Falls Church News-Press 6-10-2021

June 10 – 16, 2021

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FOU N D E D 1991 • VOL. XXXI NO. 17

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Wave of New Faces Look To Join F.C. School Board No Incumbents Seeking Reelection This Fall

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Not a single incumbent member of the Falls Church School Board either sought or qualified for reelection on the November 2021 ballot, it was disclosed after the deadline to qualify passed this Tuesday.

On the other hand, a whopping nine candidates were certified to compete for the four (out of seven) seats being contested this November.

Meanwhile, three of the four incumbents have qualified to seek re-election to the Falls Church City Council.

Tuesday was a big day for elections in the City of Falls Church.

Not only was it election day for the Democrats in their primary for the three statewide offices (see further on), but it was also the deadline to qualify for the November ballot for citizens seeking election to the four seats on the Falls Church City

Council and four seats on the School Board.

With the contentious issues that roiled the Falls Church community in the past year — including the School Board’s decision to change the names of two of its five public schools and the unhappiness by some over the execution of Covid19 pandemic mitigation policies in the schools — one of the largest fields in recent decades for both the City Council and School Board have qualified for the ballot, according to the City’s Voter Registrar David Bjerke, who issued a final list of certified candidates yesterday morning.

Of those who qualified to run for City Council, three incumbents have been certified: Vice Mayor Marybeth Connelly, the longestrunning incumbent (serving since 1994) David Snyder and Debbie

Continued on Page 5

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LOCAL DEVELOPER Bob Young (left) wanted the newest mural adorning his shopping center along E. Fairfax Street to pay homage to two late Falls Church icons — civic activist Barb Cram (right) and Councilmember Dan Sze. Cram died last June, while Sze died last July. See the story about the mural on Page 3. (C������� P����)

F.C. Chamber Pens Letter Advocating for Development at West Falls Metro Site

BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

At its virtual meeting this Tuesday, the board of directors of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce formally signed off on a letter to the Fairfax County Planning Commission in advance of its meet-

ing next Tuesday. The letter, sent over the signature of Falls Church Executive Director Sally Cole, expressed the Chamber’s strong support for an amendment to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan to permit mixed use development at WMATA’s West Falls Church Metro station site.

The plans for the 23-acre site and its neighboring Virginia Tech site, developed by the same development teams heading the City of Falls Church’s ambitious 10-acre site where the old George Mason High School has just been demolished, is intended to extend the Falls Church development through neighbor-

ing property held by Virginia Tech and WMATA. The combination of the three sites encompasses over 40 acres and represents one of the bigger integrated regional developments in the area, potentially bigger than the Mosaic development in Merrifield.

Its full build out would render the word “transformational” inadequate.

It would completely redefine the wider area that encompasses a significant portion of the City of Falls Church’s west end, delivering a revenue stream for the City that would enable its tax burden on property owners here to shrink substantially.

In fact, as Andrew Painter of the Chamber’s legislative committee told the board meeting Tuesday, the

Continued on Page 4

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While driving up and down on Lee Highway, you may not have noticed Luzmary’s Bolivian restaurant, but once inside, it’s not soon to be forgotten. The restaurant prides itself on authentic Bolivian cuisine, including salteñas and even cow tongue.

SEE STORY, PAGE 2

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The Mustangs football team had one of their winningest seasons in recent history during the Covid-altered “fall” season this spring, ending the shortened season with a 4-2 record and being declared co-champions of the Northwestern District as well.

SEE STORY, PAGE 19

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“Educated” and “wealthy” probably come to mind when thinking about the people of Falls Church, while “funny”...not so much. But don’t tell local improv comics Lauren Morrell and Peter Narby that, as they found the Little City to be the perfect setting for their podcast.

SEE STORY, PAGE 14

INDEX

Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment ................................ 7,12,13 News & Notes................................... 10 Crime Report .................................... 12 Business News ................................. 15 Calendar .....................................16-17 Classified Ads ................................... 20 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 21 Critter Corner.................................... 22

PAGE 2 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

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Cow Tongue & Calamari All Found At Luzmary’s Bolivian Restaurant

by Patricia Leslie

Falls Church News-Press

While driving up and down on Lee Highway, you may not have noticed Luzmary’s Bolivian restaurant, but once inside, it’s not soon to be forgotten.

The exterior of the building belies its interior which is much larger than a new customer might expect, with a big eating area inside and out, and a bar.

The restaurant prides itself on authentic Bolivian cuisine, including salteñas and cow tongue.

It is not your standard American fare, but Luzmary’s is not your standard American restaurant. For my editor (!), I had to try la lengua de vaca, or cow’s tongue The entree at Luzmary’s comes with rice, two kinds of potatoes simmered with chicken in a spicy sauce (picante mixto, $14.99) or with breaded steak, similar ingredients and tomatoes and onions (falso mixto, $14.99) and, lastly, the solo tongue (picante de lengua, $14.50).

The tongue I ordered looked like a cow’s tongue, was the size of a cow’s tongue (big!) and had the coloring similar to my imagination of a cow’s tongue.

The taste was a tender tofu, rather bland and chewy, a mite damp, like the cow had just sipped a beverage. I thought I would impress my colleagues with my menu

choice at Luzmary’s, but I failed: They had already eaten it! (My world is small.)

During the middle of the day, Luzmary’s bustled with customers and an attentive staff. Marisol Gonzales is the owner/manager who took time to chat with me about her restaurant.

She laughed at the tricks Bolivians sometimes play on their American friends at Luzmary’s.

Most Americans shun the prospect of eating tongue, so their Bolivian friends order it secretly for them. “After the Americans eat it, they say ‘it’s delicious,’” she chuckled, “and their friends then tell them what it is.”

Luzmary’s has much more to offer on its menu besides tongue. The salteña, a Bolivian specialty, is a delectably-baked turnover of vegetables, potatoes (Bolivia grows more than 200 kinds) peas, chicken or beef ($2.75) or plain vegetables ($2.98).

Many Bolivians eat salteñas with coffee. They are delicious, nutritious and an incredibly cheap lunch.

Another bestseller at Luzmary’s is the pique macho with slices of steak and a beef hot dog over fried potatoes, garnished with onions, tomatoes, jalapeños and boiled egg ($15.99). It’s similar to the silpancho, a thinly-breaded steak served with rice, fried potatoes, two eggs, onions, tomatoes and optional jalapeños (which is what I ordered). The platter was so large it lasted

COW TONGUE is a traditional Bolivian dish that most customers tend to shy away from, but end up loving once they get a taste. (Photo: Patricia Leslie)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

MARISOL GONZALES (right) and her mother Luzmila Ampuero. The restaurant’s name is a combination of their first names and stresses the value Marisol places on heritage and family. (Photo: Patricia Leslie) me three days and was every bit as tasty as it sounds ($14.99).

A menu choice I found irresistible was the fried calamari ($11.99) which was as zestful as any I have eaten: crispy and cooked just right — although I can’t think of any “bad” calamari I’ve ever had.

Not to miss is the magnificent “humintas,” which is listed as an appetizer, but its sweet taste made me think more of a dessert. It’s something like your grandma’s cornbread, but better; a rich dewy delicacy you eat with your hands, similar to corn bread pudding (with fresh corn, of course!), but with a little bit of undetectable cheese and you hold it with a corn husk wrap ($2.49).

To satisfy customers’ sweet teeth, Luzmary’s has a few desserts which it “imports” from a local supplier.

“Bolivians don’t eat that many desserts because the platters are so big,” Gonzales explained. One community hit is the flan: “Some of our neighbors come early in the morning to get it for their coffee.”

Luzmary’s serves a Bolivian drink of peach juice, cinnamon, cloves, and “lots of sugar,” Gonzales said. Since I am used to sugarless tea (and have to watch calories), it was a bit too sweet for me. Being a beer drinker, though, I was eager to try the Bolivian craft, but my stomach was about to explode, so I decided to halt my intake while still conscious.

The eatery also has soups made daily from scratch, which frequently sell out, and to satisfy customer requests it serves Mexican entrees, too. They include chicken, steak, shrimp, fajitas, tortillas, tacos

(beef tongue is an option), rice and beans ($10.99 to $16.99).

The name of the restaurant is a combination of Gonzales’s first name and her mother’s, Luzmila Ampuero, who started the duo on restaurants. After Ampuero arrived in the U.S. several decades ago, she went to work for Burger King and later opened her own restaurant in Falls Church, which she ran for about 15 years until selling it in 2014.

Now, the mom helps her daughter, “a lot, a lot,” Gonzales repeated. Luzmary’s recipes date back to Gonzales’s grandmother in Bolivia.

During the pandemic, Luzmary’s received a government loan and her business thrived. She didn’t need another one.

“Our customers needed to eat, and they kept coming,” she smiled. She praised her landlord for helping her start her business and permitting her customers to park at the adjoining motel which he owns.

Gonzales and her family live in Falls Church, where she graduated from George Mason High School.

Before she opened on Lee Highway, she considered other areas, but “we really like Falls Church City and wanted to stay here,” and so she did. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, more Bolivians live in this region than anywhere else in the U.S. Luzmary’s, 7151 Lee Highway, Falls Church 22046. Order online, curbside and onsite with indoor and outdoor dining. 703-533-1105. Open daily at 8 a.m.

– 6 p.m., Monday; 9 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday; 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday; and 9 p.m., Sunday.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 3

2 Local Artists Paint Vivid New Murals Depicting Life in The Little City

BY NICK GATZ

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Falls Church City has added a creative flair while honoring key influential community leaders and paying homage to the Little City’s history and diversity with some new public art. It’s been a long time coming and the community is now seeing an emphasis on a more vibrant city come to life, as arts community leaders here hope it can become among the region’s leaders in creative inspiration.

In two new works of mural art, both artists drew inspiration from the City’s history.

While their previous works have been around for a while in the Washington, D.C. metro area their new ones are within the Falls Church limits and are not to be missed.

The first mural was recently completed on the east wall of the Southgate Shopping Center on East Fairfax St., across from the Falls Church Episcopal. This work was created by artist Bryan King and his assistant Kim Ciccarelli. It gets its title from Maya Angelou’s famous quote, “Be a Rainbow in

“Be a Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud,” is the newest mural painted in the City by local artist Bryan King. (P����: N���-P����) Someone Else’s Cloud.” The work was commissioned by longtime business owner and resident Bob Young.

