5-22-2025

Special Memorial Day Parade Edition May 22 - 28, 2025

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Beyer Hails CULTIVATING PEACEFUL REFLECTION New Pope & Fusion Energy Exclusive Interview With N-P Sees Brighter Future

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Virginia’s 8th U.S. Congressional District rep Donald S. Beyer Jr., in an exclusive interview with the NewsPress last week, touched on two potentially epochally transformative developments that could lead society beyond the current dark Trump era to a new renaissance, although there is no minimizing the pain and hardship that is currently being inflicted nationwide but in particular on this region.

Beyer spoke directly with the News-Press’ Nicholas Benton last week and the three major questions Benton had for him had to do with his current assessment of how bad things can be expected to get under Trump, his assessment of the new Pope and the imminent promise of thermonuclear fusion energy for humanity and this planet as a whole.

Continued on Page 3

THE FIFTH-FLOOR GARDEN at Meridian High School was officially dedicated as the Marian Costner Selby Peace Garden on May 18, 2025, with a ribbon cutting honoring the legacy of Marian Costner Selby, the first Black student to attend and graduate from George Mason High School in 1961. The garden now stands as a tribute to her courage and a space for reflection for the school community. See page 11 for a photo of the mural portraying Selby. (Photo: Gary Mester)

Eden Center Businessman Recalls Fall of Saigon

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Pages S1-S16

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the falls of Saigon and the introduction of one of the darkest periods in the history of that region, but it also marked a high point of the achievements of so many Vietnamese refugees who successfully fled and found new homes in the U.S. in the period that followed, including many

who were founders of the celebrated Eden Center in the City of Falls Church.

One of those local businessmen Vinh Nguyen, told his own harrowing story of his family’s flight from Vietnam in April 1974 when he was just 15 years old and the long circuitous path that led to their migration to one of four U.S. refugee camps in the U.S. and eventually to the D.C. area where they opened a small

grocery business in what was known at the time in Arlington as a Little Saigon neighborhood of near present day Clarendon but soon migrated, with his family’s being one of the first, to the present day Eden Center, that is now one of the East Coast’s most vibrant centers of Vietnamese commerce and culture in the entire U.S. Nguyen’s business is now real estate and he has extended

his reach back halfway around the globe to the country of his birth where he now says it is time for reconciliation, respect and reorganization. He has invested in many schools there now and with programs to assist victims from the Vietnam War of agent orange.

But it was a far darker time when Saigon fell and the entire

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | MAY 22 - 28, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Our Man In Arlington Business News & Notes Fa l l s C h u r c h

Bill Fogarty

May is a busy month, full of proclamations honoring numerous causes, ranging from National Maritime Day to Law Day. The most celebrated “day” in May is Memorial Day, which started with a different name: Decoration Day. In 1868, the organization of Union veterans, known as the Grand Army of the Republic, established “Decoration Day” as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. General John Logan declared it should be May 30, chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. On May 28, 1868, President Andrew Johnson issued “General Order No. 11,” designating May 30 as a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. In 1971 the date was moved to the last Monday of May; by the 1990s this creation of a three-day holiday had its detractors, as people felt the meaning was being forgotten. In response, Congress passed “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which encourages Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.

This history of Memorial Day led me to take a look at another “memorial day” in May, the Peace Officers Memorial Day. Every year in May there is a ceremony at the Arlington Justice Center Plaza (next to the Courthouse), where the Peace Officer Memorial Statue is located. The ceremony honors the legacy of the seven Arlington police officers who have died in the line of duty. Only their names are listed, but it is their stories that provide a glimpse into the inherent risks involved as a police officer.

I would like to share one quick story about Officer John Buckley, who was killed in the line of duty on April 15, 1977. On that day, Officer Buckley had been in traffic court and was on his way home in his cruiser when a robbery call was broadcast. A silent alarm

had been triggered at Virginia National Bank, at the corner of Glebe Road and Columbia Pike. Two armed men had entered the bank at 1 p.m., dressed in dark clothing and wearing ski masks. The two robbers herded the bank employees and customers into two corners of the room and took an undetermined amount of money. As they were leaving, the robbers fired several shots at the surveillance cameras in the bank. Officer Buckley, who was the first unit on the scene, called in on his radio, “Dispatcher, this is the real thing.”

As Officer Buckley ran up the front steps, the armed robbers came running out the front door. Shots were exchanged, and Officer Buckley was hit in the chest. As the armed men were running through the parking lot to their car, a deputy sheriff arrived on the scene, and another brief gun battle broke out.

The two robbers were able to escape.

Meanwhile, a private ambulance happened to be sitting at the stop light, and first aid was immediately applied, but Officer Buckley could not be saved. He was pronounced dead at 2:15 p.m. at Arlington Hospital. Two days later, at the funeral, hundreds of police officers from around the country attended the services. They parked their cars in a long line along Washington Boulevard, standing at attention as the hearse drove by.

Officer Buckley was survived by his wife, Nancy Buckley, who was pregnant at the time. Their son, John was born later that year. Meanwhile, the robbers were never caught, and it remains an unsolved case.

There are currently 24,067 names of officers killed in the line of duty inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, dating back to the first known death in 1786. Officer John Buckley’s name is listed on the national memorial, along with the other six police officers from Arlington who died in the line of duty. This national memorial, and our local memorial, are reminders of the sacrifices made by others on our behalf.

Next time you are near the Courthouse, I recommend you stop by to see our local memorial.

Stylish Patina Anniversary Local business owner, Kelly Millspaugh Thompson, has just celebrated the 15th Anniversary of Stylish Patina. Now located at 248 W. Broad Street, the retail boutique offers home décor and gift items, many focused on small makers. Thompson also offers real estate services and follows interior design trends.

Hilton Garden Inn Presents the Blue Ridge Sky Band The Blue Ridge Sky Band, with Jeff Hayes back, will be at the Falls Church Hilton Garden Inn Wednesday May 28 from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. The group added a couple of young talented musicians and some great new songs to their repertoire of country rock and classic rock! Casual food and specialty drinks are available.

Inova Receives an “A” Inova Fairfax Hospital has received the elite “Straight A” for consistent high safety performance. The new ranking was released by The Leapfrog Group, a national organization committed to improving healthcare quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. Inova Fairfax, of the Inova Health System, earned both the patient experience and best hospital award. More than 30 Virginia Hospitals earned “A” grades. States with the highest percentage of “A” grades this Spring are Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.

Connecting to Spirit Workshop The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE) hosts two sessions with Sue Bracey on how to connect to your inner divinity using art and sensory input. The sessions will be held June 1 and June 15 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the building on N. Washington Street. Attend one or both of the sessions. Advance registration is not required, and payments may be made at the door. Questions may be addressed to: thecsegeneral@gmail.com.

New Contract for BAE BAE Systems has a U.S. Navy contract to support requirements for combat integration and identification systems and equipment valued at $73.4 million. The contract covers services for the Navy, the Marine Corps, foreign military sales customers and more. The work is expected to be completed by June 2030 in Maryland.

 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.

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MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 3

Rep. Beyer Upbeat About Future With New Pope & Nuclear Fusion

Continued from Page 1

It is the third matter which has been among the closest to Beyer’s interest as the lone U.S. Rep who has spearheaded the Congressional Fusion caucus and for which the first ever contract to build the first ever, as in ever, thermonuclear fusion reactor has been let by Virginia Dominion Power to Commonwealth Fusion of Massachusetts for construction in southern Virginia over the next year.

It is no longer an experiment, but it is designed to actually produce a net surplus of the energy that is the most fundamental power source of the universe as we know it, that which powers our sun. It is the result of a fusion of two atoms of helium under intense pressure to create a nuclear reaction.

While always recognized as a potential source of almost limitless and cheap energy, it has never been appreciated as a realistic goal of human society even heading into the first years of this century.

Let the record show that this

writer has been an outspoken advocate for this transformative technology for over 50 years. It is safe in fundamental ways that more traditional nuclear fission is not. Instead of splitting the heaviest atoms in the traditional fission process that represents inherent dangers in overheating and melting down, when a fusion reaction fails, the entire system becomes inherently inert as there is no basic issue with overheating.

The process is incredibly cheap once the technology is mastered to generate net energy and it is also virtually limitless.

Ordinary seawater is its primary energy source. Why hasn’t the world already learned more about this incredible technology.

There have been those who have claimed that it can never be mastered by human technology and there are those who are reluctant to acknowledge the incredible technology that is about to be made available to civilization that promises to end energy shortages or limits forever.

Fusion technology will change the calculus totally on

the issue of energy requirements for data centers. And they are small. In fact, one could fit on the property currently owned in the City limits of the City of Falls Church by the Beyer family and the City of Falls Church as its west end. No joke.

A Falls Church-based national news correspondent, speaking with Benton last week, exclaimed when told of this news,”Why isn’t this all over the news everywhere already? This is incredible news.”

The second issue on which Beyer commented to Benton had to do with the elevation last week of the new Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope ever, out of the southside of Chicago, which came as a huge and pleasant surprise to most who were expecting a more conservative turn for the church in the wake of the passing of the progressive Pope Francis earlier this year.

Pope Leo wasted no time taking on the Trump administration, especially recent Catholic convert Vice President J.D. Vance.

Leo claimed that God not does have any ranking order for his

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children as Vance had suggested earlier placing foreigners at the end of a list that began for him with family.

Many are now hopeful, Beyer said that Leo’s elevation will be felt particularly strongly in a broad and wide revival of moral suasion in the U.S. population against the greed and corruption themes that are so badly radiating from Trump.

As for the third question about how much damage Trump can do, the are already indications that Trump’s capacity for destruction may be limited by how badly the GOP will expect to do in the midterms next year, and this year in key bellwether states like Virginia and New Jersey.

Beyer, who made it crystal clear he intends to run again next year, is optimistic and still says he finds former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg his best choice for president in 2028 simply because of his intelligence and ability to articulate and lead.

Don’t forget, it was Beyer who was the first officials to step forward and back Barack

Obama before it was the least bit popular.

REP. DON BEYER (D-VA), photographed during an exclusive interview with the News-Press, where he discussed breakthrough developments in fusion energy, the surprise election of Pope Leo XIV, and the future of U.S. democracy in the face of Trumpism. Beyer, a leading voice on clean energy in Congress, highlighted the imminent construction of America’s first commercial fusion reactor—set to power a new era for Virginia and the planet. (Photo: News-Press)

PAGE 4 | MAY 22 - 28, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

50th Anniversary of Fall of Saigon, Eden Center Leader Tells Story

Continued from Page 1

southeastern Asia came under the murderous hand of the infamous Chinese cultural revolution. The period was documented in the film, “The Killing Fields,” which centered on the genocidal Pol Pot regime in Cambodia, but was the case for the entire region for a halfdozen or more years.

Nguyen’s story still moves him in its telling. He’s told it numerous times in this area in his anniversary year, including to the Rotary Club where the local Chamber’s Elise Bengsten first heard it told.

In his presentation to the Falls Church Chamber this Tuesday, he forced back tears on the retelling numerous times.

As the second youngest in his large family, he moved to south of the Demilitarized Zone in 1965. He said it took only a fraction of a second for peace to be destroyed as he witnessed first hand looking down over a scene of horror at the time, and an urgent need to flee in 1975 as the surrender unfolded.

With a scant three month

supply of food, the family fled by boat and helicopter to a base further south where they slept on a floor that was then subsequently attacked by communist fighters. Images of the fighting like those captured in the movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” filled his memories. The family again fled, moving from smaller to larger boats filled with people.

Arriving at Subic Bay was like heaven, he said, the family sleeping on a plywood floor for days with only condensed milk and rice to consume. Once in the Philllipines they had only condensed meals and anything the family had of value was lost. They eventually arrived in Guam, where 125,000 Vietnamese were held in a refugee camp there. Later in the U.S., Nguyen became friends with the man who led the Guam camp.

Eventually there were four camps established in the U.S. in Arkansas, California, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Preferring the warmth, Nguyen’s family chose Pesacola, Florida.

