Falls Church News-Press 7-11-2024

July 11 - 17, 2024

Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee

Fou n d e d 1991 • Vol. XXXIV No. 22

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

Beyer Stays With Biden, But Avoids Media Press

A FORMATIVE JULY 4

Misrepresented, He Says, So a Brief Quote Suffices

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Arduously avoiding the media during the Democrats’ sudden existential crisis over their highly-successful incumbent and projected nominee for president of the U.S., Falls Church’ s U.S. Rep. Don Beyer issued a brief statement of continued support of President Joe Biden last weekend. But otherwise he has stayed away from making on-the-record comments, due to unsubstantiated, false reports in some of the press about where he stands on the subject.

Beyer’s Deputy Chief of Staff Aaron Fritschner told the NewsPress yesterday that Beyer has been very careful in his remarks on the subject beyond the brief statement his office issued last weekend, which reads: “U. S Rep.Don Beyer issued the following statement today correcting an unsubstantiated report that he favored asking Biden to drop out. ‘I support President Biden. I support the Biden-Harris ticket, and look forward to helping defeat Donald Trump in November. I was proud to host an event this week in Northern Virginia with the President, and will continue doing all I can to support the Biden-Harris campaign in Virginia and across the country.’”

Perhaps similarly, Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Mark Warner offered a short statement last weekend which contradicted widespread

Continued on Page 4

A PACKED HOUSE at the historic chapel of The Falls Church assembled for the Village Preservation and Improvement Society’s annual July 4 reading of seminal documents in the nation’s founding. Participants took turns reading aloud from them. (photo: Gary Mester)

F.C. to Unveil New ‘Smart’ Traffic Signals in August

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Over $700 million in regional multimodal transportation infrastructure is expected to be approved tonight at the monthly meeting of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) in Arlington.

For the City of Falls Church, three of the 24 projects that will be funded by tonight’s vote will have a direct and immediate impact over the next six years.

The projects here are a traffic signal synchronization initiative involving seven intersections in

the City, a bus rapid transit (BRT) project centered along Route 7 (called Broad Street coming through Falls Church) running from Alexandria to Tysons, and the so-called “Ring Road” large traffic circle designed to relieve the traffic congestion at the Seven Corners intersection of Route 7 and Route 50 just yards outside the City.

None of the work on these projects will commence immediately, but tonight’s vote represents a critical point for their development over the next six

years. An exception is the signal synchronization effort, designed to make it easier for eventual BRT routes to move more smoothly along Route 7, with a proposed diversion to the East Falls Church Metro station.

Not part of this package but equally important in its own right is the City’s traffic signal synchronization plan aimed at making it easier for pedestrians to navigate City streets that will impact 22 intersections here and will be kicked off with an “unveiling” at the intersection of W. Broad and N. Virginia

Ave. on August 12 at 6:30 p.m.

That new software technology for that is being introduced with the help of “Smart City” technologies being crafted at Virginia Tech’s Falls Church campus.

The NVTA’s bi-annual funding initiative, which is expected to be approved, will provide for requests submitted last year by nine Northern Virginia jurisdictions and the Virginia Railway Express.

The projects underwent

Continued on Page 5

PAGE 2 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

FALLS CHURCH NEWS BRIEFS Famous F.C. Church Building to Be Renovated The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment which owns the iconic small building adjacent to the State Theatre on N. Washington Street which has served multiple roles over the years, including as the home of the new defunct Falls Church Congregational Church, the newly incorporated City of Falls Church City Hall and jail, and the city library, and the F.C. Women’s Club, will be undergoing a major renovation in the coming period.

The 145-year-old building “is in need of some maintenance and at present we are working on identifying exactly what needs to be done,” church officials say.

Therefore the building will be closed to all activities, including church services, effective this week.

The building was for decades home to the annual News-Press holiday party.

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Inova Performs Area’s New Stent Proceedure

Mark Thompson, the CNN chief executive appointed last year to modernize the news network, unveiled a set of sweeping changes to the iconic outlet Wednesday, announcing plans to build a billion-dollar digital business, experiment with artificial intelligence and overhaul key newsroom structures, Oliver Darcy has reported.

The far-reaching measures, which Thompson described to staffers in a memo as a “key milestone in the transformation of CNN,” will result in about 100 employees, or about three percent of the workforce, being laid off.

Inova Schar Heart and Vascular was the first in the Northern Virginia area to perform a groundbreaking treatment for blocked coronary artery stents as part of a clinical trial, leading to the device’s full FDA approval, it was reported this week.

The “AGENT Drug-Coated Balloon” delivers targeted medication directly within existing coronary stents to dissolve blockages without adding the extra metal involved in a second stent within a stent.

Although cardiac cath and the placements of stents is a highly effective and common procedure, the “AGENT DrugCoated Balloon” reduces the risk for patients who continue to experience the complication of blockages at the stent site. Following its full FDA approval in March, Inova has now successfully performed the first case outside of a clinical trial in Northern Virginia.

Sen. Warner Warns of Foreign Influence in Elections

New Election Access Laws Now in Effect in Virginia

Virginia’s Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Mark R. Warner issued a new statement following a press briefing from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the foreign threat landscape ahead of the election: Sen. Warner stated, “I have long pushed the Intelligence Community to be more open with the public about the complex and serious foreign influence threats targeting the United States – particularly in the context of U.S. elections. Today’s press briefing is a strong step in that direction. I applaud the ODNI, FBI, and CISA for commencing these regular public updates on foreign efforts to manipulate our democratic processes and undermine our election. There is no doubt that these updates – in addition to efforts by civil society and the

There are some positive changes coming to Virginia election law this year improving Virginia voters’ access to polling places, reports Jeff McKay, chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

One new law clarifies that individuals with a disability (not just a physical disability) can vote curbside.

Another requires local registrars to post information at the previous location when a polling place location changes, including information about how to find the new location to assist any voter who is unaware of the change.

A third requires that notice of a change in election district, precinct or polling place be mailed to all registered voters at least 30 days prior to the next election (current law requires a mailing at least 15 days prior).

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private sector – will serve to better inform and prepare the public.

“As the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I would encourage all Americans to stay informed and alert. Social media, in particular, continues to be a popular vector for foreign covert influence attempts, and our adversaries remain focused on stoking social, racial, and political tensions among Americans.

