This Tuesday’s meeting of the Falls Church Economic Development Authority ended on a downer note when the region’s overriding issue of the year was verbalized.
It had to do with the impact so far on the local economy and businesses of the federal job layoffs imposed by the Trump administration since the inauguration of Trump to a second term just over four months ago.
No one at the meeting chaired by former City Council member Ross Litkenhous had any solid data to report, but some anecdotal evidence was not good. One board member said that she’d heard from a couple of local restaurant owners that their business is way down, especially their lunch business.
While some of that may be due to the return to their business offices of folks who live here, it was conceded that most of it is undoubtedly due to penny pinching owing to the Trump layoffs, and the worst of it has hardly yet arrived.
“The couple of restaurateurs I’ve talked to say their lunch business is off a cliff,” said Litkenhous.
While Falls Church has the highest percentage in the region of its adult population working (or working until a couple months ago) for the federal government (though only 2,016 souls, constituting 16.4 percent of the total in the workforce
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
Dr. Noonan Reflects on 8 Years at F.C. Schools’ Helm
F.
Few people in the storied history of the City of Falls Church have made such an important impact on the Little City in the course of only an eight year history as retiring Falls Church City Pubic Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan.
Noonan will be departing his post here on the last day of this month, but don’t think you’ve seen or heard the last of him.
At only 57, the rooted City resident (with a daughter still
in the school system here that he’s contributed so much to) now parked in the Tollgate part of town, will be seeking a lot of challenges ahead and after a vacation and hiatus will be going after them.
He does not rule out a run at public office at some point, he told the News-Press in an exclusive interview this week.
Noonan came to Falls Church at a point when talk of a new high school was seen mostly as “pie in the sky,” when the existing school sported a different name, before any of the
tough decisions associated with the Covid-19 epidemic were thought about at all, before collective bargaining was ever seriously contemplated, and before the City’s schools, while always touted as excellent, advanced to become one of only three school divisions in the entire nation to be certified with a full pre-school through 12th grade International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.
Though educators are notorious for avoiding comparisons with their professional colleagues, it is cannot go with -
out noting that Meridian High School has been ranked No. 1 in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia for seven years running by Niche.com, a website set up to help students and their families find and apply to the best schools they can.
In his departing essay published in this week’s edition of the News-Press , Noonan credits the commitment of the entire community for the successes of its schools. “All of these achievements were made pos -
Falls Church News-Press
by Nicholas
Benton Falls Church News-Press
Falls Church Local Flooding and Climate Change All Are Welcome Panel of Speakers
• Climate Outlook
• FEMA Determinations
• Recent Flooding
• Approaches to Onsite Mitigation
• Storm Sewer Issues – FCh Taskforce
• Realtor Experience
• City Improvement Projects
• Discussion
Location
American Legion Post 130 400 N Oak Street
When
Sunday June 8, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Social Reception follows
Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society P.O Box 6824, Falls Church, Virginia 22040
Vpis.President@gmail.com www.VPIS.org
Our Man In Arlington
Bill Fogarty
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, and forecasters predict above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year. Are you ready for it?
Arlington has at least 18 major surface waterways, as noted in a wonderful book written by Marty Suydam, entitled “Walk Four Mile Run.” The history of these waterways provides a lesson about the ever-present danger associated with the flooding of our waterways, with Four Mile Run being a particularly troublesome area. Hurricane Agnes in June of 1972, and Hurricane Eloise in September of 1975, caused severe damage to areas along Four Mile Run. In the September 1975 hurricane, the overflow from Hume Springs, along the Arlington/Alexandria border, was devastating, causing Cora Kelly School in Alexandria to be shut down for the remainder of the school year.
Long-time Arlington civic activist Joe Pelton recently shared with me some memories of Hurricane Agnes, in an article entitled “How Hurricane Agnes Led to Today’s Shirlington Village.” Though the hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it hit Virginia, the storm went through and then looped back over the metropolitan area, with over 11 inches of rain falling in a 24hour period. Four Mile Run became a raging river that washed away the South Walter Reed bridge over Four Mile Run. Many parts of Arlington were flooded, and for a time the 14th Street Bridge into D.C. was under water.
The Virginia Department of Transportation managed to move traffic over Walter Reed Drive, and into the Shirlington area, by creating a temporary one-lane bridge, which remained “temporary” for years. Fortunately, renewal of the area gained momentum in 1974 with a coordinated effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Arlington County, and the City of Alexandria.
With help from Virginia House Delegate Warren Stambaugh, Congressman Joe Fisher, and County Board Chair Joe Wholey, a comprehensive flood control program for Four
Mile Run was funded, planned, and completed by 1980. A new bridge was designed and built for Walter Reed Drive. Excavated rock from Metro construction was repurposed to create flood control rip-rap along the Run. Excavated rock was also used to build a decorative berm to screen the County Property Yard on Shirlington Drive, and larger boulders were used in landscaping Jennie Dean Park alongside Four Mile Run. The next time you are in that area, look for all the boulders –now you know where they came from!
And what happened to the Shirlington area?
The Shirlington Shopping Center was spiraling downward in 1974, with shops empty or reduced to selling remainders. The shopping center was developed in 1944 on a 23acre site to provide for the shopping needs of the nearby residential developments. By 1949 there were 48 stores, and in 1951, there were 25 additional stores. The center declined during the 1970s because of the economic slump and growing competition from modern shopping malls.
In response, the County Board enacted some revolutionary zoning laws (for that time), which we would call “mixed-use zoning”. The area has now been developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses, and with a new name: The Village at Shirlington. Fifty years after a couple of overpowering hurricanes, the flooding is under control, and the Village of Shirlington is doing well. But diligence and vigilance are always required when dealing with Mother Nature. As we approach the hurricane season, it is good to be prepared, as a community and as individuals. Are you prepared to deal with flooding in our region? One way to keep safe is to register for alerts from the County, which can be done by going online at arlingtonalert.com.
Trivia: In closing, let me provide some hurricane-naming trivia. For Atlantic hurricanes, there are six lists of names to be used for hurricanes, which rotates over a six-year period. However, names are “retired” if a name is associated with costly and deadly hurricanes. Agnes and Eloise have been retired, never to be used again.
Numbers Down Throughout Region as Job Cuts Threaten
here), according to the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the impact on the local economy is clearly due to the region-wide effect among a total of 196,252 federal employees of the layoffs.
Becky Witsman, the City’s Economic Development Division chief, said a report on the region-wide impact of layoffs was due imminently from the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, a body on which she serves as the Falls Church representative, but as the News-Press went to press this week, no report has yet surfaced.
The alliance has produced what is called The Pivot, described as “a timely response to the sweeping changes across the federal landscape — from massive workforce reductions to budget cuts and agency closures — impacting federal employees, contractors, and nonprofit professionals alike. This initiative helps those navigating career transitions move forward with
confidence, clarity, and renewed purpose.”
Yet, the EDA and local Chamber of Commerce continue to celebrate the opening of new restaurants in Falls Church: Dok Khao Thai Eatery, BurgerFi, Honoo Ramen and Bar, Paris Baguette, Stratford Garden, Rashfa Restaurant, Seoul Spice, Tatte, My Home Thai, Fish Taco, Semicolon Cafe, Lil’ Cakes Creamery, Little Falls Cafe, and Grill Marx, all set to open sometime over the summer.
It was discussed that emergency meetings to address the imminent crisis will be held in in August or September. The unfolding crisis in Northern Virginia is sending shock waves over the entire commonwealth, as this region accounts for 42 percent of Virginia’s total GDP.
Not only federal employment, but also housing, food and health care resources are suffering, too, along with nonprofits, impacting the region’s most vulnerable populations.
For example, Arlington’s Department of Human Services,
which has received $42.3 million in federal funds in just the past year, is at grave risk now, as the federal money had been used to help with housing, homeless shelters, medical care, including Medicaid, immunizations and substance use treatment, food insecurity including SNAP benefits and food assistance centers, even as the numbers of residents seeking food assistance has been rising rapidly.
