Falls Church News-Press 4-19-2018

April 19 — 25, 2018

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 • VOL. XXVIII N O. 9

F���� C����� • T����� C����� • M��������� • M�L��� • N���� A�������� • B�����’� C���������

I����� T��� W��� F.C. R������ $300K S������ �� 3�� Q������ There is a net savings of roughly $300,000 in the current Fiscal Year 2018 City of Falls Church budget resulting from “better than targeted revenues and underspending in department expenditures compared to the budget,” the Falls Church City Council learned Monday.

SEE NEWS BRIEFS, PAGE 8

Richmond Covers New Metro Funding, Relieving Burden on Local Taxpayers F.C. Council Gets to Cut 2 Cents from Its Next Budget Bill

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

F.C. L����� L����� C��������� 70�� S�����

The Falls Church Little League was the first Little League team to be chartered in Virginia during Little League’s second wave of expansion, all the way back in 1948.

SEE STORY, PAGE 11

D���� B�����: T�� B�������� �� S����� W�����

There’s a mountain of evidence suggesting that the quality of our relationships has been in steady decline for decades. In the 1980s, 20 percent of Americans said they were often lonely. Now it’s 40 percent. Suicide rates are now at a 30-year high.

SEE PAGE 20

S����� G��� U���� ��� S�� W��� S����� P��� J.E.B. Stuart High School’s boisterous yet heartfelt take on “The Little Mermaid” is sure to leave you happy as a clam.

SEE PAGE 21

INDEX Editorial.................6 Letters...............6, 9 Business News ...10 News & Notes12–13 Comment ..14, 19-20

Calendar .......26–27 Classified Ads .....28 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ..........29 Critter Corner......30

TODD HITT of Falls Church-based Kiddar Capital addressed the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce at Mad Fox Brewing Company Tuesday. (P����: N���-P����)

Hitt Shares Business Philosophy, Some Advice With F.C. Chamber

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In the week following the historic, unanimous Falls Church City Council approval of his co-owned major Class A office building and mixed-use project at the City’s central intersection, locally-based developer and investor Todd Hitt made a rare public appearance here, addressing the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce to share his business and life philosophy and organizing principles and to offer some advice for the future of the Little City.

The event was the formal

occasion for the announcement that Hitt’s Kiddar Capital investment team would locate its global headquarters right in the new Broad at Washington complex, occupying the majority of the 74,000 square feet of office space in the building, with plans to call the central Falls Church location home for the long term.

Hitt’s firm manages $1.4 billion in assets across a number of sectors and currently has offices in Falls Church, Houston, Palm Springs and London, England.

The Broad and Washington project, which it owns in partnership with the Insight Development Group, will not only be Kiddar’s global home base, but will

include 295 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail, expected to generate a net fiscal impact of $35.7 million for the City of Falls Church.

“Our approved plans call for an architecturally significant HQ building that will be operationally flexible, including a lightweight and interactive environment that is uniquely responsive to our team, the community and will immediately present an engaging atmosphere for Falls Church residents,” said Hitt.

“Kiddar Capital is committed to the communities where we operate and invest. Our new head-

Continued on Page 4

With its final vote on the Fiscal Year 2019 budget set for this coming Monday night, the Falls Church City Council waited with bated breath as the News-Press went to press last (Wednesday) night to see if the Virginia State Legislature would come to closure on a plan to pay for badly needed repairs to the Metrorail system without localities having to bear the cost.

And, in a late breaking development, it was learned that a plan was agreed upon in the General Assembly that “would redirect about one-third of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s 2019 funding, leaving just $265 million for regional road projects.” According to the late report, the legislation “ties the funding to key reforms such as a three percent cap on annual budget increases, stronger oversight, and WMATA Board governance.

Virginia’s funding is contingent on Maryland and D.C. meeting their regional obligations, and failure to implement the reforms will result in funding being withheld.”

A proposal by Gov. Ralph Northam to spread the cost morewidely in the state was rejected earlier yesterday by the Republican majority in the General Assembly, and it was back in the governor’s court last night whether or not he would veto the latest formula.

At its work session this Monday, the Council learned that Richmond would settle on a plan to fund WMATA’s need for $500 million in extra money to repair its Metrorail system that lifts the funding burden on Northern

Continued on Page 5

PAGE 2 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER U, NEW UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING FEBRUARY 1, 2019 CASE NO. PUR-2018-00042

• Dominion Energy Virginia ("Dominion") has applied for approval to revise its Rider U, by which Dominion recovers the costs of its Strategic Underground Program.

• Dominion requests a total of $73.047 million for its 2019 Rider U. According to Dominion, this amount would increase the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $1.39, for a total Rider U bill impact of $1.98 per month.

• A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on July 24, 2018.

• Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

On March 19, 2018, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for revision of a rate adjustment clause (“RAC”), designated Rider U, pursuant to, among other things, § 56-585.1 A 6 (“Subsection A 6”) of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), as amended by Senate Bill 966 (“SB 966”) passed during the 2018 Virginia General Assembly regular session. Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with phase one (“Phase One”), phase two (“Phase Two”) and phase three (“Phase Three”) of the Company’s Strategic Underground Program (“SUP”) for the rate year February 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020 (“2019 Rate Year”).

The Company asserts that SB 966 provides that its terms will apply to any petition for approval of strategic undergrounding cost recovery pending with the Commission on or after January 1, 2018, including the instant Application. The Company further asserts that SB 966 specifically provides that the replacement of overhead distribution lines with underground facilities on or after September 1, 2016, is deemed to provide local and system-wide benefits, to be cost beneficial, and that the costs associated with such new underground facilities are deemed to be reasonably and prudently incurred. Moreover, the Company asserts SB 966 mandates that the Commission approve recovery of such costs so long as the total costs associated with the replacement of overhead tap lines with underground facilities do not exceed an average cost per customer undergrounded of $20,000 and an average cost per mile of $750,000, exclusive of financing costs.

In addition to an annual update to approved cost recovery associated with the SUP, the Company seeks cost recovery of the remaining balance of costs associated with Phase Two of the SUP not previously approved for recovery through Rider U, totaling approximately $65.2 million. The Company also seeks cost recovery for Phase Three of the SUP, designed to convert an additional 416 miles of overhead tap lines to underground at a capital investment of approximately $179.0 million with an average cost per mile of $430,000 and an average cost per customer undergrounded of $13,299. Dominion states that its actual expenditures for Phase Three incurred through December 31, 2017, are $83.9 million and projected expenditures for the period January 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019, are approximately $95.0 million. The Company is requesting to recover the costs of Phase Three through Rider U for only those projects that will be completed prior to February 1, 2019.

The Company states that the two key components of the Rider U revenue requirement are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-up Factor. The Company states that the revenue requirement associated with Phase One costs and for the previously approved portion of Phase Two costs, totals $18.158 million, which includes a Projected Cost Recovery Factor of $13.991 million, an Actual Cost True-up Factor revenue requirement of $5.967 million, and the final of three voluntary customer credits in the amount of $1.800 million related to Phase One as required by the Company’s Stipulation and Agreement in the Phase One proceeding. The Company also states that the Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement for Phase Three and the remaining balance of Phase Two costs totals $54.889 million. In total, the Company seeks approval of revised Rider U with an associated revenue requirement in the amount of $73.047 million for the 2019 Rate Year. For purposes of the projected revenue requirements, the Company proposes a 9.2% return on equity (“ROE”), as approved by the Commission in its Final Order in Case No. PUR-2017-00038.

The impact on customer bills of revised Rider U will depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. The Company asserts that implementation of the proposed Rider U beginning on February 1, 2019, would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by $1.39 over the current Rider U, for a total Rider U bill impact of $1.98 per month.

The Company indicates that it is proposing a new method of cost allocation between the Virginia Jurisdictional and Virginia Non-Jurisdictional customers. The Application notes that Code § 56-585.1 A 6 exempts large general service rate classes from paying Rider U and the Company asserts that its new method “utilizes distribution cost of service information, recognizes the cost caused by actual plant investment incurred for the SUP, and recognizes that certain Virginia Jurisdictional and Virginia Non Jurisdictional classes are large general service and therefore should not be allocated any cost for the purpose of recovery under Rider U.” Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on July 24, 2018, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.

The public version of the Company’s Application, as well as the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means.

Copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

On or before July 17, 2018, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file written comments on the Application with Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before July 17, 2018, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact disks or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2018-00042.

On or before May 29, 2018, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“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. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2018-00042. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

On or before June 12, 2018, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2018-00042.

All documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, 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 Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address above.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JD CALLANDER Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 3

JD Sold More Homes Last Year in Falls Church Than Any Other Agent! *OPEN* SUN 4/22 2-4PM!

*OPEN* SUN 4/22 2-4PM!

$1,590,000

$2,650,000

6636 Gordon Avenue, Falls Church

*BEAUTIFUL* brand-new 5BR/5.5BA home in desired location! Featuring luxury gourmet kit; open floor-plan; bay windows; spacious bedrooms; fantastic MBR suite!

Wonderful designs and custom touches throughout!

#1 Agent, COMPANYWIDE

Weichert/Dolley Madison Office

*OPEN* SUN 4/22 2-4PM!

$850,000

6208 Loch Raven Drive WONDERFUL 5BR/3BA in conveniet Potomac Hills! Hardwood floors, fresh paint, & Chesterbrook, Longfellow, & McLean schools!

*OPEN* SUN 4/22 2-4PM!

*OPEN* SUN 4/22 1-4 pm!

703.606.7901

# 1 Listing Agent #1 Selling Agent #1 Total Volume #1 Total Transactions

5906 Calla Drive, McLean

*STUNNING* BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION 6BR/5.5BA home by BlackRock Holdings! Open floor plan w/gourmet eat-in kit w/ island! Amazing MBR w/en suite BA; hdwd floors throughout; three car garage!

Per MRIS

309 Grove Ave, Falls Church City

$1,599,000

6234 Nelway Drive, McLean

$1,089,000

*DAZZLING* 5BR/5.5BA Craftsman style home in the heart of Falls Church *AMAZING* 5BR/3BA home on in sought-after Potomac Hills! Exquisite open City! Recently remodeled to perfection, featuring flowing floor plan & gourmet floor plan w/ stunning, HGTV-worthy, gourmet kit & fully renovated BAs; gleaming hdwd floors; delightful sunroom! Chesterbrook, Longfellow, & McLean Schools! kit w/granite counters; stunning MBR suite! Your dream home come true!

Call Me Today for a Free Analysis of Your Home’s

Weichert 1313 Dolley Madison Blvd McLean, VA 22101

Bethany Ellis

Serving all of Falls Church, Arlington, McLean, Vienna, Great Falls & Northern VA markets.

If you're thinking about selling or buying, contact Bethany for a free, confidential meeting.

Open Sunday 2-4pm New Price!

703-307-7003

bethany.ellis@longandfoster.com REALTOR ®, SRES, e-PRO, Corporate Relocation Specialist NVAR Lifetime Top Producer & Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club

Licensed in VA & DC

McLean Sales Office: 1355 Beverly Rd Ste 109, McLean VA 22101 • 703-790-1990 Office

www.buyandsellwithBethany.com COME TAKE ANOTHER LOOK!

NEW DESIGN & NEW PRICE 2408 Lexington Rd, Falls Church VA 22043

OPEN SUNDAY 2-4

Lovely 4BR/2.5BA home in Falls Hill! Large, fenced in yard (.39 acres) Updated kitchen and baths. 3 season room, patio and irrigation system.

6704 Hallwood Ave, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046

UNDER CONTRACT

113 N Liberty St Arlington VA 22203

Beautiful 4BR/3.5BA home in Spy Hill! Main level Master Suite. Fresh paint, new granite & SS appliances in gourmet kitchen. Walk out basement. Updated and gorgeous! LIST PRICE $955,000

3 BD/2 BA spacious home with kitchen & family room additions. Hardwood floors throughout the house. Well maintained backyard that is fully fenced in. Priced at $765,000

FREE SHRED EVENT SAT. APRIL 28th 9-12 HAYCOCK ELEM SCHOOL

Open Sunday 2-4pm

604 Highland Ave, Falls Church City Absolutely stunning 4 BD/4.5 BA approx 4,239 square feet colonial featuring lightfilled spacious rooms, private yard and within walking distance to Metro and downtown FCC. Award Winning Schools! Offered at $1,199,000

207 Forest Dr, Falls Church City

Stately brick colonial on one of the most beautiful streets in Broadmont! Featuring 5 BD/2.5 BA on 4 finished levels.

Attached 2 car garage and spectacular lot. Walking distance to EFC Metro. Offered at $1,350,000

Open Sunday 2-4pm Just Listed!

Open Sunday 2-4pm 11100 Glade Dr, Reston

109 Lounsbury Pl, Falls Church City

Fabulous end-unit contemporary townhouse with waterfront views at The Wharf! Open floor plan featuring 3 BD and 2.5 BA on 5 levels with 2 car garage. Offered at $599,000

Wonderful light-filled end unit townhome in the heart of Falls Church City. This all brick home features 3 BD/3.5 BA, 2 car garage and steps out to a beautifully landscaped common area. Offered at $849,000

Shredding Event

Join us on Earth Day 2018 to shred your valuable papers and help protect the environment at the same time.

Breakfast provided by Kamelia Sacks at

Saturday April 21, 10am-12pm Parking area behind 710 W Broad St, Falls Church

Louise Molton

Falls Church City Resident Phone: 703 244-1992 louise@moltonrealestate.com

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

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

®

REALTOR

LO CA L

PAGE 4 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Hitt Shares His Local Engagement Approach With Chamber Continued from Page 1

building that houses the Harris Teeter grocery in downtown quarters will integrate all aspects Falls Church, and owns another of the local community, includ- major commercial property in ing education, government, busi- the immediate area that he has ness and the arts in a way that plans to develop.

Hitt told the large luncheon will help us fulfill our mission to create jobs, fuel innovation, gathering at Mad Fox Brewing drive economic growth and Company Tuesday that he grew Job #: 45684 Color(s): 2C up.None in Arlington and locations enhance cultural Size: 7.75" xvibrancy.”

9" Bleed: Falls Church among his HittBranch: is the KCN developer of Misc:in 2018 NoVA ROP - were Localized Papers the 301 W. Broad mixed-use stomping grounds as a youth. He

said his most important values he acquired in his youth, and that the premises for his business decisions are rooted in what he calls “conscious capitalism” that has an immediate positive social impact for the communities in which it operates.

He contrasted his approach to the looting approach of big capital in small towns across America that bought up the key

local industries to strip and outsource them, gutting the towns and leaving them mired in unemployment. “There’s another way to do it,” he said, “by putting money into the community. Our American way of life begins and ends with opportunity.”

It is contrasted to the “big castle” approach where a big company sets itself up so that everyone in a community is

ENJOY LIFE 1

—

$350 OFF

PER QUALIFYING DOOR

1

AND

—

PER QUALIFYING WINDOW

AND

—

$300 OFF

new view

—

with a

NO PAYMENTS, NO INTEREST FOR 12 MONTHS

2

ONE PROJECT. SO MANY BENEFITS. The best-performing window or door is only as good as its installation. That’s why Pella® will provide a professional installation team, led by a Pella Expert InstallerSM. And that’s just the beginning. Once your new windows and doors are installed, you can enjoy these great benefits for years to come.