The best thing Americans can do to help safeguard our election is avoid succumbing to nefarious foreign efforts to create division and sow chaos. I am committed to working with the Intelligence Community to declassify more information and further increase transparency.”

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 3

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Rep. Beyer Says He’s Sticking WIth Biden in Dem Party Flap

Continued from Page 1

reports that he was intending to create a committee of Democratic lawmakers with the intent of convincing Biden to withdraw from the race.

However, Warner stopped short of expressing the kind of support for Biden that Beyer’s statement did.

The Warner statement said the following: “Another Trump term would be perilous for rule of law and for our democracy. President Biden has made America stronger, guiding the nation through some of our most difficult days.

I am proud of my work on his agenda.

“With so much at stake in the

upcoming election, now is the time for conversations about the strongest path forward.

“As these conversations continue, I believe it is incumbent upon the President to more aggressively make his case to the American people, and to hear directly from a broader group of voices about how to best prevent Trump’s lawlessness from returning to the White House.”

By contrast, one with a lot to say about it all has been Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia’s 11th District, just to the west of Falls Church.

Connolly’s attention this week has been focused on his scheduled remarks to the NATO conference of heads of states and government, marking the

75th anniversary of the alliance, currently underway in Washington, D.C., where Biden was also scheduled to speak.

Connolly was re-elected president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly earlier this year, having served in that role from 2020 to 2022. He is also a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

On the Biden issue, Connolly has been vocal in interviews on CNN and MSNBC saying the following: “I think most of my colleagues, like myself, are processing what happened. And we don’t want to make decisions in haste or in panic. Joe Biden is a consequential president. He’s been a friend of mine. In fact, I worked for him for 10 years,

I’ve known him for 45. I’m not going to jettison Joe Biden based on a 90-minute debate.

But I do want to be reassured that Joe Biden is capable of doing the job, wants to do the job, and that he can reassure the public to both of those things.

“My north star in this process is going to be how do we ensure Donald Trump does not get back to the oval office. That’s going to be my north star, and everything else is subordinate to that.

“I was hired by Joe Biden to work in the US Senate. I’ve known him for 45 years. I know his family. I’ve been to his home. I wrote speeches for him and bills for him and amendments for him. I traveled with him. This is a man I revere, and I am not about to throw

him overboard because of a bad experience. I want to give him every opportunity to try to recover. Having said that, at the end of the day we cannot afford to make a mistake about Donald Trump. We’ve got to put our best foot forward. And I’m hopeful that’s Joe Biden, but I’m open to the fact that sadly that might not be.

“I do believe that what happened at the debate was more than a bad night. And that’s why that image is so indelible in so many minds and that’s why so much alarm has been raised about what does that mean? And President Biden – the burden is on him to prove, you know, ‘Yeah I stumbled. It was terrible. I had an episode, but I recovered from that.’”

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Lots of Infrastructure Improvements Coming to This Region

Continued from Page 1

extensive evaluation by NVTA staff, followed by a comprehensive public comment period including a public hearing. After thorough review and community feedback, NVTA staff developed funding recommendations which were analyzed by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Planning Coordination Advisory Committee (PCAC), and Planning and Programming Committee (PPC) throughout June.

Falls Church’s representative on the NVTA board, Council member David Snyder, said concerning tonight’s vote, “The NVTA six year plan, if approved tomorrow, will provide critical funding for all transportation modes and will advance the region’s goals of sustainability, equity and safety. The City of Falls Church’s specific project will help make transit a more effective alternative and put in place a key piece of the future Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit initiative. When completed, the Route 7 BRT will move more people throughout the region who

rely on transit, add a convenient option as an alternative to travel by car, serve our businesses by providing an easy and convenient way to patronize them, and improve the environment.”

While the BRT and Ring Road projects are not slated for completion for at least six years, their impact on the region will be profound. A long time already in the planning, the BRT option was chosen over light rail because of the lack of open lanes along Route 7, meaning that parts of it, including in Falls Church, will require lane sharing with vehicular traffic. Thus, the need for signal synchronization to help the buses move more smoothly through that traffic.

With $210 million, the BRT improvement will involve the widening of one lane on either side of Route 7 outside the City going into Tysons, from the intersection with Route 66 to the intersection with the Beltway.

The project will widen approximately one mile of Route 7 between I-495 and I-66 creating one lane in each direction by widening to the outside with

a median. Existing lanes will be shifted outside to provide a wider median to be used for future BRT. This project includes shared used paths on both sides.

Intersection improvements will be required at five signals to facilitate the widening. Access management, including the elimination of service roads and allowing direct access from driveways to Route 7, will also be included.

The separation of vehicular traffic and the installation of shared use paths will create a safer environment that is accessible to all users.

At $122 million, the Ring Road project will have a section in Fairfax County funded running from Route 50, over the entrance to Sleepy Hollow Road and across to the other side of Route 7.

The traffic signal priority technology will be installed in the City of Falls Church to smooth the route of the BRT along Route 7. The route will run from Route 7, up N. Washington St. to the East Falls Church Metro station, then along Roosevelt Boulevard to Seven Corners.

The intersections of W. Broad St. and Lee St., W. Broad St. and Spring St., W. Broad St. and S. Virginia Ave., W. Broad St. and Little Falls St.,

W. Broad St. and S. Maple Ave., N. Washington St and Park Pl., and N. Washington St. and Columbia St. are included in the project.

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PAGE 6 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

Since 1991, an award-winning LGBT-owned general Interest community newspaper.

Vol. XXXIV, No. 22 July 11 - 17, 2024 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

Nicholas F. Benton Owner & Editor-In-Chief nfbenton@fcnp.com

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IN MEMORY Charlie Clark Columnist

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classified & Legal ads classads@fcnp.com letters to the editor letters@fcnp.com News & Notes newsandnotes@fcnp.com Obituaries obits@fcnp.com subscriptions distribution & delivery delivery@fcnp.com www.fcnp.com The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 105 N. Virginia Ave.., #310, Falls Church, VA 22046.

Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2024 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.

E ditorial

E D I TO R I A L

Eileen Levy Laid to Rest

The time had finally come a year and a half after her moving on from this mortal plane for Eileen Levy’s remains to be laid at rest beside that of her second husband, Dr. Chancery Levy, in the columbarium at the Arlington National Cemetery this Monday. A surprisingly moving brief sermon by a Jewish rabbi clothed in military uniform formed the structure for the short but poignant ceremony attended by family and friends at the site of her final resting place in the massive, august cemetery. Daughter Janine Scollnick Benton spoke on behalf of her two brothers, nephew and special friends there undeterred by the blazing sun and 98 degree heat.