The mural was conceived by Young and created to memorialize two enormously influential people and thank them for their service and ties to the community — Barb Cram and Dan Sze, consummate civic volunteers. Also included in this work is Danna Lippman, daughter of former vice mayor

and civic activist Hal Lippman.

Danna’s presence is to show the Little City’s inclusion of those in our community with disabilities.

When viewing King’s work, citizens are urged to focus on the imagery of the recently renovated Big Chimneys Park, where a number of adults and children are depicted. The purpose is to show the City’s future population inclusive of far more diversity: to include all races, ethnicities and to

be LGTBQ friendly.

King’s description of his work is that he likes to problem-solve.

He creates his works with a very representative approach and hopes that through this he can give his audience a very interactive piece.

The mural includes a set of balloons which allows the viewer the opportunity to interact with the mural. The intent is to have viewers take pictures while next to the mural. The colors and design

elements were achieved with an emphasis on allowing the mural to flow within the context of the adjacent parking lot and surrounding businesses.

King’s mural is his latest work in the D.C. metro area, as he has spent more than 30 years in the area. More of his work can be seen at his website, artificeinc.com.

The second mural is the cre-

Continued on Page 18

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PAGE 4 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

Fairfax Co. Planning Commission To Meet Tuesday About Fate of Metro Site

Continued from Page 1

area subject to the massive redevelopment is not just the 40 acres of the three contiguous sites, but two major sites in the City would also be folded into the mix, the assembled lots owned by Beyer Automotive and the strip malls owned by Federal Realty, to constitute another 20 acres and bring the overall development to a whopping 60 acres.

While the prospect of the megaproject is viewed very favorably by the Falls Church Chamber, according to the letter OK’d by its board to be sent this week, the matter has been much more controversial in Fairfax County.

Public hearings held by a task force established by County Supervisor John Foust drew a lot of angst from neighbors to the WMATA and Virginia Tech sites, worried about impacts new development could have on traffic and density.

Concerns and objections will undoubtedly be expressed at next

Tuesday’s Planning Commission vote where, in particular, the opinions of Foust will hold considerable sway.

Following the county Planning Commission’s recommendation next Tuesday, the matter will come before the county Board of Supervisors for decisive action that is now set for Thursday, July 1.

In addition to the Falls Church Chamber, groups supporting the measure include the Coalition for Smart Growth, which held a seminar of the project and supports it for the new emphasis it places on public transit, namely the West Falls Church Metro station there.

Its ridership has plummeted since the opening of the Silver Line has temporarily bypassed it.

The projected mixed-use density on the WMATA site, according to plans developed by EYA, Hoffman and Rushmark (familiar names to Falls Church), is a less than 1.0 FAR (floor-to-area ratio, a standard measure of density), compared to the still modest 2.5

FAR projected for the Virginia Tech land and City’s 10 acre site.

The Fairfax County comprehensive plan amendment would permit up to 1,004,000 square feet of mixed use residential, office and retail uses on the WMATA property and 817,000 square feet of residential, office, institutional and retail uses on the Virginia Tech site.

According to the Chamber letter, “The plan offers an exceptional opportunity for this area of Fairfax County and, by extension, the greater Falls Church area, to attract new investment and residents and evolve as a component of a larger, approximately 40-acre vibrant, walkable, urban educational and residential interjurisdictional neighborhood.”

It adds, “The plan includes placemaking, open space, environmental and affordable housing recommendations.”

Further, it states, “Additional commercial and residential density on the WMATA and Virginia Tech sites is critical to improving

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Metrorail ridership at the West Falls Church Metrorail station, which has seen a staggering 74 percent drop in ridership since the 2014 opening of the Silver Line.

Introducing new uses at the station is paramount to capitalizing on the tremendous public investment Northern Virginia has made in the Metrorail system.”

The letter adds, “The Plan Amendment’s traffic study (which has been thoroughly reviewed by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and the Virginia

Department of Transportation) has demonstrated that, if the Plan Amendment’s land use and transportation goals are realized, will result in improved connectivity and improvements to the surrounding road network.”

Finally, the letter states that the Falls Church Chamber “believes the proposed Plan Amendment, if adopted, will offer a vibrant urban experience, deliver new retail and highly-demanded housing, and provide a sustainable future for greater Falls Church.”

Status Update on Monday, June 7 City of Falls Church Date

Doses Administered

Monday, June 7

16,201

Vaccine Data At Least One Dose

Fully Vaccinated

9,134

7,524

(62.5% of population)

(51.5% of population)

End of May

15,516

9,813

End of April

11,339

data not captured

4,419

End of March

6,185

data not captured

2,151

End of February

3,237

data not captured

1,144

End of January

1,077

data not captured

95

(61% of population)

7,033

(48.1% of population)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 5

9 Contenders Vying for 4 Open Seats on School Board Later This Year

Continued from Page 1

Schantz-Hiscott, who was appointed by the Council last fall to fill the unexpired term of the late Daniel X. Sze, who passed away unexpectedly last summer. The fourth incumbent, first-term Councilman Ross Litkenhous, chose not to seek re-election this year.

But not to worry, there are three alternatives who have qualified to fill that seat: Stuart Whitaker, who ran unsuccessfully in 2019, Caroline Lian and Scott Diaz.

The field competing for the four seats on the School Board is even more wide open, as not a single incumbent filed to seek re-election to that body. Dropping away as of the end of 2021 will be immediate former chairs Shannon Litton (current chair) and Greg Anderson, as well as recent appointees to fill vacated slots on the board, Sonia Ruiz-Bolanos and Edwin Henderson.

So there are nine, count ‘em, contenders who will be competing for the four open seats in the fall election, which will culminate on Election Day on Nov. 2.

F.C.’S SCHOOL BOARD ended its last meeting of the academic year by honoring student representative Elizabeth Snyder for her contributions. (P����: FCCPS P����/K������ M������) Listed in the document provided by the Registrar’s office, they are Ilya Shapiro, Lori Silverman, Adam Riedel, Jerrod Anderson, Courtney Mooney, David Ortiz, Kathleen Tysse, Tate Gould and Jennifer

Halvaksz.

None of these candidates have sought election to any public office in Falls Church before, though some sought unsuccessfully to win appointments to two open School

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Board seats in the past months..

From public onsite sources, it is learned that Shapiro is a senior fellow in Constitutional studies at the Cato Institute, Lori Silverman is a mother of two and a self-

employed consultant, Adam Riedel works for Arlington County in its Environmental Management office, Jerrod Anderson is a statistician at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Courtney Mooney headed a return-to-school parent group in the City, David Ortiz is deputy director for the federal Office of Electric Reliability, Kathleen Tysse is a member of the Mary Riley Styles Library Foundation board, Tate Gould is a former deputy director for technical assistance at the U.S. Department of Education, and Jennifer Halvakez is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy.

Finally, there were no additional candidates who filed to run for the three Constitutional Officer positions on the ballot in November.

That leaves the incumbents in Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton, Treasurer Jody Acosta and Sheriff Met Cay to all run opposed later this year.

Voter turnout in the City of Falls Church was what Voter Registrar David Bjerke called a “solid num-

Continued on Page 22

PAGE 6 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 

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E D I TO R I A L

F.C. School Year’s Grade: A Hearty A+

As this week marks the end of the school year for the Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS), it will be remembered as probably the most challenging and exhausting in the system’s history. Incredible pressures were put on the system by the combination of the Covid-19 pandemic and the national arousal, triggered by the murder of George Floyd a year ago, of a new, passionate intolerance for racism in our national culture including among thoughtful young people of public school age.

For so many students in the Falls Church school system, their strong reaction against institutional racism and injustice had been the focus of the strong principles underlying the International Baccalaureate (IB) program that was launched here decades ago and more recently had been expanded to cover the entire K-12 curriculum. Issues of justice, fairness and character are embedded in the IB culture spread throughout the Falls Church school system. So it was heartening to see the biggest spontaneous march in the history of our Little City to protest racism and injustice last summer led by students from George Mason High School. (A replication of that march is scheduled for today at 3 p.m.)

That march, led by our students who drew thousands of City residents with them, inspired a new level of commitment to equality in Falls Church that quickly called out the fact that two of the City’s public schools were named for historical figures that, in fact, owned and brutally dispatched fellow human beings as slaves. George Mason and Thomas Jefferson, the historical record could not dispute, were owners of many Black persons who came into their possession as victims of the murderous slave trade.

It was not out of weakness, but out of the greatest expressions of moral strength that Falls Church’s school system leadership responded positively to appeals for changing the names of those schools, against enormous opposition from those favoring perpetuating local traditions over a higher calling of moral suasion. Doing the morally right thing is never subject to determination by a popular majority and it took uncommon fortitude for the Falls Church schools’ leadership to press ahead under very adverse circumstances last fall, and its courageous resolve was not diminished. Lengthy deliberations and public input led to near-unanimous votes by the School Board were taken to implement the name changes, to Meridian and Oak Street School, that will now go into effect on July 1.

Similarly, the system’s leadership, the School Board and its employee, a sturdy and wise Superintendent Peter Noonan, did not kowtow this year to pressure brought by some parents to violate the public health guidance they were provided. They remained steadfast in their commitment to putting public health at the forefront of their pandemic mitigation policies on behalf of the students and staff under their care.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Don’t Accept A Low Bar For Falls Church City Students Editor, In response to Juile Lockwood’s letter in the May 20 edition, we also have an “Open Falls Church Schools” sign in our yard. We feel compelled to convey the reality that has been glossed over in this paper and by our city’s leaders.

FCCPS schools have not been and are not open “full time,” despite the accolades and glowing stories about our children’s return to FCCPS. Wednesdays remained “asynchronous” days for our middle and high schoolers (meaning: students work independently without teacher instruction) with most students back at home, maybe with a few assignments they knock out in an hour or so, isolated in their bedroom, then it’s out the door and away from any school work for the rest of the day. One-fifth of their educational opportunity, squandered every week.

While we’ve been told we’ll open five days a week in the fall, the fact is Superintendent Noonan and our school board have walked back from previous plans to open multiple times.

