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative will provide scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in a workforce or community college program in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education. The initiative will provide one-time REV scholarships of $3,000 to register in a qualifying full-time workforce program and $1,500 to register parttime or in a short-term, noncredit training program.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fool Me Once, Shame on You

This commentary is being written in the middle of the night in the wee hours of Wednesday, Nov. 4, with the U.S. presidential election being held in the balance. You are advantaged, dear reader, in that you will be knowing the outcome of this whereas I cannot, at least while still in the holding to the posture of an author of this hour alone (1:35 a.m. local time) when said outcome is still up in the air.

Can we trust James Carville, the cajun former manager of the campaigns of Bill Clinton, primarily, who tells his fellow Democrats not to fret, that the win is in the bag?

Or, then there are the analysts on both CNN and MSNBC right when they drive us crazy with relentless parallels between this election and the one FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS in 2016 when Trump upset Hillary Clinton.

You, reader, already know the answer to this, at least part of it, I am sure. I have yet to find out.

One sage commentator on social media quipped this week that the election shall mark either the best day of his life, or the worst, depending on whether Trump is or is not elected.

It’s not quite how I’d put it. I declare even as little I remember it, the best day of my life was when I became aware of my own breath, looking up through the 10 pink fingers I waved in front of my eyes as my first lesson in self-awareness. And conversely, I expect the worst will be when I take my last conscious breath. Ah, life! After all, what is more precious?

The bests and worsts seen this way extend to loved ones, too, affirming the kind of empathy that is the core substance of our mortal existence.

I remember a probably-CIA-backed hardcore cult back in the mid-1970s whose minions were convinced if Jimmy Carter were to be elected president there would be an immediate thermonuclear war and all humanity would be blown to smithereens. Of course, it was an absurd proposition, but one cult masters used effectively to kick their sleep-deprived recruits into overdrive selling literature on street corners and finding new ways to empty parental bank accounts on behalf of the cause of “saving humanity!”

What a con job by the leaders of that cult! They lived lavish lifestyles, including sexually hooking up with whomever among their followers they fancied on any given night. Their minions lived on $5 a day and received no medical, dental, or any other form of care working their 18 hour days.

So, compared to how a member of that cult might react after a month of brainwashing about Carter and nuclear war, if this week’s election fails to go the way of the Trump cult, then maybe some new promised drastic results will necessarily ensue.

My cult in question here and hundreds of others spawned in the 1970s were following the same cookbook that resulted in almost 1,000 lives lost by suicide among one such group in the jungles of Guyana in November 1978.

I am not arguing that the outcome of this election won’t be that bad, no matter who wins. On the contrary, a re-election of Trump would be a devastating blow to the American public, its collective psyche and its role in the world.

But it will reflect not so much Trump as on the state of our nation more generally. that even having lived through four years of the treachery and deceit of this extraordinarily evil man, millions would somehow see it in their interest to go ahead and vote for him again.

The saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

It is an irrational cult-like insistence behind any angry Trump devotee, and we’ve been through this all before. The new revelation is that those who love Kool-Aid will want to drink it no matter how problematic it was the previous time.

I refuse to utter the word, “we,” in association with any who contributed to the potential for a Trump re-election this week. Trump’s America does not deserve the association of my name with it.

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NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

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

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

High school football for pandemic year 2020 has been a bust.

So, like those all-sports channels forced to rebroadcast old games (you can tell instantly by the full bleachers), I am prompted to revisit the 1970 infamous mud-bowl battle between my teammates at Yorktown High School and Washington-Lee (now Liberty).

Local sports history ace Greg Paspatis reminds me that this week marks the 50th anniversary of that scandal-tinged heartbreaker from an era when “people cared more” about high school gridiron heroics.

The tale involves a mystery that in the ensuing decades has stuck in more than a few North Arlington craws.

In November 1970, I had the honor of starting as a senior offensive tackle on the team that at the time was best in Yorktown’s history (though more recent teams surpassed us). Our school was newly integrated, and boasted its largest student body (more than 1,800).

That allowed us to be Yorktown’s first football squad to field enough talent to go two-platoon.

Our scampering running back Harvey Banks broke school and county rushing records that year.

Metropolitan news coverage drew large crowds to the games, and we were undefeated as we reached the final game on the district schedule.

But beginning the day before

that matchup before 10,000 at W-L’s War M e m o r i a l Stadium, the heavens opened and rain fell in buckets.