As a reminder to those who may not have known Eileen Levy well or at all, for that matter, here is a reprint of the opening paragraph of her obituary as it appeared in the February 2023 edition of the News-Press: “Eileen Hecht Levy, 93, a native of London’s East End who as a child was shipped from home along with thousands of other children to reside in countryside foster homes to avoid the relentless of Nazi bombing of London, and subsequently brought a buoyant, irrepressible spirit and optimistic, upbeat cheer to wherever she found herself, including most recently over two decades as an art teacher and devoted friend of the Falls Church News-Press, died early Saturday morning after a lengthy illness. Levy was a frequent contributor to the News-Press, most recently providing children’s weekly Scalawag cartoons, and riding in many a News-Press entry in Falls Church Memorial Day parades and D.C. Pride parades, where she was an automatic magnetic hit with many hundreds along the parade route who rushed to her car side to greet and engage in her welcoming embraces.”

These two long, run-on sentences contain much of the essence and legacy of one of Falls Church’s more colorful residents. Ms. Levy had nothing but words of encouragement for anyone she met, especially for those whose lives were more likely filled with stress and personal struggles like her own. As a lasting tribute, Tom Gittins’ art studio complex on Annandale Road has named one of its galleries for Ms. Levy. Gittins was present at Monday’s event.

Some in this community did not fully appreciate her, focusing instead on what they perceived as flaws in her art. But perhaps they did not sufficiently grasp the way she worked to expand and enlarge the spirit of generosity and gratitude among all she encountered, which was her truest gift.

Eileen Levy will be remembered here as a special blessing to the people of Falls Church and the many young children among whom she shared her artistic skills and passion for giving in classes and tutoring sessions. She was the itinerant muse of so many of us here, and wherever she set foot.

She was herself a survivor of the horrors of war that had nothing bad to say of anyone lest it be Hitler himself.

Platform 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 content.

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 a profit if you can, but above all keep it clean, fearless and fair.

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Letters to Editor Proposed Bike Path Through Falls Plaza Editor, After reading FC Independent article about the proposed bike path through Falls Plaza Condos, I am writing to express my opposition to this proposal.

While I very much support making biking safer and more accessible to FCC residents, I cannot in good conscience support a path in this location. I myself bike occasionally through the city.

As a resident for 10 years and an owner for 5 years, I am very familiar with Falls Plaza and our corner of the city. We already have issues with the public seeing Falls Plaza as a place to leave trash. This path would invite more of the public to traverse through Falls Plaza and would become an invasion of privacy and threat to safety in our homes.

Right now, it’s a few kids during the school year, but this plan would basically invite everyone who needs to get from Haycock to the east side of Falls Church to walk, bike, etc through FP 24/7.

I would much rather the city to choose another path such as through the shopping center with their acres of asphalt, then to to invade FP. Additionally the article states a

path is already funded and in design from the WO&D trail north on Shreve Road. It would be wiser for the city to promote a path that will soon be in existence than to push a bunch of people to our back yard, private property, and likely introduce construction that will force the cutting down of many trees on and adjacent the Falls Plaza property.

I urge the city to pursue other options to provide a continuous east-west path to the schools and west end of Falls Church.

Katherine Williams

America Doesn’t Want to Learn Editor, Americans have become uneducable. We pay little attention in school, don’t want to go to college, and aren’t very ambitious at work.

We are so opposed to instruction and counsel we no longer are even capable of learning. The fact that our news media has become a fulltime entertainment industry doesn’t help.

We have come to believe that ethics, truth, and reality will destroy us.

Kimball Shinkoskey

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JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 7

Funny Girl The Hit Broadway Musical Entertains at Kennedy Center

by Mark Dreisonstok

“Funny Girl,” the hit Broadway musical of the 1960s, is back and currently on tour at the Kennedy Center. Over the course of “Funny Girl,” real-life stage and radio entertainer Fanny Brice recalls the life she has lived that brought her to where she is now—a celebrated performer with a major life crisis.

The show flashes back to her status as an unknown young woman who dreams of stardom. Through her tenacious spirit, stupendous talent,

and work ethic, she makes her way all the way to the top becoming a “Ziegfeld Girl.”

As the story progresses, so does Fanny’s relationship with her soonto-be dearly beloved Nick Arnstein.

This elegant and seemingly chivalrous man leads Fanny on a wild and romantic goose chase of a life that slowly reveals that his character is somewhat different than his charming looks. He is the first to acknowledge her talent but in other ways does not appreciate her. This renders her a tragic character because she

FUNNY GIRL at the Kennedy Center. (photo: Matthew Murphy)

has the love of the audience, and yet the one person she really loves does not return her love in any substantial way. He becomes her husband, and she attempts unsuccessfully to help him monetarily; this causes Nick to resent her and proceed on a path which may lead to unethical, indeed criminal, financial behavior.

While the plot is very serious, the music and dancing are entertaining, upbeat, and comic. Katerina McCrimmon is a wonderful “funny girl,” at turns upbeat, poignant, and, of course, funny, as in her comic numbers “His Love Makes Me Beautiful” and “You Are a Woman, I am Man,” the latter in which she duets in perfect chemistry with Stephan Mark Lukas as Nick. Her rendition of “People,” reminiscent of Barbra Streisand and yet performed in a style all her own, is beautiful and haunting.

Izaiah Montaque Harris offers wonderful dancing as Eddie Ryan, especially in “Who Taught Her Everything She Knows?” in songand-dance duet with the famous Melissa Manchester turning in a wonderful performance as Fanny’s mother Mrs. Brice. Fans of spectacular Broadway show numbers will especially enjoy “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat.”

This number is also very patriotic in red, white, and blue, in keeping with our month of Independence Day. The costumes done by Susan Hilferty are all wonderful, evoking a lost time period of Amaricana. The scenic design by David Zinn features a convincing contrast between Broadway elegance on the stage and the gritty reality of the crowdedstreet milieu in which Fanny was raised. The direction by Michael

Mayer is superb, and the orchestra is wonderfully conducted by Elaine Davidson, complete with Overture and Entr’acte music. Stunning choreography is by Ellenore Scott.

“Funny Girl” is, in sum, a wonderfully entertaining performance for those who are both new to the show and those for whom this Broadway classic is a long-time favorite. It runs through July 14 and is heartily recommended.

