August 20 - 26, 2015
Fa lls Chur c h, V i r g i ni a • ww w. fc np. c om • Fr ee
Fou n d ed 1991 • Vol. XXV No. 26
Falls Church • Tysons Corner • Merrifield • McLean • North Arlington • Bailey’s Crossroads
Inside This Week F.C. Has Lowest Credit Card Debt in Virginia
Residents of Falls Church ranked most fiscally responsible with their plastic in Virginia and 13th in the nation, according to a new study that measured credit card debt against income and wealth. See page 10
$37K in House Fire Damage in Pimmit Hills A fire in the Pimmit Hills section of the greater Falls Church area last Saturday afternoon caused an estimated $37,500 in damage to a single-family townhouse, the Fairfax County Fire Department reported. Investigators have ruled the fire as accidental.
Developer Todd Hitt’s Commitment To Falls Church Knows No Limits B ack in A ction
Harris Teeter, Broad & Washington Plans Only the Beginning by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
tion which continues to operate as the Independence Square, a twostory office condo complex that is home to an assemblage of small hair dresser, doctor and insurance offices, among others. The sale involved the first effort by the City to get into the development business, itself, by purchasing two parcels of land and then selling them to developer who was committed to the City’s desire for the low-density approach. This is according to the
In addition to what he’s already done and announced he wants to do, at least three new projects in Falls Church are in the planning mind of Todd Hitt, the Northern Virginia native and energetic real estate visionary. Hitt, the principle force behind two major mixed use projects within blocks of each other in Falls Church’s center city – the Harris Teeter building now well under construction in the 300 block of W. Broad and the proposed major development on 2.3 acres reportedly to include a Whole Foods superstore on the southeast corner of Broad and Washington – has still more in store for the Little City. He has the Stratford Hotel property under contract, located directly across the street from the Harris Teeter project, wants to help with an expansion of the State Theatre, now a live music venue located adjacent the BroadWashington property, and talks of the merits of a downtown walking mall somewhere nearby. Be assured that there will be more, too, because he has impressed us as having a genuine liking for Falls Church, due partly because it was a childhood stomping ground for him, partly because of the high regard he holds for City staff and officials, and partly because the demographics and other factors of the City that make it prime turf for development success. Hitt, who graduated from nearby Yorktown High School in N. Arlington, used to be all over Falls
Continued on Page 4
Continued on Page 5
See News Briefs, page 9
Paul Krugman: Republicans Against Retirement
Something strange is happening in the Republican primary – something strange, that is, besides the Trump phenomenon. See page 14
Press Pass with Joe Louis Walker
Blues guitarist Joe Louis Walker has a firm understanding of the difference between pop prosperity and musical talent, and short-term and long-term success in the music industry. See page 21
GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL’s star senior running back D’Montae Noble breaks a run against Brentsville High School’s defense during the Mustangs’ scrimmage against the Tigers last Friday, Aug. 14, in Falls Church. (Photo: Gary Mester)
How 1980s Anti-Development Bias Constrained Falls Church’s Growth by Nicholas F. Benton
Falls Church News-Press
Index Editorial..................6 Letters.............. 6, 11 News & Notes.12-13 Comment........14-17 Business News....18 Food & Dining......19
Calendar.........22-23 Classified Ads .....24 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword...........25 Critter Corner.......26
Longtime Northern Virginia Real Estate developer Ross W. Keith died at age 86 after a lengthy illness at his home last week, and among other things the occasion spurred recollections in Falls Church of Keith’s central role in the 1970s development at the City’s central intersection where Routes 29 (Washington St.) and 7 (Broad St.) cross. As Falls Church is now about to consider a massive
new mixed use development on 3.6 acres at the same intersection, just across the street on property that is now the Robertson Building, the story of how the low-density twostory Independence Square that Keith purchased and developed has resurfaced in the context of Keith’s passing. In 1978, after years of discussion and debate in the City, Keith won the bid to purchase 1.68 acres of land the City of Falls Church had acquired at the southeast corner of the intersec-
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED GREENSVILLE COUNTY POWER STATION AND RELATED TRANSMISSION FACILITIES PURSUANT TO §§ 56-580 D, 56-265.2, AND 56-46.1 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER GV, PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1 A 6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUE-2015-00075 On July 1, 2015, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Virginia Power (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application and supporting documents (collectively, the “Application”) for approval of electric generation and related transmission facilities (collectively, the “Project”) and for approval of a rate adjustment clause (“RAC”). County Landfill & Dominion seeks approval of these related requests under various sections of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Pursuant to §§ 56-580 D and 56-46.1 of the Code and the Commission’s Filing Requirements in Support of Applications for Authority to Construct and Operate an Electric Generating Facility, the Company seeks a certificate of public convenience and necessity as well as approval to construct and operate the Greensville County Power Station, an approximately 1,588 megawatt (nominal) natural gas-fired combined-cycle electric generating facility in Greensville County, Virginia. Pursuant to §§ 56-265.2 and 56-46.1 of the Code, Dominion seeks a separate certificate of public convenience and necessity and approval to construct new 500 kilovolt (“kV”) transmission lines, a new switching station, and associated # Proposed facilities in Brunswick and Greensville Counties, Virginia (collectively, the “TransSwitching Station mission Interconnection Facilities”). Finally, pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code and the Commission’s Rules Governing Utility Rate Applications and Annual Informational Filings, Dominion seeks approval of a RAC, designated Rider GV, for the recovery of Project costs. Dominion proposes to build the Greensville County Power Station on an approximately 1,143-acre site located in Greensville County, Virginia. According to the Application, the Greensville County Power Station will be fueled by natural LEGEND PROPOSED GREENSVILLE gas provided by the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Transco”). X X X DOUBLE CIRCUIT 500 KV ! ! ! INTERCONNECTION ELECTRIC The Company indicates that the Greensville County Power Station also will have TRANSMISSION LINE # direct access to another interstate pipeline, the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which is scheduled to commence service in 2018. The Company states that its firm transportation arrangements with Transco will allow the Greensville County Power Station to access four interstate pipelines, thereby enabling access to natural gas supplies from locations ranging from the Gulf Coast to the Marcellus development region. Dominion also proposes to construct the Transmission Interconnection Facilities in connection with the Project. Specifically, the Company proposes to construct: (1) a 500 kV six-breaker Rogers Road Switching Station, to be located on the Greensville County Power Station site; (2) a single-circuit 500 kV transmission line to be designated as the Greensville-Rogers Road Line #596, which will be approximately 0.2 mile long and located entirely on the Greensville County Power Station site, connecting the generating plant with the Rogers Road Switching Station; and (3) a tap of the 500 kV Carson-Heritage Line #585 at a point in Greensville County (“Line #585 Junction”) approximately 5.0 miles east of Heritage Switching Station. The tap consists of two parallel 500 kV single circuit transmission lines, approximately 0.9 mile long, that connect Line #585 Junction to the proposed Rogers Switching Station (“Tap Loop”). The Company also proposes to uprate its existing 500 kV Carson-Rawlings Line #511. This uprate of existing Line #511 is expected to include raising approximately ten of its galvanized steel lattice line towers to increase ground clearance. Proposed Route of the Tap Loop The proposed route begins at the Rogers Road Switching Station located within the Company-owned site of the proposed Greensville County Power Station. The route continues northward approximately 0.8 mile to connect to existing 500 kV Carson-Heritage Line #585. The route continues an additional 0.1 mile to connect again to existing 500 kV Carson-Heritage Line #585. All distances and directions are approximate. A sketch map of the proposed routes accompanies this notice. A more detailed map of the proposed routes may be viewed on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/pue/elec/transline.aspx. The Commission may consider routes not significantly different from the routes described in this notice without additional notice to the public. As estimated by the Company, the total projected cost of the Project is $1.33 billion, excluding financing costs. Dominion seeks to recover, through rates proposed to be effective beginning April 1, 2016, an annual revenue requirement of approximately $41,643,000 in projected financing costs and allowance for funds used during construction of the Project. Implementation of the proposed RAC, Rider GV, if approved by the Commission, would increase the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity by $0.75. The Company states that it will seek adjustments of surcharge recoveries for any over- or under-recovery of costs associated with the Project in subsequent Rider GV proceedings. In calculating Rider GV’s proposed revenue requirement of approximately $41,643,000, Dominion uses the Company’s 10.0% general rate of return on common equity (“ROE”) determined by the Commission in Dominion’s 2013 biennial review proceeding, Case No. PUE-2013-00020. The Company further notes that any change in the general ROE and resulting Rider GV revenue requirement associated with the Company’s pending 2015 biennial review proceeding can be addressed in future Rider GV true-ups. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on January 12, 2016, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s Second Floor Courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff. The public version of the Company’s Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Resources Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. Copies of the public version of the Application and documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center, located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing, on or before October 8, 2015, a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also shall be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUE-2015-00075. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any interested person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. On or before November 5, 2015, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUE-2015-00075. On or before January 5, 2016, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file written comments on the Application with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before January 5, 2016, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUE-2015-00075. The Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained by the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 3
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
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LO CA L
PAGE 4 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
F.C.’s Independence Square Was Anti-Development Win Continued from Page 1
news clip archives of Falls Church architect Paul Barkley (who earlier this month made News-Press headlines with his documentation of the early mid-1980s history of Fairfax County efforts to get control of the Falls Church water system). The anti-density prejudices of the Falls Church City government were well entrenched by the 1960s (the City became an inde-
pendent jurisdiction in the late 1940s). There were two important incidents that established this bias. The first was the effort to cause fledgling Metro system to abandon its plans to extend its Orange Line up the W&OD Trail – with a Metro station right at the intersection of Route 7 and the trail in the center of the City). Fears of an invasion of the City from criminal elements
pouring out of the blighted areas of Washington D.C. were inflamed to fuel the movement to keep Metro out of the City, despite the enormous economic development potential a Metro station would bring, as came to pass at all the Metro station stops in Arlington. The City’s second anti-development move was the rejection of the Falls Church Bank plans to build a 10-story on land where it had occupied an old stone phone company building that stood where the Ireland’s Four Provinces restaurant is now. The bank submitted its plans in April 1968, and citizens raised such a howl that within a month it withdrew the plans, and instead was given a sweetheart deal by Fairfax County to construct, as the First Virginia Bank, two 10-story giant box office buildings in the Seven Corners area of the county. The bitterness that attended that development led some at
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the bank to take pleasure in the idea that the new twin buildings project would cast a long shadow over the City of Falls Church across the street from it. A rival developer who owned an office building near the Washington-Broad intersection wound up acquiring the former bank property at the crossroads intersection, and built the office complex where the Ireland’s Four Provinces now operates, done in a series of deals with the City that determined its architecture (reminding many of a prison) and a central square with a fountain intended to be a central city gathering place. Once constructed, the fountain soon became dysfunctional as its key artistic elements, a half dozen readily breakable six-foot forms that were aptly described as “bread sticks” were quickly stolen or broken. The Independence Square plan, mapped out by Paul Barkley’s architectural firm, was an intermediate alternative among four plans that were submitted, one allowing for construction of up to four stories with underground parking at one extreme, and another calling for
a City park with no development, at the other. The biggest controversy surrounded the City’s role in the purchase and sale of property for economic development purposes. Later, in the 1990s, the City established the Economic Development Authority which took the lead role in the purchase of a vacant parcel in the 300 block of W. Broad known at the time as the Podolnick Property. Located next to the old U.S. Post Office building, that property was part of what was rolled into the land purchased by the Rushmark Company that is now the mixed-use project anchored by a Harris Teeter grocery. In 1978, the City sold the 1.68-acre property it assembled for Independence Square for $320,000 to Ross Keith, who for years kept his real estate office adjacent the site where the Red, White and Bleu wine shop and Perfect Ending hair dressers currently operate. Keith built Independence Square and subsequently sold all of its office condo units. The mayor of Falls Church at the time of the transaction was Hal Miller, Carol deLong was the vice mayor and Harry Wells was the city manager.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
LO CA L
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 5
Developer Todd Hitt Has a Lot He Wants to Do in F.C.
Continued from Page 1
Church, buying sandwiches at what was then the only Subway store in the area, and sitting in the balcony at the historic State Theatre for the premier of the first “Star Wars” and many other films. A Parade All-American in soccer at Yorktown, he played the sport for the University of Virginia before graduating in 1987 and getting into the family business in this area. Officially, he is the chief executive officer of Kiddar Group Holdings, Inc., an investment firm specializing in business acquisition and management, real estate acquisition and development, real estate brokerage and hotel and resort investment management with projects in Denver, Miami, Puerto Rico and more, and he works from a new office building named for him in Fairview Park. But more generally, “I am a deal maker and visionary,” he told the News-Press in an exclusive interview at that building this week. The News-Press wanted to get his story because of quotes he made of his special commitment
to Falls Church made in press releases when he announced the plans that are already underway. High profile public involvements are unfamiliar to him, and he almost never has to sit through lengthy City Hall meetings and hearings, tasks that he leaves to the “execution teams” he partners with to get his projects actually on the ground and built. In the case of the Harris Teeter project, for example, that “execution team” is Rushmark, the name that is most often used with the project, while his family’s construction company, Hitt Construction, is actually building it. His partner on the Broad-Washington project is Rick Hausler’s Insight Properties. But with Todd Hitt’s visionary role, he said, “I follow my heart. I want to know I can make an impact. That’s my philosophy. I don’t just chase the dollar.” An advantage with that is his company’s ability to use its own cash, rather than having to secure a loan from a bank. Because of this, he said, “There is no outside pressure, and we can be flexible and look to the long term. We’re not a pinch hitter for someone
else’s money. We are doers.” The Hitt family’s real estate operations began with his grandfather in 1937 and Todd’s father and brother are in the construction business, while he remains on the “venture capital” side of the industry. He said he looks for areas that include the right demographics, where the land and the product can work, and a political environment exists that can make it work, not in chasing the dollar, but in increasing the value for everyone. “All of these elements come together in Falls Church,” he said. “That’s what I love about Falls Church.” “There is good management, a city manager (Wyatt Shields—ed.) with strong business skills, a director of planning (Jim Snyder—ed.) with a very good reputation, who is very straight-forward, is creative and who really cares,” he said. “Also, the City Council members are smart, fair minded and really care about Falls Church.” “I want to help to Falls Church grow,” he said, “to be a good private business partner.” He praised the City’s “authenticity factor.” He still has two years to decide
what to do with the Stratford property, and muses about the merits of a pedestrian mall, where people can congregate and a farmer’s market and other features could be located. With all this, he praises the role of restaurants like Clare and Don’s Beach Shack and Argia’s on N. Washington, adjacent to where the Whole Foods project is slated to go. Business like them, and La Caraquena restaurant, Spacebar, Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae and others, he hopes to be included in future plans. Hitt said he’s been impressed by how well the City made out in the water sale deal with Fairfax County, although he does not plan to respond to the City’s request for proposal on the 38 acres of school land at the west end of the City. Falls Church “negotiated a real good deal that came out well for them,” he said. It makes sense to use eight to ten acres for economic development by the West Falls Church Metro station, he added. “and they will get it.” “I want to focus on the other end of the City,” he added, to
make the State Theater the anchor of the area he’s interested in. The State’s owner, Tom Carter, “has done a fantastic job and he cares,” he said. “I want to help them expand economically and continue to grow.” Similarly with Clare and Don’s and Argia’s, right by where he wants to build, “I am concerned to avoid negative consequences for them of the construction process, but I want especially for them to have a positive impact from my project when we’re done building it. I want to help them expand.” Overall, in Hitt’s opinion Falls Church’s City Hall staff is superior. “They’ve been one of the smarter governments I know. They’ve got to be in first place. In the period since the financial crisis, they’ve had a lot to handle, including the water issue, the falling apart of a big downtown development plan that had been approved, and ongoing financial pressures.” “They’ve excelled in business management, and have done excellently through trying times. They’ve done a very good job. They get an A.”
