Falls Church News-Press 6-2-2021 by Falls Church News-Press

June 3 – 9, 2021

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Mason Holds 1st Gradua�on at New School, Final Under Mason Name Commencement Speech from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Highlighted In-Person Event BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

In his first visit to the City of Falls Church since he was running for statewide office in 2017, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam graced the

stage set up on George Mason High School’s football field yesterday morning to deliver the commencement address to the school’s Class of 2021. It marked one of the first public in-person events held at the school

Democratic Candidates Make Final Pitch Before Primary BY MARRETT CEO

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

With Virginia’s Democratic primary for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and a spate of state delegate primaries being held next Tuesday, candidates got one final word on the debate stage. For the fourth and final time in front of a limited audience, the five candidates for Virginia governor squared off at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Those candidates are Jennifer Carrol Foy, a Petersburg native who formerly served in the House of Delegates, representing part of Prince William County; Del. Lee Carter of Manassas represents the 50th district in the House of Delegates; Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who was elected in 2017 after having served as an Assistant US Attorney early in his career; Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who served from 20142018 and was a businessman before that, as well as a former Democratic

National Committee chairman and State Senator Jennifer McClellan has represented Richmond constituents in both Virginia’s House of Delegates and Senate since 2006. McClellan’s goals, if elected, would be to rebuild the Virginia economy by raising the minimum wage and creating a small business loan for long-term effects of the pandemic, create universal child care, and expand affordable reproductive and mental health care. She stressed funding education when asked by Alan about what she would do with the expected $500 billion budget surplus. Quentin Kidd, the director of the Watson Center for Public Policy at CNU, stated that frontrunner McAuliffe couldn’t afford any mistakes as other candidates looked to cut into his lead. “Both Carroll Foy and McClellan would have to go after him,” was what Kidd predicted. The two did just that when they

Continued on Page 4

since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 and served to bring closure to the Falls Church Public School System’s 14-month trevail navigating the difficult and often controversial, at least among some parents, decisions about virtual,

hybrid and other learning options that left few people happy. But if there was the unhappy part, the good and gracious part prevailed at the ceremony, which closely resembled a classic high school graduation except that the

colorfully-clad graduates in their caps and gowns were seated in a socially distant manner on folding chairs that tended to sink into the football field turf.

Continued on Page 5

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VIRGINIA GOV. RALPH NORTHAM served as the commencement speaker for George Mason High School’s graduation ceremony yesterday. The governor kept the mood light, joking that he didn’t care if students forgot he was their commencement speaker, as long as they remembered that the governor spoke at their graduation. (P��: N��-P��)

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SEE STORY, PAGE 3

David Thong, a local musician, recalls playing a show this past winter when it was only 38 degrees outside, saying he was surprised just how many people came out in the cold to see live music. Now Covid-19 vaccinations increasing, he’s eager to see droves of fans return to shows after a long year. SEE PRESS PASS, PAGE 18

The Covid-19 pandemic caused a lot of plans to change, and Falls Church’s annual Memorial Day Parade & Festival was no exception. Crowds couldn’t gather along Park Avenue like they usually would, so City officials brought the parade to them with a trip around town.

“Songs for a New World” was performed at George Mason High School for onenight-only. Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, the show displays the changes between European musical forms and those of the New World, such as jazz and gospel.

SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 11

INDEX

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 3

Mason’s ‘Songs for a New World’ Takes the Stage After Year-Long Delay BY MARK DREISONSTOK

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

“Songs for a New World” was recently performed at George Mason High School in Falls Church in an impressive onenight-only virtual performance on May 27. Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown, the show displays the changes between European musical forms and those of the New World, such as jazz and gospel. The show, which consists mainly of short musical vignettes, straddles an unusual position between American musical theater and the European Song Cycle. The latter is often associated with German verses of the Romantic Age by poets such as Heinrich Heine set to music by composers such as Robert Schumann in such works as “Love of a Poet” and the eponymous “Song Cycle.” Shawn Northrip, the show’s director and Mason’s theater & film teacher, explained the choice to perform this work.

“The pandemic had everything to do with our choice: We wanted to do a show that we could give justice to presenting, even if the students all had to stand at microphones 10 feet apart for the whole show, which they do; and we wanted something that was uplifting,” Northrip said. “This show fits the bill perfectly. It’s a song cycle, mostly solos and ensembles of four, around the theme of new beginnings.” Vignettes include Emily Ives presenting a “Christmas Lullaby” with a pleasing vocal. Initially seen by the audience as an otherworldly silhouette with a somber tone, a contrast is presented to the normally festive holiday season. Masks were also used throughout the performance, which acted to heighten the mystery of the performances. Pauline Bonner, too, shone in jazz riffs as an affluent but bored housewife, in which the character contemplates, in the song “Just One Step,” the ease

Continued on Page 14

THE STUDENT ENSEMBLE performs a song during George Mason High School’s “Songs for a New World.” (P��: C�� S��)

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McAuliffe Seen as Primary’s Frontrunner While Others Chip Away at His Standing

Continued from Page 1

took jabs at the former governor almost in succession after he had mentioned Virginia’s Republican nominee Glen Youngkin and Donald Trump several times. Foy argued that McAuliffe and Youngkin at the top of the ticket would just be “two wealthy out of touch millionaire politicians, who don’t understand the challenges Virginians face.” Carter argued that the campaign should be more focused on a more inward direction for the Commonwealth, rather than being “opposed to the other guys, we have to fight for something.” With upwards of nearly $10 million raised, McAuliffe is the clear man to beat in the race. Following the former governor, Foy comes distant at $3,693, 838. McCLellan isn’t far behind at $1,700,030, followed by Fairfax at $300,391. Carter comes in last with $138,702. This is even less than Lt. Gov. hopeful Xavier Warren’s near $159,000. With three African Americans on the stage, including Fairfax who is only the second to hold statewide

office, timely questions were asked about the recent racial injustice, one week after the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, as well as the tasing of US Army Lt. Caron Nazario, who is Black and Latino, in Windsor. Fairfax was in favor of universal body cameras on police officers, making sure they are turned on consistently, in addition to ‘bias training.’ McClellan highlighted her actions as a legislator and proposed more options for investigations to take place to curb similar incidents, such as referring them immediately to citizen review panels or the AG’s office. Foy also sounded off on independent investigations. Carter stressed a possible special session to address police reform. McAuliffe also stressed the issue of training and brought up his administration’s efforts to restore rights of convicted felons. Another factor that McAuliffe was able to put out at the debate, which other candidates lacked some, was figures. When asked about the poor conditions and lack of 85 million masks, gloves and gowns never

replaced at the end of the swine flu outbreak, he commended his successor Northam, as 66 percent of Virginia’s population has had at least one dose to fight Covid-19. McAuliffe was also questioned about outgoing Gov. Ralph Northam, who has endorsed his predecessor, if he “stifled an important debate as to whether the establishment wing of the party needs to give way to the progressive movement.” The former governor responded he “doesn’t pay attention to labels,” and cited his administration’s accomplishments — on job creation as well as income and business growth. Before a Covid-limited audience of no more than 50 people in the audience on May 25, all six of Virginia’s Democratic hopefuls for Lieutenant Governor had their first and only debate. The lieutenant governor’s race usually doesn’t garner much attention in Virginia, since it’s usually ceremonial position that is used as a stepping stone to becoming governor. That was the path Gov. Ralph Northam took when he served as Lt. Gov. in 2013

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and went on to become governor four years later. Current Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is trying to replicate that formula with his own gubernatorial aspirations in this year’s election cycle. Three candidates now serve in the House of Delegates, Dels. Sam Rasoul and Mark Levine are both running for re-election in addition to seeking statewide office while Del. Hala Ayala isn’t seeking re-election. Another candidate, Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan has served since 2016 and sits on a number of boards and commissions. The two other candidates, Xavier Warren a former NFL agent, and Sean Perryman, a former Fairfax NAACP president, spoke of personal achievements rather than elected policy they have helped sponsor. McClellan said high speed internet for all Virginians was her top issue. Job growth and small businesses were the focus of Warren’s campaign. And Perryman zeroed in on equity as his primary cause. Perryman also took a different approach on the issue of handling police reform. While Warren and Ayala both support all police officers in Virginia wearing body cameras, Perryman said he would fight to change the so-called qualified immunity protections for law enforcement so individual officers could be sued

over their actions. Levine, who represents Alexandria, addressed his actions on policy in a lot of his responses, particularly of the importance of addressing gun violence. “Virginians are nervous, because it’s too easy for dangerous people to get guns,” said Del. Mark Levine. Campaign finance reform and fundraising came up in the debate as well, with Virginia having one of the most relaxed campaign finance systems in the country. The first question seemed to be aimed specifically at Rasoul’s strong lead at over $1.3 million which had some large donations from Muslim advocacy groups, according to data from The Washington Post. Moderators also asked Rasoul to address the issue of his faith representing Virginians if he was elected. Candidates as well as the Democratic Party Chair took to social media to show their disdain for the question after the debate, given that no other candidates were asked about their faith or had their fundraising numbers questioned. The winner of the primary on June 8 will face Republican candidate for governor Glen Youngkin and former Del. Winsome Sears for lieutenant governor in this fall’s statewide election.

