Falls Church News-Press 9-7-2023

September 7 - 13, 2023

Falls Church, Virginia • w w w . fc n p . c o m • Free

Founded 1991 • V o l . X X X III N o . 30

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

Labor Day Kicks Off Fall Election Campaigns

LABOR DAY POLITICS IN F.C.

In F.C., 3 Council, 3 School Board Seats Are Contested

by Nicholas F. Benton

Falls Church News-Press

Labor Day this week marked the unofficial kick-off for this fall’s election, and early voting begins on Sept. 22. While this is considered an “off off” election year (with no presidential or statewide races on the ballot), it is a big one for the City of Falls Church with three of the seven seats on the City Council and also on the School Board being contested.

The fall campaigns got off with a bang with four events in Falls Church last weekend. The first was a Sunday morning event marking the official announcement of F.C. Vice Mayor Letty Hardi’s campaign for a third term, attended by a host of her political allies before it got too hot around the covered pavilion at Madison Park.

Continued on Page 4

Arts & Entertainment

Pages 9-21

A HEAT WAVE did not deter turnouts at four major political events in the City of Falls Church this weekend, starting with a campaign for reelection announcement by Falls Church vice mayor Letty Hardi Sunday morning in Madison Park, shown here. (Photo: Brian Reach)

Police Chief Mary Gavin Announces Retirement City of Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin announced she will retire on January 6, 2024, after 16 years of service to the City of Falls Church.

“This is a bittersweet announcement for me to make,” said Chief Gavin. “I have been abundantly blessed to serve as a police officer for the City of Falls Church, alongside a dedicated team of public servants.

It’s been an incredible chapter in my life. But, I will leave with a sense of pride knowing the City of Falls Church Police Department will continue to hold the highest measure of respect and restraint for the authority bestowed upon them by the community we swear to

serve and protect.”

Chief Gavin was sworn in as a Major in December 2007, serving as the Deputy Chief of Police before her appointment as Chief of Police in 2012.

During her tenure, the City of Falls Church Police Department was an early adopter and advocate of the community policing principles defined by President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing initiative in 2015. Under her leadership, the department was the first local public safety agency to partner with the Center for Youth and Family Advocacy (CYFA) to further restorative justice practices and resources within the department and community.

Finally, with the input and collaboration of an engaged community, her Public Safety team has enthusiastically responded to calls for enhanced transparency about the City of Falls Church’s use of force tactics and policies as defined by the City’s Use of Force Review Committee, and have accomplished the majority of recommendations outlined in their report – including Body Worn Camera adoption, General Order manual revisions, and ensuring all officers are trained in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) principles and practices.

“The City of Falls Church has been so fortunate to have Mary Gavin as its Chief of Police

over the past 11 years,” said City Manager Wyatt Shields.

“Mary believes deeply in the public service mission and by steadfastly acting on these values, she earned the support of our police officers and the trust of the community. Being Chief of Police is a very difficult job, and particularly so right now.

She is, in my view, the best in the country. When she retires in January, she will be leaving a strong department with excellent men and women who will carry on the values she helped instill here. That is a legacy that will serve the public well.”

In addition to her duties as

Continued on Page 5

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PAGE 2 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Final Vote on T-Zone Changes Expected This Monday

by Nicholas F. Benton

the City an option significantly below the price of what single family homes in the City are The Falls Church City now bringing (the average now Council is slated to hold its first reported to be $982,000). public business meeting of the Still, joining lately in the fall next Monday night, Sept. mobilization to oppose the 11, and its promises to be a change are members of the St. barn burner, so to speak. At the James Church, who’ve inuntop of the agenda is a second dated the Council with emails and final reading of an ordi- objecting to it on a variety of nance to revise the transitional grounds that, some Council zones ordinance that has been members said at a work sesthe source of considerable con- sion this Tuesday, failed to grasp troversy over almost two years some of the key issues and some of consideration. modifications to the ordinance The revisions are designed to made in recent months. allow for the addition of some Housing allowed for in the modest new housing in the so- t-zones by the ordinance if it called “T-zones” to address the passes Monday would be a miniCity’s need for a diversity of mum of 700 square feet and a housing options. A prelimi- maximum of 1,800, with a maxinary OK for the changes were mum of 51 per acre and 10 perapproved by the Council by a cent mandated as “affordable.”

5-2 vote last month (Connolly, “It is time we stopped callLiam, Hardi, Duncan and ing the developers of housing Shantz-Hiscott voting in favor) the bad guys in this,” Council and the Planning Commission member Marybeth Connelly said was slated to vote on the matter at this Tuesday’s work session. at its meeting last night (check “They are not. They are partners the FCNP website for results). with whatever the City decides to Most of the opposition has do,” she said. come over the two years andOF LIGHTNING In another major developRISK STRIKE: 26 public meetings on the sub-500,000 ment considered at the work ses1 IN ject from neighbors to the prop- sion this week that will be acted erties that could be modified upon by the Council Monday by passage of the ordinance to is for a preliminary reading for allow for some modest addi- an ordinance that would authotional housing projects, such as rize the use of photo monitoring at maximum some “two over devises to enforce speed limits two” four-plexes. Development in active school zones in the experts predict that if passed City, with a $100 fine amount for the ordinance would result in violations. a small handful of new projIn 2020, the Virginia General ects, but that they would offer Assembly passed legislation Falls Church News-Press

allowing localities to use speed cameras in school and work zones, being areas within 600 feet of school access points.

Following a speed study, according to Captain Steve Rau of the F.C. Police Department, the department plans to deploy two fixed point speed cameras to cover the school zone located on the 800 block between Oak and Spring Streets of West Broad Street, near the St. James School.

Rau reported that “similar to the roll out of the City’s existing photo-monitoring systems (the school bus “Stop Arm” and traffic signal “Red Light” cameras), the police department will work with the City’s Office of Communications on a public information campaign prior to enforcing the speed camera violations. The maximum fine would apply for vehicles going 11 miles per hour over the limit and citations would be for violations that occur during student arrival and dismissal hours on a school day.

In addition to costs estimated at $8,000 per month, the program also includes budgeting for an additional .75 full-time equivalent sworn officer.

City Manager Wyatt Shields also told the Council this week that new 20 mile per hour speed limits in residential areas of the City will begin to be enforced this fall. Also, three “hawk” signals will arrive later this month that enable pedestrians to activate red lights at intersections along Broad Street.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Four Political Events Highlight Labor Day in City of Falls Church

Continued from Page 1

Later that Sunday, a kickoff event for the revitalization of the LGBTQ+ Falls Church organization was held in the outdoor area out back of the Clare and Don’s Beach Shack that, like Hardi’s event earlier, drew a much larger crowd than was expected, and to which Hardi, herself, came and spent considerable time.

On Monday, Labor Day, two traditional events were reprised, the

first being a come-one, come-all ice cream social hosted by the Falls Church City Democratic Committee where Rep. Don Beyer headed the list of celebrities, including all four candidates for the three seats on the Falls Church City Council, and then there was a heavily-attended campaign rally for Democratic the Falls Church City Council, and then there was a heavily-attended campaign rally for Democratic state delegate Marcus Simon on the recently acquired abundant backyard grounds of the chair of the City’s Democratic Committee, Cindy Cunningham, on S. Spring Street.

That event like the others was about the local race (Simon is considered a shoe-in for re-election) but the focus was on the bigger issue for Democrats of regaining control of the House of Delegates in Richmond overall (they are currently in a slight minority) and preventing an electoral sweep for the GOP, should that party turn its tiny majority into control of the Senate, giving it the majority in the House of Delegates the

Senate and the statehouse, where Gov. Glenn Youngkin resides as a potential Republican presidential candidate.

Late yesterday, the governor hailed the passage of a state budget in a special session.

In her reelection kickoff Sunday morning, Hardi was introduced by former Council Member Ross Litkenhous, who referred to her as “a walking, breathing Falls Church Wikipedia” who “studies, listens, studies some more, debates, deliberates and then decides.” Hers is a “commendable, measured approach to make sure no stone is left unturned during any debate.”

Hardi’s own remarks were also upbeat. She said the decision to seek a third term was not an easy one. “This election will be a decision if we’ll take on the collective responsibility to live our values and truly leave the city better for future generations.”

In terms of the meaning of “better,” she said, she offered “two metrics:” eight years ago there was one independent coffee shop, how there are five, and, eight

years ago, there was one mural in town, and now there are 10 with more on the way.

“Small business coffee shops and murals are a proxy for the public and private investment we’ve cultivated in the city in the past eight years,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to expand and build new schools, parks, sidewalks, a library, a city hall, stormwater, sewer bridges, and other infrastructure that has raised the quality of life for everyone here, and we’ve made the most significant strides in affordable housing ever, adding 50 percent more affordable units than we currently have, and with no expiration dates…Instead of raising taxes, we’ve actually lowered our taxes ahead of schedule and have more than healthy reserves.”

Present at Hardi’s event were two fellow members of the Falls Church Forward group who are running with her for the Council, first time candidates Justine Underhill and Tim Stevens, current chair of the Planning Commission.

The fourth candidate on the

ballot for City Council this November, Erin Flynn, was present at the F.C. Dems’ ice cream social Monday at Cherry Hill Park.

There, Rep. Beyer acknowledged the Labor Day holiday by saying it is an ideal that people should be fulfilled by their work. He hailed President Biden as “the best labor president in U.S. history” with his gains for working families in terms of jobs, reducing inflation and apparently avoiding a recession, stimulating a “nascent trend for a revived labor movement.”

Applauding Beyer at the event were State Sen. Dick Saslaw, who will represent the City through December pending his retirement, and Senatorelect Saddam Salim, who will replace him in January after an upset victory in the primary in June.

The Democratic nominee for Commonwealth Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, who also won a hard fought primary in June in seeking a second term, was also present.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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City of F.C. to Look For New Chief of Police This Fall

Continued from Page 1

Chief of Police, Chief Gavin has played an active leadership role in several regional, national, and international law enforcement groups and associations, including: seven years as a member of Board of Directors for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); nine years as Chairperson for both the Executive Board for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy (NVCJTA) and Northern Virginia Regional Chief’s and Sheriff’s Association; and, nine years on the Board of the Arlington/Falls Church Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) and active member of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) for Northern Virginia.

Prior to joining the City of Falls Church Police Department in 2007, Chief Gavin served the Arlington County Police Department for 22 years where she worked as a patrol officer, School Resource Officer, and Commander of Patrol Districts and the Vice/Narcotics Division. She earned her Master’s in Homeland Security from Eastern Kentucky University and has participated in several advanced law enforcement educational programs, including the Professional Executive Leadership

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 5

School with the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Institute for Regional Excellence. Chief Gavin also serves as an Adjunct Professor at American University, where she teaches a graduate level seminar on law enforcement.

The City of Falls Church will launch a recruitment process for a new Chief of Police this autumn.

Chief Mary Gavin.

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Editor,

Regarding your recent editorial on the effects of tackle football on young brains, thank you for this labor for truth and reformation of the current system. Our children and youth deserve it. It’s

Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss First Congregational Church, Washington D.C.

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A couple weeks ago, in our August 24-30, 2023 edition, the editorial in this space, entitled “Happy 75th Birthday, City of Falls Church” concluded with a paragraph that, as we have subsequently learned, pleasantly surprised a lot of people. It read as follows: “It turns out that the City’s founding owed primarily to the efforts of progressives from the FDR New Deal era to carve out the basis for an independent city and school system to protect it from segregationist influences around it, and not the other way around. If there was a time when Falls Church, then as a town, was guilty of lopping off Black neighborhoods, which it was, that was in the 1870s and not 1948.”

This reality, as presented by Council member Marybeth Connelly in her presentation at the City Schools’ convocation last month (that she promises to repeat often in the coming 75th anniversary year) is proving important to stress, as there has been a lot of confusion and misinformation floating around that wrongly attributes the founding of Falls Church as an “independent city” in 1948 to efforts at advancing segregation. Not true. Not true at all.

In fact, Falls Church’s elevation to “independent city” status 75 years ago, in the years after the death of FDR and the end of World War II, was executed by persons, many of whom served in the 12 years of the FDR administration and among its congressional allies, deeply dedicated to racial justice and social and economic equality.

These are the people we look forward to learning about more during the coming year-long celebration of Falls Church’s 75 years through a series of profiles and articles we hope will be published in the News-Press.