PAGE 6 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
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Vol. XXV, No. 26 August 20 - 26, 2015 • 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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T� C������ ��� N���-P���� �����: 703-532-3267 ���: 703-342-0347 �����: ���������.��� ������� ����������� ��������.��� ���������� ��� �������������.��� ������� �� ��� ������ ������������.��� ������������� ������������ � �������� �������������.��� WWW.FCNP.COM The Falls Church News-Press is published weekly on Thursdays and is distributed free of charge throughout the City of Falls Church and the Greater Falls Church area. Offices are at 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046. Reproduction of this publication in whole or part is prohibited except with the written permission of the publisher. ©2015 Benton Communications Inc. The News-Press is printed on recycled paper.
E D I TO R I A L
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When F.C. Was Anti-Development
The front page article in this edition of the News-Press, drafted on the occasion of the death last week of real estate developer Ross Keith, tells the story of earlier days in the history of the City of Falls Church when the forces in control of the City were explicitly anti-development and squandering development opportunities left and right. The Independence Square was a case in point. Keith won the bid from the City in 1978 to buy the 1.68 acre site on the proviso that he carry out the City’s wishes, which were to build low-density two story office condominiums while leaving plenty of space for surface-level parking. There was a considerable sentiment in the City to leave the property completely undeveloped and turn it into a park, and for show, there was also an option for a four-story office project with underground parking. The City Council sold the Independence Square plan as a compromise between the two extremes. There were plenty of people around then who encouraged the low density, anti-development approach because they knew that would contribute to a gradual fiscal squeezing of the City, making its continued existence as an independent city nonviable. They hoped to fuel a popular movement to abandon its independence in favor of control by either Fairfax or Arlington county. Why would outside forces want the City of Falls Church to fail? Because they held the political power strings in the adjacent counties and wanted them extended to the City, where a whole set of local government and elected officials were always by definition out of their control. So, such outside forces aided and abetted efforts of anti-development citizens and citizen groups in the City to kill new sources of revenue being sought to buoy the independent jurisdiction’s viability. But there was a divide in the City also contributing to this process between those who thought the City’s resources should be aimed solely at the schools, and those, such as leaders of the Chamber of Commerce, who fought for tax cuts for businesses without regard for how they would impact the schools. The News-Press, now in its 25th year, came on the scene in March 1991 and relentlessly advocated editorially for a different approach, for bringing the schools and businesses together behind the common theme that economic development provided the revenues to maintain the schools. Businesses had to support the schools’ needs, and vice-versa. When our owner-editor became president of the Chamber, the ground for this new approach was established, and behold, it came to pass when the Chamber went on record in favor of full funding of a school budget in 1994. The rest is, as they say, history.
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F.C. Has Not Made Case For Mt. Daniel Expansion Editor, The opposition to the proposed expansion of Mt. Daniel Elementary School has important aspects that have not been properly discussed in the NewsPress. It should not be a surprise if the expansion is denied because the City has not made a legally sufficient case for it. I am not sure the residents of the City realize that if the land was now vacant, Fairfax County would
not authorize the construction of the existing school. The first expansion should have also been denied. Oak Street can be, and has been, a one lane street for months during the school year with leaf piles and snow piles obstructing the pavement which is a safety issue without a solution. Aside from that safety issue no one has ever answered the
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question of why the residents of Oak Street in Fairfax County should bear the noise and dirt of construction and the traffic of heavy construction equipment that starts before 6 a.m so the City can avoid foisting those problems on its voters. The only reason the first expansion was done was because the residents of Falls Church objected to having to endure the noise and dirt of construction when it was proposed for the old Madison School site. The City took the easy way out and stuck us with those problems. We should not get stuck again. Gayle B. Matthews Falls Church
Hollywood Stuart Alumni Concern is Faux Righteousness Editor, The names Julianne Moore and Bruce Cohen offend me. Julianne Moore and Bruce Cohen are now jumping on the “Politically Correctness Bandwagon” to change the name of the school, both attending J.E.B. Stuart High School in 1970s. Where have they been the last 35+ years? Did they just remember the
Letters Continued on Page 11
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Few question the need to increase Falls Church City’s revenue, but there is little consensus on how to do so. Should Spectrum’s Mason Row be approved? Should the City wait to see the impact of the properties currently under construction first? Should the City weigh all of the new development options on the horizon together and select the best options? Why can’t the new development projects be all commercial and smaller in scale? Everyone – residents, business owners, decision makers – all seem to agree that what Falls Church needs is “smart growth.” Unfortunately, there seem to be a number of interpretations of what smart growth actually means. According to Smart Growth America, “Smart growth means building urban, suburban and rural communities with housing and transportation choices near jobs, shops and schools. This approach supports local economies and protects the environment.” Further, “smart growth creates neighborhoods with schools and shops nearby and low-cost ways to get around for all our citizens.” On the surface, it would seem that all of the projects under construction and consideration fall into the “smart growth” category. But what is missing from the above definition, is the desire for Falls Church to retain its unique nature and sense of community. In addition to its exemplary schools and fascinating history, Falls Church is known
for its small independently owned businesses. The commercial areas are quirky to be sure, but many are also run down and in need of facelifts, if not redevelopment. How are residents, business owners, City staff, board and commissions and City Council members to decide what is best for our Little
“Everyone – residents, business owners, decision makers – all seem to agree that what Falls Church needs is ‘smart growth.’ ” City? Weighing the pros and cons is a start. The Pros New mixed use development… • Generates significant tax revenue for the City. According to a recent report by the City’s EDO, on a per acre basis, mixed use development generates 18 times the tax revenue produced by the properties prior to redevelopment. • Contributes significantly to the City’s public schools capital needs. Current mixed use projects have generated more than $6,481,540 toward the schools capital needs. • Brings new residents who are also potential customers to our locally indepen-
dent businesses, thereby helping them succeed and, if need be, relocate to new space. • Attracts new businesses to the City… new businesses like Mad Fox Brewing Company, Pizzeria Orso, Vantage Fitness, Plaka Grill and ArtSpace Falls Church. • Tends to be greener and is LEED certified. • Makes the City more walkable and bikeable while also adding amenities to support such activities as bike racks and in the case of Mason Row, BikeShare. • Is often more aesthetically attractive than older structures. The Cons • Displaces beloved businesses. This was certainly the case with Anthony’s and potentially with some of my favorite businesses that are located in the area where Mason Row would be built. Thankfully, because they have all had ample notice, most have plans or are planning to relocate in the City if the project is approved. Sadly, there is no space in the City to relocate City Sunoco but thankfully, its owner owns and operates Pimmit Hills Sunoco behind the Trader Joes on Leesburg Pike so their excellent service will still be available. • Are usually somewhat taller and can overshadow residences and older commercial structures. Mixed use, however, is what banks are financing and what developers are building. The option to build 100 percent commercial or lower density projects is extremely challenging as land and construc-
tion costs do not make them profitable. • Add to existing traffic. There is no doubt traffic is getting more congested but a more walkable community could ease at least the local traffic. But then, too, the volume of vehicles that simply pass through the City on a regular basis is also constantly increasing and we must still deal with that impact. • May cause an increase in the crime rate. • Changes the unique appearance of Falls Church. Development cycles rise and fall. If these projects are not approved, will development in the near future be jeopardized? Will Falls Church once again miss an opportunity? Is that a good thing? Will real estate taxes have to go up to replace those revenues as City and school expenses increase? Will higher real estate taxes drive out seniors and others who may prefer the lower real estate tax rates of one of our neighboring jurisdictions? The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce has not yet officially reviewed or weighed in on Mason Row’s most recent submission. While the Chamber typically supports projects that bring customers to the business community and increase and diversify the City’s tax base, the organization will weigh the pros and cons and provide feedback it believes is in the best interests of all of our local businesses and the community at large. Sally D. Cole is the executive director of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce.
Q������� �� ��� W��� Do you like what developer Todd Hitt has in store for Falls Church? • Yes • No
Last Week’s Question: Are you surprised by Falls Church School students’ top regional ranking on Virginia SOL tests?
• Don’t know
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417 West Broad Street, Suite 205, Falls Church fallschurchchamber.org • 703-532-1050 Founded in 1947, the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of almost 300 businesses interested in the Falls Church community. The membership is composed of primarily small, independent businesses, in the greater Falls Church area. Led by a 21 person board of directors with 2 part-time staff, the mission of the organization is to promote local business interests in order to foster economic prosperity and civic wellbeing in the greater Falls Church community. The Chamber believes strongly in “Better Business for a Better Falls Church.” How does the Chamber advance its mission? The Chamber provides its members with networking and promotional opportunities to help them create business-to-business relationships and advocates on behalf of the business community on critical business issues. At least three networking events are held each month to help members meet fellow business leaders, clients, vendors, referrals, and local decision makers. The Chamber also provides each of its members a page on its website and the ability to post information, events, special offers, and job opportunities on its site. All of this information is also shared in email announcements each Monday and on the Chamber’s social media. Why do businesses join the Chamber of Commerce?
There are a variety of great reasons to join the Chamber! Some members join for the credibility it adds to their business, some want to get more involved in the community while others join to meet other business professionals and decision makers or for the significant promotional opportunities available through the Chamber’s website, email announcements and social media. What events does the Chamber have coming up?
The Chamber does not host events in August typically but we will be hosting a number of events in September – a Chamber orientation meeting on Tuesday, September 1, a networking breakfast on Thursday, September 10, a Falls Church City Council Candidates luncheon tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, a mixer hosted by Creative Cauldron which will highlight its coming performance schedule on Thursday, September 24, and our Annual Mini-golf Family Fun Night scheduled for Tuesday, September 29. All of our events are open to anyone interested in supporting the local business community – details and registration information are available at www.FallsChurchChamber.org.
The Chamber Spotlight is a paid monthly feature sponsored by the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce.
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NEWS BRIEFS Webb Appointed to Juvenile Justice Committee Falls Church School Board member Lawrence L. Webb has been appointed by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to an Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice, the governor’s office announced Monday. Webb, who is a senior recruiter at Bowie State University, has formerly served a term on the Falls Church City Council.
Republican Show to Remain on FCC-TV A move to take off the air the “Northern Virginia Republican” show produced by Jim Parmelee telecast on over 40 Virginia cable systems, including all in Northern Virginia, has been reversed and the show will remain on the Falls Church Cable TV system, the City’s Republican committee has reported. The decision followed a suggestion by the FCC-TV board chair to remove it until a policy statement on political policy programming can be developed by the board. That led to a mobilization to keep it on the air, said Ken Feltman of the City’s Republican committee, who is also on the FCC-TV board.
Va. Class Sizes Ballooning, Report Says In Prince William County, middle and high school class sizes have ballooned from 21 kids to 30 kids, and there’s been talk there of ending full-day kindergarten, according to a new report from the Richmond-based Commonwealth Institute. Despite a state budget surplus, it reports, in Norfolk, there are school buildings with deteriorating asbestos tiles and windows with cardboard where panes of glass belong. At Longwood University, state funding per in-state student is $3,062 per year below Virginia’s own estimate for how much the state should pay, leaving the school with little choice but to make it up by charging higher tuition. Outside Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement/Yorktown Victory Center had to eliminate its summer teacher’s institute and cut back on educational outreach after state funding was cut over $900,000. Fewer programs mean 15,000 fewer Virginia schoolchildren will learn about the role of Jamestown and Yorktown in the history of Virginia and the nation. These are snapshots of the damage done from years of state budget cuts that have shifted costs onto Virginia’s local communities and families, and which, in too many cases, have resulted in declining schools and public services, the report says.
$37K in House Fire Damage in Pimmit Hills A fire in the Pimmit Hills section of the greater Falls Church area last Saturday afternoon caused an estimated $37,500 to a single-family townhouse at 2125 Dominion Heights Court, the Fairfax County Fire Department reported on its website. Investigators have ruled the fire as accidental with the cause being an electrical converter box placed too close to combustibles, the fire department said on its website. Firefighters confronted smoke and flames from the top floor of the two-story, middle unit, townhouse. Responders from Fairfax County extinguished the fire in 10 minutes. Four occupants of the building were able to escape unharmed, which the fire department credited to smoke detectors alerting the inhabitants before the fire evolved. The fire displaced the occupants, but they are receiving support from the Red Cross, according to the County Fire Department.
Planned Parenthood Endorses Sen. Saslaw Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington Action Fund announced yesterday that it has endorsed Senator Dick Saslaw, who represents the City of Falls Church in the Virginia State Legislature, in his campaign for re-election. “Democratic leader Saslaw has proven his consistent support for Planned Parenthood and their health programs that so many men and women rely upon. After examining his efforts in prior sessions, we have named Senator Saslaw a Women’s Health Champion,” a statement from Planned Parenthood said.
Autism Group Endorses Sen. Favola The Autism Society of Northern Virginia honored State Sen. Barbara Favola, who represents the 31st District of North Arlington and McLean, with its annual Community Builder of the Year Award for co-sponsoring Conner’s Law, legislation recently passed that requires continued support of severely disabled and special needs children over 18. The award was presented at a Wine and Dine for Autism fundraising event this Tuesday at the Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg (see photo on Page 13 of this edition).