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PAGE 8 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

Who Is Sowing Division In the Democratic Party?

Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The saying goes, “In the land of the blind, the oneeyed man is king.”

Another way of putting it is, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.”

Who and what is behind the current dust up over the viability of President Biden’s reelection campaign? Is there any way the mass of forces who caused our nation to lurch so far toward chaos in 2016 by working to get the worst, most immoral and sociopathic figure in U.S. national politics ever elected to the White House? Is there any way they could be involved in this like they were in 2020 when they did all they could to keep Biden away from the White House?

Boy, they got a little help from a less than perfect performance

by Biden in the last debate, and look what they’ve done with it!

The nation, not to mention the Democratic Party, is in an uproar over it, and the drumbeats are only getting louder now for Biden to step away from his campaign in favor of someone, anyone, else.

Twice now the New York Times has editorialized asking explicitly for no more Biden.

The great PR machine of the one percent of the wealthiest Americans, who are worth as much as ninety percent of the rest of us, is in full mobilization.

Yes, that machine counts on the fears of many to fuel its dastardly aim, but it is not those fears, in and of themselves, that are responsible for this. No, it is that machine, that phalanx of institutions owned and run by multi billionaires, including the New York Times and other major media outlets, that has seen its chance in Biden’s less than perfect debate performance. It is building off the relentless attack on Biden for his age that was non-stop since four years ago, and now is going in for the kill.

That’s even though, mind you, it doesn’t have the means to do it, itself, but only those whom

it assaults in a full court press of multimedia pressure do.

Remember, it wasn’t anybody from that realm who allowed for Biden to be elected the first time.

It was an African-American senator from South Carolina, James Clyburn, who rallied his party to back Biden for what has been, to date, one of the most effective presidential terms in almost a century.

America’s ruling elites fear Biden for good reason, as we’ve seen what he’s done since being in office. They want him gone, and have no hesitation in their willingness to back a convicted felon and contemptible human being in order to get their way. They’re willing to align themselves with the evil motives of Russia to invade and occupy Western Europe, too. They are not unaware that Trump was recruited into the Russian disinformation machine as long ago as 1987. They don’t care that he is effectively a treasonous Russian agent because he’s their gravy ticket.

So no wonder, New York Times, that you’ve never called for convicted felon Trump to drop out of an election, no wonder the Times has the audacity to say that results of polls of, maybe, 1,400 Americans are more valid than the 14 million who voted for Biden in this election cycle’s primaries.

No wonder that pundits bring forward all their misgivings about Biden, while the more than three dozen lies that Trump told (according to the fact checkers) in the last debate went wholly unchallenged. One of the worst pundit remarks (say it isn’t so, Stephen Colbert) claims the issue is between the greater good and an ego. Hardly.

It is highly ironic that Sen. Warner, as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is reportedly calling for Biden to step aside while in the same breath warning of Russian disinformation spoiling this election. In a statement this week he has warned that “our adversaries remain focused on stoking social, racial, and political tensions among Americans.

The best thing Americans can do to help safeguard our election is avoid succumbing to nefarious foreign efforts to create division and sow chaos.”

Create division and sow chaos, ey? So shouldn’t Sen. Warner look at this current situation?”

CO MME NT

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

By Penny Gross

“When the President does it, that means it’s not illegal.” That declaration, uttered by disgraced former President Richard Nixon in a 1977 television interview, was stunning in its simple dismissal of what had been a basic tenet of the U. S. Constitution: that no one is above the law, even the president.

Until last week, that is, when the Supreme Court, in a 6 to 3 decision, upended more than 200 years of constitutional law by granting almost unlimited immunity for acts committed by a president during his term. The ruling sparked outrage by scholars and citizenry alike and questioned whether our fragile democracy might survive another potential Trump term.

The question extends beyond Trump, though. Presidential elections are fraught with political arguments and varying approaches to governance, but rarely question the major party candidates’ allegiance to democracy and the Constitution. After all, the person taking the presidential oath of office swears to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” That’s been an expectation for our presidents since the founding of our nation.

History reveals failures across the centuries, but most presidents, mindful of their oath, ultimately put the good of the nation first, not greed, grift, or power.

Supreme Court justices also take an oath, to “administer justice without respect to persons… to faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties… under the Constitution and laws of the United States.” It’s the “without respect to persons” and “impartially” language that seems to confound us about some members of the Roberts Court. The immunity decision surprised many court observers who anticipated that the justices would uphold the Constitutional precedents. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise.

They couldn’t possibly overturn Roe v. Wade, the 50-year protection of a woman’s right to have an abortion, but they did. They wouldn’t decide that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion in the Dobbs decision, but they did. They couldn’t possibly rule that bump stocks are legal or reduce government agencies’ ability to establish regulations and enforce them, but they did. The Court is in its summer hiatus now, but the trajectory is clear. Individual rights and common sense are swept away and our long-held institutions and protections are destabilized by court decisions, exacerbated by a chaotic Congress that has done little to instill confidence or sensibility in governance and fair play.

The Declaration of Independence declared freedom from the English

Crown, not independence from each other or from governance.

Indeed, the signers mutually pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on behalf of what became, in the Preamble of the U. S. Constitution, the “People of the United States.” The signers – wealthy white landowners and slavers – recognized despotism and tyranny (although failed to equate those with slavery), and resolved to end them in their individual jurisdictions and in what would become a new nation a decade or so later.

The prospect of an “imperial presidency,” as coined by historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. in the 1970s, is heightened by the Court’s immunity decision. Mr. Trump has declared that he will be a dictator on Day One, and he and his cronies already have identified many institutions and individuals as targets.

Democrats are in crisis mode about President Biden’s debate performance and ability to carry the ticket to victory in November. Nearly every election is termed “the most important in our lifetime.” Some voters are inspired by that idea; some voters are turned off. Sitting out this election is not an option.

Whether in person, by mail, or drop box, every person eligible to vote must plan now to exercise their civic duty. Your vote really can make a difference and preserve democracy.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h C R I M E R E PO RT Week of July 1-7, 2024 Attempted Stolen Automobile/Tampering with Auto/Larceny from Motor Vehicle, S Maple Ave, between 5 PM on June 30th and 6:17 AM on July 1st, an unknown suspect broke the rear passenger-side window of a locked vehicle and tampered with the steering column, as well as rummaged through the vehicle. Incident is under investigation.