We will continue to advocate for our children and the students in FCCPS. While private schools in and around Falls Church and even some public schools around the country successfully remained open

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We Can Still Rename High School After The Late John Warner

Editor, It’s not too late to rename our high school after a truly distinguished Virginia statesman, recently deceased: Senator John W. Warner.

He was a Sailor, then a Marine, a Secretary of the Navy, Commissioner of the American Bicentennial and Senator. His accomplishments for our Commonwealth are too numerous to mention. Let’s give him this important honor from the City!

Charles D. Connor, Falls Church

[ LETTERS ]

Got Beef?

Send us a letter and let us know what you think.

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throughout the pandemic, our children suffered through over a year of “virtual learning,” which adversely affected our students’ quality and quantity of education, extracurricular activities, and social development. It can never be replaced.

The result? Generational education, social, and mental crises which deserve much more acknowledgement and attention. It didn’t have to be this way.

Regarding FCCPS being open more days a week than neighboring school districts? Comparing our 80 percent re-opening to dismal efforts in Arlington and Fairfax is just lowering the bar for everyone.

We should strive for excellence rather than mediocrity. Our students deserved better over the past year.

They also deserve better moving forward, something I’m sure we can all agree on.

Matt & Lora Ries Falls Church

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JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� �� ‘Summer Concerts in the Park’ Returns for 29th Year B� G����� T�����

For 29 years, the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) has sponsored the annual Summer Concerts in Cherry Hill Park. Bands use the 19th century barn for a stage and the audience spreads out in the park. The first concert of 2021 premiers next Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m., and concerts continue each Thursday through July 29. Covid restrictions for outdoor events are no longer in place so reservations are not required.

Performances are free and open to all ages.

While VPIS hosted outdoor concerts early on, the modern edition of concerts in Cherry Hill Park was established in 1993 as an idea championed by former prominent Falls Church citizen and VPIS board member Dave Eckert. He wrote that the goals of the concerts were to “encourage the use of Cherry Hill Park for live cultural presentations, to financially support and stimulate local musicianship, and to improve the cultural climate of Falls Church.”

Concerts are held outdoors in the park unless there is rain, in which case they are moved inside the Falls Church Community Center. Mr. Eckert once recollected that the one of first concert series had to be moved indoors each week due to rain and Eckert questioned their viability. But the weather generally cooperated in later years and a Falls Church tradition was established.

When Dave and his wife Annette Mills left Falls Church in 2006, I volunteered to

continue production of the series.

To date there have been 172 concerts in the series. Falls Church Concert Band has performed 25 times while Andrew Acosta has appeared for 23 performances.

Concerts are staffed by Scarlett Williams from Recreation and Parks Department

“Through the years, VPIS’ concerts have featured a variety of bands. One of the founding principles of the concerts is that bands should have a local connection.” and VPIS members Melissa Teates, Alison Miller, Mike Volpe, Keith Thurston, Jon Hundley and Bonnie Murphy. Devin Divecha runs the sound board.

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted the 2020 schedule, but VPIS still hosted a concert, virtually, with Moonshine Society performing in a local basement. You can still view that concert on the VPIS website (vpis.org).

The Falls Church Village Preservation

and Improvement Society was established in 1885. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, village improvement societies were established in the northeast and midwest seeking to beautify, preserve and upgrade their towns and cities. Falls Church VPIS’s mission is to preserve our environment, protect our historic architecture and landmarks, encourage appropriate development of the city, and promote cultural activities. Amongst these efforts are this concert series, spring and fall street tree purchases and plantings, biennial recognition of exceptional architectural improvements, support for arts organizations in the city, and patriotic readings of the Declaration of Independence and founding documents on July 4 in City Hall.

Through the years, VPIS’ concerts have featured a variety of bands. One of the founding principles of the concerts is that bands should have a local connection.

Live music is a feature in Falls Church with other events and venues including the annual Memorial Day Parade, Fall Festival and Taste of Falls Church, and the Tinner Hill Music Festival (formerly Tinner Hill Blues Festival), also established in part

by Mr. Eckert, which has grown into a regional event sponsored by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and produced by Tori McKinney.

Attendance at the summer concerts can run from 100 to 400 people depending on the band and the weather. As in previous years, the Victorian Society is expected

to sell ice cream, and VPIS will have cold water, soda, and juice boxes on-hand for purchase.

This year’s concerts feature some great local musicians. The Falls Church Concert band kicks things off on June 17. They are followed by rock band Nomad (a frequent guest at Falls Church Distillers). Then on July 1, recent WAMMIE award winner alternative rock band Flowerbomb performs featuring local singer Rachel Kline.

This is followed by an outdoor performance by Moonshine Society which was recently recognized as the top band in Northern Virginia magazine. Next, Falls Church native and favorite Andrew Acosta returns with American roots music. Then, funk saxophonist Lil’ Maceo makes his Cherry Hill debut. The concerts wrap up on July 29 with rock and blues band Big Tow, who frequently perform at Clare and Don’s.

Visit vpis.org for more information about the Village Preservation and Improvement Society and to view this summer’s concert schedule: • June 17 — Falls Church Concert Band • June 24 — Nomad (classic rock) • July 1 — Flowerbomb (alternative rock) • July 8 — Moonshine Society (blues) • July 15 — Andrew Acosta (roots) • July 22 — Lil’ Maceo (funk) • July 29 — Big Tow (rock and blues) Gordon Theisz produces the summer concert series for VPIS and is a Falls Church citizen and local family doctor.

Q������� �� ��� W��� With all restrictions & lockdowns being dropped, do you anticipate a wave of celebration locally?

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PAGE 8 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

LO CA L Help the Village Society support our programs including the Neighborhood Tree Program and the Concerts in the Park.

We are holding an “Enjoy the Shade” Falls Church – Tree City USA t-shirt fundraiser and we hope to see you wear it this summer at the Concerts in the Park!

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NEWS BRIEFS F.C. to Get $18 Million In Federal Relief Funds Yesterday, the news presented to the Falls Church City Council earlier this week was confirmed: the Little City is coming in for an extraordinary infusion of $18 million in federal aid dollars to help its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. That’s a lot of money for a city with an annual operating budget just over $100 million.

According to Council member Phil Duncan the estimate was confirmed based on federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds already dispatched to the Commonwealth of Virginia intended to be passed through to localities, indicating that $15,165,380 in those funds are destined for Falls Church, in two equal tranches over two years. That is in addition to $2.89 million the City will get in federal CARES Act dollars, also coming in two tranches.

“This is a staggering amount of money,” said Council member Ross Litkenhous Monday, by comparison with the City’s annual operating budget. “It presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to provide relief from families ravaged by the impact of the pandemic and also to shore up the City’s infrastructure that was weakened by the effect of the 14-month hiatus the pandemic caused.

“Our challenge will be to provide recurring value to our citizens,” added Council member Letty Hardi. “It will have a transformational impact.”

City officials are now studying the 151 pages of federal guidance on how the relief funds can be spent. The ARPA funds will come to the City based on a request from the City that will need to be debated with public hearings later in the summer, Deputy City Manager Cindy Mester said.

Live Concerts in Park To Resume June 17 Beginning June 17, the resumption of free in-person Concerts in the Park at Falls Church’s Cherry Hill Park will resume after a one-year pandemic hiatus.

Each week from June 17 – July 29, live music from local bands and musicians will be presented Thursday night at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs and a picnic dinner.

No advanced registration is required. In case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved inside the Community Center at 223 Little Falls Street.

The 2021 Concert Line-up: June 17: Falls Church Concert Band (Instrumental), June 24: Nomad (Classic Rock), July 1: Flowerbomb (Alternative Rock), July 8:

Moonshine Society (Blues), July 15: Andrew Acosta (Roots), July 22: Lil’ Maceo (Funk), July 29: Big Tow (Rock and Blues).

The concerts are co-sponsored by the F.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and the Village Improvement and Preservation Society.

Beyer Advocates For Fusion Energy “The existential threat of the climate emergency poses perhaps the greatest danger to human health and prosperity we have ever faced,” writes U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. in the current June 2021 issue of Scientific American magazine. He goes on to propose Congress fund a major increase in resources to achieve nuclear fusion energy in his article, “It’s Time for Congress to Support Fusion Energy.” The article’s subtitle is, “Fusion devices for clean, safe, and affordable electricity and industrial heat are making advances and need a push.”

Beyer, who represents the 8th District of Virginia that includes the City of Falls Church, explains the energy problem society faces in his article by saying, “Even with current growth in renewable energy development, a significant portion of future energy is projected to be supplied by greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuels. World energy production is expected to double by 2050, and most electricity is generated from these fuels.

This is a major problem as we try to stave off the worst effects of climate change, and the problem is unlikely to go away any time soon.”

He presents fusion energy as a solution, writing,”But there is a technological solution on the horizon that has the potential to permanently solve this energy problem, give us a powerful weapon against the climate emergency and unlock unimaginable economic potential. This technology is fusion energy.

And once commercialized, it could provide vast amounts of zero-carbon energy at low costs,” and contends, “The U.S. Congress needs to get behind this approach.”

F.C. Seeks Applicants For Arts Funding Falls Church City Hall announced this week that it is welcoming applications for eligible non-profit organizations that support the arts, culture, theater, and history based within the City of Falls Church. The application deadline is July 21 and funds must be utilized before May 16, 2022.

Applications may be submitted for project grants or operations support grants and may request up to $5,000 in project grants with a total of up to $20,000 available.

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Mason High Grad Celebration Thanks Generous Donors The George Mason PTSA and All Night Grad Celebration (ANGC) committee wanted to thank the business sponsors, in particular Bob Young of The Young Group and Tori McKinney of Rock Star Realty, for their generosity in making the All Night Grad a reality for the class of 2021. The committee also wanted to thank the State Theatre and Clare & Don’s Beach Shack for the use of their outdoor space to facilitate a Covid-safe event for the seniors.

Additional business donors include: Advantage Trainers & Gym, Carmel Steindam Graphic Design, Coupard Architects & Builders, Falls Church-Annandale Lions Club, Falls Church Education Foundation, Falls Church Jazzercise, Family Medicine in Falls Church, Drs. Love and Miller, Dr. David Matney, DDS, Ballston Dental Care, Original Pancake House, Pelton/ Tax Family, and Treena Rinaldi, Korte Realty.