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Local Banks Talk Lending Practices by Patricia Leslie
Falls Church News-Press
For first time home buyers, now is the time to “jump in” the housing market before the Federal Reserve hikes its interest rate like it’s been hinting for weeks it’s going to do. Once the Fed raises its rate, it’s only a quick matter of time before many financial institutions follow suit. It’s “better to lock into a lower rate now than in a year from now,” according to Bruce Whitehurst, the president and CEO of the Virginia Bankers Association. Local financial institutions are racing to court qualified buyers who are slowly returning to the market, after the 2008-2009 recession which hit many of them hard, with loss of jobs, confidence, and for homeowners, depressed home values. The unemployment rate is lower than in recession days, and confidence is rising, factors which contribute to an increase in housing sales. “More are employed and able to demonstrate an ability to repay a loan,” Whitehurst said. “I think they have more confidence about the economy.” Brandon Krueger, the regional sales manager for PNC Mortgage in Greater Washington, said “across the industry,” he sees a lot more confidence among lenders and borrowers, too. It’s a “great” market, especially for first time home buyers. “Rates are extremely, extremely competitive” and “it’s a good time for a home buyer to possibly jump into the market.” Dave Skaff is the group vicepresident of the residential mort-
gage department for the MidAtlantic region for M & T Bank. He said the interest rate now is about 4 percent when it was about 3.5 percent and 3.75 percent earlier this year. Now, there is “a very competitive market for borrowers. The interest rate is still extremely low,” and borrowers have “more opportunities” to get a good loan, Whitehurst said. He has not seen any “wild fluctuations in underwriting standards. I don’t really think mortgage requirements have changed,” which other bankers affirmed. Since the Great Recession, federal guidelines established to avoid the recession debacles have not “loosened up,” and although it’s not “easier” now to get a loan, “I will say it’s a more fair environment for consumers,” said Bryan Moran, the Wells Fargo mortgage area sales manager in northern Virginia. Financial reform laws of 2014 “set a level playing field for the entire industry. After the crisis of 2007, 2008, the industry as a whole tightened up which made it hard for consumers,” according to Moran. At the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, Suzie Cook, the director of marketing and business development, said her credit union did make some changes on underwriting “in view of the recession. “Because we know our community so well, and knew something was wrong, we did make some changes so we could get our people in their [new] homes.” Arlington was able to do this and keep its “stellar ratings” without compromising credit union
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BRANDON KRUEGER, regional manager for PNC Mortgage in Greater Washington, said that he sees a lot more confidence among lenders and borrowers across the industry. (Photo: Patricia Leslie/News-Press) principles, because, for one reason, “we are not a cookie cutter lender,” unlike the “big box banks.” Relationships with members and how the credit union can help them are critical to its success. Coming out of the recession, M & T’s Skaff said buyers were “one, nervous,” and “two, upside down” since many homeowners owed more than their homes were worth. Northern Virginia properties have mostly held their values, and have seen appreciated prices, unlike many places in the U.S. The standards banks use to approve loans are not more relaxed than during the peak of the recession, but “today we may make a different decision and not require as much down payment,” said PNC’s Krueger. Borrowers have “a shyness toward taking a risk,” according to Whitehurst.
Once unemployed, and depending upon how long it takes someone to find a new job, “it’s human nature to leverage themselves financially and feel more secure. It’s a natural psychological thing” to resist taking on debt, Whitehurst said, and what’s good for the economy (for consumers to spend) is not so good for consumers (who are better off saving). “It’s a paradox.” He compared the millennials to those who grew up in the Great Depression who were very “debt averse.” Millennials have grown up through the financial crisis and the Great Recession. Wells Fargo offers several mortgage programs for first-timers, including 97 percent financing for a person with a credit rating as low as 600, and it requires no mortgage insurance which increase monthly payments, said
Moran. It also has attractive 100 percent loans for veterans and those in rural areas. “It’s our way of helping first time home buyers,” Moran said. The Arlington credit union has an “80/10/10” program which offers 80 percent financing with 10 percent down and another 10 percent as a second mortgage, all without private mortgage insurance, Cook said. M & T is “very conservative” in its lending practices, said Skaff. “We are diligent in our underwriting” which industry-wide is “back to where it should have been.” But M & T is always seeking borrowers “who are able to qualify and repay the mortgage.” If buyers are thinking about a home purchase, “they should not wait much longer,” Skaff said.
F.C. Residents Hold Least Credit Card Debt Among Virginians by Liz Lizama
Falls Church News-Press
Residents of Falls Church ranked most fiscally responsible with their plastic in Virginia and 13 in the nation, according to a new SmartAsset study that measured credit card debt against income and wealth. With an average income of $59,088 and wealth at $58,462, Falls Church residents racked $3,670 in credit card debt on average. Those numbers yielded a 6.2 percent credit card debt to income ratio and 6.3 percent of wealth. Falls Church scored a 96.38 overall credit card debt index, a
weighted average of those two indices. AJ Smith, managing editor of SmartAsset, said while Falls Church income is high, the second city on the list earned an average income of $28,000 compared to Falls Church’s $59,000. “Residents in both counties did a good job managing debt, regardless of income,” she said. “Fairfax County ranked number five in the state and 79 in the nation despite higher average wealth,” she said, noting that income and wealth did not necessarily demonstrate lower credit card debt in some instances. The study aimed to serve as a reference point for consumers to
evaluate credit card usage. “Your own personal finance situation will depend on what works for you, but this can serve as a jumping off point to get the conversation started,” said Smith. “Some people may look at the average credit card debt of Falls Church and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I had that much credit card debt.’ Others will say, ‘I’d be okay if I had twice as much credit debt.’” Local Ameriprise financial advisor Rebecca Hall said, “It is difficult to generalize what it ‘too much’ debt, since it differs by individual based on income. In general, I think a good rule of
thumb is to have no more than 30 percent of your available credit used at any time.” Hall said the best strategy to pay down debt is to choose one card (usually the highest interest rate or lowest balance) and make extra payments only to that account while paying just the minimum payment on all other debts. When that first card is paid in full, she said consumers should then choose another account and take the monthly payment amount initially put towards the first account and add that towards the minimum monthly payment due on the next card. Again, Hall recommended paying only the minimum on all other accounts while
focusing on aggressively paying off one card. “If you continue to do this, you will see that this results in much faster debt reduction, plus you will have the satisfaction of seeing some balances paid in full,” she said. But before consumers even accrue credit card debt, Hall said the best way to manage credit card debt is to establish a sufficient cash reserve in order to avoid using credit cards as an emergency fund. “Living within your means and having an adequate cash reserve will reduce the likelihood that credit is used to cover everyday or unexpected expenses,” she said.
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TO LETTERS THE EDITOR Continued from Page 6 name of the high school? It begs the question was Julianne really acting in her recent movie “Still Alice?” Let’s not forget all these two highly successful J.E.B. Stuart alumni have done for their alma mater since. Is this the complete list? 1) Act offended by the name of the High School I attended 35+ years ago. I can tell you with near certainty that if Julianne was offered the part of Daisy Duke in the “Dukes of Hazzard” TV show in 1979 you would have seen her sitting on a bright orange Dodge Charger. Both racism and faux righteousness offend me. My Name Is Jeb Stuart, I live with the name every day. And to the students and fellow citizens of Fairfax County, the name of the school is not going to impact your lives. What will is being true to
yourself, learning something new every day, being proud of your heritage, working hard, Helping others, being honest and questioning the motives of the self-righteous politically correct crowd. Jeb Stuart Falls Church
F.C. School Size Increase Because Of Condos, Apartments Editor, If the City of Falls Church has to double the size of its schools, the combined cost of building and operating the schools will send our tax bills sky high. This need must be due to all the condos and apartments that the Council is approving. Perhaps they should change the city’s name from Falls Church to Falls Apart. Stephen Donnelly Falls Church
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Community News & Notes F.C. Students Earn Academic Honors Across the Nation Several students from Falls Church earned academic honors from colleges, universities and other academic institutions across the nation during the spring 2015 semester. Daniel Anderson was named to the dean’s list at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where students must earn at least a 3.0 grade point average with no grades lower than a C to make the list. Matthew Beer was named to the dean’s list at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where students must earn at least a 3.4 grade point average, with no incomplete coursework or grades lower than a C while completing at least 12 credit hours to make the list. Heba Edress was named to the dean’s list at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, where stu-
dents must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average while taking a full-time course load to be named to the list. Takumi Nemec was named to the dean’s list at The Citadel, where students must earn at least a 3.2 grade point average with no grade below a C while completing 12 or more credit hours to make the list. Myron Brewington earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Arjun Chavern earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Elizabeth Anne Crowther graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in global environmental studies from Clark University. Jordon Darrius Washington earned at Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from Washington State University.
Lauer of Devotion to Children Speaks to F.C. Rotary Club
F.C. Community Center to Close For Annual Cleaning
Rosemary Tran Lauer, President of Devotion to Children, spoke on Aug. 6 at the Falls Church Rotary Club’s weekly dinner meeting at Harvest Moon, located at 7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Lauer spoke about her organization, which identifies the needs of working and unemployed families’ access to affordable, quality preschool, daycare, health and educational services unavailable to them without outside assistance and works to fulfill them. The organization was founded in Falls Church in 1994. Also at the meeting, Rotarians Yasmine Bonilla and Glenn Yarborough visiting from the Vienna and McLean chapters of the Rotary Club, respectively. For more information, visit FallsChurchRotary.org.
The Falls Church Community Center will be closed from Monday, Aug. 31 – Saturday, Sept. 5 for annual cleaning, painting and maintenance. Registration staff will be available those days, but there will be no other access to the building. The entire community center will be shut down on Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. The building will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8 for normal business hours and activities. For more information, visit fallschurchva. gov.
ROSEMARY TRAN LAUER, President of Devotion to Children is shown second from right with Falls Church Rotary Club Vice President Erica Brouillette (right) and visiting Rotarians (l to r) Yasmine Bonilla and Glenn Yarborough following her talk last Thursday at the Falls Church Rotary meeting. Devotion to Children was founded in Falls Church in 1994 and helps fulfill the needs of working and unemployed families. (Photo: Courtesy of Diane Hill)
Registration Opens for 11th Annual Run for the Schools Registration is open for the Falls Church Education Foundation’s 11th Annual Run for the Schools 5K /1 mile, which
is slated for Sunday, Sept. 20 with a start time of 8 a.m. at Cherry Hill Park. The event, a fundraiser for the Falls Church Education Foundation, typically attracts Falls Church City’s community and business leaders and politicians – George Mason High School principal Tyrone Byrd and Falls Church City Mayor David Tarter were among the runners last year. The cost of registration for the Run for the Schools is $35. The cost is $15 for the Under 18 1 mile run and the Under 18 5K. In the ten years since the Falls Church Education Foundation started the annual Run for the Schools event, it has raised over $10,000 through the fundraiser. For sponsorship information, visit fcedf.org/ run-for-the-schools.html and, to register for the race, visit fcedf.org/runfortheschools.
ZOE LINN JARVIS, the artist featured this month at Art and Frame of Falls Church’s new location at 205 W. Jefferson Street, stands with her work during the City’s August First Friday festivities. Her work will be on display at Art and Frame through Aug. 31. (Photo: Courtesy of Tom Gittins)
Send Us Your News & Notes!
The News-Press is always on the lookout for photos & items for Community News & Notes, School News & Notes and other sections of the paper. If you graduate, get married, get engaged, get an award, start a club, eat a club, tie your shoes, have a birthday, have a party, host an event or anything else you think is worth being mentioned in the News-Press, write it up and send it to us! If you have a photo, even better! Because of the amount of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but we’ll try our best!
Community News & Notes: newsandnotes@fcnp.com | School News & Notes: schoolnews@fcnp.com Mail: News & Notes, Falls Church News-Press, 200 Little Falls St. #508, Falls Church, VA 22046
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F.C. City Schools Launching STEAM Volunteer Network
Falls Church City Public Schools is launching a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Volunteer Network this fall and is in need of professionals with a wide range of expertise in those fields who have an interest in working with teachers. Those who are interested in volunteering only need to complete a volunteer registration form and keep an eye out for regular updates that list projects that need volunteers. For more information, visit fccps.org.
Concert Commemorating End Of WWII Slated for Aug. 16 Dean Martin’s daughter and pops singer Deana Martin and tenor Daniel Rodriguez were the featured guests at a concert commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on Aug. 16 at Schlesinger Concert Hall. The concert was presented by the Medical Musical Group Chorale and Symphony Orchestra. In addition to commemorating the end of World War II the concert was a tribute to the country’s veterans and military personnel with the message “Celebrating our victory, by calling for national healing and unity.” The 200-member chorale and symphony orchestra performed “It Is Well With My Soul”, the beautiful hymn performed at the Charleston, SC memorial service that was attended by the President a few weeks ago. Martin sang “GI Jive,” “Nothing But the Best,” “The Lady Is a Tramp” and Rodriguez sang “Nessun Dorma,” and “Heal Our Land.”
McLean Orchestra Announces 45th Anniversary Season The McLean Orchestra announced the concert line up for its 45th season, which it’s calling
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“A New Beginning,” on Aug. 17. Five classical music concerts are slated for the season, starting with “From the Gates of Imagination” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. The season will continue on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. with “A Holiday to Remember,” which will feature The Oakcrest School Girls Choir. Subject to availability there will be a second, daytime showing of that performance on Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. A Valentine’s Day-themed performance entitled “Starcrossed: Tales of Love” is planned for Feb. 13, 2016 at 8 p.m. Season tickets are on sale right now for $60 – $160 and individual tickets are on sale for $15 – $40. For more information, visit McLean-Orchestra.org.
Mark R. Levin Appears at Tyson’s Barnes and Noble Mark R. Levin, a bestselling author and host of “The Mark Levin Show,” will be signing his new book Plunder and Deceit at the Tyson’s Corner Barnes & Noble, located at 7851 L. Tysons Corner Center, McLean, on Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. To accommodate those attending the signing, Barnes & Noble will open at 7 a.m. that day. Levin’s new book was released earlier this month. His other books include Men in Black, Liberty and Tyranny, Ameritopia and The Liberty Amendments. For more information, call 703-506-6756.