When the opportunity arose, they relocated to the D.C.

region, it being the capital of the free world.

There was an arduous journey to Arkansas to visit family with no ability to speak English. From opening a modest store and coffee shop above

in 1982, the family became one of the first to migrate to the Eden Center then and also bought properfty at the Falls Church downtown intersection of Washington and Broad.

In the last 35 years, Nguyen

has become president of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors and has established ties with Vietnamese business associations. His first business trip back to his home country was last October.

LISTENING TO THE compelling talk by Viet businessman Vinh Nguyen (right) at the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce this Tuesday was current Chamber chair David Crance (left) and photographer Brenda Shirer (center). (Photo: News-Press)

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Cult Century: 1970s Roots Of Trumpism, Part 4 of 25 Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In the 1930s, despite the impact of the Hays Censorship Board on restricting content, movies were perhaps the nation’s top influencers in a world that was being wacked by authoritarian regimes, both communist and fascist.

They served a huge role in ameliorating the terrible impacts of the Great Depression and the unresolved ongoing crises that persisted following the end of the Great War in 1918. While some of the most constructive cultural modifications of society under FDR came through motion pictures, they also included particularly creative contributions like jewish refugee Max Reiner’s classic 1935 production of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” with an all-star cast that included the first firm role of Mickey Rooney as Puck and James Cagney, Dick Powell, Olivia DeHavilland, Joey Brown and Ross Alexander. It opened with a performance of Mendelsohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” overture.

Later, the filming of that movie became the subject of a hilarious play

by Ken Ludwig, “Shakespeare in Hollywood.”

There were many other classic films, as well, such as the Golddigger movies of 1933, 1935 and 1937, the Thin Man series that featured a role for the pet puppy Asta, and of course the huge classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” Much more of a sour political intervention came from “Gone With the Wind,” which wound up out gunning the “Wizard of Oz” in 1939 as an overtly racist, pro-Southern account of the Civil War. Overall, however, the decade can be counted among the most important for helping to shape the thinking and morality of the Silent Generation that took such deserved pride in defeating the Nazis and then holding the advances of the Soviet Union at bay following World War 11.

It was a period when the world could indeed look with great pride on the generosity of spirit that

defined America then, even as “America First” domestic fascism was also alive and well. Whereas a big deal is made out of the fact that New York’s Madison Square Garden was host to a sold out pro-Nazi rally in February 1939, it was puny by comparison to the near 100,000 who attended the concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. two months later to hear the great African-American operatic performer Marion Anderson.

First lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for that concert after Anderson had been denied use of the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall on account of her race.

But the decade culminated with one of the most creative and insightful movies ever, “Citizen Kane” in 1941, the year prior to Pearl Harbor, starring and co-written by the incredibly talented Orson Welles.

The movie was vehemently opposed by powerful newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, who believed it was a barely veiled biopic of him. Hearst by 1935 owned 28 major newspapers all across the country, 18 magazines and a variety of news services.

He was virulently anti-British, opposed the U.S. entry into World War I and the League of Nations.

But at the heart of the film’s message is the loss of idealism and the love of life that comes in childhood, when something far more valued than wealth, power and possession of things mattered.

It was the importance of loving life, embodied as Citizen Kane lay dying in uttering his final word, “Rosebud.” That was a reference to his favorite childhood companion, his sled, that he’d spent so much time enjoying before he grew up to big time adulthood and the loss of so much innocent, simple joy and exuberance for life.

It is a timeless message and insight that Welles captured so well in this film, of the kind of world in which we lose our most valued joy by being turned into adults and developed as fodder for war machines by having one’s ambitions exploited for the ultimate gains of others.

When Abraham was commanded to spare his son, Isaac, in the Old Testament, the birth of great, moral world religions ensued but the command has always been getting lost. As older men use younger ones to fight their wars

CO MME NT

MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 5

“This country is so much better than what Donald Trump is presenting.” That was Virginia Senator Mark Warner’s reminder to more than 300 Blue Fairfax diners at the McLean Hilton on Sunday evening.

The second Trump Administration is about four months old, and many aspects of his executive branch do seem infantile. Babies are fascinated by bright shiny objects. Maybe that’s why Trump tosses them like so much confetti, hoping everyone else is as fascinated by them as he is. But bright shiny objects often self-destruct or disappear into the ether, quickly forgotten in favor of things that take precedence in most Americans’ everyday life, like jobs, housing costs, and food.

When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called out the United States for advocating that Canada become the 51st state, I felt dismay because it was Trump who voiced those fantasies, not the American people. In fact, polls indicate that a majority of Americans do not support the Trump agenda to annex Canada, buy Greenland, or take over any other country. Our longtime allies are partners and friends, but Trump seems to see everything, and everyone, as an enemy, and the only collaboration he will entertain is complete submission to his desires and demands.

Now Moody’s has downgraded

the U.S. government’s credit rating because of the burgeoning budget deficits, which will balloon even more if Trump’s “big beautiful budget bill” is approved by Congress.

Speaker Johnson said that the bill would stabilize the U.S. economy in the eyes of the world. Really?

Slashing health care for millions of citizens, increasing the deficit, cutting food stamps and millions of meals to food banks, removing environmental supports for clean air and clean water, abandoning foreign aid that built our “soft power” around the world to give billionaires more tax cuts doesn’t sound like stability.

In the “politics makes strange bedfellows” arena, all Democrats and some Freedom Caucus Republicans oppose the bill for vastly different reasons. Whether their opposition leads to more rational negotiations and decisions remains to be determined.

Gift or grift? One item that may not be in Trump’s proposed budget is the estimated billion dollars, or more, that would be required to renovate and revamp the Qatari royal family’s plush Boeing 747 jet into Air Force One. Trump has complained that Air Force One, essentially the flying White House, is old, and looks shabby when parked next to billionaires’ private jets. The mere idea of a $400 million jetliner being gifted to the president should raise

alarms, and no amount of twisted logic – the plane would be given to the Department of Defense, not to the president; there are no conditions on acceptance of the “gift” according to Attorney General Pam Bondi; the plane would be transferred to the Trump library foundation at the end of his term (assuming he leaves at the end of his second term) – can vitiate violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution. But this is a president who responds “I don’t know” when asked if he has responsibility to uphold the Constitution and chooses which principles to ignore on a whim. Now that even some of his strong supporters say the gift doesn’t pass the “smell test,” Trump may finally have overstepped his bounds and will have to find another literally shiny object to play with.

The announcement that former president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer was surprising and saddening. Similarly, Congressman Gerry Connolly’s announcement that his esophageal cancer has returned after being in remission for a few months is a gut punch, for both family and supporters. Joe Biden and Gerry Connolly have dedicated their lives to public service, seeking to make the world a better place. Sadly, their devastating health diagnoses also are playing out in the public arena when privacy is required, for them and their loved ones. Regardless of your political persuasion, prayers, positive thoughts, and a big “THANK YOU” to both statesmen are essential now.

To paraphrase Senator Warner, “this country is so much better” for their efforts.

Week of May 5 - 11, 2025

Larceny from Building/Credit Card Theft/ Fraud - Credit Card, W Broad St, May 16, 3:25 PM, victim reported that an unknown suspect too the victim’s wallet and made several fraudulent charges to their credit card.

by an unknown suspect following a disagreement. The suspect is described as an Asian male, approximately 5’9” in height, 30-35 years old, with long black shoulder-length hair, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and black pants.

A Penny for Your Thoughts

By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor

City of Falls Church C r i m e R e p o rt Larceny of Vehicle Parts, Liberty Ave, between 7:30 a.m. on May 6 and 8:00 a.m. on May 12, an unknown suspect stole the catalytic converter off the victim’s vehicle.

Larceny from Building/Fraud - Credit Card, W Broad St, May 14, 12:48 p.m., victim reported that an unknown suspect stole cash from a money envelope and made several fraudulent charges to a credit card still in the victim’s possession.

No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, May 14, 4:49 p.m., a female, 40, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Trespassing, W Broad St, May 16, 2:45 p.m., a male, 67, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

No Valid Operator’s License, N Washington St/E Columbia St, May 16, 5:37 PM, a female, 24, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Fraud – False Pretenses, S. Maple Ave, May 17, 10:46 a.m., victim reported responding to a Facebook Marketplace posting regarding a vehicle for sale by a former co-worker. After sending a downpayment to hold the vehicle, the victim learned the seller’s Facebook account had been hacked by an unknown suspect.

Simple Assault, W Broad St, May 17, 5:10 p.m., victim reported they were assaulted

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Be prepared before the next power outage.

Mourning the Loss Of Rep. Connolly

The Falls Church News-Press joins people of good will everywhere who today are mourning the passing of U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly at age 75 at his home yesterday.

Some of the overwhelming flow of tributes to his life of public service that have come in to us since yesterday can be read elsewhere in this edition. The measure of a good life, it can truly be said, is to leave the this world a better place than one came into it, and in Rep. Connolly’s case, few could top his contributions.

Boston born, early in life he followed a path toward priesthood, but his opposition to the war in Vietnam in the face of the Catholic Church’s silence on the subject caused him to pursue a different career path.

Compassion and empathy defined his role in all he did. Whether serving a decade on the U.S. Congressional Foreign Aid staff drafting annual foreign aid authorization legislation, or whether it was getting elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995 and serving as its chair from 2004 to 2008, or getting elected to the U.S. Congress in 2008 to fill a seat being vacated by Tom Davis, and to a total of nine terms, Connolly was strident against cruelty, including by standing outspokenly against many of the excesses of Donald Trump.

He often said his career in politics was not unlike a career in the priesthood as a calling to service.

He deserves major credit for turning Virginia bluish, and especially in mammoth Fairfax County, Falls Church’s neighbor, where as of last count, there was exactly one Republican countywide elected official.

That was certainly was not always the case, and, in particular, Connolly championed a liberal pro-growth agenda, transforming the county from a bedroom suburb of D.C. into a powerful engine for economic growth in a fashion that grew the Metro Silver Line to Dulles and beyond, and brought the region one of the stronger collections of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S., something that may hold up now as one of its strongest resources against federal workforce reductions.

Politically, it was in the eastern end of Fairfax County, in his 11th District, that a transformation was huge, delivering the greatest shift anywhere in the state to move Virginia from overall red to purple to blue since 2000. In this election year in the state, the prognosis is for a further pro-Democratic gain in both state legislative bodies and a likely election of a Democrat for governor this November in an election that will send a huge signal to the entire nation ahead of next year’s midterms.

Connolly often performed small parts in Providence Player productions in his district, hosted one of the region’s most popular annual political shindigs on St. Patrick’s Days, and was a staunch supporter of the Cappies high school drama encouragement program, always showing up for its annual Kennedy Center fete.

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LO CA L

MARCH 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 7

Ruckstuhl Park Opens in Pimmit Hills With Celebration

Patricia Leslie

Eileen Bogdanoff has lived across the street from the new Ruckstuhl Park on Idylwood Road for 12 years and estimates that she started working on the park about ten years ago with fellow residents at Idylwood Towers.

Year after year when the Fairfax County budget was released, Bogdanoff would study it, hoping to find funding for Ruckstuhl Park, and finally, five years ago money showed up, thanks to county voters who had approved a bond referendum for parks.

Rejuvenated and assured that something was finally going to happen, Bogdanoff contacted the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) to tell it just exactly what the neighborhood was thinking for the park.

FCPA’s representatives listened, and they listened some

more in countless meetings and exchanges over the years with Idylwood Towers.

The results came in Saturday morning when the park was formally opened.

“The response from my neighbors has been very positive,” Bogdanoff emailed.

“This park is just what the community needed and I already see that it is being well used.”

FCPA “responded to all of our suggestions positively and made it just what we wanted – a safe, secure, beautiful natural looking space to unwind from life‘s pressures.”

The park has an ADAcompliant asphalt trail of about a half mile, playground and fitness equipment, a picnic area, a parking lot, and best of all, a tranquil natural setting with benches for visitors to sit for a while, enjoy some peace and hear birds sing.

On the southeastern side,

vegetation hides I-66’s sights and most of its constant hum.

