GMHS Girls Win Lacrosse Opener

By JANE JOHANSEN
Special to the Falls Church Times

March 20, 2010

Friday night at Potomac Falls High School as George Mason High School Varsity Lacrosse senior midfielder Gwen Edwards stepped into the center circle to execute the first draw of the season, the George Mason Mustangs were already upbeat.  They had just watched their Junior Varsity team dominate in its game against the Potomac Falls Panthers with a score of 14 to 0, invoking the slaughter rule in the process.

The Potomac Falls Panther’s new Head Coach John Murray was hoping for a good start to the Panther’s season considering that last year the Panthers and the Mustangs played a very close game with Mason just eking out a win of 12 to 11.  But this year, under the guidance of Head Coach Courtney Gibbons and Assistant Coach Laura MacFie, the Mustangs earned a more definitive win of 12 to 5 over the Panthers. Read more

SATURDAY 3/20: Open House Fundraiser at the Scout House

By BARRY BUSCHOW
Special to the Falls Church Times

The Falls Church Scout Building Association (FCSBA) will host an open house March 20 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. to acquaint neighbors and the community with its function and to raise money for maintenance and repair of the Scout House located at 128 South Spring Street.

The Scout House is an historic log cabin, built in the early 1940s, and home to generations of Falls Church Boy and Girl Scouts and youth activities.  It currently serves several scout troops and is the Ward 3 polling place for Falls Church voters on election days.  Other community service activities also take place in the building.

Scouting has enjoyed popularity in Falls Church almost since the movements were founded by Lord Baden-Powell and Juliette Lowe.  In 1939, local Scout leaders recognized the need for a place for growing Scout groups to meet.  By March 1939, a well-publicized fundraising drive was underway to raise the $4,500 needed to construct the log building that stands on Spring Street.  The property was purchased for $600 in June 1939.  A.J. Webb, assisted by Kenton Hamaker and George W. Carlton, designed the building.  All men donated their architectural services to the project.  Walter Johnson, chairman of the Falls Church Scout Committee, secured pledges, building materials, and labor from businesses and groups throughout the community.  The logs for the complete building and stones for the fireplace and chimney were donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Turner of Fairfax County.

When the initial fundraising effort fell short of its goal, 15 local residents personally guaranteed a loan from the Falls Church Bank to obtain the balance necessary for the construction of the Scout House.  Construction began in late 1939 and was completed in early 1940.  By 1942 the Scout House was headquarters to more than 200 Scouts from 9 different troops.  Scouts collected discarded paper, toothpaste and shaving cream tubes, and old license plates to help reduce the building indebtedness. The Scouts’ persistence in fundraising paid off.  On June 17, 1945, just five years after construction, the Scout Building Association held a mortgage burning to celebrate the final payment on the mortgage.

In addition to the Scouts, other civic groups used the house for social functions, including square dances.  During World War II, the building was made available for the American defense effort as an air-raid shelter and a hospital or first-aid center.  However, its primary purpose has always been to further the objectives of Scouting and youth activities, which the building has served for over 60 years.

The FCSBA is a non-profit organization that maintains the house.  The FCSBA is sponsoring its open house in a tradition harkening back to the days of collecting toothpaste and shaving cream tubes, etc.  Previous fundraisers have funded several needed repairs.  The latest repairs have included a new roof, insulation and dormer windows.  More work needs to be done.  Immediate future needs are preservation of the logs, and the replacement of the windows and doors.

For more information, call Kevin Coleman at 703-241-1617or Barry Buschow at 703-533-8610.

4 Cars Stolen from City Residences Wednesday

By BARBARA GORDON
City of Falls Church Director of Communications

March 18, 2010

Falls Church Police are investigating the theft of four autos in the southeast part of the City of Falls Church early yesterday morning (March 17).  The stolen vehicles were all locked and parked in the residences’ driveways or in front of their houses on the following streets: Tuckahoe, Villa Ridge, Van Buren and Offut. One vehicle was recovered with damage to the steering column and ignition; the three other stolen vehicles have yet to be recovered.

City Police Detectives have been working with regional law enforcement agencies regarding a possible trend in which the vehicles stolen are often Chrysler and Dodge products.  Additionally, the hot spots for these thefts seem to be in neighborhoods surrounding the area Metro transit stations.