Destruction of Property, S Maple Ave, between 8:20 PM on June 30th and 6:49 AM on July 1st, an unknown suspect broke the rear driver-side window of a locked vehicle and rummaged through the vehicle.

Incident is under investigation.

Attempted Stolen Automobile/Tampering with Auto, S Maple Ave, between 11 AM

on June 30th and 7:17 AM on July 1st, an unknown suspect broke the front driverside window of a locked vehicle and tampered with the steering column, as well as rummaged through the vehicle. Incident is under investigation.

Tampering with Auto, S Maple Ave, between 8 PM on June 30th and 8:30 AM on July 1st, an unknown suspect removed all the door handles from a locked vehicle.

Incident is under investigation.

Reckless Driving, W Broad St, July 1, 10:22 PM, a male, 43, of Fairfax County, was arrested for Reckless Driving.

Stolen Automobile/Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Wilson Blvd, between 12 AM and 1:16 AM on July 2nd, an unknown suspect stole a red Subaru SUV, which contained electronics, a wallet, and a spare key for the vehicle. The vehicle was later recov-

ered by the Alexandria Police Department.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle/Credit Card Fraud/Destruction of Property, Wilson Blvd, between 12 AM and 1:16 AM on July 2nd, an unknown suspect broke the front passenger-side window of a vehicle, and stole electronics and a wallet. The suspect then made multiple fraudulent transactions with the victim’s credit card. The victim’s electronics were later recovered by the Alexandria Police Department inside a stolen vehicle.

Larceny from Building, Founders Ave, July 2, 6:06 PM, victim reported an unknown suspect stole their package.

Trespassing, Hillwood Ave, July 2, 9:47 PM, a male, 45, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

Continued on Page 14

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

LO CA L SPO RTS

JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 9

Falls Church Little League All-Star Team Excels in Tournament Season

by Erika Toman

The Falls Church Majors All-Star team has been making waves in their tournament season, showcasing outstanding performances both on the mound and at the plate. With a series of impressive victories, the team finished 4-1 in pool play as they advance into the cross-over tournament bracket, competing to advance to Virginia’s state tournament on the path to Williamsport’s Little League World Series.

The team’s journey began on July 2nd with a resounding 7-1 victory over Reston-Herndon.

James Owen ignited the offense early with an RBI single in the first inning, setting the tone for the game. Matthew Miller stole the spotlight with his first career home run, a moment that electrified the team and fans alike.

The fifth inning saw an explosion of hits from Will Wood, Luca Pipia, Kellan McCormack, Anthony Verdi, Mikey Baltrym, and Evan Toman, solidifying their lead. Baltrym started as pitcher, impressively striking out two while keeping a clean

sheet. McCormack, Owen, and Pipia contributed in relief, collectively striking out five opponents.

Their momentum carried into the next game on July 3rd against Arlington National League, winning 18-2 against one of the toughest teams in the area. The team’s bats remained scorching hot with 13 hits. Baltrym went an impressive 4 for 4 at the plate, while Miller continued his strong performance with three hits. Simon Coho, Pipia, McCormack, Toman, Owen, and Verdi also contributed crucial hits to secure another victory.

Owen, Toman, and McCormack shared pitching duties, combining for three strikeouts to keep Arlington at bay.

In their July 5th matchup against McLean American League, Falls Church faced a tougher challenge but emerged victorious with a 7-5 win. They established an early six-run lead in the third inning, highlighted

by Miller’s second home run of the postseason. Baltrym and McCormack were pivotal with multiple hits, while Toman, Verdi, and Alderson also con-

tributed to the offensive effort.

Defensively, Tig Fatzinger and Toman made notable leaping catches at shortstop and second base, respectively, to stifle McLean’s attempts to rally.

Owen and Pipia showcased their pitching prowess, with Pipia striking out five batters while on the mound. Miller’s standout moment came in a high-pressure situation in the bottom of last inning with the bases loaded and two outs, where he struck out the final batter to earn the save.

Their fourth game against McLean National resulted in another strong performance and a 3-0 victory. Baltrym and Pipia combined for key runs early in the game, followed by a solo home run by Owen to seal the victory. Toman’s start on the mound was impeccable, allowing only two hits and no runs throughout his time on the field.

Miller provided solid relief, adding two strikeouts to his impressive tournament record.

Hayes Vaughan and Alderson each contributed crucial defensive plays by snagging fly balls in the outfield.

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The final pool play game against Vienna resulted in a disappointing 1-13 loss, but manager Nick Toman expressed pride in the team’s performance this season, emphasizing their dedication

FC MAJORS. (photo: Fred Keel)

to practices and preparation. “Our players have shown incredible work ethic, development and teamwork,” he commented. “They’re playing inspired baseball and fighting for every opportunity to win.”

PAGE 10 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

LO CA L

News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes F.C. Police Announce National Night Out August 6

“Pomodori” is People’s Choice at FCA All Member Show A-L

Join the City of Falls Church Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave. , Falls Church). National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

On July 31 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (3022 Woodlawn Ave., Falls Church) will be hosting a blood drive for the Red Cross.

Spaces are still availabe, so those eligible are encouraged to register at rcblood.org/3CuaTmy.

Dane Hamblin’s painting “Pomodori” has received the Falls Church Arts’ People’s Choice Award in the FCA all-member show (last names A-L). The prize is sponsored by Art and Frame of Falls Church (307 E. Annandale Rd., Falls Church).

Hamblin’s work, which is available for purchase at FCA for $1,050, is an oil painting on canvas. Hamblin says about his artwork, “Pomodori is Italian for tomatoes. I saw these tomatoes in a small grocery store in Rome Italy, and was drawn to their subtle variations in color and the green vines that connected them.

This painting will always remind me of the wonderfully fresh and delicious food of Italy.”

The piece was chosen by the visitors to FCA as the People’s Choice award winner. The show runs through July 14 and can be viewed for free online at fallschurcharts.org or in the FCA gallery at 700-B West Broad St., Falls Church, Tuesday — Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m.

— 4:00 p.m.

Call for Entries Issued for McLean Sculpture Exhibition

Virginia Dream FC Wins DMV South Soccer Championship

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is seeking submissions for Sculpture NOW 2024, presented

by Washington Sculptors Group (WSG) and MPA. The exhibit will run from Thursday, September 12 through Saturday, October 26.

Sculpture NOW 2024 is a nonthematic exhibition of new works (finished within the last two years).