At Saturday’s ceremony, Alan Rowsome, executive director of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, gave a biographical sketch of Lillian Ruckstuhl who began living on the property about the time she got her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1958 when women doctors were not as common as they are today, he said.

Over the years living on Idylwood, Ruckstuhl was bothered by encroaching development, and she decided to preserve her 7.2 acres as a public park.

She contacted the Trust who met with her several times and was the beneficiary of her property when Ruckstuhl died in 2008. But the Trust, Rowsome explained, is not in the business of land development and management, and it negotiated with the FCPA for $250,000, or a fraction of its market value, so FCPA

could take over Ruckstuhl’s land and make a park, following her directive that athletic fields be banned. (They are.)

Many in the neighborhood still remember Ruckstuhl and her goats, sheep, dogs, and horses which roamed the property.

David Goldberg, a longtime neighbor, came over to the park’s grand opening with his dog, Max, to celebrate the “wonderful legacy” Ruckstuhl left the community.

From their backyard, he and his family used to watch Ruckstuhl’s animals, and now they’re enjoying the park’s amenities and the fox which sometimes follows him and Max around the loop when they walk at night.

“I’m sure that Dr. Ruckstuhl would be pleased to know that her beloved property continues to bring happiness to both people and animals,” Goldberg emailed.

Last Saturday morning was

just what the doctor ordered: On the beautiful day, children sailed high in the air on new swings, crawled through a tunnel, and played the butterfly xylophones while Fairfax County dignitaries cut the ribbon, with a little help from all the park’s new friends.

Using the big scissors were Fairfax County Providence supervisor Dalia Palchik, Providence FCPA board member Ken Quincy, and the FCPA executive director Jai Cole.

“This ribbon cutting is just the beginning of countless memories, quiet walks, and joyful moments for families across the Providence District,” Palchik said.

She surprised Quincy, who is retiring soon from the board, with a tribute and proclamation thanking him for his service of 18 years. Quincy was on the board when the master plan for Ruckstuhl was developed in 2015.

PAGE 8 | MAY 22 - 28, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY’S REQUEST TO REVISE ITS FUEL FACTOR CASE NO. PUR-2025-00059 On March 31, 2025, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Company” or “Dominion”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) its application (“Application”) pursuant to § 56249.6 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) to revise its fuel factor effective July 1, 2025. The Application describes the Company’s (i) projected jurisdictional fuel expense for the July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 fuel year (“Rate Year”), and (ii) projected June 30, 2025 fuel deferral balance. In addition, the Company’s Application proposes a change to the Definitional Framework of Fuel for Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Definitional Framework”) to allow recovery of future purchase capacity expense, a type of purchased power, through the fuel factor instead of base rates. The Company asserts that these purchased capacity costs have significantly increased in magnitude recently and have been subject to volatility in the underlying capacity auction process. As such, the Company believes that recovery of these costs through the fuel factor will promote greater cost recovery certainty and stability for customers and less volatility in their rates.

The Company proposes the changes to the Definitional Framework to be effective for capacity expenses incurred beginning on January 1, 2026, “to align with the expected timing of new base rates determined in the biennial review.” Dominion represents that capacity expenses from January 2026 and beyond would be removed from base rates and included in fuel recovery, avoiding any double-recovery of costs. Dominion also represents that capacity expenses incurred through December 2025 will continue to be recovered in base rates.

While energy-related fuel costs are allocated on a uniform cents per kilowatt-hour (“¢/ kWh”) basis, the Company states that the nature and causation of capacity expenses are related to usage during high-demand days such that capacity expenses should be allocated on a Factor 1 – Average and Excess basis regardless of whether they are recovered through base rates or the fuel factor. As a result, the Company proposes to include a capacity component that will vary by rate schedule. The Company proposes to include approximately $120 million of purchased capacity expense to be incurred from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, in the fuel factor to be recovered over the Rate Year. This results in an estimated increase for the typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month of $1.98.

Dominion’s total proposed fuel factor consists of a current period factor (“Current Period Factor”) and a prior period factor (“Prior Period Factor”). For the Rate Year, the Company projects jurisdictional fuel expenses, including energyrelated fuel and capacity-related purchased power expenses, of approximately $1.958 billion, which results in an energy component of the Current Period Factor rate of 2.6709 ¢/kWh and a capacity component that will vary by rate schedule. The Prior Period Factor is designed to recover the projected June 30, 2025 fuel under-recovery deferral balance of approximately $204.5 million. The Company proposes a Prior Period Factor of 0.2971 ¢/kWh. The Company asserts that a large driver of this unrecovered fuel balance was the sustained cold winter weather experienced in January 2025, which resulted in all-time peak demand records for three consecutive days, along with increased gas and power prices. Together, the Company proposes a total fuel factor with an energy component of 2.9680 ¢/kWh and a capacity component that will vary by rate schedule. For a typical residential customer, the resulting fuel factor would be approximately 3.1664 ¢/kWh. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, the total rate increase would be $10.92 per month, inclusive of the $1.98 increase related to purchased capacity expense discussed above.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents in full for additional details.

The Commission entered an Order Establishing 2025-2026 Fuel Factor Proceeding in this matter that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on the Application. The Commission determined that in the interest of judicial economy, the procedural schedules in this docket and Case No. PUR-2025-00058 (Dominion’s 2025 biennial review proceeding) shall be combined – while keeping the dockets separate – to the extent practicable.

Pursuant to Code § 56-249.6, the Commission permitted Dominion to implement a fuel factor rate of 2.9680 ¢/kWh, with no capacity component, on an interim basis for usage on and after July 1, 2025. For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, this represents an interim increase to the monthly bill of $8.95.

On September 2, 2025, at 12 p.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before August 26, 2025, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission: (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the

Commission: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/caseinformation/webcasting; or (ii) by calling (804) 371-9141 to register. This public witness portion of the hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/case-information/webcasting.

On September 2, 2025, at 12 p.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from Dominion, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/case-information.

On or before August 26, 2025, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc. virginia.gov/case-information/submit-public-comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00059.

On or before June 24, 2025, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling.

Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available.

The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation electronically on counsel to the Company, any other respondents, and Commission Staff. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq. (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00059.

On or before July 16, 2025, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served electronically on the Commission Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with their filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, except as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing 2025-2026 Fuel Factor Proceeding, including, but not limited to: 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-2025-00059.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing 2025-2026 Fuel Factor Proceeding, 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, the public version of the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order Establishing 2025-2026 Fuel Factor Proceeding, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/case-information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Memorial Day Parade Program 2025 Monday, May 26, 2025 Falls Church, Virginia

Inside This Program: Page S2 Veterans Ceremony Information Page S4 Letter from the Mayor Page S6 Memorial Day Schedule Page S8 Parade & Festival Map Page S9 Memorial Day Vendor List Page S13 Parade Lineup

PAGE S2 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Memorial Day Ceremony 2025 Monday, May 26 th at 11:00 a.m.

City of Falls Church Veterans Memorial 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church, VA 22046 Welcome

Master of Ceremonies Sgt. Maj. Robert Petillo, United States Army Chorus (Ret.) and Letty Hardi, Mayor, City of Falls Church

Invocation

Presentation of Wreath in Memory of Departed Veterans

Sara Madden, Falls Church Chapter NSDAR; Ken Morris, George Mason Chapter SAR; Escorted by Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and Howard Chatham, LCDR, United States Navy (Ret.)

MIA Flag Posting & Remembrance

Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church

Johnny Johnson, American Legion Post 130; and David Crance, Chaplain, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9274

Posting of Colors and National Anthem

Reading of the Names of the Fallen

Color Guard, American Legion Post 130: The City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the Direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band

Taps

MGySgt. John Abbracciamento, United States Marine Band (Ret.)

Presentations, Announcements, & Remarks

Retiring of Colors

Jorome Gibbon, Chairman, Greater Falls Church Veterans Council

Color Guard, American Legion Post 130

Benediction

FCCPS Purple Star Schools & Military Family Recognition

Rev. Dr. Kris Clifford, Co-Pastor, Columbia Church

Introduction of Keynote Speaker and Keynote Address

God Bless America

The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps

City of Falls Church Concert Band Under the direction of Mary Jo West and Vocals by SSgt. David Szabo, The United States Army Band

This program was prepared by representatives of the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council (www.gfcvcouncil.com), including the American Legion Post 130 and 225, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Martin, Leppert, Sipes Post 9274, the Catholic War Veterans Paul and Jacques Martin Post 1652, the Coalition of RVN Veterans Associations of Washington DC & Vicinities, and the Korean Vietnam Veterans Association of USA. Today’s remembrance is in cooperation with the Falls Church Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, US Submarine Veterans, Northern Virginia Base, Northern Virginia WWII Veterans, the Veterans Memorial Committee, and dedicated volunteers under the coordination of the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks division. Citizen participation is encouraged. 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) 248-5077 (TTY 711).

Honoring our Fallen Heroes So few have given so much... so that we can enjoy even more

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S3

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

MAY - AUGUST

SUMMER AT THE ROW FITNESS

FLEX & FLOW MAY & JUNE TUESDAYS 6:30PM - 7:30PM

LIVE MUSIC

FOUNDERS GROOVE JUNE - AUGUST THURSDAYS 6:30-8:30PM

KIDS PARTY

YOUNG EXPLORERS JUNE - AUGUST 4TH SATURDAY 10AM - 12PM

PAGE S4 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Letter From City of Falls Church Mayor

Welcome to the 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festivities! We are thrilled that you have chosen to spend this day in The Little City.

As we come together this Memorial Day, this holiday serves as a solemn reminder of the brave servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Today, we honor their courage and commitment, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory forward. By gathering today, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving their legacy and the freedoms their sacrifices have secured for us all.

I invite you to join the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council at 11:00 a.m. for the Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony will take place outside the Community Center at the Veterans Memorial and will provide an opportunity to honor our veterans and recognize those who continue to serve our country. The Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia’s 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, will serve as our keynote speaker.

At 2:00 p.m., join us along Park Avenue for the beloved annual Memorial Day Parade led by the Quantico Marine Corps Band. This year, we are proud to have Brown’s Hardware as our Grand Marshal. Brown’s Hardware has served our community with unwavering dedication for over 140 years and exemplifies the spirit of connection and community that defines our Little City.

Every Memorial Day, the City of Falls Church unites with communities across the nation to pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for our country. Let this day serve as a reminder of those who have served and the enduring impact and the freedoms we cherish because of their selflessness. Together, we can honor their sacrifices by striving to make our world a better place for generations to come.

We appreciate and thank you for joining us on this day of remembrance and community here in the City of Falls Church.

Letty Hardi, Mayor City of Falls Church, Virginia

50 concerts. 25 venues. 30 choruses. 16 days.

LGBTQ+ and allied choruses come together in song with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. FREE performances every day.

MAY 24 TO JUNE 8 FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND MORE INFO, VISIT GMCW.ORG

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S5

ME MO R I A L DAY

PAGE S6 | MAY 26, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Event Schedule Monday, May 26, 2025, City Hall Grounds (300 Park Ave.)

9 a.m.

Beyer 3K Fun Run Start Line at Great Falls St. & Little Falls St. Intersection Runners Only, Rollerblades and Bikes Not Permitted Festival

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kids Rides & Inflatables, Vendor Booths, Food and Crafts for Sale

Music on the Main Stage 9:15 a.m. - 2 p.m. Live Road Street Avenue - Local Cover Band

11 a.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony Veterans Memorial, Outside the Community Center, Keynote Speaker: Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia's 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps INOVA Blood Drive

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Appointments at the INOVA Bloodmobile,

Outside the Community Center on Little Falls St. Parade on Park Ave.