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Weather Cooperated for Covid-Safe Outdoor Graduation on School Field

Continued from Page 1

Parents, relatives, family and friends mostly sat in the grandstand, though others stood behind the graduates on the field and there were over 200 who viewed the live video feed on YouTube. The backdrop to the event, besides the veritably roaring buzz of the Brood X cicadas that arrive every 17 years, was the brand spanking new high school complex adjacent the field, where at a cost of $120 million, students had a brief taste this spring and will fully occupy this fall and beyond. “I couldn’t be more proud today,” Superintendent Peter Noonan told the graduates. “You were 8th graders when I came here four years ago, and we’re now moving to a new high school, having survived the pandemic, a year of social unrest and new awakening of social justice, an ambiguous journey bringing you, the first graduates of the new high school,” Noonan said, referring to his commentary that is published in this edition of the News-Press on Page 7.

SIGNS ARE POPPING UP around the City of Falls Church in support of F.C. schools teachers and administrators for their work navigating reopening during the pandemic. (Photo: News-Press) “It has been unprecedented, and you have shown a collective flexibility, kindness, care for others and a continually gracious spirit,” he told the students. He noted that the set of principles behind the International Baccalaureate program have given everyone things to aspire to. He said “the watchword to navigate the aforementioned traits is ‘resilience.’” “You’ve modelled behavior for

others, showing strong lessons of resilience that all should aspire to have. Filled with hope, we all need the graciousness that makes the world a better place.” The graduates included 50 who earned IB diplomas, 82 who won George Mason scholar awards (a cumulative grade point average of 3.85 or higher) and 69 who qualified as valedictory scholars. Northam led off the program before stepping out early to get

back to his day job in Richmond. While promising the students he’d adhere to “the 3 B’s,” to be “brief, brilliant and be gone,” he acknowledged “this is a wonderful time in your lives to graduate, and said that while he’d add arts and health care to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum, the jobs of the 21st century will focus a lot on cybersecurity. “Aim high, the sky’s the limit, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t

do something, don’t be afraid of making mistakes,” he advised. “The world needs you now, but along your climb to success, don’t forget where you came from. At the end of the day, family and friends are the most important things.” He urged students going off to college to “call home once a week, ask for mom and tell her how much you love her.” Falls Church Mayor David Tarter hailed “the inaugural graduates of the City’s new high school that “cost more than the annual budget of the City” and demonstrates education as the cornerstone of the Falls Church community,” which he described as “close knit” and its schools as “intimate.” Raised by his aunt himself, he urged the graduates to value their community, saying they should know their achievements “are not of their own doing, alone.” “Little things matter,” he said. “Show up, follow the basics, follow what inspires you and makes you happy, refuse to surrender, and wherever you go, bring a little of Falls Church with you.”

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June is Busting Out With Pride

This year, “June,” as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s song from the Broadway classic “Carousel” exclaims, indeed “is busting out all over.” We celebrate how, as the nation emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic with over 50 percent of its adult population vaccinated, June 2021 represents a turning point. Hopefully it will not be a reversion, but a fresh new opportunity to put a new shine on all the good things people do and used to take for granted. The damage caused by this virus will not be gone, especially in poorer countries, but the means and, hopefully, the determination to rid the planet of its worst effects are at hand. As we say in the newspaper business, “Press on!” We celebrate the George Mason High School Class of 2021 and its seminal in-person graduation ceremony yesterday on its football field, serenaded by a chorus of cicadas and graced by remarks from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, who indeed, kept his comments “brief, brilliant, and be gone!” Almost outnumbering the cicadas are the yard signs all around town thanking the City School System’s teachers and staff for negotiating a very difficult year with commitment, compassion and fortitude. We celebrate the introduction of Pride Month, the newly-minted collective national acknowledgment of the positive contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary, transgender, non-conforming and generally queer (in the good sense) folks in our midst (including our chief, whose latest book, “Education of a Gay Soul,” is out this month). It encompasses the redoubled push to remove from Virginia’s Constitution the regrettable remnant from two decades ago when discrimination was enshrined by an amendment asserting marriage to be between a “man and a woman only.” How far we’ve come in such a short time, not to diminish the battles yet to come. We celebrate the upcoming June 6 Democratic primary in Virginia, where next Tuesday a plethora of talented and committed candidates are on the ballot. We remind our readers of the News-Press’ hearty endorsements: McAuliffe for governor, Herring for attorney general, Levine for lieutenant governor, and regional incumbents where state delegate races are contested (though not in Falls Church, where Del. Marcus Simon is uncontested this month). We celebrate the push in Congress to eliminate the pro-segregationist filibuster rule. Democrats in the majority now need not fear a “backlash” by discredited Trumpians. They need to look to Virginia as the example, where after gaining 19 seats in the legislature in 2019, the first election after Trump got into the White House, Democrats took even more seats in 2021. June has been greeted by new evidence of this, a Democratic victory in a special election in New Mexico. Melanie Stansbury ran on issues mattering most to working families, food and housing insecurity, protecting and expanding access to health care, building and diversifying the economy, and tackling climate change.

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F.C. City Council’s Investments in Stormwater To Pay Off Soon Editor, With summer storm season approaching, I commend City Council and City staff for their recent actions to make Falls Church more flood resilient in the future. Last fall, Council agreed unanimously amid difficult economic conditions to restart engineering for six priority projects across the City and hire two much-needed stormwater engineer project managers. In addition to the City’s improved overall financial outlook, here’s a recap of some other positive recent stormwater developments: * The City is collaborating with NOVA Parks on the first major step to improve Trammel Branch’s drainage into Four Mile Run this summer during the ongoing W&OD Dual Trails construction. * Council requested and received green infrastructure recommendations from the revived Stormwater Task Force to improve stormwater retention and infiltration higher in our watersheds. Fellow residents, Google “Falls Church Stormwater Utility Fee Credit” to find a handy 14-page document filled with ways you can help your downstream neighbors by reducing impervious surface on your property, planting trees, adding rain barrels, and more, and benefit yourself with a credit.

1. Keep the news clean and fair. 2. Play no favorites, never mix business and editorial policy. 3. Do not let the news columns reflect editorial comment. 4. Publish the news that is public property without fear or favor of friend or foe. 5. Accept no charity and ask no favors. 6. Give “value received” for every dollar you take in. 7. Make the paper show profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

F.C.’s Public Works Dept. Welcomes All Feedback on Projects

Editor, As a follow-up to Mr. White’s commentary in the May 20 edition, Department of Public Works (DPW) staff met with Mr. White to talk about his concerns, and we are on the way to a resolution. DPW strives to provide great customer service and communication when work is planned. We pride ourselves in working with homeowners to accommodate their desires whenever possible. DPW’s motto is, “Working together to sustain and enhance our community’s infrastructure and provide a safe, green, and clean environment.” We didn’t work together in this instance, and we are sorry. We are striving to make it right with Mr. White. Concerns about public works projects can always be brought to my attention — we welcome the feedback: dpw@fallschurchva.gov. Zak Bradley Falls Church

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Of course, residents in areas that need improved drainage want help as soon as possible, and future summer storms will continue to be nervewracking for them. Long term, the City has many large stormwater projects left on its to-do list, but City leaders deserve a big thank you for their great strides in recent months getting the people, plans, and funds in place to accomplish those! Dave Gustafson Falls Church

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JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 7

G � � � � C � � � � � �� Resilience of 2021 Senior Class Is Something to Behold B� P�� N��

Congratulations to our Class of 2021! You’ve made it! Your class survived a year that included experiences that no previous graduating class ever imagined. The longanticipated piece of your senior year was the move to a new high school building, but your journey included so much more! A global pandemic, social unrest following the murder of George Floyd, and awakening to racial injustices in our society. You navigated a college application process with little clarity about how it worked. You endured the uncertainty of pass/fail, credit/no credit, no-zero policies, standards based learning and grading, SAT- and ACT-optional applications. You did it all while wearing face coverings and staying socially distant! This year has been a challenging, heart wrenching, creative, and mostly ambiguous journey that is wrapping up with the availability of a Covid vaccine, the invasion of Brood X 17-year cicadas, and the first-ever graduation from the grounds of our new high school. Through it all your community has learned from you. In reflecting on all of the issues that our schools and community have been through during the last 18 months, I am heartened by the approach that our current graduates have taken to these “unprecedented” times (That will be one word of many we should all eliminate from our collective vocabulary going forward). I witnessed in you, collectively, this

year, incredible flexibility, kindness, and care for others. You model a belief that we should approach each day with our best intentions at the forefront, and a spirit in which you appear to be continually gracious for all the gifts you have been given in school and in life.

