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INSIDE: Local jobs picture improves • Pages 8 & 9 NEW DULLES CAMPUS Give Your Child a Competitive Advantage On-Campus Classes 3 10 16 Five Days A Week BASEBALL SQUAD PARK LANGLEY K4 -12th Grade DOES ITS PART AUTHORITY AND OAKTON FOR CHRISTMAS- CHIEF SET SHOULD BE 703-759-5100 TREE EFFORTS TO RETIRE CONTENDERS www.FairfaxChristianSchool.com Sun Gazette GREAT FALLS McLEAN OAKTON TYSONS VIENNA VOLUME 42 NO. 9 DECEMBER 10-16, 2020 City Status for McLean? It Could Be in Cards MCA Aims to Move Forward with Study of Pros, Cons of Split from Fairfax BRIAN TROMPETER ‘WALK OF LIGHT’ ROLLS ON DESPITE COVID Sta Writer
It wouldn’t be easy, inexpensive or likely politically popular with Fairfax County of cials, but McLean Citizens Association (MCA) board members said Dec. 2 they would like to explore the idea of making McLean a city. The state law that for more than three decades has prohibited the incorpora- tion of new cities, expires in 2024. MCA president Robert Jackson broached the topic of whether McLean might want to separate from Fairfax County after that expiration date. Jackson suggested, and the board concurred, that MCA in January should form a community-wide committee to examine the feasibility and desirability of doing so. The Virginia Commission on Local Government may be able to assist in that effort, he added. “I know a lot of people sometimes – and I’m one of them – feel that Fairfax County’s just so big that it’s hard for the county government to be responsive to various communities in the county,” he said. “There [are] issues of some frus- tration. It’s not that we expect to get our way all of the time, but there have been some issues raised.” Recent topics of concern among McLean residents have included plan- ning efforts for the Community Busi- ness Center, McLean High School over- crowding and lack of trail and street Giant mushrooms and owers are among the many attractions at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens’ “Winter Walk of Light” display, which runs maintenance by the Virginia Depart- through Jan. 3. See a story and more photos on Page 4, and a link to a slide show from the event at https://sungazette.news/photos. PHOTO BY BRIAN TROMPETER Continued on Page 19
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2 December 10, 2020 sungazette.news A Holiday Tradition That Can’t Be Stopped by COVID Madison High Baseball Players Mask Up, Unload Christmas Trees for Optimists, Lions DAVE FACINOLI gan working the tree lot in 1975 “The players made it man- Sta Writer and continues today. “They datory among ourselves,” Tri- have been doing a great job and antos said. “It was really hard Two trucks arrive at differ- service for so many years. They work, actually, picking up and ent times in a Vienna shopping stay safe doing it, and help each stacking those trees My back center stocked full of holiday other with the big heavy trees.” was a little stiff the next day. Christmas trees. The biggest load of trees It was great experience getting Within minutes, the heavy came for the Lions Club Sat- everyone together. We all got to fraser rs are safely unloaded urday morning, Nov. 28, via an see each other working fast and by eagerly-awaiting members open-bed truck, stopping near hard.” of the James Madison High the Walgreens store on Maple Madison alumni often help School baseball program. Avenue. The off load, which out as well. Former Madison For 25 years now, that has had a handful of seniors on top player Chris Polymoroupolis, been an early-morning routine of the truck handing the trees Preparations get under way to unload Christmas trees for the Vienna Lions a freshman catcher at Roanoke and a community-service tra- down to players waiting below, and Optimist clubs. The James Madison High School baseball team does it. College, participated in the dition provided by the players began at 7:15 a.m. and took down to players on the ground. good job. We were ef cient.” Christmas tree unload for four and coaching staff to help the the players just 38 minutes to “It was harder work than Gjormand said the project years, and was hoping to do so Vienna Lions and Optimist empty. (The team record is 29 it looked. I was gassed having works as a dual purpose for his again this fall. clubs. Once the trees are un- minutes.) to wrestle with those trees,” players. “It was a great way for us loaded, they are set up for sale. “It was a championship ef- Schoberline said. “I was one “Many a Madison baseball to give back to the community This year, the off load oc- fort by them,” Madison head of the players on the ground player over the years have been and it was a great team-bond- curred the mornings of Nov. baseball coach Mark Gjormand the last three years watching on top of that open truck un- ing experience,” Polymorou- 27 and 28 and involved some said. “The Lions and Optimists people up top, and it didn’t loading trees,” Gjormand said. polis said. “The seniors would 35 mask-wearing players from are great people in this town. It seem like they were working “It’s a great tradition, a good lead the way, getting inside or Madison’s varsity and junior was a little different unloading that hard. But I guess I learned team-building and community on top of the truck and get an varsity teams. this year [because of COVID]. otherwise.” thing for us, and the players assembly line going. We would “If we didn’t have those It took a little longer, but we Madison senior Colin Tuft love doing it. The clubs are unload quickly, ef ciently and boys doing this, we wouldn’t got it done.” was working the trees for the unbelievably grateful for our safely. Then we’d go somewhere have trees or we would have to Madison senior player Ty- rst time. help.” afterward for a team break- hire people to unload them,” ler Schoberline was one of the “It was fun and hard work, The project is optional for fast.” said 90-year- old longtime Li- players on top of the truck cut- a 100-percent good experi- the players, but Madison senior Jessup, a former Little ons club member and former ting open nets around trees, ence,” Tuft said. “They put us James Triantos explained oth- president Jess Jessup, who be- then lifting and handing them to work. I think we did a really erwise. Continued on Page 19
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sungazette.news December 10, 2020 3 Winter Wonderland of Lights at Botanical Gardens Annual Festivities Continue in Downscaled Format Due to COVID-19 BRIAN TROMPETER Sta Writer