2 p.m. Led by Grand Marshal Brown’s Hardware & the Quantico Marine Corps Band

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S7

ME MO R I A L DAY Community Center CLOSED for Construction

Blood Drive

M

em or ia

lD ay

Ce

re

Kids’ Rides

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

m on y

PAGE S8 | MAY 26, 2025

Inflatables Pony Rides D22

Cherry Hill Pavillion

9AM TO 5PM

Cherry Hill Barn

D21 D20 D8 D 7 D19 D6 D18 D17 D5 D4 D16 D15 D3 D14 D2 D13 D1 D12 D11 D10 D9

C21 City Hall C15 C20 C14 C13 C19 C12 C11 C10 C18 C9 C8 C7 C6 C16 C5 C4 C3 C2 E6 C1 E5 E4 E3 E2 E1

F11 F10 F9 F8 F7 Little F6 F5 Falls F4 St. F3 F2 F1 A10

A9 A4 A3 A8 A2 A7

C17

Cherry Hill Farmhouse

A1 B4 B3 B2 B1

A6

A5

FINISH

Parade Park Ave.

Stage Stage

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S9

www.fallschurchva.gov/MemorialDay = Memorial Day Parade and Festival Sponsor

Merchants, Crafts, & Civic Groups

Food & Beverage Vendors A1 Index Coffee Roasters LLC A2 Asian Taste A3 Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy A4 Mo's Chicken and Smashburgers A5 Sara Festival A6 E-san Thai A7 Papa's Kettle Korn A8 Johnson Family Funnel Cakes A9 Sweet Frog A10 International Grill C16 Snowflakes and Company C17 Mo's Grill C18 Anita's Frozen Cotton Candy C19 California Taco Truck C20 Virginia Vendor Food Services C21 TK Grill

Merchants, Crafts, & Civic Groups

B1 Renewal by Andersen B2 KidsWatch Pediatrics and Urgent Care B3 Kitchen Saver B4 Passanante's Home Food Services C1 Social Justice Committee of FC Vicinity C2 Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation C3 VPIS C4 Falls Church Public Access C5 Save Soil C6 Falls Church Homeless Shelter C7 The Kensington Falls Church C8 City of Falls Church Sheriff's Office C9 Welcoming Falls Church C10 The Falls Church Episcopal C11 Falls Church Chamber of Commerce C12 Palmercare Chiropractic C13 Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department C14 Baroody C15 Family of Nuts D1 Temalle Ltd

Beyer Family- Fun Run Sponsor

D2 Make New Friends D3 Frosted By Kaitlyn D4 True Honey Teas D5 Minda S Fashions D6 Falls Church Family Dentistry D7 Milena Guro Designs D8 Information Booth - Recreation & Parks D9 Roots of Development D10 Zana De Mexico D11 Yisoobinaturals D12 PatchDanas D13 C. Logan Wheeler Art D14 New England Novelty D15 Grandma Mary's Buttons & Bows D16 Alyssa Bazaar D17 Courtney Lapenta LLC D18 Cutco D19 Perspire Sauna Studio D20 Itumary D21 Loco Lights and Bubbles D22 City of Falls Church Police Department E1 League of Women Voters Falls Church E2 Concerned Citizens Against Gun Violence E3 Barre3 Falls Church E4 Happy Henna Guy E5 Creative Cauldron E6 Dulin Cooperative Preschool F1 Hometown Go F2 Seven Teahouse F3 Unity Club No. 201 Order of the Eastern Star F4 Temple Rodef Shalom Gun Violence Prevention Group F5 Falls Church Massage F6 Mayuree Women Accessories F7 Institute for Asthma and Allergy F8 Paragon Theaters Founders Row F9 Communidad F10 Designs By Punnee F11 Rotary Club of Baileys Crossroads

Heidi Hicks Clary, Weichert Realtor- Fun Run Water Sponsor The Falls Church News-Press

ME MO R I A L DAY

PAGE S10 | MAY 26, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Memorial Day Parade Lineup

1. Quantico Marine Band 2. Falls Church Sheriff’s Office 3. City of Falls Church Police Department 4. American Legion Veterans Post 130 5. Grand Marshal Brown’s Hardware

11. Mary Riley Styles Public Library 12. Falls Church Volunteer

20. Mini Moke

31. McKinley Tech JROTC

21. Friendship Woodridge

32. Dr Toothfairy

International Marching Eagles

Fire Department

22. Scouting America

13. Falls Church Recreation

Troop 1996

and Parks Department 14. The Falls Church News Press

44. Falls Church City Democratic Committee

33. Tinkus Wapurys VA

45. Girl Scout Troop 50290

34. Concerned Citizens

46. MahaYoga

Against Gun Violence

47. NOVA Parks

35. Creative Cauldron

48. Tinkus Bolivia usa

36. Cub Scout Pack 657

49. The Kensington

24. Underdog

37. Kena Shriners

50. Scouting America -

23. Falls Church Kiwanis Little League

Cub Scout Pack 1127

6. Falls Church City Council

15. Fraternidad Embajadores

25. The DC Wheels

38. Ruff Ridaz Performance

7. Falls Church City Public

del Folklore Boliviano

26. Tinkus San-Simon

Percussion Squad

16. Commonwealth Attorney’s

Filial Virginia

39. Marcus Simon for Delegate

Office of Arlington & Falls Church

27. 1947 Dodge Deluxe

40. Lisa Leonard Photography

52. Save Soil

41. Falls Church City 4-H

53. Winsome for Governor

28. Cub Scout Pack 681

Community Club

54. Tinkus Tiataco USA

29. Operation EarthWatch

42. Bikenetic - Full Service

Schools 8. Meridian High School Parade Royalty

17. Stirling Findley

9. Greater Falls Church

18. Nokesville 4-H

Veterans Council 10. Falls Church VFW Post 9274

Equestrian Club 19. Girl Scouts Service Unit 50-14

Club Coupe

30. Falun Dafa of Washington DC

Bicycle Shop 43. Iconic Marching unit

51. Paragon Theaters Founders Row

55. City of Falls Church Public Works Dept

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S11

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PAGE S12 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church VFW Auxiliary 9274 Rebuilds, Reconnects & Honors Through Community Service

by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

Since its reestablishment in March 2022, the VFW Auxiliary to Post 9274 in Falls Church has steadily grown into a vital part of the local veteran and civic community. Originally chartered in 1947, the Auxiliary now has 35 active members and is focused on promoting patriotism, honoring military families, and giving back through outreach and educational initiatives. Open to any family members of combat veterans—not just former service members—the Auxiliary plays a unique role in strengthening ties between veterans, their families, and the wider Falls Church community.

“People sometimes think it’s just for veterans,” says Cathy Soltys, Auxiliary President. “But our mission is to honor and support families, too—those who’ve shared in the sacrifice.”

The group meets monthly and works closely with the VFW to organize fundraisers and events that raise awareness and funds for veterans’ causes. One of the national initiatives the Auxiliary proudly supports is the VFW National Home—a campus that provides housing, schooling, and recreational support to military and veteran families facing hardships. All Auxiliaries across the country contribute to this effort, keeping the Home thriving as a beacon of hope and healing.

Locally, the Auxiliary is deeply involved in student outreach through scholarship and arts programs. They promote the Patriot’s Pen essay contest (grades 6–8), Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest (grades 9–12), and a patriotic art competition for high school students. Winners have the chance to advance to state and national levels, where scholarships can reach up to $35,000. “We reach out to schools and encourage teachers to get involved,” says Soltys. “It’s about inspiring the next generation with the values of service and country.”

Community events are at the heart of their mission. Each September, Post 9274 hosts a 9/11 Memorial 5K Walk/Run to honor those who sacrificed on that day.

Now in its third year, the event will take place Sunday, Sept. 7.

It’s free and open to the public, featuring a post-run cookout at the VFW post, with support from local sponsors including Lazy Mike’s, Integrity Tire & Auto Repair, Lotus Tactical (which designs the event t-shirts), Harveys, and VIGEO Physical Therapy, which provides water and on-site support. Fire and police personnel attend in uniform, and volunteer firefighters provide ambulance service. Participants can run, walk, or complete the route in military-style with a rucksack.

“We don’t want people to forget,” says Soltys. “This is about remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.”

Another unique partnership this year has been with Arena Stage and their Voices of Now program.

The VFW Auxiliary sponsors the Military Ensemble, a group of middle and high school students from military families who create a collaborative theater piece using movement, music, and spoken word. From February through early May, students met weekly at the VFW hall every Thursday for two-hour sessions with professional adult facilitators. Their final performance was held May 10 for family and friends, sharing powerful personal stories of growing up in military households.

Beyond civic work, the Auxiliary also prioritizes building a sense of camaraderie and fun.

From bowling nights and cookouts to family-friendly events like the Adults Only End-of-School Bash with a special appearance by Villains and Saints Band, on May 31 at 6:00 p.m., there’s something for everyone. Soltys and her daughter Lillian, who together manage the Post’s Canteen and Hall, say these events help reinforce the Auxiliary’s mission of family, remembrance, and support.

Cathy Soltys herself has a deep personal connection to service— her father and father-in-law both served in the Korean War, with her father-in-law also having fought in World War II. Her family legacy runs deep, and both sets of grandparents for her children are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Auxiliary also takes part in local parades and hosts post-event cookouts, which are always free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but the main goal is to provide space for connection and community.

For those interested in getting involved, donating, or renting the hall for events, visit the Post 9274 website or email Cathy Soltys at vfwaux9274@gmail.com.

As the Auxiliary continues to grow, so does its impact—bridging generations, honoring sacrifice, and fostering a community where no military family feels forgotten.

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Drs. Love & Miller, PC

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S13

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Honoring the Fallen: The History of Memorial Day in D.C.

Falls Church News-Press

Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, this day is marked with solemn ceremonies, parades, concerts, and tributes that reflect the city’s deep connection to the military and its history. From its roots as Decoration Day to its present-day observance as Memorial Day, the holiday has evolved significantly. At the center of its transformation and continued meaning stands Washington, D.C., a city steeped in national memory and military reverence.

Origins of Memorial Day The origins of Memorial Day date back to the immediate aftermath of the Civil War—a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other and left the nation grappling with grief and division. The war necessitated the creation of the first national cemeteries, as the scale of loss became apparent. Amid this period of mourning, various towns began organizing their own tributes to fallen soldiers, laying flowers on their graves and holding prayerful ceremonies.

In 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day—a time for the nation to honor the war dead by adorning their graves with flowers. It’s believed the date was chosen because it was not associated with the anniversary of any particular battle and because spring flowers would be widely available. This declaration helped unify local traditions into a more coordinated act of national remembrance.

The first major observance of Decoration Day took place that same year at Arlington National Cemetery. Located just across the Potomac River from D.C., Arlington became the symbolic heart of the holiday. The ceremonies were held on the steps of the Arlington House, once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. That day, thousands of participants, including political figures like General and

Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, gathered to pay tribute. Children from orphan homes and members of veterans’ groups helped decorate the graves, walking among headstones and placing flowers as hymns echoed through the cemetery.

Evolution into a National Holiday For decades, Decoration Day was primarily associated with the Civil War. However, as the United States became involved in other conflicts—including the Spanish-American War and World War I—the meaning of the day expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service.

Following World War I, with the toll of global warfare fresh in the nation’s consciousness, communities across the country began commemorating fallen soldiers from all wars, not just the Civil War. The shift from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day” became more common, and in 1971, Congress officially declared Memorial Day a national holiday. Its observance was fixed to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend for federal employees and marking the unofficial start of summer.

While many Americans view the long weekend as an opportunity for rest and leisure, the solemn origins of the holiday remain embedded in the nation’s identity. Nowhere is that duality more pronounced than in Washington, D.C. Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. As the seat of the federal government and home to some of the nation’s most revered military memorials, Washington, D.C., serves as the epicenter of national Memorial Day commemorations. Its landmarks— etched with the names of fallen heroes—transform each year into gathering places for reflection, gratitude, and solemn ceremony.

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery remains the cornerstone of Memorial Day traditions. Each year, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” carry out the

“Flags In” mission—placing more than 260,000 American flags at the headstones of every service member buried in the cemetery. This quiet and reverent operation, conducted in the days leading up to Memorial Day, visually underscores the scale of sacrifice across generations.

On Memorial Day itself, the cemetery hosts the official national ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater. The President of the United States traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn monument honoring unidentified service members.