Master Gardeners Hosts Vegetable Gardening Clinic The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Arlington/Alexandria will present a program called Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening: Extending Your Harvest on Aug. 25 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center, located at 3308 Stafford St., Arlington. Another session of the same program will be presented
THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA honored (middle, l to r, holding awards) state Senators Jennifer Wexton (D-33) and Barbara Favola (D-31) with its annual Community Builder of the Year Award for co-sponsoring Conner’s Law, legislation recently passed that requires continued support of severely disabled and special needs children over 18. (C������� P����) on Aug. 29 from 10:30 a.m. – noon at the same location. Master Gardeners will cover what and when to plant and present simple tips for success in growing cool-season greens like kale, collards, bok choy and a wide variety of lettuces. They will share inexpensive techniques to extend the harvest even into the dead of winter. They will also cover end-of-season clean-up, putting the garden to bed and tool care to give the gardener a head start for next spring. The program is free, but registration is requested. For more information or to register, visit mgnv.org, call 703-228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com.
Workhouse Arts Hosts Nature’s Best Photo Exhibit The Workhouse Arts Center is hosting nature photography exhibit from now through Oct. 1. From the award-winning maga-
zine, Nature’s Best Photography, the semi-annual magazine showcases the art of nature photography by professionals, amateur and young photographers from around the globe. Twenty eight photographs will be on view, selected by Steve Freligh, Nature’s Best Photography’s editor-in-chief and co-publisher. Following a recent museum exhibition in Washington, D.C., Nature’s Best Photography celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature captured in these magnificent photographs. All photographs are specially printed by Nature’s Best Photography for the exhibition and will be available for purchase. The exhibit is being sponsored by Richard and Lyndon Hausler. Because of the Hausler’s sponsorship, 100 percent of the proceeds of photographic sales during this exhibition support the Workhouse Arts Foundation, bringing visual
and performing art, education and history to the region. For more information, visit workhousearts. org.
Encore Chorale Invites Seniors to Join the Chorus Registration is now open for some of Encore Chorale’s Northern Virginia senior chorales. All of the chorales begin rehearsals in the beginning of September. The chorales welcoming new members are the Alexandria, Langston Brown, Lansdowne Woods of Virginia, Potomac Arts Academy at George Mason University and Reston Encore Chorales. There are no auditions for the chorales, new singers are welcome and singers may be seated for rehearsals and performances. For more information or to register, visit encorecreativity.org, call 703-261-5747 or email info@ encorecreativity.org.
PAGE 14 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
NATI O NA L
Activists ‘Feel the Bern?’
Bernie Sanders is an unlikely phenomenon. He is attracting massive crowds. His message of economic populism has infused his insurgent candidacy with an Obama-like level of electoral enthusiasm, only his base isn’t as broad (As CNN put it last month: “A June CNN/ORC poll showed just 2 percent of black Democrats supporting Sanders, a figure that has remained unchanged since February. Among nonwhite voters overall, Sanders polls at 9 percent, compared with Hillary Clinton’s 61 percent.”) Still, Sanders’ candidacy has become something of a movement. But two times in recent weeks, Sanders’ appearances at events have been disrupted by supporters of another movement: Black Lives Matter. The most recent disruption came at an event in Seattle last weekend, where two female Black Lives Matter supportNEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE ers prevented Sanders from speaking. Sanders has responded well to the most recent disruption, issuing a thorough and utterly impressive “Racial Justice” agenda that liberally quotes from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and even includes the line: “We need a societal transformation to make it clear that black lives matter, and racism cannot be accepted in a civilized country.” Further reiterating his commitment, he said at a rally in Los Angeles, “There is no president that will fight harder to end institutional racism.” But, not all of Sanders’ supporters could muster his magnanimity. Some were outraged. The protesters were seen as disrespectful and indecorous. Sanders was not only seen as a bad target, he was one of the worst targets because he has a long history of civil rights activism, including participating in the 1963 March on Washington and hearing King himself. Some irritation was understandable. But some went too far, repaying what they saw as rudeness with what I saw as crudeness. The conspiracy theories began to swirl and the invectives – including some racist and sexist ones – began to flow. It exposed something that isn’t discussed nearly enough: a racial friction on the left. There were sweeping condemnations of the Black Lives Matter movement itself, a sense that benevolence had been rebuffed, that allies had been alienated. Some people sympathetic to the protesters responded by making a King reference of their own, pointing to this passage from his 1963 “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”: “I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action’; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a ‘more convenient season.’ Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” It all quickly became an arms race of overheated accusations. But, I must say that I, too, found some of the responses to the protesters troubling. First, some people said that the disruption had caused the movement to lose their support. This seemed strange and extreme to me. How fragile must your support for black lives have been if a rally’s disruption caused it to crumble? Secondly, centering one’s disapproval of the protesters on white allegiance, rather than black agency, seems to me a kind of cultural narcissism. The movement, to my mind, isn’t a plea for pity, or appeal to comity, but an exercise in personal and collective advocacy by an oppressed people. It says to America: You will not dictate the parameters of my expression; you will not assign the grammar of my pain; you will not tell me how I should feel. For these young activists, it’s not ideological but existential; it’s not about a political field but a battlefield, one from which they cannot escape, one on which their very bodies are marked and threatened with destruction. This is not an esoteric, intellectual debate about best practices, but quite literally a flesh and blood struggle for equal access to liberty and longevity. In this movement exists a kind of urgency that only proximity to terror can produce, and yes, that urgency can be extreme and discomforting, because it must be. The sedative of all normalcies and niceties are the enemies so long as lives are in danger. The movement is revolutionary out of necessity. Some people operating under those auspices will inevitably employ tactics and select targets with which you disagree. That too is understandable. But, those who object must be careful not to become “more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice.”
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Charles M. Blow
Republicans Against Retirement Something strange is happening in the Republican primary – something strange, that is, besides the Trump phenomenon. For some reason, just about all the leading candidates other than The Donald have taken a deeply unpopular position, a known political loser, on a major domestic policy issue. And it’s interesting to ask why. The issue in question is the future of Social Security, which turned 80 last week. The retirement program is, of course, both extremely popular and a long-term target of conservatives, who want to kill it precisely because its popularity helps legitimize government action in general. As the right-wing activist Stephen Moore (now NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE chief economist of the Heritage Foundation) once declared, Social Security is “the soft underbelly of the welfare state”; “jab your spear through that” and you can undermine the whole thing. But that was a decade ago, during former President George W. Bush’s attempt to privatize the program – and what Bush learned was that the underbelly wasn’t that soft after all. Despite the political momentum coming from the GOP’s victory in the 2004 election, despite support from much of the media establishment, the assault on Social Security quickly crashed and burned. Voters, it turns out, like Social Security as it is, and don’t want it cut. It’s remarkable, then, that most of the Republicans who would be president seem to be lining up for another round of punishment. In particular, they’ve been declaring that the retirement age – which has already been pushed up from 65 to 66, and is scheduled to rise to 67 – should go up even further. Thus, Jeb Bush says that the retirement age should be pushed back to “68 or 70.” Scott Walker has echoed that position. Marco Rubio wants both to raise the retirement age and to cut benefits for higherincome seniors. Rand Paul wants to raise the retirement age to 70 and means-test benefits. Ted Cruz wants to revive the Bush privatization plan. For the record, these proposals would be really bad public policy – a harsh blow to Americans in the bottom half of the income distribution, who depend on Social Security, often have jobs that involve manual labor, and have not, in fact, seen a big rise in life expectancy. Meanwhile, the decline of private pensions has left working Americans more reliant on
Paul Krugman
Social Security than ever. And no, Social Security does not face a financial crisis; its long-term funding shortfall could easily be closed with modest increases in revenue. Still, nobody should be surprised at the spectacle of politicians enthusiastically endorsing destructive policies. What’s puzzling about the renewed Republican assault on Social Security is that it looks like bad politics as well as bad policy. Americans love Social Security, so why aren’t the candidates at least pretending to share that sentiment? The answer, I’d suggest, is that it’s all about the big money. Wealthy individuals have long played a disproportionate role in politics, but we’ve never seen anything like what’s happening now: domination of campaign finance, especially on the Republican side, by a tiny group of immensely wealthy donors. Indeed, more than half the funds raised by Republican candidates through June came from just 130 families. And while most Americans love Social Security, the wealthy don’t. Two years ago a pioneering study of the policy preferences of the very wealthy found many contrasts with the views of the general public; as you might expect, the rich are politically different from you and me. But nowhere are they as different as they are on the matter of Social Security. By a very wide margin, ordinary Americans want to see Social Security expanded. But by an even wider margin, Americans in the top 1 percent want to see it cut. And guess whose preferences are prevailing among Republican candidates. You often see political analyses pointing out, rightly, that voting in actual primaries is preceded by an “invisible primary” in which candidates compete for the support of crucial elites. But who are these elites? In the past, it might have been members of the political establishment and other opinion leaders. But what the new attack on Social Security tells us is that the rules have changed. Nowadays, at least on the Republican side, the invisible primary has been reduced to a stark competition for the affections and, of course, the money of a few dozen plutocrats. What this means, in turn, is that the eventual Republican nominee – assuming that it’s not Trump – will be committed not just to a renewed attack on Social Security but to a broader plutocratic agenda. Whatever the rhetoric, the GOP is on track to nominate someone who has won over the big money by promising government by the 1 percent, for the 1 percent.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
NATI O NA L
Sexism & the Presidency
In the late 1960s, when as a Berkeley, Calif., graduate seminarian, this writer became deeply involved in the acute social ferment of those times, there was a lot more clarity of the moment than the haze of the subsequent dissembling nearly 50 years of history and the seemingly relentless babble of revisionists allow by now. A fresh appreciation of what actually happened is critically important now as the nation’s stubborn economic malaise, aggravated by the relentless greed of the infamous one percent of the wealthiest, has created a significant majority of Americans living one paycheck from the streets. This has been a critical factor in the acute friction that has police and inner city racial minorities at each others’ throats, and the related surfacing of an abnormally sexist-motivated national FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS presidential election process. In the spring of 1968, explosive eruptions of social ferment in the wake of the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy, in particular, led to inner city rioting and violent anti-war marches and demonstrations that gained a nationwide profile at the August 1968 “police riot” against activists demonstrating at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. At the time, those of us on the scene seeking to make sense out of it all could parse events to distinguish between, generally, legitimate expressions of outrage against the “establishment” forces assailing the burgeoning civil rights and anti-war movements, and a lot of subversive covert counterinsurgency operations by police and federal intelligence entities most often involving embedding “agent provocateurs” into these movements to agitate for violent, destructive, riotous and criminal behaviors. There has been a long history of this counterinsurgency technique in the U.S., almost always involving acts of violence or terror, including bombings, aimed at turning the police and public opinion against legitimate demonstrations and strikes by labor unions and others seeking social justice. One of the most important, perhaps the most important, sub-theme of the 1960s ferment was a new offensive by women to reverse the postWorld War II trend to return an earlier generation of strong, independent Suffragette-era women back to America’s kitchens and subservience to “The Man” at every level, especially in the home. “Feminism,” as it was called, was arguably the most serious strand of the ferment of the 1960s era, though seldom supplanting in public perception the anti-war and civil rights components. “Gay liberation” was, in a sense, a byproduct component of feminism’s message. Together, the two strands stood against the war-mongering, racist “white maledominated establishment” at a more intimate interpersonal level. But they found that their struggles were most often against dominant male chauvinist elements of their own counterculture movement. This was not lost on the forces of counterinsurgency, who found that heightening “sexist” impulses in the movement accelerated internal conflict and fraction. So, the feminist impulse was countered by the forces of “The Man” with what became known as the “sexual revolution.” The objectification of women as sexual objects became an acceptable element of the “revolution.” Counter-insurgent exploitation of deeply seeded prejudices against women turned out, by 1971, to be the single most effective means of defanging the social ferment of the late 1960s. Feminist demands for respect and equality were drowned out by the drumbeat for “sex, drugs and rock and roll.” Today, the “woman question” has reached a new importance in American social life. Exploiting it has become almost second nature to the forces trying to keep the American public pacified. It has taken the form of the egregious sexism, in policy if not in crude language, by all the Republican presidential candidates, and on the Democratic side, the relentless attacks on Hillary Clinton, if not about Benghazi then the e-mails, are based to a significant degree on a predisposed propensity to mistrust her based on sexist premises that many people are not even aware of. It is such an irony that the U.S. State Department knows the key to introducing democratic ideas in developing nations involves the empowerment of women. But in the U.S. domestically, the Establishment strategy to suppress the 99 percent is through the denigration of women.
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 15
Nicholas F. Benton
Nicholas Benton may be emailed at nfbenton@fcnp.com.
A Tax to Save Lives A smokeless tobacco product called snus, which a user puts between his gums and his upper lip, has a long history in Sweden. At the start of the last century, it was the most common way Swedes ingested nicotine. By the early 1950s, however, sales of snus had been overtaken by cigarettes, a trend that continued for two decades. But in time, snus made a comeback, while cigarette use steadily declined. As of 2012, only 13 percent of adult Swedes smoked, less than half the European Union rate. Meanwhile, 19 to 21 percent of Swedish males use snus, which is now more prevalent than cigarettes. The result? Even though tobacco use in Sweden is comparable to its use in the rest of Europe, Sweden’s preference for snus means that it “has Europe’s lowest tobacco-attributable mortality among men,” according to a paper in the latest issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Indeed, a 2012 study by the World Health Organization found that tobacco caused 152 deaths per 100,000 men in Sweden, versus 467 deaths per 100,000 men NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE in Europe. It’s hard to know exactly what caused snus to regain its popularity. There was no explicit government policy promoting it. David Sweanor, one of the authors of the paper, told me that Sweden’s predominant tobacco company took it upon itself to market snus once the dangers of cigarettes had become irrefutable. (That company, Swedish Match, sells mainly snus today.) But another likely reason was a huge price differential between cigarettes and snus; at one point a pack of the former was taxed so heavily that it cost twice as much as a can of snus. Sweanor, a tobacco policy expert at the University of Ottawa, and his co-authors, Kenneth Warner, a University of Michigan economist specializing in public health, and Frank J. Chaloupka, an economist focused on public health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, would label snus a “harm reduction” product. Although it contains tobacco and allows users to get their fix of addictive nicotine, snus poses far less risk than cigarettes, as the statistics amply show. All three men are big believers in the virtue of harm reduction policies to reduce the illness and death caused by cigarettes. Thus the point of their paper: The tax policies that worked in Sweden – raise taxes on the killer product while lowering them on the harm reduc-
Joe Nocera
tion product – should be applied today to electronic cigarettes and other noncombustible nicotine delivery systems. Regular readers will not be surprised to learn that I think this is a terrific idea. Because it contains tobacco, snus has traces of nitrosamines, a cancer-causing agent found in tobacco. Electronic cigarettes, by contrast, contain no tobacco at all. Instead, they vaporize nicotine, which gets to the user’s brain far quicker than, say, a nicotine patch, thus more closely replicating the nicotine hit delivered by a cigarette. As Warner pointed out to me, nobody can say for sure how much safer e-cigarettes are because the products haven’t been around long enough for long-term studies. But it is plain as day that they are far less risky than cigarettes. Countries use tax policy all the time to affect behavior. Using tax policy to move people from cigarettes to e-cigarettes would, to be blunt, save lives. The e-cigarette has the potential to be the greatest tobacco cessation device ever invented. Yet, as the authors note, because most of the tobacco-control community believes that “all tobacco products are seriously deleterious to health, conventional wisdom . has long been that all products should be taxed similarly.” Indeed, the World Health Organization has described “comparable” taxation on all tobacco products as a “best practice for tobacco taxation.” As irrational as this is, it is easy to understand where it stems from. Health claims about e-cigarettes remind anti-tobacco activists of the days when Big Tobacco marketed low-tar cigarettes as a “healthier” smoking choice. E-cigarettes come in many flavors, which could appeal to kids. Their marketing aims to make e-cigarettes look cool – just like Big Tobacco once did. Despite a complete lack of proof, the tobacco-control community fears that young people who use e-cigarettes will eventually gravitate to combustible cigarettes. Which is all the more reason the authors’ tax idea deserves consideration: It puts the emphasis on moving smokers to e-cigarettes, which is where it should be. “Studies have shown that changes in the relative price of tobacco products lead some tobacco users to switch to less expensive products,” the authors write. A big tax differential is a way to take advantage of the lower risk of e-cigarettes without ever having to acknowledge it. Not that I expect rationality to take hold any time soon. After all, you know how the European Union reacted to the Swedish snus experience, don’t you? It banned snus.
