AUGUST 27 SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 FOUNDED 1991 • VOL. XXXVI N O . 29
Northern Virginia’s Newspaper
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‘Democracy Thrives In Sunshine’
F.C.’s New City Manager
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Begins Job On Sept. 14 Hendler-Voss Takes Helm After Shields’ 23-Year Tenure BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
This Monday, the Falls Church City Council voted unanimously to hire Seth Hendler–Voss as the next City Manager of the independent City of Falls Church, Virginia. Seth Hendler–Voss will join the City as the administrative executive of the two-squaremile independent city in Northern Virginia on Monday, September 14. His appointment culminated a five month recruitment process that saw over 80 people originally apply for the job. “Seth brings to the City of Falls Church an extraordinary combination of local government experience, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to building strong, connected communities,” Falls Church Mayor Letty Hardi said in a statement this week. “His career has consistently focused
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Table Of
Interview: Shields Reflects on His Lengthy Tenure BY NICHOLAS F. BENTON
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
Contents Editoral Our Man In Arlington Classads Critter Corner Calendar
SHARING THE DAIS after Monday’s unanimous vote to hire Seth Hendler-Voss as the City of Falls Church’s new city manager were the entire Falls Church City Council along with outgoing manager Wyatt Shields and incoming manager Hendler-Voss. L to R: Justine Underhill, Marybeth Connelly, David Snyder, Mayor Letty Hardi, Wyatt Shields, Seth Hendler-Voss, Laura Downs, Arthur Agin, Erin Flynn. (Photo: FCNP)
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Entering his last two weeks as the City Manager of the City of Falls Church, Wyatt Shields sat down with me to record a session summarizing his 23 years of leadership here. What
follows is a transcript of that conversation. Shields opened by stating: A city is a big, complex human organization and I do believe very much in public service and like to continue to serve. FCNP: What do you think contributed to the decision to
retire? Shields: Well, a couple of personal reasons. The kids are grown up, out of school, and at a personal level, it felt like a good time to make a change. And I believe that the City Council is in a good position to make a good decision
on who the next manager will be. I’m excited about a lot of the things the city is doing right now and I look forward to seeing how those develop and evolve over time as a citizen, as a resident.
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Falls Church News Briefs
Carter Center at GMU Hosts 2026 Peace Week Sept. 21-25 “Peacemaking and Peacebuilding in a Fragmented World” is the theme of the Fall 2026 Peace Week hosted by the Carter Center of George Mason University in Fairfax, from September 21 through 25. All the panels will be held at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax. This is the first school in North America to offer an MS in conflict analysis and resolution.
Monday, September 21 — Understanding Fragmentation:
Peace in South Asia: Reconciliation Through Global Social Witnessing (9 – 10:15 a.m.); Middle Powers and the Future of Mediation: Rethinking Peacemaking in a Fragmented World (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.); People of Bikini Atoll: Displacement, Environmental Damage & Human Rights (12:45 – 2 p.m.); Redefining Peacebuilding: Colonialism and Reconciliation in a Modern World (2 – 3:15 p.m.); Adapt to Advance: Advocacy’s New Shape in a Polarized World (3:30 – 4:45 p.m.); Fireside Chat: Let’s Taco ‘Bout Peace (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, September 22 — Rebuilding Trust Across Divides
Non-State Actors, Inequality, and Conflict Dynamics in Africa: What Prospects for Sustainable Peacemaking and Peacebuilding? (9 – 10:15 a.m.); Building Global Peacebuilding Networks: Communities of Practice (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.); The Power of Pluralism: Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World (11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.); PeaceJam in Action: Youth, Dialogue, and Community Mediation (1 – 2:15 p.m.); PiVoT Peace Lab: Polarization & Violence Transformed – An Introduction (2:30 – 3:45 p.m.); Polarization in Iran: Post-January Protests and War (4 – 5:15 p.m.)
Wednesday, September 23 — Leadership, Communities, and Peacebuilding Practice
Hungry for Peace: Food Peacebuilding in an Entangled World, Book Launch (9 – 10:15 a.m.); Rotary Peace Fellowships and Beyond: Catalyzing Peacebuilding (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.); Everyday Peacebuilding Through Women’s Safety (noon – 1:15 p.m.); Serving Beyond the Uniform: Women Veterans Advancing Peace (1:30 – 2:45 p.m.); The Year of Living Dangerously — the Destruction of American Soft Power (3 – 4:15 p.m.); In-depth Field Learning: Inclusivity, Teamwork, & Reflective Practice (4:30 – 5:45 p.m.)
Thursday, September 24 — Innovation and Global Perspectives
Piecing Peace in Southeast Asia (8:30 – 9:30 a.m.); AI-Augmented Teaching and Learning for Peacebuilding: Preparing the Next Generation of Peace Practitioners (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.); Navigating Africanity, Afrophobia and Citizenship Crises in a Fractured World: Perspectives to the Emerging Options for Global Peacebuilding (10:30 – 11:45 a.m.); Humanitarian Peacebuilding in Complex Environments: Lessons from the Field (noon – 1:15 p.m.); Pull Up a Chair: Structured Dialogue Across Difference (2 – 3:15 p.m.); Preventing Violence & Promoting Peace at Home and Abroad (3:45 – 5 p.m.); Addressing Youth Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue in SE Washington DC (7:15 – 8:30 p.m.)
best-known entertainers. Her appeal, he wrote, reached people who may never have owned one of her records but nevertheless identified with the values and sense of acceptance she came to represent.
Record Number of LGBT Candidates Running in Brazil Elections Brazil’s 2026 election is producing a striking paradox: LGBTQ+ political participation is surging even as the overall candidate pool shrinks. VoteLGBT says it has identified more than 500 LGBTQ+ candidates nationwide, nearly 60% more than in 2022, while the total number of candidates has fallen by almost 30%. Visibility, predictably, comes with a price: the organization’s AI-powered monitoring system, Sentinela, says it has already detected more than 6,000 online attacks against LGBTQ+ candidates this election cycle. VoteLGBT itself has faced legal pressure from the Republicanos party over its election platform and mascot, Votinho; according to the organization, courts have ruled twice in its favor, and an appeal is ongoing.
HRC: America Is Gayer Than We Thought New HRC Foundation estimates, based on 2.4 million Census Bureau survey responses, put America’s LGBTQ+ population at a record 12% of adults—or 25.6 million people. Bisexual Americans alone represent more than 7% of all adults, making them by far its largest component, while growing numbers of people describe their gender outside the traditional binary. In other words, the expansion of LGBTQ+ America is not principally a dramatic increase in the number of people identifying as conventionally gay or lesbian; it reflects younger generations embracing a much broader spectrum of sexuality and gender, with nearly a third of 18-to-24year-olds now identifying as LGBTQ+.
