A director of George Mason University’s Fuller Institute in its Center for Regional Analysis gave a surprisingly upbeat talk at the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.
Keith Waters, criticized for “doom and gloom” analyses in recent talks around the region, due to the level of Trump administration cutbacks on federal programs in this region, said this time that the Trump administration’s “big beautiful budget bill” has so much added money for national defense, that it will, if anything, charge up the Northern Virginia economy.
He suggested that this factor will prevail against the otherwise terrible effects of mass federal worker layoffs, cancellation of government contracts and ICE raids against a population that provides indispensable support for businesses and services in the region.
In the positive news context of his remarks, he singled out the City of Falls Church for defying the trends almost everywhere else, saying that,
PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
became concerned.
Harry J. Shovlin, former teacher, electrician, handyman, informal local historian and leader of veterans’ events here, and general fixture of good will around the City of Falls Church for many decades, is recovering from open heart surgery and will soon be back taking care of customer needs, he told the News-Press this week.
When he did not appear to lead the annual Memorial Day service in front of the Community Center, as was his fashion, many in the community
This week, he told the NewsPress what happened. Shortly before his 80th birthday, he found himself severely short of breath after running up some stairs at his home, and by coincidence ran into Chris Earman, a long-time friend soon thereafter who had just himself recovered from extensive heart surgery.
When Harry told Chris about his shortness of breath incident, Earman urged him strongly to see his cardiologist. That was in early April, and when Harry went in to see his doctor, heart surgery followed immediately.
Since then, Harry’s calendar
has been filled with post-op procedures, six days a week. Only now, he says, is he about to be “released from custody” by his doctors, leaving only his caring wife standing in the way of his return to the Falls Church fray.
With his main assistant Carlos also out of the country during much of the previous months, many who’ve relied on Harry Shovlin for their home needs have had to wait, and are now delighted he’ll be able to get back to them.
Harry Shovlin is a distinguished and deeply valued figure in Falls Church, Virginia, with a multifaceted legacy span -
ning education, military service, community activism, and skilled tradesmanship.
Born in 1945 in WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania, Shovlin graduated from King’s College in 1967 with a social studies teaching certificate Falls Church. Following a brief teaching stint in Maryland, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969, serving as a medic in Germany during the Vietnam era for two years before returning to civilian life.
Shovlin’s dedication to education is notable. In 1972, he
SECOND HALF of the alphabet of names responsible for the current exhibition at the Falls Church Arts’ gallery on West Broad were honored
artists’ contributions are remarkable and still on display. (Photo: News-Press)
Falls Church Business News & Notes
Victory Comics Expands
The Falls Church comic shop, Victory Comics, opened in February 2010 by owner Jeff Weaver. It has Warhammer, Magic the Gathering and other tabletop gaming supplies and a comics collection, new and old. They have announced an expansion – to Springfield. The second location will join Backlick Shopping Center in the former Cold Stone Creamery which is half the size of the Falls Church space. The shop is expected to open on Monday, July 21.
Understanding 1099s and W2s
Are you running a small business and wondering how to pay yourself or hire help the right way? This beginner-friendly session will break down essential topics, including how to pay yourself as the business owner, the difference between hiring a contractor (1099) vs. an employee (W2), what financial records to keep for taxes and payroll, and tips to stay organized and avoid penalties. Whether you’re working solo or thinking about hiring support, this session is designed for entrepreneurs with practical tools and clarity. This session will be held online and free, on Tuesday, July 22, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. It is facilitated by the Women’s Business Center of Northern Virginia. The webinar link will be shared upon registration. https://wbcnova.centerdynamics.com/workshop.aspx?ekey=10450043
Bricks & Brews
The Casual Pint in Falls Church is hosting the Bricks & Brews team for a return visit on Sunday, July 20, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The doors open at 12:30 and the focus is on a summertime custom Lego build of a cute boardwalk ice cream shop. Build with friends and your first pint is included in the ticket price. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended based on last years’ response. Use the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bricks-n-brews-beachside-scoop-shack-at-casual-pint-fallschurch-tickets-1391064113209?aff=oddtdtcreator
Functional Fitness Adds HYROX
The HYROX bug is spreading with races popping up in new cities across the country. It’s a way to challenge both strength endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Functional Fitness is holding three HYROX events this summer to prepare for competitions or good workouts. There will be two technique workshops covering all seven HYROX events and one Race Simulation. Call for more information.
Chamber Networking Mixer
Sunrise Senior Living is hosting the next Chamber Networking Mixer next Tuesday, July 22, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Members and their guests are invited to tour the site and meet Executive Director Stephen Cuthbertson and the new leadership team. Prospective chamber members are also welcome. Chef Von will prepare refreshments.
Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
Please come join me for a relaxing day of beauty at Dude‛s Dog House & Spa! And we would love it if you could vote for us in the Best of Falls Church! Scan the QR code and Vote! Gotta Go! My groomer, Ed, is waiting....
Regional Economist Tells Chamber It’s Not That Bad Here
along with Prince William County, its government has acted in ways that put it in the forefront of positive economic news.
Asked by the News-Press what, specifically, Falls Church has done to earn such high praise, he identified a “willingness to change to include a diversity of housing types, including multifamily housing,” and an “engagement with the community” on this issue.
He identified the passage of an historic transitional zone amendment as evidence. Now, Falls Church has more people living in multifamily projects than in single family homes. This, he said, has created the basis for other positive developments.