Anyone with possible information about these auto thefts or other suspicious activity should call the Falls Church Police Department at 703-248-5051.

Things to remember in securing your own property and vehicles: Do not leave vehicles unlocked and do not store any valuables in a vehicle within sight of a potential suspect.  Do not leave valuables in vehicles overnight.  To better secure vehicles, consider  purchasing and utilizing a steering wheel locking device which may deter a potential suspect.

The best crime prevention tool is communication: if you hear and/or see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, immediately call the City of Falls Church Police Department at 703 248 5051.

TJ Elementary Named Title 1 Distinguished School

By Falls Church City Public Schools Communications

March 16, 2010

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is among 101 schools being recognized by the Virginia Board of Education as a Title I Distinguished School.  The honor is presented to schools that raise the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students. The awards are based on student achievement on state assessments during 2008-2009 and the previous school year.

To earn the designation of “Title I Distinguished Schools” Thomas Jefferson maintained full state accreditation under the commonwealth’s Standards of Learning program for two consecutive years, met federal benchmarks in reading and mathematics and had average test scores in both subjects at the 60th percentile or higher.

“When provided effective and focused instruction, all children — regardless of economic status — can achieve academic success, and these results confirm that,” said Board of Education President Eleanor B. Saslaw.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary is Falls Church City’s only Title I school.  The school will receive a certificate celebrating its status and achievement.

Title I of NCLB provides funding to school divisions and schools for programs to raise the achievement of students identified as being at risk. The federal education law requires schools and school divisions to meet annual objectives for increasing student achievement on statewide assessments in reading/language arts and mathematics.

OPINION: Lighten Up, George! Things WILL Get Better

By ANNETTE HENNESSEY and STAN FENDLEY
Falls Church Times Staff

March 16, 2010

Our fellow Falls Church Times volunteer, George Southern, has written a series of “the sky is falling and we must cede to Arlington” posts in his Man About Town column.  This week’s was just downright depressing, perfect for a cold rainy Monday morning.  In Why Things Won’t Get Any Better, our school population has exploded and caused a budget crisis.  And on top of that, the City is broke.

Frankly, we think George is yanking our chains so that we will start thinking and talking about what’s going on with the City and its budget. Every community in the United States is facing hard economic times.  But going through hard times can be a good thing.  Now is the time that our community should identify what’s important, make decisions around those priorities, focus on why Falls Church City is a place people want to live.

We’re a long way from having to throw up our hands and give up our independent city status.  As the law stands today, if the City of Falls Church ceases to exist, we get folded back into Fairfax County, not Arlington.  A chat with a local realtor confirmed our suspicions that if the City of Falls Church becomes part of Fairfax County and its school system, property values in the city could fall by as much as a third.  So it benefits everyone, not just those with kids in City schools, to avoid George’s doomsday scenario.

We should be calling on the community—one that is filled with smart, dedicated citizens—to help find the solutions.   Already, hundreds of people are engaged in a discussion about the priorities of the City.  As the discussion continues, people will begin to identify what is important and how much they are willing to pay.

The May elections will continue the conversation, with the eight City Council candidates being asked to define their priorities and outline actions that the city can take in these tight budget years.  This year’s candidates bring a wealth of experience – both in public office and professionally – to the election.  And after all, aren’t elections the ultimate way for citizens to comment on the direction of public policy in their community?  If you believe in the electoral system, presumably Council members will be selected who want to go in the direction the majority of citizens prefer.

The school board has already held conversations about priorities.  The proposed school budget is 4.5 percent less than FY2010, and was created after a lengthy discussion with administrators, staff, and the public.  They looked at every line in their budget, and choosing to keep the cuts as far away from the classroom as possible, made some difficult decisions.

Now it’s time to examine the City budget for efficiencies and some out-of-the-box solutions to our current fiscal crisis.  And as the economy improves, the City should continue to identify its priorities and plan for the future with public input.

The fact that Falls Church City remains a place people want to live is a good thing.  The fact that our schools attract more students is a good problem to have.  Clearly, there are limits to the number of students the schools can serve, but better to live in a community where people are clamoring to get in than one where people want to leave.  Better to live in a community where people want to be part of the solution rather than give up and merge with another county.