Surrogacy Entering Culture War In The US? A Texas custody battle involving a critically ill newborn is raising broader questions about surrogacy and parental rights. The dispute began after a California couple sought to terminate a surrogate pregnancy after learning the baby had a severe congenital heart defect. The surrogate continued the pregnancy and is now challenging the couple’s parental authority, drawing support from anti-abortion groups and Republican political figures. The case comes amid growing international scrutiny of surrogacy, with some countries restricting the practice and feminist, religious and conservative groups raising concerns from different perspectives. The dispute highlights an emerging debate over contractual pregnancy, reproductive decision-making and the competing rights of surrogates, intended parents and children — issues likely to receive increasing legal and political attention in the U.S.
Friday, September 25 — Memory, Healing, and the Future
Contested Narratives of Memory in Hiroshima and Nagasaki (9 – 10 a.m.); The Power of Listening in Peacebuilding: Building Geographies of Hope (noon – 1:15 p.m.); The Geography of Wounds and Healing Through Art: A Conversation on Veteran Art, Memory, and Peacebuilding (2 – 3:30 p.m.); Rethinking Peacebuilding: Power, Coloniality, and Global Perspectives (3 – 4:15 p.m.); The Sound of Peace: Creativity, Culture, and the Human Spirit in a Fragmented World (4:45 – 6 p.m.)
U.S. Gays Mourn Passing Of Dolly Parton Writing on his Substack, Fabrice Houdart reflected on the death of Dolly Parton and the broader cultural response to her passing, arguing that the widespread mourning extends well beyond her celebrity.Houdart described Parton as representing American ideals of “generosity, decency and a live-and-let-live spirit,” and contrasted those qualities with what he sees as the country’s increasingly divided political and cultural climate. He pointed in particular to Parton’s longstanding relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, noting that she publicly supported LGBTQ+ people for decades without making that advocacy a central part of her public image or personal brand. Houdart also contrasted Parton’s approach with a recent announcement by the Log Cabin Republicans that the organization would drop the “T” from its use of LGBTQ+, arguing that the decision illustrates a broader willingness to compromise previously stated principles. For Houdart, Parton’s death therefore represents more than the loss of one of the country’s
ROCK STAR realty group recently traded real estate for a rock’n bowling night at Lucky Strike. Amit Kaim, ROCK STAR Lender of First Heritage Mortgage, helped the team ROCK the lanes! (Photo: Ryan Corvello)
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
LOCAL
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 3
Hendler-Voss Named New F.C. City Manager in Unanimous Vote
Continued from Page 1
on the things that make a community thrive – from thoughtful growth and economic development to parks and public spaces, housing, infrastructure, and meaningful engagement with residents.” Mayor Hardi added, “We are thrilled to welcome Seth and his family to The Little City. His energy, collaborative spirit, and passion for community make him an excellent fit for the City, and I look forward to working with him as we build on all that makes our City such a special place to live, work, and call home.” “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Falls Church community and humbled by City Council’s confidence during this pivotal time of transition. Their collective vision and level of engagement is energizing,” said Hendler–Voss. “I am excited to roll up my sleeves and work together to sustain the City’s distinctive character while drawing upon new opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all residents and foster an environment for local businesses to thrive. The chance to work with an employee body as talented as this City’s team is a dream for any incoming City Manager and I am committed to leveraging our collective skills to deliver the highest quality services in Northern Virginia, setting the gold standard for engagement and innovation. As new residents, my family and I are elated to join the full life of the community and take full advantage of the cultural events, dining scene, recreation resources, and superb public school system that make the City of Falls Church such a hallmark community.” The Hendler-Voss family has moved temporarily into the Pearson Square apartments, doing so in time for their younger son, Simon, to enroll in the ninth grade at Meridian High School this week, where classes began Monday. He immediately signed up for the school’s cross country team and took part in a ceremony where his dad was formally voted in by the CIty Council prior to a wide plethora of congratulatory and testimonial remarks by his former employers and new colleagues were made. Hendler–Voss comes to the City of Falls Church with two decades of public service in Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. Most recently, he led Parks and Recreation for Prince William County, Virginia. For nearly a decade, Hendler–Voss led one of the nation’s largest and most diverse park systems, elevating parks and rec-
reation from a value-added service to a cornerstone of community vitality. He grew the agency to a $115 million budget and 1,400 employees across seven divisions, consolidated the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau into county government, and oversaw tourism through 2023. In Prince William County, he co-led a $396 million bond referendum with 68 percent voter approval, expedited capital project delivery, negotiated $25 million in private partnerships, and accelerated the tourism economy to the highest percentage growth of all Northern Virginia governments. Prior to Prince William County, Hendler–Voss served for three years as the Town Manager of Canton, North Carolina. As Town Manager, he oversaw full-service operations including Fire, Police, Water and Sewer, and Public Works. While in Canton, Seth established Haywood County’s first living wage-certified municipality, crafted an economic development strategy that resulted in a dozen new business startups and expansions, reimagined their century-old Labor Day festival, and led an unprecedented level of water system modernization and pedestrian safety improvements. Before Canton, Hendler–Voss served for 12 years as the Planning Manager and Principal Landscape Architect for the City of Asheville, North Carolina, known for its thriving arts and small business culture, where he doubled their greenway system and led stormwater management and flood resiliency projects. He also served as the Principal Landscape Architect for the City of Atlanta, Georgia where he designed parks and organized volunteer playground builds. Hendler–Voss’ career also includes time in the nonprofit and private sectors – both in Atlanta, Georgia and Wise County, Virginia where he worked in underserved neighborhoods with home repair programs and anti-predatory lending advocacy. His passion for placemaking started during his time with PBS&J, a multidisciplinary engineering firm in Atlanta where he designed streetscape revitalizations and traffic calming plans for small towns in the Atlanta metro area. He earned a Masters of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University in 2013 and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Penn State University in 2001 where he also competed nationally on the men’s Track and Cross Country teams. He is a 2023 graduate of the University of Virginia
Weldon Cooper Center’s Senior Executive Institute (SEI). Hendler–Voss currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason University and is a Fellow in the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administrators. He is passionate about placemaking, housing security, community storytelling, balancing growth with preserving community character, and public education. He views the local government sector as an epicenter for building community bonds and transforming lives. Hendler–Voss is married to the Reverend Amanda Hendler–Voss who is the Senior Minister at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. and together they have two children. The
elder child attends Christopher Newport University and the younger is entering ninth grade at Meridian High School this fall. He said that he and his family look forward to fully immersing themselves in The Little City’s vibrant cultural fabric. Current City Manager Wyatt Shields announced his intention to retire after a remarkable 23 years of service for the City of Falls Church government (see story, elsewhere this issue). Shields’ last day with the City will be Friday, September 4, 2026, and a special reception to honor his service will be held this Thursday, August 27, at 2 p.m. at the Falls Church City Hall. Jenny Carroll, Deputy City Manager, will serve as Acting City Manager until Hendler–Voss’ first day on Monday, September 14.