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PAGE 16 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
A Penny for Your Thoughts
News of Greater Falls Church By Supervisor Penny Gross
The Commonwealth’s $553 million budget surplus announced by Governor McAuliffe last month was good news for localities – to a point. At least, what local governments sarcastically called “local aid to the state,” the requirement for several years that local governments either must trim their budgets by the precise amount of state funding they received in particular categories (such as human services and public safety), or reimburse the state for funding received from the state budget, won’t be necessary this year. Most of the surplus is constitutionally required to be deposited to the Rainy Day Fund and the Water Quality Improvement Fund, but the surplus also means that Fairfax County Public Schools will receive about $4.7 million for teacher salary increases. The not-so-good news is that state funding for K-12 public education overall in FY 2016 still is below the high point of FY 2009. That picture becomes more dismal when student growth numbers and inflation are factored in. In FY 2009, direct aid to K-12 across the state was more than $5.6 billion; in FY 2016, that same aid was $5.56 billion, a decrease of more than $47 million. At last week’s County Officials Summit in Richmond, sponsored by the Virginia Association of Counties, one state expert noted that Virginia’s teacher salaries are about $7,000 less than the national average. Funding those salaries, as well as the prevailing support costs, would require an extra $750 million in state funding per year, or an extra $625 per student. Every county in the Commonwealth exceeded the “required local effort” (RLE) in FY 2013, according to updated reports. In FY 2014, the average support in excess of RLE was 84.06 percent. RLE requires
that sufficient local funds have been budgeted to meet all state required local effort and required local match amounts for the Standards of Quality (SOQ). Forty-five school divisions exceed 100 percent RLE; Fairfax County funds schools at 127.86 percent of the required RLE. Clearly, the Commonwealth and the General Assembly need to ensure that our youngest Virginians benefit from investments in public education. Localities already have stepped up to the plate; their budgets prove it. Additionally, the Virginia Board of Education has made a number of changes to the SOQ, or Standards of Quality, but those recommendations, too, lack state funding. Among their recommendations is a one reading (K-12) and one math teacher (K-8) for every 1,000 students, a full-time assistant principal for every 400 students in the school, and a full-time principal for each elementary school. These are unfunded changes to the SOQ. And, the spending cuts still are being felt. Since FY 2009, 71 percent of the school divisions have increased class sizes since FY 2012. Nearly all school divisions who reduced staff has added duties to the remaining staff. Some of those institutions also reduced compensation and employee benefits in the same time period. A strong public education system is a must for our community, and budget figures at the county level reflect substantial, and consistent, support for our Fairfax County Public Schools. It’s time for the Commonwealth and the General Assembly to do the same. . Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Delegate Marcus Simon’s
Richmond Report The best movies always have quotable dialogue and a plot twist that you never see coming. From campy horror flicks like “Scream” to thought-provoking dramas like “Fight Club,” these movies follow a script that everyone seems to recognize in the beginning, but then takes a sharp turn, changing the direction you envisioned the movie or its characters going. On Monday, August 17, this is exactly what happened during the Special Session. Setting the Stage The Governor called the General Assembly back to Richmond for a Special Session to work on a replacement for the Congressional District map approved in 2012. That map was unconstitutional, a federal court ruled, because it packed African American voters into a single congressional district. The Commonwealth is under a court order to fix the map by September 1, 2015. Meanwhile, in a seemingly unrelated development, Governor McAuliffe appointed Fairfax County circuit court judge Jane Roush to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court on July 27, 2015, ending a five-year period in which no judges from the state’s most populous jurisdiction were on either of the state’s appeals courts. Following the Governor’s call for a special session, however, in a maneuver that hadn’t been attempted in over 100 years, Republicans said they would not consider making Justice Roush’s appointment permanent, and would instead install their own pick, Judge Rossie Alston, Jr. on the Supreme Court. The Players In a pre-Session press release, Speaker Bill Howell repeated his party’s line that we should wait until the litigants had fully finished reviewing the case and that it was premature for the General Assembly to meet at this time, notwithstanding the court’s order. The GOP argued we would at most tinker with the 3rd District as little as possible to satisfy the court’s requirements. Members of the Democratic leadership and the NAACP, on the other hand, went ahead and produced an entirely new map to address the racial gerrymandering, attempting to comply with the Court’s ruling. The morning of the Special Session, a Joint Reapportionment committee released redistricting criteria that were almost identi-
cal to those used in 2011, and were limited to looking at the 3rd District only. That was expected. The meeting of the committee was just a formality. Secondary Plot Becomes Primary Plot Immediately following the reapportionment committee meeting, a Joint Meeting of the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees met to conduct judicial interviews. That’s when things got interesting. According to the rules of the Senate and the longstanding tradition of the House of Delegates, any member may request a candidate be interviewed and their request will be granted. When Senator Janet Howell requested an interview of Justice Roush, however, her motion was inexplicably ruled to be out of order. After about 30 minutes of friendly questions from Republicans, and a few pointed ones from Democrats, the committees certified Judge Alston as the only candidate for the job. But that’s what we all expected would happen. That’s how the script was meant to play out. The Plot Twist After an hour of floor speeches about the process which had brought us to that point, it was time to vote. With a 21-19 majority in the Senate, the party line vote was expected to elect Judge Alston after which the ballot would be sent to the House, where Republicans hold a more commanding 67-33 advantage. Then, Bam! Plot Twist Alert! When the Senate vote closed, however, Judge Alston had only 20 votes, not the 21 required to be elected. Retiring Republican John Watkins couldn’t bring himself to unseat a sitting Justice on a straight line partisan vote. But that wasn’t all. While the House adjourned temporarily to begin public hearings on the redistricting issue, at 3:26 p.m., the Senate voted to adjourn the Special Session sine die – for good, with the help of Senator Watkins and President of the Senate, Lt. Governor Ralph Northam’s tie-breaking vote. With the Senate formally adjourned, the House cannot return for a Special Session on its own. Assuming that the parliamentary procedure holds, this surprise move not only means that drawing the new congressional map is now in the hands of the Court, but that Judge Roush will keep her appointment until the regular 2016 Session.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A nyt hing
b ut
S traigh t
Fiorina Commits Treason Carly Fiornia is doomed. Just as she was getting the once-over for her above mediocre debate performance, she committed double sedition in Republican politics. She did the unthinkable, praising both Islam and Hillary Clinton. Gasp! While she was at it, she might as well have burned a flag, called President Obama a real Christian, come out as a lesbian, and spit on Ronald Reagan’s photo. On Sunday evening, former Rep. Michele Bachmann alerted her followers to a 14-year-old speech Fiorina had delivered in Minneapolis, in which she had the unmitigated gall not to label all Muslims the ‘Spawn of Bin Laden’.” In a breathless Tweet, “Crazy Eyes” Bachmann angrily tapped out: “Carly Fiorina delivered this speech in MPLS praising Muslims 2 weeks after 911.” In reality, Fiorina was acting in noble fashion, expressing her concern for the fate of her Muslim staff members at Hewlett-Packard. “As a business leader, I experienced…concern for the security of our employees who are of Middle Eastern descent or who practice the Muslim religion here in the U.S. and abroad.” Fiorina continued by rightfully pointing out that before the faith was marred, in some cases, by religious extremism it was the most advanced society on earth: “There was once a civilization that was the greatest in the world. It was able to create a continental super-state that stretched from ocean to ocean, and from northern climes to tropics and deserts. Within its dominion lived hundreds of millions of people, of different creeds and ethnic origins. “And this civilization was driven more than anything, by invention. Its architects designed buildings that defied gravity. Its mathematicians created the algebra and algorithms that would enable the building of computers, and the creation of encryption. Its doctors examined the human body, and found new cures for disease. Its astronomers looked into the heavens, named the stars, and paved the way for space travel and exploration. “Its writers created thousands of stories. Stories of courage, romance, and magic. Its poets wrote of love, when others before them were too steeped in fear to think of such things...the civilization I’m talking about was the Islamic world from the year 800 to 1600.” For these historically accurate musings, Fiorina was excoriated. The right wing publication The American Thinker wrote: “That’s right, Carly is romanticizing the old Islamic caliphate. Really. And not only is she waxing romantic about it, but she is doing so right after 9/11.” If that weren’t bad enough, Mother Jones reports that in her 2006 book, Tough Choices, Fiorina described the soothing effect of listening to Muslim prayers when she was a teen and her family lived in Ghana. (Her father was a law professor then on a teaching sabbatical at the University of Ghana). “I remember hearing, for the first time, Muslims pray, and how over time their sound evolved from being frightening in its strangeness to comforting in its cadence and repetition—I would feel the same peace when I listened to the sound of summer cicadas around my grandmother’s house,” Fiorina wrote. “I grew to love being awakened in the morning by the sound of the devout man who always came to pray under my bedroom window.” It gets worse. In 2008 she gave an interview with BuzzFeed praising the ultimate Dragon Lady, Hillary Clinton. “I have great admiration for her because I know what it takes in some small measure to do what she has done,” Fiorina said. “She is obviously incredibly intelligent, focused, tough, determined, empathetic of all the tens of millions of people that she was trying to represent in her quest to become the first woman president of the United States. Her run for the presidency was historic. She was a great candidate. She has helped millions of women all over this country. Women of any political party owe a debt of gratitude to Hillary Clinton and I will bet that every woman up here agrees with me.” A Hillary Clinton loving secret Islamist sympathizer (I employ sarcasm). That’s no way to win the GOP nomination. She might as well drop out of the race now and send her resume out so she can destroy another company. Speaking of which, Andrew Ross Sorkin wrote a devastating critique in The New York Times of Fiorina’s horrific tenure at HP. He points out that she was canned “after the company’s stock dropped by half in 2005.” “I know a little bit about Carly Fiorina, having watched her almost destroy the company my grandfather founded,” wrote Arianna Packard, in a 2010 letter released during Fiorina’s failed U.S. Senate campaign in California. Like the stock in the corporation she nearly crashed, Fiorina’s value to the hate-filled know-nothing Republican Party just took a nosedive.