First-time visitors to the an- nual “Winter Walk of Light” at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna probably feel the way tour participants did upon being shown Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. After presenting their tickets at the visitor center, they step into an almost visually overwhelming burst of colorful lights, which adorn everything from trees and statuary to bridges and the park’s lakeside gazebo. Animal designs feature prom- inently in the show, and tour hosts encourage families to spot all of them and check their nd- ings off a list. There’s a beehive with lights moving in an out of it to repre- sent its occupants and another hive perched just out of the reach of a bear standing on its hind legs. Geese, squirrels, rabbits, foxes and a massive buttery – perfect for photos with people standing in its center – also populate the hilly, nearly 0.6-mile-long trail. Workers began stringing lights for the Winter Walk of Light at Mead- Christmas trees also dot the owlark Botanical Gardens over the landscape, as do oversized light- summer, adding new features for ed mushrooms and owers. Visi- 2020. See a slide show of additional tors pass along a path framed photos at https://sungazette.news/ by light-covered split-rail fences, photos. PHOTOS BY BRIAN TROMPETER then pass through a snaking tunnel of bulbs that continually Light’ and be with family in a change color. On the way out, safe environment.” they pass by a soothing section Visitors during this winter’s of trees covered in blue lights. display can buy hot chocolate The Northern Virginia Re- and pre-made S’mores, but not gional Park Authority (NOVA cook the latter themselves over a Parks) began operating the dis- re pit, as in previous years. play in 2012, said Blythe Russian, NOVA Parks each year sup- park operations superintendent. plies new elements for the display Meadowlark Botanical Gar- and adds on to existing elements, dens signi cantly reduced at- Russian said. This season’s ad- tendee capacity for the event be- ditions include massive lighted cause of the pandemic, and staff mushrooms, “dancing” owers have implemented many safety and an expanded rabbit garden. protocols, she said. The lights belong to NOVA Last year’s festival hosted Parks, which works with a con- about 4,000 guests on prime tractor to install some of them nights, but NOVA Parks cut the in the tall trees. There are more maximum this year to 900, Rus- than a half-million lights in the sian said. The agency always show, and the agency begins set- has used timed ticketing for the ting them up at the end of Au- event, and had little dif cult gust. adjusting to the more restrictive The show runs nightly regimen, she said. through Jan. 3. Tickets cost “In a non-COVID year, this $11.25 to $20, depending on age, would be one of their many holi- and only may be purchased on- day traditions,” Russian said. line in advance this year. Many “This year, when there are so few of the prime nights and times are things for families to do safely, sold out already, but some spots they are very thankful that they still are available. Visit www. have the opportunity to be out- novaparks.com/events/winter- side, enjoy the ‘Winter Walk of walk-of-lights.
4 December 10, 2020 sungazette.news Supervisors Allot $1M to IT’S ALL ABOUT Support Tysons Partnership BRIAN TROMPETER portunity Reserve, will nance priorities Sta Writer such as way- nding initiatives, promo- TRUST tion of events and business in Tysons, and Fairfax County supervisors on Dec. 1 connectivity to community events, Pal- agreed to provide $1 million to help the chik said. County staff and supervisors Carol Temple Tysons Partnership expanded its role in would review proposals before allocating ® transforming Tysons from a largely com- funds, she said. Arlington’s Realtor mercial center to a vibrant, mixed-use County staff and partnership of - “Your knowledge, professionalism, organization and community. cials now will identify the organization’s resourcefulness made our sale painless and your focus and “The projected trajectory for Tysons role, major activities, nancing and value is robust, and we need to do whatever proposition provided to the Tysons com- negotiating skills produced a smooth outcome. Suggestions we can to ensure that it is maximized,” munity and county overall. The county that you made were always based on fi rm and informed said Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Provi- and partnership leaders also will examine information that I could trust. I also greatly appreciated dence). best practices in Virginia and elsewhere, your almost instant accessibility when I had a question or To move ahead toward the next gen- and engage with local businesses, com- concern. You have my highest recommendation.” eration of Tysons, the Tysons Partnership munity members and other Tysons stake- is poised to expand and enhance its role holders. _ W. Turner in research, planning, economic devel- Tysons Partnership of cials and coun- #1 Agent IN ARLINGTON OFFICE opment, transportation, mobility, place- ty staff will need to update the Board of making and activation, communication Supervisors regularly on their progress, and place-branding, she said. hold community conversations and pres- The organization’s expanded role, ent nal recommendations by spring 2022, 703-524-2100 dubbed “Tysons 3.0,” has prompted in time for the scal year 2023 budget. Life Member, NVAR Million Dollar Club conversations about governance, a sus- The Tysons Partnership since its incep- NVAR Top Producers Club tainable funding stream and metrics to tion has played a key role in Tysons suc- Certifi ed Residential Specialist measure progress. Of cials may be able to cess, Palchik said. 2015 apply to Tysons lessons learned from eco- “The partnership serves as an imple- 2016 2017 nomic-development models being used in mentation entity,” she said. “To that end, 2018 2019 703-568-1100 Rosslyn and National Landing. the partnership’s mission is to assist with 2020 www.ArlingtonHouses.com “Ultimately, this [Tysons] model may the acceleration of the transformation of [email protected] be applied in other parts of the county,” Tysons. Speci cally, it serves as a conve- Affi liated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offi ces which are owned by a subsidiary said Palchik, who advocated for the new ner, a voice and a catalyst for the people of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offi ces which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair funds in a joint board matter with Chair- who live, work and who visit Tysons.” Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. man Jeffrey McKay (D) and Supervisors Since the county established the Ty- Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill) and John sons special tax district in January 2013, Foust (D-Dranesville). property assessments there have risen The additional funding, which will steadily from slightly more than $11 bil- Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball - Spring 2021 come from the county’s Economic Op- lion to nearly $17 billion, she said. ARLINGTON'S HOME TEAM Vienna Council Gives Its Nod for more than 35 years! To 3 New Development Plans ArlingtonBabeRuth.com BRIAN TROMPETER the Vienna Aquatic Club’s board, said the Sta Writer potential purchase would be a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for the club, given Three residential-development projects the scarcity of buildable land in Vienna. advanced by longtime Vienna builders Building an indoor pool could allow the now can move forward following approval club to increase its membership from 450 Dec. 7 by the Vienna Town Council. to 800. Two of the projects involved the Sekas Club leaders likely would need help family. Council members voted 7-0 in from an outside partner to purchase land favor of a ve-house subdivision at 601 for the pool. The Vienna town govern- Marshall Road, S.W., and 1011 Ware St., ment, which did not build a pool when S.W., which was proposed by Connor recently renovating the town’s community Sekas of Apex Developers LLC. center, is one possible partner, but any Boys and Girls ages 4-12 Both of the lots making up the 2.93- such arrangement would require at least Welcome back T-Ballers with free 2021 spring registration! acre site have existing single-family homes, some public access to the pool, said Town which will be razed to make way for the Manager Mercury Payton. Register by Dec. 31 for early discount project. Those homes since the 1950s have “The more public access, the closer we Deadline Feb. 14 been used for a preschool, the Parkwood get to ‘yes’,” Payton said. Practices begin early March School, and the developer has named the • The Council on a 4-3 vote also ap- Play with neighborhood and school friends, following new subdivision Parkwood Oaks. proved plans by Sekas Homes Ltd. to raze state and local health guidelines The site also will have an outlot, which a circa-1984 medical-of ce building at 201 Proud participants in the W. Nationals Team Up uniform program the developer plans to sell to the abutting Park St., S.E., and construct ve attached Emphasis on building skills and enjoying fun exercise lot at 1009 Ware St., S.W. The builder may townhouse-style condominiums. Spring, summer and fall leagues available sell some of the land adjacent to the Vi- All units will have two-car garages un- Players can step up to 50/70 ft. fields by age 11 Travel team tryouts annually for Storm Baseball (8-12YOs) enna Aquatic Club if that organization derneath them, which will be accessible Scholarships and financial aid available can obtain the funds it needs to build an behind the building. The site also will @ABRarlingtonBB Opportunities for parent coaches and volunteers @arlStorm indoor swimming pool. Joseph Saunders, who is secretary on Continued on Page 14
sungazette.news December 10, 2020 5 SunGazette Find more letters and ON THE WEB: an archive of editorials at https //sungazette.news www.insidenova.com/ www.insidenova.com/news/arlington news/arlington ON FACEBOOK: Click on “Opinion” www.facebook.com/sungazettenews www.facebook.com/insidenova Opinion ON TWITTER: sungazettenews sungazettespts Newsroom SCOTT McCAFFREY Our View: Responsiveness? From Politicians? Editor A Falls Church News-Press edition of two weeks back and yet somehow manage to get away with it. How? In part 703 738 2532 had a number of letters to the editor, discussing the fact because nobody wants to run against them because, if you smccaffrey sungazette.net that several members of the Falls Church School Board win, the prize is ... serving on a school board. Yukk! DAVE FACINOLI aim to override clear community sentiment when it comes We’ve been around the track enough to recognize that Sports editor to names of schools. some local elected ocials feel no compunction about 703 738 2533 In a scienti cally valid study conducted for the school substituting their judgment for that of the broader com- dfacinoli sungazette.net BRIAN TROMPETER system, large majorities in the community said they want- munity. ey see it as one of the few perks of occupying Senior staff writer ed to retain the names of George Mason and omas Jef- a low-paying, low-respect, little-chance-for-advancement 703 738 2534 ferson on local schools, but one School Board member and political sinecure. btrompeter sungazette.net the student representative to the School Board have vo- is has been written before we learn whether others cally objected and demanded the names be taken o. on the Falls Church School Board caved to two loud voic- Advertising In one of the letters came this sentence: “What kind of es despite clear sentiment in the other direction. Maybe, VICKY MASHAW message would it send for the [School] Board to ignore the maybe not. But alas, such is the world in which we live, Sales manager democratic process and vote in favor of a name change based where too many in leadership roles nd it the easier route 571 333 6272 on the personal opinions of board members?” to pacify the histrionic than to actually inject some reason vmashaw sungazette.net at statement is positively adorable, albeit supremely into the civic discourse. SHARON KASH naive, in its trusting belief that today’s elected ocials see As has been found throughout history, placating the Sales themselves as represenatives of those they serve. loudest is merely a recipe to engender even more far- 571 239 8014 ese days, elected ocials, particularly those repre- fetched, radical demands. But elected ocials are, almost skash sungazette.net senting the basement level of the political world – school by de nition, weak people who fear the wrath of the ex- Classified sales boards – can have no responsiveness to public sentiment tremes, no matter how insigni cant in number they are. 703 771 8831 tfields insidenova.com Business Democracy Relies on Safety, and Censorship SYLVIA GORDON Business office 571 333 6277 of TikTok (Short of Outright Ban) Would Help sgordon novamediaservices.com Editor: formation and use it for material gain or almost 500 million youth using social me- One nation under authoritarian rule. for foreign enemy intelligence. dia daily, it is vital for these children to American citizen voices and opinions sti- TikTok is currently downloaded on be protected. Social-media platforms have ed. These are the nightmarish fears that 100 million American cell phones and has set up restrictions and used censorship