SETH HENDLER-VOSS was formally voted in as Falls Church’s new City Manager Monday night at City Hall. He is pictured here with his wife, Rev. Amanda HendlerVoss, and their son, Simon Hendler-Voss. (Photo: FCNP)
6795 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044
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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Interview: Shields Re�lects on 23 Years as F.C.’s City Manager
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FCNP: What would you say over the course of your time here is the greatest positive achievement that has happened? Shields: You know, all of the tension that was around the provision of water service and in the Greater Falls Church area, and I think resolving the water disputes with Fairfax County in a way that served our customers well, and served our workforce well. And also help protect the city’s fiscal condition, which was one of our concerns through that whole dispute. I think that the city navigated that well. Regional partners, Fairfax Water, Fairfax County, and the city, at the end of the day made the best decisions for our ratepayers and for our taxpayers. I’m grateful to Fairfax Water for the great job they do and providing water service. And they also provided jobs for all the city employees that built the
water system. So I was very grateful to Chuck Murray and the leadership of Fairfax Water, Phil Allen, Chuck Marino. And remember we did have the help of a federal mediator. That’s something that I would recommend when there are complex regional disputes. I think having a mediator is a good thing and so I think that was helpful to all the parties. We were able to make the boundary adjustment, getting the 10 additional acres, getting the money we were able to put into the pension fund, 10 million bucks. FCNP: What would you say are the most promising and the most challenging things that you’re leaving? Shields: Well, you know, I think we’ve been worried about changes in federal policy. And I think that will continue to be a challenge. In the city of Falls Church, we’ve provided, I believe, great general government and school public education services and so being able to
do that in a way that is financially sustainable will always be a challenge for us. And I believe that growth and private investment is an important part of the mix for longterm fiscal sustainability. FCNP: What do you think about the challenges of the Virginia Village to provide affordable housing? Shields: I know the evaluation committee is working hard to find some recommendations to the City Council and I think that is a strong move that the City Council and the EDA have made to try to expand access to affordable housing. I look forward to seeing how that develops. FCNP: It seems like it’s taken a lot of long, long, meetings. But it seems like progress has been rather steady on this and probably gonna result in a fairly universal consensus. Maybe some people are gonna be griping. But I mean there has been the ability of the City Council to move the ball down the field.
Shields: Well, that’s right. And I think it helps to have a road map, which we articulated back in October, and the Council has essentially followed that road map with some adjustments like when we’ve needed more time, the Council has taken more time. But I think the recession, if you think of that period of 2009 through 2012, that was a big challenge for the organization. And our mantra at that time was to make the necessary decisions, difficult financial decisions so that we could kind of build back better. It was a phrase that was used later, but that was on our minds. We wanted to emerge from the Great Recession in a stronger financial condition. And we went straight from the recession into planning for the City Hall, new library, and new high school - that new high school being the big one. And so going from the Great Recession to a financial plan to be able to accomplish, you know, $150 million of investment in city
facilities, that was a big challenge and I think with a lot of it you think of the period of 2009 through 2012. That was a big challenge for the organization. FCNP: Coming here in 2003, that’s when you started. Shields: That’s right. FCNP: Did you envision anything like what’s become of Falls Church? Shields: Well, that’s a good question. If you think of what’s changed and what remains the same, I think what’s remained the same is more than what’s changed. What’s remained the same is great. Community activism, great community leadership, great City staff work to help think about change, how to do good planning and then execute on good planning. I think that we had those strengths back in early 2000. And we’ve kept those strengths. And one thing I think that we’ve
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America’s Core Values Are Retained Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
So it strikes us that democracy in the U.S. will be able to withstand the many assaults against it not so much by steps taken by its enemies as by the overwhelming commitment to its core values that are built into every law and every court decision that were designed to further it over the course of 250 years. Yes, we acknowledge the dangers to it, derived from the antipathy that many have to its fullest expression. This has been a racist experiment, I’ll give you that. The expression of racist sentiments that have attended many of the worst efforts to derail our national democratic impulse have been met with fundamentally rock solid commitments to preserve the union even when details of what that involves have been called into question. There’s been little doubt about where sentiments lie when the national commitment to democracy has really been put to the test. We still need to do a more thorough job of just how important the divides between the pro- and anti-slavery sentiments were during the CIvil War, for example. Our history books are still lacking a better appreciation of who stood for what during that bloody conflict and we’ve been led to believe that there were comparable sentiments on both sides that were engaged. I don’t think so at all. I think that during the first century of the nation’s existence, such a strong commitment to democracy was infused into the American soul that few doubted which was the right side to be on once war broke out. Yes, we have our founding fathers to thank for this, where their strong commitments to democratic values carried the day in most of the discourses engaged in at the time. There might have been doubts on specific matters, but when it came right down to defining the issues of
war or peace, most Americans knew which side they stood on, and by a wide margin, indeed. It was a different era than today. Still, the view that carried the nation through deadly conflicts in two world wars of the past century has not abated. We are not a nation that lacks in its commitments to freedom and democracy, even at the cost of lives on battlefields. This is something we’re not being told about enough these days. We are not a nation of wimps or cowards. There is a fighting spirit that can be invoked to stand for core national values when called upon. This is not something that 100 percent of us can stand for, but surely enough can stand in the way of making sure that we do not fail our core identity as a free people. No, for example, the Civil War was not a conflict of equals. Soldiers siding with the Confederacy were lured into signing on by being misled that they were fighting for an effort to defy the Union forces that were oppressing them. That was wrong. They were not set against powerful adversaries that sought to strip them of freedom but were led to take them on out of a dreadful sense of necessity. Union soldiers had a far clearer sense of purpose than the Confederate ones. Most of the battlefield engagements in the first years of the war saw Confederate forces in far greater numbers arrayed against their enemies. It was for the Confederacy an effort to slaughter as many soldiers as possible and that basic strategy stood up for them from the first major encounters at Shiloh and Antietam through the slaughterhouse of the Pickets Run at Gettysburg. By the end of it, the casualties suffered on either side were monumental, but even in the heat of conflicts there were great contrasts in terms of who was fighting and to what ends. An estimated 110,100 Union soldiers and 94,000 Confederate soldiers were killed in battle or died of their wounds, resulting in roughly 204,100 total battlefield fatalities during the American Civil War. While battlefield deaths were catastrophic, they represent less than a third of the war’s total military fatalities.
