6-19-2025

June 19 - 25, 2025

Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free

Founded 1991 • Vol. XXXV N o . 19

The City of Falls Church’s Independent, Locally-Owned Newspaper of Record, Serving N. Virginia

Field of 6 Set for F.C. Council’s Fall Race

2025 STATE CHAMPS

Vice Mayor Says She’s Not Seeking Re-Election

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

As the deadline passed this Tuesday for candidates seeking ballot status for this November’s Falls Church City elections, F.C. Registrar David Bjerke announced that a total of six candidates have been qualified to run for four of the seven seats on the Council and five for four seats on the School Board, while the City’s three constitutional officers, all incumbents, will all run unopposed.

The biggest news of the day, however, was the announcement the morning of the deadline that Vice Mayor Debora SchantzHiscott will not run for another term. There were conflicting reports even as recently as the day before, some saying she was not going to run and others insisting that she was circulating petitions and intended to run again.

Shantz-Hiscott issued a lengthy statement Tuesday morning on her decision not to run. After winning a special

Continued on Page 3

Summer Real Estate Guide

See Inside

Meridian Mustangs Reign Supreme — Players lift the VHSL Class 3A state championship trophy after a thrilling 2–1 victory over Western Albemarle, marking Meridian’s record‑tying 13th boys soccer state title! See story on page 14. (Photo:Ryan McCafferty)

Simon Says He’s ‘Thrilled’ With Dem Primary Outcome

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Hosting a lively election night party at the “Swamp” section of Falls Church’s popular Clare and Don’s Beach Shack Tuesday night, State Del. Marcus Simon said he was “thrilled” by the statewide outcome of the Democratic Primary election that brought out 15 percent of F.C. registered voters to the polls.

While former Congressman Abigail Spanberger was unopposed in the primary and

thus will become her party’s candidate for governor this November, there was a robust field for lieutenant governor, with State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi carrying the day in a narrow win over two of her five total opponents, and State Del. Jay Jones edging out a win over Henrico County commonwealth attorney Shannon Taylor.

The coming election will draw major national attention as the first major electron following Trump’s latest win of the White House and the 12 million Americans who turned out for

“No Kings” rallies, the largest such turnout in U.S. history, criticizing Trump policies last weekend.

Simon will also be on the ballot here in November but will face no serious opposition. He said, “I’m thrilled by the results of last night’s Democratic primary. The energy, diversity, and experience of our statewide ticket reflect the strength and promise of Virginia’s future.

With Abigail Spanberger for Governor, Ghazala Hashmi for Lieutenant Governor, and Jay Jones for Attorney General,

we have a team that reflects the racial, generational, and regional diversity of the Commonwealth.”

He added, “This is a ticket that can connect with voters in every corner of Virginia — from the suburbs of Northern Virginia to the Tidewater region, from our rural communities to our urban centers. Together, they will help unleash Virginia’s full potential by fighting for working families, protecting our freedoms, and moving the

Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 | JUNE 19 - 25, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Flags, Voices, and Freedom: Falls Church Says ‘No Kings’

PHOTOS CAPTURE PASSIONATE Falls Church residents boldly lining Broad Street with flags and handmade signs during spirited No Kings protest. (Photos: Gary Mester & Don Foley)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE 3

Schantz-Hiscott Will Not Run for Re-Election in F.C. This Fall

Continued from Page 1

election to fill an unexpired term in 2020, she won election to a full four-year term in 2021 and was elected vice mayor in 2023.

According to Bjerke, running for City Council this November will be incumbent Laura Downs, David Snyder and Marybeth Connelly, and they will be joined on the ballot by Arthur Agin, Brian Pendleton and James Thompson.

Running for School Board will be incumbents Lori Silverman, Anne Sherwood and current chair Kathleen Tysse as well as Sharon Mergler and MaryKate Hughes. The popular past chair Tate Gould earlier this year announced he would not seek re-election.

All unopposed seeking re-election will be the City’s treasurer Jody Acosta, Commissioner of the Revenue Tom Clinton and Sheriff Matt Kaye.

The new Council candidates, filling out an unusually heavy field, include Agin, chair of the

Falls Church Transportation Commission, Brian Pendleton, president of the Falls Plaza Homeowners Association and Thompson, a graduate of the Jerry Falwell-founded Liberty University and 20 year Marine Corps officer and political-military advisor.

Incumbent Downs, former chair of the School Board, was elected in a special election last fall to fill an unexpired term and will be seeking election to a full four-year term.

Incumbent Snyder has served on the City Council since 1994 and Connelly, first elected to the Council in 2014 and having served a stint as vice-mayor, will be seeking a fourth term.

In her statement this week announcing her plan not to seek re-election, Schantz-Hiscott said, “After almost five rewarding years serving on the Falls Church City Council, including two years as your vice mayor, I have made the thoughtful decision not to seek re-election in the upcoming election.

“It has been an incredible honor to represent this vibrant,

award-winning community and work alongside dedicated colleagues, city staff, and residents to advance initiatives that make Falls Church a great place to live, work, and grow.

“Together, we have achieved many important milestones that will shape the future of our city.

Among them: “● Completing the new Meridian High School, a critical investment in our children’s education and our community’s future. “● Securing the redevelopment of ten acres on the old high school site, enabling us to fund this project responsibly and sustainably. “● Achieving significant decreases in the tax rate while maintaining strong financial health, even through the challenges of the pandemic. “● Celebrating historic leadership with six women serving on our City Council, reflecting our city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “● Welcoming significant new businesses, including Whole Foods, which contribute

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to our vibrant local economy.

Adding great new infill projects such as Northside Social and Godfrey’s. “● Expanding housing options with new apartments, townhomes, and affordable housing opportunities that provide more pathways to home ownership in Falls Church. “● Advancing critical public safety, stormwater management, and transportation projects that improve our quality of life. “● Launching new government and community energy action plans that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability

and environmental stewardship. “● Continuing to foster a welcoming, inclusive community where all residents can thrive.

“Serving you has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As I step away from elected office at the end of 2025, I look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders and staying engaged in the community in new ways. It is important that we continue to focus on affordable housing, the continuum of housing, environmental goals, transportation safety, business development and process improvements.”

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PAGE 4 | MAY 15 - 21, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Dems to Now Focus on GOP Delegate Marcus Simon’s Rivals in Fall Virginia Elections Richmond Report

Continued from Page 1

Commonwealth forward.”

Jeff Person, chair of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee, who was also n the “Swamp” Tuesday, echoed Simon’s enthusiasm, saying, “These outstanding nominees represent the best of our party and our Commonwealth. Senator Hashmi and Jay Jones embody the values of equity, justice, and opportunity. Virginia Democrats are united behind them as we head into November.”

The top of the ticket for November is now set, with Spanberger facing off against GOP nominee Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Jamaican immigrant, for governor, with whomever wins assured of being the first ever woman governor in Virginia. Hashmi, who if she wins would become the first ever Indian-born statewide office holder in Virginia, will be running against radio talk show host John Reid, who if elected would become the first openly gay statewide official in Virginia. Jones, if elected would be the first African-American attorney general in Virginia, will be running against incumbent state attorney general Jason Miyares, currently the first person of Hispanic descent to hold statewide office in Virginia.

In a statement, Hashmi said, “This campaign is about the people — the working parents worried about affording childcare, the families struggling to find an affordable place to live, and the Virginians wondering who is fighting for them. I’ve spent my life pushing for fully funded public schools, defending reproductive rights, fighting to protect Medicaid, and taking on those who try to block progress.”

Results in Falls Church, where 15 percent of registered voters turned out in pre-voting and on election day Tuesday, mirrored those on the statewide level. Hashmi prevailed with 613 votes to 561 for former Richmond mayor and Terry McAuliffe aide Levar Stoney, while Aaron Rouse received 230 votes, Babur Lateef 161, Alexander Bastani 122 and Victor Salgado 113.

For attorney general, Jones got 1,016 votes and Taylor 787.

While Democrats hold narrow margins in both the State Senate and House of Delegates currently, they are hoping that a win for Spanberger as governor will not only ensure they get a lot of their bills signed into law in Richmond next year, but that Spanberger’s middle of the road but energetic profile will help rejuvenate their party with younger leadership as it takes on the Trump agenda.

The Democratic wins Tuesday were also seen as boosts for environmental causes as in its closing days the Jones campaign and Hashmi campaigns both focused on opposition to heavy funding of their opponents’ campaigns

by Dominion Power.

Still, it is the Trump factor that is expected to figure most strongly in the races going forward, building on the momentum generated by last weekend’s No Kings rallies.

Del. Simon has no Republican opponent going into the fall but could face a third party challenge as he did in 2023.

Also this Tuesday, in neighboring Arlington, State Del. Patrick Hope easily defeated two challengers and will face no opponent in the fall. County board chair Takis Karantonis, also easily held off a primary challenge for his seat.

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America’s #1 Awning!

With Democrats controlling both the House of Delegates and the State Senate, and a Republican Governor, you’d be forgiven if you expected this year’s General Assembly session to be gridlocked. After all, here in Falls Church we live in the shadow of the Nation’s Capital and watching nothing happen in Congress is our unofficial spectator sport.

While the partisan split did prevent us from making major progress on preventing gun violence, shoring up protections for reproductive freedom, and continuing to move Virginia up the chart of easy-tovote states (we’re currently stuck at 11, though up from 49th), we did get a lot done in sharp contrast with our federal counterparts.