BUSINESS & MAILING ADDRESS: American citizens consider when they been accused of using and taking people’s via policy agreements as a solution, but it 131 E. Broad St., Suite 202, Falls Church, Va. 22046 hear the word “censorship.” private information overseas. Our govern- may not be enough. P.O. Bo 591, Leesburg, Va. 20178 As a teenager, I believe that free speech ment is attempting to censor TikTok to There is good reason for the federal MAIN TELEPHONE: FAX: 703 738 2520 703 738 2530 is a core value of American democracy. protect American citizens from vulner- government to be suspicious of the po- America is about freedom, and censor- abilities. tential harm posed by video-capable so- 2020 HPR Hemlock LLC ship is supposedly about infringing on The truth is that censorship is a fun- cial media such as TikTok, let alone the All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and cannot be reproduced in any human rights. Or is it? damental part of keeping Americans safe. threat of blackmail or espionage against manner without permission from the publisher. What if censorship actually keeps us How would you feel living in a world with vulnerable users. The publisher reserves the right to reject free? What if censorship is what we all no restrictions? Where teens like me (and Though censorship is a buzzword, advertising for any reason. need? those even younger) can be targeted by the reality is that censorship is what we I’m a TikTok user. In our current nicotine and vaping ads, or exposed to all need. While I don’t think a total ban pandemic, my school has been closed, so inappropriate material? on TikTok is necessary, because people I’ve especially been a fan of the ability Without censorship, we would likely should be able to post and view content to connect with friends. Scrolling on my experience objectionable content. It’s not safely, I do believe that the federal govern- PUBLISHER’S NOTICE phone, cracking up, and jamming to mu- that far of a leap to stalking, harassment, ment should enforce more regulations on We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity sic brightens my day; TikTok is a way for or sexual exploitation. TikTok and other social media platforms. throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and teenagers and children to escape from the As a TikTok user myself, I want to A democratic country relies on the support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of problems brought on by isolation. feel secure when scrolling through the safety of the general public, and censor- race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, That being said, I am not naive enough many videos available to me, whether it’s ship has done plenty to protect us. The familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s to disregard the security risks that TikTok because the content is appropriate or my majority of Americans want the freedoms fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise imposes. personal information is protected. that censorship offers. “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because Today, security is digital. This comes Censorship plays a substantial role in of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderli- We should all tap “LIKE!” on censor- ness, familial status or handicap or intention to make with a lot of problems, as many hackers moderating the amount of harmful con- ship. any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” and opportunists can acquire personal in- tent online and on television for kids. With Preston Lieu, Falls Church This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertis- ing 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 SUBMISSIONS ARE INVITED! opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing The Sun Gazette welcomes your submission of letters to the editor on topics of local inter- Office at (804) 367-9753. Email: fairhousing@dpor. virginia.gov. Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org est. We’re happy to print as many as we have room for, so send ’em along!
6 December 10, 2020 sungazette.news Supervises to VDOT: Verify Maryland’s Plans Before Embarking Upon ‘495 Next’ Express-Lanes Initiative BRIAN TROMPETER as well as permanent damage to parks, nailing down Maryland’s commitment that would promote transit access along Sta Writer stormwater, streams, and private property would slow down motorists on Interstate the corridor. “Dedicated transit funding with no equivalent bene ts without Mary- 495’s general-purpose lanes. associated with this project is essential Fairfax County supervisors approved land’s managed lanes,” Foust’s amend- “That’s not a win-win situation,” Al- towards reducing single-occupancy ve- two letters to the state transportation sec- ment read. “Therefore, it is imperative corn said. hicle ridership, vehicle miles traveled in retary Dec. 1 urging the Virginia Depart- that VDOT only consider nal action on Foust said the existing 495 Express the area, and encouraging a sustainable ment of Transportation (VDOT) not to the I-495 NEXT project once Maryland Lanes in McLean are a “road to nowhere” transportation system,” the board’s envi- nalize decisions on its 495 Express Lanes has successfully executed a comprehen- and have caused a “massive disaster” for ronmental letter read. Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project sive agreement with a developer to com- traf c in his district. Foust intimated he might break into a until Maryland of cials make highway- plete their system of managed lanes.” “This project that is being proposed jig in the street if the Maryland-Virginia capacity arrangements on their side of the Supervisors passed Foust’s amend- does not solve that problem, it moves it 2 connections nally were made and re- Potomac River. ment on a 6-4 vote, with Chairman Jef- miles down the road,” Foust said. “In the duced cut-through traf c in his district. VDOT now is conducting an environ- frey McKay (D) and Supervisors Dalia interim, we will have eliminated any op- “Supervisor Foust, I’m not sure we mental assessment for the project, which Palchik (D-Providence), Penelope Gross tions we have to work with Maryland, to want you dancing in the street,” Gross would extend the I-495 Express Lanes (D-Mason) and Herrity voting in the cooperate and negotiate, and we will have joked. “That would just bollix up the traf- about 3 miles between the Dulles Toll negative. a project that solves no problems. It cre- c.” Road and the vicinity of the American Debate was unusually spirited for the ates problems.” Supervisors to Schedule Hearing on Legion Bridge. almost all-Democratic board. Herrity The letters, signed by Chairman Jef- New Food-Safety Rules: Fairfax Coun- Supervisors approved the letters on a said the project would move 2,500 more frey McKay (D) and addressed to Virgin- ty supervisors on Dec. 1 unanimously 9-1 vote, with Supervisor Patrick Herrity people per hour, reduce cut-through traf- ia Secretary of Transportation Shannon agreed to schedule a future public hearing (R-Spring eld) voting nay, but only after c in local neighborhoods and provide Valentine, also provided the board’s com- regarding the possible adoption of new barely passing an amendment by Supervi- additional transportation choices, includ- ments concerning the project’s design and food-safety regulations. sor John Foust (D-Dranesville). ing incentives to carpool and use transit. environmental impacts. Supervisors Daniel Storck (D-Mount Foust’s amendment superseded identi- “We should be moving forward with While supporting the project’s aims of Vernon) and Dalia Palchik (D-Provi- cal sentences in both draft letters, which this project,” Herrity said. “It will allow reducing traf c congestion and providing dence) recommended that the county re- initially read that the project “provides Virginia to kind of inuence what Mary- additional travel choices, the supervisors’ scind its current regulation on food and signi cantly greater bene t if Maryland land does, versus Maryland inuencing