Wayne Besen
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AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 17
Our Man in Arlington By Charlie Clark
Arlington Little League’s all-star squad last month for the first time claimed a regional district championship. (Whooped Alexandria!) After mentally congratulating them, I unearthed, via the son of a longtime Arlington coach, a yellowing set of lovingly typed statistics of my own generation’s Junior Major Baseball League, from 1957 to 1971. They came courtesy of the old Arlington County Department of Recreation and Parks. The buff-colored legal-size sheets, probably typed on some long-tossed Smith-Corona, were reproduced, in the later years, in purple spirit duplicatione. My study of them resurrected fond memories of countless trips in parents’ cars to Barcroft Park. I reconnected with some nowdefunct Arlington businesses and documented early athletic feats of some later-famous personages. First thing I noticed was the roster of long-vanished team sponsors: Vet Vans, Martz Insurance, Newlons Transfer (where I worked summers), Tops Drive-In, Old Dominion Bank, Arlington Trust (one year they had 11 players named Mike), M.T. Broyhill homebuilders, Stewart Buick, Barcroft Cleaners, Cherner Ford, McQuinn’s Sporting Goods, the Red Shield Club (a Salvation Army offshoot), Kenyon-Peck Chevrolet, Better Homes Realty and Barr Realty. Some organizations still exist but sponsor less frequently: Men’s lodges such as Host Lions, Civitan, Jaycees, Moose Lodge, Knights
of Columbus, along with the YMCA and since-relocated Arlington Motors. Later sponsors included St. Thomas Moore cathedral, Wayne Construction, State Loan, Clarendon Trust and First & Citizens Bank. The generosity of those entities gave us the colorful uniforms worn by kids whose faces I can picture 50 years later. The stat sheets begin with standings of the “National” and “American” Arlington divisions. Unlike today’s league’s team rankings, they provide the “batting order” of top-hitting league players, followed by each team’s lineup. You get each player’s atbats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, homers, walks, strikeouts and batting averages. A history section memorializes batting and homerun leaders back to 1954. The lists use last names only, but many were unmistakable as larger than life to my pre-teen self. I recognized classmates, teammates from other sports, siblings and sons of coaches (which might explain the coaches’ original interest). I spotted league-leading stats for my old gym teachers Tom Hawkins and Tim Hill. A kid named Kirby is surely Clay Kirby, who went pro and pitched for the San Diego Padres and Cincinnati Reds. In 1960 he hit .313 for Arlington’s own Stewart Buick. Kirby’s boyhood next-door neighbor was John “Jay” Franklin (my teammate on a 12-year-olds all-star team) who was drafted out of high school in 1971 to pitch in three games for the San Diego Padres. In 1965, he batted .444 for Arlington Kiwanis. Tyler Mathisen, now on the
C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h
CRIME REPORT Week of August 10 - 16, 2015 Larceny from Building, 900 block N. Sycamore St. On Aug. 10, police received a report of a stolen bicycle from a residence. Larceny from Building, 1216 W. Broad St. (Native Foods Restaurant) On Aug. 11, cash was reported stolen from the register. Burglary, 500 block Roosevelt Blvd. On Aug. 12, police received a report of a stolen electronic equipment from various rooms. Larceny from Building, 200 block S. Cherry St. On Aug. 12, police received a report of stolen cash from a residence. Smoking Violation, 6757 Wilson
Blvd. #16 (Le Mirage) On Aug. 13, a male, 38, was cited for Smoking in a Non-Designated area. Assault, 220 N. Washington St. (State Theater) On Aug. 14, police responded to the area for a report of an altercation. After an investigation, a female, 58, of Aliquippa, PA, was arrested for Simple Assault & Battery. Driving Under the Influence, Narcotics Violations, Weapons Violation, 1100 block W. Broad St. On Aug. 15, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation. The driver, a male, 22, of Alexandria, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, Refusal to Submit to a Blood or Breath Test, Possession
tube as managing editor of CNBC Business News, in 1968 batted .172 for Knights of Columbus. Bobby Tramonte, owner of the Italian Store, in 1965 batted .212 for State Loan. (Hey, guys, you were warned about your “permanent record.”) Myself? In 1965, I hit .290 for Evening Optimist. Early promise was shown by names who later starred in high school (Yelverton, Chaconas, Kirchner, Lichty, Slade, Benevento). My friend Bill Carter, the Yorktown High School three-sport star in 1969, as a 12-year-old in 1963 batted .400 for Optimist Club. Many of these statistics were compiled by a team mom, Mrs. DeNelson Ward. The later ones were signed as written and typed by “LGH/ad.” Whoever bore those initials, thanks for the memories! *** Did Arlington homeboy Gen. Robert E. Lee perform an unreported good deed? According to Jack Gosnell, a retired Foreign Service officer who lives a hop across I-66 from Arlington on the centuries-old Little Falls Street, Lee is said to have paid taxes on his house at 324 Little Falls St. in Falls Church – back in 1866. The tale – handed down from owners of the delightfully quaint blue home – is that a Lee cousin owned the house just after the Civil War. Falls Church preservation authorities have never substantiated it, Gosnell told me. So I asked folks from land records at the Fairfax County Courthouse, who found deeds with the names Rotchford and Dwyer. The research chief at Lee’s Northern Neck birthplace at Stratford Hall, however, could find no such cousins. Perhaps a descendant of Lee’s beneficiary will one day come forward. with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of Drugs, and Drinking while Operating a Motor Vehicle. Smoking Violation, 6757 Wilson Blvd. #16 (Le Mirage) On Aug. 15, a male, was cited for Smoking in a NonDesignated Area. Driving Under the Influence, 300 block Hillwood Ave. On Aug. 16, an officer conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle violation. The driver, a male, 38, of Falls Church, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Urinating In Public, 100 block Park Pl. On Aug. 16, a male, 32, of Arlington, was arrested and released on summons for Urinating In Public. Larceny of Vehicle Parts, 500 block Randolph St. On Aug. 16, police received a report of a stolen license plate.
LO CA L
PAGE 18 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
B������� N��� � N���� Master Engravers Is Up for Sale Master Engravers, the independent gift, awards and trophy engraving shop located at 920 W. Broad Street in Falls Church, is on the market. Owner/operator Eric Peppers is selling the shop due to an out-of-state job opportunity for his wife. After three-and-a-half years in business, Master Engravers has more than 200 established corporate, school, and association accounts as well as a loyal individual customer base. Sale of the shop includes inventory and equipment and two to three weeks of training and additional skype consultation if needed. More information on the business is available at www.yourmasterengravers. com. For details on the sale of the business, contact Eric Peppers at your.master.engravers@ gmail.com or 703-538-4444.
Sislers Stone Completes New Outdoor Display Sislers Stone in Falls Church has completed its outdoor display by adding a new section of approximately 350 square feet of natural stone paving, showcasing seven unique products, and 200 square feet of natural stone veneer, showing 30 different colors and styles. The eight ton display, which includes a fireplace, outdoor kitchen (complete with a built-in tap), and LED landscape lighting, was created for customers to experience options in a more realistic setting, where they can see and feel the mortar joints and truly compare different types of stone side-by-side. Sislers display, located at 7139 Lee Highway, is open seven days a week, with salespeople available 7 a.m. – 4 p.m, Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit the display itself or go to www. sislersstone.com.
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The City of Falls Church’s Economic Development Office has posted an updated Restaurant and Dining Guide on the City’s website, www.FallsChurchVA.gov. The new guide includes more than 110 bakeries, quick service restaurants, full service restaurants and convenience stores that offer food in The Little City. The listing for each establishment includes address, food type, service offered, available meals, availability of outdoor seating and delivery, and phone number. The direct link to the new guide is www.fallschurchva. gov/documentcenter/view/650.
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The Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Hospitality Market Update on Tuesday, September 15 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Panelists, who include Hilton Worldwide’s Shawn McAteer, Founding Farmers & Farmers Fishers Bakers Dan Simons, BF Saul Hospitality Group’s Shaun Smithson and RPAI’s Tim Steffan, will speak on how hospitality is growing and diversifying in the Washington D.C. Metro area and the effects of other industries on the hospitality sector. The event will take place at the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, 7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550, Tysons Corner. For more information or to register, visit www.fairfaxchamber.org. Business News & Notes is compiled by Sally Cole, Executive Director of Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at sally@fallschurchchamber.org.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
FO O D &D I NI NG
Gluten-Free Bakery Happy Tart Gypsy Soul Closes in Mosaic, Likely Opening Next Month Kapnos Kouzina to Replace It The Happy Tart, the gluten-free bakery and cafe from Alexandria, will likely open in early-to-mid September in Falls Church’s Pearson Square development, the City’s Economic Development Office reports. Owner and executive chef Emma Cech says she spent years researching, baking and tasting to come up with the recipes for the Frenchstyle pastries she serves at the bakery. The Happy Tart offers an entirely gluten-free menu consisting of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pastries, tarts, pies, quiches, bread and more. The Happy Tart 410 South Maple Avenue | Falls Church happytartbakery.com
in spicy clam broth. But before Kapnos Kouzina opens in Merrifield in early 2016, Isabella, along with fellow Top Chef contestant Jennifer Carroll, is bringing a French Mediterranean seafood pop-up to the Mosaic space this fall which will run through the end of the year. The pop-up is for Isabella’s new concept, Requin, set to open at The Wharf in D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront redevelopment in 2017. Requin Pop-Up & Kapnos Kouzina 8296 Glass Alley | Fairfax kapnoskouzina.com
Construction Beginning Soon On 2 New F.C. Restaurants Gypsy Soul, the restaurant from James Beard award-winning chef RJ Cooper, has closed in Mosaic District after a dispute with its landlord. Edens, the company behind the Merrifield development, filed to evict the restaurant over more than $250,000 in unpaid rent back in June. Replacing the shuttered Gypsy Soul will be chef Mike Isabella’s Kapnos Kouzina, a homestyle Greek restaurant, serving small plates and larger, familystyle platters. Signature dishes at Kapnos Kouzina include Greek-spiced crispy chicken with attiki honey, braised lamb top round with lentils, eggplant, tomato and harissa and a whole roasted branzino
Construction on two new City of Falls Church restaurants will begin soon, according to the August 2015 Economic Development Office Business and Real Estate News Bulletin. A new, name-yet-to-be-revealed Thai restaurant is coming to the former Curves location at 240 W. Broad St. The report says asbestos abatement for the space will begin soon which will be followed by buildout of the new restaurant. And Koi Koi and Maneki Nekko are about to get some competition as Takumi, a new entry into The Little City sushi scene, is coming to the “Tulip Building” (it’s the one with Smashburger
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 19
and Meat in a Box) in the 300 block of S. Washington St. Construction on the 1,223 square-foot space is currently pending, reports the Economic Development Office.
Falls Church’s 2941, TRIO Participating in Restaurant Week Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week is in full swing through Sunday, featuring three-course lunch and dinner meals for $22 and $35, respectively, at over 200 D.C.-area restaurants. Just two Falls Church restaurants are participating in the Summer 2015 version of the event, 2941 and TRIO Grill, with 2941 offering both lunch and dinner specials and TRIO serving up only a dinner menu. 2941 is also extending its Restaurant Week specials through Friday, August 28. TRIO Grill 8100 Lee Highway | Falls Church triomerrifield.com 2941 Restaurant 2941 Fairview Park Drive | Falls Church 2941.com
Stop in and try our new summer menu
PAGE 20 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
NATI O NA L
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A $4 Trillion Hole BY TOM WHIPPLE
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Last week reporters at the Wall Street Journal sat down and did some arithmetic. They looked at how much oil was selling for in the spring of 2014 (over $100 a CRACKED DRY WALL? MUSTY SMELLS? STICKING DOORS? BOUNCY barrel); looked at what it is sell* FLOORS? STICKING WINDOWS? NASTY CRAWLSPACE? WET BASE ing for today (under $50); and concluded that if prices stay low MENT? MOLD & FUNGUS? TERMITES, BUGS, RODENTS? FOUNDA for the next three years, the global TION PROBLEMS? CRACKED BRICKS? UNEVEN FLOORS? CRACKED oil industry and the countries it DRY WALL? MUSTY SMELLS? STICKING DOORS? BOUNCY FLOORS? *Any job over $3,000. Good only when presented at time of free inspection. Not to be combined with any other offer. finances will be out $4.4 trillion STICKING WINDOWS? NASTY CRAWLSPACE? WET BASEMENT? MOLD As these oil compain revenues. Foundation & Structural Repair • Concrete Lifting PROBLEMS? & FUNGUS? TERMITES, BUGS, RODENTS? FOUNDATION nies, nationalized and publically CRACKED UNEVEN FLOORS? CRACKED DRY WALL? traded, MUSTY will be producing roughly Crawl BRICKS? Space Moisture Control • Basement Waterproofing SMELLS? STICKING DOORS? BOUNCY FLOORS? STICKING WIN the same amount of oil in the next few years, the $4 trillion will have DOWS? NASTY CRAWLSPACE? WET BASEMENT? MOLD & FUNGUS? to come mostly out of profits or TERMITES, BUGS, RODENTS? FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? CRACKED capital expenditures. BRICKS? UNEVEN FLOORS? CRACKED DRY WALL? MUSTY SMELLS? Jesse Waltz, PE This is where the problem for & Stella Waltz STICKING DOORS? BOUNCY FLOORS? STICKING WINDOWS? NASTY the future of the world’s oil supOwners CRAWLSPACE? WET BASEMENT? MOLD & FUN FUNGUS? TERMITES, ply BUGS, comes in. The big oil compaRODENTS? FOUNDATION PROBLEMS? CRACKED BRICKS? UNEVEN nies, especially those that export FLOORS? CRACKED DRY WALL? MUSTY SMELLS? STICKING DOORS? much of their production, have beenWET doing quite well in recent BOUNCY www.jeswork.com FLOORS? STICKING WINDOWS? NASTY CRAWLSPACE? years. BASEMENT? MOLD & FUNGUS? TERMITES, BUGS, RODENTS? FOUNNational oil companies have earned vast profits for their political masters. Publically traded ones have developed a tradition of paying out good dividends which they are loathe to cut. This leaves mostly capital expenditures on exploring for and producing more oil SMELLS? STICKING ING DOORS? BOUNCY FLOORS? STICKING WIN in coming years to take a dive as part of the $4 trillion revenue hit. Even if oil prices of $50 a barrel or less do not continue for the next three years, this still works out to a revenue drop of $1.5 trillion a year or about three times the planned capital expenditures of some 500 oil companies recently surveyed. The International Energy Agency just came out with a new forecast saying that while current oil prices have the demand for oil products increasing rapidly, there is still so much over-production that the oil glut is expected to last for another year or more before supply/ demand comes back into balance. The return of Iran to unfettered production would not help matters. In looking at the next five years
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there are several trends or major issues that are likely to impact the supply and demand for oil. First is the recent price collapse that no longer makes it profitable to start projects to produce new oil, most of which now comes from deepwater, tar sands, or shale oil fields and is far more expensive to produce than “conventional” oil. As a result, investment in new oil production projects has dropped substantially in the last year and is likely to fall further. On the demand side of the equation China is the biggest unknown. For the last 30 years the Chinese have enjoyed unprecedented economic growth, but recently the “world’s factory” has not been doing as well. Its government has been thrashing around wildly trying to stimulate growth and fend off a collapse in its stock market. Some believe China is a huge economic bubble that is about to collapse taking much of the world with it, and obviously reducing its everincreasing demand for more oil. The other 800-pound gorilla looming out there is climate change. Except for the drought in California and the storm that flooded New York a few years back, much of America and China for that matter has not been hurt badly enough by anomalous weather to reach an agreement that stopping climate change is the number one priority of all of us. Reports of “feels like” 159°F coming out the Middle East this summer have little impact on those convinced that climate change is a hoax. Should the effects of climate change worsen in the near future to the point that “do something before life on earth becomes impossible” becomes the majority perception of the issue, consumption of fossil fuels could be severely restricted. Although not widely appreciated, there do seem to be viable alternatives to fossil fuels waiting to be exploited. The violence in the Middle
703-533-9013
East has grown worse in recent years. Although oil production in some areas has been restricted by geopolitics and violence, most of the oil continues to be produced. It is useless to talk about the next five years in the Middle East; however, we should keep in mind that there are at least a half dozen confrontations going on in the region that could morph into situations where oil production becomes more restricted. When we net this all together, what do we have? Conventional wisdom currently says that oil prices are likely to be closer to $50 a barrel than to $100 for the next year or more. Capital spending on new production to offset declining production from existing oilfields is likely to drop still further leaving us in the situation where depletion may exceed the oil coming from new wells or fields. This is the argument that those who believe that we are at or near the all-time peak of world oil production about now are using. The International Energy Agency says that the demand for the cheaper oil is rising rapidly, that production of shale oil currently is falling and the rest of world’s production is relatively static so we should be seeing oil prices rising again by 2017. This is where the turning point in the history of oil production could occur. In recent history rising prices have led oil producers to increase drilling for new oil production again. However the next time around, as mentioned above, there are new factors that may come into play. Will China be increasing its demand for oil in another two years? Will the Middle East still be exporting as much oil, and producing oil given the turmoil and the need to increase air conditioning? Will the world have decided the time has come to clamp down seriously on carbon emissions? If global oil production does reach some kind of a peak this year and is lower in 2016, can it recover to reach new highs in the years following? Anything from inadequate investment stemming from persistently low oil prices to a major conflict in the Middle East could keep production from rebounding to new all-time highs. We are living in interesting times and just could see peak oil before we realize it. Tom Whipple is a retired government analyst and has been following the peak oil issue for several years.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
A RTS&E NTE RTA I NME NT
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 21
Aug.
