Falls Church News-Press 7-14-2022

July 14 - 20, 2022

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. X X XII No. 22

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

F.C.’s New 2-Year Work Plan’s Focus On Little Stuff

F.C. Pets in the Pink

Micro-Fixes Added to 65 on ‘To Do’ List

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

While the Falls Church City Council is proceeding this summer to upgrade its two-year work plan, something it hopes to complete next month sometime, new adds to the plan include an item to “develop a plan, with new resources, for Council review and funding approval to allow the City to rapidly execute smaller safety improvements in response to resident concerns.”

City Manager Wyatt Shields, recouping from a broken left forearm suffered during a biking accident last week, told the Council that the City’s small staff tends to allow its attention to focus only on big projects involving grant funding to the exclusion of often much smaller improvements needed that can make a big difference in public safety.

So, an item addressing that has been added to the “Safe and Complete Streets for Mobility and Accessibility” chapter of the

Continued on Page 3

RAYNE, WHO WORKS AT BARKLEY SQUARE Pet Groomers, with her dog, Pluto. Rayne dyes all of her pets with a natural, harmless pet dye called Opawz. (Photo: Sue Johnson.)

Beyer Adds Context to Webb Telescope’s Epic Reveal

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

This Monday President Biden unveiled the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) first full-color scientific image. Webb, the largest and most complex observatory ever

launched into space, has been preparing to begin its science work over the last six months. The image release marks the beginning of Webb’s science operations. JWST is an international collaboration among the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),

the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The remaining images will be released sequentially.

“The mesmerizing first scientific image from the James Webb Space Telescope is breath-taking,” said Subcommittee on Space and

Aeronautics Chairman Don Beyer of Falls Church. “JWST has been a top priority for astronomers for decades, and these images represent the realization of that long-standing goal and the culmination of a tremendous effort of a generation of scientists,

Continued on Page 4

Inside This Week Introducing the First Annual News-Press Pet Guide The Falls Church News-Press presents its very first guide for pet owners and animal enthusiasts, with stories about dogs, cats, birds and fish. Also included is a full-page animal services directory and photo spread.

See Pages 11 — 22

Ted White’s Science Fiction Mystery Continues...

Part three of a science fiction story by News-Press’ own Copy Editor Ted White, featuring a foray into one man’s subconscious and a looming threat of alien invasion. The story continues within...

See Page 31

Index

News Briefs..........................................2 Comment...................................... 5,7,8 Editorial................................................ 6 Letters.................................................. 6 Crime Report.................................... ...8 Business News..................................23 News & Notes.............................24,25 Calendar......................................26,27 Book Review..................................... 30 Critter Corner..................................... 30

PAGE 2 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

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NEWS BRIEFS ‘Smart Growth’ Group Has New Report on Pedestrian Perils This week, Smart Growth America released “Dangerous by Design,” a report documenting the dangers faced by pedestrians on America’s roads. “The Coalition for Smarter Growth urges every official in the DC region, Maryland, and Virginia, to read this report and to make safety for pedestrians and bicyclists on our streets a top priority,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director.

According to the report, national statistics show: • Pedestrian fatalities are up 62 percent since 2009, totalling 64,073 deaths.

• Pedestrian fatalities increased 4.7 percent in 2020 over 2019 and preliminary data shows 7485 deaths in 2021, a 40-year high.

• Arterial highways – think Route 1, Route 355, Route 50, Georgia Avenue, and Route 7 in the DC region – comprise 15 percent of all lane miles in the U.S. but 67 percent of pedestrian deaths.

• During the pandemic, as traffic congestion went down, more drivers drove faster and death rates went up.

• Places that were less friendly to walking before the pandemic had significantly higher increases in pedestrian fatalities during the pandemic compared to places that supported higher rates of walking pre-pandemic.

• People of color, particularly Native and Black Americans are more likely to die while walking.

• Lower income people and older people are more likely to die while walking.

“Despite better relative rankings than many parts of the U.S. the D.C. region is still seeing too many deaths and serious injuries to pedestrians and cyclists, and like other parts of the country, our suburban arterial roads are particularly dangerous. That’s why CSG has partnered with the Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets and Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling for safer streets across Northern Virginia,” said Sonya Breehey, CSG’s Northern Virginia Advocacy Manager.

“The greater Washington region’s Equity Emphasis Areas, which have higher percentages of people of color and lower-income households, experience disproportionately more fatalities of pedestrians and crashes on arterials than the rest of the region,” said Bill Pugh, CSG Senior Policy Fellow.

“Unfortunately, VDOT and MDOT, and many local departments of transportation are not taking the sort of swift and

concerted action necessary to make our streets safer. They continue to prioritize vehicle speed and movement over safety, and routinely push back on redesigning our streets – especially our very dangerous arterials – to make them safer for people walking, biking, rolling, and using transit,” said Schwartz.

Fairfax School Board Adds To LGBTQ Protections This week, the Fairfax County School Board unanimously approved a proposal directing the Superintendent to develop a plan for achieving family planning benefit parity for qualified LGBTQ employees within Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). School Board members Karl Frisch (Providence District) and Megan McLaughlin (Braddock) sponsored the initiative.

“Almost universally, medical insurance providers define family planning benefits that assist with conception in heterosexual terms, leaving qualified LGBTQ employees with limited access to the same benefits enjoyed by their nonLGBTQ colleagues and forcing them to pay for needed treatments out of pocket,” a statement said.

“To attract and retain a premier workforce, especially in this extremely competitive hiring environment, qualified FCPS employees must have equitable access to the school division’s robust family planning medical benefits,” said School Board member Frisch. “Our LGBTQ employees and their families deserve the same respect and support as anyone else.

Fairness is fundamental.”

“Some local governments and corporations have established grant programs to bridge this gap and provide family planning benefit parity for qualified LGBTQ employees. In addition, a few states now require insurance companies to provide family planning benefit parity for LGBTQ people — Virginia does not,” he said.

The Board’s vote gives the superintendent six months to determine the legal pathway available for Virginia school divisions to offer such support, analyze current FCPS family planning benefits to create a list of treatments and costs needed for parity, and develop an implementation plan, including consideration for potential structure, staffing, and budgeting. Additionally, the Board indicated an interest in working with the Board of Supervisors to advance benefit parity for school division and County employees in tandem.

Once the Superintendent’s assessment is complete, the Board may consider the resulting guidance for implementation.

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 3

Over 60 Action Items Suggest a Wide Scope for City Government

Continued from Page 1

work plan, as well as an item to install new bike lane facilities whenever a City street is repaved.

Shields noted in that section that transportation funds may be limited in the coming period as WMATA faces a “fiscal cliff ” with the end of ARPA (American Recovery Plan) funding set up to address the economic challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this context, the new work plan will include “consideration of adoption of a new commercial and industrial tax for transportation improvements” in the next budget cycle.

Vice Mayor Letty Hardi set forth a three-part prioritization approach to the work plan overall that would cover the ongoing need to address racial equity issues, a concern to track ongoing trends in the office market (she noted the Bloomberg study showing that there has been no appreciable rebound in the office market since the pandemic), to protect and enhance bike lanes in the City and to bet-

ter address issues of residential parking.

She noted, for example, that on Park Avenue alone, there are four different signs with different hourly parking limits.

The two-year work plan, consisting of 63 individual goals and objectives, is revisited every two years by the Council as “one of several guides for development and administration of the City” in addition to the annual budget, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the Comprehensive Plan, Small Area Plans and master plans.

It involves “advisory board and commission members and senior staff and the City Council in identifying a short list of policies and projects as the most important to deliver over the next two years in order to advance the vision and goals of the City, exclusive of major development projects, CIP projects and other normal business of the City.”

It is guided by the City’s Vision Statement adopted in April 2017 that set forth the City as a “welcoming and inclusive community, a special place in

the heart of Northern Virginia, where involved citizens are key to the City’s long-term success as a leader in education, environmental sustainability, multi-modal transportation and vibrant economic development,” adding, “By investing in neighborhoods, community services and facilities, schools and parks, the City preserves small-town character and history while honoring a deep commitment to progress and a growing community,” with “the continual rejuvenation of robust commercial areas that support the City’s high quality of life for all its citizens.”

The chapters of the two-

year plan include “Small Town Character in an Urban Setting,” “Economic Sustainability and Vitality,” “Safe and Complete Streets for Mobility and Accessibility,” “Public Health and Public Safety,” “Environmental Sustainability and Leadership,” “Inclusiveness and Social Sustainability” (including plans to preserve and expand affordable housing), “Effective and Responsive Government Services” and “Partnership for Education.”

The list of over 60 action items in the plan suggests a lot that is still to be done around town, including interesting new items such as implementation of the Smart Cities grant in coor-

dination with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, VDOT and private developers at the West Falls project which will apply $10 million in state funding to bring emerging technologies in transportation innovation to this district.

The item to “complete the final design for the Park Avenue Great Streets project (undergrounding utilities, installation of streetscape along Park Avenue from the State Theater to the Library and the award of a construction contract for this project) is now 30 percent complete) and will be augmented by a public walking tour of the street set for Monday, August 1, at 6 p.m.

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Images From Webb Telescope Will “Inspire the Next Generation”

Continued from Page 1

engineers, and technicians. Beyer continued, “This technological feat also represents the opening of an incredible era of discovery that I think will extend long into the future.

In these images from just the first round of observations, we see physical phenomena that span space and time like we never have seen before, all in stunning detail.

“I am thrilled for the scientists who will study these images, and I am thrilled for young people who will grow up with them and be inspired to think big and be curious.

JWST is a fantastic tool of discovery, and it is only just getting started.”

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope was built in partnership with Northrop Grumman Corporation of Greater Falls Church.

In a statement from Northrop Grumman this week, it was asserted that “some of the world’s most innovative minds in engineering and science came together to create the most powerful telescope ever launched. Now Northrop Grumman marks another historic milestone for our legacy of defining possible in space,” said Tom Wilson, corporate

Nova

vice president and president, Space Systems Sector, Northrop Grumman.

“Northrop Grumman is proud to lead our industry partners in the design, build, and total system integration of the observatory. We’re opening a new era of space exploration with the first image you see today, thanks to the groundbreaking engineering and partnership with NASA and the science community.”

As the most powerful space telescope in space, Webb also is the first space deployable telescope built to fit inside a rocket fairing. The observatory is designed to see the first light from the earliest stars and galaxies. Ever since completing its million-mile journey to its solar orbit, Lagrange Point 2 (L2), on Jan. 24, Webb has been executing telescope and scientific commissioning activities. This includes the completion of critical mirror alignments, the cooling of its four scientific instruments to their cryogenic operating temperatures, such as the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) which is enabled

by Northrop Grumman cryocooler technology, and checking off 17 scientific instrument modes to ready the telescope for its historic mission.

Northrop Grumman leads the

remier

industry team for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the largest, most complex and powerful space telescope ever built. NASA heads an international partnership that includes both the European Space Agency and Canadian Space Agency. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the Webb Telescope project, and the Space Telescope Science Institute is responsible for science and mission operations, as well as ground system development.

Northrop Grumman describes itself as “a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance, and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.”

“These images give us an unparalleled look at the universe and it’s only the beginning of what Webb will discover about the origins of the universe, lifecycle or stars, evolution of galaxies and more,” said House committee chair Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas. “As a steadfast

Dental

A PHOTO OF THE SOUTHERN RING NEBULA. (P����: NASA.) supporter of Webb and its mission, I am elated to see these images this week — images that have been 20 years of hard work in the making.

Thank you to the dedicated engineers, scientists, and researchers whose efforts made this possible, and congratulations to NASA and its partners on this historic accomplishment. Like other historic feats in space that came before it, Webb’s discoveries will inspire an entire generation. I will continue to follow along as Webb deepens our understanding of the universe.”

“This image is the product of years of hard work and dedication

by NASA and its partners, and it

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showcases the incredible value of America’s innovative and collaborative approach to space science,” said House committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK). “The James Webb Space Telescope will allow us to see farther back in space and time than we ever have before, giving us insights into how the first galaxies formed more than 13 billion years ago. I’d like to congratulate all the dedicated scientists, technicians, engineers, and staff who made this possible. I look forward to seeing JWST’s discoveries and I hope that it inspires the next generation of STEM students to pursue their dreams.”

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 5

Retired Falls Church Veterinarian Reflects on the Benefits of Having a Pet

by Steve Rogers The first animals were domesticated about 12,000 years ago.

Animals were used for food, hunting and protection. The person who first used a horse to hunt had a huge advantage over everyone else.

Eventually things changed and animals became more than beasts of burden. They became domesticated and filled a far different role. These animals, especially horses, dogs and cats, became much more than tools or food, they became an integral part of the families they lived with.

In most cases this human-animal bond led to pets becoming four legged members of their families.