Three dimensional freestanding sculpture, wall-hung, ceiling-hung, isntallations, and multimedia and performance-based works are welcome. The exhibition is free for members of the WSG, with artists who are not members able to join by paying the annual dues of $45.

Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 4.

Accepted works must be delivered September 6 — 7.

To apply, visit tinyurl.com/sculpturenow2024. For more information, email exhibits@washingtonsculptors.org.

Falls Church City’s semipro soccer team, Virginia Dream FC, are in the UPSL Postseason Championship Game for the second consecutive season. The team was the regular season champion for the UPSL DMV South, and after earning a 3-0 victory on June 30 they played in — and hosted — the Championship Match on July 6 at “The Cloud” at Meridian High School. They team has also secured a playoff spot in their other competition league, National Premier Soccer League, after narrowly falling short last year.

In only their second year of existence, The Little City’s Virginia Dream FC have quickly reached some of their lofty goals on and off the field. In addition to their on the field success, off the field they have provided internship and job shadowing opportunities for students of the Sports Medicine program at Meridian High School with both the

Holy Trinity to Host Red Cross Blood Drive July 31

DANE HAMBLIN’S oil on canvas work, “Pomodori,” won the People’s Choice in FCA’s Member Show A-L. (Photo: Falls Church Arts)

IN JUST THEIR SECOND year of existence, The Little City’s Virginia Dream FC soccer team are the DMV South Champions. (Courtesy Photo)

team’s coaching staff and the team’s conditioning facility, Arlington Personal Fitness, Inc. In fulfilling the team’s vision of blending fashion, art and music with soccer, for the second year in a row, the team’s kits’ designs have been featured on SoccerBible and received worldwide recognition.

Something very rare at the semi-pro level of soccer.

For more information visit instagram.com/VirginiaDreamFC

Local Speech Pathologist Publishes Children’s Book Local speech-language pathollogist, Michelyve Petit, NA, CCCSLP, has published a new children’s book, “Bam the Tiny Brave Elephant.”

The story is about a small Indian elephant that is both curious and courageous. Petit says she was inspired to write this story while working with school-aged children in Montgomery County, where she says some students doubted their capabilities on the basis of being different “So, this book was birthed not only as a tool for educators to use for building phonological awareness skills, practicing early developing speech sounds, and identifying story elements — but with social emotional elements to remind kiddos that any one, no matter their difference can ‘save the day.’”

“Bam the Tiny Brave Elephant” is available on hardcover at tinyurl. com/fcbambook.

2024 Arlington Visuial Art Studio Tour Announced The dates of the seventh Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour (AVAST) were announced earlier this week by event organizers.

AVAST offers participants an opportunity to connect with dozens of artists in their studio environments, over a two-day period.

This year’s tour will take place on September 21 and 22, when 59 artists will open their studios to the public.

To learn more AVAST, view a directory of this year’s participating artists, or look up tour details and related shows and events, visit arlingtonartstudiotour.org.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CA L E NDA R

JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 11

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. THURSDAY JULY 11

Chamber Networking Breakfast

Meet fellow Chamber members.

No agenda or cost other than your breakfast. The Original Pancake House (7395 Lee Hwy., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 9:00 a.m.

Affordable Living Policy Update Wkgp. Meeting

Affordable Living Policy Update Workgroup meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Ocho de Bastos

Ochas de Bastos performs. Part of the Founders Groove free concert series, Thursdays through July 25.

Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

Andrew Acosta Band

Andrew Acosta Band performs.

Part of the Summer Concerts in the Park series, Thursdays through August 8, hosted the city and VPIS. Free and open to the public. Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY JULY 12 Griefcat @ Cauldron

Griefcat performs as part of Cauldron's Summer Concerts Series.

Tickets at creativecauldron.org.

Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY JULY 13 Falls Church Farmers Market

Shop the award-winning market, every Saturday, year-round! City Hall

Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

Christmas J.A.M. in July

Haul out the Holly? That's right, Santa's doing a mid-year check to see if you're naughty or nice!

Christmas J.A.M. in July is a musical celebration of the holiday and summer, featuring live singing and dancing by local independent artists.

This showing is ASL-interpreted. $25 tickets at christmasjaminjuly. eventbrite.com. Fredgren Studio Theatre (3443 Carlin Springs Rd., Falls Church), 3:00 p.m.

Dave Kline Band

Dave Kline performs as part of Cauldron's Summer Concerts Series. Tickets at creativecauldron. org. Creative Cauldron (410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY JULY 14 LAST CHANCE: FCA All Member Show A-L

WEDNESDAY JULY 17 Library Board of Trustees Meeting

The MRSPL Board of Trustees meets. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Upper Floor Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting

Planning Commission meets.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Urban Forestry Commission Meeting

Urban Forestry Commission meets.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

THURSDAY JULY 18

Arts and HumanitiesCouncil Meeting

Last day to view A-L submissions from artists participating in FCA's member showcase. View or purchase through in the FCA gallery or online at fallschurcharts. org. Free to attend. M-Z show opens July 20. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 11:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Arts and Humanities Council meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 9:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.

MONDAY JULY 15

Human Services Advisory Council meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

City Council Work Session

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. The public is welcome, but not typically invited to speak. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

Homesick Locations

Homesick Locations performs with the Radio Relics and Marian Hunter. Tickets at jamminjava. com. Jammin' Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA), 7:30 p.m.

Human Services Adv. Council Meeting

Patty Reese

Patty Reese performs Americana blues, covers and originals. Part of the Founders Groove Concert Series, Thursdays through July 25.

Free and open to the public. Founders Row (109 Founders Ave., Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Environmental Sust.

Council Meeting

The Environmental Sustainability Council and the Energy Transition Subcommittee meet.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

DAVE KLINE BAND performs in Cauldron's 2024 Summer Concerts Series this Saturday. (Photo: Creative Cauldron)

PAGE 12 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Dolan Uyghur LLC, trading as Dolan Uyghur Restaurant 400 South Maple Ave. Falls Church, VA 22046 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Beer and Wine On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverages License.

Hamid Kerim, Managing Member as Authorized Signatory. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice.

Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200 Sayram Uyghur LLC, trading as Dolan Uyghur Restaurant 320 23rd Street S. Arlington VA., 22202 is applying to the Virginia ABC board for a Beer and Wine On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverages License.