letters highlighted several concerns with food-service establishments (Section 43.1 completes their system of managed lanes, what we’re going to be doing.” the 495 NEXT project’s design and envi- of the Fairfax County Code) and replace particularly increasing the capacity of the McKay agreed that the project would ronmental impacts. it with a new chapter. American Legion Bridge.” do plenty of good and said Foust’s con- County of cials expressed concern The county government in 2006 ad- Instead, the board approved Foust’s cerns already were addressed in the let- about tree losses and stream erosion and opted the current code section, which new language stating that VDOT’s studies ters. stressed that the project should have ad- generally follows the 2005 model code showed the project would provide signi - “I think we need to apply pressure, equate stormwater management. published by the U.S. Food and Drug Ad- cant bene ts only if Maryland completed continued pressure, to make sure that co- “Increased imperviousness from the I- ministration and the U.S. Public Health its system of managed lanes, especially in- ordination with Maryland occurs,” McK- 495 NEXT project has signi cant poten- Service, Palchik said. volving increased capacity on the Ameri- ay said. “Clearly, the value of these lanes tial to exacerbate already prevalent stream The supervisors’ new ordinance mir- can Legion Bridge. is dramatically increased with Maryland’s degradation and ooding issues, particu- rors the 2017 model code published by In the interim, the project would participation . . . I’m just leery of giving larly at Scotts Run,” the letters read. those federal agencies. “cause inequitable and, therefore, unac- control of a project like this over to an- Of cials also wanted the project to Current rules do not address adequate- ceptable delays” for motorists using the other state that I hear is in various states include a regional trail for bicyclists and ly safety concerns regarding mobile-food non-Express Lanes, according to Foust’s of disagreement about the future of those pedestrians along I-495 that could be con- vending requirements in approved right- amendment. lanes.” tinued into Maryland. of-way locations, cottage-food operations “Construction of the project will also Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter VDOT also should work with the Ex- provisions and requirements for pets in cause massive disruption to neighbor- Mill) supported Foust’s amendment, say- press Lanes’ concessionaire, Transurban, outdoor dining areas, Palchik said. hoods in and around McLean and Tysons ing going forward with the project without to secure capital and operating funds • • •
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sungazette.news December 10, 2020 7 Region, State Still Have
Looking For The Perfect Holiday Gift For The Whole Family? Ground to Make Up on How About A Remodeling Project! COVID-Era Unemployment They continue to claw their way out Northern Virginia Job Creation Still of the springtime hole, but both the D.C. Modest: Job growth in Northern Virginia region and the commonwealth still have continued at a pace somewhere between a way to go before their employment pic- anemic and modest in October, based on tures return to pre-COVID levels. state estimates, suggesting it could take The Washington region was one of 384 months for the region to regain all the em- of the nation’s 389 metropolitan areas to ployment lost during the COVID crisis. record higher year-over-year unemploy- Northern Virginia gained 8,100 jobs to ment rates in October, according to gures stand at 1,462,600 in October, according reported Dec. 3 by the federal Bureau of to estimates reported by the Virginia Em- Labor Statistics. ployment Commission. But the region re- With 3.33 million employed in the ci- mained down 64,600 jobs, or 4.2 percent, vilian workforce (up about 50,000 from from pre-COVID employment levels. a month before) and 224,000 looking for (Figures represent non-farm employ- jobs, the Washington region’s unemploy- ment, so do not fully correlate with total Additions | Kitchens | Master Suites | Bathrooms | Whole Home Remodels ment rate of 6.6 percent in October was jobs statewide reported elsewhere.) down slightly from September, but was Northern Virginia represents just un- Schedule a FREE Consultation. Call Today! well above the 2.9-percent rate recorded der 40 percent of the total number of (703) 651-1767 or online at Foster Remodeling.com in October 2019. jobs statewide (164,800) that need to be When you decide to remodel with Foster, your family is Across the U.S., the jobless rate was 6.6 regained in order to reach a pre-COVID in the forefront of every decision we make. 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Of Virginia’s 10 metropolitan 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Among the nation’s 51 metro areas areas, only one – Staunton-Waynesboro with populations of more than 1 million, – is back above pre-COVID job numbers, ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK the lowest jobless rate for the month could with its total estimated employment of be found in Salt Lake City (4.1 percent) 52,900 up 1.7 percent. with the highest found in Las Vegas (13.8 Of the various sectors of the economy, percent). the biggest year-over-year dropoff in jobs NEW In raw gures, the highest year-over- has been in the leisure/hospitality sec- SHOWER DESIGN year dropoff in employment came in the tor, still down 16.1 percent from a year New York City metro area (down 1.02 before. Among the various sectors, only million), followed by Los Angeles (drop- construction currently has employment ping 520,000) and Chicago (off 343,000) gures above those of a year ago, up 3.4 – not surprising, given that they are the percent (or 6,900 jobs) from last fall. three most populous metro areas in the The public and private sectors have country. On a percentage basis, Kahului’s taken relatively similar hits in the COVID total employment compared to a year environment, with private-sector non- before was down 27.3 percent, highest na- farm employment down 4.1 percent from tionally. a year before and public-sector jobs down In Virginia, October’s jobless rate of 3.7 percent. 5.1 percent was down from 6.1 percent a Public-sector declines are due to drops month before but up from 2.5 percent in in state-government and local-govern- October 2019. The most recent rate repre- ment employment in Virginia; the federal sents 4.27 million employed in the civilian government currently has 6,200 more Vir- workforce (essentially unchanged from ginians working for it than it did a year September) and 218,000 looking for jobs before, up 3.4 percent. (totaling 40,000 fewer seeking work than in September). Across the commonwealth, unemploy- FREE IN-HOME DESIGN ment rates for the month ranged from 3.6 percent in Harrisonburg to 5.9 percent in CONSULTATION-CALL TODAY Hampton Roads. Approximately 150,000 fewer Virginians were counted as em- newshowerdeal.com/sungaz | 877-461-3775 ployed in September than held jobs a year *Oer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other oers and may require minimum monthly payments. All oers subject to change prior to purchase. 