Personally, this year’s legislative session was by far my most productive. At the end of our 46-day short session, the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) ranked me the most effective legislator in the General Assembly — with 14 of the 16 bills I introduced successfully passing both chambers.

In 2024, I proudly held the record for the most vetoes by an individual Delegate.

This year, only two of those bills were vetoed, with 12 becoming law on July 1.

That change in outcome reflected a shift in approach. During the 2024 Session, I focused on drawing a contrast between the Governor’s vision for Virginia and the vision of a freer, fairer, more vibrant Commonwealth that lifts all families and unleashes our full potential. Having made that point, I decided to focus on bills that solve problems for constituents or at least move the ball forward on issues where everyone agreed something needed to be done, even if we disagreed on the details.

Affordable Housing & Real Estate As a real estate attorney and Chairman of the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, I leaned into the issue of housing affordability — both by empowering localities to require more of it, and by helping them act more efficiently to reduce the cost of increasing supply.

At the request of the City of Falls Church, beginning July 1, the Little City will have the same authority as other Northern Virginia jurisdictions to establish and enforce an affordable dwelling unit (ADU) program. Another new law imposes tighter timelines on local planning commissions and staff to review and approve plats and plans for new projects.

As the owner of a real estate title company, I work with a lot of local Realtors

— one of whom reached out to me about an annoying practice by Homeowners and Condo Associations. They required the name of the buyer before issuing resale certificates, forcing agents to either guess or wait until a property was under contract to get the ball rolling.

Beginning July 1, they’ll no longer be allowed to require a buyer’s name before initiating resale inspections or issuing resale certificates, giving buyers and sellers more time to know what, if anything, must be done to comply with HOA rules before closing.

Consumer Protection Straddling the consumer protection and real estate categories is a new law establishing a work group to tackle the rising issue of deed fraud — a new variety of identity theft where scammers impersonate the owners of vacant property and try to trick real estate professionals and court clerks into helping them sell property they don’t own. Bringing together those in a position to detect and prevent this type of fraud should help establish minimum standards and best practices, sending the message that Virginia is not an easy target.

I also passed a bill that will help tenants renting property better understand the most important terms of their lease.

Beginning July 1, the first page of every lease must itemize the fees landlords may charge, either upfront or monthly.

Also prompted by a constituent request: Virginia’s current anti-SLAPP laws will now be expanded to include immunity for statements made in connection with Title IX complaints. That means people who participate in Title IX proceedings will be protected from defamation lawsuits which is a crucial safeguard for survivors, students, and others engaging in good faith in these important processes.

Starting July 1, ear piercing will be safer and better regulated. When I learned there were gaps in how Virginia oversaw these services, I worked with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to give them authority to establish rules and safety standards for businesses specializing in ear piercing, ensuring public safety and consistency for these increasingly common services.

Campaign Finance Reform And finally, after many years, we achieved a big victory in campaign finance.

Campaign funds can no longer be used for personal expenses. This may seem small, but Virginia was one of the last states to make this a law — and it matters.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE 5

Falls Church Residents Join Nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ Protest

By Alessandra Simmons-Robles

Across the nation, thousands of “No Kings Day” protests took place on June 14th in response to the celebration of the military’s 250 year anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. Over five million people attended the protests, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. In Falls Church City, hundreds of protesters lined the main street waving posters and American flags at passing cars to raise concerns about authoritarianism and restrictive policies under the Trump administration.

Democracy Falls Church, a local organization that began meeting after Trump’s inauguration in late January, had been planning the demonstration for the past month. “[The idea of the protest was] to connect to the nationwide movement but make it something specific and special to Falls Church,” said Ben Allard, one of the primary organizers of the protest. “First thing is to show the country and to show the world that Trump has opposition. He is not a king. This is not a monarchy. This is not a dictatorship, and as long as we have our freedom of speech we are going to exercise it.”

These protests come after the ICE raids across the country, where officers are forcibly deporting immigrants in their schools, jobs, and streets. They also follow Trump’s deployment of the national guard, on a peaceful protests against ICE in Los Angeles.

“I think that Trump’s actions in LA made this bigger than it would ever have been,” said Allard. “As he becomes more authoritarian, we become a stronger, more important force.”

Demonstrators held signs with messages supporting federal workers, against tyrants and dictators, criticizing the current administration. All throughout the protest, cars passing by would honk in support, and hold their own signs out of their window. The chants echoed along the street, shouting “the people united will never be divided.”

“I was raised in California where immigrants are my employees, my coworkers, you name it.

[The deportations] are wrong, they all came across the border so they could find a better way to live,” said Kimberly, a protester. “The Irish in me wants to fight… so I’m being as loud as I can in a powerful way…My mother and my godfather marched in DC in the 70s, my

mother was tear gassed when she was pregnant with me, so I had a reason to be here again, because of my children.”

David Werth, her godfather, came back to his hometown to protest. “The answer is quite simple.

Either you believe in a democratic republic, or you want to live in Russia,” said Werth. “You don’t have to be silent…or in three years there might not be another presidential election. So do it now, stand up, and be uppity.”

Protesters spoke about fear towards the current administration and what the future holds. “This [protest] means everything to me.

I don’t know how much scarier it can get. This is two seconds before twelve o’clock…I think the older you are, and the more you have seen and realized what can happen,” said Desiree Reynolds, a German immigrant. “I am beside myself,” said Alyssa Thorndike, another demonstrator. “I am a

mother of two and I find what’s happening with this administration is completely disgusting.”

Demonstrators passed out stickers against DOGE and fliers to mobilize the working class. “It makes you feel empowered to be with other [protestors],” said Thorndike. “The more people that are active, the more we can make a change.”

Leaders of the No Kings protest hope this mass mobilization is the start of a larger, pro-democracy movement. In a No Kings webinar held the day after the protests, AshLee Woodard Henderson, a movement strategist, said “I want you to remember that you and your community can do things in your daily life to push back against authoritarianism, you don’t have to wait.”

The next planned date to organize another wave of mass protests in cities across the nation is July 17th.

“We’re going to center our continued and united fight for a just, inclusive, and strong democracy…that is our

obligation in these times,” said Barbara Arnwire, a leader of the Transformative Justice Coalition.

“Our unity is our victory, that is how we take down tyrants, that is how we prevail.”

As people began leaving the protest on Saturday, they held

their signs in the windows of restaurants and cafes around the city. “We have to do something for the next generation,” said Reynolds, “it could be my daughter, or my granddaughter, so we have to do something, we have to.”

Protestors passing by in their car. (Photo: Alessandra Simmons-Robles)

Desiree, protestor from the area. (Photo: Alessandra Simmons-Robles)

David Werth, came back to his hometown to protest. (Photo: Alessandra Simmons-Robles)

PAGE 6 | JUNE 19 - 25, 2025

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Vol. XXXV, No. 19 June 19 - 25, 2025 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

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Editorial

E D I TO R I A L

We Are Here To Help

If this Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting is any indicator, then the best assessment of the current state of mind in government in the face of the dramatic shrinkage of the regional economy under Trump’s layoff havoc is best defined by a single word: denial, or better, by two words – massive denial.

Apart from remarks to the contrary by the News-Press’ editor in chief (whose microphone was off, by the way, making the recording of his statement by and large inaudible on the taped version posted online), the threehour-11 minute meeting had no references to the crisis currently facing the regional economy.

The occasion for comments speaking to the dire state of things was surely there: among other things, the annual report of the Economic Development Authority represented surely a perfect opportunity to sound an alarm and to offer some suggestions for an appropriate response, but it could have come at any time during the lengthy meeting.

In the context of an overall lack of any proposed solutions, our News-Press editor indicated that this newspaper, one of the very few aside from the Bezos Post remaining around at all, based on its persistence over 36 years to date of accumulated respect and credibility throughout the region, offers itself as a resource for the Falls Church community to use as to spread widely the word about how Falls Church has built itself over the last three decades to be an ideal destination for anyone in the greater DMV. We have the restaurants, the entertainment, the nightlife, the parks, the community resources second to none, and for those who chose to live here, the schools, the infrastructure and related amenities to make this one of the most desirable places to live anywhere. Our community’s aggressive posture toward commercial development has left it standing alone in the region capable of delivering a modicum of tax relief for all its residents, a value not shared by any other jurisdiction around that has not submitted to the likes of casinos or energy-sucking data centers.

So as Trump’s impact is increasingly felt here, so will that impact be translated into a nose-dive in revenues that will be felt by everyone who lives here. It is a time when truly creative and aggressive measures are called for to mitigate this potentially-devastating impact.

Our editor’s comments at the Council meeting Monday, reflecting the contents of our editorial in last week’s paper, suggested a collaboration requiring minimal response from the City, to make it possible for the word of Falls Church’s attractiveness to the wider region to be widely distributed for the benefit of all citizens and businesses alike in the Little City.

If this is not done, and the consequences of inaction result in unavoidable ways as the days unfold ahead, then the City leaders will be held accountable as a result. Our editor’s call for a dialogue with the Council stands. There is little time for delay.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Letters to Editor Protest Organizers Say Thank You! Editor, What an exhilarating morning it was in Falls Church City for NO KINGS Day on June 14th!

Democracy Falls Church (DFC) is grateful for the support shown by the extraordinary turnout of citizens – from children in strollers to veterans in wheelchairs – who came to raise their voices against autocracy and the violation of our Constitutional rights and the rule of law by the current administration. The crowds were exuberant and respectful, and their creative signs supporting all causes and groups were inspiring.