Hamid Kerim, Managing Member as Authorized Signatory. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of 2 required newspaper legal notice. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or 800-552-3200 Notice is hereby given that City Medical Transportation LLC, 3415 Willow Tree Lane, Falls Church VA 22044, has filed an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing passenger transportation as a common carrier over irregular routes, providing service in the geographic area composed of the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Hopewell, Manassas, Manassas Park, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Winchester and in the counties of Amelia, Arlington, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, New Kent, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Powhatan, Prince George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, and Warren Virginia and Statewide throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia for passenger transportation as a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Carrier, as defined in the Code of Virginia Section 46.2-2000.

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JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 13

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

WHO’S THE BEST?

The News-Press BEST OF FALLS CHURCH reader vote is back and it’s time to cast your ballot for your Falls Church-area favorites! Our 15th annual contest features a host of categories — now 42 in all — 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 15!

Vote for Your Falls Church Favorites:

FOOD & DRINK

American • Asian • Outside Dining • International • Brunch • Bar/Brewery • Burger • Pizza Treats and Sweets • Favorite Little City Experience • New Restaurant • Lunch Spot Dinner Spot • Seafood • Vegetarian

RETAIL & SERVICES Mortgage/Bank • Professional Services •Real Estate Agent • Real Estate Group • Property Management Doctor • Dentist • Orthodontist • Therapist • Physical Therapist/Chiropractor Auto • Dry Cleaners • Retirement Community • Hair Salon/Barbershop • Gym/Fitness/Yoga • Nail/Day/Skin Spa Live Entertainment • Pet Services • Specialty Store • Private School • Camp Home Improvement • Landscapers/Garden services Architect • Builder/Remodeler • New Business • Accountant

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH ISSUE COMING AUGUST 15!

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PAGE 14 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h CRIME R EPORT Continued from Page 8 Destruction of Property, S Maple Ave, between 6 PM and 10:29 PM on July 2nd, an unknown suspect broke the window of a vehicle and broke the steering column, and rummaged through the vehicle. Incident is under investigation.

Simple Assault, Roosevelt Blvd, July 3, 10:58 PM, victim reported a known suspect assaulted them.

Shoplifting, Wilson Blvd, July 4, 1:43 PM, two unknown suspects stole merchandise without paying. The first suspect is described as a light skinned black male, bald with a gray beard, approximately 50-60 years of age and 5’7” to 5’8” in height, roughly 180 pounds, wearing a green short-sleeve shirt, dark blue or black shorts, and black shoes with white soles. The second suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, a beard, and glasses,

Before

approximately 60 years of age and 5’8” to 5’10” in height, roughly 180190 pounds, wearing a gray shirt, dark colored shorts, and black and white shoes.

Shoplifting, W Broad St July 4, 5:33 PM, two unknown suspects, both described as black males, stole merchandise without paying.

Larceny from Building, Chanel Ter, July 5, 6:04 AM, an unknown suspect stole an unlocked orange Mongoose bicycle off the victim’s patio. The suspect is described as an adult male wearing a white face covering, black shirt, black pants, black sneakers, a gray and blue hat, and black or gray backpack.

Trespassing, Wilson Blvd, July 7, 12:42 AM, a male, 53, of no fixed address, was arrested for Trespassing.

Fraud – False Pretenses, W Broad St, July 6, 12:18 PM, victim reported

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In Memoriam: Larry Eugene Lucas

Larry Eugene Lucas of Vinemont, Alabama departed

from our earthly plane on June 17, 2024. Mr. Lucas is preceded in death by his beloved sister, Debbie L. McMasters, and is survived by his caring wife: Laurie Lucas, daughter: Kelsey “Zachary” Bauer, grandchildren: Makenna and Truett Bauer, and Colton Drake, and his niece Mandy Welsch (Jeff) and her daughter Maggie. Mr. Lucas’s grandchildren were the light of his life and he was well known and loved greatly for his abundant generosity and witty sense of humor. Mr. Lucas was loved by all, and will be greatly missed.

There are no services to be announced at this time.

LO CA L

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

C ritter C orner

an unknown suspect impersonated the victim and fraudulently withdrew money from their bank account.

Incident is under investigation.

Larceny from Building, Grove Ave, between 8 PM on July 5th and 7:47 PM on July 6th, an unknown suspect stole a black electric Hover scooter from their back porch.

Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Wilson Blvd, July 6, 11:21 PM, a male, 44, of Annandale, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for another jurisdiction.

Property Damage Only, W Broad St/ Birch St, July 3, 2:03 PM. Property Damage Only, S West St/ Parker Ave, July 5, 9:40 AM. Property Damage Only, 100-blk Pennsylvania Ave, July 5, 5:08 PM. Property Damage Only, 100-blk S West St, July 6, 10:26 PM.

SEND US YOUR PICTURES! See your Pets in the News-Press Pets@fcnp.com Coming July 25th

MEET SNUGGLES, who was rescued by their fur-ever family 12 years ago. Since then, Snuggles has followed them onto six new duty stations, served as mascot and CDD (Chief Doggy of Distraction) for their ma’s small business, and welcomed a baby human brother to the family! Snuggles loves chicken, patrolling the yard for squirrels, and their favorite toy “Porpie. (Photo: Sarah Scott) 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.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The LGBTQ+ Reach

by Brian Reach

Falls Church News-Press

Project 2025 On July 3 the president of the Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, said that the U.S. is “in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”

Roberts and the Heritage Foundation (a staunchly conservative right-wing think-tank) have been increasingly visible over the last month or so — and especially since the nightmare debate on June 28 — as more and more of the public becomes aware of Project 2025 Presidential Transition Project, an initiative of the Heritage Project (website project2025.org).

At the core of Project 2025 is the Heritage Foundation’s book, “Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise,” an 887-page comprehensive collection of conservative policy proposals. Published last year and billed as a ninth edition, the book is a rewrite of the Heritage Foundation’s 1980 manual by the same name (a free PDF version is currently available at tinyurl.com/Project2025Book).

The intent of “Mandate” is to position Donald J. Trump — should he be re-elected in November — to move with unprecedented speed to essentially replace our democracy with an authoritarian Christian state, starting on day one: January 20, 2025.

The Project 2025 advisory board, listed in “Mandate,” includes 53 organizations, including Liberty University and three hate organizations identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

Though Donald Trump has denied knowing anything about Project 2025, the authors, contributors, and board are packed with Trump allies — and hyperconservative Virginians including former attorney general Ken Cuccinelli and a member of the transition team for Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

I will write more about the specific policies outlined in “Mandate” more in the weeks to come.