“I remember coming into the locker room after pre-game warmups and [Yorktown Coach Jesse] Meeks was extremely angry at the field conditions,” Yorktown defensive back Sam Houghton recently recalled. “We should have gotten on the bus and left right then. I remember lining up for the first play from scrimmage and looking down at my right foot completely submerged in mud.”

But the W-L coaches wouldn’t hear of postponing. After two hours of slow maneuvering and frequent fumbles, the W-L Generals emerged victorious 12-0.

That meant they won the Potomac District, with an 8-2 record versus our 9-1. Our hopes for regional and state playoffs (we were ranked 8th statewide) were drowned.

Then the rumors started — never fully quashed — that W-L staff had purposefully watered down the field.

Life, healthily, went on. A dramatic photo of myself and teammates on the sidelines of that mud-caked contest was obtained and blown up as a souvenir of misery. My father displayed it for years at his office. In the late 1990s, a classmate rescued the old instructional films of the 1970 season and transferred them from 16mm to VHS. We watched avidly. I phoned the retired coach (Meeks died last year), but I couldn’t get him to confirm

whether anyone watered down the field. In thanking him for teaching me sports discipline, I apologized for causing — out of frustration — a piling-on penalty on a punt return by W-L. In 2016, I was a friendly guest at a W-L Class of ’71 reunion, a sort of late-life “domestic exchange.” There I met with some of those former opponents (Tom Arthurs, the since-deceased Larry Nash and Riley Meeks, our coach’s son). Those aging jocks were still proud, and didn’t budge an inch while dismissing the watering-down rumors. We laughed together.

Last year, I posted the film of that muddy mess on YouTube (youtube.com/ watch?v=M98XVHwDyPQ).

In watching again, I realized that my decades-old sad feeling of having underperformed during the big game…was overblown. *** Poor Metro. Bad enough that the pandemic has depopulated many of its trains. Add to that the fancy bicycle storage cage that opened in August at the East Falls Church station, which is hardly being used.

An Oct. 16 inspector general report found that Metro spent $5.9 million for three of those soupedup security facilities for a total of 304 bicycle spaces.

That’s $19,400 for each slot inside the painted cage, when existing outside bike racks stand nearby.

On a recent walk, I stopped by the deserted white cage and literally heard crickets.

PAGE 14 | NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020

CA L E NDA R

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH

CALENDAR LOCALEVENTS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Falls Church Farmers Market.

The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go. Bird Walk for Beginners. Bird watching can be a family activity where children can learn the basics of binoculars, field guides, identification and finding birds.

Then the group will get some birding practice around the nature center. Loaner binoculars are available. Families ages 6 and up. Registration required children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington).

9 – 10 a.m.

World of Wonders: Reptiles & Amphibians. Interested attendees can join the group to learn about the world of wonders, with this event’s focus being on how similar and different cold-blooded animals are to each other and how they have been able to remain unchanged for millions of years. Families 6 and up.

Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 11 a.m. – noon.

Trail Hike to Huffman’s Falls.

Interested attendees can join the group for a short hike of about half-billion years or more back in time. The “time-travel” will take participants from Long Branch Nature Center to the fall line of Four Mile Run at Huffman’s Falls,

one of Arlington’s most significant geological sites. Along the way, the group will discuss some of the geology of Glencarlyn Park and meet Skolithos, Arlington’s local fossil. Adults. Teens ages 12 and up are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 3 – 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Beavers. Participants will learn about the furry critters that are nature’s experts on local waterways. Ages: 3 – 5 years.

Preschool programs are offered throughout the year at both Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers. The theme for preschool programs is repeated during the month, so register for only one session at each nature center per month. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington).

4 – 4:30 p.m.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 New Yorker Discussion Group (online). If any residents enjoy The New Yorker but wish they had someone to chat about it with, they are encouraged to drop into the monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share their thoughts on what they’ve read in a variety of articles. This month’s article will be “The Political Scene: The After Party” by Nicholas Lemann. This discussion will be held online. Visit fallschurchva.gov/LibraryAtHome for details. 2 – 3 p.m.

Author Ilya Shapiro Discusses His Book “Supreme Disorder” (online). Falls Church resident Ilya Shapiro, who is the direc-

19TH STREET BAND will be performing at The State Theatre on Friday. (Courtesy Photo) tor of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, will discuss his recent book, “Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court,” which examines the unknown history of fiercely partisan judicial nominations and explores reform proposals that could return sobriety to the nomination process. This program will be conducted live via Zoom. To request a Zoom invitation, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@ fallschurchva.gov.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 City Council Meeting (online).