New Sports Training Center Opens in Bailey’s X-Roads The recently opened Capital City Sports Academy (3431 Carlin Springs Rd. Suite E, Falls Church) is a sports training center dedicated to helping local high school athletes in sports like football, basketball, soccer and baseball go on to play for Division I programs.

Capital City Sports Academy offers speed, strength, agility and power training for athletes across

every sport in age groups ranging from youth to college.

They also deliver effective adult fitness training through unique bootcamp classes and individualized personal training. The facility offers position-specific “football academies” that feature specialized coaching and drill work from its staff of former collegiate athletes, some of which also coach at the high school level around the Washington, D.C. region.

For football, Capital City Sports Academy offers sessions for offensive and defensive linemen, defensive backs, wide receivers, linebackers, running backs and tight ends.

2nd Annual Unity March Set For June 10 The regional Students Aligned for Equity club is sponsoring a second annual Unity March on the last day of school, Thursday, June 10 at 3 p.m, and will start at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church).

The march is a place where citizens of all backgrounds can come together to help uplift the voices of minorities.

This family-friendly event is organized by students in the George Mason High School chapter of the regional club, and they welcome the community to join in.

F.C. Elementary PTA Provides School Supplies Until July 13 The FCEPTA presents its annual Sprout School Supply sale now through Tuesday, July 13. Save time

THE PUBLIC FUNERAL for Barb Cram was held on June 2, exactly a year after she passed away.

At the Falls Church Arts Gallery afterward, where Cram was a board member (one of her many civic passions), husband Steve (center, black suit) was surrounded by his family throughout the reception. (P����: C������� S���� V�� S����) and money driving from store to store and “go green” by ordering next year’s school supplies online.

The supply kit includes the exact teacher-requested supplies and ships directly to your student’s school before the first day of class. Visit fcepta.org for ordering details, and check this one off your list.

F.C. Dean’s List Recipients From William & Mary The following students made the Dean’s list at the College of William & Mary for the Spring semester. To make the list, students had to maintain a 3.6 grade-point average. All

the students are from Falls Church.

Miguel Abradu-Otoo; Andrea Alvarado Mendoza; Grace Bir; Elizabeth Brown; Emma Bury; Holly Caboti-Jones; Anjuli Cerda; Jin Hwi Cho; Sarah Chopko; Natalia Critchley; Ciara Curtin; Abel Daniel; Joanna Di Scipio; Jackson Dillard; Elizabeth Do; Olivia Even-Vaca; Katherine Fernandez Villalba; Cassidy Gersten; Abigail Greene; John Griffin; Lydia Grund; Miles Heffernan; Selwyn Heminway; Emma Hill; Benjamin Hotchner; Mikayla Huffman; Katherine Kelly; Aaron Klein; Derin Kokuuslu; Mattie Lambert;

Michael Li; Margaret Lister; Ally Liu; Sonya Lu; Vanessa Ma; Alexandra Maceo; Caitlin McKee; Margaret McLaughlin; Isabella Miranda; Bibiana Mirones; Jose Morales; Rachel Nguyen; Emily O’Keefe; Kennan Okada; Caroline Olson; Kimberly Pham; Sophie Pittaluga; Ramisa Rahman; Holitiana Raparaoelina; Alyson Reynolds; Ameer Rezazad; Kiana Rodriguez; Aiden Sanders; Adriana Shi; Riley Smith; Sydney Smith; Aaron Stone; Alexander Toyryla; Lydia Troup; Norsang Tseten; Samuel Updike; Avi Urbach; Nelson Villegas; Kathryn Webb and Annemarie Zheng.

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LO CA L

JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 11

After a Year Apart, Mason Seniors Celebrate Graduation Together

2021 GRADUATES of George Mason High School celebrated their academic accomplishments with friends, family and guest speakers; the Jazz Ensemble provided music for the occasion as graduates particiapted in the ceremonial tossing of the caps (Photos: Carol Sly and Carol Reitinger)

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PAGE 12 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Destruction of Property, W Broad St, May 31, 3 AM, unknown suspect slashed the tires on multiple vehicles. Investigation continues.

Trespass, S Maple Ave, June 1, 1:13 PM, a White male, 59, of the City of Falls Church, VA, was issued a summons for trespass.

Larceny from Building, E Columbia St, between 9 PM, May

Commercial Burglary, S Washington St, June 2, 6 AM, two suspects shattered a front door and took items of value.

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pedestrians. Traffic engineers use a three “E” approach for roadway analysis – engineering, education, and enforcement. Roads are engineered for safety and movement, so things like topography, sight distance, turning radius, etc. are considered, whether in an urban or suburban environment. Education — how to use the road, speed limits, traffic signals, all those items found in the drivers’ manual — is important for anyone who uses the road, driver, cyclist, scooter, or pedestrian.

Finally, enforcement is an important tool, especially when education doesn’t work!

Pedestrian/vehicle crashes almost always are avoidable. Some of the recent fatalities were the result of pedestrians being outside the crosswalk, or crossing against the signal. When walking, please cross at marked intersections, wear light-colored clothing or something reflective at night, and always look both ways, and then look again, when attempting to cross a busy roadway, signalized or not. Drivers need to be aware of any pedestrians or cyclists nearby, and be prepared to yield or stop to avoid a collision. A split-second reaction can be the difference between a good day and a disastrous one, for all involved.

Longtime Mason District resident Mike Cook ran 38 marathons, but a knee injury forced him to cross-train, and soon he was cycling the 15 miles back and forth to his EPA office every day. He became a serious contender in more than 200 triathlons, and competed in the 2000 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

After retirement, Mike continued his bike riding until shortly before his death, from pancreatic cancer, on May 27. He had just celebrated his 79th birthday. Mike had an outstanding Foreign Service and EPA career, but considered his greatest accomplishment to be his marriage to Le Thi Kim Oanh, and their family. Together, Mike and Kim established the Vietnamese Resettlement Association, a non-profit that has helped thousands of refugees adapt and adjust to their adopted home. Truly a hero in anyone’s book..

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It was a bad week for cyclists and pedestrians in Fairfax County; in fact, it’s been a bad year for them. Sadly, 2021 is on a path to be the deadliest year for county pedestrians. Earlier this week, the county recorded its seventh pedestrian fatality, this time in Annandale. An unidentified man was struck as he crossed Maple Place at night, outside of a crosswalk.

The man was taken to the hospital, where he died the next day. Two cyclists also were killed in vehicle/cyclist crashes since May 16.

In 2020, 14 pedestrians died in Fairfax County, slightly lower than the 16 victims in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Fortuitously, 2017 was an outlier, as only five pedestrian deaths were recorded. A review of this year’s pedestrian deaths indicates that no district or demographic is immune: On Jan. 27, an 81-year-old woman was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the 7200 block of Lee Highway in the Providence District.

A 71 year-old woman passed away on Feb. 25 from injuries sustained in a Feb. 5 pedestrian accident on Telegraph Road and Jeff Todd Way in the Lee District.

On April 9, a 36-year-old man was killed when crossing Arlington Boulevard near Graham Road. The driver stayed at the scene.

A 77 year-old woman was killed on Little River Turnpike near Backlick Road as she crossed outside of the crosswalk at night on April 26.

On May 16, a hit-and-run driver killed a 43 year-old man in the early morning, on Route 7 in the Great Falls area of Dranesville District. A few days later, a 64 yearold male cyclist was hit and killed in Centreville.

A 54-year-old man was killed while walking across South Kings Highway in the Lee District on June 3.

This was just two hours after a 24 year-old female cyclist died at Telegraph and Franconia Roads, a signalized intersection.

All of the pedestrian/vehicle crashes occurred on multi-lane roads that sustain a lot of traffic, day or night. Following the April 26 crash in Annandale, patrol officers and the motor squad conducted a daytime safety blitz in the area, citing dozens of motorists, mostly for speeding, and a couple of citations or warnings to

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Jan. 6 Capitol Sacking: Putin’s Role (Part 9)

“I don’t know what happened to our culture...I don’t know when we began to celebrate bullies instead of looking out for people who care for other people. When did that happen?” — Former Pres. Barack Obama.

In my weekly national affairs columns over the last 25 years, I have written frequently about this same issue. I often identified it as the national transition from a culture defined by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech in August 1963 to that defined by the famous “Greed is Good” speech by the Gordon Gecco character in the 1987 movie, “Wall Street.”

In the King’s speech, he asserts that “my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS the content of their character.”

By 1987, the mantra had become the opposite. “Content of character” was by then, under the impact of “postmodern” influences, popularly derided and ridiculed as the basis for individual behavior.

President Obama asks, How did that happen? It was the result of a massive assault on our culture that emanated from the enemies of democracy dating back to the early 1970s, a breathtakingly unholy alliance between certain monied interests in the U.S. and West and passionately pro-dictatorial, anti-democratic oligarchies and their thug mafias in the East, specifically including Russia.

Today’s right wing cults in the U.S., including QAnon, the Proud Boys and others, including now the Republican Party writ large, and all others involved in the January 6 sacking of the Capitol and ongoing coup efforts, owe their roots to that period. Specifically, it was when, under the aegis of a new “detente” between Nixon and Soviet Dictator Leonid Brezhnev in the early 1970s, when the U.S. accepted thousands of Russian emigres onto its soil who mostly came to Brighton Beach and were notorious criminals and Russian Mafia thugs.

Important documentation of this period is found in Robert I. Friedman’s “Red Mafiya, How the Russian Mob Has Invaded America” (2000) and more recently in Craig Unger’s “House of Trump, House of Putin, The Untold Story of Donald Trump and the Russian Mafia” (2018). The late Friedman, the friend of a friend of mine, was told by the FBI that as a result of his book, Russian mafia thugs had put a contract on his life. Two years later he was dead at age 51. Friedman’s book is the first one cited in Unger’s.