Among them are seminal figures like one of the City’s earliest mayors, Herman L. Fink, Hal Silverstein, Roger Wollenberg and Lou Olom, who were also instrumental in the creation and development of the Temple Beth Shalom, located just outside the City limits.

The founders of the new independent city exhibited a bit of a siege and stealth mentality. They were surrounded by often radically prosegregationist elements, as exemplified by their naming of street signs and schools in the 1950s after Confederate generals and leaders, like Lee, Jeb Stuart and Jefferson Davis, that it has taken more than 100 years since the Civil War was decided, to subsequently change. In fact, it was as late as the 1950s that a lot of the most angry attempts at honoring the legacy of Confederates took place in this area, in the years following the founding of the City of Falls Church. Falls Church mostly avoided any such naming here. By contrast, one of the City’s main arteries was named Lincoln Avenue.

In the early years as an independent city, Falls Church student athletes, their parents and fans were frequently subjected to acts of vandalism and violence when they showed up for games in other locales.

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Vol. XXXIII, No. 30 September 7 - 13, 2023

Progressives Founded Falls Church City

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It Now Looks Like Trump Will Do Hard Prison Time Nicholas F. Benton FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

The robust and apropos sentence of 22 years behind bars imposed this week on Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio has changed the calculus for just punishments on all the insurrectionists who staged the failed coup on January 6, 2021.

It now appears far more likely that former President Trump will actually do prison time.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly’s sentence, the last and longest in a series of sentences for convicted insurrection instigators, begs the question of the penalty that will be imposed on Trump as the principal mastermind behind the coup.

As he is carted off to the pokey, now far more likely than before, it will become clearer and clearer the extent of the danger Trump has posed to our nation.

Evidence that was obfuscated

by Trump allies from the beginning of his rise to power will now return to be the proper focus of a massive national scandal, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

The only comparable moment in our nation’s history was the secession of the southern states following the election of President Lincoln in 1860 and the resulting declaration of a civil war over the issue of slavery. What a terrible tragedy that war was, but tragically necessary for the perpetuation of democracy. It was no cause for glorification in any way, although many latter day fans in this time see its glorification as a way to preserve or justify a horribly racist past.

A direct line between the pro-southern racists of the Civil War and the present backing of Trump can be easily drawn. The added features of note are the global rise of democracies on the one side, and political tyrannies on the other that lay behind two world wars in the last century and the emergence of superpowers in our lifetimes that challenge the very existence of life on this planet to a degree never before

operative.

Humanity is now driving the destiny of this planet to an extent like never before. The consequences of bad decisions can too easily now plunge the planet as a whole into a spiral killing off all life here as we now know it. The increasing toxicity of the oceans is at the forefront of this threat.

If the planet’s major coral reefs are poisoned, a level of threat to life overall will be very difficult to stem.

Humanity is playing a very dangerous game of brinksmanship with its very survival right now. Trump’s treachery reaches far deeper into this situation than we have realized, and it is sad to note that Russia, China, North Korea and other tyrannies on the globe are contributing essential elements to this demise.

If we as a human species on this planet are to survive at all, it will be by only the most arduous and self-aware effort.

Our best leaders must embrace this reality. In defending democracy, as we must, it is not as a thing in itself. It is a vital element of a global survival effort, as it takes a vibrant democracy, the actualization and motivation of billions, to redress the crises that have emerged. No one man or small group can achieve it at all, because it will require the willful commitment of the majority of humanity to prevail.

As far as Trump and his insurrection are concerned, it is the treachery of his alliance with Putin that is the most dangerous element. All the work that went into the Mueller Report that was most egregiously blacked out

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We must not hold back from imposing the most severe punishment on Trump and all his cronies.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Buffalo deer eating your gardens can be Our Man in Arlington White firm. annoying. But at the risk of being “Consultants typecast as “animal lovers,” she

By Charlie Clark

Are too many white-tailed deer munching through our county’s gardens?

Last week I visited the Animal Welfare League of Arlington to graze around the question. It’s a goodvibes facility (slogan: “All in for Animals”), teeming with a crew of emblem-shirted professionals and volunteers fielding phone inquiries and visits from civilians concerned with lost or found critters.

In the lobby is a “pet pantry” of free food, toys and low-cost spayneuter vouchers for financially stretched pet owners. There’s an adoption desk for consultations, a “wildlife room” and an education center. I toured the dog and cat kennels, with cages sponsored by local interests such as Northside Veterinary Clinic, Fed Lock, and the Horus Group. Each clean enclosure is labeled with the animal’s putative name, arrival date and any special conditions.

It’s not easy to look those lonely creatures in the eye and walk away unaffected.

The issue of deer overpopulation arose in spring 2021 at the county offices on the same Shirlington block as the welfare league. Natural Resources Manager Alonso Abugattas and his team grew concerned with threats to the environment from deer “eating away” vegetation and the habitat of birds and insects, which threatens public health. So they commissioned a survey of deer numbers, augmented in 2022 with a study of deer impact on green spaces conducted by the

e s t i m a t e d Arlington has a herd of whitetail deer numbering 290 and, in some areas, the concentration exceeded ‘healthy’ levels,’” says the Park Operations website.

This July, public input was solicited online and at a forum on steps park managers should take, ranging from hunting to sterilizing deer to fencing off parks.

Those favoring culling would choose between professional sharpshooting (the county’s preference), surgical sterilization of female deer, public archery hunting and fenced parks.

The Animal Welfare League disagrees with the county’s science, as expressed in a statement by president Samuel Wolbert and chief animal control officer Jennifer Toussaint. They say deer rank low on concerns raised by Arlingtonians.

Chelsea Jones, their senior communications specialist, told me, “We don’t necessarily agree there actually is a deer problem in Arlington. Culling is a secondary issue.” The White Buffalo survey said there are 13 deer per square mile, but 15 is the point where deer become a problem, she says, acknowledging some “nuances” such as variations by neighborhood density. “Arlington skipped the ‘do we have deer problem?’ step and went straight to ‘how to manage the problem.’ We would prefer no culling,” Jones said, “but there are other ways, such as sterilization and fencing.”

The league understands that

reminds us that “we are living in the deers’ habitat. We have to find a way to co-exist.” *** Our public school planners continue struggling to rebalance attendance zones to fill empty places at North Arlington campuses. A proposal to change the boundaries of Dorothy Hamm Middle School would convert many current walkers to Hamm into bus riders enrolled at Williamsburg Middle School.

“This proposal is being rushed through an approval process in the summer/early fall without the benefit of proper input from those who will be most impacted by the change,” reads a parent protest letter.

“Hamm’s walker rate would decline to 40 percent under this proposal from its current 55 percent. Public and private-sector health experts have consistently found that walking to school is far more beneficial to students than being bused.” *** An important follow-up on Marymount University’s controversial elimination last February of several liberal arts majors. The idea was to make space for popular fields such as physical therapy, health services, computer science and cybersecurity.

Last week the north Arlington Catholic institution announced it had set record numbers for inquiries received (12,752), campus visits from prospective students (1,146) and submitted applications (3,610).

The expected result is the highest number of first-year students in seven years, with a 20 percent rise over last year, and a 5 percent boost in grad students.

Fall

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 9

Arts & Entertainment

Pages 9-21

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PAGE 10 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falling Into Local Arts: Shows, Festivals, Galleries and Events This Season Looking for fun things to do this fall season? The City of Falls Church and neighboring areas offer an abundance of fun shows, festivals, art galleries and events for people of all ages!

Shows/Concerts • “Sweat” at Keegan Theatre: Filled with humor and

heart, “Sweat” tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets and laughs while working together on the factory floor. But when layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away their trust, they find themselves pitted against each other. Performed until September 16. More information at keegantheatre.com/

portfolio/sweat/.

• “Monarch: A Mexican American Musical” at Creative Cauldron: With a book and

• “Deathtrap” by the Providence Players of Fairfax: In this mys-

lyrics written by local writers, “Monarch” follows the journey of dreamers and undocumented immigrants who live and work in this country, but still must remain in the shadows. Running from October 5 – 29. More information at creativecauldron.org/monarch. html.

tery thriller, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway hits, is struggling with a “dry” spell which has resulted in a series of box office flops. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student. Running from October 13 — 28. More information at providenceplayers.org/about-us/production-history/2023-2024-season/.

• “The Adventures of Pinocchio” at Creative Cauldron: This inven-

• “The Tell-Tale Heart” at Synetic Theater: Step into the

tive adaptation of the classic tale begins with Pinocchio as a real boy having a nightmare. Running from November 3 – 19.

More information at creativecauldron.org/pinnochio.html.

‘STORIES FROM HOME’ at the Hispanic Gala Theatre. (Photo: Dubraska Vale )

eerie world of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” where madness takes hold and the boundaries of sanity blur.

Running from September 29 — November 5. More infor-

ART AND FRAME FALLS CHURCH Art Gallery Opening. (Photo: Stuart Hindle)

“J.A.M. THE 13TH!” by J.A.M. the Revue at The Fredgren Studio Theatre at Ballet Nova. (Photo: Cornerstone Captures)

mation at synetictheater.org/ events/the-tell-tale-heart/.

• “Young Frankenstein” at the Little Theatre of Alexandria: A

monster of a hit musical based on Mel Brooks’ comedic film, this wicked re-imagining of the legend of Frankenstein is the story of a grandson traveling to Transylvania to complete his grandfather’s experiment. Running from October 21 — November 11. More information at thelittletheatre. com/performances/.

• “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” at the Kennedy Center: Wel-

come to “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” and enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. Running until

September 24. More information at kennedy-center.org/ whats-on/explore-by-genre/ theater/2022-2023/moulinrouge/.

• “The Pirates of Penzance” at the Alden Theatre: Set sail

with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theater history. A band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Performing on October 13. More information at mcleancenter.org/events/newyork-gilbert-and-sullivanplayers-the-pirates-of-penzan ce/?occurrence=2023-10-13.

Continued on Page 12

“SWEAT” at Keegan Theatre. (Photo: Cameron Whitman)

‘SELFIES’ by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. (Courtesty Photo)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 11

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fall is in the Air in the City! Check Out Fun, Upcoming Events!

Continued from Page 10

• “Mrs Doubtfire” at The National Theatre: Everyone’s

favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Washington, D.C. in an internationally acclaimed new hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny.”

Running from October 10 — 15. More information at broadwayatthenational.com/ show/mrs-doubtfire/.

• “The Wiz” at The National Theatre: This ground-

breaking twist on “The Wizard

of Oz” performs a dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop, bringing a whole new groove to easing down the road. Running from October 24 — 29. More information at broadwayatthenational.com/ show/the-wiz/.

• “King of the Yees” at Signature Theatre: A vibrant,

semi-autobiographical comedy about community, culture and the connection between fathers and daughters. Running until October 22. More information at sigtheatre.org/ events/202324/king-of-the-

yees/.

• “Ragtime” at Signature Theatre: The stories of three

American families intertwine against the backdrop of a towering slate of historical figures. Running from October 24 — January 7. More information at sigtheatre.org/ events/202324/ragtime/.

• “Romeo and Juliet” at NOVA Nightsky Theater:

Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of “two star-crossed lovers,” entrenched in a deadly family feud. Running from September 14 — 30. More informa-

tion at novanightskytheater. com/2023season.

• “Bano de luna (Bathing in Moonlight)” at Gala Hispanic Theatre: Enter a world where

love’s forbidden allure leads to a relationship between Father Monroe, a devout Catholic priest, and a beguiling Havana pianist from his parish.

Running until October 1. More information at galatheatre.org/ post/bathing-in-moonlight.

• “Picasso” at Gala Hispanic Theatre: From the lush stroke

of his paintbrush to the beat of his

heart, the artful canvas of Picasso’s life unfolds through memories of cherished family and friends, his passion for bullfights, the circus, and the stage. Running from October 14 — 21. More information at galatheatre.org/post/picasso.

• “Leyendas de mi tierra (Stories from Home)” at Gala Hispanic Theatre: Montoya’s choreography breathes life into untold Latino stories of the American Southwest. Running from October 28 — 29. More information at galatheatre.org/ post/leyendas-de-mi-tierra.