The ceremony is attended by military leaders, Gold Star families, and citizens, all unified in remembrance. The echo of a bugle playing “Taps” resonates over the marble stones, stirring a shared sense of national mourning.

The National Memorial Day Parade After a decades-long hiatus, the National Memorial Day Parade returned to Constitution Avenue in 2004, quickly reestablishing itself as a vibrant and patriotic centerpiece of the day’s events. The parade is now one of the largest Memorial Day events in the country, featuring veterans from every major U.S. conflict, active-duty military units, high school and college marching bands, historical reenactors, and celebrity tributes.

The parade doesn’t just celebrate military history—it educates the public. With televised broadcasts and commentary, viewers are reminded of the service and sacrifice behind the uniforms. Many participants walk in honor of fallen comrades, wearing their names and stories on their backs or carrying banners of remembrance.

National Memorial Day Concert Held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the National Memorial Day Concert blends music and storytelling in a moving tribute to military service. Since 1989, the concert has become a beloved tradition, broadcast to millions of viewers across the country. The event features performances by the National Symphony Orchestra,

military ensembles, and popular artists, as well as dramatic readings that share the personal experiences of soldiers and their families.

Each year, the concert focuses on specific themes—such as honoring military nurses, spotlighting POW/MIA awareness, or highlighting the sacrifices of caregivers and Gold Star families. These narratives help personalize the cost of war and connect abstract patriotism to real human experiences.

Memorial Day’s Broader Significance While Memorial Day is rooted in remembrance, it also signals the start of summer in the United States. The long weekend is marked by family barbecues, beach outings, and community festivals. But even amid recreation, many Americans take time to attend memorial services, visit cemeteries, or observe a moment of silence at 3 p.m., the nationally designated time for remembrance.

In Washington, D.C., the juxtaposition of solemnity and celebration is palpable. Tourists crowd the National Mall, yet many pause to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where thousands of names etched into black granite evoke tears and reflection. Others walk quietly through the Korean War Veterans Memorial or the World War II Memorial, each space telling its own story of service and loss.

Local Perspectives and Participation Washington, D.C., is not just a national stage—it’s also a hometown for veterans, military families, and service organizations.

Local residents take active roles in Memorial Day observances, from volunteering at ceremonies to participating in community wreath-layings and educational programs.

Veteran advocacy groups often host open houses, community barbecues, and panel discussions during the holiday weekend, fostering intergenerational dialogue about war, peace, and patriotism. Schools throughout the region prepare students with lessons about the holiday’s meaning, sometimes organizing visits to memorials or inviting veterans to share their stories in

the classroom.

Faith communities also contribute to the remembrance.

Churches and synagogues hold special services honoring those lost in service, often reading aloud the names of local residents who gave their lives. These intimate ceremonies ground the national observance in neighborhood reality.

Memorials Beyond the Mall While the National Mall features some of the most wellknown military monuments, Washington, D.C., is home to dozens of smaller, deeply meaningful memorials that are often overlooked by tourists.

The District of Columbia War Memorial, nestled among trees near the Reflecting Pool, honors the 499 Washington residents who died in World War I. Its rotunda-style design offers a tranquil space for reflection away from the crowds.

Other tributes include the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial on the Potomac waterfront, which commemorates those lost at sea, and the African American Civil War Memorial in the U Street Corridor, which honors the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom and unity.

Each of these memorials adds texture to the story of American service, reflecting the diversity of backgrounds, duties, and sacrifices that define the military experience.

Memorial Day stands as one of the most profound civic observances in American life.

In Washington, D.C., the day’s significance is magnified by the city’s role as the guardian of national memory. Through its ceremonies at Arlington, its grand parades and concerts, and its quiet corners of remembrance scattered throughout the city, D.C. transforms into a living tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.

Amid the bustle of a long weekend, the true spirit of Memorial Day endures in the quiet moment of silence, the solemn lowering of a flag, and the simple act of remembering a name etched in stone. For residents and visitors alike, Washington offers not only the history of Memorial Day but also its heartbeat—steady, reverent, and enduring.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

ME MO R I A L DAY

MAY 26, 2025 | PAGE S15

Local Events Honoring Heroes Across the D.C. Metro Area

Falls Church News-Press

As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is preparing a wide array of events to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service. From solemn ceremonies to family-friendly festivals, the region offers meaningful ways for residents and visitors to reflect, remember, and celebrate.

Arlington National Cemetery Observances At Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most sacred grounds, Memorial Day will be observed with powerful traditions. The centerpiece of the day is the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m., followed by a national memorial service at the Memorial Amphitheater.

In the days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” will participate in the annual “Flags In” tradition—placing small American flags at more than 250,000 headstones and at each niche in the Columbarium Courts.

National Memorial Day Parade and Concert in Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. will once again host the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday afternoon along Constitution Avenue. This parade features active duty military personnel, veterans, marching bands, historical reenact-

ments, and celebrity appearances, all paying ment. The city’s Memorial Day ceremony will momentum is “Taps Across the National Mall,” scheduled for 5 p.m. on Memorial follow on Monday morning. tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

Bowie, Maryland will hold its Memorial Day. At exactly that moment, buglers will The night before, on Sunday, May 25, the National Memorial Day Concert will take Day Parade on Saturday, May 24, with floats, perform “Taps” at 11 separate memoplace on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. community groups, and live music honoring rial sites throughout the Mall, including the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam This free event is open to the public and fea- military service and sacrifice.

Georgetown Waterfront Park will be a popu- Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War tures an evening of patriotic music, celebrity appearances, and tributes to service members lar destination throughout the weekend, with Veterans Memorial. This solemn, simuland Gold Star families. The event has become visitors enjoying picnics, walking trails, splash taneous tribute invites everyone in the one of the most cherished Memorial Day tradi- fountains for children, and waterfront views of area—whether attending a concert, visiting a memorial, or simply enjoying the the Potomac. tions in the country. city—to pause for a moment of national Taps Across the National Mall Rolling to Remember A newer tradition that continues to gain reflection.

Motorcycle Rally Also taking place over the Memorial Day weekend is the annual Rolling to Remember motorcycle rally, a large-scale ride through the nation’s capital. Thousands of motorcyclists from across the country gather to raise awareness about prisoners of war, those still missing in action, and the ongoing mental health and suicide crisis facing veterans. The powerful visual procession winds through D.C., offering a strong and visible symbol of support for the military community.

Family-Friendly Events Around the Region In addition to formal observances, several communities around the D.C. region are offering family-friendly Memorial Day events to The Homes For Saleweekend: i didn't want to be higher away from the pics. just centered left/right where it was. help residents celebrate the holiday lower that back down so it aligns with the bottom of the 'Z' Rockville, Maryland will can hostthey its just annualso for a addresses, put a PERIOD after Blvd. St. and St. al Hometown Holidays Music Fest over the the last address has one after Dr. but we missed it on the others weekend, featuring live performances, food trucks, craft vendors, and children’s entertainwe'll be good after this edit

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PAGE S16 | MAY 26, 2025

ME MO R I A L DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM LEGAL NOTICE Invitation For Bids (IFB) IFB 0612-25-GDNTC Greenway Downs Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project City of Falls Church PASSWORD PROTECTED ELECTRONIC BIDS (SEALED) will be accepted by the City of Falls Church by electronic submission to the Purchasing Agent, James Wise, jwise@fallschurchva.gov (email) for the provision of Greenway Downs Neighborhood Traffic Calming Project.

Due date for the electronic submission of Bids is Thursday, June 12, 2025 @ 11:00 A.M. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on May 15, 2025 (see the IFB for details). A copy of the IFB which includes all details and requirements may be downloaded from the City of Falls Church’s procurement website: www.fallschurchva. gov/Bids. Notice of the IFB may also be accessed via eVA, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s electronic procurement portal for registered suppliers, www.eva.virginia.gov.

For more information and/or questions regarding this IFB contact the City’s Purchasing Agent; (703) 248-5007; jwise@ fallschurchva.gov. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703 248-5007 (TTY 711).

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE Final day of registration is Tuesday, May 27th for the June 17th, 2025 Democratic Party Primary Election for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Sample Ballots can be found online: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/vote All citizens, including those who are currently 17 years old, who will turn 18 years old by the November 4, 2025 General Election are eligible to register and vote.

Online Voter Registration and early/absentee ballot by mail applications: http://www.vote. virginia.gov/ Deadline for applications submitted online via the Virginia Department of Election website is 11:59 pm on May 27th, 2024. Only applicants with a DMV ID like a driver’s license can submit an application electronically and these applications may also be untimely if missing material information. Please note: those applications filled out online that are required to be printed and delivered to the registrar should be treated as regular mailed in applications and need to be postmarked by May 27, 2025, to meet the deadline. The 5:00 p.m. deadline on May 27, 2025, applies if any of these are submitted in-person at the registrar’s office.

The deadline for mailed in applications remains that they be postmarked by May 27, 2025.

Early/Absentee Voting for the City of Falls Church In-Person early voting began in May at our office at City Hall, 300 Park Ave, and will continue through Saturday, June 14, 2025. During that time, residents wishing to vote early can do so 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

We are closed May 26th for the Holiday.

We are open the following additional hours.

Saturday, June 7th: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 12th: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 14th: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailed ballots with a postmark no later than June 17th, 2025 can be received by our office until noon on Friday, June 20th, 2025.

Vote By Mail: The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail is Friday, June 6th, 2025, but we don’t recommend that you wait that long.

Election Day Reminders for the City of Falls Church

MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 9

C L AS S I F I E DS

Ward 1 votes at Oak Street Elementary School Ward 2 and Ward 3 votes at the Falls Church Community Center Residents are reminded that on Election Day, street parking is available on both sides of Little Falls Street by the Community Center and on Oak, Seaton, Fellows, Parker, Timber, and Jackson near Oak Street Elementary School.

Additional details, can be found online at www. fallschurchva.gov/Vote. Contact the Registrar’s office at 703-248-5085 (TTY 711) or vote@ fallschurchva.gov for more information.

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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

PAGE 10 | MAY 22 - 28, 2025

McKay Mourns Passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly From Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay yesterday: “Fairfax County lost a giant this morning and I lost a friend and mentor. There is no one whose presence is more felt throughout Fairfax County than that of Gerry. Gerry was a fighter whose tenacity and vision helped make Fairfax County the powerhouse it is today. No matter the elected office Gerry held, he always made time for his constituents whether it was in the halls of the Capitol or an HOA meeting in his district.

A fierce advocate for those he represented from our most vulnerable to federal workers and contractors, Gerry always stood up for those he represented.

With unwavering courage, he fought for the American people in his various roles as he did with everything.

“For more than 30 years Gerry was a personal friend who I will never forget. My prayers are with his family and the thousands of people who loved him. I am going to miss Gerry though his memory and impact will forever be with me and Fairfax County.”

Rep. Beyer Comments on Passing of Rep. Connolly Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the passing of his longtime friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly: “Gerry Connolly was one of a kind, and I am heartbroken that he has passed.

“Gerry will leave a towering legacy of accomplishment in Fairfax County, he was a forceful advocate for our region and the people in it. Everyone who runs for office says they want ‘to get stuff done,’ but comparatively few actually succeed. Gerry got stuff done for years in Fairfax, where he advocated successfully for projects including the Silver Line and the Cross County Trail, which now bears his name. Then he

LO CA L

News & Notes brought the same attitude and outlook to Congress, where he wrote and passed a major postal reform, led efforts to create the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, and was one of the most tireless and active advocates for the federal workforce ever to serve in Congress. Gerry was especially proud to have been named the House’s ‘most effective legislator,’ and to have earned the trust of his colleagues to lead our Caucus on oversight and government reform, topics he knew more about than almost anyone.

“Everyone who worked with him knew Gerry as a pugnacious fighter for his constituents, for good government, and for a range of causes around the world. He was also warm, witty, and loyal, and he loved acting in community theater as a company member of the Providence Players of Fairfax.

Above all, Gerry was beloved by his family, friends, and staff.