City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues and the public is invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. The meet-

ing may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. The virtual meeting will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

LIVEMUSIC

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 The Surfabilly Vibe! Benefiting The JJ & U.S. Staff Fund. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 6 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Mother’s Little Helper: A Tribute to The Rolling Stones. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-2370300.

Brook Yoder & Friends. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Mars Rodeo. JV’s Restaurant (6666

Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

19th Street Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

A Song and A Slice (Indoors + socially distanced) Rahmein Presents Couples Therapy: A Comedy Show. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

The Le Trio with Bob Hume and Rob Kilgore. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Friends of JJ: An Outdoor Show with The Fabulous Dialtones Live and In Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 5 p.m. 703255-1566.

The Cactus Liquors. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300.

Josh Allen Band Live and In Concert. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 | PAGE 15

T�� G���� E����� T���������

A Short History On the Evolution of Energy

BY TOM WHIPPLE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Modern humans have been around for some 200,000 years.

Until our ancestors started writing things down about 3500 years ago, we don’t know much about what they were doing, except for whatever archeologists can deduce from ruins or digging in the ground.

Science tells us that energy underpins life and civilization. Without energy from food and the heat from the sun, we could not exist. For a long, long time, there were few innovations in the use of energy although eventually people discovered that fire could be used to cook food and live in colder climates.

Fire also led to pottery and the smelting of metals.

The next significant transformation in energy use was the agricultural revolution, which allowed the storage of energy as excess food. As people had enough food, not everyone had to spend all their time looking for something to eat and occupations diversified. Villages, towns, cities, and even empires arose.

Urbanization led to more use of metals. Spinning wheels and looms led to better clothing and sails, and soon the wind was being used to move boats across large bodies of water. Metallurgy got better, which improved the harvesting of crops and the cutting of wood for fires and buildings. Life improved, but for thousands of years, there wasn’t much change in humanity’s use of energy.

The history of civilization can be best understood by the pace at which daily consumption of energy grew. Just to stay alive as a hunter-gather took 2,000 calories a day or 2.3-kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy. A hunter-gather with a cooking or heating fire used about 6 kWh per person per day. When animals became domesticated, a farmer using horses or oxen consumed about 14 kWh per day.

A big jump came when an early industrial worker with a coal-burning steam engine used about 89 kWh per day. Today, a person in a first-world nation uses about 275 kWh a day. We first world people still are only eating 2-6 kWh worth of food every day. The other 270 kWh are going to support our lifestyles. We have come a long way from caves largely on the everincreasing amounts of energy.

Until the 18th century, however, the average person did not use much more energy than his distant ancestor living in a cave. The 20-fold increase in much of the world’s per capita energy consumption in the last 250 years was exceptional, given that humans have been around for 200,000 years.

Rapidly growing energy consumption certainly allowed a lot to happen in many places and for the world’s population to grow rapidly.

Advances in medicine, food production, and distribution allowed our population to increase from 1 billion to some 8 billion. Life spans, literacy, education, living standards, etc. have improved to undreamed

Make

of levels.

There are, however, two significant downsides to the results of the massive energy consumption growth in the last two centuries.

The first is that this planet is finite, and we are running out of resources. Given that we do not seem to have much chance of migrating to another planetary system in the next few centuries, we will have to make do with the resources available on earth. This problem is solvable in the short run by reducing the consumption of resources and sufficient recycling.

The far more serious problem is that the bulk of the energy we have been using comes from fossil fuels, which give off carbon emissions. Some 200+ years of these carbon emissions have overloaded the atmosphere’s ability to absorb this carbon, leading to global warming and planet-destroying weather.

To any sensible person, this situation can mean only one thing: the world must reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Unfortunately, reining in emissions has become a highly controversial issue in the US and other places. The reason for this is simple. The fossil fuel industry – coal, oil, and natural gas – has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar colossus that provides millions of jobs worldwide. In several countries, the export of fossil fuels provides the bulk of the government’s revenue.

Even for those not dependent on fossil fuel exports, such as China, fossil fuel’s domestic production

contributes significantly.

Until recently, fossil fuels were cheaper than alternatives, leading to the widespread assumption that dealing with emissions would lead to much higher energy costs and a widespread loss of jobs. Also, until

recently, many people had not yet felt a serious impact from climate change. In America we just had an election, the results of which will determine how seriously we will take this issue in the immediate future.