In today’s world where a significant part of the population lives alone, a pet is often the only thing that is there to greet them or share their home. Also, many people need a companion to get through the day.

These “comfort” animals play

an integral part in allowing their 2-legged family members to cope with their daily stresses. To prove the point, during the height of the pandemic, the shelters emptied out as people looked for a companion to soothe their loneliness.

I was fortunate to practice companion animal veterinary medicine in Falls Church for 45 years. A veterinary friend put it best when he said, “It’s great to get paid for something you would do for free.”

Veterinarians witness the strength of the human-animal bond daily. We celebrate when you get a new puppy or kitten. We understand the fear you have when your pet is ill and we share your pain when end of life decisions are being made.

We appreciate the trust you place in us to provide the best care for your 4-legged family members.

Personally, I am thankful to my many clients who allowed me to be a small part of their families.

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Our Man in Arlington

By Charlie Clark

Obscured behind the dust-clouded construction fence on Fairfax Dr. in Ballston is a key attribute of one of Arlington’s more sensitive, customdesigned building projects.

The assignment given the Rockville, MD-based James G. Davis Construction Corp. is to replace the century-old Central United Methodist Church with an eight-story high-rise to be dubbed Ballston Station.

Its special challenge: preserving the 18th and 19th-century Ball family graves important both to local history and to the living descendants who carry on that seminal Arlington name.

Central United Methodist, long noted for its witty public sign messages, isn’t going away. Its congregation has teamed with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing to combine a new church sanctuary with 144 designated affordable homes, a commercial kitchen for onsite food distribution to the homeless, a meeting hall and an early childhood education facility for 90 children.

Arlington’s county board blessed the project, providing, along with Virginia Housing, $19 million in support from the Affordable Housing Investment Fund for the new units situated near public transport. “We are thrilled to partner with APAH on this project which will create much needed new affordable rental units to serve diverse families and individuals,” said the Rev. Sarah HarrisonMcQueen when demolition of the aging church and construction began late last year. “This new building

will also support our mission to worship God.” Back in 2016, a dispute arose over an initial church plan to follow an archaeologist’s recommendation to move the gravestones — based in part on evidence that they had already been moved during an earlier renovation. It was blocked and the site became a historic local district. So the church came up with a creative way to expand its charitable partnerships with the Arlington Food Action Center and PathForward, which serves the homeless, while preserving this part of the Ball legacy.

I asked Davis Construction’s multi-family residential construction director Ben Apfelbaum whether the gravestones presented a logistical challenge. “No, we’ve been planning this for two and a half years,” he said. Step one was the design, “working around to protect the cemetery so the headstones are preserved.” Coordinating with county official Lorin Farris, they consulted past investigations and brought an archaeologist on site “to make sure nothing else was found.”

Then Davis hired a contractor to remove the above-ground headstones and pack them for storage offsite, where they were photographed and their fading text documented.

The below-ground graves remain on a fenced-off “peninsula” shored up by “steel cantilevered piles” that allow workers to pass underneath the protected area.

The Ball descendants as yet have no plans to update the age-marred gravestones to restore legibility. An APAH spokesman said it is a private matter for the Balls, but the non-

profit is working with their representative and the Arlington Historical Resources Department to “make sure we’re appropriately preserving the grave site in connection with the wishes of the family.” There will be signage added to explain the graves, I’m told by historian-archaeologist Patrick O’Neill.

Look for the project’s completion in January 2024, yet another highrise packing the Ballston skyline. The enthusiasts in the United Methodist Church congregation, meanwhile, are meeting temporarily in the Arlington Forest Neighborhood, in a Henderson Rd. building shared with the First Vietnamese American United Methodist Church and the Chesterbrook Montessori School. ** Following a safety regulator’s delay, demolition crews July 8 took down the 70-year-old ranch home in my East Falls Church neighborhood. The white brick residence at 6415 N. 24th St., after repeated flooding and expensive (but only partially successful) drainage improvements nearby, was purchased by the county.

Prepped with plastic fencing since June, the now-flattened lot will become “a microforest to sequester carbon and reduce impervious area,” says Environmental Services Department spokeswoman Katie O’Brien. Following backfilling and placement of grass seed and straw on disturbed soil areas, trees will be planted. The existing metal fence will be re-used as an enclosure.

On behalf of the neighborhood, I propose adding a comfortably shaded bench or two.

PAGE 6 | JULY 14 - 20. 2022

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Vol. XXXII, No. 22 July 14 - 20, 2022 • City of Falls Church ‘Business of the Year’ 1991 & 2001 • • Certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to Publish Official Legal Notices • • Member, Virginia Press Association •

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The Miracle of the Webb Telescope

This has been a stunning week for historically novel and profound new developments in our collective national and species history.

Topping the list is the flawless execution of the newly-activated James Webb Space Telescope that has begun sharing with the entire human race images from deep space orders of magnitude more revealing than anything anyone on this planet has ever before seen. Not only images, but data is already coming to us about the makeup of the universe dating back to its earliest periods 13 billion years ago. It has brought us evidence that the most essential building blocks of life, for example, have been around since at least that time on what will become many more cases of earth-like planets out there. It is purely mind-boggling to even try to comprehend the significance of this. What if indisputable evidence of signatures of intelligent life is detected by this telescope?

How would that change our species’ sense of itself, and that of every thinking person among us?

Optimists that we are, we contend that the longer term impact of these kinds of seminal discoveries will begin to infiltrate the thinking of human beings on this little planet in profound ways. For example, it hopefully could put the folly of certain types of deadly conflicts based on territorial or racial and ethnic differences into an entirely different context. If it begins to sink in that this planet is only one of countless billions of others out there, a kind of therapeutic humility may come to govern more of our policy making among ourselves. Some will scoff at such a notion, but give this some time. More and more of these profound images of that which surrounds us need to be plastered all over the place to challenge us to think on a new level about the meaning of our lives and actions.

The now dawning new realizations about our universe, akin in their profound significance to the discovery by Galileo that the earth is not the center of the universe, puts the lives of each and every human mortal, every earthling among us, into a context defined not solely by non-rational claims of religious faith, once developed as attempts at putting our lives in a universal context, into a now realistic, scientific basis for the same thing.

For example, won’t we learn that the recently-discovered existence of what is now called “dark matter” constituting over 90 percent of the universe is, in fact, that which in our human lives we experience as empathy? Is it not an invisible binding reality that is central to our lives but not material in the usual sense? This is our hopeful conviction of something both intimate and fundamental that connects our lives to the vastness of the cosmos, but now appreciated not as a matter of faith, but as a scientifically-proven reality. Thus, the subject of our new world view is not an authoritarian deity, but empathy.

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No Easy Way To Get To Gun Regulation

Foam Ban Delay in Virginia Budget

Editor, It is time for Democrats to start a generational fight to remove guns from public life.

Democrats won’t say it but the gun nuts will.

That is, the gun nuts already say what Democrats want to do.

The Democrats are too feckless to actually do anything or to say what needs to be said.

We must reduce the number guns in public life. Full stop.

That means that Americans can own all the guns they want; if they keep them at home, under lock and key.

No open carry.

No concealed carry.

No guns at the supermarket.

No guns at the movie theater.

No guns at schools.

No guns in the car for road rage.

No guns anywhere but your home under lock and key.

It’s easy if you say it. I urge Del. Simon and Sen. Saslaw to say it, own it, campaign on it, change the culture. Easy? No. But what is?

Editor, Bills in this nation can be delayed to no end, however efforts to save our planet cannot.

Virginia is just one piece of the puzzle to reduce pollution, yet a keystone.

Governor Younkin is taking leaps backwards rather than steps forward.

He has led the campaign to suspend our styrofoam ban indefinitely, while simultaneously allocating half a billion dollars to expand our interstate 64, as well as a 40 percent reduction in conservation efforts throughout the state.

It is evidently clear that Youngkin’s eyes are set on immediate profit and commerce, rather than long-lasting sustainability for our wildlife and humanity.

The future is ours, yet the decision to ensure that future is in your hands.

Please, enact our styrofoam ban and revive the funding for wildlife protection, before it is too late.

Shaun Dakin

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Editor’s Essay

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 7

Trump Alone, Yes, Except for Moscow’s Role in January 6 Insurrection Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

T h i s week’s seventh public hearing of the House January 6 Committee, focusing on the relationship between Trump and leaders of the violent insurrection on January 6, 2021, had two key points generally overlooked in the reporting on the yet-another historically important event.

The first is the revelation by Rep. Cheney at the end of the hearing that there is evidence Trump, himself, attempted to contact a scheduled witness to a future hearing, and that such a “witness tampering” warranted a referral by the committee to

the Justice Department. It may be a mere technicality by this point, but it does constitute the first time ever that a U.S. president has been referred to the justice department for a criminal activity. Still, it’s just the beginning.

The second has to do with the unique significance of the established relationship between Trump and the extremist criminal elements like the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers and others, even as mediated through Trump “marching orders” in the form of tweets.

Clearly, as Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote in the July 13 edition this week, “Trump and Trump Alone Turned Jan. 6 Into a Debacle.” as his column’s headline stated.

This is clear from the evidence presented to the committee especially in the last week as coming from Deputy Chief of Staff Cassie Hutchinson and White House counsel Patrick Cipollone. As Cheney asserted, the testimony confirmed that

Trump was no misled “impressionable child” in this process, but a fully responsible adult who commandeered the attempted insurrection on his own, even at critical points where he deviated in his own twisted mind from even the worst laid plans of some of his “Team Crazy” advisers.

This means when it comes down to it, it is Trump who is looking at jail time, a lot of it, for his role in all this.

This is important to keep Trump from getting anywhere near an election where he could potentially return to the White House. So, as the challenge becomes the need for steps to prevent this type of thing from ever happening again, there is a critical collateral element that must be figured in at this point.

Trump may have been the sole responsible party for the January 6 insurrection, but it is also crucial to understand Trump’s role as a conscious agent of a hostile foreign power in this regard, as was docu-

mented in the Mueller Report and as this writer has continually stressed.

My collection of 10 columns published in after January 6 in my newspaper, the Falls Church News-Press, were collected and published as a short book, entitled, “The January 6 Capitol Sacking: Putin’s Role,” has taken on increased importance in the wake of the most recent hearings for getting to the bottom of what created the conditions whereby the insurrection took place, nearly succeeded, and might be unleashed again.

Both Trump and the right wing extremist groups involved have strong ties to Moscow, as did a number of key operatives in Trump’s “Team Crazy” orbit, not the least of whom is the disgraced former U.S. Gen. Mike Flynn.

Yes. it was “Trump and Trump Alone,” except for Putin.

The testimony before the January 6 committee about the violent extremist groups did not touch on where they came from,

who aided and abetted them in the context of the long history of covert foreign intelligence operations that U.S. intelligence agencies have been hard at work countering in the shady fringes of the U.S. population. But U.S. intelligence agencies, as per their practice, have continued to keep assiduously quiet about it all.

Based on my own direct involvement in the political fringes of the 1970s, it was clear to me that Moscow, being deeply invested in covert U.S. operations, undertook a major shift in strategy in that decade from fueling the movements of the fringe left, to building up the fringe right.

A high profile consequence was the elimination of the Jonestown Cult. Another, perhaps, was the assassination of Harvey Milk. Both happened in November 1978. Moscow helped Reagan get elected, and by 1988 had determined that its preferred tool to become president of the U.S. was Donald Trump, as I documented. Yes, in 1988!

Commentary

Your Dog Is Not Ready for You to Return to the Office John Leland NEW YORK TIMES

NEW YORK — Look at that face, those pleading eyes, that nose that kept you company all through the pandemic. Now explain to Cooper why it is so, so important that you return to the office — leaving her alone all day, after two years of 24/7 togetherness.

Because … what? Company d’esprit?

Todd McCormick, a derivatives trader on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, decided that he is not going to do it. “I don’t believe I will ever go back to an office,” he said. As he spoke, his 13-year-old rescue mix, Higgins, demanded a cracker.

Many New Yorkers, of

course, have long since returned to their workplaces, or never stopped going to them. But for those contemplating the transition now, and for their dogs, a day of reckoning has arrived.

More than 23 million American households added a cat or dog during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and many of those animals have never known what it is like to be left alone all day.

They photo-bombed Zoom meetings, typed cryptic messages on their humans’ laptops and found other ways to contribute to the interspecies work environment. For many people, the dogs were the only warm body around — therapist, companion and entertainment system rolled into one.

Now their employers want them to give that up.

Fat chance, McCormick said,

not even pretending to delay Higgins’ cracker gratification.

“If I go to take out recycling or the garbage, or go get my mail, he will howl like a Costa Rican monkey, and it will sound like there’s a murder going on in my house,” he said, describing behavior that arose only since the start of the pandemic. “He knows I’m just going to be gone for three minutes, but it doesn’t stop me from being able to hear him all the way down in the elevator.”