Megan and I send our condolences to all of them, and especially my best wishes to Smitty, Caitlin, and their family.”

Andrew Painter Recalls Working For Rep. Connolly “I had the privilege of working as an intern for Congressman Gerry Connolly at his old county supervisor office (the fire station) on Lee Highway back in the late 1990s when he served as Providence District Supervisor.

“He would occasionally call into the office to test those of us answering the phones—oftentimes with a fake (and hilarious) Irish brogue.

“Gerry was generous with his staff, treating them to Christmas lunch at The Palm and inviting everyone to his Mantua house each year. He also gifted me a book about John Glenn which I still have on my shelf.

“While others certainly knew him far better, to a kid who had never been exposed to those things, they are the types of memories which stay with you for a lifetime.

“Though he was certainly opinionated (as are most of us), I only knew him as a man who was talented, generous, cared about his community, and got things done.

It has been decades since I spoke with him and I doubt he would

have even remembered me. But those were good days and happy times. He left a lasting impact upon me and our region, and will be missed.”

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Barnes & Noble Set to Reopen in Tysons The bookstore chain will rein-

troduce itself to the D.C. region’s largest mall next month, more than a year after closing its longtime, twostory outlet last May. It will reopen in mid-June.

“BACK IN THE SADDLE” at The Falls this Monday, left to right, Marybeth Connelly, Debra Roth, Jody Acosta, Hal Lipman and the News-Press’ Nicholas F. Benton as the Benton-founded and owned paper moves into its 35 year of consecutive weekly publication. (Photo: News-Press)

The Victorian Society at Falls Church hosted an event where visitors learned about the lives of ordinary citizens through exhibits and activities, exploring how major events and innovations shaped their world. Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 312 Park Ave., the event invited guests to discover what life was like in Falls Church during the late 1800s. (Photo: Gary Mester)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Duncan: F.C. Council Work Session May Lower Tax Rate

This from Falls Church Planning Commissioner Phil Duncan out of Monday night’s F.C. Council work session: Very interesting Council budget session. A clear majority of five Councilors are for a deeper v1.5 cent tax rate reduction — Hardi, Hiscott, Underhill, Flynn, Snyder.

Preferring a higher tax rate were Connelly and Downs, but they sounded like they’d concede to the majority position.

New Bookstore Contemplates Downtown F.C. Opening A bookstore and cafe with a taste for the mystical, metaphysical and macabre has announced plans to open in Falls Church.

The Dark, Unbound plans to sell books by “underrepresented voices in the fantasy, sciencefiction, speculative fiction and horror genres,” in a cozy, moody atmosphere. It is in the works at 112 W. Broad Street, where Dominion Camera closed in September.

“We are a proudly feminist and queer fantasy bookstore, shop of miscellanea, and host for metaphysical and educational events,” its website reads.

The bookstore plans to fill its shelves with international titles and books written by women, people of color, Indigenous Americans and queer authors.

“With established publishers putting more emphasis on the diversity of authors, and the accessibility and success of the self-publishing model, it is easier to find representation than ever before,” its website says.

“But we still feel like it is not enough.”

Books highlighted on social media include themes of magic and witchcraft, along with LGBTQ+ characters.

Spanberger Unveils Plan to Lower Healthcare Costs Former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, now running for Governor of Virginia, announced key proposals Wednesday to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs across the Commonwealth.

Speaking at the Mechanicsville

Drug Store, Spanberger pledged to crack down on pharmacy benefit managers, expand pharmacy access, improve rural healthcare, and stop predatory billing practices.

Parade & Festival: Road Closures and Parking Info It’s a good time to start making transportation plans to this year’s Memorial Day Parade and Festival, being held on Monday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall (300 Park Ave). You can find the following information and more at fallschurchva.gov/MemorialDay. Several City of Falls Church streets will be closed to vehicular traffic or will only be open to local or parade traffic, on Memorial Day. Visitors should make sure they park legally, and not in shopping centers where they may be ticketed or towed.

Festival Area: Cherry Hill Park & City Hall Campus Park Ave. will be closed from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. between N. Maple Ave. to N. Virginia Ave. (except for limited vendor traffic).

Little Falls St. will be closed from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Park Ave. to Great Falls St. Fun Run Closures: Portions or all of certain streets along the route of the Beyer 3k Fun Run will be closed for parking from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the roads will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Little Falls St. Great Falls St. Pennsylvania Ave. Fulton Ave. N. Oak St. Lincoln Ave. N. West St. Park Ave. In addition to the roads listed above being closed, please understand that all vehicles located within the perimeter of the Fun Run route will not be permitted to leave during these road closures.

Parade Closures: Park Ave. will be closed with no parking available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. between N. Maple Ave. to N. Virginia Ave. Portions or all of certain streets along the parade staging areas will be closed for parking from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and the roads will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lincoln Ave. N. West St. Highland Ave.

LO CA L N. Oak St. Greenwich St. Park Ave. Parking: Plan ahead and follow these simple guidelines to ensure a pleasant parking experience.

Where to Park: Both the Kaiser Permanente Parking Garage (201 N. Washington St.) and the lower level of the George Mason Square Garage accessed via South Maple (103 W. Broad St.) will be open all day to the public and are your best bet for free public parking to get to the Parade and Festival. Learn more by visiting the Festival and Parade Parking page.

Free parking is available on many side streets (except those restricted for the parade setup or Fun Run). Please check signs for time limits.

Avoid parking in private parking lots. Visitors to the Memorial Day festivities are reminded to NOT park in private parking lots with posted “No Parking – Towing Enforced” signs. The private lots are for the customers of businesses only. Many businesses enforce parking restrictions on weekends

and holidays and may tow without notice.

Accessible parking will be available on Great Falls St., from Little Falls St. to N. Washington St. See the Memorial Day Parking Restrictions Map for more details.

About the Memorial Day Parade and Festival: The Memorial Day Parade and Festival is hosted by the City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department. For more information about the event, call 703-248-5027 (TTY 711) or visit fallschurchva. gov/MemorialDay. Reminder: The Community Center will be closed during Memorial Day for the ongoing HVAC construction project.

Memorial Day Holiday Operating Schedule Below is the Memorial Day operating schedule for the City on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 24 – May 26: Saturday, May 24 OPEN: Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to Noon OPEN: Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OPEN: Trailer outside Oak

MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 11

Street Elementary, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, May 25 OPEN: Trailer outside Oak Street Elementary, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

CLOSED: Mary Riley Styles Public Library Monday, May 26 CLOSED: City Hall and all City government offices (including the Commissioner of the Revenue, Treasurer’s Office, and Permits Counter) CLOSED: Trailer outside Oak Street Elementary CLOSED: Mary Riley Styles Public Library CLOSED: Courts and Court Clerk If you need to reach Recreation and Parks staff on Memorial Day with event questions, please call 703-248-5027 (TTY711). Staff will be monitoring the phone line.

The electric car charging stations in front of and behind City Hall will be turned off from Sunday, May 25, at 1 p.m. through Monday, May 26, at 7 p.m.

Compost collection will occur on Thursday, May 29 the week of Memorial Day. Other recycling service schedules are normal.

THE MARIAN COSTNER Selby Peace Garden. Marian Costner Selby made history in 1961 as the first AfricanAmerican student to attend George Mason High School, and in 1964, she became its first Black graduate.

Her legacy is honored through a new Peace Garden that reflects both her personal journey and the broader history of segregation and integration in Falls Church, Virginia, and the United States. Designed as a space for reflection and learning, the garden invites students and visitors to consider the past and envision a more inclusive future. Interpretive elements inside and outside the garden share Marian’s story and promote a message of peace, resilience, and progress. Features of the Peace Garden include: A hand-painted mural depicting Marian as a determined high school student • A life-size steel silhouette of teenage Marian • Historical panels with photos and narratives that chronicle her life and legacy• Sunflower-themed window decals inspired by the mural • New park benches and a communal table • Sedum green roof plantings • Cedar planter boxes handcrafted by Meridian High School students and a teacher • Native plants grown in the school’s vivarium • Together, these features create a welcoming space for reflection, education, and tranquility in the heart of the school community. (Photo: Gary Mester)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND Falls Church Thursday, May 22

Art Show: In the Absence of Nurture...Nature March 27, 2025 – June 15, 2025 Rare Bird Coffee Roasters 230 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Art Exhibits: Spring Solos April 17, 2025 – June 14, 2025 McLean Project for the Arts 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA Featuring work by Jackie Hoysted, Emon Surakitkoson and Heidi Fowler. Opening Exhibition Reception: Thursday, April 17, 7-9 p.m. For more information info@mpaart.org.

Faces & Figures April 19, 2025 – June 1, 2025 Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA The exhibit will open April 19 with a meet-theartists reception at the gallery of Falls Church Arts from 7 - 9:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The Juror’s Choice Award will be announced at the reception. Artworks will also be available online at: https://www.fallschurcharts.org.

All pieces are offered for sale and can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.

For more information, please email info@fallschurcharts.org.

NoVa+ Bookstore Crawl Passport Program April 26, 2025 – May 31, 2025 One More Page Books 2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA 22213 Fifteen independent bookstores across Northern Virginia, Frederick, MD, and Wardensville, WV are partnering for the second annual NoVa+ Indie Bookstore Crawl! Starting on Indie Bookstore Day, pick up the special Passport to help book lovers explore more of our region’s growing bookstore scene and celebrate with your favorites. While each store will be celebrating Indie Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26th with their own festivities, all of us will be handing out this special Passport.

Throughout May, customers can visit as many stores as they’d like to collect stamps from each stop. Once you have visited 4 stores, you collect a book prize. After visiting 8 bookstores, you earn a tote bag. And, avid readers who visit at least 10 of the participating stores by June 2nd will be entered to win the Grand Prize--a basket filled with goodies from all the participating stores.

Performance: Falsettos May 10, 2025 – June 15, 2025 Keegan Theatre 1742 Church St NW, Washington, DC FALSETTOS, by the legendary duo William Finn and James Lapine, will take the stage during the 2025 World Pride festival in Washington, DC. FALSETTOS is a hilarious, heartbreaking, and utterly unique musical about family, relationships, bar mitzvahs, baseball, and AIDS. Details and tickets are available at www.keegantheatre.com.

Performance: Twelfth Night May 13, 2025 – June 22, 2025 Folger Theatre 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC Viola washes up on the shores of Illyria thinking her twin brother drowned in a shipwreck. She disguises herself as a young man and lands in the world of Orsino. This playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy draws from contemporary pop culture, fashion, and music to tell the tale of what it means to move between worlds and into a joyful discovery of love.

Tickets at https://www.folger.edu/calendar.

Live Performance: Kimberly Akimbo May 20, 2025 – June 1, 2025 National Theatre DC 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved

with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

This is recommended for ages 13 and up. The show contains some strong language, crude humor, references to alcohol use, and authentic New Jersey vernacular.

Tickets at ticketmaster.com/artist/3110407?venueId=172566.

Falls Church Fiber Artists 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Mary Riley Styles Public Library 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Drop in for this informal weekly group to knit and crochet. Share what you're creating. Get advice from other knitters and crocheters. Or just chat while you work on your own project!

All are welcome.

Women on the Forefront Networking Brunch 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Westwood Country Club 800 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA Life is a journey of discovery, and leadership isn’t confined to titles or boardrooms—it thrives in every space you claim as your own. It’s about knowing who you are, where you’re headed, and how you rise through challenges. Women on the Forefront is more than a networking brunch; it’s a powerful gathering where women come to reflect, grow, and step boldly into their purpose. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a business from the ground up, or navigating the challenges of motherhood, this event celebrates the many ways women lead in every aspect of life. It’s about thriving on your own terms, reclaiming your direction, and stepping into your next chapter with confidence and clarity. Proceeds benefit Bethany House of Northern Virginia. Bethany House empowers women and children escaping domestic violence by providing safe, short-term housing and trauma-informed services. Tickets $150.00 at https://www.bhnv.org/womens-brunch.