By contrast, neighboring Arlington County and other area jurisdictions are mired in local controversies over the “missing middle” housing, and as a result are also plagued with high vacancy rates in commercial office spaces.
Waters said he puts a lot of weight on available housing stocks for the health of an economy, not so much on affordable housing per se as on the availability of middle income-
style housing offering a diversity of options.
A big part of the problem for the region is the fact that it has been underbuilt for the last 15 years, he said.
But the loss of over 30,000 federal and federal contractor jobs in this region, while resulting in a “rocky period ahead,” beyond that the federal budget allocation for defense spending will be “a massive benefit for Falls Church.”
He said the impact of Amazon’s HQ2 development in Pentagon City will be positive, but not critical for this region.
Meanwhile, he said the region is in a period of great uncertainty given the level of federal and federal contractor jobs that have been lost so far this year. Just how bad it all will become won’t be known until November, after the expiration of severance packages for federal employees end on Sept. 30 and the consequences of that showing up for the first time in October numbers.
Keith Waters, Ph.D., is Assistant Director of both the Center for Regional Analysis and the Stephen S. Fuller Institute at George Mason University’s Schar School of
Policy and Government. His applied research focuses on critical issues in the Washington, D.C., metro region—particularly labor markets, housing affordability, transportation infrastructure, and regional economic performance
Dr. Waters earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy from GMU, following post-doctoral work at Indiana University and Arizona State University. His academic interests lean toward complexity science and network analysis, reflecting a novel methodological approach to regional economic systems. Prior to GMU, he completed undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University and a master’s degree at UNC Charlotte.
At the Fuller Institute, Dr. Waters has co-authored influential Regional Economic Notes, including partnerships with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, discussing trends like domestic out-migration and economic competitiveness in the region. He also presents findings at major forums, such as the 2023 Annual Economic Outlook Forum, and regularly publishes on topics like population change, household incomes, housing price trends, and infrastructure impacts.
Drs. Love & Miller, PC
In his dual leadership role, Keith Waters plays a pivotal part in providing data-driven insights to policymakers and community leaders, enhancing understanding of Greater Washington’s evolving economy through rigorous, methodologically innovative research.
Tuesday’s was Waters’ second appearance before the Falls Church Chamber, and latest in the GMU center’s presentations that in the past included those by Dr. Fuller himself. So far, the projections they have presented have been by and large accurate.
Drs. Love and Miller provide a family practice with special emphasis on healthy and beautiful smiles for adults and children. Both doctors graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and have been practicing together in Falls Church for over 25 years.
We take time to listen to our patients so that we truly understand their needs. With emphasis on overall health, we o er services including composite restorations, metal-free crowns, implant restorations, veneers and other cosmetic procedures. Our oral hygiene program excels at understanding the vital relationship between oral health and other systems in the body. Drs. Love and Miller, along with our amazing team, greatly appreciate the community’s trust and support.
SPECIALIZATION
ADA, Virginia Dental Association, Northern Virginia Dental Association (Dr Love is Past President), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
AWARDS
Washingtonian B est Dentists; Washingtonian Best of Hall of Fame. Best Dentist of Falls Church 2013–2021; Virginia Living Magazine Top Dentists and Northern Virginia Magazine Best Dentist, 2016–2024
Best of Washingtonian, 2025 Best of Falls Church, (FCNP) 2024
Mark A. Miller, DDS, Melanie R. Love, DDS
KEITH WATERS of the Fuller Institute at George Mason University spoke to the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce Tuesday and provided a relatively upbeat report. (Photo: News-Press)
Harry Shovlin is Back in the Saddle After Heart Surgery
joined Falls Church City Schools, teaching social studies at George Mason Middle School. By 1979, under a National Science Foundation initiative, he transitioned to teaching science. Beyond the classroom, he served two terms as president of the Falls Church Teachers Association, coached track and field for 27 years, and co-founded the school system’s Safety and Security Committee. He retired from teaching in 2000, but his commitment to community service endured, including working as an electrician and supporting local civic infrastructure
A passionate advocate for veterans and civic volunteerism, Shovlin has held key roles in the American Legion Post 130
and the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council, being honored as Veteran of the Year in 2011. He has consistently overseen and coordinated Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial in Falls Church, acting as master of ceremonies and ensuring proceedings run smoothly. He also helped spearhead the creation of the Veterans Memorial site, expanding it to honor multiple uniformed services with individual stone pedestals.
In recognition of his community service, Shovlin was honored as grand marshal of Falls Church’s Memorial Day Parade in 2012. On that day, he donned dual roles—leading the parade and emceeing the Veterans Ceremony— expressing deep humility at being named along-
side the city’s long-standing pillars.
Remarkably versatile, Shovlin also earned recognition in local “Best of Falls Church” polls for his handyman and electri cian services. He was voted Best Handyman in 2018, with readers praising him as “service minded. Local character. Fun to work with.” In 2019, he was again lauded as “best electrician around,” emphasizing his reli ability and friendly demeanor Shovlin often reflects, “I need to give back to the community… The only person I am trying to satisfy is me.” His life illustrates a profound commitment to service, spanning national duty, educa tional leadership, veterans’ advo cacy, local politics, and hands-on tradesmanship—epitomizing the volunteer spirit that sustains Falls Church.