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 5
COMMENT
A Penny for Your Thoughts
By Penny Gross Former Fairfax County Supervisor
Demanding, and expecting, ethics in government should be a no-brainer for most, but governmental scandals, sadly, have shadowed the development of this nation. The selling of civil service positions in the Grant Administration, the Teapot Dome oil scandal during the Harding Administration, and Watergate during the Nixon Administration were the most notorious – until the Trump Administration. “Massive” may not be a strong enough adjective to describe the corruption by Donald Trump, his family, and some of his hangers-on. Every day brings a new report about the billions of dollars the Trump family is pocketing through bullying, grift, crypto-schemes, and suspect stock trades. A resolution to require that all members of the United States Senate file an annual statement identifying all income and dealings in securities was introduced by a Republican Senator in 1946. Reintroduced every year into the 1960s, the resolution was expanded to include all members of Congress, anyone receiving a federal government salary in excess of $10,000 (the Senate salary in 1963 was $22,500), and the members of the Republican and
Democratic National Committees. President Harry Truman endorsed the resolution in 1951 and recommended that it apply to top officials and employees of all three branches of government, plus flag and general officers of the armed forces, and that those financial statements should be made accessible to the public. He added that “public office is a privilege, not a right. And people who accept the privilege of holding office in the government must, of necessity, expect that their entire conduct should be open to inspection by the people they are serving.” Despite the presidential endorsement, financial disclosure was not adopted by Congress until 1978 when the Ethics in Government Act was enacted. The STOCK Act of 2012 expanded requirements to include reporting financial transactions above $1,000 within 45 days of the activity. Public disclosure does not necessarily eliminate conflict of interest, but it can indicate the possibility of a conflict. It is up to the American voter to decide whether such a conflict influenced a senator or congressperson’s official acts. Most voters will not explore and analyze their representative’s financial disclosure
statements, so it is vitally important that a free and independent press can examine documents and report findings to the American public. The same should apply to campaign contribution disclosures at the federal, state, and local levels. Voters should know who is supporting candidates, and the size of their contributions. More than half of United States senators are millionaires, and nearly half of House members are reputed to be in that same category. Regardless of their wealth, members of Congress should be able to support their families and their residences, both in the Nation’s Capital and in their home districts, and make investments and financial transactions like anyone else. The rub, and voter outrage, comes when those investments and transactions influence their work in Congress, including their votes for or against legislation. Likewise, using confidential information to improve their own financial position is a breach of public trust. Elected officials must serve their constituents in good conscience to the best of their ability and respect the very special confidence that has been placed in him or her by the voters. When leaders are captivated by the status symbols, the big office, press and TV appearances, special seating for events, and fawning sycophants, they ignore President Truman’s long-ago reminder that public office is a privilege, not a right.
City of Falls Church Crime Report
Week of AUGUST 10 - 16, 2026 Trespassing, Wilson Blvd, Aug 17, 12:17 p.m., a female, 48, of Alexandria, was arrested for trespassing. Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 17, 5:21 p.m., an unknown suspect stole merchandise. The unknown suspect is described as a black male approximately 30-40 years of age, wearing a white, black, and orange Baltimore Orioles hat, a white shirt and light blue jeans.
Robbery, Wilson Blvd, Aug 21, 9:38 a.m., officers responded to a robbery. Victim reported meeting with two identified suspects to sell items. The suspects took his belongings and brandished a firearm. A black male, 19, of Hillcrest Heights, MD, was arrested for robbery and brandishing firearm. Other Jurisdiction Warrant Service, Wilson Blvd, Aug 21, 2:33 p.m., a male, 29, of no fixed address, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for another jurisdiction.
Trespassing, 300 Park Ave, Aug 17, 5:47 p.m., a male, 55, of no fixed address, was arrested for trespassing.
Larceny, West Falls Station Blvd, Aug 21, 3:21 p.m., an unknown suspect entered an employee only area of a business and took money. The unknown suspect is described as a black male approximately 18-25 years of age, with long black hair, wearing a black jacket, white t-shirt, and dark-colored jeans.
Destruction of Property, Hillwood Ave, Aug 18, 3:24 p.m., a report for graffiti was taken.
Domestic Assault and Battery, W Broad St, Aug 21, 9:05 p.m., a male, 56, of Fairfax County, was arrested for domes-
Fraud – Wire Fraud, W Broad St, Aug 17, 6:09 p.m., victim reported an unknown suspect altered and cashed a mailed check.
tic assault and battery. Trespassing, Wilson Blvd, Aug 22, 8:06 a.m., a female, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested for trespassing. Larceny/Credit Card Theft/Fraud – Credit Card, W Broad St, Aug 22, 8:06 p.m., an unknown suspect stole the victim’s wallet from their purse, then made several fraudulent transactions. The unknown suspect is described as a black male with gray facial hair, wearing a teal hat and white shirt. Destruction of Property, W Broad St, Aug 22, 10:55 p.m., victim reported a group of juveniles broke a dining table.
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Job Well Done, Mr. Shields!
It’s hard to imagine Falls Church without Wyatt Shields at its helm as the City Manager. It is a 23-year legacy that Mr. Shields will leave behind when his employment here officially ends next week. As much as we are anticipating the contributions that the new manager, Seth Hendler-Voss, will bring when he starts his job as Shields’ replacement in the coming week, filled with promise as he sailed swiftly to the top of the list of over 80 initial applicants, the contributions of Mr. Shields will be around for a long time. They are not the splashy headlines that often accompany such a high-level of achievement, but they have their own rock solid measure of worth by representing the best of what his role was designed to provide in a system that is a City Manager form of government. He played by the book the entire time and showed in a list of truly remarkable achievements that he can proudly point to as his abiding legacy. It’s true that Mr. Shields finishes his work here still young and looking forward to what his overall impact will be on this community going forward. He speaks in the interview with this newspaper (that is published elsewhere in this edition) of the pride he has rightfully taken in some very important steps the Little City has made over such an extended period that have resulted in its being considered one of the most admired systems in the entire region and even nationally. His approach was never heavy handed or felt to be that way by anyone. If anything, he was greatly admired for the civility of his approach to some very important issues. He will be remembered by us mostly for the way in which he handled the resolution of the water system issue, which could have blown up into dicey controversy and much bad feelings but instead wound up being settled with the help of a federal mediator as a major win-win for both the City and Fairfax County. Shields never lost his cool in all that, to our knowledge. He stayed committed to a course of open dialogue and civility in a way that surely tested his meddle, resulting in an outcome that was laudable from all points of view. He did not shy away from tough choices, on the other hand, that kept the Little City focused on best decisions for its promising future. Others in the local government here surely sought to put the whole system to the test with divisive efforts to set the community against itself but they never gained any real traction because they were not met with angry responses but by commitments to civility and fairness that time and again defused the potential for rancor in the name of steadied dialogue and reason. The work of Wyatt Shields set a high mark for this community that we are confident the new manager will emulate.
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Pages 7-10
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 7
PAGE 8 | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Back to School in Falls Church: What Families Need to Know
BY FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
The school bells are ringing again across Falls Church, with students returning to classrooms this week for the start of the 2026-27 school year. Falls Church City Public Schools opened Monday, August 24, beginning another year across Jessie Thackrey Preschool, Mt. Daniel Elementary, Oak Street Elementary, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and Meridian High School. Along with new teachers, new classmates and new schedules, families have several calendar changes, transportation rules and technology issues to keep in mind — while the Falls Church area continues to offer plenty of opportunities for learning outside the classroom. One change families will notice immediately is the school calendar. The first early release of the year for Mt.