“Watching you navigate all the aforementioned trials and tribulations during the last ‘mile of your climb’ has reinforced in me that resilience is a byproduct of all of those traits.” In FCCPS we tout our International Baccalaureate (IB) program as something special that sets us apart from the rest of the country and the world...and for good reason. The IB is, at its core, a set of principles that I believe our broader local, state, and global community should aspire to.. As you walk across the stage for graduation, after significant work within the IB programme for the past 12

years, most of you can rattle off the traits of the “Learner Profile” (perhaps, with mild sarcasm because they have been repeated...a lot). This is who we strive to be as a community and as individuals: Inquirers. Knowledgeable. Thinkers. Communicators. Principled. Open-minded. Caring. Risk-takers. Balanced. Reflective. Remarkably, it is precisely these qualities that carried the whole community through the last 18 months to help you, our Class of 2021 graduates, reach this pivotal point in your life journey. Watching you navigate all the aforementioned trials and tribulations during the last “mile of your climb” has reinforced in me that resilience is a byproduct of all of those traits. By integrating all of these traits, you will be able to thrive and achieve your goals as you move forward. Seniors led the charge in FCCPS for the past year by ensuring great Covid mitigation and modeling for younger students. You modeled safe sportsmanship. You adjusted to different schedules. You cared for the mental health of your classmates. You advocated for the best interests of students. You helped organize and attended marches to support racial equity and social justice. You were integral in making your new high school a home supporting and participating in live sports, music, musicals, and other amazing events. As you move onto the next phases in your lives, your overall ability to adapt, modify, and overcome a myriad of obstacles is a strong

lesson in resilience every person in this community should aspire to. As a parent of a graduating senior myself, I think your parents would all agree that this year is not what any of us wanted for you. But you adapted, and overcame, and learned new things. While there was much that was lost, there was much that was gained by being resilient, and practicing those IB Learner Traits. You not only accepted the realities and challenges you faced, you also thrived despite them. When we look back on the last 18 months, we will see this as a pivotal time in our country. It was filled with sickness, death, loneliness, culture wars, political polarization, and more. However it has also been full of hope. The members of this senior class are the models of resilience we need. We each should strive to mimic the graciousness and flexibility you showed in the face of ambiguity and adversity. Our world is in much better hands because of who you are becoming. I’m so proud of the Class of 2021. Your parents, siblings, neighbors, and community are so proud of you! I am grateful to you for helping me to continue to learn how to navigate through life! Dr. Peter Noonan is the superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools

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NEWS BRIEFS Sally Cole Stepping Away From Chamber

Study Finds Racist Culture at VMI

Sally Cole, the local City of Falls Church resident who has deftly led the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce as its executive director for 17 years, the longest tenure in its history (eclipsing the reign of the late Robert S. “Hap” Day), announced to the Chamber Board of Directors that she is stepping down, saying “it is time for a change.” In a letter to Chamber Board chair Barbara Benson and the Chamber Board, she wrote, “It has been my great pleasure and honor to serve as the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director for the past 17 years. Although it has been incredibly rewarding experience, it is time for change. I am resigning as executive director, effective by the end of September, or as mutually agreed upon with the Board. “I have enjoyed my tenure here and have appreciated working with each of you, as well as with our member organizations, and our local decision-makers. The opportunity to grow the Chamber, create new networking events and promotional vehicles, redevelop the Chamber’s brand and online presence, and establish the organization as an important resource to local businesses and the community at-large, and encourage local spending and member support has been as gratifying and inspiring as it has been challenging. “While I personally need a change, I also believe the Chamber is primed for it as well. A fresh perspective and new energy will help the Chamber take advantage of the redevelopment taking place in Falls Church and the opportunities that such growth brings. I am happy to assist the Chamber Board in its efforts to reconsider the job description and search for the ideal candidate to fill my position. “Thank you all for your service to the Board, especially to those of you who have served as Chair, in leadership positions, and on committees and to those who have generously attended meetings and events. “Special thanks to Dr. Steve Rogers who hired me for this position in 2004. His support and encouragement have been the foundation of my service and I will always be indebted to him for that. “Thank you for the opportunities provided to me over the past 17 years. I look forward to seeing the Chamber continue its service to our community and adapt to area changes and needs.” Benson followed this with a note to the Chamber board that a committee has been formed to explore the retaining of a successor.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today joined statewide leaders in responding to a newly-released report on campus culture at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The report, released this week by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, concludes a nearly five-month independent investigation into equity on campus. Northam and legislative leaders called for an independent investigation last October. The investigation was conducted by Barnes and Thornburg, LLP from January to June 2021. A joint statement from Northam, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, Attorney General Mark Herring, Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn, Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Lamont Bagby, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Luke Torian, Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, and Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke, included the following: “Today, the Commonwealth and VMI received the highly detailed report examining the culture at the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. The investigation found that institutional racism and sexism are present, tolerated, and too often left unaddressed. While VMI has taken incremental steps forward since this review began, much more is needed. The question is whether VMI is willing to acknowledge this reality. “The Commonwealth will study this report carefully and then take appropriate action. VMI would be wise to do so as well. VMI is an agency of state government, and we will hold it accountable.”

Beyer: Localities to Suffer If Unemployment $ Cut The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee — led by U.S. Rep. Don Beyer — released an issue brief this week finding that cancellation of the enhanced Unemployment Insurance (UI) provisions could cost local economies more than $12 billion. “The enhanced Unemployment Insurance provided through the CARES Act ensured that tens of millions of Americans were still able to put food on the table, prescriptions in the medicine cabinet, and keep the lights on during one of the worst economic recessions in our nation’s history. Many of those Americans still remain deeply uncertain about their economic futures,” said Beyer.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 3 - 9, 2021 | PAGE 9

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Wrestling Camp Held At Mason Starting June 14 Mustang’s Wrestling will be hosting Cary Kolat, the two-time D-1 National Champion, Olympian, USA wrestling Hall of Famer and the current head wrestling coach of the Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Kolat is highly respected in the national and international wrestling community, and his staff of four will be joining him at the camp. On alternating days, they will instruct Mustang wrestlers and NOVA wrestlers across 4 days, Monday, June 14 – Thursday, June 17th. The camp is for wrestlers currently in Grades 7 – 12, and costs $400. To get a link to the camp’s flyer which contains all of its details and the registration form, email Jason Perkins at perkinsj@fccps.org.

Sports Physicals at F.C. & Justice High This Month Registration is now open for sports physicals at Falls Church High School on June 16 and Justice High School on June 17. Students can register at either school regardless of which school they attend. This successfully completed physical will be good for all sports and out of season practices (green days, yellow days, weight-room workouts) for the 2021-2022 school year. Sports physicals are required for all students who intend to participate in high school sports. This event is a fundraiser for the Falls Church

and Justice High Schools’ athletic training programs. The cost of the physicals is $50. Space is limited and walk-ins will not be accepted for this year, so those interested are encouraged to register early. To register, go to justicehssports. com and click on the “Camps/OffSeason Info” tab. The flyer for the event and the link to register can be found there.

7th Grader Organizes F.C. Litter Clean Up Lorien Jackson, a seventh grader at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and a six-year Operation EarthWatch participant, is collaborating with OEW to clean up Falls Church. Those who help out will get to enter their name for a chance to win a gift certificate at Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae. Jackson’s message is as follows: “Anytime between now and the weekend of June 12, please go out and pick up trash near your home, in a park, or along the bike trail — anywhere people go a lot. If you pitch in, please send Lorien a photo of yourself with the trash bags you fill and information about the area you cleaned up. Participants will be entered into a raffle for a gift certificate to Lazy Mike’s.”

F.C. Locals Land On Dean’s List The following college students were recognized as Dean’s List recipients for their respective colleges. Due to the late announcement by some colleges, some of those

THE GREATER MCLEAN REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB presented two Betty Greer Scholarships worth $1,000 to Caroline Burns (right), a senior at Bishop O’Connell High School, and Daniel Kalish, a senior at Langley High School. Burns will be attending Fairfield University in the fall, while Kalish will attend the College of William & Mary. (P��: C�� G�� M�L�� R�� W��’� C��) recognized may be from the Fall 2020 semester. All are residents of Falls Church. Belmont University — Rosalind Coolidge. Columbia College — Guadalupe Woods. Dixie State University — Emily Puntso. Grove City College — Dana Ross. Lehigh University — Emily Grace. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford — Farhid Negahban. University of Utah — Grace Johnson. York College of Pennsylvania

— Joshua Sims and Savannah Wilson.