Working in from the margins of American culture, they flooded the socalled “counterculture” with “sex, drugs and rock and roll” to undermine the serious anti-war, pro-civil rights, including feminist and gay, movements of the 1960s. They trashed the marginal left with violent attacks known as “Mop Up,” humiliated the Democratic presidential efforts in 1972 and 1976, mobilized countless authoritarian cults as rightwing shock troops in that era (including the mass termination of one of their bigger ones that didn’t fit their new paradigm, the Jonestown cult), activated the fundamentalist “religious right” in a big way for the first time, and led America to elect a movie actor for two terms as president with deep rightwing sympathies.

From this evolved the “Greed is Good” mantra by 1987, and dominant American culture continued to be degraded through divide-and-conquer postmodern cultural revamps until the time was ripe for the deployment of Trump, the January 6 riot and the now serious, ongoing push for an anti-democratic coup.

Trump, who was likely a Russian KGB agent of influence since the early 1970s, was first floated as a future U.S. presidential candidate in the summer of 1987 immediately following a trip to Moscow. Not surprisingly, the signal came in a Lyndon LaRouche publication, the Executive Intelligence Review, which wrote of how “the Soviets are reportedly looking a lot more kindly on a possible presidential bid by Donald Trump.”

Six weeks later, Trump took out full page ads in the Boston Globe, Washington Post and New York Times attacking the U.S. for “lacking backbone” in defending Japan.

It wasn’t 2011, it was in 1987 that Moscow began grooming Trump to run for president.

(To be continued).

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JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 13

Nicholas F. Benton

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

Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

“Arlington House is Closed,” read the National Park Service sign for the past three years. No longer.

On June 8, I was treated to a press preview of the newly reopened landmark atop Arlington National Cemetery. The exterior and interiors of the mansion built from 1802-1818 for George Washington Parke Custis to honor George Washington are now spectacularly freshened.

And a panoply of new exhibits broaden what for decades was a dated interpretation of slavery.

A tasteful sign notes that the “rehabilitation” — delayed by the pandemic — was made possible by the $12.35 million gift from history-loving philanthropist David Rubinstein.

Physically, the mansion has been restored to look as it did in 1861 with an incredible “level of detail” demonstrated by artisans who mounted scaffolding and hand-painted the beige “faux marble” decorative masonry, I was told by Charles Cuvelier, the NPS superintendent of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Planners also made a “180 degree switch in the tour orientation.”

Visitors now start in the rear, move through the rooms and exit in front through a new glass door to behold the eight-columned portico and the Washington skyline.

Not to mention modernization of HVAC, electric and water systems, he noted.

Everything, including flooring, fireplaces and the crowded walls of the interior rooms (which I

recall previously as dingy) have been “spruced up a touch,” Cuvelier added.

The famous gardens have been re-manicured, and archaeologists uncovered four intriguing 19thcentury bottles from a storage pit for the enslaved.

But the biggest change is the presentation giving equal play to Custises, Lees and the African Americans “who were part of everyday life” he said. Current plans don’t include docents in 19th- century costume because of a “risk of romanticizing the antebellum period.” The modernized Arlington House offers sound recordings of heritage music and recitations as well as interactive touch screens that pose questions for visitors to personalize.

Those interested in Custis can see his amateurish but welldetailed Revolutionary War battlefield paintings, the center Hallway packed with (reproductions) of his cherished ancestral portraits, and the ground-floor bedroom where Custis and his wife Molly died four years apart in the 1850s.

Lee fans can see the desk and papers in his office (a copy of the Baltimore Sun on a table), with display text dramatizing his “consequential decision” to fight for the South. There’s Union Gen. Winfield’s Scott’s warning that “You have made the greatest mistake of your life.” The lion’s share of the enhanced museum is devoted to Lee, with a lock of his hair, some mane from his horse, his Colt revolver and a nightgown.

The restored quarters once home to enslaved house servants

(their individuality now better documented) reveal the space restrictions (the Gray family of 10 in one 20 x 20 room), with period kitchenware, and a bedroom shared by cook George Clark and valet-gardener Ephraim Derricks.

Powerful and perhaps provocative is the video of living descendants of the Syphax and Parks enslaved families (including Arlington’s own Craig Custis Syphax), who testify to the need for the new rebalancing of the narrative. The Syphax family belief — based on good circumstantial evidence — that their enslaved ancestor Marie was fathered by Custis merits a family tree that traces her direct link to Martha Washington.

As one panel puts it, Arlington House, NPS’s most visited site, presents “a complex legacy.” *** Ever seen an electric guitar with changeable parts? The “Phoenix” is being manufactured by the Fern Guitar company run

by Clarendon resident Aaron Maisler.

Eighteen pandemic months in development, the wood instrument “offers multiple pickup and control configurations while still keeping the traditional feel of an electric guitar,” he announced.

“Modules can be swapped in seconds, without the need to disassemble or change strings.”

Maisler is launching an online kick-starter campaign for the unique concept June 15. Early adapters can buy in for $999 before the price rises to $1,200.

The changeable volume and tone controls fit the same fretboard. “Designed in (Upperville) Virginia. Made in the USA.”

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PAGE 14 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

Improv Duo Choose F.C. as the Home Of Their Fictional Cast of Characters

by Matt Delaney

Falls Church News-Press

“Educated,” “wealthy” and “fit” are some of the words that probably come to mind when thinking about the people of Falls Church.

“Funny,” on the other hand...not so much. But don’t tell local improv comics Lauren Morrell and Peter Narby that, as they found the Little City to be the perfect setting for the fictionalized characters at the heart of their zany podcast.

Titled “Interview Hour on 101.3 WKZB,” Morrell and Narby take turns questioning each other, with one doing their best NPR host voice while the other has to learn about their character on-thefly right as they’re introduced.

The project is a continuation of the improv roots both cultivated together. The duo met while at a Washington Improv Theater class back in 2016, where they soon became chummy and found chemistry on stage.

Of course, life then got in the way. Narby moved out of Washington, D.C. to New York City for a job and the two had to get creative with how they maintained their improv connection.

That was when the idea of a podcast in interview format came to be.

“We knew we wanted to do an interview show where we could do character work,” Morrell, who lives in Falls Church, said. “We learned long form improv together, which isn’t short form like ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ but instead is more like the Upright Citizens Brigade where you create a scene out of nothing.”

As you might expect, it’s made for some hilarious skits where even the hosts pull a Jimmy Fallon and join in on the laughs.

One example was when Narby interviewed Morrell as Opal O’Keeffe, the great niece of artist Georgia O’Keeffe (through marriage). It’s easy to see why the podcast recorded back in September 2019 stands out as one of their favorites — an eccentrically sad and insecure Opal discusses how, prior to entering the studio for her interview, a passing car chucked a bag of garbage at her that then exploded and was immediately ridiculed for screaming about it.

Morrell came with vivid descriptions of what she had been

tagged with, and it left Narby in tears.

Another standout was when Morrell questioned Narby and his cutting edge occupation as a “prance therapist.” While Morrell commented that she was surprised about the class’s emotional intensity — specifically when Narby’s character had to pause his instruction for an extended period so he could sob uncontrollably in the fetal position — she half-heartedly encouraged everyone to give it a try at the end.

The pair have been going at it since 2018, logging over 150 episodes and rarely missing a week where they record. And they’ve mostly done it without preparation or even tracking what kind of characters they’ve done, staying true to the “wing it” nature of improv.

“We used to, in the beginning, keep a list of occupations that people would have in names so that we never crossed, but then eventually we kind of threw that out the window,” Narby said, adding that some occupations are repeated even if the characters are different.

“We just know that every interview is going to be different, even if it’s about a real estate agent, or, you know, the person who arranges the Christmas trees in the White House, which is one joke that we had once.”

Those characters could range from the more conventional, such as a snowplow truck driver or train operator, to the completely absurd, including “Eek,” a graveyard loving child or a special appearance from Greek goddess Aphrodite around Valentine’s Day. The question likely lingering in all of your minds is one this article started out by challenging — what makes them think Falls Church could serve as the backdrop for this Simpsons-level cast? Sure, the Little City has people who are world travelers and behind-thescenes influencers in our nation’s capitol, but they don’t strike anyone as the oddballs that you’d necessarily want to listen to on a podcast.

It all came down to having an adoration for the city’s homey size.

“Our idea was to be sort of a quirky small town where everybody kind of knows each other, but we were also close enough to D.C. where we could reference some bigger stuff,” Morrell said. “It’s a

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

love letter to Falls Church. I didn’t grow up here, but I grew up near here. And we don’t actually use any real landmarks or people [and] even our street names can be made up. Any overlap is a coincidence.”

The pair said that the only real life location they mention frequently is the Trader Joe’s off Leesburg Pike. Outside of that, if anyone hears about a geodesic dome or haunted house on the pod, they should know it’s purely satirical.

While both would love if their podcast grew to have large-scale acclaim, they’re fine if it doesn’t.

The two are just happy that it’s grown past the point where they don’t know everyone who downloads an episode each week.

And it’s also served as a way of keeping their friendship alive. For instance, Morrell will be officiating Narby’s wedding in the near future, so the podcast has not only fulfilled its purpose, but has even deepened their relationship.

Morrell and Narby look to show the world how well their chops have held up over the past 15 months when when they take the stage of ArtFarm in Annapolis (111 Chinquapin Round Rd #200, Annapolis, MD 21401) on June 26. Until then, you’ll just have to sate your appetite with the podcast.

GOOD FRIENDS Lauren Morrell and Peter Narby (top photo) put their improv comedy skills to good use with a podcast that pays tribute to Falls Church. (Photos: Courtesy Lauren Morrell)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F� � � � C � � � � �

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B������� N��� � N���� The Kensington Falls Church Holds Virtual Dementia Conversations The Kensington Falls Church is hosting Difficult Dementia Conversations virtually on Thursday, June 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Claire Day, Chief Program Officer at the Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association who will share tips to address common issues that are difficult to discuss: going to the doctor for a diagnosis or medical treatment, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans for future care. For more information about this event or to learn about senior living options at The Kensington, visit www.thekensingtonfallschurch.com.

JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 15

Own a rental property and want to make your life simpler? Hire our property management company to take care of the headaches. Full service brokerage handling the leasing and management of rentals, listing and selling of homes.

We take exceptional care of our clients and tenants. We’d love to work with you.