What Project 2025 does with “Mandate” — and what the conservatives have done to some degree at least since Reagan — is deploy textbook manipulation tactics. Human communication has been around for hundreds of thousands of years. Though psychology, like any scientific field, is constantly evolving, the fundamental tactics of manipulation are pretty well-defined.

Love Bombing and False Flattery: claiming that their supporters are the only true patriots (or “real people,” which the book implies liberals are not on page four), an overwhelming focus on motherhood.

Projection, Gaslighting, Diversion, and Blame Shifting: presenting a totalitarian view as a democratic response to a foil.

Claiming January 6 was a peaceful protest, while screaming about a “woke mob” that doesn’t exist. Whataboutism to a pathological degree. Yes, the border has issues, but most people coming over are families,

not criminals — and with unemployment at a record low, is the border really to blame for our current economic woes?

What is often overlooked is how the digital age has affected human interaction. In nearly every fundamental aspect of our lives — media, shopping, dating, news, friendships, working, etc. — the digital age has snapped our attention to new online formats. Though the whiplash is still fresh, the effects are starting to come into focus.

Working from home is great — but some are more motivated by being in the office than they realized, and less friendships are formed between coworkers. Free online news is great, but AI is cheapening content while disinformation runs rampant, while community newspapers shutter. News channels regularly run the “Breaking News” chyron, pressured to keep viewers’ attention for advertising revenue. Automated spam and political warfare bombards our social media, text messages, voicemails, and inboxes — causing many to change or abandon accounts, or stop looking entirely.

Incessant rage bait, AI-generated images, amateur memes, and viral disinformation regularly confuse and trick the unsuspecting and elderly. “Dating apps,” according to Psychology Today, “are a breeding ground for dark personalities.” Amazon is the ultimate in convenience, but Main Streets around the world are suffering.

Technology has also brought with it abusive credit cards, predatory lending, astronomical healthcare costs, rising obesity and suicide and gun violence, and increased hate-fueled violence and extremism.

The hard truth is… well, we’re a big part of our own problems. Corporate greed only works with customers, right? I’d love to buy local every time, but I often cave and instead choose overnight delivery with the click of a button while in my pajamas.

But the thing is, we all have to eat and sleep to survive (and to function in society, work and wear clothes and use transportation) — and in any given place there are only so many options.

Faced with choices, we typically go with the most convenient or least expensive options. Employers try to pay less, employees want to get more. There are some things that will absolutely happen without regulation.

Not behind society’s problems, however, are kids using the bathroom they feel safe in, or a drag queen reading “The Little Caterpillar” to a bunch of toddlers (and parents).

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, begins “Mandate” with a 17-page foreword, called “A Promise To America,” where among other things he says: “Inflation is ravaging family budgets, drug overdose deaths continue to escalate, and children suffer the toxic normalization of transgenderism with drag queens and pornography invading their school libraries.”

One of those things is not like the others.

Fa l l s C h u r c h

JULY 11 - 17, 2024 | PAGE 15

Business News & Notes The Arc Opens Nominations for Employers

The Arc of Northern Virginia has announced that they will recognize companies that provide employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at their November 9, “illuminating Inclusion” Gala. The Arc encourages nominations from individual and companies, including self-nominations, for those that employ people with IDD in Fairfax County, Arlington County, City of Falls Church or City of Alexandria by July 26. Nominations can be made by the employer, job coach or disability service provider, or parent/family of the employee with IDD. Nominations for the “Commitment to Employment of Persons with Disabilities Awards” can be submitted online at thearcofnova.org/employer-award.

Local Wine Spectator Award

The 2024 Wine Spectator Awards have been announced and 64 Virginia restaurants were honored for their wine programs. Awards were given to 3,700 establishments in 50 states and more than 75 countries and territories in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award. Trio Grill in Falls Church was one of 2,150 restaurants to receive an Award of Excellence and the Inn at Little Washington was one of 96 restaurants to receive the Grand Award.

Real Estate Update on Tuesday

The F.C. Chamber is hosting speaker Ryan McLaughlin, CEO of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) at the luncheon on Tuesday, July 16. He will give an update on the trends and outlook. The luncheon will be held at Italian Café, 11:30 a.m. — 1:15 p.m. and is open to members and guests with advance reservations at tinyurl.com/fcnpbnn111.

Fortunoff® Backyard Store Opens

The first Fortunoff Backyard Store of three opening in Northern Virginia this summer has opened in Falls Church at 3535 South Jefferson Street. The newest Fortunoff has approximately 17,800 square feet to feature the company’s extensive line of outdoor furniture in materials including cast aluminum, teak, wicker, and polymer.

It also offers a full range of patio and in-pool accessories from string lights and outdoor umbrellas to pool floats and loungers. The other locations in Woodbridge and Sterling mark the expansion of the store which has celebrated 100 years in New York.

There are now 27 Fortunoff Backyard Stores in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania including the three opening in Virginia.

Ummah Market Opening Soon

An international grocery store, Ummah Market, is expected to open in the Bailey’s Crossroads area next month. While it will cater to the local Hispanic population, it will also carry healthy items from Turkey, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. A separate café will operate within the store, serving Turkish cuisine. This is the second market founded by CEO Jawad Yousufi, with his brothers. An immigrant of Afghanistan, the first opened in the Richmond area in 2020 and expansion is under consideration.

Local Satellites Delivered

Northrop Grumman has delivered two satellites to Vandenberg Space Force Base for Space Norway’s Artic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM). They are to launch this month on a SpaceX Falcon rocket and will deliver commercial broadband and protected military communications to the Artic region. They will carry communication payloads from Viasat, the Norwegian military, and the U.S. The joint Enhanced Polar System-Recapitalization (EPS-R) will be the first U.S. military payload to operate on a commercial space vehicle operated by an international partner.

Virginia Ranked No. 1 for Customized Workforce Training

Virginia is ranked No. 1 in the nation for Customized Workforce Training in the 20th annual Business Facilities Rankings Report, the second year in a row that the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has earned the No. 1 recognition. The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is a workforce initiative created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. The program accelerates new facility startups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation. The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has helped to secure more than 13,000 jobs across Virginia since the program commenced operations.

 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.

PAGE 16 | JULY 11 - 17, 2024

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