Community Open House To Save Justice Park There will be a Community Open House in Justice Park (3302 Peace Valley Lane, Falls Church) this Saturday, June 5 from 2 – 4 p.m. The open house will include speakers, a tour of the ‘hidden side’ of the Justice Park, a scavenger hunt for children, ice cream and orange flags planted to reveal the threatened loss of open space inside the park. Those interested are encouraged to come and show support for a

community park which is a valued place for relaxation, recreation, play and sports and community members want to save it from a proposed redesign plan. Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax County Park Authority are proposing to pave up to twoacres of green space inside Justice Park for additional parking for Justice High School. Surrounding communities have not had any meaningful opportunities to weigh in to provide public comment on these plans and offer alternatives which may reduce the needs for parking for high school students.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Memorial Day’s Condensed Parade Highlights City Workers, Politicians

JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 11

A DIFFERENT LOOK was rolled out for Falls Church’s Memorial Day Parade this year. Various City departments, including the emergency services, police and even public works, got to show out, as did the City’s elected officials and Grand Marshal Lindy Hockenberry. The parade came to residents all around the City, but had a nice tunrout on its usual Park Ave. strip. (Photos: J. Michael Whalen)

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross

Hatred has many synonyms — abhorrence, revulsion, disgust, loathing — and they all apply to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s horrid comments last week, equating masks and vaccines that battle the Covid-19 pandemic to Hitler’s treatment of Jews during the Holocaust. When the media asked her to explain, she doubled down and reiterated her position. This is not new behavior for the freshman Representative from Georgia. In her few short months as a Member of Congress, Ms. Greene has made numerous outrageous verbal attacks about her colleagues, the January 6 assault on the Capitol, President Biden’s inauguration, and other treasured democratic values. Ms. Greene’s resume indicates that she graduated from the University of Georgia, whose wellknown mascot is a bulldog. Whether Ms. Greene cut her history classes is unknown but, at the very least, her Holocaust comments reveal an alarming lack of historical context. One can’t begin to know what’s going on in Ms. Greene’s head — is it theatre, fundraising, the spotlight, a misunderstanding of the role of an elected official — but we can control what’s going on in our own heads, and not parrot the bad behaviors of those who should know better. In October 2018, following a spray-painted hate attack at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, my column focused on hate crimes, and the fact that hate crimes, never the “old normal,” should not be accepted as the “new normal.” In that column, I wrote “the haters didn’t win. “They may keep trying, but they never will win. Our community, and communities across the region, the Commonwealth, and the nation, must stand united against hate, in any form.” Sadly, the toxic atmosphere that permeated our nation then is here still, with more people affected, most recently Asian-Americans. Regardless of the race, religion, or culture attacked, verbally or physically, hate is hate. In 1921, hate manifested itself in the mas-

sacre and destruction of Black neighborhoods in the Greenwood region of Tulsa, Oklahoma; in 2021, hate spews from Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, ordinary citizens, and sadly, some elected officials. In that 2018 column, even though the Trump Administration had a firm lock on the White House, I was hopeful that supporting the rights so beautifully outlined in the Declaration of Independence, and defending the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic (same language is in the oath of office taken by Members of Congress) might reverse, or block, the pathways of hate. Instead, it seems that some people are emboldened, using First Amendment rights as a cudgel against ideas, rather than an opportunity for dialogue, education, and understanding. Again, quoting from my 2018 column, “No other nation on earth enjoys such a breadth of freedom and opportunity, and we will be well-served if we can focus on our similarities, rather than our differences, but with true respect nonetheless. It’s what we do; it’s what we must do.” It’s easy to declare that we live in a pluralistic society and then return to our own biases, but pluralism is composed of many different aspects. When you peel away layers of assumptions, bred through generations of family, or culture, or tradition, you discover tantalizing connections that might foster greater insight, and greater opportunities for understanding friends and neighbors. Discovery also may reveal greater injustice, often one-sided, sometimes not. Whether ordinary citizen or elected official, we each share a responsibility to speak out against hate and its cousins — apathy, indifference, intolerance, bigotry — now and each time they raise their vile heads.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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CRIME REPORT Week of May 24 – 30, 2021

Larceny from Vehicle, W Broad St, May 25, 4:40 to 5 PM, two suspects distracted victim in a parking lot and removed items of value from vehicle. Suspect 1 described as: Hispanic female approximately 5`4, pony tail, white T-shirt and blue jeans, left the area walking eastbound. Suspect 2 described as: Hispanic male approximately 5`7, thin build, wearing a thick gold bracelet on left wrist, left walking

westbound. Investigation continues. Destruction of Property, W Broad St, May 25, 3:40 PM, unknown suspect(s) slashed a vehicle’s right rear passenger tire. Destruction of Property, S Maple Ave, sometime between April 11 and May 26, unknown suspect(s) unsuccessfully attempted to remove a vehicle’s catalytic converter. Drunk in Public, E Fairfax St, May 27, 2:47 PM, a White female,

61, of no fixed address, was arrested for being drunk in public. Fraud, Garden Ct, May 28, 12:32 PM, an incident of fraud was reported. Larceny, E Columbia St, between May 28, 5:30 PM, and May 30, 11 AM, an unsecured green Kona Lanai bicycle was taken by unknown suspect(s). Smoking Violations, Wilson Blvd, May 30, 12:54 PM, an Asian male, 52, of Springfield, VA, was issued a summons for a smoking violation.

WWW.FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report Last week, we lost a true statesman with the passing of the Honorable John Warner. Senator Warner was a bipartisan legislator always putting country before self. His long life included serving in the Navy, as Secretary of the Navy, and five terms in the US Senate where he also chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Rules Committee. Virginia was well represented by John Warner, a true moderate who had friends on both sides of the aisle. Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer. Due to an aggressive vaccination plan, available supply, and public access, Virginia is well on its way to resuming life as we once knew it. Accordingly, the CDC has amended guidelines which include relaxing the mask mandate for vaccinated people both indoors and outside. Moving toward herd immunity has been a game changer in the battle to curb the pandemic. Work from home has made its mark on our economy. From government workers, to the legal system, to academia, we’ve learned to carry on and be productive. The hardest hit industries have been in sectors such as personal services, food service, hospitality, and gig workers. Build Back Better is now the battle cry for reinvigorating the economic recovery. The model calls for investing in America’s workers as well as long overdue infrastructure renewal. It’s time to get back to work as new jobs become available. Unemployment is dropping, child care support is available, and our kids are moving toward being back in their classrooms. Bottom line: people are realizing it’s safe to get back to their traditional lives and work again. Many companies are in the process of reviewing how they will proceed with target dates as early as mid-June for physical offices to reopen. Some will put together hybrid plans and/or wait until September when children will be back in school. Nonetheless, we are facing another crisis – a workforce shortage. This is the anchor weighing down the recovery. The hospitality and travel industry were hit hard during the pandemic. Many restaurants could not weather the storm, Hotel va-

cancies have been at an all-time high. Business travel plays a big role in our region. Airlines, hotels, and restaurants will be able to rehire employees to meet the growing demand that comes with reopening physical offices, particularly in Tysons Corner and other commercial property within the 35th Senate District. After a tumultuous year and a half, the VEC is still under scrutiny and has been heavily criticized for its outstanding claim resolution backlog. Prior to the pandemic shutdown, Virginia was at an impressive low unemployment rate. There was no critical need to build and/or retain a large processing staff in the VEC. With the onset of the pandemic, over the course of a few months, more than one million claims were filed. Compound this with VEC internal outbreaks of Covid (including two staff deaths) and the perfect storm happened. Virginia has had one of the lowest unemployment insurance costs as it is tied to the federal government and required to follow their guidelines. It may not come as a surprise, but the system tends to favor the employer. A legal settlement has been reached which calls for VEC to step up its game just as we attempt to reboot and get people back into their jobs. The top lines include a $20 million investment by the Commonwealth in VEC adding 300 new staffers, put into service tech upgrades, and completing a modernization of the commonwealth’s unemployment insurance system by later this year. The ideological divide on gun ownership continues to widen both in Virginia and the nation. We have made great policy strides intended to keep guns out of the wrong hands. But somehow across this country we hear about mass shootings far too regularly. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month. This week (June 4 – 6) please wear orange in solidarity of this important issue. The redistricting commission has been meeting to undertake the decennial task of drawing legislative districts. Covid-19 slowed down the census results. Those numbers serve as the foundation for the new maps. As a result, the House of Delegates will likely run in three years in a row. The Senate is on the ballot in November 2023.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Jan. 6 Capitol Sacking: Putin’s Role (Part 8)