Peake Management Inc. 450 N. Washington Street, Suite M Falls Church, VA 22046 geoff@peakeinc.com 703-448-0212 • peakeinc.com

The Toy Nest Celebrates First Birthday With Egg Hunt & Party

FALLS CHURCH FOOT AND ANKLE CENTER

The Toy Nest is celebrating its first birthday with an egg hunt and a party. Their Golden Egg Hunt will take place June 12 – 19 during which families can hunt for eggs stuffed with Toy Next memberships by visiting participating businesses. On Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Toy Nest is hosting a party at its 98 N. Washington Street location with treats, discounts, raffle prizes, and more. For more information, including a list of the 18 participating businesses, visit The Toy Nest on Instagram.

Advantage Trainers Celebrating 5-Year Anniversary With Specials Advantage Trainers is celebrating its five year anniversary with gym membership and personal training specials. Memberships to the boutique gym are now available for $5 for the first month, with no commitment while personal training for new clients is discounted by 10 percent off the first package for new clients and 10 percent off the next package for new client referrals. Advantage Trainers is following Virginia’s updated mask policy consistent with the CDC guidelines and permitting those who are fully vaccinated to exercise without a mask. For more information, visit www.advantagetrainers.com or stop by the gym at 100 A. E. Fairfax Street in Falls Church.

F.C. Chamber Hosting 1st In-person Luncheon The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first in-person networking luncheon on Tuesday, June 15 at the Italian Café, 7161 Lee Highway. The event, scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

– 1 p.m., will be dedicated to networking, catching up with business contacts and local decision makers, and meeting new ones. Registration is required as space will be limited and attendees are required to select one of three entrees being offered. For more information, visit the calendar at www.FallsChurchChamber.org.

Body Dynamics Inc. To Resume Select In-Person Classes Body Dynamics Inc. has announced that it will resume select in-person classes on Monday, June 14. Classes include Total Gym Total Body Workout, Cardio Dance, Stretch & Roll on Tuesdays, Men’s Strength Training on Wednesdays, Total Gym Total Body Workout, Women’s Stregth Training, Pilates on Total Gym, and Myofascial Stretching on Thursdays, and Cardio Interval Training on Fridays. Masks are required on arrival. To sign up, visit www.bodydynamicsinc.com and use the In-Person tab in Mind Body on the registration system. BDI is located at 410 S. Maple Avenue.

Multiple New Restaurants Now Open in F.C. Tropical Fruit Smoothie Cafe, Lantern House Viet Bistro, and Pupuseria La Familia have opened in Falls Church in recent weeks. Tropical Fruit Smoothies, located in Falls Plaza at 1220 W. Broad Street, offers flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, bowls, and more, as well as smoothies.

Lantern House, in the West End Plaza at 1067 W. Broad Street, serves authentic Vietnamese items including Pho, Banh Mi, specialty noodle dishes, and chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian entrees. Pupuseria, located at 308 S. Washington Street, has a menu of authentic Salvadoran food including deep fried turnovers, enchiladas, tamales, and fajitas, along with sandwiches, soups, and entrees. For more information, visit www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com, www.lanternhouseva.com, and www.pupuserialafamiliar.com.  Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

PODIATRIC MEDICINE & SURGERY

Dr. Paul B. Cannon Dr. Ankita Dharia 104 A East Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone 703-237-1555 www.fcfac.com Falls Church Foot and Ankle Center provides foot care for the entire family including all forms of conservative and surgical care. Commonly treated foot conditions include: Bunions Hammertoes Athletes feet Pediatrics Fractures Workmens Comp Corns/Calluses Ankle Injuries Runners Injuries

Warts Heel Pain Diabetic Evaluations Orthotics Clubfeet Heel Spurs Plantar Fasciitis Achilles Tendon Crush Injuries

Fungal toenails Ingrown toenails Flatfeet Injury/Traumas Bumps/Bruises Neuromas Arthritic Conditions Ankle Instability Tired Feet

Dr. Cannon is actively involved in the Arlington and Falls Church Chambers of Commerce. He is on staff at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and Virginia Hospital Center.

Dr. Cannon, Dr. Dharia and their staff welcome you to their offce and look forward to seeing you soon.

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

Currently accepting new patients

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PAGE 16 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR LOCALEVENTS THURSDAY, JUNE 10 Unity March. The regional Students Aligned for Equity club is sponsoring a second annual Unity March on the last day of school. The march is designed to be a place where citizens of all backgrounds can come together to help uplift the voices of minorities. This event is organized by the George Mason High School chapter of the club.

Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church) 3 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 Falls Church Farmers Market.

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

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls

Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go.

Springs Rd., Arlington). 7 – 8 p.m.

Rock Art. Participants will get the opportunity to collect rocks and crystals from the creek and turn them into works of art. For ages 6 – 10. Registration for children and adults required; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, call 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 4 – 5 p.m.

LIfe Under a Log. Participants will talk with Arlington Parks staff about the kinds of bugs and insects — such as beetles, worms, arthropods and others — that live underneath logs, as well as the functions they serve out in nature. Registration required. Register adults and children by contacting 703228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 11 a.m. – noon.

Crystal Campfire. Families are invited to join Arlington Parks staff at Long Branch Nature Center for a range of activities like stories, animal guests, games, songs and s’mores (bring your own supplies). Registration is required. To register for this event, call 703-228-4747.

Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, JUNE 10 Thursday Evening Book Group (online). The Thursday Evening Book Discussion Groups meet on the second Thursday of

each month. This month’s book is “What You Have Heard Is True: A Memoir of Witness and Resistance” by Carolyn Forche.

All are welcome. This discussion will be held online via Zoom. For a Zoom invite or more information, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov or call 703-248-5035. 7 – 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12 Sing Books with Emily (online).

Interested attendees can join Ms. Emily from Mary Riley Styles Public Library for a morning of stories and songs. This event will be live on the library’s Facebook page (facebook.com/mrspl/live) and is good for kids of all ages.

A recording of the performance will be available until June 19.

11 a.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 14 ESOL

Conversation

Group

(online). Interested participants can practice their English with a weekly ESOL conversation group.

This program meets online via Zoom. To request a Zoom invite, email Marshall Webster at mwebster@fallschurchva.gov. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting (online).

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

The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. The virtual meeting will be held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act,

In celebration of OUR 30th year in business

The Falls Church News-Press is pleased to announce OUR 30th

Anniversary Party!

30

Please mark your calendar for this Thursday, July 29, 2021 Ireland's Four Provinces "4 P's" 105 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046

6pm to 8pm

Special Guest: US Rep DON BEYER

Buy tickets at: fcnp.com/30thanniversaryticket

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the Covid-19 declared emergency. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15 Online Preschool Story Time.

Those who are interested can join the Mary Riley Styles Library staff live on the library’s Facebook page for a virtual fun time of stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 0-5.

Visit facebook.com/mrspl to join in on the activities. 10:30 – 11 a.m.

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, JUNE 10

Owl Windsocks Crafternoon (online). Participants can pick up a Grab and Go Craft Kit from the Mary Riley Styles Public Library and join Ms. Meredith for a conversation about owls, as well as a chance to create an owl windsock.

Grab and Go kits became available via curbside pickup on June 9. The craft video instructions will remain on the library’s Facebook page (facebook.com/mrspl). For information, call 703-248-5034. 3 – 3:30 p.m.

the Great American Songbook.

Signature Theater. $35. Tickets at sigtheatre.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Cathy & Jorge. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack (130 N. Washington St., Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703532-9283.

Courtney King — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 6 p.m.

703-255-1566.

Great Northern: A Tribute to the Grateful Dead with Jamie Daly. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church).

7:30 p.m. 703-237-0300.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 “Always...Patsy Cline.” Based on a true story about the legendary country singer’s unlikely friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, this musical play comes with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation. Audiences will revel in 19 of Patsy’s heartfelt songs including unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” and “Walking After Midnight.” Cherry Hill Park (312 Park

VIRTUAL (ON DEMAND) Ave., Falls Church). 7 p.m. $35. creativecauldron.org.

Midnight at The Never Get (online). Welcome to The Never Get nightclub for this smart and slyly subversive Off-Broadway smash-hit musical. If life is a

JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 17

rehearsal for your memory, what moment would you replay? It is 1965 in New York City and cabaret crooner Trevor is in love — with Arthur, his songwriter.

With their romance outlawed, the two create an act in the back room of an illegal Greenwich Village gay bar. However, pressures from a world on the cusp of change expose an ache for what they could never have in a wistful and whimsical serenade with tunes reminiscent of

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

THEATER&ARTS

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SOL Roots Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.

Salon Series: Intimate Evenings of Song (Virtual Show).

Presented by Wolf Trap. 7 p.m.

703-255-1900.

Josh Allen Duo with Garrett.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

Rock Creek Band. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-858-9186.

The Nighthawks — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m.

703-255-1566.

DANGER BIRD will be at Jammin’ Java Saturday. (Photo: Courtesy Alan Kresse Photography) Cris Jacobs (Acoustic Trio). The

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Danger Bird (Neil Young Tribute) — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna).

7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $29.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

Broke Superstars.

JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703241-9504.

Skinny Wallace Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703241-9504.

Jacob Bennet. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186.

16th & T Band Live and in Concert. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-8589186.

The Soul Crackers. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703237-0300.

Gabe Stillman Show. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703241-9504.

Mitchell Norton. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Grateful Jams — Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls

MONDAY, JUNE 14 Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186.

Graffiti Soundstage. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna).

7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15 Tom Saputo. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2419504.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 Josh Allen & Andy Open Mic. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

The Gravel Road Band. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-2370300.

Malibu Wanderers — Live Rehearsal. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6:30 p.m. 703858-9186.

Calendar Submissions Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 105 N. Virginia Ave., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046

Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.

PAGE 18 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

Police Quarters Stylized With F.C.-Themed Mural Continued from Page 3

ation of David Barr. Barr, a local Falls Church resident, has been creating art for over 20 years. Its in the F.C. Police Department.

His work can be described as nostalgic, blended with modern pop, a style that stands out and leaves viewers wanting more. A member of the Washington Project for the Arts, Falls Church Arts and McLean Project for the Arts. Barr paints with a juxtaposition of texture, color and content.