Pleas for housing assistance, eviction diversion programs, initiatives aimed at retaining highly skilled workers and childcare support have gone out from elected boards, too.
Takis Karantonis, Arlington County board chair, told Arlington magazine’s Helen Partridge that the rising food insecurity is “a canary in the coal mine” signalling coming greater economic pain.
State Del. Alfonso Lopez cautioned, “We need to be realistic about where the priorities are going to have to be in terms of social safety net programs that are going to be hurt. They
are going to be hurt.”
He surmised that Virginia will soon need to tap the surplus in this year’s budget to offset cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits and education funding.
In Arlington, hotel occupancy has fallen off eight percent in March and April.
“Visitors come and they
spend money on hotels, they spend money in our restaurants and our retail establishments, and so we expect to see secondary effects of those declines,” the head of Arlington’s development authority said.
In Fairfax, the sales tax numbers in May were down 5.3 percent compared to just the month before.
sible not by one person or position, but by the collective will of a community that believes in its schools. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with a team of dedicated professionals — in our classrooms, central office, school board, and city government — who always put students first. I’ve also had the privilege of engaging with a parent community that’s thoughtful, informed, and unafraid to advocate for what is best for kids,” he writes.
He expresses particular pride in celebrating this year “a recordbreaking number of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme candidates, 72, the highest in FCCPS history. The IB program, renowned worldwide for its rigor and global perspective, represents the very best that public education has to offer. That more of our students than ever are choosing this path speaks volumes about their ambition and the support they receive from our incredible educators and their families.”
The IB curriculum, he said, provides a more global context for learning that challenges students to be risk takers, and that provides
value contexts. Another advance in the IB program here under Noonan has been the adoption of the IB career related C-Prep Program specifically developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills in applied knowledge. Seventeen Meridian students are enrolled in that this year. All the way through his tenure here, Noonan has couched his practical initiatives in a context of wider and deeper humanist values. Asked about the roots of such an outlook, he credits his upbringing in New Mexico by a single mom, his reliance on free and reduced lunches, his self-employment to pay his way through college, his ability to meet the challenges he set before himself and his empathy toward others facing similar situations. “I always look to see the best in people,” he said. “I practice kindness, which is not the same as being nice,” he quipped.
He also singled out a book of spiritual essays by civil rights leader, U.N. ambassador, congressman, former two-term Atlanta mayor and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Andrew Young, entitled “Way Out of No Way.”
He said he views his time in Falls Church in three buckets, preCovid, Covid and post-Covid. He said he is proud of the decisions he took around the Covid crisis, in particular as it zeroed in to the hours around 11 p.m. on his birthday December 29, 2020 when the decisions had to be taken about moving back to in-person teaching after the winter break.
“It really matters to have a community behind you,” he added, and said that good friends, as well as all the relevant parent-teacher and other groups meant a very great deal.
As he leaves, Noonan told the News-Press that he is deeply concerned for the future of public education in the current political climate, which may have something to do with his notion that, after completing a manuscript for publication with former F.C. school board member Justin Castillo, a “field guide”’ on how to improve relations between school superintendents and school boards, after some consulting, being out and about in the community more here, and vacationing in Halifax, he will be jumping back into the fray in some new capacity.
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Celebrating Values That Theater Arts Stand For
Nicholas F. Benton
Mine were brief but cherished moments this week before a sold-out
2,400 high school students, parents, friends, teachers and mentors in the concert hall at the Kennedy Center this week gathered for an annual lovefest known as the Cappies Gala.
Cappies, as AI tells us, stands for Critics and Awards Program for High School Theater. It’s a program where high school theater and journalism students are trained as critics, write reviews of other schools’ productions, and participate in an awards ceremony. The program aims to recognize and celebrate student achievements in high school theater.
The gala is truly an amazing event every year, veritably awash with loud, boisterous and lifeaffirming teen spirit, ear piercing cheers for nominees as they are announced, winners and the dozen or so production numbers interspersed throughout the three-hour event. (It emulates the Tony Awards that way).
This year there were special tributes to the passing of leaders who’ve kept the program alive and flourishing (copies of the original National Capital Area event are now active in a dozen regional centers all across the U.S. while 46 schools participate in this area), including a man I was honored to know, the recently deceased U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly of Fairfax County, Virginia, himself a thespian who often partook of small parts in productions by a local drama troupe in his district.
Having done this a number of times now, I always put extra thought into what I might say when coming onto the Cappies Gala stage to play a brief part opening an envelope and announcing a winner in a given category (this year for me it was for lighting). So I said this year, “It is such a joy and privilege to be a part of this every year, to be in the heart of the nation’s heart. Beauty, empathy and human compassion are the very es-
sence of theater, and you students have your whole lives ahead of you to practice these. They are the best weapons against cruelty and indifference.”
It earned a sustained applause, though not as big as the one a few years ago when I said simply, “Happy Pride!” Every year now I enjoy wearing my rainbow lightning pin on my lapel through June Pride months.
Sadly, this time I was the only presenter who represented a news organization of any kind, despite the fact the Cappies were set up 25 years ago to celebrate achievement at the high school level of both theater artists and young writers as critics. All the other presenters this week were school leaders or from arts non-profits.
This reflects the state of a news industry that has been under such attack from Trump, who assails it routinely as “public enemy Number One,” as well as attention-span numbing, cheap and easy online so-called “alternatives” that do not resist but encourage the kind of social segmenting and distancing that is proving a danger to democratic values and practice.
It is something I am dedicated to overcoming for reasons associated with fundamental values. It had a lot to do with the Page One feature I wrote and published in my Falls Church News-Press last week profiling friend and longtime Washington Blade reporter Lou Chibbaro Jr., whose work for that LGBTQ+ community newspaper since 1976 has contributed far more than people may think to shaping an inclusive but cohesive identity for the gay community that as a result is much better poised to resist and counter divisive efforts at ripping us apart and setting us against ourselves.
I have felt this ever since I wrote the first editorial in the very first edition of the Gay Sunshine newspaper in Berkeley, Calif. at the outset of our modern movement in 1971.
In this month, made special this year by the selection of the D.C. to be the locus for a World Pride fiveweek extravaganza, the celebration is in the shadow of the most dangerous threat since the eruption of the modern LGBTQ+ movement to the freedoms and self-affirmations currently afforded all.
Stand tall for the universal values native to our movement against this angry dark influence.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
The arts are under intense attack nationally by the Trump White House, but the arts are alive and well in Fairfax County. Summer is here, and the popular free Summer Entertainment Series will begin in all nine magisterial districts this week. Live performances are geared for all ages and tastes – children’s concerts on Saturday mornings, international cultural heritage nights, big band, folk, jazz, zydeco, rock, funk and, sometimes, dance or movies, depending on the park location.
When the FY 2026 county budget was released earlier this year, a proposed cut of $136,000 would have reduced concerts across the county by about half. Incensed about the proposed cuts, I testified at the budget public hearing in April, entreating my former colleagues to continue the popular series. Fortunately, whether I had any influence or not, the Board of Supervisors recognized the value and popularity of the concert series and restored most of the county funding. However, the Wednesday concerts, which traditionally have the smallest attendance at Mason District Park, were deleted. The concerts also are supported by grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, corporate donations (which could be more gen -
erous!), and private contributions.
In Mason District, concerts are held at two parks: the Newton Edwards Amphitheatre at Mason District Park (6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale), and Ossian Hall Park (7900 Heritage Drive, across the street from Annandale High School).
The Mason District Park venue seats about 400 attendees on wooden benches (many patrons bring stadium pillows for a more comfortable experience). Lawn chairs are accommodated on a broad elevated area, and there is a platform for accessible handicapped seating. Ossian Hall Park participants bring folding chairs and blankets for concerts on the lawn; the site is easily accessible with no stairs. At both parks, patrons may bring food and drink, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
The Mason District Park venue has restrooms; Ossian Hall has a porta-potty.