The call by Gen. Michael Flynn (Ret.) for a “Myanmar-style coup” in the U.S. at a QAnon meeting in Texas this week is only the latest evidence of the active coup efforts orchestrated by Russia’s Putin against the U.S. He was exposed by someone recording his remarks, and his denying it doesn’t erase that recording. Recall that Flynn was present at the meeting with Putin in Moscow ahead of the 2016 election of Trump that the Steele Dossier reported. Others included the presidential candidate of the U.S. Green Party and a representative of the Lyndon LaRouche organization. Flynn is flat-out an agent of a hostile foreign power, Russia, just as James Clapper, the former director of U.S. FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS National Intelligence, said the same of Trump, himself, in December 2017 in remarks on CNN (see my column, “Clapper Calls Trump a Russian Asset,” FCNP, Dec. 21, 2017). Flynn’s pro-military-coup rallying cry before the QAnon meeting this week also confirms that the QAnon-led Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol was a straight-forward Putin-directed operation. It was in April 2017 that U.S. Rep. Don Beyer told me how often Virginia’s U.S. Senator Mark Warner, then vice-chair (now chair) of the Senate Intelligence Committee said in his company that “the realities behind the alleged ties and collusion between Trump and the Russians are ‘far worse’ than anyone not privy to classified information realizes.” (see my column, “When the Russians Moved Far Right,” FCNP, Apr. 26, 2017). So, with the help of a desperate and shrinking Republican Party, flailing under the strong-arm control of Russian agent and criminal Mafia boss Trump, Putin’s coup is still on. Recall that it took Hitler a decade from the time of his failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 until his full takeover as genocidal dictator in Germany. A courageous rising up of Americans to oust Trump in the November 2020 election threw the fascist coup of America off track, but it is now regrouping. The real test for democracy in the U.S. is yet to come. Neither Russia nor China think that democracy can succeed in the U.S. and they are contending for control when the day of its demise comes. In their minds, the world then comes down to a two-way global competition between them. (Even the tiny LaRouche organizational residue is reportedly split now, following the death of its founder in 2019, between pro-Russian and proChinese factions. But both, naturally, are pro-authoritarian, anti-democratic and anti-American.) America’s role cannot be to choose sides between those two or to try playing one against the other. The only way American can succeed through this trying period is to reassert the merits of true democracy in the direction last year’s revival of popular passion for civil rights and justice has begun pointing. The young experiment in Constitutional democracy won its Revolutionary War, but its British adversaries did not give up seeking to retake control. The American revolution did not succeed until it won a terrible Civil War. But even then, sowers of division and hate remained unrelenting. The times have changed but the fight for democracy and justice-for-all has not. In the 1970s, democracy’s enemies unleashed a massive cultural offensive called “postmodernism.” Its fascist influencers were the likes of Michel Foucault. The “postmodernist” mantra has been that love and equality are fictions and only power and pleasure define human social reality. The great Princeton scholar of the Enlightenment and its American democratic experiment, Jonathan Israel, wrote that Foucault, in particular, proposed a philosophical system in which democracy, or the American experiment, was impossible. It was with like-minded postmodernists that the “post-truth era” was introduced in the 1970s, and with it the rise of the irrational cults like QAnon that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. America’s survival and prosperity need a massive reawakening, a popular revival of how and why democracy remains humanity’s best option. The great ideas of the Enlightenment — the primacy of science, reason, the radical claim that all persons are created equal, the formation of democratic institutions and a fierce passion to defend all these — have now to breathe new life into our republic. (To be continued)  Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.

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Nicholas F. Benton

Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark

The roaring real estate market in the greater Arlington-Amazon area adds intrigue to the swelling debate over “missing middle” housing. One solution being broached is for Arlingtonians to seek more reasonably priced dwellings — out in Fairfax. Among several presentations on this intricate policy topic was the May 12 Committee of 100 panel featuring three specialists and titled “Can Arlington Solve Missing Middle Housing on its Own?” Their regional examination of affordability, equity, revenue and the environment came as county staff continue soundings of public sentiment in preparation for a study next year that may advocate regulatory changes to increase housing density through “upzoning.” All five county board members have expressed commitment to improving economic and racial diversity in our tonier neighborhoods. They’re aware of projections that Arlington’s population will grow from 238,476 in 2021 to 301,200 by 2045. New planning director Anthony Fusarelli Jr. has expressed a desire to go beyond free market policy. And the vision of the Lee Highway Alliance, said director Ginger Brown, is “a range of housing; how the policy is implemented and regulated is extremely important.” But there is little consensus on whether allowing middle-class duplexes and quadroplexes in single-family-home neighborhoods is a public good. Least encouraging was Wharton School economist Jon Huntley.

He noted 2017 data showing that Arlington gained 58 townhouses (averaging $1.02 million each), 35 stacked condos ($700,000-800,000) eight duplexes ($1.05 million) — and no garden apartments. “Builders will build only if it’s profitable,” he noted, and barring dramatic changes in land values, missing middle houses — at say $500,000 — are not as doable for Arlington as they are in parts of Fairfax and Montgomery County. Aakash Thakkar, executive vice president at the Bethesdabased builder EYA LLC, noted that “folks with a lot of money will always have housing options.” But Arlington should waste no time in at least starting a transition to a more urban style. Thakkar touted his company’s creation of 87 high-density units in townhouses beside a park behind the Clarendon Market Commons (they sell for over $1 million). “People want to be in Arlington to be near jobs,” he said. And though Arlington “has done a wonderful job” along the Metro corridor, high-density concrete is expensive. “We can better utilize our land to drive up supply, reduce prices and be better stewards of the environment.” Most enthusiastic for Arlington action was Michael Spotts, president of Neighborhood Fundamentals LLC and a board member for the Alliance for Housing Solutions. Upzoning “does not mean banning single family homes,” he said, and missing middle housing is “one piece of an overall puzzle.” But “people have to live somewhere,” and if all density growth takes place in outlying regions, “there

are environmental consequences.” Paving over land and cutting forests out in Fairfax “has an impact on Arlington,” Spotts warned. “Arlington can’t solve it on its own, but some middle housing is good for the county and region.” Increasingly vocal opponents of upzoning, in Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future, said higherdensity housing strains schools and roads, threatens flood control and won’t deliver lower prices. Lesscivil online critics defend so-called “snob zoning” by arguing wealthier people have earned exclusive enjoyment of their quiet singlefamily enclaves. Thakkar hears this pushback in Chevy Chase. “But the counterargument is that 100 years ago those subdivisions were 100-acre farms,” he said. Perhaps “single family homes were built for a different time.” *** The Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, in new digs colocating with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, opened an exhibit on the 1960 lunch counter civil rights demonstrations. Those high-impact events, organized by Black and White activists, challenged segregation at our local Drug Fair, People’s Drugs, Woolworth’s and Howard Johnson’s restaurants. Dramatic photos of peaceful confrontations, executed by Dion Diamond (now in D.C.) and Joan Mulholland (still in Arlington) among others, include one showing harassment by members of the American Nazi Party. Despite initial resistance, Virginia laws soon changed and store managers mended their ways.

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Live Music Complemented Play’s Songs, Getting Chorus & Band Students Involved Continued from Page 3

with which she might plunge to her death off an apartment balcony. A more conventional pop song is found as Drew Miller sang compellingly “I’d Give It All for You.” A more extended story was told, or rather sung, movingly in “The World Was Dancing” featuring Madeline Aldana. References to New World or American culture abounded, as with Greta Hermann in colonial costume as a flag-maker in 1775, suggestive of Betsy Ross. A standout performance was Krissy Hornbuckle’s rendition of “Surabaya Santa,” based on Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s “Surabaya Johnny” from their musical collaboration “Happy End.” Instead of a sultry torch song about a love relationship gone cynically awry, however, here we had a sultry Mrs. Santa Claus, planning to leave her

husband due to his neglectful ways. “The students found great joy” in performing this work, noted Northrip. “We got quite a few thank you notes from parents expressing how the year had been difficult on their students and this opportunity restored their spirits,” he said. The show featured live music to complement its musical numbers. “I’m always a fan of live music — I try to put it into everything we do,” Northrip added. “It’s as important to the feel of a show as live singers. Plus, I’m not sure there is even an option to do this show with pre-recorded music from the licensing company, MTI. They provide all performance materials.” Yet this format allowed George Mason High School to fulfil one of its objectives in drama performance by always striving for a collaboration

between the theater, choral, and band resources. “If we can’t all be involved, we wouldn’t choose the project,” Northrip said. “Though certainly, this show leaned a little heavier on the actors who could also sing, but we are lucky to have a lot of overlap there,” he continued. While the 2021 fall productions have not yet been decided, the future Meridian High School knows what’s in store for Spring 2022 A year from now, the drama department will be performing the comedy “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” This show was originally scheduled to be performed in the spring of 2020, but was delayed due to the Coronavirus. Based on the strength of the production of “Songs for a New World,” the News-Press (and hopefully audiences) eagerly awaits the 2021-2022 performances!