DFC wants to thank all who made this momentous event possible. Thank you to Cindy Mester, our

City Hall liaison; the Falls Church City safety and security team, who watched over us and guided our planning; the good Samaritans that dropped off water and helped in other ways; and, of course, our founder and the small, outstanding group of planners and marshals who did the hardest work. Thanks also to The Falls Church Episcopal Church and Creative Cauldron for opening their facilities to us, and the Falls Church News-Press for publicizing the event. Added thanks to Delegate Marcus Simon for his opening remarks and presence in the line of protesters.

But, in the end and most of all, we want to express our deeply felt thanks to the throngs of people who showed up to celebrate our flag, support our democracy, and assert the rights we hold so dear.

Democracy Falls Church

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Cult Century: 1970s Roots Of Trumpism, Part 6 of 25 Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Earlier this month, two lengthy articles appeared almost simultaneously in the Financial Times and Washington Post aimed at addressing the persisting problem, how we’ve wound up with Trump.

One in the Post was entitled, “To Grasp Today’s Culture War, Look to the 1980s.” The other in the Times, was called, “The Decade That Made Donald Trump.” The publication dates are listed as June 8 and 7, respectively.

The Post account by Mark Athitakis is a review of a new book by Paul Elie, entitled “The Last Supper, Art, Faith, Sex and Controversy in the 1980s.” The other, by John Ganz, is subtitled, “What the America of the 1990s Tells Us About Today’s Politics of National Despair” and highlights a quote that says, “Trump leaned fully into the anger, resentment and despair he’d been watching brew since the early ‘90s.”

Anyone who has followed what I’ve had to say about such things, as a quasi-scholar and journalist who lived through and so observed these times from the vantage point of a counterculture activist, knows that my evaluation of this period, as well as those before and after, is straightforward.

Our culture was corrupted from without, though obviously not without the consent of its victims (all of us). If I had to identify one great deception that has been allowed to persist in our times, it is the completely fake notion that we, as a people, by some magical process, make the culture to which critics, historians and marketeers react, rather than the other way around.

Yes, there have been times when the people truly do rise up and set about to shape their world, and last weekend’s “No Kings” rallies that brought out 12 million to publicly express their anti-Trump dissent may be such a case, at least as an embryonic stage. It recalled the days of the days of healthy countercultural free thinking and genuine creativity, back in the 1960s and early 1970s, when strident in-

tellectual and moral pitched battles were front and center in places, as limited as they were, where true novelty was in play, like my haunt of Berkeley and the San Francisco area, along with places like Madison, Austin, Boulder, obviously New York, and rare enclaves here and there.

The ruling class, however they might be described or understood, as to a greater or lesser degree akin to the mentality of a monarchy facing the threat of a deadly uprising of the masses, marshalled all of their resources toward a counterrevolutionary response. In the late 1960s, some of their fears were well founded, at least to a degree.

Their response was a fear-driven and full-throttled one. It took the form of an age old tactic: to counter fierce morality with its opposite, in major offenses. That is, the decade of the 1970s that was characterized as the “Me Decade,” was their answer. And it worked.

Whether it was understood as “bread and circuses,” recalling the ancient Roman days, or more recently patented forms of radical hedonism, either faux or antiintellectual offerings of Dionysian excess, knee-capping the feminist movement (among the most feared aspects of a national revolt) by means of a tsunami of degrading pornographic exploitation in the name of “sexual freedom,” a massive distribution of mind-altering drugs and music that dumped the folk social commentary lyrics with appeals to prefer sheer easy paths of pleasure seeking to moral action or thought.

On the philosophical or ethical side, this opened the door to a new form of nihilism that undermined an appreciation of truth, itself. The watchword of the era became, “Do it, 100 years from now, who will know the difference?”

I lived through this period and of course was not immune to its effects. Our culture was put through a paradigm shift to see freedom not in terms of justice or forms of universally valid behaviors, but as freedom to excess and anti-human depravity.

This was the world in which Trump thrived, where cheating, lying and exploitation became the watchword of the day, and failure to exercise those vices to their fullest was seen as weakness and in which lying and bullying were emulated and rewarded. This world spawned Trumpism.

CO MME NT

although Speaker Johnson suggested that Padilla should be censured.

Of course, the Speaker has no jurisdiction over Senate actions; he needs to mind his own chamber, but retribution seems to be popular in the House.

Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) filed a resolution to expel Representative LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) for involvement in a scuffle with ICE officers in Newark, and William Timmons (R-SC) followed up with a resolution to censure her and launch an ethics investigation. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) filed a resolution to strip McIver and two other New Jersey Democrats of their committee assignments.

Some of this can be attributed to political theatre, but lives, democracy, and the rule of law are at stake. Regardless of political persuasion, elected officials should be united in their abhorrence of violence against any other public servant. An election tenders specific authorities to the electee, but they still are human. I often had to remind my

constituents that election didn’t endow me with any special talents or give me eyes in the back of my head. Election meant I had to work harder and smarter on behalf of more than 100,000 residents of Mason District, but I had to shop for groceries, do laundry, and take care of my family, just like anyone else. I rarely worried about my personal safety, but I did heed public safety tips when in a crowd or on stage.

When hearing about attacks against public officials, mass shootings at schools or worship, vehicles ramming street markets and festivals, we lament the violence, wonder why it wasn’t prevented, and look to place blame on mental health or lax security or immigrants or whatever, and how polarized America is. Too often, it’s the fault of all those other people, not us or me. And too many of our top elected officials – President, Vice President, Speaker, many Members of Congress – by their comments or lack of same, augment the polarization, appealing to their base, I guess, rather than the American people as a whole. They need to be reminded that they are elected to serve all of the people, not just those who voted for them. The pendulum can swing back toward the center, but it will take work, time, respect, and stepping up, by everyone.

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At some point in communication, an unknown suspect compromised the insurance agent’s account and instructed the victim to make several wire transfers as alleged insurance payments. The unknown suspect then initiated additional wire transfers from the victim’s account. Investigation is ongoing.

A Penny for Your Thoughts

By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor

A Minnesota legislator and her husband murdered in their home. Another legislator and his wife shot multiple times. A United States Senator wrestled to the floor and handcuffed in a Los Angeles federal building. Public service is an honorable profession; it also is an increasingly dangerous one, especially when some elected leaders, rather than condemning attacks, “egg on” confrontations with incendiary comments.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, constitutionally third in line to the presidency, suggested publicly that California Governor Gavin Newsom should be “tarred and feathered” for opposing Donald Trump’s ordering of the California National Guard, in contravention of the authority of a governor in his/her home state. Utah Senator Mike Lee made light of the murder of the Minnesota legislator on social media, blaming “Marxist” views simply because she was a Democrat. And few Senators have expressed concern about Senator Alex Padilla’s treatment

by FBI and security personnel

City of Falls Church C r i m e R e p o rt Week of JUNE 9 - 15, 2025 Brandishing Bladed Weapon with Intent, Wilson Blvd, Jun 9, 1:13 p.m. — Officers responded to a call for service of an individual waving a machete around and screaming. An Asian male, 50, of Annandale, was arrested for Brandishing Bladed Weapon with Intent.

Shoplifting, Hillwood Ave, Jun 10, 12:10 p.m. — An unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 50 to 55 years of age, 5’8” to 5’10” in height, roughly 170 to 190 pounds, with white facial hair, wearing a navy-blue shirt with the number “72” on the left sleeve and darkcolored shorts.

Theft of Motor Vehicle, W Broad St, between 9:00 a.m. on February 5 and 3:11 p.m. on June 9 — An unknown suspect stole a black 2020 Nissan Altima from a rental agency.

Destruction of Property, Gundry Dr, Jun 10, 8:44 p.m. — Victim reported their vehicle was damaged after an identified suspect purposely struck their parked vehicle.

Theft of Motor Vehicle, W Broad St, between 12:00 p.m. on May 17 and 3:10 p.m. on June 9 — An unknown suspect stole a gray 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage from a rental agency.

Reckless Driving, E Broad St, Jun 11, 7:16 a.m.

— A black female, 44, of Washington, D.C., was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Theft of Motor Vehicle, W Broad St, between 9:00 a.m. on May 19 and 2:45 p.m. on June 9 — An unknown suspect stole a blue 2021 Acura ILX from a rental agency.

No Valid Operator’s License, S Washington St, Jun 9, 8:06 p.m. — A white female, 72, of the City of Falls Church, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, S Lee St, Jun 9, 9:33 p.m. — A white male, 20, of McLean,

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE 7

Theft of Motor Vehicle, S Maple Ave, between 1:00 p.m. on June 10 and 8:30 a.m. on June 11 — Victim reported their gray 2013 Subaru Legacy was stolen from a parking garage.

The vehicle was later found returned to the victim’s assigned spot in the parking garage.

Investigation is ongoing.

Fraud – False Pretenses/Wire Fraud, S Maple Ave, Jun 11, 2:51 p.m. — Victim reported previously contacting a known insurance agent regarding insurance quotes for their business.

Driving on Suspended License, Madison Ln, Jun 13, 7:07 p.m. — A white male, 39, of Chantilly, was arrested for Driving on Suspended License.

Destruction of Property, Gibson St, between 8:00 p.m. on June 12 and 8:00 a.m. on June 14 — The front passenger window of the victim’s vehicle was broken.

Destruction of Property, Shadow Walk, between 7:40 p.m. on June 13 and 9:43 a.m. on June 14 — An unknown suspect damaged the victim’s drain cover.