Continued on Page 14

19TH ANNUAL APPLE FESTIVAL at Loudon Heritage Farms. (Photo: Denise Mo)

TRUCK & TOSS at Grace Christian Academy. (Photo: Julie Crain)

MOSAIC FALL FESTIVAL at the Mosaic District in Fairfax. (Photo: Edens)

“ASO AT 80-OH!” by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. (Photo: Melinda Kernc)

FALL GARDEN TOUR at Green Springs in Alexandria. (Photo: Cindy Fortuno)

“THE TELL-TALE HEART” at Synetic Theater (Photo: DJ Corey Photography)

FA LL A RTS

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Open House Sunday September 17, 2023 1-4pm 307 E. Annandale Road Falls Church, VA 22042

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 13

Arlington Visual Art Studio Tour (AVAST) Saturday September 23, 2023 11-5pm 307 E. Annandale Road Falls Church, VA 22042

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Fun Autumn Shows, Festivals and Events in the DMV Area Continued from Page 14

• “J.A.M. the 13th!” by J.A.M the Revue: On October

13 — 15, J.A.M. the Revue will present its brand new Halloweenthemed Revue, “J.A.M. the 13th!,” at The Fredgren Studio Theatre at Ballet Nova. “J.A.M” is a crowdthrilling musical spectacular featuring songs from some of music’s greatest legends while paying tribute to Halloween films and icons.

• ASO at 80-oh! by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra:

ASO’s season opens on September 30 — October 1 with “ASO at 80oh!” with the commissioned piece

“Toast” that is inspired by the 80th anniversary of the orchestra.

• “Selfies” by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington:

GMCW’s popular cabaret returns with an all-new edition. Soloists from GMCW will tell hilarious and heartwarming stories about photos of themselves projected onstage during the show. Held on November 4 at Keegan Theatre.

• “POTUS” at Arena Stage:

In this searingly funny Broadway hit, “POTUS” follows how seven women of dramatically different backgrounds minimize the damage done by male arrogance

and political posturing, in an endearing homage to the women who keep things running behind the scenes. Showing from October 13 — November 12. More information at arenastage.org/ tickets/2023-24-season/potus/.

• Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert by George Mason Performing Arts: The Mason

Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Soo Han, is composed of outstanding string, wind, and percussion players from throughout the School of Music. Held on October 11.

Events/Festivals

• Falls Church Festival: The 47th annual Falls Church Festival returns to The Little City. This family-fun event features The Taste of Falls Church, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment, and booths from local crafters, businesses, and civic organizations.

Held on September 23.

• Farm Day: The annual Farm Day event returns this year to Cherry Hill Park. Enjoy a day of old fashioned fun and activities for the whole family, including a petting farm, pony

rides, pumpkin painting, scarecrow making (bring your own long pants and a sleeved shirt), live music, tours of the Cherry Hill Farmhouse and barn, blacksmith demonstrations, and more. Held on October 8.

• Fairfax Fiesta: Fairfax County’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on September 23. Immerse in an unforgettable celebration that highlights Hispanic culture and embraces the diversity of the community.

Continued on Page 16

ALEXANDRIA ART FESTIVAL in Alexandria (Photo: Howard Alan Events)

“BETWEEN THE LINES” at ARTfactory in Manassas (Photo: Rene Dickerson)

FALL HERITAGE FESTIVAL in Arlington (Photo: Rachael Tolman)

SAINT ANN FALL FESTIVAL in Arlington (Photo: Oriana MacGregor)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 15

Pancakes and Booze: Not Your Typical Local Art Show

by Brian Reach

Falls Church News-Press

If you’re looking for a deliciously irreverent way to celebrate disruptive newcomers to the art scene, look no further than The Pancakes & Booze Art Show, which comes to D.C. on November 16. The event, held at Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.), runs from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and features over 100 all-media exhibits from a diverse group of fresh and innovative artists.

“If a fine art exhibit is like an upscale nightclub, we’re the dive bar,” says Pancakes & Booze founder and creator Tom Kirlin, who says the show is a unique offering you can’t find anywhere else.

“It’s the least pretentious thing you can go to,” Kirlin continued.

Pancakes & Booze exploded onto the Los Angeles art scene in May 2009, quickly expanding into other cities, including D.C. for over a decade of now-quarterly return visits to Our Nation’s Capital, which Kirlin says is one of their biggest markets.

Within five years. a “crushed and

exhausted” Kirlin hired his first fulltime staff — and then his second — and then his third. Kirlin’s team of just under ten people, including six ground-level team members, now run 60 of the wildly popular events annually across 40+ cities in North America and Europe.

In total, Kirlin and his team have held over 500 iterations (and counting) of the pop-up over its nearly 14 years in existence.

The Pancakes & Booze website pulls no punches when describing its revolutionary nature. “This ain’t no snoozefest, highfalutin art show for the elite.” the site proclaims, calling for interested artists to “unleash their raw talent in an anything goes, free-for-all environment.” Artists and vendors participating in the event are limited only by space restrictions and legal requirements.

Pancakes & Booze features table vendors and artists showcasing all types of canvas paintings, prints, sculptures, crafts, jewelry, clothing, baked goods, and beyond. Artists are also able to perform live — including full-body painting, canvas painting, caricatures, and more.

“We encourage it.” Kirlin says

PANCAKES & BOOZE Art Show serves delicious cocktails and sweet, syrupy pancakes, while also featuring various artists and their work. (Courtesy Photo of the Pancakes & Booze Art Show) of the unique nature of each exhibit. “That’s the thing that’s unique about this event. If you are a wellestablished artist, this is not the show for you.

A platform for young and upand-coming artists to exhibit and be part of a community of artists — that’s the mission.”

The creative energy at Pan-

cakes & Booze may give you as much of a buzz as the sugar and drinks. “You get all walks, all skill levels, hard to find [art]... this great amount of diversity and different styles in one room.” says Kirlin. “It creates an awesome vibe.” The show draws a young, hip, diverse crowd of art-loving individuals wherever it goes, and

D.C. is no exception.

Tickets to the 21+ event start at $10 and include free unlimited pancakes (with all the fixin’s) and access to the gallery, which features a live D.J. and cash bar until midnight. Artist/exhibitor registration is now open, as are admission ticket sales — both available at bit.ly/FCNP0923pb.

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Fall is Here, With Some Cheer!

Continued from Page 14

• Taste of Old Town North: Head to Montgomery Park for a celebration of greater Old Town North featuring local businesses and live music. Held on September 23.

• Fall Garden Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of Green Spring’s beautiful demonstration gardens with an Extension Master Gardener docent. Held on September 16.

• Farmers Market Fall Festival:

Celebrate the fall harvest at the Fairfax County Park Authority Markets with fun and free activities such as pumpkin painting, live music and more. Held on October 11 — 15.

• Mosaic Fall Festival: Join Mosaic for a weekend of fun-filled activities for the whole family. Mosaic District will transform into a vibrant outdoor festival with over 90 handmade and vintage vendors, special performances, and an array of activities for the entire family. Held on September 23 — 24.

• Saint Ann Fall Festival: The public is invited to the Saint Ann Fall Festival on September 30. This free admission

multicultural family festival is open to the community and will feature rides, food, music, a beer garden, silent auction, raffles and much more.

• 19th Annual Apple Festival: Enjoy cider pressing, apple games, food trucks and cider, wine and a beer garden at Apple Festival at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum on September 30.

• 17th Annual MPAartfest: McLean Central Park will come to life once again on October 1 when MPAartfest returns with a full day of art, music, food, and fun. MPAartfest transforms McLean Central Park into a lively landscape of mini art galleries showcasing and offering for sale the work of acclaimed artists from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

• Rosslyn Jazz Fest: On Saturday, September 9, the Rosslyn BID and Arlington Arts are bringing an exciting lineup to the community’s most popular free outdoor music festival: Galactic, featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, with additional performances from Pedrito Martínez Group, Oh He Dead, and DuPont Brass.

Continued on Page 17

17TH ANNUAL MPAARTFEST in McLean (Photo: Bethany Nguyen)

ROSSLYN JAZZ FEST in Arlington (Photo: Josh Brick Photography)

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

LO CA L

Fall In Love With These Fun, Local Events

Continued from Page 16

• Saint Katherine’s Greek Fall Festival: Authentic Greek dancing, pastries,

homemade Greek food and live Greek music will be held on October 6 — 8.

• 21st Annual Alexandria Art Festival: The annual art festival features

a variety of works exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. Held on September 30 — October 1.

• Lagerfest: Come join Solace Outpost in Falls Church for a fun filled day of lagers, plus a couple of well crafted ciders. Solace Outpost in Falls Church for a fun filled day of lagers, plus a couple of well crafted ciders. Held on September 16.

• Truck & Toss: Grace Christian Academy will be hosting their 7th annual “Truck & Toss” — a food truck, corn hole, and craft brew tasting festival on Saturday, September 9th.

• Oktoberfest 2023: This year,

travaganza to shake North America in the past decade. The Pancakes and Booze Art Show in Washington D.C. on November 16 is serving up piping hot, free pancakes and unleashing the freshest talent this nation has to offer.

Settle Down Easy Brewing will order more than 200 sovereign steins to reuse over the 3 week celebration. Held from September 16 — 30.

• 2023 Falls Church Arts Plein Air Festival: On September 30, Falls Church Arts Gallery will hold their annual Plein Air Festival and Quick Draw event, which allows artists to paint outside and win prizes.

• Fall Heritage Festival: Join Arlington for a family-friendly day of fun.

Step back into history and try a hand at some old-time games and crafts, make a corn husk doll, churn butter, dip candles and work the cider press. Held on October 14.

• The Pancakes and Booze Art Show: Join the biggest pop-up art ex-

• Pimmit Hills Day: Come celebrate this community at their annual Pimmit Hills Day for all residents, alumni of the Hills, friends, neighbors, as well as local businesses and organizations! Pimmit Hills Day will take place on Saturday, September 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Olney Park. Last year had 30 vendors and sponsors, and an estimated 300-400 attendees.

Continued on Page 20

FALL FARMERS MARKET FESTIVAL in Fairfax (Photo: Cindy Fortuno)

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 17

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Bluegrass Fans Can Thank Musician-Fundraiser Barrett

by Charlie Clark

The now-worldwide reach of Washington-area bluegrass music, dear listeners, was made possible by one generous radio station, new digital technology and, in no small part, longtime Falls Church musician Randy Barrett.

The fiddler and banjo player (day job before retirement: journalist), who has released three CDs of original compositions, is today president of the D.C.-based foundation that keeps Bluegrass Country Radio streaming to an astonishing array of fans.

Since its launch in 2017 “on a wing and prayer,” Barrett says, the station that was spun off from WAMUFM has charmed listeners nationwide and in Latin America, Europe and Japan. Its 24/7 offerings expanded from classic bluegrass to current-day artists to “Americana,” or “strong old-time content” with American roots music that, uplifting to Barrett, appears fresh to young people.

The intro was cued up in 2016, when nonprofit public station WAMU, based at American University and a headquarters for bluegrass since 1967, began its shift to the talk radio that in today’s market delivers greater revenue. “They were looking for a new home for bluegrass, an

organization to hand over their intellectual property,” Barrett recalls. “To their credit, they didn’t want to just shut it down.”

That property consisted of 70,000 digitized songs (now up to 100,000), deep archives and unique historical recordings of interviews with luminaries from that soft, percussion-less, harmony-showcasing genre that goes back to the 1930s with such founding acts as Kentucky’s Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys.

Nine local music-lovers, who now make up the foundation board, began raising the donations needed to “upgrade the technology and hire a program director” for the new niche station, now with a “tiny” $150,000 annual budget. “It was clear it needed to be primarily volunteer-run, and we weren’t sure it would work,” Barrett admits. “To their credit, enough deejays stepped up,” and the operation of hosts and engineers is now 90 percent volunteer. The sole paid employee is program director and afternoon on-air host Chris Teskey, of Frederick, Md. The rest employ modern software bandwidth to work remotely, save for a small office in the WAMU building.

“The timing was in our favor,” Barrett adds. Online “streaming was

just beginning to get understood by the world, and if we had tried it a decade earlier, it wouldn’t have worked.”

Bluegrass Country registered its 88.5 HD2 frequency on the highdefinition band. “HD was world’s worst-marketed technology,” Barrett says, agreeing that, though it is now available on most recent cars, “it’s not easy to set. But once you’ve got it, it’s excellent quality.” About a third of Bluegrass Country listeners are on HD, the rest on the app or the website streaming. “Luckily we caught a wave.”