21 y
Frida
The Black Lillies with Christian Lopez State Theatre 9 p.m. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
703-237-0300 • thestatetheatre.com
23 ay
Sund
Joe Louis Walker State Theatre 9 p.m. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
703-237-0300 • thestatetheatre.com
Penny and Sparrow Jammin’ Java 7 p.m. 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
703-255-1566 • jamminjava.com
25 esday
Tu
BY DREW COSTLEY
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
2013 Blues Hall of Fame inductee and guitarist Joe Louis Walker has a firm understanding of the difference between pop prosperity and musical talent, and short-term and longterm success in the music industry. “Somebody could be a star in ten minutes nowadays, but that doesn’t make you a singer. It doesn’t make you a musician, just because you’re famous in ten minutes,” Walker said. “Because usually what happens when your famous in ten minutes is that you’re career might last ten minutes, or your talent might last ten minutes.” Walker, who hails from San Francisco’s Fillmore District, has seen, heard and done a lot throughout his five-decade career. After growing up in a family of musicians, he started his career in 1964, a time when his hometown was a gumbo of musical genres. “A good community for music was coming up in my neighborhood and different neighborhoods,” Walker said. “Everybody knew each other, Sylvester Stewart and Freddie Stewart of Sly Stone, Larry Graham, Tower of Power, hippie guys, Jefferson Airplane….What happened when we all played – White, Black, Brown and Yellow – we all ended up playing at the same places. So everybody rubbed shoulders together and then when the Fillmore Auditorium became sort of hippiefied everybody was really on the same bill. “So you would have a bill where Sly Stone would be on the bill with The Grateful Dead would be on the bill with Muddy Waters. I mean literally, you would have Ornette Coleman Jazz Quartet on the bill with Howlin’ Wolf and Jefferson Airplane. So that’s the type of environment that I come out of.” In the early part of his career, he played with John Lee Hooker, Buddy Miles, Thelonius Monk, Muddy Waters, Steve Miller, Nick Lowe and Jimi Hendrix. And you can still
JOE LOUIS WALKER (C������� P����) hear all of those influences in his sound. His latest release, Hornet’s Nest, released in 2014 with Alligator Records, has the drive of classic rock, the pain of the blues and the looseness of psychedelic rock. All of that plus new music from his upcoming release Everybody Wants a Piece, available for preorder and slated for an Oct. 9 release with Mascot Records, can be heard on Aug. 23 at The State Theatre. Walker attributed his longevity in part to his versatility as a musician. “I feel like I’ve been blessed that I’ve always sort of had, in some way or at some time, someone to help me or someone know that I’m versatile enough to go from playing with Matt Murphy from The Blues Brothers or Steve Cropper to playing with the Thelonious
Monk Institute, Herbie Hancock or Wayne Shorter to go to do a duet with Joss Stone,” Walker said. “I’m versatile and it’s not a jack of all trades, master of none situation. I’m a fan of all music and that’s what I grew up with.” Walker said that growing up with such a diverse community of musicians and styles of music made “every day training day.” “I feel like that was the best experience for me, opening up shows for people like Thelonius Monk, to be around great musicians like Sly Stone and Mike Bloomfield from the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Handy, all kinds of different people,” Walker said. • For more information about Joe Louis Walker, visit joelouiswalker.com.
Santana Wolf Trap
These singles whet the appetites of the FCNP editorial team this week:
7:30 p.m. 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
703-255-1900 • wolftrap.com
Nicholas Benton – I Am What I Am by Shirley Bassey
Jody Fellows – Leaky Little Boat by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Drew Costley – Black Mags by The Cool Kids
CA L E NDA R
PAGE 22 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
Community Events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
1-on-1 Computer and Internet Tutoring. Learn how to download eBooks and eMagazines, search the Internet, use social media, and more. Personalized sessions by appointment. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church). Free. 2 – 4 p.m. 703-248-5034. F.C. Rotary Club Meeting. Author and business coach, Daniel Ally, will offer self-improvement ideas for achieving success at the Falls Church Rotary Club’s weekly dinner meeting. Harvest Moon Restaurant (7260 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). $15. 6:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
My Fair Lady. Zemfira Stage presents My Fair Lady, the Broadway musical sensation of 1956. Through Aug. 23. James Lee Community Center Theatre (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church). $6 – $18. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 703-615-6626. Sunset Cinema in the Park. Bring picnics and blankets and enjoy Family Night: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”. After Family Night concludes, Late Night Double-Feature Flick begins! Stay tuned for “Ghostbusters.”
Cherry Hill Park (312 Park Ave., Falls Church). Free. 8:15 p.m. fallschurchva.gov/sunsetcinema.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
F.C. Farmers’ Market. Vendors offer fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, baked goods, plants, and wine. City Hall Parking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church). Free. 8 a.m. – noon. 703-248-5077. Book Signing. Mark Levin, host of The Mark Levin Show and best selling author of Plunder and Deceit, will be signing his newest book, released early this month. All are welcome and Barnes and Noble will open at 7 a.m. to accommodate those attending the signing. Barnes & Noble Booksellers Tysons (7851 L. Tysons Corner Center, McLean). 10 a.m. 703-506-2937. Neighborhood Plant Clinic. Master gardeners will lead a clinic on horticultural tips and tricks for adults. City of Fairfax Regional Library (10360 North Street, Fairfax). 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 703-2932113. Wendy Sand Eckel Interview. Wendy Sand Eckel, a psychotherapist who lives in Annapolis with her family and multiple pets, will be interviewed by Ellen Crosby about her
&
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Send community event submissions to the News-Press by e-mail at calendar@fcnp. com; fax 703-342-0347; or by regular mail to 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for each week’s edition.
first novel, Murder at Barclay Meadow. One More Page Books (2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington). Free. 4 – 5 p.m. onemorepagebooks.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Mosaic Central Farm Market. Enjoy offerings of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other local products. Mosaic District (District Ave., Fairfax). 9:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. 703-992-7765. Invasive Plant Removal. Join community volunteers in protecting the local environment from invasive plant species. This is a ongoing project that occurs the first Sunday of every month to reclaim the natural area in Ft. Bennett Park. Dawson Terrace Community Center & Park (2133 N. Taft St., Arlington). Free. 10 a.m. – noon. 703-228-1862.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Recreation and Parks Registration. Open to non-residents of Falls Church City, as well as residents. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 8 a.m. 703-248-5027.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
Expecting the Unexpected: Preparing for Emergencies. What do you do when an emergency occurs? Find out
from the experts at the Office of Emergency Management. TysonsPimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church). Registration required. Free. 1 p.m. fairfaxcounty.gov/library. Program on Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening. The Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will present a program to extend your harvest in the cold months to come. The program is free and open to all but registration is required. Farlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington). 7 – 8:30 p.m. 703-228-6414. Philosophy and Spiritual Book Group. The group will discuss Permission to Mourn: A New Way to do Grief by Tom Zuba. One More Page Books (2200 N Westmoreland St #101 Arlington). Free. 7 p.m. 703-3009746.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Downloadable Open House. Go to the library to learn more about the growing collection of downloadable books and music. Bring your eBook, tablet, phone, or reader. Mary Riley Styles Public Library Conference Room (120 N Virginia Ave, Falls Church). Free. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 703-248-5034.
Theater Fine Arts THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
“The Fix.” When a popular presidential candidate dies in his mistress’s arms, his ambitious wife, Violet, immediately declares that if she can’t be the wife of the president, then she’ll be the mother of the president – and thrusts their lackluster son Cal into the spotlight in Dempsey and Rowe’s outrageous musical comedy “The Fix.” With the help of her strategic brother-inlaw, Violet transforms her son into the perfect citizen and ideal politician. Together, they create one of the most dysfunctional, yet brutally entertaining, almost-�irst families. Through Sept. 20. Signature Theatre (4200 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington). $40 – $72. 8 p.m. sigtheatre.org.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
“Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of
Fleet Street.” Landless Theatre Company’s production of this Stephen Sondheim musical thriller set in 19th century England has earned a recommendation from the Helen Hayes Awards. The musical tells the story of Benjamin Barker, also known as Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years’ penal transportation based on trumped up charges, to take revenge on the judge who banished him. Through Aug. 30. Warehouse Theater (645 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.). $25. landlesstheatre.com.
Chris Sizemore “Only Imagine”. Chris Sizemore
performs a combination of music from his album, Only Imagine, fan favorites and past shows. Sizemore, a veteran actor and singer, received a Helen Hayes Awards nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Resident Musical for his role as Enjolras in “Les Miserables” at Signature Theatre.
ArtSpace Falls Church (410 South Maple Ave., Falls Church). $18 – $100. 8 p.m. 703-436-9948.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 “The Importance of Being Earnest.” SCENA Theatre’s hilarious production of Oscar Wilde’s classic premiers with a preview showing. The wildly successful farce is back by popular demand featuring cross-gender casting. This production of Wilde’s play is reset in the decadent, roaring ‘20s. The mischevious Jack and Algy have it all thanks to carefully crafted double lives... until love and marriage enter the equation. When true identities are revealed, will they live happily ever after? This version of the classic comedy of errors is being directed by Robert McNamara. Through Sept. 13. Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H. St. NE, Washington, D.C.). $10. atlasarts.org.
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
CA L E NDA R
live_music&nightlife THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 M������ F������ - N���� #2. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $22 – $25 in advance; $22 – $28 day of the show. 6:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. S���� R�� ���� B����� T��� E���, U���� K������ ��� E�� 6. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $35 – $50. 7 p.m. 703-255-1900. T�� C������ C���� ���� C������ M��� ��� S���� C���. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $10. 7:30 p.m. 202-667-7960. T����3 ���� D����� I����� ��� L�� C������. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $10. 8:30 p.m. 703-522-8340. T�����������. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 T�� B���� L������ ���� C�������� L����. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $18 in advance; $23 on the day of. 7 p.m. 703-237-0300. T�� P������ ���� T��� W�����, I������������, YUM, T�� E������ P���� ��� S�����R����. 9:30 (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $15. 7 p.m. 202-265-0930. D����� �� C������. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $25 – $60. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900. C����� L������. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504. T�� 8-B�� R����: A S��� J������
T������ V���� G��� H������. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $15 in advance; $18 day of the show. 9 p.m. 202667-7960. T�� I��� B���. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $10. 9 p.m. 703-522-8340.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 B�� T���� ��� F������. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12. 1 p.m. 703-255-1566. DC H�����������. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504. T�� L���������. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $18. 8 p.m. 703-237-0300. B���’� A���������� ���� Y���� R�����, T�� S�� L���, T�� M�� L����� E�������, D��-M��� ��� T�� E� M��������. 9:30 (815 V St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $15. 8 p.m. 202-265-0930. G����� K����� ���� ��� O’J���. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $30 – $60. 8 p.m. 703-255-1900. R���! L��� S��� � P������. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $20. 8 p.m. 202-667-7960. B�� T���� ��� F������. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $12. 8:30 p.m. 703-255-1566. T��� ���� W����� S����� ��� H���� L�����. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $12. 9:00 p.m. 703-522-8340. C������� M����� S���. JV’s
Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 9 p.m. 703-241-9504.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 S����� S����� ��� W���� ��� G���� �� M����. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $20 in advance; $25 day of the show. 12 p.m. 703-255-1566. T�� B���� B���. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $30 – $60. 3 p.m. 703-255-1900. J��� A���� B���. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 4 p.m. 703-241-9504. J�� L���� W����� ���� R��� E����� � T�� N��������. The State Theatre (220 N. Washington St., Falls Church). $18 in advance; $21 day of the show. 6 p.m. 703-237-0300. P���� ��� S������ ���� C���� K��������. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 6 p.m. 703-255-1566. A����� X ���� T�� S����� �� ��� B������ ��� G� C���. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $10 in advance; $12 day of the show. 7:30 p.m. 202-667-7960. S����� J��� B���. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8 p.m. 703-241-9504. T�� H����������� ���� N� G��� S����� ��� A���� S�����. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). $12. 8 p.m. 703-522-8340.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24 AJ S���� ���� C���� C�����. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $10
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 23
– $15 in advance; $13 – $15 day of the show. 7 p.m. 703-255-1566. H��� ��� H�����. Iota Club and Café (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington). 8 p.m. 703-522-8340. W��� B���� J��. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 D���� M�� ���� J�� S������� T���. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15. 6:30 p.m. 703-2551566. S������. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $40 – $85. 7:30 p.m. 703255-1900. D��� H������ ���� H������ C����. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $12. 7:30 p.m. 202-667-7960. S���� J����� B��� ���� B�� B�� L�����. JV’s Restaurant (6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church). 8:30 p.m. 703-241-9504.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 L����� B�� T��� ���� C������� P��� ��� C������ W������. Wolf Trap (1645 Trap Road, Vienna). $35 – $55. 7 p.m. 703-255-1900. L��� W��� ���� S����� S������. Jammin’ Java (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna). $15 – $22. 7 p.m. 703-2551566. S����� �� F���� S����� ���� A�������� ��� E���� ��� 7�� P������. Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.). $10. 7:30 p.m. 202-667-7960.
P������� A����... Monday, August 31 – Monday, September 7 – CLOSED: Community Center. The Falls Church Community Center will be closed for annual cleaning, painting
and maintenance. Registration staff will be available Monday, Aug. 31 – Saturday, Sept. 5, but there will be no other access to the building. The entire building will be shut down on Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. The building will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for normal business hours and activities. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). All Day. 703-248-5027.
Saturday, September 19 – Taste of Falls Church and The Fall Festival 2015. Features include live entertainment, pony rides, children’s amusements, crafters,
businesses and civic organizations and cuisine from city kitchens. The children’s activity tent will offer face painting and craft projects. Festivalgoers can sample cuisine from City restaurants for $3 per taste or $25 for 10 tastes. Skip the line and purchase your Taste tickets in advance at the Community Center beginning September 10 at 8 a.m. Admission to the event is free, but amusement rides and tasting require the purchase of one more tickets. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Falls Church). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. fallschurchva.gov/fallfestival.
C������� S���������� Be sure to include time, location, cost of admission, contact person and any other pertinent information. Event listings will be edited for content and space limitations. Please include any photos or artwork with submissions. Deadline is Monday at noon for the current week’s edition.