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November 19th Thanksgiving Issue!

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• MarketSpace - our online business directory to give you local shopping options • Places to eat or order your Thanksgiving Feast • Non-profit profiles will offer suggestions for end of year donations to local charities • Black Friday deals • Holiday Ad Spotlights offering gift suggestions for local shopping options • Small Business Saturday locations for you to shop local • Gift Guides that will offer local suggestions for specific gift giving needs • Foodie Gift, Family Gift, Falls Church Branded Gift, Child Gift, Stocking Stuffer Gift, and others If you are a local business and would like to be included in any of these holiday resources please contact Melissa Morse at mmorse@fcnp.com or 703-532-3267 Contact us for Discounted Participation Rates and even Free Options!

PAGE 16 | NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 2020

CLASSI F I E DS

AUCTIONS

Public Notice

Online Real Estate Auction: Commercial Opportunity in the City of Buena Vista, Virginia. 10 properties, located on Magnolia Avenue or Forest Avenue, most are eligible for New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits. Bidding opens November 1 and closes November 17, 1 PM. If you need bidding assistance, representatives will be available November 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the House Mountain Inn, 455 Lonesome Dove Trail, Lexington, VA 24450.

You may preview the properties on November 1 and 6 from Noon to 3 PM at “Ramsey”, 2076 Magnolia Ave location. 5% Buyer’s Premium. For more information, contact Reaves Ward, REALTOR at 540-597-4607 or visit woltz.com. Woltz & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers (VA #321) 800-551-3588.

Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

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

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Call 1-877-636-0738 Special financing for qualified customers.

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Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net

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Homes for Rent Read Building Apartment (402 W Broad Street)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Architectural Advisory Board (alternate) Arts and Humanities Council of Falls Church Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Board of Zoning Appeals Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation City Employee Review Board Economic Development Authority Historic Architectural Review Board Housing Commission Towing Advisory Board (Towing Representative) Urban Forestry Commission Regional Boards/Commissions Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE Variance application V1613-20 by Margaret L. Schwartz, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-238(3)a, to allow rear yard setback of 36 feet instead of 40 feet, for the purpose of constructing a 1-story addition on premises known as 313 Lincoln Avenue, RPC #51-116-031 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential.

Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for November 12, 2020, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view the meeting virtually. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva. gov until 7:00 pm on November 12, 2020.

Virtual meeting link, agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing on the BZA webpage: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA

(TO20-22) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCES 2009, 2012, AND 2016 REGARDING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, SCHOOL OPERATING FUND, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FUNDS This is an amendment to the FY2021 Budget to appropriate CARES act funding for expenditures resulting from COVID-19 pandemic; appropriate other grants and donations; change the funding source for capital improvement projects; commit FY2020 revenues to reserves; carryforward certain underspent funds from FY2020; transfer funds to the Affordable Housing Fund; and transfer funding between programs in the Special Transportation Fund.

Public hearings will be held electronically.

To speak on a public hearing item, complete a speaker form at www.fallschurchva.gov/ PublicComment before noon on the day of the Council meeting. Following submission of the form, you will receive emailed instructions to join the virtual Council meeting. Written public hearing comments may be sent until noon on the day of the meeting to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.

Council members will attend the meeting through electronic means and members of the public may view the meeting at www. fallschurchva.gov/CouncilMeetings and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35).

Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva. gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

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Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on October 26, 2020. Public hearing, second reading and final Council action is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

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ABC NOTICE 400 WBST Inc, Trading as: Broad St Exxon, 400 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA 220463316. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Vipul Kapila, President, Authorized Signatory 400 WBST Inc NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

2

3

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9

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© 2020 David Levinson Wilk

Across

1. 1965-74 TV series for which J. Edgar Hoover served as a consultant 7. Boneheaded 11. Finsteraarhorn, e.g.

14. Get for less 15. “I’m cool with that” 16. Word with sweet or sugar 17. Improvise 19. Smoking ____ 20. “We ____ the Champions” 21. Taking too much 23. Acoustic engineer’s concern 30. Opposite of dethrone 31. 180s 32. Plural French word that spells its singular English form in reverse 33. Centers of attention 35. Chocolate ____ 38. Rod Stewart hit on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” 42. Place for a bachelorette party 43. Greek counterpart to Mars 44. Takes a toll?