JOY RIDE
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Highlights of the 28-page 2024 Annual Report of the City of Falls Church’s Police Department were provided in person by Chief Shahram Fard at Monday’s F.C. City Council meeting. The Council had considerable questions, and the most important had to do with professional development and standards. Chief Fard answered all in depth, and the bottom line is that, despite the incredibly rapid growth of the population in the Little City and the array of valued property assets associated with the swift economic growth here, crime rates have not risen and in many cases declined. This is in the context of an aggressive commitment to achieve the highest accreditation standards for the department.
Chief Fard, who has been on the job here since January 2024, noted that with his arrival last year, the formal process of accreditation with the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) that had been allowed to lapse was initiated. The annual report notes that “this rigorous process involves a comprehensive review of Departmental policies, procedures, practices, and operations to ensure compliance with national standards.”
Several new and advanced training topics and courses were incorporated into the Professional Development Unit’s 2024 curriculum, including: The FBI-LEEDA Basic Supervisor Liability program is now required for all supervisors, which covers a review of constitutional standards applicable to supervisor liability, deliberate indifference, and legal standards applicable to use-of-force and internal investigations.”
Also, there is the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Women’s Leadership Institute, a leadership training program for women leaders and those developing women leaders. It includes an annual ethics refresher course that explores topics like honesty, personal health responsibilities, integrity, and on-and-off-duty conduct. Also, there is committed to de-escalation training for non-sworn professional staff, aligning with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainings required of all sworn personnel. As well, it utilizes the resources of a unique use-of-force course, offered by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association, for sworn staff to highlight the understanding and application of reasonable use-of-force, the importance of proper use-of-force documentation, and how to assess their narratives to improve their civil and criminal court testimony.
The Falls Church Police Department, according to this annual report, “recognizes and respects the value of all human life and dignity without prejudice to anyone,” adding, “We take seriously all applications of force and complaints of misconduct of our members. We accept and address all complaints in accordance with our policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Complaints may be generated internally or externally by the public.”
“The police are the people, and the people are the police,” is the key summarizing slogan in the report. “The Falls Church Police Department seeks to be guardians to all people and places in The Little City.’
New additions to the force in 2024 included Chief Fard, and chaplains Burl Salmon and James Page, and officers Eskedar Bezabeh, Micah Hendricks, Devonte Lemons and Jeremiah Peralta.
Falls Church residents and businesses alike should take heart from this excellent report.
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Our Man In Arlington
Bill Fogarty
“Elderly, Big Families Have Housing Problems.” This front-page headline might look like a current one, but it was in the Northern Virginia Sun in 1972. The issue at hand was the County Board’s consideration of a rezoning request for about 5 acres of land in the Buckingham neighborhood. The project was ambitious: providing committed affordable housing for low-income seniors.
The rezoning was approved, and the project was built, known as Culpeper Garden, an eightstory apartment building with over 200 units that have been providing affordable housing services and programs since 1975.The history of Culpeper Garden provides a glimpse into the two challenges facing any attempt to provide affordable housing for seniors: First, getting the project approved, financed and built; and second, sustaining the project.
The idea for this project started in 1963 with Earl Bailey, a member of the Unitarian Church of Arlington. Bailey, an architect by profession, saw a need for what was referred to back then as “elderly housing.” Bailey worked with his fellow congregants and minister to turn his vision into a reality. In a way, the story really goes back as far as 1926, when Charles and Anna Culpeper bought five acres of property near Route 50 and George Mason Drive.
Dr. Culpeper, as he was known, was a retired botanist who had worked at the Department of Agriculture from 1920 to 1955. His property was well-known for its remarkable gardens, including azaleas, daffodils, and day lilies. Contemplating a move from their property, the Culpepers were approached by their fellow members from the Unitarian Church to use their property for senior housing. The Culpepers readily agreed, and plans were made to create the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, a non-profit corporation that would purchase the property at half its value. The first challenge was to obtain the rezoning approval.
Some of the immediate neighbors opposed the rezoning, taking the position that the Culpeper property was an “unofficial arboretum” that should be preserved. The property was rezoned by the County Board in a close 3 to 2 vote in 1972, and several homeowners filed a lawsuit
to overturn the approval. The lawsuit was not successful, but the delay led to more challenges, including increased financing costs.
The project was built and completed in 1975, with 210 apartments for independent living. Appropriately named Culpeper Garden, much of the open space has been preserved, including beautiful azalea and daffodil gardens. Culpeper Garden expanded in the 1990s, building a new wing known as Culpeper II, with 63 additional independent living apartments.
Responding to the growing need for affordable assisted-living services, Culpeper Garden created a new wing in the early 2000s, becoming the first community in the country to combine affordable housing with assisted-living services, using a new HUD program that included construction financing and ongoing rental subsidy for residents. This most recent portion of the project, known as Culpeper III, has 73 assisted-living apartments.
Sustaining the assisted-living services in Culpeper III has been an ongoing financial challenge, leading to the recent announcement that Culpeper Garden plans to close the assistedliving wing, phasing it out over the next year, and converting the apartments to independent living units.
To put it mildly, this was an incredibly difficult decision for the Board of Directors of the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation. For years, the leadership of Culpeper Garden has been trying to find alternatives for funding that could sustain the assisted-living services. Arlington County and local community organizations have been helpful, but a long-term solution has been elusive. Unfortunately, the “Elderly Housing Problems” noted in 1972 remain a challenge more than 50 years later.