His use of vibrant colors and space creates a unique experience for all. His works can be viewed on his website, barrart.com.

It was his mural in the outdoor dining area at F.C.’S Dogwood Tavern that caught the attention of F.C. Police Chief Mary Gavin, and she became a driving factor behind his latest work at the Falls Church Police Department.

The Dogwood painting, created in 2018, captures a visual history of Broad Street in Falls Church. The

mural ties together several landmarks over the past century.

With his unique modern style, he was able to bring Falls Church’s history to life with his bright color choices while also paying tribute to several local businesses. The businesses are laid over a map of the area with a star to mark Dogwood’s location on Broad Street.

In this, his latest mural, the City police department wanted to bring many of those same elements which include vivid colors and historical references.

The work is located within the Falls Church City Police Department’s roll call room as it serves to achieve a more inviting environment for the officers in the space.

The department requested the work depict some must-haves, which included the famous ‘86 Volvo once used by FCPD and now fully restored and still used in parades.

Another key element was the Tinner Hill Arch constructed of

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

DAVID BARR’S Latest Mural is a juxtaposition depicting life in the Little City. (Photo: Courtesy David Barr) pink granite, honoring the men and women of Tinner Hill who formed the first rural branch of the NAACP. While they also requested the use of some iconic police badges and symbols, David was left with the task of tying all these images together in addition to using some

iconic staples of the community, including the State Theatre marquee, the old location of Anthony’s Restaurant that was very popular in the community and the water tower circa 1959. It was located next to the State Theatre. It was a focal point during the holidays, decorated

with a giant star on its top. The star is still used today in the City’s New Years Eve “Watch Night” celebrations.

The works of Barr and King are the latest in what many hope to be a series of new creative public works of art in the Little City.

Baseball Carries 3-Win Streak to Playoffs; Girls Soccer Ends on High Note

by Mike Abler

left before a potential postseason run later in the month.

Falls Church News-Press

Baseball Mason’s boys baseball team got two wins in two days, beating Skyline High School 6-4 and then bashing Warren County High School 9-3 in back-to-back days. The Mustangs improved to an 8-3 record with their final game against the winless Central High School in front of their home crowd.

Despite the Falcons’ poor record, Mason still had to eke out a nail-biting 3-2 victory. The win makes the Mustangs Co-District Champions — split the honor because they split the season series with William Monroe High School — and they end their season on a three game tear. Mason will play the 6th seed in the playoffs this Monday and will look to continue their current hot streak.

“This is our fifth game this season where we only won by one run,” Mason head coach Adam Amerine said.

The Mustangs were down 1-0, then they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th. But Central made it interesting by scoring a run off

Girls Lacrosse Mason pummeled Eastern View 24-3 Monday, boosting their record to 8-1 and closed out its season with an eight-game winning streak.

The girls have outscored their opponents 145-9 during the streak.

Boys and Girls Soccer

ANNING SMITH makes a move past a Central High School defender. (Photo: Carol Sly) a walk.

“We were pretty confident that we were going to win,” Amerine said, “We knew we just had to play the game.”

Senior Pitcher Peter Villa is looking forward to the playoffs, especially with the win last night.

“Every time you step out here it’s special,” he said.

The game was also Senior night and Villa pitched a great game even though “The 6th inning got away from me a little

bit, but I was dialed in as I always am,” he said.

When asked about their playoff game’s opponent, Villa said, “We’ll know soon, but for now we’re gonna enjoy the win.”

The start date for the Northwestern District tournament is to be determined.

Softball Unfortunately for Mason’s Softball team, they fell 11-0 to

Warren County on Friday. This dropped the Mustangs to a 2-9 record on the year. Mason ended their season on Tuesday against Central, though results were not publicly available.

Boys Lacrosse Mason’s boys Lacrosse team handed Eastern View a convincing beatdown Friday night. The score was 11-6, and the Mustangs improved to 2-5 with one game

Mason’s boys soccer team pulled off a 6-1 blowout against Warren County on the road, while the girls’ team shut out the Wildcats in front of their home crowd on Friday night.

The boys played again on Monday and Tuesday, winning both games against Manassas Park High School (2-1) and Central (3-0).

The girls, meanwhile, shut out Central on the road Tuesday evening, closing out their regular seasons on a high note.

This seemed to be a theme Tuesday night for a few teams at Mason.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 10 - 16, 2021 | PAGE 19

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY’S REQUEST TO REVISE ITS FUEL FACTOR CASE NO. PUR-2021-00097 •Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has filed its application pursuant to § 56-249.6 of the Code of Virginia seeking to increase its fuel factor from 1.7021 cents per kilowatt hour (“¢/kWh”) to 2.0448¢/kWh, effective for usage on and after July 1, 2021.

•According to Dominion, the total proposed fuel factor would increase the average weighted monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity by $3.43, or approximately 2.9%.

•The State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) will hold a public and evidentiary hearing in this case on June 23, 2021, at 10 a.m.

Further details on the hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

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

On May 13, 2021, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Company” or “Dominion”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) its application (“Application”) pursuant to § 56-249.6 of the Code of Virginia seeking an increase in its fuel factor from 1.7021 cents per kilowatt hour (“¢/kWh”) to 2.0448¢/kWh, effective for usage on and after July 1, 2021.

The Company’s proposed fuel factor, reflected in Fuel Charge Rider A, consists of both current and prior period factors. The Company’s proposed current period factor for Fuel Charge Rider A of 1.9443¢/kWh is designed to recover the Company’s estimated Virginia jurisdictional fuel expenses, including purchased power expenses, of approximately $1.39 billion for the period July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. The Company’s proposed prior period factor for Fuel Charge Rider A of 0.1005¢/kWh is designed to collect approximately $71.6 million, which represents the net of two projected June 30, 2021 fuel balances.

In total, Dominion’s proposed fuel factor represents a 0.3427¢/kWh increase from the fuel factor rate presently in effect of 1.7021¢/kWh, which was approved in Case No. PUR 2020 00031. According to the Company, this proposal would result in an annual fuel revenue increase of approximately $244.1 million between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The total proposed fuel factor would increase the average weighted monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity by $3.43, or approximately 2.9%.

The Commission entered an Order Establishing 2021-2022 Fuel Factor Proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing at 10 a.m. on June 23, 2021, to receive the testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order Establishing 2021-2022 Fuel Factor Proceeding for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

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 Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com.

On or before June 22, 2021, any interested person may file comments on the Application either electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments or by filing such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00097.

On or before June 14, 2021, 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 or at the physical address set forth above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00097. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order Establishing 2021-2022 Fuel Factor Proceeding.

On or before June 14, 2021, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, either electronically at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling or at the physical address set forth above, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified by the Commission’s Order Establishing 2021-2022 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 2021-00097.

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 2021-2022 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 Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order Establishing 2021-2022 Fuel Factor Proceeding, and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

PAGE 20 | JUNE 10 - 16, 2021

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE Special Use Permit application U1623-21 by Lisa Wills, applicant, to allow a daycare use otherwise not permitted by right, on premises known as 128 South Spring Street, RPC #52-203-037 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A (Low Density Residential).

Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for June 17, 2021, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on June 17,2021. Virtual meeting link, agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

ABC NOTICE Borekg LLC., Trading as: Borekg, 315 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine & Beer On & Off Premises/ Keg permit/ Mixed beverages on premises. Dilek Kaygusuz, Authorized Signatory Borekg LLC., the Operating Member of Borekg. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

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KIDS LOVE SCALLIWAG

By Eileen Levy In case of rain, Getting soaked can be a pain.

Have a raincoat near at hand In a drawer.

Use if it starts to pour.

(Rhyme is bad, you wonder why.

Try and read the other guy!)

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Shadowbox 5. Drinks with a straw 9. Flap 12. Desire 13. Publicize 14. Tooth-fixer’s group: abbr.

15. Functions 16. Not deserved 18. Hurled 20. Women’s undergarment 21. “____ Eagles” 23. Word from the crib 27. Student’s mark

30. Cut 32. Jazz instrument 33. Nothing 34. Ordinary language 36. Mr. Linden 37. Take steps 38. Craving 39. Reason’s partner 41. Rider’s command 43. Newspapers and radio 45. 1 + 1 47. Excuses 51. Jam knife 55. Chinese staple

56. Forage grass 57. Alert 58. Detective Nancy ____ 59. Needle aperture 60. House annexes 61. Gambling term DOWN 1. Slam 2. Stylishly elegant 3. Mimic 4. Marketed again 5. Bit 6. Electrified atom

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 84

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

27. Shrub 30. Former soldier 32. Talk wildly 33. United in marriage 34. Largest amount 35. Eight-sided figure 37. Presents 38. Apply henna to 39. Interject 41. Conjunction 42. Whipped 46. Part of CD 49. Fix copy 51. Hatchet 52. Throb painfully

A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PUZZLE NO. 86

ACROSS 1. Nudge 4. Punching tools 8. Grouchy person 12. 21, e.g.

13. Gather 14. Like suntan lotion 15. Off one’s feed 16. Showroom model 17. Not working 18. Diminish 20. Bird that gives a hoot 22. “____ Can Play” 24. Round vegetable

24. Pout 25. Forest filler 26. Barbecue stick 27. Stash away 28. Skin opening 29. Kimono, e.g.

30. Kind of room 34. Bedroom piece 37. Fools 39. Lump

41. Snow White’s pal 44. Bossa ____ 46. Plunge 47. See no ____ 48. Edge line 49. Insect 50. ____-man band 51. Aglow 53. Motel

53. Ceremony 54. Badge material 55. Real-estate document 56. Went rapidly 57. Eye ailment DOWN 1. Slammer 2. Stare rudely 3. Hair tamers 4. Eager 5. Tiny 6. Robber’s run 7. Ladled 8. Wind up 9. Get ____ of 10. Completely

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 85

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

JUNE 10 - 16, 2021 | PAGE 21

PUZZLE NO. 87

22. Drama divisions 23. Go away!

25. Perfect 27. Permissible 29. Lunch hour 30. Fuss: hyph.

31. Pour forth 34. Sacred 37. Produces

STRANGE BREW

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Naught 4. “Green ____ and Ham” 8. Trim 12. Fruit cooler 13. Uh-huh 14. Thought 15. Foolishness 17. Plushy 18. Singing voice 19. Robbery 21. Bambi’s mom, e.g.