L IMI TE D

striving against it, he said.

In the case of Falls Church, where he’s been operating for the last 10 years, “There is great leadership here, and we can speak face-to-face.”

(Falls Church Mayor David Tarter, Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly, City Council members Phil Duncan and Letty Hardi and a number of members of the City staff were in the audience).

“We want to bring young innovative thinkers here, and the new Class A building will be that, bringing people here for a purpose,” he said. “It will be an education center.”

He said Falls Church should adopt a “slow and steady” approach to its future, noting that “there are big things on the horizon.” He advised, “Be careful and patient” at the West Falls Church Metro site. There is a “retail Armageddon” coming as globalization, the Internet and other factors change the landscape of the economy, although, he said, that won’t be as serious a factor for this region.

Build flexible spaces, he said, noting that parking will undergo a huge change in the next 15 to 20 years, relieving the $38,500 it costs to build a single parking space underground today.

“My buildings are built to last 150 years,” he added, noting that the 301 West Broad building is all concrete with no wood.

On the issue of housing affordability, a major issue in this region, Hitt said that “the wealthiest companies need to get together with government to align on this issue to figure out how we can move ahead.

We need far stronger policies in place to make it work.

“As a conscious capitalist, money means little to me. I learned most of my life lessons before I was 12. It has to do with character, how you grow up, and having a positive social impact is everything.”

B:8.375”

• Long-lasting beauty. Pella products are low-maintenance, add curb appeal and stand up to nature’s elements.

• Lower heating and cooling costs. Replacing your windows with ENERGY STAR®-certified Pella windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable for less.3 • A quieter home. Our sound-control glass4 can help reduce outside noise, so you can relax in peace.

T:8.125” S:7.375”

Pella Wood Window and Wood Patio Door Limited Warranty includes limited lifetime coverage.

See written limited warranty for details, including exceptions and limitations at pella.com/warranty, or contact Pella Customer Service at 877-473-5527.

Minimum purchase of $5,000 required. Discount applies to K.C. Company retail list price and is not available in all markets. Valid only for replacement projects installed by K.C. Company professionals.

Only valid on select Pella® products. Only valid on new quotes. Not valid with any other offer or promotion. Prior sales excluded. Repairs to existing products including parts such as sash and panel replacements excluded. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details. 2See www.PellaNorthernVirginia.com/offers for details. 3For more information, go to www.energystar.gov. 4Sound-control glass includes insulated glass constructed with dissimilar glass thickness (e.g. 3 mm/5 mm) and laminated glass. Offers expire 5/26/2018. ©2018 Pella Corporation 1

45684-pellaw-2018 NOVA ROP 7.75x9.indd 1

4/10/18 4:10 PM ROUND(s) SIZE / FORMAT

1

FINAL

Pg Mekanism 640 Second St SF, CA 94107 415.908.4000

Client: White House

Filename: IOU_WhiteHouse_AdCouncil_Newsweek_8.125x10.5-mech.indd Date: 1-27-2016 9:15 AM Job #: 14-Mek-273 Descript: ItsOnUs.org, 1/C print ad Insert Date: None Pubs or Loc: Newsweek Line Screen: 150 lpi Notes: None

FONTS & IMAGES

MECHANICAL SPECS (h x w) Bleed: 10.75” x 8.375” Trim: 10.5” x 8.125” Viewing: 10.5” x 8.125” Live: 9.75” x 7.375” Scale: 1” = 1” ACTUAL SIZE (h x w) Bleed: Trim: Viewing: Live: Gutter:

10.75” x 8.375” 10.5” x 8.125” 10.5” x 8.125” 9.75” x 7.375” None

Fonts None Images IOU_Newsweek_mech.eps (100%) Inks

APPROVAL SIGNATURES PROOF

CS

TRAFFIC

CLIENT

PROD.

Black

STUDIO AD CW

Designer: JA

Printed at: None

CD

T:10.5”

S:9.75”

PellaNorthernVirginia.com

B:10.75”

855-582-2683

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

APRIL 19 - 25, 2018 | PAGE 5

F.C. Council Prepares for Final Vote on FY19 Budget Monday

Continued from Page 1

Virginia localities. The implications for the City of Falls Church reduce its anticipated share of this from $1.1 million to just over $200,000, thus relieving City taxpayers from 2.5 cents (per $100 assessed valuation) of an increase in their real estate tax bill to only half a cent.

Although this outcome wasn’t known for sure as of press time yesterday, F.C. City Manager Wyatt Shields told the Council that “the chance for a change in this outcome is very small.” F.C. Councilman David Snyder, who is the City’s point man on regional transportation funding issues, said bulk of the credit for the imminent action in Richmond goes to F.C.’s State Senator Richard Saslaw.

But Snyder added in a guest commentary published in this week’s edition of the News-Press, “The two options that were on the table at the General Assembly — the conference bill and the

governor’s amendments — would remove most of the additional burden from our budget and provide the $154 million Virginia share.

Due to the House passing over the governor’s amendments, the conference bill will likely be signed into law. Regrettably, almost all of the money comes from Northern Virginia, so again the state dodges its collective responsibility to us while enjoying the taxes we pay to support the rest of the state.”

But that news of tax relief for the City wasn’t the only hopeful news in Monday’s work session.

The projected 5.5-cent increase in Shields’ original budget recommendation last month was first shaved by a penny with the determination that the City didn’t need to borrow quite so much to launch its three major capital improvement projects — the new high school and renovated and expanded City Hall and public library.

With that penny off, and the WMATA burden hopefully taking another two cents off, the project-

BE Y ERK IA .COM

ed 5.5 cent increase was shaved to 2.5 cents Monday, a far cry from the 6 cents citizens were warned of last fall when they voted to approve the school bond in a referendum last November. The big share of credit for this goes to frugal and careful City leadership, on the one hand, and the betterthan-hoped-for projected 3.7 percent growth in organic revenues, one of the most robust numbers in the region, due to economic development.

Still, going into the final vote on the budget this coming Monday, the Council will mull the option for an even deeper bite into the tax rate hike, as Councilman Phil Duncan continued to insist that the growth in the School Board’s budget request be shaved to deny the teachers and staff the same three percent cost-of-living adjustment that is planned for all other City employees. If Duncan’s proposal prevails, by limiting the growth in the Schools’ budget from 2.8 to 2 percent, the wage hikes for the

THE FALLS CHURCH CITY COUNCIL mulled the Fiscal Year 2019 budget Monday night in advance of its final vote next Monday, with City Manager Wyatt Shields at the far left. (Photo: News-Press) school employees will be no more than the annual inflation rate.

So, Mayor David Tarter, rather than working for a consensus on the issue Monday, tasked Shields with presenting two options for the budget for the Council to consider this coming Monday: one with a 3 percent COLA growth for School employees and a 2.5cent tax rate increase, and another limiting the School budget to 2 percent and a 1.65-cent tax rate increase.

Duncan wrote to the News-

Press this week, “In the days leading up to the Council’s April 23 final budget vote, I hope that the Council and School Board will be able to find a meeting of the minds that closes the fairly narrow budget gap between us. It is very important that we work together civilly, because on the immediate horizon is the all-important new high school project and attendant West Falls Church economic development. To get that one right, we will need to summon all our cooperative instincts.”

703 -237- 5000 • 1125 W E S T BROA D S T REE T FA L L S CHURCH, VA 220 4 6

Hello Spring!

SALES EVENT

APRIL LEASE OFFER

2018 KIA SOUL

$158/mo. $1,999 DOWN + tax , tags, & processing fee

36 Month Lease • 12,000 Miles/Year

Disclaimer: Offer is on 2018 Kia Soul Base (Model #: B1511). MSRP $17,250.00. $157.63 per month for 36 months, $1,999.00 down payment on approved credit. Total capital cost of $13,029.00. Must finance through KIA Motors Finance. Includes $650.00 acquisition fees and Freight. $2,156.63 due at signing. Does not include tax, tag, processing and $699 dealer doc fee. $0.00 security deposit required.

Customer responsible for $0.20 per mile over 12000 miles per year. Expires 04/30/2018.

PAGE 6 | APRIL 19 – 25, 2018



One of the Nation’s Foremost Weekly Newspapers, Serving N. Virginia

(Published Weekly by Benton Communications, Inc.)

FOUNDED IN 1991

Vol. XXVIII, No. 9 April 19 – 25, 2018 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

N������� F. B����� O���� � E�����-I�-C���� �������������.���

J��� F������ M������� ������

�������������.���

M��� D������ N��� E�����

�������������.���

N��� G��� A���������� S������� A������������ ����������.���

H���� W������ C����������

�������������.���

C������ C����, T�� W������ C��������� T�� W���� C��� E����� J���� I����� C���������� M������

�������������.���

T� C������ ��� N���-P���� �����: 703-532-3267 ���: 703-342-0347 �����: ���������.��� ������� ����������� ��������.��� ���������� ��� �������������.��� ������� �� ��� ������ ������������.��� ������������� ������������ � �������� �������������.���

WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2018 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E D I TO R I A L

E��������

Our Teachers Deserve 3 Percent

It is slightly less than amazing that in the year when the City of Falls Church is embarking on the most intensive infrastructure development efforts in its history — with a new high school and renovated City Hall and public library projects all at once — the tax implications of all this on City residents are very minor.

Please note that when City voters approved the school bond referendum by a wide margin last November, they were told at the time that the real estate tax implications would include an immediate six cents (per $100 of assessed valuation) jump in the tax rate. They voted for the bond anyway.

Now, with all that has transpired in a cooperative effort to hold the line on expenses since, it now appears that the needed hike will be a fraction of that. The big vote in Richmond yesterday will reduce the City’s obligation to WMATA for fixing the Metrorail line to a fifth of what was originally feared, so the tax rate growth now could be only 2.5 cents. That would include a three percent cost-of-living adjustment for all City and school employees, just north of the annual inflation rate, and added funds for tax relief for the City’s qualifying elderly and disabled, as well.

That plan is what the City Council is prepared to vote on for its final Fiscal Year 2019 budget on Monday. However, there is an alternative plan to whack even more off the tax rate by denying $350,000 of what the Schools have requested to provide that three percent COL for its employees and we’re going into the big vote on Monday unclear which way the Council will vote. It is likely to be a split vote, unfortunately, with the faction seeking to cut the Schools even more below the 2.8 percent increase (the lowest in many years) they’re seeking insisting on holding the Schools to the “guidance” of 2 percent growth they were provided last fall.

We urge the Council to align behind the Schools’ request for its employees, which will be so much easier to do now given the other good news on the budget.

There is the argument that the Schools should not get used to the idea of exceeding their budget “allowance,” on the one hand. But there is the argument, on the other hand, that citizens should not get used to the idea of short-changing education. This is by far the bigger problem, and we’re now just beginning to see the consequences of this across the U.S., where the opening stages of an unfolding mass strike wave is underway that addresses women’s issues, gun control and proper funding for education — all seen in the broader context of the same issues.

It has to do with the demand that the nation do better by its women and children, frankly, which is so important to our future overall.

L������

F.C. ‘Elites’ Should Be Held Fully Accountable

Editor, According to teachers’ salary research in this area Falls Church is no lower than fifth highest average teacher salary and in other records second highest! There are various variables in all systems regarding these pay scales. This “city” has the smallest tax base of these districts and is still at the top in salary. How high do you want our taxes to go? When working in a smaller environment there are defi-

nite advantages and disadvantages.

Some disadvantages are less positions, resources and opportunities therefore, less financial growth. If you choose to work in a smaller school system you should accept the restrictions inherent in this system. Teachers’ salaries do not seem to be a disadvantage so why the constant complaining from some citizens? Facing facts and reacting logically and maturely is challenging. I suggest – face the reality!

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

P������� 1. Keep the news clean and fair.

2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy.

3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment.

4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe.

5. Accept no charity and ask no favors.

6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in.

7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

ADVERTISE IN THE

The News-Press is delivered to every household and many businesses in the City of Falls Church (22046), and to many homes and businesses (but not all) in the adjacent 22041, 22042, 22043, 22044 and 22205 zip codes. Its total circulation of 10,000 per issue is greater than any other newspaper in the distribution area, including dailies. For complete advertising information, call us or check out our web site.

Call 532-3267 x2274 or visit www.FCNP.com

All original and some syndicated content is accessible via the Falls Church News-Press online site, www.FCNP.com.

FCNP.com also includes photos, stories, ads and more not appearing in the print edition.

For information on online advertising, please contact Nick Gatz at 703-532-3267 or ngatz@fcnp.com.

ONLINE

Some citizens take pride that we spend more money that any other district on the education — $5,000 more per student than other systems — equating money spent with student concern. Polls in this paper continually show that respondents want fiscal responsibility shown for school and municipal spending. Then, when presented with the school bond — it is approved.

Where is the disconnect? When are we going to wise up and realize the independent school is a relic of our “separatist past” and do what is right and join the 21st (20th?) century? I hope the damage being done by the “oligarchy/school Mafia” is justly punished for their selfish disregard for Falls Church’s silent-

and-non-voting citizens. It is past time for forward thinking citizens to question the actions of the few “elites” and demand full accountability for the school’s and municipal’s future funding.

John Boeddeker Falls Church

Falls Church Is Not Accepting of Opposing Views Editor, There is no doubt about it: the 2016 election, and now the

Letters Continued on Page 9

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� Transportation: Multiple Challenges, Multiple Initiatives B� D���� S�����

Since the beginning, the area we now know as Falls Church has been a transportation corridor, including Braddock’s French and Indian War Expedition, a rolling road for tobacco shipments, troop movements during the Civil War, the railroad, street cars, Metro, bike path and, since the 1950s, domination by cars with recent efforts to reduce that dominance. So it is fitting that your elected officials and city staff spend a lot of time on transportation issues trying to provide multiple ways for our citizens to get around and others to get in and out of the city safely and reliably.

We realize that transportation is critical to our daily lives and for economic activity that supports the City. Transportation systems and infrastructure can serve to move us well, or poorly. And transportation systems can degrade or improve environmental quality and sustainability.

It is also clear that no one approach will address the complex transportation challenges and needs we face now and in the future. Here are just some of these transportation issues and our actions.

Metro After years of decline, Metro’s operations are improving and the Metro Board and management are more responsive and accountable to the public. And surprisingly, there is a real possibility of D.C., Maryland and Virginia funding the $500 million per year needed to address the capital issues.

Without this funding, Northern Virginia localities would either have to refuse to contribute more or face new budget allocations, in our case an additional 2.5 cents on our tax rate. Working directly and through regional boards, the City has been active in advocating for more regional and state

“One thing is clear, it will take strong and ongoing citizen, elected of�icial and City staff commitment to produce the best future for us.” funding. The two options on the table at the General Assembly — the conference bill and the governor’s amendments — would remove most of the additional burden from our budget and provide the $154 Virginia capital share. Regrettably, almost all of the money comes from Northern Virginia, so again the state dodges its collective responsibility to us while enjoying the taxes we pay to support the rest of the state. Due to the House passing over the governor’s amendments, the conference bill will likely be signed into law.

Regional Initiatives The Alexandria-Falls Church-Tyson’s Corner Route 7 light rail project continues

to advance, although slowly. This will be a tremendously important new transit line in Northern Virginia. But it must also fit in to the City’s situation where a totally dedicated lane is not feasible.