McCormick has mostly stopped going to restaurants, and has not gone on vacation since the start of the pandemic, largely to avoid separation from his dog.

“But I’ve got to tell you, through it all, what an unbelievable companion,” he said.

Dogs in city apartments have always had to adjust to lessthan-ideal conditions, but the return to work has meant that

suddenly thousands are going through the same transition at the same time, said Kate Senisi, director of training at School for the Dogs in Manhattan’s East Village. “We’ve had a lot of separation cases coming through,” she said.

Dogs who were used to being left alone before the pandemic tend to adjust relatively quickly, she said. “But for the pandemic puppies” — dogs born and adopted during the pandemic — “they haven’t been left at all, and now they’re at a sensitive age, adolescence,” she said.

“It can be pretty difficult. They have to be taught these new skills.”

Pro tip from the trainer: Don’t give your dog that special toy only when you leave, because the toy will become a trigger for distress.

Mary Sheridan, a lawyer who lives in the East Village, had not planned on getting a dog.

As a single mother with a small apartment and a full-time job, she felt her circumstances were not right. But when the pandemic hit and Theo, her 13-yearold son, was separated from all his friends, she realized that he needed a companion. “He really, really was emotionally just craving some other being to love besides me,” she said.

So in the summer of 2020, she put her name on the waiting list of a breeder in Wisconsin, where she had relatives. Eight months and $2,200 later, she and her son flew home with a goldendoodle puppy they named Nala, for a character in “The Lion King.”

There were challenges. The East Village streets during the pandemic became forbidding places at 2 o’clock in the morning, when the puppy needed a walk. At first, Sheridan crated

Continued on Page 10

CO MME NT

PAGE 8 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

Cathy Parr is a longtime constituent, but we had not visited for several years, so when she called and asked for an appointment, I knew it was for something important. Cathy was born with cerebral palsy (CP), which affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP also affected Cathy’s speech, a diagnosis called dysarthria, making what she is saying difficult to understand, but which does not affect her intelligence or comprehension.

Cathy graduated from Falls Church High School and earned an Associates Degree in Word Processing, but her severe disabilities are barriers to finding a job. Cathy is confined to a wheelchair, so trips outside of her home at Merica House in Skyline take a lot of planning and coordination with service providers, such as MetroAccess.

Cathy is a longtime advocate for disability rights — she has testified at the Virginia General Assembly and buttonholed Members of Congress on Capitol Hill about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and remaining limits to wheelchair access.

Cathy likes soft rock, movies, going to museums and concerts and often handles shopping needs for herself and other residents at Merica House. What her disabilities have not dimmed is her zest for life, her positive outlook and her indomitable spirit.

When I greeted her in my office last week, I was not surprised to see her broad smile and twinkling eyes, but I was surprised at her wardrobe — a lovely white lace summer dress, a sparkly tiara, necklace and earrings and a long embroidered sash that read “2022 Ms. Wheelchair Virginia.”

Yes, Cathy Parr won this year’s pageant and is eligible to vie for Ms. Wheelchair America, to be held in Michigan in mid-August.

Her win at the state level provides some limited financial support for the national event, but she must raise several thousand dollars for travel,

lodging and assistance of an aide. She has set up a Go Fund Me account, gofund.me/e563e487, to pay for her participation in the national pageant.

I’ve already donated and hope you will, too.

Cathy appreciates her friends and family who know her well and treat her as an adult, not talking to her like a child, or ignoring her completely.

Cathy also doesn’t mind repeating herself for those who have difficulty understanding what she has to say.

I appreciated that when we started our conversation; we had a lot to talk about, but her animated discussion was hard to understand.

I asked her if we could slow down so I could grasp everything she wanted to say. “Of course” was her response, and we continued our visit with stories about lunches with her Dad at his office downtown when she was little and her Mom’s excitement about the pageant.

Cathy also described her disappointment when she was told by state agencies, “you are too disabled for us to help you find a job.” She decided to find a job where she could be her own boss, and now is an independent consultant for a jewelry company, with her own micro business.

Congratulations, Cathy, and good luck at the nationals!

The Art in the Mason District Governmental Center has a new display — large paintings by Sophia, a young teen who has Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. Sophia’s colorful paintings include rabbits, lady bugs, flowers and a lion worthy of a “Lion King” poster. My favorite is a very spare pelican — a few black lines on a pink background — but captivating. The small exhibit will be on display at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, through August 31, 2022.  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Delegate Kaye Korys

Richmond Report On March 7, 2012, I wrote this speech for a demonstration (yes, the free speech Youngkin wants to criminalize). Sadly and angrily I say these remarks are still apropos!

I am writing this for all the women who decided to ‘take a knee’ yesterday in recognition of our denied civil rights.

Quoting Petula Dvorak, “For every war that earned men medals and monuments, women kept the rest of the nation running...Take a knee and a seat, ladies. We deserve a rest.

“We deserve equal rights.

And we deserve the nation’s respect.”

3/7/2012: Last night, Bonnie, who was arrested at the Women’s Rights Rally on Saturday and held handcuffed for nearly nine hours, spoke to the Virginia New Majority Central VA Chapter. She called the recent wave of legislation restricting access to women’s health services rolling over the General Assembly a “war on women”. While I don’t think this is the intention of any Delegate or Senator, I am compelled to state publicly that it certainly feels like a war on women.

After the arrests of protesters on the Capitol steps this past weekend, “war” is a particularly apt description.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h

C RI M E R E PO RT

Larceny — Vehicle Accessories, Grace Ln, between 2 PM, June 30 and 8:15 AM, July 4, unknown suspect(s) removed a vehicle’s license plate.

Stolen Auto, W Broad St, July 6, 2:16 AM, four suspects, wearing face coverings and gloves, arrived in a vehicle (later determined to be stolen from DC) and each drove away separately in a vehicle stolen from an auto dealership. Investigation continues.

Credit Card Theft, E Broad St, July 4, between 3:37 PM and 4:37 PM, unknown suspect(s) removed the lock on a locker and took items of value.

Larceny from Motor Vehicle, Wilson Blvd, July 6, 7:30 PM, unknown suspect removed items of value from an unsecured vehicle.

Week of July 4 — July 10, 2022

Larceny, Wilson Blvd, July 7, 3:30 PM, a subject was standing by her vehicle in the Eden Center parking lot. A female, described as about forty years old, with black hair and a burgundy Indian traditional dress, approached and engaged her in conversation.

The suspect stole a gold necklace from the victim and left her with fake jewelry. The suspect fled in a dark red SUV driven by a forty-year-old Indian male, with

a juvenile male passenger, age range between eight and ten.

Larceny from Building, E Broad St, July 8, between 3 and 4 PM, unknown suspect(s) removed the lock on a locker and took items of value.

Larceny, Mustang Alley, July 8, between 12:40 and 3:10 PM, unknown suspect(s) stole an unsecured Kona Fire Mountain bicycle.

“Over-reach” and “moral arrogance” are additional apt descriptions.

Even setting aside my outrage at the trampling on women’s rights as they have lawfully existed for over 40 years, I simply cannot reconcile the astonishingly hypocritical legislation (SB 484, mandatory ultrasound, is an excellent example) with the oft-stated political philosophy espoused by the Republican majority that small, less obtrusive government is best for Virginia and for our country.

How can I seriously accept that belief in small, unobtrusive government is a sincere and fundamental tenet of the Virginia Republican party, when this belief is only applied legislatively to some areas, yet not to all?

Not to women’s health, Not to voter’s rights, Not to public education.

Saying one thing but doing another is Webster’s definition of hypocrisy.

And I fear that the legacy of the 2012 Session of the General Assembly will be just that: Hypocrisy.  Delegate Kory represents the 38th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. She may be emailed at DelKKory@house. virginia.gov.

LO CA L

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 9

Falls Church Little League: F.C. Major All-Stars Win

THE 2022 SPRING SEASON IS NOW OVER and the Falls Church Kiwanis Little League Majors “White” Team has walked away with a 8-5 win over McLean Little League. Registration for the upcoming fall season begins soon, with practices beginning in late August. (P�����: D����� M�����)

BY ERIKA TOMAN

The Falls Church Majors AllStar team ended their season last week with an exciting 8-5 win over McLean Little League.

True to form, Matteo Pipia and Luke Torres both delivered home runs in the game. Not to

be outdone, Kemper Morrison had three hits. Also appearing in the box score, Griffin Wishrad, Henry Ackerman, Elijah Petty and Christopher Thompson tallied a hit each.

Elijah Petty was the starting pitcher and dominated the mound

with seven strikeouts throughout five innings pitched. The team ended Tournament Play with a 2-2 record while creating great memories and lifelong friendships.

This officially concludes FCKLL’s spring 2022 season.

We are very proud of how hard all of the players worked, learning the game of baseball and having fun with their friends.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who make this League so special.

Next up is the fall season!

• Small class sizes - allows one-on-one instruction with the teacher • Follows and exceeds Fairfax County Curriculum • Standardized testing twice a year to evaluate school ability and achievement; no SOL’s • Integration of reading, writing, oral language, phonics science, social studies, spelling and math • Extracurricular classes in Computers, Music, Gym • Manners and strong social skills are developed in everyday interactions

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PAGE 10 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Your Dog Is Not Ready for You to Return to the Office Continued from Page 7

Nala and left the apartment for a while each day to prepare the dog for their imminent separation.

“As the pandemic went on, I lost that,” she said. “We all sort of just dropped the ball on everything.”

Then last month, Sheridan had to return to work. “It totally shot me back to having a baby, when you went back to work, and the panic you’d feel — Oh, my God, I have this baby, and I’m leaving the baby all day.

What kind of world do we live in?”

So far both dog and owner seem to be managing the transition, she said.

When Sheridan is away, she plays public radio for Nala, who also seems to take olfactory comfort in her son’s sneakers and socks.

Sheridan’s separation anxiety has eased, she said. “But I

still feel responsible, and I think it’d be much nicer to have a dog where you’re around them.”

Pam Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s behavioral sciences team, notes that dogs who are suddenly left alone may feel “confused, lonely and wondering why everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time at home.” She suggests short practice separations before the big return to workplace, and scheduling walks and meals to accommodate the future work schedule.

“Be sure to look out for signs of anxiety as you prepare to depart, such as nervous pacing and panting, vocalizing or trying to leave with you,” she said.

Such signs are all too familiar to Millet Israeli, a psychotherapist who lives in Chelsea.

Since the pandemic, these distressing behaviors have become part of the daily routine with Milton and Rufus, both mixes of poodle and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, known to their

faithful as cavapoos.

If Israeli and her husband leave the apartment at the same time, the dogs make their disapproval known, she said. “By that I mean an overturned garbage can, an overturned food bowl, perhaps they will not have used the pads that we leave at home if they need to use the loo, shall we say.”

As a therapist, Israeli views separation anxiety as a “twoway street.”

Was she feeding her dogs’ anxiety? Or more telling, was she projecting her own anxiety onto the animals?

Her solution: eliminate the separation. Now she takes them to her office, where they sometimes become part of her therapy sessions, which are usually virtual.

“In many ways I’m indulging it,” she admitted. “I wouldn’t be saying to a parent who’s struggling with their child’s separation anxiety to do this.”

Many tech companies,

including Amazon, Google, Squarespace and Etsy, welcomed dogs in some of their workplaces even before the pandemic, and some other companies have since made exceptions as a way to attract and keep workers, said Andy Challenger, a senior vice president at the job placement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. Dogs often face a trial period, and sometimes have to remain on leash.One bite typically leads to expulsion; for lesser offenses there is more leeway.

But Challenger thought the trend might be short-lived.

In the meantime, the real separation anxiety may lie with the owners, not the animals.

Raf Astor, who boards and walks dogs in the East Village, said that the dogs he sees have adjusted to the change just fine.

But for the people, he said, “a lot of these dogs have become emotional support animals. So now when they have to leave their dog, a good portion of

the anxiety is coming from the owner, not the dog. This pandemic gave everybody who had any bit of neurosis a license to really indulge in their neurosis.

And the dogs, somehow, have been free of that.”

As for the owners, they may be out of luck. For all the new dogs at home, Karen Burke, a human resources adviser at the Society of Human Resource Management, said she had not seen a movement toward allowing dogs at work, except on occasional Bring Your Pet to Work Days.

“Is it spreading? I haven’t seen it,” she said. “Should it be done? Probably, especially with the Great Resignation going on.” But don’t hold your breath, she said.

“Not every work culture can support that.”

Now, who’s going to tell Cooper?