Meanwhile, Culpeper Garden will continue to provide the much-needed independent living units for low-income seniors. To understand the importance of such services, I would recommend a book about Culpeper Garden, written by a number of members of the Unitarian Church. The title is aptly named: “Culpeper Garden: Community Treasure.” In reading the inspirational stories of 29 residents at Culpeper Garden, it becomes evident that Culpeper Garden is indeed a community treasure, committed to its vision of providing affordable housing for seniors.
News & Notes
Creative Cauldron Announces Its Coming Season
Creative Cauldron announced its 2025-26 season this week, the first full season in its new home at Broad and Washington. The following are highlights of what the new season will bring:
“The Turn of the Screw: A Musical” (October 2 – 26, 2025). Written by Associate Artistic Director Matt Conner (Music) and Stephen Gregory Smith (Libretto & Lyrics), “The Turn of the Screw” received its world premiere at Creative Cauldron in 2015, as part of the “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” initiative.
“Peter Pan and Wendy” (November 7 – 23, 2025), a Learning Theater production. Second star to the right and straight on till morning! The Cauldron returns to the imaginative world of J.M. Barrie’s Neverland with a fresh new musical adaptation.
“Madeline’s Christmas” (December 5 – 21, 2025). A Holiday tradition at the Cauldron. “In an old house in Paris, covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.” And with that familiar phrase, is set in motion the adventures of the brave and resourceful Madeline.
Passport Music Festival (Jan 9 – February 1, 2026). Creative Cauldron’s annual music festival has become a vibrant centerpiece of the season, celebrated for its cultural diversity and top-tier talent.
“Snapshots: A Scrapbook Musical” (February 12 – March 8, 2026). An original musical featuring the beloved songs from Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin,” “Godspell”).
“Twelve Dancing Princesses/Doce Princesas Bailarinas” (March 13 – 29, 2026). A Learning Theater production. A group of princesses, each more beautiful than the last, are locked in their room each night, but in the morning, their dancing shoes are completely worn through as if they had been dancing all night.
Bold New Voices Festival (April 10 – May 2, 2026). The Cauldron’s “Bold New Voices” initiative supports the development of new plays or musicals written by women or women − identifying writers. A series of professionally staged readings precede the final selection.
Little Women: The Musical (May 14 – June 7, 2026). Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic, this Civil War era story of love and family stands the test of time. Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they navigate adolescence, each determined to live their lives on their own terms.
McLean Softball Wins Virginia Tournament
The McLean all star softball team won the Virginia state tournament last week, sweeping all three age groups – 10s, 11s and 12s. It’s the first time McLean has taken all three state titles.
The 12s advance to regionals, which are aired on ESPN+ with the chance to advance to the World Series. A bunch of the players are from Falls Church City, according to our repoerter.
F.C. Treasurer Acosta Awarded Certificate
Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, recently awarded a Finance Officer Certificate to Jody Acosta, Treasurer of Falls Church.
To qualify for the certification, Acosta attended at least 21 hours of public administration training through Wayne State’s Graduate Program in Public Administration. Acosta received the certificate at the recent annual meeting of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers, and Finance Officers on July 9 in Philadelphia.
F.C. Police Chief Fard Cites Decline in Serious Crime
Presenting the Falls Church Police Department annual report to the F.C. City Council Monday, F.C. Police Chief Shahram Fard reported a seven percent decline in major crimes (to person, property or society) between 2023 and 2024. While there was a slight increase in crimes against persons, it was down 14 percent in crimes against property.
(See more on this in the News-Press editorial in this edition).
Shields Introduces New F.C.Planning Director
Matt Mattauszek was introduced to the F.C. City Council Monday night as the City’s new Planning DIrector by City Manager Wyatt Shields. Matusak comes to F.C. after 17 years of similar work in neighboring Arlington County. Gary Fuller was recognized for his role as interim director following the departure of Jim Snyder.
Shields also announced that work on two road projects will begin in August: the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Annandale and S. Maple, and improvements at the intersection of N. Washington and Columbia St.
Del. Simon Honors 6 In F.C. for Contributions
At Monday’s Falls Church City Council meeting, State Del. Marcus Simon presented copies of State Legislature accommodations to six F.C. residents for their commendable contributions to the community. Marshall Jarrett for five terms on the Retirement Board, Charlie Collier for 22 years on the police department, Capt. Steven Rau for 30 years on the police force, Gary Fuller for 35 years in the City planning department, Juan Salgado for service on the Urban Forestry and Rec and Parks departments, and Rick Judd for 30 years on the police force.
F.C. Citizens Appointed to City Boards, Commissions
This Monday, the Falls Church City Council made a series of appointments of citizens to boards and commissions. The included: Claire McCray and Janis Johnson, reappointed to the Library Board of Trustees, Andy Young as staff member, Vice Mayor Debora Schantz-Hiscott, David Snyder reappointed, former Mayor Alan Brangman, and Michael Trauberman reappointed to the West Falls Community Development Authority, Charlie Lord to the Falls Church 250 Committee.
DRAG PERFORMER Tara Hoot charmed a full house of families at Freddy’s Beach Bar in Pentagon City last weekend. The increasingly popular monthly children’s book reading and singing event was protected on the sidewalk in front by a legion of gays and friends with rainbow umbrellas. (Photo: News-Press)
THE GUITAR RENEGADES played to a full house at Falls Church’s Creative Cauldron last weekend as part of the Summer Passport Music Festival. The Flybirds perform there this Friday, and Jewish folk classics will be presented by Seth Kibel and The Kleztet on Saturday. (Photo: News-Press)
My oldest child graduated from college this year. My youngest finished his freshman year at Virginia Tech. That makes Rachel and me almost empty nesters as they still come home for summers. It has caused us to start thinking about where we want to live next. The house we raised our kids in was perfectly suited for that. We love our school pyramid, the quiet cul-desac, and that we back up to undeveloped parkland with a stream, trees, and trails.