Obscene Material, Wilson Blvd, Jun 14, 1:01 p.m. — Complainant reported an identified suspect took photos of individuals changing in the men’s locker room. Investigation is ongoing.

Assault and Battery, S Washington St, Jun 15, 2:07 a.m. — Victim reported they were assaulted by an identified suspect following an altercation.

No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, Jun 15, 10:35 p.m. — A white male, 25, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.

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Fa l l s C h u r c h Business News & Notes Sinfonietta Performs an Anglo-French Juneteenth Concert Saturday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. – Falls Church Episcopal – The Washington Sinfonietta closes the season with an Anglo-French Juneteenth Concert honoring Joseph Bologne. The program features Marcolivia Violin/viola duo performing Bologne, Honegger, March, and Elgar. Tickets are available online and at the door.

Visit www.washingtonsinfonietta.org for more information.

Last Weekend for ‘Shooting Star’ Thursday, June 19 – 21, 7:30 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center Theater – In this bittersweet romantic comedy, college lovers, Elena Carson and Reed McAllister, are snowed in overnight at a middle-America airport. They have not seen each other for years and are moved by this unexpected reunion. “Shooting Star” explores the middle years of our lives and how we get there.

Best of NOVA Boutiques and Shops Northern Virginia Magazine ran their list of NOVA winners in local stores, several of which are in Falls Church. In the Best Consignment Shop for Kids, Lemon Lane was the runner-up. In the Independent Gift/Home Décor category, Botanologica was the winner. In the Jewelry Category, Washington Diamond in Falls Church was the runner up while in the Record store category, CD Cellar was the runner-up.

Apple FinTastic Funding Apple Federal Credit Union has launched a $50,000 small business giveaway, the FinTastic Funding Initiative. For those with a big idea, Apple would like to fund it.

To enter, submit a 90-second video pitch introducing your business, your business plan and vision, and describe how your business impacts your community. The top prizes are $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000. The deadline to apply is July 1. The link to the application is here: https://www.applefcu.org/appleweb/promotions/fintasticfunding.

Webinar: How to Start a Consulting Business The Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia is facilitating a session, How to Start a Consulting Business from Scratch, for those considering a consulting business. Learn the five pillars of a successful consulting business, three essential actions to create clients immediately, and the mistakes to avoid. Laura Burford leads the webinar on Wednesday, June 25, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. The link will be shared upon registration at https://wbcnova.centerdynamics.com/workshop.aspx?ekey=10450040

Kettlebell Introduction Saturday, June 21, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Functional Fitness offers a monthly, free introduction to kettlebell fundamentals. Think: hip himge, goblet squat, and cheat clean moves. The class will teach you how to “move better” and “get stronger” using the kettlebell swing, deadlift, squat and press. There’s no experience necessary and the class is scalable to suit individual ability levels.

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

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Our Man In Arlington Bill Fogarty

What’s the tallest building in Arlington?

And where is it located? That second question is likely the easier one to answer. The tallest building is in Rosslyn, with a host of tall buildings in its skyline. But before we get to the answer of the tallest, I would like to re-visit the history of how Rosslyn evolved into an area that is now known for its distinctive skyline — a skyline that has been featured in movies and television shows “True Lies,” “Captain America,” “House of Cards,” and much more).

The first question might be, what is Rosslyn? Geographically, it is an area in the northeastern corner of Arlington, loosely comprised of various neighborhoods, two civic associations, and a business improvement district. Rosslyn’s history reaches back to the colonial period, when Francis Awbrey opened a ferry business in the 1730s that transported travelers to and from Georgetown. A tavern and inn was established, presaging by over 200 years the coming of the Marriott’s Hot Shoppes diner, and the Key Bridge Marriott. By the 1860s, a farm owned by William and Carolyn Ross provided a name that would be used for the larger area: Rosslyn.

Rosslyn did not attract much development over the next century. By the 1950s Rosslyn had lumber yards, concrete mixing plants, and other industrial uses, with many run-down buildings. The opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge in 1964, and the lack of sufficient office space in Washington, D.C., created an opportunity for the development of Rosslyn. The County Board increased the height restriction from 3 stories to 12 stories, and in 1956 the first 12 story office building was completed, known as the RCA Building.

By the 1970s, the County Board turned to a zoning tool that I might inelegantly define as “horse-trading” between the County Board and developers. In short, the County Board would allow a site to develop with greater height, but in return the developers would have to provide “community

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benefits.” Those benefits could include the provision of public facilities, such as roads and parks, or even a straight monetary contribution to the County.

In the late 1970s the County Board approved a number of projects that would become the tallest buildings in Arlington, including the Twin Towers that would raise up to 381 feet, with 31 floors. (As an aside, those Twin Towers were once known as the USA Today buildings).

The current heights would never had been reached, and the Rosslyn Skyline would never had achieved its iconic status, if the federal government had its way in the 1979 legal case of United States of America v. County Board of Arlington, Virginia. A lawsuit had been had been filed at the request of Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus, who called the proposed Twin Towers “monstrous”, and said they would “visually deface the skyline surrounding the national monuments.”

In addition to the legal wrangling, political pressure was applied, which came into view during a County Board meeting when the Board Chair, Dorothy Grotos, asked the County Attorney, Jerry Emrich, if the approval of the site plan and an excavation permit could be rescinded. Mr. Emrich succinctly replied, “Virginia law is very clear that the Board can’t change its mind.”

The County prevailed in the lawsuit.

In the ensuing decades, many more highrises have been approved and built, with various types of community benefits provided. This takes us to the answer of the question about the tallest building in Arlington: it is the Central Place Tower, located at 1201 Wilson Boulevard. It stands at 391 feet, with 32 floors, having been completed in 2017. Its community benefit included the “View of DC,” which provided access to the top two floors, with a public access vantage point. The status of that “View of DC” is in flux, as more horse-trading has occurred in the past year between the owner and the County Board. Keep an eye out for more details to come.

Coming Summer 2025 Nominations Start June 26, 2025

Looking to advertise? Contact Sue for advertising @ sjohnson@fcnp.com

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R EA L E STATE

Real Estate Guide Thursday, June 19 TH Falls Church, VA

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE RE-1

Summer 2025

Welcome to the Falls Church News-Press Summer Real Estate Guide! This special edition showcases the Little City’s vibrant housing market, local trends, and expert tips for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re searching for your dream home or planning to list, this guide will help you navigate summer opportunities confidently.

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Real Estate

APRIL – JUNE 18th, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Top 5 F.C. Home Sales

1. 6625 Beacon Ln 2. 102 Lawton St 3. 1308 Seaton Ln 4. 608 Timber Ln 5. 6706 Montour Dr

#2 $2,950,000

#1 $3,363,827 #3 $2,600,000

#5 $2,500,000

#4 $2,500,000

Owen Suillivan Owner and City of Falls Church Resident

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Sold

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Building a Second Home on Your Property in Falls Church

by Michael Novotny Backyard Homes

Kitchen and Bath Specialists 110 Great Falls Street, Falls Church City 703.536.1888 • info@foxcraft.com www.FOXCRAFT.com

Falls Church City Property Owners, did you know you can now add a small home in your backyard? Just approved in April 2025, City Council has made it legal to build a secondary home – known as an Accessory Dwelling (AD) – on the same lot as your main residence.

Do other locations allow Accessory Dwellings?

ADs are a new housing option spreading throughout many parts of the country. Over the past decade, a growing list of states and localities have passed legislation allowing these small second homes. California has largely led the way since 2016 when they established statewide standards, and since then another 10 states have followed with their own statewide initiatives. Additionally, a long list of local governments across the country have approved ADs, including nearby jurisdictions D.C. (2016), Arlington VA (2019), Montgomery County MD (2020) and Alexandria VA (2021).

Why build an Accessory Dwelling?

ADs are versatile and there are many reasons for wanting to build one. Small second homes can provide a host of benefits, especially where multi-generational living makes sense for a family, or an Owner is looking to add a new income stream. Here are a few of the most common reasons for building an AD: • Independent living for aging parents or family members with additional needs.

• Starter home for a graduating college student – they can begin their career where they grew up.

•Real estate investment – they already own the land, and an AD provides ongoing rental income.

• Guest house for visitors and family, or an au pair.

• Downsize and retire into an AD – then either rent out the main home to generate longterm income, or the kids & grandkids eventually move into the primary. Either way you don’t need to leave the area to afford retirement!

What are the rules in Falls Church City?

All single-family home properties (R1-A and R1-B) are allowed one Accessory Dwelling per lot by-right, provided certain minimum setback and other requirements are met (more detail below). In the R-M residential district,

interior Accessory Dwellings are permitted with a special permit.

How large can an Accessory Dwelling be in Falls Church?

Up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main dwelling gross floor area, whichever is less. If, however, your main residence is less than 1,400 square feet, then your AD can only be up to 700 square feet.

How tall can it be?

The maximum height cannot exceed 20-feet, 1.5 stories, and the height of your main residence. For a substandard lot, the maximum height is determined by the ratio of actual to required lot area, but not less than 15-feet.

With the right design, you can achieve a wellappointed second floor or loft space.

Where can an AD be placed on a lot?

Side and rear setbacks are minimum 8-feet for a single-story, and minimum 10-feet for 1.5-stories. It cannot be located in a front yard, and it cannot be closer to the street than the main residence. Additionally, for corner lots, it must be at least 10-feet from a neighbor’s abutting front or side yard.

Are there lot coverage requirements?