Email: calendar@fcnp.com | Fax: 703-342-0347; Attn: FCNP Calendar Mail: Falls Church News-Press, Attn: Calendar, 200 Little Falls St., #508, Falls Church, VA 22046
PAGE 24 | AUGUST 20 -26, 2015
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Public Notice
FOR SALE: Restaurant-Diner in Arlington,
NOTICE OF INTENT TO DECLARE INTERMENT RIGHTS ABANDONED.
Help Wanted DENTAL RECEPTIONIST and DENTAL ASSISTANT: General Dentist
Office in Falls Church, VA, near West FC Metro. Computer and Math Skills Required. Hours: M,T,Th,F. 9-4 PM. Send Resume to: jobs122@yahoo.com
ACCOUNTANT – BA Accounting or
equivalent, 2 years experience, and proof of legal right to work permit in US required. Job: Fairfax County, VA; Full-time, M-F, 8am-5pm, evening, holiday & weekends as needed. Mail CV to CATO & ASSOCIATES, 100 N. Washington ST, Suite. 204, Falls Church, VA 22046.
F ULL-TIME SALES POSITION open at German Gourmet Grocery Store. English required. Good people skills, salary commensurate with skills and experience. Fax Resume to 703-379-6117 or email info@ GermanGourmet .com.
Evergreen Development Co., Inc., owners of Mountain View Cemetery declares its intention to recover the abandoned cemetery lot known as Section #40, unused portion of Lot #204 owned by and in the name of Vedey Mullins Joselyn. If there is no response from said lot owner, her heirs or assigns within 120 days from the publication of this notice, the interment rights shall be deemed abandoned and shall revert to Mountain View Cemetery, 1401 Mountain View Road Vinton, VA 24179.
ABC LICENSE H & T & Son LLC, Trading as H20 Cafe, 6757 Wilson Blvd, Suite 15, Falls Church, Virginia 22044-3387. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Mixed Beverage on premise license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Huong Nguyen, Member. NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
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Busy financial exec seeks part-time cook to prepare meals, Mon-Fri. Emphasis on healthy dishes of lean meats/fish, salads, veggies, fruits and whole grains. Ideal for Mom with kids in school; flexible for school vacations and when exec travels. Falls Church. Send information to jennifer@ churchillresearch.com.
EVERYTHING MUST GO. Garage
Sale including Ikea furniture, king-size bed, books, hammocks, print art, and more. 156 Rees Place, Saturday August 22nd, 7-11 a.m.
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We are pleged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportuWe are pledged to the letter nity throughout the Commonand spirit wealth. ofWeVirginia’s encourage policy and support advertising and housing for achieving equal marketing programs in which opportunity there are no throughout barriers to obtainingthe Commonwealth. encourage housing becauseWe of race, color, religion, national origin, sex,and and support advertising elderliness, familial status or marketing programs inadverwhich handicap. All real estate tised no herein is subject to there are barriers to obtainVirginia’s fair housing lawof which ing housing because race, makes it illegal to advertise “any color, preference, religion, national limitation, origin, or discrimination because of race,stasex, elderliness, familial color, religion, national origin, tus orsex, handicap. All real estate elderliness, familial status or advertised is to subject handicap herein or intention make any such preference, limitation,law to Virginia’s fair housing or discrimination.” This newspawhichper makes illegal toaccept adverwill notit knowingly tise “any preference, limitation, advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our of or discrimination because readers are herby informed that race, all color, religion, dwellings advertised national in this are available on an origin,newspaper sex, elderliness, familial basis. more statusequal or opportunity handicap or For intention information or to file a housing to make any call such preference, complaint the Virginia Fair Housingor Office at (804) limitation, discrimination.” 367-8530. Toll free call (888) This newspaper will not know551-3247. For the hearing ingly impaired accept advertising call (804) 367-9753. for
real estate that violates the fair Email: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov. housingWebsite: law.www.fairhousing.vipnet.org 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) 3678530. Toll free call (888) 5513247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Crossword
ACROSS
By David Levinson Wilk 1
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© 2015 David Levinson Wilk
Across
1. Knife incision
1. Knife incision 5. “The Great Muppet Caper” actress Diana 9. “Law & Order” spinoff, for short 12. “Don’t ____ muscle!” 14. Standard graph axes 15. Stroke 16. Borneo rainforest dweller 17. Bird-related 18. Drop from the staff 19. Midwest daily read by paving material enthusiasts? 22. Come into some money, maybe 23. Noted provider of pictorial instructions 26. Impediments to teamwork 27. New England daily read by researchers of an amorphous lump? 32. Escort to a second-floor apartment, say 34. Stun, as a suspect 35. Opposite of WSW 36. Minor office injuries ... or afflictions suffered by 19-, 27-, 48- and 56-Across 40. 007, for one: Abbr. 43. Buzz on “The Simpsons,” e.g. 44. Penn and Connery 48. East Coast daily read by marijuana users? 52. Border 53. Sunburn relief 54. Have no company 56. Midwest daily read by believ-
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 25
ers of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? 61. Australia’s national bird 63. “Lookie what I did!” 64. ____ 6 65. “The Amazing Race” necessity 66. Fields 67. ____ nous 68. Yiddish laments 69. It may be rigged 70. Kikkoman sauces
DOWN
1. Appalachian range 2. Apostrophized word in a classic French dish 3. Novel that includes Robin Hood 4. Stiffens through nervousness 5. Shankar at Woodstock 6. Not yet out of the running 7. Barbie greeting 8. Ibsen’s “Peer ____” 9. Vivacity 10. Plague 11. RAV4 or TrailBlazer, briefly 13. Vegan gelatin substitute 14. Blade brand 20. Member of the fam 21. Insurance co. that received a $182 billion bailout 24. Very long period 25. Bart and Lisa’s grandpa 28. Bra part 29. Middle x or o 30. The Buckeyes’ sch. 31. Takes home
CHUCKLE BROS BRIAN & RON BOYCHUK
5. "The Great Muppet Caper" actress Diana 9. "Law & Order" spinoff, for short
Sudoku Level:
33. Flamenco guitarist ____ de Lucia 37. ____ ejemplo 38. Game in a forest 39. Aquarium attractions 40. Santa ____ winds 41. Do goo 42. Recipe amount, at times 45. On the verge 46. Convent 47. Fomer RNC chairman Michael and others 49. Mumbled assent 50. Orchestra woodwinds 51. Vietnamese New Year 55. Sabre ou pistolet 57. Start of Popeye’s credo 58. Irene of “Fame” 59. Chorus after “All in favor” 60. Coll. senior’s exam 61. Punk offshoot 62. When the French Open starts Last Thursday’s Solution I P A D M A M A P H I L Y A D S D O P E E R U P K R I C M F G C A R L D D A Y L E N D T I D I S N E A
O P L I O U T M S T S T A R R O S O P E E E R K
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By The Mepham Group
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12. "Don't ____ muscle!" 14. Standard graph axes 15. Stroke 16. Borneo rainforest dweller 17. Bird-related 18. Drop from the staff 19. Midwest daily read by paving material enthusiasts?
1
22. Come into some money, maybe 23. Noted provider of pictorial instructions 26. Impediments to teamwork 27. New England daily read by researchers of an amorphous lump?
LOOSE PARTS
DAVE BLAZEK
32. Escort to a second-floor apartment, say Solution to last Sunday’s puzzle
NICK KNACK
1
© 2015 N.F. Benton
8/23/15
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk. © 2015 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
LO CA L
PAGE 26 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
C������ C�����
BACK IN THE DAY
laz y The dog. c k q u i fox sly p e d jum e r o v lazy the g . d o is Now time the all for o d g o to cows
20 s Yearo Ag
e c o mthe to of aid i r t h e re. pastu w N o the is e t i m all for o d g o to cows e c o mthe to
20 � 10 Y���� A�� �� ��� N���-P���� Falls Church News-Press Vol. V, No. 23 • August 24, 1995
It is no the timw e for g o all o cows d to go to the aid of the pa stu ir re. *** **
Falls Church News-Press Vol. XV, No. 24 • August 18, 2005
10 Year s Ago
Thr ow it up. Pour it up It now is the time for all go od cows to go the to aid
Diplomat Killed in Bosnia Was a Good Neighbor in Falls Church
McLean Little League Girls Play For World Series Title Tonight
Robert C. Frasure, a man who gave his life in the pursuit of peace, was remembered this week by his co-workers and fellow Falls Church residents as a loving husband and father, a devoted diplomat, a man of intense dedication to mankind and a man of brilliant wit and charm. Frasure, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of European and Canadian Affairs, died August 19 when his armored vehicle slid off a road in the mountains....
PORTLAND, Ore. – Maybe they just like the pressure. A day after narrowly qualifying for the championship round of the Little League Softball World Series, the McLean AllStars used a pair of two-out rallies to walk the tightrope past Southwest Region Champion New Iberia, Louisiana by a score of 4-0, and march into the program’s second World Series title game in two years.
HELP NEPAL NOW
THIS IS PRESTON, a 6-year-old Cairn Terrier, who lives in Falls Church’s Winter Hill Community. When he’s not taking walks along West Broad Street, Preston loves to play fetch and terrorize birds in the backyard. Just because you’re not famous doesn’t mean your pet can’t be! Send in your Critter Corner submissions to crittercorner@fcnp.com.
WE EXIST TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN’T
OMAR HAVANA/GETTY IMAGES
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. With the help of people like you, the National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.
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Beverly, diagnosed in 2001
VISIT US ONLINE
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AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015 | PAGE 27
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Directory Listings: Call Us at 703-532-3267
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Beyer Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5000
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Dr. Solano, solanospine.com . . . . . . 536-4366
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Academy of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 938-8054 Foxes Music Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533-7393
Stifel & Capra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407-0770
All numbers have a ‘703’ prefix unless otherwise indicated.
PHARMACY
Broad Street Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . 533-9013 n
PHOTOGRAPHY
Gary Mester, Event, Portraits. . . . . . . 481-0128 Mary Sandoval Photography . . . 334-803-1742 n
REAL ESTATE
Merelyn Kaye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .790-9090x218 www.helpfulmortgage.us . . . . . . . . . . 237-0222 Casey O’Neal - ReMax . . . . . . . . . . . 824-4196 Rosemary Hayes Jones. . . . . . . . . . .790-1990 The Young Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356-8800 Tori McKinney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 867-8674 Shaun Murphy, Realtor . . . . . . . . . . . 868-5999
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Dr Gordon Theisz, Family Medicine. . 533-7555
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Feline Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-8665
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Dr. Alison Sinyai, Family Eye Care . . 533-3937 n
www.healthybyintention.com.. . . . . . . 534-1321
Falls Church Florist, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 533-1333
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(30 characters + Ph. #, incl. spaces)
Allstate Home Auto Life Ins. . . . . . . 241-8100 State Farm Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-5105
EQUIPMENT RENTAL/SALE
Art & Frame of Falls Church . . . . . . . 534-4202
HOME IMPROVEMENT
FC Heating & Air Service . . . . . . . . . . 534-0630 Joseph Home Improvement. . . . . . . . 507-5005 Picture Perfect Home Improvements 590-3187 One Time Home Improvement. . . . . . 577-9825
Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-6500
BOOK BINDING
HEALTH & FITNESS
Energy Healing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447-9767 Vantage Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-0565 Jazzercise Falls Church. . . . . . . . . . . 622-2152
DENTISTS
VA Outdoor Power Equipment . . . . . . 207-2000 n
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BCR Binders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9181
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CONCRETE
Family Dentistry, Nimisha V Patel . . . 533-1733 Dr. William Dougherty . . . . . . . . . . . 532-3300
HANDYMAN
Chris & Barb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571-830-6630 Your Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571-243-6726
CRJ Concrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571-221-2785
Mark F. Werblood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-9300 Sudeep Bose, Former Police Officer. 926-3900 Janine S. Benton, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . .992-9255
Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Co.. . . 519-1634 BB&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-3505 TD Bank/www.TDBank.com. . . . . . . . 237-2051 n
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COLLEGES
American College of Commerce and Technology . . . . . . . . 942-6200
Falls Church Antique Company . . . . . 241-7074 Antique Annex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241-9642 n
CLEANING SERVICES
Maid Brigade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 823-1922 Acclaimed Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . 978-2270 House Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571-235-4295 A Cleaning Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892-8648
Diener & Associates, CPA.. . . . . . . . . 241-8807 Eric C. Johnson, CPA, PC . . . . . . . . . 538-2394 Mark Sullivan, CPA. . . . . . . . . . . 571-214-4511 Hahn & Associates, PC, CPAs. . . . . . 533-3777 n
3 months - $150 6 months - $270 1 year - $450
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TAILOR
Tailor Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534-8886
PAGE 28 | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2015
Falls Church City - Open Sunday 1-4
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Check Online for Open Houses Open Sunday 2-4pm
Open Sunday 2-4pm
158 Rees Place | Falls Church City
Gorgeous 3 bed/3.5 bath town home overlooking Tripps Run. Stunning interior and updates. Walk to downtown FCC. Offered at $879,000
710 Villa Ridge Rd | Falls Church City
Absolutely beautiful 4 bed/3.5 bath colonial in desirable Broadmont.Beautiful private yard with stone patio and screened porch. Walk to Metro. $1,175,000
Open Sunday 2-4pm
Open Sunday 2-4pm
1272 S Washington St | Falls Church City
Beautifully enlarged & updated Colonial walking distance to award winning Thomas Jefferson Elementary School! Stunning kitchen with stainless appliances including Wolf gas cooktop, & maple cabinets, Sunny FR room walks out to deck overlooking lovely yard. Lower level has in-law (or Princess) suite with private entrance & patio. Large MBR with bath. Dirs: from TysonsE on Rt 7, R on Oak, L on Seaton, R on Greenway. $889,000
Merelyn Kaye
Meeting Real Estate needs since 1970. There is no substitute for experience Home Office: 703-362-1112 e-mail: merelyn@kayes.com
Lovely 4 level townhome featuring 3 bed/3 bath, dramatic spaces that will “wow” you! Gorgeous private patio, and mins to everything. Offered at $699,000
6712 19th St N | Arlington Va 22205
Location! Location!Location! Don’t miss this 5 bed/ 2 bath home steps from EFC metro! Fenced yard and Yorktown High! Offered at $749,000
Voted Best Residential Real Estate Agent
Louise Molton NVAR Top Producer Phone: 703 244-1992 Email: louise@moltonrealestate.com
www.LouiseMolton.com
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
®
REALTOR