Falls Church City looks like a great candidate for our next home. In addition to top-tier schools, it has vibrant neighborhoods, and a great combination of density along major corridors that step down nicely into residential neighborhoods. A walkable community with all the amenities of a big city, and a small-town feel.
I want to applaud the City Council, Planning Commission and City staff for a job well done! What higher compliment can I pay than saying, I want to join you?
What’s stopping us? What’s stopping anyone. For many people it’s cost. Fairfax County has the same problems. I’m constantly amazed at what people are willing to pay to move into neighborhoods in the 13th District, or to pay for a house just to tear it down.
There must be things we can do to make housing more affordable and to keep it withing reach of ordinary people.
That’s why I’ve supported an “all of the above” approach to reigning in the skyrocketing cost of housing. In some cases that means incentivizing the creation of more new affordable housing options or it means working to preserve affordable housing where it already exists. It also means looking at our processes to see where redundancy and inefficiency are adding unnecessary costs and barriers to bringing new housing supply to the market.
It’s easy to say we have a problem, and even to point out what some of the problems are. Over the years, I’ve also been willing to propose solutions. I’ve carried and supported legislation tailored to help Falls Church be a leader in smart growth. We’ve expanded the use of accessory dwelling units, incentivized affordable housing in mixed-use developments, and supported transition zone reform to allow gentle infill and more housing choices.
This year I sponsored a bill to bring more predictability and fairness to local land use decisions. My bill set reasonable, enforceable deadlines for local governments to act on zoning and site plan
applications. It doesn’t take away local authority but rather ensures that decisions happen on a predictable timeline, so that we’re not driving up the cost of housing through bureaucratic delay.
After a project has already been approved for development, community input has been received, and the project has cleared the policy hurdles, my bill requires the local authorities to streamline the process for approving the final site plans by shortening the turnaround time and reducing the need for multiple resubmissions.
I also voted for a new law that moves final site plan approval into the hands of professional planning staff. Site plans should be judged by objective standards and not subject to shifting politics or lastminute opposition. Public engagement is critical in this process and there are plenty of opportunities for it during planning, rezoning, and design. However, the site plan stage is where we should be moving things forward, once building officials deem that the application is complete and follows regulations.
Fairfax County has already begun adjusting its internal processes to take full advantage of the new law. County leaders have recognized that delays cost money and those costs get passed on to renters, first-time homebuyers, and families already stretched thin.
Fairfax’s planning staff now work on clear, accelerated review timelines, with performance metrics and coordinated feedback. They’ve incorporated meaningful community input where it matters most while ensuring that once the rules are set, projects that follow them get a fair and timely review.
As I said at the outset, I think the Falls Church City Council and Planning Commission have done an amazing job reshaping The Little City. So much so that I expect to become a resident myself in the not-too-distant future. Frankly, this legislation probably won’t have that big an impact here in Falls Church because the city already does things very well, and infill projects approved at any speed probably can’t provide enough supply to meaningfully change the forces of supply and demand driving prices higher.
That’s led some to wonder why the City should be subject to these new requirements at all. Legislation that makes the City move a little faster, and gives housing providers a little more certainty, though, won’t break the system. I believe it will make a great process even better.
Delegate Marcus Simon’s Richmond Report
Book by Harvey Fierstein Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
by Jerry Mitchell
American Food
• The Falls
• Dogwood
• Cafe Kindred
• Dominion Wine and Beer
• Harvey’s International
• Maneki Neko
• Ireland’s Four Provinces
• Panjshir • Banh Mi Oi
• Saffron Brunch
• Godfreys • Harvey’s
• Northside Social
• Ireland’s Four Provinces
• Cafe Kindred
Treats and Sweets
• One1ea Taiwanese Cafe & Tea House
• Bakeshop
• Lil City Creamery
• Northside Social
• Lazy Mike’s Outside Dining
• Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
• Ireland’s Four Provinces
• Banh Mi Oi
• Godfrey’s
• Northside Social Bar/Brewery
• Solace
• Ireland’s Four Provinces
• Audacious Aleworks
• Dogwood Tavern
• SpaceBar
New Restaurant
• Banh Mi Oi
• RH Bistro
• Seoul Prime
• Dolan Uyghur Restaurant
• Semicolon
Best Latin
• El Tio
• La Tingeria
• Taco Bamba
• Cuates
• La Pupuseria Familiar Asian
• Banh Mi Oi
• Lucky Thai
• Maneki Neko
• Roll Play
• Elevation Burger
• Dogwood
• Ireland’s Four Provinces
• Harvey’s • Five Guys Pizza
• Badd Pizza
• 10 Pizza
• Flippin Pizza • Anthony’s
• Vocelli’s Vegetarian
• Northside Social
• Clare and Don’s • Saffron
• Loving Hut • Lazy Mike’s Seafood
• Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
• Chasin’ Tails • Harvey’s
• Dogwood Tavern
• Pho Sate
Sandwich
• Banh Mi Oi
• Lazy Mike’s • Godfrey’s
• Harvey’s • Ireland’s Four Provinces
Gluten-Free Menu
• One1ea Taiwanese Cafe & Tea House
• Happy Tart • Harvey’s
• The Falls • Lazy Mike’s Professional Services
• Point of View
• Centurion Strategies
• Sunstone Counseling
• Bodies in Motion
• Glass House Recycling
• Truist • PNC
• John Marshall
Doctor
• Point of View
• Capital Area Pediatrics
• Northern Virginia Pediatrics
• PMA Health
• Ji Eun Paik
Dentist
• Growing Smiles of Northern Virginia
• Dr. Peterson Huang
• Drs. Love & Miller
• LP Dental
• William Dougherty
Retirement Community
• Verso Founders Row
• Vinson Hall
• Sunrise
• The Kensington
• Goodwin House
Home Improvement
• Backyard Builders
• House Doctor Dry Cleaners
• Hillwood Cleaners
• Spectrum Cleaners
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OLD FALLS CHURCH: SCHOOL DAYS Part II
by Ted White Falls Church News-Press
Falls Church was a very different place when I was going to school here. I started public school in 1944. At that time Falls Church was not yet a city and was in fact very rural in character. I lived next door to a cattle farm and an apple orchard that boasted scores of trees, and the street in front of my house was unpaved, a pair of ruts with grass growing between them until the next block was developed in 1940, and it became an unpaved road that was graded. There were large areas of woods in three directions from my house and we kids had our “secret” trails and forts in those woods.