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Faces of Falls Church

Born and raised in Falls Church, Mary has been working at The Dogwood for close to 8 years. Though enrolled in the nursing program at INOVA, Covid has put a temporary halt to the completion of it; however she looks forward to getting back to it soon. When asked if she had any parting words for the readers of the News-Press, she simply said, ‘I have no words of wisdom to pass along at the moment.’ (Photo: J. Michael Whalen/JMichaelWhalen.com)

WHO’S THE BEST?

The News-Press BEST OF FALLS CHURCH reader vote is coming! Falls Church-area favorites! Our 10th annual contest features 36 categories for readers to vote on the best eating, drinking, shopping and more in and around the Little City. Winners will be featured in a special BEST OF FALLS CHURCH edition of the News-Press on August 26!

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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B�� N�� N�� Little Foot Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Sprouts Up in F.C. David Jimenez has founded Little Foot Eco-Friendly Lawn Care, a lawn care company with a small carbon footprint that uses renewable energy to power the company’s lawn care equipment. Services include lawn maintenance such as mowing, trimming and edging, organic fertilizer treatment, leaf clean-up with quiet battery operated leaf blowers, and, for a limited time only, cicada sweeps to clear shells and bugs from walkways, patios, and sidewalks. Little Foot services are solar powered, use no gas, and are quieter and greener than traditional services and equipment. Little Foot operates in the City of Falls Church, McLean, Tysons, Vienna, and Merrifield. For more information, visit www.littlefootlawncare.com.

Trivia Nights Back In Full Swing At Several Local Brew Pubs Trivia Nights are back in full swing at several local brew pubs. Audacious Aleworks, located at 110 E. Fairfax and Casual Pint, located in The Loren at 6410 Arlington Boulevard, are both hosting them on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. while Solace Outpost, located in The Spectrum at 444 W. Broad Street, offers Pour House Trivia on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the businesses Facebook pages.

F.C. Chamber Hosting In-Person Networking Breakfast The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce will host its first fully in-person Networking Breakfast on Thursday, June 10, 8 – 9 a.m. at the Original Pancake House. The event is designed without an agenda to enable participants to speak freely about issues of interest to them and the business community. It is free for anyone interested but attendees are responsible for their own checks and registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. For more information, visit the calendar at www.FallsChurchChamber.org.

JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 15

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One More Page Books Opening to General Public One More Page Books will be opening to the general public on June 15. The number of people allowed in the store will be limited and masks will be required. The independently owned local book store will open to Patreon supporters for in-person shopping appointments starting Thursday, June 2. One More Page Books, which is currently open for curbside pick-up from noon – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, is located in the WestLee Building at 2200 N. Westmoreland in Arlington, just beyond the Falls Church boundary line. For more information, visit www.onemorepagebooks.com.

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 Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCHCALENDAR LOCALEVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 5 Falls Church Farmers Market. The Falls Church Farmers Market runs every Saturday, where attendees will find fresh, local produce, meat, dairy, flowers & plants, honey, music and more. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Falls Church) 8 a.m. – noon. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov/547/Farmers-Market-To-Go. Cicada-mania. Millions of periodical cicadas, known as Brood X for this cycle have been emerging throughout the Washington, D.C. region since the late spring, an event that local residents only see once every 17 years. Participants can join Arlington Parks staff to learn about these insects and experience the spectacle as the group hikes the trails. Families. Meet at Long Branch

Nature Center. Caretakers must stay with their child during the program. Registration required. To register, contact 703-2284747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 10 – 11 a.m. Nature’s Night Sounds Campfire. Families can gather at Long Branch Nature Center for the Summer Farewell Campfire. The group will learn, tell stories and do other fun things. Fire and sticks will be provided; attendees should bring their own s’mores supplies. Registration required. Register adults and youth by contacting 703-2284747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 7 – 8 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 Birding in the Field for Beginners.

Interested participants can join an Arlington Parks naturalist as the group goes into the field to learn how to identify birds using sight and sound while observing them in their natural habitat as well as how to use the app called Merlin. Registration required children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park (625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington). 10 – 11 a.m. Adapted Nature Hike – Bluemont Park. All are welcome to join the group on a leisurely-paced hike through a park wth Arlington Parks staff. The forested trails will be accessible, smooth and shaded for a fun hike to explore and examine whatever the group discovers. Restrooms & water fountains, paved trails open in the sun until forested area, trails are flat, benches at the

picnic area for rest. Families. Register children and adults; children must be accompanied by a registered adult. To register, contact 703-228-4747. Meet at Bluemont Park (601 N. Manchester St., Arlington). 1:30 – 3 p.m. ArlinGnomes Scavenger Hunt. Interested park goers can participate in a self-guided

TUESDAY, JUNE 8 Democratic Party Primary (Election Day). The Democratic Party Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 8. There is no Republican Party Primary in the City of Falls Church. All registered voters are eligible to vote in this primary election, regardless of party affiliation. There are three polling places in the City of Falls Church. Check your polling location on the Virginia Department of Elections website (vote.elections.virginia.gov/ VoterInformation). Polls are

open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Voters must be in line by 7 p.m. to vote. Each polling place will also have a secure Ballot Drop-off Box for voters who requested a Vote-ByMail ballot to deposit their completed ballot. Ballots must be submitted by 7 p.m. Voters must bring a valid Voter ID, which as of July 1, 2020 includes their Voter Information Notice (aka Voter Card) or a utility bill with their name and registered address on it. Valid Photo IDs — such as a Virginia Drivers License, US Passport, or Employment Badge — are still accepted as Voter ID as well. Voters who do not have Voter ID will be eligible to vote by Provisional Ballot.

VIRTUALEVENTS THURSDAY, JUNE 3 New Yorker Discussion Group. If any residents enjoy The New Yorker, but wish they had someone to chat about it with, they are encouraged to join Mary Riley Styles Public Library staff for its monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share their thoughts on what they’ve read in a variety of

In celebration of OUR 30th year in business The Falls Church News-Press is pleased to announce OUR 30th Anniversary Party!

Please mark your calendar for this "everyone is going to be there" event!

Thursday, July 29, 2021 Ireland's Four Provinces "4 P's" 105 W. Broad Street Falls Church, VA 22046

6pm to 8pm

Buy tickets at: fcnp.com/30thanniversaryticket

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

articles. This month’s article will be “We’ve Had Great Success at Extending Life. What About Ending It?” by Brooke Jarvis. This discussion will be held online. Email Pete Sullivan (psullivan@fallschurchva. gov) for a Zoom invitation or more info. 2 – 3 p.m.

THEATER&ARTS VIRTUAL (ON DEMAND)

City Council Work Session (online). City Council work sessions are held the first and third Monday of the month, with the exception of August and December when only one meeting is held. These meetings are open to the public and are conducted to allow Council Members to discuss upcoming legislation and policy issues; the public is not generally invited to speak. All participating members of the City Council will be present at this meeting through electronic means. All members of the public may view this electronic meeting via www.fallschurchva. gov/CouncilMeetings. The meeting may also be viewed on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35). Video will be available after the meeting both online and on FCCTV. 7:30 – 11 p.m.

Midnight at The Never Get (online). Welcome to The Never Get nightclub for this smart and slyly subversive Off-Broadway smash-hit musical. If life is a rehearsal for your memory, what moment would you replay? It is 1965 in New York City and cabaret crooner Trevor is in love — with Arthur, his songwriter. With their romance outlawed, the two create an act in the back room of an illegal Greenwich Village gay bar. However, pressures from a world on the cusp of change expose an ache for what they could never have in a wistful and whimsical serenade with tunes reminiscent of the Great American Songbook. Signature Theater. $35. Tickets at sigtheatre.org.