By JOHN LELAND © 2022 The New York Times

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PE T GUI D E

JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 11

Cat Cafes Grow in Popularity in Northern Virginia

BY KYLEE TOLAND

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Let’s face it: nowadays, if a business features some sort of furry-faced, wide-eyed critter as part of its brand, heads will most likely turn and money will most likely be spent. A prime example of this is the current popularity of cat cafes.

According to meowaround.

com, there are currently 141 cat cafes in the United States, with the first American cafe opening in 2014. Most of these cafes offer a similar goal: visit a peaceful environment to enjoy a meal or drink while playing with adoptable felines. If a person becomes attached to one of the cats, they can adopt it, thus a happy ending for everyone involved.

MANY OF THE CATS at Patriot Pawsabilities are rescued from kill shelters and brought in by store owner Monique Ryan. (P�����: K���� T�����)

Northern Virginia is no stranger to cat cafes, as there are 3 currently-open cafes that are all about 30 minutes away from interested Falls Church locals.

Patriot Pawsabilities, Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar and Meows Corner Cat Cafe and Lounge offer feline enthusiasts and/or the average animal lover a cuddly experience.

Monique “Mo” Ryan is the owner of Patriot Pawsabilities, a cat lounge located on the backside of University Mall in Fairfax. Describing herself as an “animal lover,” Ryan said she was inspired to open her own “cat cafe” after retiring from the Army and visiting a cat cafe in Korea.

“Once I thought of [opening a cat cafe],” Ryan said, “I was like ‘This is something I could do.’”

When first walking into Patriot Pawsabilities, people are instantly greeted with the sound of small meows and the flash of a small kitten coming toward them to receive a pet or two. Described as a “bright and colorful space” on their website, Pawsabilities allows people to come and play with

PATRIOT PAWSABILITIES offers visitors a chance to cuddle up with cats such as this one while working or hanging out with friends. (P�����: K���� T�����) over 50 cats while studying or just hanging out, as well as offering them a chance to adopt a furry friend. Although not technically a “cafe” as it does not serve food or drinks, customers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks while only paying $15 an hour (student and military discounts are offered) for a memorable visit.

Most of the cats at Pawsabilities are from kill shelters, with Ryan describing herself as a “road guard”

for the cats, as she “makes sure that cats that need a home go from [Patriot Pawsabilities] to their forever home.” Since its opening in 2019, 513 cats have been adopted, with Ryan saying customers will initially come in “not looking” to adopt, but later on ask “what is the adoption process? To learn more about Patriot Pawsabilities, visit patriotpawsabilities.com.

Continued on Page 20

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PE T GU I D E

PAGE 12 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

Paws for a Purpose: Animals Helping Humans

BY KYLEE TOLAND

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

It’s safe to say that humans have done a lot to make sure their furry friends get the care they need.

Whether it’s making sure they are in a healthy home or taking a trip to the vet, owners are almost always willing to put their pets’ needs in front of their own. However, this role can be taken on by the animals themselves when it comes to making sure their human is receiving care as well.

In recent years, the rise of service dogs and emotional support animals (ESA’s) has become more popular as they seem to have a beneficial effect on people as a whole. Whether it be one dog assisting its health-impared owner, or a group of animals visiting an assisted living facility, the need for “animal” therapy is the new normal.

Although similar in some aspects, service dogs and ESA’s have vast differences. According to an article by the National Service Animal Registry (NSAR), service dogs are “specifically trained to perform a function or job for an owner that has a physical, intellectual or emotional disability,” whereas an ESA “serves as more of a companion for the owner.” To be legally considered an emotional sup-

port animal, a licensed mental health professional must prescribe ESA’s under law. According to an article by the American Kennel Club (AKC), “a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist must determine that the presence of the animal is needed for the mental health of the patient.”

In Virginia, there are a notable number of organizations that provide ESA’s for people in need. Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc. (FPOW) is an allvolunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that “connects with people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Fairfax County.”

Wendy Mayer is the director of communications as well as a volunteer for FPOW. Mayer stated that the mission of the organization is to “bring companionship and improve quality of life to residents of participating nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult day health care centers in Fairfax County.” Mayer said it’s also important to note that FPOW will “only visit those nursing homes and facilities with whom we have an agreement,” and stated that both the people and pets involved in the organization “have to adhere to in order to be approved for the program.”

Having started back in 1987 and

coming up on its 35th anniversary, Mayer said FPOW started with a “relatively small group of volunteers’’ and “has grown since then.” The program is open for dogs, cats and bunnies to join, but Mayer said at the moment there are only dogs signed up to visit. These animals are owned by volunteers of the program, and must go through an “evaluation” on their obedience and behavior before being able to visit the facilities. FPOW is also approved by the American Kennel Club as an “AKC-recognized therapy dog group.”

As for what the animals bring to the nursing homes and other locations they visit, Mayer said that it’s “scientifically proven that touching animals and just visiting animals can have a calming effect on people,” which include “reducing anxiety, depression, lowering blood pressure, encouraging communication and socialization that they may not otherwise do.” To learn more about FPOW, visit fpow.org.

These animals don’t only serve people who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, but also service members and veterans. Paws for Purple Hearts is a nonprofit organization that is “the first organization of its kind to offer Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy.” According to its website,

FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

THERAPY DOGS from Paws for Purple Hearts vary in size and breed. (C������� �����.) it is “the world’s only service dog organization for wounded Service Members and Veterans that partners with Bergin College of Canine Studies.” Bergin College, located in Penngrove, California, is currently the first and only in the world that focuses on training and learning about dogs.

Danielle Stockbridge is the Virginia site manager for Paws for Purple Hearts, and said the idea to start the program came from a student at Bergin who came up with a “canine intervention therapy pilot program.”

Starting in 2011, the organization’s mission is to “assist veterans and active duty service members with mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions.” Stockbridge also said the program “tries to educate the pub-

lic about the role that dogs can play in helping warriors in the recovery process.”

Stockbridge said Paws for Purple Hearts is “closely partnered” with the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, where the organization does “social therapy” and “hands-on therapy programs.”

The dogs are trained to “mitigate the symptoms of trauma-like conditions,” with Stockbridge saying that “it’s really incredible to watch it happen” when one of their dogs knows what to do when someone in the program is showing signs of anxiety and trauma. To learn more about Paws for Purple Hearts, visit pawsforpurplehearts.org

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DOG PARK

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Dog Licenses Help City Maintain Safe, Productive Environment

BY ALEX RUSSELL

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The City of Falls Church, like many surrounding localities, currently employs a dog licensing system that needs to be renewed every three years, the sale of which is contingent upon the “presentation of a certificate showing the dog to be currently vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian,” as according to Falls Church City code.

Jody Acosta, Falls Church City Treasurer, detailed further that the price per dog license depends on whether the dog has been “fixed,” i.e., “spayed or neutered.”

“It’s $5 if the dog has been fixed [and] $10 if not.” As a function of the City’s workings, Acosta said dog licenses are “not a big revenue generator” as one “can’t really ensure compliance.” However, the City does what it can. The Treasurer’s office receives a list “of everyone who got a rabies vaccine” for their dog within the locality, which the office then matches up “against the licenses list.” Afterward, the City sends out a notice to those who have yet to register their dog. “I feel like most people will respond… some don’t.” Acosta explained that “we keep trying to get new ways

for people to comply” with the dog licensing requests. Regarding existing licenses, Acosta says “most people are good about getting renewals,” the ones who are “already registered [and] compliant.” When asked what the main deterrent might be for those residents who fail to get a license, Acosta explained it’s most likely not the fee itself. “I feel like the fee’s pretty minor…most people can afford the five dollars.”

“People forget [about] it for a while, or they move in and they just never know” about the dog license requirement. The practice itself helps to keep dog owners responsible for their pets. As stated on the City’s website, “Falls Church does not currently have areas designated where dogs can run freely,” thus it’s important for owners to be more aware of their dog and its impact on the community.

“It is…against the law to allow your dog to run loose on city school grounds, city parks and privately owned areas such as cemeteries…

It is against the law for any owner, keeper, or walker of a dog to allow a dog to leave excrement on property other than his own.” The dog licensing stipulation helps minimize the presence of dog excrement as well

as of barking or other sounds that may pose a public nuisance to others. “All dogs must have their city dog license securely attached to a collar. It must be worn at all times when the animal is off the owner’s property.”

Joseph Sautner, the Animal Control Officer for the City, stated that part of the benefit of having dog licenses is helping to locate a pet if “the dog were to get lost and picked up by an officer.” It is a way to help streamline the process of finding and properly relocating a lost dog.

Acosta touched upon the “lifetime license,” used in some localities, which costs $50 and does not need to be renewed, like the currentlyused license in the City.

However, both types require the dog owner to keep his or her pet up-to-date with the required rabies shots. “People are really lobbying for that,” says Acosta. She also stated that the City has been “thinking about introducing” the lifetime license “sometime next year,” but there’s no definite information on that yet. If put into effect, the lifetime license would “replace the 3-year license.” Even though the compliance rate for dog licenses isn’t as high as would be preferred,

NEIGHBORS GATHER every morning to walk their pooches together.

(P����: S�� J������.)

it is a safety measure that appears to be more crucial now, as dog license applications “went through the roof” at one point, following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Acosta attributes this to the change in social norms and how “everybody was working in their yard and getting a dog,” especially during the height of lockdown in 2020.

When asked about cats and whether there’s a requirement for owners to procure a license for their feline friend, Acosta said “they’re allowed,” according to City code,

“but there’s no ordinance” for it.

However it must be noted that rabies shots are a state requirement for both dogs and cats. For those owners who have yet to apply for a dog license, Acosta shared that “we always keep dog biscuits on hand at the Treasurer’s office.”

A dog license can be paid for and obtained in person at the Treasurer’s office during regular business hours, Monday — Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

For more information, visit fallschurchva.gov.

Bakery/Boutique for dogs.

All Natural Organic Dog Treats, Empanadas.

Birthday Cakes, and Pup Cupcakes.

We specialize in All Natural Organic Treats for Dogs

www.barbiesdoggiebakery.com 1073 West Broad St, Unit 203, Falls Church, Va. 22046

301-485-9337

Storefront Hours

Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri (5pm-7pm) Sat (2pm-7pm) Sun, Wed (Closed)

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We ship (Treats Only) within the USA We also sell Doggie Apparel, Toys, Grooming Supplies.

** Photo Booth Wall so you can take pictures of your Fur Baby.

A Better Breed of Pet Care

Valet Groomers

Curbside Service

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

2022 Falls Church Pet Palooza

Bade

Baxter Mini Bernedoodle

Bunny Blue Tick Hound Mix

Hazel

Bichon Poodle

Cosette Toy Poodle Puppy

Daisy & Jorge

Wallace Lab_Jack Russell Terrier Mix

Genji and Hanzo, both Shiba Inu

Goldie Toy Poodle. Rayne

Gracie

Miko Basenji

Homer The Dog

Karma, Cane Corso

Katie, Schipperke

Riley

Murphy

Otis

Pepper

Scout Lab

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 17

Ziggy Boston Terrier

Pluto, Bichon

Dottie, Cavachon

Teddy Goldendoodle and Leamra Cat

Sadie, Lab Mix

Sydney

Scout, Schipperke

Tazzy

Eros, Bearded Dragon

Momo

Savina

Pickles

Lollipop

Mazey

Stratton, Wheaten Tori, Brindle

Libby

Luke, Tabby Cat

Cheeto

Brother Kitten

Rugby

Nala

Lilly

Chili

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Bold and Bright Koi Pond Comes to Life

by Nick Gatz

Falls Church News-Press

My backyard oasis escape is a place of life, nature, joy and happiness. To truly grasp how this beautiful, peaceful Koi Pond came to be, I must tell a story. This is one that involves creative freedom, selfreflection, failure and in the end a sense of love, accomplishment and overall joy.

As we all know life was dramatically altered during the previous 2+ years due to a worldwide pandemic.

With that came many changes in how we all spend our time. During 2020 Americans spent nearly 10 waking hours a day at home, compared to less than eight hours a day in 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With increased free time came new challenges, and for this creative, sports-loving artist it meant trying to find something to fill that massive hole in my life. With no sports, no art shows, no festivals and or fairs I was simply going stir crazy. I was working from home; I was tired of the same old reruns on TV. Tiger King got old quickly. I was completely at a loss; I had spent basically my whole entire adult life going into an office five days a week. I needed an escape.

With my fiancé Ellie on Zoom calls and my then 8-year-old stepdaughter in virtual school I found myself spending almost every waking minute outside. With this time, as I stared off into nature. I kept asking myself for more, more and more.

That’s what we do as humans, or maybe that’s just me?

My first thought was to call Barb Cram. As many of you know Barb, now deceased, was a Falls Church resident who had become sick before dying. Fewer and fewer phone calls between us were exchanged, and emails basically came to a halt. With her passing in 2020 it left a massive hole in my life. I had lost a great mentor. I simply had no creative outlets. It was work, sleep, depression, anger and then more depressing news after news.