Yes, an important limitation is that you cannot add an AD that will exceed your maximum lot coverage or maximum impervious lot coverage. Additionally, your AD plus any other accessory structures (ie. garage, shed, etc) cannot occupy more than 50% of the minimum required rear yard.

Are there other rules or minimum requirements?

• Yes, below are a few additional requirements to be aware of: • The owner must maintain the property as their primary residence when applying for a building permit and when the certificate of occupancy is issued (except for new construction when a primary home and AD are built together).

• No more than 4 persons may occupy an AD. • No short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are permitted.

I have a small backyard, will it fit?

Most yards in this area are small, but most can still accommodate an Accessory Dwelling!

Each lot is unique though and requires an individual analysis to confirm best fit and feasibility.

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HOMEOWNERS CAN NOW build an Accessory Dwelling. Pictured is a home built by Backyard Homes. (Photo: Courtesy)

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Falls Church Home Sales (APRIL - JUNE 19 • 2025) 22046 - City of Falls Church • 22041 - Bailey’s Crossroads • 22042 - Sleepy Hollow • 22043 - Pimmit Hills • 22044 - Lake Barcroft

22046 22041 22042 22043 22044 City of Falls Church

Bailey’s Crossroads

Sleepy Hollow

Pimmit Hills

Lake Barcroft

Average Price: $1,253,326

Average Price: $521,378

Average Price: $785,371

Average Price: $1,186,841

Average Price: $640,541

No. Homes Sold: 42

No. Homes Sold: 61

No. Homes Sold: 80

No. Homes Sold: 54

No. Homes Sold: 29

Days on the Market: 11

Days on the Market: 18

Days on the Market: 13

Days on the Market: 15

Days on the Market: 16

Coming Soon

209 E. Broad Street • �1,125,000

STEP INTO HISTORY! "Ives House", a legacy home built in 1855.

1/3 acre (15,534 sqft). 6BR 3BA. In need of full renovation or an expansion + renovation.

Laura Fall • 703 967-9987 laura.fall@corcoranmce.com

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JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE RE-7

Historic 170-Year-Old ‘Ives House’ Hits Market in Falls Church

By Laura Fall Corcoran, Mcenearney

‘Ives House,’ located at 209 E. Broad Street, was built in 1855 by Falls Church resident George Ives. He and his wife purchased the land for $1,000 and lived in the house until his death in 1914. Mr. Ives is credited with building many brick homes in Falls Church prior to 1858.

‘Ives House’ is 170 years old.

There has been a total of 5 owners, beginning with George Ives and his wife. The home and property sold for $4,100 in 1917, $7,500 in 1922, $9,200 in 1930, and $100,000 in 1978.

The Falls Church Presbyterian Church, which is adjacent to ‘Ives House,’ purchased the property in 1978. George Ives was a founding member of the Church.

The Falls Church Presbyterian Church has utilized the home in keeping with their mission of service. In 1985, they leased the house for 20 years to Falls

Church City. Falls Church City used the house as a group home for mentally and physically disabled persons. Since 2005, the Church has leased and used the property, sometimes in conjunction with area non-profits, to provide housing to people in need.

Architecturally, ‘Ives House’ is a two story, hip roof, brick Colonial with a wraparound porch.

A handsome walnut newel is featured at the entry staircase. The original stone foundation is visible in the cellar and along parts of the exterior perimeter. Including an addition to the original home, there are a total of 6 bedrooms and 3 baths.

The total living area square feet is 2776 and the land is 15,534 square feet. It is assessed by the City for $1,347,800. The house is in need of major renovation and/or expansion.

George Ives has a lot of interesting history in Falls Church.

In the 1870 Federal Census, Mr. Ives listed his profession as a shoemaker. George Ives was much more than a shoe-

maker. During the Civil War, Mr. Ives and John Bartlett convinced Union General Augur not to destroy The Falls Church (115 E. Fairfax Street) as it was a historic Church at that time

(it was built in 1769). Mr. Ives was appointed to the first town council when Falls Church was incorporated a Town in 1875.

Mr. Ives served as Mayor from 1879-1881. He remained active

in Town affairs until about three years before his death.

The ’Ives House’ has just been listed for sale with a local real estate firm, Corcoran McEnearney.

THE HISTORIC ‘IVES HOUSE’ at 209 E. Broad Street, built in 1855 by George Ives, stands as a lasting landmark of Falls Church’s early brick architecture and community heritage. (Photo: Courtesy)

Buying, Building and Selling Homes since 2007

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Meet Your Experts

Backyard Homes Building Co. • Michael Novotny

Backyard Homes Building Co. is the region’s first builder of Accessory Dwellings. We focus on the thoughtful design and exceptional construction of small houses, and have built many of the finest secondary homes in the area. The company was founded by Michael Novotny, a Falls Church City resident of nearly 20 years.

After a long career in large development and construction in the Washington DC region, he transferred his expertise to small homebuilding to help provide a means and build a movement for constructing backyard homes in our area.

If you are considering adding an Accessory Dwelling to your property, please reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a site visit, we are here to help.

www.Backyard.Homes

Laura Fall-Corcoran McEnarney Corcoran McEnearney (formerly McEnearney Associates) is a locally owned firm providing real estate services since 1981. Knowledgeable and active in Falls Church City, we are the exclusive affiliate for the legendary Corcoran Group in DC, MD, VA, and WV. Wherever you are in your real estate journey, we’re right there with you. Contact Laura Fall.

703 967-9987 • laura.fall@corcoranmce.com

Deborah Flora-Miller & Smith Debora Flora brings years of experience and a personal, customer-focused approach to Beacon Park in Belmont Bay, where four-level townhomes with rooftop terraces offer stylish, low-maintenance living for those seeking a vibrant riverside lifestyle. Perfectly located just minutes from marinas, walking trails, and historic Occoquan, Beacon Park blends scenic charm with modern design and everyday conveni ence. Debora understands that finding the right home is about more than features—it’s about how you want to live. With her deep knowledge and genuine care, she’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your new home fits your vision for the future.

571-200-7336 • dflora@millerandsmith.com

Floor Coverings International

ROCK STAR realty group

What a sizzling real estate season we are having! The Spring market was hot, and Summer is proving to remain competitive. In Falls Church and nearby communities, more properties are coming on the market. However, inventory continues to be low due to ongoing buyer demand. With the uncertainty in our economy and employment, real estate activity can fluctuate. As a result, we are beginning to see a shift in the market. To remain your trusted real estate resource and Falls Church expert, my team and I regularly attend economic summits and review market statistics providing the most up-to-date information on the current conditions. Specifically, I advise my sellers on strategies to not only prepare their home for the market but to also position them competitively. By getting their properties showcase-ready, their homes are well presented to capture the most potential buyers.

For buyers, my goal is to present the strongest strategy to help find the home they love. With my expert negotiation skills, I ensure that my buyers’ needs are met while also securing the most favorable terms for them. Whether you are buying or selling, the local market is active, competitive, and full of potential. And I’m here to coach you every step of the way. My ROCK STAR realty group and I are your go-to resource for all things real estate. Connecting my clients with the neighborhood in a meaningful way brings me so much joy. Got Real Estate questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by Northside Social, Falls Church on Wednesdays, 10:00–11:00 AM for our ROCK the House coffee hour. We’ll buy you a cup!

703.867.8674 • ROCKSTARrealtygroup.com

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson Concierge Real Estate Services

As a Falls Church City native and small business owner Kelly strives to make buying and selling less overwhelming for her clients. Kelly opened STYLISH PATINA her Home+Gift shop in 2012 and has been a licensed Realtor since 2019. She has been recognized as a Platinum Producer by NVAR and Top Producer by Arlington Magazine. Kelly is known for her cutting edge marketing, business savvy and concierge approach to Real Estate. She and her team are able to manage all aspects of buying and selling a home: home prep, liquidation, organization, renovation, moving, and design. This has proven to be a unique and highly sought after combination of skills. Kelly has a passion for helping folks as they transition through life stages - needing a larger home for a growing family or downsizing. Kelly is a mother of five and understands the stress of moving with children and the overwhelm of transitioning out of a home you raised your family in when it comes time to simplify.

These big life transitions are where she finds the most joy in helping families. If you are looking for a Realtor with compassion and commitment to making your next Real Estate transaction less stressful contact Kelly, 703-303-3700.

703.303.3700 • realestate@stylishpatina.com

Owen Sullivan is a long time Falls Church City resident having lived in the little city since 2005. After a rewarding 22-year career with a Global Technology & Consulting Services Provider, Owen decided to pursue his dream of building his own business, opening Floors Coverings International of Tysons in May of 2023. FCI Floors is locally owned and operated small business, and part of the Floor Coverings international franchise network (over 250 locations across the US and Canada). Their mission is to provide the best customer experience in the home improvement industry. They provide free in-home consults where they bring their mobile showrooms to you. Their design associates listen carefully to understand the vision, measure and assess the project site, and work tirelessly to provide their customers with the best value in the industry. The relentless focus on client value creation, customer service and quality execution has resulted in their Google rating of 4.9 stars. They have capabilities across all floor types and provide non-installation services such as hardwood refinishing.

Understanding the dynamics in our shifting market is essential to making confident informed decisions. In Northern VA we’re averaging 15 Days on Market compared to 8 days a year ago; preparation and strategy are necessary. Well-presented and appropriately priced homes are still seeing multiple offers. It’s always a good time to enter the market. What matters over timing prices and interest rates is understanding your monthly payment comfort level. Buyers now have slightly more negotiating power and less competition. As a Northern VA native, I’m here to guide you with deep market knowledge, unwavering dedication, expert negotiation, exceptional professionalism, ultimate integrity,and personal service.