Today’s schedule slots feature WAMU veteran Dick Spottswood (“he’s forgotten more about bluegrass than you or I ever knew,” Barrett says), along with rebroadcasts of the old shows by Eddie Stubbs, Gary Henderson and Lee Michael Demsey. Modern theme shows include its popular Stained Glass Bluegrass, Brad Kolodner’s Old Time Jam and The Celtic Cut with Winifred Horan.

Add in syndicated offerings such as Banks of the Ohio, Riders in the Sky, American Routes, Bluegrass on the Bay, Mike Kear’s Music from Foggy Hollow (from Australia), the Thistle and Shamrock, and The Trail Ride.

The Bluegrasscountry.org web-

RANDY BARRETT. (Courtesy Photo) site provides an updated schedule of Bluegrass festivals in the U.S. and Canada, plus an overseas addendum.

A friendly competitor is Bluegrass Junction on Sirius XM Radio, which has advantages in satellite reach, Barrett acknowledges. But that station relies sometimes on computerized programming. “We have more depth and a bench of human deejays we have a strong belief in, though we see any bluegrass radio as good.”

Barrett, whose 2019 album

“Shake, Rattle and Roar” survived the pandemic to win airplay, still performs live with the group Big Howdy, having won three Washington Area Music Awards. After 25 years in Falls Church, he and his wife downsized last month and moved to Alexandria.

He and the team are “gratified at the support we get from young listeners, many of whom are still discovering the niche,” he says. He has fun surviving and proving the initial skeptics wrong, helping Bluegrass Country “pass the baton.”

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FA LL A RTS

A ‘Luminous’ Art Exhibition at Falls Church Arts

BY MARK DREISONSTOK

Falls Church Arts Gallery is offering the all-media exhibition “Luminous” with varied works revolving around the theme of light and emanations.

The digital drawing on canvas “Looking Glass” by Heather Widener, for instance, depicts a rounded mirror with the reflection of a dining room table with red curtains beside it.

A slightly distorted perspective is offered and lovers of Flemish art may be reminded of Jan van Eyck’s famous “Arnolfini Portrait” which features a rounded mirror reflecting the room with windows, curtains, and even a chandelier.

The approach of “Looking Glass” is a bit in the “macabre” style of Edward Gorey, whose animation is seen at the opening of PBS’ “Mystery!” In this spirit, and with the light theme in mind, we could not help but recall Edgar Allan Poe’s vision of “a waking dream of life and light” from his poem “A Dream.”

Moving through the gallery to Elin Whitney Smith’s “St. Adea, Patron of Unwed Mothers” (digital drawing and text, metallic paint, gold leaf): At first glance, this artwork appears to be an iconography painting depicting a saint dressed in a royal blue robe, surrounded by illuminated gold leaf background with her hands stretched outwards. This is no ordinary saint,

for “St. Adea, Patron of Unwed Mothers,” is “not canonized by any church. Her life and her sacrifice for Augustine of Hippo should glow through the ages.” The traditional and the modern mix in this work bringing forward the illuminated tradition into the modern era.

More modern art movement references were found in Erick Buendla’s “Underground,” an oil portrait which the artist says was “inspired by Neo-Expressionist works” and has a reference to Vincent Van Gogh’s Expressionist “Starry Night.” Andy Warhol-style pop art was also remembered in Michael Sheedy’s pastelcolored “Dolly Aglow.” Here fans of Dolly Parton will be pleased as the country singer is presented in her iconic blonde hair, wearing a jeans jacket with a pink butterfly wallpaper background. Instead of the lithograph medium of Warhol, however, the artist has employed acrylic.

Matt Makara’s “Beach Blur #3” artwork depicts a seascape divided into three horizontal sections. The bottom suggests sand, and then we view the blurry seawater. The top part of the painting is a peach sunset with its last glimpses of light illuminating earth and water. The work appears to be abstract at first glance, not unlike Mark Rothko’s artworks of beaches, although

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 19

Madeline’s Christmas

Continued on Page 21

DREAMERS AND DOERS 2023-24 Season begins Oct. 5 Falls Church, Virginia “Dreamers and Doers” captures the spirit of our 202324 season at Pearson Square. Filled with compelling stories of hard working immigrants in “Monarch: A Mexican American Musical” to a wooden puppet dreaming of becoming a real boy in “The Adventures of Pinocchio” and our favorite little precious parisian returns in “Madeline’s Christmas” making sure that this season will be a special one.

GUGGLE FUDDLE BOIL AND BOTTLE BY Melanie Kehoss. (C������� F���� C����� ����)

creativecauldron.org

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Support Local Artists, Musicians and More This Autumn Continued from Page 17

• Celebrate Virginia: Tysons Corner Center invites the public to a special Celebrate Virginia day on September 16 on The Plaza. Have some fun outdoors celebrating the talent of Virginia while enjoying live music and entertainment, shop local artisans’ wares, indulge in Virginia Beer Tasting, VIP Wine Tasting, mural painting, giveaways, and more.

• Halloween Window Painting Festival: Falls Church

Arts’ Halloween Window Painting Festival returns for its 15th year. Young painters

in the community will join forces with local businesses to paint Halloween-themed designs on storefront windows.

Painting dates are October 7, 8, 9, and 14.

of AI’s capability to shape a society beyond our control. Exhibit open until November 22.

Art Exhibits

brings together works by an intergenerational group of nearly 50 living Native artists practicing across the United States. Exhibit is from September 22 — January 15

• “Altar” Exhibit by the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences:

Smriti Keshari intends to provide a visual and emotional understanding of the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in this installation. According to the artist, the artwork “juxtaposes our collective desire for forward progress against our fear

• Contemporary Art by Native Americans at the National Gallery of Art: This exhibition

• Photogravures from the Collection, 1840 — 1940 at the National Gallery of Art: Dis-

cover an intriguing chapter in the history of photography. “Etched

by Light: Photogravures from

PANCAKES & BOOZE Art Show. (Courtesy Photo of the Pancakes & Booze Art Show)

the Collection, 1840–1940” tells the story of the first 100 years of this process. Exhibit is from October 15 — February 4.

• “David Amoroso: Belleza Brutal” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center: Draw-

the Lines” by Manassas resident René Dickerson on display September 8 – October 21. The influence of Cubism can be seen in many of Rene’s works, as he draws his inspiration from the Old Masters, modern-day artists, and everyday life.

• “Between the Lines” Solo Exhibit at ARTfactory: The ARTfactory is excited to share their newest art exhibit “Between

• “The Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudzki Art Gallery” at Art and Frame of Falls Church: Art and Frame of Falls Church is holding an Open House on September 17 at its new, expanded location. Come see the shop in this 2-story building, check out the exhibit in “The Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudzki Art Gallery,” and tour studiosat307, the 40+ artist studios and small business offices.

ing from street mythology, “Bellezza Brutal” features artist David Amoroso’s Pop Art inflected paintings of fiercely masculine models enmeshed in vibrant floral motifs and patterning. Exhibit open until November 5.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Arts Exhibit Open Until October 1st Continued from Page 19

this is a photograph. To achieve his effect, the photographer Makara has employed “long exposure and intentional camera movement.”

Cutting shapes into silhouettes in a “light box” of mixed media is the ideal device to convey luminescence in a fitting theme for the Falls Church Art Gallery’s show.

Our current month of September is, oddly enough, the month of Bavaria’s world-famous Oktoberfest, and so perhaps it is appropriate that artist Melanie Kehoss presents the role of female brewers in history in her “light box” called “Guggle Fuddle Boil and Bottle.”

Framed by a barley motif while employing ancient Egyptian stylistics, four different horizontal levels reflect top to bottom different stages of the brewing process: the ancient world, the medieval era, the late nineteenth-century, and modern times.

We were curious about what look like Halloween witches in the medieval panel, and we were fortunate enough to meet the artist

FA LL A RTS

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 21

who explained this unique feature of her Juror’s Choice Award-winning work.

Melanie told us: “Until the Middle Ages, most beer was made by women as part of their domestic duties. These ‘alewives’ wore pointed hats so that they would be recognized by travelers on the streets, and they displayed broomsticks outside their homes as an additional indicator of their trade.

They kept cats, in order to keep rodents from eating their grain, and they were often stirring cauldrons of boiling brew. These trappings, of course, are also those of the modern image of a witch.”

Apparently, men who opened taverns as lucrative business ventures needed to eliminate the competition, so—according to Melanie—they “accused alewives of trickery, casting spells, and colluding with the devil. The symbols of alewifery remained connected to witchcraft, while the connection to brewing was largely forgotten.”

“Luminous” is clearly an intriguing show with many stories such as this, and we encourage readers to visit this exhibition which lasts through October 1.

Art and Frame of Falls Church

Home to Studiosat307.com Open House Sunday September 17, 2023 1-4pm 307 E. Annandale Road Falls Church, VA 22042

celebrating over 21 years!

Bird (Artist: AmandaWoodward).

Horse (Artist: JennyKanzler).

Falls Church, VA At CreativeCauldron, kids connect with others, explore theater, and actually have FUN! Whether they are ready for the big stage or just need a dose of creative play, there's something for everyone at the Cauldron.

ENROLLING NOW!

Learning Theater Studio (Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8) Musical Theater Ensemble (Middle/High School) Adult Acting & Art classes (Online) Lizard (Artist: AndreaUravitch)

Sunset (Artist: DavidCurtis)

creativecauldron.org/workshops

CO MME NT

PAGE 22 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

A Penny for Your Thoughts

News of Greater Falls Church

By Supervisor Penny Gross

When I was first elected in 1995, digital communication was in its infancy, and most inquiries and requests for county services came by telephone, letter, or fax machine.

For those too young to remember, a fax machine, or facsimile transmission, uses telephone lines to transmit documents to a special printer; early faxes were printed on thermal paper; later ones used regular paper.

Fax machines still are used in some medical and law enforcement offices, but mostly have been superseded by advanced digital infrastructure.

Today, my office rarely receives a postal mail letter, but we get dozens of email inquiries on a typical day, and new digital technology provides voicemails in both audio and digitized formats. The digitized format highlights some challenges of artificial intelligence though. Names often are garbled, and the messages can be difficult to decipher!

The Center for Digital Government (CDG), a national research and advisory institute developed two decades ago, identifies best technology practices among the more than 3000 counties in the United States via an annual Digital Counties Survey. Winners were announced at the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) conference, held this year in Travis County, Texas.

The survey measures initiatives that

streamline delivery of government services; provide data analytics that help decision-making based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities. In announcing the winning counties, CDG staff noted that “This year’s survey results highlight how counties continue to use digital tools” and especially highlighted “ensuring the ability to be resilient in the face of unexpected crisis.”

Counties are categorized by population for the survey, so that a large county like Fairfax competes against other counties with large populations rather than against all counties. There are five categories – from fewer than 150,000 residents to more than a million residents. Commonwealth of Virginia counties did very well in the survey, garnering 12 of the 50 awards, including three first place citations. Smaller Virginia counties – those under 150,000 population – gobbled up seven awards – York (3rd place), James City (4th), Franklin (5th), Goochland (7th), Orange (8th), Bedford (9th), and Albemarle (10th).

Albemarle County also received special recognition for its participation in all 20 years of the survey, and earning top 10 status every year.

Arlington County placed first in the 150,000 to 249,000 population category, and Stafford County placed

9th. The next level up, 250,000 to 499,999 population, saw Prince William County place first, with Chesterfield County in 4th place.

There are no Virginia counties with populations of 500,000 to 999,999, but our neighbor across the river, Prince George’s County, Maryland, placed first in that category. In the last category, one million or more population, Fairfax County took first place, a feat that has been accomplished several times in the past decade. The CDG announcement noted that “To support the County’s priorities, DIT developed the countywide ‘Data Analytics Framework’ so that consistent, repeatable data analytics allow data-driven decisions for business processes and service delivery – and help to ensure they are made in a more equitable, agile, and responsive manner.” This is the fourth time Fairfax County has earned the first-place ranking for counties of its size. A first-class digital infrastructure provides access to many local governmental information and services 24-hours-a-day. Now, that’s bragging rights!  Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be emailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

C i t y o f Fa l l s C h u r c h CRIME REPORT Week of August 28 - September 3, 2023 Attempted Carjacking, S Washington St, Aug 28, a resident exiting his vehicle was confronted by an unknown suspect who demanded his car. Victim pushed the suspect away at which point the suspect exited the garage and headed northbound on S Maple Ave. Suspect described as a male with brown short hair wearing a black flannel shirt. On Aug 30 at 4:43 PM, a male, 25, was arrested for the attempted carjacking.