One day as I was sitting on my deck, daydreaming, aka pouting, it finally hit me as I was reminiscing on happier and better times. It was in those moments I spent creating art that had brought me the most joy. It had all finally come together; Barb was always talking about her garden as we worked on art shows.

I wasn’t the stereotypical landscaper or animal lover. I played sports, I made art, I was a frat boy

who spent his 20s partying. How would someone like me get into building a pond and watching nature grow? I didn’t know the first thing about plants, animals or how to create an ecosystem.

But off I went headfirst into the deep end. I joined Facebook groups, I YouTubed hours of videos. I called local aquatic stores. As my sketches progressed, they all centered around one theme: the all-mighty waterfall.

The waterfall is used to circulate water that helps filter out debris and turn the Nitrites into Nitrates.

I was able to source local rocks, I found water plants on ebay, I ordered a liner, pump, waterfall box and skimmer at halfoffponds.com. I was able to build an entire pond for around $2,000. (The average cost according to fixr.com is $5,000 $20,000 and as high as $70,000 with full landscaping and concrete pours).

With the pond build finished it was time to find our new animals.

Believe it or not Ebay is a popular destination for Koi Fish. Sites such as nextdaykoi.com offer overnight shipping. However, this was not an avenue we wanted to venture down.

With the help of my fiance Ellie and my stepdaughter we found a great local store that had a surplus

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Koi Pond on display throughout the year. (Photo: News-Press) of amazing Koi fish. We masked up and ventured out to pick out the new members of our family.

Koi Fish can range from $5 to well over $10,000 depending on the type, colors and patterns. This is where the fun begins, as Koi grow, they start to really show off their colors and patterns. Koi can live as long as 30 years.

We have one Showa which can be a very expensive fish. They have white that begins at the nose, they will also contain patches of a reddish orange color and include

black markings. There are many types of Koi, including American or Japanese bred.

It has been 2+ years years since we built the pond. The fish have more than doubled in size and are nearly 2.5 feet long. We have 3 beautiful healthy koi that I feed daily, once in the morning and once at night. The calming sounds of the water, watching them swim and grow is a daily reminder that nature and its animals can be a beautiful peaceful place.

FUN FOR DOGS & THE OCCASIONAL CAT

AQUATIC PAWS PRACTICALLY IN YOUR BACKYARD!!!!

Pool & underwater treadmills for fun, safe exercise on hot muggy days. Great for all dogs 5 mths and older. Encourages pups to feel comfortable in and around water. Helps senior dogs increase their quality of life. Promotes healing post TPLO, back, CCL surgery. Great for weight loss and conditioning. FUN!!!!

We also offer K9 Kravings dog food and treats, CBD oil for pets, Ultra Oil for dogs & cats, Help Em Up harnesses.

Aquatic Paws

2830 B Fallfax Drive, Falls Church, VA

571-620-2782 www.aquaticpaws.com

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

The Cat’s Meow: Local Cat Cafes Provide Purrfect Experiences

CATS OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND BREEDS call Patriot Pawsabilities their home, but most are available for adoption to a loving owner. (P�����: K���� T�����)

Continued from Page 11

Fairfax Pets On Wheels, Inc. www.fopw.org

In Alexandria, Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar offers “a space where you can make yourself comfortable and have fun, while helping adoptable rescue cats.” Customers can enjoy meals such as sandwiches, salads and cookies or a drink such as wine, beer and tea while cuddling with cats. Adam Patterson, the co-owner of Mount Purrnon, said he and fellow co-owner Kristin Cowan were inspired to open the business after visiting a cat cafe in Charleston, South Carolina. Patterson said Cowan wanted to “combine” her love of “cats, wine and history.”

Opening in August of 2020 during the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, Patterson said the first six months after the opening were “brutal,” but the business “took off” after February of 2021. Since August 1st of 2020, Mount Purrnon has seen 403 adoptions and an expectation to hit 500 “by December.” Similar to Patriot Pawsabilities, the cats at Mount Purrnon are originally from kill shelters, with Patterson saying the company adopts the cats out of those shelters ``as quick as they can” with their goal being to “adopt out as many cats as we can” to interested customers.

Patterson said customers vary depending on the season, as he described that in the early parts of the year they see “over 100 customers” on a Saturday but “very few” customers “on the weekdays.” Summer brings the opposite, with

Patterson saying that “Saturday’s actually [have] gone down but the weekdays have gone way up.” As for the cats who inhabit the cafe, Patterson said the median time for adoption is 19 days since they first got to Mount Purrnon, with the return rate of a cat after adoption only being “about 4 percent.”

“From what I understand, that’s pretty good,” Patterson said. “96 out of 100 times, people are happy.”

To learn more about Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar, visit mtpurrnoncatcafe.com.

Meows Corner, a cat lounge in Sterling, gives customers “the chance to play, relax, and interact with adoptable cats.”

Partnering with 4PawsRescue, the lounge has seen 240 cats adopted since its opening in July of 2019. Sharon Lawrie, the 4Paws coordinator for Meows Corner, said founder Dina AbdelHamid created Meows Corner after seeing a cat cafe in North Carolina and was “intrigued” to try it out herself.

Interested customers can “sit, relax and have a drink” while playing with the kittens, or watch other patrons play with the cats as well.

As for the mission of Meows Corner, Lawrie said Abdel-Hamid “wanted somewhere for people that for whatever reason couldn’t have a cat in their home,” such as for health reasons, as well as “getting cats exposed to potential adopters.” To learn more about Meows Corner, visit meowscorner.com.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Local Pet Shops Have Lots to Offer to Bird Owners and Their Feathery Friends

BY ALEX RUSSELL

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

While birds are not as popular or prevalent among pet owners in the state of Virginia as cats or dogs, there are still many shops that specifically cater to bird owners and the needs of their pets.

One place, right in Falls Church, is the American Bird Company. Located along Lee Highway at 7219 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, the locally-owned pet store has been serving the Washington, DC area for over 20 years.

Carrie, one of the caretakers, spoke to me about what it is like to own and care for a caged bird like a parakeet, macaw or cockatoo (birds that fill the inside of the store, front to back, in a variety of colors and sizes).

The primary thing is making sure that the bird gets “fresh water, fresh food” on a daily basis. Talking about her own routine both with the birds at American Bird Company and her own pets, Carrie stated that the cages must be cleaned “everyday.”

While cleaning out bird droppings, she explained that it is important for an owner to “monitor the poop, making sure that [the bird] is eating enough.”

For larger birds, like Parrots, “fresh veggies are really good.”

Papaya is also a good option for bird food, as it is “good for their gut.” When it comes to baby birds, Carrie says that “we feed them a lot of formula. After

[the] formula, we use pellets.”

She mentioned that ZuPreem is their go-to brand at the store.

Many of the birds in the shop can be seen hanging off of or chewing on various toys inside their cages. Carrie explained that toys — ones made out of “balsa wood, pine or dragon wood,” which birds like to “chew on and destroy” or cholla cactus, abundant in “nooks and crannies” — are a key part of a bird’s daily life. Toys are “great for their beaks and their brains,” says Carrie.

She added that “a lot of birds like things that make noise,” like bells. There is also a kind of concrete perch which can be placed in a cage and on which birds can “file their nails.”

It helps to have a number of toys and to “alternate [them] so that [the birds] don’t get bored.”

In addition to the kinds of toys already mentioned, Carrie remarked that “kids’ foam, shredded paper [and] dried corn husks” are also good items for a bird to play with.

Besides all the colorful birds — which fill the shop with their cacophonous, yet bubbly, “bird talk” — another obvious characteristic of American Bird Company is the humidity.

According to the Best Friends Resource Center, a national animal welfare organization, it is “important to purchase a humidifier for every room in which” a bird will be kept. It is crucial to have a humidifier with a built-in hygrometer, making sure to not exceed 60 percent humidity —

as that is typically when mold begins to grow.

Setting the humidifier “at 55 percent humidity will ensure” that the bird “lives in as humid an environment as possible without mold growing.” Humidity is a pet care requirement for every kind of parrot, which helps keep their skin and feathers healthy.

American Bird Company, in addition to selling birds and bird supplies, also provides grooming and boarding services with professional care that includes clipping their wings and trimming their nails.

Another store in the area, a bit further out, is Wild Birds Unlimited, located at 2437 N Harrison St, Arlington. Michael Zuiker has owned and operated this franchise store since 1991.

Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in the sale of bird food, feeders, bird baths and houses and a variety of poles and baffles — which act as blockers that help prevent squirrels from jumping onto the bird feeder; they also help keep the bird seed in one place.

For those looking to expand their parameters and engage with other bird owners and birders, there is a state-wide group called the Pet Bird Association of Virginia, based out of 5652 Haden Road, Virginia Beach.

The PBAV — which originated as a club in 1982 — helps to promote education, research, conservation and responsible breeding practices in regards to exotic birds such as finches, canaries, budgies and parrots.

THIS LARGE MACAW is one of the many birds found at American Bird Company. (P����: A��� R������.)

The organization is made up of pet bird owners and veterinarians, pet store owners, rehabilitators, shelter owners and breeders, working to support further bird education and conservation.

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it is important, “before bringing a wild or exotic bird into Virginia,” to “check with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to ensure that possession of the bird is not prohibited or restricted.

If you are a resident of Virginia or are moving to Virginia, there are no entry requirements for you to bring in

your personal pet birds.”

“If the bird is intended to be used for any purpose other than being a personal pet (such as offering it for sale or adoption, breeding it, or using it for promotional purposes) the bird will need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 10 days prior to entry into Virginia.”

To learn more about American Bird Company, visit americanbirdcompany.com; to learn more about Wild Birds Unlimited — Arlington, visit arlingtonva.wbu.com. To find out more about the Pet Bird Association of Virginia, visit pbav.org.

THE VIBRANT HARLEQUIN MACAW is much larger than the cockatoo and is also very vocal. This one enjoyed picking at his soft wood toys. American Bird Company features many different kinds of bird toys and perches, as well as several roomfulls of birds — many of them making loud calls back and forth to each other. (P�����: A��� R������.)

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Area Animal Services and Pet Store Directory Veterinarians Falls Church Animal Hospital 1249 W Broad Street, Falls Church (703) 532-6121 Value Vet 1053 W Broad St, Falls Church (703) 982-7400 Suburban Animal Hospital 6879 Lee Hwy, Arlington (703) 532-4043 Feline Veterinary Clinic 7189 Lee Hwy, Falls Church (703) 241-8480 Caring Hands Animal Hospital 8100 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church (703) 942-8800 Fairfax Animal Hospital 5818 Seminary Rd D, Falls Church (703) 820-2557 Banfield Pet Hospital 6100 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church (703) 237-5610 Home Veterinary Care of Northern Virginia (703) 451-9504 Michele Kelly, D.V.M 1249 W Broad St, Falls Church (703) 532-6121 Columbia Pike Animal Hospital & Emergency Center 4205 Evergreen Ln, Annandale (703) 256-8414 Petco Vaccination Clinic 7395 Lee Hwy Suite E, Falls Church (703) 641-4893 Kingstowne Cat Clinic 5830 Kingstowne Center #120, Alexandria (703) 922-8228

Pet Stores PetSmart 6100 Arlington Blvd A, Falls Church (703) 536-2708 American Bird Company/Parrots, Parrots, Parrots 7219 Lee Hwy, Falls Church (703) 536-2473 Chico’s Natural Pet Market 6349 A Columbia Pike, Falls Church (703) 750-6675

Loyal Companion 7505 Leesburg Pike Suite 120A, Pimmit (703) 748-0022 Aquatic Paws 2830 B Fallfax Dr, Falls Church (571) 620-2782 Unleashed 5400 Lee Hwy A, Arlington (703) 237-2055

Animal Boarding Dude’s Dog House & Spa 7257 Lee Hwy, Falls Church (703) 857-1400 Waggy Walky’s 712 W Broad St # 4, Falls Church (703) 957-0044 Bark + Boarding 5818 Seminary Rd C, Bailey’s Crossroads, (703) 931-5057 A Dog’s Day Out 2800-A, Gallows Rd, Vienna (703) 698-3647 Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spa 11415 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls (703) 420-7083 KSR Pet Care (703) 945-5045 Dogtopia of Falls Church 108 W Jefferson St, Falls Church (571) 356-9223