703-214-9175 • nwdca.floorcoveringsinternational.com

571-437-5218 • Angelia.Rorrer@LNF.com

FOXCRAFT Design Group –NEW fox image

Zimmermann Homes

Angelia Rorrer • Long & Foster

FOXCRAFT Design Group is in their 36th year as an award-winning design/ build firm and general contractor. FOXCRAFT is among the most creative, experienced design/build firms in the region, specializing in meeting clients’ budget expectations and overcoming ever changing national and county codes, regulations and guidelines.

Chandler Fox, the owner at FOXCRAFT, is also a licensed real estate agent, so his expertise in both building and real estate provides the best of both worlds for the client. Fox analyzes the property for current and future marketability and helps his clients make an intelligent decision about whether or not a renovation is the best investment for their property’s future value. “We build relationships with every client, based on their individual needs and wants, and advise them honestly, as to the best path for their family’s future.”

We pride ourselves on building custom homes that are unrivaled in performance, beauty and durability. All Zimmermann Homes come standard with upgraded products and building techniques that result in an attractive, energy-efficient and lowmaintenance home. Clients can custom design a home with Zimmermann’s talented architect or choose from dozens of established plans. Zimmermann Homes can assist you with lot acquisition or offer you fair market value if you are looking to sell your older home. The company is now also involved in home development and has multiple luxury homes under construction available for sale in Falls Church & N Arlington!

foxcraft.com

Sales@Zimmermannhomes.com • zimmermannhomes.com

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Senator Saddam Salim

Richmond Report

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE 9

Supporting Reproductive Healthcare in Our Community

By ARCH Fund Board

On May 7th, I chaired the first meeting of the Blockchain Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. Why, you might ask, would I be named Chairman of this subcommittee when, as you are surely aware, I am not a member of JCOTS itself? This is unusual, but it is not unprecedented – and there is a good reason for it.

In 2024, my first legislative session as a State Senator, I passed SB 439 calling for JCOTS to conduct an analysis of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency in the Commonwealth. After studying the issue, the members of JCOTS determined that a workgroup should be assembled to study this matter on a continuing basis – and that I, as the Senator who requested the analysis, should lead the effort. Members of JCOTS include some of our most experienced legislators who have been working for many years to encourage the adoption of new technologies in the Commonwealth, so I am honored to be joining them in this endeavor.

Cryptocurrency has been publicly traded for years now, with folks in some industries even receiving their salaries in cryptocurrency. New York City’s mayor recently declared he wants his city to become the crypto capital of the globe, and legislation has been introduced in New York’s statehouse to allow payment of taxes in cryptocurrency. At the same time, Americans are struggling to understand President Trump’s foray into cryptocurrency, with one Democratic Senator labeling his recent dinner for holders of Trump’s coin “the crypto corruption club.”

I always remind folks that it is important to distinguish between blockchain technology, which can potentially be used for many things, and cryptocurrency, which is one particular use of blockchain. While the blockchain technology concept may be hard for folks to wrap their heads around, cryptocurrency is a thing of value and a medium of exchange just like traditional currencies.

The financial system’s move towards virtual assets and digital currencies has been happening for decades, even before the appearance of the first cryptocurrencies in the 2000s.

Transactions that were once conducted by cash or check now happen with touchless cards or phone apps. Investing is far more accessible than it was in the days when you had to have a stock broker who would take your phone call. The role of government is not to decide what technology should or shouldn’t be created, but to determine how new technologies can be used consistent with our values - and what regulation or oversight is necessary to protect people’s rights. I look

forward to leading this advisory committee in discussing how the people of Virginia can benefit from new technologies.

That’s why I was dismayed to learn that the budget being considered by the House of Representatives would impose a ten year ban on any state regulation of the emerging Artificial Intelligence industry. AI is outside the mandate of my subcommittee, but these industries have much in common, including their reliance on data centers. The General Assembly has been hard at work for five years working with the data center industry to balance their energy demands and ecological impacts with the benefits the industry brings to Virginians. If this budget passes with this provision, what happens to our existing regulations of data centers that serve customers in AI? If this provision is allowed to pass, what other industries will the current majorities in Congress decide to protect from state oversight?

States need to be able to regulate business in order for businesses and regulatory regimes both to adapt and thrive. While industry may struggle to negotiate with regulators in states with higher regulatory barriers like California and New York, they have real leverage in their negotiations because of their ability to relocate to another state – and other states have a real opportunity to attract industries with good paying jobs if they can construct a more favorable regulatory regime consistent with their values. When the federal government hands down regulations, that’s it – and businesses that can’t or won’t comply are driven offshore, where they may be totally unregulated. Federal regulations in general should set the floor of what is acceptable consistent with our values, and statehouses should work closely with the industries who employ and do business with their people.

For these reasons I was proud to cosign a letter with Delegate Maldonado and 21 members of the General Assembly calling for the United States Senate to object to this provision and reaffirm the role of statehouses in our system of government. Senator Tim Kaine has often said one of the biggest parts of his job is to take our good ideas from Virginia and introduce them to the whole country. The idea of the fifty states as fifty laboratories of democracy is not just a corny saying among political academics, it is a real part of how our federal system functions. With President Trump seeking to reshape the role of the federal government, it is more important than ever that states have the ability to innovate and adapt, and I expect the United States Senate will agree.

As we approach the third anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion, we reflect on what access to reproductive healthcare means for our Falls Church community.

We are fortunate to have a longstanding provider, the Falls Church Healthcare Center, which has served our region with compassionate, respectful care for decades. It is a critical resource for people from Northern Virginia and far beyond.

People in neighboring Southern states are not as fortunate.

Since Dobbs, the landscape of access has shifted dramatically. Abortion care has been banned or severely restricted in many states, leaving Virginia to be the only state in the South without an abortion ban or a mandatory waiting period – a tactic used exclusively to delay care and inconvenience patients. This reality makes Virginia an essential access point for those living in states where abortion is banned or severely restricted. Nearly one in four abortion patients in Virginia now comes from out of state. People are traveling hundreds of miles, often at great financial and emotional cost, to access care — including here in Falls Church.

Patients commonly have to balance their work schedules, childcare needs, and transportation costs to make attending a healthcare appointment a reality.

Fortunately, there are ways to support abortion access in Falls Church. Access to Reproductive Care and Health (ARCH) Fund is a non-profit abortion fund operating out of the Falls Church Healthcare

Center, that provides financial support for gynecological care and screenings, a variety of birth control options, and of course, abortion care. We volunteer on this board to ensure that no one is turned away because of their inability to pay. We believe in the dignity, autonomy, and freedom of every person in our community.

We are experiencing an unprecedented request for support. People in our community need access to reproductive healthcare now more than ever. With looming uncertainty around the future legality of abortion care and birth control options, and an influx of patients traveling for abortion care from the most restrictive areas of the country, there has been an increased demand on our local clinics and providers. Many in our community have lost their jobs, or are experiencing interruptions in income and health insurance coverage, materially increasing both uncertainty and the need for more accessible reproductive care coverage.

The ARCH Fund continues to support the need in our local community by providing critical funds to patients at the Falls Church Healthcare Center. We hope you will learn more about supporting our work on our website, and by signing up for our mailing list.

Together, we can ensure that Falls Church continues to be a place where people can access the care they need — no matter who they are or where they come from.

Access to Reproductive Care and Health (ARCH) Fund is a volunteerrun non-profit operating out of the Falls Church Healthcare Center. We distribute funds to patients to offset the cost of their reproductive healthcare needs. Learn more at ARCHfund.org

A hot bowl of pho at Eden Center.

Voted best shopping center in the DMV!

vist us at fcnp.com

PAGE 10 | JUNE 19 - 25, 2025

LO CA L

News & Notes

NEW EMPLOYEES at the Paragon Theaters that opened for previews of their new Falls Church location included a number of City residents. They’re shown here receiving last minute direction for the kick-off of a week of discounted previews ahead of a formal opening later this month. (Photo: FCNP)

Artists and neighbors come together at Eden Center for a community crosswalk painting project, adding colorful, symbolic designs to welcome visitors and celebrate the cultural heart of Falls Church’s Vietnamese-American community. (Photo: Courtesy)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Rep.. Beyer Warns Of Tariff Costs on Consumers

Attorney Warns F.C. Chamber On Trump’s Anti-DEI Orders

Last week during a hearing by the House Committee on Ways and Means, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent responded to questions about deficit effects of H.R. 1 by Northern Virginia’s U.S. Rep. Don Beyer by suggesting that the bill would be fully offset through revenue raised by tariffs imposed on other countries by President Trump (as Beyer pointed out, this claim did not account for interest on debt accrued by the bill).

Beyer cited numerous studies that have found that the cost of tariffs, which are taxes on imports, are ultimately paid by consumers in the form of higher prices. He noted that the Yale Budget Lab subsequently released updated economic analysis studying the combined distributional effects of Trump’s tariffs and H.R. 1 on household incomes, which found that these combined policies “would reduce after-tax-andtransfer incomes on average among the bottom 80 percent of U.S. households,” with the bottom ten percent of households seeing “an average reduction of more than 6.5 percent in incomes, while those at the top would see an increase of nearly 1.5 percent.”