COMMUNITY COMMENT: Economic Considerations Needed for Housing Project

By JOHANNAH BARRY

March 15, 2010

The term “Affordable Housing” is rich in meaning and encompasses key values important to Falls Church: diversity, justice, and inclusiveness.  These are overarching principles that are central to the character and nature of Falls Church and are woven into the decisions we make as a City.

As a newcomer to Falls Church politics, but an old-timer in the City, I have participated in, and/or observed Council deliberations sporadically over the last several years. In that time, I have heard many thoughtful public comments by concerned citizens and admire the dedication of the men and women on City Council and the tireless efforts of staff.

Last Monday night I was present for extended dialogue regarding “The Wilden” affordable housing project and was deeply disappointed at the inability of thoughtful citizens to hear each other.  Somehow, the term affordable housing has been transmuted from a guiding principle and core tenet of the City’s inclusive character to a divisive moral and political litmus test.  I did not sense that anyone in the room was “anti” affordable housing.  I did sense that some were appropriately hesitant due to the fragile economic underpinnings of the current project and its future projections for the City’s fiscal health.

To be clear, I cast my lot with the latter.  A decision to move this project forward at this time would do an economic disservice to the City and calls into question the true motivation of this set of actions.  Proponents of the Wilden project did not waver in their rhetoric, framing this issue as a moral imperative.  True dialogue would have acknowledged the economic implications of this decision.  To reduce this issue, and subsequent conversations and decisions about affordable housing, to a test of one’s moral compass is intellectually dishonest and is behavior not worthy of the citizens who engage in it.

The yearning for this project to finally come to fruition was palpable, and the potential for disappointment should it not was clearly evident.  I do not diminish the genuine passion, concern, and extraordinary work of those who have advocated tirelessly for affordable housing.  I am aware of the long history of this project.  But as Councilman Webb explained, as worthy as the notion is, and as critical as it is to the character of our City, times have changed.  The City is now in fiscal crisis.  Services and schools have felt the sting.  Every person in this City will feel the deeply unpleasant impact of increased taxes, and some people may have to leave this City because they simply can’t afford to live here.  One will appreciate the irony of people being driven out of the City because their housing has become unaffordable, due to the effort of creating affordable housing.

To approach this issue with the honor it deserves will require untangling the social goal from the economic driver.  It will require patience and discipline – commodities that are arguably hard to come by with the economic pressures on all sides of the issue.  Falls Church is worth our best efforts.

Johannah Barry is founder and President of Galapagos Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of  the Galapagos Islands.  She is a candidate for Falls Church City Council in the May 2010 election.

COMMUNITY COMMENTS are welcome on any subject relevant to the City of Falls Church. They may be submitted to contact@fallschurchtimes.com. Shorter submissions may be published as a Letter to the Editor.

Boy Scout Troop 349 Receives $1,000 Grant

By STEVEN VALLEY
Special to the Falls Church Times

March 9, 2010

Celebrating its first year of operations this month, Falls Church City Boy Scout Troop 349 has received a $1,000 grant.

Navy Federal Credit Union’s “Dollars for Doers” program aids non-profit groups with whom their employees are associated as volunteers.  Troop 349 volunteers include two employees of Navy Federal, which enabled the grant.  “We will put that money to good use helping to outfit our growing ranks,” said Jim Custer, Assistant Scoutmaster.

Last year, Troop 349 welcomed 16 scouts to its ranks (8 of which were new to scouting), went on 8 camp outs, 3 special tours, met 2 government dignitaries, advanced 90 percent of its members  a minimum of one rank, handed out over 70 merit badges, and participated in 3 community service projects.

“And that was last year,” said Scoutmaster Tony Ulses – “We have big plans for the coming year. We’re looking to grow troop ranks by a third, advance at least three-fourths of its members, go on at least nine outings, and participate in at least five community service projects.”

Troop 349 comprise three completely outfitted Patrols, and meets every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on North Oak Street in the city.

“We’re an active group and we want to attract kids and their parents who enjoy being involved in exciting and fun activities,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Custer.  “Since we’re looking to grow and to accomplish so much in the coming year, we needed funding”.