When Falls Church became a city, the schools were divided between the new city and Fairfax County. The City got Madison and Oak Street elementary schools, plus the Jefferson Institute, but the county got Falls Church High (then still located within the city limits on S. Cherry
St. and Hillwood Ave). So the City needed a new high school. There being no land for it in Falls Church, the City had to use land just outside city limits, on the city’s western edge, for the new George Mason Junior-Senior High School.
I lived (as I still do) on the city’s eastern edge, at least two miles from the new high school. That was a stiff commute on a bicycle, and worse walking. But the City then offered no school buses. Some years there was a discount for students on the bus that ran along Broad St (then part of a private line of commercial buses that served this area). Otherwise....
I had been biking all around Falls Church, but I was tired of pushing my bike up the many hills, and when I was 14 I got a motor scooter. There weren’t many choices then, when it came to motor scooters. The only brand I was initially aware of was Cushman. Cushman made two styles of scooters: One was conventional, and the other, the Cushman Eagle, looked like a
scaled-down motorcycle, with the gas tank between one’s legs. So I got a standard Cushman (used). It was a stodgy scooter, but beat bicycling.
But in time I discovered the Salsbury scooter. It had been a post-World-War-Two product, produced between 1947 (when scooters looked like they might be big, sales-wise) and 1950. It was built by Northrup Aviation.
The Salsbury was revolutionary then (and still is). It was torpedo-shaped, very streamlined, with brake and gas pedals on its floor (no handlebar controls), a speedometer, a headlight, and an automatic (variable-ratio) transmission. It was superbly balanced and could easily be ridden nohands for blocks on end. And the rear section (behind the seat) was several feet long, with side bumpers, so it was easy to carry one passenger (or even two), their feet on the side bumpers.
I could get to school much more easily on a scooter, albeit in all sorts of weather, including rain and sleet or snow. And on some days I had one or even two passengers – friends I picked up along the way.
But one day, as I was approaching the school, I was stopped a
half block away by a teacher, a Mr. Snodgrass, who taught math (but never to me, for which I was then grateful). He was not popular with most students, and known to be ill-tempered and punctilious. On this occasion he ordered my passengers off my scooter and upbraided me for my carelessness in transporting them. He threatened to get a “safety engineer” (by which he meant a traffic cop) to arrest or at least ticket me. It did no good to protest that I’d been acting safely, knew what I was doing,
and was not being careless. He knew better.
Several years after I graduated George Mason, Mr. Snodgrass was in the drug store in what is now Broaddale Center, hanging out at the soda fountain with the then-chief of police of Falls Church. The chief decided to demonstrate a “quick draw” of his service weapon from its holster. He accidentally shot and killed Mr. Snodgrass then and there. He subsequently resigned his position with the police department.
Pictured is a 1947 Salsbury motor scooter. (Photo: Stock)
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Send your resume to ngatz@fcnp.com to learn more and apply today.
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Cult Century, Part 9: The Case for ‘Superman’
Nicholas F. Benton
A “right wing media meltdown” has resulted from the fact that director James Gunn’s claim that his latest Superman, in theaters now, is portrayed as a “nice guy.”
So asserts blogger Parker Molloy. “They’re literally angry at him for being nice,” she points out.
Can’t argue with that. Here’s some of what she cites as evidence: “Fox News immediately branded the film ‘Superwoke.’ Jesse Watters suggested Superman’s cape should read “MS13.” Breitbart called it ‘terrible,’ ‘superficial,’ and ‘overstuffed’ — which is impressive considering they hadn’t seen it yet. One OutKick writer declared that Gunn was ‘obviously upset that President Donald Trump is deporting illegal immigrants by the millions.’”
She added, “Fox News didn’t just report on Gunn’s comments; they created an entire narrative. ‘Superwoke’ became their branded shorthand, repeated across segments like a mantra. Kellyanne Conway appeared on the network to declare, “We don’t go to the movie theater to be lectured to and to have somebody throw their ideology onto us.” Because apparently, suggesting people should be kind is now ‘ideology.’”
Well, Superman is nice in the movie, take it from me. Aside from the fact the movie is just another example of what modern day Americans seem to have a bottomless appetite for, movies rated for their whiz-bang special effects over quality of acting or story lines, I thought it was a good film.