Larceny from Building, Chanel Ter, August 29, unknown suspect took unattended items of value.

Suspect described as a male, 6 ft., red shirt, black shorts, bald.

a parking garage. Bike described as a black Berlin Rad commuter bike.

Shoplifting, W Broad St, Aug 27, 2:32 PM and Aug 31, unknown suspect entered an establishment and took items of value without paying. Suspect described as a male wearing a black t-shirt, a black do-rag, black pants, a black hand brace and grey shoes with a white line on the side.

Items totaled over $1,400.

Trespass, Wilson Blvd, Sept 1, a male was issued a summons for trespass.

Drunk in Public, S Washington St, Sept 3, a male was arrested for drunk in public.

Trespass, Wilson Blvd, Aug 29, a male was issued a summons for trespass.

Attempted Robbery, Wilson Blvd, Sept 3, unknown suspect, described as a male, wearing a red hat, white frame sunglasses, black shirt, black pants, white sneakers was in the process of shoplifting when confronted. He then assaulted the employee. Investigation continues.

Larceny from Building, S Maple Ave, Aug 23 and Aug 30, unknown suspect(s) removed a secured bicycle from

Drunk in Public, Hillwood Ave/Meadow Ln, Sept 3, a male, 31, was arrested for being drunk in public.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Senator Dick Saslaw’s

Richmond Report Nearly six months after the end of the most recent legislative session, we have finally come to an agreement on the budget. After many weeks of negotiation and conversation, my fellow budget conferees and I found a compromise that worked for both sides. As a reminder, Virginia operates on a two-year budget cycle. We are currently under the 2022-2024 biennial budget, so there has not been a risk of a state government shutdown. This budget is an opportunity to allocate the surplus funds we have from the last fiscal year. Certainly, neither side wanted to leave any money on the table, but finding a compromise was difficult given the stark differences in how each side wanted to spend the surplus.

Republicans have been pushing for significant cuts to the personal income and corporate tax rate.

Governor Youngkin has made it a priority to lower taxes across the board, as he compares our rates to states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida.

Businesses are eager to call Virginia home, they don’t need a tax break at the expense of everyone else.

Senate Democrats have been opposed to these tax cuts given their size and impact on future state revenues. This became even more concerning this summer when we learned that Virginia spends significantly less money on our schools.

The non-partisan JLARC report recommended $3.5 billion in new spending to bring Virginia schools back up to speed. There are countless ways this surplus could be used to bolster our social services. I am proud to say we found a budget deal that balances responsible tax relief and prioritizes much-needed funding for K-12, higher education, and behavioral health services. Here are the biggest takeaways from the agreement.

First, we agreed to a one-time tax rebate of $200 for single and $400 for joint filers, similar to the rebates given last year. This way, Virginians get some tax relief, but it won’t impact our revenues for the next budget cycle. Second, we made strong investments in public education. We are adding more than $650 million in direct aid to K-12 schools. We also agreed to establish a subcommittee to review elementary and secondary education funding in response to the report released earlier this summer. Additionally, we have allocated nearly $200 million to higher education institutions to

increase affordability and address support staff and operational needs.

Third, we dedicated more attention to mental health services by allocating $187 million toward expanding crisis receiving centers, increasing compensation for our Community Service Boards, and expanding permanent housing for those with severe mental illnesses.

While the Conference Committee has agreed to this proposal, both Chambers have to vote on the budget before it can be sent to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Governor Youngkin has called the General Assembly back for a Special Session on September 6th to pass the budget agreement. As of press time, the Session will have taken place. I hope the meeting will go smoothly, with an agreement being passed and sent to Governor Youngkin. This Special Session will be bittersweet, as it is likely the final time nearly half of the current Senate will enter the Chamber and carry out the business of the people, myself included.

As we approach the November elections, we need to keep in mind that our divided government is the only reason we have a compromise budget. If Republicans had it their way, this budget would have included significantly less money for investments in K-12 and higher education, and other social services.

That money would have been spent giving a tax break to wealthy individuals and corporations that would have negative implications on our revenue for years to come. If we allow Republicans to take control of the Senate there will be nothing stopping them from implementing their out of touch right-wing agenda across the board. Everything from public education to women’s reproductive rights will be at risk. I cannot stress the importance of this election enough. Whoever wins in November will set the course of Virginia for the foreseeable future.

I highly encourage everyone to register to vote or update your voter registration. Early in-person voting begins on September 22nd at your local registrar’s office. You can also request a no-excuse absentee ballot until October 27th. It is essential that we uphold our majority in the Senate and flip the House of Delegates so we can keep Republicans from turning back the clock on women in Virginia.

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 23

The Falls Church Episcopal Church a ‘Living Legacy’ in the Little City

by Patricia Leslie

Anyone who thought history was only about the past will be surprised to learn that a Falls Church building which is hundreds of years old still has its history and legacy evolving.

Just four years ago, The Falls Church Episcopal, founded in 1732, was the recipient of remnants which a clergyman had removed from the church during the Civil War, 1861-1865.

After years owning the keepsakes, the family which became owners of the remnants decided to return them to The Falls Church Episcopal with a copy of a letter from a Union chaplain, the Rev. William DeWitt Clinton Rodrock, who described what he had done.

At the church’s regular monthly history tour last Sunday, Joe Ewbank, the church historian/archivist, and Robin Rosbolt, both members of the church’s history ministry, described this recent addition to church history for visitors and members of The Falls Church.

The letter from Rev. Rodrock told how he bribed a US army guard at the church with dinner to allow the clergyman entrance into

the church, with the promise that the reverend would respect all the church’s contents.

Ewbank said at the time the U.S. did not have a policy to desecrate Confederate buildings, but most buildings in Falls Church were abandoned then, and soldiers would take pieces of them as souvenirs, much like some people try to do today at historic places.

Upon entering the church building (now called the Historic Church), Rev. Rodrock took scissors and cut off a piece of carpet and a piece of the cushion in the pulpit and sent them to his wife.

In his letter, he mentioned another piece, supposedly associated with George Washington, which the church did not receive, and a small branch from a tree Washington allegedly planted at the church.

Anything at the church which is associated with George Washington (1732-1799), the first U.S. president, carries special significance, Ewbank and Rosbolt said, and smiled at each other. Washington was president from 1789-1797.

Washington was a member of The Falls Church vestry, the church’s governing board, from 1762 to 1765, until the Virginia

legislature in Williamsburg created a new parish which included The Falls Church but not Mount Vernon, Washington’s home.

Later, Washington gave one pound, the British currency, for “decorations” for a new church building to replace the dilapidated original structure built in 1734.

At that time under English control, taxpayers built churches.

The amount Washington gave was “a fair amount” for the church’s total building cost of 699 pounds, Ewbank noted. The new building completed in 1769 with enslaved labor, still stands and is used today, one of the oldest Episcopal church structures in the U.S. “By his spiritual presence in the history of this place,” Ewbank said, Washington is important, but the stories surrounding his association with the church exceed reality. Like the tree the reverend says in his letter which Washington planted.

Ewbank credited several individuals for their support and efforts to keep the church going since its founding, including George Somerville, Henry Fairfax, those who worked to end slavery, and the 19 people who refused during this century to allow the church to be taken

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, Joe Ewbank, Peggy McCan and Bob McCan at The Falls Church Episcopal Church. (Photo: Patricia Leslie) over by oppositionists in a battle over doctrinal and property rights.

For those who want a literal “hands on” experience with historic pieces at the Falls Church, Ewbank says the church brings out a chalice every Easter and Christmas Eve with a similar background to the remnants’.

At the next monthly history tours at The Falls Church Episcopal on October 1, 2023, Ewbank may outline that chapter in the church’s history book after the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. The Falls Church, 115 East Fairfax St., Falls Church, 22046, 703–241–0003, thefallschurch.org.

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Fa l l s C h u r c h School News & Notes Support MHS Football, Buy a Restaurant Card The Meridian football team is selling restaurant discount cards that work in and around Falls Church City, including the Mosaic District. This year, there are also laser tag games included at UltraZone. The cards are $25 and work until August 1, 2024. They are fundraising for some new practice and safety equipment.

Run for the Schools Registration Now Open Join 800+ community members on Sunday, September 24 to run/walk through the heart of Falls Church City. Age group prizes and family events will be offered — fun for all ages and abilities.

Online registration is open through Wed., September 20 and one can register in person on Friday, September 22 at Meridian High School, on Saturday, September 23 at the Falls Church Festival or the morning of the race for all you super-procrastinators.

Funds raised from this event will go towards SuperGrants, Teacher Training Grants, ESOL and Special Education programs.

OSE Boys Run Club Registration is Open Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health.

Registration at Oak Street Elementary is now open for grades 3, 4, and 5. Fall season starts on September 20, meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:15 a.m. for an hour and fifteen minutes, and ends with a 5K race on November 5. Visit LetMeRun. org to learn more and register.

Six FCPS High Schools Among Best in the State In U.S. News & World Report’s annual state and nationwide assessments of public high schools, six Fairfax County public high schools ranked in Virginia’s top ten.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) remains

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

the top magnet school in the country and moved up two spots to become the fourthranked STEM school in the country. TJHSST also ranked as the top high school in the Washington, D.C., area.

Global Partnerships: Mustangs in South Korea This summer, the Ministry of Education from South Korea invited Ms. Mary Jo West and two students who had taken part in prior global collaboration projects to participate in an international symposium on sustainability with over 40 students from South Korea and 16 students from eight other countries.

Aidan Harper and Carlos Ortiz attended, representing the United States, and Ms. Carey Pollack, funded through the FCEF. Carlos presented an overview of this musical project at the symposium with fellow collaborators from SGHS.

Oak Street Principal Coffee Tomorrow Connect with other parents and meet Principal Karim

TWO MERIDIAN students (center) took part in an international symposium in South Korea. (Photo: Carey Pollack, Mary Jo West) Daugherty, Assistant Principal Carrie Checca, and PYP Coordinator Lauren Carpel on Friday, September 8 at 9:30 a.m. in the Oak Street Family Resource Center.

Four MHS Students Recognized by CB Four Meridian students earned national recognition by the College Board National Recognition Program Award.

Awardees (as of August 17) at Meridian High School are: Alessio Azimipour: NHRA, National Hispanic Recognition Award; Bethany Michael: NAARA, National African American Recognition Award; Jack Freas: NHRA, National

Hispanic Recognition Award; Mateo Ratheau: NHRA, National Hispanic Recognition Award.

Leading ‘the Charge’ in E-School Bus Transition Earlier this year, Falls Church City Public Schools began the transition of its school buses from diesel to electric. CBS News is out this week with a story about that move to combat climate change and reduce noise pollution. Last month, reporter Skyler Henry accompanied FCCPS driver Charles Washington aboard EV21 on one of his routes to see for himself and share with the nation.

Field Hockey Stays Hot, Football Earns Needed Win at Meridian

by Ryan McCafferty

The calendar has turned to September, and week two is in the books for the Meridian Mustangs and their fall athletic squads. This week the football team was able to bounce back from its 44-0 shellacking at the hands of McLean by beating Dominion 14-0 on a much more pleasant Thursday evening, moving to 1-1 on the year.

They’ll have this week off before playing their next several games away from home.

Field hockey continued its winning ways by beating Thomas Jefferson 6-0 in its only matchup of the week on Tuesday night, moving to a perfect 4-0 for the season and continuing its streak of not giving up a single goal thus far.

Meanwhile, both the boys’ and girls’ cross country squads kicked off their seasons with wins over Kettle Run this past week, the boys led by Tucker Albaugh’s third place overall finish and the girls led by Lydia Sturgill’s runner-up individual effort. The boys placed eight runners in the overall top 15 while the girls had seven, and both teams will be back in action this coming Saturday when they compete in the Great Meadows Invitational.

Volleyball, unfortunately, continues a disappointing start to the year as the girls lost both matchups this week, falling 3-1 at Osbourn Park on Monday and then losing 3-0 to Warren County on Tuesday.

They’ve yet to win a game, but thankfully, there is still plenty

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ cross country squads kicked off their seasons with wins over Kettle Run, with the boys led by Tucker Albaugh’s third place overall finish and the girls led by Lydia Sturgill’s runner-up individual effort. (Photo: Mustang Athletics) of season left to turn it around.

Golf was set to compete against Fauquier and John Handley at Fauquier Springs

last Thursday, but that match was sadly canceled. Their next action will now come on September 12th at Shenandoah Val-

ley, against Skyline.