Falls Church is also pursuing significant new funding for transportation improvements near the proposed development at the George Mason High School campus and the extension of Metro bus service to better link us to the Metro stations. Funding for these initiatives is now before regional bodies for consideration.

This week, a regional body on which we serve has approved funding to create a parallel walking path to the W&OD bike path, so as to address safety issues between the different users.

We are also active with regional environmental bodies to measure and protect environmental quality as it is affected by transportation. In our region, the transportation sector is critically important so we have supported actions to protect air quality rules applicable to transportation.

Local Initiatives A number of roadway improvements are ongoing, including the Roosevelt Street work. We are also moving forward on the S. Maple Ave. transit hub. And neighborhood street calming projects are continuing. Bus shelters are being added and we are planning for bikeshare installations in the near future. Sidewalk and other strictly local work is also ongoing, with more to come. So, while we actively participate in

all regional bodies for regional solutions to regional problems, we never forget the importance of strictly local improvements.

The Future In addition to this present work, the City will need to grapple with future changes that are possible with major technology driven developments, such as the advent of autonomous vehicles. Under some scenarios, congestion will increase, while under others it will decrease. Under some scenarios, safety and reliability will improve while under other scenarios, the opposite will occur.

So, we will need to coordinate with local jurisdictions, the private sector and our state and federal partners to manage, and not be managed by, the implementation of new technologies such as drones and driverless cars and new business models, such as Uber.

Several of our citizen groups are already working together on consideration of a self-driving shuttle. This is a good beginning to what will need to be a sustained community-wide effort.

One thing is clear, it will take strong and ongoing citizen, elected official and City staff commitment to produce the best future for us. Then, as now and before, transportation will be a key part of our daily lives, for good or ill. Accordingly, we are doing everything we can to make transportation effectively serve our needs of today and our needs and desires for the future.

David Snyder is a member of the Falls Church City Council.

Q������� �� ��� W��� Should Falls Church increase the availability of tax relief and deferrals to the elderly and disabled?

• Yes

• No

• Not sure

Last Week’s Question:

Should City of Falls Church teachers and staff receive a three percent pay increase this year?

Log on to www.FCNP.com to cast your vote FCNP On-Line polls are surveys, not scientific polls.

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

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

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

LO CA L

PAGE 8 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

F� � � � C � � � � �

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

NEWS BRIEFS F.C. 3rd Quarter Update Shows $300k Surplus

Falls Church | $1,525,000

Falls Church City| $765,000

This beautifully appointed luxury home has four levels with six bedrooms, five full baths and one half bath. Metro is located 1 mile away!

Kaaren Lofgren 703.862.9194 KaarenLofgren.com

Charming brick home on lovely 0.27-acre flat lot with detached garage. Updated baths, eat-in kitchen, large rec room, great location and Falls Church City schools.

Laura Nunley 703.795.8667 LauraNunley.com

There is a net savings of roughly $300,000 in the current Fiscal Year 2018 City of Falls Church budget resulting from “better than targeted revenues and underspending in department expenditures compared to the budget,” the Falls Church City Council learned from Chief Financial Officer Kiran Bawa in her third quarter financial report presented at this Monday’s Council work session. She reported that “the FY2019 proposed budget revenue projections are sound including a 3.7 percent organic revenue growth” and is “very competitive with other jurisdictions.” For the first nine months of FY2018, “we are projecting that revenues will be slightly above the target, and “other taxes are projected to be over budget by roughly 7.4 percent due to higher utility and transient occupancy taxes. This is offset by below-target business license receipts due to the delay in some construction projects,” she reported. On the expenditure side, “we expect some underspending primarily due to salary savings from vacancies in most of the departments,” while “public safety is anticipated to overspend due to some unexpected overtime because of increased calls for service, court coverage and training.” In the fourth quarter now underway, “several expenditure activities take place such as paving, purchase of equipment and renewal of certain contracts.” In reaction to the report, City employee and former F.C. Chamber of Commerce chief Gary LaPorta commented that underspending on City salaries has produced “increased pressure on City employees to provide a consistent level of service to our citizens with diminishing human capital...Continuing to reduce employee count in this environment is not a strategy for future success.”

Expanded Tax Relief Program Mulled by F.C. Council

Falls Church City | $749,900

Falls Church | $425,000

Lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath contemporary in Steeples Court, in convenient Falls Church City. 2-car garage. Steps to WO&D trail, minutes to restaurants & WFC Metro!

Merelyn Kaye 703.362.1112 MerelynKaye.com

Charming three-bedroom, one-bath home. Same owner for 62 years. Level lot, hardwood floors, off-street parking. Walk to 7 Corners. Sold in “as-is” condition.

Sarah King 703.864.5050 SarahEKing.com

McEnearney Associates Shredding Event

Saturday, May 5th | 9 AM-12 PM 4720 Lee Highway | Arlington, VA 22207

With 54 of the 4,592 residential parcels in the City of Falls Church currently receiving some form of tax relief for the elderly and disabled, a 1.2 percent number compared to 1.4 percent for Arlington and 2 percent for Fairfax County, the F.C. Council is mulling options for increasing its relief programs, including its possible extension to stormwater tax relief. With no impact due until the fall, anyway, the Council asked City Manager Wyatt Shields at its work session Monday to form a working group to examine the options. City Treasurer Jody Acosta presented two options to the Council, the first to grant 100 percent relief to those in the lowest income bracket, which, she said “would give the greatest benefit to the largest group of homeowners.” The cost would be $45,000 in FY2019, with an additional $45,000 needed in FY2020, or $90,000 annually. Option Two would offer a more robust deferral program and the raising of income limits for qualification. It would offer the homeowner the ability to defer taxes at 0 percent interest. Deferral over direct relief was favored by some Council members because it allows for the eventual payment of the taxes, thus being fairer to all taxpayers, it was noted.

GOP Blamed for Rejecting Redistricting Reforms In Richmond this week, Republicans were blamed by Progress Virginia for their rejection of amendments to institute real redistricting reform in Virginia by rejecting proposed language to ensure communities of color have a say in choosing who represents them. The underlying bills to which Governor Northam offered amendments, SB106 and HB1598, were deemed “toothless message bills that do nothing to change current standards and criteria around redistricting,” the group alleged. “It’s simply outrageous that Republican politicians would reject reforms to ensure Virginia voters get to choose their elected officials, not the other way around,” said Progress Virginia executive director Anna Scholl.

“It’s particularly offensive that after a federal court ruled in 2016 Virginia politicians had drawn unfair congressional district lines designed to deny black Virginians a real voice in choosing their elected officials, these same politicians would reject reforms to prevent them from targeting communities of color again.”

Virginia Native American Monument Dedicated

Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980.

703.525.1900 | 4720 Lee Highway | Arlington, VA 22207 | McEnearney.com

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and the Virginia Indian Commemorative Commission welcomed leaders of Native American tribes at the state Capitol for a ceremony to dedicate “Mantle,” a monument honoring Virginia’s first inhabitants. This Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting celebrated the culture, contributions and significance of Native Americans. Many of the attendees dressed in traditional Indian garments, and each speaker passed to the next an eagle’s feather conveying strength, courage and wisdom. “It’s apt, I think, that we gather here on Capitol Square — in many ways the very heart of our commonwealth’s diverse, vibrant and engaging civic life — to show our respect, to show our gratitude and to show our abiding admiration for native peoples who have lived in this land for thousands of years,” said Paul Nardo, clerk of the House of Delegates and a member of the commission.

Members of the community joined in celebrating the completion of “Mantle,” for which ground was broken last summer.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

N���-P����

TO LETTERS THE EDITOR Continued from Page 6

2018 midterms have turned the world of politics upside down.

But, on a slightly smaller scale, and in some instances, we have seemingly turned against our own neighbors. Virginia is considered a purple state, one that leans blue. There is no issue with this; the issue lies with dissenting opinion. With my own delegate, state senator, and two senators all reside on the left side of the aisle; there seems to be a statewide consensus for what party should lead Virginia. As a moderate Republican, I have trouble stating my own political alliances without the fear of being affiliated with Trump.

In my opinion the Republican Party under Trump has more faults than California; fiscal Conservatives are a joke.

All that being said, everyone I have spoken to about politics in the Falls Church area bashes Trump, and generalizes all Conservatives as being quite

favorable of him. I have gotten dirty looks, been scoffed at, been asked if I was an NRA member, and most recently asked if it was, “hard living with myself,” — all this because my views may differ from someone else’s.

This to me isn’t fair, and it’s not a great environment to be in. I am perfectly happy with civil discourse, that’s what citizens should always engage in. As someone who consumes information from every ideology out there, it doesn’t hurt to not assume just because someone is on the right (or left) that they agree with everything their party leaders espouse.

I have worked in the office of a Democrat and a Republican, and learned many things from both sides of the equation. All I ask is that we all understand each other a little more, or, at the very least, to throw away intolerance. I feel the divisiveness that is already occurring will not leave us in a very happy place.

Juan Ayala Falls Church

LE TTE RS Despite Trump, the Republic Endures & Will Survive

My advice to those who hate him is, don’t be Chicken Little — the sky is not falling.

Henry J. Gordon Falls Church

Editor, In reference to Mr. Benton’s tirade in the April 12-18 edition of the News-Press, why bother with impeachment, charges, Congressional trial? Mr. Benton has already found Trump guilty.

Not exactly clear as to what but bank fraud, wire fraud, and campaign finance violations are mentioned.

I am reminded of an old New Jersey saying: “If you’re a developer, you’re indictable and if you’re from New Jersey, you’re trialable, and if you’re Italian, you’re convictable.”

Fortunately for Mr Trump, he’s not from New Jersey, and he’s not Italian. Please note I supported neither of the two candidates in the last election. In fact I thought, and still think, they were the two poorest candidates for President in my lifetime.

However, so far the Trump Presidency has provided great proof of the brilliance of the writers of our Constitution.

The Republic endures, and will almost certainly survive this, too.

Once Again, Budget Season Divides the F.C. Community

Learn why our unique memory care could be the right fit for your loved one Let Katie answer your questions Katie, the administrator at our new Alexandria memory care community, can help you find answers to the challenges you may face with your loved one living with dementia.

(866) 995-1377 silverado.com/explore

Call our team of professionals for more information about our new community 2807 King Street • Alexandria, Virginia 22302 alexandria memory care | community

Editor, Falls Church is a premier international baccalaureate (IB) school system, and Falls Church City Public Schools in recent years has expanded the IB program to reach all grade levels. I recently looked up the core IB “learner profile” at www.ibo.org, and it is quite admirable. Many readers may be familiar with the attributes of an IB learner: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risktakers, Balanced, and Reflective.

Falls Church and the broader community are raising a tremendous generation of students and learners with incredible teachers and programs, and our schools are frequently ranked among the best in the state and the country.

Yet once again at budget season we are divided and the discussion

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 9

is often exaggerated and contentious. What would the IB values say of our community’s discussions about the budget? Are we open-minded, reflective, balanced, and caring for the whole community? Do we value transparency, discussion, and disagreement?

The IB learner profile encourages independent thinkers and critical reflection. I hope our community does too.

Erik Pelton, Marilyn Bugg, Paul Bugg, Beth Hahn, Elizabeth Hume Falls Church

[ TALK TO US ] Send us a letter and let us know what you think.

Email letters@fcnp.com Fax 703-342-0347 Mail or drop off Letters to the Editor, c/o Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls Street #508, Falls Church, VA 22046

PAGE 10 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

Emergency Preparedness L E A R N T O D A Y | D O T O M O R ROW

C OM E L E A R N HOW TO

Prepare for an Emergency April 26th, 2018 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm Guest Speaker Courtney Arroyo, MPA Outreach and Disabilities Integration Liaison Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management

Light refreshments will be served. Chesterbrook residents, family, and the public are encouraged to attend.

LO CA L

F� � � � C � � � � �

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

B������� N��� � N���� Orangetheory Opens on S. Washington St. Orangetheory Fitness Falls Church has opened at 510 S. Washington Street in Falls Church. The circuit based fitness studio is offering free classes this week and hosting a grand opening ribbon cutting on Friday, April 20 at 6:45 p.m. Orangetheory is an hour-long, heart-rate based interval training circuit program conducted in a fun and energizing group environment. For more information, visit Orangetheory Falls Church’s Facebook page or email studio0708@orangetheoryfitness.com.

Kess Hair Introduces Wedding Services Kess Hair and Skincare is now offering wedding services including on-location hair and makeup, a full service salon and spa for skincare, beauty and relaxation needs such as manicure/pedicure, threading, eyelash tinting and extensions, and facials. Kess Hair and Skincare, known as Salon Rovina before moving to Falls Church, is located at 106 E. Fairfax Street. For more information, visit www.kessfc.com.

Next Chamber Networking Mixer Hosted by Solano Spine & Sport Solano Spine & Sport Chiropractic is hosting a networking mixer for the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 24 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The event is free and open to Chamber member businesses, Solano clients, and those interested in learning more about Solano Spine & Sport and the Chamber. Attendees will have the opportunity enjoy refreshments, network, and learn about the chiropractic, massage and other services available.

Solano Spine & Sport Chiropractic is located at 502 W. Broad Street, Suite 1B, in Falls Church. For more information, visit www.FallsChurchChamber.org.

703-531-0781 | chesterbrookres.org | 2030 Westmoreland Street | Falls Church, VA 22043 A nonprofit, nondenominational community sponsored by Chesterbrook Residences, Inc. Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.

Free Tai Chi Class at Sun & Moon on April 30 Sun & Moon Taiji One will host a Tai Chi open house with free trial Tai Chi class on Monday, April 30 from 8 – 9 p.m. The event, which is open to those who want to experience a wide range of physical-mental health benefits of Tai Chi, will take place at the Falls Church location at Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, 1136 W. Broad Street in Falls Church.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at 301-512-5071 or by email at SunAndMoonTaijiOne@gmail.com.

Community Partnership Forum Rescheduled for April 23 The 11th annual Regional Community Partnership Forum, Better Together – New Practices in Cross Sector Collaboration, originally scheduled for March, will take place Monday, April 23 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on George Mason University’s Arlington campus.

Business, nonprofit and government leaders are invited to learn about cutting edge practices. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. The event is presented by the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, George Mason University’s Center for Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, and Policy, and the United Way of the National Capital Area. For more information, visit www.mcleanchamber.org.

F.C.’s Makron Solutions Nets $166 Million Contract Markon Solutions, a project management consulting firm, has signed a contract to provide project engineering services for the $166 million U.S. Embassy Chancery rehabilitation in Manila, Philippines. The 17.4-acre project includes the renovation/addition of offices and secure spaces, historic preservation of major rooms, and safety and security upgrades. This project is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Capital Security Construction Program. Markon will provide engineering, architecture, and project controls support. For more information, visit www.markonsolutions.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 11

THE FACES MAY CHANGE, BUT THE TRADITIONS REMAIN THE SAME. After 70 years of its existence, the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League annually holds a short parade to kick off the season, whether it was a sunny day back in the ‘50s (left) or a unseasonably cold one that took place on April 7 to begin this year’s season. Though the most important tradition that the caretakers of the league have passed down to each new generation is to remember that wins and losses matter, but not nearly as much as the relationships built in the process. (Photos: Left: Courtesy Charles Hansen/Right: Courtesy Patrick Mirza)

70 Years Strong, Falls Church’s Kiwanis Still Play Ball Their Way

by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

The soundtrack of the spring and summer will be heard locally for a 70th year in a row as Falls Church Kiwanis Little League celebrates its anniversary by once again contributing the thwap of the catcher’s mitt, the dirt-laden slide into second base and the crack of the bat to the area’s ambiance.