6504 Williamsburg Blvd, Arlington (703) 300-9738

Falls Church (703) 442-0403

Gigi’s Pet Salon 6029 Wilson Blvd, Arlington (703) 532-7888

Sitting With A Friend LLC 3430 Slade Run Dr, Falls Church (703) 939-7027

Ms. Barkley’s Organic Pet Grooming (571) 305-5000

PBJ Pet Care Service (703) 323-3972

Vienna Pet Spaw 101 Church St NW # A, Vienna (703) 319-7729

Delilah’s Den Pet Services, LLC James St, Falls Church (202) 255-2649

Alexander & Yonis Mobile Pet Salon LLC (703) 585-0570

Dog Walkers Apex Pet Partners (703) 532-2096 Untangled Leashes (571) 268-1835 TailsnTreatsPetCare (703) 665-8619 Posh Pets (703) 310-9180 Healthy and Happy Dog Walking 7616 Virginia Ln, Falls Church (703) 200-8570 Critter Crew Care (202) 409-2759 Tail Wagging Dog Services (484) 400-4567

Pet Grooming

Paw Prints Pet Services 2908 Westcott St, Falls Church (703) 244-7390

Barkley Square 105 N Virginia Ave #101, Falls Church (703) 237-3650

Pet Sitting 4 Comfort (PS4C) 736 S Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington (571) 839-0088

The Purrfect Grrooming Company 7183 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22046 (703) 237-0595

Arlington Dog Walkers (703) 442-0403

Happy Tails 7646 Lee Hwy, Falls Church (703) 462-9941 Gentle Touch Dog Grooming, LLC 3147 Ravenwood Dr #1828, Falls Church (703) 539-2456 Sparkles’ Groomcraft & Wizardry (571) 377-8727 InStyle Pet Grooming

Animal Rescues Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation 6801 Wilson Blvd, Falls Church (703) 295-3647 Wolf Trap Animal Rescue (703) 638-2531 Lucky Dog Animal Rescue 5159 Langston Blvd., Arlington (703) 237-5327 The Little Black Dog Rescue Shop (252) 367-8857 To the Rescue, Inc (571) 206-8704 Homeless Animals Rescue Team (703) 691-4278 Animal Welfare League of Arlington 2650 S Arlington Mill Dr, Arlington (703) 931-9241 Humane Society of Fairfax County 4057 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax (703) 385-7387 Pets Bring Joy PetSmart East, 9528 Main St, Fairfax (703) 323-3972

Miscellaneous

Fetch! Pet Care (703) 584-4919

Barbie’s Doggie Bakery LLC 1073 W Broad St Unit 203, Falls Church (301) 485-9337

DogOn Fitness 2503-D N Harrison St Suite #1020, Arlington (703) 828-7381

Fairfax Pets on Wheels 12011 Government Center Pkwy #708, Fairfax (703) 324-5424

Pet Sitters Cat Sitting by Susan LLC 117 Rowell Ct, Falls Church (703) 867-7140 Capital Petsitters 201 Park Washington Ct,

Angela Jayne Photography 13604 Langtree Ln, Woodbridge (571) 279-2874

Bright Eyes Photos by Julie Gould 6842 Woodland Dr, Falls Church (703) 624-2846

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 23

B������� N��� � N���� Five Guys Opens A new Five Guys location is now open at 913 W. Broad Street where Einstein Bros. Bagels once operated. Five Guys specializes in customizable burgers, hot dogs, fries with the option of Cajun spice, and milkshakes. Dining, takeout and delivery service are all available.

ArtsFairfax Grant Includes Falls Church Project Support Grant encourages the development and advancement of the arts in Fairfax County while serving the artistic and cultural needs of county residents. Nonprofit arts organizations based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church are eligible to apply for a Project Support Grant in one of the four categories: Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access. The application deadline is August 5 at artsfairfax.submittable.com/submit

Apple Federal Credit Union Apple Federal Credit Union has expanded. A new branch has opened in Bailey’s Crossroads at 5701-D Columbia Pike, located next to KFC. The hours are Monday — Friday, 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. They are currently offering an exclusive Bonus Certificate for new and existing members through July 31.

Chamber Presentation on HR in Today’s Market The Falls Church Chamber is hosting a luncheon on Tuesday, July 19, 11:30 a.m — 1:15 p.m. at Italian Café with guest speaker Julienne Kim. She will address How to Attract and Retain Top Talents in Today’s Unpredictable Market. Kim is currently the Human Resources Consultant for Body Dynamics, Inc., and has nearly 20 years of professional experience managing all aspects of human resources to include employee engagement, organizational development, and talent management to support healthy business growth. Experienced in large consulting firms in Washington, DC, and Seattle, she now focuses on small to medium-sized organizations.

Registration is available at fallschurchchamber.org/events.

How to Start Your Own Business The Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia is hosting a webinar on starting and managing a business Tuesday, July 19, 5 — 6:30 p.m. Jinnae Monroe, CEO of Professionals by Design, will discuss how to make a hobby profitable, create your own job, and grow a small business. More information is available at cbponline.org.

Summer Concert and Open House

Coming July 21 Reach the Falls Church, Fairfax and Arlington Markets

The Kensington Falls Church is hosting an Open House with music, dancing and signature summer bites from Chef Daniel Powers on Thursday, July 21st, 3 — 5:00 p.m. Staff will be available to give tours and introduce guests to the residents. RSVP to Kayla Peters, Outreach and Events Coordinator at kpeters@kensingtonsl.com.

Lynk Wins Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge Lynk Global, Inc., the leading satellite-direct-to-phone telecom company has received the firstprize award for the Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge at INNOspace Masters, hosted by the German Space Agency. Lynk won the global competition with its innovative technology connecting cars to the company’s growing satellite cell towers in space. This universal connectivity will become a key safety feature in future cars. This advancement demonstrates that Lynk’s technology can provide this service to over four billion people in “coverage black spots,” known as 0G, and hundreds of millions of cars and other connected vehicles. The first commercial-ready satellite, Lynk Tower 1, launched in April 2022 and additional satellites will launch later in the year. Lynk’s technology has received regulatory approval for testing in 15 countries and the company has 12 contracts with Mobile Network Operators worldwide.

 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@ fallschcurchchamber.org.

Sue Johnson: sjohnson@fcnp.com • 703-587-1282

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News-Press

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Community News & Notes Arlington County Adopts Antisemitism Definition The American Jewish Committee (AJC) recently commended the Arlington County Board for adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism. “Hatred against Jews is a growing problem nationally and in states like Virginia,” stated Alan Ronkin, Director of AJC Washington, DC. “We deeply appreciate the commitment by Arlington County leaders to understanding what constitutes antisemitism, recognizing that antisemitic incidents are on the rise and for taking concrete action to tackle this serious problem by adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.” Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol said that “research from AJC indicates that in addition to a rise in antisemitic incidents in our country, there also exists a gap in knowledge and understanding regarding the various forms that antisemitic hatred can take…for us as elected officials in Arlington, as well as for our partners in education and law enforcement, the ability to name what antisemitism is and what it looks like in our community is important because it increases awareness and improves reporting, policy and analysis. Arlington strives to be a welcoming community where each member is valued and the adoption of the IHRA definition helps us in pursuit of that goal.”

According to the FBI, on a national scale, 55 percent of reported religiously motivated hate crimes in 2021 targeted Jewish people, even though they make up only 2 percent of the population. Similarly, of the 23 religious bias hate crimes reported in Virginia in 2020, 65 percent were against Jewish people, despite the fact that they make up 1.8 percent of the state’s population. A key tenet of the Working Definition of Antisemitism states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The IHRA Working Definition has been adopted by 37 countries, including the United States, and by several multilateral bodies, including the European Commission and Organization of American States. In the United States, the Working Definition is utilized by various government and law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, in monitoring, training and education. It has also been adopted by 27 states, including Virginia. AJC, an organization that has existed for over a century, is a nonpartisan entity that fights antisemitism, promotes Israel’s place in the world and works to advocate for democracy in the United States and abroad. Visit AJC.org for more information. .

Sheehy Subaru of Springfield Donates to INOVA

Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, in partnership with Subaru of America, recently donated 80 blankets and art kits to Inova Schar Cancer Institute as part of the Subaru Loves to Care initiative. June marked the 7th year that Subaru and their retailers have partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to lend support to patients in the form of warm blankets and hand-written notes of encouragement. By the end of the year, Subaru and their retailers will have brought more than 230,000 blankets, 31,000 arts and crafts kits and thousands of messages of hope, written by Subaru retailers and customers, to these patients carrying on their brave fights. The Inova Schar Cancer Institute is a stateof-the-art facility dedicated to supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. They are committed to providing the best care for everyone they serve from diagnosis to survivorship.

They have a team of nationally

renowned doctors, specialists, surgeons, genetic counselors, nurses and caregivers that are all backed by the latest in drug discovery, clinical trials, research and advanced treatments.

Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center Fundraiser Underway The Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center of Falls Church is currently collecting donations for their upcoming Eid Al-Adha celebration event happening on Saturday, July 16. The contributions will go toward opening up a free event for the community, featuring rides, reptile and circus shows and a fireworks display. There will also be BBQ food for all. Eid, which translates to “festival” or “feast” in Arabic, marks the end of a fasting period in Islam. It is celebrated twice a year, with the first celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, which lasts three days. The second Eid is Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days.

The upcoming Eid al-Adha, translated to “feast of the sacrifice,” celebrates the end of Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca, also called the Hajj.

The donation campaign will close on Thursday, July 14 at 8 p.m. For more information on the fundraiser, visit hijrah.org.

Harvey’s to Host a Foodie Fundraiser July 20 The Battle of Broad Street will feature the following participating neighborhood businesses: Harvey’s, Audacious Aleworks, Metro Cellars, The Neighborhood Barbershop and Mister Finster’s Tattoo Studio.

They will al prepare food items which shall then be judged by visiting customers. The Battle of Broad will take place on Wednesday, July 20 between the hours of 5 — 9 p.m. Harvey’s, located at 513 W. Broad St, Falls Church, will be donating 10 percent of total sales raised during this special event to the Falls Church Education Foundation (FCEF). At the end of the event, the dish that proves to be most popular among the public, selling

REEVA AND YOGI, during a visit to Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, a local favorite in Falls Church. (Photo: Kiefer Johnson.) out first, will become a featured item on Harvey’s menu for one month. The choice dish will continue the fundraising effort, with $1 from the sale of each serving of the winning dish at Harvey’s going towards the FCEF. The fundraiser will officially culminate at the end of August. “It is a wonderful opportunity to be able to collaborate with our gracious neighbors to give back to the community…we are blessed to have an expansive patio and vibrant partners who enjoy a bit of artistic and friendly competition for a worthy cause,” said Thomas Harvey, the owner and chef of Harvey’s. “Any way we can help our community through education is a win for everyone.”

The Falls Church Education Foundation was created in 2004 as a way to raise, manage and distribute supplemental funds to enhance the educational experience of Falls Church City Public School (FCCPS) students. In the

2020 — 21 academic school year, FCEF awarded over $300,000 in funds to FCCPS students and staff. The foundation strives to support FCCPS by ensuring equity of access, staff readiness and student preparedness for the 21st century. For additional information, call 540-268-6100 or visit harveysva.com. .

Alexandria Social Security Office to Closed Now — July 20

The Alexandria Social Security office, located at 5510 Cherokee Ave, Suite 200, Alexandria, will be closed between now — Wednesday, July 20 for renovations. Customers needing in-office service may visit the Social Security offices located at: 1300 D St SW, Washington, DC; 9500 Center St, Manassas; or 10800 Parkridge Blvd, Suite 100, Reston.

Social Security office hours are from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., Monday — Friday.

It is strongly encouraged that those who are able to use socialse-

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

curity.gov or call on the phone (1-800-772-1213) and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment set up. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. Social Security offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week and during the early part of the month, so it is best to plan visits in advance.

Masking and social distancing are required. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov.

Community to Celebrate Hidden Oaks Renovation From Bolivian dancers to a children’s story along a trail, visitors will find a variety of activities to enjoy at Hidden Oaks Nature Center’s Grand Reopening celebration on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. All the activities indoors and outside are free and open to the public. Visitors will now be able to access new learning centers, additional classrooms and meeting spaces, various new features and accessible restrooms.

Fairfax County voters resoundingly approved the 2016 Park Bond, which provided funding for the $2.1 million expansion and renovation of the county’s first nature center. The festivities will begin with opening remarks and a collective welcome to all guests. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., entertainers will perform songs, ranging from American barbershop to native Bolivian music and dance. At 12:15 p.m., Fraternidad Folklórica Cultural will showcase a dozen students ages 5 — 15 performing traditional Bolivian dances. There will also be a puppet show, a scavenger hunt and crafts.

In honor of Jean Laub, an Elly Doyle Award-winning pro-

gram volunteer and retired Fairfax County Public Schools teacher, a new bilingual reading corner will open for the public. On the Americans with Disabilities Act trail between the Packard Center parking lot and Hidden Oaks parking lot, visitors will be able to enjoy an original story translated into Spanish, Korean and English.