Finally, competitive cheer, as stated last week, will not be in action until September 27th.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 25

Community News & Notes

LGBTQ+ FALLS CHURCH held its first gathering of the new season Sunday at Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. A robust crowd enjoyed the event, including (from left to right) Brian Reach, executive director of the organization, FCNP Owner Nicholas Benton, the organization’s founder and a gay pioneer dating to 1970, and the Rev. Burl Salmon, rector of the Falls Church Episcopal. (News-Press Photo)

DAVID MERRELL (right), a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, made a gesture of unity and understanding by donating a substantial piece of Islamic art he crafted entirely from LEGO brand bricks. (Photo: Jeff Jardine)

First Annual 9/11 Memorial Ruck March/Walk Coming Soon

Bearers, Carlos Rodriquez and Margaret DeWilde from Dumfries will declare the official opening with “Let the Games Begin.”

Arlington County Board Chairman Christian Dorsey will welcome the assembled participants and observers from all eight of the participating jurisdictions. Nine track events and an ERG rowing event will follow the opening. Events will continue through Sunday, Sept.

24 at more than 20 venues throughout Northern Virginia.

All events are open to the public.

The daily schedule of events is on the website at nvso.us where results will be published throughout the competitions.

The first annual VFW Post 9274 9/11 Memorial Ruck March/Walk will be held on Sunday, September 10 at the Meridian High School Football Field Track at 9:00 a.m. It is a 5K Ruck March/Walk to honor the victims of 9/11, first responders and military (no ruck necessary). A cookout will be held afterwards at VFW 9274 (7118 Shreve Road, Falls Church).

Falls Church Presbyterian Celebrates 150 Years Falls Church Presbyterian Church (FCPC), located at 225 East Broad Street, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary on September 10, 2023. FCPC has a rich, local history, starting as a branch of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean in 1873, building the first stone structure in the City of Falls Church in 1884 (quarried from what is now Sislers Stone), with expansions to the building in the 1950s, 1960s, and 2005, to create more space for worship, fellowship, and service activities.

FCPC welcomes the community to join the celebration Sunday,

September 10, at 10:00 a.m. for worship followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.

Local Festival Features Crafts and Cornhole Grace Christian Academy will be hosting their 7th annual “Truck & Toss” — a food truck, corn hole, and craft brew tasting festival on Saturday, September 9th, 4:00 — 8:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. for VIP admission). All proceeds benefit Grace Christian Academy (GCA). Admission to Truck and Toss includes unlimited generous tastings from the best food trucks in the DMV. The festival will be held on the grounds of Grace Christian Academy/Grace Lutheran Church at 3233 Annandale Rd, Falls Church. For details and to purchase tickets, visit truckandtoss.com or email truckandtoss@gmail.com.

Art Donation at Taste of Islam Creates Community Building On September 3, a community-building event took place at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.

David Merrell, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-Day Saints, made a gesture of unity and understanding by donating a substantial piece of Islamic art he created entirely from LEGO brand bricks.

The donation of this meaningful LEGO artwork occurred during the annual “Taste of Islam” event at the Islamic Center. This event serves as an outreach effort to the community, inviting people of all backgrounds to come together and learn about the Islamic faith, culture, and traditions.

Compromising square Kufic Arabic script spelling the name “Mohamed” nine times, David’s artwork beautifully combined artistic expression with a profound message.

2023 NoVa Senior Olympics Opens in October Opening ceremonies for the 2023 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place Saturday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington.

The Alexandria City High School Army JROTC Color Guard will lead the opening, followed by The National Anthem sung by the Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus. The Torch

Art and Frame of Falls Church Open House at New Location Art and Frame of Falls Church is holding an Open House on Sunday, September 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 307 East Annandale Road – its new, expanded location. Come see the shop in this two-story building, check out the exhibit in “The Eileen Levy & Andrzej Żmudzki Art Gallery,” and tour studiosat307, the 40+ artist stu-

dios and small business offices.

Plenty of onsite parking! More information can be found at artandframeoffallschurch.com.

1st Annual Celebrate Virginia to Take Place Soon Tysons Corner Center invites the public to a special Celebrate Virginia day on Saturday, September 16 on The Plaza from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., rain or shine. Bring the family and have some fun outdoors celebrating the talent of Virginia as you enjoy live music & entertainment, shop local artisans’ wares, indulge in Virginia Beer Tasting, VIP Wine Tasting, mural painting, giveaways, and more.

Shop the Made in Fairfax local artisan market, enjoy live music from three Virginia based musicians, sample beer from five state breweries, and take part in painting a community mural with Loudon-based artist Kevin Bednarz. Participants will also get a chance to Spin the Tysons Wheel for limited edition “Virginia is for Shopping Lovers” custom merchandise including t-shirts, picnic blankets, beanie hats and more! The event is open to the public and free to attend.

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FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

THIS WEEK AROUND F.C. THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 7 Economic Development Authority Meeting

Economic Development Authority meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Baño de Luna:

Love's forbidden allure leads to a relationship between Father Monroe, a devout Catholic priest, and a beguiling Havana pianist from his parish. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles. Through October 1. Tickets at bit.ly/FCNP0923ga.

Gala Theatre (3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC), 8:00 p.m.

childrens' items, September 7-10.

Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities. Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church), 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Sweat

Sweat tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. When layoffs and picket lines begin to chip away at their trust, the friends find themselves pitted against each other in a heartwrenching fight to stay afloat.

Through September 16. Keegan Theatre (1742 Church St. NW, Washington, DC), 3:00 p.m.

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 9

Between the Lines

Shop the award-winning market every Saturday, year-round! City Hall arking Lot (300 Park Ave., Falls Church), 8:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8 Exhibit by Manassas resident René Dickerson, featuring a collection of original acrylic paintings on canvas.

Through October 21. The ARTfactory (9419 Battle St., Manassas, VA), 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Used Book/Media Sale

All-media sale of used books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, games, and

F.C. Farmers Market

Rosslyn Jazz Fest

An afternoon of music, food trucks, yard games, community table experiences, and more. Free event. Gateway Park (1300 Langston Blvd., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m.

Author Talk: Andrew Joseph White

An MRSPL Author Talk with NYT bestselling author Andrew Joseph White for an author talk after the launch of his sophomore novel, The Spirit Bares its Teeth, which features an autistic, trans main character in a Victorian setting, and does not shy away from exposing the violence of the patriarchy and the harm inflicted on trans youth who are forced into conformity. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Truck & Toss

Food trucks, corn hole, and craft brew tasting. Grace Christian Academy (3233 Annandale Rd., Falls Church), 4:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

The Bridges of Madison County

A sweeping musical romance of desire and sacrifice based on the bestselling novel. After marrying an American soldier to escape Italy at the end of World War II, Francesca builds herself a home in Iowa, raising two children and settling into a steady but unremarkable routine.

Then one day, she meets Robert, a charismatic photographer, who awakens her passion and changes her life forever. Through September 17. Tickets at sigtheatre.org.

Signature Theatre (3200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA), 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 10 9/11 Memorial Ruck March/Walk

5k ruck march/walk to honor the victims of 9/11, first responders and military (no ruck necessary).

Free rain or shine event on the Meridian H.S. track, followed by a cookout at VFW Post 9274 (7118 Shreve Rd., Falls Church). Meridian High School (121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church), 9:00 a.m.

DC State Fair 2023

A free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary and creative talents and a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Franklin Park (1332 I St. NW, Washington, DC), 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Author Talk: Angie Kim w/ Jamise Harper

An MRSPL Author Talk with Angie Kim after the release of her new novel, Happiness Falls. Moderated

by Jamise Harper, creator of the Diverse Spines® online book community and co-author of Bibliophile: Diverse Spines. Mary Riley Styles Public Library (120 N. Virginia Ave., Lower Level Conf. Rm., Falls Church), 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.

MONDAY

SEPTEMBER 11 City Council Meeting

The public is welcome to sign up to speak during the public comment period at fallschurchva.gov/ publiccomment. Watch live or on-demand at fallschurchva.gov/ CouncilMeetings and on FCCTV (Cox 11, RCN 2, Verizon 35).

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/Court Room, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 11:00 p.m.

Evening Art Critique Group

MARK EVANS (Robert Kincaid) and Erin Davie (Francesca Johnson) star in The Bridges of Madison County, on stage at Signature Theatre through September 17. (Photo: by Daniel Rader)

Bring a piece of art you’d like feedback on — something new or old, in progress, or complete — and a community of artists will share their thoughts. Open to all, so invite your artist friends, and feel free to join even without a piece to share.

Email info@fallschurcharts.org with any questions. Falls Church Arts (700-B W. Broad St., Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

TUESDAY

SEPTEMBER 12 Housing Comm. Mtg.

Housing Commission meets.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

FCCPS School Board Meeting

The public is invited to attend in-person or virtually at bit.ly/ FCNP0923sb. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers/ Court Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Aurora House Meeting

Aurora House Citizens Advisory Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Laurel Room, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 SWMPAC Meeting

Solid Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 11:30 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.

Transportation Commitee Meeting

Citizens Advisory Committee On Transportation meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Dogwood A-B, Falls Church), 7:00 p.m.

Recreation and Parks Adv. Board Meeting

Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meets. Falls Church Community Center (223 Little Falls St., Kenneth R. Burnett Bldg., Falls Church), 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m.

Architectural Advisory Board Meeting

Architectural Advisory Board meets.

City Hall (300 Park Ave., Council Chambers, Falls Church), 7:30 p.m. — 10:30 p.m.

Appointments Committee Meeting

City Council Appointments Committee meets. City Hall (300 Park Ave., Oak Room, Falls Church), 8:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Falls Church Business News & Notes Avalon/VIGEO Avalon Physical Therapy, winner of the Best in Falls Church, Physical Therapists, has announced a rebranding and is now known as VIGEO Physical Therapy. The name is Latin for ‘strong’. The location and contact information remains the same.

Fulcrum Fulcrum celebrates its 10th Anniversary by introducing a new name and tagline, “Fulcrum Residential –Your Home Team for Real Estate Results.” The team is growing and the company is expanding to new markets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. The mission remains the same: guiding clients to financial success.

Workshop on Starting a New Business Tuesday, September 12, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) presents Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a New Business.

A panel of small business experts lead an interactive in-person workshop on how to start your own business. The fundamentals will be covered with steps to registering a business, permitting requirements, business feasibility and business plan basics, business certifications, financing options and government resources. The workshop is free, but registration is required. Contact BusinessDiversity@fceda.org for more information.

Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation 30th Anniversary The Northern Virginia Mental Health Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary Saturday, September 9 with a special reception with speakers Delegate Marcus Simon and Daryl Washington, executive director of Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. The event runs 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at PRS (10455 White Granite Drive Suite 400, Oakton).

Scramble Expansion Scramble plans to open a site in Shirlington in 2024. The approval time was cut largely by replacing an existing gym. The Scramble gym will focus on physical activity for early toddlers, pre-K, elementary and youth up to 18 years old. For older youth and adults, a parkour obstacle course will challenge balance, strength, coordination, and physical endurance. For children five to seven years old, there will be a separate obstacle course within a safety frame. There will also be a huge parkour area to allow individual skills to be tested or a course designed to challenge friends. Toddlers up to four years old will have their own parkour area to encourage them to try out their physical skills. Finally, for infants and pre-toddlers, there will be a more familiar sensory play area. Scramble currently operates sites in Falls Church and Alexandria.

New Hours for Preservation Biscuit September is National Biscuit Month and Preservation Biscuit announced it is now open on Tuesdays. It’s now open seven days a week. Preservation Biscuit celebrates the month featuring the creations of the Biscuit Battle finalists on the menu as they compete for the winning “chef.”

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 27

The LGBTQ+ Reach

by Brian Reach

Falls Church News-Press

Bowlero Packs The House With LGBTQ+ Bowling League On Tuesday evening The Little City was the biggest LGBTQ+ destination in the region as nearly 150 arrived at Bowlero Falls Church (formerly Bowl America) for the first week of the Capital Area Match Point (CAMP) fall mixed handicap league.

The league, which falls under the umbrella of the Capital Area Rainbowlers Association (CARA), runs weekly through mid-April, and this week filled the entire venue with 44 of 48 lanes occupied with teams.