Children’s concerts at Mason District Park begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 and extend through August 16. Strollers abound as puppet shows, magicians, and sing-a-longs are popular for even the smallest attendees. Performances last about 45 minutes and are interactive so that squirmy children can work off extra energy.
City of Falls Church
Crime Report
Week of May 19 - 25, 2025
No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, May 26, 11:30 a.m., a male, 22, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
Destruction of Property/Larceny of Vehicle Parts, W Broad St, between 12:00 p.m. on May 23 and 2:16 p.m. on May 26, an unknown suspect stole both doors off the victim’s vehicle.
Larceny of Vehicle Parts, N Washington St, between 8:00 p.m. on May 27 and 7:15 a.m. on May 28, an unknown suspect stole all four tires and rims off the victim’s vehicle.
Larceny of Vehicle Parts, N Washington St, between 10:00 p.m. on May 27 and 8:30 a.m. on May 28, an unknown sus -
pect stole all four tires and rims off the victim’s vehicle.
Shoplifting, W Broad St, May 28, 3:55 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as Hispanic or Middle Eastern male with a beard, approximately 6’ in height, wearing a navy-blue raincoat, blue jeans, and carrying a navy-blue backpack.
Damage Public Building, E Broad St, May 28, 6:37 p.m., a male, 40, of Alexandria, was arrested for Damage Public Building.
Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, May 30, 8:14 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise without paying. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a black jacket and black pants.
Evening concerts kick off on Friday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m., with the City of Fairfax Band, followed on Sunday, June 22, by the very popular Washington Balalaika Orchestra, whose haunting tones of traditional instruments can make the outdoor setting seem like the steppes of Russia! The U.S. Navy Sea Chanters perform on June 27, followed by the zydeco/New Orleans jazz/funk of Zachary Smith and the Mardi Gras Kings (formerly the Dixie Power Trio). There is no performance on July 4, but the U.S. 257th Army Band will play on July 6. The 257th is the band of the D.C. National Guard and returns to the amphitheatre with rave reviews. Good Shot Judy appears on July 11.
At Ossian Hall Park, Taiwan Cultural Heritage Night begins the award-winning international concert series on Saturday, June 14, followed by Alt Washingtonia Schuhplattler Verein for Bavarian Cultural Heritage Night. The Irish Breakfast Band appears on June 28, often with young Irish dancers, and West African “Soul in Motion” on July 5. Log on to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/ performances/ for a complete list of shows at all county parks. The free summer concert series is one of the best things we do as community. Enjoy free live and professional performances close to home with free parking. Come as you are, bring family, friends and a picnic supper, relax and let the performing arts lift your spirits – all summer long.
Fraud – Wire Fraud, W Broad St, May 31, 12:35 p.m., two suspects attempted to use counterfeit bills to wire money. One suspect has been identified; the unidentified suspect is described as a Middle Eastern female in her thirties, with long black hair, wearing a blue sweater. Investigation is ongoing.
Reckless Driving/No Valid Operator’s License, W Broad St, Jun 1, 12:37 p.m., a male, 26, of Alexandria, was arrested for Reckless Driving and No Valid Operator’s License.
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E ditorial
N-P Endorses
Stoney in Primary
In the Democratic primary currently underway that culminates with election day June 17, the News-Press endorses Levar Stoney for lieutenant governor and Jay Jones for attorney general. They are in the only two contested races on the primary ballot now.
Democrats nationwide are rightly buoyed by the election returns in South Carolina this week. In a district that Kamala Harris won by a margin of eight percent last November, the Democratic candidate, a 24-year-old Keishan Scott, in a special election for a state senate seat won in a huge landslide by over 70 percent of the vote.
It is a promising harbinger for what is likely to happen wherever there are elections in 2025 (like the major statewide ones in Virginia this year) or in the congressional midterms next year as well. Hopefully the impact of the South Carolina race will strengthen the hand of those in Congress now who are being called on to resist the extremism of the MAGA forces.
It is not attracting a lot of attention now, even though early voting is currently open, but there are primaries around the commonwealth right now culminating in a June 17 primary election day.
In Falls Church, while the only races on this ballot are for lieutenant governor and attorney general, the other significance of June 17 is that it marks the deadline to file for local candidates who will be on the ballot in November to run for four seats on the Falls Church City Council and School Board.
As for the statewide races being contested in the current primary run, we are pleased to endorse our long-time friend Mr. Stoney for lieutenant governor and Mr.Jones for attorney general. Stoney was a very close aide to former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and now serves as the mayor of Richmond. With governors allowed by law to serve only one consecutive term, winning the lieutenant governor job would likely become a stepping stone for Stoney to follow his former boss’ path there, though he of course will not admit that.
But he has the same kind of outgoing, energetic personality as McAuliffe and we’ve known him to always be responsive and positive. We will look forward to his leadership if he wins, as we hope he will. As for Mr. Jones, former state senator from the 89th district, we don’t know him personally but he is also endorsed by McAuliffe and others whose judgment we respect.
Adjacent Falls Church there are also two special races being held now, one to the west of us in Fairfax County’s 11th district to fill the U.S. Congressional seat so masterfully held by the late Gerald Connolly, where we endorse former Connolly aide and now county supervisor James Walkinshaw and the other for a seat on the Arlington County Board, where we endorse Takis Karantonis.
Voters should be reminded that all these races, as perhaps less important as they may seem, are hardly that in reality.
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A Grateful Farewell: Reflections on Serving Falls Church
By Dr. Peter Noonan Superintendent, Falls Church City Public Schools
As I prepare to conclude my 33-year journey in public education, I find myself filled with gratitude and humility, reflecting on the profound honor of serving as the Superintendent of Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS). These past eight years have been the most rewarding of my career, and I am deeply grateful to have concluded my service in a school division that is so deeply committed to excellence, equity, and community.
FCCPS is a place unlike any other. It is a small division with a big heart and a relentless commitment to its students. Our community is passionate, engaged, and determined to provide every child with the best education possible. That shared commitment has enabled us to accomplish extraordinary things together.
Among the most significant achievements during my tenure was the effort to get the Mount Daniel Elementary School addition project back on track. When I arrived the project had stalled and was in a
holding pattern with staff in portables and a lack of clarity about what would happen next…if anything. What had been a source of uncertainty became a success story of collaboration. Working closely with the community and our partners in general government, we navigated complex challenges and returned the project to a stable footing. Today, Mount Daniel stands as a bright and welcoming place for our youngest learners — a symbol of resilience and shared purpose.
But that was only the beginning. Perhaps the most visible and transformative accomplishment has been the construction of our new high school — a $120 million investment in the future of Falls Church. Through the support of our community and a bond referendum that reflected a bold vision, we built a state-of-the-art high school facility that opened on time and under budget. That sentence is easy to write but incredibly difficult to achieve — and it’s a testament to the expertise, stewardship, and cooperation across city government, school leadership, and our engaged citizens. That building is more than brick and mortar; it’s a promise to the next
generation of learners.
Of course, a beautiful building is only as strong as the learning that happens inside it. In recent years, FCCPS has reached new academic heights. Our students posted the best aggregate Standards of Learning (SOL) scores in the Commonwealth of Virginia — a powerful testament to the work of our teachers, school leaders, and support staff. For the 7th consecutive year, Falls Church City Public Schools was recognized as the #1 school division in the Commonwealth.
That streak is not just a point of pride — it’s an affirmation of the daily work we do to support each and every learner.
This year, we also celebrated a record-breaking number of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme candidates –72 – the highest in FCCPS history. The IB program, renowned worldwide for its rigor and global perspective, represents the very best that public education has to offer. That more of our students than ever are choosing this path speaks volumes about their ambition and the support they receive from our incredible educators and
their families.