Back in the day, the Falls Church Little League was the first Little League team to be chartered in Virginia when Little League’s second wave of expansion in 1948 saw 94 leagues added throughout the country. In the 1950s, the then-local Kiwanis club decided to become primary patrons of the league, causing the league to be renamed the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League — referred to as FCKLL or Kiwanis for short — from then on out.

Coincidentally, the league also came into form around the same time the City of Falls Church was awarded its status as an independent municipality. But that doesn’t mean the league caters strictly to City residents. FCKLL’s boundary stretches from as far south as Arlington Boulevard to as far north as Pimmit Hills, with a western border going to Gallows Road and an eastern one just past Seven Corners. According

to former FCKLL parent Charles Hansen, just under 40 percent of the players come from the City. Regardless of where players come from, the Kiwanis has been able thrive for seven decades because its centripetal force of creating long-lasting relationships through a shared interest in sport.

“My son is 15 and now plays JV baseball at [George] Mason [High School] and made friends back as a kindergartner playing tee ball that he now plays high school baseball with. We’ve also made friends with other parents from our time with FCKLL,” Hansen said. “It really is one of those organizations that helps bind the community together.”

Another way that the league keeps parents and players dedicated to it is its competitive balance.

FCKLL manages to find a niche between intense, results-fueled leagues that place a high value on wins and losses (such as Vienna’s Little League) and an overly nonchalant league that’s not tied to the concept of winning and losing and doles out trophies to every kid on the team (such as Arlington’s Little League). Kiwanis players learn to understand that winning is fun and losing isn’t, but a win won’t cause parents to spend oodles of cash on specialized training and a loss won’t cause them to berate their own chil-

dren.

Hansen explains that the league has made this intentional. At the league’s highest level, known as the Majors, FCKLL mandated a previously optional clause known as the continuous batting order. Essentially, the clause allows Majors teams to substitute in their best hitters after every player had their required one at-bat. In the essence of fairness, the Kiwanis stuck with the clause to ensure that players didn’t feel excluded from the action once their at-bat had passed.

It’s little things like that have allowed FCKLL to keep perspective on what it is even when the stakes for winning and losing became greater. The Kiwanis rose to their highest-heights in 2005 and 2006 when their 11-12 Majors team, FC Red, won the Virginia’s District 4 in back-to-back seasons and earned a chance to compete for the state’s Little League title. The summer of 2005 was FCKLL’s better of the two seasons, and when they were knocked out of the state tournament

by Dulles Little League with a walkoff single at the bottom of the sixth, it rocked the players’ young worlds.

That was until the late Frank Solomon, the team’s coach, was able to reset their minds with some tactful postgame words.

“The best speech I heard was

from Frank Solomon, who loved baseball and loved working with kids. After we lost the game at states, some of the kids were weepy and parents were a bit shocked themselves,” former FCKLL Publicity Chair, parent and current Falls Church City Councilman, Phil Duncan said. “Frank said, ‘Alright come on guys. It’s a beautiful day. It was a great game we played but we didn’t win. So we’re gonna get up, go grab some ice cream and it’s gonna be alright. Nothing to be ashamed of here.’ Within an hour everyone was cuttin’ it up, having a big time. And we remembered that’s why we’re doing this — we’re creating a community.”

That attitude is what defines success for the Kiwanis. Sure they’ve produced some quality talents — Peter Schourek pitched in the major league from 1991 to 2001 for the Mets, Reds, Pirates and Red Sox and was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young award in 1995.

Joe Saunders was another pitcher who made it to the big leagues. Other FCKLL alumni such as Michael Evans, Chris Meador and Logan Nesson went on to play collegiately.

But those talents would’ve never been cultivated had it not been for an entirely volunteer-run organization that puts its members’ well being ahead of anything else.

For former assistant coach, head coach and board member, Neal Comstock, the Kiwanis have been able to prosper for so long because they’re good at the main thing every league needs to get right: encouraging people to sign up year after year. Part of that is due to a well manicured parity on the field, and it’d be remiss to not mention how influential the arrival of the Washington Nationals in 2005 was to the enrollment of all area Little League teams. Still, that sense of belonging FCKLL has been so proficient at fostering can’t be disputed, and it doesn’t just apply to parents and players who make up the league.

“On Sunday afternoon, every Majors team plays a game against a team with special needs, called the Sluggers,” Comstock said. “I know it’s not unique to [FCKLL], but it’s something that has always been done here in Falls Church and it’s a terrific experience for both the boys on the Majors team as well as the kids on the Sluggers team.”

The Kiwanis have concocted a secret sauce of competitive balance, inspiration that leads to dedicated involvement and established meaning that extends beyond the diamond for the past 70 years. If they stay true to themselves, the next 70 years will only get better for Little League in Falls Church.

LO CA L

PAGE 12 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes

EARNING THEIR “Caring for Our Community” badge are these St. James Catholic School kindergarteners representing Girl Scout Troop 50058 during Saturday’s City-sponsored community clean-up event. (Photo: Courtesy Kimberley Paisley)

Upcoming Jazz Festival Features Local Talent Terry Lee Ryan, a New Orleans native turned Northern Virginia resident, is celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month with a four-day jazz fest.

The dates and artists performing at each location are as follows: Monday, April 23 — Dotty Westgate, Joe Tippett, Louise Brown. Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge. (8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax). $10 cover, dinner available. 6 p.m. (703)560-2188.

Tuesday, April 24 — Jim Lister. Pistone’s Italian Inn. (6320 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. ) 8:30 p.m. (703)533-1885.

Friday, April 27 — Iris Alvarez.

Normandie Farm Restaurant.

(10710 Falls Rd., Potomac, MD)

8:45 p.m. 301-983-8838.

Saturday, April 28 — George Ashfour. Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge. (8421 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax). $10 cover, dinner available. 8 p.m. (703)560-2188.

Local Realtor Becomes Certified Auctioneer McLean-based auctioneer Anne Nouri, of Prime Auction Solutions, recently completed her training at the prestigious Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI). CAI is the industry’s premier training program developed by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA) for auction professionals.

Nouri joins an exclusive group as there are approximately only 120 women with current CAI Designations in the world.

In 2014 Nouri completed her auction training at the prestigious Missouri Auction School and has since earned the following NAA designations: Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate, AARE, Benefit Auction Specialist, BAS, Graduate Personal Property Appraiser, GPPA and now the highest designation in the Auction Industry, Certified Auctioneers Institute, CAI. Nouri is also a licensed realtor in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland with Sorelle Realty at Keller Williams McLean (6820 Elm St, McLean), where she serves on the Agent Leadership Council.

Nouri currently serves the Board of Directors at the Virginia Auctioneer Association as well as the Ambassador to Virginia for the NAA.

CITY TREASURER Jody Acosta (right) received her Master Governmental Treasurer certificate from the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia on Monday. The certification program is administered by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service of the University of Virginia. The program itself is designed to advance the professionalism and efficacy of the local Treasurer and their staff. (Photo: Courtesy Jody Acosta)

F.C. Police to Attend Crimes Against Women Conference The City of Falls Church Police Department has been selected as a 2018 scholarship recipient to attend the 13th annual Conference on Crimes Against Women. Corporal Sharee Karlinsey will represent the Department at the conference in Dallas, Texas in mid-April.

Karlinsey was selected as one of the members of law enforcement, prosecutors and victim

advocates from across the nation who work with female victims of crime.

The thirteenth annual Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) provides the highest quality workshops, computer labs, and case studies. This scholarship provides access to critical training for communities whose members would otherwise be unable to attend due to increasing budget constraints that public service agencies face.

Presented by Genesis Women’s

Send Us Your News & Notes!

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

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

ALL 9 (yes, 9) of the Clinton children were able to attend their mother, Joan Clinton’s (seated, center) 90th birthday luncheon at the Fairview Park Marriott a few weeks ago, including the City’s Commissioner of Revenue, Tom Clinton (second from left). (P����: C������� T�� C������) Shelter & Support and the Dallas Police Department, CCAW is a national clearinghouse for training and best practices regarding the identification, investigation, and prosecution of all types of violent crimes against women, including domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. This year the conference will welcome over 2,500 professionals from all 50 states. Hosted in Dallas, Texas, the 2018 conference will be held April 16-19.

CEO to Speak at April’s Last Rotary Club Meeting Carla Fleming, CEO of Pivoting Strategies, will present a talk entitled, “What Do You Know About your Customer?” at

tonight’s Falls Church Rotary Club’s dinner meeting at the Harvest Moon Restaurant (7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church) at 6:30 p.m. Dinner costs $15 and visitors are welcome.

The Rotary Club of Falls Church is celebrating 66 years of community “Service Above Self” in 2018 and meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Harvest Moon Restaurant. See FallsChurchRotary.org.

Preservation Society Holds Spring Members Meeting Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) will hold its spring members meeting on Sunday, April 22 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the American

Legion Hall (400 N. Oak St., Falls Church). Hear from city leaders on VPIS/City new RainSmart stormwater management program and see a live demo of thermal imaging cameras. All are welcome.

National Nature Challenge Begins Next Weekend The Washington, D.C. Metro area is competing in a global competition to identify nature as citizen and community science initiatives bolster this year’s third annual City Nature Challenge.

The challenge will expand to more than 65 cities across the globe in its third year and begins Friday, April 27 at 12:01 a.m. in each time zone and runs through Monday, April 30 at 11:59 pm.

The multi-city, global event calls on current and aspiring citizen scientists, nature and science fans and people of all ages and science backgrounds to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals, and fungi using the free app iNaturalist. Identification of photographed species will be crowdsourced through the online community May 1-3 and results will be announced on May 4.

All sightings made within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during April 27-30 and shared on iNaturalist will automatically be included. The area includes the District of Columbia, 14 counties in Northern Virginia west to the Shenandoah valley, five Maryland counties adjacent to D.C. and even Jefferson County, West Virginia, home to historic Harpers Ferry. During the 2017 City Nature Challenge, participants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area recorded 942 species.

For both new and veteran citizen scientists, this is how to participate: 1. Find wildlife. It can be any plant, animal, fungi, slime mold or any other evidence of life (scat, fur, tracks, shells, carcasses) found in your participating city.

2. Take a picture of what you find, and be sure to note the location of the critter or plant.

3. Share your observations by uploading your findings through iNaturalist.

There are plenty of locations and times to choose from throughout the D.C. area. All ages and levels of expertise are welcome to become citizen scientists and participate in an observation event.

Local Volunteers to be Honored by Fairfax Co. The Fairfax County community will honor 144 nominees for the 2018 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards on Friday, April

APRIL 19 - 25, 2018 | PAGE 13 27 at the Waterford Reception Center (6715 Commerce St., Springfield). Volunteer Fairfax, Chairman Sharon Bulova, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and hundreds of community members and leaders will gather to celebrate this event as well as to hear the stories of service and to recognize the 144 nominees. More than 400 attendees are expected.

Honorary event chairs, Chairman Sharon Bulova and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be on hand to present awards to their District’s Community Champion. Peggy Fox, award-winning reporter and anchor for WUSA9, a local CBS affiliate, will emcee this special event.

Locals who are being honored are listed below, with the individual or organization’s name, group name (when applicable) and award category being described: Falls Church honorees: Sue Boucher – Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under; Phil Gilliland – Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under; David Kline – Benchmark 250; Brenda Buchly – Senior Volunteer; Kristin Ramkey – Benchmark 250 and Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) – HELP Volunteers – Volunteer Program McLean honorees: Christine LaMarca – Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under; Lauren Padgett – PRS CareRing – Adult Volunteer Group; Charles Hochstein – Benchmark 500 and Melinda Conner – Langley High School National Honor Society – Youth Volunteer Group.

McLean Art Society Meeting to Host Landscape Painter Gavin Glakas will be doing a demonstration on landscape painting at the Friday, April 27 McLean Art Society meeting from 10 a.m.

– noon at the Dolley Madison Library, (1244 Oak Ridge Ave., Mclean). Guests are welcome.

CO MME NT

PAGE 14 | APRIL 19 – 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A Penny for Your Thoughts

Delegate Marcus Simon’s

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Richmond Report

to blame someone else, criticize the power company, get angry about the inconvenience, but true resilience depends on focus, doing first things first, and working with neighbors to resolve immediate issues.

It’s easy to be mesmerized by the kinds of “shiny objects” that permeate the news every day these days. Resilience provides the compass that guides us to recovery and stability, for the short term, and longer. And how we crave stability these days!

Monday marked the 11th anniversary of the loss of 32 souls in the shootings at Virginia Tech. At the time, it was the largest loss of life in mass shootings in this nation. Now, it ranks third, surpassed recently by massacres at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando (49), and the Las Vegas Strip (58). Sadly, our nation continues to be rocked by mass shootings – in our schools, our churches, and our workplaces.

Recovering quickly from those may be the greatest challenge for our resilience.

The enormously popular semi-annual book sale, sponsored by the Friends of the George Mason Regional Library, begins today at 3 p.m. and continues through Sunday. Book sale hours are: today, 3 – 9 p.m.; tomorrow, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon – 5 p.m. The library is located at 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ branches/george-mason-regional for more information.

Resilience is one of my favorite concepts, and we sure need it now. Every day brings new revelations, new scandals, new name-calling, new emergencies, and new “never thought I’d hear that” comments.

If resilience is defined as elasticity, or the ability to spring back, then one wonders how much stretchiness remains. Watching the news can be similar to watching a tennis match, only at a much faster speed. Heads spin like cartoon characters, and I keep expecting that resounding “sn-a-a-ap” when the elastic’s tolerance finally is exceeded.

But resilience also is defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, or toughness, and that’s where the greater hope lies. Despite the current antics at the federal level, the real work gets done closer to home, by local government and its constituents. When a hurricane or blizzard is forecast, emergency plans are implemented at the local level, using local resources and first responders. Mutual aid agreements between local jurisdictions allow for placement of more staff and equipment at the crisis scene, and get the problem resolved, not wrangle over turf. Emergency plans are not fake news; they are real, carefully thought out, fairly simple, and rely on a cooperative and collaborative partnership with the community at large to implement.

Preparation is one thing; implementation is another. We can be prepared for the storm – fresh batteries, food that doesn’t need refrigeration, fuel tank topped off, cell phone charged up – but when the power goes out, or a tree blocks the road, for hours or days, our internal coping mechanisms may shut down. That’s usually where the toughness comes in. It may be easy

 Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

S:11.5”

S:10.5”

Photo: Grant Delin

If you always store your firearm safely, no curious kids will put their fingers on it. And no gun will accidentally fire. Which means no screams of pain will be heard. And no 911 calls will be made. And no scars will be left.

So please, always remember to keep your firearm stored safely.

Visit ncpc.org to determine the best firearms safety solution for you.

