August 26 – September 1, 2021
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FOU N D E D 1991 • VOL. XXXI NO. 28
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New School Year in Falls Church Begins with Cautious Optimism Superintendent Lays Out Theme of Emphasizing Resilience of Staff, Renewal of Strong Community Bonds
BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
The big news made at yesterday morning’s Falls Church City Public Schools’ convocation, other than that it was the first big event held in the new Meridian High School
auditorium and marked the resumption of a new school year with full in-person instruction for all, was the fact that the system’s world class International Baccalaureate (IB) program gained even more stature with the announcement that its pre-school program at the
F.C. Stormwater Improvements Could Prompt Tree Removal BY MATT DELANEY
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
To make the necessary stormwater improvements throughout the City of Falls Church, some trees have to be removed. It’s not a thrilling topic of conversation for a place that’s held the title of a “Tree City USA” for 40-plus years, but it’s also one that won’t result in the permanent loss of tree canopy that some fear. The pages of the News-Press’ “Letters to the Editor” section was where those concerns played out. One letter, published on July 1, criticized home builders for removing trees during one of their projects. A follow up letter the next week redirected attention toward the City’s planned stormwater improvements for the reason that tree root systems were going to be destroyed and why they needed to be removed. Eyes will naturally turn toward the City officials who approve of these developments and the sub-
sequent denuding that takes place. However, City Arborist Charles Prince said that these removals aren’t typically a contentious process. In his work, most people are open to having a tree removed for free, and get a new one planted that can be more modestly sized. He also holds the power to overrule any tree replacement suggested by the developer to make sure it’s in line with what works for Falls Church. “I can veto any tree, so if it’s an invasive species that will proliferate and spread, kind of out of control, I can deny that tree,” Charles Prince, the City’s arborist, said. “Outside of that, developers are afforded a bonus when they plant native trees... and generally, that’s what we always see the majority of the time. We see native trees going in on properties.” The new trees may not be as mature as the ones being removed, as you might expect, meaning that there is a chance it could affect
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Jesse Thackrey site has also been officially certified as an IB institution, bringing the entire system, preschool through Grade 12, into its highly-prestigious fold. So, when FCCPS Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan said yet again, as he did at yesterday’s convocation,
that the Falls Church system’s goal is to be the best IB system in the entire world, he wasn’t kidding. In-person classes begin for all students next Monday, Aug. 30, with no virtual learning options except for special circumstances. It will mark the official grand opening
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of the new $120 million high school facility, along with its new name, Meridian High. That first week will be short, however, with Friday off for the launch of the Labor Day weekend, the following Monday off
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THE TINNER HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL made a triumphant return this past weekend, dazzling attendees with live Blues, Reggae and more. See photos on page 22. (P����: G��� M�����)
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The results are in! After multiple rounds of nominations and voting, the winners for the Best of Falls Church 2021 competition can be found inside this edition of the News-Press. SEE BEST OF F.C., PAGE 13
WINNERS!
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SEE STORY, PAGE 21
SEE STORY, PAGE 23
Meridian High School students and their impassioned music teacher are helping lead the way for a better understanding of cultural differences in a collaborative effort with students based in Sejong City, South Korea, who also wrote lyrics in their language.
Like the taste of country biscuits lathered with huge dollops of butter, Patsy Cline’s voice and songs are a taste of a sumptuous concert in Cherry Hill Park, the scene of Creative Cauldron’s newest show which runs through this weekend (pending rain).
INDEX
Editorial............................................... 6 Letters................................................. 6 Comment .................................7,11,12 News & Notes................................... 10 Crime Report .................................... 12 Calendar ........................................... 24 Classified Ads ................................... 28 Comics, Sudoku & Crossword ......... 29 Critter Corner.................................... 30 Business News ................................. 31