I joined the league and, despite my somewhat famous distaste for sports, cannot wait for next week! The venue is clean, the staff are attentive (and inclusive!), and the overall vibe was friendly and exciting. To top things off, after the 2021 Bowlero acquisition, the Falls Church location was upgraded during 2022 with new equipment, an arcade, a full bar, and a delicious food menu.

There is still space for additional bowlers, so organizers are encouraging anybody interested to email organizers at campbowling@ gmail.com, or contact them on facebook at fb.me/campbowling. The league is 30 weeks long, so there’s still a lot of fun to be had!

If you’re worrying about joining alone, whether allies are accepted, or if you’re too bad at bowling to join — don’t! Organizers will gladly pair you with a team, supporters of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome to participate, and as a mixed handicap league you’re only competing with your own average. The league is diverse across gender, race/ ethnicity, sexuality, and age.

The league meets Tuesdays at 7:20 p.m. at Bowlero (140 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church).

A New LGBTQ+ Events Hub? At the dual LGBTQ+ events at Clare and Don’s last Sunday, you wouldn’t have guessed it was Labor Day Weekend — when the D.C. area’s LGBTQ+ venues famously empty out in favor of final summer getaways to Rehoboth Beach (or Southern Decadence) — as bustling and diverse crowds filled the space for the adjacent events.

In the indoor events space, a cast of drag performers sang Broadway and other hits for a Live Music Drag Cabaret. On the outside patio, a bustling group came out (pun!) to celebrate the launch of LGBTQ+ Falls Church

— and the post-pandemic re-emergence of NOVA Pride — for a no-agenda happy hour.

You may have noticed the Drag Bingo, hosted by Evita Peroxide, the third Sunday every month at Clare and Don’s. The LGBTQ+ theme has quickly expanded into other Sundays, with several queer-inclusive events scheduled in their indoor event space or outside patio.

LGBTQ+ Falls Church is an organization founded by Nicholas Benton, a gay pioneer who co-founded the Gay Liberation Front in the San Francisco area in 1970 (and my dear friend and fellow LGBT+ Democrats of Virginia board member for more than a decade now).

In case you didn’t notice, he’s also the founder, owner and editor-in-chief of the News Press — so with my new role as executive director of LGBTQ+ Falls church, he’s my boss twice-over!

Expect to see a notable uptick in queerinclusive events brightening up the Little City’s scene in the months and years ahead as LGBTQ+ Falls Church and partner organizations launch a series of events that are radically inclusive, wholly accessible, and universally collaborative. These events don’t have a particular agenda other than a common and unifying spirit of diversity and acceptance — I’ve found over the years that, if you bring people together effectively and keep an open mind, the rest comes into focus on its own as folks within the community come and share their interests, needs, talents, and priorities.

Mark Your Calendars This Saturday Clare and Don’s will host a special Drag Bingo + GOTV (get out the vote) event with special guests including Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church), FCPS School Board member Karl Frisch, Fairfax County Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Providence), the Democratic candidate to represent Falls Church in the State Senate Saddam Salim, and Democratic Fairfax County Clerk candidate Chris Falcon to talk about what’s at stake this November — and how you can help Democrats win!

This is Your Reminder Virginia’s entire legislature (House and Senate) is up for election this November 7, as are three city council and three school board seats in Falls Church.

Early voting starts September 22.

Intellectual Property Fundamentals The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) presents this free webinar in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Learn about patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Go a step further and learn how to protect your IP. Harry Kim, a Special Program Examiner in the International Patent Legal Administration (IPLA) of the USPTO is the speaker. The session is Tuesday, September 12, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. and the Zoom link will be shared upon registration, available at clients.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=900430036.  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.

RAINBOWLERS pack the house for CAMP’s LGBTQ+ inclusive fall mixed handicap league, Tuesday at Bowlero Falls Church. (Photo: Brian Reach)

PAGE 28 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA The following was given first reading at the August 7, 2023 City Council meeting. A public hearing, second reading, and final City Council action is scheduled for Monday, September 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard.

(TO23-11) ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 48 “ZONING” TO INCLUDE AN AVERAGE UNIT SIZE AND DENSITY RESTRICTIONS IN THE T-1 TRANSITION ZONE; ELIMINATE SINGLE FAMILY AND TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USE THEREIN; ALLOW FOR A TOWNHOUSE, APARTMENT AND CONDO OPTION AND ALLOW FOR EXPANDED LOT COVERAGE All public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia. Remote participation information at www.fallschurchva.gov/publiccomment. Comments may also be sent to cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov. For copies of legislation, contact the City Clerk’s office at (703-248-5014) or cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov or visit www. fallschurchva.gov/councilmeetings. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, call 703-248-5014 (TTY 711).

CELESTE HEATH, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE

Volunteers who live in the City of Falls Church are needed to serve on the boards and commissions listed below. Contact the City Clerk’s Office (703-248-5014, cityclerk@fallschurchva.gov, or www. fallschurchva.gov/BC) for an application form or more information. Positions advertised for more than one month may be filled during each subsequent month.

Architectural Advisory Board Aurora House Citizens’ Advisory Committee Board of Equalization Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Transportation City Employee Review Board Economic Development Authority Historical Commission Planning Commission Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Regional Boards/Commissions Continuum of Care Board Fairfax Area Commission on Aging Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Long Term Care Coordinating Council Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority Virginia Career Works Northern Region Ad Hoc Committee Sold Waste Management Plan Advisory Committee: This Committee will advise the City Council in the development of the City’s 20-year Solid Waste

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOR SALE

The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of the City of Falls Church, Virginia will hold a public hearing on September 14, 2023, 2023 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, located at 300 Park Avenue, for consideration of the following items:

Baker Furniture custom black leather sofa, L96”, BRAND NEW. Available immediately. $3,500 plus delivery

Variance application 1643-23 by Oak Park, LLC, applicant and owner, for a variance to Section 48-1101 to allow maximum lot coverage of 55% instead of the 40% to construct a two-storyd aycare facility, at 711 Park Avenue, RPC #51-131-017 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned T-1, Transitional District.

Jefferson Village/Greenway Downs Community Yard Sale—at homes throughout the neighborhood! Falls Church/Fairfax off Rt 50 between Graham and Annandale Roads.

Saturday 9/9/23, 9am-1pm (rain date 9/10)

Public comments and questions may be submitted to zoning@fallschurchva.gov until 4:30 pm on September 13, 2023. Agenda and application materials will be available the week prior to the scheduled hearing at: http://www. fallschurchva.gov/BZA Information on the above application is also available for review upon request to staff at zoning@fallschurchva.gov.

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FOR RENT

House for Rent: Falls Church City Lovely 4 bedroom/3 full bath house is available for rent soon. Bright, spacious living/dining room with open floor plan.

Completely renovated chef’s kitchen, renovated bathrooms, large finished basement; upgraded laundry room, tree lined fenced backyard great for pets. Detached garage. Lawn service is included.

Close walk to Founders Row, W&OD, schools, West FC Metro. etc. Contact: fallschurchrental23@gmail.com for more info, photos etc.

AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences.

Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@ vpa.net

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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Join the Perch Houses community in Falls Church. Bring roommates or we can match you with great housemates.

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Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details!

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Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip™ as an area spray to control fleas, ticks, stable flies & mosquitoes where they breed.

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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.

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 29

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER US-3, COLONIAL TRAIL WEST AND SPRING GROVE 1 SOLAR FACILITIES, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING JUNE 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00137 •Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider US-3.

•In this case, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider US-3 for the rate year beginning June 1, 2024, and ending May 31, 2025 (“2024 Rate Year”) •For the 2024 Rate Year, Dominion requests a revenue requirement of $36,683,424, which would decrease the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $0.06.

•A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on February 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony.

•An evidentiary hearing will also be held on February 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Staff.

•Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On August 1, 2023, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval of its annual update filing with respect to Rider US-3 for the Colonial Trail West Solar Facility (“Colonial Trail West”), an approximately 142 megawatt (“MW”) solar generating facility located in Surry County, Virginia, and the Spring Grove 1 Solar Facility (“Spring Grove 1”), an approximately 98 MW solar facility located in Surry County, Virginia (collectively, “US-3 Solar Facilities” or “Facilities”).

On January 24, 2019, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of the US-3 Solar Facilities. On April 15, 2019, Dominion also received approval of a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider US-3, for the Company to recover costs associated with the construction of the Facilities. The Commission’s approval was subject to certain conditions and requirements, including a performance guarantee for the Facilities, which were accepted by the Company. The Colonial Trail West began commercial operations on December 26, 2019, and the Spring Grove 1 was placed into service on November 30, 2020.

The Company states that the collective capacity factor of the US-3 Solar Facilities for calendar year 2022 was 21.8%, which represents a weighted average and does not include any force majeure events as defined by the Commission for purposes of the performance guarantee. Dominion further notes that the 21.8% collective capacity factor for calendar year 2022 is below the 25% target capacity factor under the performance guarantee for the Facilities. Employing the same methodology used in Case No. PUR-2022-00120 to calculate the applicable performance guarantee credits, the Company states that the total lost renewable energy certificate revenues for calendar year 2022 for the Facilities are $391,959 and the total replacement power costs are $5,451,359, both of which represent the system-level amounts. The Company indicated that it adjusted for the financial impacts of curtailments within these calculations.

In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider US-3 for the rate year beginning June 1, 2024 and ending May 31, 2025 (“2024 Rate Year”). The two components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2024 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company is requesting a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of approximately $34,177,440 and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor revenue requirement of $2,505,984. Thus, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $36,683,424 for the 2024 Rate Year. According to the Application, the revenue requirement presented here incorporates the credit for lost REC revenues discussed above.

If the proposed Rider US-3 for the 2024 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider US-3 on June 1, 2024, would decrease the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.06. The Company indicates that it has calculated the proposed Rider US-3 rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates previously approved by the Commission.

Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Application and supporting documents in full for details about 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 in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Application. On February 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned will hold the telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before January 31, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.Virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on February 7, 2024, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above.

On February 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

On or before January 31, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc. virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00137.

On or before November 17, 2023, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at: scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), 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. Any organization, corporation or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00137.

On or before December 15, 2023, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, the respondent shall comply with the Rules of Practice, including 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00137.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice and other documents filed in this case may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA

PAGE 30 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

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On Saturday, July 15, Eleanor Albina Perih passed away at the glorious age of 96.

Eleanor was preceded in death

by Stephen Perih, her best friend and beloved husband of 52 years. Eleanor leaves behind two sons, Stephen and Ted Perih, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

A year ago, Eleanor moved from Falls Church, Virginia to Bradenton, Florida with her son Ted and his wife Ann. Eleanor loved her home in Bradenton and often commented that she felt like she was in heaven.

Family always came first with Eleanor, and she loved nothing better than spending time with her family. She was especially happy to have had time with her great grandchildren, whom she adored, and they adored her. Eleanor was creative and highly skilled as evidenced by the beautiful quilts and holiday decorations she made throughout the years.

Her joy and appreciation for life was infectious. Eleanor loved spending time at the Sully and Lincolnia Senior Centers in Virginia where she regaled other seniors and staff with her storytelling, singing and card playing. She was ad-

husband Frank Malisko, children Pamela Champney (Steve, husband) and Ryan Malisko (Teresa, wife), and grandchildren Rachel Drury (Ryan, husband), Rebecca Champney, Adam Champney, Thomas Malisko, Kevin Malisko, Emily Malisko, and Allison Malisko and many other friends and family.

Bonnie worked in the Falls Church School System for almost 40 years in many different positions. Bonnie loved spending time with her seven grandchildren and especially attending their various sporting events over the years.

A graveside funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am on

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venturesome and would never turn down an offer to do something fun. Eleanor even convinced her son, Ted, to purchase tickets to take her to see Engelbert Humperdinck, whom she said was still “hot.”

She was also a voracious reader and couldn’t get enough of the Hallmark romance movies. Eleanor lived life so fully and left her loved ones and friends with so many joyful memories.

A Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be held at Cherry Hill Farmhouse, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church, Virginia on Tuesday, September 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at St. James Church, 905 Park Ave, Falls Church, Virginia on September 20 at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment of her ashes at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia.

I� M�������: B����� A�� (R���) M������ Bonnie Ann (Ryan) Malisko was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister-inlaw, and friend. She left this world on September 4, 2023 at age 85 just two weeks shy of her 86th birthday.

She was born to Fred and Ruth Ryan on September 18, 1937 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Ferndale high school she married her husband, Frank Malisko on July 27, 1963. They recently celebrated their 60 year wedding anniversary!