“Troop 349 is growing and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead,”  said Steven Valley, Troop 349’s Committee Chair.  “With a solid year of experience behind us, our place in Falls Church City’s scouting landscape is secure and the future certainly looks very bright”.

The troop appreciates all those who helped it during the past year.

ABOUT TROOP 349: The Troop is open to any boy between the ages of 12 and 17 who has graduated from the fourth grade, and/or has received his arrow of light award.  Boys desiring to join the troop are welcome at any time to attend a meeting and present themselves to the Scoutmaster for admission.  More information is available at www.troop349.us.

How About Some SNOW: Spring Ski at White Grass

By IAN EDLIND
Falls Church Times Outdoors Writer

March 4, 2010

It’s tough to say goodbye. With warmer weather in the forecast our beloved four feet of snow could be gone in a matter of days. Snow — you will be missed.

Let’s get real — most of us can’t wait to say goodbye. But for the ski hounds among us, all is not lost. Four hours west of Falls Church, in a little valley known as “Canaan,” the endless winter continues.

Everything about White Grass, a Canaan Valley, West Virginia, ski mountain, oozes Appalachian charm: the southern hospitality of the ski instructors; the hearty vegetarian chili served up in the lodge; and the boundless enthusiasm of the owner, Chip Chase. Here, white-collar Washington DC professionals mingle with West Virginia country boys, all in the name of snow and smiles.

However, there is something noticeably absent from White Grass. There are no lifts. The motto here is, “Earn your turns.”

A White Grass cross-country skier glides along the trail.

Skiing Options

First, a primer:

Cross-County Skiing — Skiing on trails that are typically groomed with a set of tracks. The skis are long, thin, and lack metal edges (in most cases).

Backcountry Skiing — Backcountry skiers seek out technical, ungroomed terrain. White Grass rents beefier free-heel skis (with metal edges) for backcountry skiers.

Telemark Skiing — Similar to backcountry skiing, but the equipment supports a flexed-knee downhill skiing technique.

White Grass promotes and offers rentals for all three types. This article will focus on cross-country skiing, the most basic and beginner-friendly of the three, as well as snowshoeing, the snowy equivalent of hiking.

Trails & Terrain

Charm without substance breeds disappointment. Fortunately, White Grass backs up its good-natured personality with fantastic skiing — just look at these facts:

• 25-30 km of groomed trails
• 1196 feet vertical
• Trails reach Bald Knob (4308 feet) — Canaan Valley’s highest point (and best views)
• Varied terrain options include steep open slopes and black diamond tree skiing for experts

For those new to the sport of cross-country skiing, ascending Bald Knob is not a realistic goal. Not to worry — White Grass caters to beginners with easily accessible options like Gandalf’s Trail, Three Mile Trail, and the famous Snow Farm (used when snow coverage is lacking).

Snowshoers, meanwhile, can hike as far and high as time and fitness allow. Considering the learning curve (“if you can walk, you can snowshoe”), your White Grass trail options are pretty much limitless.

White Grass Lodge

Ski Instruction

Like any ski resort, the White Grass staff is heavily invested in your enjoyment. Simply put, they want you to come back. Customer relations come naturally to the enthusiastic and accessible instructional staff. Ski classes for groups and individuals of all levels are available — ask at the counter for the “Mini” (15 minute breakdown of the basics) or an hour-long group lesson.

When to Go

White Grass advertises an average of 160 inches of snow per year. This winter, however, White Grass boasts 250 inches and counting. According to Chip and team, conditions are officially “epic” and will likely remain so throughout March.
The final remnants of our record snow fall are melting into oblivion, but don’t be discouraged. Our Canaan Valley neighbors can help you get your snow sliding fix.

Location / Directions: Davis, WV; approximately 3.5 hours from DC
Note: I-270 > I-70 > I-68 route is recommended in hazardous weather conditions
Mountain Stats: 50+ km of trails (25-30 km groomed); 1196 ft. vertical
Difficulty: High; Beginner trails and instruction are available
Trail Map: White Grass Trail Map
Need a place to stay? Bluegrass-obsessed Purple Fiddle in Thomas is top-notch for value and atmosphere.

(Ian Edlind is a Falls Church resident with a passion for the outdoors. A version of this article appears on his website Trail Voice — dedicated to outdoor recreation and stewardship in the Washington DC area.)

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