Live Music: SideJam 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Clare & Don's Beach Shack 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA Rosslyn Cinema: The Wizard of Oz 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Central Place Plaza 1800 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209 A beloved neighborhood tradition is back—Rosslyn Cinema returns for outdoor movies, now in a new location! Seating and the bar will open at 6 p.m. and movies will begin around sundown (just after 8 p.m.) to ensure the perfect lighting for the show. Don’t miss this perfect way to wrap up spring with a movie night in the heart of Rosslyn!

Album Release Party 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Galactic Panther 1303 King St, Alexandria, VA FCC-based record label Fine Family Records celebrates the release of their first vinyl record, the debut album from indie rock band Roscoe Tripp.

Tickets: $16. Available on https://www.galacticpanther.com.

The Wizard of Oz in Concert 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Follow the Yellow Brick Road! The NSO brings the timeless 1939 film classic back to the big screen.

Join Dorothy and her friends as she embarks on a fantastical quest to Oz and faces the Wicked Witch of the West. Sing along to the music you love and the songs you know by heart—from “Somewhere

Over the Rainbow” to “The Merry Old Land of Oz”—as the orchestra performs Herbert Stothart’s iconic score live-to-picture at this truly Technicolor symphonic event. Tickets at https://www.kennedycenter.org/nso/home/2024-2025/the-wizard-of-oz.

Friday, May 12 Live Performance: Porgy and Bess May 23, 2025 – May 31, 2025 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC It’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge. As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her. Tickets at kennedy-center.org/wno/home/2024-2025/ porgy-and-bess.

Kensington Memory Café w/ Falls Church Arts 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA Deepen connections with your loved one and build new support networks in a safe, supportive and engaging environment.

The Kensington is proudly partnering with Insight Memory Care Center and Falls Church Arts to host our bi-monthly Memory Café. Our group meets on-site at Falls Church Arts and is a social gathering: an opportunity to make new friends and interact with others without fear of embarrassment or being misunderstood. Many also find it an avenue for sharing concerns and providing support. Come and share a cup of coffee, participate in an activity while meeting others for support, companionship and fun. Make new connections, discover new tools and resources – so that you can be the best caregiver you can be! Free admission.

Food Truck Friday 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Trade Roots, Fair Trade Gift Shop, Coffee House, & Wine Bar 5852 Washington Blvd, Arlington VA Join us every Friday from now through October 1st for delicious eats and good vibes right outside Trade Roots! Grab dinner from a rotating lineup of local food trucks, enjoy your meal inside our cozy space or outside in the fresh air, shop handmade goods and support small businesses while you’re here.

Bring your friends, your appetite, and your community spirit. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

Live Music: The Dulcetones 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Clare & Don's Beach Shack 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Live Music: Acoustic Aubrey 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Solace Outpost 444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046 Alternative/Rock/Pop Acoustic Covers

Saturday, May 24 Live Performance: DC, I Love You May 24, 2025 – June 1, 2025 Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Step into a walking rom-com rooted in real DC love stories. DC, I Love You, created and written

by Folger's Director of Engagement Katherine

Harroff, brings true tales of romance to life in the very neighborhood where they happened. Inspired by stories collected through a 2024 Folger community workshop, this immersive performance turns Mount Pleasant into a moving stage. Follow your guide through the streets, stopping along the way to watch intimate, funny, and heartfelt first-date vignettes unfold. It’s part theater, part love letter to DC—and fully unforgettable. Performances are rain or shine. You’ll receive your starting point and details by email before the show. For ages 21 and up since one of the locations will be a bar. Tickets for $30.00 at https://www.folger.edu/calendar.

First Annual Veterans Art Exhibit May 24, 2025 – May 26, 2025 American Legion Post 139 3445 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 This free public event invites the community to experience powerful, deeply personal works of art created by local veteran artisans. This unique exhibition highlights the creative talents of veterans and family members who have transformed their military experiences into meaningful works of art.

Visitors will not only have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind artworks, but also to speak directly with the artists about their military service and creative journeys.

Inalienable Rights: History through the eyes of Enslaved Virginians 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s PopeLeighey House 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA Woodlawn will welcome Joe McGill and the Slave Dwelling Project to the site as the centerpiece for a day of free public programming. Inalienable Rights will consist of a group of living historians and storytellers sharing about the lives and history of people enslaved at Woodlawn and similar plantations in Virginia. Register at http://www.woodlawnpopeleighey.org.

All About Bells in the Korean Bell Garden 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA Bells have been used for centuries by various cultures for a wide range of reasons such as celebrations, warnings, or a call to action. Stop by the Korean Bell Pavilion to learn all there is to know about bells. Volunteer Becky Strode will be on hand to share the art, fabrication, science, and history of bells and details on our own 6,000-pound Korean bell. Free with regular Garden admission or membership. Weather permitting.

Live Music: Michelle Swan 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Clare & Don's Beach Shack 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA Live Music: Where’s Bert Band 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Solace Outpost 444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA Classic Rock Live Music: Oasis recording artist LESSON ZERO May 24, 2025 – May 25, 2025, 12:30 a.m.

The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant 2500 Columbia Pike UPPER LEVEL, Arlington, VA Admission is free and street parking is available. For more information see youtube.com/lessonzero and reverbnation.com/lessonzero.

Live Music: Tyler Goldstein 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Dogwood Tavern 132 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA

Sunday, May 25

Strawberry Festival at Fairlington Farmers Market 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Fairlington Community Center 3308 S Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22206 Visit the Fairlington Farmers Market during Memorial Day weekend, for our first annual Strawberry Festival! Celebrate the start of summer with our 20 local vendors and enjoy these free activities: Free fresh strawberries raffled off every 30 minutes, free strawberry stickers, temporary tattoos, and bracelets at the Market Tent. share your favorite strawberry recipe on Instagram and tag @ fairlingtonmarket for a chance to be featured, purchase delicious strawberry items from our vendors, including strawberry Danishes, sorbet, cookies, cakes, and more.

Good Vibrations! DIY Percussion for Kids 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA Join a fun and creative hands-on activity where kids can make their very own percussion instruments using simple, playful materials. This drop-in activity is free with garden admission or membership, a perfect way for children to celebrate Memorial Day through creativity, sound, and community.

Music in the Gardens 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA Join us this Memorial Day weekend for Music in the Gardens: A Memorial Day Tribute in Brass, a stirring and family-friendly afternoon of music and celebration. The musicians will share engaging commentary about the music and their instruments, making this a fun and educational experience for all ages. Free with garden admission/ garden membership. No registration required.

Live Music: The Coozies 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Clare & Don's Beach Shack 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA The President’s Own United States Marine Band 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Filene Center 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Wolf Trap’s summer season kicks off with fireworks on stage and in the sky! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the longest standing professional music organization in the US with over 225 years of delighting audiences, performs favorites from popular musicals and marching standards from the Armed Forces’ distinguished songbook. The evening caps off with a spectacular fireworks display. This free community event is open to the public with general admission seating on a first-come, first seated basis. Register to let us know you plan to attend and receive a reminder email before the event. Please note: Registration does not guarantee admission; Park will close at capacity. Register at https://www.wolftrap.org/calendar.aspx?venue=filene+center.

Monday, May 26 Memorial Day Parade and Festival 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Falls Church VA Kick off the morning with the Beyer 3K Memorial Day Fun Run and then a patriotic Memorial Day Ceremony presented by the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council to honor our fallen heroes. All ages will enjoy our all-day-long festival full of good eats, vendor booths, kids’ rides, and inflat-

Continued on Page 13

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM ables. Round out the afternoon with the beloved Memorial Day Parade down Park Avenue! All information available at fallschurchva.gov/MemorialDay

Wednesday, May 28

Mindfulness Meditation for Everyday Life 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.289 PUZZLE NO. Mary Riley Styles Public Library Inalienable Rights: History through the eyes of 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046 Enslaved Virginians Most of us are always on the go in some capacity, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 40. Gift receiver 49. tasking ourselves to Sailor’s keep thingsdomain running smoothly Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright’s41.

PopeShaggyorox 50. “How remedying situations thatthe aren’tWest going as we Leighey House 44. Beer containers Won” meditation hoped. The practice____ of mindfulness 9000 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 46. Ramblegives us the skills 51. wood to Bat step out of our habitual mode of doing and allows us to have mindful recogni47. Ballet skirt 52. Maple-sugar Forest and Flow Nature Therapy: Kindling of what is present here and now. In our group 48. Fawn’stion father base Creativity setting we investigate the practical application of 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. bringing mindfulness into our daily lives. Open to Winkler Botanical Preserve beginners and experienced meditators. Register at 5400 Roanoke Ave, Alexandria, VA www.mrspl.org.

Nature therapy, also known as forest therapy or forest bathing, draws inspiration Falls Church Writers Group from the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku.

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Through mindful and sensory nature conMary Riley Styles Public Library nection invitations, we create space to slow 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA down and reconnect—with nature, with ourA group for local aspiring writers. Share your selves, and with each other. This practice work, give and receive feedback. All kinds of writhelps us rediscover our sense of belonging ing considered. Bring something that you're workwithin the natural world and our commuing on. Usually meet on the fourth Wednesday of nity. Research shows that nature therapy the month at 6:30 pm. Attend in person or online. naturally reduces stress, restores focus, boosts creativity and mood, and supports Music Night at the Hilton immune health. Close with tea, light snacks, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and gratitude. Registration: $45 per parHilton Garden Inn Falls Church Copyright © 2025, Penny Press ticipant (ages 18 and up). All attendees are 706 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA participants.

5.considered Boudoir 9. Wanting Advance online registration required at 6. Rage 2. Old www.novaparks.com.

The Blue Ridge Sky Band, with Jeff Hayes return3. Furniture wood 7. Waterproofed ing, will play in the restaurant/bar area. New cover 5. ____ and Livecanvas Music: Maria & Marco music has been added to the mix of country rock 8. 5:00 Snowy flowers p.m.– 7:00 p.m. to classic rock, including the music of Willie Nel9.

Long fish 9. Most posh Clare & Don's Beach Shack ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 289 and Chris Stapleton to Bob son, Merle Haggard Is, pluralized 3. Sulk 130 N10.

Washington St, Falls Church, VA Seeger, Eric Clapton, and even Pink Floyd. Meet 11. Closet bar 4. Slacken up with friends and enjoy 5. Sal, for example 17. Publicize specialty drinks and food.

19. Does wrong 6. So long, in

Tuesday, May 27

22. Playwright’s Liverpool: The Poetry Reading Series offering 2 wds.

Falls Church Chamber Networking Mixer 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

24.5:30 Softp.m. mineral 7. Tennis great – 7:00 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington 25. Fan’s favorite Arthur ____ Rowell Court 3550 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 26. “Jagged 8. Have a look-seeRowell Ct, Falls Church, VA 22046 The Poetry Reading Series features established ____” 9. Self-satisfied Mark Werblood, Esq. hosts the Chamber’s May poets, who will share their work through read27.mixer Ancient networking at Rowell Court, across from ing and performance. Refreshments and time for Founders Row.garden Guests and prospective members OWN Q&A to follow. On May 28th, the featured poet is Destiny welcome to attend.

28.are Stubborn Sunu P. Chandy (she/her). Chandy is a social jusItalian money, animal tice activist, including through her work as a poet Improv Workshop: Unexpectedly Funny once 29. ____ fun at and a civil rights attorney. She’s the daughter of 6:00 p.m.

– 7:30 p.m.

Perfume 33. Justly immigrants from Kerala, India, a queer woman of Mary Riley Styles Public Library color, and livesANSWERS in Washington, D.C. with her famShort 34. Cedar, e.g.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA AMERICAN ily. Poetry readings enrich the museum experience USE SPELLING and slender 120 38.

Adjusts

Join us for Unexpectedly Funny, an exhilarating by connecting visual and literary arts, and offering improv workshop suitable for all ages! Discover a space for poets, like visual artists, to reach an authe joy of spontaneous creativity as we explore the dience and share their work. Free to attend, RSVP fundamentals of improvisation in a fun and supat www.onemorepagebooks.com. portive environment. Through engaging games, exercises, and group activities, participants will Wednesday Evening Book Club sharpen their quick-thinking skills, enhance their 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. communication abilities, and build confidence in Mary Riley Styles NO. Public Library PUZZLE 291 their ability to think on their feet. Whether you're 120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA a seasoned performer or brand new to improv, this Book to be discussed: The House of Doors by Tan workshop offers something for everyone. Come Twan Eng. Register at www.mrspl.org.