45. Some luxury cars 47. One-named singer of the 1994 hit “You Gotta Be” 48. Something to discuss at a meeting 53. Florida senator Marco 54. Annoying bark 55. Tres menos dos 56. Set aside a moment in one’s schedule for something worthwhile ... or what you do in 17-, 23-, 38and 48-Across

1. 1965-74 TV series for which J. Edgar Hoover served as a consultant 7. Boneheaded

STRANGE BREW

NOVEMBER 5 - 11, 2020 | PAGE 17

64. ____ Goodman, longtime judge on “Dancing With the Stars” 65. The yoke’s on them 66. Child’s wish for Christmas 67. Big name in ice cream 68. 1970s Olympic gymnastics star Korbut 69. Funnywoman Boosler

Down 1. Cough syrup amt.

2. “2001: A Space Odyssey” villain 3. Actress Green of 2006’s “Casino Royale” 4. Tina who won a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor 5. Avril Lavigne 2002 hit “Sk8er ___” 6. Together 7. Senior member 8. Maui music maker, informally 9. Nanny goat’s cry 10. One way to learn 11. H.S. class for a future doctor, maybe 12. Singer Rimes 13. Feelings of hunger 18. Man cave invitee 22. Talk smack about 23. Imperatives 24. Up next 25. Warwick’s “____ Little Prayer” 26. ____ good example 27. Heading for Marco Polo 28. University of Oregon team 29. Rare grandfather clock numeral 33. Guinness Book adjective 34. 55-Across, in English

JOHN DEERING

Sudoku

35. Partner of live 36. Connected to a bar 37. What “two” meant to Paul Revere 39. Midler and Keaton’s costar in “The First Wives Club” 40. Multimedia file format 41. Zaire’s Mobutu ____ Seko 45. Fitness mag stat 46. “Old MacDonald” sounds 47. “Scooby-Doo” girl 48. “Go me!”

49. Like a good-sounding piano 50. Sister magazine of Jet 51. “Laughing” animal 52. Snack 57. Rose with a Slash 58. Centerpiece of a frat party 59. Long swimmer 60. Howard Hughes acquisition of 1939 61. Suffix with superficial 62. Many a fed. holiday 63. Get a good look at Last Thursday’s Solution B I G D E A L

A B O U T T O

S O D A C A N

R I B S

E C O T Y P E

G E N Y E R S

P R O F S E A R T H O W N S W I D S L G O G O S R A L P H G O D D S R O O S D I F T G R P R A E G O D R U M N O I S T H E R E O W S E T T O T O A

C I N G O N D A H E E D S

Y U G O

I I S U P D Y

O M E P A D I N G X I N C E E A S A T T T O D E O N I N D R E N A G O A T L E

I R E S N I C E D O G

By The Mepham Group

Level 1 2 3 4

11. Finsteraarhorn, e.g.

14. Get for less 15. "I'm cool with that" 16. Word with sweet or sugar 17. Improvise 19. Smoking ____ 20. "We ____ the Champions" 21. Taking too much 23. Acoustic engineer's concern

1

30. Opposite of dethrone 31. 180s 32. Plural French word that spells its singular English form in reverse Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

1 NICK KNACK

© 2020 N.F. Benton

11/1/20

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. © 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 18 | NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Falls Church News-Press Vol. XX, No. 36 • November 4,, 2010

Nation Watches as Makeup of Virginia’s Legislature Goes Up for Grabs Tuesday

Connolly Squeaks, Moran Glides, But GOP Tide Sweeps the Nation

Tuesday’s election in Virginia will signal to the entire nation what’s in store for the upcoming Presidential election year. It is perceived by the experts as this year’s most telling indicator of whether the stunning Republican takeover of the U.S. Congress last year was a “flash in the pan,” or only the beginning of a trend.

While Republicans and some of their Tea Party allies made enormous gains in the 2010 midterm elections Tuesday, Northern Virginia’s two seasoned Democrats held onto their congressional seats. Rep. Jim Moran sailed to victory for an 11th term by a 61-37 percent margin, Rep. Gerry Connolly edged out a narrow victory by less than 1,000 votes.

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Mecho is a sweet 12 year old Border terrier who likes to show how in touch he is with his dark side during Halloween.

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

OLIVIA MUNN WITH CHANCE AND FRANKIE: ADOPTED 2014 AND 2016.

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There’s a time to check whether your kid’s in the right car seat.

This isn’t it.