It’s a rare case of a hero actually being a good guy in more than just the superficial way that sports announcers claim for star athletes. Superman in this movie is self-conscious as being an immigrant, albeit from another planet, and of the challenges that alone presents for him. There is a soliloquy where he laments this and hopes the real Earthlings will discover that despite being an immigrant, he’s just a person with a person’s needs and aspirations, just like they are. He is not into killing people, even his arch enemy, and he
has a super-cute, super-loyal superdog who plays a big role, as well. He (Superman, played aptly by David Cornswet) just wants everybody to get along but must temper the impact of evil intentions by others in hopes of bettering the chances for that. He’s up against a conspiracy that smacks a lot like what our current federal government is engaged in. The role of his prime adversary, played by Nicholas Hoult, reminds one of Elon Musk or any number of people orbiting around Trump.
Maybe the right wing’s loud complaints are aimed at distracting attention from the Trumpian machinations the film portrays, much like the film Stonewall, about the uprising from which the modern LGBTQ+ movement arose, was attacked from within the gay world for not having enough Third World representation in the rebels when that was a distraction from the damning role a crossdressing J. Edgar Hoover character is assigned in it. There is no doubt that an aversion to “nice” and “kindness” are big features of the MAGA world, in conjunction with the promotion of hyper-masculinity that is a definite aspect of our culture now. Some of us who have seen this show before are aware of how those fearing a true democracy use divide and conquer tactics and smoke screens, as well as promoting the kind of hypermasculinity that will not question going to war at any point.
In the seminal 1970s, along with the proliferation of cults that had one or another reason for denying reason and objective facts, there was the “human potential” movement that was welcomed by corporate leaders right into the workplaces of millions.
This particularly nasty operation saw countless cases of practitioners being brought into the workplace to operate abbreviated brainwashing tactics involving sensory deprivation and lack of sleep and revealing painful personal secrets to others in the name of “ego-stripping,” as it was usually called.
But there was another more important objective, which was empathy-stripping. People were urged to break the bonds of moral and emotional ties with others they cared about and thereby felt an obligation toward. It was love out the window, replaced by selfish self-interest.
Corporate America thought this would make its workforce willing to work for less with grandma kicked to the curb.
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
Hard to believe, but summer already is half over. That’s traditional summer, the summer we spend on vacation, at swimming pools, picnics, and casual fun outings, not astronomical summer that began with the summer solstice in June and lasts until September 22, well into the school year these days. One popular summer activity that still has plenty of opportunities is the free summer entertainment series offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority in every magisterial district. My favorite, as readers may know, is Spotlight by Starlight at Mason District Park (6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale). I confess that I am particularly biased about these park concerts, probably because I was part of the community group that created the concert series back in the late 1980s. Although summer weather can be “iffy” for outdoor events, only one concert has been cancelled so far because of weather, and it didn’t rain that evening. The forecasts were wrong!
Upcoming concerts include Cathy and Marcy’s Old Time Coalition, featuring Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, long-time popular Grammy winners whose focus is Appalachian Roots and Branches music, on Friday, July 18. The Falls Church Concert Band follows on Sunday,
Juily 20, and another large group, the NOVA Symphony Orchestra, will perform on Friday, July 25. Then we will welcome Project Locrea (from LOve and CREAtivity) inspired by folk music of different countries on Sunday, July 27. Moving into August, The British Invasion Years will play music from the Beatles to The Beach Boys on Friday, August 1, followed by the rockabilly sounds of The Grandsons on Sunday, August 3. Ocho de Bastos plays Latin Pop on Friday, August 8, and the Eric Scott Trio, an 18-time WAMMIE winner will appear on Sunday, August 10. The concert series starts winding down with King Teddy, an upbeat fivepiece combo, on Friday, August 15, and the final concert features Justin Trawick and the Common Good, an Americana band, on Sunday, August 17.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and usually last an hour, so you can get home while it’s still light out. The Newton Edwards Amphitheater features bench seating, but many attendees bring lawn chairs to sit on the hillside. Wheelchairs can be accommodated on a large accessible platform overlooking the venue. Children’s concerts are presented on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. International Cultural
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of July 7 - 13, 2025
Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Park Ave, Jul 7, 7:37 a.m., a white male, 59, of Elkridge, MD, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.
Fraud – False Pretenses, Park Ave, Jul 7, 11:00 a.m., victim reported receiving phone call from an unknown suspect claiming the victim’s daughter had been kidnapped and demanded ransom money for her safe release. The victim sent money and later learned that it was a scam.
Simple Assault, Timber Ln, Jul 7, 6:52 p.m., victim reported they were assaulted by an identified suspect.
Failure to Return Vehicle, W Broad St, Jul 8, 11:07 a.m., victim reported that a known suspect failed to return a rental vehicle, a blue 2018 Honda Civic, after multiple requests to do so.
Larceny from Building, Wilson Blvd, Jul 9, 2:41 p.m., an unknown suspect stole the victim’s purse from behind a counter. The suspect is described as a white female between the ages of 35 to 45 years of age, approximately 5’5” to 5’7” in height, weighing approximately 160 to 170 lbs, with wavy hair in a bun style, with a fair skin tone, brown eyes, wearing a white t-shirt over a black dress.
Destruction of Property/Larceny from Vehicle, Wilson Blvd, Jul 10, 5:10 p.m., an unknown suspect broke the window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a wallet containing cash they had just withdrawn from the ATM. The unknown suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’9” to 6’0” in height, heavy set, wearing a dark blue shirt, grey shorts, and a darkcolored baseball-style hat.