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the 8 December 10, 2020 Community Newspaper sungazette.news since 1935 We’ve got you covered, in the mail weekly and online always! County’s Jobs Picture Continues to Improve . . . Modestly Fairfax County’s jobs picture ily imposed, government im- ally-adjusted unemployment continued to improve in Octo- posed economic shutdowns. But UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, OCTOBER rate of 5.1 percent in October ber, according to new state g- like Fairfax County, the rest of From Virginia Employment Commission, showing non-seasonally-adjusted civilian em- was down from 6.1 percent in ployment for October. “Previous” is September; “2019” is October 2019.$VSSFOUNPOUIT ures, but the unemployment rate Northern Virginia is clawing its àHVSFTBSFQSFMJNJOBSZ September, although it remains remains more than double what way back. Jurisdiction Employed Unemployed Rate Previous 2019 more than double the rate of a it was a year before. For October, the jobless rate Alexandria 94,137 5,469 5.5% 6.1% 1.9% year before. In October, there With 589,286 county resi- of 3.2 percent in Falls Church Arlington 143,679 6,110 4.1% 4.5% 1.7% were 4.33 million Virginians em- dents employed in the civilian was down from 3.7 percent a Fairfax County 589,286 30,870 5.0% 5.8% 2.1% ployed in the civilian workforce workforce and 30,870 looking for month before to lead the region. Falls Church 7,992 266 3.2% 3.7% 1.9% and about 218,000 looking for work, the county’s jobless rate of Nearby jurisdictions also posted Loudoun 206,652 9,373 4.3% 5.2% 2.1% jobs. 5 percent in October represented declines: From 4.5 percent to 4.1 Prince William 227,194 13,238 5.5% 6.5% 2.3% Nationally, the 7.7-percent a decline from 5.8 percent in percent in Arlington; 5.2 per- Northern Va. 1,539,298 78,093 4.8% 5.6% 2.1% unemployment rate is the lowest September, according to data cent to 4.3 percent in Loudoun Virginia 4,328,395 218,161 5.1% 6.1% 2.5% reported since rates spiked from reported Dec. 3 by the Virginia County; from 6.1 percent to 5.5 United States 150,433,000 10,620,000 7.7% 7.7% 3.3% 4.4 percent in March to 14.7 per- Employment Commission. percent in Alexandria; and from cent in April during the initial, Despite the improvement, the 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent in chaotic phase of the COVID county’s jobless picture has sig- Prince William County. Among Virginia’s 133 cities Church (3.3 percent). crisis. ni cant more room for recovery. For Northern Virginia as a and counties, the lowest jobless The highest rates were found For October, the lowest state- A year ago, the jobless rate stood whole, the jobless rate of 4.8 per- rates for October were turned in the cities of Petersburg (13.8 wide jobless rates were found in at a rock-bottom 2.1 percent, cent in October represented 1.54 in by Highland County (2.5 percent), Emporia (10.6 per- Nebraska (3 percent) and Ver- Every Virginia community million in the civilian workforce percent), Madison County (2.8 cent), Hopewell (9.9 percent), mont (3.2 percent), the highest has dealt with higher jobless and 78,000 looking for jobs. A percent), Poquoson County Martinsville (9.1 percent) and in Hawaii (14.3 percent) and Ne- rates in the wake of COVID and month before, it had stood at 5.6 (2.9 percent), and Rockingham Franklin (8.6 percent). vada (12 percent). the resulting, sometimes hast- percent. County and the city of Falls Statewide, the non-season- – A Staff Report Rehabilitation of Memorial Bridge Now Substantially Complete And that’s a wrap – the National Park infrastructure projects in National Park habilitated the bridge’s historic structure. panels. Service and Federal Highway Adminis- Service history, aims at extending the us- During construction, workers repaired The National Park Service implement- tration have substantially completed the able life of the nearly 90-year-old bridge or replaced the bridge’s foundations, con- ed recommendations from a safety study $227 million rehabilitation project aimed for another 75 years. crete supports, deck and sidewalks. They of Memorial Circle by repaving, improv- at bringing Memorial Bridge up to mod- Since work began in the fall of 2018, also installed new, xed steel beams over ing crossings, adding new signage and ern standards and positioning it for the construction workers methodically re- the span formerly occupied by a draw- making the area easier and safer for driv- future. moved, cleaned, repaired and reinstalled bridge in the middle of the structure, and ers, pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate. The rehabilitation, one of the largest more than 4,500 pieces of granite and re- installed more than 450 pre-cast concrete – A Staff Report
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sungazette.news December 10, 2020 9 Fairfax County Notes GET THE SUN GAZETTE ONLINE: Sign up for our free weekly noti cation that WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: the electronic version of the paper is avail- • Physical Therapy One-on-One able. • Personal Training Go to https://sungazette.news or e-mail • Pilates Reformer Classes us at [email protected] to be placed • Small Group Classes on the list. • Nutritional and And don’t forget to check out our weight-loss counseling online-only “Weekend” edition, posted • Sports Training in the same spot on Friday mornings, or View our website. our daily headlines, available at https:// Call to schedule your lesson. sungazette.news/headlines and via Twitter 5001 - A Lee Highway I Suite 102 I Arlington, VA 22207 @sungazettenews. 571-970-6068 www.bulldawgtraining.com PARK AUTHORITY CHIEF PLANS TO DEPART IN FEBRUARY: Fairfax County Park Authority executive director Kirk Kincannon has announced plans to retire in February after seven years in the post. Kincannon, a seasoned parks and rec- reation professional with four decades of national experience (including an addi- VIRGINIA tional 10 years with Park Authority ear- REDISTRICTING lier in his career), cited his desire to spend Kirk Kincannon, who has led the Fairfax Coun- more time with his family as the reason ty Park Authority since 2014, plans to retire in February, county-government o cials said. for his departure. “This was not an easy decision, and through Amazon’s print-on-demand pub- was made after signi cant consideration lishing program. That approach makes and personal reection,” Kincannon the title widely available in an attractive wrote in an announcement to park staff. softcover edition to scholars and lay read- Kincannon came to the Park Author- ers, while saving the organizations upfront ity from Boulder, Colo., where he served publication expenses. as director of parks. Previously, he had Featuring more than 100 photos, maps, served