The story features native woodland creatures and shares nature facts along the Storybook Trail.

Parking is located at Annandale Community Park at 4030 Hummer Rd, Annandale. ADA parking is available at the nature center’s parking lot. Visit fairfaxcounty. gov/parks/hidden-oaks for more information or contact Suzanne Holland at suzanne.holland@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Sensory Friendly Events at Our Special Harbor & Water Mine Those with disabilities and their families are invited to Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) sensory friendly events this summer at Our Special Harbor and The Water Mine.

Sensory friendly time is designed to allow individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to attend both locations in an enjoyable and accessible way. Our Special Harbor will be hosting a sensory hour every Wednesday this summer from 10 — 11 a.m. and the Water Mine will host a sensory hour on July 19 and Aug. 16, from 10 — 11 a.m.

Our Special Harbor will be at no cost to attend; the Water Mine will charge regular admission prices. To purchase tickets for the Water Mine, visitfairfaxcounty.gov/parks/watermine.

Our Special Harbor is located at Lee District Family Recreation Area at 6601 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria; the Water Mine is located at Lake Fairfax Park at

LO CA L 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston.

For additional information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/accessible or call 703-324-8565.

Latino Conservation Week Ends With Justice Park Festival Fairfax County will highlight and celebrate the Latino community’s love for the outdoors during Latino Conservation Week, which takes place between July 16 — July 24. It is modeled after the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Latino Conservation Week.

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), in collaboration with Providence District Supervisor Dahlia Palchik, Defensores de la Cuenca, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and other community partners, will host a family-friendly celebration at Justice Park (3312 Peace Valley Lane in Falls Church, VA) on Sunday, July 24, from 2 — 4 p.m., rain or shine. There will be a variety of educational demonstrations, kids’ activities, giveaways, music and a chance to make community connections.

For more information, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/topics/miconexion-al-parque.

Metro East Falls Church Bus Loop Expansion In coordination with Metro, Arlington County seeks to expand the footprint of the existing bus loop, upgrade the existing bus shelters and add three bus bays with shelters at the station. The project also aims to improve sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and landscaping within and around the station, including improving the crosswalks between the station entrance and the existing bus

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“COLLAB,” a new Falls Church Arts exhibit, features work done by pairs of artists working together at the same time or in stages and will run now — Aug. 14. The piece shown here is titled “Summer Brew I,” by Bob Tiemann and Rebecca Pelzer. (P����: A��� R������.) loop on North Sycamore Street.

To attend the virtual public hearing on Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. on YouTube at youtube.com/user/MetroForward or by calling 855-925-2801 and entering meeting code 4773. To participate via video, preregister by emailing speak@wmata. com by 5 p.m. on July 20.

Blood Drive at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center July 26 Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, located at 3159 Row St, Falls Church, will have a Red Cross blood drive between the hours of 1 — 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26.

To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org. To find out more about Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, visit hijrah.org.

Islamic Relief to Distribute Halal Meat on July 21 In an effort to provide essential food to an underserved or at-needs population during a peri-

od of rising food costs, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, in partnership with Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center (located at 3159 Row St, Falls Church) will provide fresh meat as part of an Islamic tradition known as Qurbani. Qurbani is a special program that enables donors around the world to buy freshly-prepared cuts of meat to support vulnerable populations; the meat was recently prepared according to halal guidelines to ensure that it’s halal.

The meat distribution will take place on Thursday, July 21, from 9 — 11 a.m. at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. Food insecurity remains a major problem in some parts of the country and among particular demographics. A study done last year by Northwestern University found that four out of 10 Black and Brown families are struggling to feed their families. Since the pandemic, the food insecurity rate among Black households with kids has ballooned from 25 to 39 percent.

CA L E NDA R

PAGE 26 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

FALLS CHURCH CALENDAR

FCNP Featured

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

National Ice Cream Day Sunday, July 17

THE MOSAIC FARMERS MARKET, located at 2910 District Ave, Fairfax, is currently open on Thursdays from 3 — 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. — 2 p.m., featuring a variety of produce, baked goods and other finds. For more information, visit mosaicdistrict.com. (Photo courtesy: EDENS.)

LOCAL EVENTS THURSDAY, JULY 14 INFORMAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST. An informal gathering for attendants to meet fellow Falls Church Chamber of Commerce members. No agenda and no cost of entry. The Original Pancake House (7395 Lee Highway, Falls Church).

8:30 — 9:30 a.m.

FIVE CENTURIES OF ART ABOUT THE AFRICAN DIASPORA. On exhibit until Sunday, July 17, the National Gallery of Art’s “Afro-Atlantic Histories” exhibit reflects the work of many artists, recent and long past, offering social context to this difficult history. Curator Kanitra Fletcher organized the touring exhibition from a larger show that originated in Brazil. “Afro-Atlantic Histories” is located in the National Gallery’s of Art West Building (6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington,

DC) and is open from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit nga.gov.

COLLAB: CONVERSATION IN ART. An exhibition featuring work done in collaboration between two artists, running now — Aug. 14 at Falls Church Arts Gallery (700 W. Broad St, Falls Church, VA). Visit fallschurcharts.org for more information. The gallery is open Wednesdays — Saturdays, 11 a.m. — 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.

SHIBORI INDIGO DYING. Teens entering grades 6 — 12 are invited to Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church) to explore the ancient art of shibori indigo dying.

Participants will learn shibori folding techniques and make their own dyed fabrics. Participants should wear older clothes; materials will be provided.

Register at mrspl.librarycalendar.com/ event/shibori-indigo-dying. 3 — 5 p.m.

NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY. Columbia Baptist Church introduces a new virtual women’s Bible study group. The first meeting will focus on Max Lucado's “You Were Made For This Moment.”

The group meets on Thursdays, from 7:30 — 9 p.m. Email johannah.english@gmail.com to register.

FRIDAY, JULY 15 MEMORY CAFE AT FAMILLE. Organized by the Kensington of Falls Church and Insight Memory Care Center, the Memory Cafe is a supportive and engaging environment for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and their caregivers, friends and family. This event will run every other Friday, until August 12. Led by Insight Memory Cafe staff members. Spacing for the Memory Cafe is limited; for more information and to join, email Kayla Peters, Outreach and Events Coordinator, at kpeters@kensingtonsl. com. Famille (700 W. Broad St, Falls Church). 10:30 — 11:30 a.m.

LEGO CLUB FOR KIDS. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library invites kids ages 5 — 10 with one parent or adult caregiver for an afternoon of collaborative LEGO creation. All LEGOS provided and stay at the library. (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.) 4:30 — 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

LOST DOG AND CAT Rescue Foundation, based out of Arlington, VA, hosts a variety of adoption events in the greater Washington, DC region. In addition to the event at 7 Corners, other events can be found on the organization's official website at lostdogrescue.org. (Photo: Lost Dog and Cat Rescue.)

DOG ADOPTION EVENT AT 7 CORNERS. Lost Dog Rescue will host a dog adoption event at the 7 Corners PetSmart located at 6100 A Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, from 12 — 2 p.m. For more information, visit lostdogrescue.org.

TALEWISE PRESENTS PIRATES: LOST AT SEA. Talewise presents an actionpacked adventure about a crew of pirates marooned on a desert island. Throughout

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY is celebrated every July.

There’s no inventor that can be credited with the food’s origin, but the history of ice cream dates back to China, sometime between 618 — 97 AD. The first dish was made of flour, buffalo milk and camphor. It’s been noted that Alexander the Great ate ice and snow flavored with nectar and honey. The first mention of ice cream in the United States derives from a letter written in Maryland in 1744.

Then, the New York Gazette — on May 12, 1777 — printed the first advert for ice cream in the nation. Following the American Revolution, ice cream became super popular in the US. Locally, places like Lazy Mike’s Delicatessen (located at 7049 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church) and Lil City Creamery (114 W Broad St, Falls Church) are two signature ice cream destinations in the Little City. Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream (5849 A Washington Blvd, Arlington) is a little further out, but it is another area business that specializes in iced dairy treats. (Photo: George Stremplis.) the story, participants will explore the science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure and more. Best for kids ages 4 and up. Presented at Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church). 11 a..m — 12 p.m.

SUNDAY, JULY 17 POST-SERVICE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS. Christ Crossman United Methodist Church will hold a post-service blessing of the animals, beginning at 11:30 a.m. All creatures welcome; the blessing will take place outdoors.

Christ Crossman is located at 384 N Washington St, Falls Church.

DISTRICT TOWN HALL ON ABORTION RIGHTS. Delegate Alfonso Lopez is hosting a town hall and conver-

sation with special guest Jamie Lockhart, the Executive Director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. They'll be discussing how our Commonwealth and our community can move forward after the U.S. Supreme Court's disastrous decision.

Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th Street S, Arlington). 4 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 19 TIME TO KNIT AT CHERRY HILL. Knitters of all levels are invited to work on and talk about their projects at Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave, Falls Church). This group meets every third Tuesday of the month. To sign up, email cprice@fallschurchva.gov. 10 — 11:30 a.m.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

CA L E NDA R TARSHA FITZGERALD PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: VOICES OF MOTOWN. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $35. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

THE BULLETS. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). 8:30 p.m.

703-241-9504.

Washington St, Falls Church). $25. 8 p.m. 703-237-0300.

BRAD DOGGETT. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St, Falls Church). 9:30 p.m.

703-237-8333.

JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 27 SUNDAY, JULY 17

DANGER BIRD: TRIBUTE TO NEIL YOUNG. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St, Falls Church). 6 p.m. 703-2370300.

TOO EXTRA. Dogwood Tavern (132 W. Broad St, Falls Church). 9:30 p.m. 703237-8333.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

STEALIN' THE DEAL is a long-time country, rockabilly and western band, having performed across the Washington metropolitan area since 2009. Made up of veteran musicians, Stealin' the Deal blends a variety of influences to produce a unique country music experience. They will be performing live at JV's Restaurant this Saturday, at 4 p.m.

(Photo: stealinthedeal.com.)

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAY, JULY 14 HERMAN’S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $49.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

THE ROADDUCKS. The State Theatre (220 N Washington St, Falls Church).

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

THE CURRYS WITH BROKE ROYALS.

Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 8 p.m. 703-255-1566.

FRIDAY, JULY 15 SHARTEL & HUME DUO. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

JEHOVA’S FAVORITE CHOIR. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N Washington St, Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-5329283.

BROOK YODER. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St, Falls Church). 7 p.m.

703-534-8999.

THEATER & ARTS THURSDAY, JULY 14

FRIDAY, JULY 15

SUMMER CONCERTS IN CHERRY HILL PARK. The 2022 Summer Concerts in the Park Series, hosted by the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) and the Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department, returns for its 30th year of local musical entertainment. Running now — Thursday, Aug. 4, guests will hear a variety of regional artists — ranging in genres from blues to rock to Latin — each week starting at 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave, Falls Church). Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs and a picnic dinner, as seating will not be provided. Advanced registration is no longer required. For more information on the Summer Concerts series, visit fallschurchva.gov/632/Concerts-in-the-Park. The lineup for the remainder of the summer is as follows: Thursday, July 14: Acosta and Clark (Acoustic Roots); Thursday, July 21: KM2 (Rock and Pop Covers); Thursday, July 28: Karl Stoll and The Danger Zone (Blues); Thursday, Aug. 4: Big Howdy (Bluegrass).

ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE. A 2022 summer revival of “Always…Patsy Cline,” the heartwarming musical that audiences got to see outdoors last year outdoors in Cherry Hill Park, will be making its return to the Little City on the Creative Cauldron stage. Based on a true friendship between legendary country singer Patsy Cline and a fiery Houston housewife named Louise Seger, the musical infuses country humor, larger-thanlife human emotion and a selection of Patsy’s iconic hits like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.” Patsy Cline will be portrayed by Sally Imbriano and Louise Seger will be played by Erin Granfield.

This 2022 production of “Always…Patsy Cline” is sponsored by local business Sislers Stone. Creative Cauldron is located at 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church. The musical will run now — Sunday, July 17, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit creativecauldron.org.

UKULELE HUI PERFORMANCE. TysonsPimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA). 11 a.m. 703790-8088.

STEALIN’ THE DEAL. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504.

DAN & CHUCK. Clare and Don’s Beach Shack (130 N Washington St, Falls Church). 5:30 p.m. 703-532-9283.

BROOK YODER. Ireland’s Four Provinces (105 W Broad St, Falls Church). 7 p.m.

703-534-8999.

GARY PALUMBO. The Casual Pint (6410 Arlington Blvd, Suite E, Falls Church). 7 p.m. 703-286-0995.

KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL. The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria). $69.50. 7:30 p.m. 703-549-7500.