Beyer, who serves as Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement on Yale Budget Lab’s findings: “The Trump-Republican agenda is a massive transfer of wealth to the richest people in the country from everyone else, with the middle class losing while billionaires rake in enormous gains. As Trump’s tariffs crush working families with higher prices, Republicans are poised to raise the costs of health care, energy, and housing, while kicking 16 million people off their health care.

These stunningly immoral and irresponsible policies inflict the most damage on those with the least ability to absorb it, and severely worsen the danger of both a recession and a fiscal crisis. This is a disaster for our economy and our country.”

At this Tuesday’s monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, attorney Maureen Carr of the Arlingtonbased law firm of Dean, Kinney and Korman, laid out a stark presentation on what employers and the public in general need to be cognizant of in the wake of the recent months’ anti-DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) orders that have come from the Trump administration and on cautions concerning the actions of the Immigrant Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency.

While enforcement of the orders that came down in the first days of the new administration’s taking office in January remains indeterminate in some areas, she told the luncheon that she advises clients conservatively to protect their businesses including going so far as to remove any references to minority protections or even ownership in their promotional materials as she said, administration officials “are pouring over websites looking for such references to target for violations.”

She noted that employers should become cognizant of the limits of ICE raid activities, including the fact that ICE agents are allowed only in public areas of a business.

She said that the Trump administration appears concerned mainly with violations on the basis of gender for most of its anti-DEI efforts.

Have News or Pictures you would like to see in the Paper? Send them to News & Notes at newsandnotes@fcnp. com

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

F.C. Council Appoints 7 To Volunteer Posts

This Monday, the Falls Church City Council appointed seven citizens to positions on voluntary boards and commissions.

They included: Sarah Mossburg – Human Services Advisory Council - (03/01/25) – 02/28/28 (Unexpired Term), Irv Katz – Fairfax Area Commission on Aging - (06/01/25) – 05/31/27 (Unexpired Term), Marisa McNatt – Environmental Sustainability Council (03/01/25) – 02/28/28 (Unexpired Term), Deborah Oluka – Environmental Sustainability Council – (03/01/24) – 02/28/27 (Unexpired Term), Joseph Rollo – City Employee Review Board - (11/01/24) – 10/31/27 (Unexpired Term), Edwin B. Henderson II – City Employee Review Board - (11/01/23) – 10/31/26 (Unexpired Term) and Sue E. Armstrong – Continuum of Care Board - (07/01/24) – 06/30/26 (Unexpired Term).

Juneteenth Program Set For Tinner Hill Foundation Falls Church’s Tinner Hill Foundation announced its program to mark Juneteenth Program set for today, June 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Tinner Hill Historic Site, 105 Tinner Hill Road, featuring Rebecca Tinner Stotts and Edwin B. Henderson II and vocalist Patricia Hall.

A reenactment of Juneteenth 1865 will be presented by Nikki Graves Henderson, Inga Watkins Scott and Keith Thurston.

Colorful Signage Marked F.C. No Kings Day Demos The record turnout nationally for No Kings Day demonstrations was upwards of 12 million, according to best estimates, while 8,000 showed for the Trump’s Army parade in D.C. In Falls Church, a remarkable turnout included citizens of all ages many carrying colorful home-grown signs. Among them were ones which said things such as the following: Why be fascist when you could be fabulous; Drag queens the only royalty i recognize; Sharing a birthday with Trump

is my villain origin story; Could be having gay sex but instead I have to protest; Hey Trump, nobody is paying us, we all abhor you for free; If there’s money for a parade, there’s money for Medicaid; No fauxking way; If Melania doesnt have to live with him, why do we?; The only ruler I recognize has four legs and poops in a box; Free balls for members of Congress who have lost theirs; The very act of trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and offer warnings is an act of hope – Olivia Butler; I am not threatened by immigrants, I am threatened by unchecked power; I am a veteran not a sucker or loser; Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together and impeach the m*f right now; 1776 Called: They Said, “No Kings Then, No Kings Now”; Veto the Cheeto; When Cruelty Becomes Normal, Compassion Appears Radical; No Human Is Illegal on Stolen Land; Vaccines Cause Adults; We Built America to Protest a KIng; Honk to Ban Cruelty; I’ve Seen Better Cabinets at Ikea; If Kamala Was President, We’d All Be at Brunch.

LO CA L

JUNE 19 - 25, 2025 | PAGE 11

DILIGENTLY WORKING the polls in front of the F.C. Community Center for the Democratic Primary election Tuesday were (left to right): Hasan Rashid, nephew of lieutenant governor candidate Dr. Babur Lateef campaigning for his uncle, Debra Z. Roth for Levar Stoney, Nisha Jain for winning lieutenant governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi and Pat Aburano for the F.C. Democratic Committee. (Photo: FCNP)

Creative Cauldron Gets New $15k Grant Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron Stage announced today that it has received a $15,000 grant from the Shubert Foundation, which directs funding toward not-for-profit, professional theatres with an emphasis on producing, rather than presenting, organizations.

The Shubert Foundation is especially interested in providing support to professional resident theatre and dance companies that develop and produce new American work.

“We are proud of our “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” and “Bold New Voices” initiatives which have allowed us to develop new works by underrepresented artists. And to have many of those productions go on to have subsequent performances across the country and the world, has been a thrill. We are honored that the Shubert Foundation has recognized our hard work,” said Founding Artistic Director Laura Connors Hull.

THE THREE NEWEST City of Falls Church Police officers graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, Session 152 on Monday, June 16. Shown here with Chief Shahram Fard. Officer C. Johnson, Officer A. Marchese, and Officer M. Hendricks (L-R) took their solemn oath to serve and protect the Falls Church community and uphold the Constitutional rights of all. At the graduation Officer Marchese was presented with the Thomas L. Shaw Award, the Academy’s most distinguished honor for trainee excellence. (Photo: Courtesy)

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 12 | JUNE 19 - 25, 2025

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

This Week Around Falls Church Thursday, June 19

Friday, June 20

Saturday, June 21

Art Show: In the Absence of Nurture...Nature March 27, 2025 – June 15, 2025 Rare Bird Coffee Roasters 230 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA

Sculpture Garden Guided Tours Fridays through Sundays, including June 20–22, 2025 National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC Join a docent-led tour exploring the outdoor sculpture collection (weather permitting).

Films: “Standing Strong: Elizabeth Catlett” 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC A short film highlighting artist Elizabeth Catlett’s life and work.

COPA Tysons Family Festival & Adult Soccer Tournament COPA Tysons 8332 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA Join the fun at COPA Tysons on Saturday, June 21! Enjoy face painting, a DJ, bubble soccer, inflatables, a soccer skills station, food trucks, the Washington Spirit mascot PK the Eagle, autograph signings, and more familyfriendly activities — plus an adult 4v4 soccer tournament. Sponsored by the Tysons Community Alliance.

Details and registration at https://tysonsva.org/copa-tysons/

Art Exhibits: Spring Solos April 17, 2025 – June 14, 2025 McLean Project for the Arts 1234 Ingleside Ave, McLean, VA Featuring work by Jackie Hoysted, Emon Surakitkoson and Heidi Fowler. Opening Exhibition Reception: Thursday, April 17, 7-9 p.m.

For more information info@mpaart.org.

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

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

Concerts in the Park: Falls Church Concert Band June 19, 2025, 7:00 p.m.

Cherry Hill Park 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music each Thursday in June and July at the barn in Cherry Hill Park. This week, the Falls Church Concert Band will perform a variety of Americana music and feature vocalist Ms. Daneille Randolph. Sponsored by VPIS and the City of Falls Church.

The Art of Looking: Jan Steen, The Dancing Couple 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC Gallery talk exploring Jan Steen’s The Dancing Couple and Dutch genre painting.

Gastón Reggio Group Concert 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC Enjoy live music in the Sculpture Garden to kick off the summer season.

Live Performance: Shooting Star June 6, 2025 – June 21, 2025 James Lee Community Center 2855 Annandale Rd, Falls Church, VA In this bittersweet romantic comedy, college lovers, Elena Carson and Reed McAllister, are snowed in overnight at a middle-America airport.

Elena and Reed revisit a past that holds more surprises than they imagined—and a present that neither of them could have predicted. Filled with laughter and ache, Shooting Star explores the middle days of our lives, and how we get there.

Buy tickets at tickets@providenceplayers.org.

Ukulele Baby Lap Time 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Babies and caregivers enjoy songs and lap activities.

Sean Heely Summer Solstice Concert 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 Creative Cauldron, 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA Celebrate the solstice with Celtic music by Sean Heely and friends. Presented by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce.

Pop-Up Stargazing 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22, 2025 National Air & Space Museum, National Mall, Washington, DC. Join museum educators for evening stargazing on the National Mall.

Gardener’s Focus Tour: Bounty of the Cutting Garden 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC Join a Hillwood horticulturist for a guided look at the seasonal blooms in the Cutting Garden.

Story Time: Dogs in Space 11:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 19 and Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA Young children learn about famous canine astronauts through fun stories and activities.

Dan & Chuck Duo (Live Music) 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Falls Church, VA Enjoy live music while dining by the water.

Clare & Don’s District Trivia Night 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025 Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Falls Church, VA Weekly trivia competition—bring your team and test your knowledge.

Sean Heely Summer Solstice Concert 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025 Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St, Falls Church, VA Celebrate the solstice with fiddle and Celtic music in this chamber-sponsored event.