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL

200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500

ADC_SGS_731214_B

Client: AD COUNCIL

WO: Ad Council-Safe Firearm Storage scar face (1/2pg. Newspaper)

PATH: M.P_MECHANICALS:Volumes:M.P_MECHANICALS:Ad Council:ADC:SGS:731214:ADC_SGS_731214_B

SPECS L/S: None DOC SIZE: 11.5” x 10.5” B: None G: None

TEAM Creative: Andy Hirsch None Acct: None Prod/Traf: None Lynn Mathis Studio: Kevin Tinsley

MEDIA / PRINT INFO Pubs: None Media: Newsprint Line Screen: None Printed: 1-13-2014 5:37 PM @ None

COLORS Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

FONTS Helvetica Neue

IMAGES ADC_HalfPG_bkgd_Kn_300.tif (Gray; 100%; 300 ppi; SuperStudio:ART:MNH:AdCouncil:Lock Your Guns:ADC_HalfPG_bkgd_Kn_300.tif) ADC_LockGuns_Shot03_0848_Kn_200_EXT.tif (Gray; 58.97%; 339 ppi; SuperStudio:ART:MNH:AdCouncil:Lock Your Guns:ADC_LockGuns_Shot03_0848_Kn_200_EXT.tif) BJA2009_blue.eps (35.18%; SuperStudio:Logos:Ad Council:FirearmsSafety_Logos:BJA2009_blue.eps) NCPC_logo_horiz.eps (42.4%; SuperStudio:Logos:Ad Council:FirearmsSafety_Logos:NCPC_logo_horiz.eps) AClogo_blue.ai (19.39%; SuperStudio:Logos:Ad Council:FirearmsSafety_Logos:AClogo_blue.ai)

65 Medium, 45 Light

The Virginia General Assembly is supposed to be a part time job. That’s what I keep telling my partners. We meet for 60 days in even numbered years and 45 days in odd numbered years because we adopt a biennial budget during the even years. We meet one day in April to vote on the Governor’s vetoes and amendments, but other than that most of the rest of the work can be done at night or on the weekends.

At least that’s how it’s supposed to work.

This year we got to the end of the legislative session, but the House and Senate couldn’t agree on a budget, and they realized they were too far apart to try and hammer out their differences with a couple days extension of the session.

So last week, I trekked down to Richmond mid-week again for Special Session I. (The fact that we number the special session always seems ominous. Could we have Special Session II, III and IV yet to come?)

This special session is to review and vote on Governor Northam’s new budget (which is based largely on former Governor Terry McAuliffe’s outgoing budget) so that we can have another opportunity to get it right.

Of course, the big issue holding things up is Medicaid expansion.

I’ll be down again this week to work on the budget some more and to vote on the Governor’s vetoes as well as his amendments to a few bills. So what happened?

Unfortunately, the sessions didn’t end before my deadline . . . so you’ll have to wait until next month for my take.

For now, let me update you on another issue that is about to start having a big impact on Falls Church and Merrifield residents the beginning of the construction on I-66 outside the Beltway.

Construction on the project will include lane shifting and concrete barriers narrowing some of the lanes. There will also be intermittent weekend shutdowns of the Orange line to accommodate some of the construction and to avoid safety issues.

The project completion is expected at the end of 2022. At that time, there will be two toll lanes in each direction (like the I-495 HOT Lanes) plus three regular traffic lanes and a shoulder area.

The toll lanes will be HOV-3, re-

quiring drivers to have three or more people in car if they’d like to use the lanes and avoid the toll. Motorcycles and buses will also be able to use the lanes for free, but other cars with fewer than three people will pay the toll. Alternatively, drivers can use the regular lanes at any time without paying any tolls.

As always, if you can carpool, telecommute, or take public transportation, this will help you avoid some of the expected residual issues during construction and avoid the tolls once the project is completed. During construction VDOT and their partner are offering free or reduced bus fare along the corridor to help ease congestion and provide commuters with alternatives to get from points into town.

Some of the revenue generated by the tolls will go toward other regional transportation projects and to provide transit services that include three new bus routes, increased service on existing routes, and connections to metro stations. There will also be a new park and ride lot to support future bus services. In addition, there are some other road and bridge maintenance/repairs that will be possible because of the money from the tolls.

I don’t expect that these positives will erase all the animosity toward tolling or that knowing the construction will eventually end will make your current daily commute any easier. But I do hope that having some information will help make it more manageable.

In the meantime, the project website (outside.transform66. org) is a great source for updates. Here, you can sign up for their e-news or visit their social media accounts (@VDOT and facebook.com/VirginiaDOT).

The main website has interactive project maps plus a listing of any upcoming public hearings.

Of course, you can also contact my office to let me know about your issues and concerns.

I’m happy to relay them to the project team and ensure that your voice is heard. I can be reached at DelMSimon@house.virginia. gov and (571) 327-0053.  Delegate Simon represents the 53rd District in the Virginia House of Delegates. He may be emailed at DelMSimon@house. virginia.gov

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

2 0 1 8 CA MP GUI D E

2018SUMMER CAMP GUIDE ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 5506 Talon Court Fairfax, VA 22032 (703) 307-5332 afyp.org

ADAGIO BALLET AND DANCE

4720 Lee Highway, Suite E Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 527-8900 AdagioBallet.com

ADVENTURE LINKS AT CAMP HEMLOCK

13220 Yates Ford Road Clifton, VA 20124 (571) 281-3556 adventurelinks.net

ALL STAR LEGACY 44600 Guilford Dr Ashburn, VA 20147 (703) 444-6002 allstarlegacy.com

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EQUESTRIAN SCIENCES

19844 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, VA 20175 (703) 779-8082 aaesva.com

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 (202) 885-2494

BURGUNDY FARM

COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Summer Day camp at Burgundy Farm offers daily swimming, diverse activities, and special events on a 26-acre Alexandria campus that includes forest, field, pond, barn, amphitheater, and state-of-theart facilities.

ARLINGTON CO. CAMPS

3700 South Four Mile Run Dr. Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 228-4747 arlingtonva.us

BCLC

Summer Day camp programs include sports, science, performing arts, visual arts, and photography for campers aged 3 years and 8 months through 12 years.

700 W Broad Street, Suite 407A Falls Church, VA 22046 (571) 249-4938 bcl-centre.org

BEANTREE LEARNING

Burgundy Farm Country Day School 3700 Burgundy Road Alexandria, VA 22303 703-842-0477 burgundyfarm.org

43629 Greenway Corporate Dr. Ashburn, VA 20147 (571) 223-3110 beantreelearning.com

american.edu/sis/communityofscholars

EDGE

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 15

CONGRESSIONAL CAMP Congressional Camp is an ACA accredited coed day camp designed for ages 3-14. We’re located on a beautiful, 40-acre campus in Falls Church, Virginia at Congressional Schools of Virginia. Our diverse programs include day camp, travel camps, academic classes and specialty camps which offer summers of new challenges, old traditions, friends and boundless FUN! We are also proud to launch our new site right up the street at Sleepy Hollow Elementary.

3229 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, VA 22042 703-533-0931 congocamp.org

SUMMER CAMPS AT SYLVAN GIVE YOUR CHILD AN EDGE!

Our cutting-edge programs will light up your child's mind CALL NOW OR REGISTER and build a love for STEM. ONLINE FOR Check out Robotics, Coding, Engineering, Science, Creative SCHEDULING & PRICING Writing, Math Edge and more.

Save A Spot Today!

Camps starting from $99!

Grades: Rising 1st - 8th.

Programs available at Falls Church location only.

Sylvan Learning of Falls Church

703-734-1234 or center@sylvanfallschurch.com

https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/falls-church-va/schedules

SYLVANLEARNING.COM

PAGE 16 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL CAMP Corpus Christi School Camp offers a flexible and affordable summer program designed to be full of adventure, fun and learning for ages 3 – 12. There is cooking once a week, Rufas Da Dufus from Magic Moments Unlimited will be back, and the Incrediflix film making camp. There will also be a new program, Little Scholars. As has been done in the past campers will be attending Woodley Pool every Tuesday and Thursday once the pool opens.

Corpus Christi School Camp 3301 Glen Carlyn Road Falls Church, VA 22041 703-573-4570 corpuschristischool.org

2 0 1 8 CA MP GUI D E BLUE BOX SPORTS PO Box 711071 Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 953-1667 blueboxsports.com

BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL

1830 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 (703) 356-5437 brooksfieldschool.org

BROWNE ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP 5917 Telegraph Road Alexandria, VA 22310 (703)960-3000 browneacademy.org

C3 CYBER CLUB 44710 Cape Court Ashburn, VA 20147 (703) 729-0985 c3cyberclub.com

CAMP CARYSBROOK

3500 Camp Carysbrook Road Riner, VA 24149 (540) 382-1670 campcarysbrook.com

CAMP FRIENDSHIP 573 Friendship Way Palmyra, VA 22963 (434) 589-8950 campfriendship.com

CAMP HANOVER

3163 Parsleys Mill Road Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 779-2811 camphanover.org

CAMP HIDDEN MEADOWS

13524 Camp Kanata Road Wake Forest, NC 27587 (919) 719-9622 campkanata.org

CAMP PIANKATANK

1586 Stamper’s Bay Road Hayfield, VA 23071 (804) 776-9552 camppiankatank.org

CAMP RIM ROCK

HV77 Box 117 Bartow, WV 24920 (304) 456-5191 camphiddenmeadows.com

43 Camp Rim Rock Road Yellow Spring, WV 26865 (347) 746-7625 camprimrock.com

CAMP ROANOKE

CAMP HORIZONS

6498 Dry Hollow Road Salem, VA 24153 (540) 777-6327 roanokecountyva.gov

3586 Horizons Way Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540) 896-7600 camphorizonsva.com

CAMP JAM

CAMP KANATA

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

16923 Norwood Rd Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (800) 513-0930 campjam.com

CAMP SHAKESPEARE 516 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003 (202) 547-5688 shakespearetheatre.org/campshakespeare

STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP At Steve & Kate’s, our camp philosophy is pretty simple: when you trust kids to take charge of their own learning, they will learn and grow in ways we can’t imagine. By putting them in the driver’s seat of their learning experience, rather than an adult telling them what they should learn, kids have the freedom to make their own choices, explore their passions, and trust their own judgment.

With activities galore, you’ll see campers sewing everything from clothing to accessories, making animated movies complete with characters and sets, and creating their own musical masterpieces.

Grades Pre-K through 7th, and teen leadership program.

Steve and Kate’s Camp Alexandria - 703-997-9147 Arlington - 571-384-2214 D.C. Capitol Hill - 202-400-3957 Register: www.steveandkate.com

It’s nature and nurture all summer long at Burgundy Farm Summer Day Camp!

R Customizable options for campers ages 3.75 through 12, with a Counselor in Training program for ages 13-16.

R You’ll love our campus! 25+ acres just off the Beltway in Alexandria.

R Open House! Saturday, April 28, 9-11 a.m., 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria

703.842.0477 R www.burgundysummer.org

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

2 0 1 8 CA MP GUI D E

APRIL 19 - 25, 2018 | PAGE 17

Congressional Camp

CAMPERS AGES 4-14 WEEKLY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE JUNE 18TH TO AUGUST 31ST 40 ACRE CAMPUS FALLS CHURCH, VA LUNCH AND SNACKS PROVIDED

A DIVISION OF

www.congocamp.org

214522_CongressionalCamp_9.75x11.5.indd 1

12/18/17 3:06 PM

PAGE 18 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

DRAKE SOCCER CAMP Fairfax, VA (703) 993-3295 drakesoccer.com

ENGINEERING FOR KIDS Arlington, VA (703) 665-6618 engineeringforkids.net

EYE LEVEL

105 N. Virginia Avenue Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 538-0985 eyelevelfallschurch.com

FAIRFAX COLLEGIATE SUMMER 722 Grant Street Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 481-3080 fairfaxcollegiate.com

FOX POINTE FARM

5205 Wildlife Ridge Trail Quinton, VA 23141 (804) 932-8710 foxpointefarmva.org

FREEDOM AQUATIC

9100 Freedom Center Blvd Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 993-8444 freedom-center.com

FUNBOTLAB

7005 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101 202-709-6151 funbotlab.com

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF THE NATION’S CAPITAL 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 274-3308 gscnc.org

2 0 1 8 CA MP GUI D E GOLDEN BOOT SOCCER 8201 Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102 (703) 287-0088 goldenbootsoccer.com

LEVINE SCHOOL OF MUSIC

1125 N. Patrick Henry Drive Arlington, VA 22205 (202) 686-8000 levineschool.org/camp

LIVING EARTH SCHOOL 101 Rocky Bottom Lane Afton, VA 22920 (540) 456-7339 livingearthva.com

POTOMAC HORSE CENTER

14211 Quince Orchard Road North Potomac, MD 20878 (301) 208-0200 potomachorse.com

PREMIER SPORTS CAMPS

4885 Shackelford Court Columbus, OH 43220 (330) 333-2267 wilsontenniscamps.com

RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY

200 Academy Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 (800) 272-1172 rma.edu/summer-programs

MAD SCIENCE CAMP Fairfax, VA (703) 536-9897 madscience.org

SCHOOL OF ROCK 111 Center Street South Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 242-2184 schoolofrock.com

MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS

SKATEQUEST 1800 Michael Faraday Court Reston, VA 20190 703-709-1010

2807 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 526-6847 Marymount.edu/athletics/ camps.aspx

skatequest.com

MCCALLIE SCHOOL

500 Dodds Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 (423) 493-5886 mccalliesummercamps.com

NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY 5400 Ox Road Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (703) 352-5900 www.nvrpa.org

45935 Maries Road Sterling, VA 20166 (703) 212-7625 sportrock.com

11180 Ridge Heights Road Reston, VA 20191 703.476.7477

sunsethillsmontessori.com

steveandkate.com

When school’s out, Sylvan’s in! If you’re looking for ways to introduce your child to new and fun experiences, our camps and workshops not only engage the mind, but are designed to have a lasting impact outside the classroom. We have great options for school breaks, summer camps and special weekends.

We offer a small group environment, your child can bring friends or make new ones.

Sylvan Learning Falls Church 200 Park Avenue, Suite 101 Falls Church, VA 22046 703-734-1234 https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/fallschurch-va/schedules

YMCA ARLINGTON FRIENDSHIP. ACHIEVEMENT. BELONGING. Make it the BEST. SUMMER. EVER. More than just a Summer Day Camp, YMCA Arlington programs allow campers to step outside their comfort zones and try new and exciting things. Every week you can choose from over 20 different camps that range from Gymnastics and Dance to Sports, Travel and STEM Camps, just to name a few.

See where your next adventure will take you.

YMCA Arlington 3422 N. 13th Street Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 525-5420 ymcadc.org

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE AT EAGLE LANDING

301 Main Street Reisterstown, MD 21136 410-833-4080

11176 Peaceful Valley Road New Castle, VA 24127 (540) 864-6792 wilderness-adventure.com

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

WRITING PROJECT SUMMER INSTITUTE

www.trcamps.com

SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI SCHOOL

A summer camp that trusts kids, so that they learn to trust themselves.

SYLVAN LEARNING FALLS CHURCH

TIMBER RIDGE CAMP

SPORTROCK CLIMBING

LET KIDS BE KIDS Alexandria | 703-997-9147 Arlington | 571-384-2214 DC-Capitol Hill | 202-400-3957

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

3819 Gallows Road Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 256-3620 westminsterschool.com

Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 993-1168 nvwp.org/youngwriters/ssi

IT’S SPRING!!

Get your Lawn Service ad in our Business & Service Directory Today!