JOHNNY FOLSOM 4: JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE. The State Theatre (220 N SATURDAY, JULY 16 THE BAND’S VISIT. “The Band’s Visit” tells the feel-good story of a band of musicians as they come across a small desert town and instill new life into the community, bonding over a shared humanity and a deep love for music. “The Band’s Visit” breaks down cultural and stereotypical barriers to uncover intimate human connections among the cast of characters. The cast is led by award-winning Israeli actor Sasson Gabay, star of the original film and Broadway production. Joining him on the tour is actress Janet Dacal in the role of Dina. “The Band’s Visit” is a simple, joyful exploration of the power of music, running until July 17 at the Kennedy Center.

The musical runs for 100 minutes, without intermission. For more information and tickets, visit kennedy-center.org. Covid-19 guidelines will be observed; for more information on the Kennedy Center’s Covid Safety Plan, visit kennedy-center.org/visit/ covid-safety. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. SUNDAY, JULY 17 HOTTER THAN JULY: STEVIE WONDER. Running now — Sunday, July 17, Signature Theatre presents a Stevie Wonder-themed cabaret — its first in

THE AFRO-ATLANTIC HISTORIES exhibit in the West Building of the National Gallery of Art (located at 6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC) will close July 17. For more information, visit nga.gov. (Photo courtesy: Isabella Bulkeley) two years. Taking inspiration from Stevie Wonder’s 1980 album “Hotter Than July,” this show brings back songs like “All I Do” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” along with some of his other hits like “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Summer Soft,” “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Higher Ground.”

For complete showtimes and tickets,

visit sigtheatre.org. “Hotter Than July” runs approximately 75 minutes, without intermission. Covid-19 health and safety guidelines will be observed; to learn more about Signature Theatre’s Covid policies, visit sigtheatre.org/plan-yourvisit/safety. Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA.

PAGE 28 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The ordinance referenced below was given first reading on July 11, 2022. A public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, July 25, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO22-13) ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY OWNED BY VIRGINIA TECH (FAIRFAX COUNTY TAX MAP # 0403-01-0092); TO APPROVE THE CONVEYANCE OF THAT PROPERTY AND THE PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE “VIRGINIA TECH NORTHERN VIRGINIA CENTER,” (FAIRFAX COUNTY TAX MAP # 0403-02-0092A) TO CONVERGE WEST FALLS, LLC; AND TO APPROVE THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. Public comments may also be sent to cityclerk@ fallschurchva.gov. 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).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that The Lane Construction Corporation (VMRC #2022-0664) has applied for a permit from Virginia Marine Resources Commission to relocate portions of Scott’s Run, utilizing natural stream channel design techniques, and to construct a bridge crossing over Scott’s Run, at the I-495/Old Dominion Drive intersection as part of the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project, in Fairfax County. Send Comments/ inquiries within 15 days to: Marine Resources Commission, Habitat Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651 or jpa.permits@mrc.virginia.gov.

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 29

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 13th annual contest features a host of all new categories — now 48 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 18!

Vote for Your Falls Church Favorites: RETAIL & SERVICES

Accountant • Bank/Credit Union • Professional Services • Auto • New Business • City Event Real Estate Agent • Real Estate Group • Doctors • Dentist • Orthodontist • Dry Cleaners • Nail/Day/Skin Spa • Physical Therapists/Chiropractor • Ophthalmologists • Grocery Store Pet Services • Vet • Retirement Community • Hair Salon/Barbershop • Gym/Fitness Yoga • School • Specialty Store • Home/Garden/Florist Landscapers/Garden services • Architect • Builder/Remodeler •

FOOD & DRINK

Burger • Pizza • Sandwich • Chicken • Seafood • American • Outside Dining • Tacos International • Cocktail Bar • Craft Beer • Breakfast • Brunch • Coffee Shop • Bakery • Frozen Treat Vegan • Italian • Farmers Market Vendor • New Restaurant

1ST ROUND VOTING ENDS JULY 25!

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PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AND REMIND YOUR CUSTOMERS TO VOTE FOR YOU! CONTACT SUE JOHNSON: SJOHNSON@FCNP.COM • 703-587-1282

PAGE 30 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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BACK IN THE DAY

25 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. VII, No. 16 • July 3, 1997

Falls Church News-Press Vol. XXII, No. 20 • July 12, 2012

Nightclubs Moved Out, Eden Center Will Become ‘Family Oriented,’ Says Landlord

F.C. Council Mulls Stiff Environmental Standards for New Public Structures

In conjunction with the grand opening of a new Falls Church City Police Substation at the Plaza 7 (Eden Center) Shopping Center Tuesday, a concerted effort is now underway by the landlord of the center to turn it into a safe, family-oriented nexus of outstanding Asian restaurants and jewelry retailers.

At its work session this Monday, the City Council set in motion a process for ensuring high environmental standards for all public buildings in the City, a process that, if adopted, would also put private developers “on notice” that such standards shall be those “to which they shall be encouraged to design.”

Book Review: ‘The Blitz Bus: A Children’s Time Travel Adventure’

By Glen Blackwell, Cover illustration by Vera Egoshina.

Published by Zoetrope Books 2021 Suffolk, England

BY JANINE S. BENTON

I love time travel novels. The cognitive dissonance caused by the future and the past meeting has intrigued me since I read “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle as a child.

Accordingly, I was excited to read Glen Blackwell’s time travel book, “The Blitz Bus,” about two modern day children who find themselves in 1940 London.

I also was intrigued because my mother, Eileen Hecht Levy, spent half of her childhood living through WWII, including being evacuated from the east end of London.

Her stories of seeing the horror of the Blitz, of making friends with a little girl from the Kindertransport,* of sheltering from the bombs in the Underground stations, and of holding her little brother’s hand as they were forced onto a train going to an unknown evacuation destination, were an integral part of my childhood.

The Blitz Bus was an exceptional read that paralleled some of the stories of my mother’s childhood with whimsey, science, magic and sweetness thrown into the mix. Emma and Jack, two 21st century children from East London, take their usual bus home but end up in 1940 in Bethnal Green during the Blitz.

Having just studied the war in school, they knew “when” they

were but they had to learn where to shelter and how to find food, all the while trying to get home to their own time. As they struggle to survive, including sheltering in the not-yet-finished Bethnal Green Underground Station, they make two dear friends, both of whom are lonely, Jewish children rescued from Poland via the Kindertransport.

This is an important book for children and their parents to read; it not only provides lessons in history, it also is a sweet book that mixes a little science and magic with that history.

I was provided an advance review copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. *The author provides this note at the end of the book: “The Kindertransport (which is German for ‘children’s transport’) was a rescue mission which took place over 9 months, starting in December 1938. The purpose was to help children in countries threatened by or under German occupation get to safety in the lead up to the Second World War. In the end, the United Kingdom took in nearly 10,000 children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and the Free City of Danzig (a city state between Germany and Poland which existed between 1920 and 1939). Most of the children rescued were Jewish and, sadly, many of them were the only members of their families to survive the Holocaust.”

Make Your Pet a Star!

Critter Corner

Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be!

Snap a pic of your critter and email it to: CRITTERCORNER@FCNP.COM

EVIE & STEFAN are siblings who were adopted in Oct of last year. This Aug 7th they turn 1. Their dad is a dog trainer in FC but they have clearly taught themselves some pretty good tricks as well.

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

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Something Else

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JULY 14 - 20, 2022 | PAGE 31

For your summer adult reading pleasure, this is the third of four parts of a short story by well-known science fiction writer Ted White, who is a long-time resident of the City of Falls Church. — Editor

BY TED WHITE

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

“It’s this lady who says she killed an alien,” Avarice Jones said. “Mmm, yes,” she added, nodding in agreement with herself.

“Where did you hear about that?”

“I heard about it, yes I did,” she said, nodding in emphasis.

“Where? From whom?”

“Don’t recall. It’s not important. What’s important is, we can’t have people just going around killing aliens! It’s not right.”

“I agree. The person in question is in custody.”

“In custody? She’s in the custody of the people doing the cover-up!”

“What do you know about that?”

“More’n you do, seems like.”

“Ma’am, why are you here?”

He glanced down at his handi and touched one corner of the screen.

“Tell me what you just did!” she demanded, sitting up straighter.

He had just summoned Security.

“Do you have information about these, ah, aliens?” he countered.

The woman half rose from her chair, scowling at him.

Suddenly she looked directly at him.

Those eyes! He knew those eyes. They’d stared into his soul on the tube.

Or...was he mistaken?

Sudden doubt overwhelmed him. He felt a cloud of confusion settle over his thoughts.

He blinked and looked at the woman again.

She was plain and unprepossessing — just an older woman.

Well, not that old...maybe middle-aged. Her very blond hair could be mistaken for silver. He rubbed his eyes. Actually, he realized, she was rather attractive.

“Stop it!” he said, using his most commanding voice.

He blinked rapidly, achieving a strobe-like effect as he watched the woman seemingly flowing to her feet.

Slaughter nudged a button under his desk with his knee, and his office door slid shut

with a single snick, trapping the woman in the room. Belatedly, he wondered if that had been a good idea.

He rose to his feet, and as he did so, his environment morphed into that of a tube car, a holographically realistic popup standing directly in front of him. “ — with guaranteed proactive krell!” It gave him a toothy grin and waved a small object at him. “Won’t you try it? How about now?”

Slaughter shook his head and blinked again, forcefully, squeezing his eyes shut. When he opened them he was standing in the middle of a vast greensward in a park.

From somewhere distant he heard the sounds of a piano. Confronting him was a small girl.

“What happened to the family cat?” she asked him plaintively.

“What?”

“I said, what happened to the family cat?” she said impatiently. “Have you seen him?”

“Go away. You should go away,” Slaughter said.

“I can’t. You locked your door shut.”

He looked beyond the woman at his closed door. From its other side he heard a voice call, “Doctor Slaughter? Are you all right?” He didn’t think he was.

“Stay out of my head,” he said to her.

There was a strong knock on his door. “Security!” a voice barked.

Slaughter bent and reached under his desk, unlocking his door, which immediately opened.

He saw no sign of anyone from Security in the hallway, just a worried-looking young man, who called out, “Is everything okay?”

“No,” Slaughter said. He looked around his empty office.

“Nothing is okay.” He sank back into his chair, put his elbows on his desk, and his face in his hands. # “I think I’m cracking up,” Jack Slaughter said to his own therapist at his weekly session that evening.

“Why do you think that?” his therapist, a middle-aged androgyn, Dr. Kenneth Savage,

THAT MEANS THEY CAN BE AMONG US without our knowing. They can be anywhere. On the tube next to you. asked.

“Space aliens,” Slaughter said.

“Tell me about them.”

Slaughter knew that tone well, having used it too often himself. Savage was patronizing him. “Two clients mentioned them. The first said she’d killed one. The second said an alien had tasked him with spreading disease. Then someone came to my office to see what I knew about them.”

“Them?”

“The space aliens.”

“What did you tell her?”

Slaughter felt it like a physical jolt. He’d said “someone.”

He hadn’t said “her” — had he?

He glanced quickly at the handi he was clasping. No, he hadn’t.

Then a thought intruded: Did Dr. Savage think of everyone as “her”?

“I can’t help wondering — how pervasive the space aliens are,” Slaughter said.

“What do you mean?”

“Both my clients said they — the space aliens — are shapechangers. That means they can be among us without our knowing. They can be anywhere. On

the tube next to you. Walking into your office. Hell, Ken, you could be one.” He shrugged. “I could be one.”

“Are you?”

“No. Are you?”

“What do you know about them — these space aliens?”

“Well, the client who killed one, she said they seemed to shrivel up when they died. Their blood was a different color — green or black. And it evaporated. That’s the word she used — evaporated.”

“Is that all?”

“All?” “That you know about them, these space aliens?”

“That’s all they told me, that I recall.”

A blade of light seemed to slice through his thoughts, striking him numb.

“What about your own experiences? With these space aliens?”

“My — own?” His lips felt thick, his tongue clumsy. He felt a torpor overtake him, a deep relaxation.

“Yes. Tell me about them.”

He did. He spoke willingly and truthfully, but as though in

a dream.

He described the encounter on the tube and the eyes that kept him awake all night.

He described Avarice Jones — “Such an unusual name, but, then, so many are now” — and the way she’d disappeared from his office.

“I think you’re one too, Doctor Savage.”

“I see.”

“You could poke your finger and we could see what color your blood is.”

“Do you consider yourself sleep-deprived? Delusional?”

“You know,” Slaughter said, “you’re not being very responsive. I know all the same techniques you do, and it seems to me....” his voice drifted off into an inaudible mumble.

In his head he saw pretty flashes of colorful lights. They distracted him.

This is not good, he realized.

“This is not good,” he murmured aloud.

“Let me see if I can help,” Dr. Savage said.

TO BE CONCLUDED...

PAGE 32 | JULY 14 - 20, 2022

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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