as director of recreation, parks tables and illustrations, “The Archaeology and cultural activities for the city of Al- of Virginia’s First Peoples” costs $40 and exandria; had served as director of parks, can be purchased through www.amazon. recreation and tourism in Wythe County; com. The organizations will use proceeds and was manager of the Fairfax agency’s from sales of the book to fund future Lake Accotink Park. publishing projects. An acting director will be named be- In 2015, the Pamunkey Indians be- fore his departure, of cials said, and a came the rst tribe in Virginia formally nationwide search will be undertaken to recognized by the federal government, nd a successor. and in 2019 the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rap- NEW BOOK DETAILS PRE-EUROPEAN pahannock, Monacan and Nansemond HISTORY OF VIRGINIA NATIVE TRIBES: tribes also received recognition. Cur- With partial funding from the Depart- rently, the Mattaponi tribe is working to ment of Historic Resources, the Archeo- secure federal recognition. logical Society of Virginia (ASV) and the Council of Virginia Archaeologists ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION TO HOST recently completed a years-long effort to COMMUNITY FORUM: The Alzheimer’s produce “The Archaeology of Virginia’s Association’s National Capital Area chap- First Peoples,” a book about Virginia’s ter will host an online community forum pre-European past. on Alzheimer’s and other dementias on Edited by Virginia state archeologist Thursday, Dec. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Elizabeth Moore and Bernard Means, “This community forum will provide a professor of anthropology at Virginia a venue to engage community members, Commonwealth University, the tome service providers and community-based surveys a timespan that stretches back organizations to better understand the more than 15,000 years, as evidenced gaps in dementia education and aware- by the Cactus Hill archaeological site in ness,” said Ana Nelson, vice president of Sussex County and numerous other sites programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s throughout Virginia. Association National Capital Area. The book and its 2017 companion vol- Those participating in the forum “will ume “provide a valuable overview of our learn what can be done to improve the knowledge of archaeological resources in quality of life of those living with Al- the state and their potential for leading zheimer’s and other dementias and how to to a greater understanding of the past,” provide and expand services in our com- Moore said. “This synthesis pulls togeth- munity to support them,” Nelson said. er recent research that allows us not only Registration for the virtual meeting is to identify areas where we have signi cant required. For information and to regis- data, but also to identify those areas that ter, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 https://redistricting.dls.virginia.gov/ need additional research.” Helpline at (800) 272-3900 or see the Web- ASV independently published the tome site at www.alz.org/nca.
10 December 10, 2020 sungazette.news Public-Safety Notes MORE CHECK-THEFT CASES REPORT- three checks she was sending to various resident living in the 400 block of Holmes shelter. ED IN VIENNA: Vienna police on Dec. creditors with her bills. The next day she Drive, N.W., told Vienna police that, on The resident provided the women with 4 reported these four check-theft cases, observed shredded paper in the gutter Nov. 26 between 1 and 9:30 p.m., someone a check as a donation. which continue a trend that has been oc- that she recognized as the remnants of the had entered her vehicle and stolen several After the women left, the resident curring this year: envelopes she had placed in the mailbox, items from a purse, including an iPhone, researched the charity and believed the • A woman living in the 200 block of police said. wallet, U.S. currency, gift cards, and vari- women were part of a scam. The resident Cherry Street, S.W., told Vienna police ous identi cation and debit cards. canceled her check before it was cashed, that, between Sept. 1 and Nov. 23, some- SCAMMER HAS VIENNA MAN WIRE The complainant thought her vehicle police said. one had stolen, forged and cashed a check MONEY INTENDED FOR CONTRAC- had been locked, but there were no signs she had mailed. TOR: A man living in the 500 block of of forced entry, police said. AUTHORITIES ISSUE TEMPORARY • A woman living in the 600 block of Gibson Drive, S.W., between Nov. 6 and DETENTION ORDER AGAINST VIENNA Alma Street, S.E., told town police that, 23 contracted with a company to paint a PURSE, SMARTPHONE STOLEN FROM MAN: A Vienna police of cer on Nov. 25 between Nov. 22 at 3 a.m. and Nov. 23 at home he owns in North Carolina, Vienna VIENNA WOMAN’S UNLOCKED VE- at 7:33 p.m. served an emergency custody 5 p.m., someone had stolen, forged and police said. HICLE: A women living in the 600 block order on a resident living on Moore Av- cashed a check she had mailed from the The resident received an e-mail re- of Blackstone Terrace, N.W., told Vienna enue, S.W. mailbox at Church Street and Lawyers questing payment for the work from police on Nov. 27 at 10:40 p.m. that she Police transported the resident to an Road, N.W. someone stating he worked for the paint- had returned home, unloaded her vehicle area hospital for evaluation and treat- • A woman living in the 400 block of ing company. and came back to the unlocked vehicle 15 ment. During the transport and medical Orchard Street, N.W., told Vienna police The resident wired the payment, be- minutes later to nd that someone had evaluation, the man allegedly exhibited that a check she was supposed to receive lieving it was going to the company per- stolen her purse and iPhone. violent and erratic behavior toward the in the mail between Nov. 3 and 10 never forming the work, but the company never of cer and medical staff, police said. arrived. Police advised the resident to le received the payment, police said. SUSPECTING FRAUD, VIENNA WOMAN Authorities issued a temporary deten- a report with the US Postal Service. The contractor with whom the resident CANCELS CHECK SHE GAVE TO MAG- tion order against the resident, and a Fair- • A woman living in the 2400 block of was working did not know the person who AZINE VENDORS: A resident living in the fax County police of cer took custody of Oak Vale Court, N.W., informed Vienna sent the e-mail, authorities said. 200 block of Church Street, N.E., told him at the hospital, Vienna police said. police that, between Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. and Vienna police on Dec. 3 at 5:46 p.m. that Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m., she had placed out- CASH, SMARTPHONE, MORE STOLEN two women had come to her door selling Items are compiled from reports issued going mail in her mailbox that included FROM VEHICLE OF VIENNA WOMAN: A magazines in support of a local homeless by local public-safety agencies.