Car’s “shoe” 44. Roman garment unleash your imagination, embrace the30. unexpected, and experience the thrill of improv!

31. Top-billed Open Mic 45.Night Dinner bread with Alex Parez Register at www.mrspl.org. player 47.p.m.

Experts 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

34. Employ 50.

Swindle Solace Outpost W Broad St,Taper Falls Church, 37. Ran off to444 wed 51. off VA 22046

39. Cat sigh 41. Be extravagant 43. Messy person

2025 Graduation Night Senior Spectacular May 27, 2025, 8:00 p.m. – May 28, 2025, 2:00 a.m.

Meridian High School 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA The Graduation Night Senior Spectacular is a decades-long Falls Church City tradition for Meridian seniors. Parents, the community, city government, and local businesses come together to throw the graduating class a fun, safe and inclusive party on graduation night, featuring entertainment, music, amusements, and a slideshow of senior memories.

Traditional Irish Music Session

8:00 p.m.Penny – 9:30Press p.m.

Copyright © 2025,

Ireland's Four Provinces St, Falls Church, VA Steeped 8. Musical drama 1053.W Broad

0. Hideouts 2. Computer operator 3. Walk leisurely 6. Normal 8. Circle 9. Sundae ingredient: 2 wds.

4. Eye 5. Region 6. Bikini piece 7. Like Kojak 8. Make ____ meet 9. Small gardening plot

OWN

Seasonal beverage Botch things up

beverage 4. Horse goad 5. Summits 6. Painting, e.g.

7. Smudged 8. Fuel type 9. Taken by mouth 10. “Lonesome ____” 11. Wallet items 16. Phonograph record 20. Arctic structure 21. Not shallow 22. Surface measure 23. Scream 25. More prone 27. Demolish 29. Meadow munchers

52. “We ____ Not Alone” 53. Ticked off

Have an event you want to be featured in the News-Press.

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 291

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

CA L E NDA R

MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 13 PUZZLE NO. 290 39. Garfunkel et al.

40. Ballerina’s jump 41. Fancy fabric 43. Stink

45. Certain choir member 46. Drop heavily 48. Took by the hand 49. Female sib

Copyright © 2025, Penny Press

ACROSS

1. Rock back and forth 5. Shoemaker’s tool 8. Toothed tools 12. Candy ____ 13. Briny deep 14. Hurt 15. Parts of a circle 16. Large kettle 18. See ya!

19. Ravine 20. Break a fast 21. Disagreement 23. “____, two, three, four” 25. Attach a label, again 27. Leading lady 31. Golf-bag item 32. Male parent 33. Be informed about

34. Herb for garnishing 36. Sill 37. Although 38. Exhaust 39. Totally 42. Got along 44. Mushroom top 47. Properties 49. Auction 50. Unexciting 51. Allow 52. Division word 53. Went hastily 54. Star’s locale 55. Traffic sign

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Wound cover Uneasy Forefather, e.g.

Proposal reply Broad tie Have on

7. Chuckled 8. Dejected 9. Property measure 10. Rider’s command 11. Wired 17. Look slyly 19. Wisecrack 22. Flower 24. Card game 25. Shred 26. Historic epoch 27. Forage grass 28. Improper 29. Seasonal beverage 30. Woolly mom 32. Fine points 35. Remaining 36. Hat 38. Peevish

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 290

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

AM I OKAY TO DRIVE?

PUZZLE NO. 292

36. State positively 40. Crest 41. Night birds 42. Ring 43. Musical combo

44. Monopoly, e.g.

45. Trail behind 46. Movie locations 48. Toodle-oo!

49. Crude

BUZZED DRIVING

IS DRUNK DRIVING

Copyright © 2025, Penny Press

ACROSS

1. Building’s location 5. Cleaning implement 8. Anxiety 12. Farmland measure 13. Grape drink 14. Sore 15. Bicycle part 16. Not used 17. High heel, e.g.

18. Opinion 20. Dolls and yo-yos 21. Shocking fish 22. Weak, as an excuse 25. Unhealthy 27. Make-believe 32. Sock end 33. Lessens 34. Cee’s follower

35. Most bizarre 37. Frequently, to Keats 38. Arouse 39. Do the wrong thing 41. Selects 44. Crushes 47. Existed 48. Bikini piece 50. Desperate 51. Bear’s den 52. Sweet root 53. Pesky bug 54. Bank opening 55. Lamb’s parent 56. Souffle items

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Lengthy tale Frozen Wanderer Bizarre Filly feature

6. Shelley offering 7. Bench for the faithful 8. Zip, e.g.

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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 292

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

PAGE 14 | MAY 22 - 28, 2025

LO CA L

In Memoriam: Marie “Toni” Shipp

Marie “Toni” Shipp passed away on May 1st, 2025. She was 88 years old.

After suffering a fall and a leg fracture in January 2025, she had been recovering at Burke Health and Rehabilitation Center when health conditions sent her to Inova Fairfax Hospital. While there on life support it was determined she could not continue on her own so she was put on comfort care as she had long ago requested and passed peacefully in the presence of family and friends Born August 29th, 1936 to Mildred and Harry Miller, Toni lived in Newport News with her parents and older sister. At age 12 she moved to Norfolk, VA and began high school at Norfolk Catholic High School. After graduation she did secretarial work at several businesses in Norfolk upgrading her position as her skills increased.

On January 24th, 1959 Toni married Wayne Shipp at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Norfolk and immediately moved to Baltimore, MD where Wayne was attending Maryland Institute of Art. In 1963 the family, now with two young sons, moved to Falls Church, VA to be

nearer Wayne’s job in Washington, DC. As Toni’s sons reached school age she worked for a time at the City of Falls Church Senior Center. Later she supervised children during recess in the school yard at St. James Catholic School and subsequently, because of her ability as a cook, became chef for the nuns who taught at St. James. This lead to her becoming a secretary at the St. James Church rectory where she worked for fifteen years before retiring in 2008. Her presence there left a lasting impression on generations of students and colleagues alike.

In 2008 she and Wayne moved to live at Cove Point Beach in Calvert County, MD in reminiscense of their younger years at the southern end of the Chesapeake. They lived there for fifteen years before moving to the Beechtree Apartments in Prince Frederick, MD and then, to be nearer to their sons, to Acclaim Independent Living in Woodbridge, VA. For 66 years, Toni shared her life with her beloved husband Wayne. Together they built a strong and caring family that became the center of her world. She was the proud mother of five sons: Kenneth, Brian, Timothy, Casey, and Matthew. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Angela, Diane, Rebecca, Maxwell, and Christopher as well as greatgrandchildren Scarlett and Tatum.

Toni’s family want to thank all of our relatives and friends who have expressed there pleasant memories of her and ask that you continue to pray for her.

There will be a memorial service for Toni on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad St. in Falls Church, VA followed by burial at St. James Cemetery.

This Week’s Meridian Sports

by Ryan McCafferty

Playoffs have already gotten underway for a few of our Mustang squads. The co-ed track and field group was the first to begin its postseason, competing last Wednesday in the Northwestern District championship meet, and came away with results of 10th for the girls and 12th for the boys. They’ll now have a week of rest before facing off against all of Region 3B at Warren County on May 28th, where their status for States will be determined.

Elsewhere, both the boys’ and girls’ tennis programs competed in the regional playoffs this week after wrapping up highly successful regular-season campaigns. The girls, led by Ana Vuckovic, Misato Kasumi, and Era InglisNela, took an undefeated 16-0 record into the tournament while the defending Northwestern District champion boys, led by Thomas Lapp, Charlie Taylor, and Max Von Schultz, are 14-1.

A top-two finish for both teams will guarantee a trip to States in early June.

Lacrosse has closed out its regular season as well, with the boys finishing 9-5 after beating Kettle Run 18-5 last Monday but losing 10-9 at Dominion last Thursday in their final week of action. The girls beat Kettle Run 19-7 on the road last Tuesday before earning an exciting

come-from-behind 13-11 win over Dominion last Thursday, closing out their campaign with nine straight wins to go 10-3 on the year.

Both of their first playoff dates and opponents remain to be determined.

That leaves soccer, baseball, and softball as the only sports still finishing out regular-season play, and all are set to do that this week. The boys’ soccer team played its only action of last week on the road Tuesday at Manassas Park, where they played to a double overtime draw, while the girls earned a pair of wins by beating Manassas Park 14-1 at home Tuesday and then Liberty (Bealeton) 3-0 on the road Thursday. That snaps the boys’ eight-game winning streak and moves them to 11-2-1 on the season, while the girls improve to 7-6-1 as they ride three straight victories.

For baseball, unfortunately the boys remain under .500 after a busy week that saw them play two games at yet another new temporary home of Fairfax High School. They earned a 10-3 win over Warren County last Monday, but it was followed by an 8-4 loss against Liberty (Bealeton) last Wednesday and then a 5-1 road defeat at Brentsville last Thursday. Softball, meanwhile, fell 6-1 at Brentsville last Thursday in its only action of the week, with the girls taking a fifth straight loss to drop to 5-12.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MAY 22 - 28, 2025 | PAGE 15

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1 A 4 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2025-00076 On May 1, 2025, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 4 (“Subsection A 4”) of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for approval of a revised increment/ decrement rate adjustment clause designated as Rider T1. Pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 7 of the Code, “the Commission’s final order regarding any petition filed pursuant to [Subsection A 4] . . . shall be entered not more than three months . . . after the date of filing of such petition.”

Subsection A 4 deems to be prudent, among other things, the “costs for transmission services provided to the utility by the regional transmission entity of which the utility is a member” and “costs charged to the utility that are associated with demand response programs approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [(“FERC”)] and administered by the regional transmission entity of which the utility is a member.”

The Company has been a member of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”), a regional transmission entity that has been approved by FERC as a regional transmission organization, since 2005. Dominion, as an integrated electric utility member of PJM, obtains transmission service from PJM and pays PJM charges for such service at the rates contained in PJM’s Open Access Transmission Tariff approved by FERC. The Company states that it also pays PJM charges for costs associated with demand response programs approved by FERC and administered

by PJM. In this proceeding, Dominion seeks approval of a revenue requirement for the rate year September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026 (“Rate Year”). This revenue requirement, if approved, would be recovered through a combination of base rates and a revised increment/decrement Rider T1. Rider T1 is designed to recover the increment/decrement between the revenues produced from the Subsection A 4 component of base rates and the new revenue requirement developed from the Company’s Subsection A 4 costs for the Rate Year.

The total proposed revenue requirement to be recovered over the Rate Year is $1,343,335,735, comprising an increment Rider T1 of $782,419,277, and forecast collections of $560,916,458 through the transmission component of base rates.

This total revenue requirement represents an increase of $79,675,299, compared to the revenues projected to be produced during the Rate Year by the combination of the base rate component of Subsection A 4 (the Company’s former Rider T) and the Rider T1 rates currently in effect. Implementation of the proposed Rider T1 on September 1, 2025, would increase the total monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month by $2.10.

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

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on the Company’s Application. On June 17, 2025, at 10 a.m., a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 10, 2025, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission: (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony.

This information may be provided to the Commission: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/case-information/webcasting; or (ii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia. gov/case-information/webcasting.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on June 17, 2025, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.

On June 17, 2025 at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, a Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence offered by the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Jontille D. Ray, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or jray@ mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/case-information.

On or before June 13, 2025, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/case-information/submit-public-comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00076.

On or before June 4, 2025, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent electronically to counsel for the Company, Commission Staff, and any other respondents. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq. (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00076.

On or before June 4, 2025, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served electronically on the Commission Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with their filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the 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. PUR2025-00076.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, 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, the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/case-information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

PAGE 16 | MAY 22 - 28 , 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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