Even as we’ve grown and evolved, we’ve never lost sight of our responsibility to plan for the future. Falls Church has experienced remarkable growth in recent years — a reflection of the trust families place in our schools. In response, we have taken deliberate and strategic steps to ensure that our capital program is ready for the next 20 to 30 years. From updating our facilities to planning for the learning environments of tomorrow, we’ve laid a foundation that will serve generations of students to come.
All of these achievements were made possible not by one person or position, but by the collective will of a community that believes in its schools. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with a team of dedicated professionals — in our classrooms, central office, school board, and city government — who always put students first. I’ve also had the privilege of engaging with a parent community that’s thoughtful, informed, and unafraid to advocate for what is best for kids.
What I have learned during my time in Falls Church is that the strength of a school system lies in
its relationships — between educators and students, between schools and families, and between government and community. In FCCPS, those relationships are built on trust, respect, and a shared belief that public education is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
We have a great thing going in FCCPS but there is still work to be done. We can always improve as a community…I call on all of us to continue doing our part to keep FCCPS at the forefront of what makes Falls Church special.
I leave this role not with a sense of finality, but with a heart full of appreciation. The students of FCCPS have inspired, challenged, and reminded me daily why this work matters. They are curious, courageous, and full of promise. I have learned more from them than they will ever know, and I will carry those lessons with me into retirement and beyond.
It has been the thrill of a lifetime to serve this community. Thank you for entrusting me with your schools, your children, and your hopes for the future. Falls Church City Public Schools is a special place — and it always will be.
If You Could Make Three Wishes Come True, What Would They be?
By Patricia Leslie
“Aladdin” is a Creative Cauldron treat to make Falls Church proud and if you know Spanish like they know Spanish, you’re in for even more enjoyment since it’s a dual- language show, certain to please all ages with constant action, dancing, shimmering costumes of many colors and pure entertainment.
In its new digs at Washington and Broad, Creative’s version of the Disney classic “Aladdin” soars on a magic carpet ride up into the skies, above dangerous conditions found below in Agrabah.
It’s what can happen when you’re boosted, beautified and bestowed with new self confidence like the Genie (Ariel Friendly) does for Aladdin (Brian Dauglash) after a few rubs on a magic lamp.
Aladdin is not much more than a “street rat” who wants to become a prince to win the hand of the Sultan’s daughter, Princess Jazmin (Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo).
He’s lucky to have a dynamic sidekick, a monkey, Abu (alternating performers, Whit Jenkins and Marie Solander) to help him along on his woo trail.
Will the boy get the girl, or, will the boys get the girl since Aladdin has to compete against
three other suitors, their comical introductions near the beginning of the show quite funny, a look at what’s to come.
Attention: Sultan Father (Alex Lopez): Princess Jasmin wants to make her own decisions, if you please, about a future mate. (If children would only do what their parents want them to do!)
In courtship rituals, Aladdin sings, he dances and flips in an outstanding performance, almost overtaken by a sorcerer, the haughty, evil Jafar (Alan GutierrezUrista) who controls language and seeks the magic Genie for his own wishes. (Jafar is a multi-tasker who doubles as the Sultan’s aide.)
Accompanied by his energetic red songbird, Iago (Anna Longenecker), Jafar and Iago almost steal the show, aided by a snake atop Jafar’s headdress which curls down his face to confirm his evil being.
Iago flutters, she hops and skips around in a constant ballet, landing all over the place, avoiding audience members, fortunately, to alight on different perches.
For a magic carpet ride, members of the Musical Theatre Training Ensemble bring out long, colored sheers, lowering and waving them for the young romantics to hop on board and fly away into the universe to send them (and us)
whirling, swirling into an electric backdrop of stars and suns.
With her lovely voice, Gutierrez del Arroyo sings the memorable “A Whole New World” which won a Grammy, Golden Globe, and an Oscar. Other songs and dancing increase the pleasures.
Leela Aviles-Dawson is Jasmin’s many-striped tiger, Rajah, her costume a special sight (by Nyasha Klusmann whose designs, combined with cunning personalities, move these characters right from the pages of stories told centuries ago onto the stage! Yikes!).
Cristian Bustillos is the guard leader, Razu.
Margie Jervis has humanized stored furniture which is propped like the inside of a pharaoh’s tomb, and presents an adorable prancing elephant covered in an elegant sheer costume with gold piping for more motion and steps. Earlier, the crowd saw shadows of moving camels bobbing up and down across the desert.
Matt Conner directs with choreography by Stefan Sittig and music direction by Bharati Soman. Other production team members are Lynn Joslin, lighting, Nicholas J Goodman, projection designer, and Teddy Wiant, technical director.
About 90 minutes; no intermis-
sion.
Show your ticket and get a restaurant discount of 10 percent at Harvey’s and Ireland’s Four Provinces.
Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. through June 15, 2025. For ages four and up. Student tickets are $25 and adult prices start at $40. A family 4 pack is $85 with code 4PK. Group rates, available. Creative Cauldron, 127 East Broad Street, Falls Church 22046. Ph. 703-436-9948.
Free retail and public parking in the garage. Enter from East Broad St. and be mindful: Wishes do come true! (Where’s my Genie?)
MARIE SOLANDER (ABU), Ariel Friendly (Genie), Brian Dauglash (Aladdin), Alan Gutierrez-Urista (Jafar), and the Musical Theater Training Ensemble (Sophie Miscagno, Ella Yazdani, Chiara Cyran, Tatiana Lund, Jonah Dennis, Emma Lynch, Madeline Corley, Jason Gonzalez-Canales, and Michael Greco) (Photo: William T. Gallagher Photography)
Commentary: Falls Church Rally Declares ‘No Kings Here’
By Democracy Falls Church
Our democracy is imperiled, and we need to join together to preserve it.
Democracy Falls Church is sponsoring a NO KINGS DAY demonstration on Saturday June 14, Flag Day, from 11:00 to 1:00. We will gather near the parking lot at 166 East Broad Street and line the sidewalks holding our signs and flags.
The NO KINGS DAY demonstration is a counterpoint to the President’s planned Birthday Parade on Constitution Avenue on the same day. Our aim is to encourage an activist spirit as we gather to resist the authoritarian excesses of the president and his colleagues. Thousands of similar grassroots events are being planned across the country to protest the cruel and unconstitutional policies and actions of the administration. But make no mistake: We will still be proudly patriotic as we carry our signs and wave our flags. To quote Mark Twain, “Patriotism
is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
Our Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, was predicated on 27 grievances leveled against the unjust rule of King George III. Once again, we Americans are aggrieved, and once again we decry the rule of a would-be king. The grievances set forth by our forebears bear a striking resemblance to our grievances today. The Declaration states: “The history of the present King…is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations.” “He has refused his Assent to the Laws,” “He has obstructed the Administration of Justice,” he is responsible “for cutting off trade to all parts of the world”, “for imposing taxes on us without our consent,” “for depriving us in many cases the benefits of a trial by jury”, “for transporting us beyond the seas to be tried for pretend offenses,” and “for altering fundamentally our Forms of Government.” Beyond that “he has exerted domestic insurrections
against us.”
Democracy Falls Church is a group of local citizens who have been meeting regularly since February of this year, brought together by deeply felt shared concerns about the actions of the President and his administration which we see as tantamount to attacks on democracy. This group includes long-time civic leaders, newer residents, and first-time activists. In DFC meetings, members share thoughts, ideas, and experiences regarding the tumultuous events and happenings since January 20, with emphasis on how we can respond effectively and on how we can energize civic participation with our local community. DFC is non-partisan and strictly adheres to non-violence.
DFC is acutely aware that Northern Virginians have been personally affected by the impulsive and illegal actions of the President and his administration through layoffs, termination of contracts, and economic uncertainty for their futures.