The grass is growing, the flowers are blooming.

Who’s going to cut the lawn & prune the hedges?

Call 703-532-3267 or email ads@fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CO MME NT

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

A FAMILY OF FOUR SPENDS $1500 A YEAR ON FOOD THEY DON’T EAT

My alma mater of Yorktown High School for six decades stood apart from its sports competitors across town at Washington-Lee, Wakefield and O’Connell. We Patriots had no alumni make it to big-league professional sports.

Our void is now likely to be filled. On April 26, the three-day National Football League draft kicks off. A prime candidate is former Yorktown star running back M.J. Stewart (class of ’14). He just completed four years of gridiron feats as a University of North Carolina Tar Heel, where, as a defensive back, he set the school record for career pass breakups.

Stewart is in the brand-new online and on-campus exhibit “Standout Athletes of Yorktown High School,” production of which I led in consultation with an array of coaches, staff and alumni.

(Find it at yorktownalums.org.)

Though I pored through yearbooks, school newspapers and local sports-page clippings while also chatting up alumni from all eras, I never achieved Olympian confidence that my judgments were unchallengeable. That’s because the project required a myriad tough calls to separate the great from the very good.

The idea came when my local history reporting revealed that the “halls of fame” at other Arlington schools tended toward static head shots of students long gone, notes

on their awards and perhaps a plaque. The Arlington Sports Hall of Fame kept since 1958 by my friends at the Better Sports Club provides names and lifetime bios, and more broadly honors coaches and contest officials.

But I wanted action photos, amazing stats, anecdotes and quotes that, when assembled, give the viewer a feel for the entire sweep of Yorktown sports history. I felt cross-generationally qualified in taking on the exhibit because I grew up in the Yorktown district beginning in 1961, the school’s first year. I was a Patriots sports fan in elementary school and junior high. I played football there as a student, followed the teams (intermittently) as an alum, and stuck with them as a Yorktown parent.

The process came with frustrations. Coverage of well-reputed athletes was inconsistent in yearbooks and newspapers. Some athletes had more success as sophomores or juniors than as seniors, so it was easy to lose track of their graduating year. (The yearbooks are not all indexed, and some text is more sassy than informative).

I imposed space limits for readers with short attention spans. And my desire for drama prodded me to play up spectator sports like football and basketball, while neglecting impressive but less popular field hockey, crew and lacrosse. I was biased toward indi-

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

CRIME REPORT Week of Apr. 9 - 15, 2018 Driving Under the Influence, 100 blk N Cherry St, Apr 10, 01:16 AM, a male, 26, of Chantilly, VA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Refusal of Breath Test.

Commercial Burglary, 422 S Washington St (Super Chicken), between 9:30 PM, Apr 9 and 6:16 AM, Apr 10, unknown suspect(s) broke a glass door and took a cash register.

Fairfax Police located the register in a nearby creek. Investigation continues.

Hit and Run, 435 S Washington St (Coleman PowerSport), between 11 AM and 2 PM, Apr 6, a vehicle was struck by another vehicle which left the scene.

Hit and Run, 1218 W Broad St (Starbuck’s), Apr 11, between 10 and 10:30 AM, a vehicle in the parking lot was struck by another vehicle which

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 19 viduals and teams that won state championships.

Most notably, the nation’s evolution from the ‘60s brought the rise of female star athletes. That required that the exhibit reflect — as it moves from black-and-white to color — the increasing presence of girls on the playing field.

I made the final selection after six months of preparation and a feeling that I’d become the worst judge of Yorktown sports excellence — except all others. As former Yorktown basketball coach Jim Price told me, “This is difficult! I still cherish the years of coaching `all’ my teams and `everyone’ of the players. Some were good and some not as good.

But they all developed the effort to succeed. What more could a coach ask?”

I’m told current students have been spotted around the display arguing about my choices. Good for them. *** Many Arlington commuters boil as they watch the electronic signs at entrances to I-66 to monitor the costs of using the new express lanes — as high as $47 to get downtown from East Falls Church.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that the fee designed to deter solo drivers that allows travel simply from N. Sycamore St. to Fairfax Dr. — about 2.3 miles — can be as high as $8.

What sucker would take that deal? A friend recently exclaimed.

“You could practically walk it.” left the scene.

Urinating in Public, 100 blk S Washington St, Apr 13, 7:30 AM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Urinating in Public.

Larceny from Vehicle, 300 blk N Underwood St, between 8 PM, Apr 12 and 6 AM, Apr 13, items of value were removed from an unsecured vehicle.

Trespassing, 110 N West St (7-11), Apr 13, 9:22 PM, a male, 60, of no fixed address, was issued a summons for Trespassing.

Driving Under the Influence, 7100 blk Leesburg Pike, Apr 15, 2:42 AM, a male, 19, of Philadelphia, PA, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

OTHER Apr 10, 6:58 PM, a male, 63, of Stanardsville, VA, was arrested by Virginia State Police on a City of Falls Church Felony warrant for Identity Theft.

Apr 13, Philadelphia Police recovered a Ford Focus which had been stolen from Koon’s Ford Nov, 2017.

PAGE 20 | APRIL 19 – 25, 2018

NATI O NA L

James Comey’s ‘Higher Loyalty’

It is a sad commentary on the degraded state of political discourse in these times – and likely having more to do with the election of a sociopath as president of the U.S. than any other single factor – that so much of the reaction to James Comey’s scathing book this week has zeroed in on his brief descriptions of Donald Trump’s hair and hands.

What a disappointment that the New York Times’ otherwise salutary columnist Frank Bruni fell into that briar patch with his ‘James Comey’s Debasement’ commentary this week. He begins, “James Comey’s book is titled “A Higher Loyalty,” but it surrenders the higher ground, at least partly. To watch him promote it is to see him descend.”

What a pile of sanctimonious claptrap, and for what? Is it for the purpose of appeasing the still-simmering FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS anger of Hillary Clinton loyalists who refuse to give up their antipathy for the former FBI director’s behavior in the fall of 2016 that they are convinced cost their candidate the election...even as Comey has now unloaded a full frontal assault on Trump?

Who is fixated on the gutter, after all, Comey or those who would divert the public’s attention to what Comey commented, in passing, about it?

“I mention hands because Comey does,” Bruni writes. But Comey’s reference was confined to a single page of his 290-page book. Bruni’s entire column was about it. Could this have something to do with why Trump won in the first place?

There is a far more important basis for Comey’s incredible indictment of Trump in his book, and sadly it seems to be something to which much of the nation appears to have become tone deaf.

The book is about the juxtaposition of notions of ethics, values, character, morality and truth against everything that Trump stands for, which is the opposite of all the above.

It is far less about the “inside baseball” arguments for this or that move that Comey did or did not make in the lead up to the 2016 election.

Experts can argue over that for eons, and Comey does present his case in the book. But the book is far more about addressing the national crisis we find ourselves in right now, far more about the need to better grasp and to do something about this moral trainwreck that occupies the White House right now.

In this well-written and gripping autobiographical account of a lawman at war with the thuggish forces of the criminal world, especially including the Mafia, Comey’s case is grounded in the notion of what a president of the United States should be.

He then sets that model, in part defined by his own moral compass, against the degenerate and sociopathic language and behavior of Trump.

Comey is gravely concerned that this man, who fits the profile of so many of the criminal elements he dealt with throughout his career, is in charge of the country.

His goal is to alert us to the facts and implications of this, not from the standpoint of a political partisan or even a newsman, but from the unique standpoint of being the Number One cop in the land.

To set the stage for this, Comey describes dramatic incidents in his life that led him to a life as a protector of “the weak, the struggling, the frightened, the bullied,” as he put it, including being faced down by a gunman robbing his parents’ house as a boy, and the premature, avoidable death of his infant child.

A college course in religion, where he was introduced to the theology of Reinhold Niebuhr (the same man who most influenced Dr. Martin Luther King in seminary), shifted his career goal to an “obligation to try to seek justice in a flawed world,” to “protect the weak from being crushed by the strong.”

He wound up in New York City taking on the Mafia, about whom he wrote, “Evil has an ordinary face. It laughs, it cries, it deflects, it rationalizes, it makes great pasta. These killers were people who had crossed an indelible line in human experience by intentionally taking another life.”

This relevance to Trump?

Read the book.

Nicholas F. Benton

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

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The Blindness of Social Wealth Bob Hall was a rancher. In 1936, in the midst of the Depression, he was suffering from a cancer that was eating the flesh on the side of his face. His ranch had dwindled to nearly nothing, and weeks after bankers took the last of his livestock, Hall died, leaving his family deeply in debt.

His sons pleaded with anybody they could find to make a loan and save the family ranch. No one would do it. Finally, in desperation, they went to their neighbor, Buzz Newton, who was known for his miserliness, and asked him to co-sign a loan. “I always thought so much of your dad; he was the most generous man I have known,” Newton answered.

“Yes, I’ll co-sign the note.”

Bob Hall’s grandson, also named Robert Hall, drew out the lesson in his book “This Land of Strangers,” noting: “The truth is, relationships are the most valuable and value-creating resource of any society. They are our lifelines to survive, grow and thrive.”

NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE There’s a mountain of evidence suggesting that the quality of our relationships has been in steady decline for decades. In the 1980s, 20 percent of Americans said they were often lonely. Now it’s 40 percent. Suicide rates are now at a 30-year high. Depression rates have increased tenfold since 1960, which is not only a result of greater reporting. Most children born to mothers under 30 are born outside marriage. There’s been a steady 30-year decline in Americans’ satisfaction with the peer-to-peer relationships at work.

Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy summarized his experience as a doctor in an article in September in The Harvard Business Review: “During my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes; it was loneliness.”

Patients came to see him partly because they were lonely, partly because loneliness made them sick.

Weak social connections have health effects similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and a greater negative effect than obesity, he said.

Over the past five years, such trends have abruptly gotten worse. In 2012, 5.9 percent of young people suffered from severe mental health issues. By 2015 it was 8.2 percent.

Last year, Jean Twenge wrote a much-discussed article for The Atlantic, “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation,” charting the accelerating social collapse. Teenagers are suddenly less likely to date, less likely to leave the home without their parents, more likely to put off the activities of adulthood.

They are spending more time alone with their digital screens, and the greater the screen time, the greater the unhappiness. Eighth-graders who are heavy users

David Brooks

of social media are 27 percent more likely to be depressed.

I summarize all this because loneliness and social isolation are the problem that undergird many of our other problems. More Americans are socially poor.

And yet it is very hard for the socially wealthy to even see this fact. It is the very nature of loneliness and social isolation to be invisible. We talk as if the lonely don’t exist.

I was really struck by this last week, when Mark Zuckerberg came through Washington. Most of the questions he faced at the congressional hearings and most of the analysis in the press were about Facebook’s failure to protect privacy. That’s the sort of thing that may be uppermost on your mind if you are socially wealthy, if, like most successful politicians and analysts, you live within a thick web of connection and feel as if your social schedule is too full.

But the big issue surrounding Facebook is not privacy. It’s that Facebook and other social media companies are feeding this epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.

It’s not only that heavy social media users are sadder. It’s not only that online life seems to heighten painful comparisons and both inflate and threaten the ego. It’s that heavy internet users are much less likely to have contact with their proximate neighbors to exchange favors and extend care. There’s something big happening to the social structure of neighborhoods.

British anthropologist Robin Dunbar observes that human societies exist on three levels: the clan (your family and close friends), the village (your local community) and the tribe (your larger group).

In America today you would say that the clans have polarized, the villages have been decimated and the tribes have become weaponized.

That is, some highly educated families have helicopter parents while less fortunate families have absent parents. The middle ring cross-class associations of town and neighborhood have fallen apart.

People try to compensate for the lack of intimate connection by placing their moral and emotional longings on their political, ethnic and other tribes, turning them viciously on each other.

The mass migration to online life is not the only force driving these trends, but it is a big one. Such big subjects didn’t come up in the Zuckerberg hearings because socially wealthy and socially poor people experience Facebook differently and perceive reality and social problems differently. It’s hard to quantify and communicate the decline in quality of relationships.

But it is nonetheless true that many of us who are socially wealthy don’t really know how the other half lives.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

A RTS & E NTE RTA I NME NT

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 21

Offices in: Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Wytheville, Virginia

STUDENTS at J.E.B. Stuart High School act out a scene from their spring play, “The Little Mermaid.” (P����: D���� M�����)

Glowing Cappies Reception for J.E.B. Stuart’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Rendition

BY MAGGIE KLEIN

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Young love, rebellious daughters, magic spells, and dinglehoppers?

It’s the perfect recipe for a fin-tastic fairytale. “Life is better down where it’s wetter,” but don’t take it from me; swim on down under the sea to find out for yourself in J.E.B. Stuart High School’s bubbly rendition of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

Based on the well-loved 1989 Disney film and the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the same name, “The Little Mermaid” was brought to the stage in 2008 with book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

The classic story of a mermaid who trades her voice for legs to find love and happiness in the world beyond the ocean continues to win the hearts of the young and old alike.

As the titular mermaid, Mary Harrell did the iconic role justice.

She delivered the consistently effervescent vocals that so define Princess Ariel while also creating a youthful, dynamic characterization of the headstrong girl.

Even when she was voice-

less, Harrell remained engaging and expressive as she danced, gestured and reacted her way through the second act. Sam Wells was charming as her Prince Eric. He captured the sweet dynamic of the pair of “fish out of water” struggling to reconcile their desires with those of their parents.

Flounder (Naomi Bertha) and Sebastian (Elijah Williams) were audience favorites as Ariel’s fishy (and crustaceous) friends.

Bertha’s commitment to the anxious little fish was evident as she flapped her fishy fins about and spoke in a voice perfectly befitting of the childlike character.

Williams’ grand humorous choices, including a falsetto in the energized “Under the Sea” and a hilarious chase scene in “Les Poissons” with comedic standout Chef Louis (Jonah Garces-Foley) made him a highlight of the night.

Andrea Pedemonte eclipsed expectations of a high school performance in the notorious role of Ursula.

With big tentacles to fill, Pedemonte more than delivered the booming vocals, unbridled confidence, and commanding stage presence of the sassy sea witch. Slimy sidekicks Flotsam (Darien Roby) and Jetsam

(Deema Alharthi) rounded out the villainous trio with unmatched energy, vocals, and unfailing eel physicality.

Bella Lanoue-Chapman was yet another standout as the squawking seagull Scuttle as she led a cohort of tap-dancing birds through the fun and peppy “Positoovity.”

Choreography (Andrea Pedemonte), costumes, and makeup (Leilani Curran and Tess Wadson) made big numbers like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” vibrant celebrations.

Attention to detail in makeup seamlessly aged Grimsby (Berkeley Wilkins) and transformed sea creatures with the use of colorful contour.

In a nod to the original Broadway production, several cast members also wore Heelys; this gave Ariel a gliding grace with an edge of spunk as she wheeled her way through the water.

With their attention to detail and clear enthusiasm, J.E.B. Stuart High School made dinglehoppers out of forks in their magical production of “The Little Mermaid.”

Their boisterous yet heartfelt take on a beloved classic is sure to leave you happy as a clam.

Follow us @ FCNP

SPO RTS

PAGE 22 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Up & Down Mustangs Season Provides Lessons

by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

An action-packed week saw George Mason High School’s girls soccer team play four games in four days and finish with two wins and two losses.