Planet Art — the Crossroads of Nature, Culture and Design. Interested attendees can join Margie Jervis, designer for Creative Cauldron Theater’s sets and costumes as well as a visual arts educator, for an evening of guided hands on art making inspired by study of special places on the globe. Jervis finds where nature, culture and design converge in the creativity of the people of those places. “Planet Art’’ focuses on Indonesia. The group will travel via Zoom to Indonesia, searching out the DNA of Indonesia’s art forms of textile design, puppetry, theater, dance and architecture. Participants will learn an experimental way to create intricate and expressive designs from that rich mixture. With “Planet Art” no previous art skills are required, yet, the concepts are also open to artists wanting to enrich their creativity. Attendees will be guided into a process anyone can do.Suggested materials are white paper, pencils,

JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 17

colored markers, colored pencils, watercolors, scissors, glue stick. Email Peter Sullivan at psullivan@ fallschurchva.gov for the Zoom link. 7 – 8 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 7

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

CA L E NDA R

LIVEMUSIC THURSDAY, JUNE 3 Redacted. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-8589186. The Thrillbillys — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Two By Sea. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-2370300. Jamison Greene. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4 Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk — Socially-Distanced Sound Art at Wolf Trap. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Rd. Vienna). Open during all venue hours. 703-255-1900.

THRILLBILLYS will be at Jammin’ Java tonight. (Photo: Thrillbillys.com) Dirty Soul. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-8589186. The Fabulous Dialtones — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Mother’s Little Helper — A Tribute to The Rolling Stones. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-237-0300. Six Pack Rodeo Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703241-9504.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 Velvet Grace. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 1 p.m. 703-858-9186. City Farm Band. JV’s Restaurant

(6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504. NOMAD. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-8589186. U2opia (U2 Tribute) — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. The Allman Others Band — Tribute to the Allman Brothers. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 7:30 p.m. 703-237-0300. Shartel & Hume Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6 Patchwork Dorothy Live and In Concert. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church).

3:30 p.m. 703-241-9504. Cosmic Carl’s Drum Circle Open Mic. Falls Church Distillers (442 S. Washington Street, Ste A Falls Church). 5 p.m. 703-858-9186. Comedy Night. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St., Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-237-0300. Rock N’ Roll Jams with DJ D — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. Linwood Taylor Band. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-2419504.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 Rewind Wednesday’s with David Thong & Friends — Outdoor Concert. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.ienna). 7 p.m. 703-255-1566.

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

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

PAGE 18 | JUNE 3 – 9, 2021

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

George Mason High School’s Class of 2021 Graduates Hans Jozsef Abruzzi Charles Wells Tabola Adams Lucas Mateo Aguilar Steve Marc Alba Evet Cristina Alfaro Lucas Barros Almeida James Gibson Alverson IV Sine Mei-Ping Anderson Isabelle Caroline Anderson Parker Lemoyne Anderson William Carl V Anderson Kagan Jeffrey Aramaz Robert David Asel Alexander Hans Rudolf Autor Jackson Thomas Barnes Zachary Daniel Baron Henrik Marlon Baum Abtin Bemani Naeini Suany Yamali Benites Benitez Hunter Jamison Benson Lindsey Coral Dorthanne Biffle Tyler Jack Bledsoe Colson Patrick Board Megan Ann Boesen Natalie Sang Boldt Clayton William Bond Pauline Anne Bonner Naomi Weihui Bradford Lydia Yudong Bradford Ty Edward Brown John Rutherford Brown Kaylee Nicole Bustos Maximilian Stewart Caboti-Jones Jack Lawrence Calabrese Joseph Wayne Carpenter Catherine Rita Carroll Meghan Mary Carroll Aras Cevirme Arda Cevirme Ellen Kathryn Milicente Chadwick Emilia Zinn Cipriano Celia Khushi Constance Sara Regena Corn Paulo Philpott Costa Lilian Camille Crowder Smith Khalil Rodrick Davidson David Ingrid Dema Katherine McCauley Donovan Finn Paul Driggers Madeline Denise DuBois Samuel Shaw Dykes Benjamin James Ellis Marco Andres Ferrara Ryan Dexter Fletchall Cecilia Marie Ouellette Frase Natalia Cecilia Freden Ian Patrick Fry Roza Gal Victoria Shine Gallaway Coleman Christopher Gardner Christian Xavier Gemond Vanessa Anne George Hana Ghaderi Nik Ghaderi Shealyn Elizabeth Gillaspy Christopher Anthony Goodwin

Michelina Olivia Green Siri Wagner Grund Karan Guleria Marjorie Swinehart Hagler Zain Matin Hameed Michael Louis Hammond Alexander Keegan Hansen Maryn Elizabeth Hiscott Alexis Camille Holewinski Kevin Ming Hong Kristen Grace Hornbuckle Emily Munro Ives Troup Michael Jacobson Brian Thomas Janicki Shane Braun Johnson Riley Katherine Keelen Jillian Morris Kendrick Tyler Lee Cardew Kirby Naod Getachew Kiros Samuel Frank Klemic Smith Owen Kraft Dominik Francis Krotzer Reid Michael Kusic Sarah Rose Lambert Charles Patrick Langan Evan Andrew Lankford David Anton Lehrer Brenda Karina Lemus Benitez Brayan Josue Lemus Benitez Jakub Rafal Leski Andrew Saul Lester Declan Jia’an Li-Carney Jack Arthur Lindly Christopher Malik Lockhart Jr Noah James Loi Carter Joseph MacKinnon Alexander Akira Madar Marwan Saleh Mandour Zachary Peter John Matney Ian Bryan McCracken Abigail Christine McFall Constance Christia Meade David Custis Meade III Christopher Darwin Mendoza Aquil Equinox Michener Dmitri Ruzany Modell Ryan Klaus Mueller Joseph Franklin Nelson Michael Kenny Nelson Kalina Grace Neubert William Francis Ng Daniel Edmond Ng Courtney Jade Odemis Jonathan Aimison Oppenheimer Benicia Ka’iwa Palmer-Lasky Rafaela Camara Paquete Maria Parsov Umika Pathak Annika Elizabeth Pender Olivia Grace Pilson Caroline Renee Poley Nicholas Stephen Pollack James Declan Quill Keellie Christinne Quintanilla-Hernandez Tom Gerard Poncejan Ramos Rebecca Maraley Rasmussen

Travis Scott Reirden Chloe Ayana Reithinger Ella Jade Reithinger Emilie Bell Reitinger Joshua Stephen Reitinger Luke Merrick Reitinger Grace Fuller Renner Joshua Reyes-Ramirez Desirae Nicole Rice Jack Ryan Rifkin Jared Everett Robbins John Christopher Roberson Marie Louise Roche Walter John Roou Cade William Ruoff Caroline Olivia Russell Natal Omar Sabbar Alice Rose Salamon Zachary James Schonauer Katerina Sedik Karishma Usha Sehgal Isabella Rebecca Shafa Nicholas Walker Sharrer Carlos Shields Shahina Shinwari Farishta Shinwari Ethan Daniel Siebel Robert Isaac Silva SaGia Singh Elisabeth Manson Snyder Cameron Isaiah Spellman Logan James Sripinyo Evan Karl Stegenga Rohan Vishaal Suri Samuel James Swetnam Nia Swider Carla Louise Tabet Sophie Elisabeth Tabet Grace Elizabeth Tarpgaard Anne Elena Schools Tarter Matthew Cole Schools Tarter Matthew Alan Teague Anuragi Thapliya Paul Isa-Bah Thompson Colton James Thorne Benjamin Edward Toyryla Daniel John Golden Trauberman James Anthony Trombo Winfield Scott Trundle Sophia Eda Urbom Max Josef Vagoun Andrea Valderrama-Avila Alessandria Mira Castillo Vega Giovanni Jose Vigil John Joseph Jr Villa Peter James Villa Maia Milenova Dyoulgerova Vollen Preston Michael Watts Jonah Zachary Werbel Zoe Louisa Whittle Ben Johann Wierzbicki Sequoia Jane Wyckoff Nima Yarbakht Ryan Sympson York Kaishuo Zhang Ashley Brooke Zigler Ian Joseph Zullo

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 3 - 9, 2021 | PAGE 19

PAGE 20 | JUNE 3 - 9, 2021 HOMES FOR SALE Falls Church FSBO: 3BR 1.5BA 1,736SF 1950’s bungalow, SOLD AS IS. $999K. NO realtors/contingencies. Voicemail 703-5362062.