Like others we have watched in horror as we observe the checks and balances ordained by our Constitution shredded with unlawful deportations, politically motivated pardons of January 6 rioters, the transformation of the Department of Justice into the President’s personal retribution agency, and defiance of both Congress and the Courts. In addition to self-aggrandizing acts, private dealings in cryptocurrency, and other conflicts of interest, we see violations of the emoluments clause of the Constitution which restricts federal officials, including the President, from receiving gifts from foreign states.
The actions of the federal government have also threatened our national security, decimated our science and research communities, stifled innovation and productivity, and slashed efforts to manage climate change. Our stature in the world has diminished as we abandon and threaten our allies and embrace our enemies. Our arts, educational,
and cultural organizations are being eliminated or reduced, our health care is disappearing with cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, our voting rights are being suspended, civil rights enforcement has been curtailed, and our confidential information is being mined by private individuals. Our debt is growing exponentially to provide tax cuts for the wealthy.
We hope that Democracy Falls Church’s sponsorship of the NO KINGS DAY event will encourage greater collaboration, communication, and unity among Falls Church civil society and give hope that democracy can be preserved and strengthened. Democracy Falls Church proudly celebrates the 250 birthday of the United States Army and proudly celebrates the American flag we will be waving on Broad Street on June 14. Come join us and share your stories and your hopes for a better, stronger, and truly democratic United States of America.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church Arts Latest All Member Show Opens
This Saturday
Falls Church Arts celebrates its member artists’ best work during the All Member Show at the Falls Church Arts gallery from June 7 to August 10. The mixed-media exhibit will be held in two parts this year: submissions from members with last names from A-L will be on view from this Saturday, June 7, to July 6. Submissions from artists with last names from M-Z will be on view from July 12 to August 10. An opening reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. this Saturday, June 7, for the artists in the first member show. The reception is free and is open to the public.
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 in the A-L show.
The Falls Church Arts gallery is at 700-B West Broad St. (Route 7), Falls Church. Admission is free and the gallery is open Tuesdays-Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are optional and guests are asked to postpone their visit if they are not well.
Artworks can be viewed online at https://www.fallschurcharts.org. All pieces can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.
Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to vote for The People’s Choice Award in the A-L exhibit through June 20, with the announcement of the award being made on June 21.
News & Notes
Democratic Primary Voting Now Underway in F.C.
Leading up to the Tuesday, June 17, primary voting day, citizens can now vote at City Hall in F.C. Early voting began on May 2.
Candidates on the ballot here include, for Virginia Lieutenant Governor Levar Stoney, Babur B. Lateef, Aaron R. Rouse, Victor R. Salgado, Ghazala F. Hashmi, Alexander J. Bastani and for Attorney General Shannon L. Taylor and Jay C. Jones.
The News-Press has endorsed Stoney and Jones. There is no Republican primary.
Meridian’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish’ Highlighted at Cappies
This spring’s theater production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dreamish” by students from Falls Church’s Meridian High School was a highlight of the annual Cappies Gala at the Kennedy Center Monday night. Actors in the memorable performance that earned a whopping eight nominations by their high school peers were invited to reprise a raucous scene from their production in front of the 2,400 students, parents, friends, teachers and mentors who filled the concert hall at the Kennedy Center to capacity.
Nominated for Cappie awards were Aiden Harper, Sol Model and Duke Crespin for Creativity, the Rude Mechanicals for ensemble in a play, Eudora Neal for comic actor in female role in play, Alex Fulgham for comic actor in a male role in a play, Jack Kreul supporting actor in a male role in a play, Hugo Ratheau for leading male role in a play, and the play, itself, as best play.
Coalition for Smarter Growth Seeks Housing Advocate
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is seeking a Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist to advocate on housing and land use issues in northern Virginia, assisting on state level legislative and policy change in support of more housing in walkable, transit accessible locations.
The full-time position can be filled remotely with periodic evening and weekend work in the DMV region and will pay from $28.84 to $33.65 per hour.
Warner, Kaine Assail GOP Plan to Eliminate Health Coverage
Virginia U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today responded to a new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revealing that 16 million Americans would lose their health insurance under the Republican tax plan. The report highlights the devastating consequences of the GOP’s attempt to gut Medicaid and refusal to extend premium tax credits that help working families afford their health care. The senators issued the following statement:
“Sixteen million people. That’s the cost of the Republican plan. This is not just a number – it represents moms, dads, kids, veterans, and retirees who will be forced to choose between rent and life-saving care. At a time when costs are already too high for too many Americans, this plan would rip coverage away from millions just to hand tax breaks to the wealthiest. It’s cruel, it’s shortsighted, and we are going to fight like hell to stop it.”
Major Funding Cuts For Public Broadcasting Set To Kick In
America’s two big public broadcasters, PBS and NPR, have 45 days to salvage their federal funding — starting now, according to CNN.
This Tuesday, the Trump administration sent Congress a long-awaited request for lawmakers to cancel more than $1 billion in federal funds
earmarked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, CPB for short, the entity that disburses taxpayer funds to local NPR and PBS stations across the country.
The unusual request, known as a “rescission package,” starts a 45-day clock for Congress to either approve or ignore the proposal. Rescinding the funds only requires a simple majority, which means in this case that no Democratic votes are needed.
came to interact with the
community there about the impact of the
FALLS CHURCH CITY SCHOOLS teachers and staff who were honored at a special event celebrating their retirement Monday included (l to r) Shey Wakeley, Nan Hof, Phyllis Kravinsky, Cecilia Guerra, Marty Gadell, Celeste Carson, Mark Deal, Aracely Paez, Mary Jo West, Judy Knoke, and Peter Noonan. Not pictured: Jose Fratti, Ronnie Henderson, Juana Cespedes, Alice Tam Lee, Thomas Lundy, and Charles Washington. (Photo: Courtesy)
MAKING AN APPEARANCE in the City of Falls Church last week was Virginia’s U.S. Senator Mark Warner (center) who
robust Vietnamese-American
current administration’s tariff policy on their small businesses. Warner was flanked by State Del. Kathy Tran (left) and Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi (right). (Photo: News-Press)
AT THIS YEAR’S CAPPIES GALA at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., 2,400 people crammed into the concert hall to celebrate the many amazing high school theater productions put on throughout the DMV region this past school year. One of the production numbers performed was by students at Falls Church’s Meridian High from their performance this spring of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream-ish” (see story elsewhere on this page). (Photo: News-Press)
A RECENT PRESENTATION by Augie Reitmeyer, a graduating senior at Meridian High School, to Mr. Shawn Northrip, FCCPS theater teacher. Augie presented this project in April for his Eagle Award, which he earned through local Boy Scout Troop 1996. (Photo: News-Press)
Anthony Shetter was named AA Coach of the Year but more proudly, son Miles pictured with his mom Erin was awarded the Richard Marsh award, recognizing one player for sportsmanship and excellence on and off the field. (Photo: News-Press)
This Week Around Falls Church
Chef Demonstration:
Thursday, June 5
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
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.
Live Performance: Disney's Aladdin
May 29, 2025 – June 15, 2025 Creative Cauldron
127 E Broad St in, Falls Church, VA 22046
Our story begins centuries ago, when the royalty of Agrabah spoke one language, and the citizens another. Communication is impossible without translation... which is controlled by the evil vizier, Jafar. When the rebellious princess Jazmin, and a delinquent street rat Aladdin meet in the marketplace and fall in love, they transcend the barriers between them, and with a little magic, help create a better future for themselves and for Agrabah. This touching musical adventure, featuring the Academy Award-winning score from Disney's animated classic, will thrill both English and Spanish-speaking audiences alike. Tickets at creativecauldron.org/aladdin.html.
Live Performance: Paul Simon
June 4, 2025 – June 7, 2025 Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts 1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA Paul Simon comes to Wolf Trap for an unforgettable performance under the stars! The legendary singer/songwriter presents the live debut of his critically acclaimed Grammy-nominated album Seven Psalms, alongside a career-spanning celebration of his timeless songbook. Tickets at https://www. wolftrap.org/calendar/performance.