EDA Meeting (Economic Development Authority) 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 (No June meeting in window; next TBD) Laurel Room, City Hall, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA Monthly meeting for the City’s Economic Development Authority (check next date).

Hedwig and the Angry Inch – Signature Theatre 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21; 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 22, Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA Rock musical exploring identity and transformation, running through June 22.

Summer Solstice Festival 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC Celebrate the solstice with drop-in artmaking, Storytime, nature tours, acoustic music, and garden walks.

Falls Church Arts All Member Show June 7, 2025 – August 10, 2025 Falls Church Arts Gallery 700-B W Broad St, Falls Church, VA The expansive show features the work of emerging and established member artists from the Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland area. It encompasses an extensive range of media from the more traditional watercolor, acrylic, pastel, fused glass, oil, photography, and sculpture to a wide variety of mixed media and printing techniques.

Sixty-two artists will be featured. Artworks can be viewed online at https://www.fallschurcharts.org. All pieces can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.

Live Performance: The Play That Goes Wrong June 7, 2025 – June 28, 2025 Little Theatre of Alexandria 600 Wolfe St, Alexandria, VA What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get New York and London’s award-winning comedy! Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps, mayhem, and madcap mania! Welcome to the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “comic gold” (Variety) sure to bring down the house. Tickets at https://thelittletheatre.com/performances.

AAUW Falls Church Pop-Up Book Sale June 21, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Falls Church Community Center 223 Little Falls St, Falls Church, VA The Falls Church branch of AAUW will hold a pop-up book sale during the Farmer's Market. Find great summer reading and help fund scholarships for local girls pursuing post-high school education.

Falls Church Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. – noon, Saturday, June 21, 2025 City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA Shop fresh produce and local goods every Saturday morning.

Sing Books with Emily 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Enjoy interactive singing and story time for preschool and school-age children.

Pelvic Floor Health Lecture 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Learn about pelvic floor health and wellness in this free educational session.

Falls Church Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA Weekly market with fresh produce, local artisans, and community vendors.

Sunday, June 22 All Aboard! Cooperative Train Play 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA For ages 2–5: Play with toy trains and connect with other families.

Guided Bird Walks 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC Enjoy a birdwatching walk through the Hillwood gardens with a knowledgeable guide.

Ramon & Kamaka (Live Music) 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025 Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Falls Church, VA Local artists perform live at the beachthemed venue.

Edge (Youth Ministry, Grades 7–12) 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025 Columbia Baptist Church, 103 W. Columbia St, Falls Church, VA Weekly gathering for middle and high school students to connect, worship, and have fun.

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Sunday, June 22, 2025 Columbia Baptist Church, 103 W. Columbia St, Falls Church, VA Join in-person or online for Sunday worship services.

Monday, June 23 Family Movie Night: Minions 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Enjoy a family-friendly film together at the library.

Key Photography Principles (Workshop) 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700 B W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA A hands-on class led by Lamine Hamdad covering essential photography techniques suitable for all camera types.

Sign up: https://greenscap.wufoo.com/forms/keyphotography-principles-june-23-2025/ German Conversation Evening 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Practice German language skills in a relaxed setting.

Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 Laurel Room, City Hall, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA Monthly advisory committee meeting open to the public.

Summer Storytime 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 23, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Stories and songs for preschoolers.

Centri-Kids / Centrifuge Camp Week Monday–Friday, June 23–27, 2025 Columbia Baptist Church, 103 W. Columbia St, Falls Church, VA Children’s day camp featuring art, sports, science, cooking, and more.

Tuesday, June 24 Resume Writing 101 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Learn how to craft an effective resume in this free workshop.

Great Books Discussion Series 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Join this adult discussion group to talk about classic literature.

Wolf Trap Opera: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025 The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, A fully staged production of Mozart’s beloved comic opera, performed by emerging opera artists.

Wednesday, June 25 Solid Waste Taskforce Meeting #2 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Dogwood Room A & B, City Hall, 300 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA City committee meeting to review solid waste management initiatives.

All Aboard! Cooperative Train Play 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA Another chance for ages 2–5 to play with toy trains.

Summer Fun Night 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Columbia Baptist Church, 103 W. Columbia St, Falls Church, VA An evening of games, activities, and fellowship for kids and youth.

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods: Nen Daiko (Taiko Japanese Drumming) 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA A lively, family-friendly performance showcasing the powerful art of traditional Japanese drumming.

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

Send us your events to calendar@fcnp.com

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1033

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1034

How to play:

How to play:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.

You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.

You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 12 - 18, 2025 | PAGE 13

PUZZLE NO. 1035

PUZZLE NO. 1036

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE31. TV promos

PUZZLE NO. 297

34. Write with acid 37. Broad-antlered deer 39. Ate heartily 41. Southpaw 43. Weight

44. Gape 45. Disastrous 47. Fizzy drink 48. In good shape 49. Matched collections 52. Female pig

Copyright © 2025, Penny Press

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 1035

How to play: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line.

You already have a few numbers to get you started.

Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.

ACROSS

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Upcoming Issues:

ACR

1. O o 5. L 8. Y f 12. C 13. P 14. W m 15. C 16. A b 17. M a 18. T a 20. R 22. M s 24. T 25. A 30. E 33. N

PUZZLE NO. 299

June 26 • Best of FC Starts • Pet Issue Contact Sue Johnson For Ads sjohnson@fcnp.com or ngatz@fcnp.com for more information Copyright © 2025, Penny Press

ACROSS

1. British brew 4. Thicken 8. Clasp 12. Large coffeepot 13. Bee home 14. Track event 15. Hitter’s club 16. Blessing closer 17. Becomes older 18. Loafers 20. Big quiz 21. Prizes 23. Deep anger 25. Sun-dried brick 26. Tilling tool 27. Picnic beverage 30. Thus far 31. Advertising lights 33. Move quickly 34. Single’s order

8. Rub harshly 9. Angry frenzy 10. Sherbets 11. Bother 19. Small amount 21. Deli spread 22. Ideal garden 24. Answers 26. Sty resident 27. Nabbed 28. Fight for two 29. Winds up 32. Sound range 37. Astonish 38. Cozy 39. Book name DOWN 1. Basin 40. Circle parts 2. Important time 41. Bounty 3. Remedy 42. ____ pop 4. Dare 44. Gigantic 5. Citrus fruits 48. Affirmative 6. Finished vote 7. Emotional strain 49. Church seat

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ACR

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 299

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

1. P 4. G c 8. A 12. S a 13. A 14. V o 15. C e 16. C 17. F f 18. G 20. C 22. T t 24. C l 28. H 32. W 33. V

PAGE 14 | JUNE 19 - 25, 2025

SPO RTS

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Meridian Boys Soccer Reclaims C ritter C orner 3A State Championship

by Ryan McCafferty

A day after using a dominant second half to pull away from Christiansburg in the State Semifinals, the Meridian High School boys’ soccer team was right back on the field seeking the biggest prize of all. Their opponent would be the Warriors of Western Albemarle, who are located in much closer proximity to the game’s setting of Fluvanna County High School in Palmyra, but the Mustang faithful did an outstanding job of negating any home crowd advantage by coming out in full force on this scorching Saturday.

On the field, both teams appeared evenly matched in the early going, and Addison Turner was forced to make a couple big stops to keep Meridian from falling behind. The Mustangs had their chances as well, including two huge ones that did everything but find the back of the net around the midway point of the first half, and finally with just under 14 minutes left in the period, some gritty work by Etornam Amenyah set up Amin Shams to drive it past Western Albemarle’s goalkeeper.

Meridian would maintain the 1-0 edge into the break, and then the Mustangs wasted no time with their fresh legs when play resumed as Fletcher Saaty, the Northwestern District Player of the Year, blasted a shot into the net off of a feed from Suriyan Cushman less than two minutes into the half to double the advantage.

Western Albemarle got one back just past halfway through the frame, and continued to see quality chances in the moments immediately afterwards as Turner was forced to come to the rescue with a series of saves once again. But with the finish

line in sight, the Mustangs found another gear to close this one out and prevented any hopes of a tying goal, winning 2-1 in a hard-fought battle.

The victory gives Meridian its fourth state title in the past eight years, and really in seven years because the 2020 season was canceled due to Covid-19. It’s the second in three seasons for head coach Nathan Greiner, the Northwestern District Coach of the Year, and it completes an emphatic turnaround after the Mustangs experienced a down year by their standards in 2024.

After going 9-9 and missing the State playoffs a season ago, Meridian finishes 17-2-2 with 16 straight non-losses to close out the campaign.

When asked what was the biggest key to the team’s success, Greiner did not hesitate. “Senior leadership,” he said, speaking of his squad’s 14 graduating members.

“After last year, they were determined from day one to make it the goal to get to June 14th.” Greiner also credited Western Albemarle’s resilience after going down 2-0, knowing they weren’t going to make it easy for Meridian especially after having lost in last year’s State Finals.

All in all, the victory puts the icing on the cake on what was another thrill ride of a year for Mustang athletics. In the winter, the boys’ basketball team went 27-1 with their only loss coming in the State Semifinals, while in the springtime, two additional teams – boys’ lacrosse and girls’ tennis – made it to that same round. The boys’ soccer program has been perhaps Meridian’s proudest in recent times, and they delivered once again by sending their school off into summer break with a championship trophy.

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THE MERIDIAN BOYS soccer team clinched the Virginia High School League Class 3A State Championship on Saturday, June 14, capping off their remarkable season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Western Albemarle. (Photo: FCCPS Photos)

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