23. Perches 27. Misting device 31. Lap 32. Moreover

33. Snow vehicles 35. Hawaiian keepsake 36. Flight path 38. British sport 40. Hoed 42. Building wing 43. Golf clubs 45. Poems 49. ____ tie 52. Optimistic 54. Squadron 55. Parallel 56. Passing through 57. Receives 58. Tall tale 59. Nightmare street

DOWN 1. Grandmother 2. Adored person 3. Advanced, as money 4. Look at 5. Refined 6. Long cut 7. Transparent 8. Revolver 9. Fuss 10. TKO caller 11. Wolf down 16. Cream or baking 20. Dinosaur bone, e.g.

22. Pearl’s place

39. Type of snake 41. Shell dweller 43. Large quantity 44. Parable 45. Stare at 47. Unpaid 50. ____ lodge 52. Pie pan 53. Farm pen

JOHN DEERING

Copyright © 2021, Penny Press

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 86

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

ACROSS 1. Overly curious 5. Contend (with) 9. Car fuel 12. Initial stake 13. Healthy 14. Mouth edge 15. Ring 16. A long way off 17. Verse type 18. Ship’s pole 20. Barked shrilly 22. Fire residue 24. Showy flowers 26. Iced 28. Talks wildly

32. Manner 33. Society miss 35. Coil 36. Damp 38. Pie ____: 3 wds.

40. Wedding routes 42. Presently 43. Taken wrongfully 46. Blemish 48. Loiter 49. Miss 51. Comedians 54. Building section 55. Levee 56. Exude 57. Little 58. Slipped

59. Declare untrue DOWN 1. Catch 40 winks 2. Dollar 3. Hiding 4. Dog’s cry 5. Scorched 6. Blockhead 7. Stage dramas 8. Spookier 9. Gooey stuff 10. Camp worker 11. Hastened 19. Become sick 21. Biblical song

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 87

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ

By Ryan A. Berenz 1. At the 2012 London Summer Olympics, what American female gymnast became an internet sensation after being photographed on the medal podium with a “not impressed” expression on her face?

2. In the “Seinfeld” season 3 episode “The Letter,” Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is ejected from the owner’s box at Yankee Stadium for refusing to remove her baseball cap with what team’s logo?

3. A multipurpose sports stadium named in honor of soccer star Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez is located in what Central American country?

4. Name the German model who appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s inaugural swimsuit issue in January 1964?

5. What Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres great holds the National League record for consecutive games played with 1,207?

6. Name the boxer who, following a 1926 upset loss to Gene Tunney, told his wife, “Honey, I forgot to duck.”

7. What team selected troubled Ohio State Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft?

Last Week’s Answers

1. Czech Republic • 2. Rudy Gobert •3. Tommy Tuberville 4. Cricket • 5. Anthony Neuer • 6. Steve Carlton.

7. Tim Kurkjian. (c) 2021 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Last Weeks answers!

LO CA L

PAGE 22 | JUNE 10 – 16, 2021

BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 16 • June 6, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 17 • June 9,, 2011

Council May Go Behind Closed Doors To Make Decision On New Mayor

F.C. Roils Over Controversial DrugSniffing Dogs’ Search at GMHS

There is a substantial new development in the fast-wielding and complex machinations among current and incoming Falls Church City Council members to decide who they will pick to become the next mayor and vice mayor when they vote on the matters July 1.

F.C. Police Chief Harry Reitze confirmed to the News-Press this week that the decision was not made by his department to empty student lockers and to order students at George Mason High School to leave their backpacks in the hallways of the school during a “lockdown” and search of the campus by drug-sniffing dogs.

Primary Results Continued from Page 5

ber” in the Democratic primary election Tuesday, with 16.4 percent of registered voters in the City casting ballots. The winners of the statewide races, the only ones on the ballot in the three voting precincts in the City, were Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe over four others for governor, Prince William County State Del. Hala Ayala over six others for lieutenant governor and incumbent Mark Herring over one other for attorney general. All three won by wide margins.

After his solid victory Tuesday, McAuliffe sounded a cautionary tone in communiques to supporters yesterday. He said, “Last night, I was honored to accept the Democratic nomination in the Virginia Governor’s race. Now, I’ve got to be honest — this race is going to be extremely competitive. That’s bad news because my Trump-endorsed opponent, Glenn Youngkin, has a big head start on us.

He’s been the Republican nominee for weeks, able to outraise us, outspend us, and has pledged to spend up to $75 million of his own money buying the governor’s office.”

With 1,080 votes in F.C., McAuliffe easily bested Jennifer Foy (323 votes), Jennifer McClellan (201), Lee Carter (38) and Justin Fairfax (25). With 543 votes, Ayala finished ahead of State Del. Sam Rasoul (479 votes), State Del. Mark Levine (319), Sean Perryman (132), Andria McClellan (117), Elizabeth Guzman (20) and Xavier Warren (12).

Incumbent Herring scored the high vote total in the City with 1,196 votes to best Jarrauld “Jay” Jones (437 votes).

In areas surrounding Falls Church, incumbents won contested races, as Del. Kaye Kory car-

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MEET DJANGO (left) and Daisy. Django is a 3 month old Eskijack (50% Jack Russell and 50% American Eskimo Dog) and Daisy is a 1 yr old Aussie Beagle Mix. They keep Anne Street entertained and full of cuteness.

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

Originally from South Korea, Lily recently moved to Centerville and quickly found work at a local church. I bumped into her at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade that she had learned about while looking for events to help celebrate her new home. When asked if she had anything to say about her experience in America, she simply said, “Thank you to the veterans.” (P����: J. M������ W�����/JM������W�����.���) ried the 38th District over Holly Hazard, 62-38 percent, Del. Alfonso Lopez won in the 49th District over Karishma Mehta, 70-30 percent, Del. Kathleen Murphy won for the 34th District over Jennifer Adell, 74-26 percent, and Del. Ken Plum won in the 36th District over Mary Barthelson, 77-23 percent.

Statewide, however, five incumbents lost, including Del. Levine, who due to a census reporting technicality was able to seek both the lieutenant governor seat and his

own 45th District delegate seat, and lost both.

Overall, almost 500,000 votes were cast statewide in Virginia, almost matching the 2017 total and indicating to Democratic officials that voter enthusiasm for their candidates has not waned.

Area Democrats will gather Saturday for the first in-person event since the Covid-19 pandemic began to hit in March 2020 with a barbecue at the Northern Virginia home of former U.S. Rep. Jim Moran.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JUNE 10 – 16, 2021 | PAGE 23

Showing Appreciation for Healthcare Workers is Ceca’s Mission

by Brian Indre

that brings to light to what healthcare workers do on a day to day basis to improve somebody’s life.

It’s no surprise to hear that “It shouldn’t be one percaregivers have had a rough year. son’s responsibility to recognize That’s why organizations such as a healthcare worker, and it is the Ceca Foundation have worked important for those in leaderhard to provide emotional, and ship positions to recognize when even financial support, to make an employee does a good job, because so much happens behind things just a bit easier on them.

Ceca, which stands for cel- closed doors and often there is ebrating caregivers, is a non- just one person who witnesses it.” profit foundation headquartered Through the foundation’s in Washington, D.C. and brings partnership, hospitals, nursing attention and presents awards to facilities and more formally work caregivers that go the extra mile together by implementing their for their patients. These awards award program, allowing them to are not limited to only the doctors effectively honor and recognize and nurses, but also include those huge portions of staff at each one who hold many positions within of these partnered communities. the healthcare community.

“We really try to get the Nathan Hamme, a George patient, residents, and family Mason High School graduate and involved, so that they can nomian alumnus of the Falls Church nate one of their favorite caregivNews-Press, became the president ers for something they did, or an act of kindness, whether big or of the Ceca in 2019.

“Most are probably familiar small that made a difference for with the ‘Employee of the Month’ them or put a smile on their face,” type of program,” said Hamme. said Hamme.

Usually not relying too much While it is important to honor your team members in any work on fundraising, the foundation environment, he explained, it isn’t did have a modest fundraising always done well, and those who campaign in the late spring when work behind the scenes may go Covid numbers were bad, and did find generous people come out of unnoticed.

“We put something together the woodwork and donate, which that involves a technology com- helped fund the series of special ponent, and a $250 monetary awards. award that we are honored to As the Covid-19 pandemic give away to people,” Hamme places an increased strain on said. “We do this in several dozen healthcare professionals and carehealthcare communities across givers, the recognition of their work is more important than ever. the country,” Ceca Foundation encourages The burnout and turnover of those in this field is high at present, and stories for for understandable reasons; that’s nominations why Ceca went out of its way to to come present an extra set of awards to from every those who weathered the ongoing team member whether storm of the pandemic. they are “We did between 40-50 additional awards this past year that leadership, we didn’t sign up for, but felt managerial, that it was the right thing to do, frontline, and it gave us the opportunity support services, or CECA’S President to tell Covid-specific stories that Hamme provided insight to the many chalclinical ser- Nathan (Courtesy Photo) vices, which lenges to the healthcare environment,” said Hamme. gives the With Covid tapering off at the opportunity to witness more about moment, it doesn’t mean that it’s what happens on a daily basis.

“We have about 30,000 care- time to let up on support for givers who are under the umbrella caregivers. Instead, it’s the time of our programs and across all to figure out better ways to give these different senior living facili- back to the caregivers who are ties, hospitals, nursing, and hos- protecting the nation’s elderly and pice communities in 15 states.” for anybody young or old who Hamme said that the founda- walks into a care facility. tion views itself as a storytelling “There is no such thing as too organization, which highlights much recognition for people who personal stories on the website do the right thing,” said Hamme.

Falls Church News-Press

THE RECOGNITION ALONE would be enough for most healthcare workers (bottom photo) but Ceca’s financial gifts serve as an extra layer of gratitude (top. (Photos: courtesy Ceca Foundation)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | JUNE 10 - 16, 2021

Thank you to all who participated in the Virtual Memorial Day 3K Fun Run

Kindness Always Wins!

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