PUBLIC NOTICE Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www.fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month. Architectural Advisory Board Board of Equalization City Employee Review Board Historic Architectural Review Board Historical Commission Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Towing Advisory Board (Towing Representative) Regional Boards/Commissions Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council

PUBLIC NOTICE Special Use Permit application U1623-21 by Lisa Wills, applicant, to allow a daycare use otherwise not permitted by right, on premises known as 128 South Spring Street, RPC #52-203-037 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A (Low Density Residential). Public hearing on the above matter is scheduled for June 17, 2021, 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the item may be heard. All participating members of Board of Zoning Appeals will be present at this meeting through electronic means. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on June 17,2021. Virtual meeting link, agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA

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

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

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PUZZLE NO. 85

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

36. Alcoholic liquor 37. Scraped 40. Upper class 41. Scored on the serve 43. Bonnets 44. Leave 45. Withhold 46. Papa 47. Decorate a cake 48. That woman 50. Chip enhancer

JUNE 3 - 9, 2021 | PAGE 21

STRANGE BREW

JOHN DEERING

ACROSS 1. Nudge 4. Punching tools 8. Grouchy person 12. 21, e.g. 13. Gather 14. Like suntan lotion 15. Off one’s feed 16. Showroom model 17. Not working 18. Diminish 20. Bird that gives a hoot 22. “____ Can Play” 24. Round vegetable

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

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

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 85

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

SPORTS QUIZ By Ryan A. Berenz 1. What national team dominated the Fed Cup women’s tennis competition from 2011-18, winning six PUZZLE NO. 87 that span? championships during 22. Drama

39. Type of snake

41.inShell dweller 2. What Utah Jazz player broke the NBA single-season slam dunkdivisions record with 306 2019?

23. Go away! 43. Large 25. Perfect quantity 27. Permissible 44. Parable 29. Lunch hour 45. Stare at 4. In what sport do the Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes and Scorchers47. of Unpaid the Women’s Big 30. Perth Fuss: hyph. Bash League (WBBL) compete? 31. Pour forth 50. ____ lodge 34. Sacred 52. Pie pan 5. Nicknamed “The Ginger Assassin,” what teenage bowler successfully cleared a53.7-10 split 37. Produces Farm penat the

3. Name the former college football coach who won Alabama’s U.S. senate election in 2020.

2021 U.S. Open semifinals?

6. What National Baseball Hall of Famer -- and his various conspiracy theories -- was profiled in a 1994 “Philadelphia” magazine article by Pat Jordan? 7. Name the ESPN baseball analyst who also wrote the book “I’m Fascinated by Sacrifice Flies: Inside the Game We All Love.”

1. Stan Humphries • 2. Jimmie Foxx 32. Manner 59. Declare 33.3. Society Hank miss Baskett • untrue 4. Callaway Golf Company 35. Coil 5. John Glenn 36. Damp DOWN 6. The Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) 38. Pie ____: 3 1. Catch 40 ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 87 7. “Ted Lasso” wds. winks

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

40. Wedding 2. Dollar Features Syndicate, Inc. routes(c) 2021 King 3. Hiding 42. Presently 4. Dog’s cry 43. Taken 5. Scorched wrongfully 6. Blockhead 46. Blemish 7. Stage 48. Loiter dramas 49. Miss 8. Spookier 51. Comedians 9. Gooey stuff 54. Building 10. Camp section worker 55. Levee 11. Hastened 56. Exude 19. Become sick CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS 57. Little 21. Biblical song USE AMERICAN SPELLING 58. Slipped

Last Weeks answers!

PAGE 22 | JUNE 3 – 9, 2021

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BACK IN THE DAY

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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25 � 10 Y�� A�� N��-P�� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VI, No. 15 • May 30, 1996

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXI, No. 16 • June 2,, 2011

Council Tables Hasty Plan To Sell Parkland

New F.C. Planning Chief Tells Council, ‘You Must Make Density Your Friend’

An F.C. Council motion to give first reading to an ordinance authorizing the sale of of a quarter acre of the City’s Frady Park to permit the relocation to the site of the so-called historic Proctor House, currently boarded up at 200 E. Broad St., was tabled, after an extensive discussion, by a 5-2 vote.

F.C.’s new City Planning Director Jim Snyder, who helped orchestrate the commercial development of Arlington before coming to work in F.C. this year, told the F.C. City Council at its that the “floor to area (FAR) ratios” in its prime commercial corridors are at this stage woefully short of where they need to be for the City.

St. James Parishioner Ann Murty Dies at 89 Ann Louise Moore Murty, 89, of Pittsford, New York died Friday evening, May 21, 2021 at The Friendly Home, Rochester, NY following a long illness. Born Aug. 5, 1931 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Leslie and Helen Driscoll Moore She was married Nov. 14, 1953 Edward Murty, who predeceased her in 2007. She was a graduate of Salamanca High School and the Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. She earned a B.S. in nursing and a masters in health education form S.U.N.Y. Buffalo. She worked many years as a school nurse and health educator at Nardin Academy, Buffalo, NY. She and her husband, Edward, moved to Falls Church, Virginia later in life, where she was active in St. James Catholic Church, the Virginia Electoral Board, and the Greater McLean Republican Women’s Club. Following her husband’s death, she moved to Pittsford, NY, where she resided at the Cloverwood and

Glenmere communities of Friendly Senior Living as well as the Friendly Home. Her family wishes to thank the staff of both communities and the Friendly Home for their excellent care over the past decade. She enjoyed travelling with her late husband, bridge, tennis and attending concerts. Friends and family will remember Ann’s great love of animals, especially the many dachshunds she owned in her lifetime. Ann is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Gil) Wood; three grandchildren, James, Kristin and Thomas, her sister-in-law, Kathleen Thill, brother-in-law, Gerald Russell and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her first cousins, Marjorie (Michael) Rick, James (Aurelie) Ward and Kathleen (Arnie) Spinner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor,

Here is a picture of Ollie, who will just turned one back in March. The Villa family are Falls Church residents who adopted him last September from Georgia...and he feels right at home with them! ANN MURTY as celebrant. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, N Donations in her memory may be made to Lollypop Farm, The Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.

Lifelong F.C. Resident, Veteran Michael Strickler Dies Michael Lewis Strickler passed away on May 25, 2021 at the age of 72. Mr. Strickler was born in Alexandria, Virginia to Teresa and Paul Strickler, the middle child of seven children. He was a lifelong resident of Falls Church. Mr. Strickler was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing, hunting, rock climbing and about any other activity taking place outside. There was nothing better than riding his motorcycle or ATV, ending the day around a campfire exchanging stories with his family and friends. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and tank driver. Mr. Strickler was an active member of the Falls Church American Legion where he served on the Board as the

Sergeant of Arms. He participated in the Legion’s Honor Guard, including during the annual City of Falls Church Memorial Day activities. He also organized a popular annual axe throwing tournament and built the targets himself. A jack of all trades, he ran his own tree service for many years. Mr. Strickler enjoyed singing karaoke at several local spots and by all accounts was very accomplished. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Carol, brother David, sister-in-law Anne and nephews, Jesse and Jason. Survivors include sister Joan Strickler Weeks (John), brothers Skip (Denise), Bobby, Kevin (Joyce), and Mark (Christina). A visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 6 – 8 p.m. at

MICHAEL STRICKLER Murphy’s Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 5 at 2 p.m. at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201.

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JUNE 3 – 9, 2021 | PAGE 23

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Girls Lacrosse The Mustangs once again have proven to be dominant in a 15-1 win on the road against Kettle Run High School. Their next game is at home against Eastern View High School on Friday. The girls will look to improve their winning streak to seven games as the regular season concludes. Track and Field This Thursday, the Boys and Girls Track and Field teams will be competing in the District Championship meets. Both teams will be competing against multiple schools with a chance to earn a Regional Championship meet on the line. Baseball Mustangs baseball lost a

tough, 11-10 game to William Monroe High School and fell to 6-3 on the season. Thus ending their six-game winning streak that began after losing to Brentsville District and Brentsville to start the season 0-2. Thursday night, the Mustangs will do a makeup game against Skyline High School which was supposed to be played in late April. They play Warren County High School on Friday night on the road and close out the regular season at home against Central High School. Tennis The Boys and Girls Tennis teams competed yesterday in the Regional Championships. The boys only did individual matches while the girls tried to redeem themselves from the last match (a 5-0 blanking by Maggie Walker Governor’s School) in singles and doubles. They also will be competing in doubles on Thursday to con-

tinue their respective seasons at the Regional level. Boys Soccer The Boys Soccer team, on the other hand, managed to shut out William Monroe 3-0 on the road. The Mustangs now improve to 6-0-1 and have been unstoppable since their season opener. They will travel to Warren County High School on Friday. Boys Lacrosse The boys team will also compete against Eastern View on the road this Friday as they near the conclusion of the regular season and school year. The Mustangs have a 1-4 record, which they hope to improve upon. They earned their first win in the previous game against Culpeper County High School with a potential playoff game coming up on June 10 against an unspecified opponent.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

PAGE 24 | JUNE 3 - 9, 2021

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