Falls Church Fiber Artists
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA
Drop in for this informal weekly group to knit and crochet. Share what you're creating. Get advice from other knitters and crocheters. Or just chat while you work on your own project! All are welcome.
New Yorker Discussion Group
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church, VA
Article to be determined. This program will be held in person at the library and via Zoom. Please email psullivan@fallschurchva.gov to request a Zoom invite
When Forgetfulness Goes Beyond Normal Aging 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Kensington Falls Church 700 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA Mild Cognitive Impairment is a slight yet noticeable decline in memory that warrants attention. Unfortunately, once diagnosed, fear, confusion, overwhelm and conflicting opinions can make it difficult to figure out how and where to get information and support. That’s why we are pleased to offer a workshop led by a leading memory authority who will share tips, tools and insights about steps to take after an MCI diagnosis. As a bestin-class leader in assisted living with two tiers of memory care, The Kensington is a trusted source of knowledge about all aspects of aging. We also partner routinely with specialty experts to provide deeper education and guidance. So join us at this workshop, ask questions and share your concerns. Topics include recognizing the early signs of MCI, possible causes of MCI, the difference between MCI and other dementias, the importance of selfcare, available treatments, resources and local services. For questions, please email Kayla Hulbert, Events & Outreach Coordinator, at khulbert@kensingtonsl.com.
How To Get Involved with Micaela Pond of We of Action Virginia 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
One More Page Books
2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA
If you want to do something but are having a hard time getting yourself going, want to do more, and/or want to work together with others on issues of importance to you and the community, join us for this event. Micaela will share about We of Action and its mission, the partnerships they’ve forged with Indivisible and the Virginia Grassroots Coalition. She will share upcoming activities where folks can join other activists. RSVP at www.onemorepagebooks.com.
Thursday Night District Trivia 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Clare & Don's Beach Shack
130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA
Bring your friends and show off your trivia chops!
Friday, June 6
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.
Live Performance: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
June 6, 2025 – June 15, 2025 Lubber Run Amphitheater
200 N Columbus St, Arlington, VA
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., Free Admission, No Tickets Required, First-Come, First-Served Seating. Audiences are encouraged to bring water, snacks, and a sense of fun.
Auction of the Inside of Springfield, VA Home
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Virtual This auction features collectibles, books, stamps, tools, home goods and much more. Register and bid at https://quinnsauction.appspot.com/auctions/ svKobriBW8ionlhIfeQm.
Fine and Decorative Arts Auction
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
360 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA
Offering a fine selection of Spanish and other European landscapes and works from Washington D.C. artists, such as Howard Mehring, Paul Reed, and Willem de Looper, Sam Gilliam, and William Woodward. Featuring fine prints and etchings from Andy Warhol, Amedeo Modigliani, Armin Landeck, and a collection of Sheriff Edward Curtis photographs. Also, fine jewelry including necklaces and earrings with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies. Including collections of Native American and Pre-Columbian figures, masks, and utilitarian objects. A collection of American and European furniture including a French mahogany cabinet on stand, a Henkel Harris mahogany Document Cabinet secretary, a Niels Moller Model 62 chairs, a Marge Carson elephant bar, a Percival Lafer sofa, and a Phillip Laverne bronze coffee table. A selection of silver including a Jean F. Veyrat basket, Kirk and Sons Repousse flatware, and a pair of Tiffany & Co. candlesticks. In addition, an array of Asian decorative arts including Chinese porcelain, watercolors, Japanese woodblocks, Southeast Asian sandstone reliefs and bronzes such as the Khmer Buddhist triad.
Drip Irrigation for Above-Ground Gardeners
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Virtual Are you tired of hand watering the pots on your patio or your vegetable garden? Do you strive to maximize your garden’s beauty and bounty while minimizing your use of water? Drip irrigation is the answer to your problems. Join Extension Master Gardener Stephanie Halcrow to dive deep into the topic, reviewing the various types of irrigation and learning all you need to know to design, install, and maintain your own system. As a bonus, this class will incorporate aspects of therapeutic horticulture to maximize your enjoyment of your garden. Note: This class will not cover lawn sprinkler systems. Free. RSVP at http://mgnv.org/rsvpfor-public-education-classes/ to receive a link to participate.
Live Music: Claire Show
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Clare & Don's Beach Shack
130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA
Live Music: Jack Astronaut
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Solace Outpost
444 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
Live Music: Chris Brynn Daily 9:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Dogwood Tavern
132 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
Saturday, June 7
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.
Do your azaleas need a little taming? Want to shape them into healthier, more beautiful shrubs to enhance your landscape?. Learn the techniques and timing that lead to thriving, attractive azaleas at this hands-on workshop. In this informative and practical workshop, you'll learn: why prune azaleas and how it promotes long-term health and blooming potential, When to prune, focusing on seasonal timing to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers, What to prune, including how to identify and remove crossing branches, deadwood, and leggy growth, and Prune! After the instructional portion, participants will split into small groups for a hands-on pruning session to practice techniques on Meadowlark’s azalea plants under the guidance of experienced azalea gardeners. $12 per person. For Adults & Teens. Register at www.novaparks.com.
Vietnamese Heritage Day 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cherry Hill Farmhouse
312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
In partnership with the Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club (VLAC), experience the unique heritage and culture of our local Vietnamese community. All are welcome to explore Vietnamese culture through live music, dance performances, authentic antiques, and traditional food available for purchase onsite.
Shop for a Cause in June 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
One More Page Books
2200 N Westmoreland St, Arlington, VA
For The Wanda Alston Foundation, the only of its kind in Washington D.C. to provide pre-independent transitional living and support services to homeless or at-risk LGBTQ youth ages 18 - 24.
The Pickleball Club of Tysons 8528 Tyco Rd, Vienna, VA Join Us for Pickleball with a Purpose! Grab your paddle and make a difference! Every swing at our Pickleball Fundraiser supports Hope for Grieving Families and their free monthly programs for families with children coping with loss. Come out for a day of fun, connection, and community—because healing happens together. Whether you play, sponsor or donate, you will help us continue to bring some joy into the lives of grieving families. We will have a learn to play clinic option, and 2 levels of tournament play. Tournament winners will walk away with a prize! 50/50 raffle and onsite auction will also take place. Light refreshments and snacks will be served. Tickets at https://www.hopeforgrievingfamilies.org/pickleball-fundraiser.html
you want to dance! Music in the Gardens concerts are free with regular garden admission ($4-8) or garden membership. On your way to the Korean Bell Garden, stop by the Breezy Bites food truck as well as the wine and beer stand to purchase soft pretzels, funnel cakes, fruit, chicken salad croissants, salads, charcuterie minis, and cold beverages.
Common Threads: 9th Street Quartet
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
St George's Episcopal Church 915 N Oakland St, Arlington, VA For their final concert of the season, the 9th Street Quartet presents a carefully crafted program that weaves together music across time and perspective. Tickets at https://www.9thstreetchambermusic.com.
Monday, June 9
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NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on June 12th, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following item:
- Variance application V1663-25 by Jason Nachman (Applicant), on behalf of Megan and Brennan Barker (Owners), for a variance to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a front yard setback of 26.1 inches instead of the 30 feet minimum allowed for a second story addition at 102 N. Cherry Street, RPC# 53-118-008 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District.
- Variance application V1664-25 by Jonathan Padgett, (Applicant and Owner), for variances to 1) Section 48-263(6) to allow an impervious lot coverage of 38.9% instead of the 35% maximum, and 2) Section 48-931(4) to allow a driveway width of 27 feet instead of 14 feet at 906 Lincoln Avenue, RPC# 51-208-040 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential District. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on June 12th, 2025. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/BZA
Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.