Daniel and Oak Street came just two days into school on Wednesday, August 26. Elementary early-release Wednesdays will continue on selected dates throughout the year rather than occurring every Wednesday. Mary Ellen Henderson and Meridian have their own, less frequent early-release schedule. The next major break arrives quickly, with schools closed Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 for the Labor Day holiday. Other key dates include October 30 for the end of the first quarter; November 2 and 3 for teacher workdays and parent-teacher conferences; Thanksgiving break November 25-27; and winter break from December 21 through January 1. Spring break is scheduled for March 22-26, with the final day of school for students in grades PK-11 set for June 11.
Back-to-School Nights are also underway. Oak Street hosts families Thursday, August 27 at 6 p.m., followed by Henderson on September 2 at 6:15 p.m., Mt. Daniel on September 10 at 6:15 p.m. and Meridian on September 17 at 6:30 p.m. Transportation Changes Among Biggest Differences One of the more significant changes this year affects transportation for older students. Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, FCCPS is enforcing a one-mile walk zone for students attending Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School and Meridian High School. Bus service is generally provided for students living more than one mile from school when the walking route is determined to be safe. The change followed a
division review of road conditions, traffic patterns, sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian accessibility and intersections. Students do not need advance approval to walk or bike to school, though FCCPS is emphasizing the use of crosswalks and crossing guards where available. Families should check current bus routes and walking information rather than assuming last year’s transportation arrangements remain the same. Technology also remains one of the biggest issues facing schools locally and nationally. FCCPS has spent considerable time examining personal electronic devices, school-issued computers and the role technology should play in instruction. Younger students through Henderson have operated under an “off and away” approach for personal devic-
es during the school day. At Meridian, personal devices are prohibited during instructional periods, while use has been permitted at certain non-instructional times. The division has continued reviewing its rules as Virginia schools place increasing attention on limiting student phone distractions. Artificial intelligence is another rapidly developing area. FCCPS spent the 202526 year developing its first division-wide AI policy, gathering recommendations from students, teachers, families and advisory committees on how AI should be used appropriately in education. The district now lists a formal policy governing use of artificial intelligence among its instructional policies. For parents trying to keep track of digital life, FCCPS
Continued on Page 9
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
2026 School Year Brings New Rules, Resources & Opportunities
Continued from Page 8
also uses Securly on school-issued devices at Oak Street, Henderson and Meridian. The Securly Home app allows parents to review activity, receive weekly reports and establish restrictions or offline periods when the device is at home. Families should also remember that applications for free and reduced-price meals must be renewed each school year. Students who qualified last year continue receiving benefits temporarily, but parents must submit a new application for 2026-27 to avoid an interruption. Learning Doesn’t End When the School Day Does Back-to-school season is also a good opportunity for families to think about what students can discover outside traditional academics. Northern Virginia offers an unusually wide variety of programs where children can develop creative, physical and academic skills — sometimes discovering an interest that lasts well beyond the school year. Signature Theatre is one example. The Arlington-based professional theater has a substantial education program alongside its stage productions. Its long-running Signature in the Schools program works with Northern Virginia students through theater, history and classroom workshops, while other programs provide training in acting, musical theater and performance. For 2026-27, Signature plans expanded Education Studios programming, including theater-making for elementary students, musical theater skills for middle schoolers and actor training. Closer to the heart of Falls Church, Creative Cauldron combines professional arts programming with an extensive youth education program. Its 2026-27 Learning Theater Studio offers age-specific classes from kindergarten through middle school, using acting, improvisation, movement and storytelling to help
students develop performance skills and confidence. The organization also offers scholarship assistance, helping make its programs available to families who might otherwise be unable to participate. Students looking for something more physical can try NoVa Fencing & Archery, where beginners can learn two sports that combine athletic ability with concentration and strategy. Introductory fencing emphasizes footwork, coordination, reaction time and quick decision-making, while the club also operates indoor archery programs. Equipment is provided for introductory fencing programs, making it possible for young athletes to try the sport before making a larger commitment. For another kind of hands-on learning, Tiny Chefs turns the kitchen into a classroom. Its children’s cooking programs include in-person after-school enrichment along with baking and decorating classes. Beyond simply following recipes, cooking gives students practical experience with measurement, sequencing, problem solving, creativity and independence — with something edible waiting at the end. And when students need additional academic support or want to move ahead, Sylvan Learning of Falls Church offers individualized tutoring in math, reading, writing and science along with homework help, study skills and SAT and ACT preparation. The Falls Church center says its instructors work with local curriculum and develop personalized learning plans based on individual student needs. The beginning of a new school year is always an adjustment — new schedules, new rules, earlier mornings and plenty of dates for parents to remember. But it is also an opportunity for students to try something different. Whether that means taking the stage, picking up a fencing foil, learning to cook, strengthening math skills or simply settling into a new classroom, the Falls Church area provides students with plenty of ways to keep learning long after the final bell rings.
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PAGE 10 | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Healthy Habits Fuel Students as School, Fall Sports Return
BY FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS
As students across Northern Virginia head back to school, many families are also returning to packed schedules filled with homework, practices, games and after-school activities. For young athletes, the transition makes nutrition, hydration and adequate rest particularly important as fall sports get underway. Football, cross country, golf and other fall sports place different demands on the body, but young athletes share the same basic need: enough food and fluids to support growth, school and physical activity. The numbers suggest many teenagers aren’t consistently getting that fuel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 27 percent of U.S. high school students reported eating breakfast every day during the previous week.
Nearly 18 percent said they skipped breakfast every day, while more than half ate breakfast on three or fewer days. That matters as students move from a full school day directly into afternoon practices. Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. Eggs and wholegrain toast, oatmeal with fruit and yogurt, or a breakfast sandwich paired with fruit can provide carbohydrates and protein before the school day begins. Lunch and an afternoon snack can then help students avoid arriving at practice having gone hours without eating. Planning ahead can make that easier. Packing portable foods such as bananas, apples, granola, yogurt, cheese, crackers or sandwiches gives students something they can eat between dismissal and practice. For families juggling several children’s schedules, preparing snacks and filling water bottles the night before can also prevent nutrition from becoming
an afterthought. Physical activity is another part of the equation. CDC data show that only about one in four high school students were physically active for at least 60 minutes every day in 2023, while just over half reported participating on a sports team. Only about one in six met federal recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. For students who do participate in fall sports, the first weeks of the season can present another challenge: Northern Virginia’s late-summer heat. Football players may spend hours practicing in helmets and pads while repeatedly running and making explosive movements. Cross country runners can cover several miles during practices and meets. Golfers may spend hours walking courses while carrying or pushing equipment. The American Academy of Pediatrics says adequate hydration
is particularly important when young athletes exercise in the heat. The organization notes that excessive exertion, inadequate recovery and heat-retaining uniforms or protective equipment can increase the risk of heat illness. Water remains the best option for most young athletes. AAP guidance has recommended roughly four to eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes during activity for most schoolage children and adolescents, with individual needs varying based on conditions and exertion. Nutrition shouldn’t end when practice does. Foods combining carbohydrates and protein — such as yogurt and fruit, chocolate milk, a turkey sandwich or a smoothie — can help replenish energy after activity. A regular dinner with protein, grains or other carbohydrates, vegetables and fluids can continue that recovery process. Sleep belongs in the con-
versation, too. Between early school mornings, homework and evening practices, students can quickly sacrifice rest. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers ages 13 to 18 regularly get eight to 10 hours of sleep per 24 hours. Food, hydration, training and sleep all contribute to a young athlete’s ability to recover and remain ready for the next day. As fall schedules fill up, families don’t necessarily need complicated nutrition plans or expensive supplements. Regular meals, sensible snacks, water and a little planning can go a long way. For students balancing the classroom with the football field, cross country course or golf course, eating well isn’t simply about performing better on game day. It’s about giving growing bodies the fuel they need to learn, compete and stay healthy throughout the school year.