It’s just over a month into the season and the Mustangs (4-3) have performed admirably, defeating Bull Run district opponents while stumbling against higher-classified teams. Since last Thursday’s four-game span started, Mason kept with that trend by defeating Rappahannock County High School and Strasburg High School by a combined margin of 16-1 and losing to Loudoun County High School and Woodgrove High School by a combined margin of 10-2. Mason’s new head coach George Bitadze isn’t reading too much into results though, as long as the team is consistently improving.

“I try to make them uncomfortable with things because I want them to learn,” Bitadze said.

“Their technique may break down and not be exactly what I want, but they’re starting to get more comfortable with things — and I have to keep trying too so that

NEW MASON head coach George Bitadze (center, facing camera) has been adjusting to the Mustangs as much as they have been adjusting to him. Going forward, he wants the team to keep implementing the new techniques he teaches them in games. (Photo: Courtesy John Rollins) they can keep learning.”

Tuesday night’s contest with Strasburg was an ideal chance for the Mustangs to continue that learning process without forgoing a win. Junior midfielder Ariana Roco’s goal in the opening minutes, followed later by a fourgoal flurry from junior midfielder Maura Mann and senior midfield-

ers Victoria Rund and midfielder Sophie Matton from the 24th to the 27th minutes, all but guaranteed the win. So Bitadze advised his team to work on their possession skills and refine certain approaches into the offensive zone.

Those skills, Bitadze says, will prove useful later in the sea-

son when opponents won’t be as pliable as the Rams were this week or the Panthers last Friday.

And at more developed stages they could’ve helped against the Raiders and Wolverines, two 4A opponents. Both teams were far more aggressive, and therefore, successful versus the Mustangs.

It’s not like Mason can’t hang with

higher classified teams — they did defeat Dominion High School 1-0, albeit after losing to them 2-1 a few weeks earlier — but in the postseason against good teams, multiple chances aren’t a given.

The final lesson Bitadze has been drilling into his players is pacing. In both recent games against upper-tiered Woodgrove and Loudoun County, Mason expended too much energy throughout the first half and start of the second, allowing the Wolverines and Raiders to run up the score as the Mustangs became winded. Mason can get away with that when they come out of the half with a multigoal lead, but tougher opponents won’t be so forgiving.

“In the games we played against stronger teams, it was 1-0 at halftime and 1-1 soon after halftime ended, but in the last 20-25 minutes it’s suddenly three goals, four goals allowed, and we lose,” Bitadze added. “I tell them you have to think about all 80 minutes, you can’t think about just those five minutes where things go good or bad.”

The Mustangs will play Central High School tomorrow at home before traveling to Madison County High School on April 24.

Mason Boys Remain Undefeated, Now with 8-0-1 Record

by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

George Mason High School’s boys soccer team continues to chug right along as victories over Loudoun County, Rappahannock and Strasburg high schools have kept their record unblemished.

With the Mustangs (8-0-1) holding a 56-7 goal differential on the season, it’s a surprise that coming into the year offense was a reason for concern. It was lack of offensive dynamism that hamstrung Mason the previous season and caused their streak of four straight 2A state titles to upsettingly end in the regional home opener. But those days seem distant now as the Mustangs tear through their schedule, and opposing defenses, on their own terms.

“The good thing is we’re not relying on one player to score the goals,” Mason head coach Frank Spinello said. “We have five guys each with three goals, and our top scorers don’t have anymore than five, so we’re spreading the ball around nicely.”

A game against Loudoun County last week was Mason’s final match against a higher-classified opponent. A (mostly) clean

sweep in the face of that level of competition (they did have the one tie against the Mountain Brook High School from Tennessee) would be a welcoming sign that the Mustangs are back in state championship form. Motivated by the opportunity, Mason came out strong against the Raiders and tallied three first-half goals to take a 3-1 lead into the break. Both teams added one more goal apiece in the second half to preserve the win in favor of the Falls Church natives.

Competitions against Rappahannock County and Strasburg were also indicative of the team’s dominant form. When facing the oddly subdued Panthers, the Mustangs had their way with Rappahannock County by compiling 24 goals in the abridged 60 minute contest. Following the game, the Panther’s head coach mentioned to Mason’s field staff that he would’ve preferred they go down the way they did rather than forfeit the game outright.

For Spinello and the Mustangs, there was a desire to let staple reserves get some field time and net a few goals, but there was also the awareness to avoid being ugly about it.

SENIOR FORWARD Peter Scardino races past a Central defender in Mason’s home game against the Falcons last season. Scardino and the rest of the Mustang attack are looking lethal this year thanks to some added dynamism to the offense. (Photo: Carol Sly) “That certainly wasn’t our intention to rub it in [against Rappahannock County],” Spinello continued. “But I’m not gonna tell guys who sat on the bench all day [in the previous game] not to score

once they get on the field.

The game against Rams was more competitive, but Mason still dominated throughout, scoring at will and ensuring this game also had an early end.

Now the Mustangs move into the meat of their Bull Run district schedule for the remainder of the season. Next up, they’ll face Madison County High School on April 24.

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 23

VOLUNTEERS TURNED OUT in numbers for Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School’s Career Fair last Friday. From �ields in science and medicine to those in �inance, computers and communications and even local service jobs, students enthusiastically participated in the annual event and were able to pick the brains of all kinds of professionals. (P�����: FCCPS P�����/ C���� S��)

award at a surprise presentation from Henderson Assistant Principal Rory Dippold, FCEF executive director Debbie Hiscott, Director of Curriculum Lisa High, Kelly’s wife Haley Powell Kelly, Superintendent Peter Noonan and Henderson Principal Valerie Hardy.

sen by the GM selection committee after an in depth application process, and they advanced to the state’s selection committee.

Space limitations mean not all nominated students are accepted. Congratulations go to these Mustangs: Nominated — Clare Doss, Meggie Ferguson – Visual and Performing Arts Nominated and invited — Sigrid Edson – Humanities; James Gogal – Agriculture; Isabella Hubble – Science; Julianna Markus, Shannon Rodgers – Visual and Performing Arts.

Mason Students Gear Up For Governor’s School

Mustangs Make Their Mark Outside Classroom

Summer Governor’s Schools provide gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences. Each school focuses on one area of interest.

Students live on a college campus for up to four weeks participating in laboratory work, field studies, research, individual and group projects, performances, and seminars. Seven George Mason High School students were cho-

George Mason High School junior Erik Boesen met with Congressman Don Beyer Jr. on Friday to discuss the future of tech policy. Boesen had won the Congressional app development challenge, and Beyer invited Boesen to meet at his Capitol Hill office. They discussed ways for Boesen to move his interests forward by being proactive and staying up to date on legislative

F� � � � C � � � � �

S����� N��� � N���� Jefferson Students Stand Out In WordMasters Challenger Two teams representing Thomas Jefferson Elementary achieved Highest Honors in the recent WordMasters Challenge which is an annual, national vocabulary competition involving nearly 150,000 students.

The third-grade team scored an impressive 172 points out of a possible 190 in the second of three meets this year, placing 10th in the nation.

Also, the fourth-grade team scored 179 of a possible 200 points, also finishing tenth in the country. Competing in the tough Gold Division, third graders Charlotte Secrist and Xavier Smith, fourth graders Jack Callan and Mia Sabo and fifth grader Ella Rose Yates each earned a perfect score. Other students from TJ who

achieved outstanding results in the meet include third-graders John Steyn and Edan Thomton.

Henderson’s Kelly Awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School’s world history and geography teacher, Farrell Kelly, is the 2018 Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF) Teacher of the Year. A panel of judges chose Kelly, who was presented with $1500 from the FCEF. He is also a finalist in the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award. Kelly and all eight of the Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) nominees for Teacher of the Year receive tickets to attend the FCEF Annual Gala and recognition at the annual FCCPS “Celebration of Excellence,” both held in May. Kelly was alerted to the

Follow Us Online

proposals.

Mason junior Annie Castillo is in Jackson, Mississippi helping Beth Ann Fennelley and the Eudora Welty Foundation celebrate the creativity and achievements of all of Mississippi’s talented young poets and writers who participated in National Poetry Month. The trip is part of Castillo’s selection as one of five high school poets named to this year’s National Student Poets Program.

IB & AP Testing Need Volunteers for Proctoring IB and AP testing season runs from April 27 – May 25 with nearly 1,000 IB and AP exams administered for George Mason High School students. Over 45 more parent volunteers are needed to support the testing proctors and ensure that the testing runs smoothly. The volunteer hall monitors assist in setting up the room, collecting materials, escorting students to the restroom and providing breaks to proctors. For more information, contact Mason’s IB program coordinator Daniel Coast at coastd@fccps.org.

Voted #1 Again Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry Federal Employees: We work with your benefits

703.532.3300

www.DoughertyDDS.com twitter.com/fcnp

facebook.com/fallschurchcity

200 Little Falls Street, Suite 506, Falls Church, VA 22046 We are located across the street from city hall

PAGE 24 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Home. Cooked.

GOODNESS The taste of togetherness.

Save 75%* on Omaha Steaks

Plus, get 4 more Burgers and 4 more Kielbasa

The Family Gourmet Buffet 2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)

4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets OS Seasoning Packet (.33 oz.)

51689CXJ $ $199.90* separately Combo Price

FREE!

49

99

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 51689 pkgs. Your 4 free burgers and 4 free kielbasa will be sent to each shipping address that includes 51689. Standard S&H will be added per address. Flat rate shipping and reward cards and codes cannot be used with this offer. Not valid with other offers. Expires 7/31/18. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. Š2018 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. | 18M0094

1-877-649-6485 ask for 51689CXJ www.OmahaSteaks.com/family86

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 25

VA , y t n u o C un #1 Loudo h, VA c r u h C s l l #2 Fa , VA y t n u o C x #3 Fairfa y, MD t n u o C d r #4 Howa CO , y t n u o C as #5 Dougl NM , y t n u o C mos a l A s o L #6 , TN y t n u o C n so #7 William VA , y t n u o C ton #8 Arling ty, NJ n u o C n o rd #9 Hunte CA , y t n u o C Clara a t n a S 0 #1

2017. Based on rbes.com July 13,

s” Fo

’s Richest Countie

Source: “ America

$125,900 $122,092 $112,844 $110,224

$109,926 $107,126 $104,367 $104,354

$102,797 $102,191

usehold income.

median annual ho

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 26 | APRIL 19 – 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR COMMUNITYEVENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Teen Advisory Board. For volunteers in Grades 7-12, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meets monthly during the school year to give teens a voice in the library.

Teens who participate in TAB earn volunteer hours either toward classroom or club hours requirements. Registration required.

Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 703-248-5034.

High School Book Club. April Book: “An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green. Book Club for teens in grades 9-12 helps develop reading comprehension skills as well as critical thinking. Limited copies of the book are available to borrow from the Youth Services Desk.

Registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 7 – 8 p.m.

703-248-5034.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Town Hall with Delegate Kaye Kory and Senator Richard Saslaw.

Virginia Delegate Kaye Kory will host a town hall with Virginia Senator Dick Saslaw to discuss proposed legislation, session progress and allow constituents to offer feedback on all the above.

Sleepy Hollow Elementary (3333 Sleepy hollow Rd., Falls Church).

10 a.m. – noon. For more information, contact Del. Kory at info@ kayekory.com.

Arbor Day and Neighborhood Tree Planting. Residents can celebrate Arbor Day and the City’s 40th consecutive Tree City USA award during a neighborhood celebratory event. Afterward, attendees can join friends and neighbors for a workout planting street trees throughout City neighborhoods. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring tools if you have them. Meet near the Gage House. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park

Ave., Falls Church). 1 – 5 p.m. 703248-5183.

Green Thumbs and Wiggle Worms at the Library. In this dynamic program, kids will learn about the importance of sustainable gardens and how plants grow, discovering the secret “underworld” of roots and bugs that help in this process. Each participant will start their own garden, which includes another helpful creature, a worm, as kids learn about the importance of these invertebrates to composting and healthy soil. For children 4-6 years old.

Registration required; by phone or in person. Presented with a generous memorial in honor of Jen Dismukes. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 3 – 4:30 p.m. 703-2485034.

MONDAY, APRIL 23 Playtime with the Early Literacy Center. Explore educational and manipulative items (aka toys) to

teach early literacy through play.

Ages birth to 5 years. No registration required. Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church). 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 703248-5034.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 Miller House Project Update – Information Session. City of Falls Church residents, their families and support partners are invited to learn about the design of the new group home, The Miller House, for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Hear about the services available and the application process. Winter Hill Apartment Community Center (330 S. Virginia Ave. #B, Falls Church). 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Tick and Mosquito Management.

Learn how to correctly identify and manage ticks and mosquitoes in local gardens throughout the area. T Mary Riley Styles Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church) 7 – 8 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 “Witch.” From the dawn of time, women have been demonized, feared and objectified whenever their power challenged the traditional order. Weaving a thread from the Salem Witch trials through modern day politics, this world premiere musical examines the complex and compelling stories of women who’ve been labeled as witches throughout the centuries. Building on a year of strong productions, both visionaries Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith bring their new work to the stage with music by Conner and book and lyrics by Smith. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church). $30. 8 p.m. creativecauldron.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY SATURDAY, APRIL 212 “The Front Page.” The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room.

Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands.

NEXT WEEK April 26 Issue

Health and Fitness

Spotlight

City of Falls Church Ranked as No. 1 Healthiest Community in U.S. Healthy Living is a top priority for the residents of Falls Church.

You don’t want to miss your chance to advertise your business next week.

To find out how to appear in this special edition: Call 703-570-5813 • ads@fcnp.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or triggerhappy policemen discover him.

Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana. James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church). $20.

7:30 p.m. providenceplayers.org.

“Fly By Night.” A star-crossed prophecy. A lot of music. Just not a lot of light. In this darkly comic rock-fable, a melancholy sandwich maker’s humdrum life is intersected by two entrancing sisters. A sweeping ode to young love set against the backdrop of the northeast blackout of 1965, “Fly By Night” is a tale about making your way and discovering hope in a world beset by darkness. 1st Stage Theatre (1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons). $33. 8 p.m.1ststagetysons.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 ”John.” In the midst of the holiday bustle, young Brooklyn couple Elias and Jenny escape on a much needed getaway to a cozy bedand-breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. However, under the watchful eye of the cheery, if slightly off, innkeeper, a ghost seems to haunt their crumbling relationship. With her trademark rough-edged humanity, observant humor and lyrical beauty, The Flick playwright Annie Baker blends the hyper-real with flickers of the supernatural in a quietly suspenseful and transfixing work.

Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40. 2 p.m. sigtheatre.org.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, APRIL 19 Mariachi Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Banners with Special Guest Ellevator. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $25.

8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

John McCutcheon. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $25 – $28.

CA L E NDA R

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 27

8 p.m. 703-255-1900.

Thrillbilly’s. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:45 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Britton James. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

9:30 p.m. 703-237-8333.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Shartel & Hume. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283.

Happy Hour: David Kitchen & Dan Hovey. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Heady Entertainment Presents: The 420 Jam Band Revue with Special Guests Surprise Attack + Bunny Man Bridge + Albino Rhino + Derd Berner. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566. $5 Comedy Night. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $5. 8 p.m. 703-2370300.