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
Historical Commission
Housing Commission
Public Utilities Commission
Urban Forestry Commission
West Falls Community Development
Authority
Regional Boards/Commissions
Coordinating Council for the Aging and Adults with Disabilities
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia Virginia Career Works Northern Region
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
The following were given first reading at the May 27, 2025 City Council meeting. Public hearings, second reading, and possible City Council action are scheduled for Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.
(TO25-08) ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2073 AND ORDINANCE
2084 REGARDING THE BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025: GENERAL FUND, STORMWATER FUND, SCHOOL OPERATING FUND, SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE FUND, SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE FUND, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS
The proposed amendment would add $226,533 to the General Fund and transfer $774,700 between departments; add $470,000 to the Stormwater Fund; add $1,317,982 to the School Operating Fund; add $861,500 to the School Community Services Fund; add $368,000 to the School Food Service Fund; add $2,850,000 to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fund and reprogram $450,000; and appropriate such funds.
(TO25-09) ORDINANCE TO INCREASE
THE SALARIES OF THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026
The proposed ordinance would increase the annual salary for City Council members from $11,000 to $16,000 and the salary for the Mayor from $11,500 to $17,000 effective July 1, 2026, after the November 2025 City Council election, as required by state law.
All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. All persons desiring to present their views on the items will be heard. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. For copies of legislation and other information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 703-248-5014 or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www.fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings.
The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711) or e-mail cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov.
CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK
CIRCUIT COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case Number: C-16-FM-25-001784
Other Reference Number(s): LESLY MALDONADO RAMIREZ VS. WILLIAM MEJIA SANCHEZ
Date: 5/21/2025
ORDER OF PUBLICATION BY POSTING
ORDERED, ON THIS 21st day of May, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County MD: That the Defendant, William Jacobo Mejia Sanchez is hereby notified that the Plaintiff, has filed a PETITION FOR CUSTODY and PETITION FOR FACTUAL FINDINGS ESTABLISHING MINOR’S ELIGIBILITY FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS naming him/her as the defendant and stating that the Defendant’s last known address is: 6004 Argyle Drive, Apt #2, Falls Church, VA 22041, and therefore it is; ORDERED, that this Order shall published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation published in Falls Church and provide proof of publication to the Court, and it is further; ORDERED, said publication to be completed by the 20th day of June, 2025; and it is further; ORDERED, THAT THE DEFENDANT, WILLIAM JACOBO MEJIA SANCHEZ, IS HEREBY WARNED THAT FAILURE TO FILE AN ANSWER OR OTHER DEFENSE ON OR BEFORE THE 20th day of July, 2025, MAY RESULT IN THE CASE PROCEEDING AGAINST HIM/HER BY DEFAULT.
Mahasin El Amin #773 Clerk of the Circuit Court
DIVORCE SUMMONS NOTICE
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO
Case No.: 25FL002239C
Summons (FL-110) of:
Petitioner: JUSTIN DEVANTE PADILLA
Respondent: TAMARA YVONNE BURTON-PADILLA
To: TAMARA YVONNE BURTON-PADILLA, Respondent:
You are being summoned to respond to a divorce petition filed by JUSTIN DEVANTE PADILLA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The action is for dissolution of marriage.
The court has ordered service of summons by publication as Respondent’s whereabouts are unknown after due diligence. This notice will be published once a week for four consecutive weeks.
You must file a response to the Petition within 30 days of the final publication date. If you do not, the court may enter a default judgment against you and make decisions affecting your marriage, property, and any other relief requested by the Petitioner.
Filed in Court: Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Court Location: 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101
Case Number: 25FL002239C
This notice is published pursuant to an order from the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, dated April 30, 2025.
Contact: Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Address: 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 844-2700
AUCTIONS
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SERVICES
DIVORCE-Uncontested, $475+$86 court cost. WILLS-$295.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook).
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.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED UPDATE TO THE RATES , TERMS, AND CONDITIONS OF A UNIVERSAL SERVICE FEE TO BE PAID BY RETAIL CUSTOMERS TO FUND THE PIPP
CASE NO. PUR-2025-00075
On May 1, 2025, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) requesting approval of a proposed update to the rates, terms, and conditions of a universal service fee (“USF”) to be paid by retail customers to fund the Percentage of Income Payment Program (“PIPP”). Specifically, Dominion proposes to continue a USF to fund the PIPP of $0.00 per kilowatt hour (“kWh”) effective November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026 (“Rate Year”).
The PIPP was established as part of the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act as a mechanism designed to limit the electric utility payments of persons or households participating in certain, specified public assistance programs, based upon a percentage of their income, for customers of Dominion and Appalachian Power Company (“APCo”). The General Assembly further addressed the PIPP, its funding, and implementation, as part of the 2021 legislative session with the passage of Chapter 308 of the 2021 Virginia Acts of Assembly, Special Session I (“Chapter 308”). Among other things, Chapter 308 updated eligibility to be based on income thresholds relative to the federal poverty level. A PIPP-eligible utility customer is defined as “any person or household whose income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty level.” Eligible participants in the PIPP are customers of Dominion and APCo.
The Commission issued an Order on July 29, 2021 directing, among other things, that Dominion begin collecting the USF from statutorily designated customers to fund the estimated start-up costs that the Department of Social Services (“DSS”) needed to establish the PIPP, calculate a USF on a per kWh basis to recover $2.4 million on an annual basis, file tariffs reflecting such fee with the Commission, begin making payments to the state treasury to enable DSS to undertake the actions necessary to establish the PIPP, and defer its PIPP administrative costs and seek their recovery at a later date.
In its most recently adjudicated PIPP update filing, Dominion sought and was granted Commission approval of a USF to fund the PIPP of $0.00 per kWh based on Dominion’s projections that revenues collected through October 31, 2024, would be sufficient to fund the PIPP through October 31, 2025. Among other things, the Commission approved the Company’s Rider PIPP True-up Mechanism Form as a means to compute Rider PIPP revenue requirements going forward. The Commission also concluded that $532,533 of audited PIPP-related administrative costs incurred between January 2022 and December 2023, could be appropriately recovered by the Company from the PIPP Treasury Fund.
In support of its request in the instant proceeding to continue a zero rate for the USF to fund the PIPP, Dominion states that it projects that the revenues collected through October 31, 2024 from the previously approved USF will be sufficient to fund the PIPP through the end of the Rate Year. The Company also requests that the Commission, pursuant to its general authority and Code § 56-585.6 C, ensure that the Company receives adequate and timely compensation from the PIPP Treasury Fund for its reasonable administrative costs by issuing an order directing disbursement from the PIPP Treasury Fund to the Company for the Company’s administrative costs from January 2024 through March 2025 in the amount of $2,105,180 to be audited by the Commission Staff in this proceeding. The Company also states that it respectfully reserves the right to file an interim update within the Rate Year, if necessary, to request Commission approval of any adjustments to the rate proposed in this proceeding. In order to implement the USF rate on November 1, 2025, the Company respectfully requests the Commission enter an order in this proceeding by October 15, 2025.
Further details are set forth in the Company’s Application and supporting exhibits, and interested persons are encouraged to review these documents.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Comment that, among other things, directed the Company to provide notice to the public and provided interested persons an opportunity to comment on the Company’s Application, to file a notice of participation and to request a hearing in this matter.
Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq., the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.
An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Nicole M. Allaband, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or nicole.m.allaband@dominionenergy.com Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/case-information
On or before July 15, 2025, any interested person may file comments on the Application by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia. gov/case-information/submit-public-comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00075.
On or before July 15, 2025, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation electronically on counsel to the Company, the Commission’s Staff, and all other respondents. Pursuant to 5 VAC 520-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00075.