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AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 11
Fa l l s C h u r c h | Business News & Notes
SBA Proposes Changes to Codes and Programs The Small Business Administration (SBA) is considering changes in a proposed rule in the Federal Register that will reduce the industry codes under which small businesses are categorized, known as NAICS, from 979 to 338. It is also suggesting a change to the mix of revenue-based and employee-based standards to rely more on employee counts. The SBA considers these changes as an opportunity to increase the eligibility of approximately 114,541 additional companies for federal government and small business programs.
Building Your Business Performance Dashboard Join Senior Business Counselor and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa on Thursday, September 3, 10 a.m. – Noon as he guides you through a step-bystep process of building a business performance dashboard, complete with relevant metrics, that is invaluable to meet your strategic and tactical goals and objectives. Learn about scorecards, key metrics, helpful software, and how to use new business metrics with your team. Register to receive the webinar link at https://clients. virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=110460034
Best of Arlington Readers Survey Vote for the best that Arlington, McLean, and Falls Church have to offer! Those participating must provide responses in at least 3 categories and vote only once. The results will be published in the January/February 2027 Best of Arlington issue and online. The survey will close on Friday, September 4, at 5 p.m.
Nominations Open for CEOs, CFOs and CMOs The Washington Business Journal is accepting nominations for its annual CEO of the Year awards. It’s an opportunity to highlight someone who deserves recognition. In addition to the CEO of the Year (a for-profit CEO), categories include Nonprofit Leader, Small Business/Emerging Leader, Dealmaker, Lifetime Achievement, CFO, CMO, and General – a category where the judges will decide on the best category fit for them. Submit nominations by tomorrow, Friday, August 28.
Calling All Student Entrepreneurs Another round of America’s Startup follows the inaugural competition that brought together hundreds of student entrepreneurs from more than 190 colleges and universities across 42 states with 10 winning teams receiving $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding. The program is expanding and entrants will compete for a share of a $1 million total prize pool, national mentorship, and an invitation to a live pitch finale in Washington, D.C. Three winning teams will receive an additional $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, bringing their total awards to $50,000 each. Applications are open through October 8, 2026. Selected applicants will advance through multiple rounds of judging before semifinalists are invited to Washington, D.C., where finalists will present their companies before members of the America’s Startup Investors Council during Pitch Weekend this December. Student entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply, visit: https://america250.org/americas-startup/apply/?utm_campaign=a250_26_ email&utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Startup_ Aug_19 Business News & Notes is compiled by Elise Neil Bengtson, Executive Director of the Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce. She may be emailed at elise@fallschurchchamber.org.
Our Man In Arlington Bill Fogarty
News about Arlington from August 1926, included several topics that were of concern to the community, including public safety, governmental oversight needs, and transportation planning. I was especially impressed by the community’s support for volunteer fire companies. As stated in one article, “There being no levy for fire protection … the money has to be raised by the volunteer organizations either by suppers or carnivals.” In August, a carnival at Lyon Park raised funds for the Clarendon fire department, and a dinner with 250 people in attendance at the Ballston fire house was sponsored by “the Ladies Aid.” The Arlington Chamber of Commerce announced it would buy a building for its offices, with a pledge to house the Arlington fire department in the building. And echoing a familiar theme in Arlington politics, the Chamber also expressed their unhappiness with the County Board, retracting a prior expression of confidence in the Board, stating that “Arlington County will never get anywhere until it has some executive head.” Their wish became a reality within five years, with the creation of the County Manager form of government. The Arlington County Business Association sent a letter to the County Board, requesting the County hire a “sealer of weights and measures.” There had been citizen complaints about the fraudulent practices of certain businesses. In those days, localities often created a position of a “Sealer,” who would compare merchants’ physical scales and volume containers against state-approved master standards. The Sealers marked compliant devices with a lead seal to show they were legally approved for trade. Today, these inspections are handled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Of course, having a Sealer was not of any help if the butcher had his “thumb on the scales.” Another commercial concern was raised by the Arlington County Plumbers Association, which convinced the County Board to pass an ordinance requiring all persons desiring to perform plumbing work to register with the County Health Department. Though the Plumbers Association had a personal stake
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in passing this ordinance, one imagines that with outhouses being replaced by indoor bathrooms in the 1920’s housing boom, such oversight was an important health concern. The increased usage of automobiles created a need for more roadways. Transportation planning in 1926 included plans for a roadway to connect the Key Bridge area with the planned Memorial Bridge. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, this portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway would finally be built. The 1926 plans cited the need to clean up the “unsightly” area of Rosslyn, suggesting the creation of a gateway plaza near Key Bridge. It took about 60 years, but in 1988, Gateway Park was built. As an aside, that park is to be improved in the next few years, pursuant to the County Board’s adoption of the Gateway Park Master Plan. There were many articles in 1926 about the different proposed locations for a “straight to the bridge” road from Front Royal, connecting to Memorial Bridge. This road was not built, though with the 1970’s creation of I-66, a road now goes straight to Front Royal. The controversy in 1926 involved “real estate speculation” by developers who allegedly had inside information on the planned route. There were calls for a state investigation (which never materialized). Real estate news referred to the laying of the cornerstone of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, located at Rixey Station, the trolley car station at what is now the corner of Old Dominion Boulevard and Glebe Road. The trolley station land and church land had been donated by Admiral Rixey (whose country estate was located on the current Marymount University campus). Crime reports highlighted Sheriff Howard Fields and his “crusade against parkers,” resulting in the first arrest of a citizen for parking on a public street in the early morning hours. Automobiles had to be parked in driveways overnight. How times have changed ... Finally, a “small-sized panic” occurred at the open-air moving picture theater in Clarendon, when a brick was thrown over a fence, striking a patron, who was rushed to the drug store for treatment. The brick was thrown by “a small boy” who had been refused admission to the movie. No arrests were made.