After their wedding they moved to Virginia. They lived in the same house in Falls Church, Virginia since 1967.

She is survived by her loving

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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FCNP.COM | FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Where To Find The News-Press

• 24 Hour Fitness, 1000 E. Broad St.

• Giant Food, 1230 W. Broad St.

Washington Blvd.

• 450 W. Broad St. Lobby Building

• Giant Food, Loehmann’s Plaza

• Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library,

• 7 Eleven (Box), 3019 Annandale Rd.

• Goodwin House, 3440 South

7700 Leesburg Pike

• 7 Eleven (Box), 201 S Washington

Jefferson St.

• Pizzeria Orso (Tax Analyst

St.

• Happy Tart. 410 S. Maple Ave.

building), 400 S. Maple Ave.

• Amazing Smiles, 444 W. Broad

• Harris Teeter, 301 W. Broad St.

• PNC Bank, 402 W. Broad St.

St. – D

• Harvey’s, 513 W. Broad St.

• Point of View, 701 W. Broad St.

• Arlington Hospital Center (Box), 1701

• Hillwood Cleaners, 165 Hillwood

• Post. Office, 800 W. Broad St.

N. George Mason Dr.

Ave.

• Preservation Biscuit 102 E.

• Anthony’s Restaurant, 3000

• Hilton Garden Inn, 706 W. Broad St.

Fairfax St.

Annandale Rd.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium,

• Professional Building, 313 Park

• Arlington Hospital Center ER (inside),

2300 Pimmit Dr.

Ave.

1702 N. George Mason Dr.

• Idylwood Towers Condominium,

• Quick Copy, 417 W. Broad St.

• Bakeshop. E Fairfax St.

2311 Pimmit Dr.

• Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, 230 W.

• Borek G Turkish Mom’s Cooking.

• Ireland’s Four Provinces, 105 W.

Broad St.

315 S Maple Ave.

Broad St.

• Read Apartments, 402 W. Broad St.

• Bowl America, 140 S. Maple Ave.

• Islamic Center, Leesburg Pike and

• Rembrandt Assisted Living, 6669

• Box at Federal Credit Union, 1226

Rio Dr. Bus Stop

Gouthier Rd.

W. Broad St.

• Java Loco Coffee & Tea.

• Roosevelt Towers, 500 N Roosevelt

• Broad Falls Apartments, 809 W.

• Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, 1136

Blvd.

Broad St.

W. Broad St.

• S. Washington & W. Broad St. (Box)

• Brown’s Hardware, 100 W. Broad

• Lazy Mikes Deli, 7049 Leesburg

101 W. Broad St.

St.

Pike

• Safeway, 5101 Wilson Blvd.

• Burke & Herbert Bank, 225 W. St.

• Ledo Pizza, 7510 Leesburg Pike

• Safeway, 2500 N Harrison St.

Broad St.

• Liberty Barbecue, 370 W. Broad St.

• Safeway – Route 29, 7397 Langston

• Bus Stop (Box), Lee Hwy. and

• Lil City Creamery, 114 W. Broad St.

Blvd.

Hollywood Rd.

• Lincoln. At Tinner Hill Apartments,

• Sfizi Café, 800 W. Broad St.

• Café Kindred, 450 N. Washington

455 S. Maple Ave.

• Silver Diner, 3200 Wilson Blvd.

St.

• Long & Foster Realtors, 4600

• Sislers Stone, 7139 Lee Hwy.

• Celebrity Deli – Graham Park

Cherry Hill Rd.

• Smokey’s Garage, 1105 W.

Plaza, 7263A

• Lost Dog & Cat Rescue, 6801

Broad St.

Wilson Blvd

• Solace Outpost 444 W. Broad St.

• Central Library. 1015 North Quincy

• Madison Apartments, 600 N.

• Sonic Car Wash, 1050 W. Broad St.

Street.

Roosevelt Blvd.

• The Spectrum, 444 W. Broad St.

• Cinthia’s Bakery, 5860 Columbia

• Mark’s Pub, 2190 Pimmit Dr.

• The Spectrum Cleaners, 444 W.

Pike.

• Mary Ellen Henderson Middle

Broad St.

• City Hall. 300 Park Ave.

School, 7130

• Starbucks, 244 W. Broad St.

• Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N.

Leesburg Pike

• Sunrise of Falls Church, 330 N.

Washington St.

• Mary Riley St.yles Library, 120 N.

Washington St.

• Crumbl Cookies, 1106A W.

Virginia Ave.

• Super A Market, 2800 Graham Rd.

Broad St.

• Medical Building, 405 N.

• Taco Rock, 116 W. Broad St.

• Cuates Grill 502 W. Broad #5t.

Washington St.

• Target, 500 S Washington St.

• CVS, 1150 W. Broad St.

• Medical Building, 407 N.

• Target – Skyline Mall (Box), 5107

• CVS (Box), 134 W. Broad St.

Washington St.

Leesburg Pike

• CVS (Box), 6404 N Williamsburg

• Meridian High School, 121 Mustang

• Tasty Dumpling, 112 W. Broad St.

Blvd.

Alley

• The Broadway Apt (in mailroom),

• Dogwood Tavern, 132 W. Broad St.

• Merrill House Apartments, 210 E.

500 W. Broad St.

• Dominion Hospital, 2960 Sleepy

Fairfax St.

• The Byron Apartments, 513 W.

Hollow Rd.

• Metro Diner, 4711 Langston Blvd.

Broad St.

• Dominion Wine and Beer, 107

• Moby Dick House of Kabob, 444 W.

• The Falls Church Episcopal, 115 E

Rowell Ct.

Broad St.

Fairfax St.,

• Don Beyer Volvo, 1231 W. Broad St.

• Modera Founders Row. 110

• The Kensington Falls Church, 700

• East Falls Church Metro (Box), 2001

Founders Ave.

W. Broad St.

N. Sycamore St.

• Mom’s Organic Market, 8296 Glass

• The Neighborhood Barbershop, 417

• El Tio Restaurant, 7630 Lee Hwy.

Alley, Fairfax

W. Broad St. #103

• Elevation Burger, 442 S.

• Multicultural Center. 701 W.

• The Original Pancake House, 7395

Washington St.

Broad St.

Lee Hwy.

• Eaves Fairfax Towers, 2251

• Munson Hill Apartments, 6729

• The UPS St.ore, 1069 W. Broad St.

Pimmit Dr.

Leesburg Pike

• Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415

• Exxon Gas Station, 400 W.

• N Virginia Av & W. Broad St. (Box),

Arlington Blvd.

Broad St.

105 N. Virginia Ave.

• Towne Place Suites – Marriot, 205

• Falls Church Arts Gallery, 700-B

• N. Washington & E. Columbia St.,

Hillwood Ave.

W. Broad St.

106 E. Columbia St.

• Unity Club, 116-B W. Broad St.

• Falls Church City Public Schools,

• Northern Virginia Immigration Law,

• UPS Store Seven Corners, 6312

800 W. Broad St.

180 S. Washington St.

Seven Corners Ctr.

• Falls Church City Public Utilities,

• Northern Virginia Pediatric Associates,

• US Post Office, 2045 Wilson Blvd.

Gordon Rd.

107 N. Virginia Ave

• Verso Founders Row, 105 Founders

• Falls Church Community Center,

• Northgate Apartments (lobby), 450

Row

223 Little Falls St.

N. Washington St.

• Westlee Condominium 2200 N.

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N.

• Northside Social, 205 Park Ave.

Westmoreland

Virginia Ave. Suite #310

• Falls Green Apartments, 501 N.

• Wendy’s – Bus St.op, 7391

• Falls Church News-Press, 105 N.

Roosevelt Blvd.

Langston Blvd.

Virginia Ave. Lobby

• Park Towers Condos, 200 N.

• West Falls Church Metro (Box) 7040

• Five Guys, 913 W. Broad St.

Maple Ave.

Haycock Rd.

• Flippin’ Pizza, 800 W. Broad St.

• Peach Tree Towers, 2042 Peach

• Woodrow Wilson Community

• Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, 8296 Glass

Orchard Dr.

Library, 6101

Alley, Fairfax

• Pearson Square Apartments, 410

• Foxcraft Design Group, 110 Great

S. Maple Ave.

Falls St.

• Pete’s Barber Shop, 5847

Arlington Blvd.

Knollwood Dr. • Yayla Bistro, 2201 N. Westmoreland

Interested in a subscription, please email us at delivery@fcnp.com or give us a call 703-532-3267

SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023 | PAGE 31

NEWS BRIEFS F.C. School Board Chair Seeks Football Safety Info Laura Downs, chair of the Falls Church City Public Schools board, announced to the NewsPress last Friday the following: “I’ve asked Dr. Noonan to work with his staff to provide the School Board with information and research related to football safety and more specifically, an overview and history of Meridian’s football program and the safety protocols currently in place.”

The announcement came after the News-Press editorialized its August 17 edition calling for a School Board task force to be formed to look into new evidence from Boston University’s CTE Center of the impact on the brains of students from repeated blows to the head caused by playing tackle football.

It quoted News-Press founder-owner Nicholas F. Benton saying, “Given the great value placed on knowledge and learning in the Falls Church School System, it seems acutely ironic that such a potentially neurologically-damaging practice as tackle football continues to be so popular at the system’s Meridian High School.”

Benton’s call in the editorial took the form of a written petition to the School Board and was acknowledged by Board members Tate Gould, the vice chair, and Jerrod Anderson, prior to Downs’ announcement last week.

A subsequent study showing the prevalence of CTE in persons under age 30 who played tackle football was also reported in last week’s NewsPress.

F.C. Police Seek Info on 2 Men Accused of Assault City of Falls Church Police are looking for two men in connection with an assault around 1 a.m. the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at a business in the 200 block of S. Washington Street.

One man was described as Hispanic, about 20 to 30 years old, wearing a blue or green polo shirt and blue jeans. Another man was described as Hispanic, also about 20 to 30 years old, wearing a blue and red jersey with the lettering ‘TIGO’ on the front.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Gandionko, 703-248-5284 (TTY 711) or cgandionko@fallschurchva.gov.

Meta to End Support for Community Journalism Project Meta, the parent company of Facebook, will wind down payments for publishers through its Facebook News tab in the U.K,, France and Germany and stop funding the Community News Project when the current contracts end, according to Editor and Publisher magazine.

The Community News Project, which first launched in 2019, currently places more than 100 reporters in under-served communities around the country.

Existing community news reporters will continue in their current roles until the contracts end, said the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), which disburses Meta’s grant funding for the scheme.

Meta said it will begin to close its Facebook News tab – a dedicated tab for news content – from early December as part of “an ongoing effort to better align our investments to our products and services people value the most.”

Creative Cauldron Announces Renewed Arts Fairfax Grant Creative Cauldron is the recipient of a FY 2024 Operating Support Grant in the amount of $39,742 from Arts Fairfax, which supports local arts organizations providing outstanding arts experiences for the Fairfax community between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. A second grant in the amount of $33,684 was received from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

These operating grants will help to expand Creative Cauldron’s award winning programming which includes the Bold New Works/Voices initiative and “Artes Para Todos” which provides arts workshops, camps, classes, and performances to young people from Spanish-speaking households who attend Fairfax County Title One Schools.

McKay: Fairfax Co. Safest For Its Size in U.S. Fairfax County is once again the safest jurisdiction of its size. Among the 70 large jurisdictions ranked by the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Fairfax County has the lowest rate of violent crimes (homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults) for the second quarter of 2023, according to county board chair Jeff McKay. In a statement this week, he said, “I want to reiterate how important this distinction is. We read in the news every day about how crime is up across the country. But it is important to take a moment and look at the overall fact presented in this report, supported by data: Fairfax County is still the safest place of its size to live in America. Keep that in mind the next time you see something concerning national trends. The MCCA relies on data, not anecdotes, which means this distinction is something you can trust.”

He added, “It is also a distinction important to understand beyond the context of national trends.

A safe community – one where violent crime is low and one with excellent public safety agencies – is one where people can thrive and businesses can grow. It is the bedrock of a successful and vibrant community. It is something we can all be immensely proud of, because it is something we all have a hand in, especially our world class law enforcement officers who play an instrumental role in keeping our community safe. We are all responsible for creating such a safe and welcoming community, and I couldn’t be prouder of how successful we have been.”

PAGE 32 | SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2023

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

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