On or before July 15, 2025, any interested person may file a written request for a hearing with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a request for hearing electronically may file such request by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. The interested person simultaneously shall serve a copy of the hearing request electronically on counsel to the Company, the Commission’s Staff, and all respondents. A request for a hearing shall include: (i) a precise statement of the filing party’s interest in the proceeding; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; (iii) a statement of the legal basis for such action; and (iv) a precise statement why a hearing should be conducted in this matter. All requests for a hearing shall refer to Case No. PUR-2025-00075.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.
The Company’s Application, the public versions of other documents filed in this case, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/case-information
VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
Boys Soccer Advances to Play in Regional Finals
by Ryan McCafferty
The Meridian High School boys’ soccer team was at home again on Tuesday night for some more postseason action, taking on the Northwest District rival Brentsville Tigers for a second time in two weeks in the Regional Semifinals. On May 20th, Meridian played Brentsville to a 3-3 draw on the road, but with a trip to the State Tournament in the balance, only a win would be good enough this time around.
The Mustangs came out firing early, and Henry Brown opened the scoring just shy of ten minutes in on a feed from Fletcher Saaty. Only two minutes later, the two forwards reversed roles as it was Saaty finding the back of the net with Brown providing the assist. Brentsville made a push just prior to halftime but Addison Turner held serve in net, and
the home team took the 2-0 lead into the break.
Meridian was able to recapture its aggression when play resumed, and Quinn Drennan extended the advantage to 3-0 early in the frame. Brown then earned his second of the night midway through the period, and in the closing stages, Saaty – who had additionally assisted on both prior goals – sent a free kick through a sea of defenders into the net to record his fifth point of the contest. The 5-0 score would hold up as final, with Meridian improving to 13-2-2 on the year, and more importantly advancing to play in the Regional Finals later this week while additionally securing a bid to States.
The Mustangs will host William Monroe in said Regional Finals game on Thursday night. If they win that, they will also earn a home game for the State Quarterfinals next week.
Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Please send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
Meridian Boys Lacrosse Outlasts Opponet To Win Region 4B Title
by Ryan McCafferty
It was a busy night at Meridian High School on Tuesday, and the Mustang boys’ soccer team’s 5-0 victory over Brentsville in the Regional Semifinals was only the warmup act. Once the field was cleared, it was the boys’ lacrosse squad’s turn to face off against the Warriors of Western Albemarle, this one for the Region 4B championship. The weather was perfect and the stands were packed, with many of the soccer families and members of additional Meridian
athletic programs sticking around to support their fellow Mustangs. It was a fast start for the home team, as Davey Gaskins got the Mustangs on the board halfway through the first period, and additional tallies by Xavier Kuo and Gaskins again gave Meridian a 3-0 lead at the conclusion of the lowscoring opening frame. But Western Albemarle fought back, scoring three in a row to start the second, and it was nearly four in a row had they not missed a wide open net early in the quarter. Colin Williams would put
the Mustangs back in front with two minutes left, and a massive goal by Jack Moore in the closing seconds of the half gave Meridian a 5-3 lead at the intermission.
The teams traded goals throughout the third, and early in the fourth, Western Albemarle knotted the score once again at seven apiece. It would stay that way until just over five minutes remaining in the game when Granger Davig scored a massive goal on the break following some great defense by his teammates, and he’d add another with two minutes to go
to provide some insurance. But the Warriors immediately got one back, forcing Meridian to stay aggressive, and just when it looked like they would try to stall the ball for the remainder of the clock, Davig tacked on one more for good measure just inside the final fifteen seconds.
The 10-8 final score brings Meridian its first regional championship for boys’ lacrosse in program history, while improving the squad to 12-5 on the season. Head coach Will Stewart noted the gravity of the win postgame especially after the team
had come up short in the Regional Finals the past couple years, and credited their resilience in an upset road victory over Monticello in the Semifinals last Friday to put themselves in this position. That Monticello win punched Meridian’s ticket to States, regardless of Tuesday’s outcome. Now the Mustangs will be hosting their State Quarterfinal matchup on Friday against Monacan, and no matter their fate from there, they’ll have a trophy to hang onto.
Meridian Keeps Their Spring Sports Seasons Alive With Wins
by Ryan McCafferty
Spring playoffs are in full swing at Meridian High School, as the Mustang soccer and lacrosse units have joined tennis and track and field in the postseason with their sights set on deep runs at the regional and state levels. Let’s take a look at how they all did this week.
Both tennis teams were out of action this week after their losses in the regional championships, but are set to return to the court on Friday as they take on Tabb to open state tournament play. Furthermore for the boys, Thomas Lapp won the individual regional singles title, the first time in school history that a Meridian boys’ player has captured this honor. He will compete in the singles state
tournament beginning on June 13th.
On the soccer field, the boys opened postseason play by defeating Goochland 6-1 last Thursday beat Brentsville in the regional semifinals.
The girls meanwhile upset Fauquier 4-1 on the road last Thursday, and will look to keep their run alive at William Monroe. The boys improved their record to 13-2-2 while the girls sit at 11-6-1.
The boys’ lacrosse team racked up a pair of playoff victories last week, beating Brentsville 15-4 at home on Wednesday and then going on the road to take down Monticello 10-8 on Friday. That earned them a home game to take on Western Albemarle in which they won the regional final; it also guaranteed
them a trip to States as they improved to 12-5 on the year. Unfortunately, the girls won’t be able to join them, as after beating Brentsville 21-6 last Wednesday, they fell 17-9 to Western Albemarle on the road the next night and saw their season come to an end with a final record of 10-4.
Finally, track and field competed in the Region 3B Championship meet last Wednesday at Warren County, and came away with some impressive results despite the wet weather conditions. The Mustangs earned three All-Region medals and three individual state qualifiers, highlighted by the girls’ 4x800 relay team winning their event to become regional champions. The Mustangs will now gear up for the
HERE IS HENRY a lionhead rabbit, who has just discovered that eating hay is much easier when you just jump into the hay container!
State Championship meet this Friday in Lynchburg.
MUSTANG BOYS LACROSSE wins region Title. (Photo: Ryan McCafferty)
Falls Church Business News & Notes
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/fintastic-funding.
Session on Starting a Business
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a webinar on the legal and administrative steps to starting a business. Mason SBDC Senior Counselor Bernard Ferret will review legal forms, tax registration and filing, finance and accounting, naming considerations, and the foundations of a strong business plan. The session will be held on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. The Zoom link will be share, upon registration at this link: https://clients.virginiasbdc.org/ workshop.aspx?ekey=110450017
Networking for Impacted Workers
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is hosting a networking opportunity for impacted federal workers and contractors on Thursday, June 12, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in their office. It is intended to build connections with industry leaders and peers, gain guidance and support with fellow professionals. This will be held in their Tysons offices. Space is limited and RSVPs may be made through the link: https://wbcnova.centerdynamics.com/workshop. aspx?ekey=10450033.
Mason’s On Fox5
Boniface Tsimi, owner of Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in West Falls, was featured on the Fox5 show, Good Day DC. He prepared a lobster roll on the set and explained the variety of rolls and the menu items unique to the business such as organic root sodas. The restaurant is open and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on May 6. Participants learned the menu includes Nathan’s All Beef Hot dogs, grilled cheese, and Whoopie Pies. Mason’s also caters. View the segment here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1648569.
Tiffany’s Bakery Has Closed
Tiffany’s Bakery spent 30 years in Falls Church before closing its original location at the end of April. The bakery’s Annandale location is still in service.
The Best Breweries Around D.C., According to Eater Editors
DC Eaters ran a story on 18 breweries for craft beers in and around the District, and two are Falls Church locals. Audacious Aleworks which opened in 2018 and expanded to Fairfax City in 2022, and Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. at 7 years old and has expanded in Oakton.
Vietnamese Heritage Day
In partnership with the Vietnamese Literary and Artistic Club (VLAC), Cherry Hill Farmhouse is hosting a free celebration of Vietnamese culture on Saturday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, music, dance, antiques, fashion, learning the traditions and hearing stories from the local Vietnamese community.
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.