PAGE 12 | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE AD FOR SEPTEMBER BZA The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on September 10th, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items: -Variance application V1667-25 by Kiara Ventura-Lopez (Applicant), on behalf of Tracy Montgomery (Owner), for a variances to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow 1) a front setback of 19 feet 1 inch instead of the 30 feet minimum and 2) a side yard setback of 9 feet 6 inches instead of the 13 feet minimum to construct a covered front porch at 509 S Spring Street, RPC#52-602-025 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District: Continued from July 10, 2025 by the applicant. -Variance application V1679-26 by Matthew and Laurie Borman (Applicant and Owners), for variances to Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow 1) a front yard setback of 20 feet instead of the 30 feet minimum and 2) a side yard setback of 11 feet instead of the 15 feet minimum to construct a second-story addition at 1014 Madison Lane, RPC#52-111008 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District. -Variance application V1680-26 by Alex Centeno (Applicant), on behalf of Avra Stackpole (Owner), for a variance to Section 48-263(3)(a) to allow a side setback of 8 feet instead of the 10 feet minimum to construct a second-story addition at 304 Rollins Street, RPC#52309-104 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1B, Medium Density Residential District. -Variance application V1681-26 by Jay Shalaty (Applicant), on behalf of Angela Crooks and Alvaro Chasseloop (Owners), for a variance to Section 48238(3)(a) to allow a side setback of 13 feet instead of the 15 feet minimum to construct a second-story addition at 113 S Oak Street, RPC#52-301-015 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District. -Variance application V1682-26 by Jeff Dubro and Lucia Critchley (Applicants), on behalf of David and Ashley Boulware-Kelley (Owners), for an amendment to Resolution V1668-25 to allow modifications to the previously approved variance footprint and associated plat. Resolution V1668-25 approved variances from (1) Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a front yard setback of 25 feet instead of the 30-foot minimum, and (2) Section 48-238(3)(a) to allow a rear yard setback of 30 feet instead of the 40-foot minimum, for construction of a new single-family residence at 618 Laura Drive, RPC# 52-605-101 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District. - Variance application V1683-26 by 127 Broad Street, (Applicant and Owner) for an amendment to Resolution V1640-23 to allow modifications to the previously approved variance to relocate the
public parking sign for the Broad and Washington mixed-use building and Whole Foods Market located at premises known 111 E Broad Street, RPC #53-104-037 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-2, Central Business. Public comment and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva. gov until 4:30 pm on September 10th, 2026. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA
PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with VA 15.2-1720, the public is hereby notified that the City of Falls Church Police Department has recovered the following bicycles MAKE MODEL COLOR TREK BLU EUROBIKE RED/BLK HUFFY SEASTAR BLU/WHI NISHIK PUEBLO TEAL/YEL TREK 730 BUR MONGOOSE SIL HYPER RED/BLK TREK MARLIN BLU/BLK KENT 700 BLU MURRAY USA EAGLE RIVER BLK/RED TOMCAT
To claim any of these items, please provide proof of ownership to: City of Falls Church Police Department Property/Evidence Unit 300 Park Ave., G2 Falls Church, VA 22046 703-304-1991 (please call for appointment)
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We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.
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AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 13
Hendler-Voss Named New F.C. City Manager in Unanimous Vote
Continued from Page 4
done, I believe, is with the development that’s happened in the City. I think that that development has largely reflected community values. So we have [a] more walkable community, we have more retail options in the community. We have more trees in the community, more tree-lined streets. We got contributions to schools. We got contributions of park land. And so I think the community really shaped what this city became, what development happened. And over the last 20 years, what it looks like. And I think that’s the reason why in large measure, the development that we’ve had in the city is largely accepted. FCNP: Are there any particular leaders in the community that you would like to single out? Shields: Well, there’s a lot. I probably won’t single folks out just because I’d leave people out and then I’d feel bad about it. But I would, you know, I think that’s a key feature of the city; [it’s] the strength of community members who step up and help lead the city. There’s … self government. It is difficult and we’ve had so many great leaders who were able
to do that, to treat people with respect, listen and then make decisions after listening. And I’d say also, I think we’ve had really strong staff members who have been able to listen also to what the community said and implement policy. And programs that reflect what they hear from the community. Well, I will say this. I mean, authentically the government is complicated. It’s hard work and it’s filled with compromises and you know every decision you make usually involves some level of compromise. But no, I leave with no regrets, no regrets. Okay, I’ll go with how Frank Sinatra put it (in “My Way”). FCNP: Is there any particular thing you’d like to give us as advice, to those who are following you and the city government now that you’re leaving? Shields: Well, I know that my successor comes to this job with a lot of experience and a great deal of capability. If he were to call and ask for my advice, I’ll always freely give it on any issue that he might have. I don’t know that he’ll do that, but I will always be available. FCNP: You weren’t consulted on the selection of the new city manager at all? Shields: No, it’s the City
Council’s decision and I think they ran a really good process. They did a lot of consultation and so I think they made a good decision. FCNP: So again, just one final question. Compared to when you arrived, how is the City different today? Did anything about the direction it took surprise you, or do you feel it followed a fairly logical course? Shields: A logical course through the whole process. Clearly, the City struck a very decisive tone in terms of economic development. I would put it significantly ahead of other jurisdictions in this area. I think almost any of them would say, “Yeah, Falls Church really stood out for taking a very aggressive approach to economic development.” FCNP: Do you concur with that, or do you think it was more of a natural process? Shields: Well, when I came to the City, the late City Manager Dan McKeever had been hired to help get the City going in that direction. I watched how he did it and worked with people who had worked with Dan at that time. I think there was political support for that direction, and so we carried it on. We learned a lot as a community and as a staff with each new proj-
ect, and I think that’s how it evolved. I think Dan and the City Council at that time felt that, in terms of the long-term vision for fiscal sustainability, there was an opportunity to have development that worked for the community and provided all of those community benefits I mentioned earlier — contributions to school capital costs, affordable housing, streetscape improvements and investment in our sewer infrastructure. Every one of these projects made significant contributions to infrastructure. They put things in motion, and I think we’ve continued that while trying to constantly learn as we’ve moved forward. Certainly, I hope that I’ve tried to learn every day. What you learn in a job like this is that you learn about people, because everything we do is about people. People have lots of different views and perspectives. I think self-government is about finding that balance — listening carefully while also having the capacity to make decisions that move the community in a direction people can understand. I appreciate the Falls Church News-Press. You are a big figure regionally and here in the
City, and the newspaper is a big part of what the City is. I appreciate an independent, free press. FCNP: Yes, and it’s all about people. People connect through a newspaper. There was a critical period coming out of the recession and moving into major development, including the West End, the renovation of City Hall and other projects. There had been significant resistance to that kind of economic development in earlier years, including some close votes. That resistance seems to have diminished considerably over the past 15 years or so. Would you say the City has built confidence in itself? Shields: I think that’s right. What we see in Falls Church — and what you see in a lot of places — is that when difficult questions are before the public, you need a process where the people making the decisions, the City Council, can have clear proposals, get public reaction to those proposals, listen and then make a decision. I think you build confidence through a process like that. And that’s what self-government is. “Editor’s note: This transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.”