Destruction of Property, W Broad St, Jul 12, between 12:00 a.m. and 6:55 a.m., an unknown suspect broke windows of multiple businesses and vehicles in the area. Investigation is ongoing.
Heritage Nights, featuring music and dance from around the world, begin at 7:30 on Saturday evenings at Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive in Annandale, across from Annandale High School. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the grass. A children’s playground is adjacent to the performing site. A full schedule for all Park Authority concerts can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances/ The website also has information about how you can support the summer concerts with a tax-deductible donation.
This is an especially precarious time for the arts, which traditionally have struggled for funding, venues, and audiences. The arts are under attack by the Trump Administration, which is attempting to demonize and erase the diversity, equity and inclusion that have been the hallmarks of a welcoming American nation. Never mind that art – the live arts like music and dance, visual arts like painting, photography, and architecture, theatrical arts like drama and comedy – transcends language and culture, and can appeal to everyone, young or old. Government support for the arts and artists is beneficial, but support for the arts should not translate into control of the arts. In our democratic society, the arts must be broad, not narrow, giving everyone an opportunity to figure out for themselves what they may like or enjoy. It’s a lifetime adventure, one that can continue with Spotlight by Starlight this week. See you at the park!
No Valid Operator’s License, S West St, Jul 12, 6:09 p.m., a white female, 35, of Fairfax County, was arrested for No Valid Operator’s License.
Public Intoxication, S Washington St/E Annandale Rd, Jul 13, 2:37 p.m., a black male, 41, of Burke, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
In Memoriam: William Lanier
William Forrest Lanier, 94, died peacefully on June 28 in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
After serving in the U.S. Army as a supply clerk during the Korean War, he attended American University, where he earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He held positions at both American University and George Washington University before becoming Director of the University of Virginia Continuing Education Center. He later served as Director of the FBI Graduate Academy at Quantico Marine Base, a position from which he eventually retired.
In 1956, Bill married Norma Proctor. The couple lived in his family home where they raised their three children. A passionate coach, Bill volunteered for numerous youth softball, baseball, and
basketball teams and remained a devoted father throughout his life.
In 2003, Bill and Norma retired to the Lake of the Woods community in Locust Grove, Virginia. Their commitment to family remained strong, and they could often be found cheering from the sidelines at their grandchildren’s games, performances, and concerts. Bill found the greatest joy when his home was full of laughter and conversation from his children, grandchildren, and friends.
He will be remembered as a loving and steady presence—someone who demonstrated his devotion through quiet diligence and unwavering support. He was a generous and kind husband, father, and grandfather.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Norma in 2019. He is survived by his children, Beth, Todd, and Chris, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many who will miss his warmth and stories.
A memorial service will be held at Falls Church Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 26 at 1:00 p.m., with interment of both Bill and Norma’s ashes to follow at 3:00 p.m. at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s “Spring Arbor ALZ Aboard” Team at www.WalkToEndALZ.org.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, July 17
Falls Church Fiber Artists Drop-In
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library
Storytime at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Air & Space Museum Annex, Chantilly, VA
Summer Storytime (Ages 2–4)
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library
Human Services Advisory Council Meeting
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall, Dogwood Room
Founders Groove: Live Music
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Founders Row Plaza Live music outdoors at Founders Row.
Films in the Park: Trolls Band Together
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Strawberry Park, Mosaic District
Chill + Stretch Yoga with VIVRI
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Mosaic District
John Lewis Day of Action
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: East Falls Church Metro
Old-Time Music & Dance Party
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Strathmore, North Bethesda Environmental Sustainability Council Meeting
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall, Council Chambers
Films in the Park @ Mosaic
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mosaic District Park
Kyle Rising
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jammin’ Java
Kiti Gartner and the Drifting Valentines
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA
Friday, July 18
Challenges of the Summer Garden (Online)
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Online (RSVP required)
Ukulele Baby Lap Time
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library
Used Book Sale (Preview)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library, Upper Level
Live Music at Solace Outpost
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Solace Outpost, Falls Church
Sally Jo
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Jammin’ Java Live music performance.
Moana 2 – Films at the Stone
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, National Mall
Saturday, July 19
Falls Church Farmers Market
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave
AKP Sports Academy Basketball Camp
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Providence Rec Center
Used Book Sale
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library, Upper Level
Dan + Claudia Zanes
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Barns
David Sedaris
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Filene Center
James & Lisa Sparks
Time: Evening
Location: Jammin’ Java
Sunday, July 20
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day!
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Lil City Creamery & Lazy Mike’s
Used Book Sale Continues
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library Ongoing book sale.
All Aboard! (Preschool Ages 2–4)
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library, Lower Level
Tots and Twos
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA Story and song time for toddlers and caregivers.
Mocktail Hour (Adults)
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library Refreshingly alcohol-free social event.
Family Sunday at One More Page Books
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: One More Page Books, Arlington
Monday, July 21
Used Book Sale – Final Day
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mary Riley Styles Library
Tuesday, July 22
Live Music on the Plaza: Acoustic Tuesdays
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Founders Row Plaza
Sailing: Yacht Rock Cabaret
Time: Evening (ongoing)
Location: Signature Theatre
Musical production featuring smooth sailing hits.
Wednesday, July 23
Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Strathmore, North Bethesda Lively afrofunk music performance.