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sungazette.news December 10, 2020 11 Trend Toward Suburbs Is Continuing Real Estate The trend toward higher demand Featured Property of the Week for housing in lower-density areas re- ported in the second quarter of 2020 has persisted into autumn, as single- family and multi-family construction Exceptionality Found ‘On the Trail’ continued to overperform in lower- cost markets like suburbs and further- Outstanding Location, Sun-Filled Interior Highlights of Home out exurbs. The third quarter “Home Build- ing Geography Index” (HBGI) by the National Association of Home Build- ersreveals that a suburban shift for consumer home-buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing workers more exibility to live further out within large metros, or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas. “The growing demand in lower density markets stems from the fact that housing is less expensive com- pared to urban areas and buyers can afford larger homes to accommodate home ofces, exercise rooms and other specialty rooms which are in higher de- mand since the pandemic,” said NAHB chairman Chuck Fowke, a homebuild- er from Tampa. Suburbs of medium-sized cities posted the greatest single-family gains in the third quarter, with a 15-percent growth rate over the last four quarters. The worst performing region were large metro urban cores, with just a 5.7-percent gain. Similar results were Our quest for the best in local real ered porch and into the grand foyer. cases the ambiance of the design, and observed in multi-family, with large estate this week brings us to an excep- Highlights of the light-infused main you’ll enjoy marvelous living opportu- metro core areas posting a 4-percent tional location featuring direct access to level are plentiful, including: nities out back on the deck and in the decline for apartment construction. the Hunter Station Flag Stop of the old • The soaring family room, high- large rear yard. “The HBGI clearly shows that the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, lighted by a wall of windows and a gas All this, and you have easy access to geographic changes noted in the sec- which in modern times is the acclaimed fireplace. Vienna, Tysons, Wolf Trap and a host of ond quarter data continued into the fall, providing a boost to building in regional showpiece, the 45-mile-long • A kitchen designed both to be the other features and amenities. more affordable markets,” said NAHB W&OD Trail. backdrop for family times AND provide Articles are prepared by the Sun Ga- chief economist Robert Dietz. “A key Set on just over an acre and featur- all that a serious chef could desire. zette’s real estate advertising department question is how long this effect will ing nearly 7,000 square feet of interior • A formal dining room and a library, on behalf of clients. last.” space, this new property by Hometerra each comfortable and welcoming spac- For information on the home, contact Other third quarter ndings show: is designed to be both the perfect back- es. the listing agent. For information on • Since the rst quarter, market drop for daily living, and a standout for • A main-level owner’s retreat with having a house reviewed, contact the Sun share for single-family construction in entertaining in style. From the open French doors leading out to a private Gazette’s real estate advertising depart- urban core areas fell from 18 percent floorplan inside to the new privacy fence deck. The rarified retreat also includes ment at (571)239-8014. to 17.2 percent. The smaller metro outside, everything has been thought a spa bath with free-standing tub and core and suburban single-family mar- through carefully, resulting in a home glass-enclosed rain shower, plus an ex- ket share increased from 37.7 percent that hits all the right chords. tra-large walk-in closet with island. Facts for buyers to 38.2 percent. The property currently is on the mar- Four en-suite bedrooms and a living Address: 10401 Hunter Station • The share of apartment construc- ket, listed at $1,499,900 by The Casey area comprise the upper level, while the Road, Vienna (22181). tion in large metro core and suburbs Samson Team. walk-out lower level is home to a spa- Listed at: $1,499,900 by The Casey fell from 67.1 percent to 65.2 percent. Samson Team (703) 508-2535. Visually impressive from the outside, cious recreation room, in-law suite with Apartment construction in smaller Schools: Sunrise Valley Elementary, with strong architectural lines and a full bath and the opportunity to design metro-core areas increased in market Langston Hughes Middle, South share from 21 percent in the rst quar- marvelous color scheme, more delights bonus spaces to your specifications. Lakes High School. ter to 22.4 percent in the third quarter. await those of us ushered up the cov- The wraparound front porch show-
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12 December 10, 2020 sungazette.news Modern Masterpiece Unveiled Tuesday,Sunday March 1-3 3rd PM 12-2PM