Sandra Dean Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-2419504.

Mojo Widget. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church).

10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Digitour: Arctic Lights. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $25 – $40. 4 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Jason Hicks Rockabilly Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-2419504.

Welcome to the Schmidt Show!

Clare and Don’s Beach Shack.

(130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-532-9283.

The Nighthawks (at Union Stage).

Union Stage (740 Water St. SW, Washington, D.C.). $20. 7 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Buckethead. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). $25 – $28. 9 p.m. 703-

CHASING AUTUMN will be at Dogwood Tavern on Saturday. (Photo: Facebook.com/ChasingAutumnNJ)

237-0300.

Jameson Green Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-2419504.

(1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $45. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900.

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

Later Late Show 6th Anniversary Show! Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $8 – $10. 9 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Ramon. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack. (130 North Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-5329283.

Chasing Autumn. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St., Falls Church). 10 p.m. 703-237-8333.

Fatai: Blank Canvas Tour 2018 with Marielle Kraft. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $13 – $25. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Dave Chappell & Patty Reese.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703241-9504.

DC Swing!’s “Groovin, Soulin’, & Swingin’”. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10. 2 p.m.

703-255-1566.

John Corigliano 8.0: Chamber Music at the Barns. Wolf Trap

Diamond. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5. 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24 Wreckless Eric with The Paranoid Style. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $18. 7:30 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Sol Roots Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

Alex the Red Parez and The Hell Rojos, The Lost Fox. Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $5.

9 p.m.

Great Peacock with Chris Timbers.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $13 – $20. 7:30 p.m. 703255-1566.

MONDAY, APRIL 23

Ana Popovic. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). $30 – $35. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900.

Insolence + The Generics + The Posers. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10 – $20. 7:30 p.m. 703-255-1566.

The Beginner’s Mynd, Mellow

Open Mic with Bob Hume & Martha Capone. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Arlington).

8:30 p.m. 703-522-8340.

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

PAGE 28 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

CLEANING SERVICES

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

A Cleaning Service since 1985

Insured, Bonded and Licensed Independently owned Commercial & Residential

703-892-8648

www.acleaningserviceinc.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT YOUR HANDYMAN LLC JOSEPH HOME Drywall • Paint Exterior / Interior, Carpentry, Painting, Drywall Repairs, Power Washing, Back Splashes, Tile, Minor Plumbing/Electrical Bathroom/Kitchen Upgrades, Finish Basements

Visit: www.yourhandlymanllc.com Call Pete: 571-243-6726

ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION HOME IMPROVEMENTS BBB + Angie's List Contractor 34 YEARS EXPERIENCE • LICENSED AND INSURED

BATHROOMS/KITCHENS/BASEMENTS (Mention ad and get 15% off )

ANDERSONBATHS.COM 703-799-0187

Bath & Kitchen Remodeling, Basements, Ceramic Tile, Deck, Fences. Patios, Electric, Plumbing, Clean Garage, All Kinds of Hauling.

Joseph www.josephhomeimprovements.com Joselozada27@yahoo.com Licensed & Cell 703-507-5005 Insured Work Tel 703-507-8300

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

www.novahandyman.com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

OTHER SERVICES

The Law Firm Of Janine S. Benton R

Couselors & Attorneys At Law

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

Tel: 703.217.2632

classads@fcnp.com

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

C L AS S I F I E DS Cemetery Plots NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK Falls Church, VA Block BB, Lot 303, Sites 3-4.

Prices just increased to $6400 each. Will sell both for $11,500/OBO.443 305-2442.

For Sale HOUSE FOR SALE 5729 Norton Road Alexandria VA 22303 $508,440 Phone: 202-742-7290 Senate Realty Corporation 909 U Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 FAIR HOUSING & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY REALTOR

Services PIANO TUNING.. Quality service.

Falls Church resident with 25 years experience. Official tuner for BalletNova. steve@offuttemail.com 703-283-4326

Yard Sale POWHATAN NURSING HOME Spring Yard Sale Saturday April 21, 8am-1pm 2100 Powhatan Street Falls Church, Virginia 2243

Public Notice PUBLIC AUCTION In accordance with the Virginia Self-Storage Act, section 55-419 F, notice is hereby given that the contents of the following rental storage spaces located at Fort Knox Self-Storage will be offered for sale: 424 Smith Chon, 416 Hanna Tracy, 418 Stauffer Anne. Sale will be held Online at: StorageTreasure.com . Pictures can be viewed at the site. Bidding will begin at 1:00 pm on April 20 and will conclude at 1:00 pm on April 25 winning bidder will be required to pay a $100.00 per unit refundable cleanout deposit. Payment by Credit Card Only.

fcnp.com

ABC LICENSE EL PATRON BAR & GRILL INC, Trading as: EL Patron Bar and Grill, 418 South Washington Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046-4412. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine, Beer and Mixed Beverages On Premises. license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Carlos Ventura, Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

ABC LICENSE FALLS CHURCH BOWL INC., Trading as: BOWL AMERICA FALLS CHURCH, 140 South Maple Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22046-4212. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverage On Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Leslie Goldberg, President. 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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD The Falls Church Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, 19 April 2017 to consider the following: 301 North Cherry Street by Charles Moore, Architect, for Sam and Marion Starr, owners, to convert an existing open deck into a finished screened porch with a landing and steps to grade.

The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Community Center, located at 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, Virginia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and to the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5040 (TYY 711).

classads@fcnp.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinances referenced below were given first reading on March 26, 2018.

Public hearings are scheduled for Monday, April 9 and Monday, April 23, 2018, with second reading and final Council action scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2018at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matters may be heard.

(TO18-02) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019: GENERAL FUND; SCHOOL OPERATING FUND; SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND; AND SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND; CABLE ACCESS FUND; SEWER FUND; AND STORMWATER FUND (TO18-03) ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE FY2019-FY2024 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM BUDGET AND APPROPRIATING EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 (TO18-04) ORDINANCE SETTING THE RATE OF TAX LEVY ON REAL ESTATE FOR TAX YEAR 2019 AND ON PERSONAL PROPERTY, MACHINERY AND TOOLS AND ALL OTHER PROPERTY SEGREGATED BY LAW FOR LOCAL TAXATION IN THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA FOR TAX YEAR 2018 The proposed real estate tax rate for the tax year beginning July 1, 2018 is: $1.385 upon each $100.00 of assessed value of real estate in the City of Falls Church.

The proposed tax rate for tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for the tax year beginning January 1, 2018 is: $5.00 upon each $100.00 of assessed value on tangible personal property, and machinery and tools, and all other property segregated by law for local taxation within the City, including the property separately classified by Section 58.1-3500 et seq. of the Code of Virginia except such personal property as is exempted; and except that pursuant to Section 58.1-2606 of the Code of Virginia, a portion of assessed value of tangible personal property of public service corporations shall be taxed at the real estate rate.

All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

Gay Studies Best Seller Nicholas Benton

Extraordinary Hearts Reclaiming Gay Sensibility's Central Role in the Progress of Civilization Larry Kramer wrote: "A vital moral book about who we are and who we should be. I admire it and its author enormously."

Order it from Amazon

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

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Crossword

ACROSS

By David Levinson Wilk 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

15

14 17

18

23

24

28

29 33

35

44

27

30 34

36

37

40 43

45

38

39

41

46

42

47

49

50

48 51

52

54

53 55

13

21 26

32

12

19

25

31

11

16

20 22

10

56

57

58

62

63

64

65

66

67

© 2017 David Levinson Wilk

Across

59

60

61

1. They may be technical 6. Look inside?

10. AOL and MSN 14. Navel formation?

15. Lose vibrancy 16. Cheese ____ 17. Longtime slogan of Little Caesars 19. Morales of "La Bamba" 20. ____ land 21. "Since you didn't hear me the first time ..."

22. Bad look 26. 1909 Matisse masterpiece 28. Flower girl?

29. Proprietor of a sort 31. Scored between 90 and 100, say 34. Gram or dram 35. Message on a JumboTron intended to amp up fans ... or a direction for solving 17-, 29-, 43or 56-Across 40. 1970s-'80s sitcom locale 41. Become lenient 43. Swimming equipment that may be anti-leak or anti-fog 48. Face cream additive 49. Salon supply 50. Briefly 53. Arm bones 54. Nickel or dime 55. South American monkey 56. Tool that can extract nails 62. "____ hardly wait!"

63. Musical with the song "The

STRANGE BREW

1. They may be technical

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 29 37. "____ Mommy kissing ..."

38. With no help 39. ____ effort 42. One of the Kennedys 43. Confined 44. It may be spotted in a pet store 45. Utah mountains 46. Opposite of dense 47. Great Plains tribespeople 51. Biomedical research org.

52. Diarist Nin 54. Poor dating prospects 56. Low-____ 57. "Bald-faced" thing 58. Star of the short-lived reality show "I Pity the Fool" 59. Part of a stock exchange?

60. Stationery item: Abbr.

61. Marble ____

Gods Love Nubia" 64. It may be dramatic 65. Like a busybody 66. To a smaller degree 67. Potbelly or Franklin, e.g.

DOWN

1. Snappy dresser 2. Response on un questionnaire 3. Snack brand featured on "Mad Men" 4. ____ Lemon, "30 Rock" character 5. Bobby who co-founded the Black Panthers 6. Unsolved cases, in TV lingo 7. La ____ (term signifying Latino pride) 8. Woodworker's tool 9. Vote of support 10. Arctic fishing tool 11. "Valley of the Dolls" author 12. What odes do 13. Mini-burger 18. Fork over 21. "Same here!"

22. Joule fraction 23. "Va-va-va- ____!"

24. Suffix with fashion 25. Job for a plumber 26. With no help 27. Mimic's ability 30. Bactrian camel's pair 32. Enya's genre 33. Help desk sign 36. Spoken JOHN DEERING

6. Look inside?

A D R I A N A

Sudoku Level:

10. AOL and MSN

S H A L L I

1

2

3

Last Thursday’s Solution

T E N P I N

A R I S T A

F E E D B A G

V I G N E T T E

F F E I E N T N A H T I R F I L I T O E L O S A I S A L L O I N T A

C Z E C H

E A G L E

C R I O S S S A E N G U I N S

D A R I R E Y P T E R U S A C T F O A N E N Y E N E E L S T I M T E Y W

A M A D E U S

P O D E S T A

R S V E N P A I R K E N O L E N O R S

S N O C A T

V A S

M A R A D O N A

By The Mepham Group 4

14. Navel formation?

15. Lose vibrancy 16. Cheese ____ 17. Longtime slogan of Little Caesars 19. Morales of "La Bamba" 20. ____ land

1

21. "Since you didn't hear me the first time ..."

22. Bad look 26. 1909 Matisse masterpiece 28. Flower girl?

LOOSE PARTS

DAVE BLAZEK

29. Proprietor of a sort 31. Scored between 90 and 100, say

Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle

NICK KNACK

1

© 2018 N.F. Benton

4/22/18

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

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk.

© 2018 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

LO CA L

PAGE 30 | APRIL 19 – 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BACK IN THE DAY

dog. lazy ick qu The fox sly p e d j u m the over dog. lazy is the Now for all time cows good co me to aid to the the ir of t u r e . pas

20 s Yearo Ag

is the Now for all time cows good co me to aid to the the ir of t u r e . p a s is the Now for all time cows good me to co to aid of the their.

20 & 10 Years Ago in the News-Press Falls Church News-Press Vol. VIII, No. 7 • April 30, 1998

Four Council Seats, Community Center’s Future at Stake in Election City of Falls Church voters go to the polls next Tuesday with big choices to make: either to vote for those who have aligned themselves with the many years’ leadership that has brought Falls Church this far, or to vote for those identify with the last couple years’ work of the new faces on the City Council.

Eight candidates are vying in the May 5 election for four seats that will open up on the Council. Only one incumbent, Vice Mayor David Snyder, is running.

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XVIII, No. 8 • April 24, 2008

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

10 Year s Ago

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

F.C. Council Saves Penny, Tax Rate Will Rise Only 2 cents The Falls Church City Council will vote Monday to finalize its budget for the coming fiscal year beginning July 1, and last minute revisions will reduce the tax rate from an earlier-projected three-cent rise to two cents.

The rate voted Monday will be $1.03 per $100 of assessed valuation, instead of $1.04 as previously advertised, up from the current rate of $1.01. But with a sharp drop in residential assessments in January, the impact will be smaller.

86 million Americans

Maybe even you,

A LONG OVERDUE pet is finally gracing the Critter Corner in Jupiter. This feline friend loves the warmth of an open fire and is a fan of chasing small balls and snatching straws from drinks.

It’s a blessed life for a kitty who was homeless just a year ago.

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

have prediabetes. person-ABOUT-TOFACT-CHECK-THIS-FACT.

ALGUNOS NIÑOS TIENEN PROBLEMAS PARA ENTENDER LO QUE LEEN. ALGUNOS PADRES TIENEN PROBLEMAS PARA ENTENDER A SUS HIJOS. Las dificultades de aprendizaje y de atención pueden lucir diferentes para los padres que para los niños. Es por eso que existe Understood, un recurso gratuito en línea con respuestas, consejos y herramientas para ayudar a su hijo a salir adelante.

Aclare sus dudas en understood.org.

Un recurso gratuito presentado por 15 organizaciones sin fines de lucro.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

APRIL 19 – 25, 2018 | PAGE 31

To order online, visit FCNP.com/frontpages1 or call 703-532-3267

PAGE 32 | APRIL 19 - 25, 2018

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

DONBEYERVOLVO.COM • 703-237-5000 • 1231 WEST BROAD STREET

NOW IN-STOCK

VOLVO XC40

INNOVATIVE • SPACIOUS • VERSATILE

R C ST R R ealty™ Group

Falls Church City- Open Sunday 2-4

ROCK STAR Realty ... ROCK STAR Service

TM

Call ROCK STAR Realty when buying or selling your home ~ 703-867-8674

FOR SALE

Subdividable Lot

4,187 sq ft

5 Bedrooms

4 full, 2 half baths

Welcome to 407 Little Falls Street in Falls Church City, Virginia! Nestled on one of the most beautiful streets in the Great Falls/Little Falls neighborhood, this completely renovated and expanded historic farmhouse-style home, built in 1894 displays fine craftsmanship from top to bottom! A tailored exterior with a wraparound front porch entrance, 2 paver stone driveways, 2-car garage plus a 2-level guest suite, natural stone patios and walkways, and expert landscaping are just some of the fine features that make this 5 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath home so memorable.

Sunny 4 BR plus den 2 1/2 BA Townhouse with contemporary flair! Shining Hardwood floors, Sunroom, fireplace and two car garage! Fresh paint walk to bike trail, and Metro. Priced at $749,900!

1006 Steeples Ct., Falls Church, VA 22046.

FOR SALE

NEW PRICE!

Open Sun 1-4

205 W. Westmoreland Rd, Falls Church City $ $675,000 3 Bedrooms

1,584 sq ft 2 Bathrooms

1007 Kennedy St, Falls Church City $ $849,900 4 Bedrooms

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Lifetime Top Producer

Housing Commission, Vice Chair

3 Bathrooms

703-867-8674

Proud Supporter of ®

REALTOR

2,888 sq ft

Tori@ToriRocksRealEstate.com ToriRocksRealEstate.com 2012–2017

© 2018 Tori McKinney, LLC