Deputy Chief Chhetri Reflects on a Legacy of Leadership
by Major Jiwan Chhetri
Deputy Chief of F.C. City Police
The news of Wyatt’s departure came as a surprise to many of us. I wasn’t expecting him to leave the city this soon, and it left me with a mix of surprise, gratitude, and sadness as I reflect on what his presence has meant to me over the years. I have known Wyatt since 2007, when I first joined the city workforce. I still remember those early days of stepping into a new environment,
unsure of myself and trying to understand where I fit in. What I didn’t expect was how much someone in his position could influence how welcomed and valued I felt as a new employee. Even though I didn’t work closely with Wyatt, whenever our paths crossed, he would stop, smile, and have a genuine conversation with me. Those small moments meant more to me than he probably knows, especially coming from someone who carried the responsibility of an entire city.
Over the years, I came to realize that this wasn’t something he did only for me. It was simply who Wyatt is. He has a way of making everyone feel that they matter, that their voice is heard, and that they have something valuable to offer. On top of that, he has an amazing ability to see people beyond their titles or positions. Coming from a thirdworld country, where titles can often shape how you are treated, experiencing that kind of humility and respect from the
“big boss” himself stayed with me in a very positive and personal way. It showed me that true leadership is not just about authority or achievements. It is about humanity, humility, and how you make others feel. For more than twenty years, Wyatt has led this city with quiet strength, genuine kindness, and a strong commitment to inclusion. I know no leader is perfect, and not everyone will share my perspective. But for me, his impact goes far beyond differences of opinion
or measurable outcomes. His legacy lives in the culture he cultivated, in the way people felt seen and respected, and in the space he created for people’s voices to matter. This kind of legacy is not easily created, and it will not be easily replaced. I don’t think words can fully express what Wyatt has given to all of us. I am simply deeply grateful for his leadership, his kindness, and the meaningful way
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Chhetri on Shields’ Legacy
Continued from Page 13
he treated the people around him. His humility, dedication, and heart have left a lasting impression on many of us. Thank you, Wyatt, for more than twenty years of leadership, kindness, and service. I am deeply grateful to
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have known you, and I wish you a joyful and well-deserved retirement. You will not be forgotten. Respectfully, Major Jiwan Chhetri Deputy Chief of Police City of Falls Church Police Department
UPCOMING ISSUES MOO-MOO LOVES HIS sister Janet, watching Minions: The Rise of Gru and his bumble bee toy.
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AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | PAGE 15
This Week Around Falls Church
Thursday, August 27
Saturday, August 29
Falls Church Fiber Artists
Falls Church Farmers Market
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
City Hall Parking Lot, 300 Park Ave.
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Informal meet-up for knitters and crocheters. Adults 18+, free.
Move Well, Live Well 2 – 3 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Physical therapist Ariel Painter leads this interactive class to help you build strength and balance. Adults 18+. Free. Registration required.
Virginia Village Proposals Evaluation Committee Mtg 5:30 – 7 p.m.
City Hall, Laurel Room, 300 Park Ave.
This meeting will start in open session but a portion of the meeting will be closed. Details and online link to join meeting is available at fallschurchva.gov.
Botanical Happy Hour & Plant Swap 6 p.m.
Botanologica, 817 W. Broad St. FC
Bring a plant or cutting to swap and meet other plant enthusiasts. This event will take place outside, in front of the store.
Friday, August 28 City Council Budget and Finance Committee Mtg. 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
City Hall, Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Ave.
Details and online link to join meeting is available at fallschurchva.gov.
Grass Roots
10 – 11:30 a.m. Online
Extension Master Gardener Henry Staples discusses how grass grows and why it behaves differently in each yard. Free. Sign up for link: mgnv.org.
Rock the Block 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Old Town Square, 10415 North St, Fairfax
Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and more. Free. Details at: fairfaxva.gov/specialevents
8:00 a.m. – Noon
Award-winning market, open year-round.
Build Your Own Bouquet & Bakery Pop-up 10 a.m.
Botanologica, 817 W. Broad St. FC
Build your own bouquet and enjoy popup treats from Bisnonna Bakeshop and Twelve Twenty Coffee.
Invasive Plant Removal at Crossman Park 10 a.m. - Noon
Crossman Park, 107 Gresham Pl. FC
A brief training session will be provided before groups are formed to remove invasive species in the park. Long sleeve shirts, pants, and sturdy closed-toes shoes are recommended. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Details at fallschurchva.gov.
Finance Talk 2 – 3 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Financial Advisor Shane Keogh leads this talk on how to protect yourself from financial scams. Adults 18+. Free. Registration required.
A History of America in 11 Pies 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Arlington Public Library, 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington
Join Food Writer Rossi Anastopoulo for a delicious discussion that explores the history of pies through turning points in American history. Free. Attendees will receive recipes, and Acme Pie Co. will be selling pies.
Guitar Renegades Concert 7 – 9 p.m.
Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave.
This free performance will feature a range of genres, from Bach to the Beatles and Nirvana. Registration required, email hirwin@fallschurchva.gov.
Meet the Artists Reception 7 – 9 p.m.
Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B West Broad St. FC
Meet the artists behind Geometrix, an intriguing new all-media exhibition that explores the power of shape, structure, and form. See fallschurcharts.org for more details. Free.
Sunday, August 30 Hidden American History 2 – 3 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Historical Researcher Steven Bost discusses intriguing hidden facts surrounding some famous historical events. Adults 18+. Free. Registration required.
Monday, August 31 Remembering (and Forgetting) 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
Join Dr. Michael Stutts, a Clinical Psychologist, as he discusses how memory changes with age and offers everyday tips. Adults 18+. Free. Registration required.
City Council Action Meeting 7:30 – 11 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers/ Courtroom, 300 Park Ave.
The public is invited to address the Council during the comment period. To sign up to speak or learn more details, visit fallschurchva.gov.
Tuesday, September 1 School Days Scavenger Hunt 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St, Fairfax
Wednesday, September 2 Family Storytime 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Fairfax Regional Library, 10360 North St., Fairfax
All ages are welcome to read, sing, and learn during this storytime. Registration is not required, though space is limited.
Pick up the checklist at the Info Desk and receive a small prize upon completion. For all ages, runs through Sept. 30. Check website for daily hours.
Rosslyn Farmers Market
Getting Started with Ancestry.com
Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, lower-level conference room, 210 N. Virginia Ave.
2 – 6 p.m.
calendar@fcnp.com
This popular market runs on Weds from May to October.
Free Events to the public post free or $20 for paid events.
Historian Madeline Feierstein leads this beginner workshop on genealogy. Adults 18+. Free. Registration required.
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