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

safercar.gov/TheRightSeat

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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NOVEMBER 5 – 11, 2020 | PAGE 19

We are OPEN and ready to safely serve your dental needs!

Currently accepting new patients

Nothing Bundt Cakes in Seven Corners Celebrates First Birthday Nothing Bundt Cakes in Seven Corners is celebrating its First Birthday Celebration through Saturday with a benefit and special offers. On Thursday, Nov. 5, 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to Doorways for Women & Family, an organization dedicated to creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault, and helping people establish safe, stable, and empowered lives for themselves. On Friday, Nov. 6, free Confetti Bundlets will be available while supplies last. Finally, on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., patrons are invited to spin a wheel for a chance to win free Bundtlets for a year and more. Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 6286B Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church.

Café Kindred Offering Kid’s Lunchboxes Café Kindred is now offering Kid’s Lunchboxes to help busy parents. Each box includes a main lunch item, healthy snacks, and tasty treats, with a choice of drink to help keep children focused through their day of learning. The daily menu will be offered on Café Kindred’s Instagram and Facebook stories.

Preservation Biscuit Company Signs Lease in Southgate Shopping Center Preservation Biscuit Company has signed a lease in the Southgate Shopping Center at 102 E. Fairfax Street. Operated by DC native Tricia Barba and retired Army veteran Chef Jonathan Coombs. The new buttermilk biscuit focused restaurant will offer savory items like their slow cooked pork barbeque biscuit with coleslaw, and sweet treats such as a Strawberry Shortie biscuit with macerated strawberries, whipped cream, and a sweet sugar drizzle. The new independently owned shop expects to open this winter. For more information, visit Preservation Biscuit Company’s Facebook or Instagram accounts @ PreservationBiscuitCo or preservationbiscuit.com.

Panda Express Fundraiser to Benefit Grace Christian Academy Grace Christian Academy in Falls Church will be the beneficiary of proceeds from Panda Express locations on Friday, Nov. 6. The restaurant chain will donate 28 percent of all delivery and carry-out orders made through their website or app using the code 901046. For more information, visit www.gracechristianacademy.org.

F.C. City Restaurants Should State If They Want Outdoor Heating Restaurants in Falls Church City interested in providing outdoor heating sources may do so providing they meet safety standards and are permitted. Permitting fees have been waived. For information, and links to the required application, are at www.choosefallschurch.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=53. Similar regulations are in place in Fairfax County and Arlington County.

MARKETSPACE Announcing Our New Online Business Directory!

Free for all local Businesses

Rebuild VA Grant Program Has Been Expanded The Rebuild VA grant program has been expanded to help small businesses and nonprofits affected by Covid-19. Businesses with up to $10 million in gross revenue or fewer than 250 employees are now eligible. Additionally, the grant maximum has increased to $100,000.

Rebuild VA funds are now available to all types of Virginia small businesses/nonprofits that meet size and other eligibility requirements, from restaurants and summer camps, to farmers and retail shops. Businesses that previously received a Rebuild VA grant will receive a second award correlated with the updated guidelines. Additionally, businesses that received CARES Act funding and supply chain partners are now eligible. Additional information and the application are available at www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

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ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

Charming Falls Church Home Open Saturday and Sunday 1-4

TM

Virtual Tours

ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com/Open-Houses

FOR SALE! Open Sun 2-4

$1,950,000

This charming 1925 home is close to everything yet has the feel of country living on a private tree-lined street. Home features high ceilings, beautiful moldings, a pressed metal roof and original hardwood floors. Main level has kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliances, a large family room with French doors leading to the lovely patio, a formal dining room, large sunny living room, and a delightful sunroom. Upper level includes large primary bedroom with bath and three additional bedroom all with hardwood floors.

Finished attic has tons of possibilities teenager's ideal suite or home office. Total of 4 bedrooms 2 full and 1 half baths. 7610 Helena Drive, Falls Church!

5 Beds

Historic Gardens

3 Full & 2 1/2 Baths

Tree-top Owner's Oasis

FOR RENT!

FOR SALE!

$979,900 7204 Deborah Dr, Falls Church

$2,500/Month 2530 Stuart Place, Falls Church Beautifully Updated Rambler

6 Beds

Updated Kitchen w/Chef's Appliances

3 Beds

4 Bathrooms

Large Fenced Yard w/Terrace

1 Bathrooms

Fenced Yard

CALL 703-867-TORI

Tori@ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com ROCKSTARRealtyGroup.com 2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

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